It was Alex's last day in the hospital, and Atticus had come to pick him up.

Alex: Where's everyone else?

Atticus: They said they were busy, but that they'd see you later.

Alex: Alright.

He got in the back seat of his uncle's car and they drove home. When they arrived, Alex opened the front door and saw all the lights were off. He flipped the light switch and was met with a pleasant surprise.

?: Surprise!

Yusei, Akiza, Leo, Luna, and even Jack were standing in Alex's living room with a banner behind them that read "Welcome Home Alex!"

Alex: What's all this for?

Luna: Atticus told us you were being discharged from the hospital today, so we got everyone together to throw you a welcome home party.

Alex: How'd you get Jack on board?

Jack: They wouldn't stop asking until I agreed. Nevertheless, welcome back Alex.

Alex: Thanks everyone. It's nice to know I still have people who care about me.

Yusei: Hey, we're all here for you. Whatever happens, we've got your back

Alex: Thanks Yusei.

That's when they heard a knock at the door. Atticus answered the door and saw a blue haired woman standing in front of him.

Atticus: Can I help you?

Mina: Yes. I'm looking for Yusei and everyone else.

Jack: Is that you Mina?

Mina: Yes.

Jack: You can let her in Atticus, she's trustworthy.

Atticus: If you say so. Come on in.

Mina: Akiza, there's something I need to show you.

Akiza: What is it?

Mina: We found these files in what was left of the Arcadia building. It appears Misty might have been telling the truth about her brother's disappearance.

Akiza: What?!

Mina: Just look. It appears that a number of the people who came to the Arcadia Movement couldn't control their powers and wound up severely hurting themselves. When these incidents happened, Sayer sent them to secret facilities for treatment. Unfortunately, it looks like the file that lists the locations of these facilities was either lost or destroyed.

Akiza: So then maybe Misty was right. I wish Sayer were still here. Then he could help us find her brother.

Mina: There's another reason I'm here. Director Goodwin wanted to see all of you, including you, Alex.

Atticus: If they're going to see Goodwin, I'm coming with them. I'm not about to let Alex out of my sight.

Mina: Alright. There's a car downstairs for the rest of you.

Alex: What do you think Goodwin wants?

Yusei: I don't know, but it would probably be a good idea to go and see him.

Akiza: Can we even really trust him? What about what he did to you and Alex?

Yusei: The truth is I don't trust him, but he seems to be the only one who knows what's happening. And with everything that's at risk, I can't risk not giving him a second chance.

Akiza: Well, when you put it that way, you can count me in.

Yusei: Glad to know I have your support.

Having settled the matter, they got into the car downstairs while Alex got in Atticus' car and they all drove to Goodwin's estate.

Goodwin: Thank you all for coming.

Jack: Alright Goodwin, we all know you're not exactly the kind to make social calls, so why don't we skip the pleasantries and get to why you called us here?

Goodwin: I see you are as impatient as ever Jack. Follow me.

They all followed him to an elevator and went down. They arrived at the floor and the door opened, revealing a hallway that looked like something out of an ancient temple before Goodwin lead them down the hallway.

Luna: Where are we going mister Goodwin?

Goodwin: To a very special room that holds the answers you seek.

Jack: The last time I was here, I left with more questions than answers.

Goodwin: Nice to know you didn't lose your sense of humor when you lost your title Jack.

They reached a large stone door and it opened to reveal a black room. Once they entered, the door closed behind them and a red light sprung up on the floor, lighting up the room like the night sky. They looked in front of them and saw a massive stairway-like monument standing there.

Yusei: What is that?

Goodwin: That is the stairway of the Crimson Dragon.

They looked at the gate that stood in front of the stairway and saw a symbol etched into it.

Yusei: That's the mark of the Crimson Dragon.

Goodwin: Correct. It is the symbol that binds you all and defines you as Signers, protectors of the world.

Just then, Yusei's, Luna's, Akiza's, and Jack's marks lit up and the Crimson Dragon then appeared in front of the stairway.

Alex: That's the Crimson Dragon?

Goodwin: Yes, and it has been influencing all of your lives, leading you to this very moment.

Alex: But then why am I here? I'm not one of the Signers.

Goodwin: To tell you the truth Alex, I do not know. But I can say for certain that you will play an important role in the battles to come, though what that role will be remains to be seen. You all fit an important role in this battle, even the smallest of you. I mean you Luna. Why don't you tell us about your gift?

Alex: You mean her ability to see duel spirits?

Goodwin: Yes, but it goes far beyond just that.

Luna: Sometimes when I duel, I get transported to a strange land. Some kind of spirit world where all the duel monsters are real.

Alex: For your sake I hope you never have to go to one of the more unpleasant spirit worlds.

Luna: When I was there, I met the Ancient Fairy Dragon. She was in charge, like the head spirit I guess, and she said that the spirit world was in danger, and they needed my help or all the duel spirits would be destroyed. I didn't understand at the time, but she must've been one of the dragons that fought the army of shadows, and she chose me to help.

Goodwin: You see, you all have gifts. Jack and Yusei were even able to glimpse into the past, they showed you the people of the stars, and the danger that awaits us all.

Atticus: But Alex has no business in this war. He's been through enough already. You all can finish this without him.

Goodwin: I don't seem to recall inviting you.

Atticus: As it stands, I'm Alex's only remaining family member, and as such, I'm responsible for him, and I won't allow him to be put in danger again.

Goodwin: I understand your concern, but you need to understand something as well. It is clear at this point that the Dark Signers will stop at nothing to take Alex's power for themselves, so Signer or not, he does have a role to play.

Atticus: I can keep him safe myself.

Goodwin: But are you capable of defending him from the power of the army of shadows? Whether or not you choose to accept it, the safest place for Alex is with Yusei and the other Signers.

Atticus looked like he was ready to keep the argument going, but Alex stopped him.

Alex: He's right. They won't stop until they have my power on their side, so I'd be safer going with Yusei.

Atticus: Fine, but I'm not leaving him, even for a moment.

Alex: Goodwin, there's something I want to know.

Goodwin: And what would that be?

Alex: What happens to the people who have been absorbed by the Earthbound Immortals? Are they gone forever?

Goodwin: Until the army of shadows is defeated, they are lost, giving more power to our enemies.

Alex: So if we win, everyone will come back?

Goodwin: That is correct. But that is easier said than done. You have dueled the Dark Signers twice, so you should know this more than anyone.

Alex: I don't think I could forget those duels no matter how long I lived. But I won't back down. I'll come at them with everything I have, and I won't stop until I beat them.

Goodwin: Alex, I understand how you must feel, but you must control your emotions, lest you become one of the taken.

Atticus put his hand and Alex's shoulder.

Atticus: It's okay bud. We're going to get everyone back.

Goodwin: But you must be cautious. The Dark Signers are unlike any duelists you have faced before. They have never lost.

Yusei: So what? Are you saying we've lost before the battle's even started?

Goodwin: I'm not saying there's no hope at all. But I wanted to be honest. There were three duels with true Dark Signers, and we nearly lost all of them thanks to the most powerful monsters ever. We're talking about primal forces, pure darkness. A foe many would choose to run from, but I ask that you do not, for you must face them together. But even if we do beat them, I can't promise we'll all be standing here again. Every war has its casualties, and some of us may be lost to the Netherworld. I hope you all can look into your hearts and make the decision this world needs, but be quick, as I'm afraid we don't have much time.

Leo: What kind of a pep talk is that?

Alex: It's not a pep talk Leo, he's just telling the truth.

Yusei: Alex, you've dueled against the Dark Signers, what kind of a chance do we have against them?

Alex: To be honest Yusei, I don't know. The truth is, Kalin and Misty were two of the strongest opponents I'd ever faced, you and Akiza included. And then there were their Earthbound Immortals.

Yusei: I remember. Jack and I were there when you dueled Kalin.

Alex: Seeing one and facing one are two different things Yusei. I'd never been scared of a duel my whole life, but those monsters, they terrified me. I couldn't stop either of them. I barely tied against Kalin, and I did lose to Misty. If Nightshroud hadn't gotten to me, I'd probably be with the Dark Signers right now.

Akiza: So do you think we can't win?

Alex: I'm not saying that. But Goodwin has a point. I can't guarantee everyone will walk out of this. But I don't care what my odds are. If there's even a 1% chance I can win, I'm going to duel with everything I have.

Yusei: I'm right with you Alex.

Akiza: So am I.

Luna: You can count us in.

Atticus: I know I'm not a Signer and I don't have any kind of powers, but I'm with you all the way Alex.

Jack: So am I.

Alex: Don't worry mom and dad, I'm going to save you. Just wait for me please.

Well Alex is back and ready to battle the Dark Signers. But will he be able to keep his calm when the time comes? I guess we'll have to wait and see. I hope you all have a great day, and are staying safe.