Author's notes: I want to thank everyone who's left a review. Your praise and critique will hopefully help me produce a more enjoyable story for you all. And again, special thanks to Awakened by a Reverie for bringing to my attention some things I think I should explain.

I did make Judai act somewhat out of character in the opening scene of the last chapter, I'll admit it. I was trying to expand on the maturity he began to express in early season four. I did try to keep some of his childish side in the scene (his love of duelling mainly). I'll have to re-watch some of season four to find a good balance. But there is an important thing I think everyone could keep in mind (Thanks again for making me aware of this, Rev). The reason Judai's speech pattern was considered 'rude' in the original GX was because he rarely used honorifics. The English language does not have them, so it's going to be difficult finding a way to 'translate' them for lack of a better term, to the English way of speaking (and I don't know many of them anyway). If anyone has an idea, or if it's actually been done by someone smarter than I. I'd be most grateful if you could let me know.

Hope you enjoy the chapter.

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The Emissary of Extinction

Chapter 2

Rising Strength. Kenzan VS Xiaolang

In the Library, Judai had a pile of books in front of him. "This is easily more work than I did through my time as a student." Each book was on mythology. As Pegasus had based a lot of cards on Mythology it was decided that duel Academia needed a vast Mythology section. He must have flipped through dozens of books, and after all the time he'd spent searching, his search had turned up...

"Nothing. It's like this thing doesn't even exist." "Or no one wanted it to be found." "What do you mean?" "Think of the things that have been found at duel Academia. The phantom Demons. Darkness. Portals to the monster world. You wont find all the data on them here. And after the incident you had with Darkness I bet all the books about Darkness had been removed.""We're not gonna find it here are we?" "That's assuming data on the creature even exists. Experts on duel monsters mythology are rare. And I have a feeling this particular beast is not very well known."

Judai put the book back on the pile. "Someone knows. But who?"

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Judai walked through an empty Academia, trying to make some sense of what he had faced back in the temple.

"If only I could find someone who knows something about it. I'd settle for this creatures name, but not even duel Academia has anything on it." Judai stopped. "Where is everybody today? I know it's the weekend but I thought someone would be around." For a brief second he was reminded of a darker time. A time in which there were no students in the halls, or even the world. But he knew that wasen't the case now.

An empty world didn't cheer.

Judai ran, he knew where that cheering was coming from.

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Judai walked into a crowed stadium, smiling as he watched two duellists fight on stage. He smiled as he was reminded of all the battles he'd fought on that stage. Manjoume, Kaiser, Edo, Johan. "I've fought some strong guys here."

He looked at who was duelling now.

One duellist he saw was an obelisk blue student, likely a first year by the size of him. He controlled two monsters, and was about to make a move. (Student LP/200) "I tribute my Grave Squirmer and my Metal Reflect Slime to summon the Invader of Darkness." (Attack mode. ATK/2900 DEF/2500) The Mummy and Silver-coloured Slime were offered as tribute to summon a monster who's hight dwarfed it's duellist. Dressed in a cloak that did next to nothing to hide it's monstrosity of a body. It looked at it's opponent and growled. "And since you have no monsters left I can end this now."

Judai looked to the student's opponent. "Xiaolang?"

To Judai's surprise Xiaolang was standing as the students opponent, with no monsters and only one face down card he had clearly seen better duels. (Xiaolang LP/1400) Xiaolang grinned. "Try it ya douchebag." Judai chuckled. He had to hand it to the kid, faced with a monster with almost 3000 attack points and still had the guts to insult his opponent. He smiled a little more when the commentary started.

"Ooh, Now the challenger is insulting his opponent na-no-ne. What guts, but against an Invader of Darkness what can he do?"

The Obelisk grinned. "Nothing! Invader, attack! Wrath of Darkness!" The creature shot out his hand, a wall of darkness launching itself from it. With the intent of crushing Xiaolang.

"I activate a trap! A Hero Emerges! Now you have to select a card in my hand. if it's a monster, I can special summon it. Otherwise that card is going to the graveyard." He held up his hand.

"You only have one card. So Summon it already! It wont do you any good, my Invader is too strong."

"Hold that thought!" He placed the card on his duel disk in defence mode. "I summon The Creator!" (ATK/2300 DEF/3000)

The crowds watched in awe as the would be god appeared behind Xiaolang, it's divinity refusing to even stand in front of Xiaolang, it was such a large creature that only it's head and upper body was shown, the rest of it becoming more ghostlike before vanishing under the ground. Xiaolang smiled as the wall of darkness vanished before the light The Creator emitted. "Guess your darkness cant stand the light huh?"

"Mama mia! He's summoned monster with 3000 defence points!"

The boy gritted his teeth, he had no other cards on his field or in his hand. "I end my turn!"

Xiaolang picked up a card from his deck. "Hey douchebag, next time you try and challenge someone of a lower rank, pick more carefully. Because you're about to lose. First I activate The Creators effect. Once per turn, I can select a monster that's in my graveyard. And by then discarding a card I can special summon that monster to my side of the field. So I choose, then discard a card to summon back, Spell Striker!" (attack mode. ATK/600 DEF/200) "Attack him directly!" Spell Striker took to the air, holding it's tiny staff. "You lose, douchebag!" A quick staff strike at the boys face put the arrogant kid on his back. (LP/0)

The crowd broke out into applause. "The Dropout Boy won the match na-no-ne. What an amazing duel!"

Xiaolang was waving at the crowd. "Yeah I won, I won. I won-wait! Did he just call me a-? Why you-!" He felt a hand on his shoulder, turning around to be met with a figure that made him smile. "Hey Judai. You catch my match?" Judai shook his head.

"Sorry, but I did get that nice escape at the end. I can remember times that card has saved me in a duel." Xiaolang chucked. "Same here. We should compare stories."

"Judai!" Both turned to face two figures who'd shown up at the stage. Judai could not stop the nostalgic smile that graced his face. "Rei, Kenzan." Before he could stop them both had jumped on stage, overcome with emotion all three of them ended up in a brief group hug. Xiaolang took a few steps back, letting them enjoy their moment. After a moment they broke apart, all looking to Xiaolang.

"Nice duel-don." Rei nodded. "Though I think the reason was a little strange, that was a good win." Judai blinked, he just realized he had no idea what that was about. "What was the duel about anyway?"

Xiaolang turned to face his opponent, who was getting up with a scowl on his face. "The douchebag was getting up in my face about me wearing a senior getup even though I'm a first year. So Cronos decided to set me up against him. So basically I just won the right to wear the the outfit." He pointed at his defeated foe. "Next time shut up! I like the color scheme and I don't care what you think about it doucebag!"

The boy's scowl widened. "I'll get you next time! I swear! You'll pay for humiliating me!"

Xiaolang grinned. "Yeah, and I'm Seto Kaiba." He turned to face the Cronos. "Hey! I won, I get to keep the outfit right?"

"Oh course! One last round of applause for the winner everybody!"

Kenzan shook his head. "I think he's been trying to find a replacement for you, Judai. Looks like Xiaolang got the job." Xiaolang scratched the back of his head with an embarrassed smile. "I got a lot to live up to haven't I? I think I should just try and get promoted, I don't want the pressure."

Rei and Kenzan laughed, the latter turning to face Judai. "So what brings you back to duel Academia?"

Judai's face became blank for a second, before seeming to decide something with himself. "Yes. They deserve to know. They are my friends." "Long story, let's find a quieter spot first though."

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Due to Judais reputation, it was somewhat difficult for him to get around without either finding challengers or fangirls. Eventually however they were able to get away from the crowds and move to some place where no one would think to look for him.

No one would think he'd go right back to his old room. However, to Judai's dismay, it would have been rude to send Xiaolang away. He didn't want the boy brought into what he had found but, Judai hoped, once he heard about it he might just dismiss it as nonsense and lose interest.

But alas, fate did enjoy messing up his plans.

"Wow. That's one creepy spirit. So do you think that thing is running around our world?" Judai nodded slowly, disappointed that the kid was actually interested.

"Yes. It said it would see me again, and portals to the monster world are more common than most think." On his top bunk Xiaolang eyes looked to the ceiling, thinking to himself.

"Think there's a duel monsters card of it?"

Judai opened his mouth to respond, before the question actually sunk in. Could it have been made into a card? Either by it's own will, or Pegasus creating it? He became silent for a second, mulling over the thought. "Maybe. But I don't even know the creatures name, so I can't find anything out about it."

Kenzan spoke up. "You could ask Yuskue."

"Wait. Yusuke is still here?"

Kenzan nodded. "He's retaking his third year, he's on an expedition with his mythology class right now, there's some ruins they went to look at. But he should be back in a few days, ask him then. I'm sure he'd be glad to help you out."

Judai nodded with a smile, finally he'd caught a break. "Guess I'm gonna be staying here for a while."

"Sounds good, big brother."

"Yay!"

"Then I want another duel!"

Judai laughed. He had some good friends here, and with a new face it might be interesting. Kenzan grabbed his deck. "Hey big brother. How about a quick duel? Just for old times sake?"

"Hey! I signed up first!" Kenzan looked up at the top bunk, where Xiaolang was glaring at him from. "You've had a chance to show off today, let me have a turn!"

"What? So you can duel your 'big brother'? Who wants to watch a family spat?" Before the situation could get any worse, Rei decided to step in. "Why don't you duel for the right to face Judai?"

"Deal!"

Just like that a duel had been arranged.

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Just outside the Osiris Red dorm a first year and a third year had their duel disks ready, ready to start tearing into one another. Rei was standing in the distance between them. "Alright you two. You are duelling for the right to fight Judai, any rule breaking will result is disqualification, as referee I decide that it's only fair that the first year gets the first move. Duel!"

(Kenzan LP/4000)

(Xiaolang LP/4000)

"I draw. I summon my Fortress Warrior in defence mode." (ATK/600 DEF/1200) A statue depicting two Golems appeared. Back to back they almost appeared fused, between their raised hands they held a cracked helicopter landing pad. It was only when the looked into the eyes of the statue that you realized the statues were alive. "I'll set one card and end."

"I draw-Saurus! I special summon Gilasaurus." (Attack mode. ATK/1400 DEF/400) The velociraptor-like monster appeared, snapping it's jaws at Xiaolang.

"I swear that thing wants to eat me."

Kenzan continued. "When I special summon him, you're allowed to special summon a monster from your graveyard, but you don't have one. Now I special summon another Gilasaurus." (Attack mode. ATK/1400 DEF/400) Xiaolang coulden't help the feeling that it was feeding time at a zoo, with him on the menu. "Now I tribute them both to summon Black Tyranno!" (Attack mode. ATK/2600 DEF/1800) The two raptors were replaced with a T-rex, which roared the second it was summoned. "When you control only defence position monsters, Black Tyranno can attack directly!" The Dinosaur ran forward, swiping it's tail at Xiaolang.

"I activate a trap. Defense Draw. I take no battle damage and I can draw 1 card." The tail only hit a barrier which appeared to defend Xiaolang.

"I'll set two cards, turn end-don."

"I draw. I activate Reinforcement of the Army, I chain a quick-play spell from my hand, Shrink, then lastly I chain another quick-play spell from my hand, Chain summoning. First, since Chain summoning was the third card played in the chain, I can normal summon three times this turn. Now, Shrink Lowers your monster's original attack by half until the end of the turn." (ATK/1300) "Now Reinforcement of the Army lets me move a Warrior-type monster to my hand. I choose my Command Knight. Now I summon three monsters, all Command Knights!" (attack mode. ATK/1200 DEF/1900) Three well dressed knight, with red and gold armor appeared. Each of their poses exactly the same, all with a hand ready to draw their sword. "Now they each give all warrior-type monsters I control 400 attack points." (Command knights ATK/2400 Fortress Warrior/1800) " I move Fortress Warrior to attack mode." Now I'll start my battle phase, Command Knight number 1, attack his Black Tyranno!" A Command Knight pulled out her sword, rushing forward, ready to slay the beast before her.

"Not a chance-Sarus! I play a trap, Defense Instinct! When a Dinosaur-type monster I control is attacked, I can send cards from the top of my deck to the graveyard until I find a Dinosaur-type-don. If that monster's level is equal to or higher than your monster, your attack is negated. This trap is continuous, but will be destroyed during my standby phase two turns from now-don. So I'll use it's effect." He picked up the top card. "Hyper Hammerhead!" (Level/4) "Your attack is negated."

Hyper Hammerhead appeared, remaining only to try and attack Command Knight, who only jumped away before the attack hit her.

"Command Knight number two!"

Kenzan went through three cards this time. "Black Stego." (Level/4) The second Knight back-flipped over the tail swipe.

"Command knight number three."

It was the second card down this time. "Ultimate Tyranno." (Level/8) The third barely evaded being stepped on.

"Fortress Warrior!" The Golems threw their pad.

Fifth card. " Gilasaurus." (Level/3) The creature appeared, opening it's jaw to catch the offending weapon before both shattered.

Xiaolang gritted his teeth. It really was annoying. "I end my turn." (Black Tyranno ATK/2600)

"Draw-don!"

While Kenzan was thinking on a move, Judai was watching with interested eyes. "This kid adapts quickly. strangely quickly. I haven't seen anyone adapt like him since, well me." "And he has a strong spirit as well. Though it must be said he's not in your league in either skill or strength." "Maybe. But given time who knows what he might be able to do. I haven't always been as strong as I am, Yubel."

By now Kenzan was making a move. "I activate Dino Blast! You take damage equal to my Tyrannos level times 300 points!" (Level/7) Xiaolang hid his behind his arm as the blast hit him. (Xiaolang LP/1900) "Now I activate my Rapid Burial, for each monster you control, I can send I dinosaur or winged-beast type monster in my deck to the graveyard, for each monster I sent this way, each monster you control loses attack points equal to the number of monsters you control times 200 points. I send from my deck, Dark Driceretops, Black Ptera, Giant Rex, and Sabersaurus. Your monsters each lose 800 attack points." (Command Knights ATK/1600 Fortress Warrior ATK/1000) "Also, easy of my Dinosaur-type monsters gain 200 attack points times the number of Dinosaur-type monsters I control." (Black Tyranno ATK/2800) "Since your Fortress warrior cant be destroyed by battle as well as negating any battle damage you'd take from his battles, and your Command knights prevent me attacking them. I'll end my turn."

"I draw. I'll set one card and end my turn."

"I draw. Since it's my second stand-by phase. My trap is destroyed. I'll set one card and end my turn."

"I draw. I remove a spell from my graveyard to special summon Spell Striker." (Attack mode. ATK/600 DEF/200 Command knights effects. ATK/1800) "Next I activate my Unstable Evolution Equip Spell card. This raises the Original attack points of my Spell Striker because my life points are lower than yours. To 2400!" (ATK/3600) "Lastly I play my face down card, Blast With Chain. This is a trap card that becomes an equip spell card upon activation. When Activated it gives a monster of my choosing 500 attack points. I choose Spell Striker." (ATK/4100) "Spell Striker, attack him directly!"

"Trap open-sarus. Survival Instinct. I can remove any number of Dinosaur-type monsters in my graveyard from play. For each I remove I gain 400 life points. I remove four." (Kenzan LP/5600)

"That won't stop Spell Striker!" Spell Striker hit with of it's enhanced strength, but Kenzan didn't even flinch. (Kenzan LP/1500)

Judai raised an eyebrow. "Kenzan? What are you..."

Kenzan waved an arm out, causing one of his cards to open up. "I activate Jurassic Impact. I can only play this when my life points are lower than yours. This destroys every monster in play, and we take 1000 points of damage for each monster we lose."

"1000?"

Before Xiaolang could say anything further, the entire arena was engulfed in light. A meteorite had appeared out of nowhere and struck the ground. All anyone could hear were the screams and shattering of monsters.

When the light cleared Kenzan could be seen,apparently not affected by the fierce winds that tried to knock him down. (LP/500) Xiaolang on the other hand was lying on his back, eyes blinking quickly. (LP/0) "Now that was a blast." Xiaolang slowly sat up. "Alright, you win."

Judai walked over to the duellists, clapping along with Rei. "That was a cool duel guys. Alright Kenzan, shall we duel?" Judai was about to arm his disk when he noticed something behind Kenzan. "It's sunset already?" Everyone turned to face the sky, as the sun was sinking into the sea. Kenzan deactivated his disk. "I better get back Judai, I have classes tomorrow. Sorry." "It's alright Kenzan. I'll see you again soon." He turned to see Rei walking away as well. "Same here Judai, I gotta get back to the blue dorm. Don't be a stranger!" After brief goodbyes both Kenzan and Rei had left, on the run back to their own dorms.

Judai watched them leave with a smile. He was glad to see they haden't changed much, they were still the same people he knew and loved. His thoughts were interrupted by another voice.

"So where are you staying tonight Judai?"

"Eh? Oh. Umm, I never actually..."

Xiaolang smiled, he knew what they meant. "Looks like you're my room mate after all. But just so you know I've already claimed top bunk."

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Down at the docks a ship was coming in, given the size of it, it was clearly a delivery ship. A figure stepped out from it. They turned around as they were getting off. "Thank you very much for the lift. I didn't know that Duel Academia delivered at sunset."

"Yes sir, it's a newer policy, we like to get deliveries done by night, so everything is ready by morning." "I see. Very efficient. Oh, I how rude of me. For the lift, what do I owe you?"

The crew member held up a hand. "Oh no need, glad to help. After hearing your story I couldn't possibly charge you."

He smiled. "It is very pleasing to know Kaiba corp hires generous men like yourself. Thank you for everything captain, but I'm afraid I must part." The captain chuckled.

"That eager to see your son?" The man turned around, seeming to look in the direction of where he son might have been.

He could not see the glow that now housed in his eyes, with a smile that could have sent a shiver down the spine of evil itself. "More than you'll ever know."

Visible only to the man, an image appeared by his side.

Black fangs, held inside a face that was only a skull. With most of it's body clothed in darkness that was like wisps of smoke, wrapped in the skeleton of what may have been a defeated foe. The creatures mouth opened.

"Soon we shall meet again, human."

The figure walked through the docks with that smile on his face, the creature on the other hand stopped for a second, throwing it's head back. And roared, the darkness on it's body flaying wildly.

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Inside of Xiaolang's room both Judai and Xiaolang had their cards laid out, in the middle of a duel. Xiaolang had The Creator out in defence mode, along with two Command Knights in attack mode. (LP/1600) No spell or trap cards. Judai had Elemental Hero Neos in attack mode. Neo Space active with two face down cards. (LP/2800)

Judai smiled, it was just like old times.

"From my hand I activate Neos Force!" "Kuri Kuri!" Both faces turned to look as Winged Kuriboh appeared from Judais deck. "Winged Kuriboh?"

"That's Winged Kuriboh?"

Judai looked up. "You can see him?" Xiaolang nodded. "Kuri!" "What's wrong?"

Then it came, both duellists eyes widened as they felt it. Xiaolang felt his heart slam to a halt as he felt the dread, like every fibre of his body was telling him that this was the end. That hope was lost. His breath came in gasps.

Judai knew it for what it was right away. He stood up.

Then it was gone. Like a breeze the evil had come and gone. Xiaolang was shaking. Struggling to regain his breath. "J-Judai. What. What was that?"

Judai clenched his fist. "It's here." He frowned.

It was just like old times.

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End of Chapter

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Today's Strongest Card

The Creator

Monster

LIGHT

8

Thunder/Effect

ATK/2300 DEF/3000

This card cannot be Special Summoned from the Graveyard. Once per turn, you can select 1 monster in your Graveyard, then send 1 card from your hand to the Graveyard and Special Summon that monster.

Commentary: Xiaolang

"A monster that revives other monsters! Awesome! Now if only it were easier to summon..."