It was Alex's last day in the hospital, and Atticus had come to pick him up. "Where's everyone else?" Alex asked. "They said they were busy, but that they'd see you later," Atticus explained. "Alright," Alex responded. Alex got in the back seat of his uncle's car and they drove back home. Alex opened the front door and saw all the lights were off. He flipped the light switch and was met with a pleasant surprise. "Surprise!" a group of voices shouted. Yusei, Akiza, Leo, Luna, and even Jack were standing in Alex's living room with a banner behind them that read "Welcome Home Alex!"
"What's all this for?" Alex asked. "Atticus told us you were being discharged from the hospital today, so we got everyone together to throw you a welcome home party," Luna explained. "How'd you get Jack on board?" Alex asked. "They wouldn't stop asking until I agreed. Nevertheless, welcome back Alex," Jack said smiling slightly. Alex was touched his friends did this for him. "Thanks everyone. It's nice to know I still have people who care about me," he said. "Hey, we're all here for you. Whatever happens, we've got your back," Yusei said. "Thanks Yusei," Alex said. That's when they heard a knock at the door. Atticus answered the door and saw a blue haired woman standing in front of him. "Can I help you?" he asked. "Yes, I'm looking for Yusei and everyone else," she said. Jack heard her voice. "Is that you Mina?" he asked. "Yes," she answered.
"You can let her in Atticus, she's trustworthy," Jack informed. "If you say so. Come on in," Atticus said as he stood to the side to let her in. "Akiza, there's something I need to show you," Mina said. "What is it?" Akiza asked. "We found these files in what was left of the Arcadia building. It appears Misty might have been telling the truth about her brother's disappearance," Mina said. "What?!" Akiza asked in shock. "Just look. It appears that a number of the people who came to the Arcadia Movement couldn't control their powers and wound up severely hurting themselves. When these incidents happened, Sayer sent them to secret facilities for treatment. Unfortunately, it looks like the file that lists the locations of these facilities was either lost or destroyed," Mina informed her.
"So then maybe Misty was right. I wish Sayer were still here, then he could help us find her brother," Akiza said. "There's another reason I'm here. Director Goodwin wanted to see all of you, including you Alex," Mina said. "If they're going to see Goodwin, I'm coming with them. I'm not about to let Alex out of my sight, not after I just got him back," Atticus said. "Alright. There's a car downstairs for the rest of you," Mina said before leaving. "What do you think Goodwin wants?" Alex asked Yusei. "I don't know, but it would probably be a good idea to go and see him," Yusei responded. "Can we even really trust him? What about what he did to you and Alex, Yusei?" Akiza asked. "The truth is I don't trust him, but he seems to be the only one who knows what's happening. And with everything that's at risk, I can't risk not giving him a second chance," Yusei responded. "Well, when you put it that way, you can count me in," Akiza said. "Glad to know I have your support," Yusei said.
Having settled that, they got into the car downstairs while Alex got in Atticus' car and they all drove to Goodwin's estate. "Man, this place is huge," Alex said when they arrived. Goodwin came out to greet them. "Thank you all for coming," Goodwin said. "Alright Goodwin, we all know you're not exactly the kind to make social calls, so why don't we skip the pleasantries and get to why you called us here?" Jack asked. "Impatient as ever Jack. Follow me," Goodwin said, leading them inside. They followed Goodwin to an elevator and went down. They arrived at the floor and the door opened, revealing a hallway that looked like something out of an ancient temple. Goodwin lead them down the hallway. "Where are we going mister Goodwin?" Luna asked. "To a very special room that holds the answers you seek," Goodwin answered.
"The last time I was here, I left with more questions than answers," Jack retorted. "Funny. Nice to know you didn't lose your sense of humor when you lost your title Jack," Goodwin responded. They reached a large stone door and it opened to reveal a black room. Once they entered, the door closed behind them and a red light sprung up on the floor.
The room was now lit up like the night sky. The looked in front of them and saw a massive stairway like monument standing there. "What is that?" Yusei asked. "That is the stairway of the Crimson Dragon," Goodwin explained. They looked at the gate that stood in front of the stairway and saw a symbol etched into it. "That's the mark of the Crimson Dragon," Yusei pointed out. "Correct. It is the symbol that binds you all and defines you as Signers, protectors of the world," Goodwin said. Just then, Yusei's, Luna's, Akiza's, and Jack's marks lit up. The Crimson Dragon then appeared in front of the stairway. "That's the Crimson Dragon?" Alex asked, not having seen it before.
"Yes, and it has been influencing all of your lives, leading you to this very moment," Goodwin answered. "But then why am I here? I'm not one of the Signers," Alex pointed out. "To tell you the truth Alex, I do not know. But I can say for certain that you will play an important role in the battles to come, though what that role will be remains to be seen," Goodwin replied. "You all fit an important role in this battle, even the smallest of you. I mean you Luna. Why don't you tell us about your gift?" Goodwin asked. "You mean her ability to see duel spirits?" Alex asked. "Yes, but it goes far beyond just that," Goodwin said. "Sometimes when I duel, I get transported to a strange land, some kind of spirit world, where all the duel monsters are real," Luna said.
"For your sake I hope you never have to go to one of the more unpleasant spirit worlds," Alex said, remembering his dad's stories about his time in Dark World. "When I was there, I met the Ancient Fairy Dragon. She was in charge, like the head spirit I guess, and she said that the spirit world was in danger, and they needed my help or all the duel spirits would be destroyed. I didn't understand at the time, but she must've been one of the dragons that fought the army of shadows, and she chose me to help," Luna said.
"You see, you all have gifts. Jack and Yusei were even able to glimpse into the past, they showed you the people of the stars, and the danger that awaits us all," Goodwin said. "But Alex has no business in this war. He's been through enough already, you all can finish this without him," Atticus said. "I don't seem to recall inviting you," Goodwin said. "As it stands, I'm Alex's only remaining family member, and as such, I'm responsible for him, and I won't allow him to be put in danger again," Atticus responded with his fist clenched. "I understand your concern, but you need to understand something as well. It is clear at this point that the Dark Signers will stop at nothing to take Alex's power for themselves, so Signer or not, he does have a role to play," Goodwin argued.
"I can keep him safe myself," Atticus replied. "But are you capable of defending him from the power of the army of shadows? Whether or not you choose to accept it, the safest place for Alex is with Yusei and the other Signers," Goodwin said. Atticus looked like he was ready to keep the argument going, but Alex stopped him. "He's right. They won't stop until they have my power on their side, so I'd be safer going with Yusei," Alex said. "Fine, but I'm not leaving him, even for a moment," Atticus stated. "Goodwin, there's something I want to know," Alex said. "And what would that be?" the man asked. "What happens to the people who have been absorbed by the Earthbound Immortals? Are they gone forever?" Alex asked, hoping there was a way to get his parents back.
"Until the army of shadows is defeated, they are lost, giving more power to our enemies," Goodwin answered. "So if we win, everyone will come back?" Alex asked. "That is correct. But that is easier said than done. You have dueled the Dark Signers twice, so you should know this more than anyone," Goodwin said. "I don't think I could forget those duels no matter how long I lived. But I won't back down. I'll come at them with everything I have, and I won't stop until I beat them," Alex responded angrily. "Alex, I understand how you must feel, but you must control your emotions, lest you become one of the taken," Goodwin warned.
Atticus put his hand and Alex's shoulder. "It's okay bud. We're going to get everyone back," he assured. "But you must be cautious. The Dark Signers are unlike any duelists you have faced before. They have never lost," Goodwin said. "So what? Are you saying we've lost before the battle's even started?" Yusei asked. "I'm not saying there's no hope at all. But I wanted to be honest. There were three duels with true Dark Signers, and we nearly lost all of them thanks to the most powerful monsters ever. We're talking about primal forces, pure darkness. A foe many would choose to run from, but I ask that you do not, for you must face them together. But even if we do beat them, I can't promise we'll all be standing here again," Goodwin said.
"Every war has its casualties, and some of us may be lost to the Netherworld. I hope you all can look into your hearts and make the decision this world needs, but be quick, I'm afraid we don't have much time," Goodwin said before walking off. "What kind of a pep talk is that?" Leo asked. "It's not a pep talk Leo, he's just telling the truth," Alex answered. "Alex, you've dueled against the Dark Signers, what kind of a chance do we have against them?" Yusei asked.
"To be honest Yusei, I don't know. The truth is, Kalin and Misty were two of the strongest opponents I'd ever faced, you and Akiza included. And then there were their Earthbound Immortals," Alex said. "I remember. Jack and I were there when you dueled Kalin," Yusei said. "Seeing one and facing one are two different things Yusei. I'd never been scared of a duel my whole life, but those monsters, they terrified me. I couldn't stop either of them. I barely tied against Kalin, and I did lose to Misty. If Nightshroud hadn't gotten to me, I'd probably be with the Dark Signers right now," Alex responded.
"So do you think we can't win?" Akiza asked. "I'm not saying that. But Goodwin has a point. I can't guarantee everyone will walk out of this. But I don't care what my odds are. If there's even a 1% chance I can win, I'm going to duel with everything I have," Alex said. "I'm right with you Alex," Yusei said. "So am I," Akiza added. "You can count us in," Luna added while Leo nodded in agreement. "I know I'm not a Signer and I don't have any kind of powers, but I'm with you all the way Alex," Atticus said. "So am I," Jack added. Don't worry mom and dad, I'm going to save you. Just wait for me please, Alex thought to himself.
Well Alex is back and ready to battle the Dark Signers. But will he be able to keep his calm when the time comes? I guess we'll have to wait and see. I hope you all have a great day, and are staying safe.
