This is the last chapter of ARC 5 of "Crimson Star Priestess (New Version)", but not the last chapter of the series. We still have one arc for the first book of the "Crimson Star Priestess" series.
Special thanks to FlowersHeart17 who gave me a couple of ideas that are featured in this chapter!
The chapter begins in Estelle's point of view.
Disclaimer: I do not own any Yu-Gi-Oh! 5D's characters! I only own my OCs!
Chapter 101: The Duel for the Future
It was devastating to see how Sherry's team got defeated by Team New World. To my surprise, Iliaster hadn't used their Meklords. It was obvious they were saving their best cards for the last, meaning against Team 5D's…or Team Ragnarok.
"Damnit!" Crow cursed loudly after we had watched the Turbo Duel on the television in our VIP room. "Iliaster made it to the finals!"
"They were so powerful even without their Meklords", Leo said in slight awe. "And their machine Monsters were so cool!"
"Don't admire the enemy, Leo!" Jack scolded him, causing the young boy to flinch in fear.
"S-Sorry!" Leo yelped.
"I'm just glad Aki, Sherry, and Mizoguchi didn't get hurt", Luna sighed in relief.
"Yeah…", Carly nodded. "That Turbo Duel was intense."
"Ladies and gentlemen! We'll be taking a quick commercial break while the staff inspect the Duel lane to make sure it's clear to go when it's time for the second semifinal of the day with Team Ragnarok versus Team 5D's!" the MC announced. "Which team will battle Team New World for the title as the first Champions of the World Racing Grand Prix? Stay tune to find out! See you all after the break!"
As soon as the announcement was over, the television screen showed the title of the Grand Prix before it switched into commercials, mainly from the businesses that were sponsoring the tournament.
"Can we go check on Aki and the others?" Luna suggested.
"Sure. We do need to prepare our Runners for the Turbo Duel", Yusei nodded.
Bruno grabbed the remote control and turned the television off before we left the VIP room.
"I'm getting a little nervous…", Leo confessed in a hesitant voice. "Team Ragnarok is said to be powerful with their Aesir… But I know you can beat them, Yusei, Jack, Crow!"
Jack snorted loudly. "My last victory against Dragan may have been set up, but this time I swear this is going to be a genuine Turbo Duel!" he exclaimed determinedly.
"And you're going to win with your own power, Jack!" Carly encouraged him.
"Of course!" Jack said proudly with a smirk on his face.
"Leave some crumbs for us, Jack!" Crow told his foster brother. "Yusei and I want to take part of the fun too!"
"But we cannot relax and have fun this time", Yusei suddenly spoke up. "We must win this Turbo Duel so we can defeat Illiaster…" He looked at me with a concerned glance in his eyes before they turned stoic again. "…and make sure Estelle doesn't end up with Team Ragnarok."
The mood dropped a little bit when he said that, so the atmosphere became a little awkward. I didn't like the depressing aura, so I wanted to cheer them up. "I have confidence you will win against Team Ragnarok, so prove to them you're powerful enough to destroy Iliaster", I tried encouraging the trio.
"She's right", Bruno agreed. "Besides, you have your secret trump cards if it comes down to it."
"I'll prove to Team Ragnarok that it takes more than the cold northern winds to extinguish Red Dragon Archfiend's Blazing Soul!" Jack exclaimed determinedly.
"I'll make sure to keep the winds at bay with Stardust Dragon", Yusei said as he held his right hand up before he clenched it into a fist.
"Black-Winged Dragon may not have an evolved form, but my Blackwings will support you to the very end!" Crow nodded determinedly. "After all, family sticks together!"
"You better live up to your words, Team 5D's", Sherry's voice spoke up.
I looked up ahead and spotted Team Royal Knights walking toward us. Sherry, Aki, and Mizoguchi were carrying their helmets like knights preparing for departure for battle, but this time they were retreating after the defeat.
"Aki! Sherry! Everyone!" Luna called in relief.
"You Dueled great out there", Crow tried complimenting them.
"I appreciate the consolation, but we weren't strong enough to crush Iliaster", Sherry said with a soft shake of her head.
"But we've learned a lot from the defeat", Aki said. "I now know which cards I need to switch out to make my Deck stronger."
"A wise man learns from the mistakes he acknowledges", Mizoguchi nodded.
"Still, it was a cheap trick to use effect damage to claim victory, especially in the last Duel", Sakura commented.
"But that's not against the official rules, Sakura", Mei pointed out.
"True…", Sakura pouted softly.
"Team Royal Knights' fight may be done, but we're still part of Team 5D's, so… Don't let us down by getting defeated by Team Ragnarok", Sherry eyed Yusei with serious eyes.
"We'll do our best to win and advance to the final Turbo Duel", Yusei replied with eyes that reflected the same emotion as in the female blonde Signer's eyes.
XXXXXXXXXX
Our team had enough time to park the Duel Runners in the garage connected to our pit before the commercial break was over and the news were continuing sending the Grand Prix live. We were instructed to walk out to the front of the pit to face Team Ragnarok who stood ready at the other side of the expressway. Their crew consisted of Harald's butler, Judai, Johan, and a couple of people who obviously were part of the pit crew.
"Welcome back, viewers from home! It's almost the finals of the first-ever WRGP tournament!" the MC called as soon as the cameras were zoomed in on him. "In A Block, Team New World already made the finals. Who will win this Duel and advance to the finals to battle Team New World? Will it be Jack Atlas and Fudo Yusei's Team 5D's? Or will it be Team Ragnarok with their three god-powered Aesir cards?"
After the brief introduction, we returned to the pit to prepare for the Turbo Duel. Jack rolled his Duel Runner out to the pit from the garage so Bruno could make final checks. Carly gave Jack a water bottle so he could take a few sips to moisten his throat while waiting.
"Dragan's going first, huh…?" Crow mumbled.
"You think it's a coincidence, or it was meant to be?" Leo asked.
"I think it's fifty-fifty", I replied. "Jack and Dragan did end up Dueling in the anime."
"So you know what the outcome of the Duel will be, Estelle?" Luna wondered.
"Yes, but anything can change, so I can't confidently say who will win", I shook my head.
"If Dragan dares to hesitate even once, I'll make sure to snap him out of it and Duel me genuinely!" Jack exclaimed as he shoved the water bottle back into Carly's arms and put his helmet on. "And I'll win this time without any help of an outside source!"
I heard from Goodwin yesterday evening how he got confronted by Jack about Dragan's accusation of their Duel in the past being fixed. My adoptive father confessed it was all true and it was for keeping Jack's old image spotless. Goodwin had apologized for using the Signer in the past schemes, but also encouraged him to prove to the world that he can win with his own power.
"All set!" Bruno called after closing a compartment on Jack's Duel Runner. "You're good to go, Jack."
"About time", Jack frowned before he sat down on the Runner and inserted his Deck in the Wrist Dealer. "This time, Red Dragon Archfiend will incinerate Thor, Lord of the Aesir."
Those were his last words before he drove out to the main lane where Dragan was waiting on his Duel Runner. Bruno, Leo, Luna, and I sat down on the four seats in front of the desk where we had set up two laptops to keep tracks of the Turbo Duel and data from the Duel Runners. At this point, I was getting a little nervous myself.
I knew Team 5D's won in the anime, but there had been so many different events that never occurred, so I prayed the Satellite Trio would defeat Team Ragnarok. I didn't want to leave my precious friends' side. We promised we were going to fight against Iliaster together and I was going to keep my part of the promise.
I felt a hand on my right shoulder, so I looked up to see who it was. Yusei stood right behind me and rested his hand on me, but his eyes were staring straight out at the lane. It felt nice having his hand on me, so I responded by placing my right hand on top of his to show I appreciated it. He gently squeezed my shoulder in return, which made me smile with a soft blush on my cheeks.
"The first Duelists Jack and Dragan are at the starting line!" the MC spoke up. "The match is about to begin!"
The Speed World 2 Field Spell was activated as the holographic screen with the countdown appeared in front of the two Turbo Duelists. The audience got eerie silent as everyone in the small stadium waited for the countdown to hit zero.
As soon as the lamp turned green, Jack and Dragan drove ahead in extreme speed, fighting for the first turn.
"Turbo Duel! Acceleration!"
"GO, JACK!" Carly yelled all of the sudden. "YOU CAN WIN THIS!"
I flinched as my ear vibrated by the ridiculously loud voice. "Carly!" I shouted irritably. "Watch your voice!"
"Oops! Sorry…", Carly laughed sheepishly.
"Geez, sometimes I wonder how Jack can pull up with you…", Crow muttered quietly.
XXXXXXXXXX
This was one of the most anxious moments I ever had in my life. Team Ragnarok showed no mercy throughout the whole Turbo Duel. When hope seemed lost, the Satellite Trio recovered and fought back with everything they had with the help of the Signer Dragons. The power of the Aesir actually made damage real in the Turbo Duel, so that made me extra worried. Was this the way the three Aesir showed their disapproval to the Signer Dragons and indirectly told them to stay out of Team Ragnarok's path so they could annihilate Iliaster?
Every time one of the three Aesir appeared, I felt something odd within me, like the northern winds summoned by the gods of the north were calling for me. I never once felt these sensations before, not even as the Crimson Dragon's Priestess. Was this part of me being a Valkyrie like Team Ragnarok claimed?
In the end, Yusei brought victory to Team 5D's after defeating Harald with a direct attack after the three Aesir were banished by Harald's card effect and they were unable to resurrect again. I didn't realize I had hold my breathe in the whole time, so as soon as the Turbo Duel was over I exhaled deeply and relaxed my tense body while my friends cheered for the victory.
"The winner of the incredible WRGP semifinal battle is Team 5D's!" the MC announced just as Yusei drove into the stadium with Harald following behind him. Shooting Star Dragon was still flying in the air as the two Duelists parked on the main lane. The audience was not only chanting Yusei's name but also Harald's, thanking both Duelists for an amazing Duel.
I was still exhausted, so I stayed behind as my friends ran out to the lane to congratulate Yusei. Leo threw himself into Yusei's arms and gave him a big hug. It took a couple of seconds before I felt the strength return to my legs, so I stood up and walked calmly out to the lane. Dragan, Brave, Judai, and Johan walked up to Harald for a quick talk before Harald's butler served him a cup of hot beverage.
Yusei had gotten off his Duel Runner and handed his helmet to Leo, which was perfect. He noticed me walking up to the group and was about to raise his hand for a wave when I took the final step and gave him a hug. I could tell he got caught off guard by my sudden move because his body froze for a moment.
"You did it, Yusei…", I told him quietly as my head rested against the nape of his neck.
Yusei's body relaxed before he wrapped his arms around me, one by the waist and the other by the shoulder blades. "Yeah…", he replied with a nod. "But I couldn't have done it without everyone's help."
I nodded in return before I moved back so we were no longer hugging each other. "Just one more Duel to go…", I said. "Don't forget your promise."
"Of course not", Yusei chuckled.
"Team 5D's", Harald spoke up.
Team Ragnarok's key members walked up to us with relaxed auras. None of them looked sour by the defeat. In fact, they looked relieved, like they had been reborn.
"Destiny has chosen you to fight in the final battle", Harald said. "We're counting on you."
"Don't worry. We'll defeat Iliaster", Yusei promised.
Harald nodded before he turned to me. "And a promise is a promise. You may stay with Team 5D's, Estelle."
"I'll always be with them, Harald", I replied with a small smile. "So… Does this mean we're allies now instead of enemies?"
Harald held up the card of Odin that glowed for a brief moment. "The three Aesir acknowledge their defeat", he informed us. "They are accepting the affiliation between our teams, now and in the future."
"So we don't have to headbutt each other anymore?" Crow asked with a grin.
"Nope. Now we'll put our heads together to protect our home", Brave replied with a grin himself.
"I feel satisfied after the Duel we had, Jack", Dragan commented. "My pride as a Duelist has returned. Thank you for the great Duel."
"Don't let anyone tell you how you should Duel from now on", Jack replied with a smile. "You should only listen to yourself and the heart of the cards!"
"A famous Muto Yugi quote", Judai chuckled. "Watching this Duel thrilled me so much that I want to have a Duel right now!"
"Me too, but how about we have the Duel after the World Racing Grand Prix, Judai?" Johan suggested.
"Okay…", Judai pouted disappointingly.
"Ladies and gentlemen!" the MC suddenly spoke up. "After today's semifinals, we have the two teams that will battle for the title of the first champions of the World Racing Grand Prix! Team New World and Team 5D's! Which team will be victorious? We are supposed to find it out on Friday, but I just received a report that the lanes have been damaged by this Duel, so we are postponing the final Turbo Duel to Saturday for repairs! See you in three days, everyone!"
Harald, Dragan, and Brave looked a little uncomfortable and even guilty when they heard the news. Brave held back a sheepish chuckle as he scratched his cheek while Dragan looked away with his arms crossed and Harald looked down at the teacup in his hands.
"Säg åt gudarna att ta det lugnt med deras krafter nästa gång, grabbar (Tell the gods to take it easy with their powers next time, guys.)", I calmly scolded the trio.
"Visst, syrran (Alright, sis.)", Brave grinned.
"Syrran? (Sis?)" I repeated in surprise.
"Ja, för du är från Skandinavien, precis som vi (Yeah, 'cause you're from Scandinavia, just like us.)", Brave explained.
I giggled at that comment. "Okej då, brorsan. (Alright then, bro.)"
XXXXXXXXXX
Bolger & Company offered to repair both the internal and external damage on the Duel Runners so Yusei, Jack, and Crow could let their bruises heal that were inflicted during the Turbo Duel with Team Ragnarok. Everyone took it easy during the two free days, including myself, but I was actually getting nervous for the final Turbo Duel. The upcoming Duel was going to determine whether the Ark Cradle was going to enter this era or not, depending on the completion of the Circuit.
I was home during the two days to comprehend the current situation. On the first free day, I got a call from Carly who begged me, Aki, Leo, and Luna for help to write a special World Racing Grand Prix article to introduce the members of Team 5D's. I chose not to come over because I wasn't feeling for it, but I stayed on the call so I could help out with the article, especially when it was my turn.
It took a while until Carly finished writing my part of the article and we went through it to make sure it was correct.
Team 5D's backup Duelist; Estelle Malmström-Goodwin
Her origins are unknown, but it is stated she comes from the cold tundra of Sweden. After New Domino City got connected to Satellite by the Daedalus Bridge, she got adopted by the Director of Sector Security, Rex Goodwin, making her his first and only child. After her performance at the Fortune Cup, she received the title New Domino City's Shining Star.
Born with autism, Estelle had a tough childhood growing up by being mistreated by other children, but thanks to the rough past, it made her resilient as an adult. Kind to the core, she gives a voice to the ones who are unable to speak up for themselves.
Her ace Monster is the first Level 11 Synchro Monster to be introduced in Duel Monsters' history; Star Eater, but it was discovered she possesses cards of the mythical Blue-Eyes White Dragon owned by Kaiba Seto, CEO of KaibaCorp. Because of that, many wondered if she is a Kaiba, but it's been confirmed she isn't biologically related to the Kaiba family.
That was enough as an introduction, and so was it for the other members, including Carly, before she sent the article to the magazine and also posted it on her blog with hashtags related to Team 5D's and the World Racing Grand Prix. It didn't take long before the article online was read over ten thousand times and the number of views and likes increased for each minute.
I was relieved that the original scene from the anime never happened with Mina showing up and bothering Carly and Stephanie entering the apartment to serve Carly some coffee, but then ended up tripping on a cable and ruined the reporter's laptop and the article. I guess after Jack's warnings, Carly's love rivals didn't dare to bother her as much as they used to.
XXXXXXXXXX
The evening before the final day of the World Racing Grand Prix, Yusei summoned everyone from both Team 5D's and Team Royal Knights, minus Mei and Sakura, to join him by the course to have one last joint meeting before the main Turbo Duel that was going to determine the fate of New Domino City. We were looking at the night sky with one target for our eyes; the Ark Cradle. Non-Signers were unable to see it, unless they were touching a Signer. Mizoguchi rested a hand on Sherry's shoulder just like Bruno who had placed a hand on Yusei's shoulder and Carly had her hand on Jack's shoulder so they could see the threat that was hovering above New Domino City.
The Ark Cradle had gotten more visible during the last couple of days since Yusei, Bruno, and Sherry returned from the infiltration mission. Thankfully, the structure was still being held back by the chains of the Circuit, so it was only a thread away from entering this era.
"T-That's the thing that might destroy the city?!" Carly asked in shock.
"Yes. It's come a little closer…", Luna mumbled worriedly.
"That's humanity's final Momentum", Yusei informed us. "My father said that I can't allow it to approach."
"That island is going to appear at New Domino City?" Crow asked.
"Yeah", Yusei nodded in response.
"I better take a picture!" Carly said before she removed her hand from Jack to lift her camera up to take a picture. She let out a confused tweet before she lowered the camera when she noticed she couldn't see the Ark Cradle. "Why can't I see it? I can't get the scoop!"
All of the sudden, the holographic sphere of the stadium switched on and revealed the Three Pure Nobles!
"Iliaster!" Aki gasped in surprise.
"What do you three want?!" Sherry demanded with a growl.
"Like I thought, the Crimson Dragon's Signers have made the finals", Primo spoke up.
"Everything is just as planned", Lester laughed.
"Primo, Jakob, and Lester!" Yusei exclaimed. "We know what your objective is! We'll stop you from bringing the Ark Cradle to this era and protect our home!"
"I see you've been informed about the Ark Cradle", Primo chuckled. "To confirm your guesses, I'll tell you. That is the Ark Cradle, god's castle. The land where Ileidos sleeps."
"Ileidos?" Jack repeated in a confused voice.
"Is that another name for your leader Z-one?" I asked.
"When Team New World wins the WRGP, the Ark Cradle will show its true self and land on the earth", Jakob said, ignoring my question. "And when that happens…"
"New Domino City will be destroyed, and the world will be reborn", Lester finished before laughing like a maniac.
"We won't allow that to happen, Iliaster!" a feminine voice spoke up.
We turned our heads to the left side and spotted Goodwin and Ish standing next to the Duel lane, both of them having serious expressions.
"Goodwin! Ish!" I called in surprise.
"Well, if it isn't the Director of Sector Security", Primo said sarcastically. "It was part of our plan to become the new Directors after your death, but thanks to a certain Priestess, we were unable to. And the power of the Crimson Dragon is still lingering within you, so Infinity didn't work on you when we attempted to erase you from history."
Goodwin and Ish walked to us and joined the group before they turned to the holographic sphere with determined expressions. "As long as I'm alive, I will continue protecting the city with everything within me", my adoptive father said. "I know the Signers will stop the Ark Cradle from putting the city into ruins."
"Do you three swear the Ark Cradle shall not appear in this time if the Signers defeat you?" Ish asked in a serious voice.
"I thought it was already clear, woman", Jakob responded. "The Signers must defeat us if they wish to protect their home."
"Even though that's impossible", Lester shrugged.
"We'll show you our true power in tomorrow's finals, Team 5D's", Primo stated before the holographic sphere faded away, leaving Lester's shivering laughter echoing around us.
"The fate of the city is in our hands", Yusei said after a few seconds of silence.
"And the fate of the world", Jack added.
"That is your destiny", another new voice spoke up.
This time we turned to the empty stands where Harald, Dragan, and Brave stood at the very front, all three of them dressed in casual clothes. Their Rune Eyes were glowing, so they must have surely seen the Ark Cradle.
"The only way to save the world is to defeat them", Harald told us. "Our Rune Eyes have the power to save the world from danger. The Rune Eyes have entrusted the Crimson Dragon to defeat Team New World."
"If we win, we can stop it?" Crow asked to be extra certain.
The only response he received was a silent nod from Harald.
"By winning the Duel…", Yusei mumbled quietly.
"Then our mission is clear!" Jack shouted determinedly. "We'll use all our strength in tomorrow's finals!"
"And we'll win and save New Domino City and the world!" Yusei nodded.
"We are counting on you, Team 5D's", Goodwin said. "Win, and protect our world."
I noticed Bruno had been silent the entire time. He was staring at the dark sky with hazy eyes. I assumed he knew he was going to find his answers and recover his memories after the final Turbo Duel of the Grand Prix.
XXXXXXXXXX – Normal POV
Everyone returned home to get some sleep for the finals the next day. Some had a difficult time falling asleep while worrying about the fate of the world and some fell asleep almost right away. However, two members of Team 5D's somehow ended up having the very same dream where they found comfort with one another.
XXXXXXXXXX
In his dream, Yusei found himself standing on a beach with beige sand that shone like diamonds in the light of dawn. The waves from the ocean splashed against the shore before withdrawing to make way from the next waves. The sky was slowly shifting from royal blue to orange and pink as the sun was raising up in the horizon.
The view that could almost be called a painting wasn't what Yusei was focused on. It was the slim figure standing on the beach with her feet getting splashed by the gentle waves. He recognized the back of the person, especially in the long red robes and the golden tiara on top of her head, and the brown hair that was being blown by the morning breeze.
"Estelle", Yusei called as he walked toward her.
Estelle snapped out of her trance after staring at the horizon for who knew how long and looked over her shoulder to see the Signer with the Mark of the Head walk up to her. "Yusei", she smiled.
"What are you doing here?" Yusei asked as he stood next to the Priestess.
"Just watching the sunrise", Estelle replied before turning back to the ocean. "Enjoying the beautiful view before the final Duel tomorrow."
"Ah", Yusei said. "Can I stay here with you?"
"Of course", Estelle nodded.
The pair stayed on the beach while watching the sunrise in silence. The only noise came from the waves that kept licking their naked feet, but they ignored the cold sensation from the water. They were focused on the moment they shared together. Unconsciously, their hands were drawn to each other, so they intertwined the hands as they stood side by side.
"Yusei…", Estelle spoke up, breaking the silence.
"Yeah?" the male responded.
The Priestess turned to Yusei with eyes full of concern and used her free hand to properly hold his right hand. "Promise me you'll be careful…", she said as tears gathered in her eyes. "I don't want anything bad happening to you, Jack, and Crow. This will be one of the deadliest Duels you three will ever have."
A stray tear ran down Estelle's cheek as she kept the eye contact with the Signer. Yusei gave her a tiny smile before he raised his left hand to wipe the trace of the tear off her cheek before he gently cupped it. The young man noticed he wasn't wearing his gloves so he could feel his crush's smooth skin. Even if this was just a dream, every touch felt so real.
"I promise…", Yusei whispered with eyes shining in determination. "I will return after saving New Domino City. After all, I still have something important to tell you."
Estelle removed her right hand from the hand she was holding and placed it on top of Yusei's hand that rested on her cheek. She closed her eyes for a moment and leaned her cheek into the man's palm, taking the opportunity to enjoy the skin contact. Yusei's heart nearly soared in his chest by the sight. His hands were rough and hard after years of mechanics and fights he got involved with back in the old days, even though he tried taking good care of them by using hand creams whenever he found half empty tubes thrown away in Satellite and protective gloves to make less damage to the hands. Yet the woman in front of him nuzzled his palm like it was a soft pillow.
The brunette opened her eyes and smiled warmly at Yusei. "I will wait for you, Yusei", Estelle told him. "I have something to tell you too."
Yusei smiled and leaned his forehead so it was touching hers, their noses slightly rubbing against each other. "I'll be all ears…", he whispered.
Estelle removed her hand from the man's hand that still rested on her cheek and cupped his cheek with the marker. The pair stared in each other's eyes and felt themselves being drawn to one another. They both had held back their feelings for such a long time that they couldn't help but wanting to get a taste of the love between them.
The Priestess and the Signer closed their eyes as they were pulled in by one another and shared a kiss just as the sun embraced them with its warm light, blessing them with a bright and hopeful future.
XXXXXXXXXX
Estelle and Yusei smiled in their sleep and cuddled in their separate beds as their dream selves had their first kiss. Their Marks briefly shone in a light shade of pink until the two secret lovers fell into a dreamless sleep with the remnants of the affection they felt for one another in the dream.
Tomorrow, they were finally going to make their dream a reality.
XXXXXXXXXX
The final Turbo Duel of the World Racing Grand Prix started fast with Team New World's first two Duelists, Lester and Primo, intentionally losing against Team 5D's first Duelist, Jack, which was part of their plan. For the finals, they used their Meklord Decks, which caught the audience off guard since they have never seen the Meklord Emperors before. The Turbo Duel became violent when Jakob took over as the last Turbo Duelist of Team New World. He crushed Jack and Crow like flies by making the damage real with the help of Iliaster's power. Thankfully, both Turbo Duelists of Team 5D's made it back to the team pit to pass the baton without getting disqualified before they lost consciousness and were brought to the infirmary. However, the large price they were forced to pay was losing Jack's Red Nova Dragon to Meklord Emperor Granel that had absorbed it to use it for its evil deed.
The rest was up to Yusei and Black-Winged Dragon that Crow managed to pass to him before the end of his losing turn.
Jakob decided to reveal the truth about the future and showed the Signers and the Priestess the visions that he, Lester, and Primo had experienced throughout their life when they were one entity. Due to Yusei's influence, the world had swiftly evolved and brightened up the future with the help of Synchro Monsters. However, with the extremely fast evolution and greed to try satisfying humanity's hunger for more came the massive growth of negative emotions. The negative feelings affected the Ener-D Reactors that were scattered across the world and created the Meklord Emperors. The machines fed on the people's dark feelings and massacred the humans, which led to the Meklord Emperor Genocide.
The Signers witnessed how Lester, the entity's childhood despair, lost both his parents to the Meklords when they were running for their lives to escape the ruined city. Then it was the visions of Primo, the entity's young adulthood despair, of when he joined the resistance and fought the Meklords with his lover whom he lost in an ambush, including his right eye. And last was Jakob, the entity's old adulthood despair, chosen by destiny to survive to the dead planet after a worldwide Zero Reserve, of how he traveled across the world in search for other survivors to no longer be alone.
None of the Signers wanted to believe these visions really was their world's future, but Estelle confirmed this was the path of humanity's destruction if they kept going down on the same road, unless they were able to make a turn by a fork to change it.
The Grand Prix switched into massive chaos, worse than the Diablo invasion, after Yusei and Shooting Star Dragon destroyed Meklord Emperor Granel. That's when the three androids of the Pure Nobles combined, revealing their true form, the one entity who had survived the apocalyptic future and was reborn as an android to change history; Aporia, the guardian of despair.
The Turbo Duel continued with Aporia being Yusei's opponent by summoning his ultimate Monster; Meklord Astro Mekanikle. A chain reaction activated with the new Meklord unleashing part of its power into the sky and forced lightning bolts to strike across New Domino City. The citizens screamed in fear and ran for their lives, trying to escape the lightning bolts and destruction. Even the stadium got attacked by the lightning, so the audience evacuated so they wouldn't die. The Team 5D's crew remained in their pit as they refused to run away. The Mark of the Signers and the Priestess began glowing, giving them protection when one lightning bolt almost struck the pit crew. It only got worse when Aporia activated Meklord Astro Mekanikle's effect and absorbed Yusei's Shooting Star Dragon.
Aporia decided to show the Signers and the Priestess the last memories of his former mortal life. Weakened in both body and mind, old Aporia was about to give up finding survivors when his prays got answered by three individuals; Paradox, Antinomy, and Z-one. As the last four survivors on Earth, they founded Iliaster and tried using the technology they reconstructed to find a way to resurrect mankind and the destroyed planet, but their experiments were futile. Paradox and Antinomy passed away by old age before they could accomplish their goal. Ultimately, on his deathbed, Aporia begged Z-one to create three androids based on the three despairs he had experienced in his life and send them to the past so they had a chance rewriting history.
And by rewriting history, Iliaster was determined to erase New Domino City that constructed the first Ener-D Reactor from the historical timeline so the future wouldn't fall into ruins.
Forced off the Duel lane, Yusei and Aporia continued their Turbo Duel on the public road. The Signer led his opponent to the empty grounds of the old B.A.D. area of Satellite so the bystanders wouldn't get in danger. The Signer managed to retrieve Shooting Star Dragon by the cost of the Monster losing its effects and be turned into a Normal Monster.
Yusei almost lost hope after being corned, but then he sensed his friends' encouragement through his Mark. Jack and Crow, both of them still sore from their Turbo Duel against Jakob, showed up on their Duel Runners and supported Yusei, telling him he wasn't alone in this fight. With new hope growing within him and remembering he had a promise he needed to fulfill, Yusei was determined to defeat Aporia and stop the Ark Cradle from destroying the world. With the bond the Satellite Trio shared, they fused their strength into one for Yusei and defeated Aporia and his Meklord with their three Signer Dragons.
Aporia was engulfed by the explosion of his Meklord and the sheer force of the explosion ripped his circuits apart. He lost control over his Duel Runner, so it kept thundering forward until it crashed into the ocean and sank to its doom.
The battle was over and so was the World Racing Grand Prix.
"The WRGP finals had many unexpected twists and turns!" the MC announced as the chaos in the city had died down now that Aporia was defeated. "What a historic battle! The first-ever champions that stand atop all Turbo Duelists are…Team 5D's!"
The people of the city cheered and chanted the team's name while thanking the Satellite Trio for protecting them from the destruction. Yusei, Jack, and Crow drove back to the stadium where their friends were waiting for their safe return.
"It's the triumphant return of Jack Atlas, Crow Hogan, and Fudo Yusei!" the MC's voice echoed in the empty stadium.
The three childhood friends parked their Runners in the middle of the lane and got off them as their friends rushed over to them. "Yusei!" Leo and Luna shouted as they ran into his arms.
"You did it!" Luna smiled.
"Yeah", Yusei nodded as he, Jack, and Crow gave their friends a thumbs up.
"You really had us worried, guys", Bruno commented.
"Thank the Crimson Dragon you returned with your lives intact", Estelle sighed in relief.
"Jack!" Carly shouted as she ran to said Signer. "You did it, Jack!"
"It went as expected", Jack bragged with his held high up.
"Team 5D's", Harald spoke up as he, Dragan, and Brave walked up to the group. "You did it."
"You're thanking us too?" Crow asked while secretly eyeing Brave.
"Of course", Brave nodded before holding his fist up.
Crow couldn't help but grin with a tiny hint of pink blush on his cheeks before bumping fist with the older man. "We accept!" he smiled.
"Congratulations on your victory", Sherry spoke up as she and her teammates joined the gathering.
"Sherry. Aki. Mizoguchi", Yusei greeted them.
"I was worried you were going to lose out there, but you pulled it through…like always", Aki commented.
"I had to…so I could protect our home", Yusei replied. "I knew you were cheering for me and that gave me strength. Thank you, everyone."
"Everyone!" Mina shouted so she could get everyone's attention. "Director Goodwin and Mr. Kaiba are here!"
Everyone got silent as Goodwin, Ish, and Seto walked out to the main lane with poker faces, but they were in fact hiding their proud smiles. Goodwin carried a trophy that had been designed exclusively for the World Racing Grand Prix while Ish was being escorted by Seto as they had their arms linked. Trudge walked behind the trio as their bodyguard while carrying a basket with a couple of champagne bottles.
"Team 5D's", Goodwin spoke up when the two adults stood in front of the three main Turbo Duelists. "Not only did you win the first World Racing Grand Prix, but you've also protected the city from the evil claws of Iliaster. I cannot thank you enough."
"We only did what was the right thing", Crow grinned.
"And if danger shall ever raise again, I, Jack Atlas, will defeat it with my Blazing Soul!" Jack exclaimed determinedly.
"After hearing the facts about the future from Aporia, we have a lot to do to prevent that type of future from happening", Seto stated.
"Yes. We must protect our future…for the sake of our descendants", Yusei said determinedly.
Goodwin nodded in response before holding out the trophy for him. "We'll be counting on you", he said. "Accept this trophy as a sign of your accomplishments today."
Yusei took the trophy and couldn't help but examine it like a child that had just won the lottery ticket. Jack and Crow patted his shoulders with big grins, feeling proud they won a price together as a team.
"You know what comes next, do you?" Ish said. "The victory photo."
"I've already figured it out!" Carly exclaimed as she raised a hand. "First, a picture with Jack, Yusei, and Crow. Then, a picture with Team 5D's, and last one picture with the rest of Team 5D's, meaning Team Royal Knights!"
"Huh?" Sherry blinked confusedly.
"It's only fair, since the Signers stick together!" Carly explained with a grin. "C'mon, it'll be fun!"
"I'm in for it", Aki giggled before patting Sherry's shoulder. "We shared our power with Yusei through our Marks and we stopped Iliaster. You got your revenge, Sherry."
Sherry was quiet for a moment before she nodded. "Sure. I'd like to have a picture to memorize this day."
A portable wall with a goal flag's pattern and the logo of Team 5D's had been set up on the side of the main lane, so everyone walked over there to take the pictures. Yusei stood in the middle with Jack on his right and Crow on his left while he raised the trophy above him. Carly snapped a couple of pictures before Leo, Luna, Bruno, Estelle, and the reporter herself joined them, giving the camera to Mina to take the rest of the pictures. Ish took the basket with champagne bottles from Trudge and distributed among the team members. Jack and Crow got one bottle each while Leo snatched one out of the basket and Estelle got the last bottle. When Mina took the pictures, they opened the bottles and sprayed each other with them. Crow and Jack couldn't resist spraying Yusei, making him laugh heartedly while doing his best to dodge the liquid. Leo sprayed his sister with his bottle while Estelle held her bottle up so the liquid could rain upon them.
For the last picture, Ish arranged the people so they could fit in one picture. Yusei stood in the middle with the trophy with Jack and Crow staying by his side. Sherry stood on Jack's other side with her arms crossed and Mizoguchi stood on Crow's side. Bruno crouched down in front of Yusei. Estelle rested on one knee in front of Crow while Carly kneeled in front of Jack and Aki crouched in front of Sherry. Leo and Luna stood behind the crouching adults and did the V sign with their fingers. Mina took several pictures before the photoshoot was done. She returned the camera to Carly as everyone now mingled among each other. Still full of energy, the reporter snapped pictures of everyone for a scrapbook of the first World Racing Grand Prix and even took a few selfies.
Yusei felt happy and relieved that the battle with Iliaster was finally over. He no longer had to worry about when their next threat would come and bring fear to the city. He looked up at the now clear sky and saw the Ark Cradle was gone. It eased his heart that the final threat had vanished.
And now, he could finally fulfill his promise.
As if they both sensed this was now the time to open up their hearts and let the other know about their feelings, Estelle and Yusei walked toward each other, not hearing the noise of their friends around them. The others did notice their change of behavior and grew silent.
"He's gonna do it…!" Crow couldn't help but shriek lowly in joy.
"It's about damn time…", Jack nodded with a soft smirk.
"What? What's happening?" Leo asked while feeling completely confused about the scene in front of him.
"Just be quiet, Leo", Luna scolded her twin brother before she covered his mouth.
Carly was grinning from ear to ear as she held up her camera, ready to take pictures of the soon-to-be couple. "I love happy endings…!" she held back her own shriek of joy.
"I knew there was something going on between them…", Sherry chuckled.
"Good luck, Estelle, Yusei…!" Aki encouraged the star-crossing lovers.
Goodwin watched in silent as his adoptive daughter stood in front of Yusei and held hands with him. The Director knew what was about to happen and if the two youngsters end up becoming a couple, he was going to have a long talk with the man who had captured his daughter's heart.
Yusei and Estelle smiled at each other as they held hands, ignoring everything and everyone around them. They could no longer hold back their feelings; they both needed to let it out right here and right now.
"Yusei…", Estelle began in a low voice, her smile never fading away. "You did it."
"Yeah…", Yusei nodded with a smile of his own. "I promised I was going to return alive. After all…" He couldn't help but lean his forehead against the brunette's while keeping the eye-contact. "We promised to tell each other something very important after the Grand Prix."
Estelle giggled softly as she stared at the man's royal blue eyes. "And it's over now, so I'm all ears…", she whispered.
Yusei looked at the woman's sky-blue eyes while the fingers of his right hand intertwined with Estelle's. His heart told him he was ready. He had grown up and matured into the man he is today, hopefully being worthy of the woman's heart who came from another world to support him and his friends.
The Signer took a deep breath and opened his mouth to say the magic words. "Estelle… I-"
Just before he could say the L-word, an earthquake shook the entire city, catching everyone off guard and disrupting the romantic moment between the secret lovers. Crow was the first one to notice a mysterious crack in the sky. The crack kept growing until it shattered like glass, revealing the Ark Cradle as it made its entrance into their era.
The Circuit had been completed even after Team 5D's had defeated Aporia and now it had appeared to complete Iliaster's goal to change the present by destruction.