A/N: Here's the next chapter! Enjoy! We don't own Yugioh GX or 5D's.

All they wanted to do was ask Kaiba for help getting to space. What was so wrong about that?

"Sorry, only authorized personnel can get in to see Mr. Kaiba," a black-haired man in a dark suit and dark glasses told Yusei and his friends.

"Please, sir," Aki told him. "You don't understand. See, we're here on important business. You've just gotta let us in!"

"No entry without an appointment! Now get out before I call security!"

The gang headed out, knowing it was pointless to argue.

"Well, that guy was rather pleasant, don't you think?" Jack sarcastically remarked.

Judai looked dejected. "Well, I kinda figured that would happen... Man! What are we thinking!? We can't do this!"

Add that to the list of things Yusei wanted to exterminate in his friend—pessimism. Judai wasn't supposed to be this much of a pessimist.

"Calm down, Jaden," he told him, using his alias because of Asuka. "We just need a new plan, that's all."

"Hmm." Aki said, "If only we had some sort of connection. Then they'd have to let us in, right?"

"A connection, you say?" Asuka said. "I might know someone, then."

Yubel didn't like the sound of that. "Please tell me she doesn't mean..."

"Who?" Judai asked, thinking along the same lines as Yubel.

Asuka sighed. "There's only one family I know of that could get us in there. But I really don't want to see him again today. Are you sure your only reason for doing this is to let that guy ride in a rocket ship? 'Cause, if it is, then I'm not getting involved anymore."

Judai stared at her. How did I know she was gonna say something like that? Maybe it's a good thing our excuse is stupid... He shrugged and said, "Sorry, Jack. Guess you won't be going to space after all."

Yusei wasn't about to let it end here. They hadn't even tried yet. "Well, actually," he said, "have you ever heard of a KaibaCorp experiment using cards and space waves to do...something?"

"What?" Asuka asked.

Judai eyed Yusei warily. "Yusei, what are you doing...?"

"Because I heard a kid got to send a card into space years ago, and I was wondering what happened to it," Yusei went on.

Asuka stared at him, not sure how to answer that.

Aki added, "Also, I'm a psychic, and I foresaw that there might have been more than one. But one was sent by accident and may be in danger?"

Asuka turned her blank stare on her. Judai shifted, nervous.

They're not seriously...

Getting in on it, Crow asked, "Okay, little missie, do you believe in magic?"

"Magic?" she asked.

Judai didn't like this. At all. "Guys..."

"Heh. Bet that surprised ya!" Crow said. "Yeah! Magic's real, and so are card spirits! We think one's in danger, and we want to go help it! Do you know how revenge-driven a card spirit can get if it's abandoned? Well, just imagine how bad it would be if it was abandoned in space! Why, if we don't save it soon..."

Figuring he might as well get involved—preferably before Crow tried to tell her the whole truth—Judai crossed his arms and said, "The world's gonna end. And life's gonna be hell for somebody. Let's put it that way."

Asuka stared at him for a moment, too stunned to speak. "W-what...?" she finally asked. Now I really think I know him! And I feel like I know who he's talking about, too! What's going on!? How can this be!?

Life...and eternity, Judai thought bitterly. I knew this was a bad idea... Now we're gonna drag Manjoume into this... Wonder how this will affect my future?

Asuka kept staring at him. "Who...are...you...?"

"I already told you," he answered harshly.

Asuka blinked. Her pupils contracted as she said, "You sure? 'Cause now I'm not!"

"Anyway, Asuka," Yusei asked, "will you help us out before that happens?"

"...O-okay! Sure! Whatever! I'll just...go get Manjoume, then..." She started off to find Manjoume, thinking, I have to help him! Something is telling me that this will do it, but what is this, anyway!? And who is he!? Why do I feel so attached to him, anyway!?

Everyone was quiet until Asuka was out of earshot. Then Judai said, "I can't do this... Having one of them along is already worse than I thought it would be..."

"Then just tell them to go away!" Yubel advised. "After we get his help, of course..."

"...I can't..." Silently, he added, It would be like losing them all over again...

"Hey, Judai?" Aki said. "You going to be okay?"

He paused before saying, "I think so."

Winged Kuriboh appeared, kuriing. The translation: "Liar. Having them around is only hurting you more! So losing them—"

"Stop it!" Judai cried, covering his ears.

Wrong words. "Kurii...," the furball apologized.

"Don't worry, Judai," Yusei said. "We'll fix this soon enough."

"Don't promise me that," he answered sadly. "You don't know."

"I do...," Yubel whispered.

Moments later, Asuka returned with Manjoume. From the look on his face, she'd said something somewhat rude to get him to show up here, accusing one of them of saying it.

"Okay! Which one of you weirdos said they could beat me in their sleep?" he demanded. Yep, just as Judai had thought.

"Probably me...," he muttered. Right now, anyway.

"'Cause, let me tell you, you don't want to pick a fight with me," Manjoume said, an arrogant smirk on his face. "Just 'cause you're from space doesn't mean you stand a chance against my skill. I'm the best duelist my old school had, and the favorite to become the next King of Games, so I think I could beat all of you. With one hand tied behind my back, too."

"Why, you little...! I could beat you blindfolded, standing on my head!" Jack insisted.

"What'd you say!?"

"You heard me! In one turn, too!"

The two growled at each other.

"Back off, Jack," Yusei said. "This isn't the time to be picking fights with the guy."

"He's right!" Crow agreed. "We need to ask him a favor, not make him mad!"

"A favor?" Manjoume asked.

"Actually, that's the real reason I brought you here, Manjoume," Asuka confessed. "We need some help getting in to see Kaiba."

"So, let me get this straight," he said. "You're still helping these weirdos get back home, and now you're trying to drag me into it? And what's in it for me if I help you?"

Asuka hesitated. "Well..."

Manjoume just waited. Judai turned away—he'd seen more than enough of the two of them together. It was worse than either one alone. Every time he looked at them, he saw their son, Rick Manjoume. His father's hair, mother's eyes, mother's brains, and father's bad attitude.

"Look, I'll think of something later. Just, please, help us out," Asuka said. "Your family goes in there to pester Mr. Kaiba about something all the time."

"Sorry, no deal," Manjoume said, eyes closed. "I'm not getting involved with this band of lunatics."

Asuka stood there, silent, trying to think of a way to coax him into helping them.

She never got the chance.

"Yeah, I figured as much...," Judai said, his head turned away. This is the old Manjoume we're talking about, after all... He looked at Manjoume, anger burning in his eyes, and added, "It's always all about you, isn't it?"

Manjoume looked at him for a moment, a funny feeling in his gut. "What?"

"You only care about yourself," Judai went on, his anger and bitterness growing. "If you don't stand to gain anything, you don't want to get involved. Sheesh, Manjoume, no wonder you don't have any friends."

"And who said I wanted any!? All I need is fame and power, and I've already got that!"

Asuka stared at the distraught boy. "Jaden..."

"Yeah, you've got that," Judai went on, not caring if he was being a jerk. All he could think of right then was how Manjoume was going to marry Asuka someday, and it almost seemed to him at the time that Manjoume knew it. As if he were staying out of this to make sure Judai didn't have a chance with her. "Good to know you're happy, Manjoume. After all, that's all that matters, isn't it?"

"Jaden?" Asuka asked. "Are you okay?"

Manjoume stared at the boy before him. Why!? Why is that so upsetting!? Why do I feel like that should never have come out of his mouth!? I don't even know him! And yet, I do...

He figured there was no harm in asking what was on his mind—it couldn't hurt, after all. "So, are you usually like this?"

Judai looked away. That answered Asuka's question.

"Jaden..."

"What the hell's your problem!? Do you always act like this!?" Manjoume demanded. Where have I seen this before!? And why on Earth do I hate it so much!?

Judai still wasn't looking at him when he answered. "...Only when you're around..."

"Why!? We just met, didn't we!? Or are you just nuts, because I'm beginning to wonder..."

Slight pause. Then, "Isn't there some guy you think's weaker than you that you can bug? Because I'm sick of your face," Judai said, his gaze still averted.

Manjoume grabbed him by the shirt collar, pulling him closer. "Oh, you are, are you!? Then why not take a closer look!? And tell me who you are and why I can't stand your attitude!?"

"Hey!" Asuka protested. "Let him go, Manjoume! Can't you see he's upset!?"

"Yeah, I know," he answered. "And it's bugging the crap out of me, for some dumb reason!"

Asuka stared for a moment, stunned. "I know...," she muttered at last.

Still not looking at him, gripped by the collar or not, Judai said, "There's never going to be a day that I don't 'bug the crap out of you,' is there? Even when you stand to gain everything..."

He thought about that stupid wedding, that awful day. Why had he gone in the first place? Because he... He wouldn't think about it.

"What does that mean, you idiot!? That made no sense at all!"

"That's enough," Yusei said, trying to diffuse the situation somehow. "Drop him already. He's already upset, and you're not helping."

"I already know that!" Manjoume bellowed. "And it's driving me crazy! Who are you!?"

Judai didn't say a word. Manjoume shook him roughly.

"Speak up! I asked you a question! Now tell me who you are, or else!"

"Manjoume!" Asuka exclaimed.

Crow and Jack pulled him off of Judai, who backed up slightly.

"Okay, pal!" Crow said. "That's quite enough of that! He doesn't have to tell you anything, so just leave him alone already!"

Head still lowered, Judai said, in a voice that was barely more than a whisper, "...As big a jerk as ever, I see..."

"Jay?" Asuka asked. "You okay?"

"No... I can't do this..."

"Do what!?" Manjoume demanded, trying to break free of Jack and Crow and get at Judai again. "Damn it! Why are you acting so weird!? Answer me already!"

Judai just backed away a few steps, his head still low.

"Hey. It's okay," Asuka said, trying to comfort him. "He's always like this. Don't worry about it. He's just a big jerk, that's all."

"Besides, we only need a spaceship," Aki said. "We'll make him leave after we talk him into it."

"He's not going to help, Aki. And, Asuka, I already know he's a big jerk. Why do you think I can't stand to see his face!? Because I like him or something!?"

Aki looked sad. "Jaden..."

Asuka growled. "Hear that, Manjoume!? Now look what you've done! I'm getting the feeling that he's the one who really wants to go to space! I've also got a feeling it's important and we should care a bit more! You feel it, too, right!? Like you also know him and should be helping him, not upsetting him more?"

"I feel no such thing!" he yelled. However, his thoughts went against this. WHY!? WHY CAN'T I STOP CARING ABOUT HIM!? WHO THE FUCK IS THAT GUY!?

Judai was silent a moment before saying, "I don't want to go to space... I just wanna die already..."

"What!?" Asuka demanded.

Manjoume stopped struggling and stared, horrified for reasons he couldn't figure out. Once they were sure he wasn't going to attack Judai again, Jack and Crow let go of him. Judai just kept staring at the ground, depressed.

"It's okay, Jaden," Aki said. "We'll find a way to help you."

Manjoume's attention snapped to her. "Say what!? You're gonna help him commit suicide!?" he demanded, taking Aki's words the wrong way. "Why!?"

"Come on, Jaden," Asuka said. "Think of what you have! Is your life really that bad? Do you—"

"Life...?" he interrupted, lifting his head slightly. "Mine's overstayed its welcome. It's about time it just ended already..."

"Come on. That can't be true. Don't you have anything you'll regret? A loving family? What about all your friends? Wouldn't they be sad if—"

Trembling, he cut her off again. "They're all dead, now shut up!"

Asuka stared at him questioningly.

"Uh, okay," Manjoume said, a lame look on his face. "Then who do you suppose these guys you're with are, then? Your sworn enemies?" He humphed, then muttered, "What a weirdo."

Yusei stared at Judai. He hated seeing his friend in so much pain, but there wasn't anything he could do about it if he couldn't get that card.

There was another pause before Judai said, "I shouldn't even be hanging out with them... I know it's just gonna happen again... Why am I such an idiot?"

"What's gonna happen?" Asuka asked gently.

Judai shook his head—he didn't want to think about it.

"It's okay, Judai," Yubel said. "We can fix this once you're all in space, okay?"

We're not gonna get there, Yubel!

"Okay, seriously," Manjoume said. "Quit it. Your continued bad mood's bring me down." Muttering, he added, "And, trust me, that ain't easy to do. Who is this guy?" He looked straight at Judai, wondering, And why am I feeling his pain as if I actually care? This is so weird.

"Oh, just shut up!" Judai snapped, glaring at him. "Honestly, I'd forgotten how big of a pain that attitude can be! Suddenly, I don't—"

"Jaden," Yusei cut him off before he could say anything revealing. "It's okay. Try to calm down. We'll find another rocket. There are plenty of places we still haven't tried, so let's try them first, okay?"

Judai looked at him, his eyes brimming with tears.

"Oh, not again," the spirit said from above. "I wish he'd quit doing that to himself. Whatever happened to all the faith and hope he used to have?"

His friend shrugged, figuring that Judai had lost it long ago due to everything that's happened to him. It couldn't have been helped.

"Yeah. You're probably right, pal," the spirit admitted. "But you'd think this event would perk him up a little, at least." Looking back at the people below, he asked, "Wait, what's Manjoume up to?" He looked closely.

Manjoume looked somewhat upset. He watched Judai for a moment before saying, "Okay, fine. I'll help. Just quit it already."

Tears still threatening, Judai looked at Manjoume.

That increased his resolve to help, though he wasn't sure why. "I'll see about getting you guys inside," he said. "But, first, I'd at least like to hear your name, you idiot. Or is that what you prefer?"

If Asuka wasn't so stunned by his sudden change of attitude, she would have hit him.

"Jaden," Judai answered. "Though 'you idiot' works, too..."

Manjoume had always called him an idiot. Strangely enough, he kind of missed it now, along with Cronos calling him Drop-out Boy.

"Okay, whatever," Manjoume said. "Just give me five minutes to get you an appointment..." As he headed inside, he thought, What an idiot. Who wants to be called that?

Asuka watched him go, still stunned. Finally, in a tiny voice, she asked, "What...?"

"Yeah. He's just full of surprises, huh?" Judai said, the tears pushed away for the moment. I'm glad Jim isn't here... That eye of his would make things really awkward...

"You know, Judai. You have got to stop doing that to yourself!" Yubel snapped, jolting him from his thoughts about the Aussie and his crocodile. "Thinking about what you've lost only brings you down. Try and forget about them for now and focus on your goal."

Judai had heard that speech plenty of times, though the goal used to be running into Yusei in the future.

Easier said than done with Asuka standing right beside me, Yubel..., he told her.

"Then pretend you've got amnesia."

Judai didn't answer—he would have tried that if he wasn't so sure that it wouldn't work.

"Anyway, Jaden, you okay?" Asuka asked gently. "Why were you crying earlier? Is there something I should know about?"

He hesitated, thinking of just how much he should tell her, if anything. He settled on, "Everyone I care for is dead, except for these guys, and I only really know Yusei. That's about all you need to know." Muttering, he added, "Story of my life, after all..."

Asuka looked at him sympathetically. "Jaden..."