Author's notes: Vacation's over. It's time to for me to get my ass back to work.

I know Judai has been more of a back-seat character in recent chapters. Don't worry, that changes from here on in. Xiaolang was just needed to move the plot alone for reasons that'll become clearer as time goes on. From now on the main character will actually be the main character.

IMPORTANT: Thanks to a fan pointing it out (Cheers Destinydeck), an error I made in last chapters duel has come to my attention. Xiaolangs use of Soul Rope.

Soul Rope cannot be played during the damage step. And monsters destroyed by battle are destroyed during the damage step. Damn Konami rulings! It was alright for the anime!

So for the first time so far (That anyone has pointed out), I have an error in one of my duels. And Soul Rope is overpriced crap.

Now folks, that leaves us with a problem, should I go back and tweak that part of the duel?

Should I just leave it as is? (Though I probably wont use Soul Rope again.)

Or there's option three. There are a few rules in the OCG/TCG which are just plain stupid. (Soul Rope being an obvious one). Would anyone really give a damn if I ignore these stupid rulings and just play the card like it's text obviously states it can?

Your choice guys.

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The Emissary of Extinction

Chapter 14

The Strong Ones

Xiaolang looked down at the pile of bloodied clothing that were the remains of his father, his duel disk right next to them. The deck it once held was gone. Draygor had likely taken it. Now all that remained of Ritan Kentai were the cloths he once wore, his duel disk, and a pile of ash, mixed with his own blood. This was the end for the man who choose to ally himself with a monster. A man who had chosen to forsake everything else for reasons only he'd really known.

Xiaolang felt no pity for his fathers fate. "So this is how it ends for you. You bastard. You were a fool to help such a creature. You turned your back on everything to find that thing, and look where it's gotten you." He turned around. "Goodbye, Ritan." He began walking away from the remains of his father. He walked out of the cave, staring up to the sky. "And it's such a beautiful day...But even the brightest lights cast shadows."

Judai said nothing as Xiaolang looked to the sky. He knew what the boy had understood.

That duel was not the end of this mess.

It was only the beginning.

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"Master."

Yusuke opened his eyes, he could feel it too. That evil in the air. He knew what was happening. "The Emissary got out. Did Judai lose?" Both Honest and Yusuke closed their eyes. "No, master. I can feel the presence of Yubel. And there's someone else." Yusuke nodded. "But are they friend or foe?"

"Friend. Master, the energy coming from the other. It's the same that was on that seal that held the gate shut."

Yusuke smiled. "That's good."

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Three figures walked out of the medical ward, not quite knowing how they got there. But none of them noticed their decks were covered in dark power.

Nor could they hear the laughing.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Sorano watched as the students a couple rows down were building new decks, but he could not see the dark glow coming from their copies of Extinction Armor.

He too was deaf to the laughter.

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Inside Judai's former, empty room, a small box sat on the desk. Dark smoke beginning to rise from it. It began to take form, creating a creature made out of darkness.

It chuckled. "You will pay with your lives...humans." The smoke returned to the box, taking refuge inside the ten copies of Extinction Armor that lay within.

XXXXXXXXXXXX

Xiaolang and Judai stood, looking at the main building. Frowning as they felt the presence of evil

Xiaolang clenched his fists. Both him and Judai were ready for battle. But suddenly.

The presence was gone.

XXXXXXXXXXXX

Yusuke looked around. "What?"

Honests wings drooped. "He's hidden himself, Master."

XXXXXXXXXXXX

Judai and Xiaolang walked back to their dorm, in total silence. Judai was several steps behind Xiaolang. "He hasn't said anything since we left the cave. Is he alright?" "I doubt it, Judai. I have looked inside his heart. He is bothered by what he saw." "You mean Ritan..." "Yes. But exactly why is something I don't know. I can't tell. His heart is not one I can easily read." Judai frowned. "Any guesses?" "No. But he seems...strangely unaffected by Ritan's death. For a human. But something about Ritan's death is bothering him. That I am sure of." Judai stopped. "Xiaolang."

Xiaolang's head turned to face him. "Hm?"

"What's wrong?"

Xiaolang blinked once. Looking bored. "Nothing."

"Liar! You haven't said a word since we left the cave. What's bothering you?"

Judai watched as the boys eye twitched slightly. "Nothing, Judai."

"Stop lying! I know something's bothering you!"

Xiaolang lost his composure. "No Judai! Nothing is! And that's the problem!"

"Huh?"

Xiaolang sighed, turning to face the horizon. "I've just watched my own father die. And I don't care! I don't care that he's dead! Judai, how wrong is that?" He was suddenly forced to try and control his breathing. "I don't care, Judai. And I'm sickened about it. That's all." He suddenly turned, suddenly picking up pace as he left to go who knows where.

Judai thought it was best to just let him go, so he did.

He didn't know what he could have said.

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Later on Judai was in Semejimas office, finishing the story of what had happened. Yusuke had met Judai along the way, and was listening to. Chronos was sitting in a chair, awe on his face as he listened to the story.

"...Draygor's attack was just a distraction, he's come here and he's hiding somewhere."

Everyone was silent for a moment, as the reality of the situation sunk in. A monster was loose, and they had no way of finding it. Things seemed hopeless.

Almost.

"What a story na-no-ne! Signor Xiaolang is so brave! And so strong! I knew he was special the second he won that match na-no-ne!"

Judai smiled. Xiaolang was indeed brave.

Samejima spoke up. "Judai, how is Xiaolang now? After what he saw..." He left the sentence hanging, but everyone knew what he was trying to say.

Judai frowned. "I'm not sure how to say it. He's not bothered, but at the same time, he is. He doesn't care about Ritans death, and he hates that he's so unaffected by it."

Everyone turned to look as Yusuke spoke up. "Human emotions are not as simple as we'd like them to be. I bet Xiaolang is starting to doubt his own humanity. Take it from me, there's not much we can do for him. We have to let him face this on his own, we've bigger things to worry about." Everyone else frowned at that. As sad as it was, there were bigger problems at hand. "We need a plan. Draygor will have one, we need one too."

Samejima nodded. "And I've already come up with one." A resounding "Huh?" met his words. Samejima continued. "In this time, we need strong duellists. Duellists who can show the students that they don't need Draygor's power to be strong. Duellists who can fight against whatever is coming. So I have called for the strong."

Judai's mind raced, beginning to draw a conclusion, he had a good idea..."Who have you called?"

Samejima smiled. "They should be here soon."

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

A blue haired boy leaned over the railing of a boat as it made it's way closer to an island. "I hope I can help out this time, Aniki."

"Don't doubt yourself, Sho!" Sho turned around as another blue haired boy leaned against the railing with him. "You'll be a big help, I know it. You're pretty strong."

Sho smiled. "Thanks, Johan."

"It's just like old times, isn't it?" Both boys turned to see another figure walk up to them. A light tapping of a cane sounding his every step.

"Brother! Shouldn't you be resting?" Kaiser smiled, chucking slightly.

"You worry too much, Sho. I'm alright." The tapping stopped as he turned to face the island. "It's good to be back here." The other boys nodded. That is was. Kaiser laughed lightly. "Just like old times, isn't it?"

They smiled.

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Xiaolang threw another rock into the sea. After returning his deck and disk to his room he'd come here again. He wanted some time alone as he tossed stones to the sea.

He shook his head. "God dammit." For the umpteenth time since he'd walked out of that cave, Ritans words found him again.

"You are truly my son, Xiaolang."

Xiaolang picked up another stone. "What was the point in saying that?" He looked down at the rock in his hand.. "Heh. Of all the things that could bother me, it's your words. Not your death." He smiled sadly. "Well that's my family I guess." He threw the stone into the sea.

Xiaolang stood up. "And now...I have to fight against your legacy. But why...why am I so untroubled? Why don't I care that you're dead? That's not right!"

The sea, for a brief moment, copied his rage. It thrashed against the stone stand he'd put himself on, droplets of it reaching his face.

Seconds later, a water drop made it's way down the side of Xiaolang's face, landing on the stone he stood on.

"Dammit..."

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Yusuke and Judai ran down to the docks as fast as their legs could carry them. Despite the effort they were putting out they were smiling. They knew who was on the way, and it had been too long since this group of friends had all met up.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXX

The boat had come to a stop.

Judai and Yusuke stopped, eager to see who would come out first.

"Aniki!"

Judai looked up to see his old friend. The boy had barely changed at all, except for the miniaturized version of Kaisers coat that he now wore.

"Sho!" Judai grinned as the very short graduate ran down the stairway, colliding with his old friend. Both laughed as they shared a brief hug. Some would be uncomfortable with such open displays of affection.

But they were just glad to see their old friend.

After a few seconds they parted, letting Judai get a closer look at Sho's choice of clothing. "Wearing Kaisers old coat, eh?"

"I though it would befit him."

Judai turned to see Kaiser just coming off the stairway himself. Judai was glad to see the man before him was no longer bound to a wheelchair, though he did require a cane. Yet despite his predicament, Kaiser still held that unique strength. The undying will that only Hell Kai- no Kaiser Ryo held. He no longer wore the black coat that marked his career as the man who lusted only for victory, but wore only a simple white coat over a black shirt. Hell Kaiser was a name Ryo no longer wished to hold. Kaiser smiled. "Hello, Judai, Yusuke."

Judai was about to respond, but then he noticed someone else who was coming down the stairway.

Johan reached the bottom of the staircase, making his way over to Judai. For a moment both stood face to face.

Johan raised a hand.

Judai copied him.

A light 'clap' sounded a handshake.

For a few seconds, things were silent. Leaving everyone to wonder why things were so awkward.

Until they both bore their signature grins. They started laughing. There was no need for either of them to say "Hello" or "How are you?". For people who were this much alike, their grins said it all.

Judai heard sets of footsteps, which caused him to look up at the people who were coming down.

"O'Brian." Austin nodded, smiling lightly. The second figure raised his hat slightly. "Jim!" Karen growled as well, giving it's form of "Hello".

Another voice spoke up. "It's been too long, Judai." Judai smiled at two more figures, one who was flashing a peace sign and a cheesy grin. "Asuka, Fubuki." The elder of the Tenjoin siblings chuckled. "Guess we're all back together, well, almost."

"Almost?" Judai looked around, before it suddenly hit him. "Where are Edo and Manjoume?"

Kaiser answered. "Busy with Pro League business, ever since Manjoume beat Edo, a lot of people have been trying to beat him since he joined the pro circuit. And a lot of people still want to fight Edo."

Judai frowned. "Well that's a shame." He suddenly smiled. "Well hopefully they'll get stronger, and I'll have a rematch with them!"

Everyone finally reached the bottom of the stairway. But they noticed Yusuke was keeping himself a few steps away. Fubuki spoke up.

"Hey Yusuke, there's no need to stand in the corner."

Yusuke suddenly stiffened. He had not wanted to be noticed. Clearly he was still affected by the things he had done, and believed that the people before him were still unsure about him.

Johan spoke up. "Still beating yourself up? Yusuke, we've forgiven you, now come join us."

Yusuke was about to question that statement, but looking at the faces of the group, he couldn't help but believe Johans words. He nodded, steeping forward. As he did Kaiser spoke up.

"Judai, Samejima told us about what's going on, but Johan said he could sense something happening here a while ago. What happened?"

Judai nodded. "There was another duel..."

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Xiaolang was making his way across a woods of the campus, his private walk of thought being interrupted by sudden shouting.

"Someone grab the cart!"

"Eh?" Xiaolang turned just in time to see something for him. "Isn't that-? SHIT!"

Xiaolang was not smart enough to move in time as the cart collided with him.

Now he was the carts passenger. He could see himself getting further and further away from the academy.

"GOD DAMMM-"

XXXXXXXXXXXXX

Judai had just finished giving an update on that mornings match.

Jim gave an impressed whistle. "So where is the boy anyway?"

"-IIIIIIIIIITTTTTTT!"

Everyone turned to see a cart coming their way. With whoever was in it screaming.

Everyone stepped back as the cart passed them, heading right to the sea.

Xiaolang saw the figures of a bunch of people, some he recognized, others he didn't. But he did realize he was at the docks.

And if they were there...

"FUC-!"

Xiaolang crashed right into the sea, quickly being covered by the waves. Seconds later he emerged, grabbing the dock, forcing himself up. He looked up at watching people as water made it's way from his hair to his face. His right eye was twitching. "Hi."

Everyone was silent for a moment. Until Judai spoke up.

"This...is Xiaolang."

This was not proving to be a great first impression. Until...

"CAN I GET SOME HELP HERE!"

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After getting the boy out of the water, everyone decided it would be a good idea to move their luggage to their rooms, and give the boy time to dry himself off before discussing the matter at hand further. Judai watched as everyone left, but ended up walking off on his own as he thought about what was to come.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

An hour later Judai was looking out to the sea. "Draygor...what kind of creature are you? Ritan was your ally and you..." "Judai. Don't try to understand such a creature." "Yubel?" "I've seen creatures like him, so have you. They cannot be understood. You can only defeat them." Judai was about to respond when his train of thought was suddenly interrupted.

"Judai!"

Judai turned around to see someone who made him smile. "Johan."

Judais blue-haired doppelgänger sat beside him. "Something on your mind?"

Judai sighed. "Yeah..." He was silent for a few moments. "How many times...are we going to keep doing this?" Johan was silent, but the look he gave Judai explained his curiosity. He continued. "Every year I was here, there was something wrong. Someone, or something was using this place for power. And even after I've graduated...there's someone else. Someone else is attacking this place. Does it ever...ever end?"

Johan was silent for a few seconds. "I don't know. But we both know that there will always be someone, somewhere, that hurts others for their own power. We both faced Yubel, we know what evil is like."

Judai would always be grateful that Johan was looking out to the sky at that moment. Because in that moment something hit Judai. A harsh fact that could not be escaped, one that he would try, always, to hide from his friend. He hoped no one who knew would tell him, he didn't want Johan to know.

That Yubel was now part of him. And somehow Judai knew that was the one thing Johan would perhaps never accept. He viewed Yubel as a monster, not as a creature, or a friend. But a threat.

Judai would always try to hide that fact from him.

But Johans words did help him realize something. Despite all the evils he and his friends had faced, all the horror, all the tyrants who sought only power. They had all come out fine.

But would they this time?

Judai stood up. "Let's head back."

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The boy's headed back to the red dorm, and they were greeted with quite a sight.

Judai and Johan stopped as they looked at the duel in front of them. It was Sho against Xiaolang. Xiaolang controlled three cards. The Six Samurai's Zanji (attack mode. ATK/2000 DEF/1500) and Nisashi (attack mode. ATK/1400 DEF/700), as well as Legendary Ebon Steed which Zanji was mounted on at this point. Xiaolan held one card in his hand. (Xiaolang LP/1200)

Sho controlled 6 cards. Rebirth Judgement, Future Fusion, and a set card. As well as three monsters. Cyberdard Edge (Attack mode. ATK/800 DEF/800), Cyber Phoenix (Attack mode. ATK/1200 DEF/1600), and Super Vehicroid Jumbo Drill (Attack mode. ATK/3000 DEF/2000). Sho held two cards in his hand. (Sho LP/2800)

It was Xiaolang's turn, and he was about to enter his battle phase. "Zanji, attack!" (ATK/2000) Zanji struck at the machine before him with all the strength he could muster. For a brief moment it appeared the attack had failed, but suddenly Zanji's blade aflame. And it began to cut through the machine like a hot knife against butter. With a final push the blade finished it's cut. The monster exploded, taking the steed Zanji rode upon with it. (Xiaolang LP/200) The explosion left Sho with Cyberdark Edge and Cyber Phoenix.

And Xiaolang controlled Nisashi. "Nisashi! Attack his Cyberdark Edge and Cyber Phoenix!" Nisashi nodded, moving to Sho's side of the field, he stood between both monsters, his eyes closed, his mind calmed.

All anyone saw was a flash of light. Nisashi had turned around. His eyes suddenly opened.

He smiled.

The pieces of both machines fell to the ground in heaps, exploding upon hitting the ground.

Sho flinched against the explosion his teeth gritted. (Sho LP/2000) He smiled when the winds died down. "When Cyber Phoenix is destroyed by battle, I can draw one card!" He picked up the top card of his deck.

Xiaolang nodded. "Not something I'm worried about." He revealed the remaining card in his hand. "I activate Six Scrolls of the Samurai! By tribute both my Samurai, I can special summon Great Shogun Shien from my deck." Both of the Samurai were suddenly wrapped in scrolls, Zanji a gold scroll, Nisashi a light green. The scrolls rolls themselves up, the monsters somehow absorbed into their materiel. They fell to the ground, being absorbed by the symbol of fire that appeared there. A bust of blue fire signalled the coming of the Shogun, his sword already aflame. (Attack mode. ATK/2500 DEF/2400) "He'll attack you directly! Burning Reach!" Shien swung it's sword, a wave of blue fire launching itself at Sho.

Sho smiled. "Reverse Card Open! Power Wall!" Sho picked up a bunch of cards from his deck. "For every card I give up from my deck, the damage from your attack is reduced by 100 points. I give up 25." He placed them in the grave slot, which devoured the cards one by one. "I'm not going down that easily." The wave of fire dissipated to nothing. Leaving Sho standing unharmed.

Xiaolang grinned. "Oh we'll see. Your turn."

"Draw!"

Judai watched with a nostalgic smile on his face. He remembered back when Sho was weaker than he was today. Always scared, always doubting himself. Always unsure of his own skill. But the Sho before him now was strong, confident, and wise. Judai knew Sho had set that trap up carefully, and Xiaolang was going to pay dearly for it.

"You got strong, Sho."

And indeed he had. He showed Xiaolang a single card. "Cyberdark Impact! I return Cyberdark Horn, Keel and Edge from my graveyard to my deck! Fusion Summon, Cyberdark Dragon!" (Attack mode. ATK/1000 DEF/1000) "When Cyberdark Dragon is summoned, I can select a Dragon-type monster in my graveyard and equip the monster to my Cyberdark Dragon. Cyberdark Dragon's attack rises by the attack power of the monster I choose. And because of Rebirth Judgement, every monster in the grave is a dragon! I choose Super Vehicroid Jumbo Drill!" The machine appeared once more, being wrapped up by the Cyberdark monster that had revived it. It gave no struggle as the wires of Cyberdark Dragon were connected to it. (Cyberdark Dragon ATK/4000) "Cyberdark Dragon has one more special effect, for every monster card in my graveyard, it gains 100 attack points!" (ATK/6000)

"Holy crap!" Xiaolang stepped back in a effort to keep his footing.

"Battle! Full Darkness Burst!" The Dragon roared, creating the pulsating shock wave that even the mightiest would fear.

Shien screamed as the attack hit him, cracking his armor instantly before he was quickly reduced to nothing.

Xiaolang tried to keep his footing, but against the power of the Cyberdark Dragon he was knocked back. (Xiaolang LP/0) Xiaolang took a few seconds to get back up. "Guess I got a way to go, eh?"

Sho smiled and nodded as Cyberdark Dragon faded. "You'll get there eventually."

"But I think you're gonna kick my ass a few times before that though."

Judai chucked at that. And seconds later he noticed everyone else who was listening in to chuckle as well.

Judai smiled. It was moments like this that made the bonds between him and his friends worth it. Judai knew that no matter how many years passed, he'd always remember the little moments like this. It was now that somehow, Judai knew. As this group of friends stood gathered together. That despite what lay ahead...

He knew things were going to be just fine.

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End of Chapter

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Today's Strongest Card

Power Wall

Trap (Normal)

Activate only when an opponent's monster declares an attack. Send any number of cards from the top of your Deck to the Graveyard. Decrease the amount of Battle Damage by 100 for each card you sent to the Graveyard by this effect.

Commentary: Sho

"Not a card friendly to a deck, but if you use it right..."

Taking requests!

For the next few chapters, I have some duels coming up that I haven't planned out, at all (I normally think em up on my feet). And rather than torture myself trying to come up with decks to have the cast fight, I came up with a good idea.

What Archetypes do you wanna see in upcoming duels? Any requests are welcome. There's only three rules.

It has to be an archetype that exists in the real game. No non-offical stuff please. Me using fan made cards (other than my stuff) would be akin to stealing the original authors ideas. I'm no thief.

It cannot contain any synchro/tuner monsters (gotta be in line with the GX era). And it's gotta be an actual, single archetype. None of this mixed business like the whole "Twilight" thing that's become popular. (And I don't mean that god-awful franchise)

It cant be an archetype that another character (in GX or the original series) plays/played.

You can either pm me your requests, or add them in a review. But please, only put a request in a review if there's an actual review attached, I don't want to boost my numbers unfairly.

Please note that I may not use all suggestions that come in. For whatever reason. (I can't think of a good duel with them, already have plans for them, ect etc.)

Voting is open till the months end.

Last thing: Do you (my fans) agree with me changing the stories rating to "M" over Ritan's death? When I consider the day and age, Ritan's death seems rather dull. So I'm wondering if I may have overreacted a bit. Let me know what you think.

And also. Call me vain for bringing this up, but my view ratings have plummeted since the change. I had no idea FF had an automatic filter against M rated stories. Guess I should have know that.