Before we get into this chapter, I want to make one thing clear. Lance is not a Barian nor from Astral World. The reason I'm bringing this up is because this chapter includes an idea I liked from another Zexal Fanfiction, that let's be honest, you've probably heard about above mind. 'Yugioh Zexal: Feeling the ultimate flow'. It's a great read, and I hope to take the idea in a different direction.

That said, there is are two people from Astral World and Barian World around, and on a related note, next chapter is when Dos' and Organization's true identities are revealed.

Park: Rio vs Vetrix

Duel Disk Go

Duel Gazer on

Augmented vision link established

(Rio 4000/Vetrix 4000)

"Please, do take the first turn." Vetrix stated.

"If you insist, here I go." Rio nodded. "I summon Blackwing-Kahut the Moon Shadow(LV 3/1400/1000)." A black bipedal bird with a blond hair color appeared. "When I control another Blackwing, I can special summon Blackwing-Gale the Whirlwind(LV 3/1300/400)."

A small Blackwing with dark black feathers on the body and green feathers around the head appeared. "Now I will use Gale to tune Kahut and Synchro for 6. Synchro summon Blackwing-Nothung the Starlight(LV 6/2400/1600)."

A muscular purple and black humanoid Blackwing appeared. "When this card is special summoned, I inflict 800 life points to you (Rio 4000/Vetrix 3200). I will end my turn with a face down."

"An impressive play, but I seem to recall that particular card having a secondary effect. Something about decreasing my monster's ATK/DEF by the same amount as my damage. Seems a little reckless to use it now." He smiled. "Are you scared?"

"Scared of you." Rio stared him down. "Don't make me laugh."

"I do enjoy making people laugh." Vetrix declared. "You and I are about to have a real fun time starting now." He drew. "I summon Heraldic Beast Basilisk(LV 4/1000/1400)." A chicken head on a red lizards body appeared. "Now I shall equip your monster with my Heraldry Blast."

"What does that do?" Rio asked.

"You're about to find out once Basilisk attacks your Blackwing." Vetrix declared with a smile.

"Why would you do that!?" Rio asked shocked.

Vetrix smirked. "Because Heraldy Blast and Basilisk actually work quite well together. Basilisk destroys any monster he attacks, and the one who owns the monster equipped with Heraldry Blast takes damage equally to half that monster's attack (Rio 2800/Vetrix 1800)."

Rio was shocked. "That was an unorthodox yet brilliant play."

Vetrix bowed and laughed. "Why thank you. See, I told you we'd have fun."

Rio shook her head. "It doesn't matter what you come up with because I'm winning this."

"We shall see." Vetrix stated. "For now, I set four cards and end my turn."

Rio drew. "Since I control exactly three Dark monsters in my grave, I can special summon Dark Armed Dragon(LV 7/2800/1000)." A large dragon with dark scales appeared. "By banishing a dark monster in my grave, I can destroy a card on your field. I choose the one on the left.

With that out of the way, I'll normal summon Blackwing-Fane the Steel Chain(LV 2/500/800)." A humanoid bird in a black gi appeared. "I'm not stopping with just these two monsters.

Since I now control another Blackwing, I can special summon Blackwing-Oroshi the Squall(LV 1/400/600)." A black bird appeared. "I will have him give my Dane and Dragon a tune up to Synchro for 10.

Synchro Summon Blackwing-Full Armor Master(LV 10/3000/3000)." A humanoid bird in thick purple and gray armor appeared. "Since he's unaffected by traps, I can attack you without worrying about them."

"Not quite." Vetrix declared. "I activate Pinpoint Guard. When you declare an attack, I can special summon a Level 4 or lower monster from my grave in defense mode. Welcome back Heraldic Beast Basilisk(LV 4/1000/1400). It can't be destroyed this turn."

"Alright, then I will set one card." Rio declared.

Vetrix drew. "I'll summon Heraldic Beast Leo(LV 4/2000/1000)." A white lion in gold armor appeared. "With these two monsters, I construct the overlay network. Xyz Summon Number 8: Heraldic King Genom-Heritage(R 4/O 2/2400/1800)." A colorful monster appeared.

"So, that's his Number." Rio thought. "It doesn't matter because my monster is immune to all effects, and my trap will protect me in the worst-case scenario."

"While it is true that your monster is unaffected by other card effects, that does not prevent him from being targeted. I detach one overlay unit from Genom allowing him to take on your monster's name and effect until the end of the turn.

He will then destroy himself and your monster through battle, but before that I will activate my Heraldic Burst sending your spell/trap back to your hand leaving your monster wide open for destruction."

Rio was utterly shocked. "Impossible. He countered what I had like it was nothing. Just who is this duelist?"

Vetrix smirked. "It does not end there because I have my last trap known as Xyz Reborn allowing me to bring Number 8: Heraldic King Genom-Heritage(R 4/O 1/2400/1800) back to the field. Since it's still the battle phase, he will attack you directly (Rio 400/Vetrix 1800)."

Rio collected herself. "I'm still in the game Vetrix."

Vetrix smiled. "Not when I end my turn causing your like points to plummet another 500 due to Heraldic Burst's added effect (Rio 0/Vetrix 1800)."

Rio was knocked onto her back defeated. "How? How did you…"

Vetrix laughed. "It was far too easy to predict your moves for you are nothing special as a duelist. The only thing truly special about you is that power within that I want. Now that I have defeated you, I will take you back with me and extract it. Not to mention that Number as well."

Rio stared at the sky in shock. "That's right, the Number… I've lost my Number… I failed Yuma, Shark, and…" She closed her eyes. "I failed Lance who has had such faith in me. Apparently, I am just a worthless duelist. "

"Rio!" Lance shouted arriving on the scene.

Rio's eyes snapped open and she craned her neck back to see him running towards her desperately as Vetrix slowly approached her. At the rate they were going, plus current distance, Vetrix would reach her first.

Despite this fact, the loss, and her failure, Rio couldn't help but smile. "He came for me." There was a warm feeling in her heart that made her think this was eerily familiar. "What is this?"

A man with well-kept black hair, sunglasses, and a bald head suddenly appeared in Lances way. "I'm afraid I can't…"

"I don't care what some butler has to say or even do with this." Lance declared. "I don't even know what the hell's going on." He slammed into James' gut before jumping and elbowing him in the chin. "All I know is that I'm not letting that kid lay a finger on Rio."

Lance's pendant was beginning to glow brilliantly as Vetrix made it to Rio and reached out his hands completely ignoring Lance and James. His goal was Rio and that was all that mattered to him now.

"Leave her alone!" Lance shouted completely enraged.

He jumped from his current place straight at Vetrix winding up a punch. He wasn't exactly sure why he was being rash only that he got a bad feeling about this whole situation, and that he had to act now. No dueling or grandstanding. Nothing except rescuing Rio.

Suddenly, Rio's own energy, crimson, began to resonate with Lance's white magic causing a shockwave of power to spread out knocking James and Vetrix away as the students were enveloped in a sphere of white and crimson. Both Lance and Rio's deck were resonating.

Astral World

A young child-like being stood alone in the middle of a blue field. If it weren't for his features, you could easily mistake him for a 6-year-old. He was an oddity among the countless other residents because unlike them he didn't glow.

He also consisted of colors other than the normal blue you tended to see. This six-year-old looking being was chalk white in color. His hair was short and light blue in color with orange tips. His eyes were heterochromia with the left being dark pink and the right forest green.

His attire consisted of black pants with a red line down the side, black tank top, and red shoes. It was this way on purpose to honor his only true friend and most loyal companion. Red-Eyes Black Dragon.

The being looked up at the sky with wide eyes as he felt two strong, yet familiar energies. "Mom… Dad…" Red-Eyes Black Dragon appeared behind the being and roared. "If I go, Master Eliphas will be enraged. He told me never to leave."

Red-Eyes looked down at the being and gave a soft growl before landing and bowing his head.

"True, Eliphas doesn't seem to like me, and my parents… that's their energy. I'm certain of it though mom's feels darker." He ran over to the dragon. "You know, I never really had a reason for leaving, but I do now." He jumped on. "Let's get out of here."

Red-Eyes Black Dragon took off to the sky.

Past

"You must remember…" A voice that sounded like Rio's, only mature, reached both Rio's and Lance's ears.

Suddenly, Both Lance and Rio found themselves inside people that looked a lot like them only older and dressed differently. Their counterparts stood in the room of what looked like a castle together next to a crib which contained a sleeping baby boy with skin like Rio's.

He also had light blue hair with orange tips. The Lance look alike, which Lance was within, wore white armor with light red highlights. A golden blade was sheathed at his side and the sheathe itself was adorned with five dragons.

One in the middle and two at either the top of bottom of the central dragon. On top of that, three of the dragons were familiar. Dark Rebellion Xyz Dragon, Clear Wing Synchro Dragon, and Starving Venom Fusion Dragon.

One dragon on the bottom and the central dragon were foreign to Lace. Rio's look alike had pale skin and dark blue hair with light blue bangs. She wore a long hood on her head, white heeled sandals, a white dress, and three gold rings on her legs. The Lance look alike pulled her close.

"Don't worry Marin." The look alike whispered. "I think our son is a great reason to stick around, don't you? I mean, he's proof that I've grown to love you and I'm fond of Nasch. No matter what, this is my home. I'm no longer the Wandering Mercenary."

Marin smiled and leaned into him with a content smile. "Thank you for putting my mind at ease Draco. We never talked about this, and I was fearful of what could happen. I am happy to hear you consider these lands your home."

Somewhere Else, Somewhen Else

Draco was faced with an army of dead soldiers in an eerily dead, gray forest. Dust and blood bathed the ground as did the dead bodies of the platoon he'd led to this location. Draco himself had lost his armor, was covered in dirt, heavily injured, and panting hard.

"Sorry Marin. Looks like I won't be coming home like I promised. Nasch, I'm sorry I'll make her cry. I just don't have the energy to summon one of my dragons to get away." He picked up his sword and stood his ground.

"Alright, you want a piece of me come get it. I killed your leader, but I won't be satisfied until you've paid for every death. Both my men and the countless innocents you've slaughtered. For the United Lands of the Poseidon Ocean!"

Draco charged the soldiers, who reacted in kind, only for flames to rain down on the dead while leaving Draco unharmed. A fierce black and red dragon, more like a demon, landed. Marin jumped off and ran to Draco who fell to his knees relieved.

"Draco…" Marin slid to her knees next to him with tears in her eyes. "I made it." The tears fell. "Right? You're okay?"

Draco chuckled. "Never better, Love." He smiled at her. "Especially now that you're here."

On the Dragon, Later…

Draco rested on Marin's lap and she held him close as the dragon took them home.

"I'm sorry Marin." Draco stated. "I really am." He gently placed his hand on her right cheek. "I deserve whatever Nasch does to me for making you cry

Marin smiled. "He's not going to do anything. I'll make sure of it."

Draco chuckled. "Excuse me if I don't believe you, but I made his sister cry and almost left her and his beloved nephew. It was only by my wife coming to find me on her recently obtained dragon that saved my life. I'm pretty sure she didn't have permission to leave the kingdom."

"Just don't worry about that. I promise I'll smooth everything over with him." Marin smiled. "If there's one person who hates to see me sad more than you, it's him."

"True." Draco stated. "Anyways, mind telling me how you came riding in on this mighty dragon?"

"Her name is Red Dragon Archfiend. She contacted me from the Dragon Lands, within the realm, and told me you were in trouble. You've been a steadfast ally of the dragons, so it's not surprising they'd want to help you.

This one contacted me because she felt kinship to me. Now, the Wandering Mercenary isn't the only Dragon user around the United Lands of the Poseidon Ocean. She's told me she wants to stay with me."

Draco nodded. "That's good. A dragon who offers loyalty truly shows it. She'll be a fine companion."

"Are you hoping Vega follows in our footsteps now?" Marin asked.

"Naturally." Draco looked up at her as his hand dropped. "The thought of never seeing you or him again…"

Marin began gently running her right hand through his hair. "You're seeing me now, and you'll soon see our son upon our return. For now, rest. You've earned it."

Draco smiled. "Thank you, Love."

Suddenly, everything vanished in a sphere of light.

With Vega: Present

The child looking being soared through space atop his Red-Eyes. Both were cloaked in a fusion of crimson red and deep blue energy to protect them.

"Hey Red- Eyes, you think Uncle Nasch will be there to?" Vega asked. "I know aunt Ursa said it was impossible, but she also said my father and mother being alive was impossible as well."

Red-Eyes roared.

"It's a possibility, right?" Vega nodded. "I thought so." He looked around at the space contemplatively. "I wonder if they'll even want me or what forms they have now?"

Red-Eyes gave a comforting growl.

Vega nodded firmly. "You're right. I can't let my fear and doubt dissuade me from what is done. I chose this path, so I must stick to it."

Suddenly, Red-Eyes was forced to stop as a golden figure appeared before him and a crimson red figure appeared behind.

Vega looked at them both shocked. "Master Eliphas…" He stared at the crimson figure which radiated power. "That must be Don Thousand…"

"Vega, return to Astral World immediately!" Eliphas commanded.

Don Thousand spoke, but Eliphas didn't seem able to hear him. "Do not listen to him young Barian Emperor. Return to your true home. Dumon has missed you, Nasch, and Marin since your disappearances. Wouldn't you like to make him happy?"

"Dumon?" Vega questioned. "That name sounds familiar, but I don't recall ever hearing it."

"Vega, what are you saying?" Eliphas questioned. "Who are you talking to?"

Vega closed his eyes, nodded his head firmly, and opened them completely determined. "I don't care what either of you have to say because I know for a fact my mother and father are on Earth, so that is where I'm heading."

"I knew taking in a Barian was a mistake, but I saw in you the opportunity to Rank Up." Eliphas stated. "Guess I was both wrong and a fool."

Don Thousand said, "If you deny your true home, then I will take you by force."

"Arise, New Order 13: Etheric Amon." Eliphas declared.

"Destroy him Number C1000: Numeronius." Don Thousand added.

Behind Eliphas, there appeared a giant monster with gold wings while one with dark blue wings appeared behind Don Thousand.

Vega looked at the two monsters in shock and awe. "I-I can't fight them both. I don't think I could even fight one of them if they were alone. I have to do something!"

Red-Eyes Black Dragon gave a mighty roar before flying straight for Earth. Two beams were fired from the monsters, so Red-Eyes threw Vega off him in a way that his body took the hits. Red-Eyes cried out in agony as an explosion of light formed.

Fortunately, Vega was left unharmed by the blast and the shockwaves sent him hurtling towards earth. Unfortunately, those same shock waves rendered him unconscious and Red-Eyes turned into a sphere of light that was forced to enter Vega for recovery.

Park: Present

The sphere vanished leaving Rio and Lance standing. Lance was utterly confused while Rio was both that, yet also feeling an odd sense of familiarity when she thought back to her own time with Lance.

Weather she believed those were them in the past or not, which she had no idea, it did help put things in perspective with her own feeling for Lance. That said, now was not the time for such thoughts.

"Rio, do you have any idea what that was?" Lance asked.

Rio shook her head. "No idea."

"Well now, this is quite the interesting development." Vetrix stated. "I had heard about that power of yours, Lance Hogan, but to see it in person… I think you and Rio both need to come with me."

"If you want Lance, I'm sure my own leader would be fine with me lending assistance in that matter." James stated.

Vetrix was curious, but he decided to focus on more pressing matters. "If you wish to aid me, I will not deny it. It'll only make this go by quicker."

Rio and Lance ended up going back to back.

"What do we do Lance?" Rio asked.

"We duel them together." Lance state. "I know you may have lost alone, but together I think we can do this."

Rio felt more confident with Lance around, but before she could answer, she noticed Lance's deck and extra deck give off faint, white or crimson glows. Lance was too focused on the current matter to notice. She then heard roaring coming from her deck and extra deck.

She quickly skimmed through them only to find that her Blackwings were one instead replaced by cards used to facilitate the summoning of Red Dragon Archfiend as well as various forms of the same dragon. Even her Number had changed.

"What!?" Rio questioned before hearing another round of roaring. "This night is confusing, but at least these cards… I guess… seem like they want to help me." She shook her head firmly. "Right Lance. Let's put this matter to bed."

So, the two faced off with Vetrix and James only for Lance's pendant to warn him of incoming power. "Rio, jump forward, now!"

Rio trusted him, so she jumped, at the same time as him, only for a beam of crimson and white to impact the ground creating a crater. In that crater there was an eerily familiar boy laying there unconscious. Make him a baby, and you'd have a ringer for the baby both had seen.

This boy had Rio's pale skin. He also had light blue hair with orange tips, and his attire consisted of black pants with a red line down the side, black tank top, and red shoes. A black and red deck box was gripped tightly in his hands.

"This only gets more interesting." Vetrix stated rather delighted. "Such power upon his arrival. I must also have him."

James didn't like the thought of giving some kid to Vetrix even though they seemed powerful. He decided to act once the current matter was settled. By act, he meant taking the kid to the police or something. There was no way he was leaving a kid with his current 'ally'.

"Lance…" Rio began.

"I see it to Rio, but as unbelievable as that is, I believe we would better serve him by dueling these two." Lance declared. "See his chest? It rises and falls at a steady rate. For now, stay focused but keep an eye on him. We don't know who else is out there."

Rio looked at the child before closing her eyes. She had a strong urge to take care of the boy, but Lance was right.

She took a deep breath. "Alright, let's do this."

Street Near Organization vs Dos

Crow had been in the area when Lance sent in that call of all the duels going on, so it was a simple matter of driving to the location on his police bike only to stop when he noticed his wife coming out of an alleyway.

"There you are Zeera." Crow stated. "I was keeping my eyes peeled for you hoping to catch sight of you."

Zeera winked. "I'm glad I caught your eye, but this is hardly the time."

Crow rolled his eyes with an amused smile. "Not what I meant." He became serious once more. "The roof's coordinates lie just ahead. Are you picking up anything like Lance?"

Zeera shook her head. "I got nothing. Seems Lance takes after Zack when it comes to his magical abilities."

Crow nodded. "Right, well hop on and we'll…"

"Look out!" Zeera shouted as she tackled Crow off the bike as a red whip ensnared her wrist before vanishing.

"Seems like a spot of bad luck on my end." Shane stated as he walked into the light of the streetlamp. "Doesn't matter since I plan on ensnaring both of you."

Crow was on his feet ready now as he looked at Shane. "Honey, isn't that the Shane kid Lance was training?"

Zeera was focused on Shane. "Crow run to the building. He's not going to let you take your bike from here."

Shane shot out another whip, but Crow rolled to the right avoiding it. "Ah, right… I'll be going now."

He ran into the alley Zeera emerged from avoiding another whip that came his way.

Shane grit his teeth. "Seems he got away."

Zeera stared the kid down. "You're certainly not acting like the kid my son spoke about. The red whip associates you with Number Hunters. That leads me to suspect you've been lying to my son, Yuma, and their friends. Why suddenly come out of hiding?"

"Very observant Zeera Hogan." Shane declared. "I am indeed a Number Hunter. Just not on the Arclights or Kite and Shun's side. Permanently… that is. Our leader wants as many hands-on deck for tonight as we can manage in hopes of helping the Arclights."

"That is?" Zeera asked.

Shane chuckled amused. "Now. Now. Now. I believe you are aware sharing secrets is rude. You are an adult after all. That said, I'll tell you if you manage to beat me in a duel."

"I'm locked in anyways, so let's see what you got kid." Zeera stated.

Duel Disk Go

Duel Gazer on

Augmented vision link established

(Zeera 4000/Shane 4000)

"I will start us off." Shane declared. I summon Malicevorous Skewer(LV 2/300/300)." A purple armored demon with a skewer for a weapon appeared. "When Skewer is summoned, I can special summon a Malicevorous monster from my hand.

I choose Malicevorous Knife(LV 2/600/100)." A fiend in purple armor and wielding a red knife appeared. "When a Malicevorous monster with a different name is summoned, I can special summon Malicevorous Spoon(LV 2/100/500)."

A small fiend in purple armor and wielding a spoon appeared. "I'm far from done. I'll overlay all three level 2 monsters to Xyz summon Number 96: Black Mist(R 2/O 3/100/1000)." A truly fiendish, monstrous figure appeared with razor sharp claws and blazing fire eyes.

Black Mist chuckled as he appeared to Shane. "Not wasting any time, I see."

"Why should I when my opponent is so well known?" Shane thought. "I then activate Overlay Reward. By targeting an Xyz monster, such as Black Mist, I can draw cards equal to their overlay units. With three units, that's three cards. I'll end my turn with a face down."

"Black Mist… the Number Lance told me of. So, this is where it went, but the question is whether or not it's the thing controlling Shane?" Zeera drew. "You're opening play is good, but good will only carry you so far in a duel against the Queen of Games.

Observe as I end this duel now. On the Stand-By Phase, I can special summon Speedroid Skull Marble(LV 7/0/3000)." A long green and yellow train appeared. "This is done since you control a monster summoned from the extra deck.

I'll then normal summon Speedroid Gum Prize(LV 1/0/800)." A small robot with a metal pack of gum on its back appeared. "I'll use Gum Prize to give Skull Marble a tune up and Synchro for 8. Synchro Summon Crystal Wing Synchro Dragon(LV 8/3000/2500)."

A blue and brown dragon with white armor appeared.

"A powerful monster, but nothing I can't handle." Shane declared.

"I know your monster is capable of handling strong monsters." Zeera smiled. "Then again, who said this was your normal, strong monster? First, I activate both Hi-Speed Relevel and Shock Surprise. Both require at least one monster to be banished from the grave for activation.

Keeping that in mind, I'll banish Skull Marble for Relevel and Gum Prize for Shock Surprise. Now for the fun. Because Skull Marble was banished for Relevel, my Synchro Dragon becomes level 7.

He also gains 500 attack x his current level Crystal Wing Synchro Dragon(LV 7/6500/2500). That's not all, as the one banishment for Shock Surprise allows me to destroy any card I see fit on your field. That face down spell/trap is the perfect target."

"Those were some powerful effects, but it is nothing I can't handle." Black Mist declared.

"Now, my Synchro Dragon will end this by destroying your Number." Zeera declared.

Shane held out his hand. "I activate Black Mist ability. By detaching one overlay unit, your monster loses half its attack and my monster gains that same amount. What was that about ending this in one turn?"

"Exactly as I said because one of my dragon's abilities activates." Zeera countered. "When my opponent activates a Mosnters effect, Crystal Wing Synchro Dragon can negate it and destroy the monster who attempted to activate it."

Black Mist was shocked. "There's really a monster out there that can do this!?"

Shane grit his teeth. "Damn it!"

"Not that it really matters in the end, but my dragon gains the attack of the monster destroyed by this effect. That's a total of 6600 ATK now switched to a direct attack (Zeera 4000/Shane 0)." Zeera declared.

Shane was blown onto his back defeated. "Damn it… she's far better than they say."

Zeera approached him. "Now, let's hear those answers to my questions."

Shane got to his feet. "My leader is Declan Akaba, that's not his real name, and our deal does not involve you learning it. I'm just a member of the Lancers. I serve faithfully, so I have no idea why the Arclights are out tonight.

I only know it has something to do with Organization, Nelson Andrews, Shark Kastle, and Rio Kastle. I was ordered to patrol this area for anyone looking to interfere. My goal in this tournament is to gather Numbers and information."

Zeera stood before him with her arms crossed. "To think, this Declan Akaba would use a kid to do his dirty work."

Shane chuckled. "Aren't your son, Yuma, and his friends fighting this same battle I'm fighting?"

"You may have a point." Zeera sighed. "It is unfortunate that we must always count on those younger than us to protect the world, but something about them seems to make fate choose them. Every time, the world has survived. That said, they aren't alone."

"You are right about that." Shane nodded. "Your son and Yuma have acquired quite the number of strong allies, but it won't matter in the end. Declan will come out victorious and the earth will be saved."

"What are you talking about?" Zeera asked.

Shane jumped back and drew a spell from his duel disk. "Sorry, I don't think telling you that is part of the deal." He inserted the spell as Zeera ran at him. "Also, your mind is set on helping your son. Anything we do won't get you to change your thinking."

He vanished in blue particles which Zeera ran through. "He got away, but I'll see him at the WDC finals." She looked towards the direction of the roof. "For now, I should focus on what really matters."

She ran to her husband's motorcycle and sped off down the road.