Outside the Kastle Residence, Morning…

Crow and Zeera stood across from Rio, Vega, and Shark who was carrying Lance.

"Alright, we'll leave them to you two." Rio said. "Don't worry, we'll protect Lance, and I managed to get through to a friend of mine currently out on a morning jog. He's a duelist as well and should meet us as we run."

Zeera nodded. "I'm counting on you." She smiled and winked. "Considering how you feel about my son, I have no doubt you'll do an excellent job."

Rio blushed slightly as she didn't think Zeera had noticed.

Crow decided to interject. "I've set up a room at a hotel and sent the direction to your duel gazers. Send it to this friend of yours as well. Take Lance there, and we'll join you once these Academia people have been dealt with. Now get going before they arrive."

Zeera held her pendant up and could just tell they were closing in on their location. "They'll be here soon."

Shark and Rio nodded before their group ran behind the house intending to head through their back yard before running along the streets. Crow and Zeera moved to the front yard to wait for their coming opponents.

Mall Parking Lot

Yusaku and The Masked Ra faced off.

"Let's get this duel started." The Ra stated.

Yusaku nodded. "My thoughts exactly."

D-pad go

Duel Gazer on

Augmented vision link established

(Yusaku 4000/Masked Ra 4000)

Yusaku said, "I summon Flame Bufferlo(LV 3/1400/200)." A black metal buffalo appeared with fire coming out of it. "I then set one card."

The Ra drew. "I activate the Ritual Spell Nekroz Kaleidoscope allowing me to Ritual summon Ritual monsters using cards from my hand, field, or extra deck. As a result, I can Ritual summon numerous monsters 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. Ritual summon Nekroz of Unicore(LV 4/2300/1000), and Nekroz of Valkyrus (LV 8/2900/1700)." A spellcaster in white and an old wizard in black and red armor appeared.

"Now, I activate one of Valkyrus' effects allowing me to send up to two monsters from my hand to the graveyard, and I can draw cards equal to the number of monsters sent. I send two monsters, so I draw two cards.

Then, I activate one of the effects of Unicore to add a Nekroz monster from my grave to my hand. Thanks to Valkyrus, I have two monsters to pick from. Now Valkyrus will attack your Bufferlo."

"I counter with Cure Conversation. With this, I can tribute Bufferlo and end the battle phase. I can then draw one card, and if it's a monster, I gain LP equal to its ATK." He drew. "The card I drew is Link Slayer with 2000 ATK (Yusaku 6000/Masked Ra 4000). That's not all as Bufferlo has his own effect. Since he left the field, I can send a Cyberse monster from my hand to the grave and draw two more cards."

"Very well then, I shall set two cards and end my turn." Masked Ra declared.

Yusaku drew. "Since I control no monsters, I can special summon Linkslayer(LV 5/2000/600)." A warrior decked out in golden armor with twin, blue energy swords appeared. "His effect allows me to send up to two cards from my hand to the graveyard. By doing this, I can destroy that many spell/trap cards on the field. I'll do just that to destroy both your face downs."

"I'll activate my Rainbow Life before it's destroyed. By discarding a card, any time I'd take damage this turn, I'm going to gain it as life points instead." Masked Ra stated.

"Well, since I sent Dotscaper(LV 1/ATK 0/2100) to the graveyard, due to Linkslayer, I can special summon him." A white and blue pixel monster appeared. "I then normal summon Cyberse Synchron(LV 1/100/100)."

A white ring with a white ball in the center appeared. "Now the level 1 Cyberse Synchron will give the Level 1 Dotscaper and Level 5 Linkslayer a tune up to Synchro for 7. Synchro Summon Cyberse Quantum Dragon(LV 7/2500/2000)."

A white dragon with blue energy flowing through it appeared. "Since we aren't playing by my dimension's rules, I can choose where to put him. He's going in the Main Monster zone. Now he will attack Valkyrus."

"I assume you have an effect to destroy him, but remember I only gain life points this turn." The Ra stated.

"I'm aware, but my Dragon's effect isn't as straight forward as you assume. Once per turn, he can bounce a monster he attacks back to your hand before the damage step and then attack again. So, your Valkyrus is sent back to your hand while Quantum Dragon destroys Unicore granting you only 200 life points (Yusaku 6000/Ra 4200). A fair trade for wiping your field."

The Ra drew. "I have to thank your dragon for returning Valkyrus to my hand; otherwise, this next play would have been impossible. I activate the Field Spell Ritual Grounds." The area changed to become an icy tundra.

"This spell works to make the environment something fitting for the deck's Ritual monsters. Now I can use this as any needed ritual spell for my Ritual monsters so long as the tributes' level equal or surpass what is needed.

For instance, If I send the Level 8 Valkyrus and level 4 Ariel, Princes of Nekroz to the grave, I can Ritual Summon Nekroz of Trishula(LV 9/2700/2000)." A red-haired warrior wearing armor made from Trishula appeared.

"His effect allows me to banish a card on the field, in your hand, and in your grave. The card in the hand is random, but I'll banish your Cyberse Synchron and Cyberse Quantum Dragon before attacking you directly (Yusaku 3300/Masked Ra 4200)."

"A Ritual Deck that seems fluid. An oddity since people from my Dimension made use of a few Ritual monsters with other methods." Yusaku drew. "I activate the effect of my Degrade Buster(LV 7/2500/2500)."

A huge, red and white machine appeared. "By banishing two Cyberse-type monsters from my graveyard, I can special summon him to the field. One of the banished was Dotscaper(LV 1/0/2100) who can be special summoned in this case.

"Then Degrade Buster's effect activates allowing me to banish your Trishula until the end phase. Now, it is time for a Link Summon. Appear circuit which leads to the future. Arrowheads confirmed. The condition is at 2 Cyberse Monsters.

I set Degrade Buster and Dotscaper in the Link Markers. Link Summon Clock Spartoi(Link 2/800)." A black and red humanoid appeared. "His effect allows me to add a Cynet Fusion from my deck to my hand.

I activate it allowing me to Fuse the Clock Spartoi on the field with the Clock Wyvern in my hand. Fusion Summon Cyberse Clock Dragon(LV 7/2500/2000)." A black dragon with blue energy flowing through it appeared.

"Fusion, Link, and Synchro. How many summoning methods do you know?" The Masked Ra asked.

"More than I've shown, but you should rconcern yourself with my current dragon because when he's summoned, I can send cards from the top of my deck to the grave equal to the Link Rating of the Link monster used. Clock Dragon then gains 1000 ATK per monster sent."

"I see. You can send two cards, and if both are monsters, you're Dragon's attack will be greater than my life points. You'll win." The Masked Ra stood his ground. "Send them both. I'm feeling a little lucky."

Yusaku nodded and took two cards from his deck. "Only one of those was a monster so my dragon goes up to 3500 ATK. I'll use it to attack you directly (Yusaku 3300/Masked Ra 700). I end my turn.

Your monster returns from banishment, and my monster keeps his increase." Masked Ra drew. "Now that it's your turn, I'll activate the last card in my hand. The Quick-Play spell Cynet Backdoor.

This allows me to target a Cyberse monster I control, banish it, and then add a monster from my deck to my hand with attack less than the original attack of the monster I banished. There's more to this effect, but I'll save that until it's important.

"I discard the Nekroz of Decisive Armor I drew to grant Nekroz of Trishula(LV 9/3700/3000 effect) 1000 ATK and Def giving him more than enough to finish this duel." The Masked Ra declared. "Now Trishula attack Yusaku."

"This would be the end if the card added, thanks to Backdoors, wasn't my Cyberse Hacker." Yusaku countered. "By discarding this monster from my hand, I can negate one of your monster's effects and halve their ATK (Yusaku 1450/Masked Ra 700)."

"I end my turn causing Trishula's ATK/DEF to return to normal." The Masked Ra declared.

Yusaku drew. "Now the other effects of my Cynet Backdoor come into play. On my standby Phase Cyberse Clock Dragon(LV 7/2500/2000) returns to the field. While he's lost his boost, he can now attack you directly this turn."

The Masked Ra was shocked and impressed. "That's a powerful combo."

"Now, Cyberse Clock Dragon attack our opponent directly (Yusaku 1450/Masked Ra 0)." Yusaku declared.

The Ra was knocked to his back, but he was quick to recover. "Well, you're one strong duelist Yusaku Fujiki. You might even be able to give the best of Academia a run for their money."

Yusaku didn't know what to make of his opponent, but he did have questions. "You seem amicable, so do you know anything about my home, the Link Dimension, vanishing?"

"Not amicable. I simply have honor in battle. You won, so you are owed something… within reason. Answering your question is certainly within reason. As for the Link Dimension, it's gone. Absorbed into my Dimension. The Fusion Dimension."

"What do you mean?" Yusaku asked concerned.

"The Link and Ritual Dimensions were absorbed. I wouldn't know specifics, but from what I understand, people were either integrated into the dimension or they ceased to exist." Yusaku's eyes went wide.

"I do know that a Takeru Homura was spared. He, like some others, have ben brain washed to work for our side. I also know you and your friends tried and failed to come to the Fusion Dimension. Simply put, you can't come alone."

"What do you mean? Yusaku asked.

"The Chancellor told those of us coming on this mission that certain people have their roles to play in future events of their dimension. Not every dimension has conformed to what they should be." The Ra stated. "Either way, your world is never coming back."

"A whole dimension destroyed just like that." Yusaku shook his head. "No, I don't accept that."

"Well, accept it Yusaku." The Ra stated. "Unlike the other dimensions, which are close to becoming what is needed, Ritual and Link were absorbed before their time. They're impossible to separate."

Yusaku still didn't believe it, but this did raise new questions. "Alright, if Ritual and Link were absorbed into Fusion, then why not Synchro, Xyz, or Standard. Even if they aren't what you need, that didn't seem to stop you from taking the two others."

"It's because they weren't complete Dimensions by the standards of the Chancellor. I don't know what that means but absorbing these dimensions prematurely has led to complications. Like you, and those three with you being able to escape."

"I see, so that's why we were sucked into that portal." Yusaku nodded. "It might also explain why Revolver absorbed that soul." He stared at the Ra. "So, this Chancellor sent people on a mission, and I am one of your targets. Does this dimension of yours have more duelist?"

"An army of which I'm a small part of." The Ra replied. "I'm by no means the best they got. So, your options are to either let me take you to the Fusion Dimension, in which case you'll be teleported into the center of an army or wait until our third attack on this dimension."

"Third attack?" Yusaku stated.

"Third attack or first invasion." The Masked Ra stated. "At that time, the Chancellor says that the remaining three Dimensions, Synchro, Standard, and Xyz, will be open for travel. So, what will it be?"

Yusaku closed his eyes. "I'm sorry Takeru. I promise, we'll come for you and anyone else they have." He opened his eyes. "You can forget it; furthermore, this dimension is under the protection of the Playmaker Faction."

"A faction of four duelist?" He pressed a button on his duel disk. "You'll need more if you want to pose any sort of threat to Academia."

He vanished into blue particles leaving Yusaku alone.

Streets of Heartland City

People were finally starting to move about and become active; however, it was mostly duelist trying their luck at getting Heart Pieces. The fact that they were duelist didn't mean they weren't paying attention to Shark, carrying the unconscious Lance, Rio, and Vega.

Rio was keeping track of the directions. "We're coming up on another alleyway. If we take it, we should arrive at the hotel in a little under 10 minutes."

Shark nodded. "Right."

They turned the corner only to be confronted by Syrus Truesdale. Shark and Rio looked at each other confused. Admittedly, Shark was less so considering he did duel a robot of Zane. Syrus' current uniform was slightly different from the standard ones of Duel Academy, so they could take a guess that this was Syrus from Academia.

"You think he's…" Rio began.

Syrus immediately shot a red tether intending to force Shark into a duel. He did try to dodge, but the Water user realized to late that he was weighed down by Lance. As a result, when he went to dodge, he didn't get the normal distance. Fortunately, Rio's friend flipped over Shark catching the tether around his leg. When he stood, it vanished, and all could see that it was Taiki.

The gymnast smirked triumphantly. "Looks like I caught up with you guys just in time." He looked at Syrus. "Well, this is certainly a strange occurrence Rio."

Rio nodded. "Your telling me. Thanks for coming. I've been going through my contacts, but everyone we could call seems to be tied up."

"No problem, you guys leave this to me." Taiki stated.

The group back pedaled out of the alley and continued running.

Syrus stared down his opponent. "Hm, you seem quite familiar with them."

Taiki smiled. "Not really. I'm just a friend of the girl, but it doesn't change the fact that I can't stand by while some look alike of Syrus Truesdale and his associates go after somebody. Right now, I'm your opponent. Taiki the future Olympic Gymnast."

"If you think boasting about your future affects me, you are mistaken." Syrus declared. "You will fall before me like most any duelist I've faced before."

"We'll see who prevails." Taiki stated.

D-pad go

Duel Gazer on

Augmented vision link established

(Taiki 4000/Syrus 4000)

"You can go first." Syrus stated.

"Don't mind if I do." Taiki returned. "I summon Jurrac Velo(LV 4/1700/1000)." A small, colorful dinosaur appeared. "I'll then place two cards face down."

Syrus drew. "Since you control a monster, and I don't, I can special summon Cyber Dragon(LV 5/2100/1600)." A long, silver metal dragon appeared.

"Since you special summoned, I can activate my hunting instinct allowing me to special summon a Dinosaur monster from my hand to the field. I choose Super Conductor Tyranno/LV 8/3300/1400)." A large, green dino in silver metal armor appeared.

"I activate Polymerization to fuse the two Cycloids in my hand. Fusion Summon Pair Cycloid(LV 5/1600/1200)." A two-seater cartoonish bike appeared. "He will use his ability to attack you directly (Taiki 2400/Syrus 4000). Cyber Dragon will destroy Jurrac Velo (Taiki 2000/Syrus 4000)."

"When you destroy Jurrac Velo, I can special summon a Jurrac monster with 1700 or less ATK from my deck. I choose a second Jurrac Velo(LV 4/1700/1000)."

"I end my turn with a face down." Syrus declared.

"Well, you're not half bad, but as someone I once dueled often says, 'I'm feeling the flow'." Taiki drew. "Just what I needed. I summon Jurrac Brachis(LV 3/1000/1000)." A small, long necked blue dino with flames all over its body appeared.

"Now the level 3 Brachis will give my level 4 Velo a tune up and Synchro for 7. Synchro summon Jurrac Giganto(LV 7/2700/1800 effect). His effects gives face up Jurrac monsters 200 more ATK per Jurrac monster in my grave. 3 monsters means 600 ATK."

Jurrac Giganto(LV 7/3300/1800 effect)

"You are certainly a cut above the last duelist I faced from this dimension." Syrus complimented.

"Just wait, you haven't seen anything yet." Taiki stated. "I activate my last face down Survival of the Fittest on Super Conductor Tyranno/LV 8/4300/1400 effect) granting him 1000 more ATK. Now he will attack Cyber Dragon."

"I activate Roid Defense. Since you are about to deal damage to me, I can special summon a level 4 or lower Roid monster from my deck and make the damage I take 0. I special summon Gyroid(LV 3/1000/1000) in defense mode." A blue, cartoonish helicopter appeared.

"That's fine because your Cyber Dragon is still destroyed which activates Survival of the Fittest's second effect allowing my Tyranno to make a second attack. He will destroy Pair Cycloid (Taiki 2000/Syrus 1300). Now Giganto will attack your Gyroid."

"Once per battle, Gyroid isn't destroyed." Syrus declared.

"Then, I'll set one card." Taiki declared.

Syrus drew. "Looks like I'm putting everything on the line. I activate Cybernetic Fusion Support. By paying half my life points, I can banish cards from my hand, field, or graveyard for the fusion summon of a Machine type monster (Taiki 2000/Syrus 650

That works out just fine because I'm using Power Bond to combine my Gyroid on the field with the two Cycloids, Pair Cycloid, and Cyber Dragon in my grave to Fusion summon Chimeratech Overdragon(LV 9/8000/8000 effect).

His effect grants him 800 ATK x the number of monsters used to fusion summon him. Couple that with Power Bound's ability to double the summoned monsters ATK. In addition, he can attack as long as you have monsters and equal to the materials used to summon him."

Taiki smiled. "Looks I can't win, but neither can you since I activate Jurassic Devastation. This trap works regardless of whose life points are higher. It destroys every monster on the field and, like Jurassic Impact, we both take 1000 points of damage per monsters we control."

Syrus was shocked. "You're taking us both out!"

Taiki smirked. "2000 damage for me and 1000 for you. Both our life points fall well under those ranges, so you tell me (Taiki 0/Syrus 0)."

Both duelists were knocked back. Syrus' duel disk beeped before he vanished into blue particles.

Taiki got to his feet. "Man, what did you get me into Rio?"

Kastle Residence

Yugo and Yuji walked down the road to find Zeera waiting for them while Crow was on his motorcycle.

Yuji checked his D-pad for updates. "Everyone from the Academy are currently tied up with other opponents and Lance Hogan is getting away."

Yugo said, "It does not matter. All of them aren't our main concern, and the necklaces we were supposed to keep us here for one duel beyond the transformation of the world. We'll have our second chance to take more for Academia. For now, let's just focus on defeating them."

Yuji grit his teeth as he wanted so badly to argue against the logic Yugo presented; however, the guy made a lot of sense.

Crow then road down to them. "You two already seem to be in discussion about it, so when one of you are ready, you can come to the nearby park to duel me."

He rode off, and Yuji stepped past Yugo. "You can handle Crow Hogan After all, you're a fan of motorcycles, right?" He shot out a red tether ensnaring Zeera as he continued to walk. "I will take on Zeera Henderson."

Yugo scoffed. "I like duel runner Ritual boy. Not some common motorcycle."

That said, Yugo walked off, and as the distance increased, Yuji felt better. The urge to duel or fight receded.

Yuji stopped across from her. "Greetings Queen of Games, Zeera Henderson. I can take it by your serious demeanor, and the fact you were prepared, you knew we were coming. My name is Yuji Rhoades and I am one of Academia's Generals."

"If you're wondering, my pendant gave me a warning." Zeera stated. "Now, I'm going to stop you No matter what it takes, you will not get my son."

Yuji nodded in acknowledgment. "We will see if you can hold true to your words."

D-pad go

Duel Gazer on

Augmented vision link established

(Zeera 4000/Yuji 4000)

"You can choose who goes first." Yuji stated.

"I will take the first turn." Zeera declared. "I normal summoned Speedroid Horse Stilts(LV 4/1100/1100)." The top half of a mechanical white and green horse with blue stilts for legs appeared.

"So that's her deck?" Yuji thought. "I wonder if she's even half as good with it as Yugo is with his?"

Zeera continued. "When this card is normal summoned, I can special summon a level 4 or lower Speedroid from my hand. I choose Speedroid Red-Eyed Dice(LV 1/100/100)." A single dice with red eyes appeared. "My Red-Eyed Dice will give Horse Stilts a tune up to Synchro for 5.

Synchro summon Hi-Speedroid Kendama(LV 5/2200/1600)." A large, blue Kendama appeared. "I activate his effect. By banishing Horse Stilts from my grave, I can deal you 500 life points of damage (Zeera 4000/Yuji 3500). I set one card."

Yuji drew. "I'm going to show you my Controlled Light Ritual spell which allows me to add Controlled Light Ritual Dragon to my hand from the deck. Next, I'll activate Controlled Light Ritual.

Now this Ritual Spell allows me to send any combination of 1 monster from deck and/or multiple monsters on my field. Doesn't matter so long as the stars equal or exceed seven. On that note, I'll send Vendread Battlelord from my deck to the grave to Ritual summon Controlled Light Ritual Dragon/LV 7/2500/2000). A white dragon with blue in its wings appeared.

Zeera was shocked. "That dragon looks like Clear Wing, Dark Rebellion, Starving Venom. What is this?"

"Now, my Ritual Dragon will destroy Kendama (Zeera 3700/Yuji 3500)." Yuji declared. "I set two cards."

Zeera drew. "On the Stand-By Phase, since you control a monster summoned from the extra deck, I can special summon Speedroid Skull Marble(LV 7/0/3000)." A long green and yellow train appeared.

"A high-level monster with 0 attack. It must have a powerful effect." Yuji thought. "Still, it's best to save my face downs."

"I then activate Call of the Haunted to return Hi-Speedroid Kendama(LV 5/2200/1600) to the field. I normal summon Speedroid Den-Den Daiko Duke(LV 3/1000/1000)." A small machine duke appeared.

"Now the level 3 Daiko Duke will give my Level 5 Kendama a tune up to Synchro for 8. Synchro Summon Crystal Wing Synchro Dragon(LV 8/3000/2500)." A dragon decked out in white armor appeared.

Yuji said, "I activate Vendread Reorigin. Now I target a monster on your field that has a level, then I can tribute it to summon a Vendread Token(LV 8/0/0) with a level equal to the tributed monster. You're Synchro Dragon is my target and my token will be in defense mode."

A zombie appeared kneeling before Yuji.

"Because that wasn't a monster effect, I couldn't save Crystal Wing." Zeera pointed at her remaining monster."Skull Marble will attack your dragon, and when he does battle with a monster of yours, you take all the battle damage (Zeera 3700/Yuji 1000). I set one card."

"My move then." Yuji drew. "I activate the Ritual Spell Revendread Slayer. With this, I can Ritual summon by sending a monster from my field or hand to the grave and/or banishing them from my graveyard.

So, I'll banish my LV 8 token to Ritual summon Revendread Executor(LV 8/3000/0)." A zombie in costume and wearing the armor of Battlelord appeared. "This is one of my aces besides my own dragons."

"I activate…" Zeera began.

"It doesn't matter what you're going to activate because I still have my second face down. Go Ritual Reload. Because I Ritual summoned, you can't activate Spells, Traps, or Monster Effects until my next stand by phase."

Zeera was shocked. "I lost."

"That you did as I no longer need to fear your Skull Marble's effect. Now Executor destroy Skull Marble (Zeera 700/Yuji 1000). Then my Ritual Dragon will attack you directly (Zeera 0/Yuji 1000)."

Zeera was knocked onto her back defeated. In that moment, both Crystal and Clear Wing Dragon turned into white lights before shooting into the sky. Yuji noticed this, but it didn't seem to stop Zeera from turning transparent and giving off golden particles.

The Vendred duelist approached Zeera and knelt beside her. "You fought a valiant battle, but your lose was predetermined."

Zeera sat up and glared at him. "Nothing is predetermined."

Yuji nodded. "Before joining Academia, I'd have agreed; however, now I know different. If it makes you feel any better, this first attack is the end of anything the Chancellor was certain of. The future is no longer written in stone."

Zeera got to her feet. "I don't believe a word out of your mouth, and if you think this is real, then you're wrong. I may not have known the Kastle siblings, like my son does, but they'll keep him out of your grasp."

"Your son's capture is a delusional fantasy ma'am." Yuji stated. "Lance was never meant to fall into our hands during this attack. You and Crow were. Just as you and another will be the only ones of the Synchro Dimension to remember your time here."

Zeera sighed. "You know, Lance will become stronger than Zack and I ever were. If Crow is destined to fall as I have, you've given him incentive to become the duelist I know he can be. Knowing him, he may fall hard, but he'll come back stronger than ever."

"We'll see about that ma'am." Yuji stated. "For now, you have some time to say your good-byes to who you wish; however, only Yuma and Lance will ever remember you existed. It's your choice."

Zeera closed her eyes. "I don't have to see my son because I can send him my love through the connection we share. If my appearance were to coincide with him waking up…" She shook her head. "I don't want to cause him any more pain than he will already be in."

"That's fair enough." Yuji stood and turned away from her. "It was an honor to duel you Zeera Hogan."

She gripped her pendant tightly. "Lance, your father and I loved you. Don't let anything or anyone tell you differently. I'm so sorry that we won't be around anymore." She vanished as Yuji walked away from the scene. "Please, stay strong."

With Kastle Sibling, Vega, and Lance

They continued running as Vega asked, "Where do we go mom?"

"We can cut straight through the park and take a right to arrive at the hotel." Rio glanced worriedly at Zack as he hadn't once opened his eyes. "We should hurry."

The ran into the park only for Hao and Noah to get in their way. They immediately shot out red tethers at Shark, but everyone was more prepared. Shark dodged to the right while Rio and Vega intercepted the tethers. They were prepared, but to do something different.

"Shark, leave this to us." Rio didn't want Vega to duel these guys, but she also didn't want Lance to be in danger. "We'll handle them."

Vega nodded. "Yeah, get going Uncle Shark."

Shark glared at Noah and Hao. "If you beat them, you'll be coming after me. If you hurt a hair on their heads, I'll pound you both into the ground."

With that, he ran on past the Fusion Dimension Soldiers which were fortunately the only opposition left from the Fusion Dimension.

Noah looked after Shark frustrated that Rio and Vega got in their way. "We need to end this fast Hao."

Hao sighed. "Very well, Noah."

Rio looked at Vega. "Be careful. They may not seem like the best team, but I can tell their dangerous."

Vega nodded. "Let's stop them from going after uncle and dad."

"Before we begin, there needs to be some rules established. Hao and I do not wish to waste time, so any of us can attack someone who has already taken their turn, we shall share life points but have our own fields, and we can all draw on the first turn. Agreed?" Noah offered.

Rio looked at Vega who nodded. "Agreed. I will…"

Vega spoke up. "Don't worry mom, I got this. Going first in this duel isn't that big a detriment to me."

Rio remembered that the Red-Eyes archetype had ways to deal out damage on the first turn much like Reginald just on a grander scale. "Right."ao

D-pad go

Duel Gazer on

Augmented vision link established

(Vega & Rio 8000/Hao & Noah 8000)

"Alright, time to start us off." Vega drew. "Just what I needed. I first activate Red-Eyes Fusion allowing me to use materials from my hand, field, or deck on the condition that I can't summon anything more for the rest of the turn.

I choose to fuse a Red-Eyes B. Dragon and Red-Eyes Archfiend of Lightning from my deck. Fusion Summon Archfiend Black Skull Dragon(LV 8/3200/2500)." A red and black skull dragon appeared.

"Instead of attacking, which he can't do this turn anyways, my Archfiend can target a Red-Eyes normal monster, shuffle it back into my deck, and deal you damage equal to half its attack. I just so happen to have a Red-Eyes B. Dragon to target (Vega & Rio 8000/Hao & Noah 6800).

That isn't even the end of it as Red-Eyes Fusion turns any monster I Fusion summon into a Red-Eyes B. Dragon meaning I can use Inferno Fire Blast. NowArchfiend deals you damage equal to his ATK of 3200 (Vega & Rio 8000/Hao & Noah 3600)."

Rio was impressed. "Whoa, that was amazing. You couldn't attack, yet you've already dealt over half their life points."

Hao sneered. "It matters not. I will go next, so end your turn."

"Alright, I set one card." Vega stated. "Your move."

Hao drew. "Now, allow me to show you what real Fusion Summoning can achieve. "I activate Dark Fusion to combine Elemental Heroes Avian and Burstinatrix in my hand. Fusion Summon Evil Hero Inferno Wing(LV 6/2100/1200)." A grey skinned female with a visor, fiendish claws, red outfit, and large wings appeared. "Now I attack your Archfiend Black Skull Dragon."

"Why would you do that?" Vega questioned. "My monster is stronger."

"Not when I activate Battle Fusion. When an attack is declared involving a Fusion monster I control, it can gain ATK equal to the ATK of your monster until the end of the turn." Evil Hero Inferno Wing(LV 6/5300/1200).

Now wipe out that dragon (Vega & Rio 6900/Hao & Noah 3600). That's not all for my monster's effect activates dealing you damage equal to the destroyed monster's ATK (Vega & Rio 3700/Hao & Noah 3600)."

"Just like that, Hao has evened up the field of play." Noah smirked. "You Xyzians are nothing compared to Academia. Even with more summoning methods coming to your world, you've been easy pickings for our forces this entire time."

"Don't count us out yet." Rio declared. "I don't know who you've been facing up to this point, but considering who you're after, I could wager a guess. The people I could guess gave it their all. If they still lost, then they'll come back stronger."

Noah shook his head. "Those that aren't already ejected from the world do have the chance to grow, but it won't help them in the long run. Academia is unbeatable."

"We'll see about that." Vega declared. "Mom. After Hao's turn, I know you'll end it. Especially since I can activate my face down Red-Eyes Burn. When a Red-Eyes monster is destroyed in any way, I can activate this trap. Now both sides lose life points equal to the ATK of Archfiend."

(Vega & Rio 500/Hao & Noah 400)."

Noah looked at Vega. "That kid is quite impressive with his combos. He may only appear five, but his skills are well beyond that." He smirked. "That was the last card you had on the field kid, so it looks like you aren't finishing this. Hao, wrap up your turn."

"You're starting to step out of the realm of orders I'm willing to follow Noah." Hao stated. "I set two cards."

Vega nodded to Rio. "Take them down."

Rio smiled back at him. "You got it, and I think I know just the monster to do it." She stared the two Academia Solders down. "This is the end. You two will not lay your hands on Lance!" She drew. "I summon Red Resonator(LV 2/600/200)." A fiery fiend appeared.

"When I normal summon a Resonator monster, I can special summon Red Warg(LV 6/700/2200 effect) from my hand, but his ATK is halved." A fierce, bipedal red wolf with flames coming off its body appeared.

"That's not all for when Red Resonator is normal summoned, I can special summon a level 4 or lower monster from my hand. So, I summon Dark Resonator(LV 3/1300/800)." A fiend in clothing with red eyes appeared.

"Now Red Resonator will give Red Warg a tune up, so that I may Synchro for 8. Synchro Summon Red Dragon Archfiend(LV 8/3000/2000)." A mighty black and red dragon appeared on the field and roared out into the night.

"Since I now control a Synchro monster, I can special summon Synchron Resonator(LV 1/100/100)." A fiend in purple robes appeared. "Now, I shall double tune Red Dragon Archfiend using the level 1 Synchron Resonator and level 3 Dark resonator to Synchro for 12."

"A level 12 Synchro summon!?" Noah stated in shock. "That should be impossible. Even for the distortion we created throughout the dimensions, an Xyzain shouldn't be capable of this."

"Clearly you've underestimated us!" Rio declared. "Now Synchro summon Hot Red Dragon Archfiend King Calamity(LV 12/4000/3500)." An enormous, four-armed silver dragon appeared.

"I activate one of my face downs. Supreme…" Hao began.

"Don't bother." Rio declared. "For when King Calamity is Synchro Summoned, I can activate the following effect. For the rest of this turn, you can't activate any effects. This means, you lose. Go King Calamity, destroy Evil Hero Infernal Wing (Vega & Rio 500/Hao & Noah 0)."

The Academia soldiers were blasted back by the resulting explosion, and not even a moment later, they vanished into blue particles.

"That seemed a little too easy." Vega looked at Rio. "I mean your monster was strong and seemed like it could win the duel, but still…"

Rio sighed. "I know what you mean Vega. By how they were acting, they seemed to have experience; however, they were cocky and wanted to get the duel over with. We weren't seen as threats. If they come back, I don't doubt it'll be different."

Vega nodded. "If they come back, I'll duel them alongside you and father." He just had this feeling in his chest that made him feel this way. Made him feel that he had to be there with Rio and Lance. "I won't let anyone hurt my family."

Rio smiled as she walked up to him and ruffled his hair. "You know, you're pretty mature for a kid, and a great duelist to boot." She walked towards the hotel. "Come on, Shark's probably gotten Lance to the hotel safely."

Park

Crow waited by his police motorcycle until Yugo walked into the park and up to him. "Took you long enough."

Yugo stopped across from Crow. "We don't all have rides Crow Hogan. Now, I'm here so prepare to lose."

"Seems we've had enough talk." Crow stated. "So, let's get to it."

D-pad go

Duel Gazer on

Augmented vision link established

(Crow 4000/Yugo 4000)

"I will go first." Yugo declared. "I activate Polymerization to combine Speedroid Den-Den Daiko Duke and Terrortop to Fusion Summon Clear Wing Machine Dragon(LV 7/2500/2000)." A metal Clear Wing Dragon appeared.

Crow stared at the monster. "A fusion, metal version of the Synchro Clear Wing Synchro Dragon?" He looked at Yugo. "Also, Speedroid monsters. This kid has cards Zeera doesn't. I'll need to be careful."

"I activate one of my Machine Dragon's abilities." Yugo declared. "By banishing one Machine-type monster from my grave, I can deal you 500 life points. I banish Terrortop (Crow 3500/Yugo 4000). I then end my turn."

"Not a bad move kid, but this duel has only just begun." Crow drew. "Blackwings are not to be underestimated. I first activate Black Whirlwind. This continuous spell will allow me to add a Blackwing from my deck to my hand any time I normal summon a Blackwing.

The only caveat is that the monster I add must have less attack then the monster I summon. I summon Blackwing-Kahut the Moon Shadow(LV 3/1400/1000)." A black bipedal bird with blond hair appeared.

"Whirlwind allows me to add a monster with less attack from my deck to my hand. The monster I added can be special summoned if it was added to my hand by card effect. Come on out Blackwing-Breeze the Zephyr(LV 3/1100/300)." A small, orange Blackwing appeared.

"Since I control a Blackwing, I can special summon Blackwing-Bora the Spear(LV 4/1700/800)." A yellow, purple, and red feathered, humanoid bird appeared wielding a drill spear. "Now, Breeze the Zephyr will give Bora and Moon Shadow a tune up to Synchro for 10.

Synchro Summon Blackwing-Full Armor Master(LV 10/3000/3000)." A humanoid bird in thick purple and gray armor appeared. "Now Full Armor will attack Machine Dragon (Crow 3500/Yugo 3500). I end my turn with one face down."

"Is that the best you got?" Yugo drew. "All you did was copy my move with slight variations, so allow me to show you something far greater. I summon Speedroid Red-Eyed Dice(LV 1/100/100)." A single dice with red eyes where the dots are appeared.

"Since I control a Wind monster, I can special summon Speedroid Taketomborg(LV 3/600/1200)." A small, colorful robot appeared. "Now I activate my dice's ability. I can target any other Speedroid monster I control and make their level anything from 1-6.

I target Taketomborg and make him a level 6 before using my Red-Eyed Dice to give him a tune up allowing me to synchro for 7. Synchro summon Clear Wing Synchro Dragon(LV 7/2500/2000)." The white, blue, and green dragon appeared.

"Clear Wing…" Crow looked at the familiar dragon only to be surprised by what Yugo did next.

"Now, I will perform a Fusion Summon using Clear Wing and your Full Armor Master." Yugo held up a hand. "Before you argue with me, this isn't exactly an effect, so your protections is worthless.

Fusion summon Clear Wing Strike Dragon(LV 10/3200/2500)." A crimson red and orange variation of Clear Wing Synchro Dragon appeared. "Now Strike Dragon will attack you directly Crow (Crow 300/Yugo 3500). I set one card."

Crow was shocked by the maneuver. "This kid is running circles around me, but I can't give up no matter how hopeless things look." Zeera and Lance crossed his mind. "My family is counting on me to win this, so I will!"

Crow drew. "I activate Pot of Greed allowing me to draw two cards. Now I normal summon Blackwing-Kochi the Daybreak(LV 4/700/1500)." A thin, purple bird appeared. "Since I control a Blackwing, I can special summon Blackwing-Harmattan the Dust(LV 2/800/800)."

A long legged, small bird appeared. "Now Kochi will give Harmattan a tune up and Synchro for 6. Synchro summon Blackwing - Nothung the Starlight(LV 6/2400/1600)." A bulky, humanoid Blackwing, that was black and purple, appeared wielding a large sword.

"When this monster is special summoned, you take 800 life points (Crow 300/Yugo 2700). In addition, I can target a monster you control and make it lose 800 ATK/DEF. Your Clear Wing Strike Dragon(LV 10/2600/1700 effect) is my target."

"Your monster is still too weak to defeat mine." Yugo declared.

"He is, but Nothung has a second effect allowing me an extra normal summon." Crow declared. "I summon Blackwing-Oroshi the Squall(LV 1/400/600)." A black bird appeared. "Now my Oroshi will give Nothung a turn up for 7.

Synchro summon Assault Blackwing - Chidori the Rain Sprinkling(LV 7/4700/2000 effect)." A human in black bird armor appeared. "He gains 300 ATK per Blackwing in my grave. 7 Blackwings equals 2100 more ATK.

I equip Assault Blackwing-Chidori the Rain Sprinkling(LV 7/5500/2000 effect) with Charging Blade granting him 800 ATK and dealing 400 damage x the number of Synchro materials. 2 monsters quals 800 damage (Crow 300/Yugo 1900). Chidori attack Strike Dragon."

"I activate my face down Follow Wing!" Yugo countered. "Now I target my Strike Dragon, and he can't be destroyed by battle."

"You still take damage." Crow declared.

"That's what you think." Yugo declared. "Follow Wing has another effect. If the monster under this trap is targeted for an attack, the monster is destroyed and my monster gains ATK equal to the destroyed monster's ATK." Clear Wing Strike Dragon(LV 10/8100/1700 effect).

Crow went wide eyed. "I'm out of cards in my hand and on the field."

"That means you are finished!" Yugo drew. "Strike Dragon wipe out Crow's life points (Crow 0/Yugo 1900)."

Crow was knocked onto his back and he became transparent and gave off golden particles. That's not all that happened as the Blackwing user had fallen well after his wife. As such, something odd was happening to the world.

There were white flashes going off all around it. Academia may not have been victorious in every duel, but that was fine as now irreversible changes had been made to the Xyz Dimension by their hands.

Unfortunately for them, they had not accounted for the backlash of the Xyz Dimension. Especially considering it was them who first altered this dimension by acquiring Link and Ritual the way they did.

One such form of backlash took place in the form of the complete mark of the Crimson Dragon appearing on Crow's back. This also brought forth a change with Crow as he now reverted to look like how he would in the Synchro dimension.

He was younger, but still retained his dark-grey eyes and brushy-spiked orange hair. He now wore a viridian headband embroidered with two rings at the right side. The rest of his outfit now consisted of blue jeans, a yellow t-shirt, and a sleeveless brown cargo vest.

"What is going on?" Yugo asked.

The Speedroid user knew some odd things would happen, but the question had to be asked.

Crow stood up as his eyes went wide. "I see…"

"What are you…" Yugo began.

Crow smirked. "You know, you may have defeated me; however, in this defeat I've been given a chance to help my son. I may not know what he'll face in the future, but the Crimson Dragon is telling me what to do. Academia has messed up. In this moment, the world is malleable."

"You're speaking nonsense in your final moments." Yugo stated unconfidently.

The white flashes continued to fade in and out over the world at an increased rate.

"Am I?" Crow smirked. "Let's find out." He held his right arm in the air. "Crimson Dragon hear my words. Grant Lance more power. In fact, considering he'll technically be receiving his mother's deck, grant him my deck as well. Let your power work with his!"

Yugo stepped back as a black light shot forth from Crow becoming a sphere. Then more spheres began to orbit around the black sphere, but Yugo was drawn to a black as night, white, and purple sphere that held his attention.

"As we speak, my son is awakening to who he is, and he will gain more power than you can imagine. As his father, I elect to take the time I have left and convert it to more power for him." Crow then faded. "Good-bye my son."

Yugo watched in shock as the spheres flew away. Not even a moment later, pure whiteness began to wash over the world. Yugo shook his head and quickly removed a pendent from around his neck before breaking it.

When the light faded, Yugo was still standing there. "This is an interesting development, but I'm not about to target Zack over it when I already got his father. No, I have someone else in mind, and hopefully Yuji will stay away. Yuma Tsukumo, you're in my sights."

Streets of Heartland

Yuji walked along the streets after the white faded. "Looks like Yugo finally beat Crow meaning there's only one more duel the two of us can compete in. Now, to hope Yugo and I don't cross paths. Yusaku Fujiki, I'm coming for you."