I honestly feel sorry for Gaston. He himself came to be disgusted by his former attitude and Mikado's elitism.-Lucian Naruto

Yup, he's been fed nothing but propaganda by the angels.

Chapter 3 NEUTRAL: Miraculous Rebirth

As they were leaving they spotted a duel going on which drew their attention. Someone was dueling a mechanical angel. The angel was on the field along with an unfamiliar monster with blue armor. They could see from behind the angel Asahi was there as well as a few injured Hunters.

"Your moves are all useless, filth. I shall negate your monster's effect again by tributing my Segment.", the angel countered.

Lightning crackled from the angel destroying the unfamiliar monster and leaving his opponent's field empty.

"Fools. You cast aside God's love. Yours will not be a clean death.", the angel said.

"We're not…Strong enough…Spirits…Angels…Why is it always like this…? This is bad. What should we do?", Asahi said, before falling to her knees in resignation.

Tears fell from the girl's cheeks as protective instincts arose within the group. Without thinking Flynn rushed forward.

"Can't give up now.", a familiar voice said, sounding desperate.

This caught the others attention but Flynn was too focused in the moment to notice.

"He's right…You need to keep fighting. Let's go, Flynn.", Isabeau said, drawing their attention.

"Intrusion penalty 2000 life points.", Burroughs said as the Hunters ears perked up.

Flynn LP 2000

"Right. We'll deal with this quickly.", Flynn said.

"Flynn…?! I end my turn.", the Hunter said.

"I draw!", Flynn said.

Flynn

Hand: 6

"I shall activate my continuous spell Call of the Mummy.", Flynn said.

Flynn

Hand: 5

"H-He's here!", Asahi gasped.

"I shall use its effect to let me special summon Plaguespreader Zombie from my hand.", Flynn said.

Flynn

Hand: 4

"Then, I will normal summon Samurai Skull and use his effect to send Mezuki to the graveyard.", Flynn said.

Flynn

Hand: 3

"I shall tune Plaguespreader Zombie and Samurai Skull! Ruler of darkness slumbering within the depths! Rise up once more to reclaim your kingdom! Synchro summon! Level 6! Revived King Ha Des!", Flynn chanted.

"Doombringer detected. Shifting objectives to exterminate him.", the angel said.

"I shall activate Book of Life to revive Plaguespreader Zombie and banish Sphere.", Flynn said.

Flynn

Hand: 2

"I shall tune Plaguespreader Zombie and Ha Des! Pious dragon, fallen and abandoned into the depths of the netherworld arise once more! Your ferocious power shines through even in death! Synchro summon! Level 8! Skeletal Dragon Felgrand!", Flynn chanted.

"When did he get that card…?", the Hunter questioned, stunned.

"I shall use his effect to banish you! Necroclaw of the Undead!", Flynn declared.

They looked stunned as Flynn's monster sent away the powerful monster forcing the angel to exit the field.

"Then, I shall banish Mezuki to revive Ha Des. Then, I shall use Plaguespreader's effect to revive himself.", Flynn said.

Flynn

Hand: 1

"I shall tune Plaguespreader Zombie and Ha Des! Majestic dragon, awaken from your long slumber your power is needed once again to protect the innocent! Spread your brilliant silver wings and strike down your enemies like a vibrant shooting star! Synchro summon! Level 8! Stardust Dragon!", Flynn chanted.

Flynn's Signer mark started glowing brightly as Clear Wing poked out her head partially materializing herself. She swore she felt something familiar.

"I shall attack you directly with Felgrand! Phantasmal Ghastly Roar!", Flynn declared.

Omega LP 4000 - 2800 = 1200

"Then, I shall finish you with Stardust Dragon! Cosmic Flare!", Flynn declared as those who weren't with him looked stunned.

The Signer Dragon fired a beam of energy that completely overwhelmed the angel.

"How could such lowly creatures, ones that don't even know God's love, defeat me?", Omega questioned.

Omega LP 1200 - 2500 = 0

Stardust Dragon's eyes flashed as the power of his attack increased. He seemed to be reacting to something. His blast caused the angel to short circuit and explode.

"It's Flynn, we're saved!", one of the injured Hunters said.

"Now that's done-", Flynn was saying before his eyes widened in disbelief.

After the angel obstructing his view of the Hunter it was dueling was destroyed he saw that the Hunter was none other than Nanashi. He had strange glowing green markings.

Flynn stopped breathing for a moment.

Their eyes met with each other looking completely stunned. Flynn was speechless, unable to understand how Nanashi was suddenly before him. His corpse should have been unreanimatable considering his entire top half was blown off. Stardust Dragon was still materialized after the duel's end and gazed at Nanashi.

"Oh…We haven't gotten a chance to tell you guys yet, but Nanashi's back.", Asahi said as her mood had brightened up.

"That's impossible. He can't even be a zombie he had hardly anything left to revive.", Isabeau said, completely confused.

"What on Earth is going on here?!", Nozomi questioned with wide eyes.

"Flynn…", Nanashi said, reaching out and Flynn unconsciously stepped back.

"This has to be a trick. It's another one of Doomking's tricks…First he tried to emotionally manipulate me with my brother now this?!", Flynn said, becoming angered.

"What no! I was revived by Z-ARC. Odd-Eyes' dad, remember?, Nanashi questioned, becoming alarmed when he saw the anger in Flynn's eyes.

"It's true, Mr.Liberator. As the kid tried to tell ya earlier I am trustworthy. It took a lot of effort to bring this kid back with the condition he was in.", Z-ARC explained, appearing as a black and green aura around Nanashi.

"What kind of bargain did you force him into for you to revive him?", Flynn questioned, skeptically.

"Wait, Flynn. This is my father. He wouldn't do anything just straight up evil. He acts to fulfill his cosmic purpose.", Clear Wing defended.

"And what's that?", Flynn questioned.

"I'm the god of destruction. I'm supposed to clear out those who have overstayed their welcome or become a blight on the universe. Through their destruction creation can happen. G.O.D. is both of those so I mainly want to erase him. I brought back this kid because he has potential to help me.", Z-ARC explained.

Flynn looked down at Nanashi who sweated under Flynn's intense gaze.

"Clear Wing seems confident he is trustworthy and she has helped us out a lot.", Isabeau said as she put her hands on Flynn's shoulder.

"Flynn, I-", Nanashi was saying before he was taken off guard when Flynn embraced him.

"Don't you dare ever ignore my warnings again! You could have been lost for good. You got lucky.", Flynn hissed, sternly as Nanashi's eyes actually watered.

He could tell Flynn had been very worried about him. He remembered Boss said about how Flynn reacted when he died.

"I'm sorry…I know I hurt you and the others because I didn't think things through.", Nanashi apologized.

"You need to think before you act Nanashi! Don't forget how many people you have in your life who cherish you! Next time you think of doing anything that reckless again think about them! Think Nanashi! Think!", Flynn said, sounding extremely harsh in his emotional state.

Though his eyes were watering. He was simply overwhelmed with worry and relief. Everyone looked stunned seeing Flynn's outburst.

"I'm glad you're alright. Truly. I thought I would never see you again.", Flynn said, as his tone was more sad now.

"I know…", Nanashi replied.

As he was in Flynn's arms the Samurai picked up on the fact that the sensation of his skin felt wrong. It felt oddly smooth and hard like he was touching a plate. It had no warmth at all.

"What the…?", Flynn questioned as he noticed this pulling back.

"Oh…Umm…The body I have now isn't my old one. Z-ARC went through a lot of effort to create this new one. He called it a Shaddoll. So…It's more like a doll with my soul in it.", Nanashi explained, awkwardly.

This didn't help how guilty Flynn looked for not being able to protect him.

"Hey, it's fine. I'm fine, alright. If you want to blame anyone for what happened, blame me.", Nanashi said.

"A doll…The very thought of it is rather unsettling…", Isabeau commented.

"It's all fine. Nanashi's back and that's what matters.", Asahi replied.

The adults noticed Asahi hadn't realized the downsides to this. He wouldn't grow up and he couldn't do anything that required being a biological being anymore…Flynn found the thought deeply unsettling. He's essentially been robbed of any chance to become a man. He supposed he would have to take what he could get. The fact he was here at all with no strings attached was a miracle.

"I won't let you fall again, Nanashi. You have my word.", Flynn said as he lightly bowed and Stardust Dragon roared.

Nanashi's eyes widened as he saw Ryou's image overlapping with Flynn's.

"Like I said it's alright, Flynn. You don't have to beat yourself up over my mistake.", Nanashi assured.

Flynn looked over to Clear Wing who was over his shoulder. Nanashi's attention turned to her as well and he felt a strong sense of deja vu. The full seal of the Crimson Dragon on his back reacted along with Flynn and Isabeau's markings on their arms. Flynn blinked remembering what he had promised. He pulled out Clear Wing's card looking down at it.

"Akira…?", Clear Wing questioned.

"You're Clear Wing, right? Your supposed to be my dragon?", Nanashi questioned.

"You're worried about how ready he is aren't you?", Clear Wing said to Flynn.

"I don't want to put Nanashi in harm's way for no reason. Having you with him will put a target on his back.", Flynn said as he frowned.

"Hey I can handle myself!", Nanashi replied.

"Like you handled that angel?", Flynn replied as Nanashi flinched.

"Harsh…", Nozomi said as she sweated.

"But true…..I think once we defeat the angels I can return Clear Wing to you in good conscience. The angels are after the Signer Dragons right now so having one is dangerous. That's why they were here.", Flynn explained.

"I see. So, when are you doing that?", Nanashi questioned.

"After I return Ancient Fairy Dragon to where it belongs I suppose. There's also that army of spirits near Shibuya though I don't know what they're after. But, I heard them mention Lucifer.", Flynn replied.

"Maybe we can split up so things can become safer much faster? Since you need to go back to Shinjuku anyway you can face those evil spirits and Lucifer. Then, I can go up to Mikado and defeat the angels.", Isabeau suggested.

"Are you sure…?…..No…", Flynn said.

Isabeau looked a bit offended before Flynn smiled.

"I know I can rely on you at this point. You're the strongest duelist I know.", Flynn said as he put his hands on her shoulders.

Nanashi lowered his head wishing Flynn had that level of faith in him. But, he supposed he couldn't blame Flynn after what happened.

"There he goes. He's right back to babying ya.", Z-ARC said in his mind.

"It's hard to blame him after what happened though. If anything he'll be even more protective now.", Nanashi thought, grimacing at the thought.

Flynn acted overly protective of him almost to a paternal point. He couldn't help but feel that some of his feelings from his past life transferred over to him. Ryou was overprotective as well, saying the most embarrassing things about him.

Flashback

"What are you doing, idiot? You're so reckless!", Akira scolded seeing Ryou roughed up.

They both wore their Counter Spirit Force armor.

"I need to keep you safe, Akira. You're special.", Ryou replied as he looked up to him from the ground.

"Don't say such idiotic things! We're the same Ry-", Akira was saying.

"No we're not. I am a being of darkness and threat to this world anyway. It's obvious I should give up everything to protect you. You occupy a unique role. You're the chosen one!", Ryou replied seriously as Akira rubbed his head in annoyance.

He really hated how Ryou had reacted to that revelation. He swore somehow he got more stupid and self sacrificing if that was even possible. His friend seemed to look at him like a god which unnerved him to some extent. Though, maybe it was partially his own self loathing when he learned he was the one Doomking needed to reclaim his true power.

That's when Ryou's tune truly shifted. After that revelation Ryou seemed to start to hate himself and become more reckless. He didn't want Ryou to feel that way about something he couldn't control.

"Hey, shut up stupid! You sound almost like a messian. Just relax, okay I want you to do that. I don't care if you think you're life means less than mine because to me it's worth just as much.", Akira said as he put his hands on Ryou's shoulders.

Ryou became quiet seeing the worry in Akira's eyes.

"But…But it's true. You are the one destined to save the world. The one of prophecy chosen by the Crimson Dragon. I'm…A blight. You're obviously way more important to this world than I am!", Ryou replied as his self loathing seemed to show.

"Okay…Can you stop? If I didn't know any better I think you were hitting on me, but you're far too stupid to think of such things. Your life matters to me, okay. I want you to stay alive and cut that worshiping crap.", Akira replied.

Ryou didn't say anything as his shoulders lowered.

"Then…Is it okay if I want to protect you because you're my best friend?", Ryou replied as he sat on his knees looking serious.

"That's a lot better. Now, seriously don't go around thinking you're lesser than me because you're not. I would dare to say you're even better than me at dueling. So, you do have worth. Not just to me but to this world, the CSF, and to the other people that care about you like Kiyoharu, Kenji, and your brother.", Akira said as he gazed into Ryou's eyes.

"I'm sorry…", Ryou apologized, looking down, seeing he had deeply upset his friend.

He had talked about his friend more like he was a god than a person.

"It's alright. You just need to get all that self deprecating shit out of your head. Don't listen to anyone who tells you that you are a threat to this world because of your relation to Doomking, okay?", Akira replied and Ryou nodded.

He lowered his head, still seeming down. Ryou's cheeks were flushed, seeming embarrassed after Akira's scolding. He genuinely wondered sometimes if Ryou actually did feel that way about him.

"Okay…", Ryou replied, submissively as he nodded.

Flashback end

Flynn definitely wasn't quite as insane about it as Ryou, but he was certainly close. The absolute irony was that Akira was vindicated in his belief that Ryou was worth the same as him if not more. Ryou saved everyone despite of any sort of connection to Doomking. He sealed Doomking; he's the one who truly stopped him when he was supposed to. Then he sacrificed himself for Tokyo. He had become greater than the person he seemed to practically worship.

It was happening all over again. Flynn has accomplished so much. HE was the one who returned hope to Tokyo. HE saved everyone from the King, the Ring, and Tayama. What had he done? Got killed?

If anything he was starting to feel like the inadequate one. The Crimson Dragon had already practically jumped ship to Flynn completely even before he died. Flynn was the person everyone looked hopefully at like the injured Hunters they were helping up.

Though it wasn't quite jealousy he felt…He couldn't really describe it exactly. All he understood is that he wanted to be protecting Flynn from harm. Ryou or not he's important to him and he could tell he was important to Flynn. So much so that Flynn had such a massive outburst before.

"Damn it…I don't want to just let you protect me forever…Like some worthless damsel…", Nanashi thought.

"Flynn can't compute that. Remember he originated from a god of preservation. All he thinks about is protecting others. It's practically built into him. He won't accept that ye don't need protection until ye prove yourself.", Z-ARC replied in his mind.

"I'm trying okay…", Nanashi thought, mentally grumbling as they carried the men to Kinshicho.

Flynn happily carried the men in spite of his clear physical exhaustion. He could honestly hardly even believe Flynn was real sometimes.

"Are you sure, Flynn?", Isabeau questioned, trying to help him and Flynn shook his head.

"I've got this. You probably used up a lot of strength when you beat all those angels.", Flynn replied.

"I can't believe Miss Isabeau and Flynn just showed up at the perfect moment. It was like something out of a manga.", Asahi said.

"Hoy, Asahi, where did you get a duel disk anyway?", Isabeau questioned.

"…..Nikkari gave it to me before he…", Asahi replied as she seemed to become saddened.

"Oh I'm sorry! I didn't know if I was there I could of…", Isabeau replied.

"It's fine, Miss Isabeau. You were probably busy trying to protect other people. You were really overwhelmed before.", Asahi assured and Isabeau lowered her head.

This drew Flynn's attention as he looked concerned.

"How much happened while I was away?! You aren't overworked are you, Isabeau?", Flynn questioned in concern.

"I'm fine now. I've gotten plenty of rest now that you're here.", Isabeau assured.

"Just tell me if you feel tired, okay.", Flynn replied and Isabeau nodded.

Nozomi sweat dropped at Flynn's hypocrisy as he was running himself ragged. After all that action today he was trying to carry a full grown man. She at least had Nanashi, Asahi, and Isabeau helping her but Flynn insisted on carrying him himself. She could hardly understand him sometimes. When they got to the underground district the guard gaped when he saw the two Samurai and instantly let the two through. By the time they got into the Hunter's Association Flynn practically collapsed.

"Flynn!", Isabeau called out in concern.

"Did you just say Flynn?!", Hunter 1 questioned.

"Is he okay?!", Hunter 2 questioned in concern.

What they didn't know was that Flynn had already gone through two whole Tokyo's and the White World before even coming here. Flynn passed out on the spot especially after he exhausted himself with all the yelling.

"You dumbass!", Nanashi yelled in concern.

"W-What you two are here with…", Boss said as he looked at the Samurai.

His gaze drifted down to the unconscious Flynn who had driven himself till he collapsed.

Later…

Flynn rolled a bit as he was asleep in Nanashi's bed which he let the Samurai rest in. It wasn't quite like he needed rest anyway. His attention was suddenly captured when he noticed something had been hanging around Flynn which he didn't notice on the commotion. It was a small green thing built almost like a stuffed animal. It had a familiar silly pompadour along with sharp teeth.

"Are you one of Flynn's cards?", Nanashi questioned as the thing flinched.

"Gah! You can see me?!", the thing questioned, looking wide eyed.

"Can the others not…?", Nanashi questioned.

"No they can't! You're the first person who's been able to see me, Nanashi! It's me, Navarre!", the ghost replied.

"You're Navarre?! How did you become a ghost?", Nanashi questioned.

"I died…", Navarre replied as if that was a stupid question which it probably was.

"Oh yeah…", Nanashi replied awkwardly.

"Maybe you can see me because you're dead too? Not even Isabeau can see me with her spiritual awareness.", Navarre said.

"That could be the case.", Nanashi replied.

"Well…Whatever the case is, at least someone can see me. Though, I swear if Flynn doesn't chill out he'll be joining me.", Navarre replied as he sweat dropped.

He seemed rather worried about Flynn's condition. He was with him when he got transported and saw everything that happened only today for him.

"Yeah…He definitely needs to stop being so stupid. He has the nerve to preach to me when he literally drove himself so hard he passed out.", Nanashi said, sounding annoyed.

"That's just how he is. He's a special brand of stupid.", Navarre replied.

Flynn held the blanket tightly as he rolled around. The Samurai sweated intensely in his sleep.

"You aren't sick are you, stupid?", Nanashi questioned as he touched Flynn's head.

He wasn't burning up but his skin was wet with sweat. His breath was extremely rapid and he could hear his heart beating like a jackhammer. Flynn started moaning which drew their attention.

"No…No…Go away…", Flynn murmured in his sleep.

"Is he having a nightmare?", Navarre questioned, remembering all the times Flynn awoke them when he had nightmares back in the barracks.

Nanashi's eyes widened when Flynn's expression contorted into fear. His breath quicken as he started rolling more in the bed.

"Leave me alone…", Flynn murmured.

"What's up with him?", Nanashi questioned.

"Well…Being the important person he is, he often has a lot of ominous dreams. It gets really bad when it's about that awful Doomking.", Navarre explained.

Nanashi's ears perked up at the mention of Doomking. He's only heard of the spirit from others and in his dreams. He hasn't actually seen Doomking in his dreams though.

"Flynn briefly mentioned that he had nightmares about him when he was a kid and that Doomkaiser helped him with it. I remember some Death General saying he wanted Flynn or something. He didn't seem to want to go into detail. I don't fully understand who Doomking is.", Nanashi explained.

"It's a long complicated story…", Navarre replied, remembering what Joseph had told them.

"Go away….Doomking…!", Flynn murmured.

Flynn gritted his teeth as his expression became one of absolute annoyance.

"I swear to the Lord…Doomking if you say salvation…One more time!", Flynn murmured in his sleep as his brows furrowed and the two sweat dropped.

In Flynn's mind…

"How many times do I have to say 'back to the Shadow Realm with you' until you understand?!", Flynn questioned as he glared at Doomking in his dreams who currently appeared as Krishna.

They were back in the garden again and Flynn practically hissed at Krishna.

"You're being far too stubborn, Kalki. Just try to have an open mind. We can save everyone together and create a world where death is no longer a worry.", Krishna replied.

"I'll never trust you, evil spirit! Especially not after how you tried to use my brother against me!", Flynn replied angrily.

"That was Felgrand's decision. He simply panicked in the moment. And…I'm sorry. I brought Joseph back so you could see that my intentions aren't as sinister as you seem to think they are.", Krishna replied as he held out his arms.

Flynn still glared intently at him. He doubted his motives for apologizing automatically assuming it was a trick. After everything he went through because of him it was difficult for Flynn to believe he had good intentions.

"Go away…", Flynn hissed.

"Kalki, you're just being unreasonable. Your heart is being ruled by fear. I can sense it.", Krishna replied.

"…..", Flynn didn't respond as he glared at Krishna.

"Behind all of that bravado you're still as scared of me as you were when you were a child. But, you're not a child anymore.", Krishna replied, calmly sitting down.

"How many times are you going to ask me to help with your perverse salvation?", Flynn questioned as he sat down.

"Until you agree. I have all the time in the world.", Krishna replied with a smile and Flynn rubbed his head in exasperation.

"You're not going to stop asking me until I've gone mad.", Flynn replied.

In reality…

"What in the world is he dreaming about? He sounds annoyed.", Nanashi questioned.

Isabeau walked in drawing their attention. She stood over Flynn making sure he was okay before she smiled.

"Just rest up, Flynn. Hopefully everything will be over soon.", Isabeau said.

"Where are you going?", Nanashi questioned as he saw her leave.

"I'm going to defeat the angels. Hopefully, I should be back soon because of the time difference. Please take care of Flynn while I'm gone.", Isabeau replied, turning to him briefly.

"…..I will.", Nanashi replied, nodding his head.

Her gaze became very serious when she turned towards the door.

To be continued…