Heartland Park

A teenage boy with fair skin, green eyes, and dark blue hair that spikes outward in the back and contains light blue bangs with pink accents leaned against a bridge within the park. His eyes were closed, and his arms were crossed.

This young man's attire consists of a black hoodie with a gray-blue hem and strings over a white shirt; he also wore a pair of pale teal pants and brown and grey shoes with orange on the straps. On his arm he wore an Xyz dimension light blue and white duel pad.

He opened his eyes and looked to his right as a lady, that looked a lot like Lulu, walked towards him. She had fair-skin, shoulder length white hair with red highlights, and blue eyes. Her attire consists of a white hoodie with yellow highlights over a black shirt and white pants with black and white shoes. On her wrist there was a bracelet with an X shaped, light blue jewel.

The young lady stopped next to the teenager. "What's going on Yusaku?"

"We'll get to that. First, have you collected all the needed heart pieces Sam?" Yusaku asked.

"I have the five heart pieces." Sam replied. "Now, what is this about? You said we'd meet at that party Heartland is throwing, and it's not like you to disregard your own plans."

Yusaku moved away from the wall. "Trace amounts of Link Summoning appeared and are appearing across Heartland City. Earlier, it was just Revolver, but now there are people who have suddenly appeared with energy like ours."

Sam seemed hopeful. "Were any of them Takeru?"

Yusaku shook his head. "Only traces of our summoning method on these people. Two of them match participants in this tournament. I picked up three signatures appearing at this city mall, one at Kaiba Corp., and another at Heartland Academy."

"I see, so if we go to any of these readings, we may find out what happened to not only Takeru, but our world as a whole." Sam stated.

"We might just find out why you and Yuven now exist when you didn't before." Yusaku looked at her. "It's a strong possibility, but we aren't going to pull out of the tournament. There's clearly more at play that just those two with link signatures.

For now, we'll leave them be. You will head to Heartland Academy while I go after the three signatures that appeared at the mall." He began messing with his duel pad before an audible beep was heard followed by a beep from Sam's own duel pad.

"I've pinpointed their signatures exactly. Follow your duel pad's directions and you'll come upon the target." He walked away from her but stopped before looking back. "I'm still certain I don't remember Takeru having a sister but be careful anyways."

With that, he ran off in the direction of the mall.

Sam watched him go before pulling out green framed glasses. "Big brother, I will find you and return our world."

She put them away and ran off in the opposite direction from Yusaku.

Heartland Streets: Near the Mall

Caswell had been walking along the streets for hours just lost his numerous, crushing defeats to Kaze. Even Cat, who had been worriedly following him ever since, hadn't been able to get them a win. Yeah, everything turned out just fine.

Shark somehow got the captives out, Yuma and Lance, with the help of Kite, Shay, Rio, and some people named Yuto and Vega, defeated those Number Hunters. That was good, but he had failed them. Multiple times. Even after all the training he'd done, he'd failed.

Caswell took out his deck and tightly held it. "Darn it. I've been out here all night, and I don't even know what it's achieved. I failed to defeat Quatro and keep my heart pieces. I failed to defeat Kaze and save Shark. Darn it."

Cat approached him. "Caswell, think about all the good things you've done, and I'm sure Yuma doesn't…"

Caswell turned to face her angrily. "I know they don't blame me, but I've failed them. I thought I was something. I thought I was a strong duelist, but Shark and Lance outpaced me from the start. They've only grown stronger.

Yuma, Tori, and you have all grown to be better duelist than I. I haven't grown, yet all these powerful duelists are appearing. I can't do anything to help people that have become my friends. I've stagnated. Now…"

He stopped. Both Cat and he heard a strange sound coming from the nearby mall's parking lot. They both looked at each other only for Caswell to run off towards it.

"If this is another threat, I'll defeat it myself to spare Lance and Yuma from worrying about it." Caswell thought determined.

Cat followed her friend worried about him. "Caswell, Yuma wouldn't be happy if anything bad happened to you. I wouldn't be either."

Heartland Mall: Parking Lot

Caswell and Cat hid behind the sign for the mall as three young men stepped out of a portal before it closed. The first was a figure dressed in fusion dimension, altered Ra yellow attire. His blazer had a cowl, which was up, and a matching mask obscuring his features.

Two other young men, who shared the same face stepped out after. Naturally, their features and clothing were vastly different. In addition, it almost seemed like they were both in pain just from being close to one another while wanting to duel each other.

The first of these boys had fair skin, golden eyes, and medium length black hair with white bangs gelled up. His attire consisted of a blue short sleeved shirt underneath a black blazer with blue shoulder pads, which he kept open, camouflage pants, and black boots.

The second boy had fair skin, blue hair with yellow bangs swept to the right, and greenish-blue eyes. His attire consisted of a white, Fusion Dimension blazer with red borders and yellow stripes, white gloves, shoulder, elbow and knee pads, and white, red, and gray boots.

The banana haired guy looked around the parking lot. "So, this is the Xyz Dimension." He looked to the companion with the same face as him. "Yuji, why don't you be helpful and tell us where our targets are located."

"Yugo, you know full well you'll be told soon." The black-haired guy, Yuji, shook his head. "I can't believe the chancellor would trust you with any missions like this when you're so impatient. Don't even get me started on your anger, Rinku."

Yugo growled and got in Yuji's face. "My name is Yugo, not Rinku. Also, what's wrong with my anger Ritual boy? The Chancellor and Professor seem to value it."

The masked Ra got in-between them and pushed the two students apart before speaking with a distorted voice. "Commanders Yuji and Yugo, can we please focus on the mission. Your arguing will amount to nothing since the Chancellor forbade you from dueling or fighting each other."

Yugo scoffed. "Alright…" He looked at the masked Ra. "Lead the way to the Hogan residence. The sooner we defeat Zeera and Crow, and capture Lance, the sooner I can get back to Yuzu."

Caswell ran out followed by Cat. "I've heard enough you three. If you want to go after Lance and his family, you'll have to defeat me."

"Count me in." Cat nodded firmly. "Lance is my friend, so I won't let you anywhere near him."

Yugo started to step forward. "Please, you think you can take me on." He was getting ready to activate his duel gazer and D-pad. "You two will fall like every other opponent I duel."

The masked Ra ran forward and shot out two red tethers catching Cat and Caswell's D-pad. "You two head to the Hogan Residence." The tethers vanished. "I will join you shortly."

"You heard him Yugo." Yuji stated. "Let's move."

"Alright." Yugo put his hands in the pockets of his blazer. "I'll relent for now and save my energy for the mission."

They walked off leaving The Masked Ra to face off with Cat and Caswell.

Heartland Academy Roof

Yuma and Tori suddenly appeared on the roof facing Mokuba who backed away to a good distance for a duel.

"Hey, what's the big idea?" Yuma asked. "What did your companion do with Master Roku?"

Tori was looking around in shock. "How did you teleport us like that?" She blinked as she once again realized that this was Mokuba Kaiba. "How are you alive? Reiji Kaiba is supposed to be the last of the Kaiba family."

"It is not something you should concern yourself with." Mokuba stated. "In fact, the only one that should concern themselves with anything is you, Yuma Tsukumo. Academia wishes for your capture, and I refuse to disappoint."

"Academia?" Yuma questioned. "Do you mean Duel Academy?"

Mokuba shook his head. "No, I don't. Academia is something far greater than that first school Seto built. You will become a soldier under its command. Honestly, coming after you wasn't even an objective of ours. You just happened to be around our true objective."

"Master Roku?" Yuma stared Mokuba down. "Tell me where he is."

Mokuba smirked. "I'll tell you if both you and your friend duel me and win."

Yuma stepped in front of Tori. "If I'm your target, then leave…"

Tori stepped up beside Yuma. "Yuma, it's fine." He looked at Tori and saw how determined she was. "This is why I've been training with Zeera." She nodded. "I grew stronger because I wanted to fight beside you and Zack."

Yuma looked at Tori with surprise.

Before he could say anything, Astral appeared. "Let her duel by our side Yuma." Yuma looked at him. "This opponent does not have a Number, but I can feel its power. That is something I could not say for any duelist save that Seto Kaiba."

"You really think he's that powerful?" Yuma asked.

"There is no mistaking it. It is not as though his deck has the power of a Number, but the vibe of every card on him gives off a semblance of power if that makes sense." Astral stated.

Mokuba shrugged. "Are you that scared to duel me that you'd rather talk to thin air? Looks I'll make this easy on you. You're my target, so I'll collect you if I win. If you both beat me, I'll take you to Roku." He smirked. "Better hurry. He's up against Seto after all."

Yuma looked at Tori and nodded. "Alright Tori, let's do this together."

Tori smiled. "I promise not to let you down."

"I know you won't." Yuma turned to face Mokuba. "Let's go."

D-pad go

Duel Gazer on

Augmented vision link established

(Yuma & Tori 4000 each/Mokuba 4000)

"I will take the first turn." Mokuba declared. "I now reveal to you Vijam the Cubic Seed, Cubic Lords True Unification, and Cubic Wall. By revealing these three Cubic cards, I can special summon Crimson Nova the Dark Cubic Lord(LV 10/3000/0)."

"A three thousand attack monster on his first turn!" Tori shouted in shock.

"Special summoned no less." Astral stated. "Just like Kite on his first turn."

"He's no ordinary duelist." Yuma stated.

"Now, I set two cards and end my turn which activates one of the effects of my Crimson Nova. If my monster is on the field, we all take 3000 life points worth of damage during the end phase." Mokuba stated.

"3000 life points!" Tori shouted in shock.

Yuma asked, "Why would you run that card if it effects everyone?"

Mokuba smiled. "Because of the spell I showed you earlier. I activate the Quick-Play Cubic Wall. When an effect is activated that deals damage to all players, I can reduce the damage I take to 0 (Yuma & Tori 1000 each/Mokuba 4000)."

"Yuma, we must be at the top of our game to beat him." Astral stated.

Yuma nodded. "Don't worry, we got this Astral." He looked at Tori. "Alright, let's not hold back."

Tori nodded. "You can start us off Yuma."

"Yeah, I'm feeling the flow!" Yuma drew. "Since you control a monster, and I do not, I can special summon Dododo Buster(LV 4/1900/800)." A bulky warrior in yellow armor and wielding a mace appeared. "The only restriction is that he goes from level 6 to 4."

I'll now normal summon Goblindbergh(LV 4/1400/0) while activating his effect." A goblin, dressed as an aviator, flew onto the field carrying a metal cage. "When he is normal summoned, I can special summon a level 4 or lower monster from my hand.

I choose Bri Synchron(LV 4/1500/1100) and it's summon switches Goblindbergh to defense mode." A small green, white, and gold robot appeared. "Since I normal summon my level 4 Goblindbergh, I can special summon Kagetokage(LV 4/1100/1500)."

A black reptile with red eyes appeared. "Now I overlay my level 4 Kagetokage and Dododo Buster to Xyz summon Number 39: Utopia(R 4/O 2/2500/2000)." The white and gold warrior with twin blades, currently sheathed, appeared.

"That is not the end as I rebuild the overlay network with Utopia to Xyz summon Number S39:Utopia Prime(R 4/O 3/2510/2000)." A less bulky, smaller Utopia appeared. "What do you think Astral?"

Astral looked at the field. "This duelist is quite dangerous. We must conserve life points and there may be no guarantee that banishing his monsters will affect his plays. Go further Yuma."

"Got it." Yuma stated. "I rebuild the overlay network once more with my Number S39:Utopia Prime. Xyz summon Number S39:Utopia the Lightning(R5/O 4/2500/2000)." A mighty white, gold, and black Utopia appeared with electricity sparking around him.

Mokuba stared at the monster. "So, this is the power of the Xyz Dimension. Only big brother has pulled out Xyz summons like this."

"If you think I'm stopping at Xyz summons, then you're mistaken because Bri Synchron is going to give my Goblindbergh a tune up allowing me to Synchro for 8. Synchro Summon Crimson Bladder(LV 8/2800/2600)." A warrior in red armor with a cape and two blades appeared.

"Now let's end this. Utopia the Lightning will attack Crimson Nova the Dark Cubic Lord. When he attacks, you can't activate cards or effects. Also, since he has a Utopia Xyz monster as a material, I can detach two overlay units to double his attack to 5000."

"I can't activate effects and 5000 ATK!" Mokuba shouted in shock.

"Now, take his monster down Utopia the Lightning (Yuma & Tori 1000 each/Mokuba 2000)." Yuma declared. "Finish this Crimson Bladder!"

"I can see why big bro wants you Yuma." Mokuba stated. "You're good, but not good enough to beat me. I activate my first face down Cubic Lords True Unification. With this card, I can perform a fusion summon.

All I must do is banish this card, Crimson Nova the Dark Cubic Lord in my grave, and the two copies of it in my deck; however, to have permission to use the two in my deck, I must also banish three Cubic monsters from my deck as well.

With all the requirements met, I fusion summon Crimson Nova Trinity the Dark Cubic Lord(LV 10/4500/3000)." A huge, red eldritch abomination appeared on the field. "Still want to continue your attack Yuma?"

Yuma was shocked. "No, I set two cards. It's your move Tori."

"Right." Tori drew. "Mind if I use your Crimson Bladder?"

"Go for it." Yuma stated.

Tori nodded. "I summon Dragunity Senatus(LV 4/1800/1600)." A black, humanoid bird man in white and pink robes, with a staff, appeared. "I activate his effect. By discarding one Dragunity card, I can equip him with a Dragon 'Dragunity' from my deck.

I choose Dragunity Phalanx(LV 2/500/1100). I then activate his effect. Once per turn, when he is equipped to a monster, I can special summon him to the field." A small gold and blue dragon appeared. "Now I use him to give Yuma's Crimson Bladder a tune up and Synchro for 10.

Synchro summon Dragunity Knight – Ascalon(LV 10/3300/3200)." A bipedal, humanoid dragon in golden armor appeared. "I can activate his effect by banishing 1 Dragunity from my grave, like Phalanx, and destroy your Crimson Nova Trinity the Dark Cubic Lord."

"Sorry to tell you this, but my monster can't be targeted or destroyed by any of your card effects." Mokuba declared.

"No." Tori stated worried.

Yuma looked at her. "Tori, do you have a spell that can power up your monster's ATK by at least 300?"

Tori looked at her hand. "I have something alright."

Yuma nodded. "Then do it and use my spell on the left. If we can't take it down with effects, we'll defeat it through power."

Tori smiled. "Got it Yuma. I activate Yuma's face down on the right and use it on Ascalon!"

"She activated my Blustering Winds which grants Ascalon 1000 more ATK/DEF Dragunity Knight – Ascalon(LV 10/4300/4200 effect)." Yuma declared.

"I'll couple Yuma's spell with an equip spell known as Dragunity Divine Lance granting Ascalon 100 more ATK x his own level. With 10 levels, that's another 1000 ATK for Dragunity Knight – Ascalon(LV 10/5300/4200 effect).

He's also no longer affected by your traps, but that's not all. This equip spell, once per turn, can allow me to equip my monster with a Dragon-type 'Dragunity' Tuner from my deck. I choose Dragunity Pilum allowing my monster to attack you directly, but any damage dealt is halved."e

Yuma smiled. "That's amazing Tori! Even at half damage, we've won… I think."

He began counting on his fingers to make sure until Astral interrupted him. "I wouldn't be celebrating Yuma. Mokuba doesn't look perturbed. It's likely he still has a trick up his sleeve."

Yuma noticed this and grew worried.

"Now Ascalon attack Mokuba directly." Tori declared.

"Your monster may not be affected by my traps, but I'm a different story. I activate Enchanted Javelin. Since you attacked me, I can target that monster and gain life points equal to its ATK. So, while I'll take damage, I'm not defeated (Yuma & Tori 1000 each/Mokuba 4650)."

Tori went wide eyed. "I don't have a trap that could save us. None of them can affect his monster."

Yuma smiled at Tori. "Don't worry Tori. He can't ATK either of our monster because of their ATK or effects. We'll be fine."

Mokuba drew. "Nice sentiment but false. I activate the continuous spell Quantum Cube. Every turn, including the turn I activate it, I must pay 800 life points (Yuma & Tori 1000 each/Mokuba 3850). Now the ATK of all my Cubic monster's doubles while your monster's ATK's are halved."

Crimson Nova Trinity the Dark Cubic Lord(LV 10/9000/3000 effect)

Dragunity Knight – Ascalon(LV 10/2650/4200).

Number S39: Utopia the Lightning(R5/O 2/1250/2000)."

Tori, Yuma, and Astral were shocked.

Tori said, "9000 ATK…"

"Nothing we had in the deck could have prepared us for this."Astral thought.

"Not even Utopia's ability plus my face down, Damage Diet, could keep us in the game…" Yuma grit his teeth. "Tori, he'll likely aim for me, but don't give up. One turn is all it takes to win. Utopia and my face down will still be yours to use."

"No, you're both finished. Especially since I won't make the mistake of attacking your Number first. My monster not only halves my opponent's life points upon the declaration of a battle, but it can make a second attack after destroying one monster.

You're both finished! Crimson Nova Trinity the Dark Cubic Lord attack Ascalon and then attack Yuma's Number S39: Utopia the Lightning (Yuma & Tori 0/Sam 2000 intrusion/Mokuba 3850)."

Yuma and Tori were knocked back into the cage surrounding the roof and fell to their butts. Mokuba noticed that Utopia was still on the field and another participant had intruded. He was just about to look around when Sam appeared behind him with a teleportation orb.

Mokuba looked back in shock. "It's one of the bracelet girls… The Link Dimension one."

Sam smiled at him. "I wasn't sure who was on what side, but I think I've found my target."

She activated the orb causing Mokuba to grit his teeth. He dropped to the ground and kicked his leg up knocking the orb out of her hand before springing to his feet.

"You're not teleporting me away. I will not lose Yuma Tsukumo. My brother wants you and him, so I'll capture…"

The orb banged into the roof top causing it to beep erratically before Mokuba and Sam were teleported away.

"Astral, I think we need to go over our deck." Yuma stated glad that someone intervened.

He wanted to make sure they were okay, but it was already proven, even with someone helping him, that he couldn't compete with Mokuba. There was also the fact that he had no idea where they went.

Astral floated over to his side. "Agreed."

Tori looked at Yuma before looking at her own deck determined. "I left this deck alone and didn't add anything to it. I need to make revisions of my own if I really want to help Yuma and Lance."

The sun was starting to rise on a new day as Yuma stood and sighed. "Man, we've been out all night. Good thing I've already qualified, or I might have not had the energy to get another win." He laughed. "Who am I kidding. I'm always up for a duel."

Tori looked at Yuma worriedly. "Yuma, I'm sorry"

Yuma looked at her confused. "Sorry for what?"

She looked at the ground. "I failed to help you. We couldn't defeat Mokuba together."

Yuma walked up to her and put a hand on her shoulder. "Don't worry about that Tori." She looked up at Yuma only to find that he was smiling. "We worked flawlessly together in that duel, and that move we pulled off with your Ascalon was something else."

"Yeah." She nodded. "I guess we both just need to improve our decks like you said."

Astral floated down next to Yuma. "We just need to figure out how we're going to do that since you don't have an abundance of cards at your disposal."

Yuma sweat dropped. "That's right, I don't have a lot of card to retool my deck with." He frantically rubbed his head. "What am I going to do!?"

Suddenly, a translucent Roku giving of yellow particles appeared. "I'll tell you what you're going to do." Yuma and Tori looked at him. "You're going to return to the Duel Sanctuary and enter my basement. There you will find what you now seek."

"Master Roku, what's going on?" Yuma asked concerned as his master began to flicker out of existence. "You're starting to fade. Did Kaiba… the Kaiba fake… whatever! Did that guy do this to you?"

Roku nodded. "Unfortunately, I became too soft in my old age. I let my skills wan, and I am now paying the price."

Yuma was saddened. "Master Roku, isn't there…"

Roku shook his head. "There's nothing you can do my boy. As I have come to understand it, I will vanish from this dimension and become a small part of a past version of myself." He smiled. "Don't look so glum my boy. I've got a feeling we will see each other again one day."

Yuma clenched his fist. "Master Roku, I know you just helped me. I haven't lost the will to keep dueling, but what if I do? You won't…"

Roku walked up to Yuma. "Yuma!" He snapped to attention. "You learned that I was once Yugi Muto, the 1st King of Games, so I know talent when I see it. You got it. You may not have me, but you have the bonds you created through your dueling.

If there's one thing I know, it's that those bonds won't let you down. You may be up against impossible odds, but I was to. Together, with those around you, you can beat any odds. I believe in you my boy. So, don't be sad that I'm gone. Be glad we met in the first place. I know I am."

Yuma sniffled. "Master Roku."

Roku shook his head. "No water works my boy. Not even tears of joy."

Yuma wiped his eyes. "Then I'll just say see you later Master Roku, and thanks for everything."

Roku began to fade. "There isn't much time. Remember, return to the sanctuary and enter the basement. The stairs are underneath the rug in the kitchen. Also, could you do me a couple of favors?"

Yuma nodded. "Anything."

Roku smiled. "Never turn your back on your friends and continue to grow as a splendid duelist."

Yuma ran to hug Roku. "You got it Ma…"

He fell through him.

Roku shook his head. "Yuma, I'm transparent."

Yuma sat up and rubbed his head. "I'm sorry, I forgot sir."

Roku sighed and turned to Astral and Tori. "You be there for Yuma. He's a great a duelist, but he'll need you two to guide him forward at this rate."

Astral was surprised as Roku smiled and nodded at him, but after a few seconds, he did the same back.

Yuma stood up angry. "Hey old man, I'm not that bad."

Roku chuckled. "There's the Yuma I trained." He vanished. "Keep your spirits high my boy."

Yuma sighed and Tori approached him only to look around confused. "Huh, what was I just doing?" She looked at Yuma only to see that his eyes were slightly red. "Yuma, are you okay?"

Yuma looked at Tori confused. "Tori are you okay?"

Tori raised an eyebrow. "It's just… you were crying." She rubbed her head. "I don't remember you crying a minute ago."

Yuma and Astral looked at each other before he turned his attention back to Tori. "Tori, I just said goodbye to Master Roku."

"Master Roku?" Tori questioned. "Who's that?"

"You really don't remember?" Yuma asked.

Tori walked up to Yuma and felt his forehead. "You don't feel hot. Maybe staying up all night, and these duels, have drained you more than I thought." She grabbed his arm. "Come on mister, you need sleep."

"Wait Tori!" Yuma shouted. "Stop!"

She continued to drag him off as Astral stared after them thinking this recent development over.

Road to the Right of the Hogan Residence

(Zack 3600/Noah 2000 intrusion)

Zack's Field

Kurama-The Nine Tailed Fox(LV 10/4000/4000) & Genin Shino(1500/1400)

Noah came to a stop across from Zack before looking at the downed Jaden who had regained his brown eyes and was rising to his elbows.

"Zack… I'm so sorry." Jay stated.

"That's enough from you Jaden." Noah pressed a button on his duel disk which caused Jay to vanish into blue particles. "Time to return to the Doktor."

Zack noticed how sincere that was and the fact that the younger Jaden's eyes had returned to normal. "What is going on? What is all of this? I beat him, but you teleported him before I could get any answers."

Noah chuckled. "Oh, do calm down Zack Henderson. I do not believe that this is behavior fitting a former King of Games. To put it simply, we come from a place called the Fusion Dimension, but specialize in much more. There exist another Duel Academy called Academia.

Right now, our goal is to place people where they belong and capture others important to our goals. You are both. You must be placed back in the Fusion Dimension properly, so that you may be captured. At which point, we will control you as we do Jaden and others."

Zack widened his eyes. "The green eyes… place us back in the Fusion Dimesnion… Two Jadens…" He looked down the road only to see Hao standing alone. "No…"

Noah clapped. "You have good critical thinking skills." He shot out a red tether catching Zack unaware. "Yes, our goal is to control the best of the best. People like you, Jaden, and so many others. Lance is the target of this dimension, Zeera from another, and Crow must be in his."

"My family, my friends, and other innocents." Zack stated. "You mean to disrupt so many lives. Tear people away from their loved ones." He shook his head firmly. "No, I won't allow it. I've dealt with dangers like your Academia, and I've won. I will win now."

"We'll see." Noah stated. "I activate Black Illusion Ritual."

"That ritual spell." Zack thought. "Relinquished."

"Now, I must discard monsters whose total levels equal one or more." Noah declared, "I discard the level one Kinka-byo allowing me to Ritual summon Relinquished(LV 1/0/0)." A navy-blue monster with the millennium eye symbol and a hole in its stomach appeared."

"I then activate Relinquish's effect allowing me to target your Kurama and equip it to him granting Relinquished(LV 1/4000/4000) ATK/DEF equal to the monster I've equipped. I still have my normal summon, so come forth Silent Magician LV 4/1000/1000)."

A girl in white robes with a staff appeared. "Now Relinquished will destroy your Genin Shino (Zack 1100/Noah 2000). Silent Magician Level 4 will attack you directly (Zack 100/Noah 2000). I set one card."

"No matter the disadvantage I may be at, I will not give up!" Zack drew. "Just what I needed. I summon Jonin Kakashi(LV 4/1800/1600)." A young man with white hair and in a black shirt with matching pants appeared. "I now activate one of Jonin Kakashi's effects.

I can tribute him to special summon Jonin Instructor Kakashi(LV 8/2700/2500)." A man with white hair, Jonin vest, and Leaf Village head band covering one of his eyes appeared. "When he is summoned, I can copy any effect of one monster on the field or in my grave.

I choose to copy Relinquish's effect. Your monster can protect itself if he's attacked, but there are ways around it. Such as using my Kakashi's effect to equip Relinquished to him. Now, Kakashi will attack Silent Magician."

"I activate my Spell Binding Circle allowing me to target your Jonin Instructor Kakashi. Now he is prevented from attacking and changing battle position." Noah countered.

Zack went wide eyed before closing them and taking a deep breath. "I end my turn."

Noah drew. "I activate the spell Level Up! On my Silent Magician LV 4 allowing me to tribute her and special summon Silent Magician LV 8(LV 8/3500/1000) from my deck." An older version of LV 4 appeared. "Now she will attack Kakashi (Zack 0/Noah 2000)."

Zack was flung back becoming translucent and giving off golden particles.

Noah approached him. "If it makes you feel any better, we don't have your younger self captive like we got Jaden."

Zack got to one knee. "Why are you telling me this?"

Noah shrugged. "Maybe I'm taking some form of pity. Maybe it's because unlike Hao over there, I'm not into tormenting my opponents. One reason I can call a definite is that telling you changes nothing about now."

He turned away from Zack. "If I were you, I'd speak to any loved ones I had; however, don't get it in your head you can warn them. Soldiers of Academia have long been dispatched to duel and defeat them." A bluff… maybe. "Oh, and the more people around, the faster you vanish.

Zack grit his teeth. "This isn't over."

He then vanished from Noah's sight, but it would still be a bit before he joined his younger body in the Fusion Dimension.

Noah looked back before walking over to Hao as they had to oversee the defeat of Zeera, Crow, and Zack. "I'm aware Zack Henderson. You and Yugi Muto aren't the biggest thorns in Big Brother Seto's plans for nothing."

He made it to Hao. "Alright, let's get moving now. If any of the remaining targets of this attack escape, we need to hunt them down."

Hao shook his head. "Please, spare me your standard orders." He moved with Noah. "You know full well why I'm here, how effective I am, and that I'm not some common 'soldier' of Academia."

The two of them were heading towards the Kastle residence.

Forest Outside of Heartland

(Sam 2000 intrusion/Mokuba 3850)

Mokuba's Field

Crimson Nova Trinity the Dark Cubic Lord(LV 10/9000/3000 effect)

Quantum Cube/Continious Spell

Sam's Field

Error! Error! Error! Outside the range of partners. Clearing Error… Clearing Field… Field Cleared.

Mokuba and Sam appeared in a clearing with the boy jumping back. "You made me lose Yuma Tsukumo."

Sam shrugged. "I have no idea who that is, but I'm starting to think it's a good thing I intervened. Especially since you said something about capturing him and I. We can get to that later. What I want to know is what you know about the Link Dimension."

"I'm not telling you anything." Mokuba stated as he backed away. "Now, let's finish the duel you intruded on. I'll just have to settle for only capturing you and go after Yuma Tsukumo later."

"Very well, we'll finish this." She drew her hand. "After, I'm getting my answers. For now, allow me to show you the skills I've learned from Big Brother and his Friend. I activate Sky Striker Mecha - Hornet Drones.

Since I do not control any monsters in my Main monster's zones, I can special summon a Sky Striker Ace Token(LV 1/0/0) in defense mode." A transparent girl with blond hair and a blade appeared. "The only caveat is that I can't tribute them.

That said, I can use her to Link Summon. So, appear circuit which leads to the future. Arrowheads confirmed. The condition is 1 non-Wind Sky Striker Ace monster. I set Sky Striker Ace Token in the Link Markers.

Link summon Sky Striker Ace-Hayate(Link 1/1500)." A girl with long blond hair held a massive gun. "Now I can use her arrow, which points the bottom left, to special summon Crusadia Draco(LV 4/600/2000) in defense mode."

A feather winged blue dragon in golden armor appeared. "I then normal summon the tuner Crusadia Arboria(LV 3/800/1800)." A woman with long green hair in tribal clothes appeared. "I use the level 3 Arboria to give Draco a tune up and Synchro for 7.

Get ready to see the monsters my big brother left me. Synchro Summon Salamangreat Blazing Triceratops(LV 7/2500/1800)." A fire red Triceratops with orange flames coming off it appeared.

"While that is impressive, it doesn't compare to the power of my Crimson Nova Trinity the Dark Cubic Lord." Mokuba stated.

Sam smirked. "Having a monster with ATK points isn't always the best thing. I'm about to show you that; however, I'm not quiet done setting up my field. For my Triceratops can go a step above. All I need to do is activate Sky Striker Mecha Modules – Multirole.

This continuous spell allows me to send one card I control to the graveyard and prevents you from negating my Spells for the rest of the turn. So, I send Blazing Triceratops to the graveyard. From there, I can do another Synchro Summon."

Mokuba perked up at this. "A Synchro Summon from the graveyard?'

"Indeed." Sam stated. "I use Triceratops' effect allowing me to banish both it and the level 3 tuner Crusadia Arboria. Synchro Summon Salamangreat Inferno T-Rex(LV 10/3000/2800)." A fire red T-Rex with white flames around it appeared. "My T-Rex will attack your Crimson Nova Trinity the Dark Cubic Lord."

"If you're trying to activate some effect, don't bother." Mokuba declared. "My monster can't be targeted by effect nor destroyed by them."

"It's a good thing T-Rex has an effect that doesn't target. See, when T-Rex attacks a monster with higher ATK, he gains ATK equal to that monsters until the end of the battle Salamangreat Inferno T-Rex(LV 10/12000/2800)."

"12000 ATK!" Mokuba declared.

Sam said, "More than enough to destroy your Lord (Sam 2000/Mokuba 850)." Mokuba was sent skidding along the ground as his monster was destroyed. "With Sky Striker Hayate I can take you down with a direct ATK (Sam 2000/Mokuba 0)."

Mokuba was knocked onto his back with that last attack.

"I won, so tell me what you know." Sam stated firmly.

Mokuba got to his feet and pressed a button on his D-pad. "We didn't agree to anything."

Sam noticed this and ran at him only for Mokuba to turn into blue particles and vanish from the area. She clenched her fist and looked at the sky before sighing. There was nothing more she could do.

Mall Parking Lot

The masked Ra faced off with Cat and Caswell. "Let's make this quick. You two can go first; that way I can attack on my turn and finish this in one go. Each of us can even draw on our first turns. It will matter not in the long run."

Caswell was angered by that statement. "I'm not as weak as you think."

Cat looked at him concerned. "Caswell, you need to calm down. If you let your emotions get the better of you, we'll lose. Especially since we've been out all night."

Caswell grit his teeth.

D-pad go

Duel Gazer on

Augmented vision link established

(Caswell & Cat 4000 each/Masked Ra 4000)

"I'm taking the first move." Caswell drew. "I summon Wind-Up Soldier(LV 4/1800/1200)." A green and silver wind up, humanoid magnet appeared. "Since I just summoned, I'm allowed to special summon Wind-Up Shark(LV 4/1500/1300) from my hand.

Now I activate both their abilities increasing their levels by one." Wind-Up Shark(LV 5/1500/1300) and Wind-Up Soldier(LV 5/2200/1200effect). "I build the overlay network with Shark and Soldier to summon Wind-Up Arsenal Zenmaioh(R 5/O2/2600/1900)."

A red, blue, and silver machine with a drill on one hand and laser on the other appeared. "I then set my remaining four cards before ending my turn. It's your move Cat. Let's set up the field and take him down."

Cat was still worried, but she drew. "I'll start by setting the pendulum scale with my scale 1 Lunalight Wolf and Scale 5 Lunalight Tiger. This allows me to special summon any monster in my hand from levels 2-4."

The Ra perked up at the mention of summoning multiple monsters. "Very powerful set of cards you have there."

Cat was focused on the duel. "You haven't seen anything yet. I Pendulum Summon Lunalight Emerald Bird(LV 4/1200/1000) and Lunalight Kaleido Chick(LV 4/1400/800)." An emerald skinned humanoid bird appeared followed by a child in a tallow bird costume.

"Now I activate Kaleido Chick's ability. By sending any monster from my deck or extra deck to the grave, she can be treated as that monster in the event of a Fusion Summon. I'm sending Lunalight Panther Dancer to the grave.

Thanks to Lunalight Wolf's Pendulum Effect, I can fusion summon without a fusion spell. I combine the newly named Lunalight Panther Dancer with Lunalight Emerald Bird. Fusion Summon Lunalight Leo Dancer(LV 10/3500/3000)." A dark-skinned female with a tail and white hair appeared. "I'll set two cards."

"It's my move." The Ra drew and looked at his opponents. "Tell me, how well do your decks fair against someone who can banish your entire fields with no targeting required." Both Caswell and Cat reacted with shock. "I figured as much.

Despite the strides this world has been making, not every duelist has found a way to prevent as such. Good to know because I activate the Ritual Spell Nekroz Kaleidoscope allowing me to Ritual summon any Ritual monsters by using cards from my hand, field, or extra deck.

As a result, I can Ritual summon numerous monsters that equal the level of the monster I send to the grave. So, I send the level 12 Five-Headed Dragon from my Extra Deck to the grave. Now witness my power as a Ritual Duelist.

Ritual summon Nekroz of Clausolas(LV 3/1200/2300), Nekroz of Unicore(LV 4/2300/1000), and Nekroz of Catastor(LV 5/2200/1200)." A child with red hair and gold armor, A spellcaster in white and red armor, and a blue, bipedal dragon appeared.

Caswell was shocked. "He just summoned three ritual monsters at once."

"What kind of duelist are we facing?" Cat asked.

"You face a proud soldier of Academia." The Ra replied. "Now if only you two had cards to stop what was coming, but by your expressions, your decks are second rate compared to the readings we've been getting."

Caswell snapped out of his shock and firmly stood his ground. "Who are you to keep talking when you haven't done as you said? Our fields still stand, and none of those monsters have the stats of a monster that can wipe our fields as you described."

"Watch and observe." The Masked Ra declared. "I activate Card of Sanctity refilling our hands to 6 cards each. Not that it will matter to you two as I summon Shurit, Strategist of the Nekroz(LV 4/300/800)."

A boy with silver and red hair appeared. "Now I activate the Ritual spell Nekroz Mirror on Shurit who can act as the total cost for any Ritual monster I chose. I release him to Ritual summon Nekroz of Sophia(LV 11/3600/3400)."

A woman with long, red hair and purple attire appeared. "Her effect banishes every monster on your fields on the condition that she cannot attack this turn. That's not a problem when my other monsters can still ATK. Unicore will attack Caswell and Catastor will attack Cat."

(Caswell 1700 & Cat 1800/Masked Ra 4000)

Both Cat and Caswell were knocked back by the powerful blows.

Caswell grit his teeth. "We're still standing with life points to spare. You haven't beaten us."

"I will." The Ra stated. "I set one card and end my turn." Caswell draw. "Now you lose because I activate Ring of Destruction on Catastor making us all take 2200 life points worth of damage (Caswell & Cat 0/Masked Ra 1800).

Caswell and Cat were knocked onto their backs defeated.

Cat got to her elbows. "How…"

"Luck, skill, and summoning energy play a huge role in any duel." The masked Ra stated. "Your skills and energy are only so much above the common scans we get from this dimension. It's no wonder you've lost."

"They may have lost, but why don't you give me a try." Yusaku stated as he walked into the parking lot. "I think it's safe to say you're the person I'm looking for. The one with traces of Link summoning energy."

"Yusaku… one of the targets. Someone I didn't want to run into." The Masked Ra thought. "Now I have no choice but to attempt capture." He nodded. "I won't deny your claim Yusaku Fujiki."

Yusaku stopped in front of Caswell and Cat before looking at the girl. "Take your friend there and get out of here." Without paying them anymore mind, he turned back to the Ra. "You know my name, but I cannot say the same."

"My name is unimportant." The Ra stated. "All that should matter to you, is that you are one of Academia's targets, and I will bring you in."

Cat helped Caswell to his feet and pulled him away as they fled the scene.

Kastle Residence

Zeera's eyes snapped open as he pendant around her neck glowed a dull white warning her that something was very wrong. She bolted to a sitting position causing her husband, who let her lay on his lap as he sat up to sleep, to bolt awake as well.

Crow looked around wondering if something happened to Lance only to see that he was still out cold. "Honey, what's wrong?"

Zeera jumped to her feet. "Warn the Kastle Siblings. Something is coming this way and my pendant is telling me it's bad."

Crow jumped to his feet, but before he could move, the translucent form of Zack appeared at the same time Shark and Rio, with Vega holding her hand, came down the stairs.

"Mom, who's the translucent man?" Vega asked. "Is he a ghost?"

Vega wasn't nearly as shocked as you might think. Something about this seemed slightly familiar to him. Shark and Rio, despite the weird stuff that has happened to them in the past few months, were more shocked to see the transparent man.

As a result of five people seeing him at once, Zack was fading faster than he'd have liked "Zeera, Academia is coming. Not Duel Academy, but Academia. They come from some place called the Fusion Dimension. They're coming after you, Lance, and Crow."

"My pendent…" Zeera took a step towards her father. "Dad, are you…"

Zack shook his head. "No, I'm not dead. I'm just leaving this dimension. I can feel myself being pulled. I won't be here much longer. Look, you don't have much time." He pointed at the necklace.

They're coming for you and Crow next. They're coming to capture Lance." His form flickered and his time was almost up. "Look, no matter what happens, I love you, Zeera and Crow you've been a great son in law." He vanished. "I'm sorry I can't stick around."

Suddenly, everyone in the room grew confused. Though Lance noticeably reacted to Zack vanishing as tears began to flow from his closed eye lids. Rio shook her head as she noticed this.

Shark did to, but there were more important matters at hand. "Mrs. Hogan, you just told us some place called Academia was coming?"

Zeera nodded a little uncertain, but that uncertainty was fading. "Yes, they'll be here soon. They're after Crow, Lance, and I." She looked at her son. "If we lose, something terrible will happen to us, but if we run, they'll come after…"

Zeera closed her eyes as she thought of Talia and Zach. How bringing them back to their senses, or back from whatever happened to them, would fall on Lance. She thought about how Lance would be alone if she or Crow lost. Crow, for his part, walked over to Lance before placing a hand on his son's chest and clenching it tightly.

Zeera opened her eyes. "Crow, I'll stay here while you…"

Crow turned to Shark. "I know I might be asking much of your two, but can you and your sister take my son out of here? Academia is on their way; Zeera and I will confront them."

Shark looked at Crow before nodding. "You got it." He picked Lance up and slung his body onto his back before looking at Rio. "Go grab our decks, duel pads, and gazers. We don't know how many of these Academia people there are, so it's best if we have those."

Rio nodded and ran up the stairs.

Vega looked around the room before focusing on Lance. "I'm going to grab my dueling gear as well Uncle Shark because I want to help protect dad to."

Shark nodded before Vega ran up the stairs.

Zeera's eyes went wide. "What did he just say?"

Shark sighed. "It's a long story that I'll tell you once this threat has passed. The short version is that kid suddenly appeared out of nowhere, declared Rio and Zack his parents, and named me his uncle. I only found out about this yesterday, but now is not the time to process this."

Despite the situation, Zeera smiled. "Isn't that sweet. He does look a lot like them." She turned to Crow. "Maybe he'll be the thing that brings Lance and Rio together. Oh, I can't decide if I like the thought of Lance being with Tori or Rio."

Crow sighed. "You know, maybe it's a testament to how long I've been around your grandfather, Lance, and you, but for some reason a kid that suddenly appears, and looks like our son and another girl, doesn't surprise me."

Zeera went wide eyed. "You know that kid could be from the future. He could be Rio and Lance's future son."

Shark grit his teeth at that as he still wasn't sure how to feel about Rio having feelings for the guy at this point. Rio returned with Vega and all their gear.

Crow decided to put things back into focus. "Alright, let's move people."