Early in the morning, David was outside of his ship, looking up at the sky.

"You alright, David?" A voice asked as Ace walked up to him.

"Yeah… Just thinking about the past. Ace, you remember what your brother said as we were healing Swellow and Swanna, right?" David asked.

"About how you may have to use force if you aren't able to settle conflicts peacefully? It's bothering you huh?" Ace asked. "I'm sorry."

"Yeah. It kind of made me think about a certain point in time I just couldn't get out of my head." David said.

"Someday something like that may happen in the future but maybe not for a long time. If worse comes to worse, don't forget everyone is there to help shoulder the burden." Ace said. "Though it may sound weird coming from me who used to be emotional all the time."

"Yeah. You have heard about this dimension where Superman killed the Joker and turned his world into a dystopia, right?" David asked.

"Yeah. He was put in jail after another Superman appeared and put an end to his reign of terror. I've heard about that yeah." Ace said.

"Ace… I, along with our dimension's Wonder Woman...were the ones that got the Regime's Wonder Woman exiled from Themyscira." David said.

"I'm not mad or anything. I know you may have to face Regime Wonder Woman in the future. Just don't forget we'll be there to help you if things aren't settled peacefully." Ace said.

"As much as I appreciate the gesture, that's not really what I was thinking about." David said.

"Well, what are you trying to say?" Ace asked.

"When we went to that dimension again, I was forced to team up with that Wonder Woman for a time. I thought that being the good guy again would get her to slow her roll a bit, but it ended up having the opposite effect. She was so stubborn in her attempts to get the Regime back up and running that she didn't care who she hurt...or killed. And then there's Cheetah, the third factor in the equation." David said.

"I think I get what you are saying a bit. Wonder Woman craved power and didn't care if people died or who she killed. But Cheetah is honorable and only seeks to fight you as rivals. Did I get a bit on point from that?" Ace asked.

"I wouldn't say honorable, but yeah. She seems more human compared to Wonder Woman now, and that's saying something. But… I feel as though there's been a void left in her heart ever since I defeated Wonder Woman again and sent her off to Universal Prison. Our duel in the IG-3 confirms this. She comes at me because I knocked the sole reason for her being off the equation." David said.

"I see. Since you took down Wonder Woman, Cheetah sees you as a bigger challenge." Ace said.

"I guess you can put it that way. But it makes me wonder… Do you think things would've been better between the three of us...if I had just kept my nose out of Themyscira?" David asked.

"I wouldn't be sure how to answer that, even if you made a different choice, it could've had the same result. I'm sorry, I'm not really good at giving explanations that much." Ace said.

"I figured as much. I guess Spade was right. Some bouts just can't be avoided." David said.

"David...I'm sorry." Ace said.

"There's no need for you to apologize. Heck, I should be the one apologizing for drowning you in my personal problems." David said.

"It's alright. I'm glad you shared that with me. Honestly, I kinda feel the same way a bit." Ace said.

"Yeah, but I still can't shake off the fact that the whole thing was my fault." David said.

"David! Whatever happened, happened. I know forgetting the past is hard, but there's a future out there waiting for us. Me, Sectonia, Jexi, Hope, Connor, my brothers, and everyone else believe in you. So don't forget that we're with you all the way." Ace said. "I may have lost my parents, but I was able to see you and the others as family. Nothing will change that. Just remember...everyone is here with you whether you're far away or really close, we're right here." He said poking where David's heart is as he teared up a bit. "Remember this?" Ace asked as he pulled out a picture of their group photo in Valentia.

"How can I forget that? That was where we first met." David said.

"Yup. Hard to believe how much has changed over time, huh?" Ace asked putting an arm around David's shoulder. "All the worlds we visited and the people we met, those experiences made us stronger and who we are right now." He said laughing a bit as he pulled out his pendant.

"You got that right. And don't worry about my behavior. I'm only like this when I feel that I'm about to face Cheetah again soon. The weight of the responsibility of my actions, you know what I mean?" David asked.

"Yeah." Ace said. "Glad to know you still have that serious and friendly personality. David?"

"Yep. We all have our own burdens to bear. It's just a matter of how we bear them." David said.

"Don't ever change." Ace said. "When the time comes to face Centurion, we'll be counting on you."

"Right. And thanks for talking about this with me. It really helped a lot." David said.

"It's no problem. Can I ask you something?" Ace asked.

"Sure. What is it?" David asked.

"How surprised were you when you found out about me and my brothers origins? I'm sorry in advance if it sounds selfish. I just wanted to ask that's all." Ace said.

"Honestly, very. I mean, I know that you were definitely unordinary, but I didn't think you'd actually be royalty." David said.

"I guess you know what two of the titans did as well, huh?" Ace asked.

"Yeah. I know that they wanted to take out the Olympos XII so that no one could stop them from their goal, but damn. Suffering really tends to strike a chord for me." David said.

"Yeah. But I'm just glad we all have each other's back." Ace said. "Do you trust me?"

"Of course I do." David said.

"Alright." Ace said. "Oh yeah, did Jexi show you the flier for the Multiverse EX Grand Prix?"

"He did. Miu said she's going to make Extreme Gears for my team after the redux is finished, but...I still don't know who to pick out." David said.

"We got plenty of time. So take your time picking your best racers. And the Extreme Gears are also handy to get around. Camilla's Air Ride is under maintenance right now, so it should be ready soon. I know Mari may come off as overdoing it, but she has been a great help, she sent you materials to fix up Fulgore, she made clothes for the Aselia and Xillia groups and Crystal Knights along with Kor, Kohaku, and Hisui. So she's a great ally to have with us if we're ever in a jam." Ace said.

"Yeah, she sure is." David said.

"Oh right. I want to show you something, me and Vargas have been practicing a bit while we were on our way to the Mushroom Kingdom to meet up with you guys." Ace said. "Carnage Form: Dandelga!" He yelled as he glowed a red aura and his clothes changed into a modernized version of Vargas's as a tattoo of a red fire symbol appeared on his cheek and his eyes glowed red while holding Dandelga in his hands and his hair was colored in the style of a fire. "Sorry. Was it too much?"

"A little, but I still think it's really cool. It's like your own Armatization." David said.

"Yeah. So far this is the only form I have since the other reincarnated Eidolons were scattered. But we'll find them soon." Ace said as he reverted back. "So, I guess the others aren't up yet besides Tsuki. Anything going on today?"

"Not really, but I did hear something concerning Yumi." David said.

"What happened?" Ace asked.

David was silent before he took a deep breath. "Her father lost his job, and...her family might be moving back to Japan."

"Oh no. This can't be good, especially for Ulrich and the rest of Team Lyoko." Ace said.

"Ulrich is doing everything he can to make sure Yumi stays, but… So far, his efforts are not amounting to much. At this rate, I fear he might do something desperate." David said.

"*Sigh* I just hope he doesn't do anything stupid." Ace said before he and David saw Jexi and Hope approach. "Hey. Mornin'."

"Morning. So...I take it you heard the news about Yumi too, right?" Jexi asked.

"Yeah. I wish there was something we could do to help. But that may be impossible." Ace said.

"No matter how you look at it, the only way one can keep things normal is if they had a lot of money. So unless her father gets another job or somehow wins the lottery, there is no chance of her staying." Jexi said.

"Yeah. Guess we just wait and see what happens." Ace said.

"Yeah. We just gotta hope something good happens." Hope said.

"Shh. Quiet you mugs." a voice said as Vector sat there on the dock. "I know you guys are having a heart to heart but I'm trying to hear the numbers and you guys got the only working radio."

"Well plug your headphones into it and maybe you'll hear better." Kagura said.

"They don't plug in. Now quiet." Vector said.

"And those lucky numbers are...6...22...10...47...13...37...and the last number is….14." an announcer said.

"Let's see. I...Oh god. I won. I actually won!" Vector shouted. "Thirty million baby!"

"30 million? Wait, Vector, can I see that ticket?" Gemini asked.

"No way! I'm not giving up my one and only meal ticket." Vector said. "Sure, I give you the ticket, then the next thing I know, something awful happens. Well, I got news for…" He said before a dome of light engulfed the area.

"What just happened?" Hope asked.

"We went back in time. But why did a RTTP occur? Isn't XANA blocked from using it?" Ace asked.

"I was afraid of this… Ulrich must've listened in on the lottery too." David said.

"So you're saying that Ulrich initiated the RTTP so that he can give the copied ticket to Yumi's family?" Sectonia asked.

"Copied? Please. It's one of a kind and I got it right…" Vector said before seeing his hand empty. "Ah crap! I gotta go!" He said running off.

"Ulrich should at least understand that launching the RTTP makes XANA stronger. I know he was trying to help Yumi, but still." Arnice said.

"I sometimes question what a man's judgement is capable of when in love." Hope said. "I sometimes even wonder the status of their relationship."

"It's...complicated right now." Ruby said.

It was later that evening Vector returned broken hearted.

"Did you get the ticket?" Jaune asked.

"Does it look like I got the ticket? Ulrich went and beat me to it." Vector said.

"So he gets the 30 million. Anyone got a guess on what he's gonna do with it?" Ejiro asked.

"No...I don't think he would hold onto the ticket. He would likely give the ticket to Yumi's family before the call." Yaoyorozu said.

"So their family would get the money, not Ulrich. Make it seem like they were the winners." Izuku said.

"All this just so Yumi wouldn't have to leave for Japan? Isn't this a little drastic?" David said. "I mean, I know I'd do anything for Sectonia… Well, not literally anything. There are some lines that I don't cross."

"Well she is an important member of Team Lyoko and the Dimensional Heroes, Ulrich could've at least told us before doing something like that." Roy said.

"No he wouldn't. Because if he did, the others would press us sooner or later and we'd tell them." Francisca said.

"But it's all for not. I know Yumi and her family. No way they would keep that money." Nami said. "She'd likely give it back to Ulrich after he would be kicked out."

"As much as I disagree with that notion, there are some lines that shouldn't be crossed." David said. "Initiating a RTTP without authorization is one of them, noble act or not."

"If only there was some way we can help mend this situation." Ming said.

"Yeah...but I'm not sure there is much we can do in this situation." Sora said.

"Let's see what happens when we go to school tomorrow." Ruenheid said.

"Uh...maybe we should make that...today." Lacy said pointing as large rocks were falling to the ground. They opened to reveal floating rock creatures and boulder creatures.

"And who, may we ask, is gracing us with their presence?" Petra asked.

"Sorry about her. We just had a rough discovery with a few of our members." David said.

"We are the Rolling Rock Squad of Cragspur! We're here to conquer this town." one Geodude said.

"So, Cragspur finally wants to get in on the action." Hope said.

"Sorry, but this town is under our protection. If you want it, you'll have to go through us." Saki said as she cracked her knuckles.

They all looked at one another before laughing.

"You think your puny little doll hands can crack our rocky exteriors? Go right ahead." A Graveler said.

"Suit yourself. Don't say I didn't warn you. Cha!" Saki yelled as she grabbed a Geodude and repeatedly slammed him onto the ground before sending him flying. "What was that about doll hands?"

"Holy…!" Gemini said.

"Saki, can I ask how you're so strong to literally smash a Geodude repeatedly?" Zephyr asked.

"Being a Baneful has its perks for granting enhanced strength and agility, especially when it comes to fighting hordes of undead." Saki said as she tightened her gloves. "I also wrestled back home. Just because I'm little and a girl doesn't mean I'm weak. Even pretty roses have thorns."

"That has to be the stupidest explanation we ever heard." Graveler said.

"Scram back to your leader, rockhead!" Saki said as she sent the rest of them flying. "Damn, that was annoying."

"Well, you made that annoyance go away." Hope said.

"We'll be back you know...with reinforcements!" One of the Geodude shouted as they flew.

"Glad that's over. So what now?" Saki asked.

"Well since Ulrich's gonna be kicked out, XANA's probably already seen this as an opportunity." Sakura said.

"I think he already has taken it." Jack said pointing ahead to Team Lyoko already running into the factory.

"Without Ulrich, we can't take any chances. We should move it too." Kaito said.

"Right." Hope said.

"Saki, you go with Gemini and Kaito. We need to fill in for Ulrich." Ty said.

"Got it. See you guys later, let's go." Saki said as the three headed to the scanners. The three soon arrived in the desert sector. But upon their arrival, they were surprised to see most of it covered in oil.

"Oil?" Gemini asked.

"Well...looks like we have more enemies of Flux." A voice said as a robot with an orange scarf and black head stood there. "I'm as slick as always with this."

"You must be of Gospel, right?" Saki said as she reached for her sword.

"OilMan of course. And I work for Mr. Flux." He said. "And you just got caught in a trap. An oil trap!" He said.

"Gemini use your fire attacks, it should help burn the oil." Saki said.

"And us with it." Gemini said.

"You guys should back up the others. I'll handle this." Kaito said.

"Alright, we'll leave it to you. Let's go Gemini." Saki said as they ran on ahead.

"Ha...this is way too easy. Burning away those two chumps." OilMan said getting a match. "Now...it's Heroes Flambe." he said before a punch nailed him. "The heck? When did…" He said before seeing Kaito floating above him.

"Surprised? I'd rather die before you lay a hand on my friends! ...Well, technically I already died, but...you get my drift!" Kaito said. "All that needs to be said is, you won't get past Kaito Momota, Luminary of the Stars!"

"But...humans can't fly!" OilMan said.

"My law...Law of the Galaxy. I can alter the physics of the planet but only around me." Kaito said.

"Heh. Not bad...but I'll beat you so hard, you'll be smelling oil on yourself for months! Oil Shot!" OilMan said firing oil at Kaito.

"If you're not careful, you'll be the one seeing stars." Kaito said. "Let's start with...Punch of the Luminary of the Stars!" He said sending OilMan flying and sliding.

"Dang...that smarts." OilMan said.

"Now...get lost. Kick of the Luminary of the Stars!" He said delivering a kick to OilMan and sending him flying far away. "And another victory for the Luminary of the Stars!" He said as he saw the distant tower turn blue. "Just in time too. Guess that means Ulrich made things right again."

Later on the ship…

"Look..I am sorry for what happened. But...I've made things right." Ulrich said.

"Wonderful. Now just give me the money and all will be good." Vector said.

"Sorry, its all gone." Ulrich said.

""Huh?!" Vector said. "Where'd it go?"

"I donated it to a charity that digs wells in Africa." Ulrich said.

"Such a noble cause. Atua graces your sincere heart." Angie said.

"Good choice dude. You did the right thing." Kor said.

"But that still means Yumi and her family have to move out." Gemini said.

"Not anymore." Shouted Starlight as she ran to the ship. "I just got word. Yumi's father got a new job. And it's here in town!"

"So she's not moving. That's a relief." Jexi said.

"I'll say." Hope said.

"Yeah." Ace said.

"Yeah...it's all and well for you guys...except me who lost 30 million bucks!" Vector said as he cried.

"Grow up." Tear said.

"I might not be as harsh as Tear, but real men shouldn't shed tears like this." Kaito said.

"You're a pretty bad gambler yourself, Kaito." Shuichi said.

"D-don't remind me!" Kaito said, flustered.

"Well...only one thing to do...buy every lottery ticket I can and hope another is a winner." Vector said running off.

"Oh brother. Does somebody wanna go after him or just leave him be?" Simon asked.

"Let him go. He barely wins anything anyway." Symonne said.

"Yeah...I mean...it was luck he won the lottery. He won't see a win like that again for years." Charmy said.

"Heh. Also, it seems like we'll be dealing with another kingdom for the next few days. But we'll be ready." Aya said.

"Let's just see how the days go." Weiss said.