Sorry for the wait! School's coming up soon and I've been busy, but I'll get right down to this chapter!

Disclaimer: Mage of Hope doesn't own Yu-Gi-Oh series, only the OCs! Mage of Hope also doesn't own parts of the Yu-Gi-Oh Abridged series.

"Damnit, damnit, damnit, damnit, DAMNIT!"

After learning from Sarina the whereabouts on her captive friends, Jaden headed straight towards the infamous amusement park of all of Domino City; Kaiba Land. Of course, Bastion and Solomon, worried not only about her friends but also Jaden, followed after the Slifer Red girl, with Bastion being forced to carry Solomon piggy-back style.

Aster, curious about whether or not he was the chosen one in the destiny Sartorius foretold, followed afterwards. The only ones to silently bear witness were Alexis and Chazz, who had been on top of a bridge above the group, ordered not to intervene, but to simply report whether or not Jaden and Aster would take the bait.

After running past a few blocks, Jaden was now side-by-side with Aster, trying to reach Kaiba Land as fast as she could. Although nearly out of breath and exhausted due to being unable to sleep and from recovering that duel with T-Bone, Jaden was still determined to save her friends.

"Sorry about this, sonny," Solomon apologized to Bastion.

Bastion shook his head and smiled kindly at the elderly man on his back. "No, no! It's no trouble at all!"

"By the way, Aster! Thanks for tagging along with me!" panted Jaden, giving him a smile.

"Oh, that?" Aster scoffed and shook his head. "I'm just trying to follow my destiny, that's all! I didn't do it for you or your friends!"

"Well, fine! I'm just glad that you came with us! We could really use all the help we could get!"

"Hey! It's over there! Over there!" called out Solomon, yanking on the back of Bastion's hair a little to force him to stop before pointing towards the Kaiba Corp building nearby. Aster and Jaden stopped in their tracks and headed near Solomon and Bastion as the old man explained the purpose of the building. "That is where Kaiba Land would be. A dream that Seto Kaiba built up by putting his career on the line! And, it's also a place where history was made with Yugi's many duels there!"

Jaden recalled that some parts within Kaiba Land was used as part of the entrance exam, the exam she took about a year ago when she arrived as a first-year. "Yup. Haven't been here since Duel Academy's entrance exams. Let's go!"

As much as Jaden wished to explore the rest of the amusement park such as the Blue-Eyes Arcade, the gift shop, and Kaiba Castle, she knew the safety of her friends comes first. The problem was, liked she asked Chazz earlier when he refused to give her a specific location, she didn't know where exactly in Kaiba Land should she be searching for. Suddenly, as the group was randomly running around for clues, a garage door in one of the facility buildings automatically opened up, causing them to wonder what sort of facility was it within Kaiba Land.

"That's the Virtual Reality Facility," explained Solomon.

"So...what is virtual reality?" wondered Jaden, having never heard of the term before.

"A computer-generated alternate world," answered Bastion. "It's like...traveling to another world of technology, only instead of your body going, your mind goes, instead."

"I...still don't get it, but anyways, the main point is that we have to go inside, right?"

Solomon nodded before sternly warning her, "It's dangerous. There are also people who have entered that world that have never come back!"

"I've faced my share of danger! If I could deal with dueling a Duel Giant, Tarzan, a tennis guy, a monkey, a vampire, and an old guy who magically turned young and shirtless, then I can handle Virtual Reality duels! Besides, to save those two, we have to go! You in, Aster?"

Aster, who was baffled by half of what Jaden just spoke, simply stared at her. "...I have no idea what sort of people you've been dueling, but I guess that means you've got a lot of experience dueling tough opponents. Fine, I'll go. It looks as thought that might be the guidance of date, anyways."

Before Jaden and Aster entered the Virtual Reality Facility, Jaden stopped and turned to Solomon and Bastion worriedly. "Sorry, but only me and Aster were invited. I don't want you two hurt, so could you guys wait here?"

Complying with Jaden's request, Bastion set down Solomon and both boys watched as Aster and Jaden entered the Virtual Reality Facility with the door automatically closing behind them.

After entering inside, the hallway was dark, so the two of them had to proceed carefully. Then, the lights went on the few seconds they laid steps onto the once darkened hallway, making it easier for them to guide their way through towards a different room, where Sarina was supposed to meet them.

"Sarina! We're here! Where are Syrus and Hassleberry?!" demanded Jaden. A sudden flash of light forced her and Aster to shield and avert their eyes before everything literally and figuratively grew white.

Once everything was settled, both Jaden and Aster opened their eyes and saw not light, but the fact that they were in an entirely different room than before. There were large pillar-like buildings around with the ceiling and ground filled with encoded markings that could belong to the inside of a computer.

This was sufficient evidence that they were now in the Virtual World.

"Where are we?" wondered Jaden, looking around.

Scanning the area with his eyes, Aster came up with one conclusion. "By the looks of it, we've already been taken into the Virtual Reality world."

Hearing thumping sounds that could easily be mistaken for an earthquake, Aster and Jaden looked up in shock when they saw a giant, bandana-wearing dinosaur marching towards them. Jaden shrieked and held onto Aster. "AAAAAIIIII! Aster, run for it! I'll hold him off!"

While initially surprised by Jaden's bravery due to the fact that he thought that she would throw him under the bus to save herself, Aster was instead slightly annoyed and amused. "Oh, really? And what are you going to do if I run?"

"I'm gonna punch it!"

"...Really? You're gonna punch a ten-foot dinosaur and expect to live?"

"Hey, I always wanted to try beating up a dinosaur ever since I fought a duel against a Dinosaur deck! If I'm gonna be eaten alive, I want to at least get in a good hit with a dinosaur!"

To their shock, the bandanna dinosaur talked, and he sounded a lot like Hassleberry. "Wait, wait, wait, wait! Don't punch me! It's me, guys! Hassleberry!"

Driving up to them, a glasses-wearing yellow Volkswagen Beetle pulled up with a distraught expression. "And I'm Syrus...who got turned into a toy car for some reason. Jaden, help us!"

"Well, I dunno about you, but I like this new dino form of mine! Makes me feel like I evolved!" cheered Hassleberry, shrugging his shoulders.

"What's going on?" Jaden wondered, recognizing the two as somehow transformed versions of her best friends.

"This is a make-believe world where everything has been programed," explained Aster. "It wouldn't be so far-fetched for your friends to turn into forms they like."

"I don't like my toy car form!" complained Syrus.

Jaden gasped excitedly. "You mean...We can change into whatever form we want?! Ooh! I wanna be a baby bunny! No, Winged Kuriboh! No, an awesome superhero version that's part of the Elemental Heroes! Eeeeek! So much to choose!~"

"I don't think it's like that," commented Aster. "I told you, everything has been programmed, so the reason why the two of us is like this is because we're probably expected to duel, and Sarina wants us to be at our best."

"Can't we still duel at our best while we take the forms of a unisus and a pegacorn?"

Aster looked at Jaden. "Okay, first off, we can still duel like this, and I prefer it like this! Second, unisus? Pegacorn?"

"They're the combinations of a Pegasus and unicorn! I like those mystical creatures! Hell, Seto Kaiba said he liked unicorns!"

"We're not dueling in those girly-ass forms!"

"Both of you, silence!" snapped Sarina, emerging from within the ground as though it was water. "I've been here for quite some time, and I have to say, I'm disappointed in both of your childish attitudes! If you want everything to return to normal, then stop throwing such tantrums!"

"Ah! So, you're Sarina!" cried out Jaden. "Oh, I've been wanting a taste of you after you kidnapped my friends!"

"What are you aiming to do by dragging me into this?!" demanded Aster.

Highly offended that they weren't mentioned by Aster and that he was under the assumption that everything was about him, Hassleberry and Syrus glared at the Pro duelist. "Hey! What about us?!"

"You two aren't my concern! Hell, you don't get a say in this!"

Sarina calmed herself before explaining, "This is all what my elder brother, Sartorius, desires. He personally asked me to use my mirror-gazing divination to select one of you two to determine which of you is part of the wheel of destiny. Let's just say...there's interference as to why he cannot perceive his own destiny."

"Wait a minute!" snapped Aster. "I thought Sartorius promised me that he would guide my fate!"

"Destiny is not something that has been set in stone. It is that which quivers to does it concerns. Originally, you were meant to be part of destiny, but with Jaden's involvement, destiny has changed."

Shocked, Aster questioned, "So, in other words, by being involved with Jaden, both mine and Sartorius' fates were changed?"

"If you would like to be sure of that, you will form a tag team with Jaden!" ordered Sarina. "This will be a duel to divine the fate of my brother, as well as your own fates!"

"Again with the whole annoying fate and destiny part," sighed Jaden before getting to the main point. "More importantly, are you promising to send us all back to our world if we win?"

"I promise," assured Sarina. "Because this will be a Tag duel, each field will have 8000 Life Points, which means our Life Points will be combined instead of separate. It is a rule in which whomever one attacks on the opposing side is not a factor."

"Aster, help me out here! Form a tag team with me!" pleaded Jaden.

Left with no choice, Aster agreed. "Fine, just this once!"

"Ah! Thank you!"

"But, this battle is more about drawing for destiny one more time than it is for you and your friends. And, it's more about proving to Sartorius that I'm more necessary to him than you."

As long as Aster was willing to tag team with her, Jaden was fine with whatever reasons he had for winning. "Fine, fine! It's not like I want to be part of Sartorius' group, anyways! You can have that! By the way, Sarina! We've got our tag team set up, but who's your partner?"

Sarina didn't look worried. "Allow me to call for my partner from within my mirror..." In the blink of a flash, Sarina was split into two people; reflections of herself almost as though resembling as twin sisters.

Jaden gasped dramatically. "...Magic!"

"No, you dunce! It's obvious that she hacked the programming into making a virtual reality copy of herself to use as a Tag Team partner!" shouted Aster.

"You're both wrong," stated Sarina 1. "This was all due to my mirror powers."

"...That sounds like magic. You know what? Let's just duel!"

"DUEL!"

- DUEL -

Sarina 1 and Sarina 2 - 8000 LP

VS

Jaden and Aster - 8000 LP

The first Sarina, dubbed Sarina 1, drew her card, thus initiating the start of the duel. "I summon Silver Spirit Ukyo!"

Silver Spirit Ukyo - (LIGHT/Fairy) - LV3 - (800/600)

"I set a card facedown and activate the Continuous Spell, Full Moon Mirror!"

After the activation of the Full Moon Mirror Spell, a monstrous pole with unopened eyes along with the image of a full moon appeared.

Visibly creeped out, Jaden complained, "Ugh! Ew! What is that?!"

"We'll find out soon enough," said Aster. 'I better focus on not just my opponents, but that Spell, too. That full moon has to be representing something...'

"During the very first turn of a Tag Duel, both sides are not allowed to attack," reminded Sarina 1. "I'll end my turn!"

"My turn!" said Jaden. "I summon Elemental Hero Avian in Defense Mode! I'll set a card and finish my turn from there!"

"Then, it's my turn!" The second Sarina, also known as Sarina 2, drew a card. "Like my other self, I summon a similar Monster! Silver Spirit Sakyo!"

Silver Spirit Sakyo - (LIGHT/Fairy) - LV4 - (600/800)

"I set a card and end my turn!"

"My turn!" Aster was quick to make a decisive move on his part. "I summon Destiny Hero - Captain Tenacious in Attack Mode!"

Destiny Hero - Captain Tenacious - (DARK/Warrior) - LV3 - (800/800)

"I set a card, and that's it for me."

"Now, round two!" Sarina 1 declared. "I activate the Spell, Mirror Route, and target my Silver Spirit Ukyo! This Spell targets only one Monster on my field with 1000 or less Attack Points and allows that Monster to attack directly this turn! And since you both share the same Life Points, it won't matter who I target! Now, attack Jaden directly, Ukyo!"

A tornado of light arrows blasted from Ukyo's power and fired at Jaden, forcing her to take the damage that she was unable to block.

Sarina 1 and Sarina 2 - 8000 LP

Jaden and Aster - 7200 LP

"I end my turn."

"Finally!" said Jaden. "Okay! I activate Polymerization and fuse Avian on my field with the Burstinatrix in my hand! I Fusion Summon Elemental Hero Flame Wingman!"

The red and green demonic-looking Elemental Hero emerged onto the playing field, ready to aid Jaden in one of her duels yet again...but he was absolutely mortified when he quickly scanned the situation and learned that Jaden was tag teaming with Aster frickin' Phoenix.

Elemental Hero Flame Wingman - (WIND/Warrior/Fusion) - LV6 - (2100/1200)

"No! No!" Flame Wingman angrily and quietly muttered to himself, frustrated and enraged. "Damnit, damnit, DAMNIT!"

"Flame Wingman! Attack Silver Spirit Ukyo!" ordered Jaden, unaware of her protective Duel Spirit's anger.

To vent out his anger out on the opponent's Monster, Flame Wingman released a much more powerful flame blast than ordinarily released, meaning he was going a bit too overkill.

"Not so fast! You triggered my Trap, Mirror Bind!" shouted Sarina 2. "This can only be activated when there's Ukyo and Sakyo on the field and when a Monster declares an attack! Now, all Monsters whose Attack Points are equal or less than the declared Monster's Attack Points are automatically destroyed! Flame Wingman and the weaker Attack Point Captain Tenacious will be destroyed!"

Four mirrors surrounded Flame Wingman and shined on his reflection before four after-images of Flame Wingman popped up and unleashed the power he intended on using onto Ukyo, destroying not only him, but also Captain Tenacious. While Flame Wingman was frustrated that he couldn't help out Jaden, art least he managed to take out the Monster of one of his most disliked humans yet.

After the destruction of two Monsters, two eyes of the strange monstrous being popped open and a little of the full moon darkened, yet nobody seemed to notice.

"Like I'll let you do what you want!" Jaden yelled. "I activate the Trap card, Elemental Mirage! When an Elemental Hero I control is destroyed by an opponent's card effect, it brings them all back to the field in the same battle position it was in!"

Elemental Hero Flame Wingman - (WIND/Warrior/Fusion) - LV6 - (2100/1200)

Perhaps, in Flame Wingman's personal opinion, this was one of Jaden's best moves yet. Not only did the opponent's card effect destroy an enemy he really hated, though it did also destroy him in turn, but Jaden managed to revive him with the help of Elemental Mirage. This way, he could still protect Jaden whether it was through use of offense or defensive purposes.

Aster wasn't willing to let Jaden one up him, and besides, he needed a Monster as well, so he activated his own Trap. "I activate Destiny Mirage! This brings back a Destiny Hero that was destroyed by an opponent's card effect as well!"

Destiny Hero - Captain Tenacious - (DARK/Warrior) - LV3 - (800/800)

"Copycat!" accused Jaden, pointing to Aster. "You totally copied my Trap card! It's way too similar! Elemental Mirage, Destiny Mirage! Who came up with these?!"

"First off, I didn't copy anything! Second, I'm not the one who made up with these similar cards! Besides, it's not just Elemental Mirage and Destiny Mirage that are the only cards with similar effects! Cards like Pot of Greed and Card of Sanctity or Graceful Charity are similar! Even Graceful Dice and Skull Dice are similar!"

"Er…" Smiling awkwardly, Jaden asked, "What does Pot of Greed do?"

Throwing his arms in the air, Aster shouted in exasperation, "What does-EVERYONE KNOWS WHAT POT OF GREED DOES! WHY IS IT THAT WHEN SOMEONE COMMENTS ON THAT, THEY ALL PRETEND THEY DON'T KNOW?! Pot of Greed obviously lets you draw two. Free. Cards! Why is that so hard to understand?!"

While Jaden and Aster were talking to each other, both Sarinas were lost in thought. After scanning through Jaden and Aster's impressive, yet similar strategies, they couldn't exactly tell which of the two were stronger, as they shared an equal level of power. Perhaps further testing them in this duel will settle the conclusion once and for all.

"Okay, okay! I get it, already! I was only joking!" assured Jaden. "But, seriously! You have to admit, despite our cards being nearly identical, your move was still impressive! As expected from a Pro Duelist!"

"I don't want compliments from an idiotic, amateur duelist like yourself!" snapped Aster. "You do realize that my Destiny Hero was destroyed because of you, right?! Use your brains for once, and try not letting us lose!"

Flame Wingman was just about ready to storm over and burn Aster alive if he kept insulting his mistress. Jaden might not be all that bright and serious when it comes to a duel, but she still tries her best and is doing everything in her power to save her friends, which is more than he could say for Aster, who's only doing this for his own self-interest.

"I'll make it up to you in this duel!" promised Jaden. "Let's continue the battle! Flame Wingman, attack Ukyo!"

"I activate the Trap, Mirror Trap!" said Sarina 1. "This can be activated only during the turn my Tag Team partner activated a Normal Trap card, and that card was sent to the Graveyard after it resolved! Mirror Trap enables me to set one normal Trap card activated this turn and lets me activate that Trap card! I activate Mirror Bind!"

Once again, a replay occurred in which Flame Wingman and Captain Tenacious were destroyed by the effect of Mirror Bind, rendering Jaden and Aster helpless due to their Monsters being destroyed. While the destruction of the two Monsters caught everyone's attention, they failed to notice that yet another two pairs of eyes have opened in the effect of Full Moon Mirror and that part of the full moon has darkened yet again.

"Jaden, you did it again!" yelled Aster. 'Sartorius, I hope you're watching this, because now, you'll know that Jaden's not the better duelist! I am!'

"Oh, come on! How could I have possible have known she was going to do that?!" argued Jaden. "I end my turn!"

"Enough bickering! My turn!" said Sarina 2. "I use Sakyo to attack Aster directly!"

The first one to receive a direct attack this duel was Jaden, and now, Sarina 2 was now focused on Aster to throw him off balance. Her Silver Spirit Sakyo unleashed a similar light arrow tornado at Aster, who was still standing strong despite the amount of Life Points lost.

Sarina 1 and Sarina 2 - 8000 LP

Jaden and Aster - 6600 LP

"I now activate the Spell, Mirror Call! When Ukyo and Sakyo are on the field, I'm able to add a Trap card from my Graveyard to my hand! Next, I place two cards facedown before ending my turn!"

"Great, she set Mirror Bind!" complained Jaden. "Plus, we don't even know what her other facedown is!"

"The issue isn't Mirror Bind," replied Aster. "It's those two Silver Spirit grunts that look like they're the weakest in the field. If we can take them out, Spells and Traps involving those two won't activate."

"Can't we just use something like Mystical Space Typhoon to-"

"Look, are you a Pro Duelist?"

"...No."

"Am I one?"

"Yes."

"Then, just leave it to me!" said Aster, drawing his card. "I summon Destiny Hero - Doom Lord!"

Destiny Hero - Doom Lord - (DARK/Warrior) - LV3 - (600/800)

"I'm now activating his effect to remove from play 1 Monster on the field for the next two turns, and I'm targeting Silver Spirit Sakyo!"

Having anticipated that Aster would try something to her Monster, Sarina 2 chuckled. 'It's your Monster that'll be sent off. I activate the Trap, Silver Spirit Redirection! This negates the effect of my opponent's Monster that tried to target a Monster I control, and that opponent's Monster is removed from play!"

"Even when we try to use card effects, it still won't work against Sarina!" cried out Jaden.

However, Aster was far from finishing his move. "Don't underestimate the flesh-surpassing power of the D!"

Everyone grew silent and quite...uncomfortable with Aster's statement. Jaden looked confused, Hassleberry and Syrus were mortified and disgusted, and the two Sarinas...had nothing more to say. Only after the silence that suddenly filled the area did Aster realize the unintentional meaning of his words.

"Wha-?! No, goddamnit! I wasn't-! I didn't mean to-! Damnit, I ruined a really good one-liner!"

"...Yeah...you might wanna retract that sentence," advised Syrus.

Aster shook his head and focused back on the duel. "Fine! Prepare to be amazed!"

"By the fact that you just said a sexual one-liner?" teased Hassleberry.

"Shut up! That was one time! And I will not be saying that again! I activate the Spell, D - Spirit! Stop laughing, both of you! I didn't name this card! Anyways, if I have no Destiny Heroes on my field, I get to Special Summon 1 Level 4 or lower leveled Destiny Hero from my hand! Come on, Destiny Hero - Fear Monger!"

Destiny Hero - Fear Monger - (DARK/Warrior) - LV4 - (1000/1000)

"Now, by discarding Destiny Hero - Blade Master to the Graveyard, all Destiny Heroes I control gain 800 extra Attack Points until the end of this turn!"

Destiny Hero - Fear Monger - (DARK/Warrior) - LV4 - (1800/1000)

"I attack Sakyo with Fear Monger!"

The advanced technical cannon Fear Monger had equipped onto his shoulder released a blast strong enough to destroy Sakyo, blowing away a large chunk of Sarina's Life Points.

Sarina 1 and Sarina 2 - 6800 LP

Jaden and Aster - 6600 LP

Yet another eye of the Full Moon Mirror opened and the full moon was now reduced to a half-moon of white and darkness.

"Now that I've broken your combo, I'll end my turn with a facedown! With that, Blade Master's effect ends and Fear Monger's Attack Points return to normal!"

Destiny Hero - Fear Monger - (DARK/Warrior) - LV4 - (1000/1000)

The two Sarinas glanced at one another, telepathically communicating with one another as it was yet another one of Sarina's mystical powers. They hadn't expected such a wise move from Aster, and since Aster was showing more potential than Jaden, their side was turning towards Aster for him to be the one chosen to be the one to alter fate.

"My turn, draw!" said Sarina 1. "I sacrifice my Silver Spirit Ukyo to Tribute Summon Magic Mirror Spirit Nayuta!"

Magic Mirror Spirit Nayuta - (LIGHT/Fiend) - LV6 - (2600/1400)

"And now, I attack Jaden directly!"

With the power of her claws, Nayuta unleashed a devastating fury swipe of fire that caused a large amount of Life Point depletion power.

Sarina 1 and Sarina 2 - 6800 LP

Jaden and Aster - 4000 LP

"I shall end my turn. Now, show me what you've got!"

"Gladly!" said Jaden. "I play Pot of Greed and-" Having received a reminding glare from Aster, Jaden laughed nervously. "Ahaha...I'll draw two new cards. I fuse Wildheart and Necroshade with Polymerization to Fusion Summon Elemental Hero Necroid Shaman!"

When the shaman-like Elemental Hero appeared, he looked around the field before sighing in disbelief. He could already tell that Flame Wingman had been summoned and already figured out the situation beforehand. Looks like he'll have to attempt yet another one of his shamanic rituals to calm down the overprotective Fusion Monster.

Elemental Hero Necroid Shaman - (DARK/Warrior/Fusion) - LV6 - (1900/1800)

"When Necroid Shaman's Special Summoned, I can select 1 Monster you control and send it to the Graveyard, then select another Monster from your Graveyard and Special Summon it to the field! I sacrifice Magic Mirror Nayuta and replace her with Silver Spirit Ukyo!"

Silver Spirit Ukyo - (LIGHT/Fairy) - LV3 - (800/600)

"When Ukyo is Summoned, I can Special Summon Sakyo from the Graveyard," replied Sarina 2.

Silver Spirit Sakyo - (LIGHT/Fairy) - LV4 - (600/800)

"Because Ukyo and Sakyo are back, Mirror Bind's requirements are met as well!" cried out Aster. "Way to go, Jaden!"

"Again, you keep forgetting, HOW WAS I SUPPOSED TO KNOW THEIR EFFECTS?!" argued Jaden, annoyed. "It's not like I dueled against Sarina before! I never even heard of a Monster called Sakyo or Ukyo! Did you really expect me to know them?"

"Yes!"

"You know," stated Jaden. "I'm starting to think maybe Syrus and Hassleberry were right about you being a prick."

"What?!"

"Ha! In your face, Aster!" taunted Syrus.

"Yeah, get him, Jaden!" cheered Hassleberry.

"ANYWAYS! I've got a backup plan just in case! When Necroshade's in the Graveyard, just once during this duel, I can Special Summon a Elemental Hero Monster without any sacrifices! I summon Bladedge!"

Elemental Hero Bladedge - (EARTH/Warrior) - LV7 - (2600/1800)

"Hmm...But Mirror Bind will destroy the attacking Monster and any other Monsters with Attack Points lower than it," muttered Jaden. "Bladedge has 2600 and Necroid Shaman has 1900. I could always attack and risk Necroid Shaman being destroyed, but...no matter who I chose to attack, one of my own Monsters and even Aster's gets destroyed...Unless I do this! I activate the Quick-Play Spell, De-Fusion to defuse Necroid Shaman back into Necroshade and Wildheart!"

Elemental Hero Wildheart - (EARTH/Warrior) - LV4 - (1500/1600)

Elemental Hero Necroshade - (DARK/Warrior) - LV5 - (1600/1800)

"Do you plan on opposing Mirror Bind by assembling more Monsters?" questioned one of the Sarinas.

Jaden shook her head. "Not quite. Wildheart's effect makes it so he can't be affected by Trap cards!"

"Hey, nice move for a change!" complimented Aster.

"Awww! You really aren't a prick if you act more nicely!"

"Don't push it."

Focusing back to the battle, Jaden shouted, "Wildheart! Destroy Sakyo!"

Taking out his sharp weapon he always wielded for battle, Wildheart released a wild cry before slashing at Sakyo, destroying him. Unfortunately, the only downside was that Sakyo was in Defense Mode, but the more important part was that he was destroyed and now the Trap card consisting of both Sakyo and Ukyo's presences was rendered useless.

"As long as Ukyo or Sakyo gets destroyed, your Mirror Bind won't be happening! I use Bladedge to attack Ukyo now! And then, Necroshade! Attack one of the Sarinas directly afterwards!"

The two Monsters quickly accomplished their orders as soon as possible, with Bladedge slashing through Ukyo, and Necroshade using a sneak attack maneuver to wipe out some of Sarina's Life Points. Nobody noticed that the full moon has more than half of its side darkened and that two more eyes were wide awake.

Sarina 1 and Sarina 2 - 3200 LP

Jaden and Aster - 4000 LP

Despite suffering a very heavy loss, the two Sarinas were, nevertheless, impressed by Jaden's strategic comeback. They thought Aster was doing a good job, but Jaden had surpassed their expectations. Still, with this far in the duel, they were further conflicted on whoever was truly the chosen duelist for their brother and his fate.

"My turn, draw!" said Sarina 2. "I set two cards facedown to end my turn!"

"That's it? Fine," Aster said. "My turn! I activate Pot of Greed, which lets me draw two more cards! I sacrifice Fear Monger to Tribute Summon Destiny Hero - Double Dude!"

Destiny Hero - Double Dude - (DARK/Warrior) - LV6 - (1000/1000)

"Double Dude is able to attack twice in one Battle Phase! Attack now, Double Dude!"

Not willing to risk losing more Life Points, Sarina 2 shouted, "I activate my Trap, Soul Mirror! By sending a card I control to the Graveyard, I get to Special Summon a Monster from my Graveyard! I sent Mirror Bind to the Graveyard in order to Special Summon Silver Spirit Sakyo, and due to his effect, I get to Special Summon Ukyo as well! Both in Defense Mode!"

Silver Spirit Ukyo - (LIGHT/Fairy) - LV3 - (800/600)

Silver Spirit Sakyo - (LIGHT/Fairy) - LV4 - (600/800)

"Come on! Not again!" whined Jaden. They just sent those two troublesome Monsters to the Graveyard earlier, so it was a pain to see those two back. At least Mirror Bind was gone, but that didn't stop the annoyance that came from Ukyo and Sakyo's presences.

Aster was both relieved and confused by Sarina's decision. She had another facedown card besides Mirror Bind, so why didn't she use that as the cost requirement for Soul Mirror? "I'll activate a Trap of my own! D - Chain! I equip it onto Destiny Hero - Double Dude, and he gains 500 extra Attack Points! What's more, if he destroys a Monster while equipped with D - Chain, you receive 500 Points of Damage! Now, attack Ukyo and Sakyo!"

Using the power of his newly equipped chain whip, Double Dude wasted no time in eliminating Ukyo and Sakyo, allowing Sarina to receive 1000 Points of Damage. Meanwhile, the full moon had only a sliver of light left while it was mostly shrouded in darkness and almost all of the monstrous eyes were open.

Sarina 1 and Sarina 2 - 2200 LP

Jaden and Aster - 4000 LP

Now both Sarinas were wondering what was going on. They were lost for words as they had no idea who was the chosen one for sure since both Jaden and Aster displayed an impressive skill of power and brains.

"I activate my Trap, Buried Soul Talisman!" yelled Sarina 2. "I may activate it on the turn in which 2 or more of my Monsters were destroyed in battle and sent to the Graveyard. It destroys the Monster who battled and destroyed those Monsters and allows me to Special Summon a Level 5 or higher Monster from my hand! I Special Summon Magic Mirror Spirit Asogi in Defense Mode!"

Magic Mirror Spirit Asogi - (LIGHT/Fiend) - LV6 - (1500/2500)

"And because Asogi was summoned, his special ability allows me to Special Summon Magic Mirror Spirit Nayuta back to the field!" said Sarina 1.

Magic Mirror Spirit Nayuta - (LIGHT/Fiend) - LV6 - (2600/1400)

Only after Double Dude's destruction thanks to Buried Soul Talisman and the fact that the full moon had fully darkened with a touch of the last monstrous eye opening did Aster notice something amiss.

'What's with the moon? And how did I not notice it before?' wondered Aster. "I set one card facedown...and end my turn."

"What's wrong, Aster?" asked Jaden, noticing something wrong with Aster's discouraged tone.

"Look up. At the moon. See how it's dark now?"

"Well, yeah. Huh, how come we never noticed it before? But, how does that-"

Feeling something windy down at his feet, Aster was surprised to see a foggy mist slowly arising and seeping out of the monstrous eyes that came from Full Moon Mirror.

"You've finally realized, haven't you?" spoke Sarina 2. "Each time a Monster was destroyed, Full Moon Mirror has been activating its effect and placing a Full Moon Counter. When all ten Monsters have been destroyed, that is when a new moon arises!"

"If you don't understand, you'll find out soon enough!" promised Sarina 1, drawing her card. "I sacrifice Nayuta and Asogi in order to Tribute Summon Dark Creator!"

With the two strong Monsters out of the way, an even stronger, yet deadlier monstrosity appeared, sporting one giant eye that seemed to squirm around in its darkened body.

Dark Creator - (DARK/Fiend) - LV10 - (3000/1000)

"Ewww! EWWWW!" shrieked Jaden, freaked out over the monstrosity's appearance. "Gross, gross, gross, GROSS! Aster, get rid of it for me!"

"Wait, why me?!" demanded Aster. "And you gotta help out, too!"

"I don't want that guy's nasty parts all over me when I kill it! Especially the eye part! That thing looks like it could pop out at any second!"

Aster rolled his eyes. "It's a HOLOGRAM, Jaden. Looks scary, but it's FAKE."

"I don't care! Kill it with FIRE!"

"Silence!" bellowed Sarina 1 impatiently. "The time has finally arrived, so pay attention! By sending Full Moon Mirror to the Graveyard, who has 10 Full Moon Counters on it, I get to activate the Field Spell, Infinite Fiend Mirror!"

The entire playing field no longer looked technical; more like a dark void of nothing as a bright white light formed in a circle around the duelist. Suddenly, nine dark robed poltergeists popped out from the void carrying circular mirrors and flew towards the two Sarinas, guarding them.

Jaden seemed more confident in herself despite the number disadvantage she and Aster were facing. "Ha! I've faced ghosts, before! This is no challenge!"

"Oh, really? Then, you should know something very important about Infinite Fiend Mirror. Its effect, when we control a Dark Creator, allows us to Special Summon as many Dark Creator Tokens as possible, all with the same Level, Type, Attribute, Attack, Defense, and effects as Dark Creator! And because me and my other self have four and five Monster Zones remaining, that leaves a total of nine Dark Creator Tokens!"

Upon glancing at the reflection of Dark Creator, all of the Dark Creator Tokens replicated not only the appearance of Dark Creator, but his abilities and powers as well.

Dark Creator Tokens - (DARK/Fiend/Token) - LV10 - (3000/1000) X9

"EWWWW! Aaaah!" Jaden cried out. "Not only has their hideousness increased by nine more times, but now there are 10 Monsters with 3000 Attack Points each!"

"Man, then those two will lose this turn!" said Syrus worriedly, seeing as there was no way to defend against an army of powerful opposing Monsters.

"Does that mean we'll be stuck like this forever?!" exclaimed Hassleberry. He and Syrus took one look at each other before bursting into tears and embracing one another.

"I don't want to!" both bawled out.

"Hey, you two! We're not giving up until the end!" reminded Jaden.

Aster seemed surprised by her confidence despite the fact that their situation had now turned dire. Just what was it that was motivating Jaden? Well, knowing her, she might be wanting to destroy the Dark Creator Tokens because they looked "gross," but there has to be something more than that. Maybe it was the whole cliché "bonds of friendship?"

"I use my Dark Creator and the Dark Creator Tokens to wipe out all the Monsters on your fields at once!" ordered Sarina 1.

"If we can't wipe them out, the least we can do is prolong the inevitable!" shouted Aster. "I activate a Trap, Elemental Recharge! This increases our Life Points by 1000 for every Elemental Hero out on our side of the field!"

Sarina 1 and Sarina 2 - 2200 LP

Jaden and Aster - 7000 LP

"Nice one, Aster!" complimented Jaden.

"If you're finished, we'll continue with the onslaught!" said Sarina 1. "Go, my Monsters!"

Dark Creators, as well as two other Dark Creator Tokens, narrowed their eyes slightly as they charged up a beam. Once prepared, their eyes spread wide open as they fired the three beams simultaneously, taking out Jaden's three Elemental Hero Monsters.

Sarina 1 and Sarina 2 - 2200 LP

Jaden and Aster - 3700 LP

"There's another detail about Dark Creator you should know," commented Sarina 1 sinisterly. "Whenever he destroys a Monster in battle, you take 700 Points of Damage, and since my other two Dark Creator Tokens share the same effects as my Dark Creator, that means you get hit with 2100 Points of Damage!"

Shocked mentally from the knowledge of a dangerous effect, as well as physically from the aftermath of the effect, both Jaden and Aster fell to their knees in pain, struggling to get back up.

Sarina 1 and Sarina 2 - 2200 LP

Jaden and Aster - 1600 LP

"Damnit, this is where it ends, huh?" wondered Aster.

"Oh, yeah!" said Jaden, realizing she has more than enough Monsters to wipe them out. "It's still her turn, and she's still got 7 more Monsters left to attack us directly with!"

"...I set one card facedown and end my turn," finished Sarina 1.

"Huh? She's not attacking directly?" asked Syrus. "She could have won the duel in her turn!"

"Well, whatever the case is, Jaden and Aster sure got a lucky break!" sighed Hassleberry, wiping away imaginary sweat off his forehead.

Jaden was just as confused as her friends, but she drew her card to start her turn. "My turn, draw!"

"Wait, Jaden!" interrupted Aster. "Think carefully, now! Why do you think that she didn't try to attack us at our most vulnerable?"

"You mean, why didn't she unleash her cronies on us when we had no Monsters and that our Life Points could easily be wiped away by one of those bug-thingies?"

"Exactly. So, why do you think she didn't?"

"Hmmm..." After careful thinking, Jaden snapped her fingers. "Oh! It's because she can't! Dark Creator can't attack us directly!"

Aster nodded. "Now, you're getting it!"

"Thanks, Aster! I'm glad that you decided to help me out in this Tag Duel!"

Aster merely smirked instead of scolding her like before, which was a sign of approval that he was slowly acknowledging her high skills as a duelist. "Heh, at least you're getting better. I was just worried about what your optimistic self would do here, that's all."

Jaden couldn't help but giggle; a warm blush covering her face. "Hehehe!~ Aww, that's sweet! Thanks for the compliment!~ And here, I thought you hated me!"

"Hmm? Oh, I don't hate you, but I do find you annoying, sometimes."

"Ugh!" groaned Syrus angrily. "He's acting just like Chazz!"

"Yeah!" agreed Hassleberry. "What was that word again? Tsundere? Yeah! Aster's a tsundere!"

"Hey, shut it!" yelled Aster. "I'm not a tsundere!"

"Alright, alright!" said Jaden. "Anyways, I end my turn!"

While it was still the End Phase of Jaden's turn, Sarina 1 commented, "Without any Monsters, you won't be taking any Damage. That's what you're thinking, I assume? While that may be true, things will not go as you expect."

"Oh, no!" cried out Jaden. "She's going to summon a different Monster to-Oh, wait! Her Monster Zones are all filled up! She can't summon another Monster!"

"Very good observation. It's true, I can't summon another Monster. However, I can still activate Traps and Spells, and here's a Trap card called Return Talisman! It's a Continuous Trap card that activates during each of your End Phases! If either you nor Aster summons a Monster during your turn, you automatically receive 1 Return Token on your field in Defense Mode!"

Return Token - (DARK/Fairy) -LV2 - (1000/1000)

"Aww man! And I thought I had a really clever plan!" complained Jaden.

"My turn!" said Sarina 2. "I use one of my Dark Creator Tokens to attack that Return Token!"

It was an absolute easy thing for one of the Dark Creator Tokens to reduce the Return Token into nothing but ashes after burning it with one of its eye beams.

"And due to my Dark Creator Token inheriting my Dark Creator's abilities, you get hit 700 Points of Damage because your Monster was destroyed."

Sarina 1 and Sarina 2 - 2200 LP

Jaden and Aster - 900 LP

After suffering the backlash effect of Dark Creator Token, both Aster and Jaden were badly injured, but still up and standing. Analyzing the situation before him, Aster explained, "They both have 2200 Life Points, and what's worse, they have an army of Monsters with 3000 Attack Points each!" He then thought, 'An overwhelming disadvantage, but to prove myself to Sartorius, I must find a way to overcome this, and with my turn coming up I'll get that chance!'

"Wow..." said Jaden, grinning despite the pain she was suffering from. "I mean, I know we're at a huge disadvantage here, but I gotta admit, I've never faced an army before! Those Dark Creator things may be icky, but I gotta admire their power!"

'Seriously?! At a time like this?! Fine, whatever! Sartorius, I hope you're watching this!' thought Aster, vividly annoyed. "My turn, draw! Because Double Dude was destroyed last turn, I get to Special Summon two Double Dude Tokens during the Standby Phase of my next turn, which is now! I Special Summon them in Defense Mode!"

Double Dude Tokens - (DARK/Warrior/Token) - LV4 - (1000/1000)

"Whoa, that's pretty impressive, Aster!" complimented Jaden in awe. "Even when things are so massively against you, you rally right back! Still, I don't think that your Tokens are enough to-"

"Yeah, I know! Do you think I don't know what I just told you earlier?" snapped Aster.

Jaden flinched from his sharp tone and rubbed the back of her head. "Jeez, sorry. I didn't mean to make you mad or anything..."

"Well, it's pointless, even if you do summon a Monster," spoke Sarina 2.

"Or rather, it will only accelerate the countdown of your demise," replied Sarina 1.

Aster still felt determined that he was the chosen one Sartorius picked as he thought, 'I'll show Sartorius how the future-seeking power of my Destiny Heroes can overwhelm anyone! And it looks like fate is on my side!' "I sacrifice one of my Double Dude Tokens to Tribute Summon Destiny Hero - Dasher in Attack Mode!"

Destiny Hero - Dasher - (DARK/Warrior) - LV6 - (2100/1000)

"And now for Dasher's effect! By offering up another Monster on my field, he gains 1000 extra Attack Points until the end of this turn!"

Destiny Hero - Dasher - (DARK/Warrior) - LV6 - (3100/1000)

"Now attack the Dark Creator, Dasher! Show no mercy!"

Dasher rushed towards the leader of the Token army, Dark Creator, skating across the grounds at a super fast pace before leaping upwards to avoid the Dark Creator Tokens. Descending down, Dasher extended his leg and kicked at the Dark Creator's eye, causing an explosion of fire and smoke before Dasher reappeared to his master's side.

Sarina 1 and Sarina 2 - 2100 LP

Jaden and Aster - 900 LP

Once the smoke from the explosion dissipated, however, it revealed that somehow, Dark Creator had miraculously survived with little to no damage.

Smirking, Sarina 2 replied, "How naïve of you. Dark Creator cannot be destroyed in battle."

"Oh, I gotta call BS on that one!" complained Jaden. "It has 3000 Attack Points, can summon a huge replica army of itself, can inflict 700 Points of Damage to us if one of our Monsters gets destroyed, and it can't be destroyed in battle? That is way too OP!"

"Um...considering the tough conditions it had to summon the army, along with not being able to attack directly, I think it's safe to say that it's not OP, Jaden," said Syrus.

As understanding as he was with Jaden as well as frustrated, Aster resumed the rest of his turn. "After he attacks, Dasher switches to Defense Mode at the end of the Battle Phase. I end my turn."

Destiny Hero - Dasher - (DARK/Warrior) - LV6 - (2100/1000)

"Man, how do we beat it?" wondered Jaden. "The only way I could think of destroying it is through card effects now! But of course, the Sarina sisters must have thought up some defense against that!"

Aster had to agree with her. "Yeah. Our destiny has gotten to the point where it's impossible to defend ourselves."

"My turn!" said Sarina 1. "I use Dark Creator to attack Destiny Hero - Dasher!"

All it took was one simple blast from Dark Creator to annihilate Dasher.

"And now, you get hit with 700 Points of Damage!"

Sarina 1 and Sarina 2 - 2100 LP

Jaden and Aster - 200 LP

Gasping after suffering the electrical aftereffects of Dark Creator, Aster shouted, "Damnit! We only have 200 Life Points left, and we don't even have any Monsters! And even if we end up not summoning one, Sarina's just going to forcibly summon a Return Token on our field! Worse, there's ten of those invincible Dark Creators! That's Sartorius' sister for you..."

"It's tough, but it's not over!" protested Jaden, unwilling to give up. "It's not over until the last card is played!"

Surprised, yet impressed by her undying will to continue, Aster thought, 'Jaden's still not giving up, even after all this? I don't mind a bit of enthusiasm, but come on, Jaden! There comes a time when you have to admit you've been beat! Otherwise, you're just making a fool of yourself. But even if I insult her like this, she's just going to continue on with the duel. I dunno whether to applaud her for not giving up, or laugh at her for being such a naïve idiot.'

Aster asked, "Interesting. So, you still have the courage to oppose that Dark Creator and his army, Jaden?"

"Of course! I wanna squash him and his stupid, bug army! Besides, if I don't, then I won't be able to save Syrus and Hassleberry," replied Jaden. "Also, I've never once thought of losing in the middle of a duel. I may not look it right now, but I'm super excited!"

'...Is she really that excited or is her foolishness so bottomless?' wondered Aster, mildly amused by her child-like excitement. 'Still, if by some miracle, we're able to pull this off, will we be able to set Sartorius' wheel of fate into motion?'

Just as Jaden was about to draw her card, Winged Kuriboh appeared in front of her, motioning her with his wings. Confused, Jaden looked towards where Winged Kuriboh was urgently trying to address with his wings and saw the Duel Spirit of Dasher standing near an oblivious Aster.

"Jaden, are you seeing something? Your expression tells me that you saw something," stated Aster. 'No matter what, this will be our last turn, so if I must, I'll lend the power of my Destiny Heroes over to you, Jaden!'

'It's not just me and Aster I have to worry about, but my friends as well! For them, I'll believe in my deck!' thought Jaden, drawing her card. It was another one of her new Neo-Spacians, Dark Panther, that she just drew.

The second she drew him, Dark Panther popped out and glanced over to her. "Jaden! Dasher is calling out to me! He's telling me to use his power! Take advantage of the situation and bring forth a new power!"

With the short advice she's been given, Jaden pondered for a while, wondering what Dark Panther meant. How could she use Dasher if he was in the Graveyard, moreso, as one of Aster's Monsters?

After seeing Jaden stare at her drawn card for a while, Aster started to grow irritated. 'Jaden, what are you doing?'

"Hey, Aster!" called out Jaden. "What are Dasher's effects?"

"My Destiny Hero - Dasher? Why do you want you know?"

"Please! Come on! I thought you said you'd help me! We're partners, after all!"

Aster sighed. "Fine, I guess it wouldn't hurt to tell you. You already know Dasher's increased Attack Point effect as well as his ability to change into Defense Mode at the end of the Battle Phase, but there's one more effect. Apparently, if he's in the Graveyard, when you draw your card, just once per duel, his effect allows you to Special Summon the Monster you drew."

"Really?! What a conveniently awesome effect that is!" cheered Jaden. "I, using Dasher's third effect, Special Summon Neo-Spacian Dark Panther!"

Neo-Spacian Dark Panther - (DARK/Beast) - LV3 - (1000/500)

"Dark Panther's effect activates! I can select 1 face-up Monster my opponent controls, and Dark Panther gains the name, effects, and Attack and Defense Points of that Monster! I choose Dark Creator!"

Dark Panther's body melted into a puddle of black goo before his power took a moment to morph into the same appearance and powers as Dark Creator.

Neo-Spacian Dark Panther (Dark Creator) - (DARK/Fiend) - LV10 - (3000/1000)

"Heh, now thanks to my 'Dark Creator,' I now get to activate the Field Spell, Infinite Fiend Mirror! Now I get to Special Summon a lot of those Dark Creator Tokens on my field!"

Dark Creator Tokens - (DARK/Fiend/Token) - LV10 - (3000/1000) X9

"Next, I sacrifice two of my Dark Creator Tokens to Tribute Summon Elemental Hero Neos!"

Elemental Hero Neos - (LIGHT/Warrior) - LV7 - (2500/2000)

"Time for some Contact Fusion! I use both Dark Panther and Neos to Contact Fusion! This Special Summons Elemental Hero Dark Neos!"

After transforming back into his true self, Dark Panther followed behind Neos as they soar through outer space, disappearing from sight before returning back as a combined, new dark entity.

Elemental Hero Dark Neos - (DARK/Warrior/Fusion) - LV7 - (2500/2000)

The two Sarinas were astonished to witness a new Elemental Hero emerging from a strange fusion called "Contact Fusion," yet they still remained calm. "A new Monster? But he still doesn't reach our 3000 Attack Point Dark Creator!"

"Dark Neos' effect now activates!" said Jaden. "I choose one Effect Monster on the field and negate its effect! Yup, that means I'm negating Dark Creator's effect! And now, I use one of my Dark Creator Tokens to destroy Dark Creator!"

Just like that, both the Dark Creator and the Dark Creator Token's eye beams collided with each other before exploding, destroying one another. However, with the Dark Creator destroyed, all of the Sarina sisters' Dark Creator Tokens were instantly annihilated.

"Whoa, what just happened?" pondered Hassleberry.

"That's amazing!" said Syrus.

"Wait a minute, I just realized something. If Jaden summoned Dark Neos, then why didn't the Dark Creator Tokens get destroyed? Shouldn't she have lost the Tokens on her field because of the Infinite Mirror Field effect? I don't get it, I...I...URGH! Syrus, are you following any of this?"

Syrus rolled his eyes and sighed. "Oh, I gave up trying to figure out any of this since the Shadow Duelists."

"Shadow what now?"

"Now that your field's empty, it's time for a direct attack!" said Jaden. "Dark Neos, take them out directly!"

Rising to the air with the thanks of his wings, Dark Neos then slashed forward with his claws, taking out the remainder of Sarina's Life Points.

Sarina 1 and Sarina 2 - 0 LP

Jaden and Aster - 200 LP

Winners: Jaden and Aster

After receiving the slashing blow from Dark Neos, the two Sarinas were forcibly merged together, as their defeat signaled the end of her mirror powers' effect. Not only that, but their entire surroundings reverted back to normal as well as Syrus and Hassleberry.

"They did it!" cheered Syrus, happy to be back as a human boy again.

"Yeah! Although, I did miss the sweet sensation of being a dinosaur," spoke Hassleberry, already missing his temporary form.

"That's game! That's the best looks you guys have!" complimented Jaden, giving both of them her signature finger pose.

While watching Jaden interact and cheer with her friends over their victory, Aster didn't seem angry at Jaden winning the duel for them. In fact, he was both tired, but impressed. 'I've gotten out of a lot of sticky situations, but Jaden's strategy today was nothing I've ever seen! It seemed that out of the two of us, Jaden's the most likely to alter fate a lot more than me. And while I've been doing nothing but try to impress Sartorius and focus on my own selfish needs, Jaden's been doing this not for anyone else but to save her friends. Guess I don't deserve anything for being such a jerk.'

"Jaden," spoke up Aster. "Good job. It looks like the one who's able to affect Sartorius' wheel of fate might be you."

"Huh? That's not true!" protested Jaden, shaking her head. "We wouldn't have won if it weren't for the power of your Destiny Heroes! I would have lost if I wasn't paired up with you! Thanks, Aster! You know, I don't really think there is a chosen one, and if there are, make that TWO chosen ones!"

"You are correct, Jaden," said Sarina, drawing attention from the opponents who defeated her. "You both passed the test, so congratulations. But now, I ask you to use your abilities to save my brother, Sartorius."

"Your brother?" wondered Jaden. "But...isn't he like, the bad guy? I mean, he brainwashes people and forces them to join his Society of Light!"

"I won't deny that that is true. However, at the moment, my brother holds two faces; one of kindness, and one like a demon that feels pleasure from leading the world to its destruction. You see, ever since we were young, my brother and I excelled at the ability to predict the future for others. Once they knew of these powers, all those who were around us felt uncomfortable and kept a distance from us. But because we had each other, our bond grew strong, almost surpassing that of siblings. One day, a duelist visited my brother for a fortune-telling session, but he also gave him a card."

"Why does every single villain plot start with a card?" muttered Syrus. "There's Marik, the Seal of Orichalcos, the Sacred Beasts, the Egyptian God cards, and so forth!"

"I sensed an ominous aura within that card, and I advised my brother to get rid of it but it was too late. He already became a prisoner of the dangerous power that lurked within that card. His soul was split in two; one of evil and one of good, but it seemed the evil part had taken over."

"Say, what kind of card contained that much power?" wondered Jaden.

"The card was a Hero card that controls evil by utilizing terror. That card summoned the very being that leads the cosmos to its destruction and it may as well be the source to all its terror."

"Wait, it uses fear to control evil?"

"Hold up!" interrupted Aster. "By any chance, was that card a Destiny Hero? Specifically, the one stolen from my father? What was the name? And does Sartorius still have it?"

Sarina shook her head sadly. "No, after that terrible being possessed my brother, that card had vanished completely."

"What?!"

Before Aster could question Sarina further, the entire virtual reality world began shaking; sparks flying off the electrical cords off the ceilings and the buildings beginning to crumble.

"The program's collapse has begun! You all must escape quickly!" gasped Sarina, alarmed before pointing to a strange, blue vortex. "The exit is right over there!"

"Then, let's get outta here!" cried out Jaden. "Syrus, Hassleberry! You two go on ahead!"

"Roger! Truesdale, let's hussle!" shouted Hassleberry.

"You don't have to tell me twice!" said Syrus, rushing side-by-side with Hassleberry to reach the exit. "You guys need to hurry up!"

"Right! On my way!" called out Jaden before turning to Sarina. "Let's go!"

"No," stated Sarina firmly, standing up. "I'm staying. This is a program that I constructed. I was considering digitalizing my soul to become a guardian to my brother, regardless of how the duel was settled."

"What?!"

Much to Jaden and Aster's shock, Sarina's digital body started glowing and filled with electricity, revealing the process of her words actually coming true as her soul was slowly being digitalized.

"Please," pleaded Sarina with a sorrowful expression. "Use your abilities to return Sartorius' heart back to my former kind-hearted brother. I implore you to stop the wheel of fate from turning the world towards destruction."

Doubting herself, Jaden asked, "Do we even have the power to-"

"Yes. In dueling you two, I have been convinced. Jaden Yuki, and Aster Phoenix...With your resilient courage, when the two of you combine forces, you should be able to alter my brother's fate...Please, save my brother..."

Both Aster and Jaden watched as Sarina's body sunk deeper and deeper into virtual reality until there was not even a trace of her left. Knowing they had to hurry, Aster grabbed Jaden by the wrist and dragged her along.

"Sarina! Wait, Aster!" cried out Jaden, trying to release his grip on her wrist.

"And what can you do, huh? Sarina's gone! We have bigger things to worry about!"

"But-!"

"MOVE!" Without warning, Aster tightened his grip, causing Jaden to yelp in pain as she was forced to run along with Aster. Her, Aster, Hassleberry, and Syrus jumped into the vortex, exiting the virtual reality world once and for all.

When Jaden woke up, memories of what happened within the virtual reality world exploded in her head. "Sari-OW!" When she tried to get up, she ended up hitting her forehead against the glass of the virtual pods she was sleeping in.

It wasn't just her in the virtual pods, but also her friends as well. Once the four had awoken, the virtual pods must have sensed their awakening, as they automatically opened up to allow the inhabitants out.

After leaving the Virtual Reality Facility, they were greeted by Bastion and Solomon, who were waiting for them outside. Of course, the people who were also trapped inside, such as the Light Brigade, exited out the facility, exhausted and suffering headaches.

"Hey, what happened in there?" wondered Bastion.

"Sarina, Sartorius' sister, got stuck in the virtual reality world," revealed Jaden.

"Maybe, but it doesn't mean she's dead," replied Aster. "Her mind might be stuck inside, but her physical body must be sleeping inside the facility."

"Well then, there still should be a way to save her," said Solomon.

"Yes, but how?" asked Bastion.

"I'll try talking it over with Seto Kaiba and see if we're able to rescue her."

"Really?! Please, and thank you, Gramps!" thanked Jaden, relieved to hear there might be a chance to save Sarina. Hassleberry and Syrus also looked relieved and happy as well.

"Now, you should be able to enjoy the rest of your field trip without worrying!"

"Er...We kinda have to return at the end of day."

"Oh...Well, enjoy it, anyways!"

Later, that day...

'This is not a date, this is not a date, this is not a date,' Aster repeatedly thought to himself, waiting patiently in a chair near a café, sipping a cup of Blue-Eyes Mountain. After what had occurred a few hours ago, he asked Jaden to meet up with him at a café in the city square for a private chat, and he made absolute sure to remind her not to bring any of her friends. He could tell that they were quite protective of her.

Was it because of their obvious crushes on her? Probably. And, if they learned that Jaden was hanging out with Aster, they might protest and interrupt their meeting. Well, he could handle the two of them, because it was just like handling with the boyfriends of the fangirls that are constantly in love with him, but that doesn't mean he won't get annoyed by it.

"Hey, Aster!" called out Jaden, walking up to him. "I like your outfit-"

"Shh!" hissed Aster, pulling down on his red cap. "Nobody's supposed to know I'm here! Kinda famous for a Pro Duelist, you know?"

Aster had changed out of his regular silver suit for a much more casual disguise. He wore a dark navy jacket over a blue and white striped shirt, white pants, black shoes, a red cap on top of his head, and glasses to finish the disguise.

"Oh, okay!" said Jaden, sitting down in front of him. "So, what's up? What did you want to talk to me about?"

"...I realized, that after that duel with Sarina, I...may have acted like...a complete jerk. Yeah, that's it. I said it."

Jaden wanted to tell him that that wasn't the case, but then she recalled the horrible memories as when she dueled him the second time and looked away with a pouty look. "Yeah...You sure are."

Aster blinked in surprise. "Huh, I'm a bit surprised. I thought you might be the forgiving type and deny what I said."

Jaden shook her head. "Oh, no. You are right. You really did act like a jerk. And I'm still kinda mad about what happened during our second duel."

"You mean the duel where I won against you the first time?"

"Yup. You said some really mean things, like I was a weakling, and that I don't deserve to have a Hero deck. Meanie."

Aster sighed, recalling about what happened during that duel. Okay, so maybe he did act like an asshole and lost his temper and took it out on Jaden, treating her as if she was the criminal who killed his father. That was...unprofessional of him and uncalled for. He did know, that his father would be disappointed if he learned what he had done to her and didn't apologize properly.

"Look, I...I'm sorry that happened. I acted more than a jerk, I acted like an asshole. I was so focused on winning that my anger got the better of me, and because you made me angry, I-"

"So, you're saying it's my fault?" questioned Jaden.

"No, no! Damnit, I am not good with conversing with girls...Alright, alright. Look, I'm sorry. I'll try, no, I will not be like that again. I have to learn my mistakes."

Jaden smiled. "Yeah! That's the spirit! Thanks, I was really upset with that day! You know, if you hadn't reminded me of that day, and if you hadn't apologized, then I probably would have sic fangirls onto ya!"

Aster was confused on what she meant...Until he realized she meant yelling out to the whole world he was here. "You wouldn't."

Jaden's smile turned into a sinister grin, and Aster could almost picture devil horns and a tail sprouting out of her. "Oh? I thought you wouldn't listen to a runt like myself!~"

"...You are evil."

"Says you."

Both Aster and Jaden glared daggers at one another, not backing down from each other.

Finally, Aster sighed and said, "Look, I didn't expect to come here with an apology from the past. But I did come here to propose that we team up to stop the Society of Light and bring back Sartorius."

"Well, why didn't you say so? I was gonna team up with ya, anyways!" said Jaden, shaking Aster's hand frantically up and down. "Glad to have ya, Aster!"

"Hold on, this doesn't mean that we're friends or anything!" said Aster.

Jaden stopped shaking his head before tears sprouted at the corner of her eyes. "You mean, we're not... friends?"

"No, I'm not-"

One whimper and the power of the puppy dog eyes from Jaden was enough for Aster to change his mind.

"...Alright, fine. Yes. I'm friends with you. Happy? Now, will you just go and let me enjoy my drink?"

Satisfied, Jaden turned around with a huge grin on her face. "Hurray! I'm friends with Aster Phoenix!"

"Idiot! Keep it down!"

In the Duel Spirit World...

There was currently two groups in the meeting room; the Elemental Heroes belonging to Jaden, and the Destiny Heroes whose owner is Aster. There was some...reasonable hostile tension between the two groups, considering some of the members in the Destiny Heroes' side were actually also Elemental Heroes, such as Phoenix Enforcer.

Two reasons existed for the tension. One was the fact that their masters used to be former enemies, though Aster felt more like the bad guy towards Jaden, especially since his win against her caused her to nearly permanently lose her ability to see Duel Spirits. The second reason was personal for the Elemental Heroes, as some of them had resigned to the Destiny Heroes, who acted more like anti-heroes. The reason being that some of the Elemental Heroes were sick of simply just putting criminals to jail and not punishing them enough to the point of death, which many Elemental Heroes disagreed upon. Now, with the Destiny Heroes, it was a different story as the renegade Elemental Heroes joined their cause because they punished their enemies far worse than the peaceful Elemental Heroes.

A leader and co-leader resided for both of the groups. Neos served as the leader while Flame Wingman was the co-leader for the Elemental Heroes side, and a newcomer named Destiny Hero - Dystopia was the leader of the Destiny Heroes, while his co-leader was Dreadmaster.

"Look, I understand there is a lot of stain between our two groups," replied Dystopia. "But there is one thing we can agree upon. The evil of the Light of Destruction is increasing as we speak. It has possessed Sartorius and enabled him to form the Society of Light. If we want a better chance of stopping the Light of Destruction, we must work together."

"...I agree," said Neos. "As much as our group dislikes yours, we must comply with the fact that if we do not stop this sort of evil, the world will be destroyed, and we do not want our masters to die."

"We don't have to be all buddy-buddy," said Flame Wingman. "We discussed this before this meeting. We don't have like each other, we don't have to fall in love with one another, our only cooperation is only until the Society of Light is taken down along with that Light of Destruction being. Got it?"

"Clearly. We don't want to stick around with your weakling master, anyways," spoke Dreadmaster. "Ours is much more superior and smarter than yours, anyways."

Oh, shit.

From Dreadmaster's comment, came loud outbursts and yells from both sides. Luckily, nobody tried to engage in physical assault yet, but at this point, it might as well be a war zone. There were those that defended Jaden's actions, and those who defended Aster's.

"How dare you say that about our master?!"

"Naïve, childish, WEAK! How is she going to fight off against the rest of the Society of Light!"

"How is YOUR Master going to fight off a large army of brainwashed idiots, then?!"

"ENOUGH!" yelled Neos and Dystopia in unison. After a while, everyone settled down, yet were still glaring at each other.

"Dreadmaster, we are having a talk, LATER," growled Dystopia to his co-leader, who was practically responsible for the increased hostile in the room.

Neos turned to Flame Wingman. "Flame, you almost made the room a war zone by nearly unleashing your firepower onto your elder brother!"

Flame Wingman merely glared at Phoenix Enforcer, who looked away. "Oh, well that's unfortunate."

"Look at you all! We're acting like children! Well, some of us are, but that's not the point!" shouted Dystopia. "I understand both sides have their own issues. Some being ideals, and some others being respect for their masters. I say, forget them for the time being and just focus on stopping the greater evil here! We can't defeat the Light of Destruction the way we are now, and the best way to defeat it is by working together!"

"I agree," Neos agreed, nodding his head. "In fact, we should be acting more like our masters. They were able to make up...for the most part. They're still not exactly close, but they're being cooperative. If they've agreed to cooperate, then we should as well."

Several murmurs escaped the lips of both sides before they reluctantly ended up agreeing to work together for now.

At the end of the day...

Once all of the students were gathered, they were lead into different buses; with the Slifer Reds riding the red bus, the Society of Light in a white-clad bus, and Aster riding in his own, private bus. They were all headed towards the harbor, where the ferries were ready to take them back to Duel Academy.

Jaden and her friends were still somewhat gloom that the trip wasn't exactly to their liking due to the Society of Light's interference, but at least they had some fun with Solomon as their tour guide. Plus, Solomon did promise to find a way to save Sarina, so in a way, nobody died.

Sartorius, while unable to contact Sarina to find out the chosen duelist able to avert fate, glanced at the window of the bus and saw Jaden and Aster from their window buses, meaning that Sarina must have been defeat and that the two served as large obstacles to his master plan.

All that would happen later on would be determined through actions alone...

School is coming up soon for me, but I managed to complete this! Yay! There was a bit of Aster x Jaden, so good for you fangirls out there!

Hmmm...I do need some more ideas for Aster x Jaden, because personally, he was more of a jerk in GX than he was in Arc V, and that's saying something!

That said, read and review!~