The Birthmark's Fate

by Wolfytoki

A young girl named Naomi Kobiyashi is dragged into a war because of her strange birthmark, but it isn't all that it seems. As she is dragged into this war, questions waiting to be answered, trials waiting to be overcome, looking into memories, and even encountering similar people, without knowing this was all because she wears a birthmark. Canon Divergence. OC-insert.

28. Chapter 28

Chapter 28: Joining the Lancers

The time was late in the afternoon, and the doors opened, revealing the group. Some people were injured, and some had no injuries in the slightest. Some of them had miserable looks on their features, while the others wore a serious yet neutral demeanor.

They pay no attention to the cheers for their return. No, they didn't even acknowledge it because of what they had just been through, mainly what Yuya had been through.

He remembered the events that led up to this.

One Hour Ago_

Reiji informed the group, who hadn't been aware of the real purpose of the Battle Royale. But Yuya wasn't listening to his explanation as he pressed Yuzu for more answers about Naomi's disappearance.

"Yuzu, what do you mean, Naomi just disappeared?! How can she just have disappeared out of thin air!" Yuya pressed for answers. Yuzu flinched by the hostility in his voice.

"Naomi-chan was right next to me when two people from Academia, Akemi and Yuri, showed up. When they did, wanting to duel us so they could take us to Academia. The next thing that happened was she just fell through a portal," Yuzu answered. She explained even further about she tried to grab Naomi's hands but was too late when Naomi fell through. The portal closed behind Naomi as soon as she went to the other side.

Serena and Yuki both narrowed their eyes at the information. Serena guessed that Yuri and Akemi were capturing people who share the same face as her and Akemi. She speculated that they must have done the same thing to Ruri. Yuki had the same thought as Serena but more about the part about Naomi teleporting through a portal instead of leaving in a speck of dust just like she did nine years ago. When she was sent back to the Xyz Dimension.

When Yuki reached this conclusion, she opened her mouth and informed the group.

"I would have to guess this portal must have transported Naomi to another dimension. Maybe Akemi must have been the cause since she was there when it happened. Therefore, it is likely to assume that Akemi teleported her straight to Academia. Although I am not entirely sure if that's the case, I know that Naomi is no longer in this dimension."

Shocks were rung through the group exclusively to the people close to the girl. Yuzu felt tears swell up because of her uselessness. If only she had reacted fast enough to grab her friend and pull her away from the portal. Then she wouldn't be in the enemies' hands. She was there. She could have prevented this?!

So why isn't Naomi here with them?!

Why did she react so slowly?!

Yuzu kept scolding herself for her actions. Gongenzaka provided comfort and gave reassuring words to Yuzu. They only cheered her up slightly but not entirely.

Yet there was one person who was taking the news harder than her. Yuya stood in place as Yuki's words kept ringing in his head. They were continuously repeating as if they were taunting him for his failure. When he realized that Naomi was no longer in the same dimension as him. The tears started to spill out of Yuya's eyes. He didn't even bother covering his eyes with his signature goggles. He just left them flow.

"N-No... Naomi is gone," Yuya whispered.

He started to fall to the ground, landing on his knees. He repeatedly punched the ground, not caring if his fist became bruised. And if it wasn't for Yuzu, who pulled his hand away, then it might have been covered in blood.

He felt anguish, sorrow, and grief dwell in his chest. He couldn't protect her, that's why Naomi's gone because he couldn't protect her...

He failed her.

It's all his fault what Yuya thought. He repeated it over and over again for that. It sinks into his brain. He was about to go into despair if it wasn't for someone's voice.

"In a war, lives will be lost. The strong will survive to avenge those who have fallen on the battlefield," Reiji stated. His words caused some others to look at the male with anger. While others knew his words held some truth but didn't voice them out loud due to the rising tension in the atmosphere.

Yuya started to tremble as he rose back to his feet. His pupils briefly started to shine a red light, "stop screwing around. If you hadn't made us fight, everyone would still be here. Naomi wouldn't be in another dimension," Yuya growled. "Give her and everyone else back, REIJI AKABA!"

Yuya ran up to the older male with his fist raised, ready to strike at Reiji, only for him to catch his fist. Yuya jumped back, ready to hit Reiji again, and this time actually struck him. However, Gongenzaka and Yuzu pulled him back.

"Calm down, Yuya! You're a duelist. Remember, if you want to make him repent, then use your deck, not your fists," Gongenzaka shouted, not letting Yuya go until he calmed down. Yuya pushed Gongenzaka harshly, surprising him back by Yuya's actions.

"I will make you kneel for what you did to them! Prepare yourself, Reiji Akaba!" Yuya threatened, glaring at Reiji with anger and hatred in his eyes.

"Very well. If I do lose, then I will repent for my actions," Reiji agreed with the snap of his fingers. The whole area changed into somewhere that was familiar in Yuki and Shun's eyes.

"Heartland. Why this field again, Reiji-kun?!" Yuki questioned.

"To let you all know why I decided to create the Lancers. To let each of you know your missions, to make sure the rest of the dimensions doesn't end up like this one," Reiji answered. Yuki clenched her fist tight at his answer.

She knew Reiji was creating a plan to fight against Academia, which involves using the tournament to see who qualifies to become a Lancer. But there were too many casualties during this Battle Royale. In comparison, they were small compared to what happened in Heartland. Despite the fact, it didn't make the situation better. Before Yuki could say anything, a voice stopped her from doing so.

"I won't let you keep doing as you please! Let's start, Reiji!" Yuya shouted. Yuki paused because she saw Yuto's figure superimposed with Yuya's. When she shook her head Yuto's figure disappeared entirely.

Back to the duel, both males activated their duel disks.

Reiji vs Yuya; 4000 LP Each; H:5 Each

Turn 1

H:5

"I will take the first turn!" Yuya yelled, taking two cards out of his hand.

"I set Scale 2-Entermate Gongcat and Scale 9-Entermate Fluffy Sheep on the Pendulum Scale! Sway! Pendulum of the soul! Draw an arc of light across the aether! Pendulum Summon! Come forth! My monsters!" Yuya shouted, summoning his monsters.

"Entermate Trump Girl!"

Dark/Level 2/Spellcaster/Pendulum/Effect/ATK 200/DEF 200/P.S:4

"Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon!"

Dark/Level 7/Dragon/Pendulum/Effect/ATK 2500/DEF 2000/P.S:4

"Entermate Longphone Bull!"

Earth/Level 4/Beast/Effect/ATK 1600/DEF 1200

"When Longphone Bull is Special Summoned, I can add an Entermate Monster from my Deck to my hand" Yuya looked at his deck and added an Entermate Monster.

"I use Entermate Trump Girl's effect to fuse monsters I control as material! I fuse her and Odd-Eyes! Dragon of dual-colored eyes! Become one with the small magician and revive as a new race! Fusion Summon! Come forth! Level 8! Entermate Gatling Ghoul!"

Yuya summoned a male wearing a suit. It was equipped with a machine gun-like cannon.

Dark/Level 8/Fiend/Fusion/Effect/ATK 2900/DEF 900

"I activate its effect to inflict 200 damage to you for each card on the field! There are four cards, so you take 800 damage!" Yuya shouted. Gatling Ghoul shot four bullets toward Reiji, who winced at the damage he took.

Reiji:4000-800=3200 LP

"Yuya inflicted 800 damage to Reiji's LP" Yuzu commented, but then saw a green aura surrounding Reiji, thus returning his LP back to 4000.

"How did you regain LP?" Yuya asked but then saw a monster on Reiji's field. "It must be due to that monster's effect, right."

"Yes, you are correct when I take effect damage. I can Special Summon D/D/D Leonidas from my hand and regain LP equal to the effect damage I took this turn. When this card is on the field, I take no effect damage" Reiji explained.

Dark/Level 7/Fiend/Pendulum/Effect/ATK 2600/DEF 1200/P.S:3

D/D/D Leonidas was on his field in Defense Position, but Reiji wasn't concerned since Yuya couldn't attack the first turn anyway.

Yuya grit his teeth in frustration. "I activate Entermate Gatling Ghoul's other effect! When this card was Fusion Summoned using a Pendulum Monster I can destroy 1 monster you control and inflict damage to your LP equal to the ATK of the destroyed monster!"

Gatling Ghoul launched a rocket destroying D/D/D Leonidas and soon shot bullets at Reiji inflicting damage to his LP.

Reiji:4000-2600=1400 LP

"With that I end my turn" Yuya finished glaring at his opponent.

"Yuya-kun managed to destroy Reiji-kun's monster and now has the LP advantage" Yuki observed with crossed arms. "However Reiji-kun doesn't look worried in the slightest."

Turn 2

H:4-5

"My turn! Draw!" Reiji said, drawing his card and increasing his hand size.

"I set Scale 1-D/D Ark on my Pendulum Scale. Now I activate Ark's Pendulum Effect to destroy this card and a card you control!" Reiji shouted. He destroyed Longphone Bull in an explosion as Ark was destroyed similarly.

"Now I set Scale 4-D/D/D Death Great King Hell Armageddon and Scale 10-D/D Savant Newton on my Pendulum Scale! I can simultaneously summon monsters who are Levels 5 through 9! Grand power that shaken my very soul! Arise within me and give birth to a new light that rends the darkness! Pendulum Summon! Come before me, my monsters!" Reiji yelled. He Pendulum Summoned D/D/D Rebel King Leonidas from his Extra Deck and D/D Vice Typhoon from his hand.

Dark/Level 7/Fiend/Effect/ATK 2300/DEF 2800

"Two Level 7 Monsters" Yuya muttered, preparing himself for Reiji's next move.

"I Overlay my Level 7 D/D Vice Typhoon and D/D/D Rebel King Leonidas! Great King of the legends! Descend at this fallen world and revive! Xyz Summon! Appear, Rank 7 D/D/D Bright King Arthur!" Reiji shouted. He summoned a king wearing golden armor with a symbol that was a shape of a sword with wings attached to it. He wielded a holy sword in his hands.

Dark/Rank 7/Fiend/Xyz/Effect/ATK 3000/DEF 2800/OU:2

"Battle! D/D/D Bright King Arthur attack Entermate Gatling Ghoul!" Reiji demanded. Bright Arthur slashed Gatling Ghoul in half and slashed the weapon causing explosions to emit in the field, causing destruction in the city. Yuya skidded back from the attack.

Yuya:4000-100=3900 LP

"Arthur can attack twice! Now attack my opponent directly!"

"I activate Entermate Gongcat's Pendulum Effect! When you declare a direct attack I take no battle damage!" Yuya saved his LP however he was too late to stop the attack as he crashed into a building. Everyone who was associated with Yuya called out his name in concern and worry for the boy's condition.

"I activate Arthur's effect. By detaching an Overlay Unit all cards effects you control are negated" Arthur's holy sword shone a bright light nearly blinding everyone due to the light's intensity and soon the king slashed his holy sword down paralyzing every card on Yuya's field.

"With that, I end my turn," Reiji concluded with a sinister grin.

"Is that all you can do? I'm disappointed in you, Yuya Sakaki! Aren't you going to make me kneel for my actions for everyone who has fallen in battle?" Reiji taunted. His words made Yuya grit his teeth hard.

"Shut up," Yuya muttered, getting up and barely standing on his feet after being sent flying into a building.

"It's my turn" Yuya drew his card and wondered what can he do to stall until the card he wanted to draw got in his hand. He looked at the card he added due to Longphone Bull's effect as an idea swarm in his mind.

Turn 3

H:1-2

"I summon Entermate Turntrooper" Yuya summoned a gray knight with two arrows facing away from each other. He had a small clock on his shoulder.

Light/Level 4/Warrior/Effect/ATK 1200/DEF 1200

"I am going into my Battle Phase" Yuya announced. His action almost confused everyone.

"Why? When Turntrooper is in Defense Position?" Yuzu questioned. She then saw one of the arrows that were on Turntrooper glow a red color.

"It's because he wanted Turntrooper to gain a counter so he can use its effects" Yuki explained with narrowed eyes.

"I'm disappointed in you, Pioneer of Pendulum Summon" Reiji stated. Yuya ended his turn.

Reiji drew his card and glanced at the card he had just drawn.

Turn 4

H:1-2

"I set this card" Reiji set his card and went into his Battle Phase. "Arthur attack Turntrooper!"

Arthur created a slashing wave toward the knight, but an arrow stopped the wave.

"I activate Turntrooper's effect to negate your attack!" Yuya shouted.

"However I can attack again" Reiji reminded Arthur, slashing Turntrooper in half. However since Turntrooper was in Defense Position, Yuya didn't take any battle damage.

Yuki noticed that Yuya could have played his last move better if he chose a better monster to add to his hand due to Longphone Bull.

"If he doesn't want to lose this duel, then he needs to step up his game," Yuki muttered, observing the field.

Yuya is too emotional to play correctly, and it's affecting the way he is dueling against Reiji. Regardless she has no room to talk about being wrapped up in emotions affecting a duelist strategy. However, she still plays her cards correctly even though she wasn't emotionally stable. But because of her experience in that specific matter, she knows that he will lose the duel if Yuya does not get his act together.

"Now I activate Arthur's effect by detaching an Overlay Unit to negate all card effects you control" Reiji once again negated card effects in Yuya's Pendulum Zones.

"Why is he activating his monster effect when his battle phase is over?" Serena asked.

"He wants to use one of his monsters' effects when it's sent to the Graveyard," Shun recalled his duel with Reiji, when the bespectacled male sent some cards to the Graveyard to activate their effects.

"I activate D/D Vice Typhon effect when it's sent to the Graveyard. I can Fusion Summon by banishing monsters in my Graveyard! I banish D/D/D Rebel King Leonidas and D/D Vice Typhon," Reiji chanted, his monsters swirled in a vortex.

"The rebellious king who watches over the future of this chaotic world! Drink the tears away by time, and become a dragon slaying hero! Fusion Summon! Be born! Level 8! D/D/D Cruel Dragon King Beowulf!"

Dark/Level 8/Fiend/Fusion/Effect/ATK 3000/DEF 2500

A werewolf wearing dark royal clothing appeared on Reiji's field.

"With that, I end my turn" Reiji pushed his glasses up as he kept the same smirk on his face.

"If your emotions still control you, then you won't be able to defeat Academia. They are unnecessary in our fight against them since Academia is trained by Leo Akaba to abandon all emotions and to show no mercy to their enemies, especially if they are a child, elderly, or non-duelist. Just like they did with Heartland when they played their little hunting games and obliterated the Xyz Dimension to a pile of dust."

Yuki and Shun both glared at Reiji's last comment while, on the other hand, Serena looked down, ashamed that she once admired duelists from her dimension because of their 'heroic' actions against the Xyz Dimension. And now, since she knows the truth, she feels foolish.

"We are nothing like Academia!" Yuya protested, "of course, we will lose ourselves to our emotions! It's what makes us human! Everyone that was fighting was human with their hearts. They fought the best they could against Academia. Naomi did too," Yuya said, his head hung low.

"Yuya" Yuzu whispered.

"Darling" Mieru muttered.

"When I was younger, Naomi has always been by my side even when my father disappeared, and people were calling him a coward, and calling me the son's coward, she was still there," Yuya recalled. "She was going through her problems but still help me with mines. She was the one that gave me the courage to ignore all the hate, the sneers that were thrown at me. She supported me, cheered for me, and helped me when I needed it the most. Just her presence made me feel like I could do anything. I can make my dreams come true."

"That I can change for the better."

Yuya drew his card and glanced at what he had just drawn.

Turn 5

H:1-2

"I activate the Spell Card 'Pendulum's Draw' with this card. I can draw cards equal to the Levels of Monsters in my Pendulum Zone. The combined Levels are 4, so I draw four cards!" Yuya drew his cards and glanced at a particular card in his hand.

"With my current Pendulum Scale, I will Pendulum Summon! Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon and Odd-Eyes Phantom Dragon!"

O.E.P.D: Dark/Level 7/Dragon/Pendulum/Effect/ATK 2500/DEF 2000/P.S:4

Both odd-eyes dragons with different colored scales started to roar.

"Then I will overlay my Level 7 Odd-Eyes Pendulum and Phantom Dragon!" Yuya shouted. Both of his dragons went into the network.

"Dragon with beautiful dichromatic eyes, be reborn within the deepest pits of hell's fire and revive! Xyz Summon! Rank 7! Odd-Eyes Blazing Dragon!"

A black-scaled Odd-Eyes dragon with red spikes appeared on Yuya's field.

Fire/Rank 7/Dragon/Xyz/Effect/ATK 2800/DEF 2500/OU:2

"H-H-H-He h-h-h-h-has an Xyz M-M-M-Monster?!"Shingo stuttered, shivering some more.

"Reiji still has two monsters whose ATKs are 3000 each" Dennis said, with sweat running down his temple.

"Battle! Odd-Eyes Blazing Dragon attacks D/D/D Bright King Arthur!" Yuya declared.

"Not happening. At this moment I activate the Trap Card 'D/D/D Headhunt' since I control a D/D/D Monster I take control of Odd-Eyes Blazing Dragon until the End Phase. However the controlled monster cannot attack and its effects are negated" Reiji smirked. Chains shot out the Trap Card binding the Xyz Summoned monster causing Yuya to grit his teeth.

"N-No way" Yuzu muttered.

"So this is the power of Reiji Akaba" Gongenzaka said. "In his previous match against Yuya he was only showing a fraction of his power but now he's not holding anything back."

Yuya started to look back on the memories he had with Naomi. He fully enjoyed the good times when they were on their date during the carnival. There was some bad when it came to the Pendulum Situation and when they couldn't see each other during the Championship. Nevertheless, during her match against Umi and Izumi resulted in her winning. He was proud of her when he learned that Naomi was changing herself to become a newer and stronger person. He wanted to do the same thing.

The memories made him have tears in his eyes, but he blinked them away before they could fall.

"It was because of Naomi that I could share Pendulum Summon. It was thanks to her I was able to achieve this power. Because I saw her doing her best to follow a new ideal, to become a new person, and to become stronger," Yuya confessed setting his cards as he ended his turn.

Reiji stood up on his feet, smirking. "So, it was your feelings towards Naomi Kobiyashi that you obtained Pendulum-Xyz, but I also figure that wasn't just the case. It must be due to Yuki Shimizu's influence, a resident from the Xyz Dimension, who taught her how to Xyz Summon. She transferred that power onto you," Reiji speculated. "Or was it from that person who dueled Sora Shiunin that night and was never seen again? Yuto, right."

Shun, Yuki, Yuzu, and Yuya reacted when Reiji's said Yuto's name.

"Well, that matter can be discussed later. Now it's my turn!" Reiji announced, drawing his card.

Turn 6

H:1-2

"I activate the Spell Card 'D/D King's Gift' to draw two cards from my Deck" Reiji drew his cards.

"Then I Pendulum Summon Supersight King Zero Maxwell from my hand!" Reiji summoned the monster he'd drew.

Dark/Level 7/Fiend/Effect/ATK 2800/DEF 2500/P.S:4

Then he activated one of his cards. "I activate the Spell Card 'Treasure Cards of Heaven and Earth' during the turn I summoned a high Level monster I can draw two cards however I can't use the drawn cards during the turn I activate this effect and I must set one of them."

Reiji drew his cards and spotted a familiar card. "I set this card and I activate the Spell Card 'D/D Kings Rule' now all monsters you control are changed to Defense Position!"

The card showed a picture of Arthur on his throne with multiple people bowing on his feet. Odd-Eyes Blazing Dragon suddenly felt pushed to the ground forcing the monster to kneel.

"Now I activate Beowulf's effect to destroy all Spell and Trap Cards on the field. This also includes cards in our Pendulum Zones. Now Supersight King Zero Maxwell attack Odd-Eyes Blazing Dragon!" Reiji shouted. The canon-like monster blasted a stream of darkness toward the kneeling monster.

"When Supersight King Zero Maxwell attacks a Defense Position Monster, it can deal piercing battle damage. So don't think you're getting out of this duel unharmed!" Reiji yelled.

"I activate the Trap Card Odd-Eyes Burst from my Graveyard! Since I control an Odd-Eyes Monster I can banish this card from my Graveyard to negate Odd-Eyes Blazing Dragon's destruction!" Yuya shouted protecting his monster. "I send Entermate Inflater Tapir to the Graveyard to reduce the Battle Damage to 0!" A transparent purple-like monster covered Yuya's field, shielding them from the blast.

"Now I attack with Beowulf! At this moment I banish D/D King's Rule from my Graveyard so Beowulf can also inflict piercing battle damage!" Reiji declared another attack. Beowulf went to the other side of the field and was prepared to slash the dual-eyed dragon in half with its claws.

"I send Odd-Eyes Barrier Dragon to the Graveyard to reduce the Battle Damage to 0!" Yuya shouted. "At this moment I activate Blazing's effect! By detaching an Overlay Unit I can Special Summon an Odd-Eyes Monster to my field to end the Battle Phase! Appear Odd-Eyes Barrier Dragon!"

Yuya summoned a yellow dual-colored eyes dragon smaller than his ace monster to his field.

Light/Level 4/Dragon/Effect/ATK 1200/DEF 1600

Reiji ended his turn with a sigh. "You manage to survive this turn. However, when my turn comes again, that's when you will lose and join the Lancers."

"I already told you I have no intention of joining your group!" Yuya shouted with a glare on his face.

"Even if it's to save Naomi Kobiyashi," Reiji said, causing Yuya's glare to soften.

"She was indeed teleported to another dimension. But the odds that she can either be in the Fusion Dimension where Academia resides, the Xyz Dimension, or even the Synchro Dimension is slim. However, regardless you would give up the chance to even save her," Reiji remarked. His words cause Yuya to grit his teeth in anger. Yuzu couldn't take it anymore and yelled out her frustrations.

"Shut up, Reiji! You have no idea what Yuya could be feeling right now!" Yuzu shouted. "He cares about Naomi, so that's why he is acting this because someone precious to him has been taken away. You don't have any idea what that's like!"

Reiji nearly reacted to Yuzu's words but regained his composure to show that her words didn't fazed him in the slightest.

"Now it's your turn, Yuya Sakaki! Show me the power you have obtained by this bond of yours!" Reiji declared. Yuya glared at the CEO once more.

"That's what I planned to do! My turn! Draw!" Yuya drew his card with so much force.

Turn 7

H:0-1

"I have to win for Yuto and Naomi's sake!" Yuya stated in his mind. He saw a more ferocious monster than Blazing Dragon and a monster that resembled Odd-Eyes Dragon. He picked a card out of his hand and activated it.

"I activate the Spell Card 'Pendulum Halt' since I have three or more Pendulum Monsters in my Extra Deck I can draw two cards" Yuya drew his cards.

"Next I activate the Spell Card 'Monster Reborn' to Special Summon Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon! Come with your majestic yet beautiful dichromatic eyes!" Yuya summoned his ace monster to the field. Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon started to crack, confusing everyone with its actions.

"I can Advance Summon this card by using a Level 5 or higher Monster I control! Powerful dragon with courageous dichromatic eyes! Descend! Odd-Eyes Advance Dragon!"

When Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon finished shedding its skin. A red-scaled Odd-Eyes Dragon appeared. However, this monster seemed bigger than the Pendulum Dragon, with large and broad wings.

Dark/Level 8/Dragon/Effect/ATK 3000/DEF 2500

"I activate Odd-Eyes Advance Dragon's effect when it's Advance Summoned, I destroy Beowulf, and you take 3000 damage! You have lost Reiji Akaba! Reaction Blast!" Yuya shouted. The recently advanced dragon blasted a red-colored blast toward Reiji, causing smoke and fire to spread across the field.

No one could see if Reiji survived the blast or if he was still in the duel. "So did Yuya's effect go through?" Gongenzaka asked, only to hear someone laughing. The source of the laughter came from Reiji, who seemed unharmed from the blast.

"How did you survive? Don't tell me you activated another card effect!" When he saw a smirk on Reiji's face, Yuya knew he was correct about his assumption.

"I activated D/D Centaurs' effect to reduce any effect damage I take this turn to 0" Reiji revealed why he was still in the duel.

Yuya clicked his teeth and clenched his fist tight, but he was still determined to finish Reiji off this turn.

"Using Odd-Eyes Blazing Dragon as material! I will construct the Overlay Network!" Yuya used his monster as material as the network appeared above him.

"He can perform a Rank-Up without using a Spell Card?!" Yuki exclaimed. Just like Naomi, Yuya was able to perform a common move in her dimension but seemed somewhat rare in this dimension.

"Dragon with strong different colored eyes! From the deepest pits of the hottest flames, gain strength from the ground and rise up in your glory! Rank-Up Xyz Change! Rank 8! Odd-Eyes Flaming Dragon!" Yuya chanted. A pillar of fire rained down from the network.

When the pillar stopped, a medium-size dragon with black and red scales. Whose claws were black and sharp. Its snout was large enough as it showed its sharp teeth that looked dangerous to devour all that stood in its way. Finally, it has red and green eyes that glowed when it arrived on the field.

Fire/Rank 8/Dragon/Xyz/Effect/ATK 3000/DEF 2800/OU:1

"I activate Odd-Eyes Flaming Dragon's effect by detaching an Overlay Unit Zero Maxwell has its effect negated and has its ATK and DEF changed to 0!" Yuya activated his new monster's effect.

Odd-Eyes Flaming Dragon blasted dark chains toward the different dimension demon, binding it and preventing the monster from moving.

"Battle! Odd-Eyes Flaming Dragon attack D/D/D Supersight King Zero Maxwell! Don't even think about activating your monsters' effects! I activate the Trap Card Dragon's Chain! Since I control a Dragon-Type monster, by banishing this card from my Graveyard, monsters you currently control have their effects negated as long as they're on the field!"

"Hellblaze Spiral!"

Just like the other dual-colored eyes dragons, the Rank 8 monster blasted a different colored blast towards the bound monster. Its blast incinerates the grass and the building structure as its force causes everybody except Reiji to back away to not get their clothes burnt by the blast.

Reiji quickly banished his Trap Card from the Graveyard to stop the attack.

"You banished the Trap Card D/D Human Salvation to end the Battle Phase when it's in the Graveyard" Yuya suspected since it was the same tactic used in his previous battle against Reiji.

"You are correct again. But now, since your Battle Phase is over and you don't have any cards in your hand to set. You end your turn, right," Reiji stated. His eyes had a cold look that nearly made Yuya flinch, but he remained his ground.

"I...end my turn" Yuya concluded his turn reluctantly. The others became worried about him.

"Darling can still turn this duel around. He has a monsters whose ATK are 3000" Mieru reassured. "Not to mention His LP is 3900!"

"However, Reiji can still summon a monster that can easily overpower Odd-Eyes Flaming Dragon," Serena commented.

"It's time to end this pointless duel!" Reiji announced, drawing his card.

Turn 8

H:0-1

"I activate the Spell Card 'Pot of Greed' to draw two cards. Then I activate the Continuous Spell Card 'Dark Contract with the Swamp King' to Fusion Summon using monsters I control or in my hand! Therefore I fuse Arthur and Beowulf!"

"Crush the king that descends on the fallen world, and with the force of the rule breaking legend. Open up a new world! Fusion Summon! Come before me, autocratic god of limits! D/D/D Wave Destruction King Caesar Ragnarok!"

Sitting on a throne was a different dimension demon with an ominous aura.

Dark/Level 10/Fiend/Fusion/Effect/ATK 3200/DEF 3000

"Now I banish D/D Centaurus from my Graveyard to activate its effects. I can Fusion Summon by using monsters in my Graveyard, or my banished zones! So I fuse D/D/D Bright King Arthur and Rebel King Leonidas!" Reiji said, his monsters swirled in a vortex.

"Bright noble king of legends! Engulf the king of warriors and give birth to a new king! Fusion Summon! Be reborn! D/D/D Flame High King Executive Temujin!" Reiji summoned a more evolved version of D/D/D Flame King Temujin.

Fire/Level 8/Fiend/Fusion/Effect/ATK 2800/DEF 2400

"A Fusion Summon using banished monsters as material?!" Dennis gasped.

"He's amazing, as expected of the CEO of Leo Corporation" Eijirou stated with a nervous grin.

"At this moment I activate the Quick-Play Spell Card 'Demons' Sublimation' now you cannot activate cards or effects until the End Phase! Now battle! Wave Destruction King Caesar Ragnarok attack Odd-Eyes Flaming Dragon!"

"Now I target my Continuous Spell Card to return it to hand and equip Odd-Eyes Advance Dragon to Caesar Ragnarok! In addition this card gains ATK equal to the monsters equipped to him," Reiji explained.

Caesar Ragnarok's chains grabbed the red winged dragon and crushed it as the king powered up tremendously by the dragon's ATK.

"6-6200 ATK!" Gongenzaka gasped. Caesar Ragnarok destroyed Flaming Dragon into a pile of ash.

Yuya:3900-3200=700 LP

"D/D/D Flame High King Executive Temujin destroy Odd-Eyes Barrier Dragon!" Executive Temujin slashed the dragon in half. Yuya have no more monsters on his field and he can't activate cards or effects to stop this attack.

"Supersight King Zero Maxwell attack my opponent directly!" Reiji shouted. His last monster shot a cannon hitting Yuya dead-on sending him flying into a building.

"DAMN IT!" Yuya shouted hitting the building creating a huge dent and soon fell to the floor.

Yuya:700-2800=0 LP

"YUYA!" Yuzu shouted, limping towards the injured duelist. He didn't want to look at Yuzu's face. He was too ashamed of himself to even face her, Gongenzaka, and everyone else in You Show waiting for them to return. This time he cried tears of frustration. He just looked down at the ground.

The field disappeared, returning the area to its original spot with the sun setting behind the scene. Reiji turned his attention back to the group.

"As I stated before, you are the Lancers I have chosen not because you survived but because you have the potential to defeat Academia. Some of you have combat experience, which will be useful during this tough battle, and expertise in the medical field to provide treatment for the injured. Finally, your skills can be polished even further with Pendulum Summon" Reiji announced. "All those skills are needed when we cross Dimensions and gather allies in our fight against Academia."

Reiji told the group they would receive medical attention when returning to the stadium, including Mieru, and they will need a day to recover. Half the day to train their skills at LDS.

With those words, the group followed him, with Gongenzaka helping Yuya on his feet when he noticed Yuya was still in his spot, not moving a single inch. He helped Yuzu when she continued to have a limp in her step. Gongenzaka knew his two friends would need all the help they could get before they departed, or else they would be in trouble. He doesn't want to lose his friends or new comrades due to his inability to help them. Gongenzaka will become stronger as well.

Flashback Ends_

Yuya wiped his eyes to make sure no tears were forming. He didn't pay any attention to the crowd, but he kept an ear out for the crowd's reactions towards the events that occurred during the Battle Royale and the mention of other dimensions besides the one he resides in. He feels anger when he sees Michio and Teppei dueling against Kori and losing the duel. And another person who seemed older than him lost his duel and was in a worse state than Shingo. He actually turned into an ice sculpture.

Yuya became more enraged when he realized all of the events during the Battle Royale had been recorded, meaning Reiji could have stopped the Battle Royale at any time but chose not to.

Yuya became more aware and grew more suspicious of Reiji. He has no choice but to trust Reiji if he wants to save Naomi. Because right now, he's not strong enough. He needed to become even stronger than ever.

After Reiji and Himika announce the Lancers to the Stadium. They had to be admitted to LDS hospital for their prior injuries. Yuya, Gongenzaka, and Yuzu were in the same room as they each glanced at their bandages. Gongenzaka didn't have any bruises, but the hospital staff wanted to make sure before giving him the okay to withdraw from the hospital. Yuya had a bandage around his right wrist because he had got second-degree burns from the flame whip wrapping around his wrist that sent him flying into Sora during the Battle Royale. He couldn't use his right wrist for the time being until he was somewhat healed. Yet his wounds were small in comparison to Yuzu. She had bandages around her cheeks, arms, stomach, and legs to prevent any discomfort to the areas where she received third-degree burns. She had to take shots to prevent the numbness in her nerves from spreading through her body.

Other than that, Yuzu just felt extremely exhausted. She was about to sleep in her bed when she heard a commotion outside her hospital room.

"Can I see my daughter?!" Shuzo shouted at one of the nurses wanting to visit Yuzu as soon as possible. When he saw the wounds she had, all he wanted to do was frantically check to see if she was alright. Obviously, she clearly wasn't, but he still wanted to see for himself.

Yuki stepped outside her hospital room to check out the noise from the hallway. She wondered what the noise was until she spotted the You Show group. Yuki remembered Naomi's message on the day they switched places. They were the first on the list. She even recalled her counterpart mentioning how each of them acts.

Yuki decided whether or not to go over there before Shuzo caused a massive commotion in the hospital. She finally decides and walks over to the group ignoring how they mistake her for Naomi. She quickly clears the misunderstanding and informs them about their beloved ones.

"Your daughter will have to stay overnight because of her injuries from the Battle Royale. You can still see her, but she just had been injected with the drug that will make her very tired. However, you have permission to stay since you are her parent."

Yuki guided the group to Yuzu's, Yuya's, and Gongenzaka's room. When she opened the door, Shuzo ran past her and headed toward his daughter. Nearly embracing her in his arms but was mindful of her bandages. Yoko does the same thing to Yuya and is glad that he's not carded or turned into an ice statue.

Futoshi, Ayu, and Tatsuya go to Gongenzaka and cry in relief when they see their older brother figure wasn't harmed, unlike their other two mentors. Yuki holds in the urge to crack a small smile at the fond scene in front of her. Before heading towards her room, she flinched when she felt a woman with shoulder-length green hair and purple eyes gently holding her by the arm.

Yuki came face to face with Naomi's mother, Chou Kobiyashi. When the woman saw her face, her expression immediately faltered.

"You are not my daughter. Correct," Chou managed to get her words out. Her throat seemed dry for some reason, and she felt her eyes burning, but she held herself together.

"Yes, ma'am. My name is Yuki Shimizu, someone who has the same face as your daughter," Yuki replied. Chou took her hand off of Yuki's arm and apologized if she hurt her in any way. Yet Yuki felt like she would be saying those words would cause the woman so much grief. If only she had just taken Naomi and Yuzu with her, then Yuzu wouldn't have those injuries, and Naomi would still be in her dimension.

But fate had other plans. All Yuki can do is give the You Show group some privacy and return to her room to retrieve Naomi's clothes and hand them back to Chou. Yet before she could do that, she saw Chou running in the hallway heading towards the elevator. It made her wonder what occurred in the other hospital room that would make Chou run out like that.

Yuki followed behind Chou holding Naomi's clothes in her arms to satisfy her curiosity as she was unaware of another person following them.

Minutes later, Chou stepped out of the elevator and headed up the stairs. She reached for the door and opened it, and the first sight that hit her was the sky, whose colors were orange and dark blue. The moon was about to come out, and the sun was setting in the near distance. Slowly one by one, the stars appeared in the vast sky.

Chou walked over to one of the benches and sat down, recalling what had just happened in the hospital room after Yuki left.

Flashback_

Chou didn't fully close the door after Yuki left. She left it cracked open but not too wide, so there wouldn't be any nosy people around.

Chou turned around and looked at each individual before focusing on Yuya, Yuzu, and Gongenzaka.

"Where is my daughter, guys?" Chou interrogated the trio but was met with the silence of the three Junior Youth duelists.

"But you were speaking with Naomi-nee-chan earlier," Ayu mentioned.

"She wasn't my daughter. She wasn't my Naomi-chan," Chou answered but kept her focus on the trio as they flinched under her hard stare.

Gongenzaka spoke up when Yuya and Yuzu couldn't. "Vice Principal... Naomi is no longer in this dimension."

Shocks were rung through the room. "Eh? What do you mean she's longer in this dimension?" Futoshi was confused about what Gongenzaka was saying.

"What Gongenzaka means is that Naomi is somewhere else besides here. Am I correct, Yuya and Yuzu?"

Chou now brings her attention to the two duelists. They couldn't say anything because of how guilty they felt concerning the matter, but they still responded to Chou's questions.

It was revealed to the You Show group that one...No two of their own, are no longer here with them. Those two people are Naomi and Sora. The others saw in the stands Yuya dueling against Sora, who was on Academia's side, much to everyone's dismay, but it was the cold hard truth. Yet, despite all of the facts displayed on the screens, they still consider Sora as one of their own. So, it hurts them, knowing they lost two people before and after the Battle Royale.

Yoko, Shuzo, and the Junior duelists turn toward Chou, waiting for her reaction. When she heard Naomi was gone from this dimension. They all expect the green-haired woman to lash out. But to their surprise, she just stood there as if she was frozen.

To add to their shock, Chou just smiled. "I see," Chou gave her goodbyes and fully closed the door behind her. When she made sure that no one went after her. Chou sprinted towards the nearest elevator and made her way to her destination.

Flashback Ends_

Chou gave a shaky breath and slumped against the bench. She doesn't fully accept that her daughter is no longer in this dimension. This was a sick joke, and Naomi is hiding somewhere in Maiami City. Chou will call her d-disk tomorrow to see if Naomi will answer the phone. Which Chou knows she always will. In fact, why does she have to wait when she can call her now?

Chou got out her d-disk and pressed the picture of when Naomi was still a baby. She calls the number Chou hears a few rings. Usually, her daughter would pick up at the first ring, but Chou will give her time to answer.

Suddenly the ringing stopped, and Chou heard a voice:

"The number you have dialed is unavailable right now. Please leave a message after the beep."

Chou pressed the number again and heard the same message again. She was unaware that her fingers were trembling every time she did.

Yuki was standing at the door, about to hand the woman the clothes in her arms. But she is stopped by a man with blond-haired and green eyes. This man is Hachirou Takahashi, Naomi's father.

"I will give them to her. Just return to your room" Hachirou stepped in, taking the clothes from Yuki's hand. The girl didn't protest because of how right Hachirou's words were.

Yuki nodded her head and headed back down to her room. She can empathize with Chou because she lost people who are precious to her. She didn't want to accept that they were gone as well. But once the harsh reality sinks, you will never see your loved ones again. It hurts more than you can ever realize. Soon you start to reminisce about the times you had with them and the regrets you had, wishing you had spent more time with them or the words you wish you could have said to them.

Yuki was again reminded of a phrase she heard as a child. Particularly from her father.

"Loss isn't a stranger to anyone. It's how you deal with your loss that separates you from everyone else."

With that phrase engraved in her mind. Yuki mentally prepared herself for what was about to occur from tomorrow and the following days.

Meanwhile, Hachirou approached Chou and handed her Naomi's clothes. He doesn't say anything to her when he does. Because, in actuality, he has no words that will lift Chou's spirit about her daughter. Hachirou waited for Chou's reaction. At the same time, Chou looked at the clothes in her hand. She stared blankly at them. Soon enough, memories began to fill her mind and how it all started fourteen years ago.

14 Years Ago_Maiami Hospital_Around 5:00 am_March 1st

Chou panted as she took many deep breaths. She was in so much pain, but it will be all worth it for her treasure. She was sweating bullets rapidly but still did what her doctor instructed.

"Kobiyashi-san, I am going to need you to push one more time" the doctor instructed. She saw the head. Just one more push.

Just one more, then Chou's baby will be born.

The green-haired woman gave a loud shout. She just continued to scream and scream until her throat felt hoarse.

Suddenly Chou felt something being pushed out of her. When Chou opened her eyes, she heard a loud cry. She took a peek at the sound of the source, and more unshed tears fell down her cheeks.

Her baby...

her little girl...

Is here...

The doctor cleaned up the baby and gently handed her to Chou. The woman smiled and rubbed her finger against her baby's cheek.

She nuzzled the small patch of green hair on her baby's head and cooed when she heard noises.

During the moment when she screamed, a young Yusho, Yoko, Shuzo, and Hachirou (wearing a disguise) all slammed in the room. They were worried when they heard Chou screaming, especially Hachirou, as he was concerned about his beloved. Well, in his case, for Chou, the situation between them is complicated. Yet despite that, Chou admitted she still loves him, so Hachirou assumed they were still together. But that is beside the point. He looks very concerned until his eyes shift to the buddle in Chou's arms. Soon enough, he started to cry behind his sunglasses.

Chou pressed her finger against her lip, indicating that they all be quiet. Before they all rushed into the room, she calmed her baby down and stopped her from crying. Yoko gave a small squeal and looked at the baby with affection in her eyes.

"She's so cute, Chou. Have you given her a name yet?" Yoko asked, giving small coos when the baby girl opened her eyes—revealing a pair of green eyes.

Chou showed her pointer finger and pressed it against her baby's left cheek. The baby girl grabbed it and laughed. The exhausted woman feels her heart melt as she rubs her cheek against her baby.

Her treasure.

Her delight.

Her little hope.

"I already have...Welcome to the world, Naomi. It's nice to meet you."

Two months Later_Kobiyashi Residence_

Chou was given the clear to be discharged from the hospital. She looked at her new refurnished home and held a two-month Naomi in her arms. Hachirou offers to help Chou out while she accepts his kindness. She can't rely on it forever. She has to prove to her mother, who never agreed with her choices, particularly when Chou wanted to become a singer. Resulting in her being disowned by her own mother. On the other hand, her father fully supports her decisions and offers to help out in any way he can.

But Chou wanted to do it all by herself. Call her stubborn and hardheaded, but this is how she honestly feels about the matter.

She glanced down at Naomi, who was nibbling on her finger. But stopped when she saw her mom looking at her with fond eyes.

"Naomi...we might not have a lot of stuff right now, but it doesn't matter" Chou stroked Naomi's cheek gently. "Because you know a mother's love is worth more than anything you could ever want. I'm sorry if you want something in the future, and I won't be able to get it, but Okaa-chan will still try her best to make sure you are happy."

Naomi smiled brightly, and Chou cooed at her baby cuteness.

Three Years Later_Hiiragi Residence_

Chou took pictures of Naomi playing with a three-year-old Yuzu while playing pat-a-cake.

"Fufu...my daughter is the cutest little thing in the universe!" Chou squealed, holding her cheeks together. Shuzo huffed his chest out.

"That's where you are wrong, Chou. My Yuzu is the cutest thing in the world! So HOT-BLOODED!" Shuzo shouted before falling on the floor. Chou held her slipper and glared at the male as he said the most offensive thing to her.

"First, shut it. Second, my Naomi-chan is the cutest thing! Just look at her cute short hair and her precious green eyes! Let's not forget her first words! She said butterfly! She said, my name!" Chou held her slipper against her cheek, skipped towards Naomi, and picked her up, much to Yuzu's confusion, wondering why she did that when they were playing a game.

Yuzu whined about losing her friend, and Shuzo picked up his daughter. He effectively prevented her from crying her eyes out. Chou sticks her tongue out and focuses all of her attention on Naomi. While Naomi just patted and tried to push her mother's cheek away from her head. Naomi pouted, and her bottom lip trembled when she saw her efforts aren't working.

Chou smiled softly. "My Naomi-chan really is the cutest thing in the world" Chou nuzzled against her three-year-old daughter's hand. Naomi just looked at her mother and smiled.

"My Okaa-chan is cute." When Naomi said those words, an imaginary arrow shot to pass through Chou making her hug Naomi even tighter, much to the young girl's dismay.

Four years Later_Maiami Hospital Roof_

Naomi was on the bench and looked blankly at the sky. It's been a week since she's been admitted to the hospital. But everything changed within that week. Naomi feels like she failed everyone, including her mother. She could barely look her mom in the eyes. Whenever she did, Naomi's expression always faltered.

Naomi just wanted a chance to try again. And maybe this time, she will succeed in getting her mother what she always wanted.

Whenever they were in City Square, Naomi noticed how Chou's eyes always lingered on a particular red mermaid dress in one of the stores. She also noticed a faraway look whenever Chou stared at the gorgeous dress.

Naomi thought back then that if she were to become famous, she could buy her mother that dress. Maybe Chou could have a piece of the life she had before Naomi was born. That was Naomi's motivation to become an Idol Duelist.

But now, she couldn't even fulfill her promise to herself. Naomi's hand trembled, and she started to cry softly.

She jumped when she felt a body press on her side. Naomi was about to turn to the person holding her until she recognized a red ascot tie around the person's neck.

What made Naomi more confused was her shoulder was getting wet. "Naomi-chan. I'm sorry for making you go through all of that pain. I'm so sorry, sweetie," Chou sobbed. The woman cried even harder and tightened the hold she had on Naomi. She just cries more and more. It was her fault that her baby girl was suffering right now. That Naomi got ill. That her precious daughter is depressed. This was all her fault.

Soon Naomi cried even harder because of what her mother had just said. She soon leaned on Chou's chest. Naomi felt like she should be saying those words instead. She felt sorry she screwed up. She wanted to apologize.

Naomi wanted to apologize for not only failing her mother but for breaking her promise. But all Naomi can do right now is cry.

At this moment, no words were said between the two. All you can hear are whimpers and sobs.

Yet strangely enough, it is what both mother and daughter need in these harsh times. They just need a good cry. Thankfully they had each other.

_Flashback Ends_

Hot tears welled in Chou's eyes as her hands trembled, and she bunched the clothes in her hands. She starts to remember the times she was with Naomi. From how she gave her white ribbons before her concert when Naomi had just started to become an Idol Duelist. When she always takes a day off after working countless hours to spend some quality mother and daughter time, which includes cooking for Naomi. That always fails in the end.

Nevertheless, Naomi always ate the food with a smile on her face. To the moment they had before the first round of the Maiami Championships. How touched Chou was by her daughter's words.

Chou hates this. She wanted to hear more of her daughter's voice again. She wanted to see her daughter again.

Why did she ignore the feeling in her gut hours ago? Why does her daughter have to be in another dimension? Why did this even happen to them? Chou wanted someone to answer her questions. She...No demanded someone tell her why!

Chou cried onto the clothing, and Hachirou embraced her from the side, listening to the woman's cries. He just listened and listened. He doesn't say anything. He wasn't as close to Naomi like Chou had been due to him being away because of his job. But he still cares about his daughter and is concerned about her safety.

All throughout the night, Hachirou listened to Chou's cries until the morning sunrise in the distance.

Next Day_Maiami City Square_Early in the Morning_

Yuzu and Yuki were sitting on a bench discussing the current situation. From each Lancer condition after the Battle Royale. For instance, Shingo spent the whole day increasing his body temperature to be up for training first thing in the morning. It was a complicated process, but due to the research, Reiji spent when he analyzed Yu Sakuragi's frozen body. He was able to regulate Shingo's body temperature via different types of machines. Fortunately, Shingo was alright, but unfortunately for them, Shingo became more annoying as ever, boasting he survived "the frozen depths of hell and became a new person." Just remembering the commotion, Shingo caused this morning made Yuzu extremely irritated that she smacked him with her fan. Luckily Yuki punched Shingo in the stomach, effectively shutting him up as Shun dragged him to the Center Court to 'train' with him.

Speaking of which brought Yuzu to her current situation. She wanted to get to know Yuki and ask her to teach her how to Xyz Summon, just like she did with Sora regarding Fusion Summon.

And while Yuzu's major injuries had healed up, she still had bandages on her arms and face. Yet despite the pain Yuzu was in, she knew Chou was in more pain than she will ever be in her life.

She felt guilty about her inability to help her friend. Her lack of skills in comparison to the other Lancers. She did want to spend time training against Serena (who Yuzu found out is socially awkward but is a nice person despite her rough exterior). Dennis, Eijirou, Gongenzaka, and Yuya. She feels useless.

While Yuzu was in her thoughts but still listened to Yuki. As the latter mentioned, Reiji had everyone's decks yesterday and created new Pendulum Cards and cards for their decks to further enhance their skills. He also returned their decks this morning and advised them to get some training before leaving in the afternoon to head for the Synchro Dimension.

Yuki stopped talking and made occasional glances at Yuzu. Yuki figured Yuzu wanted her to teach her how to Xyz Summon, just like Naomi did when they first met. But Yuki discovered that the Melodious Duelist wasn't feeling like her usual self. Even though she wasn't as close to Yuzu, unlike her Standard Counterpart had been. Yuki could detect something was clearly wrong with her. She knew the pink-haired girl was still depressed about what happened yesterday but chose to talk to her.

Yuki decided to talk about something else because their atmosphere was becoming stiffer. "Yuzu...Why were you in the Warehouse that night?" Yuki questioned. She was curious about why Yuzu went to the Warehouse and challenged Shingo.

Yuzu snapped out of her trance and looked bashfully because of her response. "I overheard Sawatari's friend say they and Sawatari were going to attack Naomi for what she did to him during their duel," Yuzu responded. "I wanted to protect her, so I rushed there and challenged him to a duel, but then you came and defeated him..."

Yuzu trailed off when she started to remember all of the crazy events after what occurred in the Warehouse. How they had to defend, You Show against LDS top students, her loss against Masumi made her stronger to protect the people she cares about. Asking Sora how to Fusion Summon, witnessing Yuya Fusion Summon Rune-Eyes Pendulum Dragon and her match against Naomi to show how much she had improved. Finally, having her revenge against Masumi with Bloom Diva and obtaining Crystal Rose.

Soon tears began to spill out of Yuzu's eyes, and she was about to cry until Yuki placed her hand on her head. "You'll be okay, Yuzu. Just use this pain as a lesson to make sure you don't lose anyone else ever again," Yuki stroked Yuzu's hair. "But don't change who you are because of the pain you are currently in. All I can tell you is that you must become even stronger to protect those you care about."

Yuki knew she was being a hypocrite because she changed because of the immense pain she was currently in and went through. Still, because of her pain, she doesn't want anyone to go through the same experience she and her friends faced.

Yuzu glanced up at the black-haired girl. She knew Yuki was correct. She can't keep regretting her previous failure. She needs to become stronger to save Naomi and Ruri, protect her beloved ones, and restore Heartland to how it used to be.

Yuzu can't lose hope now. Not when she hasn't lost yet.

With her new resolve, Yuzu stands on her feet and wipes her eyes. She soon takes out her fan and places it in Yuki's hand.

"Please smack me across the head, Yuki" Yuzu bowed her head while Yuki was confused at the sudden change. She still accepted the fan and raised her hand.

Yuki slammed the fan hard against Yuzu's head, earning a painful whine from the girl. Yuzu whimpered and, this time cried because of the pain she just felt. She feels like multiple bricks just slammed onto her head, and now she feels a lump forming.

Is this what Yuya and her dad feel whenever she hits them? If is this what they feel, then she needs to stop.

But strange enough, stop her from shaking.

Yuzu got her fan back and felt even more motivated than she did before. "Thanks for that, Yuki, when we return to LDS Center Court. Can you teach me how to Xyz Summon and maybe how to Synchro Summon before we leave for the Synchro Dimension?" Yuzu asked. Yuki doesn't mind and accepts Yuzu's request but receives a message from Reiji on her duel disk.

Yuki read the content of the message before narrowing her eyes. "Reiji-kun just informed me about some more information about what occurred during the Battle Royale. When he and I are finished, I'll head to the Center Court to teach you," Yuki informed Yuzu about the message's contents.

Yuzu understood and nodded. Now she just had the push she needed to keep going. Yuzu hoped her friends, new comrades, and Yuya find the same motivation before heading off.

LDS Center Court_10:00 A.M

Eijirou just finished his duel against Gongenzaka, resulting in his loss, but he didn't feel bad about losing the duel. Because he knows he can become even stronger.

"Gongenzaka-san, can we duel again?" Eijirou asked, ready to go for another round. Gongenzaka doesn't mind but questions the Metalfoes Duelist why is he pushing himself so hard. This was his 30th duel against him since this morning.

Gongenzaka knew they would have to push themselves to the limit, but if they did, they would collapse before the battle had just begun.

Eijirou glanced at the sky with a faraway look. "Gongenzaka-san, I saw with my own two eyes what Academia did to the Xyz Dimension. I saw bodies all over the ruined streets because of the destruction Academia has caused. People were carded left and right. People lost their lives during the tragedy," Eijirou confessed. "I saw a girl who was younger than us. A building fell on top of her, and then there was a puddle of blood where the girl was. I don't know if she's alive or not, but if she is, then I want to help her and her dimension."

Eijirou chuckled bitterly. "I know it seems impossible. Riko told me that straight to my face and demanded that I shouldn't go because she doesn't want me to get carded or worse, killed," Eijirou continued. He brushed his hair back and sighed heavily.

"But I told her I'm still going whether she likes it or not. Then we dueled, and I won. I thought she would be upset, but instead, she told me it's just like me to risk my life for other people and act like a righteous hero. Finally, she gave me the go-ahead and told me to survive and return to her and our parents in one piece."

Eijirou looked at Gongenzaka and smiled. "It's an older brother...no a man's job to abide by his younger sister's wishes, right" Eijirou finished. Suddenly he was pulled in a literally bone-crushing hug that almost broke his spine in half!

"EIJIROU ANDO, YOU ARE A TRUE MAN!" Gongenzaka wailed, tightening the grip he had on Eijirou. He was truly touched by the maroon-haired boy's genuine words. "VERY WELL, I SHALL HELP YOU ACHIEVE YOUR PROMISE AS ONE MAN TO ANOTHER!"

"T-Thanks...But Gongenzaka-san...please release me," Eijirou gasped, his skin turning blue as he saw himself go towards the light. Ah, it was a very pretty light indeed.

Gongenzaka suddenly realized something was wrong with Eijirou, and the boy wasn't responsive. He furiously shook Eijirou until he opened his eyes again. Thankfully he did but mentioned he saw his grandmother on the other side.

Gongenzaka smacked Eijirou to snap him out of his stupor. Resulting in a bruised cheek, but it works when he starts another duel against the latter. Gongenzaka is motivated by Eijirou's words and tries new strategies to further enhance his Steadfast Dueling.

With his new cards, he won't be a burden to his new comrades.

LDS Private Meeting Room_

Yuki and Reiji were going over the footage from the Battle Royale. They saw something that caught both of their attention. Yuki zooms in on the footage and freezes the screen. The footage showed Dennis with Yuki and Akemi in the Iceberg Zone. By the look of the video, it seems Dennis was close to the two Academia Duelists.

"So we have a mole in our Lancers," Reiji commented, leaning back against his chair.

"Should we give a message to the other Lancers or keep it a secret?" Yuki questioned. She skimmed through the other videos of the Battle Royale. She found more videos of Dennis with, except this time he was with the Obelisk Force in the Volcano Zone.

Reiji shook his head. "No. Let's keep this between the two of us. If word gets out that Dennis is still allied with Academia, it could cause distrust towards Serena, who used to be affiliated with Academia. We don't need tension when we're about to depart," Reiji explained why they should keep it a secret between the two of them. However, once Dennis reveals himself. Reiji already has a backup plan if the Entermage Duelist reveals his true intentions.

"If he returns to Academia with his Pendulum Cards, then Leo has a present waiting for him," Reiji added as he displayed one of the Pendulum Cards he made for Dennis. It was revealed the card contains a virus that will malfunction any device that is not registered under LDS, their systems, and even every duel disk each Lancer is equipped with.

If Dennis returned, all the technology in Academia would shut down once Reiji inputs the code from his duel disk.

Yuki is impressed that Reiji thought this far ahead. "But how will you know if Dennis does return back to Academia? We could be in the Synchro Dimension, and if he gets sent back without you knowing, the virus is completely useless," Yuki pointed out until she realized something.

"Unless- "

"Correct. The virus also contains a tracking device that will send a signal to my duel disk if Dennis's duel disk is out of the radius of range. If Dennis leaves the dimension, it will go off," Reiji added, pushing his glasses up.

"You must not really trust Dennis if you are doing all of this for him" Yuki leaned against her chair.

"I was serious about what I said yesterday. When I chose the Lancers, I decided to put my life and Reira's in each of your hands, and if each of you feels the same way, then your lives are in my hand, and I can assure you and everyone I will have your backs. I need to be the Leader that everyone on this team trusts and vice versa. I need this team to fully trust each other no matter what background or dimension everyone on this team comes from" Reiji stood up and narrowed at the footage of each person carded during the Battle Royale. Hokuto and all of the LDS staff as well before the event. He had to shoulder this burden until he stopped Academia and found a way to return the carded people to normal.

"Along the way, if Dennis turns against Academia on his own terms like Serena did, I will erase the virus completely, not leaving a trace. But for now, I need this team not to have problems with each other. If they do, they will have to wait until everything is over for them to release any pent-up frustrations they have against the other person."

While Yuki was in awe of Reiji's speech, she pointed out a single flaw. Well, two flaws. "So, because of what you did yesterday, Yuya-kun doesn't trust you. If Shun-kun finds out, he might go on a rampage, which will lead to him not trusting anyone, including me," Yuki mentioned the two apparent flaws. Especially taking into Shun's reaction as a factor. She knew that if Shun found out, he will most likely card Dennis on the spot.

Reiji said these words that bring a meeting to a close.

"We'll cross that bridge when we get there."

One of LDS Inner Courts_

Shingo heaved against the wall he was leaning on. He had just finished a duel against Serena, which resulted in his loss, but he was catching up.

Now he has 20 Losses and 10 Wins against the Moonlight Duelist. If it were his previous self, he would have thrown a big tantrum, but he has matured a little. Because he knows in the end, he can still surprise people with his fantastic performance.

Shingo turned to Serena and noticed that she always summoned her Ace Monster to the field whenever it was her turn. He couldn't help, but wonder does she had ever try something new.

"I know you are fond of the same strategy, but you need to try something new, or else you will be defeated in a duel," Shingo advised but shrunk when he received a glare from Serena.

The Moonlight Duelist scoffed at his words but didn't deny them. She also knows she has been using the same strategy, but she can't help herself! After all, it was the same strategy. She used to win her duel, so why should she change now?

Shingo threw his hands up, not wanting to get on Serena's bad side. He may have just met Serena hours ago, but he could already tell she was not a girl that liked to joke around. If he were to say anything rude about her, then he may end up on the other side of the field.

"It was just a suggestion. You don't have to take my advice if you don't want to." Shingo left the area to head for the Center Court when he got a message from Eijirou stating he wanted to duel him next. Shingo huffed his chest out in pride, knowing someone else saw how skillful he was. When actuality, Eijirou just wants to test a new strategy out on him. Since he was the perfect person for the job.

Serena grumbled when she knew Shingo was right. During the duel with the Obelisk Force, they knew her entire deck well enough to have cards ready to shut her down. It irritated her to no end, but it was the truth.

She felt even more irked by the fact her two friends...well, friend and a pain in the ass know her personality well enough to play right into their hands. She's stubborn, but that doesn't mean she can't change for the better. With the cards, Reiji has created for her to come up with new ideas and keep up the same strategy she has been using.

Serena focused and got back to work.

LDS On the Way to the Center Court_

Yuki had just finished her meeting with Reiji and headed to the Center Court to uphold her end of the promise she's made to Yuzu. On the way, she noticed a figure leaning on a wall. When she leaned closer, the figure revealed itself to be Shun.

Yuki walked closer to Shun and saw he was trembling and couldn't stop. "Shun-kun. What caused this to happen again?" Yuki questioned. She knew what was going on with Shun. This happened before when Academia invaded their dimension. It left a huge mental scar on the residents, particularly the Resistance members.

Shun forced words to come out. "I...destroyed...Heartland…...again," Shun croaked out. He would have dropped to the floor if it wasn't for Yuki holding him up. Yuki understood what Shun was trying to say to her. During his training duel against Shingo, they must have a duel on the same Field Spell Shun and Sora dueled on. If her deductions are correct, the same result must have happened again.

Yuki's eyes soften. She knew what to say whenever he acted like this.

"You did your best, Shun-kun. It's going to be alright; you didn't destroy Heartland. It was just an illusion created by Real Solid Vision" Yuki comforted a frightened Shun. Memories began to swarm in her mind after the tragedy occurred.

Yuki recalled Ruri crying every so often. Yuto couldn't get any sleep because of the nightmares plaguing him every night. Shun couldn't stop shaking, and it seemed he was about to go into a panic attack like he was right now.

She couldn't stop herself from crying and would stay up all night to make sure Academia soldiers didn't pull any sneak attacks while her friends were asleep. Resulting in her not getting enough rest.

But now, she and Shun had to witness their precious home get destroyed for the third time or, in his case, a fourth time. Whether it was an illusion or not, it still hurt them, despite having blank faces. It may look like they're emotionless and say harsh words, but that's because they must protect people who cannot protect themselves. Nevertheless, they were still human on the insides.

Yuki pressed a button on her duel disk to display a picture of her, Yuto, Shun, and Ruri. She and Ruri were side by side, pulling a flustered Yuto and shocked Shun next to them, respectively. This picture was taken before the invasion hence why they were wearing different clothes from the ones they are wearing now. Whenever Shun acts like this, she always shows him this picture to remind him of what he has been fighting for. It would always light a flame in his chest and stop him from convulsion even longer.

It seemed to help Shun in his current mood when he glanced at Ruri's face and Yuto's. Shun breathed in and out to prevent him from puking. He needed to see this picture again. He needed to get his act together to save his sister and avenge his fallen best friend. He lost himself again to a mere illusion. He won't give up until Academia is defeated!

Shun released himself from Yuki's arms and straightened up his figure. The frightened look on his visage was replaced with a fierce expression. Without saying any words to the Mixed Duelist, Shun headed to the Center Court to drill some more battle mentality into his new comrades' skulls and sharpen their skills. Yuki followed behind him to do the same thing.

Yuki knew Shun was grateful for her help, even if he didn't say it out loud. It didn't matter to her because she was glad because, from the look on his face, she knew one thing-

The falcon has returned to the battlefield, where he will eradicate all of his enemies until they vanish from his sight.

Maiami City Park_12:00pm_

Yuya was still depressed. He never recovered from his loss against Reiji and losing Naomi. He sighed and felt tears forming, but he wiped them. His eyes were swollen from crying last night. He was surprised he still had some tears left within him.

As soon as he was given the clear from the Doctor about his bruised wrist. He immediately left the hospital without letting anyone know. He didn't even go to the Courts all over LDS to train. Yuya couldn't even put on his smiling facade. He honestly just couldn't.

Yuya looked at his surroundings and remembered this was where the Fair was held. He recalled the bright expression on Naomi's face when they arrived at the Fair. She playful took a bite off of his crepe and fed him hers. When they had a tie against Jounouchi and Mai in their Tag Duel. Her surprised face when she saw him waving a flag in her stage name and name in different colors.

Finally...Naomi's radiant smile when she thanked him for being there reminded him of when she confessed that she can Pendulum Summon. It made him happy to see her smile from the bottom of her heart. He wanted to see that smile again.

"That's a pathetic face you're making, Yuya!" A familiar voice yelled. Jounouchi was in front of the Entermate Duelist and grinned at his depressed face.

"Jounouchi-san..." Yuya mumbled, "what are you doing here?"

Jounouchi grinned. "A kid named Reiji Akaba asked Mai and me for assistance with training you guys until you leave for the what was it called? Ah, that's right, the Synchro Dimension. But when we arrived in the Center Court, I couldn't find you, and that's when a girl named Yuzu Hiiragi said you were still sulking about what happened with Naomi to even train," Jounouchi replied. When he heard Yuya wasn't in the Center Court, he ran out of the court without listening to any more of Yuzu's words, and Mai yelled at him to hurry and bring Yuya back to train.

He ran and ran and eventually found Yuya sitting on the bench moping. Jounouchi honestly had to thank his luck that he did, or else he would have run all the way to the other side of the world to find him.

"Well, she's right. It's my fault that Naomi's gone. If I wasn't so weak, then she would still be here, and Chou-san wouldn't hate me more than she already does," Yuya lamented. He confessed to the Pro duelist all of the pain and guilt he felt yesterday. He could barely look Chou in the eye when she returned. It was noticeable to everyone that she had been crying her eyes due to the tear stains and how swollen her eyes were. He wanted to hear Chou yelling at him for not leaving her daughter out of his sight or slapping him to get all of her frustration out. Yet she did nothing. She just sat in the room away from everyone else and stared blankly at the window.

Yuya knows he's not the only one feeling blame. He could tell Yuzu and Gongenzaka were too, but he felt more responsible for the fact Naomi wasn't in this dimension anymore.

Jounouchi slapped Yuya hard on the back, resulting in him to fell to the ground. Then Jounouchi lifted Yuya off the ground by his collar as they were face to face with each other.

"If that's how you truly feel, fight to get her back! Dueling is about fighting to help the people you love!" Jounouchi shouted. "If you give up now, what does that say about your feelings towards the people waiting for you to return to your senses and fight again! What does that say about their feelings! Are you just going to trample all of their feelings as if they mean nothing to you!"

On his way here, Jounouchi saw different people yelling around the LDS, wondering where Yuya could be. By the frantic looks on their faces, it seems like they were close to the boy. So why is he ignoring their feelings? Jounouchi couldn't understand what was Yuya thinking, worrying them like this!

"You don't understand Jounouchi-san," Yuya whispered weakly. He was showing Jounouchi's words were affecting him.

"Then make me understand Yuya! If you keep on everything to yourself then you are only not hurting yourself, but everyone who has supported you and made you the person you are today," Jounouchi added. Right now, he was looking at his past self. Around the time when his sister needed eye surgery, he wanted to shoulder everything himself and even pushed his friends away. But then his best friend punched him across the face and told him the same words he just told Yuya. Back then, Jounouchi was in awe by his best friend's words that he took them to his heart and his bruised cheek as a reminder of their friendship. Later, he offered to pay for the operation, which Jounouchi was so grateful for to this day.

Jounouchi's only regret is he should have done the same thing when that day happened. But he didn't, and now he must live with that regret.

Jounouchi will not let Yuya take the same path his friend took, not when he has anything to say about it.

Jounouchi released his grip on Yuya's collar, took his duel disk out, and activated it.

"Duel me. If I lose, then I will leave you alone to mope until your other friends leave for the Synchro Dimension. However, if I win, you have to go to LDS Center Court to train so you won't lose anyone else" Jounouchi proposed.

"Or is it that you can't duel anymore because you're so weak. Ah, if that's the case, then you should stay here then you'll only be a burden to the others," Jounouchi sneered as he continued to taunt Yuya, which works in his favor.

Yuya glared and got out his duel disk to activate it. "I'll make you regret those words, Jounouchi-san!" Yuya declared.

"That's the spirit, Yuya!" Jounouchi grinned.

"DUEL!" Both duelists shouted as they each drew their opening hands.

Jounouchi vs Yuya; 4000 LP Each; H:5 Each

Turn 1

"I will take the first turn" Jounouchi announced. "I summon Black Dragon's Chick from my hand."

A small black dragon with red eyes appeared on Jounouchi's field. Suddenly the dragon started to get even larger and more ferocious compared to its cute appearance.

"I send Black Dragon's Chick to the Graveyard to Special Summon Red-Eyes Black Dragon from my hand," Jounouchi explains as his ace monster replaced the baby monster.

Dark/Level 7/Dragon/Effect/ATK 2400/DEF 2000

"I set three cards and end my turn" Jounouchi concludes his turn with three face-downs in his Spell/Trap Zone.

"There it is. Jounouchi-san ace monster Red-Eyes Black Dragon" Yuya muttered. He remembered reading an article about Jounouchi playing his ace monsters in specific matches, declaring him the winner. Seeing this monster means Jounouchi has decided to become serious.

Yuya was a little nervous because that means during his Tag Duel with Naomi against Jounouchi and Mai, the male Pro Duelist didn't show his full strength back then.

But even so, he has to win. He can't afford to lose this duel.

"Then it's my turn! Draw" Yuya shouted as he drew his card.

Turn 2

H:5-6

"At this moment, I activate the Trap Card 'Gamble' by tossing a coin, and if I call which side it lands on, then I draw until I have five cards in my hand. However, if I'm wrong, I have to skip my next turn," Jounouchi flips one of his set cards open.

Out of nowhere, a coin was flipped in the sky, and Jounouchi stared directly at the coin.

"Tails" Jounouchi called out. The coin stopped spinning and landed on the ground, revealing the coin toss result: Tails, just like Jounouchi had said.

"Impressive" Yuya witnessed his opponent drawing five cards to replenish his hand to five.

Yuya regains his composure and continues his turn. "Using Scale 2-Entermate Sellshell Crab and Scale 7-Entermate Momoncarpet, I set them on the Pendulum Scale!" Yuya shouted before taking a card out of his hand.

"Next, I activate the Spell Card 'Scale Up' to increase Momoncarpet Pendulum Scale by two until the end of this turn."

The Entermate Cat-like carpet pillar number is changed from 7 to 9.

"With this, I can Pendulum Summon Level 3 to 8 monsters at the same time! Sway! Pendulum of the soul! Draw an arc of light across the aether! Pendulum Summon! Come forth! My monsters!" Yuya shouted. Through a portal, two monsters shot down from the sky.

"Entermate Trump Girl and Dragoncaller Magician!"

The small magician with a jester hat beamed when she arrived on Yuya's field with the older stoic magician.

D.M: Dark/Level 7/Spellcaster/Pendulum/Effect/ATK 2400/DEF 1000/P.S:2

E.T.G: Dark/Level 2/Spellcaster/Pendulum/Effect/ATK 200/DEF 200/P.S:4

"Using Trump Girl's effect, I can Fusion Summon using monsters I control, including this card! The one who controls the mysterious powers! Become one with the magician of dragons and revive as a new race! Fusion Summon! Appear! Level 8! Entermate Gatling Ghoul!"

Yuya summoned a male wearing a suit. It was equipped with a machine gun-like cannon.

Dark/Level 8/Fiend/Fusion/Effect/ATK 2900/DEF 900

"Gatling Ghoul's effect activates! I inflict 200 damage to you times the number of cards on the field. There is a total of seven cards. Therefore, you take 1400 damage!"

Gatling Ghoul charged up its gun and fired at Jounouchi. The bullets were ready to collide against the duelist. However, he was countered by a gigantic wall. The wall completely stops the bullets from harming Jounouchi. Instead, it incinerated the bullets and turned them into specks of dust.

The dust enveloped Jounouchi increasing his LP to 5400.

"I activated my Trap Card 'Energy-Absorbing Monolith' to gain LP equal to the damage I would have taken from Gatling Ghoul's effect" Jounouchi explained.

Yuya clenched his fist when the Pro Duelist's move reminded him of what Reiji did yesterday. It was as if history was repeating itself. Nevertheless, he will make sure the result won't end up the same way. So Yuya decided not to activate Gatling Ghoul's other effect.

"Battle! Gatling Ghoul attack Red-Eyes Black Dragon! At this moment, Dragoncaller Magician's effect activates when the card that used this monster as material battles a Dragon-Type Monster. My monster ATK is double!" Yuya revealed Gatling Ghoul grinned at shot four gigantic bullets as his ATK increased to 5800.

If this attack connects, then Jounouchi will take 3400 damage.

Suddenly Jounouchi smirked and activated his final set card on the field.

"Quick-Play Spell 'Roulette Spider' now since you declare an attack. I can roll a six-sided dice to apply the following effects depending on the result!"

A spider blocked the bullets, creating a wheel within it in the middle. The wheel spun quickly and then slowed down, stopping at No.5.

"Since the spinner stops at No.5, your attack is negated, and you take damage equal to Gatling Ghoul's ATK, which is 5800" Jounouchi said. The spinner took Gatling Ghoul's attack and reflected it back to Yuya.

The Entermate Duelist saw the attack and quickly discarded a card from his hand.

"I activate Entermate Rain Goat to negate the damage I would've taken!" Yuya countered. A blue coat that resembled an animal with a top hat. The coat covered Yuya and absorbed the attack as it shot it back into the sky, creating fireworks.

The audience was enthralled by the display, but they were unnoticed by the two duelists.

Yuya grumbled in frustration. "I end my turn, and at this moment's Entermate Momoncarpet Pendulum Scale returns back to 7."

"It's my turn again!" Jounouchi drew his card and activated another card from his hand.

Turn 3

H:5-6

"I activate the Ritual Spell Card 'Red-Eyes Transmigration' by tributing Red-Eyes Wyvern and Red-Eyes Archfiend of Lightning to perform a Ritual Summon!"

The two monsters turn into flames as they drop into a portal, creating a spiral of flames to rise to the sky. In the flaming spiral, a figure emerges from the hot scorching light.

"I Ritual Summon Level 8 Lord of the Red!" Jounouchi chanted one of his Ritual Monsters descends on the field.

Fire/Level 8/Dragon/Ritual/Effect/ATK 2400/DEF 2100

"Next, I activate the Spell Card 'The Claw of Hermos' by sending Red-Eyes Black Dragon to the Graveyard I can perform a Fusion Summon" Jounouchi continued. His ace monster burst into flames, and while its scales were melting, its figure changed drastically, morphing the monster into a sword version of itself.

"I Fusion Summon Level 7 Red-Eyes Black Dragon Sword!"

Dark/Level 7/Dragon/Fusion/Effect/ATK 2400/DEF 2000

"A Ritual Summon and Fusion Summon" Yuya was in awe. Someone else (except for the people he knows and dueled against) can perform different summons besides Advance Summon.

"If you were around back then, this was pretty normal back in my day" Jounouchi commented as if what he did was normal. He didn't know that it was a big deal to be able to perform the other summons so easily.

"But you shouldn't be so surprised yet! When Red-Eyes Black Dragon Sword is Special Summoned, I can equip it to Lord of the Red whose effect activates since another card on the field was activated!" Jounouchi explained. As soon as the Ritual Monster wielded the black sword, he savagely slashes the opposing Fusion Monster to bits of pieces. Leaving Yuya without a card on his field.

"Red-Eyes Black Dragon Sword allows Lord of the Red to gain 1000 ATK! That's not all it gains 500 ATK for each Dragon-Type Monster on the field and the Graveyards!" Jounouchi revealed increasing his Ritual Monster's ATK to 4900.

"Battle! Lord of the Red attacks the player directly!" Jounouchi shouted. Lord of the Red slashed down, creating a huge welt as a black slash beam was heading towards Yuya. However, he threw his hand in the air toward one of his Pendulum Zones.

"I activate Entermate Momoncarpet's Pendulum Effect! Any damage I take, become halve!" Yuya saved himself from losing the duel, yet his LP still took a significant toll.

Yuya:4000-2450=1550 LP

Momoncarpet created a transparent shield blocking the slash from hurting Yuya. Soon the attack was finished but left behind streams of black to float in around the duel area, giving the place a mysterious look but nevertheless cool to the spectators.

Yuya stops to glance at the people watching the duel. He didn't notice his duel attracted a large crowd, but it did. By the look on their faces, it seems they enjoy the duel.

"Did you see how stylish Gatling Ghoul was and his effect?"

"If Jounouchi-sama didn't have that card, he might have lost the duel!"

"It was amazing he was able to remain in the duel! I wonder, will Yuya be able to turn things around?"

"If it's Jounouchi-sama, then he will remain victorious, but I wonder what other tricks that kid has next?"

The more comments he heard from the crowd, the more it motivated him. It reminded him of what his dueling is about. He recalled the promise he made with Yuto.

"Use my dragon...your dragon and your ability to make... people smile. Also...use your power to bring back Yuki's smiles."

Yuya recalled Yuzu's words whenever he felt depressed.

"Yuya, smile! A 'fun and bright' entertainer is your motto remember. Give the crowd what they came for!"

Yuya recalled Gongenzaka's words whenever he heard people making fun of how he dueled back then.

"Yuya... if that's the way you want to duel, then that's fine. It's because it's your way that you shouldn't let people's words tell you how you should duel. It's because it's your duel that makes it special. If anyone mocks your dueling ever again just like me know, I will make sure never to mock the duel of my great friend Yuya Sakaki ever again!"

The more Yuya remembered the words of the people who supported him, the more he felt guilty about his previous actions. Even if he was feeling down, he shouldn't have pushed the people who care about him away. Right now, there is his mother, Shuzo, Chou, Ayu, Futoshi, Tatsuya, Yuzu, Gongenzaka, possibly Shingo, Yuki, and his new allies waiting for him to return back. He feels like an idiot, leaving them in the dark.

"You know a person who isn't alone is strong" Jounouchi scratched his cheek bashfully, he's close to conveying what he wants to show to Yuya and it seems the boy realizes it himself. But he needed one more push, and if he didn't say these next words correctly, Jounouchi was afraid to sound a little corny.

"I'm sure you realize it yourself. But you have so many people waiting for you to return. It's okay to bear everything by yourself, but you have people who are willing to bear the burden with you."

"Yuya...Will you just give them a chance to?"

Yuya is stunned by the Pro Duelist's words. He remembered Naomi's words after the Fair.

"The same matter also applies to you, Yuya-san. If you feel like you're alone in the world or that everyone is against you. You have people who care about you, love you, and support you. Don't forget that you're never alone."

They had the same context as the words Jounouchi was telling him. If he was being honest, he was actually afraid to lose someone else important to him. He lost his dad three years ago, he lost Sora and couldn't bring him back with his dueling, and he wasn't strong enough to protect Naomi.

Regardless of his past losses, he should make sure the people he has now are still alright. He should make sure they're close to him so he wouldn't have to lose another person.

Yuya knew what he must do.

He recalled his father's words whenever he felt afraid and couldn't move forward. Even now, he remembered them clearly.

"If you want to win, then bring out your courage and step forward..."Yuya muttered, gripping his pendulum. Honestly, he doesn't know if he will end up in this sorry state again. He doesn't know if he will be able to take a step when he does. But regardless of what happens tomorrow, he will never stop fighting for what he believes in.

"Thank you for snapping me back to normal, Jounouchi-san" Yuya showed gratitude to Jounouchi for bringing him back to his senses. He was truthful with his words. Even though Jounouchi physically brought him out, it was also because of the people who support him that he was able to snap out of his pitiful state. Yuya is honestly to have such wonderful people in his life.

Jounouchi was stunned by the heartfelt words before he chuckled. "I'm glad...I activate Red-Eyes Wyvern effect. By banishing this card from my Graveyard, I can Special Summon Red-Eyes Black Dragon back to my field."

His ace monster returns, however because he doesn't have Wyvern in his Graveyard anymore. Lord of the Red loses 500 ATK making its current ATK 4400.

Jounouchi set a card and ended his turn right there. He motioned to the crowd waiting for what was going to happen next. Yuya understood what Jounouchi was trying to say to him as he gave a massive grin.

"Ladies and Gentlemen! The fun is only getting started!" Yuya stretched his arms out. He gained everyone's attention.

"As you can see, I am in a pickle where my opponent has a monster whose effect can destroy a card I control if another effect is activated, and not only that, his monster ATK is 4400! The stakes may be dire, but I will turn the tide with my destiny draw!"

Yuya drew his card as he created a stream of rainbow colors with stars shining brightly in the colors.

When Yuya flipped his card, his grin widened.

"Let's start this show by activating Entermate Raspberry Magician's effect! When I have no monsters, this enchanting face is Special Summon to my field!" Yuya slammed his card down on his duel blade.

There was a mist covering everyone's feet. A wind picked up from nowhere, absorbing the mist as it transformed into a whirlpool of dark light. When the winds speed up, creating an endless amount of colors, a figure bursts out of the typhoon of light.

A mature woman wore purple magician clothing just like Kiwi Magician except for the raspberry accessories around her waist and choker. She wielded a black staff in her hands.

Dark/Level 4/Spellcaster/Effect/ATK 1000/DEF 1000

Raspberry Magician dispersed the typhoon creating stars to float across the area. She winked coyly, descending on the field.

"When this lovely magician is summoned this way, all cards my opponent controls are destroyed," Yuya revealed his summoned monster effect. Just as he expected, Jounouchi used Lord of the Red's effect to destroy Raspberry Magician to prevent his monster's destruction.

Yuya wasn't fazed by his monster being destroyed. Instead, he proceeded with his next move.

"I banish Raspberry Magician from my Graveyard to activate her effect. I can draw cards equal to her Level. Therefore, I draw four cards" Yuya explained why he wasn't fazed by his monster's destruction to draw another card.

"Even so, I'll use Lord Of the Red's other effect to destroy one of your Pendulum Cards so you won't be able to Pendulum Summon during your turn," Jounouchi remarked. He aimed for Entermate Sellshell Crab, and through Momoncarpet's Pendulum Effect, the card was destroyed, leaving Yuya with no cards in his Pendulum Zones.

"Are you sure about that? " Yuya countered as he held two cards in his hands.

"I rebuild the Pendulum Scale using Scale 1-Stargazer Magician and Scale 8-Timegazer Magician! With this, I can Special Summon monsters whose Levels are 2 through 7! Pendulum Summon!" Yuya remade his Pendulum Scales with his two staple magicians.

A gigantic blue pendulum briefly shines before swinging back and forth. When the pendulum stopped, a monster burst forth as crystals rained down from the sky.

"Entermate Cotton Angel!"

Light/Level 4/Fairy/Effect/ATK 1200/DEF 1200/P.S:8

Entermate Cotton Angel created small animals made out of a pink candy-like substance. She created bunnies, puppies, and kittens floating in the air while the kids in the crowd play with them and even laughs when they come close to them.

"But I'm not finished! I activate the Spell Card 'Pendulum Fusion' to fuse Monsters in my Pendulum Zones. Therefore, I fuse Stargazer and Timegazer together!" Yuya continued. The two pillars burst into light before swirling together.

Jounouchi's eyes widened. "A Fusion Summon using cards in your Pendulum Zone!"

A monster was formed in a portal of light, Cotton Angel threw her staff up, and a spiral of light pink rained down on the area. The two lights fuse together, creating a spectrum of colors out of pink and yellow.

"Wielder of the mysterious powers! Become one with time's compass and give birth to a new life! Fusion Summon! Magician of the holy skies! Heaven Paladin!"

From the light show, a man resembled Stargazer Magician. However, he wore dark blue robes. His robes were decorated with white stars resembling a constellation that was being created. Within the robes were galaxies spread across the horizon of the night sky. Finally, he had a staff at the end of the two-headed staff was a clock, yet the handles of the clock were shaped like angel wings.

Light/Level 8/Spellcaster/Fusion/Pendulum/Effect/ATK 2800/DEF 2000/P.S:2

"Now when Heaven Paladin is Fusion Summoned, all card effect you control is negated until the End Phase. Then I release Cotton Angel to add her ATK to Heaven Magician. Due to my recently Special Summoned Monster's effect, my monster's ATK doubles until the End Phase," Yuya revealed. Heaven Paladin struck his staff down at the center, and a spiral of galaxies burst forth. They covered Jounouchi's field, dulling the monster and the sword a gray color. The crowd is stunned by the light show in front of them as they see billions of galaxies and constellations as if they were in a planetarium.

Since Red-Eyes Black Dragon Sword effect is negated, Lord of the Red's ATK returned to 2400. Cotton Angel flew in the sky before turning into a pink speck of light showering Heaven Paladin. The monster felt his ATK rise to 4000, and through his effect, his ATK was now 8000.

"8000 ATK?!"

"If that attack connects, then Jounouchi-sama will lose for sure!"

"I recognize that kid from before! His name is Yuya Sakaki, the one that defeated the former Pro Duelist Strong Ishijima!"

"People said he cheated during the match, but how did he when he's this talented?"

"They were probably jealous of him! Just look at him!"

"This is the power Yuya Sakaki has... Amazing!"

Soon the crowd started to chant Yuya's name as the Entermate Duelist felt thrilled to hear the chants calling his name. This reminded him of the day he discovered Pendulum Summon. This was the feeling he felt before, and it felt great to him.

His lips changed into his signature smirk as he thrust his hand forward.

"Battle! Heaven Paladin attack Lord of the Red!"

Heaven Paladin absorbed all of the light he released from earlier into his staff and placed it on the ground. Soon the hands on the clock started moving forward as soon as they stopped at precisely 12 o'clock.

Suddenly a stream of endless colors spread throughout Maiami City Park, calling other people to watch the duel as well. The whole place was soon shown different images of space like before, except this time the pictures were actually moving as well. It created an optical illusion in the audience's eyes and thrilled them.

Heaven Magician shot a dark blue galaxy-colored light at Lord of the Red before a small trickster wearing devil clothing, holding a dice.

"I activate my Trap Card 'Skull Dice' now Heaven Magician loses ATK equal to the result times 100. With this, the damage will be lowered," Jounouchi pointed at the monster holding the dice.

The monster shook the dice before tossing them on the ground. The dice fell before rolling a few times before it stopped on 4. Resulting in Heaven Magician losing 400 ATK, making his current ATK 7600.

The blast was dimmed to a certain extent, but nevertheless, it never failed to burn the Ritual Monster to a pile of ashes. They were carried within the stream. Then out of nowhere, the Ritual Monster, in its previous appearance, was in the stream fighting against another monster as if he was in a movie of some sort.

Jounouchi:5400-5200=200 LP

Despite taking major damage, Jounouchi still had a grin on his face.

This duel reminded him of the good old days when he and his best friend dueled like this. His best friend was a huge showoff pulling heart-stopping tricks that excited him and the audience. No matter how many years pass, he still remembers the childish yet pure grin he wore before everything in their lives changed.

Just seeing Yuya smile reminded him of the same grin. This was bad. He was getting nostalgic.

"This will be the final turn Yuya!" Jounouchi declared, drawing his card.

Yuya smiled even though he knew the older duelist wasn't bluffing. This will definitely be the last turn that will result in his loss. But strange enough, it didn't bother him in the slightest.

Jounouchi proceeded with his turn.

"I activate the Spell Card 'Pot of Greed' to draw two cards. Next, I activate the Spell Card 'Monster Reborn' to Special Summon Red-Eyes Black Dragon from my Graveyard" Jounouchi revived his ace monster in the cemetery.

"Finally, I activate the Spell Card 'Inferno Fire Blast' to inflict damage to you equal to Red-Eyes' ATK which is 2400! Go for it, Red-Eyes Black Dragon!"

When those words left Jounouchi's mouth. Yuya felt a wave of nostalgia hit him. At the beginning of the duel...no when he first heard of the duelist's name years ago. It was as if he had heard that name from somewhere else, but he couldn't put his finger on it.

But he didn't deny the nostalgia in the slightest but embraced it as he took the attack head-on. Yuya saw the stream of space was burning, creating an illusion the stars were being set on fire. Soon the legendary monster flew up with the stars and blasted the beam creating a meteor shower raining down on him and the audience. To Yuya, he felt nostalgic once again, but this time he was in a different place. He saw this image because it was engraved in his head. He couldn't forget this image even if he wanted to.

Yuya closed his eyes and heard a voice in his head.

"You've finally managed to pull one over me, Jounouchi. Good job, my old friend."

Yuya LP was depleted, but his smile never went away.

Yuya:1550-2400=0 LP

Cheers and applause were heard from the crowd. The two duelists heard their names in the crowd and compliments on what occurred during their duel. Jounouchi walked over to Yuya, who was still in a trace, and slung his arm around the younger boy's shoulder.

"Now, here's what you are going to do. First, you will go back to your folks and apologize for worrying them so much. Second, you will return to LDS to train with everyone, alright!" Jounouchi's tone left no room for argument. However, Yuya wasn't going to anyway.

He already knows what he needs to do. He has the motivation and strength he needs to keep on fighting.

They waved their goodbyes to the crowd and ran all the way to the LDS Corporation meeting with a very angered Mai waiting for them.

Before Jounouchi could explain, Mai pinched his ear hard enough for him to cry out in pain. She started to reprimand him for his actions. However, before she could continue, she turned her attention to Yuya.

"I'm glad you are now okay, Yuya-kun. It seems like someone name Chou has a letter for you" Mai handed Yuya an envelope with a butterfly stamp on it. Mai smiled before turning back to Jounouchi, giving him her full undivided attention. Fully reprimanded him and yelled at the top of her lungs, causing unwanted attention from bystanders.

Yuya gave Jounouchi a sympathetic look, telling him he understood what he was going through as he walked past the pair and read the letter's contents.

"Dear Yuya-kun,

I am truly sorry if I showed some resentment towards you yesterday. Regards, my precious daughter, not being in the same dimension hurt me. It painfully kills me, not knowing if she's safe and sound. But if what she told is correct, then right now, she has someone in the other dimensions who look like her and people who look like you and Yuzu-chan. Just like how Yuki doesn't just share the same face as Naomi, but she is kind enough to return her clothes. But couldn't find the right timing due to all the chaos that occurred yesterday afternoon. She still felt the need to give me some closure. I know I am rambling, but I will get straight to the point...bring my daughter back to our dimension safe and sound, and not just that, bring peace to all of the dimensions with the dueling Yusho-san has taught you and the lessons Shuzo-kun. I have drilled into your skull( I know you weren't paying attention during some of the lessons but still use what we taught you). It will be a hard journey, and you will lose your way again and again, but remember the times you spent with everyone in this dimension, the good and the bad.

Those memories will give you strength no matter how badly you are beaten to the ground to stand up again and again.

Everyone else left behind, like Shuzo-kun, Ayu-chan, Tatsuya-kun, and Futoshi-kun will be waiting for all five of you to return. That's right! Bring Sora-kun back to us as well, even if you have to drag him in a body bag and carry him over your shoulder like a sack of potatoes. This is an order from your vice principal! Tell him when he returns, he will get an earful from me and my famous cookies he enjoys so much. If you forget, I will also give you an earful, Yuya-kun! By the way, if you run into Yuzu-chan, Gongenzaka-kun, and Yuki to tell them, I will be praying for their success as well as yours.

Sincerely yours, Chou Kobiyashi~

P.S:

Yoko-san gave you a card your father showed her, and she fell in love with him. Blah... blah... She mentioned that you will need it on your journey, and don't forget to make people smile and don't forget to smile. Bye!"

Yuya shook the envelope, and a card fell out. Yuya caught the card and looked at it in awe. The Card was a Spell Card named Smile World. His eyes softened when he remembered all the times his dad would play Smile World at You Show. It never failed to bring a smile to his face whenever he saw the card in action. Now that it was in his hand, the guilt was lightened up because of Chou's letter. He was even more motivated than he did.

Now it was time for him to get some work done.

LDS Center Court_12:45 pm_

Yuzu and Gongenzaka were currently in a Tag Duel against Shun and Yuki, with the latter having Revolution Falcon and No. 94: Crystal Zero on their field. While she had Bloom Prima on her field and Gongenzaka had Superheavy Ninja Shinobi-AC on his field. Both teams' LP was about the same, but the Resistance side still had an enormous advantage.

Just as Yuzu was about to draw her card, she heard a shout from one of the entrances.

"Yuzu! Gongenzaka!" Yuya ran to see the duel up close when he also spotted Dennis sitting next to Serena, Eijirou, and Shingo.

As the latter huffed his chest and dramatically pointed at Yuya.

"You are late, Yuya! How dare you keep your rival waiting for you to get here!" Shingo looks in the other direction. "If you want to plan to catch up, you are too late! If you want to be at my level, you will have to train for 10,000 years! And it will take you 100,000 years to beat me!"

"When you put it that way, you are making it difficult for Yuya to catch up," Dennis commented.

"I'm pretty sure you'll be dead in 10,000 years, Shingo, along with Yuya," Eijirou added. The boys' words made Shingo lose his footing, nearly hitting his head on the railing. He turned his head towards them just as he was about to get on them for being snarky. Until another voice prevents him from doing so.

"Stop causing a fuss! What matters is that he finally arrived right," Serena pointed out. She didn't understand why Shingo was about to cause a huge ruckus when Yuya finally arrived at the Center Court. Honestly, if she had to hear his voice screeching one more time, she will knock him out.

Serena wasn't the only person who found Shingo screeching to be annoying. "I agree with her. If you don't shut it in the next minute, my fist will do it for you," Shun warned, eyes flashing dangerously. He was irritated ever since what happened this morning in the noise Shingo made. He didn't get much sleep last night, and it didn't help when he did. He heard a loud noise next to the room he shared with Yuki.

So yeah, he wasn't in a bright mood, but can you even blame him? If you heard a lunatic screaming at 6:00 am in the morning and you didn't get any sleep, would you honestly be in the mood to deal with any more annoying people? Especially those that caused you to be like this in the first place.

Shingo grumbled and sat back down. Made complaints here and there but didn't voice them out loud.

Yuki sighed and saw Yuya had changed, but particularly the look in his eyes. It was the same look Yuzu had when she found her resolve this morning. It wasn't just him. She saw Serena, Shingo, Gongenzaka, and Eijirou find their resolve to keep fighting. While Shun found a reason to keep on fighting.

Yuki envied everyone for finding a reason to keep on fighting. On the other hand, she was stuck.

Yuki already made her decision by shutting her emotions off to keep fighting. But if she does, then will she lose another person she cares about along the way? If Yuki turns them on, will they be a hindrance in the future as this fight continues? Honestly, she didn't know what to do, but all she could do was keep going. Because right now, that seems like a better option than to sulk anymore. While Yuki was berating herself, Crystal Zero reassured her that no matter what her decision is, everyone will be 100% behind her until the bitter end.

"Thank you," Yuki nodded her head in gratitude. Moments later, she and Shun remained victorious in the match but were inwardly impressed by how Yuzu and Gongenzaka reduced their LP to a good amount. It seems like they were able to catch up to them and keep the duel going and turn the tides against them in certain turns. It was a way to show they were improving.

Now it was Shingo and Yuya's turn to use the Center Court, and the match took twenty minutes with Yuya being the winner, but Shingo was close, though. If the latter had summoned his new Monster one turn earlier, then he could have won the match. Still, sadly Yuya prevailed by summoning The Supreme King Black Dragon - Odd-Eyes Rebellion Dragon.

Shun instructed Eijirou and Serena to duel each other but paused when Reiji came with Reira and Tsukikage.

"I've seen your training duels and am impressed with the results. Let's commence the Lancers Meeting before we head off," Reiji announced.

"There are a couple of things I would like to discuss."

Academia_Professor's Chambers_Around the same time_

Leo Akaba kept tapping his fingers on his chair rapidly. He held in his hatred when he explored Umi's memories when she returned. It seems the Synchro Alter Ego called Yugo was in the same dimension as Yuri, and the Standard Alter Ego was named Yuya. The boy he discovered from Sora's memories.

This was bad. If they were to reencounter each other, the consequences would be deadly. If that happens, it will be just like back then. Leo refused to let that happen for the third time.

Leo was in deep thought until an idea came to him. He opened the screen showing a middle-aged man with long green hair tied in a low braid and blue eyes hidden behind black frame glasses wearing ragged clothes and a white lab coat. This man was one of Academia's famous scientists and Akemi's father, Katsu Shima.

"Katsu, I have a task for you," Leo started. The green-haired scientist fixed his glasses. "How long will it take you to create a tracking device with the function to record and listen to people's conversations?"

Katsu hummed and pulled out a prototype from his desk. "I like how you think, Leo. I'm already in the process of creating one for certain reasons and will have it finished before Lunchtime. So theoretically speaking, I will have it done in thirty minutes" Katsu confirmed he cut the communications off to start working, or else he'll miss Lunch today. He can't have that, not when they are serving his favorite food, fried shrimp, in the Canteen.

He needed to hurry or maybe contact his daughter to bring him some, but knowing her, if he did, he would have to do her a favor, which involved him creating cards for her during his break. It didn't help that his breaks were usually around dawn or late at night.

Ah, why does he have such a troublesome daughter? Why couldn't she be more like Umi? Being a good girl and not causing trouble for him every time she does.

Ah! This is bad. If he keeps thinking about unnecessary things, then he will stray from his goal. He can't have that now.

"Focus, Katsu! FOCUS!" Katsu scolded himself and proceeded to start creating the machine.

Leo sighed at one of his personnel's eccentric actions. Well, he was useful for this Arc Area Project, and that's what matters.

Leo returned back to his neutral expression and displayed another screen.

"Bring Umi Macfield here to my Chambers," Leo ordered one of the teachers.

Soon Umi arrived, bowing her head, not wanting to look into the Professor's eyes after she failed him. She didn't accomplish her goal of bringing Naomi or Yuki to him. What humiliated her was that she proclaimed to him that she would accomplish the mission her rival failed to do. Yet she didn't, and therefore, she feels like a failure.

"Umi Macfield, do you want to repent for your previous mistake?" Leo asked. Umi nodded her head quickly and bowed even lower. "Very well, I have a mission that you can only complete. This time I won't accept any failure, or else the next time you come back, here will be in a card form. Do you understand what that means?"

Umi felt her throat tighten at the implications of what the Professor meant by his words. She had sweat running down her temples as they fell to the floor.

Nevertheless, she found the urge to speak. "Y-Yes, Sir," Umi answered meekly.

"Then come back here in thirty minutes. Now return back to your studies," Leo dismissed the young girl who was already out the door when the words left his mouth.

Leo pressed another button and contacted another person on the screen.

"Bring in all of our high-ranking elites. I have a message for them."

Academia's Garden_Greenhouse_12:15 pm_

Akemi was humming a song as she listened to the commotion outside of the Greenhouse, knowing who was the cause of the loud noise outside. She patted her spirit monster-El Shaddoll Wendigo, on the head.

"How many people do you think Yuri-kun took his angered on?" Akemi questioned El Shaddoll Wendigo to have a crooked smile and shook her head.

"Too many right," Akemi confirmed what her spirit told her by the look on her face.

When Yuri regained his consciousness, she told him what transpired during their duel and the aftermath. As she figured he was so enraged by hearing what happened, he proceeded to find whoever duelist he encountered and defeated them easily.

He may or may not turn them into cards, but Akemi knew better. Akemi released her hands off Wendigo's head and took care of her adored periwinkles.

Just as she was about to water them, she heard a slam at the Greenhouse's entrance. Reveals Yuri with a still irritated look on his visage.

"Let me guess, who you dueled didn't help with your pent-up aggressions," Akemi remarked, poking Yuri's cheek. "I can also guess you nearly dueled everyone in our age range but couldn't, or else the Professor will scold you again for your reckless actions."

With how Yuri reacted, it seems she hit the nail on the head. Yuri chuckled darkly and grabbed his face with his hand.

"Ah~ just because it's you, Akemi doesn't get you a free pass to come at me. If you continue, then I have no choice but to teach you a lesson" Yuri got out his duel disk.

Akemi looked at her boyfriend blankly. She stood up in her spot and walked over to him. When she faced him. She slapped him hard across the face.

Akemi glanced at the red handprint on Yuri's red face, although her actions made him even angrier than before.

"AKEMI, YOU-!"

"No, you shut up," Akemi interrupted Yuri by placing her finger on his lips.

"I don't mind tangling with you, but I refuse to when you act like this. If we duel, I want to do it the way you are."

Akemi continued to chastise him. "You are a short-tempered crazed boy who wants to come out on top, and whenever things don't go your way, you pull a temper tantrum. Did I mention you are also very short and not very muscular, and yet you have a flexible body? Even though you have so many bad traits, I can name them at the top of my head.."

Akemi removed her finger and pecked his lips with her own. "I wouldn't have it any other way."

When she pulled away, she was satisfied to see a small pink blush across Yuri's cheeks. It made her want to tease him for being so adorable, but she held in the urge.

"Just for the record, I haven't reached my growth spurt yet," Yuri mumbled, placing his forehead against Akemi's.

"Yeah, come back to me when you're 6'0 feet, and I'll take back what I said. Until then, you are still short," Akemi retorted. While she was embarrassed by how close he was, she didn't pull away.

"I ran into your cousin, the candy freak, and he informed me that all of the elites have been summoned to the Professor's Chambers," Yuri mentioned Akemi snorts.

"You mean the trash I disowned that should shut up. Alright, let's go see what the Professor wants now."

The two pulled away from each other and walked out of the Greenhouse. Akemi glanced at the people they encountered, praising her or backing away in fear because of Yuri. It always pissed her off whenever she noticed how people would tremble when they saw Yuri but look at her in adoration. They had the same sadistic tendencies, so why were they treated so differently?

It didn't help matters when people shunned Yuri when he was younger, making him wary of people and their intentions. It made Yuri distrust people.

However, it was because of their meeting. He didn't doubt everyone's intentions, only those that seemed shady and no good. Which is only half of Academia, but regardless he was able to make a handful of friends.

For instance, Serena (well, the two of them are always at each other's throats half of the time), Dennis (somewhat when he wasn't annoying Yuri), Kori (but their relationship wasn't on friendly terms, only professional), and she doesn't count because she is his girlfriend. But that doesn't matter in the slightest! Anyways he still had people who cared about him and didn't care about his personality in the slightest.

Still, it bothered and angered Akemi whenever she saw this every time. The more she saw it as they walked down the halls, the more it made her want to go on her own rampage. However, she was stopped by El Shaddoll Wendigo.

The monster gave a teary-eyed expression and begged her master not to torment and torture people to satiate her rising anger. Akemi crumbled under the gaze and sighed.

"Don't worry, I won't. So, stop looking at me, okay, darling," Akemi reassured, stroking Wendigo's head in a motherly fashion. The monster smiled and disappeared from Akemi's sight.

Finally, the two arrived and entered the Professor's Chamber, standing with the other elites. One woman wearing a black military uniform as a grey cape was adorned over her shoulders and black boots. She had dark blue hair and black bangs framing her face; finally, she had black eyes devoid of any emotion. This woman is Tsuru Fujiwara.

In the room was another woman wearing a green military outfit, but she had a shirt, unlike her colleague. She had matching black boots and the same cape; however, hers was a green color. She had wavy turquoise hair with light green highlights at the ends of her hair. She had blue eyes. This woman is Saori Hirai.

In the other part of the room was Kori leaning against a pillar. Across from her were the two famous tag team duelists: The Tyler Sisters and Satou Brothers.

The older brother is Eikichi Satou. He has red hair and piercing yellow eyes. He is wearing a red military uniform with a badge across his chest. The younger brother is Eizo Satou has yellow hair with black streaks at the end and red eyes. He is wearing the same military uniform as his older brother; however, his buttons are loose, revealing his tank top underneath the uniform.

Barrett stood near another pillar, and Sora was next to him.

He was going to approach Akemi to make amends for what he did but was met with a harsh smile. Her eyes had malicious intent, and if Sora were to get close to her, he would be swept by the intense waves directed toward him. It made Sora freeze up, and he stopped his advances.

Leo Akaba tapped his finger, and soon, all of the elites kneeled before him.

"Since all of you are present. I have a new mission for each of you regarding our next plans moving forward," Leo broadcasted. He told the group about the next stage and how it involved what he needed with Katsu creating the device and Umi being sent on the mission.

"If everything goes according to plan. We will move forward to the next phase of the Project."

"I will be expecting great things from this particular group since you are more talented than the others and more devoted to the cause. However, if I were to find a trace of treason, you know what will happen," Leo warned coldly, his eyes narrowing. Everyone shivered by the intensity of his words. They each remained in their designated spots.

"Yes, Professor!" each member stood up and saluted. Even though they were just threatened by the Professor's words, they still were excited by what was about to happen. Some of them couldn't wait to return back to the battlefield and let loose. Some just wanted to get out of here to improve their skills. While some people wanted to go back to what they were doing. Some people were hesitant about the mission they were about to receive.

Regardless they all had one objective in mind because it was the sworn rule of Academia: obey the Professor's orders.

"Glory on the Academia!"

Back to the Standard Dimension_LDS Meeting Room_

The time was 12:20 pm in the afternoon. The Lancers were in the meeting room, ready to travel to the Synchro Dimension with their respective duel disk activated. They each had a Spell Card Dimensionizer to teleport to the Synchro Dimension based on the data LDS received from Yuto's duel disk and Shun's.

Reiji revealed to the Lancers how there will be only 5 Actions Cards in the Field Spell: Crossover implanted in their duel disk. Reiji informed them that it won't show they have improved their skills if they use Action Cards during their duel. While some had no Action Cards and only had the Field Spell in their duel disk.

Shun voiced his displeasure with Reira being dragged into this war but is reassured by Yuki and Serena that the young child of the group will be okay. As well as telling him to trust Reiji and his plans to defeat Academia. Shun calmed down after that but didn't like the idea of children being involved in a war. Since no one had anything else to say after that, Reiji gave the signal, and each member activated the card in their hand as their duel disk glowed a blue color. Causing them to vanish within the light.

Synchro Dimension_Commons' Slums

The light bluish warp dimmed, revealing Yuya, Yuzu, Serena, Yuki, and Reira all step out to look at their surroundings. Yuki felt nostalgic when she took in the sight of the sky in front of her. But weird, when she was here last time, the view felt closer than she was right now.

Nonetheless, this place, in fact, is the Synchro Dimension.

"Now we've arrived in the Synchro Dimension. Let's start searching for Naomi and then our comrades," Yuki proposed to the group behind her. They all nod, and soon as Yuki steps into the dirtied streets.

Out of nowhere, the group was surrounded by Sector Security from all sides. Duel Chasers were blocking each way of the streets, and one helicopter floating above.

"We have you surrounded, Haru Kobi! I don't know where your twin sister is, and frantically, I don't care! You are arrested for the crimes you pulled two days ago!" One of the Sector Security roared, revealing bandages on his face.

"Bombing one of Sector Security Headquarters, destroying 50 Duel Chasers' d-wheels, assaulting thirty officers, trespassing Top Private Property, and wrecking Top Property as well!"

"This time, you will be going to the Facility! Do you have anything smart you'd like to say that will increase your life sentence!"

The others stared blankly at the black-haired girl who showed shock across her visage for once.

"What?"

---

Oc Cards

Yuya:

• Entermate Raspberry Magician

Dark/Level 4/Spellcaster/Effect/ATK 1000/DEF 1000

When you control no monsters, you can Special Summon this card from your hand. When this card is Special Summoned this way: destroy all cards your Opponent controls. When this card is sent to the Graveyard: You can banish this card to draw cards equal to this card's Level.

•Odd-Eyes Barrier Dragon

Light/Level 4/Dragon/Effect/ATK 1200/DEF 1600

(Quick Effect): When your Opponent declares a attack you can send this card to the Graveyard to reduce the Battle Damage to 0. If this card is in the Graveyard you can banish this card from your Graveyard to draw one card and reduce the battle damage to 0.

• Dragon's Chain_Trap

Monsters your Opponent controls cannot activate their card effects. When you control a Dragon-Type Monster, you can banish this card from your Graveyard to activate this effect; monsters your Opponent controls have their effects negated while they are on the field.

• Odd-Eyes Flaming Dragon

Fire/Rank 8/Dragon/Xyz/Effect/ATK 3000/DEF 2800

2 Level 8 Monsters

You can Xyz Summon "Odd-Eyes Flaming Dragon" by using 1 Xyz Dragon-Type Monster you control as material. (Transfer its Xyz Materials to this card.) During the Battle Phase: You can detach an Xyz Material to target a monster your Opponent control, that monsters have its effects negated and ATK and DEF changed to 0. When this card destroys a monster by battle, you can inflict damage to your Opponent equal to the original ATK of the monster that was destroyed.

• Heaven Paladin

Light/Level 8/Spellcaster/Fusion/Pendulum/Effect/ATK 2800/DEF 2000/P.S:2

Pendulum Effect:

During the Battle Phase: When an 'Odd-Eyes' or 'Magician' battles, your Opponent Monster(s) lose 1000 ATK for each Monster, you control.

Card Text:

2 'Magician' Pendulum Monsters

This card is unaffected by card effects and cannot be destroyed by card effects. When this card is Fusion Summoned: All card effects your Opponent controls are negated until the End Phase. During Your Battle Phase: this card ATK doubles until the End Phase. When this card is destroyed by battle, you can place this card in your Pendulum Zone.

Reiji:

• D/D King's Rule_Spell

If you control a 'D/D' or 'D/D/D' Monster, all monsters your Opponent controls are changed to Defense Position. You can banish this card from your Graveyard so all monsters you control can inflict piercing battle damage to your Opponent.

• D/D/D Bright King Arthur

Dark/Rank 7/Fiend/Xyz/Effect/ATK 3000/DEF 2800

2 Level 7 Monsters

Once per turn, you can detach an Xyz Material to negate all card effects your Opponent controls. This card can attack twice per turn. Once per turn, during the Battle Phase, monsters you control cannot be destroyed by battle, and you take no battle damage from that battle. When this card leaves the field: you can add a 'D/D' or 'D/D/D' Monster from your Deck to your Hand.

• D/D Centaurus

Dark/Level 3/Fiend/Effect/ATK 300/DEF 600

(Quick Effect): You can send this card to the Graveyard to reduce any effect damage you take this turn to 0. When this card is in your Graveyard: You can banish this card to Fusion Summon using monsters in your Graveyard and banish zones as well to Fusion Summon a 'D/D/D' Monster from your Extra Deck.

---

Author's Note: Chapters 1-4 have been redone and uploaded, so you will notice some major changes. More background information about our Standard Girl Naomi Kobiyashi! Some changes will be made that have something to do with the canon storyline. Nevertheless, let's ride on into the Synchro Dimension.