Throughout the dark and lonely night, Yusei Fudo soared, seated atop his most trusted creature's neck, as they expedited across the lands, headed directly for the most likely location where Leo would be hiding - the castle of Leo himself - a gargantuan structure built to be the primary setting for the Dark One's forces in this region of the planet. It would be a bout a day's time before they'd reach said place because it was a few thousand miles away and Stardust Dragon would need to rest. Yusei, blinded by his devotion to Leo, didn't care if he was throwing himself in danger's way. All he cared about was Leo and his promise to always protect him. Yes, he knew that he stood no chance against Zorc or his minions, but he had to try to sneak Leo out of the castle and at worst case, if he was caught he would merely use his Signer powers to protect himself or if necessary, make a deal with Zorc in exchange for Leo's freedom.

"I've gotta save him. Even if it means putting myself in harm's way," he whispered to himself, feeling the wind rush against his face as billions of stars illuminated the night sky above him. "Leo, I'm coming for you, pal…"

"What do you mean he darted off on his own to find Leo?" shouted Zane, whom was livid. His face looked as if it was a bomb ready to detonate and his fists curled, unable to contain the vicious anger boiling within him.

"He went to find Leo. It's been haunting him for a while now and he feels responsible for the whole matter. Mad he is, going off like this on his own. He knows damn well he doesn't stand a chance against Zorc without us backing him, assuming Zorc is even there" explained Kite Tenjo as they both darted to the towers where their beasts were staying.

Suddenly, it was a full scare assault on the only place they knew he could have went to - Leo's castle that Zorc had given to him to command legions of soldiers from for this particular geographic region. There was no other place they could be for it the closest of Zorc's strongholds in terms of location to their own stronghold for they had destroyed and purged all of the strongholds Zorc has in their territory since the start of the war. Across the planet, Zorc had countless strongholds, but since the Pharaoh's army had had such great success in liberating the hundreds of miles worth of terrain in the past few weeks, Zorc's forces were losing much ground rapidly.

Also, another reason that led them to believe that this place was where Yusei headed off to was because at the conference held earlier that night, its discovery and plans for a future assault upon it were important discussion topics.

"He's gotta be there," said Yugi, whom was riding atop Gandora's neck as the massive black dragon soared across the lands - the many crimson gems lining its body glistening in the starlight.

"My husband has never done anything this stupid!" scowled Jack from atop Red Dragon Archfiend's neck.

This was possibly the most dangerous assault being planned upon the forces of darkness yet. The entire gang - as well as a series of generals and large battalions of soldiers were on their way to a castle stronghold built by Zorc's forces and Leo was made commander of in an attempt to destroy it for good, all thanks to the motivation given by Yusei. Dragons filled the skies and atop them were their owners and war jets gifted to them by the Egyptian Gods themselves journeyed alongside them, carrying hundreds of ground troops that would be used in the assault.

"So, you mean this? We're really assaulting Leo's castle?" asked Jaden, whom was riding atop the back of Elemental Hero Neos as he flew through the air. Alongside him were a few other Elemental Heroes and Yubel.

"Yes, it's a surprise attack and it's the only way to save Yusei," answered Yugi.

"What if this is just a suicide mission? Are you sure you know you're doing?" shouted Jesse from atop Rainbow Dragon.

"Of course he does. My pal has all the answers! Right, Yug," shouted Joey from atop Red-Eyes.

"Oh great, they let Wheeler come along," smirked Jack.

"Hey, I heard that, blondie!" yelled Joey.

"We need a plan of action. What do we do when we get there?" asked Rebecca from atop Diamond Head Dragon.

"Kick ass, hon," answered Mai from atop Harpie's Pet Dragon.

"The Gods themselves may be making an appearance tomorrow evening," boldly stated Atem.

"It's gonna be a few hours til we get there, but the question is what if Zorc's too strong for us?" asked Akiza from atop Black Rose Dragon.

"I don't know how he could go without telling us," worried Crow from atop Black Winged Dragon.

"He was an idiot is what he was. Now we have to risk our own lives for him and he might not even be there!" cursed Zane from atop Cyberdark Dragon.

The entire fleet sped full-speed ahead towards Leo's castle. It would be a few hours until they reached it and they knew that they had to act quickly if they wanted to reach Yusei. This was possibly the most dangerous mission they had ever went on and none of them could fathom how irresponsible Yusei was for going alone like he did, but the bonds they shared with him were what drove them to proceed.

"There it is," whispered Yusei to himself as he Stardust Dragon approached the castle after about a day of flying. The moon was rising into the sky and dusk had settled upon the land in a complimentary manner.

It was gargantuan, being about the same size as that of the castle of the three knights, but being made of black stone that seemed to seethe with a gore-like sensation. Dozens of towers jutted from its base structure, forming a circular-like shape around the central structure that extended high above most of the rest of the castle. Atop it looked like a massive cathedral-like structure that seemed to be the head of it all. Yusei was disturbed to see legions of Zorc's shadow warriors marching around the front draw bridge, which seemed to be the main entrance to the castle.

"Stardust, I need you to make us invisible while we land on one of those towers and go to find Leo. He pulled back, soaring far away enough form the castle to extinguish his visibility away from the potential eyes of the many guards, whom could spy and enemy. "Alright, now head to that tower!"

Stardust Dragon, now invisible, landed atop one of the towers, leaving Yusei alone to venture into the evil one's lair. This would not be pretty and he knew it, but it was just something he felt that he had to do. Stardust Dragon expressed a gaze of worry upon his white face as he watched Yusei enter through the door into the tower itself, before flying off far from sight where he would wait until Yusei would contact him via his Signer mark.

"Alright, so I'm in," Yusei whispered to himself, walking down what seemed to be a spiral staircase that dove deeper and deeper into what felt like the depths of Hell. An occasional torch lit the way, hanging from the cryptic walls reminiscent of a dungeon. Yusei was surprised that he hadn't yet ran into any of Zorc's goons and it wasn't until he reached a doorway that he hid against the side of the wall for cover. Shadow Warriors were lurking in the room ahead and they were marching in a military-like procession. "I have avoid them…"

"Alright men, you know what you have to do. Just patrol the castle halls and make sure nothing is out of place," ordered the one who seemed to be the leader.

Thinking abruptly, Yusei darted back up the staircase and found another door, which he opened to find an interesting room that had large windows perched in the one corner. Through them, one could see an eloquent view of the land that stretched out for miles before the rising moon. Taking a moment to gaze at its majesty, Yusei caught himself and remembered his mission, opening another door that led outside to a very long bridge-like structure that extended to the main building of the castle. Being cautious not to fall, he walked across it, glancing at the ground hundreds of feet below.

"Damn door," he cursed under his breath once he reached the other side of the bridge, fooling with the door and finally pulling it open. He was now in the main building of the castle and he knew that was likely where Leo's - and Zorc's respective quarters would be. Pressing on, he made sure to conceal himself in the darkness of the dimly lit place that reminded one of a medieval style castle with a Hellish twist. Some of the creatures he had seen roaming the halls of the castle were more evil and demonic looking than he could've ever imagined. When the final battle against Zorc would occur - if tonight - all Hell would surely break lose as this castle's inhabitants would charge the battle field in all their demonic glory.

"Hey Yugi, are we almost there?" asked Jaden.

"Yeah, I'm getting' hungry," complained Crow.

"We're almost there," Yugi replied.

The gang had been traveling for quite a few hours now and it was both fearful and empowering to know that they were soon going to take on the Dark One if he was there. On they went, high above the land below and witnessing an occasional battle between the Pharaoh's respective forces and those of Zorc somewhere on said terrain, but flying over it to keep to their current mission.

"When we get there, I'll kill Yusei if Zorc hasn't already," threatened Zane.

"Be nice. Yusei probably didn't expect us to follow him like we are and he probably thinks we're all back at the castle wondering where he is," replied Crow.

"Even I admit, it was a bloody stupid thing to do on Yusei's part. How could he go off without us like this? It just doesn't make any sense!" confessed Jack, speaking of his husband.

"I don't agree with it either, but Yusei did what he felt he had to do for Leo and we can't judge him," replied Akiza.

"Judge him? I'll strangle him when I get a hold of him!" warned Jack.

Despite the animosity regarding Yusei's actions, onward was the only way to go and they all knew that. This mission was set up so rapidly that it was barely even a stable plan. Only time would tell if Yusei was still alive and if he would even so much as bringing back Leo. It was now nighttime again and it was difficult to see anything.

Back at Leo's castle, Yusei darted through rooms and halls, carefully and meticulously concealing his presence from all he would encounter. He used his signer powers to turn himself invisible at times and to even maneuver locked doors and other disturbances which were in his way of finding his friend. In some rooms, he found what seemed to be devices of torture such as guillotines and iron maidens among many other draconian things, which were often stained with what looked like blood, showcasing the sick and twisted nature of the Dark One. Both perplexed and disturbed, he marched on, determined to find Leo.

What surprised him the most was that he hadn't yet been detected. . Thanks to his Signer powers, he was able to preserve himself - or so he thought. He couldn't help but worry that what if Zorc did know he was there and was just waiting for the perfect opportunity to ambush him and than let eternal torment unfold in his life? It was eerie to think about and even more frightening to imagine just what exactly the dark lord's intentions would be if he was caught.

After searching through many rooms and hallways relentlessly for about two and a half hours, he finally came to a long and narrow hallway that had running down its dead center a black velvet rug. Following it, Yusei found himself walking for what seemed like forever and he finally came to a doorway at its end. Noticing the serpentine design carved into the doorknobs, he twisted them with grave reluctance, fearing the worst and hoping for the best.

To his sheer surprise, he was outside, standing upon a large balcony dozens of feet in area. What was even more shocking was that at its edge stood a man with long green hair, gazing out at the open wilderness of the world. His heart began beating intensely and he knew in fact that it was Leo. Rushing towards him, he called his name.

"Leo!"

But the man did not turn around.

"Leo, it's me - Yusei! Please tell me you can hear me."

"Oh, I can hear you alright," he replied in a low voice, muffled against the howling winds that scorched the architecture.

"Leo, I've come to rescue you, so let's get out of here and I'll help you. We can help you and we'll purge you of whatever evil forces are controlling you. Just trust me!"

"Yusei, you must take me for a fool if you believe that I'm really going to come with you. My allegiance is now to my master and his cause. I'm going to give you a chance to leave before I kill you, unless of course you desire for your blood to be spilt here and now."

"Leo, I know this isn't the real you. You have to listen to me. I came here to save you and I promise that that's what I'm gonna do. Now, please, Leo, just come with me and I'll get you help. I'm begging…"

"Yusei, you leave me no choice…"

With that, Leo turned around, the hatred manifesting within his ominous tone as it carried itself upon the wind, setting the stage for what was yet to occur. Leo drew a sword made entirely of dark energy and charged at Yusei, aiming to stab him in the heart.

"Leo, this isn't the real you. I know you still have good in you!" Yusei pleaded, using his own blade sanctified by the light of the Gods to fend off Leo's attacks.

"The old me died a long time ago and you really need to stop clinging to it. I'm now a servant of Zorc and this is where I'll stay you idiot!" Leo shouted, trying effortlessly to impale Yusei somehow, but to no avail.

"Leo, look to the light and you can always find your way. I still believe in you!"

"Can't you see? I've gone too far into the darkness to ever reach the light! It's too late for me, Yusei."

"It's never too late. You can always change your ways. Don't you remember all the good you helped us do back on earth when we were alive?"

"Those times don't matter anymore. All that matters now is killing you and throwing your body to my master so he can have something to play with!"

By now, Leo had caught Yusei off guard and slashed his side with the blade, causing Yusei to fall and exposing himself as vulnerable to him. Leo, seizing the opportunity, walked slowly towards him, holding his blade in the direction of Yusei's face and as the Signer took what seemed to be his final breaths, something unexpected happened.

"Kill him…" whispered the chilling voice of Seto Kaiba as he walked through the doors and onto the balcony. His black cloak trailing behind him, he smiled maniacally as he prepared to witness the slaughter of Yusei Fudo.

Glancing back, Kaiba caught Yusei's attention, but before he could do anything, he had to brace himself for the terrible sin Leo was about to commit upon the one whom was both his mentor and his closest friend.

Suddenly, Leo's attack was halted as blood began pouring from his arm. Something was thrown at him, sharp like a knife, but revolving like a boomerang. Everyone turned their faces to see Cyberdark Dragon floating at the edge of the grand balcony. Atop it stood Zane Truesdale, whom bore an expression of hatred and ferocity that burned brightly within him, surging through every vein and artery in his body and cathartically preparing to release itself in what he was about to do.

"You!" shouted Leo.

Zane remained silent as he ordered his beast to strike at Kaiba, whom dodged the blasts of black energy shot at him. Yusei was able to get up and he resumed his sword fight with Leo and the two of them clashed, forcing their swords at one another. While Leo truly intended to kill, Yusei intended to save, even if it meant risking his own life.

Zane jumped off his dragon and pulled out his sword as he placidly crept towards Kaiba, whom laughed.

"Guards, kill him," he whispered as five of the skeletal warriors in the black cloaks came rushing out of the castle, lusting t murder Zane.

Without even saying a word, Zane lunged at them, swinging his sword in ways no one thought were possible. He slaughtered and slay all of them in a matter of seconds and they didn't even so much as scar him.

"What else ya got," Zane taunted, licking his lips as he glared at Kaiba, whom in a spontaneous burst of anger, charged at him and the two became engulfed in a duel of the swords, fighting to kill.

"Don't you remember in life when I defeated you in that legendary duel and took your title of world's second greatest duelist?" taunted Zane, wanting to antagonize Kaiba.

"Don't remind me," Kaiba cursed, fighting back even harder now with the mention of such a humiliating memory.

The others arrived as the entire castle lit up in flames and war broke out. The Pharaoh's warplanes landed on the ground in the fields before it, unleashing hundreds of duel spirits fighting along his side as countless of Zorc's minions poured out from the front entrance of the castle, colliding in an all-out war. Warriors shot arrows lit with flaming tips at the castle, catching parts of it on fire as blood was spilt and limbs were lost. This was going to be the greatest battle yet.

"Leo, I love you. Please understand," struggled Yusei as he continued his duel with him, but the green-haired man showed apathy.

"Shut up and fight, you weakling!"

Grinding his teeth, Yusei complied, praying that somehow, he would expel all the evil out of his friend and deliver him unto light.

In the sky above the castle, Jack ordered Red Dragon Archfiend to set ablaze the towers, incinerating them in the lava-like inferno his creature was capable of producing. One tower even began to crumble under the intense heat and brimstone shot at it by Red dragon Archfiend.

The aerial force was looking great and Mai, Rebecca, and their respective dragons gave Zorc's soldiers atop the towers and their winged-beasts in the air a great run for their money as they clashed. Mai's Harpie Ladies went screeching through the wild wind, grabbing Zorc's minions off the tops of the castle and hurling them over the edges.

The biggest threat of all came with Jesse. The massive Rainbow Dragon began unleashing huge blasts of prismatic light from its mouth as it disintegrated hundreds of Zorc's warriors, shining through their malefic souls.

Yugi rode atop Gandora as he led the entire fleet with both Kite and Mizar atop their respective Galaxy-Eyes Dragons along his sides. This castle was going to crumble in due time if this battle kept up the way it was going. It was almost as if it was quaking the entire planet itself.

"Jack, go find you friend! We'll take care of the rest of the battle," ordered Yugi.

"Alright. Akiza, Kalin, Crow, let's go!" Jack complied as all of the Signers flew upon their respective dragons, trying to locate the balcony where the fight with Leo was taking place.

In an attempt to reconcile with Leo and get him to see the light after all, the remaining Signers all went to the grand balcony where Zane was fighting Kaiba and Yusei was fighting Leo. It was a showdown that seemed as if it would extend to the ends of the earth and back for neither side would back down, ceasing to surrender both dignity and blade to the awesome power of the notorious enemy. Though both fights kept their respective distance from one another, it was somehow not surprising that Zane and Yusei were not helping one another - likewise with Leo and Kaiba.

"Yusei, just give up on me already! I'll never be your friend ever again!" shouted Leo, grinding his teeth.

"Never, Leo!" Yusei retaliated finally smacking the sword out of Leo's hands before pinning him down on the floor.

Zane and Kaiba continued to fight and all Hell was breaking lose between them. Kaiba noticed Leo's collapse and surrendered his guard for one moment, giving Zane the opportunity to strike him down once and for all. Before he knew it, Kaiba was pierced in the stomach by Zane's venomous blade, which notoriously afflicted its victims with doses of poison to further provoke their inevitable death - trite of him it seemed.

Blood gushed out of Kaiba's mouth as his entire body quaked with disparity and hopelessness. He was defeated and he knew it. It was as if all the ambition within him had faded away, far from the sight of his own mind, which was trembling with vulnerability and fear as General Truesdale stood over him in conquest, preparing to deliver the final blow that would surely end his life, sending him to judgment before the Gods before being eradicated from existence for violating the laws of the afterlife.

"Tell the gods that I'm the one who killed you," Zane smirked before raising his blade…

"Go ahead and do it! Kill me once and for all! It'd be better than joining you again!" Leo spat as Yusei stood over him in triumph.

"No," sighed Yusei, lowering his blade and extending his hand to Leo.

"Yusei!" shouted Kalin as he, Crow, Akiza, and Jack, all atop their own respective dragons, reached the edge of the balcony.

"What's going on? Leo!" shouted Akiza.

"Hold on, little buddy! We're here to help you!" shouted Crow.

Although Leo scowled and tried to resist Yusei's embrace, Yusei grabbed hold of Leo, locking him in a tight grip as he activated his Signer powers. Suddenly his mark, along with the marks of the others began emitting a powerful glow and Leo began screaming for release.

"Let go of me!" he kicked and struggled, but in his weakened state was unable to break Yusei's hold.

"What's happening?" questioned Akiza.

"It's almost like something divine is happening…" replied Jack.

Suddenly, a tear in the universe ripped itself open and form it came soaring a gargantuan serpentine dragon of red energy. It's roar frightened all of Zorc's minions brave enough to gaze at it and it flew before the grand balcony where the scene was taking place. It was the Crimson Dragon.

"The Crimson Dragon…" whispered Yusei as he still struggled to contain Leo.

The Crimson Dragon unleashed from its mouth a multi-colored ray of energy that fired directly at Leo, cascading light and explosion in all directions. No one understood what was going on and they almost feared for the safety of both Yusei and Leo.

With a great cry, Leo felt his entire body become engulfed din the energy of the Crimson Dragon's power. It was as if every space of both his body and soul were being penetrated by its burning light that incinerated all of the hatred and anger and darkness that the powers of Zorc had placed there. It was a true liberation disguised as a crucifixion before the eyes of the others as they bore witness to the purge.

When the light cleared, a sensation of uncertainty filled the air, but then it was almost as if a wave of tranquility replaced it almost instantly as they witnessed Leo, still standing there, was no longer struggling against Yusei and the power of the Crimson Dragon. Appearing tired and worn, Leo gazed at the divine dragon and remained silent.

"Leo, I call your name and I now declare that you are free of all the malefic forces that controlled you. Now go and do no more wrong," the dragon spoke before vanishing form sight.

"Yusei…?" Leo struggled, weary and remorseful.

"Leo," smiled Yusei at last. He wrapped his muscular arms round him as Leo clung to him, tears falling from his face.

"I'm sorry… Zorc made me do things and I didn't have control over them. He used the Light of destruction and the Orichalcos and the Dark Signer powers to control me and I did so many horrible things," Leo sobbed as his head rested upon Yusei's shoulder.

"It's alright, Leo," Yusei consoled, ceasing to let go of him.

Akiza pressed her hands gently upon her chest as she witnessed this beautiful moment, wishing that Luna was here to see it as well.

Refusing to move, Yusei felt there, holding and comforting the crying Leo as he felt the howling wind blow through his jet black hair. The battle was not yet over.

Not so far away, Zane stood, prepared to deliver the finishing blow to Kaiba as he laughed, ushering in his final words to his former rival.

"Say goodnight, Seto," Zane gritted, prepared to strike.

Suddenly, black lightning struck the castle and before them stood Yami Marik, Don Thousand, and Nightshroud. With the flick of a wrist by Don Thousand, Kaiba was raised into the air and thrown far into the distance, crashing somewhere atop one of castle's many towers.

"Very powerful you are to defeat someone as mighty as Kaiba," he said, admiring Zane's physical appearance and skills.

"I'll kill all of you just like I did him," Zane panted, feeling the cold sweat race down his cheeks.

"I think not," said Nightshroud. "Per the orders of our lord, this entire place is going to be destroyed and all of you will go down with it."

"And we get to watch," laughed Yami Marik.

"Nightshroud, Yami Marik, Don Thousand!" gasped Yugi as he arrived at the scene. Behind him were Jaden and Yuma.

"Nice to see you again, Jaden," chuckled Nightshroud.

"Likewise, Yuma," added Don Thousand.

"Your string of victories will not last for our lord has plans for all of you and in the end only he and those loyal to him will survive," warned Nightshroud.

"Now to finish you off. I want to see you all go down in ruins with this castle, which will explode in a matter of minutes. The explosion will be so great that everyone both in and around the castle will be caught in it and death will meet their very breaths and only those loyal to Zorc will be saved. Fire and explosion will be shot miles into the air and the surrounding lands and surely none of you will escape," threatened Don Thousand as he raised his hand to the sky and suddenly the castle began shaking. "Death is inevitable for all of you."

With those words, he, Yami Marik, and Nightshroud all vanished from sight, leaving the Signers to their fate.

"Guys, we have to get out of here!" shouted Yugi as he ran over to Yusei and Leo.

Stardust Dragon, whom took part in the overall battle, revealed itself to Yusei as he climbed atop it with Leo. Yugi got atop Gandora, and Yuma and Jaden atop the backs of Utopia and Neos, as well as Zane atop Cyberdark Dragon as everyone began to evacuate the castle, which was about to explode in any due minute.

"Everyone, evacuate! Get back in your war planes and take off!" Yugi announced as they flew around the castle, issuing to their troops to immediately evacuate.

"Is there anyway we can contain the explosion?" asked Yusie.

"I don't think. It's just far to catastrophic and surely its effects are going to be extremely detrimental to this entire area," worried Yugi as they watched hundreds of their troops scramble away from the castle and its surrounding grounds, returning to their war places to take off and abandon this nightmare of a place.

"Hurry!" shouted Jaden.

In a grand rush, everyone took off, leaving behind this horrible place as the Pharaoh's warplanes lifted into the skies, taking flight and desperately attempting to escape the terror chasing them. Within minutes, the entire castle exploded and massive pillars of fire and terror were sent hurling in all directions as the everyone serving in the Pharaoh's army retreated as fast as they could. The massive blast of hellish inferno chased them and they barely got away, retreating at full speed. Only minimal casualties were experienced on this fateful night that had changed the destiny of one man whom was doomed to damnation , but was now able to walk in the light of day.

The next day, everyone had returned to the castle of the Knights of Atlantis where a ceremony was being held, commending those who fought valiantly in the battle against the forces of Zorc. Yusei, feeling guilty for pulling everyone into it via his careless retreat to save a friend, was thankful that Leo was now indeed saved and purged of all evil.

Yugi and stood before the thrones of the three knights, speaking and congratulating everyone on a job well done as well as remembering the few who had fallen. Next to Yugi stood Silent Magician, whom had a hands folded at her waist, gently grasping her scepter. Also, Dark Magician Girl stood, initiating a huge round of applause that would have the entire main chamber aroused with cheer.

"We still have much to accomplish, but last night we achieved a major victory and overpowered our foes with the might of our hearts, but do not become indolent for the battles ahead will be even tougher and more grave in nature. This is only the beginning," spoke Atem.

PLEASE REVIEW! I WORKED SO HARD ON THIS CHAPTER AND I REALLY WANT TO SEE MORE THAN JUST ONE OR TWO PEOPLE REVIEWING. I LOVE MY REVIEWERS!