"Pseudospace is only a moment of existence.

Through eyes eternal, yield I my blade and cut through deception.

Such blinding light, one only sees when one is born, and when his sight fades above..

Into the light I stepped…

And in light, I found true conflict.

War of mind and soul, it vanquished my heart.

And so… I sought it out again."

- author unknown

The warp-space in between Cocoon and Pulsian airspace proved to be a bit more difficult than originally anticipated. It is in fact a void space that divides the two worlds on a plane that is different from the sheer shell that borders Cocoon. This was the pseudospace that allowed transport from one to the other, without exposing Cocoon to the hellish world below.

It's current user: an airship of Pulse origin. And it's crew: a total count of 6 l'Cie, 1 Battle Duelist and 1 plumy chocobo chick.

It's the ship the group decided to use in order to get to Gran Pulse, but as it turned out, they didn't quite think the whole thing through. The first problem was their aircraft: it was an airship from Pulse, barely the same concept as those used on Cocoon, and considering the fact it was salvaged from the several millenia-old Ark, the thing was quite litterally a rust-bucket.

Another problem was the space itself: the substance that made out this pseudospace was highly unstable, barely suited as a flight medium. To simplify the situation, it was as if someone tried to ride over a lake with a bike that was attached to a jet-engine.

The airship was shaking violently. Sazh was behind the steering wheel, and none of the passangers behind him were pleased with the express.

Fang: "Can't you fly steady?"

Sazh: "Well excuse me, lady, but the road is kinda bumpy!"

Fang: "What road? We're in the air!"

Sazh: "Think you can do a better job?"

Fang: "Well I certainly can't do a worse job."

Sazh: "Say that again!"

And meanwhile:

Snow: "(sweatdrops) Heh, who knew we'd find an obsticle this soon?"

Lightning: (calm, next to him) "It'd be quite embarrasing to die at this point."

Shiro: "(also calm, next to her) I don't know about you, but I don't feel like dying right now."

Hope: "Hey, look!"

Hope was pointing straight forward. There seemed to be light at the end of the tunnel. It happened in a milisecond, and the light shone brightly and faded away like a flash. The next moment, the psuedospace was gone. They could see it: real, actual sky. The limitless blue coat of air high above.

They officially reached Pulsian airspace.

Vanille: "(to Sazh) You did it!"

Sazh: "Yeah, told you, didn't I?"

Then, the airship shook violently, causing everyone to break character for a moment.

Shiro: "What was that?"

That's when they all saw it: outside, there was a monstrous creature, a flying serpent of sorts, although one might sooner compare it with a giant flying moray eel. It was outsizing the airship ten-fold.

Hope: "What the heck is that thing?"

Sazh: "It's gonna eat us!"

Fang: "(smiling) Oh that, that's just Brock."

Hope&Sazh: "EH? BROCK?"

Fang: "Playful little critter, isn't he?"

Lightning: "Tell him to play with someone else."

Vanille: "It happens all the time."

Shiro: "That means… we're safe from it, right?"

Vanille: "No worries. It'll leave soon, see? Brock likes to play, and only picks battles with l'Cie so…"

Everyone: "…...(sweatdrop)…..."

Vanille: "..…. Uhm…. (freaks out) WAAAAH! WE WEREN'T L'CIE AT THE TIME!"

Everyone else: "Took you long enough!"

The giant of the sky, obviously dubbed Brock, swooped through the sky exactly how a snake would move in water. It was aiming at the l'Cie airship, pointing it's opened jaw at them.

Hope: "Guys, here it comes!"

Sazh tried to avoid a direct impact, but as Brock was a living thinking being, it was difficult to outsmart it's maneouvers. As a result, Brock hit them, biting of a fair portion of the airship's port.

The impact was devastating, the airship opened up and the pressure difference took it's toll: while everyone else managed to grab on to something before they got sucked out, Vanille and Hope weren't so lucky, and the force ejected them out.

Not only them, but the pull also got King Blizzard, the D-Wheel, and made it follow the screaming duo.

Sazh: "Hope, Vanille!"

Snow: "Fang, get 'em!"

Fang: "On it!"

Without hesitation, Fang and Lightning both jumped off the remains of their transport, and dove down like sky-jumpers, trying to keep up with the falling Hope and Vanille.

Lightning: "(mid-fall) Ready? (morphs the gunblade into a gun)"

Fang: "You bet! (her brand ignites) When a willing whisper shatters an absolute dogma, the silence will become the roar of the beast! (the burn turns into a crystal, which she grabs) Appear! Bahamut!"

Fang tossed the crystal skywards, and as soon as it reached it's zenith, Lightning aimed her gun at it and shatered it into dust, the energy of which release deployed a mighty event:

Almost like the sky opened up, a line of big, purple rings of energy formed up above them, and out of these rings, a mighy beast descended from the sky. It was Fang's Eidolon: Bahamut, Wyvern of Etro, in it's Gestalt form.

Fang: "Here!"

The dragon only had to glance at the world in order to percieve her master's desires. Bahamut dove down, and allowed both Fang and Lightning to mount him. It was then headed down to save Hope and Vanille from certain death.

Shiro, Snow and Sazh were still on the falling wreck.

Shiro: "Best not make them wait."

Sazh: "I ain't staying here!"

The three of them jumped down, moments before Brock returned to attack the airship a second time.

Sazh and Snow both grabbed on Bahamut's hide and held it tightly, but Shiro hesitated for some reason. He looked above him and noticed the flying beast turn around again.

Snow: "Persistent creature. I wish there was a monster card of you. (picks a card from his pocket) Traveling heart will transcend a crystal field of dreams. With sparkling dust, shatter that dream into wake!"

His brand lit up, and he threw the card in Brock's direction.

Snow: "Rise up, Diamond Dust Dragon!"

The card flashed in mid air, then a massive amount of energy surrounded it, this simulating the effect and appearance of the usual Synchro rings. Out of the burst of light that flashed, Diamond Dust Dragon arrived.

As soon as it drew it's breath, Diamond Dust saw the incomming enemy: the sky moray Brock, and released a stream of blue energy into it's incomming opened mouth.

On impact, the beam detonated with power, then rapidly started forming giant icy crystals all over Brock's body, freezing it inside-out and weighting it down. The shock of the impact was devastating on Brock, and it's movements soon turned from ellegant sky-swimming into simple falling.

Shiro: "Come!"

Diamond Dust returned, this time to pick it's master up. Shiro mounted the back of the beautiful dragon just like Fang did to Bahamut, and then ordered it to dive down. With it's speed, it easily managed to keep pace with Bahamut's aero skills. Fang and Shiro, the respective riders, glanced at each other.

Shiro: "Here goes!"

Fang: "Right!"

Hope and Vanille were still beneath them, in a freefall. The falling object next to them was King Blizzard.

Vanille: "You okay?"

Hope: "(sarcastic) Oh yeah, I'm great!"

The ground was just getting closer and closer, and all they could do was to hug each other and cry while screaming. (that includes King Blizzard)

Hope&Vanille: "YAIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII!"

Fortunately, just when all seemed lost, Diamond Dust and Bahamut both closed up, spiraled up and grabbed their respective targets: Diamond Dust managed to make Hope and Vanille mount him, while Bahamut grabbed King Blizzard by the rear wheel.

By the time Shiro checked up on Hope and Vanille, they were still hugging each other and crying out loud.

Shiro: "You okay?"

It wasn't until now that they realized they were safe. And that they realized they were hugging. Blushing, they backed of each other, and pretended it never happened.

Vanille: "Uhm, yes, we're fine."

Fang noticed Bahamut was carrying King Blizzard.

Fang: "Why did you grab that and not Vanille?"

I know this sounds odd, but Bahamut actually sweatdropped to that statement. Then, it realized it's been overloaded with passengers and it's alditude was dropping rapidly.

Lightning: "It appears we're too heavy!"

Lightning quickly stood up and leaped on Diamond Dust's back, who was flying tightly near. Bahamut stabilized, and Lightning sat down next to Shiro.

Lightning: "Is this seat taken?"

Shiro: "I don't hear Diamond Dust complaining."

Not that it matters, but behind the whole event, the frozen Brock fell down on the earth below, in a crash-landing.

It wasn't until now that the team managed to relax and actually realize how far their steps brought them. For before them, a whole new world was awaiting, landscapes, vegetation and wildlife not witnessed by mortal eyes for centuries. Whether it was viewed from Bahamut's or Diamond Dust's back, the view was spectacular, a fly-by over a brand new world:

They reached Gran Pulse, Terra Incognita.

Fang: "(takes a deep breath) Aahh, home sweet home. Welcome to Gran Pulse."

It was how the world really looked like: wide, opened… and feral.

/opening song: Twill: "New World" (Digimon Xros Wars, 2011)/

(the screen freezes… then shatters, revealing the title and starting the instrumental)

Cold Saga

(a fly-by over the world of Pulse…)

Sora wo koete
Umi wo koete

(Diamond Dust flying, with Lightning at it's back, feeling the wind)
Chiisana fuan
Kibou ni kaete

(next to them, Bahamut flies with Fang as it's rider, and in order, Snow, Hope, Vanille and Sazh behind her)

Arukidashita

(Shiro stands next to King Blizzard at the coast of a lake…)
Kono sekai de

(images flash: of Jihl, Cid, Dysley and Barthandelus)
Donna deai wo

(… and of Serah, who smiles at Shiro)
Sagashi ni ikou

(he puts on the helmet and rides the D-Wheel over the water, freezing it)

Omoi kusuresou demo

(cast performing: Sazh shooting his guns (Brynhildr in the background), Vanille swinging her rod-reels around (Hecatoncheir in the background)…)
Zawameku kokoro osaeru

(… Hope throws the boomerang and catches it (Alexander in the background)…)
Kimi no koe ga tsutsumu saki

(…Snow performing melee punches and a roundhouse kick (Shiva sisters in the background), Fang spinning her spear, then aiming it somewhere (Bahamut in the background)…)

Shinjite

(Lightning shooting bullets, then morphing the blade into a sword, slashing the screen (Odin in the background)…)

Bokura no tabi wa

(Shiro riding, summoning Shiva Shield and Frostland Lizard…)

Mada hajimatta bakari

(… who synch together and become Diamond Dust Dragon;)

Doredake no yume wo

(Frostland Knight slashes, Brynhildr shooting fire missles)
Kizuna wo

(Shiro and King Blizzard, grinding wheel to wheel with Rosch and the Proudclad, both yelling)

Tsunai de ikou
(Barthandelus laughing, Megiddo-End Land Gigas appearing behind him and reaches out to grab Shiro…)

Atsumaru kokoro wa

(Diamond Dust roaring; L-Nitro Plasma Rail comes before him)
Tatakau tsuyosa ni naru yo

(Shiro's brand lights up, they all accelerate in Accel Synchro)
Yami wo koete

(Mirrordust Dragon emerges, flying up)
Asu no sono saki e

(flash-image: the l'Cie and Shiro and Mirrordust Dragon on one side; Barthandelus with Land Gigas behind him, and Dysley's face in the sky on the other side)

Episode 10: Shining Star: Lockdown Overlay

It's been 7 days since the l'Cie arrival on the surface of the world.

This was the true face of the world Shiro transected into: Gran Pulse, the true wide world. Cocoon was only a giant shell that closed it's walls to this planet, and so it was kept for centuries. Here, Cocoon was only a giant, moon-shaped object floating in the sky, never touching the surface of the real world itself. It was as if all citizens of Cocoon were eternally trapped in a dream, and feared the nightmare called Pulse.

Their concern was well- justified, as for people who obey rules and authority of the warm-hearted fal'Cie, none would survive in this kind of enviorment. Here, it's pure nature, and that means harsh laws of survival.

There are no aestetics, no mercy. It's kill or be killed.

500 years ago, people of Pulse raged war on the utopia called Cocoon, this being called War of Transgression. This is the only left remaining analect of known existence of human race on Pulse. No matter what occured, whatever trace of men was here before, it was now only in ruins, and dead phantoms of once lively populace have long turned Cie'th as horrible proof of whatever wiped out all life from this world.

Yagshaff Massif on the south marked the most southern terrain of Pulse's mainland. It is a mountainous region of nothing but beasts and even larger vegetation taking their toll, trying to fight their way for survival. The southernmost part of this place was once the capital of a human country, Paddra. It was once a major city, full of skyscrappers and modern streets. Now it was naught but an archaeopolis, infested with Cie'th. A sight no better than the Hazard Zone in Shiro's home world.

Currently, Lightning, Snow and Sazh were investigating the area, hoping to find some clues on what to do next: people, allies, notes, supplies to the very least. They could only vainely search the remains of the once glorious city, finding nothing but rubble and vicious wildlife.

Then there was the northern section: the Archylte Steppe, a wide expanse of land dominated by the largest and most terrifying predators, and humongous herbivours to match their fangs. Compared to the local Behemoth Kings, most feral predators from Shiro's world were like kitten, and one could barely name a monster card whose appearance was as terrifying and gigantic as that of the local giant reptiles: Adamantoise. Among others were the feline/canine beasts called Gorgonopsids, lion-sized but twice as dangerous, hunting in packs and feeding on anything they could put their fangs on, regardlessly if their prey were the fluffy feral chocobos.

Further north, the giant portion of land seemed barren on the outside, but beneath that crust was a maze full of underground tunnels: Mah'habara Subterra, once a human ore excavating outpost was now a domain ruled by fiends, demons and machines, with the ever digging fal'Cie Atomos being the main driving force.

Even norther, a gloomy still air might reveal the serene luster of a beautiful landscape: Sulyya Springs, underground lake reservoir with forever cautious wildlife, both aqatic and terrestrial (simultaneously).

Just as you pass there, you will find a large canyon, and that barren soil is covered by a huge fallen canopy, the remains of a once gigantic structure. Even though it's broken, and only holds a tenth of it's former size, the architecture still stands today, and it's remains still towering over most skyskrappers in Shiro's home: Taejin Tower, home to many beasts and fiends… under the rule of a tyrant. (Dahaka flies by)

Finally, the l'Cie made an outpost at the place Bahamut and Diamond Dust brought them: a canyon closed by massive peaks from both sides, thus forming a narrow corridor in which very few larger predators might trespass, and it also served as a nice cover from the huge monsters of the sky: Vallis Media. The group made camp on the place where they first landed for the obvious reasons, using nearby remains of a crashed airship as construction material.

Their first and so far only goal was survival. While one group kept constantly scouting around and investigating the area (Lightning, Sazh and Snow), another kept watch of the campsite (Vanille and Fang), and a third group remined in close surroundings and looked for food and supplies (Hope, Shiro and the chocobo).

As for the third group, that's where the saga continues:

Shiro and Hope were successful at locating a large shrubbery of palm-trees with eadible fruits. In comparison, they were about double the size of coconuts and resembled watermelons in structure and flavor.

Now, the current events:

Hope threw his boomerang once, and with it, he managed to knock down 3 of these nuts. One of them almost squashed the poor little chocobo, though.

Next, it was Shiro's turn.

Shiro: "(his hand freezes)… Kunai Ice."

The ice formed in his hand, most notably his fingers, enlarged and became edgy. It looked like he was having claws. Then, simply by swinging the hand like that, the edgy ice was shot forward, and 4 large kunai-shaped icicles hit another 3 of the fruits and made them fall down. The ice melted soon after, bringing no harm afterwards.

Hope: "Strong work, Shiro. Think this will cut it?"

Shiro: "Well at least we won't be dying of scurvey. This might be enough as dessert, but I myself am no vegetarian."

Hope: "Still better than nothing."

Shiro didn't reply. For some reason, the beauty of nearby vegetation caught his attention. The same went for the smell of the earth, the sound of the breeze, the warmth of the sun. He looked mesmerized.

Hope: "Shiro? Is something wrong?"

Shiro: "No, it's fine. I was just thinking. (still beholding the scenery) It's so peaceful. A whole week we've been here, I never paused to realize this."

Hope: "(observes as well) Yeah… It's so different than back on Cocoon. The sky here, the trees, the sunlight, the smells…"

Shiro: "Back home, I never imagined seeing a world so clement and tranquil. So unspoiled by humanity."

Hope: "(looks at Shiro) You sound like you've never been on field trips back home."

Shiro: "Nature still persists. But not like this. Not this green and mighty. (takes a deep breath) It's a whole new world, you know? I wish people of my home could experience moments like this. This inner peace."

Hope simply nodded, then snickered a bit on what Shiro said.

Shiro: "Forgive me, I was thinking out loud."

Hope: "You do sound different than before. It's like the first time I'm seeing this side of you."

Shiro: "I was always known for my cool, if that's what you mean."

Hope: "That's not exactly what I meant. You've been fighting battles. We all have. Lots of them. But I don't think you feel the inner peace because of what you see… You know what I'm saying?"

Shiro: "Heh… I suppose a part of me has changed a bit. I spent most of my life running. Transecting here was a mere accident, a random choice of roads. But you know what? I don't regret it. Not one bit. Everything I met here so far has made me strong. Happy, too. Thinking I can make a difference for the world."

Hope: "I'm sure there were people in need back at your world, weren't there?"

Shiro: "There were… But I am just one of many. Not just this duelist is fighting for the world. Here I finally found friends. People that respect me back. I'm glad I met you all."

Hope: "I'm sure you're happy you've met us. Especially Lighting."

At that moment, Shiro's face… well, saying it blushed would be false statement, but given the fact his usual skin was almost pale as snow, let's say it now got a normal tone.

Shiro: "W-what's that supposed to…?"

Hope: "Like there's a point in denying it. For every duel so far, hers was the first name you called out."

Shiro: "She's the one in charge, isn't she?"

Hope: "… Come to think of it… We all changed. Light as well. Got stronger, wiser and…"

Shiro: "And?"

Hope: "How do I say it? … (thinks) Well, before you got here, Lightning was all kinda…"

This is what the description looked like in Hope's head: in a cartoonish sense, there was Lightning, in her chibi attire… exept she had lightning bolts shoting out of her ears, flames in her eyes, and a shark-like overbite yelling:

"Grrr, you don't scare me, I'm Lightning!"

Let's pop this image for a moment to see the response:

Shiro: "(sweatdrops) That's your vision of her?"

Hope: "I might have exaggerated a bit. Still, ever since we met you, we grew bolder. I think Lightning might have softened up a bit, grew emotional."

Shiro: "I'm pretty sure that's the kind of behavior she always kept within her heart. She had to be strong, though, and kept it locked under that frown."

Hope: "And if you didn't show up, she might never have brought it up."

Shiro: "No, I don't think I have anything to do with that. As things were set by the time I arrived, the things you all saw, it would make anyone reconsider. I just got… tagged along."

Chick: "Kweh-kweeeeh…"

Hope: "Whatever you say. (picks up the fruit)"

Shiro: "Anyway… we better get back. Wouldn't want anyone else worried."

He was about to walk away, but Hope hesitated.

Hope: "Uhm, actually… You go on ahead. I'll catch up later."

Shiro: "You sure?"

Hope: "I wanna see the surroundings some more. Maybe I can find something eadable other than agrumes. Don't worry, I can take care of myself."

Shiro: "(smiles) After what I've seen, doubting your strength would be rather foolish."

And with that, Shiro picked up his pile of food that he sacked in earlier and waved goodbye, before getting lost in the distance.

Shiro: "Later then."

When he was fully out of sight, the chocobo chick kwehed a bit, before trying to help Hope gather the giant nuts. At least, it tried to do so, the risk still existed it would be squashed by one of those. Hope was now talking to himself, but he did realize the chick could understand him.

Hope: "Peaceful, yes… But still… We're not a field trip now. Not unless we find a way to save our home before… (sigh)"

He continued gathering the nuts…

5 seconds later (a drastic change in the scene here):

There was a mighty draft, like a typhoon struk all the sudden.

Chick: "KWEH!"

Hope: "What?"

The wind was awfully strong, yet it was not the only thing Hope felt: there was an odd distortion in the air, it felt like standing next to a standby radio that was still plugged in.

Hope: "What the…?"

That's when he turned around, and fell on his rear the moment he witnessed the source of the distrotion: before him, it looked like a ripple of waves in the middle of the air, an odd circular shimmering that not only blew a strong wind, but also discharged a fair amount of sparks.

In short: a portal.

And out of this portal, something… no, rather someone jumped out.

The figure's motion was almost elegant, he landed before Hope in a kneeling position, before rising up slowly, getting into a straight pose right when the portal behind it closed.

The man wore a suit of sorts covered in golden-yellow alloy, from tip to toe looking like a storm trooper, not to mention the many tech it was loaded with, most notably it's wrist and head. It's helmet covered it's face completely, and Hope, to his horror, recognized the design:

Hope: "You're… Impossible…"

It was a golden version of the suit that Milat and Brane were using.

"Transection complete."

Shiro left long before he could be affected by the above mentioned events. Half way to the campsite: he was walking through a gloomy cave-like tunnel. It was one of the darkest parts of Vallis Media.

At this point, a number of spooky wildlife would attempt to devour him, such as the oozy Flans or the haemophagic Leeches maskerading as Alraunes. Yet, the way was oddly clear of such infestations.

Shiro: "It's a bit too quiet here…"

He felt abnoxious, but continued pacing forward nontheless.

What he didn't know that he was being watched:

By a pair of gleaming eyes, bearing a row of hungry fangs.

It is usally thought that large beasts are simply too heavy to cross through Vallis Media, and since there's no fair prey in these marches, most larger animals simply ignore it.

Except this one:

What was watching him was a despairing beast, a member of the tyrant rulers of the steppes ahead, one whose strength truly puts it atop of the food-chain: a Behemoth King.

In the shades, the beast was waiting for the proper prey to come, and it saw Shiro.

The curling of it's throat…

The dripping of it's saliva…

The grinding of it's banana-sized teeth…

The sheer size of it's horns, large enough to disembowel a dinosaur…

And the gleaming stare of it eyes, of which one was scarred…

Shiro: "(looks back) Huh?"

It could wait no longer.

The Behemoth King stormed out of hiding and charged at Shiro.

And this one only saw a massive jaw approaching at full speed…

There was a loud roar.

At the same time, at the campsite:

Vanille woke up, after having slept in on Fang's lap. She opened her eyes suddenly, like something disturbed her.

Fang: "Rise and shine. (Vanille gets up) You were having a dream."

Vanille: "(yaaaawn) A pretty strange dream. Are the others back yet?"

Fang: "No, and my hunch is telling me they won't be comming back with good news."

Vanille: "They went south, right? I thought Paddra was that way."

Fang: "Yes, but if there really was any sight of people living nearby, we would have noticed by now."

Vanille: "(grumbles) And no buildings left either, we would have seen them. Has it been that long since we left?"

Fang: "Time doesn't matter. By the looks of it, it seems like Pulse culture vanished within a day."

Vanille: "Don't say that!"

At that time, Lightning's group that was scouting the area returned. They seemed empty-handed, but not downed.

Lighting: "We're back."

Fang: "Hey there. Any luck, guys?"

Lightning: "No sign of anyone else. But we did find plenty of bloodthursty wildlife and crumbling ruins."

Sazh: "(scratching) And plenty of bur-plants that got stuck on places I rather not point at."

Snow: "Well guys, it looks like we ran out of places to look around here. Any ideas?"

The pause after that statement was almost creepy. They all tried to think things through.

Sazh: "How long has it been since we left Cocoon? Not a soul in sight, not one clue on this whole l'Cie mess. But… We did well just comming this far, I'd say."

Lightning: "Always the optimist, eh? Wish we had more of those."

Vanille: "But… We could go a bit further."

This pipgued their curiosity.

Sazh: "Meaning?"

Vanille: "There's still one place."

Fang: "Vanille, are you sure?"

Vanille: "(nods) I'm sure."

Snow: "What's the holdup, out with it."

Vanille took a deep breath before speaking.

Vanille: "Far to the north, there lies a village. A place where the Pulse fal'Cie lay dreaming. Oerba."

Snow: "Oerba?"

Fang: "It's mine and Vanille's home. Our full names literally mean 'Fang of Yun clan and Vanille of Dia clan from the village of Oerba'. That's the one, the place it all began."

Sazh: "(thinking) … You just may be on to something. If that's the place where all the woo-hoos pulled their strings making you guys l'Cie when you… you know… tried blowing up Cocoon the first time… It might be the place where we'll find the answers we're looking for."

Lightning: "You know, if we don't find anything this time, we might not get another chance."

Snow: "But as long as it's the only alternative we have, I'm in. (clashes fists together) One last run, all of us. None of us turned Cie'th yet. As soon as Shiro and Hope return, we'll be on our way. (looks around) By the way, where are they?"

Fang: "Hope and Shiro went with the chocobo to get us some food."

Lightning: "Fancy telling them that when they get back."

And then…

Shiro: "Tell us what?"

It was a minor surprise: Shiro stepped in, carrying a bag of food supplies.

Shiro: "I kept you waiting?"

Not that they weren't happy to see him, but the joy was kept silent.

Snow: "That makes one, and where's the rest?"

Shiro: "Hope remained with the chocobo in order to scout a little. I figured you guys had to think on an empty stomach, so I came along."

He presented his catch: the bag was full of mostly nuts and fruit scavanged all over Vallis Media.

Sazh: "A salad-bar again? We've been on the stuff for days now."

Lightning: "So much for the celebration buffet."

Fang: "What were you expecting? This is Gran Pulse, after all."

Sazh: "(checks a nut) Right… No picking food in hell, is that it?"

Fang: "(!) Listen, funnyman, stop calling this place hell!"

Sazh: "(scared) Oh, well, I… uhh…"

Shiro: "(sighs) If a fruit salad is not your thing… (looks at something) Is this going to cut it then?"

Shiro was pointing next to him, indicating at a large object he brought along.

Here's a shocker:

It was a massive Behemoth King… encased solid in a block of ice. Only it's head and one front paw were sticking out, and they were both twitching and trembling, and the beast, gasping. (it's the same Behemoth that attacked him earlier)

Sazh: "What the hell!"

Fang: "You caught a Behemoth King?"

Shiro: "It tried to eat me whole, so I froze him solid."

Lightning: "How did you drag that thing over here?"

Shiro: "Anything is possible with Diamond Dust as a Comandee. Only takes creativity."

Vanille: "It's so big."

Sazh: "And it's made of meat!"

Snow: "Enough meat to feed all our mouths for weeks!"

That's when Snow and Sazh looked at each other, noticed the drool forming in the corner of their mouths, and just then, they felt like kids again (and behaved as such).

Sazh: "You know what that means."

Snow: "I sure do."

Sazh&Snow: "(out loud) Barbeque Party!"

Behemoth King: "(crying waterfalls) WEEEEEEEEEEEH!"

Fang: "Wrong, you can't eat it."

Sazh&Snow: "Eh? Why not?"

Fang: "Behemoth's meat is too sturdy. By the time you chew it, you break your jaws, and by the time it's cooked, all nutritients are long gone. The best you will manage is eating the bones."

Sazh&Snow: "No party?"

Fang: "No barbeque."

Behemoth King: (sighs in relief)

Sazh: "(weeping) No way, not even meat here is meat to eat, I mean what the hell?"

Fang: "(!) Didn't I tell you not to call this place hell?"

Sazh: "I didn't call it that at all!"

Fang: "I just heard you…"

Let's leave the details of the arguements for later. As Shiro sighed in confusion, he noticed a familiar gleam flying over him. It was the chocobo chick.

As everyone noticed, it flew into Vanille's palm.

Lightning: "The chick?"

Snow: "All by itself?"

Sazh: "I thought you said he was with Hope."

Shiro: "He was. …"

The chick seemed disturbed, it kwehed and kwehed like an alarm clock. It was gesturing something, and twitching. Until finally, Vanille and everyone else got the point.

Vanille: "His brand?"

It was bad news.

Shiro: "Oh no, Hope!"

Sazh: "Let's go find him!"

In an instant, the group were off in the direction pointed by the chocobo chick. They left the campsite… and the frozen Behemoth King behind.

Behemoth King: "…... (calling attention) Humph…... Humph…... Hmm?... (long face)"

So anyway… There was a mighty explosion in the distance.

As the rest of them progressed to urge to the spot…

Fang: "So much trouble from one kid."

… Shiro stayed behind a bit.

Snow: "Oi, what's the holdup?"

Shiro: "Go on ahead! I'll catch up!"

Snow: "… Understood."

The reason why he decided to stay back a little was the following:

He whistled. Out of the hidden spot in the shades of the campsite, a brooming noise was heard. King Blizzard turned it's lights on, then proceeded to meet it's master… Bypassing the Behemoth King as well, who was still frozen and in place.

Shiro rode on the D-Wheel, and went on to join up. Hopefully, he would arrive in time…

The once peaceful spring where Hope left of turned into an arena in a matter of moments. Blasts, explosions, great clouds of dust, you name it, the battle was hefty.

Hope: "Thunder!"

By using his boomerang as a wand of sorts, Hope's l'Cie powers contributed to the summoning of powerful lightning bolts from above and upon his new enemy.

The enemy, however, turned out to be more agile than his equipment made him believe. The golden Bounty Hunter was dodging one bolt after another by rapidly jumping backwards, using both his arms and legs in a gymnastic-like performance.

He also found time to counterattack. By pointing his palm to Hope, his suit created a shower of fireballs raining upon his target.

?.?.?: "Manadrive: Hinotama!"

Fortunately, his aim was not the best, and the fireballs only hit the ground next to Hope, only dealing as much damage as their heat would allow and raising a fair amount of dirt about. Hope had to clean the dirt of his face before acting.

Hope: "Why you… (the boomerang ignites) Firestrike! (tosses it)"

The burning boomerang was a dangerous projectile, heading for the head of the Bounty Hunter…

?.?.?: "Repel."

But the guy simply put his arm up, summoning a forcefield of sorts which repelled the boomerang completely, forcing it to fly back into Hope's hands.

Hope: "Drats. (catches the boomerang) It's the same tech as Brane."

The unknown Hunter didn't act in response to this. Instead, it crawled down and took an odd battle stance.

Hope: "You think you're so tough, huh? But I'm not giving up! (his brand ignites)"

?.?.?: "What?"

In an instant, Hope's brand surrounded him entirely in a bright lime aura, which took on the shape of a seal beneath him, and a pyramid tower above him. Before him, a star-shaped crystal was formed.

Hope: "Come out, Alexander!"

The crystal flew skywards, and above the clouds, it broke and gave birth to a new entity: Alexander's consealed form fell down, and upon impact with the earth below, the mechanical giant rose up behind Hope in it's full format.

Hope: "I need your help, big guy!"

?.?.?: "A monster summon?"

Alexander swung it's massive fist, smashing the earth and causing a tremor that lifted the enemy off his feet and making him fall. Hope used this oportunity to toss his boomerang, and just when the Hunter was about to get up, the boomerang hit him square in the head. The impact was more than severe, almost causing it's helmet to fall down, and the man fell on the ground like a pear.

Hope: "That's what I'm talking about!"

The Hunter got up and faced both his opponents again.

?.?.?: "I don't have time for this."

As Hope tossed his boomerang a second time, and Alexander piped up for a second attack, the enemy Huunter was more than ready to intercept.

He used odd, scarecrow-like movements to dodge the boomerang, then, as Alexander was about to deliver another blow, he jumped to dodge this, and used the half-burried arm of the Eidolon as a running pad in order to reach Alexander's face and…

?.?.?: "Heartbreaker!"

Simply by pointing his index into the Eidolon's face, a narrow, pink beam of light, which existed for a mere nanosecond was shot out of it and penetrated Alexander's cranium. It left no burnmarks or holes behind, but…

Alexander stood perfectly still, like a statue. Then, when the Hunter jumped down from it's shoulder, and clapped his hands together…

Alexander released a sad wail, then it's entire body became as ruff and grey as stone, before completely decomposing into dust carried away by the wind.

Hope: "Alexander!"

Hope saw his enemy's capacity. He acted bold, but in truth, he was terrified.

Hope: "What the heck did he just do? He took out Alexander with a single shot!"

And just as the armed Hunter put on it's battlestance again...

Sazh: "Desperado Shot!"

… the hunter's gaze turned sideways, and he reacted quickly and kept jumping here and there in order to avoid the incomming bullets. Those weren't ordinary bullets, though, each shot ended in an explosion fit for a hammerblast. He had to wait until all rounds were shot before looking at the new attacker.

Lightning and the others have arrived. Sazh was just spinning the guns in his hands about in order to blow the smoke on them away. The chick in his hair kept kweing (presumably cheering them on).

Hope: "Guys!"

Snow: "Who is that?"

Sazh: "So much for being alone. Now who the heck is this kook?"

Lightning: "That suit… And the tech too… It's the same battle-style Bounty Hunters Milat and Brane were using. There's no doubt this is their ally. This man is an enemy to us!"

Fang: "All I had to know!"

Oerba Yun Fang needed little conviction to charge in, spinning her spear like a jet-rotor, and howling an odd battle cry (brings back memories on Xena's trademark yell).

Before she reached her opponent, Lightning and Sazh covered for her by shooting more bullets in the Hunter's direction, which he all narrowly dodged like they were darts.

Lightning: "Be careful, he's much stronger than he looks!"

Fang: "I already know that. Here, eat this!"

Fang got close to her target, and she kept swinging her spear up, down, left, right, in any opening she saw, but her enemy's movements just kept dodging one slash after another, and just when she thought she had him…

The Hunter blocked the incomming blade's upper slash with both palms (similar to how expert swordsmen intercept enemy blades with their hands). Fang's strength was still a serious deal, and as he barely managed to keep the blade away from his head, Fang managed to produce just enough force to make him kneel down.

But it only lasted for 3 seconds, and afterwards, the Hunter pushed the held blade sideways, then kicked Fang in the stomach with inhuman strength, pushing her back.

Holding her stomach, but still standing, Fang smiled vilely as she put her spear in a new fighting position.

Fang: "You're quite persistent. I like that in an enemy."

Lightning: "Stand clear!"

So shouted Lightning as she launched a fireball in the Hunter's direction. Swiftly, the enemy took out another surprise: sythe-like blades extended from both his wrist, and he used these as shields. The blast shook him slightly, but he charged at Lightning quickly afterwards. Light, in counter, morphed her gunblade back into a sword and charged back at him, expecting to clash blades.

Just then…

Sounds of engine.

Shiro: "Ice Traveler! Hockey Fountain!"

Shiro drove into the field on King Blizzard, it's wheels releasing a strong stream of snow and ice, whose force alone was enough to blow the attacker away. The attack hit, but the Hunter still landed on his feet.

?.?.?: "That's…"

Snow: "Alright, Shiro! Now, let the hero finish the job! (charges magic in his fist) Here I come! (charges at the Hunter) Emperor's Fis… Uh?"

The reason why Snow so suddenly halted his attack was the following:

Someway, somehow, the Hunter took out a small white flag and waved with it.

?.?.?: "Okay, I concede."

On that cue, Snow dropped down.

/AN: you know those moments in anime when something happens that's so ridiculous and pathetic that causes the characters to drop down on the ground for no reason or tilt their bodies? Let's call that "they dropped down"/

Snow: "(gets up, sweatdrops) Ehm… You couldn't have waited 5 more seconds?"

Fang: "What, he givin' up? I was just getting warmed up."

Vanille: "He might have run out of bullets?"

The stranger, the quitter, whatever you call him, withdrew his entire arsenal, before pacing to the party slowly.

?.?.?: "I must appologize. I was not aware you were aquinted with the infamous Whiterain Shiro. (to Shiro) All friends of yours?"

Shiro: "Who wants to know."

?.?.?: "My name is Domick, Manadrive Battle Duelist of the Seis division."

Hope: "Seis division? What's that?"

Lightning: "The tech is the same as Milat and Brane's. He must be a Bounty Hunter as well."

Snow: "Brane? Oh yeah, I remember that twerp, a madman that was."

Sazh: "Now wait a second, let's consider things. He wouldn't be calling it quits that easy if he really were a member of these, uhm… Hunter guys. I don't think he is one. (to Domick) Right?"

Domick: "Yes, I'm a Bounty Hunter."

Now Sazh dropped down, with a loud "GAH!"

Sazh: "(gets up again) And you just spilled the beans like that!"

Hope: "A Bounty Hunter!"

Lightning: "(aims her gun) Now we know, we cannot trust him."

Fang: "(aims her spear) Sure thing, better safe than sorry."

Seeing the l'Cie point their weapons at him made Domick a bit uncomfortable. If I didn't know it any better, I'd say he was sweating.

Domick: "Now wait, hold on a second! I bring no harm."

He started searching the pouches on his belt for something. This only tensed the situation up some more and the l'Cie tightened their grip. Then, Domick took out an item that resembled… a badge.

Domick: "There's no need to worry. I'm a good guy, working undercover. (the badge reveals) I'm with the O-Zone, see?"

The look on that badge was puzzling: the emblem on it looked like a large, silver capital O with a blue sword of sorts flashing through it. It had small and edgy capital letters Z, O, N and E carved beneath it.

Shiro: "O-Zone? Here of all places?"

Vanille: "Shiro, you know that?"

Hope: "Yeah, what is this… Ozone thing?"

Shiro: "An organization from my home world. As the world turned it's back to the Battle Duelists like myself, it is the O-Zone who is fighting to keep their existence safe. Something like a Bounty Hunter ressistance group. Come to think of it, it kinda reminds me of the Cavalry you have here. But… (looks at Domick) As far as I've heard, there were… arguments with the staff of the group. Something considering a traitorous leader, am I right?"

Domick: "Ah, yes, so you've heard of the Subravo Incident. (thucks the badge away) True, there were issues that had to be deployed with both the O-Zone and the D-Sect. It was quite a mess. But that was a long time ago. (looks at Shiro again) You were absent for quite a long time, sir Whiterain. Things have changed. We have a new leader now, and Battle Duelist's life has never been sweeter. It's still quite a mess, though, and we're hoping to acheive peace once more. But we need your help for it."

Shiro: "Mine?"

Lightning: "Hold on a second. This is way too far-fetched."

Sazh: "She's right. He might be out to trick us."

Domick: "(shows his hands) I asure you, my intentions are all well-meant."

Snow: "Oh yeah? Then what's with the getup? If you're really a good guy, I dare you show your face."

Domick: "I… (looks down) I-I can't do that."

Hope: "Why? You have something to hide?"

Domick: "No, the helmet got stuck."

Hope: "(drops down, then gets up) What kind of an excuse is that!"

Shiro: "Come to think of it… If your intentions really are good…"

Lightning: "Why did you attack Hope in the first place?"

Domick: "I beg your pardon? It wasn't ME who attacked, I was defending myself! I was out to look for Shiro Whiterain, skipping worlds left and right, and as soon as I got here, your kid there started shooting lightning-bolts at me."

Vanille: "(O_O) So it was Hope that…"

Snow: "(O_O) … Started it?"

All their heads turned towards Hope (the turning of which necks sounded like a wooden door). Hope was sweating and all in all, he seemed embarrased. They were all looking at him like they caught him cheating in a math test. That glare was talk enough.

Hope: "Well I… I-I thought he was the enemy, he looked like Brane and all, and he was looking for Shiro, what else was I supposed to conclude?"

Sazh: "(-.-) Let's skip the lectures for later. (to Domick) Now then, how do we know he is on our side?"

Shiro: "(looks at his brand) I think he's telling the truth. If he were agressive, Diamond Dust would have sensed him already."

Domick: "Ah, thank you, much appreciated of you, sir Whiterain."

Fang: "Still doesn't mean we have to like you."

Vanille: "Uhm… He came from another world, right? Maybe he can, uhm…"

Shiro: "Can what?"

Vanille tried to keep her cute face while thinking of a way to answer. When she did, situation just got weirder.

5 minutes later:

Domick was observing Snow's l'Cie brand from an inch-short distance, which the hero allowed him to. Domick was using an odd device which resembled a one-eye vizir (which was weird because he was still wearing the helmet with vizors) attached to his left eye (part of the helmet). From his point of view, the brand, now posessing a partially opened red eye in the middle, was scanned in numerous ways, recording patterns, energy emition, disturbances, medical stats and a few more unnamed bullseye screens. He was staring in it for the past few minutes, mute like a statue.

Snow: "And? Any news?"

Domick: "It's remarkable. In every angle it tricks the eyes in thinking it's the same as a Battle Duelist's brand, but it's actually different. The tone and coloration is caused by the melanine necrosis in the skin, not ink, yet even this dead tissue gives off strong life signals. Plus the Spirit Energy, or Mana in your case, focuses on that very spot, powering the entire body with energy particles which are then taken in, in order to improve the host's strength and performance. Unlike Battle Duelists, however, there appears to be a breakdown in tissues and foreign antigens spreading about faster as the necrosis spreads. This loss is usually covered by the Spirit's life energy, but these 'l'Cie' as you call it simply keep up with the strong pseudo-amyloid persistence… without sacrificing the l'Cie's health or sanity. How very unusual."

Fang: "Skip the lectures and get straight to the point: can it be removed with your technology?"

Domick: "Hmmm… (straightens up, then thinks) You must understand, if we have discovered ways to un-brand Battle Duelists, then people like Shiro Whiterain would not be forced into hiding and running. However, as as the processes of branding one kind differs from the other, it might raise the question. Battle Duelists are always bond in body and soul to their guardian spirits, which we call their Comandee, and this link keeps them alive. In your case the link to a deity of sorts, your Eidolons as I recall, is optional, and might not influence the brand itself."

Snow: "Meaning?"

Vanille: "There is no way, huh?"

Domick: "Hmmmm…"

Somehow, whatever this new stranger was going to say was going to affect the way everyone present see hope. If the answer is right, then their search might be over, and if not…

It seemed like an eternity passed (10 seconds of silence in reality) before Domick spoke up.

Domick: "A thought comes to mind. It might not be impossible."

The news overjoyed the l'Cie, they all put smiles and expressions of hope on their faces.

Sazh: "Wait, really?"

Snow: "You can remove it for good?"

Domick: "I might. It all depends…"

Snow: "Huh? Depends on what?"

Domick: "Heh… (the 'eyes flash', and beneath his helmet, he vile-smiled)"

Almost in an instant, an odd scene occured: I have no idea where it came from, but Domick actually took out a quite large (get this) chainsaw and turned it on, pointing it at Snow.

Domick: "How dear is that hand of yours really?"

Snow: "EH?"

KA-POW!

The above exclamation meant: Snow Punched Domick in the head. The next moment, Domick's head was tilted under an odd angle with a large cactus-shaped lump on his head (actually growing out of the helmet), while Snow kept his knuckle up and yelled at Domick with an awful shark-like expression:

Snow: "YOU MEANT TO REMOVE IT BY CUTTING MY ARM OFF, YOU MORON?"

Domick: "It was just an idea. They never let me do it with Battle Duelists. If theory was correct, the brand would have grown somewhere else."

Snow: "AND YOU WERE GONNA CUT IT ANYWAYS?"

Domick: "(pushes the lump back into his head, then puts his head straight) Okay, looks like I can't remove it after all."

Snow: "WE NOTICED!"

Vanille: "(sigh) So much for hope…"

Lightning: "It was a try. It failed, but we always have hope. Remember, there's still the plan to get to Oerba."

Vanille: "(nods) Yeah, we might go with that."

Shiro: "Oerba?"

Lightning: "Forgive me, it slipped my mind. In your absence, me and the others made up our minds to reach the village of Oerba."

Sazh: "It's Vanille's and Fang's hometown. It's located far north, at the opposite end of Pulse. No telling what might await for us there. Then again, given the options we have, it might as well be the only chance we have in solving this mystery."

Shiro: "It was Fang's and Vanille's transformation into l'Cie that started the War of Transgression, right? So following that logic, it would make sense that their home would be the starting point in the cascade reaction whose results we face today. I understand now. I aproove your opinion. We better go then."

Lightning: "You're following?"

Shiro: "Of course. I promised, didn't I?"

Domick: "Wait a minute! What about me? I came all this way looking for Shiro Whiterain, I cannot leave empty-handed!"

Shiro: "Domick, I appreciate your support, but my business here is not yet over."

Domick: "You've got to be kiddin…"

Snow: "Woah, woah, hold on a second… If I got this right, there's a way for Shiro to return home?"

Silence, yet again. In the entire conversation, everybody seemed to have forgotten an important factor: if Domick managed to track his way into Pulse, then maybe he could also provide Shiro with a way back to his home world.

Domick: "Were you sitting on your ears? Of course he can make it back."

Vanille: "Why didn't you tell us?"

Domick: "I thought it was obvious."

Fang: "And how exactly is that possible?"

Lightning: "Come to think of it… Shiro, how exactly did you come here in the first place?"

Shiro: "I Transected."

Lightning: "I know, but how?"

Domick: "Allow me to explain: prior to his arrival, the Kaiba-Y has managed to grasp the technology by which walls between worlds can be skipped and other worlds visited. By specific means, it is possible to augment different drives with these auxillary devices and, if the conditions are met, the walls break and open up temporal portals which bring about a new reality. It was brought up in hopes to reach the Realm of Spirits that started our Battle Duelist business. This process is called 'Transection'."

Snow: "Meaning?"

Domick then layed his eyes upon the vehicle next to him: Shiro's King Blizzard.

Domick: "That is your D-Wheel, the King Blizzard, yes? If I may…"

Domick's armed hand lit up, and by waving with it, Domick brought upon something that looked like an X-Ray scan which allowed everyone present to scale the inside of the machine in front of him. Most machine parts were blue and overcooled, and way too complex for a mere garage mechanic to understand. But, there was a certain part of the engine that was pulsing red.

Domick: "There it is. The DSA Unit."

Hope: "D… SA?"

Domick: "Dimension Skip Auxillary. It's a vehicle amplicator that allows the Transection by synthetising a portal and then connecting and stabilizing the entire structure to befit the transecting pathway. But it's as I suspected. Yours is fried up. Just a piece of scrap-metal."

Shiro: "Hey! That's my D-Wheel you're talking about."

Domick: "It's just one part. Besides, as far as I recall, you stole one of the prototypes from the Kaiba-Y laboratories in order to escape, didn't you? Not that I blame you, you had every right and need. But the prototypes, you see, they were not developed to fit into all machinery. Some vehicle models, my own suit included, are compatable to the DSA Unit, but your model of a D-Wheel seems to have rejected it. And this is the result."

Hope: "So you're saying, the only way for Shiro to get back is if he borrowed your unit?"

Domick: "Heavens, no. I have a mission to fullfil, but I have no intention on ending up stuck in this Slifer-forsaken piece of wilderness… (to Fang) No offense. (looks around) But, there are ways to acomplish it. Every Transection leaves behind a track, a wormhole, so to say. A scar in the Limbus field that connects one world to another. Transection cannot be aimed, worlds exist and are chosen by random. It was only luck that brought me over here. By tracking the scars, however, we might open another portal that leads back to our world. It's the same method used by Brane and Milat to track you down. But to do so, we'll need proper ground, a specific geometric positioning to locate and open the scars anew. (checks the instruments on his wrist) According to my scans… there appears to be a neat location to perform so 300 miles south from here."

Hope: "But that's in the opposite direction of where we're heading!"

Shiro: "I cannot leave yet. I am sorry."

Domick: " Gosh… (holds his head) Hmmmmm… AHA! If I may propose…"

Sazh: "We've heard quite enough of you, thank you."

Domick: "Hey, I'm no bad guy. I can respect whatever decision he makes, but… I may have a way to resolve this."

Shiro: "What do you mean?"

Domick: "Our new boss has a new saying: 'Best way for duelists to find their path is in their method of battle'. And are we not both duelists?"

Shiro: "So you mean… you would want me to follow you if you can best me in a duel?"

Domick: "I would want nothing like that. But if you really are indecisive, why not put this conflict in the best way possible: through cards. We have a duel, and no matter the outcome, I believe you'll see the better picture."

Snow: "But how will that help him decide?"

Shiro: "…. Alright, you're on."

Snow: "What?"

Shiro: "It's a matter of duelists. You… wouldn't understand."

Lightning: "… Shiro…"

Shiro: "I accept your challenge, Domick! Let the conflict in my heart be settled in a Turbo Duel.."

Shiro then proceeded to King Blizzard. But…

Domick: "Uhm, actually… I'd preffer we rather hold a Ground Duel instead of a Turbo Duel. Otherwise… (his eyes beshade) Someone might get hurt."

Taking this as a threat, much contributed by a sudden sinister tone in Domick's voice, the l'Cie grew bold. Fang, most of them.

Fang: "Oh yeah? (points her spear at Domick) And just who might that be?"

Domick: "Me, of course."

Then, Fang dropped down as well.

Fang: "(gets up, angrily) Would you knock it off with the jokes already?"

Domick: "I'm not outfited for a Turbo Duel. It's the only fair way. Or would you have me throw the match before the first draw? I know you wouldn't let that happen."

Fang: "(!) Gosh, what a moron!"

Shiro: "Understood. Have it your way."

Having said that, obviously not noticing his friends around him rolling eyes and blinking in confusion, Shiro walked up to his D-Wheel, and the duel pad from the main console attached from the vehicle onto his wrist in a duel disk.

Shiro: "Alright! Whenever you're ready."

Domick: "Awesome! This will be my big chance to show them what I'm made of. Ah, but I have to remember my job as well. Anyways… Let's do this!"

In the last verse, Domick picked up an odd device from his belt and tossed it up. The device looked like a mechanical frame of sorts, and once it reached it's zenith, the frame spread up revealing an odd screen-like shape. This landed on Domick's wrist, attached there, and in a matter of seconds, no less than 5 playmat zones folded out.

Domick: "Duel Disk- Set!"

Then, another device leaped up, this one being the one-eye vizor he used minutes ago. It folded out, then Domick grabbed it and placed it on his (still helmet covered) face. It flashed for a minute, and then Domick stroke a pose. He was apparently putting much passion in his movements.

Domick: "D-Gazer- Set!"

In his POW, a cybernetic vision allowed him to lock on to Shiro and preceive information all over the screen.

Domick: "Duel target: Lock-On!"

The crowd was simply observing, but not to their delight. The performance Domick delivered was rather scary or lame.

Shiro: "This tech… it's different than mine. But fine! (extends his arm) Duel Disk, set up!"

Shiro's device lit up, then expanded like an umbrella, and each respective slot of a total 5 of them grint along the rim of the device, ultimately forming his duel-disk.

"Duel Disk, Ground mode set. Online state."

Domick's device also called out, only his had a female rather than a male voice.

"AR Vision. Extended Link Established."

And so…

Shiro&Domick: "Duel!"

Shiro: LP: 4000

Domick: LP: 4000

The only clad difference between the two duelist's technologies was evident: the area around Shiro was simply corresponding to the enviorment, but Domick's seem to have been displaying a more cybernetic appearance as the air around him shimmered and every now and then, there was a flash of a straight line of ones and zeros buzzing around him. Even the LP display was different: Shiro's was held in a round cyrcle, while Domick's display was a lot edgier and digitalized, showed in black windows.

Domick: "I'll go first! First draw! (draws)"

Same as before, Domick put his very heart and soul into every move (the drawing, setting and the like), almost seeming like some kind of acrobat.

Domick: "I'll start by playing the Spell card Akira's Wish!"

The card he picked shone brightly even before he placed it on it's slot on his Duel Disk.

Domick: "If I discard a Light attribute monster from my hand (discards) this card's effect allows me to add any Light attribute monster from my deck to my hand at the end of the turn."

Shiro: "An exchange of Light monsters, is it? Still, your monster will only get to your hand during the End phase."

Domick: "Do not underestimate the card's effect, Shiro. There are plenty of Light monsters in existence you would rather not see in my hand. But before we come to that, I use the effect of the monster I just discarded: namely Space Walker."

The discarded monster had the appearance of an astronaut with an extremely lustering equipment. However, only the card form was shown, being banished into an unknown dark space in the background.

Domick: "During the turn in which Space Walker is sent from my hand to the Graveyard, I can special summon another Light monster from my hand. I special summon Glitter Lion!"

That was the first summon: the monster looked like a large white lion with a golden mane and glittering golden dust covering most of it's body. A pretty sight for such a majestic beast. ATK: 1500/ LV4

Domick: "Next, I Normal summon the Liberator Sage Seraph!"

Another monster summon: this one was bright as well, a blonde angel lady in white office clothes with glasses, carrying a large book in one arm. She fixed her glasses upon descending down with her wings of silk. ATK: 1600/ LV4

Sazh: "All Light monsters. Is that going to be a problem?"

Fang: "I'm not sure. But the fact he's got more monsters on the field already gives him a great advantage."

Domick: "There… All materials are in place."

The statement confused the group. They tought he was bluffing.

Snow: "Materials? What materials?"

Hope: "Does he mean a Synchro summon? But none of his monsters are Tuners, he can't synch like that."

Vanille: "All he has are 2 level 4 Light monsters."

Shiro: "Two level 4 monst… (realizes) Wait a second, you're a…!"

Domick: "I bet you never faced an opponent like me before. Allow me to demonstrate something new. (puts his arm up) Level 4 Glitter Lion and level 4 Liberator Seraph… I now overlay these level 4 monsters!"

What occured next resembled a Synchro summon in no way. Both of his monsters were consumed by some kind of dark-purple aura at the same time, then in this form, they flew up in a helix formation.

Snow: "Say what!"

Sazh: "Overlay?"

Not only that: a large black portal opened in the ground,showing nothing but universal space, and the two monsters flew right in there.

Domick: "With these Overlay Units, an Overlay Network shall be constructed! Xyz Summon!"

Fang: "The what summon?"

Lightning: "Xyz summon?"

Before them, a new monster came out of the created portal…

Domick: "Light the Limbo of Worlds with the shine celestial! Appear now, Xyz Monster: Luminous Lantern!"

… It looked like a bizarre, black, abstract angel of sorts: a completely black, slim humanoid with no apparent features on it's face or clothing. It basically looked like it was covered in black rubber. There were only 3 notable things on it: it had no arms, but instead it had triangular, overlapping wings (really shaped like triangle measures); there was a structure in it's chest resembling a lit lantern constantly pulsing with yellow light, but with a red core; finally, 2 orbs of energy were constantly orbiting around it. ATK: 2200/ rank 4/ OU: 2

Hope: "I've heard a thing or two about Duel Monsters, but I've never seen a monster summon like that one."

Domick: "You have all been observing various duels, right? All duelists so far must have belonged to the Synchro plane. I, however, am a duelist of the Xyz plane."

Snow: "There are different planes?"

Domick: "That's right. The world me and Shiro come from had various periods: a heterochronal period, in which different dueling styles were present in different timelines, and the present time of the heterotopic period, where all dueling styles exist at once but are divided geologically. Different duelist can choose from a total of 5 different planes, depending on their own imprint and style prefference: Deck plane, Fusion plane, Synchro plane, Crypto plane and finally Xyz plane. Mine is the last one mentioned. My style focuses on usage of Xyz monsters, which followed in peroid after the Synchro era, Shiro's plane, hence it's superiority. By overlaying monsters of the same level, an Xyz monster can be summoned, and the monsters used remain on the field, supporting the monster as Overlay Units. The same monster style caused a drastic drop in D-Wheel popularity to all but those that chose the Synchro plane."

Lightning: "I see. Shiro's summoning requires a perfect synchronization of monster levels, one of which must be a Tuner. But Domick's, these Xyz monsters require no Tuners to act. It must be their easier summoning conditions that drove the Turbo duels off."

Domick: "Wrong. The reason why Xyz monsters made D-Wheels unpopular is… These Overlay Units, they…"

Lightning was expecting a stern answer, and a drop of sweat ran down her cheek, expecting to hear a crushing truth…

Domick: "(blushes) They keep flying off if you move too fast, see?"

The l'Cie all dropped down.

Lightning: "(sweatdrops) Th… That's the reason?"

Shiro: "A duelist of Xyz plane, facing a Battle Duelist of the Synchro plane. This might turn out interesting after all."

Domick: "Indeed it will. Now, back to the game. In the End phase, the card that I selected with the effect of Akira's Wish comes into my hand."

A card in Domick's deck glittered, then slid out of the rest of the deck, and into his hand. He kept looking at it for a few seconds in thought.

Domick: "Here it is… I end my turn like this."

Shiro: "You placed no cards in your defense?"

Domick: "Trust me, I know what I'm doing. All you have to do is do your stuff. I will change your mind yet, just wait."

Shiro: "Is this the way duelists of Xyz plane fight? Very well, it's my turn! (draws) If I discard one card from my hand (discards), the monster Snow Warrior can be summoned right from my hand."

His faithful blue-skinned Eskimo appeared in a flash, wielding it's harpoon with great efficiency. ATK: 1300/ LV3

Shiro: "Next, the discarded monster's effect activates. When my field only consists of Cryonite-type monsters, the Tuner monster Shiva Wand can be special summoned!"

Next to Snow Warrior, the massively-eyes living wand, covered in icy details, took it's place. ATK: 100/ LV1

Domick: "So those are the rare Cryonite-type monsters he's so famous for."

Shiro: "I tune my level 3 Snow Warrior with the level 1 Shiva Wand!"

Both monsters flew up, and Shiva Wand dissolved into a Synchro ring for snow Warrior to pass through, uniting all their inner lights.

3* + 1* = 4*

Shiro: "Shards of a torn-of soul will manifest as the crystal spear of a wandering hero. With sparkling dust, shatter that dream into wake! Synchro summon!"

The union resulted in a burst of light. Shiro's new monster came out:

Shiro: "Deliberate, Frostland Lancer!"

His new monster was the icy spear-wielder, carrying a classic Frostland expression, and swinging it's weapon with the same efficiency as Fang would. ATK: 2000/ LV4

Snow: "Now he summoned his Synchro monster! This will be a heck of a battle!"

Hope: "But… Frostland Lancer has less Attack points than that Xyz monster of his."

Fang: "True, but if memory serves, Frostland Lancer can attack directly."

Shiro: "(picks a card) Let's see, next I…"

Domick: "Halt! I interrupt your actions to chain with my own. (picks a card) I use a monster effect!"

Shiro: "What, now?"

The card Domick picked shone up and casted a light so bright it seemed like a second sun!

Domick: "When my opponent Fusion summons, Synchro summons, or Xyz summons a monster, this card can be Special summoned from my hand! (places the card on it's slot) I knew you were a duelist of the Synchro plane, and so this card is the best suited to fight such an enemy. Behold, my boss monster!"

A rift opened up in the air above, creating a portal whose space beyond was showing a black sky full of stars.

Domick: "With no shadow to cast, with no weakness to show, heed to the creation of Light itself!"

The new monster descended down from this portal…

Domick: "Appear: Celestial Shining Star!"

This new monster was large, golden, star-shaped, and constantly casting a shining aura of golden light. The massive monster's appearance was odd: it looked like a 5-tipped star, only it's highest tip was in fact the hat of a robot-like face. In it's center, even more obscure, there was a huge dragon-shaped head, which looked fiendish despite the golden shine it casted. Behind each of the 2 middle tips, there were wings of gold, and behind the 2 lowest tips, massive paws were visible. Reptilianne tail stretched out of the back of this formation. In it's presence, mortals heard song and scream alike. ATK: 2500/ LV9

Shiro: "What is this monster? That's not Xyz."

Fang: "Another guy that plays with light and thinks it's almighty. This can't be good."

Domick: "You fell right for it, Shiro. I will now let you witness my incredible Shining Star combo! Activate the effect of Luminous Lantern! By detaching one of it's Overlay units, should a monster be Special summoned on my opponent's turn, Lumious Lantern can force all your monsters to attack a monster on my side. And the target I choose is Celestial Shining Star!"

In response to that sentence, Luminous Lantern consumed one of it's Overlay Units (the orbs orbiting around it) through it's chest, lightning it up in the process and then shooting out 2 rings of light, which resembled a pair of halos. OU: 1

These rings came above Celestial Star and Frostland Lancer, respectively, the later of which had to look above in confusion.

Shiro: "You planned that?"

Domick: "You have no choice now but to reply. Battle phase must be conducted, and Frostland Lancer must face my monster."

The two monsters with large halos were literally pulled towards each other. Shining Star didn't seem bothered by this, but the Lancer felt like he was thrown towards the monster for reasons unknown.

Hope: "They're force-fighting!"

Vanille: "But Lancer cannot win this battle!"

When the two monsters came close to each other, Lancer was put right in front of Shining Star, and in comparison, despite it's large size, it seemed like a midget. As the Lancer had to look up to it's foe, Celestial Shining Star didn't hesitate to execute it's performance: a set of large cables extended from it's back, and they all pointed at the Lancer like tentacles.

Domick: "When Celestial Shining Star fights a monster that came from my opponent's Extra deck, that monster's Attack power is reduced by half."

Frostland Lancer: ATK: 1000

Shiro: "Oh no…"

Domick: "Eat this! Lightwave Tsunami!"

All of the pointed cables fired a devastating attack, launching both thunderbolts and what appeared to be laser beams, surrounding the Lancer completely. The Cryonite welped in pain and agony before being pulverized by the attack. Shiro had to cover his face to withstand the blow to his own Life points.

Shiro: LP: 2500

Shiro: "Gh… That's your combo?"

Domick: "There's more. The Shining Star combo does not just follow you getting damage, but a lockdown effect as well. For as long as Celestial Shining Star is on the field, both players are prohibited from performing Fusion, Synchro or Xyz summons!"

Shiro: "What! No Synchros?"

Sazh: "Oh boy, that's grave. Shiro can't do a thing without Synchro summons. Even the Accel Synchro is blocked now!"

Lightning: "Shiro! Hang in there!"

Shiro: "I thought it was going to be a showdown between Synchros and Xyz monsters. So tell me, Domick, why have you brought that monster, that Extra Deck locker up?"

He was pointing and talking about Celestial shining Star.

Domick: "I have always been looking forward to fighting a duelist of the Synchro plane, to settle the disputies with my Xyz monsters. However, my job takes top priority, and if that's what it takes to persuade your assistance, I have called upon the aid of one of the most notorious beasts in all Duel Monsters! Shiro, I'm begging you once again, come back with me!"

Shiro: "I have to help these people, Domick. That's my top priority right now. You'll have to tell your boss that I am not av…"

Domick: "Just wait one moment. Let me finish. Have you not understood what it's at stake here?"

Shiro: "You don't know what's at stake in this world. They need me here."

Domick: "They need you back home as well. O-Zone needs all Battle Duelists available! I'll make it all worthwhile. As said by the highest commander of the O-Zone, in exchange for his services in facing a state of crisis, Shiro Whiterain will be allowed to ask the World Council to reform his freedoms. His bounty and criminal record erased and you will be yet again praised as an equal citizen, and your position in society restored."

Shiro: "Tempting. But it'll take more than that to persuade me otherwise. That includes the Celestial Shining Star! (points at the Star) This monster of light, yet thoughts of dark… It's voice, I shall mute it and bring it down! (sets a card) I set a monster in Defense mode, (sets 2 more) and I set these 2 cards as well, face-down. Turn end."

Domick: "If that's your reply… No, I have to try harder! My power will terrify you all! (draws passionately) My turn! Draw! (reveals a card) I play the Equipment Spell Premature Burial! This card can bring a monster back from my Graveyard for the price of 800 Life points."

Domick: LP: 3200

Domick: "The monster that I choose to return back is one of the detached Overlay Units: be reborn, Liberator Sage Seraph!"

Before him, one of the previously used Xyz materials reappeared: a blonde female angel in white clothes. ATK: 1600/ LV4

Domick: "Liberator Sage Seraph's monster effect activates. When this monster if Special summoned, one set monster on the field must change position into Attack mode. (points) That set card will be revealed!"

The pointed monster card on Shiro's side fliped up, and the monster was summoned: it was Shiva Shield. ATK: 100/ LV3

Domick: "Shiva Shield, eh? So you were actually going for a Cross Synchro. Hence, the arrival of my Celestial Shining Star must have hindered the arrival of Diamond Dust Dragon. Nontheless, looks like our game will end shortly."

One look at the field would send any duelist over the edge and make them loose their courage. Lined up: Liberator Sage Seraph (ATK: 1600), Celestial Shining Star (ATK: 2500) and Luminous Lantern (ATK: 2200) against Shiro (LP: 2500)

Sazh: "What a line-up!"

Lightning: "Shiro will be in deep trouble if even one of those attacks goes through."

Domick: "Battle! Liberator Sage Seraph, attack Shiva Shield!"

The angelic monster flew up, and summoned an orb of light in her one palm while holding her book tightly with the other hand. She intended to discharge the light in form of a devastating beam.

Shiro: "I never go down that easily! Trap open: Cold Grave! (the card flips) This Trap card allows me to summon back my Frostland Lancer! (Lancer appears: ATK: 2000) And I also use the effect of Shiva Shield, which means I can tribute it to change Frostland lancer to Defense mode, and make it indestructable in battle!"

Shiva Shield dissovled in blue dust, which covered the newly summoned Frostland Lancer like a coat. Lancer kneeled down in a defensive stance. DEF: 500

Domick: "Ts… If I can't destroy it in battle there's no point in attacking. Seraph, withdraw! (Liberator Sage cancels attacking) I will get you yet. (sets a card) I set a card down and end my turn."

Vanille: "Phew… He managed to get through this somehow."

Fang: "I wouldn't get my hopes up yet. Take a look at the field. Shiro only has one monster, and this O-Zone agent has 3. Not to mention, he has that weird lockdown tactic in play. Shiro can't Synchro summon anymore because of that Star thing, so Diamond Dust Dragon is out of the question. Also, if he attempts to Special summon monsters to protect himself, he will trigger Luminous Lantern's ability and immediatelly call for battle."

Sazh: "Domick sure likes to cover all bases, no doubt about it. As long as he has that Star shooter, I don't think Shiro will have any chance at winning."

Lightning: "Since when have we started doubting him?"

Sazh: "Hoh?"

Lightning: "You have all been focusing on the field, but take a look at Shiro."

They did so. Despite the odds, Shiro did not seemed shaken, shocked or frightened. In fact, his glare was kinda telling it away: he had resolve.

Lightning: "He hasn't given up yet. For some reason, he thinks only on winning, and anything else that won't lead him that way is simply scratched aside."

Snow: "You think he got that resolve after fighting Cid?"

Lightning: "No. I belive he had that kind of resolve ever since the beginning. Only recently… something brought it up."

Not hearing any of their conversation, Shiro simply proceeded with the game.

Shiro: "My turn! (draws, and looks at the card drawn) I Normal summon Blue Giant!"

The earth cracked and air shimmered as the new monster rose up from beneath the ground…

Shiro: "Despite being a level 5 monster, Blue Giant can be Normal summoned without a tribute if I so choose. In return, I decrease his Attack points by 500."

The blue Cryonite with a scorching crest on it's back stood up, fists ready to combat and it's aura burning with courage.

Blue Giant: "Hrrrrrr… Giant! (ATK: 2200…. 1700)"

Shiro: "Blue Giant's summoning counts as Normal summon. Therefore, Luminous lantern cannot activate it's effect. Next, Frostland Lancer switches from Defense mode to Attack mode!"

On his command, the Lancer stood up, and rapidly spun it's spear about, ready to fight. ATK: 2000

Fang: "Looks like our boy found his proper countermove. 'Stead of defending, he goes on the offense."

Domick: "You're initiating battle? Quite unwise to try and strike with Celestial Shining Star out."

Shiro: "Here goes: battle! Blue Giant, attack Liberator Sage Seraph! Polar Afterburner!"

Blue Giant paced forward, and with it's blue flames, it engulfed it's entire right fist in a burning aura, readying to attack the Liberator Sage, which seemed helpless compared to him.

Domick: "I warned you! I reveal my Trap: Shadow Disposal! (the card flips) As long as I control a Light attribute monster that is being attacked, I can reduce the Attack power of it's offensive striker by an amount same as it's own Attack points. That means Blue Giant's Attack points go down by 1600!"

Just as the glowing aura of Domick's Trap was about to execute at full glow…

Shiro: "I was expecting something like that."

Domick: "What?"

Shiro: "Trap, open! Diamond Wave! (his card flips) When my opponent activates a Trap card while a Cryonite monster is attacking, I can negate that Trap's effect and destroy it! Shadow Disposal is no more!"

Shiro's trap emitted a wind full of icy shards and drops that aimed at Domick's Trap card, froze it, and eventually pulverized it.

Domick: "Oh no! My trap!"

Shiro: "The battle continues! Go, Blue Giant!"

Blue Giant: "Giant!"

Hesitating no more, the massive giant struk with it's giant fist, pushing the poor Seraph away in the same way a sumo wrestler pushes it's opponent out of the ring. The Seraph screamed and welpt, then simply shattered into pixels, while Domick had to feel the push as a mighty blow that reduced his Life points.

Domick: LP: 3100

Domick: "Impossible…"

Shiro: "Not done yet! Frostland Lancer attacks next!"

Frostland Lancer reacted to the command, and started spinning the spear in it's hands in front of him like a propeller.

Shiro: "Lancer's effect activates. This monster can attack my opponent directly, but it's Attack points are thus cut in half."

Frostland Lancer: ATK: 1000

The warrior jumped up, and tossed his spear in Domick's direction with the speed of a rocket. The impact was very powerful, Domick actually got blown off his feet and fell on the ground, yowing while getting up again.

Domick: LP: 2100

Vanille: "He did it! He dealt damage!"

Snow: "So much for Domick's so called invincible line-up."

Domick: "(gets up) Not over yet… I have my own face to consider… Oh, although you haven't seen my face really."

Snow: "(-_-') Get over it."

Shiro: "Domick, I have estimated your skills. In conclusion, I can say firmly… You cannot beat me."

Domick: "What? You estimated me on behalf on this one turn?"

Shiro: "On behalf of your style. You still rely on the strength of the Celestial Shining Star lockdown, despite claiming to be a duelist of the Xyz plane. I have found a way to break your combo, and so you'll have to recall your ways before I stop it. I set one card face-down. Turn end."

Vanille: "Huh? Hey, Fang, what do you think he meant?"

Fang: "We'll see soon enough."

Domick: "You're bluffing. I'm not buying it. You would have me fear that face-down card, am I right? But I won't falter! I have a job to do, so I've promissed the boss! (draws) My turn, draw! (looks at his card) Burst Blastback? This card can eliminate one monster on each player's side of the field, but doing so will cost me my combo. I can't use that yet. Battle! Celestial Shining Star, destroy that Lancer once and for all!"

Just as Celestial Shining Star approached the Lancer once more…

Shiro: "You failed again."

Domick: "What?"

Shiro: "I reveal my Trap card: Stratos Quote! (the card flips) Now see what happens."

In a blink of an eye, Lancer vanished from Shiro's side of the field. Then, one moment later, it stood firmly on Domick' side, facing Shiro.

Domick: "Huh? What is the Lancer doing on my side?"

Shiro: "Stratos Quote is a trap that brings the attacked monster under my opponent's control, then redirects the attack on a monster on his side! And I select… (fingerpoints) Luminous Lantern!"

Celestial Shining Star turned around to face it's new enemy, only it saw one in the sight of one of it's own. It extended it's cables towards Luminous Lantern, already showering it with sparks and lasers.

Due to it's own effect:

Luminous Lantern: ATK: 1100

Domick: "No! Lantern! (Lantern shatters) Gyaaaaaaahhh! (falls back)"

Domick: LP: 700

Hope: "What a comeback! He blew up his own monster!"

Sazh: "(nods) Oh yeah, and on top of that, as that Xyz whachamacallit is pulverized, Shiro no longer has to worry about the Force Fight combo."

Lightning: "I see now what Shiro meant."

Sazh: "Hm? By what?"

Lightning: "Shiro's enemies so far were very strong. Domick proved his strength with his lockdown combo. But, if you exclude Celestial Shining Star from Domick's side… his level is by far inferior to Shiro's dueling skills. Perhaps it's because he's focusing on fulfilling a mission rather than duel in his preffered way."

Shiro: "And that is your downfall. You're only focusing on changing my mind in comming back. But I can't, and that's something I'm willing to protect."

Domick: "(gets up) Ghhh…Hhhh…You do not understand… Shiro, I understand your concern for these people, but they all know too little. I am on a tight schedule here. Unless you decide to acompany me now, there will be no second chance to return!"

Shiro: "What?"

This is where things got interresting. The silence of the surrounding Pulse world was only filled with gasps and sounds of the blowing wind.

Vanille: "You mean… If Shiro chooses to stay with us here…"

Lightning: "He will never see home again."

Domick: "There you have it. You're not the only one fighting battles, guys. Wars are being fought all the time, and he has to make his choice now."

Shiro: "I…"

Domick: "That is the sole reason why I had you duel me, Shiro. To find an important answer in your dilemma. It's either comming home, or end up stranded for good. Once the wormhole leading home closes, it could take weeks, months, years even to Transect to the right location. And my equipment only supports one such act. There will be no other choice. (picks a card) While we're still having a battle phase, I'll play this Instant Spell card from my hand: Burst Blastback! This card can destroy one monster on each of our respective fields, then inflict 1000 damage to my opponent."

With a radiant glow on both their chest, Frostland Lancer and the Blue Giant both blew up and shattered. Shiro felt a strong wind embracing him, pushing him backwards.

Shiro: LP: 1500

Domick: "I end my turn like this. Shiro, as a duelist, if you can't hear your heart's calling, all that remains is to see what the cards will tell you. That is what I was aiming at. For you to meet a wise choice."

Shiro: "I… ghh… (draws) I… I have heard… my heart."

Lightning's chest suddenly felt tight, as if something sharp passed through her heart.

Lightning: "… Shiro… What will you decide?"

Snow: "He has an answer?"

Sazh: "Must be tough on him. But… Somehow, we are to blame as well, aren't we? I mean, isn't it because he wants to help us that he's having second thoughts?"

Vanille: "I don't want Shiro to go… But…"

Hope: "We can't make him stay either, not if he thinks there's something more important there."

Shiro: "I set a card down. (sets) Turn end."

Domick: "I will be expecting the answer soon, Shiro. I draw. (draw) I play Sunshine Siren!"

He summoned a monster: a mermaid with golden fish-scales and lustering membranes as fins, carrying a staff with an odd emblem: a sun trapped in a bubble. ATK: 700/ LV4

Domick: "When Sunshine Siren is summoned, her ability can be activated. That means I gain Life points same as a selected Light monster has attack points. And I select Celestial Shining Star."

The mermaid pointed her staff at the giant monster next to her, showering it with blue glitter, which also sparkled over Domick's body like a shower of pixie dust.

Domick: "My Life goes up by 2500. I am fully recovered."

Domick: LP: 3200

Hope: "Now he has annuled all damage Shiro dealt."

Domick: "I expect your answer in this turn. Battle! I attack directly with Sunshine Siren!"

The mermaid simply pointed her staff in Shiro's direction, incinerated it and launched a blast at him that had a similar effect as a cannonball, rising dust and creating shockwaves that almost knocked Shiro out.

Shiro: LP: 800

Domick: "So the face-down was useless anyway? Very well. This will be the final strike: Celestial Shining Star, attack him directly! Lightwave Tsunami!"

Lasers and yellow lihgnting were shot out of the Star's extended cables, all forming a powerful stream of yellow energy, which culminated at Shiro's side… in a bang. A massive bang.

Time almost stood still for the team. They could only wait for the dust to settle, but they feared the worst.

Vanille: "Did he…?"

Sazh: "No way."

Lightning: "Shiro, speak to us!"

The dust was starting to get more transparent. Domick kept watching in expectation.

Domick: "…... Hm?"

Moments later…

Shiro: "I told you my heart decided already. And here is what it said."

Shiro was standing, not a scratch on his body. LP: 800

Shiro: "It is telling me… Not to give up!"

Shiro pointed at a certain card on his side of the field. A new card with Diamond Dust Dragon in it's artwork.

Domick: "What is that?"

Shiro: "The Trap card: Diamond Lightroad! It activates when I take 2000 or more points of damage and negates all damage I take."

Domick: "So that's how you escaped my attack."

Shiro: "And there's more. Diamond Lightroad's second effect activates, and I can summon Diamond Dust Dragon from my deck!"

The Trap card dispersed into sparkling dust, forming a giant twister.

Domick: "What? You can't do that! Celestial Shining Stat locks all Synchro summons!"

Shiro: "This is not a Synchro summon, and it does not occur on my turn. I bypassed your lockdown conditions. Rise up, my Comandee!"

Shiro's brand lit up as the dust behind him took shape: dust became matter, matter became a body, and the shimmer became a soul.

Shiro: "Diamond Dust Dragon!"

Diamond Dust Dragon arrived, with song in heart and justice in sight. ATK: 2300/ LV7

Vanille: "He called Diamond Dust!"

Snow: "Alright, now things will finally start to move!"

Lightning: "Even with Celestial Shining Star on the field, domick could still not avoid the summoning of Shiro's ace card."

Domick: "(amazed) That is Shiro's Comandee spirit, Diamond Dust Dragon! To think… I get to see it… This beautiful sparkling light… (looks at his hand) Indeed… I shall deliver you a battle to remember! I play the Equipment Spell Corona Shell!"

Just as Diamond Dust's light fades, Shining star's increased, and in front of it, and all over it, an odd forcefield shaped like a round shell of green light appeared.

Domick: "Thanks to the effects of this spell, you can only select Celestial Shining Star as an attack target. Diamond Dust Dragon will have to face my ultimate monster in order to survive. And my Sunshine Siren is safe from harm. Turn end."

Shiro: "My turn! (draws)"

Domick: "At this time, I activate the second effect of Corona Shell! That means we both take 600 points of damage!"

A bright radiance suddenly errupted from the closed shell that shielded Celestial Shining Star. It was like the shell itself was keeping the Star's radiance from growing out, but now that it opened up, the aggregated light bursted out in form of a laser beam. One beam hit Domick in the chest, pushing him back slightly.

Domick: "Ghhhhhh…!"

Domick: LP: 2600

Domick: "I took my hit, now it's your turn!"

… and the second beam was headed for Shiro.

Shiro: "Diamond Dust Dragon's effect activates! When effect damage is about to be dealt, Diamond Dust Dragon gives me 1000 Life points, then reduces the all incommon damage I receive by half. Go, Revoke Life!"

By calling out a tremendous amount of diamond dust, the dragon's roar created a giant sigl in mid air, shaped roughly like a snowflake, which halted the beam's advance, and showered Shiro with blue dust before letting a now reduced beam through. Shiro endured the damage perfectly.

Shiro: LP: 800… 1800… 1500

Domick: "That's Diamond Dust's effect? Ts… Then Corona Shell will do me more harm than good. I guess I had it comming for what I did, using Shining Star insted of an honorable Xyz deck."

Lightning: "I guess we can all just wait until Domick's turns run out. With Diamond Dust's effect, every time Domick uses Corona Shell's effect, both players end up damaged, but Shiro only ends up with more Life points than he started with. At this rate, Domick will self-destruct before Shiro makes another move."

Fang: "Unless Domick finds a way to deal with Diamond Dust's effect."

Vanille took a look at the field. So far she didn't notice this, but for some reason, now of all times something seemed familiar.

Vanille: "Did this… happen before?"

Shiro: "I play the Spell card Hope of One! If I have no other cards in my hand, I can draw a card, and if it's a level 1 monster, I can Special summon it. Plus, if that happens, I can draw 2 more cards. (draws) Here goes! … (looks at the card, smiles) And I Special summon Huriboh!"

Before him, a blue fuzzball in winter garments made an appearace, swirling jubilantly and ruffling something in a cute tone.

Huriboh: "Huriiiii! Huri-huri. (DEF: 200)"

Chocobo: "Kweeeeh!"

Sazh: "Hey, hey, look who's back."

Shiro: "By Hope of One's effect, I draw 2 more cards. (draws 2) I set these 2 down. Turn end."

Domick: "Too proud to evoke battle with my monster? Fine by me. (draws) My turn then! I cannot let his Diamond Dust Dragon stall the damage anymore, if his Life points become higher than mine, I'm as good as toast! Battle: Celestial Shining Star, attack Diamond Dust Dragon!"

Just as Celestial Shining Star extended it's cables and approached Diamond Dust Dragon, exiting the safety of it's shell…

Shiro: "Time to intercept. I activate Huriboh's special ability!"

Huriboh: "Huri-huri! (flies in the Star's path)"

Shiro: "When a monster other than Huriboh is attacked, Huriboh changes from Defense mode into Attack mode and takes the blast instead."

Huriboh: "(bold) Huri! Huri! (ATK: 300)"

Having nothing else in it's path, Celestial Shining Star opened fire upon the small creature in front of it. The waves of light seemingly vaporized the Huriboh, but they did so with a poof, and Huriboh became a cloud of gentle blue snow.

Shiro: "Huriboh's effect negates all Battle damage dealt this way."

Domick: "Ah, shoot, I misplayed. Had I destroyed Huriboh with Sunshine Siren I could have owned the match. I guess my time is over."

Shiro: "Domick, listen. I will give your campaign a prize worthwhile."

Domick: "What?"

Shiro: "You fear defeat by your own hand. However, in order to honor your persistence, I will make your defeat… One by an overwhelming opponent! (points at the Star) I will shatter that star of ruin, and with it, restore your honor!"

Hope: "What does that even mean?"

Snow: "I get it. Domick was not fighting his own battle ever since that Shining Star showed up. Shiro means to destroy it, and with it, act as if Domick fought with his own strength. Also, if he does that, Domick's loss will count as a defeat by shiro's hand, not by own effect."

Hope: "But how will he do that? Diamond Dust Dragon not only lacks the strength to fight that star, but there's it effect as well, which would halve Diamond Dust's power in half. Shiro must somehow come up with two times it's original strength before he can even consider battling him."

Vanille, for some reason, seemed frightened…

She paced back.

Fang: "Huh? Vanille, you alright?"

Vanille: "Uhm, yes, I'm fine. (hangs her head) Now I know what this reminds me of…"

Here's what she saw: in the sight of Celestial Shining Star, especially with that Corona Shell equipped, she saw the eact the same shape…

… As Cocoon, 500 years ago.

Domick: "You keep resisting. Does that mean…?"

Shiro: "(nods) Right. I have made my mind. I am, in truth, homesick. But… But my own pain for home can wait, I have a different battle to fight. I don't care how long it takes, somehow, I believe it will come true. I will both save this world… AND see home again!"

The speech moved the l'Cie. He chose them.

Hope: "Does that mean…"

Snow: "You're staying! Hahaha! I knew we were too cute to resist!"

Shiro: "(to them) Guys… Ever since I came here, I started to believe in everything. Even miracles. Thus… (looks at Lightning) allow me to give some back!"

Lightning: "(nods) Just end the duel so we can go for Oerba, you staller."

Shiro: "I will. (to Domick) I make a turn! (draws) Draw!"

Domick: "During Standby phase, the effect of Corona Shell activates! We both take 600 damage."

The shell opened up it's pores anew, releasing 2 beams of light, one of which was aimed at Shiro, and the other at Domick.

Shiro: "Diamond Dust intercepts: Revoke Life!"

The beam targeted at Shiro was stalled by a giant sigl-shield created by Diamond Dust Dragon. Both beams hit, but neither player backed down.

Domick: LP: 2000

Shiro: LP: 2500… 2200

Shiro: "I must finish this fast, we're running out of time! (looks at the drawn card) Hmmm… (looks at the field)"

With his sense of strategy, Shiro saw a road to victory.

Shiro: "Trap card, open! Severe Frostbite! (the card flips) I'll equip this card to my Diamond Dust Dragon!"

Icy spikes surrounded Diamond Dust's aura, and it's voice was raised in response. ATK: 1150

Shiro: "With the effect of Sever Frostbite, Diamond Dust Dragon's attack points are reduced by half. However, I can select another target on the field, and with it, the target looses all Attack points. Diamond Dust Dragon, freeze Celestial Shining Star!"

With a breath that was now amplifed by shards of ice, the dragon sent forward a stream of blue radiance, which, on contact with the invisible shell of Celestial Shining Star, froze the forcefield completely, and also causing the Star's luster to fade.

Celestial Shining Star: ATK: 0

Domick: "Now it has no defense whatsoever."

What most other saw was an enemy being slain…

What Vanille saw: a dark memory. Celestial Shining Star's frozen form now completely resembled the floating Cocoon, and even overlapped with it in shape. She gasped.

Fang noticed this.

Fang: "Can this be about…?"

Shiro: "Next, I play the Spell card Tuning Spark! This card special summons a low-level monster from my Graveyard, negates it's effect and turns it into a Tuner! The monster I'm reviving is none other than Huriboh!"

From a burst of bubbles… That's right, bubbles, Huriboh emerged back on the field, surrounded by a small bubble, which popped soon after, then the small monster winked.

Huriboh: "Huri-huri-huri! Weeee! (ATK: 300)"

Shiro: "Go, Diamond Dust Dragon! Break through that shell and attack Celestial Shining Star!"

The Dragon did so: it raised it's wings, and flew up to meet it's enemy. Once there, the Dragon started clawing on the surface of the frozen shell, tearing it appart. Once a large enough gap was formed in the shell, the dragon started opening it up by using both hands, like he was opening a massive jaws of a beast. Inside the shell, the now almost dead Shining Star was waiting.

Domnick: "This might be it's last breath, but Shining Star's effect still activates. That halves the Attack points of the monster it battles since it was summoned from the Extra deck!"

The robotic head of the Star lit up it's eyes and shot forward a laser beam into the dragon's chest, trying to push it back.

Diamond Dust Dragon: ATK: 575

Despite the heat and the force, the dragon endured, then lit up it's own throat and sent forward an even larger beam, this being blue and burning, opposing to the yellow and shining. The beam broke through, and in contact with the Star's head…

The entire construction exploded.

Diamond Dust Dragon was pushed back, for a moment seeming like it was floating in the air after a defeat, but the Celestial Star's state was even worse: it's body torn to pieces, all sighns of life, even the lights in it's eyes and wings, faded, and the creature shattered.

Both players felt the shock…

Domick: LP: 1425

… But Vanille was shaken most of it.

For no apparent reason, she held her head and started screaming, getting everyone's attention.

Sazh: "Huh?"

Hope: "AH?"

Snow: "What's wrong?"

Fang: "Oi, Vanille!"

Just as she realized she was being called for, Vanille compulsed herself.

Vanille: "Uhm… I, err…"

Fang: "What's wrong with you?"

Vanille: "It's nothing. Please don't worry about me."

Fang: "How couldn't I? (looks at the field) What did she see?"

It was evident something on the gamefield disturbed Vanille, but Fang could not figure out what it was…

Until the fallen Shining Star fell down and revealed the shape in the sky it was overlapping with.

It was Cocoon, with it's shell half broken.

And even the shape of Diamond Dust Dragon, standing before the utopia's gaze, brought back a familiar shape.

Fang: "This is…!"

Here's her overlapping vision:

The same scene as before, Diamond Dust Dragon flying up to Celestial Shining Star's shell, and breaking it apart.

The movements and shapes were similar, but the true memory was much darker:

The sky was red. Intead of the Star, there was Cocoon, and instead of Diamond Dust, there was a colossal beast.

It leaped into the sky, and started cracking the outer shell of Cocoon, roaring in wrath and brutally striking against the wall before it.

It's strength was immense, almost half the Cocoon's outer rim started to crack. Yet, before it could finish the task, a powerful beam of light was shot out of the wound of the utopian Moon, pushing the beast back and robbing it's strength.

Both the beast and Cocoon were wounded, yet only the city survived.

The beast's name was Ragnarok.

And it wore Fang's face.

That was the flashback of Fang's missing memory.

Fang: "I see… So I was right."

No one was sure anymore what was being talked about. But for some reason, Vanille's eyes started to moisture and small tears were forming in the angles of her eyes.

Vanille: "Wha… What do you…"

Fang: "I remember now. (looks at Vanille) I became Ragnarok. Haven't I?"

The line shook the group a little, and none of them dared tp speak until they heard the whole thing.

Fang: "It all came back to me. You said you didn't remember what our Focus was, you've been running from it all this time. But it was me in fact. I did our Focus for us, only me. It all makes sense now. This explains why my brand stopped advancing while yours is still active. It was only me who did the job, and me alone who hurt all those people."

Vanille: "No! (starts crying) No that's not true, it was not you…"

Fang: "Stop lying to me!"

Vanille shut up. How little did she expect Fang would raise her voice on her. How little did they all expect this.

Fang: "I can't believe this."

Vanille: "It's not… It's just not… Fang, it's not what you think…"

Fang: "It's the fact that you lied to me that I can't believe. You of all people!"

Vanille ducked and closed her eyes. She expected to get hit by Fang. She also felt as if she deserved it. But… Instead of a punch, she got a gentle tap on the shoulder. When she opened her eyes again, she saw Fang, smiling.

Fang: "You poor dear. You've had it rough. Why did you do it?"

Unable to answer at first, Vanille had to drop on her knees first, crying a river of tears and soaking the ground with them.

Vanille: "I couldn't bear it… I just couldn't. The fact that you or anyone else were involved in such a terrible thing… I tried everything, anything to escape that memory."

Lightning: "Vanille…"

Shiro: "… Poor thing."

Vanille: "So I tried to ignore it all. My Focus, my vision, my memories, everything. But… the more I kept lying, the more people I care about got hurt. I kept making things worse and worse. It's all my fault!"

Snow: "Hey, Vanille… Look, we can never blame just one of us, we all messed up big time."

Vanille lifted her head. She wanted to look into the other's eyes, even though hers were stained with tears.

Sazh: "He's right. As said, we all have our regrets. And heck, we knew what we were getting ourselves in when we boarded that airship."

Lightning: "When we boarded the Pulse Vestige too. All in. All for one."

Not knowing what to say, Hope simply smiled in Vanille's direction. Shiro did the same. Domick simply scratched his head, confused.

Vanille: "Guys… (cries heavily) I'm so sorry… I'm sorry I lied to you all! I tried to take the blame by myself, I just didn't want anyone else to… To feel such a burden!"

That's when it occured: the ground beneath vanille lit up. In her place, a large, apricot-colored sigl sprouted. The light was both divine and majestic.

Vanille: "What?"

Fang: "Finally, it's here!"

Lightning: "Her Eidolon?"

Hope: "Vanille must have conquered her weakness!"

Sazh: "Come on, give it one last push!"

Vanille's brand lit up, and she felt an unbelievable warmth in her chest. She meant to capture her tears in her hands, but the tears instead shattered, then formed a new shape: she was holding a crystal shaped like an apple.

"Hecatoncheir shall rise… his bond eternal and unyielding."

Vanille: "This is… (to Shiro) Shiro. Finish this quick, so we can all find a miracle!"

She tossed the crystal in his direction, and in mid air, the crystal shattered, reforming from the dust in a new, narrow shape. What Shiro caught was a card, with a white rim. He could only smile in return.

Shiro: "Just what I needed."

Domick: "What just happened? Wait… My scanners… They've gone mad! Don't tell me… So that's how it is. This is the reason you chose their world instead of your own."

Shiro: "Right. With their strength, I find mine, and in return, I wield that strength to aid them! (puts his arm up) It's still my turn, and I reveal my Trap card: Urgent Tuning! (the card flips) During Battle phase, if the materials exist on my field, I can perfom another Synchro summon. As Celestial Shining Star is destroyed, it's lockdown is lifted, and because of Tuning spark, Huriboh became a Tuner monster."

Domick: "Another summon?"

Shiro: "I tune my level 7 Diamond Dust Dragon with the level 1 Tuner Huriboh!"

Huriboh was new to this tuning business, so he had to put it's back into it. Still, the persistent fuzzball managed to create a Synchro ring, which surrounded Diamond Dust Dragon.

Huriboh: "Hurihurihurihurihuri- HURI! (dissolves)"

7* + 1* = 8*

Shiro: "When words compress a flawless virtue, arms supporting the heavens will return it to the world a thousand-fold. With sparkling dust, shatter that dream into wake!"

Lights united, and the earth shattered as a new monster came out…

Shiro: "Synchro summon! Take arms, Gigas of Etro… Hecatoncheir!"

It looked like an army of mechanical arms, and later the rest of the Eidolon came out: an odd head shaped like a centurion helmet, and the many arms that stretched out were in fact extentions of the 2 wheels he was carrying on his shoulders. It, in fact, had 4 real arms on the correct spots, and the entire creature was as slim as an athlete. The mmovement of every single arm, every single joint, it was all occuring so fast it seemed like a thousand arm stretched out at once, so great was the perfromance. ATK: 2400/ LV8

Fang: "It's here: the Eidolon!"

Shiro: "Battle! Hecatoncheir, attack Sunshine Siren with Gaian Salvo!"

Imagine what kind of rippling movement that was, to see about 20 arms move simultaneously, every single one performing hits and punches rapidly. These were aimed at the ground, cracking it, and sending an actual shockwave of earth at the Siren, who could only scream as the wave pushed her sideways, when her image disintegrated into pixels. The impact, however, was still heading for Domick.

Domick: "(O.O)… Oh, bucket."

The wave hit him, and threw him back at the force of a stampede. He landed hard on the ground, and his AR-Vision surrounding was slowly fading away.

Domick: LP: 0/ LOSER

The images finally faded, and Shiro could retract the duel disk back into it's dormant state. Shiro picked up the new card he obtained: the earth gigas blessed by Etro. It was time for congratulations.

Shiro: "And this… makes 6."

Sazh: "See, told ya' he'll master it."

Snow: "When exactly did you make that assumption?"

Hope: "That means… We all mastered our Eidolons now."

Fang: "And we're ready to take on whatever lies ahead, right?"

Lightning: "So… To Oerba we all go."

Everybody standig let out a loud "hooray" noise.

Shiro: "(to his friends) Thank you, everyone. Once more, you have aided in my triumph."

Lightning: "When exactly did we help? You did all the playing."

Domick got back to his feet then, cleaning the dirt from his suit.

Domick: "I see now why you chose them. That was well played… No wait. What I meant to say was 'That was well played, I see now why you chose them'."

Hope&Snow: "(-_-) Isn't that one and the same?"

Domick: "I should have known you'd perform like that. After all, the boss told me you were more emotional than your name gives."

Shiro: "Which reminds me, Domick, who exactly IS this new boss of O-Zone?"

Domick: "Hm? I thought I told you that already."

Sazh&Vanille&Fang: "No, you didn't."

Domick: "Hmmmmm… Oh, right, I didn't."

Sazh&Vanille&Fang: "We know that."

Shiro: "Well…"

Domick: "I am aware we messed up a lot in the past, but she helped us straighten things up. We're all good guys now."

Shiro: "You already said tha… Wait, did you say 'she'?"

Domick: "Aye. Perhaps you've heard of her."

Shiro: "Her name, Domick. Speak."

The agent took a deep breath, and paused each word carefully. The spoken name… it was a surprise.

Domick: "… Shuuki… Yunata."

If you wish to know the kind of surprise Shiro got from hearing that, pretend Domick said something like "Fudo Yusei". … Or "Chuck Norris", yes that is probably better. He was surprised, that's the point.

Shiro: "Yunata… Wait… THE Yunata?"

Domick: "I respect your decision, but she also left a message to every Battle Duelist I encounter. One last bit of info. It says… 'Do not forget…'"

Then, he said another word, whose impact echoed deep in Shiro's heart.

Domick: "'…Chaoskampf.'"

(to be continued)

(BONUS)

ChibiVanille: "Helloooooo there! Thanks for watching us! Now, last time we asked you a tough question, which turned out to be a lot tougher than we tought. Let's get reminded, shall we?"

(cards appear on screen)

ChibiVanille: "These W-Ark monsters have odd names. Can you guess what this stands for?"

- W-Ark Blasturion NT

- W-Ark Ampliphteron ST

- W-Ark Dactylopteron NT

ChibiVanille: "As promised, I asked an expert, and this is what he said."

ChibiCid: "V-Ark archetype reflects their backstory, the Noah project, in which the Ark monsters gather creatures from various planets, 3 of each kind. This is called Project Noah, hence the archetype's speciality to summon multiple copies of the same kind. The Ark divides into 3 ranks: V-Ark, the least, are the common kind, divided in Tuners and Non Tuners. The Tuners resemble Ark's workforce, droids and other mechanical equipment, and as such resemble machines, whence the Non Tuners represent the collected lifeforms from various planets, and as such their appearance is more natural. Then there's the W-Ark, which represents a combined cybernetic fusion of the two, and the highest, the X-Ark, their flagship. Summoning this ship requires perfect synch of staff, and because of this, the W-Ark troopers divide into 2 sections:"

ST- stands for Synchro Tuner!

NT- stands for Non Tuner!

ChibiCid: "Together they make the X-Ark Accel Synchro! (Prismark's card appears)"

Vanille: "Too long, just say so immediatelly. Sadly, no one figured this out, but never fear. We're still giving away the super prize we promised. And this prize is… (winks) You'll see, after the song."

/ending song: "Starting Again" by Sayaka Saki/

(instrumental opening)

(Sunshine hits the window of the bedroom where Lightning is sleeping in; hitting her face and waking her up; she blinks a few times before getting up)

Ima kasanete iku
CARD no uraniwa,

(she looks out the window, smiling, then at the picture on the desk next to her)
Donna mirai ga
matte iru no ka,

(she picks it up, observing for a moment, before putting it back)

Kotae awase nara
itsudemo dekiru yo,

(in the kitchen, she takes out a bottle of juice, and fills a glass on the table with it)
IMAGINATION

(she's making breakfast, when something passes by her)
koeru POWER,

(she fails to see what it was)

Kinou tsuita uso ni
nigedasanai de,

(in observation, she opens the window, but sees nothing outside)
Ajita wo sou genjitsu ni,

(then notices something on the table where her juice was)
Kaeteku doryoku wo sureba ii,

(she smiles)

Atarashii
kaze ga fuku,
Dare nimo makenai OUR SOUL!

(she approaches the table, picks up the juice…)
Dokomademo
tsunaida te wa hanasanai,

(and slowly paces towards the window, sitting on it's edge while looking outside)

ANYTIME YOU CAN!
EVERYWHERE YOU CAN!
Kono mama chikyuu ni RIDE ON!

(Shiro is outside, smiling up at her and sitting on King Blizzard; he salutes her)
Kanawanai
yumenan kana ito
shoumei shiyou.

(she fixes her hair, then takes a sip from her drink; she looks at it: there was now a pair of icecubes in it)

(next time)

Vanille: "Now that we're giving away next episode spoilers, we might as well say it: next time: every fan's dream: Lightning-chan duels as well! Well, sort of. But, what kind of cards will she use? Any ideas? If you can make up fan-cards for Lightning to use, we certainly won't turn those ideas down. PM us, share your ideas, and we'll make it happen. Sweet!"

(seriously, next time)

Lightning: "Go away for as much as I care!"

Shiro: "Have I made the right choice?"

Sazh: "Woah, WOAH, I think it's dead now."

Lightning: "Had any sweet dreams?"

Shiro: "This feels wrong… like it isn't real."

Lightning: "You're right. It isn't!"

Titan: "L'Cie dwell outside the natural order."

Shiro: "Lightning, what…?"

Lightning: "That dream shattered! This is what you deserve!"

Shiro: "Souls linked… Diamond Dust, why?"

Shiro: "Next time on Cold Saga: 'Clashing Hearts- Trial of Titan'. With sparkling dust, shatter that dream into wake!"

Card intel:

Akira's Wish (Spell, normal)- Discard 1 LIGHT monster from your hand, then select 1 LIGHT monster in your deck; during the End phase: add the selected monster to your hand.

Space Walker (LIGHT/ level 4/ Warrior-type/ ATK: 0 DEF: 0)- If this card is sent from your hand or deck to the Graveyard: you can Special summon 1 level 4 or lower LIGHT monster from your hand.

Glitter Lion (LIGHT/ level 4/ Beast-type/ ATK: 1500/ DEF: 1400)- If this card is removed from the field, except by being sent to the Graveyard: you gain 1000 Life points.

Liberator Sage Seraph (LIGHT/ level 4/ Fairy-type/ ATK: 1600/ DEF: 1300)- When this card is Special summoned: target 1 set monster on the field; switch it to face-up Attack position (Flip effects are negated).

Luminous Lantern (Xyz/ LIGHT/ rank 4/ Fairy-type/ ATK: 2200/ DEF: 1000)- 2 level 4 LIGHT monsters
- If a monster is Special summoned during your opponent's Main phase 1: you can select 1 level 5 or higher monster you control and detach 1 of this card's Xyz materials: all Attack position monsters your opponent control that can attack must attack the selected monster during this turn; that monster is not destroyed by battle this turn.

Celestial Shining Star (LIGHT/ level 9/ Fairy-type/ ATK: 2500 DEF: 2500)- This card cannot be Normal summoned. If your opponent Fusion summons, Synchro summons or Xyz summons a monster (from the Extra deck): you can Special summon this card from your hand. If this card battles a monster Special summoned from the Extra deck: halve that monster's ATK during Damage step. As long as this card remains face-up: during their respective turns, neither player can Synchro summon, Xyz summon or Fusion summon monsters from the Extra deck.

Shadow Disposal (Trap, normal)- When a LIGHT monster is selected as an attack target: reduce the attacking monster's ATK by an amount equal to the attacked monster's ATK during damage calculation only; neither monster is destroyed by that battle.

Diamond Wave (Trap, Counter)- If your opponent activates a Spell or Trap card when a Cryonite-type monster on the field attacks or is attacked, negate that card's activation and effect and destroy it.

Burst Blastback (Spell, Quick-play)- During Battle phase: select 1 monster on each player's side of the field; destroy the selected monsters, then inflict 1000 damage to your opponent.

Stratos Quote (Trap, normal)- If a monster you control is selected as an attack target: switch control over the attacked monster to your opponent, then select 1 monster your opponent controls (except the attacking monster); that monster becomes the new attack target.

Sunshine Siren (LIGHT/ level 4/ Aqua-type/ ATK: 700/ DEF: 1800)- When this card is Normal summoned: target 1 face-up LIGHT monster you control; gain Life points equal to the selected monster's ATK.

Diamond Lightroad (Trap, normal)- Activate if you would take 2000 or more damage to your Life points. Negate the damage, and Special summon 1 "Diamond Dust Dragon" from your Extra deck.

Corona Shell (Spell, Equip)- The equiped monster is switched to Attack position, and it's position cannot be changed. Your opponent cannot select a monster other than the equiped monster as an attack target. During each of your opponent's Standby phases, inflict 600 damage to both players. You can only control 1 "Corona Shell".

Hope of One (Spell, normal)- Activate only is you don't have any other cards in your hand. Draw 1 card from your deck. If you draw a level 1 monster, Special summon it, then draw 2 cards from your deck.

Tuning Spark (Spell, Equip)- Special summon 1 level 2 or lower non-Tuner monster from your Graveyard and equip it with this card. The equiped monster is treated as a Tuner and it's effects are negated.

Hecatocheir, Gigas of Etro (Synchro/ level 8/ Fairy-type/ ATK: 2400/ DEF: 2600)- 1 Tuner + 1 or more non-Tuner monsters
- When this card is Synchro summoned, you can select 1 Spell or Trap card from your deck and set it on your side of the field (it cannot be activated during this turn). During the End phase, you can change all face-up monsters you control to face-up Defense position.