Hurrying through Kaiba Land and looking past the various rides and countless Duels occurring as to see if he could spot Alexis, Téa or any figures that would be in league with the Rare Hunters, Jaden took in the sights, finding that no matter where he looked, there were no signs of those taken from him or their kidnappers.

While noticing that around the rides and various stands of Kaiba Land were employees dressed in all variety of Duel Monster costumes, which included Dark Magician, Elemental HERO Sparkman and Kaibaman, the open fields around the area were occupied with Duelists, some beginners, some familiar with the game and some showing great skill and strategy, only Jaden found his focus never lost on Alexis, the brunette wanting to see her and to hold her in his arms once again.

Stopping for a moment, Jaden began to think, thinking running off was a bit rash on his part.

However, Jaden's attention was drawn to a mischievous chuckle.

?: Lost something?

Turning toward the laughter, Jaden saw a person dressed as Petin the Dark Clown, the unknown figure Jaden guessed was an employee of Kaiba Land was leaning against the statue of a Blue-Eyes White Dragon as he played around with a dagger.

However, from their laughter, Jaden felt a little off about this particular clown.

Jaden: who are you?

Petin: I am just a simple clown. While one hand guides you, the other draws out my blade, but do not worry, I only carry a message.

Sliding the blade back in his glove, Petin then withdrew a rolled up piece of paper, which he then handed to Jaden, who opened up the paper and found a message, seemingly for him, which he read aloud.

Jaden: From out of sight, a performance will attend and should you admit your role as hero, shall you finally find your friends.

Certain the person dressed as Petin was in league with the Rare Hunters, maybe even a Rare Hunter himself, Jaden was about to have a word with Petin, but found the clown had left the area, but not before leaving one final clue.

Beside the statue of the Blue-Eyes was a map of Kaiba Land and all its attractions, only the dagger Petin had been playing with was jabbed within the map, pinned over the image of a staging hall.

With this new information provided to him, Jaden returned to his goal in finding Alexis and Téa, and following the directions of the map, the HERO Duelist was lead to the staging hall, only it looked to be in the midst of renovations and off access to the public.

Yubel: Alexis is in there. I can't reach her, but I can sense her Dueling energy inside. However, there is also the same shadow energy I felt when you Dueled Lumis and Umbra.

Thanking Yubel, but seeing the entrance and front windows of the hall were boarded up, Jaden made his way around the back, looking for an alternative way within.

Soon, the brunette overcame a broken window a few feet above him.

Jaden: Looks like this is the only way in.

Certain that this was all a trap set for him and Alexis was the bait, Jaden paid no feed as he jumped for his way in, managing to reach and grab onto the frame of the window, before he pulled himself inside, finding that after entering, a blanket of darkness circled the dilapidated building.

Jaden: Man, it's so dark, I can barely see my hand in front of my face.

Searching carefully in the darkness for any sign of a lightswitch, anything to help him see better within the darkness, Jaden then found himself having to shield his eyes as a set of stage lights suddenly turned on.

Through the sudden light that now filled the room, Jaden could make out that he was standing on an old stage, various props that looked to be part of a magician's act were scattered around the area, while ahead and past the blinding lights were row after row of seats, all empty, many cracked and in serious need of repair.

However, it was then a call from the rows was heard.

Alexis: Jaden?

Hearing the familiar voice of his girlfriend and lowering his arm, now adjusted to the stage lights, Jaden saw that nearing the end row of seats were Alexis and Téa, both tied up to a set of seats.

Jaden: Alexis!

Seeing Alexis and Téa in distress, alongside a third figure, a woman that had shoulder length blonde hair and was clad in an elegant pink dress, Jaden knew he had to save the trio.

However, before he could get off the stage, a sudden wall of black flame erupted before him, repelling Jaden and preventing the brunette from leaving the stage or saving the girls.

Though Jaden found himself in a predicament, things continued to escalade as the stage lights moved away from the brunette and to another section of the stage, leaving Jaden and the girls to focus on and watch as a box embedded with swords was then lowered down.

And after watching the swords slide out, dropping to the floor, the line of doors then opened, revealing there was somebody inside, only they showed no harm, not even the faintest injury despite the blades that had been stabbing through the box.

Emerging, Jaden took in the appearance of the performer, seeing an older male in a red suit and a matching tophat step forward, before looking upon his face, seeing most of it was covered by a black and blue striped mask.

But what caught Jaden's attention was seeing the Duel Disc fastened to the man's arm.

Jaden: Let Alexis and Téa go!

?: Believe me when I say I want to, that I wanted no part in this, but as you can see they too hold someone dear to me, my darling Catherine.

Looking toward the captives, now knowing the third woman now held against her will was this Caterine, Jaden could see the concern on her face for both Duelists.

Catherine: Arkana, stop this! There has to be another way.

Arkana: Until she is safe, I must do as I am told. If not, then Catherine will suffer and I cannot accept that. (Activates Duel Disc) Now prepare yourself, Jaden Yuki, for your last) performance!

Jaden/Arkana: Let's Duel/Get your game on!

Jaden: (Activates Duel Disc and draws): I'll start off by throwing a Monster in Defense mode playing one Card face-down. You're up.

Arkana: Then it's my move.

Looking upon the Cards in his hand, Arkana turned to look at Catherine, feeling his gut twisting and leaving him in thought.

Arkana: I have to make this a perfect performance, and I cannot afford any mistakes.

Drawing his sixth Card, finding it to be a Spell, Arkana felt he could gain the upper hand.

Arkana: I'll start off by playing Beckon to the Dark. This Spell lets me send any Monster on the Field to the Graveyard, so say good bye to your face-down.

Activating his Spell, from the depths of the roof, a giant fiendish hand appeared, slowly reaching down for Jaden's Monster, revealing it to be Elemental HERO Clayman, which was then grasped within the claw and crushed in the claw's hold.

Arkana: With your Monster gone, it gives me a greater chance at victory. Just hold on, Catherine. This Duel will be over very soon.

Taking two more Cards from his hand and placing them in his Duel Disc, revealing both to be Spells, Ancient Rules and Dark Magic Curtain, Jaden could tell Arkana had something big planned.

Arkana: With Ancient Rules, I'm allowed to Summon any Level 5 or above Monster from my hand, and by paying half my Life Points, I can Summon a Spellcaster from my Deck without having to sacrifice first, so welcome to the Duel, my Dark Magicians!

After the effects of Dark Magic Curtain reduced Arkana's Life Points down to 4000 and drawing a Card from his Deck, Arkana held the set of Dark Magician Cards up both appearing before their Summoner, astonishing Jaden at seeing another Duelist in command of the Dark Magician, as well as how Arkana called upon two powerful Spellcasters on his first turn.

Jaden: Hold up. You also have the Dark Magician in your Deck?

Arkana: Indeed I do, but now's not the time for stories, it is time to fight. With my Dark Magicians on the Field, I am one step closer to saving Catherine from the darkness. But just in case you were planning to use that face-down to try and trick me up, I'll put an end to that with my Spell: Anti-Magic Arrows.

Activating his Card, from the Spell, an array of shining light arrows shot out, piercing through Jaden's face-down Card and placing it in a paralytic state, allowing Arkana to proceed to his Attack.

Arkana: Forgive me for this, but I won't allow Catherine to suffer anymore! Go, my Dark Magicians! Dark Magic Attack!

Obeying Arkana's call, the set of Dark Magicians rose their staffs, each casting out a stream of black energy, consuming Jaden, causing him to cry out greatly as the energy sparked around him, tearing away at his Life Points and very being, the sight horrifying Alexis, Téa and even Catherine.

Alexis: Jaden!

Finding the set of Dark Magic overwhelming him, Jaden collapsed to his knees, sweating and panting after enduring such a dark and powerful force thrown against him.

But quick to recover, refusing to give up not when Alexis' safety was on the line, Jaden got back up.

Jaden: I... is that all you've got...? Yugi's Dark Magician hits harder than that.

Arkana: I didn't challenge you to talk, I challenged you to defeat you and win my wife's freedom. I end my turn with a face-down.

Placing the Card in his Duel Disc, appearing behind his line of Dark Magicians, looking at Arkana and seeing his expression, Jaden could tell that despite this being a Shadow Duel, Arkana was willing to risk everything just to ensure his own beloved was protected, a quality he never expected of a Rare Hunter or one siding with such a wicked organization.

Current Scores:

Jaden: 3000

Arkana: 4000

Jaden: Tell me, why are you doing all this? Why did you set all this up?

Arkana: I already told you, I had nothing to do with this. Just like you, I am Dueling for the fate of a loved one, and I cannot afford to lose her, not again.

Despite being in the midst of a Duel, feeling curious to Arkana's situation, Jaden had some questions on his mind he needed answered.

Jaden: Think you can fill us in?

Sighing and knowing Jaden wasn't going to let up anytime, soon, Arkana complied, deciding to take a moment as to explain the past and the events leading up to their Duel.

Arkana: Years ago, back when Yugi was King of Games, I was given a Deck, Cards specifically used to combat and best Yugi's Dark Magician in order to defeat him in a Shadow Game. If I was able to best Yugi in a match of magicians, Marik promised he would help me win back the love of my life and my fiance at the time, Catherine.

Looking over to Catherine, Arkana gave a small smile, one of clear trust, love and respect, before continuing his tale.

Arkana: Catherine's always been there for me, even after the incident that left me permanently scarred.

That being said, Arkana removed his mask, Jaden saw the skin around Arkana's eyes and forehead were badly burnt and scarred, the sight a shock to Jaden.

And though there were signs the scars and burns had healed, it looked as though there was nothing more that could be done to undo or repair the remaining injuries to Arkana's face.

Arkana: While my body healed, my face was in ruin, and I was too caught up in my own selfishness that I pushed everyone away from me, even Catherine couldn't take my self pity and was driven away, this lead me on a path of despair and eventually to Marik and to my Duel with Yugi.

Thinking back to the Duel, remembering how Yugi saved his life and that the Duel was all just a terrible trick on his end, Arkana set his mask back over his face, refusing to dwell on the darker of his past and advance.

Arkana: After Marik released me from the Shadow Realm, explaining it was his darkness clouding his mind and filling him with hatred that trapped my mind in that nightmarish realm, he lived up to his promise and made up for the past by reuniting me with Catherine. With Catherine back in my life, I was truly happy. I promised her the world and that we would go back to how things used to be, back before I ever met Marik. But I found that while Marik had changed, there was a new dark presence that sought after me. It took Catherine away from me, forcing me to do its dirty work, which brings us to our current position.

Clenching his fists tightly, his body shaking, Arkana looked upon Jaden and practically snapped.

Arkana: I cherish wife more than anything, which is why I now put my faith and trust in my Cards rather than toss them aside when they ware out their use. And with my Dark Magicians by my side, I will defeat you!

Empathy filled Jaden at Arkana's words and at the clear pain his opponent felt, but sharing similar feelings for Alexis, Jaden knew he couldn't let up, that he had to keep Dueling for his own love.

Jaden: (Draws) I play Double Fusion, now by paying 500 Life Points, I can fuse up to two times this turn. First off, I'll fuse Elemental HERO Avian with Burstinatrix to bring out Elemental HERO Flame Wingman. (ATK: 2100)

Through hi Spell, the familiar HERO Monsters that were Avian and Burstinatrix appeared before their Summoner, both combining their individual beings and power into one, forming the familiar pyrokinetic HERO.

Jaden: And to keep things going, I fuse Flame wingman with Sparkman to Summon Elemental HERO Shinning Flare Wingman! (ATK: 2500)

Using the Sparkman Card in his hand and adding to to the Fusion, Sparkman's added strength to Flame Wingman filled Jaden's side of the Field with a great light, which, after it cast down, revealed the further changes in the HERO Monster.

Though Shining Flare Wingman had lost his more draconic appearance, the HERO stood before Jaden in shining silver armour, looking like a paladin ready to cut through the darkness and save those who needed his aid.

Jaden: I now activate he ability for every hero chilling in my graveyard he gets 300 for every hero

Reacting to Jaden's information, while the light aura around Shining Flare Wingman increased, the spirits of Clayman, Avian, Burstintrix, Sparkman and Wingman appeared, all offering their assistance to their HERO ally, giving Flare Wingman a 1500 Attack Point bonus and making him the strongest of all three Monsters on the Field. (ATK: 2500 → 4000)

Jaden: i activate my spell pot of greed (draws two) go shinning flare wingman attack he dark Magicians on the left

Following Jaden's command, Shining Flare Wingman charged at Arkana's first Dark Magician, the Attack would result in 1500 Points of Damage, followed by a 2500 Life Point reduction due to Wingman's ability.

But before the strike could be delivered, Arkana retaliated.

Arkana: Not so fast, Jaden! I won't let you harm my Monsters, so I reveal my Trap Card: Widespread Ruin!

His Trap revealed, Jaden knew the destructive power of Arkana's Trap Card, knowing Widespread Ruin would Destroy Shining Flare Wingman in a great inferno.

However, with his face-down no longer hindered by the paralytic effects of Anti-Magic Arrows, Jaden countered the counterattack.

Jaden: i activate my face down solemn judgement! By giving up half of my life points your trap is negated

Cutting his Life Points down to 1250, Arkana watched with a growing fear to see his Trap enveloped in light and shatter apart, before finding his fear growing to see Flare Wingman spring back into combat.

The HERO Monster returning to his preset command then dealt a powerful right jab into Arkana's first Dark Magician, Destroying him and lowering Arkana's Life Points to a mere 2500.

Jaden: sorry about this i activate he second ability when he destroyed a monster you take equal to it attack points

With no more Cards in his hand or face-down, all Arkana could do was watch on with fear, seeing Flare Wingman approach his side and deliver the final blow.

However, confusion fell upon Arkana and Jaden, both seeing his second Dark Magician using himself as a shield to prevent his Summoner from suffering at Shining Flare Wingman's hand.

Keeping himself before Arkana, his second Dark Magician eventually succumb to Wingman's light, shattering apart just as Arkana's Life Points dropped to 0, causing Arkana to also collapse himself.

Ending Scores:

Jaden: 1250

Arkana: 0

With Arkana's defeat and his Life Point counter hitting 0, this seemed to have an effect on the flames blocking the path to Alexis, Téa and Catherine, the flame wall dying down, the chains holding the girls in their seats breaking apart and allowing the Duelists access to those captive in the audience.

However, before Jaden could check on Alexis, a familiar dark energy began to radiate off of Catherine, who struggled in her seat, not only causing her to cry out at the discomforting feeling, but this threw Arkana into a great panicked state, where he rushed to his wife's side.

Arkana: No! Please listen to me, I was the one who failed you. Take me, just leave my Catherine out of this!

Looking to Arkana and seeing him screaming around the room, to most, it would seem that he had lost his mind, though Jaden knew the dark power now after him was within the room, observing them all.

Unsure if it was taking pity, punishing him for his failings or a combination of the two, Jaden just watched on, unable to do anything from his position as he saw the darkness fade away from Catherine and then consume Arkana, who then turned to Jaden, showing the darkness now taking control over his body.

Arkana: That's another of my servants you have bested, however, it wasn't a complete loss. Arkana's despair has helped me grow stronger. Should all my servants of the dark fall to you, by then I will be free and be able to personally defeat you myself.

Glaring at the darkness that manipulated Arkana, Alexis was confused to the sight, while Téa and Catherine were more concerned to the scenery.

Alexis: Would someone explain to me what's going on?

Téa: I'm not exactly sure, but it seems Arkana's being used by a dark force to speak with Jaden.

Arkana: You are the key I need to brining darkness to this world. With your power, I will have command over the Egyptian Gods and the Sacred Beasts, then nothing will stop me.

Jaden: Hate to spoil your plans, but there's no way I'm letting you win. And even if you beat me, you won't get your hands on the Sacred Beast Cards, they're locked up and sealed from creeps like you.

Arkana: I am well aware of the contingencies to keep the Sacred Beasts sealed, but your darkness will be what I need to take them by force.

Though confused as to who was after Jaden, but wanting him to know he wasn't alone, Alexis spoke up, expressing a great confidence in her voice, but more so in her beloved.

Alexis: Listen up. I don't know who you think you are, but you will never stop Jaden. He's dealt with the wicked forces of light and darkness, and he'll put a stop to you and your insanity.

Though Jaden felt encouraged by the support of his girlfriend, though Arkana, the darkness just smirked.

Arkana: You are just as bothersome as your little boyfriend, but despair will welcome you alongside Jaden when he's finally defeated and fed to the shadows.

That being said, the darkness around Arkana faded and he dropped to the floor like a rag doll, the sight filling Jaden, Alexis and Téa with dread and empathy, watching as Catherine set her arms around Arkana's form, crying at losing her love.

Jaden: Too many people have already suffered because of this. I won't let it happen again.

Remaining with empathy, Jaden approached Catherine, expressing his care toward the blonde, before managing to softly pry Arkana from her embrace and set him on his back, deciding they needed to leave and get Arkana proper medical attention.

Though his mind was lost to the Shadow Realm for the time being, his body still needed to be looked after.

Jaden: Téa, take Catherine and go find yugi and the others they in the park looking for you while me and Alexis take arkana to the hospital.

Nodding softly to Jaden's instructions, Téa set her arms around the distraught woman, feeling a continued solemness for Catherine's loss and barely able to imagine the pain she was going through at losing her beloved.

Exiting the area and looking for a way out of the building, hoping to get out as soon as possible, this left Jaden alone with Alexis.

Setting a hand on Jaden, Alexis looked upon Jaden, unsure what he was thinking or going through, but she could tell he too needed her support.

Alexis: I'm sorry, Jaden. I know there was no other way.

Giving Jaden's cheek a small kiss, as to both comfort him and show her support and gratitude for being there for her again, Alexis remained silent and by Jaden's side.

Jaden: It pains me that I couldn't do anything to stop them from kidnapping you and Téa. I know you guys are save, but I still blame myself i couldn't do nothing.

Alexis: I know things look bad right now, but if anybody can set things right, I know it's you, Jaden Yuki, my HERO. You have always helped so many, and I'm certain you can save the world another time.

From Alexis' reply and her trusting tone, Jaden gave a small smile, feeling a little better, but looking to Arkana, he knew there was still more to handle before the darkness now against him was truly over.

Author's note: I want to apologize for the short Duel. Despite my co-writer's plot for Arkana's Deck, the Cards I drew were what I needed to win. Remember, I play Jaden's moves using Cards from his Deck.