Alleyway near Yuma & Roku: In a Car

A young man with brown hair sat in the car with his arms folded. His attire consists of a long white sleeveless coat featuring shoulder pads and a raised studded collar with black sleeves from his undershirt. Around his neck he bore the symbol of the Orichalcos.

In the passenger seat there sat a boy with tan skin, grayish-purple eyes, and black hair. His attire consists of a green blue-striped shirt with a yellow vest over it, dark blue jeans, and blue sneakers. He was currently sat before a laptop.

The boy nodded. "Seto, it is confirmed. The old man is Yugi Muto of this dimension and his current opponent is Yuma Tsukumo. What action do you wish to take bro?"

Seto sneered. "Let the old man have one last duel. After, we'll move in, and I'll crush him while you handle Yuma Tsukumo." He looked at his brother. "What of Noah? Is he in position?"

Mokuba typed some commands into his laptop before nodding. "He is and standing by. If Hao or Jaden can't handle their opponents, he will finish the job."

The two brothers turned their attention to the duel in the distance.

Yuma vs Roku

The student and master faced off as Haru, Kairi, and Tori stood behind Yuma to watch.

(Yuma 4000/Roku 4000)

"Alright Yuma, I shall be going first." Roku declared. "I set one monster and one card before ending my turn."

"That all you got old timer?" Yuma chuckled. "I'll tear down that defense and have this duel wrapped up in mere turns." He drew. "Since you control a monster, and I don't, I special summon Dododo Buster(LV 4/2300/900)."

A warrior in bulky yellow armor and wielding a mace appeared. "When I do this, his level is decreased from 6 to 4. I'll then summon Zubaba Buster(LV 3/1800/600)." A large warrior in dark blue and red armor appeared. "Now Dododo Buster will attack your set monster."

"I activate my first face down Magic Cylinder." Roku countered. "This trap redirects your monster's attack right back at you (Yuma 1700/Roku 4000)."

Yuma grit his teeth. "Then, Zubaba Buster will destroy your face down monster."

Roku smirked. "You attacked my Marshmallon(LV 3/300/500)." A pink, squishy monster appeared. "This monster is not destroyed by battle, and if he was face down when attacked, my opponent takes 1000 points of damage (Yuma 700/Roku 4000)."

Yuma grunted. "Alright, I end my turn with two face downs."

Roku drew. "I activate Card Destruction. Now we both discard our hands and draw cards equal to those we discarded." He smiled at his new hand. "I activate Monster Reborn allowing me to bring back any monster from either grave.

I choose my Silent Swordsman LV 5(LV 5/2300/1000)." A young man in blue robes and wielding a mighty sword appeared. "I naturally sent him there using Card Destruction; however, that's not all Card Destruction gifted me.

I drew my Silent Sword Slash spell card granting my Silent Swordsman 1500 more ATK." Silent Swordsman LV 5(LV 5/3800/1000). "In addition, until the end of this turn, Silent Swordsman is unaffected by card effects."

Yuma was shocked. "That means my face downs are useless."

Roku smirked. "Thanks for revealing that Yuma. Now Silent Swordsman, take down Zubaba Buster and end this duel (Yuma 0/Roku 4000)!"

Yuma was knocked flat on his back before sitting up both angry and determined. "Come on, let's duel again."

"No." Roku sternly states. "In your current state, you could never defeat me. Right now, you are all impulse with no thought." Yuma looked at the ground sadly causing Roku to sigh and approach him.

"I know what's troubling you." Yuma looked at his master. "You're caught between both Astral and Hart. Helping either side seemingly harms the other. In addition, your mind has been expanded by the duelists you've seen.

A seed of doubt has been cast upon your ability to handle what is to come. As a result, you decided to search for your father; however, that is nothing but an excuse to run away. In the end, you'd be abandoning your dueling, the carnival, and your friends.

I won't lie Yuma. You are up against great odds. That is why you must remember what I am about to tell you. Your feet are firmly planted in dueling. No matter the odds you face, you can't walk away.

No more than you could outrun yourself. Dueling is the bond not only between you and your father, but every duelist you have met. Trust in the path of the duelist to lead you to the answers you seek."

"Alright." Yuma began to feel it. "Yeah." He stood and smiled. "I can totally do this. I just got to take it one duel at a time."

Roku smiled and nodded.

"Wise words Yugi." A familiar voice stated getting everyone's attentions. "Frankly, if some people don't have the talent, they should quiet dueling altogether. It would certainly save me a lot of time."

Everyone was stunned as they saw two should be dead men walking towards them. Seto and Mokuba Kaiba. Just as young as they were in the 1st King of Game's era. Roku was rendered speechless even before his eyes landed on the familiar necklace around Kaiba's neck.

"Seto… how is this possible?" Roku asked. "I saw your dead body and Mokuba soon after." He firmly planted his feet. "How? How are you two alive and so young? Why do you have Dartz's necklace?"

"Those are good questions Yugi." Kaiba stared him down. "Questions which I refuse to answer until we duel. I will crush you beneath my feet."

Kari was shocked. "Whoa, wait… Grandma is that really Seto Kaiba?"

Haru was shocked. "He looks just like him, but this should be impossible."

Yuma looked from Kaiba to Roku with wide eyes. "Wait, he just called you Yugi… are you… I mean, I didn't care who you were back when Kaze, but…"

Kaiba chuckled. "So, even after my death, you insisted on going by your fake name." He stepped forward with a metal sphere held in his hand. "It doesn't matter if you go by Roku or Yugi because I know who you are, and you will fall. Mokuba, deal with Yuma Tsukumo."e He

"Yes, big brother." Mokuba rushed forward drawing his own sphere.

Tori instantly grew worried and ran over to Yuma. "Yuma!"

Mokuba noticed this. "Two opponents… Doesn't matter. I'll just have to beat them, at least stall them, long enough for Seto to beat Yugi."

Both spheres were thrown down causing a brilliant, blue light which forced Haru and Kari to look away. When they turned back around, Mokuba, Seto, Roku, Tori, and Yuma were gone. This forced the two women into action as they scrambled to find out what happened.ar

Hogan Residence

Jaden entered the kitchen only to find Zack sitting at the table. "Hey man, are you okay?"

Zack nodded and gave a relieved sigh. "Yeah, I just got word back from my son in law. Him and Zeera found Zack; however, his body temperature is high. It's far too late to come back and easier to let him rest where he's at. They'll be staying with him tonight."

"A sudden temperature?" Jaden asked. "Did he have one before?"

Zack shook his head. "No, but we won't know anything since people are starting to turn in." He sighed. "I'll just have to find out tomorrow."

Jaden looked at his long-time friend. "Your grandson's current state isn't the only thing bothering you, is it?"

Zack closed his eyes. "Crow sounded tired. I don't mean like he needs sleep. I think something happened to them tonight and it's not good."

Jaden nodded. "There isn't much you can do until you find out what happened." He walked over and patted his friend on the back. "For now, I say we get some rest. No doubt your family wants you to and Anna is starting to get mad that I'm not already sleeping."

Zack chuckled. "She's kind of like her grandma in that regard." He shook his head. "Blair is sweet, but the girl's got quite the temper when she needs it."

Jaden laughed. "Don't I know it. Now…" Suddenly, their conversation was cut off as they heard Anna scream. "Anna!"

He ran out of the room followed by Zack. The two of them immediately came to a stop as they saw two Jadens looking just as young as Jaden during the Duel Academy days. Zack first noticed the Jaden standing in the now open front door. He had green eyes.

While that was different, it wasn't as frightening as the eyes of the second Jaden. "Golden Eyes…" Zack moved to stand in front of his friend protectively. "Supreme King…" There was anger in his voice. "…how are you alive?"

Jaden firmly asked. "What did you do with my granddaughter?"

"Our comrade acted prematurely and has teleported himself and her out of here." Hao declared. "If you want to find out more, you two will need to duel us. Separately."

Jaden looked at Zack. "We don't have much of a choice."

Zack sighed. "No, we don't." He looked at them. "So, you deciding who duels who?"

"I will duel Jaden." Hao pointed at the younger Jaden. "For simplicity sake, you will duel with him and refer to him as Jay for the time being. Each pair will walk two blocks away from the house in opposite directions."

"Very well." Zack looked at Jaden. "Be careful man."

Jaden nodded. "You to."

The four of them walked out of the house never noticing the boy, around Mokuba's age, standing on the roof. He has green hair, blue eyes, and fair skin. His attire consists of a white long-sleeved jacket with purple markings, white shorts, navy blue knee socks, and brown loafers.

"A sloppy start, but everything seems to be going according to plan." The boy thought. "Now to see if those two can pull this off."

Kaiba Corp. Duel Arena

The sphere appeared in the duel arena and dissipated leaving Kaiba and Roku/Yugi standing in the middle of the duel arena which was currently silent.

Kaiba spoke up. "Kaiba Corp. Authorization 001. Activation code 3000."

The room booted to life as the lights turned on and a robotic voice said, "Welcome back Seto Kaiba."

"Initiate lock down procedure with code 4500. Shut down all cameras and audio. Code 4000." Kaiba declared.

"All doors are now locked. All camera and audio devices are shut down." The room declared.

Kaiba turned to Yugi. "Prepare yourself because I am going to defeat you here and now."

"Wait Kaiba." Yugi/Roku declared. "I still don't understand. What are you? If you're real, how are you alive and so young? Why are you trying to crush me? If you're not Kaiba, then what's your objective in challenging me? Where did you get that necklace?"

Kaiba walked to the left side of the field. "Make no mistake Yugi. I'm as much Seto Kaiba as the Seto Kaiba you've known. I have all his memories; however, my heart has remained untouched and uncorrupted by Atem's power. I was given this necklace and embraced the Orichalcos.

I tamed it and used technology to counter the negative effects. The seal doesn't steal souls, but it has given me power beyond your imagination. You will see it through our duel which you cannot deny. We are trapped here with my word being the only thing that can free us."

"Kaiba, that still doesn't…" Yugi began.

Kaiba interrupted him. "Enough talk Yugi." He activated his equipment. "It's time to duel."

Yugi walked to the right and turned to face him with a firm nod. "Very well Kaiba. I will just get my answers after."

D-pad go

Duel Gazer on

Augmented vision link established

(Yugi 4000/Kaiba 4000)

Yugi and Kaiba both said, "Let's Duel!"

"I will go first." Kaiba declared. "I summon Orichalcos Prism(LV 2/600/0)." A green prism appeared levitating off the ground. "When this monster is summoned, I can special summon 2 more from my deck." Orichalcos Prism(LV 2/600/0)x3 on field.

"Now, in exchange for not attacking this turn, all three can deal you damage equal to half their attack. This is not a problem since I can't attack on my first turn (Roku 3100/Kaiba 4000). I set one card."

"Kaiba… what darkness has befallen you?" Yugi shook his head. "I don't understand, but I will win this duel to dispel it." He drew. "My move. I summon Marauding Captain(LV 3/1200/1400)." A blond knight with two blades and armor appeared.

"His effect allows me to special summon another warrior from my hand. Come forth Command Knight(LV 4/1200/1900)." A woman in dark red armor with a blade and long blond hair appeared. "Her effect increases the ATK of all Warrior monsters I control by 400."

Marauding Captain(LV 3/1600/1400) and Command Knight(LV 4/1600/1900)." I then release Marauding Captain to fulfill the requirement. Special summon Silent Swordsman(LV 4/1400/1000 effect).

I equip him with my Silent Sword Slash boosting his ATK/DEF by 1500." Silent Swordsman(LV 4/2900/2500). "In addition, he is unaffected by your face downs this turn. Now Command Knight destroy his first Orichalcos Prism."

"Your Silent Swordsman may be unaffected by my cards, but your Command Knight is a whole other story." Kaiba declared. "I activate Orichalcos Redirect. This trap allows me to switch your Knight's attack to your Silent Swordsman (Yugi 1800/Kaiba 4000)."

Silent Swordsman(LV 4/2500/2500).

"Very well." Yugi declared. "I'll have Silent Swordsman destroy your first prism (Yugi 1800/Kaiba 2100). I then set two cards ending my turn."

Silent Swordsman(LV 4/1000/1000).

Kaiba drew and smirked. "This is the end Yugi. I first activate The Seal of Orichalcos." The green seal spread out from beneath Seto's feet until it encompassed a circle around the two of them.

"The Seal of Orichalcos… I never thought I'd see it again." Yugi thought.

"Now I activate the second ability of my Orichalcos Prisms. Each one can be tribbuted to special summon any monster from my deck; however, the monsters summoned by this effect are in ATK mode, can't change battle position, and have their ATK set at 0.

I choose Sword of The Orichalcos(LV 4/0/1900) and Orichalcos Lord(LV 4/0/1100)." A black handled sword with a green blade appeared followed by a spellcaster in green dragon armor.

"Two monsters with the same level." Yugi stated. "Kaiba are you going to…"

"Oh, Yugi… you got a third of the answer." Kaiba laughed. "Allow me to provide what you're missing. I activate Miracle Soul Division & Combine. With this, I can divide the souls of the monsters on my field into three parts and use them to summon a Fusion, Synchro, and Xyz."

Yugi was shocked. "Kaiba, what are you doing? The souls of your monsters shouldn't ever be divided."

"That's what you say Yugi, but I'm about to show you the benefit of doing just that. I target the Sword of the Orichalcos and Lord of Dragons. Divide into three before combining into new monsters. Fusion Summon Blade Knight of the Orichalcos(LV 8/2500/2000)."

A warrior decked out in green armor appeared. "Synchro Summon Chaos Emperor Dragon-Envoy of the Orichalcos(LV 8/3000/2500)." A mighty dragon with varying shades of green scales appeared. "Xyz summon Luster Dragon of the Orichalcos(R 4/O 0/2400/1400)."

A medium sized green dragon appeared. "The two monsters used are banished; however, I can target two cards in my deck or graveyard and make them the materials of my Xyz. I'll choose two of the Orichalcos Prisms in my grave."

Yugi stared at the monsters in shock. "Fusion, Synchro, and Xyz at once."

"This is the end." Kaiba declared. "I first activate the effect of Luster Dragon. By detaching one overlay unit, I can destroy a card on your field. I'll choose your first face down. Then I activate Envoy. Normally, I'd have to sacrifice 500 life points.

Fortunately, I have The Seal of Orichalcos, so that cost is negated. His ability is to shuffle any card on your field back into your deck. I'll choose your remaining face down. That's not all. I need to know if that was a spell or trap to complete the effect."

"Trap." Yugi stated.

"That allows me to set a card from my deck, but I do not need it." Kaiba stated. "Finally, I activate the effect of Blade Knight. He can either attack twice, or when he destroys a monster, you take damage equal to their ATK. I'll choose the latter to wipe you out in one fell swoop."

Yugi stepped back in shock. "I-I've lost…"

"Now Blade Knight, destroy Silent Swordsman (Yugi 300/Kaiba 2100)." Kaiba declared. "His effect then activates dealing you damage equal to your monster's own ATK (Yugi 0/Kaiba 2100)."

Yugi was knocked onto his back as the seal and monsters faded from the field. Roku forced himself to his feet and instantly noticed that he was glowing a golden color as particles floated from him and into the air.

Kaiba closed his eyes. "I already know this wasn't a real victory against you Yugi. You're old and lost your touch long ago." He opened his eyes. "Now, your memories will go to a younger body in the dimension I come from.

Someday after this, we will duel, and I will crush you." He turned away from Yugi and produced another sphere. "Right now, your presence within this dimension is being rewritten. Only Yuma Tsukumo and Lance Hogan will remember you."

He activated the sphere. "You have enough time to speak and leave anything you wish with one person. If I were you, I would not waste the opportunity." Kaiba dropped the sphere. "Yugi, your resistance will fall." The sphere hit the ground. "Nothing will stop me."

Yugi had been transfixed and shocked by what happened that he hadn't thought to interrupt Kaiba until now. "Kaiba, wait!"

Kaiba vanished without a trace as Yugi continued to do the same. Yugi girt his teeth as he looked at his hand and noticed it fading in and out of existence.

He closed his eyes and frowned. "I can feel it… My time is limited." He opened his eyes sadly. "I only have enough time to see two people, huh?"

He nodded and vanished from the room.

Duel Academy Island: Reiji's Private Lab

Reiji stood before his computers and a holographic display was in front of him. Ever since returning from the mission, he had been hard at work attempting to decipher what Yuto's presence in this world meant.

He had his systems scanning his world and was comparing it across the multiple, possible dimensions out there. In addition, he was working on perfecting his deck for the coming conflict. The possible birth of another Zarc in their dimension was only one of his worries.

Barian and Astral World both presented a tangible danger to his world. To earth. He would not let it fall if he could help it. Then his sensors picked up… his grandfather's voice. He had stopped all his work and focused on getting something from Kaiba Corp.'s Duel Arena.

In the end, it all proved futile. He couldn't hack into the system. Only two people had the ability and position to outstrip his own. Considering it was Seto's voice that was picked up, before losing everything after, there was only one explanation.

"Every day that I involve myself in these battles, is another day that adds more questions, enemies, or both. No matter what happens, I must make sure my Lancers are ready. To do that, I need more information." Reiji thought determined.

Reiji was prepared to spend a massive amount of time in this room getting all the information he could and perfecting his own deck for what was to come. No matter what happened, he refused to fail on any front. He would not falter.

Hotel Balcony

Vetrix stared out over the city, more specifically at Heartland Tower, angry at his loss. He was so close to power when Reginald "Shark" Kastle had to ruin it. Now, that boy was on his list as much as Faker and his whole family.

This was equally frustrating since shortly after their defeat, he was sensing even more power out their ripe for the picking. He had to face facts. His family was exhausted after the many battles of the night. No, he had to let them go for now.

"You wished to see me?" Ryoken/Quinton asked.

Then there was his son who had surprised Vetrix with his power. "Yes, I did Quinton. I seem to have been misled about your power."

Quinton joined him calmly replying. "I did not mislead you. I merely concealed by strength until such time as it was needed."

"I see." Vetrix continued to stare at the tower. "Tell me, where did you come across such a powerful deck?"

Ryoken had already worked out a story with Quinton and Yuven. They had decided to combine truth of their meeting with a lie. They would leave out their current situation.

"As you know, for a time, I mentored Kite and Shay in the art of dueling and grew close with their siblings. Then, I discovered what their father had done to you. I could not stay, so I left. It was a stormy night when suddenly I started to glow golden and turn into particles."

"You began to turn into golden particles?" Vetrix questioned.

"I know it may seem strange, but it is the truth father." Quinton assured. "Just when I felt I might vanish, it stopped. I was gifted with a greater power than I ever had before. Now that I have revealed it, there is nothing stopping me from using this power to make Faker pay."

Vetrix nodded. "Very well, rest for now Quinton. The coming days are sure to be trying and I will need your power for what is to come."

"As you wish." Quinton stated.

Vetrix never once looked at him as his anger at Faker and Shark continued to burn. A stroke of good fortune since it divided Vetrix's focus making it easier to believe whatever Ryoken told him.

Hogan Residence, Before Jaden and Hao…

Anna was alone in one of the guest rooms looking at her deck with a frown. Even if she didn't personally know Shark, that didn't change the fact that she wanted to help him. Stop Zane? Not Zane? Whatever.

Every time she tried to defend people in the past, there was a type of failure. Even if she managed to defend the person, she would feel as though she was failing her grandpa. It was always because of her that they had to move.

"Now not only is that guy captured, but others are fighting out there." Anna put her deck back together with a sigh. "Including Lance." She looked at her gear. "I know Grandpa said it's better to stay safe, but how can I stand by?"

Anna gained a determined look before grabbing her rocket launcher and gear. She walked to the window and threw it open. Then, a metal sphere was thrown into the room. Anna's eyes went wide before the sphere released blue energy. She screamed as the energy washed over her.

Top of a Bridge

Anna looked around her surroundings and noticed that she was still in Heartland City. Only now she was standing on top of a bridge over the water. Her gaze was drawn to a familiar figure in the same vain as that Zane Robot.

This person wore a Fusion Dimension version of the Obelisk uniform with a black shirt underneath. He had blue hair, which was a lighter tint than Zane's, with it sectioned into three layers. He also wore round lensed glasses over his gray eyes.

"Great Uncle Syrus!" Anna exclaimed with shock. "You're supposed to be dead like Zane. I don't… how is this possible?"

Syrus stared her down from his place across from her. "Zane? He wouldn't come to this dimension unless ordered." He rubbed his chin in through. "Did Kaiba, the Chancellor, or The Professor have a job for him?"

"Great Uncle Syrus!" Anna called out. "Answer me. What is going on?"

Syrus looked at Anna before shooting out a red whip which latched onto her duel disk before vanishing. "I do not know why you refer to me as your great uncle, but that does not matter. Right now, I am to complete only one objective. That is to defeat you."

Anna shook her head. "None of this makes any sense. You're not acting like yourself. You're also so young. What's going on?"

Syrus said, "As I said, none of that matters. Now, the two of us are going to duel, and you will comply." He looked at her. "That is, if you genuinely care about your grandfather."

Anna's eyes went wide. "What do you mean?"

"At this moment, Jaden Yuki is dueling another soldier of Academia. I have tethered you to me. The only way to break the link is to win. If you do not, any chance he has of surviving is gone. Jaden Yuki will vanish and your memories of him will be forever altered."

Now Anna was angry because what Syrus said had to be the truth. Every word was uttered with conviction and never deviated.

"Alright, I don't care what this is now because you just threatened the wrong girl's grandfather." Anna declared. "Get ready because I'm taking you down."

"We'll see." Syrus stated calmly as he put on a duel gazer. "This just doesn't compare to the technology of Academia, but it'll have to do."

D-pad go

Duel Gazer on

Augmented vision link established

(Anna 4000/Syrus 4000)

"I shall take the first turn." Syrus declared. "I will start with the spell Remove Bomb. By removing the top five cards of my deck from play, you take damage equal to 300 x the number of monsters banished by this effect."

He drew the first five cards and showed them to Anna. "Three Monsters equals 900 damage." He then removed them from play (Anna 3100/Syrus 4000)." From here, I will continue to control the duel."

Anna grit her teeth. "I'm not losing."

"We shall see." Syrus stated. "I activate Card Destruction. We now discard our hands and draw until we hold cards equal to the number discarded. I will then summon Gyroid(LV 3/1000/1000) in defense mode." A blue, cartoonish helicopter appeared. "I set two cards."

"Alright, here I go." Anna declared drawing a card.

"I now activate my first trap Cyber Repairer." Syrus declared. "You now draw one card and in turn my monsters can't be destroyed by battle this turn. Before you speak, I'm aware my Gyroid is immune to destruction, but that is only once per turn. This is better protection."

"Well, you've just given me everything I need to beat you anyways." Ann declared. "Even if it's not on this turn. I summon Night Express Knight(LV 10/0/3000 effect)." A large white and blue knight atop a train appeared.

"He can be normal summoned to the field, but his attack is reduced to zero. Since an Earth, Machine monster was summoned, I can special summon Heavy Freight Train Derricrane(LV 10/1400/1000 effect), but it's original DEF and ATK are halved." A large, yellow train appeared.

"I now overlay my two level 10 monsters to Xyz summon Superdreadnought Rail Cannon Gustav Max(R 10/O 2/3000/3000)." A huge canon on three tracks appeared. "By detaching one overlay unit, I can bypass your monster and deal you 2000 points of damage."

"You would if not for my second face down Damage Polarizer. Now the damage you wish to inflict is reduced to 0 and we both draw 1 card." Syrus declared.

They both drew.

Anna clenched her fist. "Alright. I'll just take my monster to the next level." She put her fist in the air. "I rebuild the overlay network with Superdreadnought Rail Cannon Gustav Max(R 10/O 1/3000/3000).

Xyz summon Superdreadnought Rail Cannon Juggernaut Liebe(R 11/O 2/4000/4000)." A truly massive machine of war appeared on the field with a large cannon and green armor. "Now I set five cards and end my turn."

"That is an impressive monster, but it means nothing in your hands." Syrus drew.

"We will see, but first I activate one of my face downs known as Barrage Blast. With this, I can detach overlay units from my monster, and destroy cards you control equal to the number of units I detach. I only need to detach one to destroy your Gyroid."

"That does you little good." Syrus drew. "I activate Heavy Storm. With this, all spell/trap cards on the field are destroyed. As it stands now, you are the only one with such cards on the field."

Anna was shocked. "All my defenses!"

"Should have kept some in your hand, but not like it will help you. Just as destroying Gyroid doesn't stop me." Syrus declared. "I activate Card of Sanctity allowing the two of us to draw until we have six cards in our hand."

Anna was confused. "Why would you do that?"

"It's simple." Syrus declared. "I already had a spell that I needed and merely needed a monster to bring this entire duel to a close. Everything is in place from my graveyard to my hand. Now, you are going to lose. I activate Vehicroid Recycle Yard.

Using this spell, I can fusion summon a Vehicroid Fusion Monster by banishing materials from my grave. I choose the Gyroid you destroyed and the Steamroid I sent there thanks to Card Destruction. Fusion Summon Neo Steam Gyroid(LV 6/2200/1600)."

A cartoonish train and helicopter hybrid appeared with chrome parts.

"Neo Steam Gyroid?" Anna questioned. "He looks a little different from Steam Gyroid, but that seems to be the only difference."

"You would think that, but this monster has something Steam Gyroid never hand. An effect. By sending one roid monster from my hand to the graveyard, I can take control of one monster you control. Come, Superdreadnought Rail Cannon Juggernaut Liebe (R 11/O 2/4000/4000)."

Anna was utterly stunned. "He… He took my monster. Since he hasn't destroyed it, I can't use Barrage Blast's second effect… I lost again…"

"Now Juggernaut Liebe, take aim!" Syrus declared. "Fire a direct attack at Anna (Syrus 4000/Anna 0)."

Anna screamed as she was blown back and skid to the edge of the arch. Her rocket launcher/hovercraft had clattered the ground. Syrus walked over to Anna's transportation and kick it over the side before drawing a metal sphere.

"Your skills were far too weak to pose any sort of a challenge." Syrus stated. "If I were you, I'd either shape up or quit dueling all together."

He threw the sphere down and the blue energy appeared causing him to vanish.

Anna stood up and looked over the side at her now broken rocket launcher/hover craft on the bridge below. "Grandpa…"

Road to the Right of Hogan Residence

Zack faced off with Jay "Before I defeat you, I want answers. Who are you and how is the Supreme King alive? Don't try playing dumb. I faced and defeated him before."

Jay stared at Zack with his unusual, green eyes. "It will not matter because you will fall to me. I've observed enough of your history since arriving and know that you have not improved your deck since defeating him. That is your downfall, not mine."

"We'll see." Zack declared. "My deck may not have changed since I dueled him. My skills may have even weakened in my old age." He pointed at Jay. "In the end, my spirit is as strong as ever. I'm not about to lose to some imposter pretending to be my best friend."

"I'm as much Jaden as your best friend down the road." Jay replied.

Without further words, Zack took out the cards he kept in reserve and inserted them into his deck before shuffling it.

D-pad go

Duel Gazer on

Augmented vision link established

(Zack 4000/Jay 4000)

"I'm takin the first turn." Zack declared. "I summon Genin Sakura(LV 1000/900)." A female with a Leaf Village head band and short, pink hair appeared. "Her effect activates granting me 500 life points per card in your hand (Zack 6500/Jay 4000).

I then play my Shard of Greed. Every turn this will gain a counter; however, you'll have to wait two of mine, after this one, to see what those are used for. I now set two cards before activating Card of Sanctity granting me 6 new cards. You gain only one. That will end my turn."

"I see you didn't get the necessary cards to bring out Uria." Jaden drew. "That's fine by me. I can wait to face your Sacred Beast. Your face downs are something I'm not willing to risk. Fortunately, you just gave me the card needed to destroy them both.

I first summon Elemental Hero Bubbleman(LV 3/800/1200)." A hero in blue armor with a matching cape appeared. "When he is the only card on my field, I can draw two more cards. I follow up with Mask Change."

Zack was surprised. "Mask Change? Koyo used those when he was controlled by Yubel. Why do you have them?"

"Again, it does not matter." Jay declared. "I use Mask Change on the water attribute Bubbleman allowing me to special summon the water attribute fusion monster Elemental Hero Acid(LV 8/2600/2100)."

A hero in dark purple, full body armor appeared. "His effect destroys all your spell/trap cards and decreases your monster's ATK by 300x the number of cards destroyed." Genin Sakura(LV 3/400/900 effect)." There went Zack's Draining Shield, Shard of Greed, and one other card.

"Destroyed, but not negated. The first trap was Draining Shield, which is of no use since you haven't attacked; however, Team Assignment is a different story. With its effect, I can add three Shinobi monsters from my deck to my hand."

"So, that was your face down." Jay looked at his hand. "I now attack your Genin Sakura with Acid (Zack 4300/Jay 4000). I then set two cards of my own."

Zack drew. "My hand is where I need it to be, and you're no match when compared to the real Jaden. I set three traps before releasing all three for the special summon of Uria, Lord of Searing Flames(LV 10/5000/5000 effect)."

His ATK and DEF are determined by the Number of Traps x 1000 in my grave. Up next, I'm activating his effect and destroying your left-hand trap. With that out of the way, I now activate The Eye of Timaeus and use it on Genin Naruto in my hand.

You're not the only one who can fusion summon with only two cards. Come forth Legendary Knight Naruto(LV 8/2500/2000)." A blond warrior wearing blue armor with a sword, shield, and Leaf Village head band appeared.

I equip Legendary Knight Naruto(LV 8/3500/2500 spell) with Will of Fire boosting his ATK by 1000 and DEF by 500. He will destroy Masked Hero Acid (Zack 4300/Jay 3100). Due to LKN's effect, you take damage equal to Acid's ATK (Zack 4300/Jay 500). Uria will attack you directly ending this."

"Not so fast." Jay declared. "The trap you hit before was my Soul Union while the one you left was my Draining Shield. Your ATK is negated and I gain life points equal to Uria's ATK (Zack 4300/Jay 5500)."

Zack grunted. "I set one card and end my turn."

Jay drew. "Now, I activate Mask Charge. With this, I can take a Hero and Mask Change from my grave and add them to my hand."

"I activate my face down, Preemptive Strike. This trap negates and destroys a spell/trap on your field." Zack declared.

"I figured your face down was along those lines which is why I saved my Field Spell. I activate Deep Neo Space." Jaden declared.

"Deep Neo Space?" Zack questioned.

"This field spell, like Neo space, grants Elemental Hero Neos and all fusions that list him as a material 500 more ATK, and I don't have to shuffle any fusions that list him as a material back into the deck.

Where this spell and that differ is that I can give up my right to summon anything this turn to fusion summon a Neos Fusion using monsters from my hand or deck as materials. All the materials will come from my deck.

So, I combine Elemental Hero Neos with Neo-Spacians Glow Moss and Dark Panther. Fusion Summon Elemental Hero Chaos Neos(LV 9/3500/2500 effect)." A Neos with wings and black and silver armor appeared.

"Now I flip three coins and can activate an effect dependent on the result of those coin flips." The three coins flipped with each one coming up heads. "3 Heads means every monster you control is destroyed."

Zack watched as Uria and LKN were both destroyed leaving him seemingly defenseless. Of course, that wasn't exactly the case.

"I activate the effect of Team Assignment in the grave. By banishing it, I can special summon one of the monsters I'd excavated with its effect. Come forth, Genin Neji(LV 4/1500/1700) in defense mode." A boy with long, black hair and completely white eyes appeared.

"Attacking him is useless since he can't be destroyed by one monster's attack." Jay stated. "Very well, I end my turn."

Zack drew. "I activate Graceful Charity. I now draw three cards and discard two from my hand. One of those I chose to keep was the Ritual Spell Nine Tail's Release. By showing you this spell, I can add Kurama-The Nine Tailed Fox(LV 10/4000/4000) from my deck to the hand.

Jay said, "One of your strongest monsters."

"That's right, and I summon him by activating Nine Tail's Release. The requirements are either cards on my field and in the hand or banishing cards from my grave whose total levels equal double the level of the monster I summon." Zack then smiled.

"No matter which cost I go with, I can cut it in half by using a card with Naruto in the name as material. I could do it twice, but I'll just banish Legendary Knight Naruto bringing the cost down to 10. I'll fulfill that by having Uria join the knight. Now, Ritual Summon!"

A huge, orange fox with Nine Tails appeared before Zack. "I then switch Neji into ATK mode. Now Kurama will activate one of his effects because he's attacking a monster, your Cosmo Neos, every effect on your field is negated until the end of the turn (Zack 4300/Jay 4000). Neji will attack you directly (Zack 4300/Jay 2500)."

Jay drew. "I summon Elemental Hero Stratos(LV 4/1800/300)." A hero in a blue jump suit with a wing pack appeared. "His ability allows me to add a hero from my deck to my hand. Next up I'm activating Hero's Bond.

Since I control a Hero, I can summon up to two Level 4 or lower Heroes from my hand. Come on out Elemental Hero Prisma(LV 4/1700/1100) and Elemental Hero Heat(LV 4/2200/1200 after effect).

A hero made of crystals and a male hero decked out in an orange and white jump suit appeared. "Heat gains 200 ATK for every Elemental Hero I control. That's going to become one less as I activate a second Mask Change on Stratos.

Fusion summon Masked Hero Blast(LV 6/2200/1800)." A green armored hero appeared Elemental Hero Heat(LV 4/2000/1200). "I can use Blast's effect to cut one of your monster's ATK's in half.

I choose Kurama-The Nine Tailed Fox(LV 10/2000/4000 effect). Now Blast will destroy Kurama (Zack 4100/Jay 2500), Heat will attack Neji (Zack 3600/Jay 2500), and Prisma will destroy Neji (Zack 3400/Jay 2500). With nothing else, I end my turn."

Zack drew. "I activate the effect of my Kurama-The Nine Tailed Fox(LV 10/4000/4000) from the grave. By discarding a Shinobi from my hand, I can special summon him back to the field. It's time to end this.

I normal summon Genin Shino(1500/1400)." A boy with short brown hair, gray trench coat, and sunglasses appeared. I activate his effect to take 500 life points from you and give them to me (Zack 3900/Jay 2000). Now, Kurama destroy Elemental Hero Heat (Zack 3900/Jay 0/Noah 2000 intrusion Penalty)."

Zack noticed that the duel hadn't ended and looked at the life points. "Noah?"

He looked around and spotted the green haired brother of Mokuba and Kaiba walking down the street casually while drawing five cards.

Road to the Left of the Hogan Residence

Jaden and Hao faced off.

"I can barely stand one Jaden as a reminder of what my lineage led to. Since he needs to stick around, you must fall." Hao stated.

"To be frank, I never understood much about scenarios like this, and I don't care." Jaden declared. "All that matters is that you are the past, and I overcame you once. If I did it once, I can do it again."

Hao chuckled slightly. "How amusing. This time your old, and I'm not. You needed your friends to vanquish me before while I did not need anyone to defeat my enemies. Your skills wan in your old age while I am more powerful than ever before."

"It is true I'm not the duelist I used to be. The young will always surpass the old, but you're a relic of a forgotten era." Jaden smirked. "That makes you far older than I. Now, get your game on."

"With pleasure." Hao stated.

D-pad go

Duel Gazer on

Augmented vision link established

(Jaden 4000/Hao 4000)

"I will take the first move." Hao declared. "I activate the effect of Evil Hero Infernal Prodigy(LV 2/300/600). Since I control no monsters, I can special summon him in ATK mode." A small dark red, gold, and black fiend appeared. "I now release him to tribute summon my Evil Hero Sinister Necrom(LV 5/1600/1800)." A darker Necroshade appeared on the field. "I then set one card."

Jaden drew. "It's time to kick things off. I activate Polymerization to fuse Elemental Hero Avian and Burstinatrix. Fusion Summon Elemental Hero Flame Wingman(LV 6/2100/1200)." A green warrior with a white wing and red dragon arm appeared. "I'll increase his attack by 500 thanks to H-Heated Heart." Elemental Hero Flame Winfman(LV 6/2600/1200 effect). "Now Flame Wingman attack Sinister Necrom."

"I activate my trap Heroic Sacrifice. Now I get to special summon a Hero monster from my deck in ATK mode and redirect your ATK to him. I choose Vision Hero Witch Raider(LV 8/2800/1900)." A hero dressed in witch hunting attire with long blond hair appeared.

"No, Flame Wingman!" Jaden shouted as his monster attacked Witch Raider (Jaden 3800/Hao 4000). "I'll set one monster and one face down."

Since Witch Raider wasn't destroyed by battle, he's sent to the grave now." Hao drew. "Since you control a monster, I can release my Sinister Necrom to tribute summon Evil Hero Malicious Edge(LV 7/2600/1800)."

A black armored fiend with bat wings and claws appeared. "I now activate Card of Sanctity allowing us both to draw until we have 6 cards. Enjoy the full hand while you can because it won't spare you from defeat.

I activate Dark Fusion to combine Elemental Hero Avian and Wildheart in my hand. Fusion Summon Evil Hero Wild Cyclone(LV 8/1900/2300)." A tan hero with dark green armor and wings appeared. "Now Cyclone will destroy your face down monster."

"You just attacked my Wroughtweiler(LV 3/800/1200)." A black and blue cybernetic dog appeared. "When he's destroyed by battle, I can return an Elemental Hero and Polymerization from my grave to my hand. The hero I return is Avian."

"Malicious Edge will attack you directly." Hao declared.

Jaden chuckled. "You know, I have to really thank you because without your Card of Sanctity, my face down would have been useless. I activate A Hero Emerges. Now you pick a card from my hand. If it's a monster, I can special summon them to the field."

"I choose the card on the far left." Hao declared.

"You just chose my buddy Winged Kuriboh(LV 2/300/200)." A white winged Kuriboh appeared in defense mode.

"Hmph, despite the protection he affords you, he can still be wiped from the field. Malicious Edge, destroy Winged Kuriboh." Hao declared.

Jaden smirked. "It won't be as simple as that because I activate the Quick-Play Transcendent Wings. By sending my pal to the graveyard, with two cards from my hand, I can special summon Winged Kuriboh LV 10(LV 10/300/200)." A Kuriboh with large, angelic wings appeared.

"By tributting him, I can destroy every monster on your field and deal you damage equal to combined total of the ATK of those monsters. Now, I was never good at math, so why don't you tell me how much damage you take."

"Zero." Hao stated. "I activate my Clear Kuriboh's effect. Since you activated an effect that would deal damage to me, I can discard him to negate such an effect. My monsters are safe, and as a consolation, you keep yours.

Not for long mind you because Malicious Fiend will carry out his attack destroying it, and your LV 10 doesn't prevent you from taking damage (Jaden 1500/Hao 4000). I will end my turn there."

"My turn then." Jaden drew and looked at his hand with wide eyes before chuckling. "Figures in a duel like this, I'd draw your card Jesse. Even from the grave, you're there to back me up." Jaden closed his eyes before opening them and smiling.

"Get ready because this is the end. I activate Polymerization and use it to combine the Elemental Hero Neos and Rainbow Dragon in my hand. Fusion Summon Rainbow Neos(LV 10/4500/3000)." A pure white Neos with armor resembling Rainbow Dragon appeared.

Hao took notice of this powerful monster as it was a fusion his Jaden didn't have.

"Now I summon Elemental Hero Avian(LV 3/1000/1000)." A bird man hero with wings and armor appeared. "With him on the field, I can use Rainbow Neos' effect. By tributting one monster I control, Avian, I can shuffle all monster on your field back into your deck."

Malicious Edge went back to the deck while Wild Cyclone went back to the extra deck, but Hao didn't seem perturbed by this.

"Now Rainbow Neos will end this duel with a direct attack." Jaden declared.

"I activate Clear Kuriboh's graveyard effect. Since you declared a direct ATK, I can banish him and draw one card. If that card is a monster, I can special summon it and redirect your monster's attack to it." Hao drew.

"The card I drew was my Elemental Hero Honest Neos(LV 7/2500/2000) which I will summon in ATK mode." A Neos with wings appeared. "Your monster's attack is officially redirected."

Rainbow Neos turned it's ATK to Honest Neos, but the fact that Honest was in ATK mode confused Jaden. "You're planning on discarding a hero to raise its ATK. Does that mean you have a monster with more than enough ATK to get over Rainbow?"

"Not quite." Hao declared. "That wasn't my plan anyways. I discard Infernal Gainer granting Honest 1600 more ATK." Elemental Hero Honest Neos(LV 7/4100/2000) Honest Neos was destroyed (Jaden 1500/Hao 3600). Now, end your turn."

Jaden looked at his hand, but all he had was a monster. "I end my turn."

Hao drew. "I activate the Field Spell Supreme King's Domain." Jaden and Hao were suspended over a desolate landscape with a black sky and castle over a lake of fire in the distance. "With this, I can use cards in my hand, deck, or graveyard as fusion materials for an Evil Hero.

The only stipulations are that it's once per turn and all materials are banished. So, I banish Elemental Hero Avian. Burstinatrix, Clayman, and Sparkman. Fusion Summon Evil Hero Shadow Specter(LV 10/4400/2600 effect)."

An evil hero completely covered by a white cloak appeared. "His ATK rises by 300 ATK for each banished card. While you have none, I have Clear Kuriboh and 4 Heroes granting my monster 1500 more ATK on top of his 2900. Now he will attack your Rainbow Neos."

"My monster is still stronger… unless." Jaden began.

Hao said, "I do in fact have an effect to end this now. At the cost of halve my life points, I can send one Fiend from my deck to the graveyard and empower my Fiend with 200 ATK x that sent monster's level.

The monster I sent was the level 12 Fiend, Raviel, Lord of Phantasms." Evil Hero Shadow Specter(LV 10/6800/2600 effect + Field). "With 6800 ATK he will wipe out your Rainbow Neos and end this duel (Jaden 0/Hao 3600)."

Jaden was knocked onto his back. Like Roku, he was becoming translucent and golden particles rose into the sky. Jaden got to his elbows and looked at Hao who'd turned away from him.

"That last card… Raviel… it was given to Chazz." Jaden stated. "How do you have it?"

Hao looked back at him. "Relax, the Chazz of this dimension is still around, and he still has Raviel. To put it simply, time travel alone is a bitch. That goes double for time travel crossed with dimensional travel. Frankly, I could care little about explanations."

Jaden got to his feet. "What are you talking about?"

Hao turned to look down the road and crossed his arms as Zack and Jay continued to duel. "It's all a matter of space and time Jaden. Even having memories of this does not impact what has already happened." He nodded to the duel.

"After you vanish, you will become him. The Academy will capture you, I'll be brought back, we'll be made soldiers, and you'll duel Zack. Nothing you could have done or will do can prevent that."

Jaden grit his teeth. "No, I refuse to believe any of that. The Supreme King, Zack told me of wouldn't submit to another's will. I wouldn't have a hand in doing whatever you've done with my granddaughter."

"She won't be your granddaughter. Not anymore." Hao stated. "As for my current situation, there is only one reason I would ever work for anyone else, but you don't need to know anything about that. Rather, Zack prevented you from knowing much about her."

"Why are you telling me any of this?" Jaden asked as he only grew more translucent.

"Even though you had such a small hand in my defeat, I wish to see you suffer. Since I can't do much to who you will become, you're the next best thing." Hao declared. "The only solace that you can take is that I will crush Academia once I have who I want.

That is then. Now, you will be biologically different meaning no blood relation to your precious granddaughter, I've crushed you in a duel, and I've kept you busy using up any time you may have had to make peace with your loved ones."

Jaden knew his time was coming to an end, but if what Hao said was true. "I won't adhere to this plan you say is laid out before me. Once I have a new chance, I'll come back stronger." He began to fade. "You won't win."

With that, Jaden was gone.

Hao continued to stare down the street. "Considering you're still dueling him, looks like you didn't change your fate." He took notice of Jay losing. "Looks like you aren't any stronger either."