Chapter 11

The couple went inside to inform their friends about their afternoon plans only to be surprised by the sight of several children hopping onto Shingo's back urging him to play horsey with them, while Gongenzaka appeared relatively annoyed having to carry a bunch of them on his arms and back while they fiddled and messed up his neatly combed pompadour.

Upon sight of their friends their faces brightened up with hope, "Yugo! Rin! Thank the heavens you're here!" breathed Gongnenzaka.

"Please! You've gotta give us a hand! These little monsters are starting to drive me crazy!" screamed Shingo.

Yugo then scratched his head unsurely in response, "Ummm about that guys, we're about to go out for a bit." he said, "Hope you don't mind holding down the fort while we're away. "

Rin then smiled encouragingly, "I'm sure you guys can handle it, don't worry I have absolute faith in you."

Their friends blinked their eyes in confusion, "Huh?"

"Say what!?" exclaimed Shingo furiously and his eyes bulged with fury.

"Cool? Okay thanks!" grinned Yugo as he and Rin headed out the door.

"See you later!" called Rin as she shut the door behind them leaving the 2 boys to face the onslaught of an army of kids!

"H…Hey wait!" cried Shingo as the kids on his back jumped up and down until he collapsed under their combined weight! Gongnenzaka on the other hand groaned miserably as he turned back to the kitchen to stop a few more of the children from raiding the cabinet for cookies and sweets.

Meanwhile on their little hangout, both Yugo and Rin freely strolled through he city square where people of different backgrounds and factions walked together. Last tome they always had to be on alert against securities on patrols but now they would relax easy and do as they pleased. "So Rin, where would you like to go first?" Yugo then asked.

"Really? Y…you're….letting me pick where we go?" Rin asked surprised.

He grinned and nodded, "Sure why not! In fact I think you deserve a nice treat now that you're finally free and back home where you belong!" he said enthusiastically, "Tell you what today's my treat! Thanks to Yoko, I mean mom, giving me and the guys a little extra pocket money to spend, I'm sure we can afford whatever you want!" he insisted.

Rin then blushed gratefully, "Aww thanks….it's kinda unusual you being a gentleman and all of a sudden but I'm not complaining…." she giggled before drifting into thought, tapping her chin with her finger, "Hmm, if I had to pick I'd say Cafe la Green, that special place just in the city square we always passed by." she suggested, "I always wanted to go there for a long time to try out its signature mountain coffee. Even though it was reserved for tops once, I'm sure it's open to all people now!"

Yugo sweat dropped, "Eh? But isn't that place like REALLY expensive? You really think we can afford it?" he said uneasily, only to be met with Rin staring at him with puppy dog eyes, much like Selena did with Yuri. Fortunately for the girls, Yugo was far less able to resist a pleading girl than his brother was so he gave up in only a few seconds, "Oh okay…." he groaned in defeat as they soon found themselves having tea time at a table for 2. While Rin sipped on their special mountain roast Yugo simply helped himself to a glass of plain water.

"Hey hee, you're right it does work everytime Yuzu." giggled Rin whispering to her sister.

"Told you Rin." she replied, "Those boys would do anything for a girl in need, so there's nothing wrong with acting all cutesy."

Ruri then turned to their most tomboyish sister, "Well Selena?" she asked wanting her opinion.

She seemed rather uninterested and folded her arms yet decided to be truthful, "Not my style…but effective nonetheless." she said, "Don't expect me to do it as often as you though…."

After their tea break the 2 of them continued to stroll around the city and taking in its sights. Changes were more apparent than just the outside, like Gallager's underground duel ring was now made not only legal but now the audience was no longer segregated and they could enjoy the entertaining turbo duels together. Other places they visited included some old card and duel runner stores they once visited, now open to both factions of society. Hotels that were once exclusively for tops were now open as well to commons and in other places like streets or construction sites, both types of people gladly lent an open hand to the other when they needed it, like an elderly top being escorted by a common across a busy street or some tops providing fine quality building materials for a new shopping complex in the district. "Whoa, the city's changed a lot more than I first thought…." commented Yugo as he and Rin took a break to enjoy the scenery at a fancy tops park.

"Yeah, I mean I got caught and you bounced all over the dimensions looking for me, we never got a chance to see how much Yuya did for our home." added Rin as said boy appeared behind them, "Thanks Yuya, because of you the dreams of many poor and underprivileged commons are now living the life we all hoped for." she said gratefully.

"Aww…don't mention it." he smiled and scratched the back of his head in embarrassment, "I did it not simply just to help bring peace and help everyone to understand duels should be used to make people happy and unite them, not as a tool to destroy each other." he said before taking a look back at the city behind them and seeing some of them duelling one another (a tops with ally of justice catastor facing off against a common with Juracc Giganoto) without any hatred or bitterness between them, "And now I can see that they all finally understand it too." he said gladly and at peace.

His friends responded in turn with a smile of their own, "Yup, and you can be sure we'll help you make sure everyone else understands it too." said Yugo. As they were about to leave though, the sounds of loud shouting caught their attention.

"Hey! Look what you did to our beautiful park!" As they turned to look they noticed a trio of rowdy punk commons (with piercings, mohawks, rugged clothes and tattoos) had vandalised some parts of the park they were all in and were opposed by a group of tops. The fountain had been sprayed with graffiti, the carefully raked up leaves had been scattered about and they got the park benches soiled with dirt and shoe prints. The tops adults and children looked on disheartenedly at the 3 punks who were dancing about uncontrollably and ruining their precious place in the process.

"You clean it up right now!" one man demanded which only earned snickers in reposes form the interlopers.

"Oh yeah? And who's going to make us?" one mocked, "It's a free city now you tops!"

"Now we can all do as we please! And we can do whatever we want! Everything you tops never let us do! Ha!" Another laughed.

"Hahaha! Come on boys let's split!" The leader punk said as they leapt off the bench and kicked over a trash can in the process as they made their escape!

"H…Hey get back here you punks!" a couple of men yelled as they chased after them. Those that remained behind looked over the damage done by the roughnecks with heavy hearts.

"Our beautiful park….ruined…." said one young girl sadly as she noticed a precious flower stomped into the ground.

"Not just here…..all our precious places now defiled and tainted…." the tops said sadly looking around to see graffiti .

"Tch! If only securities were still around they'd nab those hooligans and lock them away for good!" a tops man yelled angrily as he stomped hard on the ground, "I hate those commons with every fibre of my soul!" he screamed into the sky as others began to leave the premises, some planning to call in the groundskeepers to clean up the mess best they could.

Yugo and Rin looked on in disbelief at what just took place before their eyes, "Whoa….that's something you're not supposed to see at all…."

As they continued back down to the lower levels of the city, signs of disharmony continued making themselves known as they noticed some rowdy commons loitering around a fancy restauraunt, practically swarming the place and giving it bad vibes to the usual top visitors. The manager had been finding it hard to get by since his well paying customers like tops stopped coming and some of the commons even had the nerve to dine and dash, as a pair of them ran off with their food without paying and the manager went shouting after them. In another section, some commons began hitting on or harassing tops girls, which thankfully Yugo and Rin were able to settle as soon as they stepped in. They also noticed them littering along the sidewalks which used to be very clean and well kept, but now had scraps of paper, wrappers or gum on them.

One of the worser cases they came across in their stroll was when they passed by a pair of former securities, one of which had a scar on his cheek and prominent eyebrows, "Tch! Can you believe this Tetsu!?" his partner yelled to him angrily, "They're actually going to tear down the facility!"

The security known as Tetsu then hissed bitterly in response, "Tch! As if disbanding securities was bad enough, now all these commons are running wild all over the city like cockroaches!" he yelled as he saw the commons spread out around the city in almost every corner.

"Yeah, can you believe they're actually getting away with it too! I hate this!" his partner Soichi yelled.

"We had such a good gig back at the facility too, all the free rare cards and pushing people around whenever we felt like it….why did the lancers have to come and ruin everything!? It was all fine till they showed up!" They continued to rant and scream out their frustrations, casing passerbies to avoid them, especially Yugo and Rin who gave them a wide berth.

As they walked on, Yugo and Rin started reflecting on everything they saw today, "I thought everyone in synchro dimension was supposed to coexist and treat each other fairly by now." said Yuya feeling sad and disheartened.

"Yeah….this isn't right….The city should have been reborn with a fresh start….How can there still be bitterness between them?" added Yugo in disbelief.

"Apparently some things still haven't changed….In fact the unity of the commons and tops made them more apparent, giving them reason to let it out as well." said Selena feeling concerned as she took notice of some fighting going on in an alley.

Ruri clutched her chest tightly while Yuzu went to comfort her. Yuto and Yuri simply looked on in disgust.

"It's awful….I know…Who would've imagined things would have turned out like this…." said Rin out loud.

As Yuri looked on he then noticed seething from the situation, "You know guys," he said as they all looked to him, "This whole city now kinda reminds me of that situation at Academia in a way."

"How not everyone was changed or maybe kept some old grudges that they weren't willing to let go?" asked Selena rather rhetorically.

"Yeah…." he replied, "Or that some of them plan on taking advantage of the new rules and bend it to their own benefit."

As sad as things were in the city, Yuya then swallowed hard realising this was a part of reality, "Well….I suppose we'll always have to accept that no matter how much things change and improve, nothing will ever be perfect." In this world or any other, everyone has to accept that things can't always go the way as their wants, for when one wins another must lose.

"It's a harsh reality I know Yuya," said Yuzu agreeing with him before trying to lighten the mood with the pendulum swinging the other way, "On the bright side, we have at least make things happy for many others too remember?" She suggested referring to most of the commons developing and getting the support fairer treatment they longed for so many years, as well as ending the wrongful persecution from the tops or in the facility or underground.

"Yuzu's right," said Rin in agreement, "At least things are way better than before with the social divide with snobbish tops running the place and innocent commons getting arrested and sent to the facility for who knows how long."

Yugo nodded deciding to accept the compromise, "As long as no more people have to live suffering and in poverty anymore then that's good enough for me."

Noticing everyone giving him encouragement and support on all ends, Yuya found the courage to be happy himself again, "Yeah, I suppose you're right you guys. Thanks…."

"Don't mention it, that's what friends are for!" smiled Yugo as everyone laughed happily with each other, like Yuya's dad said once, when you feel like crying try to laugh instead. Which made the rest of their hangout around the city become more bearable despite seeing the imperfections still lingering around.

A little while later as they strolled along the pier, Rin noticed the sky beginning to turn orange, "Hey Yugo, I haven't been keeping track our time out and it looks pretty late now doesn't it?" she asked seeing the afternoon turn to evening and the sun beginning to set over the sea.

"Hmm…you're right…maybe I do ought to go check." he said as he activated his duel disk. After seeing the time his eyes widened, "Whoa look at the time! We're going to be late for dinner if we don't hurry back!" he gasped as Rin jumped too in shock, "I can't believed I didn't realise how long we spent while out!" he added in disbelief.

"Since when do you actually realise anything?" mocked Yuri as Yugo turned to him furiously, "The fact you actually mistook Yuto for me once, when you duelled you didn't even notice Yuya who was right in front of you, or the fact you actually confused Yuzu and Selena for Rin." he stated before leaning in with a mischievous grin, "How you even tried to embrace them as well?"

Yugo's heart skipped a beat and his eyes bulged from their sockets, "Oi! You said we'd never talk about that anymore!" he yelled.

"Yugo…." Rin then grabbed his shoulder, as he nervously turned around he could see a shade covering Rin's eyes but they then flashed a demonic orange to his horror! "Is this true? Did you really confuse my sisters for me last time?"

He then shivered and sweated with fear, "Err well….kinda…." he whimpered and was terrified beyond belief he couldn't say anything straight.

"Ooo some close friends you guys are." Yuri mocked once more which continued to fuel the flames of Rin's anger.

"H.…Hey stop looking at me like that Rin!" he begged as she continued to stare at him with eyes of burning rage and limitless fury! "I mean it was just one little mistake anyone could have made too!"

"You mean if they are as dense and clueless as you are." said Yuri once more before vanishing out of sight, leaving Yugo alone to face Rin's wrath!

"Shut up! You're not helping!" Yugo yelled which earned him a serious pinch on his ear by Rin!

"OW!"

"We're going home now and when we do, you and I are going to have a nice long chat….." she growled as she pulled him along.

"Ow ow ow ow!" he cringed and teared as his girlfriend tugged him hard on the ear, "At least don't drag me while pulling my ear!" groaned Yugo as she continued to drag him as they wen back home, stretching almost as long as an elephant's!

A while later when she did let go and arrived back at their own pace, "Yo! We're home!" called out Yugo as he opened the door and was covering his ear which had turned bright red and had been stretched at least 3 centimetres from normal.

"Welcome back you two." Gong groaned exhaustedly as both he and Shingo stumbled out of the room, with heavy bags under their eyes and nearly drained of energy! They almost appeared like zombies to both Rin and Yugo who were surprised to see them insect a state.

Shingo scowled viciously, "Hope you both had a nice date while we were stuck playing ringleader to a gang of hyperactive toddlers!" he growled furiously as Noboru eyed them enviously at the fact they enjoyed their time while he and Shingo didn't.

Hearing the expression date gave both Rin and Yugo differing expressions and takes, "Hmph…." while Rin crossed her arms and huffed, Yugo in the other hand blushed and scratched his head grinning childishly.

"Hehehe…."

"So what'd you-Oi!" before he could finish, Shingo was pushed down unexpectedly by 3 certain kids running in from the back room, "OOF!" he groaned as he fell to the floor, "Don't I get any respect….." he thought to himself feeling humiliated beyond belief.

The 3 new kids on the other hand, who appeared silty bigger and older than the ones the orphanage was used to, paid him no attention and ran up towards the returning couple, "Hey Yuzu!"

"Hi Yuya! So nice to see you guys again!" They cheered happily and excitedly to welcome them.

Rin felt confused by their sudden greetings and waved awkwardly in response, "Umm….hello there….."

Her boyfriend on the other hand took it a little differently, "Oi! My name is Yugo! Get my name right will you!" grumbled Yugo irritatedly before Rin reprimanded him again with a smack to the head!

SMACK!

"OW!"

While he was recovering Rin took the opportunity to talk to the 3 kids, "Umm…I'm sorry but do I know you guys?" she asked politely.

"Huh? What's wrong?" They asked confused.

"Don't you recognise us?"

"We spent time together before! When Crow took you guys in!"

"And when you had to hide from Security that time!"

"Eh?" Yuzu and Yugo then appeared next to their respective counterparts, "You…know them?" whispered Rin as quietly as she could.

"Actually yeah I do." answered Yuya, "They stayed with Crow a while back when me and the lancers first arrived in synchro and they took us in to shelter us." he answered.

"And they helped take me into hiding in the Underground after I lost my duel in the Friendship Cup." added Yuzu.

"Oh…so that's where she was that time…." thought Yugo to himself after hearing her say that.

"They're orphans too, and like your friends here in the orphanage they too were lucky to have someone kind and strong to look after them when the city was divided and at each others' throats." said Yuya eying them.

"Oh….I see….that's nice…" replied Rin as she and Yugo acknowledged them.

The 3 kids then eyed the couple suspiciously as they talked with themselves as it appeared, "Is something wrong you guys?" They asked as Yugo and Rin looked back to them.

"It's us! Frank, Tanner and Amanda!"

"You really don't remember?" They said feeling disappointed.

Yugo and Rin eyed them uneasily, "Oh! Sorry kids…" said Rin wondering how to explain to them, "But we're….not really Yuya and Yuzu…"

They raised eyebrows or gained expressions of confusion, "Eh?"

"You're not?"

"Well in a way we are but….my name is actually Rin." said the green haired girl with a familiar face.

"And the name's Yugo! Remember that!" added the banana haired boy with another familiar face.

They raised their eyebrows, "Yugo?"

"Rin?"

The 3 kids seemed confused until Frank realised, "Wait I remember now!" he called out, "That time a while back, after Yuya Sakaki beat that Reiji Akaba guy in pendulum dimension!"

"Oh yeah! We saw you come back together with a couple other girls in Yuzu!" followed Amanda excitedly.

"Hey hee, that's right. So thoughtful of you to remember." giggled Rin happily that they remembered.

Tanner then tried his attention to Yugo, "Hey, you said your name was Yugo right?" he asked.

"Uh huh, yeah…." Yugo replied.

Amanda's eyes widened upon realisation, "Hey! I remember now! You were from the friendship cup that time!" she called out.

"Hehe! Thats' right!" snickered Yugo, "That means you saw me defeat both Selena and Shingo that time in that tournament right?!" he boasted as said people narrowed their eyes and crossed their arms with a scowl.

"Hmph…."

"Yeah….that was a pretty cool duel…." replied Frank remembering the moves he pulled off that time.

"Hehehe…." he grinned as the praise fuelled his ego.

"You were also the one who chickened out against Sergey Volkov that time!" called out Tanner.

Yugo's eyes widened, "Say what!?" he growled as he reached out and held up the poor boy to everyone's surprise, "Take that back now! I never chicken out of any match! Ever!"

"Eh!?" everyone gasped, especially Tanner.

"Oi!" Shingo and Gongnenzaka charged in to try and make him let go of the kid in his arms, "Calm yourself Yugo!" Rin having enough of his shenanigans so she landed a straight karate chop to his head!

SMACK!

"OW!" he cried as he let go of Tanner in order to cover up his head. He then turned his attention to Rin, "What'd you do that for!?" he growled.

She shook her head and face palmed, "Sigh….Honestly…it's like I'm taking care of a 6 year old.…." she then shot him a fierce glare, "14 years plus and still you haven't changed Yugo! Losing your cool is one thing, but over a kid making one simple comment!? You're a grownup for goodness sakes Yugo! You ought to be ashamed of yourself!"

Her words pierced him like a knife to the heart as he realised his mistake, "I…well….sorry…." he muttered unable to counter. The others looked on in surprise at how easily Rin had brought Yugo to his knees.

"Now apologise." she said next turning him to Tanner who looked back at him..

He walked up to Tanner and said, "Sorry….." feeling embarrassed.

"It's….okay." the boy replied learning his lesson to watch what he said next time.

"Tsk tsk tsk….she does have a point you know." chuckled Yuri waggling his finger.

"Grrr! That was all your fault!" he then shouted angrily, "If you didn't show up at that time I wouldn't have had to leave the arena and follow you on a wild goose chase over the City!" he yelled.

"Another mess you got him into Yuri…." sighed Yuto disappointedly.

"Hehe….I still remember it as if it was just yesterday." his brother snickered.

Everyone else looked at him yelling with the wall awkwardly, "Ummm?"

"He's talking with himself?" they whispered to one another.

"They're all fused together remember?"

"Oh yeah…."

"That's kinda weird still…."

Yugo overheard what they were sag behind his back and turned to them, "Please forget you just saw all that…." he asked before turning to normal, "So what are you 3 doing here anyways?" he then asked curiously, "Don't tell me that Crow actually dropped you off here at the orphanage like some neglecting parent."

"Yugo!" his friends shouted at him angrily.

"Can you be anymore dense and insensitive!?" growled Rin as she and the other boys closed in on Yugo.

He panicked and waved out his hands frantically, "What!? I was just kidding honest! Can't you take a joke!?"

Rin pulled down her face as if she couldn't take it anymore, "I swear as if this afternoon wasn't bad enough….now you're really going to get it from me!" she growled as she prepared to really let him have it!

As Yugo covered his front squealing "Not the face!" Amanda then spoke out which stopped Rin's fist before it met with Yugo's face.

"No he's right." she said as the rest of them looked towards her and her friends.

"Huh?"

Frank nodded, "It's just like you said, Crow did drop us off here."

"But not the way you think at least." finished Tanner.

"Wh…why would he do that?" asked Rin curiously.

"I thought he loves you guys so much he'd do anything to protect you and from anyone or anything." said Yugo puzzled.

"That's the thing you guys." said Shingo, "He dropped them off here because he cared for them more than anything."

"And to protect them too." added Gongnenzaka.

"From what?" asked Yugo.

"Hmph, well if you guys stayed here at the house and helped us out rather than go out on your little honeymoon you would know." said Shingo snarkishly.

"Sawatari!" Noboru yelled furiously.

"What? It's the truth and you know it!" he retorted.

Yugo and Rin sweat dropped at their angry quarrelling before speaking out, "Ummm….would you please tell us what happened while we were gone?" Rin asked as politely as she could.

Hearing her, both Shingo and Noboru put aside their argument and began "Well….It all started not long after you both left." Shingo began.

(Flashback)

Sensei had retuned not long after both Rin and Yugo left and was in the kitchen cooking dinner, hoping not to be disturbed.

Therefore she left Shingo and Noboru, the only 2 responsible adults left in the household, to tend to the children and make sure they behaved while she worked. Despite her absolute faith in them little did she know, was that the both of them were far less than capable of doing so.

"It's your fault for giving them coffee Shingo." muttered Gongnenzaka with a stern expression as the kids ran about hyperactively around the place while the ones in his arms were starting to get loose.

"It was an accident! I thought I was giving them chocolate milk!" Sawatari retorted as he barely managed to keep the others in line and some of them even ran him over form behind, "OOOF! Why me….." Hope seemed lost for the 2 boys when the door flung open unexpectedly.

"ENJOY!" boomed a tall man in olive green thread robes and brown sandals as he entered.

The kids all looked up and gasped with joy, "Look it's Enjoy Chojiro!"

"Yay!"

"That means it's duel practice time!"

The lancers couldn't believe their eyes at the man who walked in to their home, and neither did the synchro celebrity himself. "Eh!?"

"Chojiro!?"

Tokumatsu then gasped when he caught sight of 2 familiar faces, "Oh! Well if it isn't my old friends the lancers! Shingo Sawatari and Noboru Gongenzaka!" he cried out in joy as he opened his arms wide with joy and welcome.

"Wh…what are you doing here?" asked Shingo curiously before being pushed aside by the kids lining up in a bunch.

"Hey Chojiro! Can we have some duel practice now huh!? Can we!?" asked one young boy with excitement.

"Ho ho ho! Why of course young lad." chuckled Chojiro as he stroked the boy's hair playfully, before looking up at the lancers in the room seriously for a moment before smiling back at the children, "But I would like to speak with these 2 at the moment for a bit, so how about you and your friends run outside where my assistants are waiting! They'll get you started on today's practice soon enough."

"Yay!" they cheered excitedly.

"Come on guys let's go!" The boy said as he lead his friends outside into the neighbourhood to get their daily duel practice in session.

After that Sensei walked in from the kitchen with a smile, "Why hello there Mr Tokumatsu, I take it you're here to take the kids out on their afternoon duel classes again?" she asked.

"Indeed I am miss, but please just call me Chojiro." he replied gladly.

"Very well Chojiro."

"Umm Sensei?" Shingo asked as he pointed from her to Tokumatsu and back, "You both know each other?"

"Why yes indeed." she answered, "Mr Toku, I mean Chojiro stops by our orphanage lately to give the kids duel practice every afternoon. In fact he's even kind and generous enough to donate rare cards to unfortunate commons who need them."

The lancers widened their eyes in surprise, "Whoa!"

"Really!?"

"It is true," replied Chojiro placing a hand on their shoulders and grinning brightly, "Ever since you lancers turned the city around on a new straight path I have managed to regain my former position as a celebrity duelist! Now I Enjoy Chojiro am devoted to spreading the true meaning of duelling and smiles to all people of the city! Be it commons or tops it matters not, those who wish to duel for honourable means and reasons I will gladly show them the way!" he proclaimed with pride.

"Whoa! So now you teach both the tops and commons!?" gasped Shingo.

"That is most admirable!" said Gongnenzaka with admiration.

"It's not just him though." another voice said form outside. Stepping inside was a spiky orange haired duelist and an old friend of theirs', "Yo! How's it going you guys?" he called out holding out a hand.

They instantly recognised him as their old ally from their war days, "Hey Crow!"

"Aha! So good to see you again."

They then did a back pat and fist bump with their friend.

Sensei then clapped her hands together happily, "How nice to have so many guests visiting…." she thought seeing her orphanage to be much more lively than usual, "Now wait right there and I'll fix you all up some nice delicious snacks." she then said.

"We'd appreciate that Sensei." replied Gongnenzaka as she walked back inside the kitchen to cook up something delicious for everyone.

Crow then looked over their shoulders and around the room curiously, "So is it just you guys or is Yuya here too?" he asked.

"Yes, in fact I too would love to speak with the young lad who helped unite our city together." Followed Chojiro interestedly.

Shingo and Gongnenzaka looked to each other and then answered as truthfully as they could, "Oh umm….sorry but you just missed him!"

"Hmmm?"

"Missed him? Where'd he go?" asked Crow.

"He had to go out for….a walk, for some fresh air, and he didn't tell us when he would return." answered Shingo.

"So we have been here looking after the orphans as best we could….despite how difficult that has proven." followed Gongnenzaka, "Thanks to you both coming over, we both now have a moment of peace and some time to ourselves." he then said.

"I see…how unfortunate to have come at the wrong time…" sighed Tokumatsu feeling rather disappointed.

"Oh okay then maybe next time." followed Crow who shared his same thoughts before asking something else, "So, care to explain why you're here? Are just here visiting or on some sort of task by Reiji or anything?"

Shingo immediately responded, "Oh, well we-" he then received an elbow to the gut once more courtesy of Noboru, "Ack!"

"Should we really tell them Shingo?" he whispered to him with a serious expression, "After what they went through not long ago would it be wise to drag them into another conflict?"

Looks at them and back, "Tch! I don't think we have a choice, sooner they'd figure it out anyway so it's better to give them a heads up rather than keep them in the dark and find out when it's too late." Shingo hissed while still cringing with pain, "Besides, that way not only would they be on alert, but they would help be our eyes and ears on the outside if we do get stuck here having to babysit all the little monsters." he followed.

Noboru then nodded reluctantly, "Hmmm you make a very good point…."

Turning to their 2 visitors, "Well you see-" they both tried to explain their situation to their 2 old friends without giving away too much.

"I see….thank you for letting us know." replied Chojiro feeling rather concerned about the City while Crow hissed in frustration.

"Tch! Just when we finally bring peace now we're about to be dragged into another fight?" he said angrily, "Why can't we be left alone to enjoy your time and families!?" he then growled.

"I'm sorry Crow," said Shingo feeling bad for him.

"We wished it weren't true but it is, but you have our word that we'll help to protect the people of the city!" vowed Gongnenzaka.

"That's right! And you can all be rest assured that it's in good hands of the one and only Neo New Shingo Sawatari!" The arrogant lancer proclaimed and boasted while flashing a shiny grin.

Ignoring him, Gongnenzaka then asked, "Anyways, we would like to know how things have been going in the city and if you noticed anything out of the ordinary."

"Actually, that was what I was planning to share with you both the moment I came here." Chojiro answered as they all began to listen,"Since the day you helped to unite the tops and commons as well as end the inter dimensional war along with the threat of Zarc, we have been working harder than ever to keep the peace and harmony between the 2 former factions." He said recalling aiding the people in rebuilding not just the city and restoring the slum areas but also building connections between the 2 factions of people, "In most cases everyone has been living peacefully and enjoying each other's company. Each side provided what the other couldn't. Where the tops had more wealth and better quality resources, the commons made up for and supported them in manpower and determination." He said remembering the smiles and happiness between the people as they carried out their daily affairs which were now shared together,

"Security has disbanded since the threats of out of control criminals is no more and there are plans to demolish the facility and underground labour facility as well thanks to you guys!" he then cheered.

"Which means no more commons who'll be wrongly accused and imprisoned for who knows how long." Crow said in approval.

"Woo hoo! Yay us!" cheered Shingo for the lancers, but mostly for himself.

"That is most pleasing to hear." added Gongnenzaka with a pleased smile.

Chojiro smiled, "Indeed, and now I have managed to return to my former glory and become the man I once was, who loved duelling with all my heart and to spread this any and all people." he said filled with pride, "Nowadays my students are no longer limited to commons, in fact I have even managed to take tops under my wing too."

"That's cool!" cheered Shingo with excitement and enthusiasm.

"So that means you'll be bringing them both together right?" asked Gongnenzaka curiously.

"That was the idea." added Crow, "Me, Shinji and some other commons not only joined back in his old classes but we even step in as assistant teachers to the next generation teaching them to be true duelists of peace and smiles just like Yuya showed us all in the Friendship Cup." he said.

"Yup, I can still remember the day that boy brought us all a new hope…." said Chojiro as he began to relive that wondrous day which would be remembered for all of synchro dimension history. After that the 2 of them then sighed to the lancers' curiosity.

"But….you guys don't seem too happy….why?" asked Shingo.

"Is there something troubling you?" followed Gongnenzaka who was just as concerned.

They looked at each other for a moment and discussed with each other privately, deciding whether it would be wise to include them. After looking at the lancers once more and discussing once more they decided to come clean, "As a matter of fact yes…." said Chojiro as he began to explain, "Around the city I have seen that there have been recent incidents of disharmony and friction between both sides. Usually both factions of society and always been segregated which eliminated any chance of fighting or conflict, but now that they are all mixed together, there has been some growing dissension amongst the people as I have seen on my days." He said as he recalled seeing commons and tops often arguing with each other over differences and lacking the ability to respect them still.

Some commons often demanded equal rights on the same levels as tops despite being employed in the upper levels, wanting much more than they were already provided out of greed or that their employers were still rather unfair the way they treated them compared to their usual worker. Some rude tops tended to drive out commons out of certain areas like stores or restaurants and even went as far to discriminate them for simply 'trespassing' or 'violating' certain rules that had to be kept. He also recalled seeing several securities who had lost their jobs as peacekeepers and law enforcers and were often badly treated by some commons seeing it as an opportunity to take out old grudges they had.

Both Shingo and Gongenzaka were shocked to hear the news and were stunned speechless. "It's not just topside on the upper levels…." said Crow continuing from where Chojiro left off,"There are also times when some of the tops and commons we teach actually get into fights with each other. When it came to making fun of or discriminating each other, or even getting into fights over comparing cards to each other." He said remembering times when some of the kids (a young tops kid with glasses being picked on by rougher common kids around the same age because he seemed weak, and Crow having to break them up. Or when a group of teenage tops mocked some of the commons students for being so poorly dressed or having weaker cards leaving Chojiro and his 2 goons to discipline them)

"That does not sound good at all." said Gongnenzaka feeling worried for the city's balance.

"Believe me it is not, you won't believe how many fights I've had to break up and settle since the beginning of this month…in fact I've practically lost count…." sighed Chojiro in disappointment.

Their conversation was soon interrupted by a pair of voices calling from outside the orphanage. "Boss! We need your help!"

"We got a top and common picking a fight again!" Called Chojiro's men rather desperately from outside.

"Sigh….that's the fifth one this week….." he groaned as he began to head out, "I will have to be going now, will catch up with the rest of you later and inform you of any news." He said as he left the place to breakup a new fight.

"Thanks for the heads up Tokumatsu." said Shingo.

"We'll be waiting here for you, and good luck out there." said Gongnenzaka as he closed the door behind him.

They then turned their attention to their old ally, "Aren't you going with him Crow?" asked Shingo.

"I am, but first I really need a huge favour from you both." the orange haired duelist replied.

"What sort of favour?" they both asked curiously.

Crow scratched his head unsurely at first before shaking it off, "Well you see….it's not just Chojiro who's been having new problems with the new City. I'm also having my share of troubles as well." he said.

"Oh? What sort of trouble?" asked Shingo.

"Well you see, some commons including some of my old gang haven't exactly let go of their grudges against the tops." said Crow uneasily, "In fact, they're rather….unsatisfied that the tops didn't get what they deserved and that they're getting off scot free as they said."

The others' eyes widened with shock, "Eh? How could they say that!?" gasped Shingo.

"Yuya fought hard in the friendship cup and won over the hearts of all the city's people when he duelled and defeated Jack Atlas! How could they not see that!?" cried Gongnenzaka alarmed.

"I ask myself that too," Crow continued feeling disheartened, "It's unthinkable that even after all we've been through they're still living in the past. But I suppose some scars may run deeper than others…." His thoughts drifted back to a few days ago back at his house, when a certain shaded member of his old gang (with spiked black hair wearing a brown rough style with rugged jeans and brown shoes) was arguing violently with Shinji, with Damon and Tony trying to pry them both apart as they actually got physical with each other. Crow looked on from a corner and was prepared to jump in and end the fight personally till he noticed his 3 kids shivering tightly together in a corner. Seeing how mortified they were made him realise they couldn't stay here as long as there was fighting about so he would have to fond them a temporary place until things calm down.

"I figured things would get really unsafe for them, so until things cool down at my place I'm afraid they're going to have to stay somewhere else." he said to his 2 friends as if he didn't want to part with his kids but had no choice to their sadness, "At first I tried asking some of the others to take them in like Shinji, Damon or even Chojiro himself, but sadly none of them had the time or ability to support 3 kids." he continued, "I almost gave up and lost all hope at that point, but then I heard from Chojiro that he visited an orphanage so he recommended that I drop them off there for a bit until things cool down. So then I tagged along with him to check things out and see for myself if it's okay for them, and when I do, well what do you know here you guys are!" he cheered all excited and filled with energy, "That's why I wanted to ask you guys before hand since there's no one else I can really leave them with." He continued, "So that brings us to now, would it be alright with you guys if I dropped my kids off here for a while until things calm down at my place?" he then asked as politely as he could.

Shingo and Gongenzaka then looked at each other and thought for a moment themselves, considering what Sensei would think of this. Even with the recent adoptions she still had a lot on her hands, whether she could take 3 more was anyone's guess.

Crow noticed their unsure expressions, "I understand if it may be burden for you….but…." he sounded very desperate which they took notice of.

"Umm…well…." While Gongnenzaka felt conflicted, Sawatari reacted without any second thought.

"Why yes of course we-"

Once more he was met with an elbow to his gut, "ACK!"

"Not so fast! Have you even through about what would sensei say?" Gongenzaka said to him firmly, not wanting him let his mouth run and say something he won't be able to take back.

Shingo hissed in pain before looking up at his friend, "I'm sure she'll understand the situation," he croaked, "Besides Crow's our friend so we should lend him a helping hand when he's already got a lot on his plate already."

The burly steadfast duelist thought for a bit and saw Sawatari make his point, "Hmm…you right, and we're already taking care of so many children already so 3 more shouldn't be too much…." he thought before facing Crow and smiling lightly, "Very well Crow, you can entrust them into our hands."

"We'll hold on to them and make sure they eat, sleep and play well until you sort out whatever problems your gang has no problem!" added Shingo with enthusiasm.

Crow's face lit ip with hope and joy, "Thanks you guys! You're real lifesavers! You don't know how much this means to me." he said grateful.

"Do not mention it, we are friends as well as fellow lancers." said Noboru encouragingly, "We'll do anything to help if one of us is in need, and that is a promise."

"After all you did for us when we needed help….like with me that time at Academia…there's nothing I wouldn't do to help a friend." Shingo said remembering how Crow had saved him form being turned into a card from BB and scarring himself for it.

"Haha, should have known I could count on you from the start, I had nothing to worry about." chuckled Crow, "Guess I really am a bird brain for doubting you guys hehe…." He then smiled at them, "Alright then I'll leave my kids in your nest, but make sure their feathers don't get ruffled up too much the next time I visit otherwise I'll eat you alive!"

"Hahah, we'll keep that in mind…." replied Sawatari though he also shuddered at the thought of what Crow would really do to them if they failed him, they knew he himself was very capable as a duelist and scary as a caretaker if angered of if those he cares about are threatened.

Crow then turned around to the door to follow Chojiro, "Okay then, I'll be sure to bring them over right after Chojiro's lesson is finished. See ya!" he called out as he left. Later after that Crow dropped his kids off at the orphanage and they waved sadly goodbye to him as he drove back, hoping he would be able to solve the problem back home.

(Present)

"And that's how the story goes." concluded Shingo as Yugo, Rin and the 3 kids listened on.

"Oh dear…." sighed Rin sadly at their story.

"It's true…we even saw Shinji and some of Crow's other friends fight amongst each other back at our place." said Tanner still shivering from that night while Frank tried to comfort him.

"It was really scary too! Even now I still remember!" added Amanda.

Looking at them sympathetically, Gongnenzaka continued, "Crow seemed pretty desperate to get these kids out of harm's way, and we had no reason to refuse, so we accepted them later on when he came with them."

"I see….it's a shame that even close friends are fighting each other in a new age for synchro dimension, just because they refuse to let go of the past…." muttered Yugo rather crossly while Rin looked on.

The kids then walked up towards both Rin and Yugo, "I know we may be wrong to pressure you guys when you already have a lot to deal with now, but….we really had no other choice…." said Frank feeling rather regretful at the turn of events.

"Still we're sorry if we did this without you guys knowing about it." said Amanda sadly.

Tanner then spoke up, "If it's not too troubling for you, we could-"

"Oh no not at all!" Yugo interrupted, "A burden is the last thing you kids would ever be to us!" he said to their surprise, "In fact until things cool down at Crow's, feel free to stay here as long as you want. We insist."

Their eyes brightened up with joy, much like Crow earlier, "R…really!?"

"You mean it!?"

Rin smiled, "Of course! What kind of people would we be if we refused." she said, "Besides, the more the merrier."

"Yay!" they cheered as they skipped along with each other holding hands while the grownups looked on happily for them.

As they looked on, Yugo and Rin's counterparts appeared net to them with similar expressions of joy and happiness, "These kids….they're really lucky to have someone kind and responsible looking out for them eh Yugo?" asked Yuya.

Yugo nodded, "Yeah, in a way they're just like us….and I'll do anything to make sure nothing bad ever comes to them."

"I'm with you 100%." he replied in agreement.

Rin then clasped her hands to her chest feeling hurt, "But still….to think even friends would be fighting each other over past grudges and opinions like that…..it's just unthinkable…." she said as the others shared her worry.

"Not just them Rin, we also saw what happened while we were out." added Selena, "The quarrels, the fighting and arguing….." Everyone else but the kids then mirrored her expression and feelings of concern.

Yugo tightened his fist, "We've worked so hard to bring peace to the 4 dimensions, there's no way we're going to let all our efforts be wasted. Something has to be done." he said firmly.

"Yes Yugo I know that….but what can we do?" asked Rin.

"I….I just don't know….But still I know we can't standby and do nothing! Someone has to take a stand!" he said.

Before he could go any deeper, Senesei called them right at that moment "Everyone! It's time for dinner!" she called from the kitchen which earned cheers from everyone in the house.

"Yay!" the kids cried as they and all the others made a dash for the kitchen to their their seats.

Shingo then rubbed his belly, "Man I'm starving….I'm so hungry I'll eat anything she serves!" he said excitedly as he followed the kids.

"Make sure you eat every last bite this time Sawatari, because there's no supper." said Gongnenzaka as he lumbered in after his friend.

"Yeah yeah…." he replied as they went inside.

After they left Rin placed a shoulder on her boyfriend's shoulder with a warm compassionate smile, "Well Yugo you heard sensei, let's go and eat. Sitting around and worrying about what happened today isn't going to solve any problems."

"Yeah, guess you're right Rin." he then replied as he decided to settle down and enjoy dinner with everyone's company.

(That night)

It was late at night and half past 11. While everyone else had gone to sleep in their bedrooms and guest rooms, only one room still had a lit light. Yugo sat on his deck in thought with a number of cards scattered around on the table which came from their decks. His 3 brothers then came to him feeling worried for how he was acting. "Hey Yugo, it's nearly midnight, don't you think it's time you turned in?" asked Yuya feeling concerned.

"How can I sleep at a time like this Yuya?" Yugo replied not turning to them and sounding rather angry. "You guys were all there today and you saw how things were acting up between the tops and commons again, not to mention what our buddies told us right? Just when we worked so hard to bring peace and unite them all, now they're beginning to fall apart like before!" he yelled, "If things continue as they are now, there'll be chaos and discrimination all over the city again! Then the commons will be under the thorn of the tops again and next thing we know the facility would get reopened and commons will get thrown in again!" He then sobbed rather bitterly, "Then everything we've all worked for….would have been for nothing…."

His brothers looked to each other as if he acted exactly as they knew he would. They each then decided to lend him a word of encouragement, "We know you're concerned, believe me we all are just like you." said Yuto, "But no way you'll be able to help anyone or do anything if you're all exhausted and tuckered out in the morning."

"Yeah, besides if you stay up any longer your eye bags aren't going to do your face any justice." chuckled Yuri which earned him some disappointed scowls from Yuto and Yuya.

Yugo then grit his teeth, "If you're here to make snarky remarks about me then beat it! I'm in no mood for any of your jokes!" he growled unamused.

"If I didn't care about you I wouldn't even be here right now." Yuri replied, "You're worried not just for the people but for Rin aren't you?"

They then turned to him in surprise, especially Yugo, "H….how did you-" he asked raising a finger.

"I know you all too well Yugo, also it's pretty much written over your face." Yuri grinned.

"Hmph…."

"You were hoping to bring Rin back to much better home now that the lancers have succeeded in ending the inter dimensional war." he started, "But now that apparently a new threat that we don't know about has popped up out of nowhere and the city is starting to go all chaotic again, you're worried that you may not be able to protect Rin again like last time. Or maybe you're worried about something even worse happening to her." he said mockingly.

"Get to the point already Yuri!" yelled Yugo angrily, the same feeling could be seen from Yuya and Yuto who spectated.

"Alright alright…no need to get all hot headed as always." Yuri replied as he stepped in closer to Yugo's face, "Listen up, here's what I want you to do," he then leaned in and whispered his plans into Yugo's ear. As soon as he finished though, Yugo then widened his eyes and shook his head in disagreement.

"Uh uh. No way! Bad idea Yuri, bad idea." he said in disagreeing with him completely.

"Believe me Yugo this is the best thing you can do for her." said Yuri insistingly, "Sure fusion may have given her bad memories of being locked away in Academia's tower and being brainwashed by that creepy doctor. But you wouldn't want her to be stuck in her past nightmares forever now would you hmm?" Yugo found unable to counter. Though Yuri may have been a sarcastic and snarkish jerk he did always know how to make a good point, "Besides, with this you'll be doing her a huge favour, not only she'll be able to overcome her old scars but you'll also be giving her a powerful new weapon that she can use the next time she gets into trouble and you're not there. Get what I'm saying? Eliminating 2 problems with one stone, not to mention she kicked your butt once with fusion remember?" he said.

Yugo grit his teeth in frustration at the bad memory, "Tch! You didn't have to say it like that…..I'm trying my best to forget that but now you've just reminded me of that terrible loss…..where I didn't just lose the match, I also lost my only chance to get her back…." he hissed angrily before sighing, "But….you do have a point….I do want what's best for Rin, and while I'd do anything to protect her I'll have to accept the fact I won't always be there to protect her." he admitted swallowing his ego and pride.

"Glad you can see where I'm going Yugo, told you I really care for you guys now." said Yuri pleased with his answer. As Yuto and Yuya heard this they then realised while fusion did have negative impacts on their close friends in the past, in a way it did make them stronger and open them up to new duelling possibilities….so maybe…..

Yugo then made his decision and opened his eyes decisively, "Alright Yuri, I'll do it." he said.

"Hehe, I knew you'd come round eventually just didn't think you'd deny it that long." chuckled Yuri.

His brother then shot him a fierce glare, "But if anything goes wrong-"

"I'll take full responsibility if things go wrong Yugo. Don't worry about a thing." he replied assuringly as Yugo jumped out of bed, plucked out a certain card from his desk and headed outside. Tiptoeing down the stairs to where Rin was sleeping, he opened it gently, cringing slightly at the slight creaking sound it made before peeking through. Though it was still dark in her room, Yugo could at least make out where Rin's bed was and her sleeping soundly on it, despite her appearance she tended to be a loud snorer so that could help mask his footsteps. Slowly and carefully he tiptoed inside, sweating anxiously and keeping eye on Rin every few seconds to make sure he wasn't disturbing her or her sisters who were sleeping around the room floating as ghosts or on the floor. In the end he made it to her deck and carefully slipped the card inside it and her duel disk. The boys all breathed in relief seeing their 'mission' to be a success and that the girls weren't disturbed at all.

"Don't make me regret this Yuri." Yugo replied once more turning to Yuri.

"Trust me Fusion, you won't." he replied.

"Alright I-" his eyes widened and a tic mark bulged on his head as he exploded, "Argh! How many times do I have to say it!? It's Yugo! NOT-"

All 3 boys panicked, "SSSH!" they hissed as Yugo covered his mouth and felt his heart racing like a horse on steroids!

"Gulp…."

They slowly turned around expecting to see Rin to wake up angrily like a bear from hibernation, but fortunately to their relief, she still slept soundly like a koala. "Groan…." She tossed and turned in her sleep dreaming, "Yugo….keep your grubby monkey hands off that….zzzz…." she groaned before snoring again.

The boys breathed easy knowing things were fine for now, "Phew…..good thing she's still a heavy sleeper…." breathed Yugo with relief as he and his brothers placed their hands to their chests trying to calm down their racing hearts.

Yuri then grinned mischievously to his brother, "Aww how sweet, she even dreams about you."

Yugo clenched his fist furiously, not forgetting what happened just now, "I'll get you for this Yuri…..mark my words…."

"Heh, in your dreams…." Yuri smirked as he vanished and the other boys followed, wanting to discipline him.

"Yeah, we will…." he replied as he headed outside and closed the door quietly behind him.

Back in his room, Yugo once again stared blankly at the ceiling for quite sometime till it was nearly midnight after changing into his yellow and blue pyjamas. It was then that Yuto appeared right next to him in his ghostly black pyjamas, "What's going on now Yugo?" he asked.

Yugo turned his eye to his brother, "You're still up Yuto?" he asked curiously.

"Just making one last check before I turn in for the night myself," he replied, "So tell me what's on your mind now? Rin's already all set up and ready to take on whatever troublemaking creeps would try to mess with us now, so what's keeping you awake now?" he asked feeling concerned.

Yugo remained silent for a bit to gather his thoughts before saying them, "Well sure maybe Rin's ready but still I can't help but wonder about Yamata and his counterparts." he said, "I can't help but wonder why would they want to avoid us so much? Do they maybe know something we don't? Also, will they be alright without the rest of us lancers backing them up?"

"Hmm I see….You know I too feel the same way and like we said just now, we're just as worried as you are but we can't do anything about it right now." he said, "Don't worry though, like us and Rin he's not alone, bereave me he and his counterparts together are just as powerful as we are, I'm sure they can handle themselves juts fine." Yuto concluded encouragingly.

"Hmm…." Yugo then thought to himself seeing Yuto did make sense.

"Tell you what, let's figure this out in the morning okay?" said Yuto patting him on the shoulder, "We'll have plenty of time to do some investigating and have fun with our friends too, at least we'll have something fun to look forward to. That'll help ease your stress and take your mind off your worries a bit right?"

"Hmm…yeah I guess you're right Yuto…no point in getting all angsty about things beyond my control. Worrying about what might happen will do nothing but hold me back, if I don't see what's in front of me right now." said Yugo before smiling at his responsible and level headed brother, "Thanks, that's just what I needed to get my thoughts straight."

"Heh, don't mention it. Like Yuya said, we're friends now and we always stick up for each other regardless of what happened in the past." replied Yuto glad to help.

"Yeah…thanks again." said Yugo in agreement.

"Mhmm. Well it's getting late now, time to turn myself in for the night, see you tomorrow morning." said Yuto as he drowsily rubbed his eyes.

"Good night Yuto…." said Yugo as his brother yawned and slowly faded away. Pulling the blanket over him, Yugo settled comfortably into his bed and pillow, easing himself from his worries and following his brother's advice. "Yamata," he said, "I don't know where you are now old buddy. But….please stay out of trouble and hope alls good for you….." he said to himself switching off the light before slowly drifting into a sound sleep.

(Meanwhile)

Elsewhere in a hidden bunker, "Achoo!" sneezed Yamata rather loudly as he then rubbed his nose with his finger before wiping his screen with a piece of tissue.

I then appeared next to him in spirit form looking over him looking concerned, "That sounded like a really big one, not to mention you've been doing that a couple of times already today since we got here." I said feeling worried he may be ill or maybe somehow it's related to our friends being in synchro now since we detected a dimensional shift not long ago, "You sure you're okay there Yamata?"

He then grinned at me, "Relax Ryuga, I'm all good! Really!" he insisted rather positively before returning to his work on the computer, "I'm sure it's because it's just stuffy and dusty in here that's all…."

"Okay then…." I replied before taking a look around our new but temporary base. Since we arrived we had been hunkering down in Yamata's old home which was now shielded with cloaking devices and never once left this place, good thing his fridge still had a good supply of edible food and water. Looking over the old sofa in the main area next to an old tv set and bed, seeing the fairy decent quality bathroom and shower at one end and a small mini fridge next to a makeshift sink along with a small table and single chair for dining purposes. "Good call using your old garage as a hideout, not to mention it's so well hidden, no way anyone would ever think to find a secret bunker like this in a vacant alleyway." I thought to myself recalling how he still had the keys and secret switch to this old place in the commons district.

Looking back to him I saw him typing out various advanced and complicated programmes on the computer and they all featured various engine, component and duel runner designs on them. In fact since we all came here we had been pitching in one way or another to help Yamata prepare this new programme, (though all I did was offer verbal encouragement since I didn't have a clue about machines and tech like the others did) and while most of us had already turned in for the night, Yamata still worked as diligently and determined as ever. I could even see proof of that over his drooping eyes and dark circles under them. Looking at the clock I looked to him feeling concerned, "It's nearly midnight, shouldn't we be getting some sleep now?" I suggested realising any longer and he could collapse.

Yamata however was rather determined and refused to give in so easily, "Not yet…..Not when we're so close to finishing this….." he said back as he continued to type hard and keeping his focus to a single track and taking a sip of canned soda to give him one more power boost for the final stretch! Various screens and formulas flashed on the monitor, all of which I couldn't understand at all….who knew coming up with duel runners and the programmes to operate them would be so complicated. Beads of sweat formed around Yamata's forehead as he finally made it to the last hurdle in their project, "I've almost…..Got it! Woo hoo!" He cheered excitedly as I came over to look at the finished programme.

"Alright! It's finally finished!" I cheered too excitedly, "I knew you could do it Yamata!"

"Hehe, was there really any doubt?" he grinned eagerly before plugging his computer into 3 data drives and began uploading the programme to each of them. After that he took one drive and inserted in into his duel disk (Which was now in his form as a synchro duel disk since he was in control of the body). It lit up showing it to be a full fledged working programme, as he looked on admiring his work he then had an idea pop into his brain, "You know with this we may even be able to start a new revolution in transport!" he thought excitedly, "No more going through all the trouble of getting people to work or the resources needed to manufacture cars, helicopters or any vehicle, let alone duel runners!"

"That's a luxury we can maybe enjoy in the bigger picture Yamata." I said to him seriously as I walked up to him, "Remember why we're doing this and why we're here."

Yamaha's smile vanished, "Yeah, of course Ryuga, don't worry I haven't forgotten at all." he said mirroring my serious expression before checking his programme once more to make sure there weren't any glitches or bugs to fix, "If we're all going to stay one step ahead of our foes, we'll need every edge we can get. Believe me, I know that as much as any of us do."

"That's good to know." I replied before looking at the duel disk synchronising with our newly added feature, "This new programme of yours….it will work, will it?"

"It has to Ryuga, it has to." he replied hopefully, "Because if not and if our suspicions are correct about our enemy's next move.….synchro dimension would be doomed.….."

(Meanwhile)

Late at night in an old alley way on the outskirts of the upper city, a vicious duel was taking place and a massive explosion occurred.

BOOM!

"GAAAAHHH!" screamed 3 men as they were blown back several feet away! As the dust cleared it revealed them as the 3 punk boys form earlier this afternoon now badly battered and scarred. They groaned and and lifted their heads, their eyes opened brimming with fear and terror as a figure stepped out of the dust and shadows. A male figure in a green securities uniform stepped out and a pair of glowing red eyes flashed from his face shaded from the dark night, and next to him was a ghostly phantom like monster in dark drapes and wielding a wooden staff with green gems in them.

"Heheheh, I almost forgotten what it feels like to smash puny troublemaking cockroaches beneath my boots, and it feels good…." laughed the assailant maniacally as he closed in on the 3 punks who quivered in fear and turned pale.

"No no! Please no more!"

"We're sorry for what we did earlier today! Just let us go!" the cried desperately but their pleas fell on deaf ears.

Their attacker grinned sadistically with satisfaction, "Heheheh….just look at you measly vermin! Wriggling and writhing in pain! Just like the measly insects you are!" the 'security' laughed psychotically as his monster loomed over them like a grim reaper ready to send them to the afterlife! "But that's not enough, now the power of the law will make sure to put you vermin in your rightful place!" The monster lifted up its staff and began charging it with dark energy, as it pulsated with black and purple mist, "In extermination!" The phantom monster then let loose its energy towards its victims who were swallowed up by the mist and the last fearing cries from them echoed through the dark of the night.

"GAAAAAAARRRRRGGGHH!"

In another area in the central district of the city where the tops were, in a car park to be precise, a group of snobbish classy dressed duelists were blown back into a wall by a ferocious gust of freezing wind!

"AAAAAAAGGGGHHH!" they cried as their backs smashed against the wall on the upper levels of the city. After their luxurious dinner party the last thing they expected was to get ambushed when they were about to go home. As they looked up they came face to face with a shadowed figure wearing a long set of robes above a rough style outfit. His eyes were covered by the hood and he smirked eagerly to finish his opponents off as his monster, shaped like a giant snowflake, emitted waves of cold freeing air which the tops felt. Soon even they were getting cold feet and shivered not just from the cold but also from fear tightening its icy grip on their hearts.

"W….wait! Stop! You've already won! It's over!" one tops man begged for mercy as his cohorts were frozen stiff, the air became so thick and hard to breathe they could even feel shards of ice falling on their face or even their own limbs freezing in ice!

"Over? Oh no, not even close…." said the common assaulting them, "You tops always looked down on us commons, called us weak, insignificant like ants and mocked everything we held dear! Now you get the chance to experience the same bitter cold sting of our pain you subjected to us, only a thousand times worse!" As he said so the winds from his monster blew stronger than ever as they began to surround his victims making them helpless before him! "Who're the weak and helpless ones now? I'm sure you'll have all the time in the world to think about it, trapped in your cold prison of fear and ice!" he declared as his monster shot out one final wave of ice and snow and freezing them tops in blocks of ice!

"NOOOOOOOO!" they cried as their calls echoed in the night!

And thus the battle in the synchro dimension begins. Stay tuned for the next chapter and what will soon come in the future.