Everyone knew about Neo the Magic Swordsman. The card was famous for being one of the very first duel monster cards ever to be created by Illusion Industries, and the third strongest Lv 4 in the first set. Only La Jin and Battle Ox had beaten it in power. There were rumors that it was the very first card to be painted by Maximillion Pegasus

No one knew what had inspired Pegasus to create the monster. The monster had reportedly not come from tomb carvings like most of those ancient creatures. Infact, he did not resemble anything remotely Egyptian. He was a knight, dressed in strange magic armor. He was a white, with blonde hair and bright blue eye that flashed when he performed his attacks.

Rumor held that during his trip home from Egypt, Pegasus had stumbled upon a second tomb. And there, he had discovered the images of a great battle between the Gods. And forefront in the battle was Neo the Magic Swordsman. Only, none could tell which side he fought for. Indeed, he seemed to just suddenly appear in the picture, a traveler from a strange land.

Later, Neo would become the basis for another set of monster: The Different Dimensional Warriors.

But was most strange in the legacy of Neo was that there were so few left. Because of their age, many had not survived, and those that did were locked away in the collections of men like Seto Kaiba and Geno Roads.

Yet…Alexander Milo owned one.

And he dueled with it.

"Neo…attack Arliss Lockehart directly! DRIFTER'S STRIKE" Alexander commanded. The swordsman leapt into the air, blade glowing as he struck out at Arliss, sending the Rare Hunter flying across the arena and into a wall. (Arliss-1100)

"Geez…that Neo sure packs a punch!" Jaden exclaimed with a laugh. "Or, maybe I should said packs a sword slash."

"Maybe you shouldn't say that, considering it makes no sense." Bastion said.

"It doesn't?"

"No."

"Oh."

Arliss stood up slowly, his eyes flickering black as he drew his card. "Hmmm…bringin' out the big guns? Am I suppose to be scared of some rare card, boy?" He scoffed. "Please…maybe most of your opponents get tongue tied when face-to-face with that there monster, but not me. I only care about it's attack…and let me tell you, it ain't that great."

Alex smirked. "Arliss, Arliss, Arliss…I thought you of all people I would have thought would see past the superficial things…I mean, just look at Nessa."

"Oh snap." Hector said. "Catfight!"

"Johnny rubbed his hands together. "You know, I've had dreams that start out like this."

"Too…much…info!" Souta groaned, covering his ears.

"Oh, come on!" Hector laughed. "If it were Alexis and Samantha Ciro down there, you would be eating this up."

"…what are they wearing?" Chazz asked, only to receive a smack from Alexis. "OW!"

"Keep me out of your sicko thoughts, hentai!"

Back on the field, Arliss held up a card. "I'll set these here two cards on the field, then summon up a second of my Strike Ninjas!." As with the first, a dark shadow overlaid him, stepping forward and taking the form of his Ka, the dark ninja known as the Strike Ninja. "And since our monsters have equal attacks, that'll end my turn here." Arliss smirked. "Your move."

"A dangerous play." Hayden said.

"What do you mean, luv?" Cassandra asked, looking to her boyfriend.

Hayden nodded towards Arliss' side of the field. "He is trying to draw Alexander out. The Professor has already shown he is smart and skilled…Arliss cannot risk fighting this one monster to monster. He must be cunning…and that is what worries me."

Nessa frowned. The Scottish duelist, with his downbeat attitude, was annoying her to no end. She liked Hayden, and how he made her little girl feel. But…if he was any more mopey…

"Arliss isn't dueling right, Cassie."

"What do you mean by that?" Nessa snarled, her eyes glowing as she raised a hand.

"Try it." Hayden challenged, tapping his forehead. "My mind isn't a happy place to be."

"'ayden, mum!" Cassandra cried, her own eyes glowing as she held up her hands. "Enough!" She turned to her boyfriend. "Wot do ya mean, da isn't duelin' right?"

"I have never had the pleasure to watch Arliss Lockehart in a duel. If you remember, lassies, I came to this academy when you did, and I wasn't around when you two dueled with him against Bastion." Hayden smiled a bit at that memory. Yes, that duel had turned his friend Candace into a dark, wicked version of herself. But it had also made Candace into someone that could admit her feelings about a certain Scottish duelist.

"Your point?"

"My point is Nessa, I have heard about how great Arliss Lockehart is. He is such a clever duelist, he is such a smart duelist…and Alexander Milo is bending him over his knee and paddling his arse."

Nessa lips curled up into a feral snarl. "One more…"

"Mr. McGregor is right."

All of them turned to see Samantha coldly staring out over the dueling arena, eyes almost unfocused yet taking everything in at the same time.

"Master Arliss is attacking quickly and without thought. He has fallen into a trap and taken too long to escape. He should have been able to either detect said trap or remove himself from it within 2 turns. It took him longer. He has also not used his combos to the fullest." She turned to Nessa. "In my opinion, either Alexander Milo has thrown Master Arliss off his game, or he has a plan."

Alexander drew his next card and nodded, pleased with his draw. "You know, I never realized how fun it was to destroy Strike Ninjas. I dare say I am becoming quite a pro at it."

"Just make your move." Arliss threatened.

"Very well. I will summon the D.D. Warrior Lady to the field!" As he spoke, a white portal appeared above their heads, and from it came the Warrior Lady. Dressed in black leather, a glowing saber in her hand, she joined her brother, the two drifters ready for battle. "My D.D. Warrior Lady has a special ability: When she attacks, I can automatically activate her dimensional transport device, transporting both her and your Strike Ninja to the Different Dimension. And, of course, that will leave your field clear for my Neo the Magical Swordsman!

"But there is more. You see, just incase you have some surprise power up under one of those facedowns, I will equip my Neo with Mage Power!" Neo's blade glowed red hot as the spell card appear on the field. "This card will increase my Neo's attack to 2200, more then enough to finish you! But before you taste his blade…D.D. Warrior Lady, Dimensional Slicer Slash!"

The female warrior nodded, springing into action. She leapt with ease, blade aimed right at the Strike Ninja's chest. But as the blade made it's final approach, the ninja struck out, catching the sword in his hands and holding it fast. Try as she might, she could not break free.

"My Negate Attack trap card will keep you from any of your attacks." Arliss said simply, a smile playing on his lips.

Nessa smirked. "He should have known that Arliss would not make this easy on him." She watched as Alexander set one card on the field, ending his turn and increasing his Neo's attack to 2700. "Maybe he will learn yet not to try and face the King of the Rare Hunters, even if you have a big bad Neo on your side of the field.

But once more, Hayden wasn't sure. Something did not sit well in the pit of his stomach, and he did not trust Alexander to lose so easily. 'No…there is much more to this duel then Nessa and Cassandra would have me think.'

Arliss smirked as he looked upon his Strike Ninja. "I think if you are going to power up your little drifter, then I should do the same for my Strike Ninja. But before we go a'shoppin', I do believe I should teach you some manners. Like, you never make a woman fight your battles. Fissure!" The spell card appeared, cleaving the ground and causing the D.D. Warrior Lady to fall to her doom. As the field resealed, Arliss held up another card. "Now, on to my Ninja. While diamonds might be a girl's best friend…" Arliss lifted his Shadow Item up. "Stars are mine. So, makes sense to give my Strike Ninja the perfect gift: The Fuhma Shuriken!"

The Strike Ninja held up his hand, fire raining down from the heavens and forming into the razor sharp weapons. Holding them to his face, the ninja nodded and prepared himself to attack.

"But I know what you are a'sayin', though: How can I attack ya monster if your Neo be stronger…well, look again. Dust Tornado!" A gust of air lashed out from behind Arliss, hitting Neo and tearing his sword from his hand. The weapon and the spell card shattered, leaving him at his normal 1700 attack. "With that nice equip gone, your monster is nothing when it comes to my Strike Ninja."

"Arliss just took back control!" Syrus exclaimed.

Dhmitri frowned. "Uh…we know. Why the hell did you just tell us."

"it's what we do." Jaden said.

"Huh?"

"Nothing."

"Now then, I think it's time to attack: Shuriken Rain!" The Strike Ninja leapt straight up into the air, eyes glowing red. His hands blurred as he fired off throw after throw of shurikens, the deadly stars raising right at Neo.

But right before they could hit, Neo held out his hands, summoning a great whirlwind to throw the stars harmlessly to the side. The attack broke apart, leaving the ninja hanging in the air.

"What the 'ell…" Cassandra said in absolute surprise.

"You're not the only one that can summon a Dust Tornado." Alexander said. "Neo, finish this battle!" Neo nodded, leaping into the air and striking the Strike Ninja…shattering them both in its suicidal attack.

"Don't forget my shuriken's effect though, boy. While it might be destroyed…it leaves a nasty little present for ya." As he spoke, one of the shurikens floated into the air, spinning rapidly and driving itself into Alexander's back. The professor cried out, dropping to his knees. Arliss smirked and set one card on the field (Alexander-300)

"Down for the count!" Nessa cheered. "What do you think of your boy toy now, Sammy?" Samantha sat there, stock-still. "That's what I thought!" She shook her head. "He isn't playing to his fullest…sure looks like he is playing to his fullest right now! OH yea, he sucks…not!"

"Stop taunting the puppet." Hayden scolded.

"Mum's just 'avin' 'er own fun, 'ayden." Cassandra said, stroking his hand.

"Well that is all well and good Cass, doesn't mean though that I agree with all what ya did to the poor girl." Hayden looked over at the rock-faced Greek Duelist. "Just wrong if ya ask me. Not right."

"She was a spy…"

"A human, lassie." Hayden said, standing up. " She was a human before your father got down with her. And despite my more lax stance with everyone here, I'll never support that."

"Where are you going?" Nessa asked.

"Personally, don't quite feel like spending time with you three. Root on Arliss all you want, lasses, I'm going to go play some of me video games. At least there I can pretend I am a hero."

" 'ayden!" Cassandra called out, standing up to follow her rapidly receding boyfriend. She was stopped when she felt her mother's hand gently pull her back down in place. "Mum…"

"Let the boy be." Nessa said softly. "He has a lot on his mind."

"But I can…"

"Just…let him be." Nessa said, brokering no arguments.

Alexander struggled to get to his feet, drawing one card. "I…activate Card of Sanctity, allowing us each to draw 6 cards. And…since I don't have….any, I get all 6." Both duelists drew their cards.

Arliss was ready though. His Torrential Tribute card would activate instantly, destroying any monster Alex tried to summon or set. 'Come on…'

"See that smirk…" Nessa said. "That means he has something planned. Alexander is toast!"

"Yea…" Cassandra said listlessly.

"He is going to win…"

"Yup…"

"Me, Jaden Yuki and Hugh Jackman had a threesome last night."

"That's fine."

"I believe she isn't paying attention." Samantha said simply.

"I can see that." Nessa snapped. She folded her arms. "Mopey boys, boring daughters, puppets that talk back…just great."

Alexander continued his turn. "And now…I will activate the spell card Soul Release, which allows me to remove any 5 cards in either graveyard from play." In front of Alex, holograms of every card in both their graveyards appeared, waiting for his approval. "One from mine…and 4 from yours. I will then set one card, and end my turn."

"What is he doing?" Dr. Crowler asked, surprised by the strange play his peer had made. "What good is using Soul Release, then not playing a monster? I tell you, Alexander Milo already began barking up the wrong tree with Arliss being a Rare Hunter, and now he is showing just how much of his mind is gone."

Shepard, however, merely shook his head. He trusted Alexander Milo, and knew the government agent would not let them down. Alexander and his Different Dimension Deck had already proven that they could handle any sort of situation, and he had no doubt that they would prove it again.

"Bring on your monster, Alexander." Arliss taunted. "There ain't no way it can defeat me!"

Alex shrugged. "You're right."

Nessa raised an eyebrow. "…okkkk…did he just admit…"

"That da 'as 'im trapped?" Cassandra finished, a smile slowly forming on her face.

"…yea." Nessa said. "…nice to see you back in the land of the living."

The two looked at each other before grabbing hands and jumping up and down in pure glee, all thoughts about Hayden gone. "He beat him, he beat him!" They cheered.

"Calm yourselves mistresses." Samantha said darkly, crossing his arms. "Master Arliss hasn't won yet. And all Mr. Milo said was none of his monsters could beat Master Arliss…not that Master Arliss had done."

"Well said Sam!" Alex called out. "You are correct, darling. I only said my monsters could not stop you Arliss…which is why I only removed my Neo, which has no chance of returning to the field, protecting him within the different dimension. But your cards…they are there for a different reason."

As he spoke, the four cards Alexander had removed from play appeared, boxing in Arliss: Two Strike Ninjas, The Mystic Swordsman Lv 4, and the Fuhma Shuriken.

"I activate the trap card D.D. Dynamite!" His trap card appeared, revealing many sticks of dynamite glued together. "When I detonate this bomb, each of the cards I just removed from play with explode, dealing 300 points worth of damage right to your lifepoints…now tell me Arliss, can you do the math?"

"He's done." Bastion said in shock. "There is nothing Arliss can do now to stop the attack!"

"Milo is going to beat Arliss!" Alexis exclaimed.

"Show them how it is done, Prof. Milo!" Dhmitri cheered.

"He…he has to have something…" Nessa stammered.

"Da just can't lose like this!" Cassandra cried.

"D.D. DYNAMITE! ACTIVATE!"

The trap exploded, setting up the chain reaction. First the Strike Ninja's exploded, Arliss crying out as the shards from the cards slashed his skin. Then, the Mystic Swordsman detonated, driving him forward and right into the final card: The Fuhma Shuriken, the representation of his own Shadow Item. The card exploded, Arliss' head snapping up as he screamed in agony.

"ARLISS!" The Rare Hunters called out in horror, watching as their King sank to his knees.

Alexander strolled over to his opponent, Arliss staring down at the field. His eyes were glazed over, his mouth hanging slightly open. The Professor tilted his head, taking in the Rare Hunter.

"You've lost Arliss." He said coldly, before turning to Chancellor Shepard. "Chancellor…you told me I could have whatever I wanted if I defeated Arliss. I have chosen my prize."

"Then speak it, Prof. Milo." Chancellor Shepard said.

"This is it…" Alexis whispered in awe. "Say goodbye to Nessa, because we won't be seeing her again."

"And Candace is about to pay for the sins she made against our family." Bastion said with glee.

"No more Arliss." Jaden said in surprise. "Who would have imagined it?"

Alexander cleared his throat. "It would be easy to have you 5 banned from the island. It would be easy to seize all you own as mine. I am not interested in easy."

"Huh?" Jaden and his friends asked.

"For that reason," Alexander continued, "my request is that I be promoted as head of the brand new Hunter Purple Dorm, and able to chose any students I wish to be under me."

The crowd gasped at the startling request. Shepard could scarcely believe his ears. But, because of the contract between him and Alexander, he could not go against the professor.

"So be it…Alexander Milo, you are now head of the Hunter Purple Dorm, to do as you see fit."

Alexander smirked. "My first order of business…Dhmitri!" Jaden and his friends, along with Johnny, Hector and Souta, all watched as Dhmitri stood up, pulling 2 bundles from under his seat and hurrying onto the arena floor. "Thank you." Alex said, opening up the first bundle to reveal a black coat with purple trim. Slipping it on, Alex sighed in bliss. "This will be my uniform…as it will be the uniform of our top student…Dhmitri, I name you my number one of the Hunters."

Dhmitri had expected this, but still, to hear the words were a shock to him. Alexander presented him with a black coat similar to his own, watching with pride as his student slide it on.

"My second act…Arliss Lockehart, Nessa Lockehart, Cassandra Lockehart, Hayden McGregor and Samantha Ciro… are all now officially students under my command. You will turn in any jackets from Slifer Red, Ra Yellow or Obelisk Blue. Your current dusters are fine. They will mark you now forever as MY hunters." Alex allowed a wicked smile to form on his lips. "You belong to me…I own you…lock, stock, and barrel. The era of Arliss is over…the era of Alexander has begun. See ya at the dorm…roomie. Oh, and Arliss?" Alex smiled. "Make sure you bring Samantha safe and unharmed.

With that, Alexander and Dhmitri turned on heel and marched out of the arena, leaving the students and faculty to mull over the decision. The two had much to do, and very little time to do it in. It was a brand new day, and the two friends were ready to enjoy it to the fullest.

"Mum, what do we do now?" Cass asked softly.

Nessa bit her lip. "I don't know Cassandra…for once…" She looked down at her catatonic fiancé. "…I just don't know."

In the stands…Mayday smirked.

Next Time on G/X: Hunters-

The season finale has come.

The Rare Hunters are now under the control of their enemy, Alexander Milo. And the Prof. has some changes in mind. But when the Hunters rebel, secrets will be revealed, a lie uncovered, and an alliance no one saw coming will shake the foundation of the academy.

Endgame Part 4

A New Reign Is Here…How Long Will It Last?