Hey its Sega once again with an awesome chapter, co-written by my lovely assistant/best friend (no not Rakaia) Isabella! We put a lot of brain-power and damn super rewrites of some chapters before this one to make it all connect. So without further a due, let's cut the chatter and read the next exciting chapter of A YEAR TO REMEMBER!

Disclaimer: You know the drill: I do not own YuGiOh GX.

Chapter 21: Hybrids' Past Revealed: Promise to be Kept

Phoenix took in a deep breath as she leaned against her chair. It won't be easy but…she started as she began to drift into deep thought. The gang minus the two injured girls watched her curiously. Phoenix broke out of her thoughts and gave a small smile. All of you do have the right to know about what's happening.

Atticus nodded. "So are you going to tell us?" Phoenix shook her head. The gang looked at her perplexed. Didn't she just say they had the right to know about their friends?

I won't tell you, my dear humans, instead I'll show you. Phoenix gave a cheeky smile. A knock was heard at the door, gaining the attention of everyone in the room. Enter, Phoenix said in a calm tone. The door propped open and there in the entrance stood Heraklinos, Saphiron and Emeron. They bowed before her presence and greeted the gang with a slight nod. The gang returned the gesture.

"Alright, so the Hybrids are what type of duel monsters? Are they Gods?" Rakaia asked Phoenix, who gave a chuckle.

No, dear boy, the Hybrids are more than Gods, she answered. Emeron and Saphiron walked up to the bed where the two girls laid unconscious. Atticus and Jesse moved aside for them so that the spirits may nestle next to their masters, but what happen next took everyone minus Phoenix, Lukkan, and Heraklinos by surprise. Pressing their snouts against the foreheads of their masters, they hummed a repeated tone, their eyes closed shut and their bodies not twitching at all. After a few moments, the spirits backed off their masters and watched closely.

"Ohhh my head," everyone froze but broke into a smile as a familiar set of brown, fuzzy eyes opened for the first time.

"SEGA!" Jesse, Rakaia, and Luna threw themselves upon the Pro-Duelist.

"H-h-hey! Watch the ribs!" Sega grunted but smiled as they pulled off of her. She sat up straight her back against the headboard.

"Glad to have you back, Sega," Luna smiled at her new friend as Sega stretched and winced at the pain of her injuries. She still had bandages covering her shoulders, torso and hands, not to mention her legs too. Sega gave her body an inspection.

"Whoa, I been in worse shape than this," she muttered as she brought her bandaged hands closer to her.

"Yeah, I bet," Rakaia joked, earning a slight glare and amused look from the Gladiator Beast duelist. Atticus, Alexis and Jaden smiled as Sega came to and despite what she has went through, still acted and sounded like her old self. A soft groan was heard amongst them before they took in notice that Isabella as well was coming to.

"Isabella, sweetheart," Atticus cooed as Isabella manages to break the slumber spell casted on her and open her sharp, hazel eyes.

"Atticus," she whispered softly, her eyes immediately flickering to the said-boy. Atticus smiled, his warm chocolate eyes glowing with relief and love.

"I'm here, Belle, don't worry you're safe." He reassured her. Alexis and Jaden moved closer to their friend. Alexis reached out and clutched her hand.

"We were so worried about you, Isabella," Alexis cried but with a smile on her face. Despite not knowing the girl as much as her brother and Jaden, she has come to admire the girl and saw her as the sister she always wanted.

"How are you feeling, Belle?" Jaden asked as Atticus helped Isabella sit up slowly. She was still exhibiting the aftermath of the battle and event after her fallout, plus she was sick. She was still pretty weak.

"I'm…fine…Jay…" She whispered as she planted her head softly in Atticus' chest. "Just a little tired that's all."

Phoenix smiled as the two girls emerge from the unconscious state. Lukkan nodded his head and gave a wolf smile while Heraklinos crotch down and greeted his master with a big sigh of relief. He was so worried and depressed believing that all of what happen was his fault. Now that's out the door, and his master is safe in his presence. Emeron floated and nuzzled lovingly at Sega's cheek, prompting her to chuckle at her beast's sign of affection. Saphiron strode up next to Isabella, placed his front paws by her waist and licked her cheek. Isabella bent over slightly and hugged her tiger by the neck as he purred. It was then that the two girls turned their heads and saw each other for the first time in days. With a smile on their faces, the girls laughed along with the others.

Phoenix watched as the girls embraced each other and asked if each were ok, before they spoke again to their friends. Phoenix noticed within the eyes of the two girls, a hint of hate and anger lingered signaling to her that Albion and Tiburscia were not enjoying the reunion at all.

I'm glad that Isabella and Sega are okay, but we shouldn't delay your answers, Phoenix stated. Eyes were on her now as she stood up to the middle of the room. Come, if you want to know more about the questions you seek.

Lukkan trotted next to her. I will take my leave, Phoenix. I'll stay behind and keep watch. Besides, Lukkan bristle his fur. I've heard the story too many times. With that, he walked out of the door.

Phoenix and Heraklinos, who approached her, let out a slight chuckle. Saphiron and Emeron stood side by side by the feet of the leaders, wondering if the gang was going to come along or not. Well? Phoenix inquired.

Rakaia and Luna looked at each other before gazing at Sega, who held an unreadable expression. Jesse looked at her. Sega sighed. "Heraklinos told me about the Hybrids' history lesson but my friends need to know so…" she planted her feet on the floor, winced at the strong pain of her ribs as she stood up. Without her permission though she didn't mind, Jesse tossed her arm around his neck and gripped her waist, making sure she stays up instead of the ground. Isabella watched her closely as Jesse, Rakaia, Luna and Sega approached the duel monsters and looked at the trio left behind. "Isabella, aren't you coming?"

Isabella looked down immediately. Atticus rubbed his hand up and down her arm, trying to soothe her. Alexis held a soft and sad expression for the girl.

"I don't know about you Belle, but I'm going," Jaden said suddenly. Isabella looked at her with shock in her eyes.

"Jaden, you can't be-"

Jaden interrupted by shaking his head. "Isabella, I am serious. Listen; just like everyone in this room, I want to help you and Sega. Sure, you guys having a duel monster living inside of you is hard to take in. But you can't run away!" Isabella looked at him, taken back by his brave words. "Look at Sega, Belle. She's not running away nor is she avoiding it. She's going to fight it head on."

"Jaden," Alexis breathed slowly as the Elemental Hero duelist stared down at his best friend. Atticus, meanwhile, stayed silent, silently cheering the boy on.

"I don't have the answers as to why Albion chose you out of all people, Belle. But here's your chance to find out. We're going to be with you, Belle; we're not leaving you alone." Jaden smiled. "We never had." The room fell silent as Sega nodded her head, acknowledging Jaden's deep words. Rakaia and Luna looked awestruck by his words, so was Jesse and Alexis. Atticus smiled softly as he glanced at Isabella, who had her eyes locked on Jaden.

"Isabella, I will always be there for you," Atticus decided to give a little more push to his friend. "I never cared whether you had a duel monster within you. You're my friend, my best friend. I love you for you, not Albion." Isabella looked at him, tears began to build up. "You left me all those years ago because of him. Neither of us knew why or what he wanted, but now we're together again and not even him, will break us apart."

Tears rolled down her face as the words spoken to her hit like a ton of bricks. She wrapped her arms around his neck and cried silently, thanking him for his words. Atticus, at the moment, embraced in her return and told the others they were ready.

"Aww that was so sweet," Sega teased Isabella as she and Atticus approached the center of the room. Isabella smacked her in the arm with a smile on her face.

"Way to kill the mood, idiot," Rakaia smirked. Sega glared at him.

"Watch it, dork."

Phoenix stepped forward and faced the gang and duel monsters. Are you all positive that you want to go through with this? She received her answers in the form of nods. Phoenix nodded herself and gestured Emeron and Saphiron towards her. Phoenix then drew her newly reformed Katana, which began to glow in white. She raised the Katana; the blade pointed down, over her head, like she was going to stab someone, and punctured the ground in front of her. Letting go of the hilt, she looked at the two spirits who nodded and began to glow the same color as the blade. Suddenly, they became these beams of light that encircled everyone and transporting them to an unknown destination.

(A/N: Ok from here until I write so, they are in a solid all around white space, which changes depending on the memory. They are watching Phoenix's explanation. Also Not that much detail will be written. Mostly talk. But I will tell you how the new scene changes though.)

"Where are we?" Alexis asked as Phoenix took a few steps forwards ahead of them.

This is the dimension known as the Neltic. Phoenix explained. The Neltic shows its visitors the answers they are seeking. As she said that, the void began to change scenery, from a white void to the dark, outer space.

"Ya'll mean that the history of the Hybrids started from here in the Outer Space?" Jesse inquired. Phoenix nodded. Heraklinos hushed everyone so that Phoenix may begin the narration to the Hybrids' existence.

Many human centuries ago, a meteor almost crashed into the Planet Earth. Despite that the meteor did not crash into the Earth, something did and that something was the Infinite Core. As it entered the Earth's atmosphere, it broke off into 13 pieces. 12 pieces landed on a particular set of animals you know today as the rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, sheep, monkey, rooster, dog, and pig. These animals in your world are known as the Zodiacs, correct? Now these 12 pieces of the Infinite Core merged with the souls of these animals, giving them unbound intelligence, agility, strength, and healing abilities. They were given the names: Xanthius, Razielon, Tiburscia, Gallaine, Albion, Raesah, Cedric, Jayron, Kylun, Corvan, Trasean, and Altaric. Each zodiac had a particular ability that sets them apart from the others. For example, Tiburscia governs space while Albion is time. However, despite the new abilities, the Infinite Core pieces soon realized that the animals' bodies were not designed to harbor the hazardous cosmic energy. The Zodiacs began to exhibit signs of terminal illnesses and the Infinite Core had to react fast to save their hosts.

"How did they save the Hybrids, Phoenix?" Isabella asked.

I was getting to that, my dear. As the animals weakened even more, the Infinite Core called upon a different source of life energy. This life energy is the Duel energy from the Duel Monsters Realm. The Infinite Core pieces absorbed the new energy into their hosts' bodies, changing their physical appearance in the process. With the duel monster energy inside their bodies, the Zodiacs became the Zodiac Hybrids, a mixture of animal energy and monster energy into one entity.

"Amazing," Atticus breathed, clutching Isabella closer to him. They saw how the normal animals transform into the Hybrids. Everyone's eyes landed on two Hybrids they have come to know: Tiburscia and Albion.

After the Hybrids were fully operational, the 12 Infinite Core pieces were of no use anymore. They had used up the limited amount of energy within the shards. But the 13th piece, which is larger than the other pieces that broke off from the meteor, still had the energy swirling in it. Therefore, the Hybrids sought after the missing 13th piece that crashed into a forest in a place I believed call China. During their journey, some humans caught glimpses of the Hybrids, calling them guardians or spirits of the World. This is how the 12 animal zodiacs came to be, based on the Hybrids. The humans had the Infinite Core with their possession, having no idea what type of phenomenal energy was sustained inside of it. The Hybrids urged the Humans to let go of their possession of the Infinite Core, which they did. Knowing that it was dangerous to protect an Infinite power source in the human world, the Hybrids took the Core into the Duel Monsters Realm, where they have remained for several hundred years.

"So then, how did the Demon Hybrids came to be?" Jaden questioned. Alexis, next to him, intertwined her fingers with his.

It wasn't long after the Hybrids settled into their new home that the Humans spread stories about them. The stories changed upon generations on generations. Eventually, the humans wondered what it would be like to have the Hybrids in their world once again.

"You mean…" Rakaia rubbed the back of his head.

Exactly. The humans began to try to stimulate the same events that happened all those centuries ago. Using real animals, cosmic energy and duel energy, they succeeded in making Hybrid clones but something went terribly wrong. As soon as the Hybrid clones emerged from their tanks, they went ballistic and killed the humans within the laboratory. They escaped and managed to find a duel portal to the Duel Monster Realms.

"How horrible." Luna cried, covering her mouth as she watched the massacre of the humans by the Demon Hybrids. Heraklinos began to narrate after Phoenix.

When the Hybrids enter the world of the Duel Monsters centuries ago, many of us did not see them as regular monsters but as "Gods." My Gladiator Beasts and I pledged loyalty to Lord Tiburscia while Phantom's Elemental Dragons pledged loyalty to Albion. Other duel monsters pledged loyalty to the other Hybrids. Phoenix, here, did not pledge loyalty to the Hybrids until after the war.

"How come?" Jesse asked, facing Phoenix. Phoenix remained quiet while Heraklinos continued.

The Hybrids and the duel monsters did not sense the disturbance of the Human World nor did we know of the creation of the clones. The day they enter the Duel Monster Realm was the deadliest and darkest day of our lives. Many of the duel monsters were either enslaved or slaughtered. And one by one, the original Hybrids fell.

The scene changes to a large chamber. Within that chamber was a long walkway that leads to a barrier. Inside were a large crystallized stone and a dragon. Immediately the gang recognized the dragon as Albion. The gang remained in silence, along with the Duel Monsters as Albion cries out. (A/N: Remember Hybrids talk without moving their mouths)

GET ME OUT OF HERE! Albion roared as he thrashed around the stone, smashing his armored body into the barrier. BROTHERS, ALLOW ME TO ENTER THE BATTLE! BROTHERS! He lets out a dragon's screech as he tried to break the strong barrier. Suddenly, the large door that connected the room to the outside opened and a bloody Tiburscia galloped towards the barrier. Tibursica, the tormented dragon greeted his comrade as the injured tiger entered the barrier from the outside. Take my place and allow me to fight these demons! Tiburscia immediately shook his head.

No, our brothers and I have decided that you need to escape from here with the Core. Albion widened his eyes in pure shock. Albion, you must understand; they are after the Infinite Core. In their hands, who knows what evil or tragedy they bring upon the universe! This is why I am escaping with you, so agreed by our comrades.

No…TIBURSCIA YOU FOOL! Albion roared. There's no way in Hell I'm leaving here without a fight! If you want to protect the stone and flee, be my guest! But I will stay here and fight!

Tiburscia growled. Albion, use your head! The Infinite Core wants you to take it to safety! It called me here, asking me to use my Dimension-travelling ability so that you, it, and our followers go into another dimension! You're the only one, Albion, who has the capability to harbor the Infinite Core's power within your spirit.

Albion glared at his comrade as he bears his fangs. Tiburscia… Tiburscia turned his head slightly, watching the door as the Gladiator Beasts and Elemental Dragons rushed inside the chamber to deliver the two Hybrids bad news. Phantom and Tiburscia's Beast-Warrior-type Lieutenant were holding off the Demon clones while one Hybrid, Xanthius, remained in battle. The leader of the Hybrids ordered the duel monsters to stay by the remaining, breathing Hybrids' sides. Tiburscia nodded as Heraklinos gave him Xanthius' final orders: Get Albion out of here.

You heard Xanthius, Albion. Let's go. Still flustered with anger, Albion agreed and covered the Core with his wings. A faint white glow flashed under his wings for a few brief seconds and then faded away. Uncovering his wings, the Infinite Core was now attached to his chest as the diamond shaped gem.

He growled slightly as Tiburscia approached him. Well, what are we waiting for?

Calm yourself Albion, Tiburscia whispered as he concentrated on opening a portal in front of them. The portal opened, large enough for Albion and Tiburscia to enter, along with everyone else in the chamber. Both Hybrids turned their attention to their followers. Knowing that the Gladiators and Dragons wanted to come along too, Albion and Tiburscia's bodies began to glow. In front of them as they glowed, two particles of light appeared and as the lights faded, a familiar white tiger and green dragon stood. The gang watched in amazement as the Hybrids told their followers to use the two new duel monster spirits to travel into the same dimension they were heading to. With that, the Hybrids entered into the portal, destined to never return for a long period of time to the Duel Monster Realm.

"So, Albion was protecting the Core while the Hybrids were at war with the Demons," Jaden pointed out.

"Yeah, it's no wonder he looks so cool." Rakaia said, earning a slight glare from the Dragon Hybrid's human.

Heraklinos cleared his throat. Out of all the Hybrids, Albion and Tiburscia are the most special, which is why they were selected to leave the Duel Monster Realm. The Infinite Core, I believe, must be waiting to use the abilities of Time and Space to destroy the Demons.

"Makes sense," Alexis stated. "But something is bothering me, Heraklinos. If Albion agreed to Tiburscia's request to leave the Realm, why was he so angry when he appeared once again?"

Albion was distraught, Phoenix said suddenly. The death of his brothers and the destruction of his home gave him motive to take revenge against the Demons, Tiburscia and…the Humans. Albion is an honorable dragon by heart; he would have rather fought to the death than to flee from the battle. But under these circumstances, his honor and trust was shattered and now we have this power hungry Dragon Hybrid to deal with.

The scene changes again to inside the portal where Tiburscia and Albion travelled along.

We will hide in the Human World for now, Albion and regroup if needed. Our followers should be behind us soon. Tiburscia spoke in reassuring tone.

I don't care! Albion snarled at his comrade, causing them to stop mid-flight in the portal. Facing each other, Albion continued. I could have used the power of the Infinite Core and take down those demons without breaking a sweat! I could have saved our brothers' lives, but you… What kind of Hybrid are you? Running away from his comrades like a dog disobeying its master!

You know better than to misuse the power of the Core. We all agreed to never use its power for our selfish use in the first place! Who knows what could happen to you if you use it?

Albion smirked. Then let's try it out, Brother! The gem began to glow just like when Albion turned into the dark colored version of himself. Tiburscia folded his ears back as the gem glowed darker and darker, Albion roaring in agony as the power flowed through his veins. The gang watched as Tiburscia's right paw glowed with gold energy. The large bladed tiger launched himself towards the immobilized dragon, the glowing paw covering the Infinite Core on his chest. WHAT ARE YOU DOING? Albion snapped.

What needs to be done…I'm sorry… Tiburscia whispered as his paw glowed more instantly on Albion's chest. Albion roared in pain as the Core's light faded. Completely drained, Albion fell to his knees, gasping for breath. His brownish red and gold scales returned and the flick of anger that was in his eyes was replaced with vulnerability.

What…did…you do? Albion hissed, glaring at Tiburscia.

I've sealed the Infinite Core's power. Now you cannot tap into the power source and use it for your selfish gains. The only way the spell can be broken is if for some reason, my own level of power diminishes to a low level. It was…it was for your own good Albion.

TIBURSCIA! Albion, though weak, summoned all his strength to propel himself towards his comrade as the memory faded back into the white void.

"What happen after that?" Luna asked softly.

Well, Phoenix started. Saphiron and Emeron emerged into the same portal Albion and Tiburscia used, only to find those two nearly exhausted from fighting each other.

"They did what now?" Jesse hollered.

Yep. Saphiron and Emeron managed to bring the Gladiator Beasts and the Elemental Dragons with them but in the forms of duel decks. When they did, Albion and Tiburscia had no choice but to seal themselves into those decks.

"That's when Saphiron and Emeron separated from each other and went to go find duelists who can harness the Gladiator Beast Deck and the Elemental Dragon Deck," Sega stated.

Phoenix nodded. Both decks travelled from duelist to duelist before ending up in your hands, ladies. Lady Isabella, you weren't the only one who was afraid of Albion.

Isabella looked at her in confusion. "I wasn't?"

I won't show you the different people who had your deck before you, but I will tell you this. Each time Albion took control of their minds, they tossed the deck away, calling it a cursed deck. Somehow, it ended up being a prize at a tournament where your father won it for you, without knowing the legend behind it, if you know what I mean. Albion could not link his mind to yours until you were faced with real anger and hatred. And when you did that fated day, you were linked to his presence. But unlike the other duelists, you did not throw away the deck. You held onto it, winning countless duels and tournaments within the years.

"This deck is very special to me, Phoenix. I love my monsters but…" Isabella confessed.

I understand. Now if you all may, let me explain my research on Albion's possession on you. As I told you before, Albion was an honorable dragon, full of courage and compassion. He always believed to never let someone down no matter the crisis. When he was sealed in the Elemental Dragon deck, the emotions that danced in his veins were anger and hatred. These emotions were the key to unlock Albion's possible resurrection. Though former duelists sensed Albion in their minds, they could not resurrect him like you have. Remember, his anger and hatred was fixed to the Demon Hybrids and any followers they may have. When the boy next to you was hurt, you grew angry and felt hate against the other boy who hurt him, who was a follower of the Demons. Just like Albion, you were angry that you couldn't protect those you care for and felt hate to those who hurts them.

"But that does not explain how when she was 6, Albion possessed her entire body and now she's able to become him!" Atticus countered. Phoenix nodded towards his statement.

It was because she was not strong enough to harbor the dense energy to become Albion, unlike now. She was only a child back then. Albion somehow knew if he made her turn into him, it will cost him her life. She would have died. Now that she is older and has many years of slowly adapting to the dragon's presence in her body, she was able to achieve that goal. When you, dear boy, and Lady Sega were hurt by Albion's most hated enemies, she snapped and Albion came out at full strength.

"Then what about Sega?" Jesse inquired, his gaze locking with Sega's. "How did she become Tiburscia?"

Heraklinos spoke once again, in a strong voice. My Gladiator Beasts and I have been a part of Sega's family for generations, passed down from parents to children. Upon those years of serving loyally to her family, not once has Tiburscia's presence been felt. For the moment, we felt relieved. When we were passed down to Sega, she was the first in her family to enter into our deck and actually communicate with us in our world. He paused, giving the gang a small smile. As you know, Saphiron and Emeron are not any regular duel monster spirits. They were created by the energy of the two surviving Hybrids, giving them unique abilities. One of these abilities allows both of them to be seen by ordinary people, if so the two wished to be seen. Unless of course if the people already can see duel spirits. Because she was able to see Emeron after he protected her from Albion's wrath at one point, one of my Gladiator Beasts believed Tiburscia was a part of her.

"Gaiodiaz." Sega blankly said. Heraklinos froze but nodded his head.

I did not want to believe that possibility that Sega could indeed be Tiburscia. But, when she faced Bastille, it confirmed my worst fear.

Phoenix interrupted Heraklinos. Like Albion, Tiburscia had emotions swirling within his soul when he was sealed. Guilty and doubt are the emotions Sega must feel in order for Tiburscia to be resurrected. Tiburscia was distraught that he, too, couldn't save his friends and doubted his own strength. Sega, in your battle with that Demon, did you doubt yourself and felt guilty about not protecting your friends?

Sega stayed silent, gathering her thoughts on the battle she had as Tiburscia. "Yeah…I did. I felt like I couldn't protect everyone. After Heraklinos got injured, I knew it was over. No matter what monster I would have summoned out, they would have been taken down with ease. I was weak. And then that's when I heard him, Tiburscia, calling to me."

Just as I thought. It seems that Tiburscia and Albion selected you guys for your opposite personalities to theirs: Isabella, understanding and kind, Albion, aggressive and demanding; Sega, stubborn and hot-tempered, Tiburscia, patient and docile. Because of your personality traits, it would be easy for you to feel the key emotions to unlock the Hybrids within you. But even though the Hybrids were a part of you, they let you live your life like if they have never been a part of you. They only appeared when you were in trouble or hurt even if you didn't know.

The scene changes to a packed dueling stadium. In the middle was a large duel arena. One side was a 20 year old male who had a monster out on the field with one face down on his field. On the other side was Isabella with no monsters on her field and one facedown. It was her turn.

"Hey, this is the day I took the Championship title!" Isabella exclaimed as she saw herself draw a card and smirk at her opponent.

"My draw! From my hand I play the spell Monster Reborn! Which means one monster gets to be Special Summon from my Graveyard! Come forth, Elemental Guardian Dragon!" A golden scaled dragon with large wings and a ferocious attitude appeared on the field.

"Not him again!"

"Thanks to you, all four of my Elemental Dragons are in my Graveyard, giving him an additional 2400 points in both Attack and Defense!" The audience watched as her dragon's Attack points went from 3000 to 5400. "I activate my facedown, Mystical Space Typhoon! With this spell card, I can destroy one Spell or Trap on the field and I target your face down!" Her opponent's facedown was destroyed. "Now, I activate my Dragon's special ability! By halving his Attack Points, I can attack you directly! Go, Elemental Guardian Dragon! Shining Gaia's Flare!" The dragon shot a hyper beam like attack directly at the guy, causing his life points to drop to zero. Immediately, the audience stood on their feet, applauding for the new champion.

The scene changed again to meadow scenery. The gang took in the beautiful setting while Sega stepped forward. "This is the field behind my ranch."

"Really?" Luna looked awestruck. "Sega, it's beautiful."

"Hey, look!" Jaden pointed to four figures on horses running towards them, along with a stampede of cattle. One of them was a current aged Sega riding on a light brown horse. She was wearing a leather brown jacket with matching pants and same color shoes. She was also sporting her black cowboy hat. Her horse had a white blaze along the muzzle and stockings on the legs. Its red mane shined brightly. Sega pulled on the reins right in front of the gang, but she didn't see them though.

"Dad!" She hollered over the stampeding cattle to a guy dressed similarly like her. "Let's lead them back home!"

"RIGHT!" Her father shouted back. Sega clicked her tongue, her horse responding to the sound and galloped behind the cattle.

"HAW! COME ON!" Sega scared the cattle, making sure they do not escape. Another guy approached her on his horse and helped her out as they led the animals back to the ranch. But one baby calf escaped and broke off from the herd and headed towards the forest.

"Damn…Come on Rebel, let's go get that calf!" Her horse neighed as Sega grabbed her lasso and made her horse run after the runaway calf. Twirling the lasso into the air, the gang couldn't help but look in awe as she successfully lassoed the calf around its neck and pulled it back to the ranch, to its waiting mother. "And Isabella says that's lassoing is hard than making a strategy for a deck. Ha!" Sega mumbled.

The scene faded back to a white void and then a familiar setting, Phoenix's room. She pulled her Katana from the floor; Saphiron and Emeron escaping as two orbs of light from the blade. As the monsters return to their place by their masters' sides, Phoenix sheathed her katana. There. I have given you the answers you seek. Anything else? The gang shook their heads, all happy to have some kind of knowledge about the Hybrids and their mortal enemies. Phoenix inclined her head, bid a due, and walked out of her room with Heraklinos and the two spirits.

The gang stood there, in the middle of the room in silence.

"So what are we going to do now?" Jesse broke the silence.

"Well it's obvious that Belle and I cannot return to our world because the Demon Hybrids will come after us." Sega admitted. "They know who we are and they know who you guys are. So we're safe here…for now."

"Sega…" Isabella whispered softly. "Can I pull you to the side for a minute?" Sega agreed and the two walked over to a corner.

"Well, I say we should gather all the Duel Monsters and have some sort of plan of attack since they got new back-up." Rakaia stated.

"I think they would have done that by now, Rakaia," Luna mentioned.

"But he does have a point, Luna." Jaden smiled. "With the two Hybrids here and us, the Duel Monsters seems to have newfound courage and energy to fight these Demons."

"So what you're saying is that we have to fight them too?" Atticus stared at Jaden quizzically.

"Yup, with our own Duel Monsters."

Alexis shook her head. "I don't know Jaden. That sounds dangerous."

"You're right, Lexi," Isabella and Sega approached them. Atticus and Jesse walked up to them only to be confused when both girls took a step back away from them.

"What's wrong, Belle?" Atticus asked worriedly as he looked into her dark, hazel eyes.

"Sega and I have decided that…we're going to fight the Demon Hybrids on our own."

"ARE YOU NUTS?" Their friends shouted. Sega scoffed, folding her arms across her chest.

Atticus strode up right to Isabella and grasped her arms. "Belle, you can't be serious? They'll kill you two if you go alone."

"Yeah, we'll go with ya. All for one and one for all!" Jesse remarked.

Isabella and Sega looked at each other and shook their heads. "It doesn't matter, Jesse, guys," Sega began. "We're leaving you guys here where it's safe while we'll fight."

"This is unbelievable!" Rakaia yelled. "We want to help you guys out, not sit on the sidelines!"

"Please let us help you!" Luna pleaded, even though Sega and Isabella shook their heads.

"You guys are ridiculous! We're gonna help you and that's final!" Atticus stated firmly.

"NO!" Isabella shouted, her hazel eyes turning blood red. Atticus backed away from her as the rest of the occupants stared at her in disbelief. Sega looked at her curiously. Isabella kept her gaze locked with Atticus'.

"…Isabella…" Atticus whispered.

"I can't stand seeing none of you getting hurt, especially you Atticus." Tears threaten to fall out her blood-red eyes. "Just stay here within the castle and out of our way. I'll feel better knowing you guys are here than out there in battle."

"But Belle…"

"No buts, Atticus!" Isabella closed her eyes, holding back the tears. "Just please, promise me you'll stay here."

"Isa..."

"PROMISE ME!" Atticus was taken aback by Isabella's sudden boldness. He's never seen her like this before. But he knew that she was just trying to keep them safe, keep him alive. But he couldn't bring himself to give her the answer she wanted.

"I can't Isabella. I can't promise you that."

Isabella looked at him, tears cascading down on her cheeks. She was glaring at him with all the anger she could muster.

"I HATE YOU ATTICUS!" She screamed, slapping him across the face and stormed out of the room, sobbing.

Atticus remain still for the entire time that passed, not even caring for the lingering gazes that were on him, a hard, cold glare and 5 pairs of shocked stares. He rested his hand on the cheek she slapped him. He broke her heart because of a promise he couldn't keep.

Oh damn...I seriously got nothing to say about this chapter... I'm still in shock that I wrote this ending! Belle's going to kill me! Oh wait I do have something to say...well two things. First about the small Isabella and Sega's memory of dueling and farming; it was to point out that the Hybrids allowed them to do what they loved. For Belle, it was dueling and for Sega, it was riding on horses. Second, ahem my birthday is coming up this Sunday so as a treat, I updated with all of you in mind! Well please Review! Ja ne!