Arc-V: The Geass Switch

by MoonlightWright

Things weren't supposed to go this badly. All Zero had to do was trap the Lancelot on Shikine island and get Suzaku to join him, easy. So how in the world did Zero end up in another dimension? This new place is in the middle of a war sure, but they don't have guns. They have duels? And monsters? Whatever happened to chess! Well, at least Zero has a hobby, taking down Academia.

42. Ch40 Fighting Violence with Beliefs

Guess who's back~? Back again. Yeah I'm back. Tell a friend. Lol

Yes, I live! Terrible apologies for such a long delay, it's nearly been a year! I've finally gotten the motivation to work once again! Hopefully I'll get a lot more chapters pumped out now that I'm getting back into the swing of things. I plan to at least get to the end of the Synchro Arc so let's hope for the best. Not only that, but we're at the 40 chapters mark if you exclude the interludes! Yay! I'm so proud!

Anyway, enough waiting. Enjoy!

Ch. 40: Fighting Violence with Beliefs

Jean-Michel Roger watched as the Lancers interacted with each other. How they easily conversed with each other during the dueling intermission. The group had once again gathered together to eat lunch in the lounge debating on who was going to fight next. On another screen, Roger watched as the Executive High Council had an exquisite lunch with the leaders of the Lancers. Reiji and Riley sitting together on the other side of the table from the Council. The City's King Jack Atlas was sitting at the head of the table taking a delicate sip of tea while Zero was sitting on the other end. The masked revolutionary's body language just screamed that he didn't want to be there, and would rather be just about anywhere else.

For once however, Roger wasn't focused on that annoying masked pest. Instead, his eyes went towards Serena and Yuzu. "So they both can use Fusion Summoning… Alright then." His green eyes flick over towards the corner of the room where a tall, bulky man lies in wait. "I'll rig the second round so that you'll end up fighting Ms. Hiragi. I expect you to win and bring her to me, Sergey."

The stranger now known as Sergey Volkov gave no reply verbally. Within the shadows he was cast in the huge man's eyes widened and a tight, eager smile was stretched across his lips. The red glow coming from his left eye became even more prominent than it was before.

Roger didn't give the clearly messed up man another glance, and looked back towards the Lancers. The group having cracked up at some joke Shinji must have made and having a big laugh together. The Head of Security's eyes focused on another individual within the group, one that prevented Roger from grabbing those blasted kids.

"Make sure you take him out of the equation first though." Roger idly flicked a finger towards the image of Yuto Raiden before looking back towards Yuzu and Serena. "Permanently, if you can."

. . .

Meanwhile, Zero was experiencing just about the most boring time of his life. It was something even more painful and torturous than even death itself. Something only the cruelest of people would force someone like him to go through. A war crime in and of itself!

The man was currently being forced to endure lunch with a bunch of stuck up, pretentious, haughty snobbish nobles. Zero was stuck having lunch with the High Executive Council, and he actually had to act nice to them.

It truly was a horrible day.

Nobody but Atlas seemed to really notice how done Zero was with this entire lunch affair. The King gave Zero a smug side eye as he innocently sipped his tea, listening to the Council babble on about how great the tournament was starting out so far. Exquisite steaks, salad, and refreshments were plated and provided for everyone, even Zero. However, Zero wouldn't be able to eat any of it without removing his mask first. Something the Council knew, and were clearly mocking him about.

"Aren't you going to eat Zero?" The Council member in yellow robes asked testily. His nose slightly sticking up as he looked down at the masked man who was numbly staring down at his own full plate. "It'll certainly be rude if you don't."

"Indeed." The short Council member spoke up next, everyone now turning their attention to the masked man that has been strangely silent this whole time. "Our finest chefs worked so hard on it. It'd be an insult to their work and credibility if you didn't eat."

The masked man didn't even bother to look up at the Council as he replied calmly. "Apologies, but I'm afraid that I'm not hungry at the moment." Of course, his stomach chose that exact moment to give out a rather loud, noticeable rumble of protest. Completely contradicting what Zero had just said.

Though he was right on one thing, Zero wasn't hungry.

He was starving.

It's been so long since breaking his Lancer's out of the Detention Facility that Zero can't remember how many days it's been since he's last had even a small meal. The steam and smells wafting up from his meal slipped by under his mask and went into the revolutionary's nose tauntingly. It was such a great temptation, and Lelouch was just so hungry.

"... Zero?" The woman Council member asked hesitantly, but Zero gave no response other than silently pushing his plate to the side. Everyone at the table has been staring at Zero now for a while, past few minutes actually. Some people were actually starting to show a bit of concern at the masked man's silence, namely Riley and surprisingly Atlas.

Zero blinked, his blurry vision and dulled hearing finally sharpening back out and returning to normal. "Hm?" The man finally hummed, his modulator made the sound rather dark. Dichromatic eyes turned to look at the Chancellor of the Council. "Why did you bring us all here together?" The woman gave an undignified 'hmph' and turned her nose away from the man, completely insulted that she was being blatantly ignored. "I certainly hope for your best interests it wasn't to just taunt me."

If it was Lelouch might just say screw it and geass everyone in this room right here and now. He wasn't in the mood to have a tea party with authoritarian aristocrats.

Thankfully for them, the Chancellor merely laughed and shook his head. "Oh no no no! Of course not Zero! I just figured that since we've watched nearly all of the first day's matches we should take the chance to dine and share our opinions as well." The old council member looked down towards Zero's discarded plate before looking back up to Zero's blank mask. "We meant no offense when offering you food. I'll be sure to correct that next time."

"Of course. I appreciate it." Zero spoke benevolently, wordlessly waving a servant to take the food away. The revolutionary forced those words out past his lips whilst it looked so easy on the outside. Thankfully, it was so much easier to talk to Atlas after getting to know the man through beating his ass constantly at chess. "Speaking of those duels I'm rather curious which duel was your favorite so far, Atlas."

By now, Jack had wiped any small look of concern off his face, and was back to his usual stoic look. The man raised a finger in patience as he took one long lasting gulp of his tea. Once he was done, the man idly set his empty cup to the side to be collected by servants. Only after he had finished swallowing all of his tea and enjoying it did Atlas finally answer. "It's still too soon to say anything concrete obviously, but I do believe I enjoyed the duel between Chojiro and Hiragi the most." That's surprising seeing as most of Jack's focus was on wiping the floor with Crow Hogan with his dueling skills at the time. "Yuzu Hiragi was the best duelist I've seen so far."

That was also surprising since Crow actually did manage to squeeze a win or two in against Jack during their dueling war.

"So King, you think that Yuzu Hiragi was the best duelist out of the first day?" The red robed Council member asked rhetorically as he started finishing his coffee. Most of the plates and utensils were taken away now that lunch was almost over alongside the intermission.

Jack nodded. "Her skills notwithstanding, she showed a desire to convey a message." Jack took a moment to dab his mouth delicately with a napkin before continuing. "Having a message to convey while dueling is vital to a good duelist's strength."

The female Council member nodded in agreement. "She did convey her message rather well."

"Enjoy Chojiro responded to her dueling and intent well too." The short, bugged eyed Council member added in from the side. "The two of them had quite an impressive duel!"

"He is one of the chairman's favorites." The woman stated simply before giving a sad sigh. "It's a shame he lost. I quite enjoyed his dueling too admittedly."

"After this, he won't be showing up again." The yellow robed Council member paused to momentarily take a sip of his drink.

"Don't forget that Tokumatsu is a part of the Lancers now." Zero finally spoke up once again to interject sternly. "Therefore he is under our protection and won't be going down to that garbage facility you people gleefully toss your other participants in." The masked man wasn't taking no for an option on this one.

Since this brewing argument was going to be a rather pointless one the chairman quickly nodded in agreement. "Yes of course. He was there when we agreed on your bet back before the exhibition match to the Friendship Cup, and that condition will still be upheld." One thing Zero could give towards the Council, though begrudgingly, was that they kept their words and upheld their end of the deal, mostly.

"I am rather curious however." Jack changed the topic once more, his violet eyes turning towards Riley. "That child was also on the list." Seeing the King of the City and therefore everyone else's attention falling on him. Riley did the only thing he could think of, and sat stock still whilst keeping his eyes firmly on the ground. The child hugged his teddy bear close to his chest for comfort.

"I apologize." Reiji apologized, and he actually did seem rather apologetic about it shockingly in Zero's eyes. "But because of the circumstances, I had someone else take his place." Masked eyes watched as Reiji put one grounding hand onto Riley's shoulder, causing Riley to finally look up from the ground and into Reiji's own eyes with meek gratitude.

It seems something has happened between the two siblings while Zero wasn't around. The child was acting more… open than usual. Interesting.

"That ninja called Tsukikage." The Chancellor nodded softly to Reiji's words. "It seems you had a purpose for that." Reiji said nothing and Riley squeezed his teddy bear. Fear once more entering the kid's eyes.

"I for one wanted to see this child's dueling." Jack said, surprising everyone in the room. Zero was planning to divert the conversation, but it seems that Atlas already had it covered.

"Riley's dueling?" Reiji asked. Curiosity was clear in his tone as the CEO raised an eyebrow towards Atlas. "Why is that?"

Jack's gaze never strayed from Riley's own, but those violet orbs had fogged over lightly. As if Atlas wasn't completely there anymore, and was instead reliving a moment in his life. "I had those eyes once too." He revealed. "Back then, I was always afraid and lived with my nerves stretched taut. Constantly pulled and frayed to the limit. That was when I was about this child's age."

Zero tensed, and turned his full attention now onto Atlas. That's right. While he may be King now once upon a time Atlas was a Common just like the others. He had to go through hell as a child and fight and claw his way to the top. To survive… Just like I had to with Nunnally and Suzaku. The looks in Riley and Atlas' eyes were all too familiar. Zero only had to look in a mirror to find that look in his own demonic gaze.

"I see." Reiji nodded slowly. "... I'm sorry for asking, but I heard that the King is from the Commons. Is that true?"

"There's nothing you have to be sorry for." Jack stated and merely brushed Reiji's apology off to the side. "Born as a Commons, and having lived at the very bottom. I set my mind on climbing up and aiming for the summit." Atlas admitted confidently with no shame or hesitancy. Something that gave Jack Atlas more respect in Zero and Reiji's eyes. "The Commons are my pride and where my origins lie." Finally, the fog in Jack's eyes left as he blinked. "Could this child have grown up in a similar environment?"

"As expected of the King." Reiji dodged the question with only a single nod of approval. "I can only say that you have keen insight."

The Council members all blinked, and stared at Reiji in confusion. "Is that true?" The Chancellor questioned. "Isn't that child your younger brother?"

"He is." Reiji merely answered back and sipped his own unfinished drink first before speaking again. "Excuse me for my boldness, but I'd like to ask how the King set out on his path to becoming a duelist. Riley would benefit from knowing this as well." Oh, Reiji was a smooth manipulator of conversation when he wanted to be.

Jack rubbed his chin as he thought for a long time. "Hm… It all started with one card." He began. "That card fell from the Top's cities above. Did somebody drop it by accident? Or was it tossed aside because it was no longer wanted? I suspected the latter. No matter how you looked at it, it didn't seem like anything important. But the moment I saw it, I felt like I had been struck by a revelation, and so I thought that I must return this card to the world above the sky. With my own hands. I had to get stronger to do that. As a person, and as a duelist. I had to be stronger than anyone." Atlas stopped his story to look up towards the leaders of the Lancers with a serious scowl on his face. "I hear that you all came from a foreign land. I won't ask why you've sent your comrades to participate in the Friendship Cup. However, if you want to accomplish something do not hesitate!" That got a reaction out of Riley through the form of a gasp, causing Jack to look back at Riley once again. "You're called Riley, right? I look forward to the day you set your mind on something and show us your bravery in dueling."

Riley was amazed, stunned speechless at the King's words.

Reiji took over conversing for Riley since the child was down for the count. "We're honored." He said gratefully. The CEO believed this will do great wonders for Riley's self confidence and sense of self. Violet eyes looked down towards his younger brother. "Riley must also be proud to be held in such regard by the duel King." Riley sheepishly looks away and doesn't say anything.

"Well." Zero stated, and quickly stood up and got out of his chair. "With that nice story out of the way I believe that it is time we head back to our respective seats. The intermission is bound to end soon, and I wouldn't want to be late to see the next duel." The masked man gave a stiff, near robotic half bow. "If you'll excuse me."

As he turned to leave, Zero bumped past his own chair, but in his own delirium the revolutionary didn't even notice.

. . .

"Man this is the most delicious meal I've ever had!" Yugo cried out as he choked on his food before swallowing it down with a gulp of his orange juice. The Synchro counterpart slammed his empty glass down onto the table. "Applying for the Friendship Cup was a great decision! You should be thanking me too, Yuzu." He stated before pausing in taking another bite. A puzzled expression suddenly appeared on Yugo's face as he turned towards the pink haired girl. "But wait a second. Didn't you want to join the tournament to draw attention to the Dimensional War? You didn't say a thing about that in your duel, why's that?"

"Ah, well." Yuzu nervously played with one of her pigtails as she answered. "Admittedly I was so nervous about driving that D-Wheel all by myself and the duel itself that the thought of Academia didn't really come to mind until after I had won." A determined expression passed her face as she nodded resolutely to herself. "But next time I'll make sure to get word out about it!"

Yugo blinked, before deciding to shrug and just continue on eating. "Well whatever, I'll slam my opponent hard tomorrow." The excited teen nearly slammed his hand down on the table as an example, but barely refrained thanks to a look from Yuzu.

"You won't be the only one warning everyone about Academia, Yuzu." The Standard counterpart turned and looked towards Ruri. "We're going to do our part too and let everyone know the truth about the Dimensional War." With that, Shun, Yuto, and even Serena nodded in agreement to Ruri's words.

"Thanks you guys." Yuzu finally stopped playing with her pigtail and returned to her lunch. Periwinkle eyes expressing her gratitude. "I really appreciate that."

"Hello everyone! I hope y'all are ready now!" Melissa Claire suddenly commented on the TV, gathering everyone's attention. "Cause the intermission is now over, and we'll be moving on to the next thrill seeking duel! After an exhilarating couple of matches earlier, let's hope that this next one will be just as great or even exceed our expectations!"

"Ohhh!" Sylvio practically squirmed out of his seat and bolted over to the TV, his food forgotten. "They better have regained their sanity and chosen the Great Sylvio Sawatari for this next match!"

"And the matchup for this duel is…!" A drum roll started to play in the background as two people appeared on the screen to replace Melissa. "The Pioneer of Pendulum Summoning Yuya Sakaki vs our City's very own Duel Chaser 227! I wonder what kind of match we'll see now? I hope it's gonna be a good one!"

"What!?" Sylvio roared, slumping down towards the ground in defeat as he bemoaned not being able to duel again. "How dare they not pair me with my rival! This is a crime against humanity I tell you! Outrageous! This whole thing is rigged against me."

"Hey, stop hogging the TV and move so we can see what's going on." Dennis complained from the couch he was lounging on.

"Grr…" Sylvio grumbled grumpily and gave Dennis a sour look. Before deciding to drag his feet back to his spot at the table and continue to slowly eat his lunch. A depressed air suddenly around the teen at not being able to fight.

"Ah! It's that guy!" Yuzu exclaimed after finally getting a good view of the TV. "He's the one that forced Yugo and I into a duel and nearly arrested us when we first arrived in the Synchro Dimension!"

"What really?" Serena asked in shock.

"No way." Dennis whistled in surprise. "Man, it really is a small world huh?"

"Those duel chasers are always out for blood." Shinji growled low as he glared at the TV. If his stare was any darker the TV would melt. "They're like sharks chasing for poor duelists to arrest and make public displays out of."

"Well." Yuya deadpanned, clearly unamused with what Shinji just said. "That certainly doesn't sound good for me now, does it?"

"No, not really." Yugo added in. Yuya gave his counterpart a look that clearly stated he wasn't looking for a response to his rhetorical question. Yugo for his part, completely missed the look and just went to go get more orange juice.

"Hey now look here!" Sylvio objected hotly all of a sudden. The action startled Yuto enough to accidentally spill some of his drink back onto himself mid-sip. "I'm the best option when it comes to firing up the crowd and facing Yuya!" Sylvio continued on unaware of Yuto's plight. "I demand that they change the roster right now to fix this horrible mistake!" Just then, Sylvio finally noticed Yuto's glare, figured out what had just happened, and gave a sheepish grin whilst rubbing the back of his head. "Oh, ah… sorry about that."

Yuto just merely sighed through his nose, and moved on with his life by finishing up his drink quickly.

"Okay I kinda agree with Sylvio though." Yugo returned with a new glass and sat back down. "Why do you get to fight before me?" Yugo complained and gestured over towards Yuya. "Man, this sucks! At this rate I might as well be the last person to duel!" He took a sip of his new orange juice.

"I haven't dueled yet either, and yet you don't see me complaining." Yuto stated calmly as he wiped himself down with any napkins he could grab close by. Ruri lightly snickered into one of her hands at Yuto's expression, looking like a cat that had just gotten soaked and wasn't too pleased about it. Shun was admittedly trying to suppress the urge to smirk and failing miserably as well, much to the Phantom Knight's embarrassment.

"Yeah well you're different." Yugo threw to the side carelessly as he lounged back in his chair. "You don't care when it's your turn to duel."

As Yuto went to speak, they were suddenly interrupted by the bell boy Sam. "I'm sorry." He apologized. "But I'm afraid I need to escort Yuya towards the stadium."

"Ahh alright! Fine!" Sylvio snapped and waved a careless hand towards Yuya in the form of goodbye. "You better hurry up and show the crowd a good time though Yuya. I want my turn to duel to arrive as quickly as possible!"

"Sure, whatever you say Sawatari." Yuya muttered to the side before getting up from his seat. "Lead the way Sam."

Sam smiled and nodded. "Alright, please follow me and I'll lead you over to the grounds." The servant pointed towards the lobby doors.

"Wish me luck guys!"

"Good luck!" Just about everyone replied back, others more focused on their food.

"You've got this Yuya!" Yuzu cheered the most, giving the tomato haired teen all of her support. "Show the City the power of your Entertainment Dueling!"

That got a grin to stretch across Yuya's face as he gave a thumbs up. "You bet Yuzu!" With that, Yuya and Sam left the lobby and headed towards the D-Wheel garage.

As the doors closed behind them, Damon suddenly piped up from beside the coffee maker. "You know, now that I think about it, Crow should be back here by now. Where is he?" That caused the group to collectively pause and look around.

"Ah, the kids are probably holding him up." Shinji explained with a carefree shrug. "I'm sure he's fine. Just give him a little bit to say goodbye to them."

"Ah, ya you're probably right." Damon agreed, before grabbing his drink and moving back up towards his room.

. . .

As Yuya and Sam made their way to the D-Wheel garage. Sam suddenly stopped walking and turned towards Yuya. This in turn caused Yuya to stop and look at Sam in surprise. "Sam? What's up?"

The boy looked down at the ground, his eyebrows furrowed and a look of indecision was on his face. "Yuya… I…" Finally, the boy closed his eyes, his hands tightening into fists, before he looked back up at Yuya with resolve. "I want to give you something."

. . .

With the announcement that Yuya was about to duel next, Zero actually abandoned the stalemate he and Jack had gained in chess to look out towards the field. The masked man straightened up in his chair in anticipation for the Entertainer's duel. "Oh, this should be a good fight."

"Hey!" Atlas barked, clearly vexed that Zero had abandoned their current chess match so easily. "Get back here and make your turn! I swear I'm going to beat you this time."

"Yes, but this duel should be more entertaining." The masked man turned and quickly made his move, placing his knight with a solid confidant thump. "Also I set this trap up for you four turns ago, so checkmate."

"What-!?" As Zero turned to look back towards the stadium Jack brought his face eye level to the board to better examine it in his disbelief. While Atlas had most certainly improved throughout a short period of time, he wasn't close enough to finally defeat Zero in his element. The man had made two stalemates against the terrorist at the most. It really did have Zero impressed over Atlas' extremely sharp learning curve for a game he just learned how to play that same day. "Oh bloody hell! This game is absolute bollocks! Trying to beat you at this is impossible!"

Since no one else was present in the throne room except them Atlas had zero problems with tipping the board back towards the floor in his mounting rage. Sure, getting to constantly beat up Crow during their duels was fun and nostalgic in Atlas' mind. However, having to constantly lose over and over to this petty masked shit was fraying on the King's last nerve.

Now Atlas understood why Roger apparently hated Zero so much.

"Oh cheer up, it's not the end of the world." Zero brushed Atlas' rage to the side, and completely ignored the chess set and its pieces now scattered all over the floor. It was starting to get boring after countless hours of fighting the same person anyway. "This duel will make you feel better. I know for a fact that Yuya has a ton of potential as a duelist, so this tournament should do wonders for his experience."

"Really?" Jack raised a skeptical eyebrow, clearly doubting Zero's words. "That tomato haired twig looks like he could be blown away with a single breath."

"I'm telling you, he has a lot of potential as a duelist." Zero insisted. Maybe some of that insistence was because of a bias due to his time spent as Lelouch in the Standard Dimension, but Zero was certain of it either way.

"Hmph, I'll have to see that for myself." Jack stated and crossed his arms, slouching in his chair. The King refused to believe it was similar to a child sulking after losing, and he'll sick Scarlight Red Dragon Archfiend on anyone who says otherwise.

Just then, the throne room's doors creaked open, gaining both occupant's attention. The duo straightened out and turned to look at who had entered the throne room, only to be surprised at who it was.

"Crow?" Zero questioned.

"What are you doing back here?" Jack demanded rather rudely, subtly scooting the fallen chess board and pieces out of Crow and his children's range of sight. "I thought you were frolicking off back to that dumb tower you live in now."

With Crow's silence, both kings suddenly noticed the enraged, yet deeply disturbed expression on the nineteen year old's face. The three children had been silent this whole time as well, and their expressions revealed nothing but fear.

"What happened?" Zero demanded, turning into his serious no-nonsense leader mode at the sight. Whatever Crow had seen had greatly spooked him, and now the Synchro user was afraid. Jack wordlessly stood up to his full height as well and turned his entire body around to face the distressed group.

Instead of answering, Crow instead took a deep breath to help calm himself down. Once that was done the teen made sure to have one hand on each of his children at all times as he finally looked back up towards the two Kings of the City. "I need your help."

. . .

"...Sam." The City servant looked up towards Yuya after hearing his name be called. The two were almost at the D-Wheel garage. "About that card you gave me." Yuya started. "I know you want me to give it back to Jack, and I'll try my best to accomplish that… but." The tomato haired teen looked down at the card he now has in his hand as they continue walking. "With what I know now. With what happens if you lose in the Friendship Cup. There's something I need to do- No, I need to say first before my duel starts, and it might get me kicked out of the tournament." Red eyes look to Sam, both stopping in the middle of the hall. "In case that does happen. I just wanted to let you know that I'm sorry. I'll try to give this card back to Jack another way."

"... It's okay Yuya." Sam said, realizing Yuya's intent and feelings. "There's no need to apologize. As long as you just try, I won't blame you." The bellboy smiled, and they continued walking to the grounds. "Hopefully it'll all just work out well, and that never happens." Sam gestures head. "Let's hurry forward now before we're late."

"Ah, alright." Yuya nodded his head. "Lead the way."

. . .

"Security is still chasing after your kids?" Jack said incredulously. "Why the hell are they so fixated on a bunch of three year olds?"

"Hey! We're not three!" All three kids exclaimed at once, but were silenced once more by a single glance from Atlas.

"That's the thing, I have no idea!" Crow yelled out, bringing his kids closer to himself as if to ensure they're still there. "All I know is that when I went to say goodbye and head back towards the contestant tower I saw a couple of Security tailing us from the corner of my eye." Stony gray eyes narrowed in anger. "They weren't focused on me either. They wanted my kids and there's no way in hell I'm letting Security get their hands on them! Over my dead body!"

"I mean sure, they caused a ruckus in the first round of the Friendship Cup, but they're kids. It doesn't make them public enemy number one." Jack continued on that train of thought.

"That spot would have to belong to me." Zero said finally as he began to walk forward towards Crow and his kids. Atlas gave Zero an unamused look, but stayed where he was otherwise. "As for why Security is still after your kids. I think I have an idea."

"What?" Crow asked, his posture stiff as a board. "Tell me."

"Because of you." That caused Crow to reel back in shock, caught off guard at Zero's words. The masked man looked down at each child, causing Tanner to hide his face in Crow's leg at the action. "Security, or more specifically Roger, wants to take these kids because they are connected to you." That mask tipped up to look Crow in the eye. "He probably wants to use this connection to blackmail you into doing whatever he wants. To get a way into the Lancers, and therefore a shot at me. He's having Security chase your kids down to get at you."

A shaky exhale left Crow at the mere thought of Roger getting within even five feet of his children. "No." The Black Feathered user's frame began to shake just a tad as that nightmare fuel entered his mind and refused to leave. "No no no, absolutely not. No freaking way am I letting Roger of all people get close to MY kids! That's NOT happening!" The thought was starting to make Crow become hysterical.

"Crow?" Frank looked up at the orange haired teen in concern.

"Calm down Hogan." In a rather shocking display, it wasn't Zero that said that, but Jack Atlas. Everyone turned to look at the King as he finally walked over to the group. A fierce scowl on his face and his hands balled into fists. "We'll help you."

Crow looked absolutely floored at Jack's statement. Not believing that he would be the first one to offer aid after everything that's happened in the past. "I- You-" Crow shook his head, finally coming back to his senses. "Why help me after everything that's happened between us?"

At this question, Atlas' scowl only lightened just a tad, but that fire in his violet eyes never dimmed. "If there's one thing I still remember from my time living with the Commons so long ago it's their one main rule. A rule that must always be followed or else you become something even less than a Common."

Together, both Crow and Jack spoke at the same time. "You don't mess with children." A small smile twitched onto Crow's face at their words.

The Black Feather user grinned, his form now completely relaxed. "There's the Atlas I know. It's been a while huh?" Jack didn't say anything in response, merely gave a small smile before it went back to his classic scowl.

"They're gonna help us? Yes!" Amanda cheered.

"Thank you sirs!" Tanner said gratefully. His grip was still tight on Crow's pant leg.

"If we can smuggle the kids into the contestant tower the rest of the Lancers can watch over them." Zero stated whilst rubbing the bottom of his chin in thought. "The question is how to get them past all of the executive guards."

"Oh, leave that to me." Atlas' scowl suddenly transformed into a cocky smirk.

. . .

"First up, Duel Chaser 227 makes his entrance!" Melissa Claire commented. With his que, Duel Chaser 227 comes riding into the duel ring on his old Security D-Wheel. The lights flashing green and all. "He lost a duel during a pursuit and lost his job as a Duel Chaser." The cowgirl gave a cheeky grin. "He's been lacking quite a bit lately, huh?" At Melissa's pot shot comment, the Security officer scowled up at her. A snarl nearly leaving his lips as his hands tighten around the handles of his D-Wheel.

Clearly, he was still sore and upset by the public loss and subsequent humiliation that followed from that day.

"Okay. Here we go. You've got this." Yuya said to himself as he was given his que to start pulling out of the D-Wheel garage and onto the track. "I've got this. I've got this." The tomato haired teen had a shaky start on his red D-Wheel, but eventually began to level out. This being his first time driving a D-Wheel.

"But 227 has registered as an ex-duel chaser for this tournament." Melissa continued. "Next though, we have another member of the famous Lancers racing out onto the track, Yuya Sakaki!" Yuya zooms by on his red D-Wheel, only faltering once before righting himself and continuing forward. "Rumor has it this young man is the creator of Pendulum Summoning!"

As the crowd went wild Yuya finally stopped by the starting line. 227 gave the tomato haired teen the side eye as he did so. "I'd rather be facing the one who first caused my fall from grace, Yugo." He said stiffly. A dark urge for revenge in the man's gaze hidden behind his Security helmet's visor. "But you look almost like him, so you'll have to do for now." The man muttered off to the side. "Must be twins or something."

Yuya, being parked right next to the man, heard 227's comment. "I'm not Yugo." Yuya insisted. "He's not my brother or twin either, we're not related."

"Oh really?" 227 clearly doesn't believe that and scoffs. "Ha, yeah right. You're just some lying filthy Common. You two look nearly alike! Of course you have to be related somehow."

As Yuya was about to fire back he was interrupted by Melissa. "Well then, with those words out of the way between our two competitors let's get this duel all fired up!" The crowd cheers at the commentator's words. "Action field-!"

"Wait!" Yuya hollered out above the rest. This sudden action caused Melissa to stop, and the crowd went somewhat quiet.

Well, as quiet as a crowd of twenty thousand people could be.

Yuya straightens up in his seat, and looks around out towards the crowd as he speaks loudly so that his voice is heard. "Before we start, does everyone here know what happens to the losers in the Friendship Cup?"

Silence greets him. No, they don't.

"They're sent to an underground garbage disposal facility!" Yuya revealed, causing a ton of gasps to come from the crowd at the revelation. "They never return from the underground. They're forced down there, stuck and made to do manual labor forever! They don't even get the chance to see the sun or sky again!"

. . .

As this was going on, Crow Hogan and his kids were being led by Jack Atlas and Zero towards the contestant tower. A bunch of executive guards noticed this, and came over to confront the group.

"What's going on here?" One of the guards questioned as he scowled over at Zero and the kids. "Children are not allowed back here."

"These kids belong to me." Crow stated firmly and walked forward to stand in front of the group. Amanda, Frank, and Tanner being placed in the middle of the older teens. "And my kids are being chased down by Security, so they're going to stay with me in the tower until this entire damn tournament is over."

"You filthy Common." Another guard hissed as his hand strayed towards his duel disk. "Thinking you can throw your weight around just because you're a Friendship Cup participant. Those kids aren't taking another step where they don't belong!"

"Watch your tongue in front of me you peasant!" The King of the City suddenly roared, striding forward until he towered over the now trembling guard. Violet eyes glared down at the feeble man. "Don't forget who you insult when calling the Commons filthy."

"I-I-I'm sorry your majesty." All of the guards bowed deeply before Jack Atlas' scrutiny. "B-but those children are not a part of the Friendship Cup. They are not allowed in the tower."

"You dare to question my authority?" Atlas straightened up to his full height, causing the guards to fear for themselves even more at the King's rising wrath. "I am the King of this City! Therefore, whatever I decree must be followed!" He began to bellow. "And I decree that these kids are to be allowed into the contestant tower and be protected from Security without fuss! Otherwise I might just have to challenge you to a duel." That last part was hissed quietly, and now all of the guards were terrified. Losing a duel and being disgraced by the king meant their careers and futures would be on the line. "Got it."

"Crystal your Majesty!" All of the guards stiffened to attention, bowed again, and wordlessly moved to the side to allow the group to pass without objection.

Zero couldn't help himself. He started laughing.

. . .

Meanwhile, back in the stadium, the crowd was going absolutely wild in delight. Shocking Yuya to the core as Duel Chaser 227 just laughs beside the crowd mockingly. Of all the reactions that could have happened, this didn't even appear on Yuya's mind.

"W-what…" Yuya looks around, lost. "Why are you all cheering?"

Melissa sighs, her holographic image leaning forward just a tad as she tips back her hat. "Is there something wrong with that? That's just how it is. The defeated will fall, right?" She said it in such a way it was like saying the sky is blue or the grass is green. The rest of the crowd meanwhile cheered even louder at Melissa's words. The sight and sounds just left Yuya with a devastated, heartbroken expression.

Suddenly, the crowd's cheering turned into booing, and all of it was directed at Yuya.

"That's 'just how it is'?!" Yuya repeated incredulously.

"You just need to win Yuya and it'll all be fine." Melissa waves Yuya's concerns aside easily, and suddenly continues the duel. "Now then, back to the main event. Action Field, on! Field Spell, Cross Over Accel!"

"Now wait a second!" Yuya objects. "I'm not done talki-" He's ignored as his D-Wheel's automated voice interrupts him and his vehicle goes on autopilot. The Pendulum user quickly pulled his signature goggles over his eyes as the duel was about to begin.

"Stop your complaining and get ready to fight!" 227 yells aggressively towards Yuya suddenly, causing the tomato haired teen to reel back in shock. Finally seeing that no one was going to listen to him now that the duel was about to start. Yuya abandoned the idea for later and got prepared for his duel. It has been a while since he last fought.

"Riding duel, acceleration!" Melissa cried out.

DUEL CHASER 227 LP- 4000

YUYA LP- 4000

"DUEL!"

Both of the contestant's D-Wheels roared as they sped forward. Both duelists wanted to be the one to have the first turn, and so their tires left scorch marks in their wake.

"Taking the first corner and therefore the first turn is our own Duel Chaser 227!" Melissa declares as the Security officer takes the corner. It's clear 227 has much more experience in riding than Yuya from the distance the two have apart and how far back Yuya is. But he's learning very quickly and steadily gaining more ground.

"Sending duelists to the misery of the underground facility is wrong!" Yuya yells out over the crowd and hollering winds. Trying to get people to see reason when all they want to see is a fight. People booed over at the Pendulum user while others cheered for the Security officer.

"Already worried you'll lose?"

"Ah quit your complaining and start dueling already!"

"Shut up and fight you wuss!"

"You shouldn't use dueling to make people suffer!" Yuya continued against the rejections and harsh words of the crowd. "Dueling should be used to make everyone smile!"

"Oh snap out of it!" 227 yells over at Yuya, successfully gaining the teen's attention. "Did you come here to give a speech or what?" The officer gives Yuya a look of disgust. "Then this isn't an invitation." The man points at Yuya. "Surrender immediately and get out of here!" With 227's declaration the crowd cheers him on while booing Yuya. The tomato haired teen gritting his teeth and dealing with it silently.

"I'll start my turn by summoning Jutte Lord from my hand!" 227 finally begins the duel. A male humanoid monster with white face paint, red streaks, and clothes fitting the old age of nobility floats onto the field. Its clothes cover its legs and feet, and in one hand the monster holds a metal baton.

JUTTE LORD LV.4 ATK:1600 DEF:1200

"When Jutte Lord is successfully summoned, I can Special Summon one Jutte monster from my hand with its effects!" 227 places another card down onto his duel disk. "Come forward, Jutte Knight!" A squat human with round, wire-rimmed glasses and a simple red and yellow kimono appears onto the field on 227's other side. It too is wielding a metal baton, but it also has a strange pack on its back as well.

JUTTE KNIGHT LV.2 ATK:700 DEF:900

"Now, I tune Level four Jutte Lord with my Level two Jutte Knight!" 227 throws one hand up into the air. His monsters follow the command and rise up into the air to become an array of green rings and bright blue stars. "Come forth! The hunter who wields the right to strike! I Synchro Summon! Level six, Goyou Predator!" A bigger humanoid monster rushes out onto the field and goes into an attack stance. A metal sword with a rope attached at the end leading to a smaller sharpened blade was held in both hands. Otherwise, the monster was covered in gray furs, green and yellow robes, and wore a black horned helmet that made the monster's eyes look red.

GOYOU PREDATOR LV.6 ATK:2400 DEF:1200

"Next, I activate the Equip Spell Goyou Arrow from my hand!" 227 says as he places down a Spell card. A strange purple and pink machine attaches itself onto Goyou Predator. "This card can only be equipped to Goyou monsters." Goyou Predator takes the machine, and points it over at Yuya as if it was a huge cannon instead. "I activate Goyou Arrow's effect. Once per turn, the equipped monster can deal damage to my opponent equal to its level multiplied by 100!" That was a nasty Equip Spell card. "Goyou Predator is level six, so that means you take six hundred points of damage!"

Like a machine gun, multiple bullets of light peppered out of the machine at a rapid fire pace, all of them striking at Yuya. The tomato haired teen raised one arm to cover his face as he was forced to take the damage with grit teeth.

YUYA LP- 4000 - 3400

"I end my turn." 227 finishes, and the crowd roars in approval to the Duel Chaser's moves.

"Impressive." Melissa nods in approval. Her hat bounced lightly at the action. "227 can't attack on the first turn, but he's already dealt Yuya some damage!"

"Now, it's your turn." The officer turns in his seat to glare over at Yuya. "What will you do? Will you duel in this unjust tournament, or will you surrender and show yourself for the true coward that you are?"

"Grrr." Yuya's gloves creak as he clenches his fists. His teeth practically grinding in his mouth at his rising frustration. "Perhaps if you won't listen to my words, you'll listen to my results! My turn, I draw!" The tomato haired teen draws a card, and shows the audience two cards. "From my hand, I set the Pendulum Scale with Scale 3 Performapal Odd-Eyes Light Phoenix and Scale 8 Performapal Odd-Eyes Unicorn!" From within the two pillars of light rose up a phoenix and a unicorn respectively. The bird had long orange colored tail feathers and red and green eyes hidden behind an opera mask. The unicorn had light blue colored fur and huge sparkling red and green eyes while wearing a little blue and silver lined circus jacket.

"With this, I can summon monsters from Levels 4 through 7 all at the same time!" Yuya raises a hand up towards the sky as he Pendulum Summons. 227 grits his teeth in preparation. "Swing, Pendulum of my soul! Paint an arc of light across the sky! I Pendulum Summon! Come forth, my monsters!" From the opening portal comes two monsters. "First up is Performapal Bot-Eyes Lizard! Next, we have Performapal Fireflux!"

A giant lizard with purple scales, robot eyes, a cute top hat, and a silly orange circus jacket and cane comes up onto the scene. Flanking Yuya's other side is a mix between a cricket and firefly cartoon-like monster. With a little lightbulb like rear end and little orange tux on its tiny body.

PERFORMAPAL BOT-EYES LIZARD LV.4 ATK:1600 DEF:1200

PERFORMAPAL FIREFLUX LV.4 ATK:1200 DEF:1600

Yuya throws both hands out wide and yells out to the audience. "Ladies and gentlemen!" Starting out with his signature catchphrase, Yuya begins getting back into the heart of Entertainment dueling. "For now, I'll put a smile on everyone's face with this stunning illusion!" With that, Yuya looks over to the silent Duel Chaser 227. "Battle! I attack Goyou Predator with Bot-Eyes Lizard!" With his orders given, the giant purple lizard begins to run across the track and over towards the stronger Synchro monster.

"Ehh?" Melissa blinks and leans back, confused. "He's making a monster with 1600 Attack battle with Goyou Predator's 2400? How reckless!"

"I activate Performapal Odd-Eyes Unicorn's Pendulum Effect!" Yuya raises one hand up towards the unicorn monster. Once per turn, I can add the Attack of one Performapal on my field to the Attack of an Odd-Eyes monster in battle!" With that said, the unicorn flashed the power of its magic, and unleashed a beam of energy from its horn down to Bot-Eyes Lizard.

"Hey what are you going on about?!"

"Odd-Eyes isn't battling!" The crowd begins booing again.

Yuya snaps his fingers. "Please keep your eyes on Bot-Eyes Lizard!" Yuya asks politely, and gestures out towards his purple reptilian monster. Something which the crowd begrudgingly does. "When the name of an Odd-Eyes monster is declared, Bot-Eyes is treated as that monster!" Just then the beam of magic hit the lizard head on. "The name I declare is Odd-Eyes Dragon!"

With that, the purple lizard suddenly undergoes a massive transformation. Losing its purple color and clothes, the lizard evolves into the red scaled, odd-eyed dragon that was Yuya's original ace before turning into Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon. Though it was still Bot-Eyes Lizard, an illusion was cast to make it look exactly like Odd-Eyes Dragon.

"Performapal Fireflux has 1200 Attack, so that means Bot-Eyes Lizard gets 2800 Attack Points!" With that, a fiery aura grew around the illusion of Odd-Eyes, showing it was growing stronger.

PERFORMAPAL BOT-EYES LIZARD ATK: 1600 = 2800

With its newfound power, Bot-Eyes unleashes a powerful flamethrower out towards the enemy Synchro monster Goyou Predator. The attack lands, and 227 skids out for a second. Goyou is instantly destroyed and the Duel Chaser takes damage.

DUEL CHASER 227 LP- 4000 - 3600

"The equipped Goyou Arrow is destroyed alongside the Goyou Predator! Oh no!" Melissa yells out in surprise. "Looks like Duel Chaser 227 is in trouble now!"

"Next, I attack you directly with Performapal Fireflux!" The little bug monster flies over and attacks. Flying above 227 before giving a light, playful smack to the back of the ex-Security officer's head.

DUEL CHASER 227 LP- 3600 - 2400

"Yuya may have taken damage first, but he's turned the game around in an instant!" Melissa crowed. The crowd lightly cheers in approval, but not as loud as they did with Duel Chaser 227.

"When the Battle Phase ends, Odd-Eyes Unicorn's Pendulum Effect ends as well." Yuya ends with a half bow at the waist. With that the illusioned Odd-Eye's aura disappears as the monster powers down.

PERFORMAPAL BOT-EYES LIZARD ATK:2800 = 1600

"I end my turn." Yuya finishes with the crowd giving a light round of applause.

. . .

"Yeah, let's go Yuya! Show them the power of your Entertainment Dueling style! Show them you won't back down!" The Lancers all the way down in the lobby could hear Gongenzaka's roar of approval all the way up in his room.

"Man, Gongenzaka can sure be loud when he wants to be." Sylvio stated casually.

"I can see why." Dennis clapped lightly from his spot on the couch. "Yuya really did pull out all the stops on that illusion trick. Like a true magician!"

"You've got this Yuya!" Yuzu cheered alongside the others.

As the duel was going on, the group was suddenly interrupted by the sound of the lobby doors opening. Everyone turned their heads to see a shocking amount of people suddenly enter the room.

"Ah! I can't believe it!" Sylvio cried out in shock.

"Is that-?" Dennis rose up from his spot on the couch.

"Zero." Shun greeted calmly as Serena nodded, both of their eyes were more focused on another occupant however.

"HOLY CRAP IT'S JACK ATLAS!" Yugo practically shrieked, he was so excited at seeing his role model and hero there and in the flesh. Everyone close by to the banana banged duelist cringed and covered their ears he yelled so loudly.

"Oh bugger." Atlas muttered under his breath. "Not another crazy fan."

"Ohmygosh ohmygosh ohmygosh!" Yugo cheered as he quickly scrambled up from his spot on the floor and practically zoomed over towards Atlas. "Your majesty! It's such an honor to be in your presence!" The banana banged duelist bowed so quickly he nearly fell back on the floor, but he saved himself last second. His aquamarine eyes were shining so brightly they were like supernovas. "It's always been my dream to finally one day meet you and duel it out in the Friendship Cup!"

"Apologizes Yugo, but I'm afraid Atlas and I don't have much time." Zero interjected on the boy's hero worship and stepped away from the door. "I do need to ask you all to do a favor however."

"What is it-?" Ruri began, but was quickly cut off by Yugo once again.

"Yes! Anything for the King!" Yugo saluted quickly, standing at attention as his eyes never strayed from Jack. The King himself remained calm and quiet despite Yugo's fanboying. "What do ya need, King?"

"Security is the problem, that's what." Crow snapped as he and his kids finally rushed into the safety of the contestant tower. The group all breathed a sigh of immense relief. "Those freaks are trying to take Amanda, Frank, and Tanner away from me to blackmail me or some garbage!"

"What!?" All the Lancers exclaimed in shock, and now everyone was out of their seats. Their attention going from the duel to this current predicament.

"Bastards." Damon said in disgust. "Everyone knows it is a Common rule to never mess with children!"

"Roger." Shinji growled and quickly went over to Crow and the kids' aid, much to the children's approval if the tackle hugs were any indication. "He'll sink so low to get any means of control over us!"

"That's why we decided it would be best to keep the children here." Atlas finally stated, regaining everyone's attention. "To not only stop Roger from blackmailing Crow, but to keep these kids safe." Violet eyes glared down at everyone. "That's why they're staying in this tower from now on until the tournament is over, so that you Lancers can watch over and protect them when Crow can't."

"Hopefully by the time the tournament is over I'll have dealt with Roger, and he won't be a bother anymore." Zero swore darkly as he fiddled with his duel disk.

"Of course." All of the Lancers agreed at once, without a single sign of hesitation.

At the sight, Crow's eyes grew misty, but the Synchro user didn't cry. Instead, he wiped his eyes of any moisture, before croaking out emotionally. "Thank you everyone." Gray eyes turned towards Zero and Atlas. "Zero, Jack, thank you." The two Kings didn't respond verbally, but Jack gave a single nod back as acknowledgement.

"How did you guys even get this far?" Yuto asked finally. The group had no qualms with the sudden role of babysitter if it meant sticking one to Jean-Michel Roger. "I would have thought for sure that the guards would've given you more trouble Zero."

"Ah, that would be because of me." Atlas gave a dark, menacing grin over at the group. "You'd be surprised at how much I can get away with because I'm King. They're fear is particularly delicious when faced with my wrath. It really is great I have to say."

"Oh my God he's so cool." Yugo practically whispered to himself in awe.

. . .

"Grr." The officer growls darkly. His hands gripping onto his D-Wheel's handles tightly. "I WILL win, and I will go back to the Tops! Back to being a Duel Chaser!" 227 draws a card and instantly starts his turn at a rapid-fire pace. "My turn! I start by activating the Spell card Monster Reborn! Revive, Goyou Predator!" As if time was being reversed, the yellow particles that made up Goyou Predator bond back together to recreate the monster itself.

GOYOU PREDATOR LV.6 ATK:2400 DEF:1200

"Ahhh!" Melissa and the crowd cheered. "Goyou Predator was destroyed mere moments ago, and now it's already back!"

"I attack Bot-Eyes Lizard with Goyou Predator!" As the newly revived Synchro monster gears up to attack. Yuya suddenly speeds forward ahead of 227 just as he spots an Action Card up ahead.

"Yuya's speeding up to nab an Action Card!" Melissa commentates, watching every action eagerly. "Will he make it?!"

"No! I won't let you!" 227 pulls the throttle on his D-Wheel, its lights and sirens going off as he becomes level with the tomato haired teen. Suddenly, 227 rams into the side of Yuya's D-Wheel. The Pendulum user has to pull his hand back quickly and miss the Action Card unless he wants his hand to be crushed by the assault.

This sudden attack has the crowd drawing in a breath, before going wild in approval at the brutality and violence displayed. Yuya meanwhile, was forced back behind the Duel Chaser as 227 pulled ahead.

"Well done!" Melissa praised the Synchro citizen with a clap of her hands. "Duel Chaser 227 stopped Yuya from getting that Action Card! A little rough, but he did it!"

Without an Action Card to stop Goyou Predator from attacking, the monster strikes out. The attack from Goyou Predator hits, and the Synchro monster stabs its baton into the chest of the Performapal Bot-Eyes, destroying it.

YUYA LP- 3400 - 2600

"Now! I activate Goyou Predator's effect!" 227 raises a hand up to his Synchro monster. "I can Special Summon on my field an opponent monster that was destroyed in battle!" Suddenly, Bot-Eyes is revived, but it is now on the officer's side of the playing field. Now being Yuya's enemy instead of his ally. "Come, Bot-Eyes Lizard!"

PERFORMAPAL BOT-EYES LIZARD LV.4 ATK:1600 DEF:1200

"Duel Chaser 227 has boosted his forces with Yuya's own monster!" Melissa exclaimed.

"Now, I attack Fireflux with Bot-Eyes Lizard!" The poor bug didn't even get a chance before the purple lizard was swinging its cane down onto it and destroying it.

"Ahh!" Yuya cried out, and his back wheel skidded for a solid second before righting itself.

YUYA LP- 2600 - 2200

"I'll end my turn here." 227's voice was barely heard over the wind as he began to mock Yuya. "Come now, tell me you have more spunk than this you brat! This fight isn't even worth it. You're nowhere near as strong as your brother!"

"Yugo is NOT my brother!" Yuya yells back, but either his voice was lost in the wind or 227 just ignored him and sped forward even farther. He was really getting sick of everyone mistaking him for his other counterparts or thinking they're related.

Melissa leaned forward in her commentator booth. "Yuya's getting backed into a corner now folks. After taking so much damage from the successive attacks brought on by Duel Chaser 227!" The reporter threw her hands out to either side of her. "If Yuya doesn't do something real soon he's gonna be in BIG trouble."

. . .

"Okay, everything is all set for the kids." Shinji stretched his back until it gave a loud satisfying pop before relaxing. "We'll be able to take everything from here."

"Good." Zero, who had been impatiently waiting for Amanda, Frank, and Tanner to get safely settled in, was currently tapping his foot in his rush to get out. "Let's get back to the throne room before the Council realizes we're gone and starts throwing a hissy fit."

"Yes, that would be best." Atlas agreed with a nod, and quickly rejoined Zero before Yugo could intercept him. "You did say this boy currently dueling is rather good, and I'd like to see that for myself before the duel is over."

Just as the King said that, Sylvio had to pipe in with less than stellar news. Though both kings ignored what the Lancer was saying. "Man listen to the crowd, booing?! I can't believe their audacity!" Sylvio nearly puffed up like an offended rooster at the crowd's reaction towards Yuya and his dueling style. "Now, if they had put me out there to fight against Yuya instead of that old timer Duel Chaser the crowd would be going wild right now!"

"We get it! You want to duel." Yuto finally griped, annoyed with the brunette's actions. "You don't have to keep repeating it every ten minutes."

"Yuya Sakaki." Zero nodded as he and Atlas began to make their leave. "He is a good duelist. Not the best at the moment, but he just needs more practice and experience before that potential really blooms. I can see great things in him. He just needs a little push now and then."

"Hold on a second!" The two Kings stopped their conversation, and turned around to address whoever had just spoken. Shun Kurosaki stood in the middle of the lobby. His stance strong and his gaze unwavering as he looked directly at Zero. "I'm coming with you, Zero." Molten yellow eyes narrowed imperceptibly. "We have a conversation that still needs to be had. Don't think I've forgotten about it for even a second."

It's been on his mind all day since this morning.

"Ah, I see." Zero turned towards the TV to see a glimpse of Yuya's battle, before looking over at the clock, and then finally sighing. "I know I'm asking for a lot from this, but could you wait just a little bit longer?" Shun tensed, the expression on his face giving a solid 'no' without it needing to be said. "By the time Yuya's duel is finished there won't be enough time for another duel today. I won't have any responsibility to watch the duels, and it'll allow us the opportunity to find the perfect private spot for this conversation."

Now Shun looked a little uncertain, but his stance was still firm.

At the Raidrapoter's stubbornness Zero gave an annoyed, exhausted groan before putting his masked face in his hands. The man tried to rub at his eyes, but seconds after realized he still had his mask on, and couldn't do so.

He could feel the dark bags just drooping under his eyes without even having to look in a mirror. Zero was exhausted.

Everyone was staring at the masked man. Some just thought he was being dramatic again, while others were a little surprised. The revolutionary normally didn't act like that after all.

"Just." Zero took another deep breath to recollect himself, before holding out one gloved finger. "Just one more duel, and then we can talk."

Finally, Shun's resolve began to dissolve, and the Xyz user at last stood down. His shoulders slumped just a tad, and the dark cyan haired duelist nodded. Yet, that determined expression didn't leave his face. "Fine, one more duel."

Zero nodded, his posture slumping in… defeat? No, more like relief. "Good… thank you." The masked man looked back towards Atlas. "Let's hurry up and go before the duel ends." The two turned and finally left the tower now that Crow's kids were in good hands.

Shun's hands tightened into fists. "I'll be waiting." He swore.

. . .

"We're not done here!" Yuya stated. "The real fun is just getting started!" There was another one of Yuya's catchphrases that the people in Standard always enjoyed so much. Though here in the Synchro Dimension, it only seemed to get him more jeers and boos. It certainly striked a knife of hurt into the tomato haired teen's heart, but he decided to ignore that and focus more on the duel. "My turn!" Yuya draws, and his eyes widen in joy at the card he draws. "Now, I Pendulum Summon with the already set Pendulum Scale!" Two monsters appear onto Yuya's field, one familiar and one new. "Return from the Extra deck, Performapal Fireflux!"

The second monster however, was new to most of the audience. To the Lancers however, this monster could be defined as none other than Yuya's ace. Its white horned head and glowing dichromatic red and green eyes are a trademark for Yuya's deck.

"And from my hand, the brave and beautiful dual-colored eyes of radiance! Come forth! Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon!" The huge, red scaled dragon did a flashy spin and whipped its tail onto the ground, before giving a loud shrill roar out towards the crowd.

PERFORMAPAL FIREFLUX LV.4 ATK:1200 DEF:1600

ODD-EYES PENDULUM DRAGON LV.7 ATK:2500 DEF:2000

With the sight of the huge fire breathing dragon the crowd really began to cheer now.

"Oh, what's this!" Melissa commented in shock. "Look at that huge beautiful dragon! Looks like Yuya's got a few cards up his sleeve that are more than just party animals!" The crowd cheers. "Well, will this be the battle Yuya turns it around and clinches it?!"

"Good going!"

"Yeah! Get him!"

"Do it! Do it! Do it! Do it!"

"Send 'im flying!"

"No, smash him to bits!"

With the crowd's cheering and pressuring, Yuya suddenly pauses. Stuck in a dilemma and deciding what he should do now. He can win and have this duel in the bag if he just attacks.

However, Yuya himself was having a bit of a crisis.

If I attack now, I'll win. Yuya looks at 227's back with furrowed eyebrows. But, he'll be sent to the underground facility since he's not with us… I…

I don't want to do that.

"Ah! There!" 227 suddenly cries out, and speeds forward doing a fancy maneuver and grabbing a hold of an Action Card. "This duel isn't over yet. Not until I win!" The man declares boldly.

"Duel Chaser 227 has managed to grab himself an Action Card!" Melissa commentated as she pointed out towards the duelist. "That was some impressive D-Wheel maneuvering!"

"I activate the Action Spell, Battle Lock!" 227 slammed the Action Card down onto his duel disk. "During this turn, my opponent cannot declare an attack!" Suddenly, chains shot up from the ground and wrapped around Odd-Eyes and Fireflux, binding them tightly. Turning back to face Yuya, Duel Chaser 227 sneered. "Your fun ends here!"

"What the hell are you doing?!"

"Do you even want to win!"

"How boring."

"You stupid-"

"I end my turn." Yuya bit the inside of his cheek as he kept his gaze steadily forward. When Yuya's turn ended, the chains suddenly snapped apart, and his two monsters were freed.

. . .

At this very moment, the throne room doors opened once more as the two Kings of the City entered the room. One striding over easily to his throne like it was a regular Monday morning while the other planned to do the same, but stumbled and nearly tripped himself over his own feet.

Jack looked over to Zero, watching as the man just barely caught himself on his own throne. One blonde eyebrow slowly raised and Atlas looked over Zero's form. It was hard to tell, but it kind of sounded like the masked man was panting.

Seeing Jack's wordless prompt, Zero snapped. "I'm fine." He growled darkly, and carelessly slid into his own seat. The terrorist slumping in his seat as he laid his head in one hand. "Keep your eyes on the duel."

Jack blinked, caught off guard. That was a complete 180 from just hours prior when they were playing chess. Cheeky bugger. However, Atlas decided to pay it no mind, and merely turned back to watch the duel between Yuya and 227.

From what the two had gathered from the next five minutes, it wasn't going too great. The booing and complaining crowd was a rather big tell.

"A duelist who hesitates cannot capture the audience's hearts." Jack finally stated, before once again looking over at Zero. The man seemed his usual calm and collected, albeit a petty shit at times, self once again. "What happened to all that fire you spoke about when it came to this boy?"

The King couldn't see it, but he could most certainly imagine the way Zero blinked down at the duel happening before him in surprise. Jack could imagine the wheels stuttering and turning in his rival's brain.

Finally, the masked man spoke. His modulator made the revolutionary's voice sound more dark. "Ah, I see what's going on." Zero tipped his head back and looked up towards the high ceiling. "He's having a debate with himself. Yuya wants to win, who doesn't? But he doesn't want to send that man down to the garbage disposal facility. He's not a cruel person, so having to fight in this tournament with such consequences, having to deal with how this City acts to its own people." That mask turned to the side to look at the wall. "All while staying strong in his own beliefs and dueling style is affecting him."

Atlas looked like he had just something sour. "Well, if that's the case he shouldn't have decided to join this tournament at all. That Yuzu Hiragi seemed to do just fine with her own duel."

"Yes, but her opponent was willing and accepting of her dueling style." Zero gestured out towards the Duel Chaser. "He's not."

"Hmph, I still stand by what I said. He shouldn't even bother if he's not going to have a strong enough back bone to push through the opposition and win, regardless of the consequences to his opponents."

"And that's why he didn't necessarily get a choice." Zero stated as he crossed his arms in his lap. "More like an illusion of choice. When Reiji and I agreed to have everyone participate in the Friendship Cup he could have tried to back out, but he didn't."

"Then what is he going to do about this? Oh wise one." Jack gestured out towards the duel stadium as he spoke sarcastically. The King's stoic and cold facade beginning to fall away into something more genuine bit by bit.

"He's evolving and adapting." Behind his mask, Lelouch gave a small smile. "Just like I had hoped he would."

. . .

"Looks like the goddess of victory is on MY side today!" 227 stated as he began his turn. "My turn!" The man drew his card, and studied his hand for a moment before finally making his move. "I summon Hell Security from my hand!" A robotic monster with an opened fanged jaw, wide eyes, two clawed hands, and a tail slithered onto the field. It held a stun baton in one of its massive clawed hands.

HELL SECURITY LV. 1 ATK:100 DEF:200

"Now, I tune the Level 4 Bot-Eyes Lizard with my Level 1 Hell Security!" The two monsters flew up into the air to become green rings and bright blue stars. "A chase to the ends of hell! Behold! The soul of integrity! I Synchro Summon! Come forth, Level 5, Goyou Chaser!" Another humanoid monster with white and red face paint and a weapon similar to Goyou Predator's appears onto the field now.

GOYOU CHASER LV.5 ATK:1900 DEF:1000

"Chief!" Officer 227 suddenly yelled out as loud as he could. "I'll present my victory to you with the cards you have so graciously given me!" The Security officer holds a card high up into the air. "I activate the Spell card Polymerization!"

That has the entire crowd gasping in shock and going wild.

. . .

The revelation of the Spell Card Polymerization had Zero leaning very far forward in his seat, caught off guard at this unexpected development.

"Oh?" Jack quirked an eyebrow, surprised by this development as well. Frankly, he thought only those from the Lancers could do a Summoning Method other than Synchro Summoning.

. . .

"WHAT!" The contestant tower practically shook with that loud declaration coming from everyone's lips.

"What the hell?!" Yuto swore, he nearly fell out of his seat in shot at this development.

"I thought we were the only ones that could do other Summoning Methods here!" Sylvio stated dramatically.

"We should be the only ones." Serena growled. Her nails dug into her forearms at this sudden revelation. "The question is how the hell did that man get ahold of that card?"

"The dude did just say he got it from the chief, so that means Roger gave it to him." Yugo said uneasily, everyone else was clearly on edge about this sudden turn of events. Frankly, it kind of had Yugo feeling just a little bit worried too. "But how the hell did Roger get it?"

"Academia." Shun hissed darkly, his eyes glaring as he spoke through pure venom.

. . .

"Watch closely now Sergey." Roger ordered happily. A slight smirk on the Head of Security's face as he closely watched all of the Lancer's reactions to this new threat. "What happens next and who reacts the most will help us get one step closer to finding out just who Zero is."

Sergey nodded, and he too kept his eyes solely on the screens watching all of the Lancers.

. . .

"WHAT!? A Fusion Spell card!" Melissa screams excitedly. The crowd meanwhile, was going nuts as one of their own began to perform one of these unknown Summoning Methods.

"The insatiable soul of the chaser and the proud soul of the predator." Duel Chaser 227 began to chant, before balling his hands into one fist and throwing them forward.

A stance Academia soldiers always performed.

"Now! Become one and sublimate! I Fusion Summon!" 227 cried out from the blinding lights coming from the Fusion Summon. A mechanical knight painted white descends down onto the field. Its wheeled feet left behind dark black skid marks on the track's concrete. "Comeforth, my twisted white knight! Lancelot Conquista!"

LANCELOT CONQUISTA LV.8 ATK:2900 DEF:2500

. . .

"That son of a bitch!" Zero hollered, uncaring that he had accidentally spooked Atlas from his sudden booming modulated voice. "That fucking bastard!"

It was quite clear that Zero was very, very mad.

Atlas looked from the duel field over to Zero for a moment, before focusing on the Lancelot. After a moment, the man finally came to a startling realization. "That monster looks like-" The King turned around to address Zero, but found that the masked man was gone. Looking around revealed he wasn't even in the room anymore, and the room's doors were left ajar. "... one of yours."

It didn't take too many context clues after that display to put the pieces together himself. Yes, the card was Zero's. No, it wasn't willingly given, and instead most certainly stolen from him.

"... Bloody hell." Atlas finally decided to remain in his seat and instead cross his arms. The man had already done his charity for the day, and didn't feel like going on another wild goose chase with the masked man.

. . .

"W-what is this…" Yuya weakly gasped. His scarlet eyes wide and focused solely on the Lancelot speeding ahead of him. The teenager's body suddenly shook as he recognized the Lancelot as Lelouch's Fusion monster.

Lelouch's Fusion monster. Not this Security officer's Fusion monster.

"B-but how did- How did you get that card?" Yuya barely stammers those words out in his sudden fear. Not fear for himself however, fear for his friend Lelouch. A friend who has been missing since the battle royale fiasco back in the Standard Dimension. Someone Yuya was still trying to find and save. "Where did you get that!" Yuya suddenly regathered himself, and screamed out towards 227.

The teen did the only thing he could think of with all of the boiling emotions trapped inside of his body. Yuya took hold of his fear, and turned it into anger. Anger at this officer, at this City's demented views on dueling and life, and towards the fact that these people had stolen Lelouch's Fusion monster, maybe even more cards.

"Incredible!" Melissa did a twirl in her excitement as the crowd went wild. "Duel Chaser 227 has just performed an amazing Fusion Summon! Looks like the Lancers aren't the only ones that can do those fancy Summoning Methods. We can too now!"

"I activate my Lancelot's special effect!" 227 raised one hand up towards the Lancelot speeding beside him. The knightmare frame forgoing using its flotation device to instead remain on the ground.

"That card doesn't belong to you!" Yuya spat darkly, the teen unconsciously speeding his D-Wheel up in his anger.

"It is mine!" The Security officer shot back just as harshly. "The chief gave me this card fair and square to take down pathetic Common rabble like you!" With that said, the man continued his turn. "When the Lancelot Conquista is first summoned onto the field my opponent takes damage equal to half of the Lancelot's original attack! Go!" 227 turned his D-Wheel to the side to gesture out towards Yuya. "Hadron Blaster!"

With its orders given, the Lancelot activated its flotation device to rise up into the air. The huge metal frame turned around, and the giant blue component attached to the top of the cockpit folded over to the front to combine with the VARIS rifle. From within the barrel of the gun a dark red energy began to build and crackle loudly.

"I activate Odd-Eyes Light Phoenix's Pendulum effect!" Yuya acted quickly, and gestured up to his fiery bird within its Pendulum Zone. "When I am targeted for a direct attack, all cards in the Pendulum Zone except this one are destroyed, and I Special Summon it!" With that, Odd-Eyes Unicorn gave one loud neigh before being destroyed, and the phoenix flew out of its Pendulum Zone to be placed on the field.

ODD-EYES LIGHT PHOENIX LV.5 ATK:2000 DEF:1000

"But you still take the damage!" 227 states, and the Lancelot continues its assault. The knightmare firing its hadron blast, and Yuya just barely managed to swerve out of the way of the attack. Once the attack was finished it left behind a huge crater in the road that would have to be fixed before the next day's round of duels.

YUYA LP- 2200 - 750

"What a dangerous effect from our Duel Chaser's new card!" Melissa screamed over the roaring crowd's approval. "Looks like Yuya is in a huge pinch now! What is he going to do?"

"Yeah! Let's go 227!"

"Show that brat how this City operates!"

"227! 227! 227!"

"Yes!" The officer soaked up the crowd's cheers like a man dying of thirst. "This is what I've missed ever since losing to your brother Yugo. This is what I'm going to get back by finally finishing this duel! With the help of this monster I was so graciously given!"

"Yugo ISN'T my BROTHER!" Yuya screamed over the winds. This time knowing for sure the Security officer heard him, but the man was blatantly ignoring him. "And that monster doesn't belong to YOU!"

"Battle!" 227 declared all of a sudden. The man threw his arm back towards Yuya and his monsters. "I'll end this duel with one last strike! I attack Performapal Fireflux with my Lancelot Conquista. MVS Strike!"

"With this attack Yuya will take 1700 points of damage!" Melissa stated as everyone in the crowd leaned forward eagerly. "Is this the end for the Pioneer of Pendulum Summoning?!"

"Finish him!"

"Yeah, beat him up! Beat him up!"

"No! It's not over yet!" Yuya hollered, and put his D-Wheel into maximum overdrive. The tomato haired duelist speeding right past the shocked officer, and just barely managed to scoop up an Action Card before it was too late. "I activate the Action Card Evasion! I negate the Lancelot Conquita's attack!"

With that, Performapal Fireflux was barely able to frantically dodge the behemoth knightmare's blast. The little bug gave a shrill cry of shock, before straightening itself out and retightening the bow tie on its suit.

"What do ya know!" Melissa said over the booing crowd. "Seems like Yuya has a couple tricks still up his sleeve and isn't giving up this duel that easily."

"Grr!" 227 growled, and made his D-Wheel start to go faster too to catch up to Yuya. "A mere fluke in the end. You won't be able to escape justice next time!" To make sure of that, the officer looked up to the Lancelot. "Send this rabble to the back where he belongs."

With its order given, the Lancelot flew forward until it was in front of Yuya. The white knight showed its surprising agility by weaving seamlessly past all of the tomato haired teen's monsters and even Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon. Once it reached Yuya, the monster forced the Pendulum user back unless he was forced to crash on the side of the road.

"Gah!" Yuya cried out as the actions from the Lancelot jarred him badly. The teen gritting his teeth and looking over at 227 with anger. "What a dirty move."

"Your resistance is futile!" 227 declared. "I end my turn here." The officer glared at Yuya, who was once again stuck behind the officer. "I swear this next turn will be your last."

. . .

"So, which one of the Lancers do you believe gave the most reaction to seeing the Lancelot?" Roger questioned Sergey as if the other man was taking a test. While the Lancers in the tower were freaking out a bit it didn't nearly match the emotion Yuya was expressing at the moment. Though, Shun Kurosaki was a rather close second.

On another screen, Zero was seen carelessly shoving an executive guard away from him and continued advancing towards the duel stadium.

"That boy." Sergey spoke, and pointed over towards the tomato haired teen currently dueling 227.

At the correct answer, Roger gave a small smile. "Yes. I have to agree." That small smile turned into a sly smirk. "I'll have to go pay that boy a visit as soon as this duel is over." With that, the man stood up from his chair, and quickly made his exit towards the dueling stadium as well.

The question was who would get there first. Zero? Or Roger?

. . .

As I am now I don't know what I can do. Yuya begrudgingly admitted as he looked at the state of his current hand. But I swear I'll find a way! No matter what! A tournament where you win at the expense of others and condemn them to misery is wrong. Yuya grit his teeth and tightened his hold on his hand. And if the people of this City don't understand that, then I'll make them understand! It all comes down to this last draw.

"I draw!"

"I'll tell you." Zero. The masked man's words rang through Yuya's head as he looked down at his hand, and a strategy began to form within his mind's eye. "Get better. Get stronger in your dueling. Create better strategies and even learn more Summoning Methods. To learn a new Summoning Method will not only make you stronger, but unpredictable. So learn, and evolve, Yuya."

"Some people simply lack the ability to adapt and change, to evolve like I can. But if you learn to harness it, to use it correctly…" Yuya could feel the smirk Zero had directed at him from beneath his mask. "You'll become quite the challenge, because I see plenty of potential in you."

"Don't waste it."

"Alright then, I will learn. I'll get better and evolve." Yuya spoke to himself as he began his turn. "First, I'll start by playing the Spell Pot of Greed, and draw two more cards." With that, the Pendulum user drew once more. "Next, I play the Spell Card Destruction." Yuya revealed the Spell from his hand, before activating it. "Both players discard their entire hand, and then we draw the same number of cards we discarded." The two players quickly sent their current hands to the Graveyard.

"A clever move from Yuya to refresh his hand while his opponent barely gets any scraps!" Melissa commentated from above. The crowd finally stopped its booing towards Yuya and leaned forward with interest. "227 only draws one card while Yuya draws four!"

"Refreshing your hand won't save you from the wrath of Security!" 227 said haughtily.

"If you won't tell me how you got that card. Then I'll make you talk by finishing this duel!" Yuya hollered out as he drew his cards. One of them gained most of Yuya's focus. Tuning Magician!

Indeed, the weak, practically useless monster stared right back up at Yuya. The tomato haired teen stared long and hard at the monster, thinking of ways he could turn this duel around in his favor. Finally, a small spark buried deep inside himself was suddenly lit as he could practically feel Tuning Magician begging to be played.

It felt like Tuning Magician was seeing Yuya for who he was. Not for his dueling. Not for his Pendulum Summoning. Not even for his father's dueling style and shadow. Something that Yuya didn't realize he was hiding in until just now. Tuning Magician was seeing Yuya for only Yuya Sakaki, and with that, the image of a new monster was formed within his mind.

Every dueling card has worth in it. That was a lesson he once taught Sylvio back when they first met, wasn't it? Perhaps it's time Yuya took his own advice, and followed through with it.

With this sudden chance, Yuya grasped hold of it tightly, and evolved to even higher levels than before.

"Alright then!" Yuya straightened up in his seat, and threw both of his arms out. A happy smile on his face. "Ladies and gentlemen!"

. . .

"Ohhhhh here it comes here it comes!" Sylvio said victoriously and threw his arms up high in the air. "This is my greatest rival's comeback!"

. . .

"Today I will be performing the trick of a lifetime for you all." Yuya began, and held out two cards from between his fingers. "First, to set the stage with Scale 1 Stargazer Magician and Scale 8 Timegazer Magician!" With that, Yuya's two main magicians rose up in two pillars of blue light. "With this, I can summon monsters between levels two through seven." The tomato haired teen raised one hand up in the air. "Draw an arc of light across the ether. I Pendulum Summon! Appear to me, my monsters!"

From the light, one monster revealed itself. It was a small, squat little turtle with a purple shell and yellow skin. Little colorful stars on its squat cheeks while wearing a big pink bow on its shell and a cute tiny black top hat with an orange bow.

PERFORMAPAL BIT BITE TURTLE LV.3 ATK:800 DEF:1200

"Eh?" The disappointment Melissa showed with that single word was massive. "Just one monster?"

"Next, when I have two magicians in my Pendulum Zones I can Special Summon this monster." Yuya threw the monster card onto his duel disk. "Come forth, Tuning Magician!" A young girl magician flew onto the field through a bright green portal. The girl had long light pink hair, big brown eyes, and wore white and light green robes. The monster twirled her tuning staff in both of her hands, before finally going still.

TUNING MAGICIAN LV.1 ATK:0 DEF:0

"Zero attack?" 227 gave the level one monster a disgusted look. "Are you making fun of me? That monster is pathetic!"

Yuya ignored the Security officer, and gestured over towards Tuning Magician. "When Tuning Magician is summoned I take 400 points of damage while my opponent gains 400 Life Points." The crowd balked at what Yuya just said.

"What?!" Melissa cried out in confusion. "What the heck is he doing?! Is he trying to throw the match!" As the reporter spoke, Tuning Magician unleashed a sonic blast over at Yuya, before sending a beam of rejuvenating light towards 227.

YUYA LP- 750 - 350

OFFICER 227 LP- 2400 - 2800

"Ah, I see what you're doing now." 227 scoffed in disappointment. "You're giving up and giving me Life Points in hopes that I'll go easy on you. Well, then I'm afraid you're going to be greatly disappointed you brat! Once I beat you I plan on getting my vengeance on your brother, so you're going down!"

"For the last time, Yugo is not my brother." Yuya seethed. "I'll be sure to shove that fact into your head by the end of this duel." With that said, the teen gestured between Bit Bite Turtle, Fireflux, and Tuning Magician. "Now that the setup has been finished, it's time to begin the final climax. I tune my level 1 Tuning Magician with my level 3 Bit Bite Turtle and level 4 Performapal Fireflux!"

"What!?" 227 exclaimed, and snapped his head back over towards his opponent in shock.

"No way!"

"He can do Synchro Summoning too?!"

. . .

"Did Yuya just perform a Pendulum Synchro Summon!?" Serena leaned forward, gobsmacked at the TV.

"Yuya just Synchro Summoned a monster!" Crow exclaimed. The teen slack jawed at the sight happening before him. Most of the other Lancers went wild at the sudden development.

"Hell YES!" Sylvio screamed, jumping up and down in his spot in his rising excitement. "This is the kind of comeback that makes you worthy of being my rival Yuya!" Unfortunately, the brunette just happened to be blocking the TV for most of the people thanks to his antics.

"MOVE OUT OF THE WAY SYLVIO!" Nearly all of the Lancers yelled at the poor teen in their desire to see the duel to its finish.

. . .

"I can't believe it." Sam breathed, watching the duel in person as Yuya and 227 drove by on their D-Wheels. "He actually found a way to use that card. He actually did it!" A smile grew on the servant's face at the sight of Yuya's incoming Synchro monster.

. . .

"Oh? Well, this is certainly getting very, very interesting." Roger grinned as he continued watching the duel from a tablet. The man was almost at the duel stadium.

. . .

"Step aside. Now." Zero ordered, the compartment hiding his geass sliding to the side as he unleashed his power on three Security guards trying to stop him from reaching the stadium. The crowd was going insane inside the duel arena. It made the masked man briefly wonder what the hell Yuya did to get them so hyped up so suddenly.

"Yes, your majesty." The three guards droned out, and they all stepped to the side in unison. Zero barrelling his way through like a demon out of hell and further down the dark hallway.

No time to focus on that. Right now he needed to get his Fusion monster back.

. . .

"Holy cow!" Melissa cried out, and had to rub her eyes in disbelief as Yuya's monsters jumped up into the air and turned into a bunch of bright blue stars and a green circle. "The Pioneer of Pendulum Summoning has pulled out a big stop with a Pendulum Synchro Summon! I can't believe it!"

"Hero that resides within the void and stars in all of space. Come forth now and help aid me in this battle!" Yuya leaned forward on his D-Wheel, a bright grin on his face. "I Synchro Summon!"

Out of the blindingly bright light, a Level 8 Synchro monster leaped into the fray. The knight wore mostly shining black armor with white highlights. Little white dots that turned out to be stars blinked and glowed lively on the monster's armor, and an occasional shooting star zoomed across the black metal. A dark purple, royal cape was split into two down the middle, and fell to either side of the creature. Long platinum, nearly white hair cascaded down the Synchro monster's back elegantly and a similar metal helmet of Stargazer Magician sat atop the creature's head. Most of its face was blocked by a black cloth, but its eyes looked almost exactly like Stargazer Magician's, just a bit more bright like a supernova. In the monster's right hand was a long staff that had a ring of planets rotating at the top.

"Come forth! Level 8! Twilight Paladin!"

TWILIGHT PALADIN LV.8 ATK:3000 DEF:2000

The knight's attack was just barely high enough to defeat the Lancelot.

"Nice!"

"Yeah! Give it your all!"

"This just got interesting!" It seemed the crowd's opinion of Yuya had changed in just a few short moments. Finally into a more positive view.

"But- How!" Officer 227 screamed as he stared up at Twilight Paladin in shock. "How did you get such a monster using such pathetic cards!"

"Every card has a purpose." Yuya stated firmly, before a small smile formed on the tomato haired teen's face. "As long as I listen to it, that card will respond!"

. . .

From within the throne room, Jack Atlas' scowl turned into a small smile.

. . .

"Battle!" Yuya declared, and threw his arm out towards the Lancelot. "I attack the Lancelot Conquista with Twilight Paladin! Dimensional Cleave!"

With that, Twilight Paladin raised its staff high up in the air. The planets all rotating the staff suddenly stopped, and perfectly aligned themselves to form a circle. Bright, blinding white energy zapped around those planets, before becoming one huge ball of destruction. Destruction which the paladin unleashed over towards the Lancelot with a mighty heave and war cry.

The Lancelot raised both of its arms up in a defensive position. It's blaze luminous activated to try and withstand the blow. However, it wasn't strong enough, and eventually the Lancelot Conquita's was enveloped by that powerful white light, and destroyed.

DUEL CHASER 227 LP- 2800 - 2700

"Yuya has managed to defeat our Duel Chaser's monster!" Melissa commentated as the crowd roared. "Whatever will 227 do to get out of this sudden bind!"

"I activate Twilight Paladin's effect!" Yuya continued onwards. His determination to win and get answers fueling his desires. The entertainment duelist no longer felt any hesitation, only resolve. "Whenever Twilight Paladin destroys an opponent's monster I can choose one of Paladin's summoning materials and make you take damage equal to the summoning material's Attack! I chose Performapal Fireflux!" The firefly monster suddenly appeared from the Extra Deck, and quickly buzzed up towards 227 to annoy him once again and make the officer take more damage.

DUEL CHASER 227 LP- 2700 - 1500

"No." 227 denied, shaking his head side to side as he was forced to stare back at his empty field and Yuya's monsters. "I can't lose. I can't!"

Only when Yuya's opponent had taken damage did Fireflux retreat back towards Yuya's Extra Deck. "Finally, it's time for the grand finale!" Yuya gestured up towards his ace monster Odd-Eyes with both hands before spreading them wide. "I attack you directly with Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon! Spiral Strike Burst!" At the go ahead, Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon gave out a shrill roar that thrilled its audience, before unleashing a powerful red flame out of its mouth over towards the defenseless Security officer.

"Dammit!" 227 swore, before his eyes caught the tail end of an Action Card ahead of him. "Ah! An Action Card!" Flooring it, the officer began to speed towards his only form of salvation. The man's D-Wheel flashing its lights and siren along the way.

"I won't let you!" Yuya stated, as he too threw his D-Wheel into maximum overdrive. It turned out that behind the first Action Card was a second one right after.

"The winner is… me!" Both Yuya and 227 said as each grabbed one Action Card. Odd-Eyes' attack coming in like a flaming meteor.

"I activate the Action Card Evasion!" 227 yelled as he gestured over towards Odd-Eyes. "Your monster's attack is negated and I don't take any damage!"

"I don't think so!" Yuya interjected, and played his own Action Card. "I activate the Action Card No Action! The activation and effect of Spells are negated, and they're destroyed!" 227 watched as his Action Card was destroyed and discarded before his very eyes. The yellow particles falling to the ground like the man's victory. "Finish this Odd-Eyes!"

The dragon trilled in agreement, and increased its fire power as the attack finally struck Officer 227. The man cried out in rage and defeat at his loss.

DUEL CHASER 227 LP- 1500 - 0 LOSS

YUYA LP- 350 WIN

With the duel over and the crowd screaming in an ecstatic haze, 227's D-Wheel activated its automatic stop and began to screech to a halt. However, it wasn't activated soon enough to prevent the man's D-Wheel from crashing into the crater made by the Lancelot Conquista's attack from earlier. The Security officer gave a scream in shock as he was thrown forward and off of his D-Wheel completely. Thankfully, the man had muscle memory from his training as a Security Officer, and was able to roll across the pavement safely and come away from the duel with only minor injuries and bruises.

"Yuya! Yuya! Yuya! Yuya!"

As the crowd chanted the tomato haired teen's name, Yuya ignored it all as he came to a safe stop on his own D-Wheel. The teen nearly threw his helmet off his head and discarded it carelessly on his D-Wheel's seat before pushing his goggles back onto the top of his head. Scarlet eyes revealing the urgency that's been hidden away within his goggle's frames this entire time.

Now that he had won, it was time to get some answers about where that man got Lelouch's Fusion monster.

Wasting zero time, Yuya rushed over to the downed officer. The man was just now getting up on his hands and knees, before hitting one fist down onto the pavement in his anger. Rage made him ignore the thumping pain now in his hand at the action.

"How…" 227 grit his teeth as he seethed. "How could I possibly lose again to some kid!"

"You!" The officer was snapped out of his stupor, and looked up only to be met with said very angry teen. Yuya grabbed a tight hold of the man's Security uniform, and in a feat of strength even he didn't realize he possessed, Yuya lifted the man up. One hand held a steel grip on 227's clothes as Yuya hauled the man up just beneath his scarlet gaze.

"Ah!" To say 227 was surprised at Yuya's strength was an understatement. A hint of fear now entering the corrupt officer's tone. "W-what are you doing?! Let me go!"

"Where is Lelouch!" Yuya demanded. His other hand rose up as if to punch the officer, but when 227 reeled back at the sight the tomato haired teen regathered himself. This sudden rage was a surprise even for him.

Don't go berserk. Don't go berserk. Get a hold of yourself Yuya! The Entertainment duelist reprimanded himself at the sight of 227's fear. The Pendulum user took a deep, calmly breath before digging that fisted hand into the officer's shirt as well for a better hold.

"What did you people do with Lelouch?" Yuya questioned once more. This time his anger was more of a tempered steel blade. "Where is he?"

"What?" The Security officer questioned, absolutely confused at this sudden interrogation. He was supposed to be the one interrogating people, not the other way around! "What are you talking about? I don't know anyone by that name!"

At the officer's denial, Yuya suddenly exploded. That previous composure gone in a second.

"LELOUCH LAMPEROUGE!" Yuya spat, vexed at the man's still clueless expression. "He's a 17 year old guy, about this tall with black hair and violet eyes, and he owns that Fusion monster you have in your hand right there!" The tomato haired teen screamed as he pointed towards the man's duel disk.

"I don't know!" 227 screamed back frantically. The crowd watching this display in stunned silence. "I don't know!"

"You people stole his monster! Maybe even more. I want it back and I want to know where he is right. NOW!" Yuya bellowed, and a dark red spark suddenly ignited in Yuya's pupils, but only 227 could see it since it was directly right in front of him.

"Lelouch Lamperouge you say?" That smooth, near oily voice almost crooned out. Breaking up Yuya's anger on the officer to turn over and glare towards the new person. Just about the entire stadium was now booing and cursing wildly, though that was just the Commons. The Tops were suddenly cheering rapidly in excitement.

There just fifteen feet away stood Jean-Michel Roger in all his glory. Back straight and hands clasped behind him. The man looked so smug it irritated Yuya just looking at him.

"I'm afraid we don't know anyone by that name." Roger stated gravelly, shaking his head side to side as he ignored the Common rabble above them.

"You!" Yuya exclaimed. The glow in his eyes died the moment Roger spoke, and the Pendulum user dropped 227 to the side like trash to focus solely on the Head of Security. Much to 227's relief. "What have you done!"

However, that relief soon turned to rage and panic as the man was taken away by two guards. The ex-officer's destination was none other than the garbage disposal facility now that he had lost.

"Nothing." Roger denied as easily as breathing. "I've never encountered whoever you're talking about. I just happened to find that card on the ground while heading over to one of my chess tournaments. I figured it would make for a more interesting duel, and I was not disappointed." Snake green eyes looked directly towards Yuya's scarlet as Roger raised a single intrigued eyebrow. "What is your affiliation with this… Lelouch Lamperouge." The man grinned, as if he had just heard a joke only he knew the punchline to.

"He's my friend." Yuya stated instantly, with all the confidence in the world as he grabbed a tight hold of his pendulum crystal. "And he's been missing for a while now. I intend to find him and bring him back home safely. I promised I would." Scarlet eyes narrowed towards Roger darkly. "If you have any clue…" Yuya trailed off, and that unsaid threat sounded a lot more dangerous than anything the teen could have said.

Finally, Roger's smile turned into a grin as he gestured back towards the way he came with one hand. "Perhaps we should talk about this in a more private space. Follow me and I can help you-"

"Roger." A deep modulated voice hissed out, like the Devil himself was calling. Rage clear in that masked voice.

Both Yuya and Roger snapped their heads over to the D-Wheel garage. Out of the garage's shadows stepped out Zero in all his intimidating glory. The man's cape was wrapped tightly around his form, posture hunched like a beast about to lunge.

It was also clear that Zero was furious.

"Ah, Zero." That grin slipped off of Roger's face near instantaneously at Zero's arrival. Yuya blinked over at the masked man, shocked. "I must say I didn't expect you to get here so soon."

"Keep underestimating me, please." Zero requested sarcastically as he gestured to himself. "It will only get you killed."

Now Roger was openly glaring at Zero. Some Security officers stiffening in preparation to possibly attack and defend their superior. "Are you implying something with that statement?"

"Yeah. I am." Zero growled as he boldly physically placed himself between Yuya and Roger. "I'm implying that you back the fuck up and stay away from Yuya or else you're going to regret it."

"Zero." Yuya's jaw dropped at what just came out of Zero's mouth. His anger now completely abated, but his frustration still stayed. A nearly helpless look appeared on the tomato haired teen's features. "Zero, that card that officer had, it belonged to a good friend of mine that's been missing. They could have had something to do with his disappearance! Please, I need to know if-"

"Here." Zero interrupted, and presented towards the Pendulum user was none other than the Lancelot Conquista monster card itself. "I believe you were looking for this."

"Ah, that's-! How did you get that!?" Yuya asked. Roger seemed surprised by this development as well if his suddenly frustrated expression was anything to go by.

How did he get his card back?! Roger roared within his mind, but mostly kept a calm facade on the outside. Those guards that took 227 away were supposed to take that card and give it to me later!

"Simple, I asked for it." Zero revealed. It was a half truth. He did ask for it, but no one needs to know that he used his geass to make that happen. Half truths were the best lie afterall.

"You 'asked' for it?" Roger repeated incredulously. Bullshit! He would be sure to go over the security footage to confirm that later. If it really was true, then those two guards were joining 227 in the garbage facility. Roger would make that certain.

"I believe your friend would like you to keep his card safe if what you're saying is true." Zero continued, unheeded by Roger or by Melissa and her reporter crew starting to film the entire fiasco nearby. "Therefore, I believe it is the best course of action that you have and take good care of it." With his piece said, the revolutionary carefully took one of Yuya's hands, and placed the Fusion monster in his palm.

Of course Zero wanted his monster back, but Yuya just had to complicate things. Yuya wouldn't leave until he at least got his friend's card back to later return to Lelouch. Not Zero. If the masked man refused to give it back that would be suspicious. Besides, Zero wanted to disconnect himself from Lelouch as much as possible. You never know.

He'll find a way to get the Lancelot back later. At least now Zero knew where it was, and that it wasn't in Roger's hands anymore.

"I-" Yuya looked down at the card with longing before looking back up. "Thank you." A small, feeble smile graced the teen's face. It looked fake.

It would've been better if Lelouch was here to take back his card instead, but this would have to do for now.

"Your welcome… Now." Zero turned back towards Roger, who watched all of this unfold with a neutral frown. Zero just knew the man was seething on the inside though. "I believe it would be wise for you to head back to the contestant tower for now, Yuya. Yuzu and the others must be waiting for you."

"What about you?" Yuya questioned, looking between Zero and Roger like there was a tennis match going on between them. There might as well have been with the way the two refused to stop glaring at each other. "Are you going to be okay?"

Zero nodded once in affirmative. "I'll be fine. Now go." He wouldn't ask nicely again.

While Yuya did want to ask, no, to demand Roger for more answers about Lelouch, the teen knew this wasn't going to be a fight he would win. The Pendulum user wisely chose his battle, and quickly retreated back towards the contestant tower with Sam's help while dodging the press. The servant being ecstatic at how Yuya managed to use Tuning Magician while at the same time being terrified of Zero's presence.

That left only two people left, if you didn't include Melissa and her eavesdropping gain. Alongside all of the people inside the stadium's seating.

"I don't understand why you made him go back Zero." Roger said idly whilst shrugging casually. "I was only trying to help him find his friend."

For a moment, Zero remained silent as a statue. The pause in speech left everyone a little unsettled, especially when he quietly tipped his head to the side just a tad. Then, the man stepped forward until he was face to face with the Head of Security. Roger had to raise a single hand to stop his guards from attacking since Zero hadn't done anything wrong yet and they were in public.

"Let me make one thing perfectly clear to you, Jean-Michel Roger." Zero said softly, cold heartedly. The masked man got into Roger's personal space until he had no choice but to lean back a bit. "You mess with or touch any of my Lancers, and I will kill you."

At the declaration, the entire stadium was filled with gasps and 'ooohs', people starting to gossip at this bad blood between the two. Melissa even covered her mouth with one hand in her shocked stupor.

Roger pursed his lips like he had just eaten a particularly sour lemon. Yet, the expression soon turned into a serene smile. "Very well, I understand Zero." His green eyes sharpened brightly. "Now, let me make something clear to you."

The man used what little height advantage he had over the masked man to tower over him. Leaning forward and forcing Zero to look up to meet his sharp-eyed gaze. That smile nearly turned cheeky, but it was most definitely dangerous and smug.

"I will find out everything about you. You're unraveling. You won't be able to run or hide from me forever, and I've already started uncovering just who you are." Roger's smile turned into a big, wicked grin as he leaned forward even further to whisper right into Zero's ear. "You're getting weak, Lelouch."

With his piece said, Roger saw no other reason to be there. The man straightened up and tipped his head towards Zero politely, a goodbye passed over Zero's suddenly deaf ears as the Head of Security left.

Meanwhile Zero stood there, tense and still. As if he had been petrified into stone. The words and questions around him went over the masked man's head as a loud ringing started to buzz through his ears. Was his vision going fuzzy or was it going spotty? Was that just his mind playing tricks on him again? Colors started to blur. Without even realizing it, Melissa had come to stand right in front of the masked revolutionary, and was trying to get the man to answer her questions. That however, soon turned into concern at the lack of response, and evolved into asking if he was alright. Questions that still went unheard and unanswered they sounded like conjoined blurbs more than anything.

Do something. Anything. Everyone is watching!

Throughout it all though, Zero could only process one thing.

He knows my name.

Man, my boy Zero is not doing okay. That's fine. Hopefully the next chapter will help him get at least a little bit better. Also, making Yugo a super Atlas fan is now my head canon I guess. I just love the thought of it.

Twilight Paladin Lv.8 ATK:3000 DEF:2000 Effect: When this monster destroys an opponent's monster, you can choose one of this monster's summoning materials and make your opponent take damage equal to the summoning material's ATK. This effect can only be used once per turn. It was going to be Nirvana Paladin at first, but I discovered that a card like that already exists called Nirvana High Paladin. Dark times. Otherwise, think of Enlightenment Paladin and how he looks like Timegazer Magician, and flip it with Twilight Paladin and Stargazer Magician.

Also, get a kick out of this AWESOME fact. Turns out the composer for most of the Code Geass music, Kōtarō Nakagawa ALSO composed some of the music in Yugioh Arc-V! HE composed the Swing! Pendulum of Souls OST! Like holy guacamole, you cannot write that. You CANNOT. WRITE. THAT! I swear, sometimes this crossover was just destined to be.

If you have enjoyed the story so far leave a REVIEW, Follow, and Favorite the story so you can keep track of when chapters pop up. Because FYI, I don't have a posting schedule and I just post whenever I feel like it… Like nearly a year later for example.

Until the next chapter everyone! :D -MoonlightWright