Yu-Gi-Oh: The Light Within

by SpeedMaster642

Everyone believes Zarc is evil, a human turned demon all in the pursuit of power, but what if this wasn't the whole truth. As a young boy once said; "Deep down, there's a light that never goes out!". That very light seeks to correct the wrong doings that happened. With the help of a duelist named Zack, Zarc will try his absolute best. OCxBracelet Girls

3. Chapter 3

Darkmaster10000000: Glad to hear it. Hope you also like the tweaks I made to it so it can support Synchro and Xyz.

Guest: There will be no Ritual monsters in Zack's deck. Zack wasn't reincarnated like the others, as the Magicians used magic to de-age him. Therefore, he has his own deck with his own dragons.

Guest: Spoilers, but I will say this. He already has all three extra summoning methods; he just can't use Synchro and Xyz for obvious reasons. You'll have to wait to see what those monsters are.

Guest: It is just the bracelet girls. While I don't mind big harem stories, I feel like I wouldn't be able to pull it off; at least for now since I'm just starting out. As for adding more characters, spoilers.

Narutoxasuna25: Thank you. Also, no there will be no Link Monsters in his deck. Since this is the Arc-V universe and Link Monsters haven't been invented yet. Zack's world was just more advanced then Zarc's was as Mahad and Mana said. I only put that in Mirrorjade's info description so the readers that don't know about the monster has a full understanding of it. I will not be bringing Ray back, at least in a physical sense. I honestly can't think up a way that would work without some made up bullshit. Leo made a machine to do it, but it failed while Z-Arc succeeded in his way. Z-Arc used one of the counterparts as a basis for his new body, hence the reason they fought when the boys got close to one another and had the loser absorbed into them allowing him to resurrect. Leo fused all the girls together without a basis for Ray, which is why it failed. The way I see it, there is no way to bring her back WITHOUT sacrificing the bracelet sisters. Plus, would Ray want the girls to die just for her to come back? That doesn't mean she won't make an appearance later on though.

Warrior of six blades: Best to leave summoning the strong monsters later in the game. Also did you know that Magikey was actually based off Kingdom Hearts?

Valkoor123113: What an asshole! XD

---

Let it be known; I do not own Yu-Gi-Oh which fully belong to its rightful owner. The only thing I own is my OC and this stories plotline.

Rest In Peace Kazuki Takahashi-Sama. The True King of Games.

"Someone speaking"

"Spirits Talking"

'Someone thinking'

*Someone doing something*

Life Point gauge/Duel Monster Info

(Comedy effect)

(When I'm talking)

(Imagine scene taking place/ inserting music)

(Speaking through their minds)

Chapter 3: End Prologue

---

After Zack was welcomed into the orphanage time went by. Everyone was very accepting of him, except the bullies of course. Zack spent time with the other kids and helping the Tenjouin family around the large home. Some adults came and asked to adopt him, but he denied since he couldn't be separated from Serena. Speaking of said girl, the two would duel occasionally with him winning sometimes while losing either on purpose or honestly. Zack taught her about respecting others and everything she didn't get. He didn't want her to become what she was in canon, as that version was like that due to trying to prove herself to Leo but if she sees that she can confide in Zack than Serena wouldn't have to try so hard and become such a jerk. Zack also started working on the program to hijack the academies systems, even if he could only do so much with so little tech. Not only that, over the years Serena started getting closer to Zack as she began seeing him more then 'just a friend', at the age of 10 she confessed her feelings for him and the two became a couple, all the while Zarc teased him. Asuka was soon old enough to go to Duel Academy and had to live there due to the rules just like in GX. Jerry and his cronies thought that with her gone they could do anything they wanted… too bad Zack wouldn't let them (Zack beating them in multiple duels without even trying). Luckily, they were adopted and didn't have to worry about them anymore. After a couple of years, Zack and Serena applied to the academy as well and were accepted, where Jerry and his cronies failed. Afterwards Zack and Serena packed up all their belongings and said their farewells to everyone in the orphanage than boarded the ship that would take them to Duel Academy. The couple snuggled up and enjoyed the calming ride. When they finally arrived at the island, Asuka was waiting for them. Having not seen her surrogate older sister for a long time, Serena was extremely happy as she jumped into her arms for a hug. While Zack was happy to see her as well, he gave her a normal hug. Asuka would go on to show them around the place and have the couple meet her friends. One of which was the girl that tried to get Asuka to run away with her and got carded, poor girl. Asuka's other friends were surprising to say the least. They were Syrus Truesdale, Rei Saotome (Blair Flannigan in dub), and Johan Andersen (Jesse Anderson in dub). While Rei and Johan seemed the same in the anime, Syrus was the one who was very different as he was way more confident. After getting acquainted with them, Asuka led them to their rooms while telling the two that thanks to her pulling some strings, she was able to get them next to each other in case they wanted some 'alone time' at night and not risk breaking the schools' rules. Serena covered her face with both her hands to hide her massive blush, while Zack had his mask to hide his but did turn his head the other way. Asuka left the two so they could get settled in. Stepping into his temporary room, Zack sees that it is very ordinary that contained a bed, desk with a laptop and an empty bookshelf.

"Not a bad place." Zarc admitted.

"True, but still pretty boring." Zack said as he put down his bags.

Looking at his bed he sees his new uniform.

"Oh right, got to wear a uniform." Zack lamented.

Looking over to his laptop he powers it up to look it over.

"Much better than the one at the orphanage." Zack observed.

"Think you can finish the program?" Zarc asked.

"I think so." Zack said.

A knock came from Zack's door, making the two look at it.

"Yes?" Zack answered.

Serena then came inside.

"Hey, you done setting up?" Serena asked.

"Set up what? I only have clothes to unpack." Zack said. "Which I might not even need, considering we'll be wearing a uniform while we're here."

"Yeah, I saw mine on my bed too." Serena admitted before grabbing her boyfriend's arm and pulling him out of the room. "We can worry about that later, come on!"

"Wait! Where are we going?!" Zack asked closing the door as he passed by it.

"I want to see what else this place is like!" Serena answered excitedly. "I doubt Asunee-chan showed us everything!"

Zack could only smile at his girlfriend. It was strange to think that since, while he did have a crush on the bracelet girls when watching the anime and Mark bugging the hell out of him for it, he never actually tried to get her to fall for him as he was too focused on helping the girl. It just happened. Don't get him wrong, he's happy when she confessed, just surprised it happened is all. Another thing to think as strange was…

'Why hasn't Leo appeared yet?' Zack thought.

In canon it was said that Leo meets Serena at a young age and brought her to the academy, the same one they just got too but he never showed up. It also said she never saw anything outside the school either, but she lived at the Orphanage, so she saw plenty.

'Just what is going on?' Zack thought.

"Maybe you should stop basing this world off an anime you saw on the tv and start looking at this as a real one." an unknown voice said.

Looking to his left, Zack saw his Duel Spirit Fallen of Albaz or Albaz as Zack calls him. Said spirit was floating beside him. During the years growing up, Zack unlocked the same ability Zarc did and started hearing/speaking with Duel Spirits. A lot of the spirits talked with him, while the dragon ones, except a few, usually kept to themselves but do come to help him when they are called.

(A real world?) Zack asked. (What do you mean?)

"Exactly what it means." Albaz answered. "Already many things are different, aren't they? Asuka's three friends were never part of canon, were they?"

(That is true.) Zack admitted.

"So that just proves while the "story line" is the same, doesn't mean everything will be." Albaz said.

Another spirit appeared beside Albaz, this one being Ecclestia.

"He's right Zack. Things might become different just with you being here entirely." Ecclestia said.

(Are you saying my very being caused a butterfly effect?) the duelist asked.

"That would make sense." Zarc said as he rubbed his chin in thought. "The Nature Energy Cards created the four dimensions with my darkness in mind but not me. They never accounted for a fifth piece to appear."

(Great so we have no idea when Leo is going to appear.) Zack grunted.

"Not necessarily master." an old but wise voice said.

Appearing behind Albaz and Ecclestia came the synchro monster Swordsoul Supreme Sovereign.

"As Albaz said things will happen as you foresaw them in your world." Sovereign said. "Therefore, since you have entered this academy, the clock until 'canon' begins has started."

"Meaning Leo will appear sometime soon!" Zarc realised. "And within four years time the dimensional war will start, as well as Z-Arc's return!"

"And like any war, you must do your best to prepare for it." Sovereign said before returning to the deck.

"He's right." Albaz agreed with the synchro monster. "You best get things ready as soon as you can Zack."

After that both Albaz and Ecclestia returned to the deck as well, leaving Zack to his thoughts. Until Serena asked him a question.

"You okay?" Serena asked.

"Yeah, just thinking about what our school life will be like." Zack lied.

"Guess that's understandable." Serena said while shrugging. "I'm sure everything will be fine."

"Right." Zack responded. 'Unfortunately, you'd be wrong sweetheart.'

They started going around the school grounds meeting other new year students like them, some being kids that were from the orphanage. Eventually they found Asuka and her group again who told them about an oration that was going to take place soon for all the new students. Upon arriving where it was taking place, Zack see's the damn psycho Doktor on the stage.

"Who's the creep?" Serena asked Asuka.

"That's Takayuki Miyamoto." Asuka answered. "But he prefers everyone to call him Doktor." (It was never said what his name was, so I just used the Japanese voice actors name)

"They really let someone like him work here?" Zack asked. "Dude looks like someone you should keep kids away from."

This got Zarc, Serena, Johan, Syrus, Rei and 'ms. Soon-to-be-carded' to laugh, while Asuka smacked Zack upside the back of his head.

"Mind your manners, Zack." Asuka scolded with a frown.

"What?" Zack asked. "Not my fault he looks like that. I just call it how I see it."

Before anything else could be said, Doktor turned on the microphone to address everyone.

"Welcome children, both new and returning to our wonderful academy!" Doktor said. "It brings me great pleasure to see so many of you here."

"Okay you got to give me that one!" Zack whispered to Asuka, who's only response was to shush him with another smack.

"Before we begin, there is some sad news I must share with you all." Doktor said getting the groups attention. "Our proud Chancellor Sheppard has chosen to step down from his position of leading this fine academy."

All the older students were surprised at this news and began talking amongst themselves.

"Chancellor Sheppard quit?" Rei gasped.

"But why?" Syrus asked.

"Your guess is as good as mine." Johan answered.

"Who's Sheppard Asunee-chan?" Serena asked Asuka.

"Chancellor Sheppard is a kind and helpful man, who always puts his students before himself in anyway shape or form." Asuka answered. "What I don't understand is why he stepped down as chancellor."

'I have a bad feeling about this.' Zack thought.

"Please children, I know this news is very heartbreaking for those who have been here longer." Doktor continued. "But have no fear, for Sheppard was hand picked his replacement before he left!"

This got everyone's attention again.

"Allow me to be the first to welcome our new chancellor…" Doktor said as he stepped to the side to allow someone else to step on the stage, someone that caused both Zack's and Zarc's eyes to widen. "Professor Leo Akaba!"

'NANI?!' Zack screamed in his head.

"He's already here?!" Zarc yelled. "I thought we would have had more time!"

(So did I!) Zack responded.

"Thank you Doktor." Leo said as he gave the psycho a nod. "Greetings student of Duel Academy. I am Leo Akaba, but you may refer to me as Professor. I know that this change in chancellor's may be sudden for those of you who have been here last year, but I promise you that I will do right by those that have come before me and make you all duelists to be reckoned with!"

All the students started to like what they were hearing from Leo, all except for Zack.

(He's starting to wrap them around his finger.) Zack said.

"Looks like Sovereign was right, the clocks begun." Zarc said.

"To start, I have personally made new duel disks for all students to use!" Leo announced.

Everyone got excited at that bit of news.

"New duel disks?!" Syrus cheered.

"Oh heck yeah!" Eri cheered.

(Which he no doubt did something to them.) Zack said with Zarc nodding in agreement.

"Therefore, all students must replace their old ones with these new ones." Leo commanded.

While most of the students didn't mind, the group found it strange.

"Why do we have to give up our old disks?" Asuka's friend asked.

"Not sure." Johan said.

"Maybe to recycle them?" Syrus suggested.

"Maybe." Rei said uncertain.

"This might be a good opportunity to get yourself, Serena and the other two a duel disk." Zarc said.

(We'll have to be careful about doing it.) Zack said.

"All students must deposit their current duel disks at the appropriate place that will be sent to you later on your new disks." Leo continued. "You must be rid of your old ones by the end of the day. Classes will begin tomorrow morning. That is all."

Leo and Doktor left the stage, showing that the oration was done. Although Zack was the only one to notice Leo's gaze linger on Serena for a moment longer before turning away. The students began walking to pick up the shield-based duel disks.

"Should we get our new disks?" Rei asked.

"The Professor did say they would tell us where to drop off our old ones at." Johan said.

"Plus, you could turn in the old ones by night." Zack pointed out for those how had ones.

They were all in agreement and went to pick up the school duel disks. Since Serena and Zack didn't have duel disks of their own, this would be their first time owning ones.

"This is so exciting!" Serena squealed. "We'll finally have duel disks of our own Zack!"

"Yup, pretty cool." Zack smiled.

"Hey Zack." Syrus said get the boy's attention.

"What's up?" Zack responded.

"If it's not too rude, I have a question." Syrus said. "What's with the mask?"

The others stopped and looked at Zack to, as they were wondering the same thing.

"It's to help me with dueling." Zack said.

"Help how?" Rei asked.

"Hides my face so you can't tell if I have good cards in my hand." Zack said smugly.

"But wouldn't we be able to see your cards in the reflection?" Johan pointed out.

"You'd think that, but no." Asuka answered with a sigh.

"His mask doesn't reflect anything." Serena clarified.

"Really?" Ms. Carded said in shock.

Both girls gave a nod in response.

"Plus, it gives me an air of mystery." Zack added.

"Yeah, sure it does." Serena said sarcastically while rolling her eyes. "You can be such a weirdo sometimes."

"Then how come you asked me to be your boyfriend?" Zack asked with a grin.

Serena couldn't say anything due to the large blush on her face which caused Zack to laugh.

"S-Shut up, Baka!" Serena yelled with a stutter.

Afterwards the group grabbed their new duel disks, with his being a white body and white blade. Zack said he wanted to go unpack his things and get set up. Parting ways, he returned to his room, grabbed a flash drive that had all his programs on it and uploaded it into the laptop. He then ran a search on the duel disk and found all sorts of things on it. Zack searched for anything that could be related to anything spying, which thankfully he didn't. After the diagnosis Zack downloaded the full duel disk programing and stored a copy on the flash drive for later use and began to work on his own program that he decided to call "Chamaeleon". It would hide in the systems programing and blend into the coding, hiding in plain sight. Once activated, it would take control of the systems firewalls and use them to protect itself by changing the algorithm to make it harder to get to it. It would also give Zack full access to the system, the only downside it was easy to get rid of once you got to it but designed to self-destruct once tampered with and cause the system to shut down. Honestly that was fine for Zack, as he just needed time to get the soon-to-be prisoners and to use the dimensional gate. Now all he needed to do was wait for the message for the location so students can drop off their old disks and get four of them. Luckily, he didn't need to wait for long as he just got it. He turned off his laptop and unpacked his clothes into the drawers so he could use the empty bag to carry the disks. Making his way there, Zack waited around the corner until everyone was gone to make his move. Once he was the only one there, he quickly made his way into the room. Zack easily found a white, light blue, violet and light green duel disk, put them in his bag and left after making sure the coast was clear. When he returned to his room, Zack placed his bag and the duel disks under his bed just as a knock came from his door.

"Talk about timing." Zarc commented.

"It's open!" Zack called out. (No kidding.)

Upon opening, Serena came inside but she looked a little exhausted.

"You okay sweetie?" Zack asked worried.

"Yeah I'm okay." Serena answered as she closed the door than flopped on Zack's bed. "The Professor is a weird guy is all."

That threw up some red flags for them.

"You don't think Leo already tried scanning her brain for any memories of Ray, do you?" Zarc asked his partner.

(I noticed before leaving the stage his gaze lingered on her, so it's possible.) Zack said before addressing his girlfriend. "He didn't seem so bad on the stage. What gave you that impression?"

"Oh right, you left." Serena said as she sat up. "Well just right after you left, the Professor walked up to us and asked me to follow him for something. He led me to some private area that he called his personal laboratory. He put this head set on me and had me lie down on some table/bed thing."

"Yup! Definitely looked at her memories." Zarc said.

"What happened next?" Zack asked. "Did he say what he was even doing?"

"*shakes head* No he didn't. He did have this sour look on his face though. Don't know what about." Serena answered. "He then took me to meet this weird kid."

"Weird how?" Zack asked. 'Please tell me it's not who I think it is.'

"It seemed like he didn't care about anything, and he was bored." Serena said. "Professor said his name was Yuri."

(God damnit.) Zack swore.

"Hey so… Mahad and Mana never told me about what my four counterparts were like." Zarc said. "And while I was curious, your reaction does cause some concern."

(Basically, Yuri would be the closest out of the four to embody Z-Arc's Will with his cruel, brutal dueling and not caring about his opponents. Even looking down on them thinking himself superior due to Leo not curb stomping his ego and letting him do whatever he hell he wanted. The man practically made a second Z-Arc but was too obsessed with bringing Ray back he didn't see it or cared. He also enjoys carding people that he beats.) Zack explained.

"Kami sakes Leo." Zarc swore. "Ray would never have wanted any of this."

"What's more is that he wants us to 'hang out more'." Serena said. "It's like he's trying to pair us up or something!"

"I doubt its anything close to that." Zack said trying to ease her as he sat beside her. "And even if he did, I wouldn't give you up without a fight."

Serena looks to Zack, not needing to see his eyes to know it's true. She smiles, gives him a kiss and hugs her boyfriend.

"I know you would. Thanks Zack." Serena says.

"I will always be there for you, my dancer." Zack says as he hugs his girlfriend back.

They stay like this for a couple of minutes before Serena stands up.

"I'm heading to bed now." she says. "It's going to be strange not sleeping in the same room as you."

"Well, we are neighbors." Zack reminded her. "So, if you wanted to you could come and sleep here whenever you want."

"*giggles* That is true, goodnight." Serena said before leaving.

"Awww! That's sweet!" Zarc cooed.

"Shut up dude." Zack said with an eyeroll while rebooting his laptop back up. "I've got work to do."

"You sure you should be working?" Zarc asked. "It is a school night."

"This is a high school and I graduated collage." Zack said. "With both yours and my knowledge mixed together, I don't have to worry about classes. Any homework they give us will be a cinch to do."

"That is true." Zarc admitted.

With that being said, Zack continued his work on Chamaeleon. True to his word the work was easy to do, leaving him open to do more personal work. Though that wasn't all he did, as he made sure to also have a personal life as well with Serena and their friends. He even met Zarc's fusion counterpart and his 'brother', Yuri. He tried being friends with him and change his way of thinking but due to Leo's influence everything Zack did ended in failure, so he stopped trying and focused on more important things. Like for example, completing Chamaeleon and putting it into the Duel Academy's or its now new name 'Academia's' system, just waiting to be activated. He also made sure not to use his best skills in dueling to not attract Leo's eye. Serena asked him about this, and he responded with not wanting to draw the other "students" attention, especially Yuri's. After that explanation she dropped the matter entirely, knowing what kind of duelist Yuri was. Serena knew if Zack beat him, and he would beat him, the wacko would never leave him alone until he beat Zack. A year has past now, and Zack heard something specific the one thing he's been keeping an ear out for: the rumors about the invasion of the Xyz dimension. Leo had told everyone about the existence of the four dimensions and his whole bullshit 'utopia' about joining them together. Not saying that he plans to rip them apart and fuse the pieces to make his old home again while leaving the remains and their denizens for dead as well as try and bring his daughter back to life. Of course, everyone was thrilled about the idea, it also didn't help that Leo put the idea that fusion was better in their heads. Anyways, he knew that sooner or later, 'Leo jr.' was going to make his appearance and have a run in with Serena. To make a plausible excuse, Zack told her that Leo wanted to see him about something. Just like in canon, Serena looks up to Leo, just not as much due to Zack thankfully but enough that she sees him as a 'fatherly' figure. Poetic irony right there, since Leo doesn't even see her as a real person, let alone his daughter. Just like in the anime, Serena wanted to leave the island and prove herself to Leo. The staff was ordered to keep her on it, so he doesn't lose a piece of his daughter. Zack watched from the shadows as it all unfolded like in the anime. Girl gets cornered and enters battle royal duel, Leo's son who he finds out later is named Reiji saves her, both run to the docks and get caught, Leo orders Serena to be taken to her room and sends Reiji back to Standard. Upon hearing Leo talk about having someone keep an eye on her, Zack made his move.

"Excuse me, Professor." Zack said coming out of hiding.

"Yes, who are you?" Leo asked.

"My name is Zack sir." Zack said introducing himself. "I overheard you saying that you need someone to keep an eye on Serena and I think I'm the most qualified."

"And why is that?" Leo questioned.

"Simple, I'm her boyfriend sir." Zack said.

Leo raised an eyebrow at this bit of news.

"If you have some random adults do it, she'll keep trying to escape." Zack pointed out. "But if you have me do it, not only will she stop but be more controlled."

Zack really hated to say that, but he had to so Leo would better consider it, plus if he was watching Serena then Leo wouldn't order him to attack the people of the Xyz dimension. And judging by the look on his face, he was.

"How strong of a duelist are you?" Leo asked.

"Stronger than Serena, sir." Zack answered. "I don't show my true skills because I don't want Yuri to keep pestering me to duel him."

The man looked at him for a couple of seconds then nodded his head.

"Very well then." Leo agreed. "You are to keep guard Serena and not let anything happen to her, understand."

"Yes sir." Zack nodded.

"Good, you are dismissed." Leo said.

Afterwards Zack went to Serena's room to tell her what happened. He made up a lie about how he heard there was a commotion down at the docks and went to investigate, upon arriving he heard the Professor saying about having someone to 'guard' her. Serena was angry about that bit, but after Zack told her about sweet talking Leo into letting him watch her, Serena jumped on him and started making out with Zack. Not long after that the East and West towers were built, meaning time was almost up. By now Zack had everything he needed to do. He already had the four duel disks for himself and the girls updated and done, he was ready to copy everything from the Doktor's research and Leo's plans, and already figured out the fastest route to reach the towers. All he needed now was to wait until Ray's synchro and xyz counterparts were brought here.

(2 Years Later)

It's been two years since then and like in canon they opened a portal to the Xyz dimension and attacked. Zack and Serena are now at the age of 16. Zack kept a close eye on Yuri in case he goes out on a "secret mission" for Leo. A few months into the war Asuka's friend that gets carded was the only one out of us that got sent first and told us except Serena about what's been happening on the other side and begs us to leave with her.

"Come on, let's run away!" she begged.

"Run away?" Asuka asked confused.

"Us too?" Rei asked confused.

Syrus and Johan were shocked about what they heard.

"I don't want them to make you all do something so awful." she said with tears in her eyes.

"I can't leave." Zack said. "Not without Serena."

"But-" she tried to say until he raised a hand to stop her.

"I trust what you're saying is true and you all need to leave." Zack said, surprising the others. "I'm gonna be honest, I've always had a bad feeling about the Professor. For some reason he needs Serena for something and has always kept her close. Whatever it is can't be good if that's what's been happening on the other side. Unfortunately, Serena won't leave without proof, so I'll get it and we'll leave. You all go on ahead okay."

Afterwards Asuka, Rei, Syrus and Johan agreed to leave Academia. Zack knew he wouldn't see them for a while, but he had other things to focus on. He had his Duel Spirits watch over the Dimensional Gate for when Yuri uses it. Soon he eventually goes through it and comes back a few days later with Ray's xyz piece, now he just had to wait for the synchro piece. Near the end of the second year is when Yuri once again entered the gate, and Zack got ready. He went through his deck and extra deck, making sure everything was prepared for what was going to happen soon. Eventually Yuri came back with the light green haired girl over his shoulder. It was finally time to bring this act to a close. Zack waited until night to begin and once it hit, he activated Chameleon. Immediately it started gathering data and filed it away in the flash drive. While the program was working it's magic Zack opened up files about Doktor's parasite research and how far along he was until implanting them into their heads, which was not as far as he hoped.

"He was going to put them in tomorrow?!" Zarc exclaimed.

"This is too close." Zack said.

He then brought up Leo's plan for the Revival Zero project but…

"Damn it! There's too much encrypted." Zack grunted.

"Maybe not all of it is." Zarc said, trying to be helpful. "Try looking for something to use as evidence."

Zack began to scroll through, and speed read the pages, until he found something he can use.

"Here! This is perfect!" Zack said happily.

He quickly and quietly exited his room and over to Serena's. Knocking rapidly on the door until she opened it.

"…Zack? What is it?" Serena asked grumpily. "Do you have any idea what time it is?"

"I know and I'm sorry, but this is important." Zack said. "You need to get dressed and grab your deck, then come to my room."

"What? Why?" Serena asked.

"I'll explain later." Zack said. "Just please trust me on this."

Serena looks at her boyfriend and nods her head.

"Okay, but if this is some stupid prank, I'm going to kick your ass." Serena vowed before re-entering her room.

Zack went back to his room and started working through all the information he's gotten. Shortly after Serena entered, closed the door and walked up to him.

"Alright, I'm here." Serena said. "What's so important that you had to wake me up close to midnight for?"

"Who are you going to explain all of this?" Zarc asked.

Zack turned to her and took a deep breath.

"I hacked into the Professor's and Doktor's systems." Zack said.

"Oh, so we're going with the direct approach huh?" Zarc said.

Serena looked at him in shock.

"You… what?!" Serena yelled.

"Shhh!" Zack shushed her. "Keep your voice down!"

"Zack, I love you." Serena said with narrow eyes. "But you have better give me a very good reason for this."

"*sigh* Since day one, I've always had a bad feeling about the Professor." Zack began. "And with everything that's been going on, that feeling became worse and worse. Especially with turning people into cards."

"This is war Zack." Serena said. "There are going to be duelists that-"

"I'm not just talking about the Xyz dimension duelists Serena." Zack said cutting her off. "Their carding everyone. Both duelists and non-duelists."

Serena looked at him in shock.

"W-What?" she asked.

"They were given orders to card every Xyz person in sight." Zack said. "Infant, child, teenager, adult and elderly. Men and women alike."

Serena couldn't say anything, so Zack continued.

"So, I hacked into the Professor's systems and found something." Zack said as he pulled up a rough summary about his plans for her and her sisters.

"I haven't been able to decipher it all, but I got enough to paint some sort of picture." Zack said. "And I can say for certainty that this whole war and "utopia" is a bunch of bullshit."

"What do you mean?" Serena asked nervously.

"Well for starters, the Professor had a daughter." Zack said.

"Really?" Serena asked surprised.

"Yeah, but some sort of accident happened and apparently she got split into four separate people." Zack explained. "One in each dimension. Now he's trying to find them."

"That's crazy." Serena said. "But what's that got to do with the war?"

"Everything actually." Zack responded. "He knows Ray's, the name of his daughter, "pieces" are somewhere in the other dimensions, and they all have the same face as her. So far, he has 3/4 gathered, except…"

"Except what?" Serena asked, not liking the way Zack stopped.

"Serena… he doesn't see these girls as people." Zack said. "Just "things" that stole the life of his real daughter. He built a machine, not sure what it's called but the energy source is what makes me think this guy is insane."

"Why?" Serena asked.

"It's the reason he ordered all the Xyz dimension people to be carded Serena." Zack said slowly.

"You mean…" Serena said as her eyes widened.

"The carded people ARE the fuel source for his machine." Zack said.

Serena couldn't stay standing, so she sat on Zack's bed.

"That's not the worst of it." Zack informed his girlfriend.

"What could be worst then using PEOPLE as fuel?!" Serena demanded.

"How about what the machine is used for?" Zack asked.

Her only response was to gulp.

"Remember how I said he doesn't see these girls as people." Zack stated. "The machine is going to fuse the four back into his daughter. Bringing Ray back to life."

"Fuse… them?" Serena asked.

"Serena… he's going to kill you and not even give a fuck." Zack revealed.

"Oh Kami…" Serena whispered.

She then realized something about what Zack just said.

"Zack… why did you say "you"… as in me?" Serena asked.

Zack tapped a key on his laptop and brought up a picture of her.

"It's because Serena… you are Ray's fusion dimension piece." he answered.

Serena looked at her picture in horror. She realized what this meant.

"Then all this time…" Serena started to say.

"The reason Leo wanted you to stay on the island and not fighting was to keep you close." Zack finished for her. "When he gets your sisters, he could fuse you all together."

Serena said nothing for a minute… before rushing to the trash can Zack had in his room and vomited into it. Zack quickly made his way over to her and gently rubbed circles on her back after grabbing a water bottle.

"There, there. Let it all out my dancer." Zack eased her.

When she was done, he handed her the bottle for her to wash her mouth out with. After Serena emptied it, she started crying on his shoulder. Zack just continued to rub her back.

"T-T-This whole time, he n-never saw me as a person!" Serena said crying.

"I know you saw him as a father figure sweetie." Zack said softly. "I am so, so sorry." (Any Doctor Who fans?)

"*sniff* H-Hold on." Serena said as she tried to calm down. "You said he has two other girls already and you called them my sister's. Why?"

"Well, if you think about it, they are aren't they." Zack said. "You four were "born" from the same person. That means you have a family. One that needs saving."

Serena thought it over and slowly began to see he was right.

"You're right." Serena whispered before becoming excited. "You're right Zack! Oh, you're the best boyfriend ever!"

She then kisses him and stands up.

"We need to go rescue the two that are here." she said. "But how will we get out?"

"I already have a plan in mind." Zack said as he took the bag from under his bed and pulled out the white (his) and the light blue (her) duel disks while passing the latter to her. "Here you go my dear."

"When did you get these?!" Serena exclaimed as she looked at the disk.

"Snagged them the first day when everyone was dropping them off for their new ones." Zack answered. "I've been updating them with the data I got from the new ones. Now there's no difference between them."

"You are such a dork sometimes." Serena smirked as she put it on.

"And yet, you were the one who confessed to me first." Zack reminded her as he put his own on.

Serena only rolled her eyes in response.

"So you said you have a plan." Serena stated as Zack transferred control from the laptop to his disk, then put it in the bag.

"First we get to the East and West towers where your sisters are being kept." Zack said. "Beat the guards and spring them. Plus, we must do it tonight."

"Why tonight?" Serena asked. "Why not tomorrow?"

"Well Leo plans on… "controlling" you and the other two girls, to make you more "obedient". That's why I hacked the Doktor too." Zack said. "Apparently the psycho has been working on brainwashing by using parasites and putting them in people's brains. He's completed it and the Professor ordered to implant them in you three tomorrow."

Serena froze on the spot upon hearing that.

"We need to get them and get out of here. Now." Serena said.

"No arguments here." Zack said as they left his room. "This way."

As they quickly made their way to the towers Serena asked Zack a question.

"The whole turning everyone into cards thing. Is that why Asunee-chan and the rest of our friends disappeared?" Serena asked.

"Yeah, I told them to leave while they could." Zack said. "But I couldn't leave without you and since I didn't have any proof about until now, I couldn't tell you."

Serena smiles at that.

"Thanks Zack." she said.

It wasn't long until they made it to the towers.

"Which one first?" Serena asked.

'If I remember correctly, Rin is in the East Tower and Ruri is in the West Tower.' Zack thought.

"And because of what Academia has done, Ruri will no doubt be less likely to listen to you." Zarc said. "That will eat up time to convince her."

Zack nods then turns to Serena.

"Let's go to the east one first." Zack said. "Your sister from the Synchro Dimension is in that one. The one from Xyz might not be so friendly due to the war."

"Which will cost us time, got it." Serena agreed.

With that agreed upon, they made their way to the East Tower. After quickly making their way to the top, they confronted the East Tower Guardian: Apollo.

"I am the guardian of the eastern tower, Apollo." Apollo said. "Why have you come here?"

Zack took a step forward.

"We are here on orders of the Professor." Zack lied. "We need to inspect the prisoner for tomorrow's event."

Apollo looked at them for a minute.

"Come on and believe us, you big olf." Zarc said.

"I will have to confirm this with the Professor." Apollo said as he raised his duel disk.

Acting quickly Zack raised his own and pressed the screen. When Apollo tried to contact Leo, all he got was static.

"What?!" Apollo asked before noticing Zack. "What did you do?!"

"I was hoping to use my little virus later, but oh well." Zack said with a shrug. "To answer your question, I just took over all of Academia's systems."

"You damn traitors!" Apollo yelled.

"When did you make a virus, let alone installed it into the systems?" Serena asked.

"I'll get back to you on that." Zack said. "But for now, I'm guessing we can't get to the girl in this tower until we beat you, right?"

"You'd be correct, traitor." Apollo confirmed as he activated his duel disk, unleashing an orange blade.

"Good." Zack said as his disk produced a white blade. "We're on the clock so let's make this fast, shall we?"

"Good luck Zack." Serena encouraged him, as Zack nodded.

"DUEL!" Both shouted.

Zack/Apollo LP: 4000

Turn 1: Apollo

"I shall go first." Apollo said as he held up Polymerization. "I activate my Spell Card Polymerization from my hand! I fuse Guardian Tryce and Luminous Soldier! Fusion Summon Level 7: Luminous Keeper!

Luminous Keeper

Star: 7

Atk/Def: 2400/2100

Luminous Soldier (plus) 1 Light Guardian monster

Once per turn: You can Special Summon 1 "Keeper Shield Token" (Warrior/Light/Level 1/Atk 0/Def 0). While you control a "Keeper Shield Token", monsters your opponent controls cannot target this card for attacks. If an opponent's monster destroys a "Keeper Shield Token" you control: You can target that opponent's monster, it loses 800 Atk, and if it does, inflect 800 damage to your opponent.

"Then I activate Luminous Keeper's monster effect!" Apollo said. "I Special Summon one Keeper Shield Token!"

Keeper Shield Token

Star: 1

Atk/Def: 0/0

The said token appears on his field in defense mode.

"While this token is on the field, attacks cannot target Luminous Keeper. Then, I set one card and end my turn." Apollo said as he placed a card in his Spell/Trap Zone.

'Since he placed one card no doubt it's the trap card Admiration of the Keepers.' Zack thought as he placed his hand on his deck. "My turn! Draw!" and drew a card.

Turn 2: Zack

Looking at his cards, noticing he had Branded Fusion, Dramaturge of Despia and Dogmatika Ecclesia, the Virtuous. Already coming up with a plan to work around Apollo's trap.

"Alright. First, I'll activate a Fusion Spell Card of my own, Branded Fusion." Zack said as he played the fusion spell. "Branded Fusion allows me to use materials for a fusion monster that lists "Fallen of Albaz" as one of the materials from my hand, field or deck."

Branded Fusion

Normal Spell

Fusion Summon 1 Fusion Monster that mentions "Fallen of Albaz" as material from your Extra Deck, using 2 monsters from your hand, Deck, or field as Fusion Material. You cannot Special Summon monsters from the Extra Deck, except Fusion Monsters, the turn you activate this card. You can only activate 1 "Branded Fusion" per turn.

"From the deck?!" Apollo gasped.

"I Fusion Summon using Fallen of Albaz from my deck and Dramaturge of Despia from my hand to create Level 8: Brigrand the Glory Dragon!" Zack announced.

Brigrand the Glory Dragon

Star: 8

Atk/Def: 2500/2000

Fallen of Albaz (plus) 1 Level 8 or higher monster

Cannot be destroyed by battle. While you control this Fusion Summoned card, your opponent cannot target other monsters you control with monster effects. During the End Phase, if this card is in the GY because it was sent there this turn: You can add to your hand, or Special Summon, 1 "Tri-Brigade" monster or 1 "Fallen of Albaz" from your Deck. You can only use this effect of "Brigrand the Glory Dragon" once per turn.

When Brigrand took the field, he roared. The roar was heard all the way up at the top of the tower where a girl heard it.

"What was that?" she asked. "Wait… is someone here to rescue me? Yugo?"

Back down at the duel, Apollo smirked.

"Already summoned your ace monster, have you?" Apollo asked.

"While Brigrand is a strong monster, he isn't my ace." Zack responded.

"Well, it doesn't matter because…" he then pressed a button on his disk "I activate my Continuous Trap, Admiration of the Keepers!"

"Seems you were right." Zarc said.

Admiration of the Keepers

Continuous Trap Card

Activate this card by targeting 1 monster your opponent controls that was Special Summoned from the Extra Deck. When this card is activated: You can Special Summon 2 "Keeper Shield Token" (Warrior/Light/Level 1/Atk 0/Def 0). The target monster's effects are negated, also it can attack all "Keeper Shield Tokens" once each. If the targeted monster did not attack all "Keeper Shield Tokens" during the Battle Phase, destroy it at the end of the Battle Phase. If the targeted monster leaves the field, destroy this card.

"I negate Brigrand the Glory Dragon's effect." Apollo said as a red light fell on Brigrand. "And Special Summon two Keeper Shield Tokens to my side of the field!"

Two more tokens appeared, both in defense mode.

"Your monster can attack all Keeper Shield Tokens at once." Apollo explained. "But if you do not attack, your monster will be destroyed. Well, what will you do? Will you attack my Keeper Shield Tokens? Or will you fail to attack, and lose your monster?"

"Well that's stupid." Serena scoffed. "Of course he's going to attack then."

While Zack knew Apollo's monster effect, he needed to act like he didn't.

"I'm guessing your monster has another effect that involves those tokens." Zack said. "One where if they get destroyed."

Both Serena and Apollo were surprised at what Zack said.

"So you already figured it out." Apollo said before giving a compliment. "You're a smart one, I'm impressed."

"Wait, you mean he's right!" Serena asked.

"That's right." Apollo confirmed with a smirk. "Whenever a Keeper Shield Token is destroyed, the monster that destroyed it loses 800 attack points. Also, you take the same amount of LP damage."

"No way!" Serena said.

"And so, you think with this flimsy combo, you've won?" Zack asked sarcastically. "As if!"

"Nani?" Apollo asked.

"Let me show you how weak your plan is!" Zack said sternly. "I activate Dramaturge of Despia effect! When it's sent to the GY or banished due to being used as Fusion Summon material while in my hand or on my field; I can Special Summon it to the field!"

Dramaturge of Despia

Star: 8

Atk/Def: 3000/1500

If a Fusion, Synchro, Xyz or Link Monster is Special Summoned (except during the Damage Step): You can target 1 Effect Monster on the field; negate its effects until the end of this turn. If this card in your hand or field is used as Fusion Material and sent to the GY or banished: You can Special Summon this card. You can only use each effect of "Dramaturge of Despia" once per turn.

Dramaturge appeared on the field beside Brigrand.

"So, you summoned a powerful monster." Apollo said. "Even if you destroyed all my tokens and Luminous Keeper, I'll still have more than enough LP to finish your dragon off and beat you. You might as well give up."

'Well, talk about déjà vu.' Zack thought as he chuckled to himself much to Apollo confusion.

"Why is that?" Zarc asked.

(The opponent I faced in the finals during the tournament the day we met said the exact same thing.) Zack answered.

"What's so funny?" Apollo asked.

"Now why would I do that?" Zack asked. "Giving up I mean? Since my victory is already set."

"Your victory?" Apollo parroted in shock.

"Since there is a monster from the extra deck on the field, I can Special Summon Dogmatika Ecclesia, the Virtuous to the field!" Zack said.

Dogmatika Ecclesia, the Virtuous

Star: 4

Atk/Def: 1500/1500

Cannot be destroyed by battle with a monster Special Summoned from the Extra Deck. You can only use each of the following effects of "Dogmatika Ecclesia, the Virtuous" once per turn. If a monster Special Summoned from the Extra Deck is on the field: You can Special Summon this card from your hand. If this card is Normal or Special Summoned: You can activate this effect; add 1 "Dogmatika" card from your Deck to your hand, except "Dogmatika Ecclesia, the Virtuous", also you cannot Special Summon monsters from the Extra Deck for the rest of this turn.

Ecclesia, in her Dogmatika form, took the field.

"Ready to help, Zack!" Ecclesia said happily.

Zack gave her a little nod in thanks.

"When Dogmatika Ecclesia is either normal or special summoned, I can search my deck and add one Dogmatika card that isn't her to my hand." Zack explained as he picked a card from his choices. "Although I'll have to give up summoning from the extra deck for the rest of this turn as the cost, it won't matter since there won't be a next turn. The card I choose is Dogatika Fleurdelis, the Knighted! Who thanks to her effect, with you having a monster from the extra deck on your field, I can special summon her to the field!"

Dogatika Fleurdelis, the Knighted

Star: 8

Atk/Def: 2500/2500

During the Main Phase, if a monster Special Summoned from the Extra Deck is on the field (Quick Effect): You can Special Summon this card from your hand, then, if you control another "Dogmatika" monster, you can negate the effects of 1 face-up monster on the field, until the end of this turn. When your "Dogmatika" monster declares an attack: You can make all "Dogmatika" monsters you currently control gain 500 Atk. You can only use each effect of "Dogmatika Fleurdelis, the Knighted" once per turn.

Fleurdelis stood at the ready when she appeared on the field.

"What are your orders, Milord." Fleurdelis said.

(I'm going to activate your negating effect.) Zack told her.

"Understood sir!" Fleurdelis said.

"When Fleurdelis is summoned while there is another "Dogmatika" monster already on the field, I can negate the effects of one face-up monster on the field until the end of this turn!" Zack said.

"That means!" Apollo realized.

"Luminous Keeper's effect is useless now!" Serena said with a smile.

Fleurdelis pointed her shield at Apollo's fusion monster and shined its symbol on it, marking the monster and weakening it.

"My monster!" Apollo gasped while looking at it.

"Battle!" Zack yelled making Apollo look back at him. "Brigrand, attack all of his tokens!"

Brigrand roared as he charged through all the tokens, destroying them.

"Now Dramaturge, expunge his Keepers tainted light!" Zack ordered.

"With great pleasure." Dramaturge said as he unleashed an orb of darkness at Luminous Keeper, destroying him and dealing damage to Apollo who grunted.

Apollo LP: 4000 – 3400

'He had a way around my plan!" Apollo thought. "It's like he knew what was coming!"

"Now Eccleisa and Fleurdelis, attack him directly and finish this!" Zack ordered. (Also make sure he's knocked out. We don't want him to alert anyone.)

"Got it Zack/It shall be done!" both Spirits said as they charged the enemy.

"Also even if I don't need to, when Fluerdelis is on the field and any Dogmatika attacks, all Dogmatika's on the field get a 500 Atk boost once per turn and stays while their face up on the field!" Zack mentioned.

Dogmatika Ecclesia, the Virtuous Atk: 1500 – 2000

Dogatika Fleurdelis, the Knighted Atk: 2500 – 3000

"W-Wait!" Apollo tried to stop Zack but couldn't as the two knight themed monsters attacked him. "Mruahhh!"

Apollo LP: 3400 – 0

Winner: Zack

Apollo landed on his back, knocked unconscious. The door to the tower unlocked and opened.

"That takes care of that." Zack said as he deactivated his duel disk. (Thanks for the help.)

"Not a problem Zack!" Ecclesia said.

"We will always answer your call, Milord." Fleurdelis said.

"Grrrr…" Brigrand growled softly in agreement with them.

"Come on Zack!" Serena said as she headed to the door.

"Right behind you!" Zack said as he chased after her.

The couple ran up the winding staircase. Up and up they went until they made it to the door at the top.

"Finally!" Serena panted.

"I know." Zack huffed "Why the hell did Leo make these things so damn tall?!"

He then banged on the door.

"W-Who's there?" a girls voiced asked.

"People who are here to save you." Zack said as he kicked the door open.

Standing there was Serena's Synchro Dimension sister Rin. She looked a little tense.

"Who are you?" Rin demanded. "Are you with that guy who brought me here?"

"I literally just said five seconds ago that we're here to save you." Zack said.

Before Rin could say anything else Serena poked her head out from behind Zack to see Rin. Upon seeing each other, both girls froze like a deer in headlights. They slowly walked up to each other until they were a few feet apart.

"You look just…" Rin started to say.

"Like me." Serena finished before turning to Zack. "I know you said we'd look alike, but it just didn't register until now."

"Told you." Zack said as he crossed his arms.

"I… have so many questions." Rin said.

"I bet you do." Zack said. "Unfortunately, we don't have a lot of time. The guy running this place is going to figure out what I did sooner or later, and no doubt send the guy how brought you here to stop us."

"Got it questions for later." Rin agreed. "Really don't want to deal with that guy again."

"Do you have your deck with you?" Serena asked her sister.

"*nods* Yeah, it's the only they let me keep besides my clothes." Rin answered as she walked to a desk, opened the drawer and grabbed her Wind Witch deck.

"Good." Zack said as he unzipped his bag and handed her the light green duel disk. "Here, in case you need to defend yourself."

"Thank you." Rin said happily as she put it on. "Now let's get out of here."

"Not yet." Zack said as they began to run down the steps.

"Why not?" Rin asked.

"Because there's a second tower with another girl trapped in it." Serena said.

"Oh no!" Rin gasped. "We need to save her."

"That's the plan." Zack stated as they ran out of the tower and past the still knocked out Apollo.

When Rin saw him, she had to ask.

"So which one of you beat him?" Rin asked as the ran down the pillar's steps.

"Zack here did." Serena answered. "Took the guys whole combo plan apart with one move and beat him on his first turn."

"Really?!" Rin said surprised. "Wish I got to see it."

"Well, you're in luck because I bet there's a guard at the other tower." Zack said. "You can see my skills in action green."

"Green?" Rin asked.

"You never told us your name, so what else am I gonna call you?" Zack defended himself.

"He does have a point." Serena agreed.

"Oh right!" Rin realized. "My name is Rin!"

"I'm Serena!" Serena introduced herself.

"Zack Hikari!" Zack greeted.

Just as they finished, they had reached the top of the West Tower and standing there was the guardian.

"I am the guardian of the western tower, Diana." Diana introduced. "Why have you come here?"

"We are here to save the sister of these two." Zack answered, not seeing the use of trying to lie again while he pointed at the girls behind him.

"S-Sister?!" Rin squeaked as she looked at Serena.

"Yeah, I was surprised too." she said with a shrug. "But we'll explain when we're out of this place okay?"

"Okay." Rin agreed. "I'll hold you to that."

"I see." Diana hummed. "So, you are traitors to Academia."

"Can't be a traitor if I never followed Leo to begin with." Zack responded. "Now let's skip the foreplay and get right to the fun part."

Both Serena and Rin blushed deep red as they understood the innuendo.

"ZACK YOU BAKA!" Serena screamed while Rin buried her face in her hands as steam came out her head.

"Well, word play aside." Diana said trying to get things back on track. "You cannot pass unless you beat me!"

She then tosses the staff she was holding as she deployed her blade.

"That was already the idea!" Zack replied while summoning his blade.

"DUEL!" Both called out.

Zack and Diana LP: 4000

Turn 1: Zack

"Seems I'm kicking things off first." Zack said as he drew his starting hand like Diana.

"Her deck is going to be like Apollo's, isn't it?" Zarc asked. "Due to them being sun and moon."

(Yup.) Zack confirmed. (They're two sides of the same coin. Instead of damage, her monsters effect increases her LP by 800.)

Zack looks at his cards and already sees a game winning combo.

(And I have just the cards to derail her plan before it even starts.) Zack said as he grabbed two cards. "I set two cards and end my turn!"

Rin and Diana were surprised at this.

"What? Two set cards and no monsters?" Rin asked. "Is he crazy?"

"No he isn't." Serena said causing Rin to look at her. "I've known Zack for a long time, and he always has a plan."

She than looks at her sister with a smile.

"Just watch, you'll see." Serena said with confidence.

Rin could only stare at her, but she did eventually smile and nod.

"Okay then." Rin said before they turned back to the field.

"Really? That's all you're doing?" Diana mocked. "At least a competent duelist would put up a defence."

"Well, if your so sure of yourself then attack." Zack dared with a smirk.

"Oh don't worry, I will." Diana promised as she drew a card. "Draw!"

Turn 2: Diana

"I activate my Spell Card Polymerization from my hand! I fuse Guardian Baou and Penumbral Soldier Lady to Fusion Summon Level 7: Penumbral Keeper!" Diana announced.

Penumbral Keeper

Star: 7

Atk/Def: 2100/2400

Penumbral Soldier Lady (plus) 1 Dark Guardian monster

Once per turn: You can Special Summon 1 "Keeper Shield Token" (Warrior-Type/LIGHT/Level 1/ATK 0/DEF 0). While you control a "Keeper Shield Token", monsters your opponent controls cannot target this card for attacks. If an opponent's monster destroys a "Keeper Shield Token" you control: You can target that opponent's monster; it loses 800 ATK, and if it does, gain 800 LP.

"Now I activate Penumbral Keeper's monster effect!" Diana announced. "I Special Summon one Keeper Shield Token."

Penumbral Keeper summoned a token in defense mode just like Luminous Keeper did.

"While this token is on the field, attacks cannot target Penumbral Keeper." Diana explained.

"Just like last time." Serena whispered.

Rin being so close to her was the only one who heard her sister.

"What do you mean last time?" Rin asked.

"The guard of your tower did the same move, but with a different monster." Serena answered.

"Really, then Zack's definitely got this." Rin said excitedly.

'But if the first effect is the same with a different monster, does that mean the second effect is different?' Serena thought.

"Battle! Penumbral Keeper attacks you directly!" Diana commanded.

Penumbral Keeper sent an orb of blue energy from her staff at Zack, who took it without even flinching.

Zack LP: 4000 – 1900

"Zack!" the sisters yelled in worry.

"Ha, ha, ha! Not so cocky now are you boy?" Diana mocked as she took a card from her hand. "I set one card and end my turn." and placed the card on her disk.

Seeing this Zack smirked which Diana noticed and got confused.

"Gotcha." Zack said with a smirk.

"Nani?" Diana asked.

"I activate the Quick-Play Spell Card Twin Twisters!" Zack said as he revealed one of his set cards.

Twin Twisters

Quick-Play Spell

Discard 1 card, then target up to 2 Spells/Traps on the field; destroy them.

"I discard one card in my hand to destroy your set card!" Zack said. "And if I had to guess… it's the Continuous Trap, Admiration of the Keepers!"

The set card flipped up as a tornado came from Zack's spell card, revealing it to be the said trap card, as it was destroyed.

"How… How did you know?!" Diana demanded.

"Apollo did the same move." Zack answered. "He paired it up with his monster's effect, which your monster no doubt has a similar one but different. And since you two are opposites while he focused on offence and you defence, instead of taking away my LP when you weaken my monsters, you gain LP."

"So that's what her monster does!" Serena said.

"I would be hard to beat someone if their LP keep increasing." Rin admitted. "But what does her trap card do?"

"It would allow her to summon two more tokens." Serena explained. "It could only be used on a monster summon from the extra deck, and it would seal its effect when activated."

"Oh wow!" Rin gasped.

Diana grunted in anger at being found out so easily, before realizing what he just said.

'Wait… if he faced Apollo and is still here… that means he beat him!' Diana thought. 'And since there is no alarm, he was beaten before he could do it. I must do so now while I can.'

Diana discreetly reached for a hidden button on her duel disk, but Zack stopped her from doing so.

"Also don't even bother alerting anyone about this." Zack said.

"What do you mean?" Diana asked.

"I planted a virus in the schools system giving me full control." Zack explained. "Your distress beacon won't reach anyone."

Once again Diana grunted.

"Then I'll just have to beat you here!" Diana exclaimed.

"Sorry, but you've already lost the game." Zack responded making Diana surprised. "I activate my Trap Card Dogmatika Encounter!"

Dogmatika Encounter

Trap Card

Activate 1 of these effects:

1: Special Summon 1 "Dogamtika" monster or "Fallen of Albaz" from your hand.

2: Add to your hand or Special Summon 1 "Dogamtika" monster or "Fallen of Albaz" from your GY.

You can only activate 1 "Dogmatika Encounter" per turn.

"I special summon Fallen of Albaz from my GY!" Zack commanded.

A purple vortex opened on the field and Albaz came out of it.

"So that's his plan!" Serena realized.

"What is it." Rin asked.

"Just keep watching." Serena said with a smile. "You're about to see Zack's specialty."

"Nani?! But you didn't have any monsters in you GY!" Diana exclaimed before she realized. "Your spell card!"

"That's right!" Zack confirmed. "And when Albaz is special summoned to the field I can activate his effect! By discarding a card, I can Fusion Summon him using monsters on your field!"

"You can WHAT!" Diana yelled as Zack discarded.

"I fuse Fallen of Albaz and Penumbral Keeper to Fusion Summon my ace monster! Level 8: Mirrorjade the Iceblade Dragon!" Zack roared.

The dragon took its position and roared, scaring the moon guardian. The roar was heard all the way at the top of the tower by its prisoner's ears.

"Yuto? Syun?" a girl asked with hope.

Back to the field, Zack was getting ready to finish setting up for Diana's defeat.

"So he can use his opponents monsters to bring out his own monsters from the extra deck!" Rin exclaimed in surprise.

"Yup." Serena said with a nod.

"That's so cool!" Rin said excitedly.

"My monster…" Diana gasped.

"I activate Mirrorjade's effect!" Zack said as he sent a fusion monster from his extra deck to the GY. "By sending a fusion monster that has Albaz listed as material to the GY, I can banish a monster. However, I can't use this effect next turn. I banish your token!"

Mirrorjade's eyes glowed as it looked at the token. Said token began to become frozen in ice until it shattered.

Diana could only look at her field in pure shock. With two cards Zack not only wiped away her field but also ripped her plan apart before it even began.

"If remember correctly, you were ending your turn, right?" Zack asked rhetorically.

Diana could only nod her head in response, unable to speak.

"Alright then, my turn." Zack said as he reached for his deck. "Draw!"

Turn 2: Zack

Placing the card, he drew in his hand Zack grabbed a different card and played it.

"I normal summon Albaz the Ashen!" Zack said.

Albaz the Ashen

Star: 4

Atk/Def: 1800/0

This card's name becomes "Fallen of Albaz" while on the field or in the GY. While a Level 8 Fusion Monster is in your GY, this card gains 200 Atk for each monster in your GY, also your opponent cannot target other monsters you control with card effects. If a monster(s) you control leaves the field by an opponent's card effect, while this card and a Fusion Monster are in your GY (except during the Damage Step): You can Special Summon this card. You can only use this effect of "Albaz the Ashen" once per turn.

Albaz in his alternative form stood at the ready.

"When Albaz the Ashen is on the field while I have a level 8 fusion monster in the GY, he gains 200 Atk points for every monster there." Zack explained.

Albaz the Ashen Atk: 1800 – 2200

"Now Albaz, attack her directly!" Zack commanded.

Albaz rushed at her, striking Diana with his dagger.

"Ahhh!" Diana gasped.

Diana LP: 4000 – 1800

"Now Mirrorjade! Finish her off!" Zack told his dragon. (And make sure to knock her out.)

Mirrorjade nodded as it looked at the women, growling intimidatingly. Causing her to take a step back but tripped and fell on her ass.

"No… Stop it!" Diana begged.

Zack only smiled.

"No, I don't think I will." he simply said as Mirrorjade unleashed a blast of energy from his mouth.

"AHHHHH!" Diana screamed as the attack hit her. Rendering her unconscious as her LP ran out.

Diana LP: 1800 – 0

Winner: Zack

Zack deactivated his disk now that the duel was over. He then felt a weight on his back, as well as two soft round orbs of medium size.

"That was amazing Zack!" Rin exclaimed.

"Um… I-It was nothing." Zack said blushing.

"Get off him!" Serena snapped as she pulled Rin off Zack before hugging his arm. "He's my boyfriend damnit!"

"Wait, you two are dating!" Rin gasped.

"Yes!" Serena snapped. "So if any girl in going to press their boobs on him, it's going to be me!"

"Oh, someone's jealous." Rin said with a smug smile. "Do you feel threatened by me by any chance, Serena?"

"D-Don't be stupid." Serena argued with a blush. "Of course I don't!"

"Ah girls?" Zack said getting their attention. "I'm flattered and all, but we still need to save your other sister, remember?"

"Oh, right." Both said at the same time.

The three ran inside the tower and up the stairs. They quickly made it to the top.

Using the speed Zack built up, he bodychecked the door open.

"Made it to the top." Zack panted as he hunched over. "Man… I'm getting a hell of a workout today."

"What do you people want now?" the voice of a girl demanded.

Looking up a bit, Zack sees Ruri giving him a cold stare.

"We're here to save you, that's what." Zack answered as he straightened up.

Before Ruri could say something, Serena and Rin caught up and came into the room. She stared at them in disbelief as they stared back at her.

"This is still weird." Rin admitted.

"I know." Serena agreed. "I'm still trying to get use to it."

"W-What kind of trick are you doing this time?" Ruri demanded.

"Trick?" Rin asked.

"Haven't you Academia ruined our lives enough." Ruri said with tears in her eyes starting to form. "What more do you want?"

"What is she talking about?" Rin asked as she looked from Zack to Serena.

"She's talking about how the boss of this place is making our dimensions duelist invade her home world." Zack admitted.

"No way…" Rin gasped.

"It's even worst then that." Serena said. "They're also turning everyone there into cards."

Rin looked horrified hearing that.

"But the two of us aren't like that!" Serena said to Ruri. "We're trying to leave this place and saving you both as well!"

"And why should I believe you?" Ruri asked with narrow eyes.

When Serena couldn't come up with an answered, Zack knew what he had to do.

(Do you all trust me?) Zack asked his Duel Spirits.

He felt a warm feeling coming from his deck, the spirits giving their answer.

(Thank you.) Zack said. "You're right. You don't have a reason to trust us. So, I'll give you a reason."

Zack took off his duel disk and tossed it to Ruri, who caught it. The sisters looked at him in confusion.

"A duelist that makes their deck from scratch puts their heart and soul into making it." Zack said.

"Yeah, and what's the point in doing this?" Ruri asked seeing his deck in the disk.

"If you want, you can destroy my deck, as well as destroy my heart and soul." Zack answered her, unflinching.

The girls looked at him in shock about what he just said.

"Zack!" Rin gasped.

"What are you thinking?!" Serena asked.

"But… Why?" Ruri asked.

"Because I'm asking you to give me the chance to earn your trust." Zack explained.

Ruri looks at the deck, then looks back to Zack and nods.

"You have one chance." Ruri said.

"To start with, the Professor lied to all of us." Zack said getting her attention.

"What do you mean?" Ruri asked.

"I can't tell you fully here both because time is of the essence and I don't have the full picture yet, but what I do know is that he's insane." Zack explained. "His real goal is to bring back his daughter that due to something that happened was split into four separate people, all with lives of their own. The only thing connecting them is that they look identical in facial features as well as having bracelets the day they were born."

"Facial features and bracelets?" Ruri repeated before realizing what it meant. "Then that means…"

She looks at Serena and Rin.

"That's right." Zack confirmed. "And since you were "born" from the same person, these two and one other girl in the Standard Dimension are your sisters."

Ruri just continued to look at the girls.

"Maybe it would help if we introduced ourselves." Rin suggested before giving her name. "I'm Rin! It's nice to met you… sis."

"I'm Serena." Serena introduced herself.

"I'm…Ruri…" Ruri slowly greeted.

"And I'm Zack Hikari." Zack said. "I wish I could tell you everything I really do, but if we don't go then the Professor will find out soon and send the guy who brought you and Rin here."

"That creepy guy?" Ruri looked at me in shock.

"Yeah, him." Zack nodded as he held out his hand. "Will you trust me, Ruri? To get all of you out of here?"

Ruri looks at Zack for a few minutes before giving back his deck and disk.

"Okay, I'll trust you." Ruri said. "For now."

"Thank you." Zack said with a smile as he put his duel disk back on. "I'm guessing they let you keep your deck right?"

"That's right." Ruri said as she grabbed it.

Zack took the final duel disk from the bag and handed it to her.

"Here." Zack said. "You might need this."

"You're giving me a duel disk?" Ruri asked.

"Yup. Just in case things go south and we need to fight our way out." Zack explained. "I hope it doesn't get like that though."

"Let's get going already." Serena said.

"Okay, okay." Zack said as he heads down the stairs.

The girls followed him but started talking to each other.

"So, we're sisters?" Ruri asked for clarification.

"That's what Zack said." Rin said.

"He did say it's because the three of us and another girl were once the same person." Serena said. "But I'm not really against the whole idea about us being sisters."

"You're not?" Rin asked.

"I never had any REAL family before." Serena admitted. "To hear I have sisters is… kinda nice."

"Me too!" Rin said.

"I only have an older brother." Ruri said. "I've always wanted a sister."

The three smiled at each other happily.

"Ruri… I'm sorry." Serena said getting her attention. "I had no idea they were carding non duelists as well. I thought it was only duelist, which they were going to turn back to normal people afterwards."

"Serena…" Ruri said. "You truly didn't know, did you?"

Serena shook her head.

"Why are they turning people into cards anyway?" Rin asked.

"According to the information Zack got from the Professor's system after he hacked it. He's using the carded people as a fuel source." Serena revealed.

"Nani?!" Rin gasped.

"Fuel?! Why?!" Ruri demanded.

"To power a machine that the Professor will use to combine the three of you and your fourth sister to remake his daughter, Ray." Zack explained from the front as he easily heard them. "That's all I know until we can decode the rest of the Professor's data."

They continued to run down the tower and the pillar. They entered the school and made their way through it until they were about to pass Doktor's laboratory.

"Wait. There's something I need to grab here first." Zack whispered.

"What?" Serena asked in a whisper.

"The Doktor was working on something for Rin and Ruri." Zack explained. "I thought it would be better to grab them so they could use them in the future for themselves."

Zack then quickly went inside.

"Wait! Zack!" Serena whispered yelled at him.

"What's he doing?" Rin asked.

"Apparently the Doktor was making something for you two to use and he wants to grab them." Serena explained. "I really don't want to be here right now."

"Why not?" Ruri asked.

"According to the research that Zack got, the creep finished a brain controlling parasite that he was ordered by the Professor to put in our brains tomorrow and make us obedient slaves." Serena said with a shudder. "That's why he chose tonight to get us out of here."

Ruri and Rin looked at her in horror.

'Please hurry up Zack!' both of Serena's sister yelled in their heads.

Inside the lab, Zack was searching all over for the fusion monster counterparts of Ruri's and Rin's ace monsters.

"They got to be here somewhere." Zack muttered.

"Over here Zack! Found them!" Zarc yelled.

Quickly making his way over, Zack found them in cases. Bringing up his duel disk, Zack tapped it to open them to get the cards.

"Okay. These will help the girls out in the future." Zack said as he made his why out.

"Finally." Serena hissed. "Did you get them?"

"Yup, let's go." Zack said.

They continued on until they made it to the Dimensional Gate.

"Nearly there!" Serena said.

They would have reached it, if it wasn't for someone showing up.

"So, you're the traitor, Zack." a condescending voice said.

The group of four stopped in their tracks upon hearing the voice. Before they could begin to look for it, a person landed in front of them. Cutting them off from reaching the dimension gate.

"It's you!" both Ruri and Rin gasped.

"Yuri!" Serena growled.

Standing before them was Yuri, the Fusion Dimension piece of Zarc.

"Shoot! So close." Zarc said.

"It took a while to chase those girls down and bringing them back here." Yuri said with a smirk. "I can't have you ruining all my hard work."

"How did he know what was going on?" Rin asked.

"Didn't you say your virus controlled all of Academia Zack?" Serena asked him.

"Leo has a private server doesn't he." Zack stated more so than asked to Yuri. "He found out about what had happened and contacted you to stop us."

"Well done, Zack." Yuri said while clapping his hands slowly. "You already figured out everything, and all without me saying anything. You truly ARE a smart one." then activated his duel disk and blade

"Girls get to the gate." Zack said while activating his own. "I'll keep him busy for you to get to it, but if others show up use it and leave."

"Nani?!" Rin asked.

"What are you saying?!" Ruri asked.

"We're not leaving you behind!" Serena said to her boyfriend. "Besides we can't use it without you can't we?"

"I already programed the codes into your duel disks that will allow you to use it, just in case something happened to me." Zack said. "Besides… you're not going to let me walk away, are you Yuri?"

"Absolutely." Yuri said with a grin. "I've ALWAYS wanted to duel you, Zack, except you turn me down every time! You may try to hide it, but I can see that you're a strong duelist and I want to see HOW strong!"

"You see?" Zack said.

"But…" Serena tried to argue.

"Don't worry, I'll be fine." Zack said as he turned to them. "I don't plan on turning into a card anytime soon. We still need to stop Leo and his insane plan. I swear to make him pay for what he's done to the Xyz Dimension and that he won't touch the Synchro Dimension!"

Both girls of those respective dimension looked at him in awe and disbelief.

'He would go so far for people he just met?' Rin thought.

'Even though I treated him badly; he still wants to help.' Ruri thought.

They started to feel something in their hearts at his declaration. Zack then turns back to Yuri.

"Well? How bout it?" Zack asks him. "You get your duel and in exchange you let them get to the gate?"

"Hmm…" Yuri thought about it. "Deal."

Zack looks at the girls again.

"Get going." Zack said. "Trust me."

The sisters look at each other and nod.

"Alright, but you better win!" Serena told him. "If you lose, I'll kick your ass myself!"

"And that goes double for us too!" Rin said.

"Yeah!" Ruri agreed.

The three ran past him and Yuri.

"Well, now I can't afford to lose." Zack said with a smirk. "Sorry Yuri but you heard them."

"I did, too bad you will." Yuri said with a smile which then turned into a smirk. "Oh also, while I promised to let them get to the gate…"

Just as the girls were about to reach the gate, three males in red uniforms appeared in front of them.

"…They didn't." Yuri finished.

"Bastard!" Zack growled.

"Guess Leo told him not to take any chances." Zarc said.

(Of course he wouldn't.) Zack agreed. (He's not going to risk losing the parts of Ray he has.)

"Sorry, but you girls aren't going anywhere." Red #1 said with a smirk.

"Damn it." Serena growled.

"You know, you girls are pretty cute." Red #2 said with a grin.

"Coming from guys like you, that makes me want to puke." Ruri snapped.

"Come on now, don't be like that." Red #3 said. "Maybe after Yuri cards that filthy traitor we can have some fun." he says as he licks his lips, something that the other two agreed with.

"How about hell no you freak!" Rin said angerly.

"And besides." Serena added. "What makes you think we're gonna listen to you?"

The sisters share a look, nod and deploy their blades.

"Guess we're doing this the hard way." Red #1 said as the boys deployed theirs.

"Don't worry, we'll go easy on you girls." Red #3 said arrogantly.

Back to Zack and Yuri, they were about to start their own duel.

"I hope your ready, Zack-kun." Yuri said with a smile.

"I've been ready for a long time Yuri." Zack responded.

"DUEL!" both yelled.

Zack and Yuri LP: 4000

Turn 1: Zack

"I'll start this off." Zack said as he took a card from his hand. "I'll first play Branded Fusion!"

The card appears on his field.

"I fuse from my deck Fallen of Albaz with Incredible Ecclesia, the Virtuous to Fusion Summon Level 8: Albion the Branded Dragon!" Zack declared.

Albion roared as it appeared on the field in Defense mode.

"Next I use his effect to fusion again!" Zack said. "I banish the Albaz in my GY and the Ad Libitum of Despia in my hand to Fusion Summon Level 8: Lubellion the Searing Dragon!"

Lubellion appeared beside Albion also in Defense mode.

"Now by sending a card in my hand to the GY." Zack said as he discards. "I can use Lubellions effect to fusion summon again! I return to my deck my two banish monsters to Fusion Summon Level 8: Masquerade the Blazing Dragon!"

Next to appear was Masquerade in Defense mode too.

"I end my turn!" Zack announced.

Turn 2: Yuri

"Draw." Yuri said as he looked at his hand. "I must say Zack, your skills are truly remarkable. To be able to fusion summon back-to-back with so little cards is incredible. Something not many can do."

He picks a card out of his hand and plays it.

Before the cards effect could take place Masquerade growled and a red aura appeared around Yuri, but he didn't flinch and was more intrigued then anything else.

"Oh?" Yuri observed.

"Whenever you activate a card effect, my dragon will burn you for 600 LP before it even starts!" Zack informed.

Yuri LP: 4000 – 3400

"Also, I'm chaining it with my Maxx C's effect." Zack said as he discarded and was left with one card in his hand. "Every time you special summon a monster; I draw a card until the end of the turn."

"I see." Yuri said in thought. "Then that means if I'm not careful, I risk self-destruction. What a scary effect you have. Plus you can now replenish your hand. Not bad."

"I don't exactly have time to dick around after all." Zack responded.

"Then by all means." Yuri said. "I activate the Spell Card Predapractice!"

Predapractice

Normal Spell Card

Special Summon 1 "Predaplant" monster from your hand, then add 1 "Predap" card from your Deck to your hand, except "Predapractice", also for the rest of this turn after this card resolves, you cannot Special Summon monsters from the Extra Deck, except Fusion Monsters. You can only activate 1 "Predapractice" per turn.

"Another card for me." Zack said.

"With this card I can special summon one Predaplant monster from my hand." Yuri explained. "The monster I summon is Predaplant Flytrap!"

Predaplant Flytrap

Star: 2

Atk/Def: 400/800

Once per turn: You can target 1 face-up monster your opponent controls; place 1 Predator Counter on it, and if it is Level 2 or higher, it becomes Level 1 as long as it has a Predator Counter. At the start of the Damage Step, when this card battles a monster with an equal or lower Level: You can destroy that monster, then increase this card's Level by the original Level of the destroyed monster.

"I activate Flytraps effect." Yuri said as he took the burn damage.

Yuri LP: 3400 – 2800

"I can place a Predator Counter on one of your monsters." Yuri said. "And the monster I choose is Masquerade."

A small plant attached itself to Masquerades wing.

"And what is this suppose to do?" the dragon asked.

(With the Predaplant deck, nothing good.) Zack warned.

"Next I normal summon my Predaplant Chlamydosundew!" Yuri announced.

Predaplant Chlamydosundew

Star: 2

Atk/Def: 600/200

Monsters with a Predator Counter that you use as Fusion Materials are treated as DARK. During your Main Phase: You can Fusion Summon 1 DARK Fusion Monster from your Extra Deck, using this card on the field and monsters from your hand, field, and/or monsters with a Predator Counter your opponent controls as Fusion Material. You can only use this effect of "Predaplant Chlamydosundew" once per turn.

"I will now activate Chlamydosundew's effect." Yuri said.

"And take another 600 damage." Zack added.

Yuri LP: 2800 – 2200

"Not anymore after this I will." Yuri smirked.

"Nani?" Zack asked.

"You see Zack-san, you're not the only person who can fusion summon using a monster's effect without a spell card." Yuri said with a bigger smirk. "During my main phase, I can fuse Chlamydosundew with a monster in my hand, field or, if it has a Predator Counter, a monster you control!"

"Shit/Shit!" the human-Spirit duo shouted.

"I fuse my Predaplant Chlamydosundew with your Masquerade the Blazing Dragon!" Yuri announced. "I Fusion Summon Level 7: Predaplant Chimerafflesia!"

Predaplant Chimerafflesia

Star: 7

Atk/Def: 2500/2000

1 "Predaplant" monster + 1 DARK monster
Once per turn: You can target 1 monster on the field with a Level less than or equal to this card's; banish it. When an attack is declared involving this card and an opponent's face-up monster: You can activate this effect; until the end of this turn, that opponent's monster loses 1000 ATK, and if it does, this card gains 1000 ATK. Once per turn, during the next Standby Phase after this card was sent to the GY: You can add 1 "Polymerization" Spell or "Fusion" Spell from your Deck to your hand.

Appearing on Yuri's field was a nasty looking plant that smelled just as bad.

"I may have lost my dragon, but I gain another card." Zack said as he drew a card giving him three cards.

"True and you'll be adding one more." Yuri said as he played another card. "I activate Super Polymerization!"

"Super Polymerization?!" Zack exclaimed in shock.

Super Polymerization

Quick-Play Spell

Discard 1 card; Fusion Summon 1 Fusion Monster from your Extra Deck, using monsters from either field as Fusion Material. Neither player can activate cards or effects in response to this card's activation.

Yuri never had that card in his deck in the anime.

"Yes, I saw you use it in your deck." Yuri explained. "Seeing how you used it the way you did, I decided to add it to my own."

'FUCK!' Zack swore. 'Of all the bullshitted things to change due to my influence, this had to be one of them?!'

"I discard one card to fuse my Predaplant Flytrap with your Albion the Branded Dragon!" Yuri yelled.

'Here it comes.' Zack thought as he prepared himself.

"I Fusion Summon Level 8: Starving Venom Fusion Dragon!" Yuri yelled.

Starving Venom Fusion Dragon

Star: 8

Atk/Def: 2800/2000

2 Darkmonsters on the field, except Tokens
If this card is Fusion Summoned: You can make this card gain Atk equal to 1 opponent's Special Summoned monster, until the end of this turn. Once per turn: You can target 1 Level 5 or higher monster your opponent controls; until the End Phase, this card's name becomes that monster's original name, and replace this effect with that monster's original effects. If this Fusion Summoned card is destroyed: You can destroy all your opponent's Special Summoned monsters.

(I'm using the anime version effect.)

Appearing on Yuri's field was the gruesome looking fusion heavenly dragon. It looked at Zack and could sense another's presence coming from him. One that was very familiar.

"Starving Venom." Zarc said sadly as Zack drew another card from his deck.

"When Starving Venom is fusion summoned it can gain the attack of all your special summoned monsters." Yuri said.

Starving Venom Fusion Dragon Atk points: 2800 – 5300

"This is not good." Zarc said nervously.

'Okay, if this was an anime, then this would be the part where plot armor comes in.' Zack thought.

"Now I could finish you off here and now." Yuri said. "But I won't."

"Say what?" Zack asked.

"No way." Zarc gasped "Do you have plot armor?"

(I sure as fuck hope so!) Zack responded.

"Like I said at the start, Zack-kun." Yuri said as his "smile" became sinister. "I want to see how strong you are."

"Then bring it, Yuri." Zack said.

"With pleasure! Battle!" Yuri said. "Starving Venom, attack his Lubellion the Searing Dragon!"

Starving Venom charged up and unleashed a blast of energy from it's mouth, destroying Lubellion. Zack braced himself against the shock wave.

"Now Chimerafflesia, attack him directly!" Yuri ordered.

The overgrown planted launched its vines at Zack.

"Look out!" Zarc warned his partner.

Zack looks just as they were about it hit him.

Back over to the girls, they were just about to finish off their own opponents. Both sides agreed to a 3v3 match, where they all had their own LP and fields, but shared GY, no was allowed to attack on the first turn and they would alternat between them. The line up was Ruri, Red #1, Serena, Red #2, Rin and finally Red #3. Ruri was still slightly off put about the seeing the Ancient Gear fusion monsters but thanks to her sisters at her side helped her focus. Rin used her monsters specialty to deal effect damage, which allowed them to summon their ace monsters and finish them off one at a time and not giving them the chance to attack them.

Red #1,2,3 LP: 0

Winner: Bracelet Sisters

The three boys were knocked out.

"That was easy!" Rin cheered.

"Only because we worked well together." Serena said.

"Thanks girls." Ruri said.

"Any time Ruri." Rin said.

"Now all we have to do is wait for-" Serena was saying before she was interrupted.

"GAHHHH!" Zack screamed.

The girls wiped their heads back to Zack's duel to see him take a nasty hit from Predaplant Chimerafflesia. He landed hard on his back.

Zack LP: 4000 – 1500

"ZACK!" the girls yelled worried.

Zack slowly got on his knees with his face down until he lifted it up. The sisters gasped in shock.

"His mask!" Serena gasped.

Zack's mask had a crack in it, due to the hit he just took.

"I think I'll end things there by placing two set cards." Yuri said as he put two spell/trap cards on his disk. "Now it's your turn Zack, so show me your true power!"

"If a fusion monster was sent to my GY this turn, I can add Incredible Ecclesia from my GY to my hand." Zack said as he panted.

Said card slid out of the GY zone and he added it to his hand. When he did Ecclesia appeared at his side, worried.

"Zack! Spirits, are you okay?!" Ecclesia asked.

(I'm okay Eccl, don't worry.) Zack said as he got to his feet as Ecclesia disappeared.

Zack looked at the field, then at his hand. Due to Maxx C, it gave him quite a full hand of five cards. With it, he could win the duel. The only problem was he needed a card to get rid of Yuri's set cards. Zack looked at his deck.

'Welp, if I have plot armor then maybe that could work.' Zack thought.

"Well? I'm waiting." Yuri said with his smirk still on his face.

Zack only put his fingers on his deck, ready to draw. His next words, while only a whisper, seemed to travel on the winds as the girls perfectly heard him as if he was standing right beside them.

"Heart of the cards… guide me." Zack whispered before announcing. "I draw!"

Turn 3: Zack

When he did, a gust was created. When Zack looked at his card, he grinned.

"Oh that is such bullshit." Zack said with a chuckle before playing the card he drew. "I activate the Spell Card Harpie's Feather Duster!"

Harpie's Feather Duster

Normal Spell

Destroy all of your opponents Spell and Trap Cards on the field.

"Now your set cards get wiped away." Zack said.

A giant feather swipes away Yuri's two set cards, destroying them. They were the trap cards Predaplanning and Predaplanet. He didn't care, they were mostly a bluff anyways.

"You wanted me at my strongest Yuri?" Zack asked. "Well here it comes. First due to you controlling more monsters then me, I can special summon Incredible Ecclesia, the Virtuous to the field!"

Incredible Ecclesia, the Virtuous

Star: 4 (Tuner)

Atk/Def: 1500/1500

If your opponent controls more monsters than you do, you can Special Summon this card (from your hand). You can only Special Summon "Incredible Ecclesia, the Virtuous" once per turn this way. You can only use each of the following effects of "Incredible Ecclesia, the Virtuous" once per turn. During the Main Phase (Quick Effect): You can Tribute this card; Special Summon 1 "Swordsoul" monster or 1 "Fallen of Albaz" from your hand or Deck. During the End Phase, if a Fusion Monster (s) was sent to your GY this turn: Add this card from the GY to your hand.

Once more Ecclesia took to the field, only this time in a different form (like in Fate; same characters, different classes).

"Also since I have a fusion monster in my GY that has Fallen of Albaz as listed material, I can special summon Springans Kitt!" Zack said.

Springans Kitt

Star: 4

Atk/Def: 1700/1000

If you have a Fusion Monster that mentions "Fallen of Albaz" as material on your field or in your GY: You can Special Summon this card from your hand. If this card is Normal or Special Summoned: You can add to your hand, 1 of your "Branded" Spells/Traps that is banished or in your Deck or GY, then place 1 card from your hand on the bottom of the Deck. You can only use each effect of "Springans Kitt" once per turn.

Appearing on the field beside Ecclesia was a pink haired fox girl.

"Next I activate Masquerades effect!" Zack announced. "Since you control an extra deck monster, I can special summon him from the GY, but once he leaves the field he'll be banished."

Masquerade retook the field and looked pretty pissed.

"Oh! I didn't know you could bring it back to the field." Yuri said.

"I now activate my spell cards Monster Reborn and Return of the Dragon Lords to bring back Albion and Lubellion!" Zack said.

The resurrected dragons roared. Zack now had a full field. Yuri began to applaud Zack.

"Wonderful, Zack." Yuri complimented.

"W-Wow!" Ruri said.

"I've never seen Zack duel like this before." Serena admitted.

Rin was about to say something herself, except she noticed something about one of Zacks monsters.

"Hey Serena?" Rin asked her fusion dimension sister.

"What?" Serena asked.

"The first monster Zack summoned this turn." Rin said. "Has he always had that card?"

"Yeah. For as long as I've known." Serena said. "Why?"

"And he's never been to my dimension before, right?" Rin asked again getting both girls attention.

"Rin… where are you going with this?" Serena asked.

Before Rin could answer the question, they turned back to the field after hearing Zack's voice.

"All the pieces have been gathered." Zack said as he grabs one of the two remaining cards in his hand. "For your defeat."

"My defeat, huh?" Yuri asked slightly interested in what he had planed.

"I activate Polymerization!" Zack announced before roaring. "I fuse Fallen of Albaz in my hand with Albion the Branded Dragon to Fusion Summon my ace! Level 8: Mirrorjade the Iceblade Dragon!"

Mirrorjade soon took his place in the middle of Zack's field. Both him and Starving Venom roared at each other. However, when Zack started to fusion summon, the crack on his mask widened.

"So you finally brought out your ace monster." Yuri acknowledged with a grin.

"I activate Mirrorjade's effect!" Zack said. "By sending one fusion monster that uses Albaz as material, I can banish a face-up monster on the field." he discards a monster. "And the one I choose is your Predaplant Chimerafflesia!"

Ice started to engulf the plant monster until it shattered. Yuri stared indifferently.

"Interesting, and here I thought you would have banished my dragon." Yuri said.

Zack said nothing as he stared at Yuri who shrugged.

"Oh well, not like it matters." Yuri said. "Now enter your battle phase so we can finish this game and I can card you already."

"This is bad." Serena said with worry. "Why didn't Zack banish Starving Venom?"

"What's the problem?" Ruri asked.

Sure Venom was strong, but Mirrorjade had more attack points and with his other monsters, Zack could win.

"Starving Venom has another effect." Serena said. "If destroyed, it will take all of Zack's special summoned monsters with it. Plus, he'll take the combine total attack of all the destroyed monsters as damage!"

"Oh no! Then that means!" Ruri gasped in realization.

Rin hasn't said anything yet, still looking at Ecclesia.

'I'm sure of it.' Rin thought. 'That monster is a…'

"Who said I was finished, Yuri?" Zack asked.

Yuri looked at him as he blinked.

"What more can you do?" he asked. "You have no cards in your hand."

"True, I have no cards in my hand." Zack admitted. "But I do have monsters on my field."

He then raised his left hand towards the left side of his field where Ecclesia and Kitt were standing.

(Are you girls ready?) Zack asked.

Both Spirits looked and nodded at him. Taking a deep breath and spoke.

"I tune…" Zack started to say that made the eyes of Serena, Ruri, Rin and even Yuri widen in shock. "My Level 4 Incredible Ecclesia, the Virtuous with my Level 4 Springans Kitt!"

The two mentioned monsters jumped into the air. Ecclesia turned into four green rings that went around Kitt, who turned into four stars. Then a blast of green energy bursted from it. When it did, his mask cracked even further.

"I knew it!" Rin exclaimed. "I knew that was a tuner monster!"

"I Synchro Summon!" Zack announced. "Soar Level 8: Stardust Dragon!"

Stardust Dragon

Star: 8

Atk/Def: 2500/2000

1 Tuner (plus) 1 or more non-Tuner monsters

You can Tribute this card to negate the activation of a Spell Card, Trap Card, or Effect Monster's effect that destroys a card(s) on the field and destroy that card. If you negate an effect this way, you can Special Summon this card from your Graveyard during the End Phase.

Descending on the left side of Mirrorjade was the ace monster of the hero of the 5Ds universe. Sparkles feel from its wings as it gave a majestic cry to single its appearance.

The girls looked the dragon in awe.

"It's so pretty." Ruri whispered in awe.

"I've never seen anything like it before." Serena whispered.

"When I look at it, I get the feeling of safety." Rin admitted.

Yuri was, for the first time in his life, speechless. He had never seen such a monster before. He didn't even know Zack could use other summoning methods. Not even the Professor knew!

Then they saw Zack lift his right hand towards the two revived fusion dragons on the right side of his field.

Seeing this Ruri immediately remembered what their levels were.

"No way…" Ruri said. "Is he about to…"

As if to answer her question, Zack began to speak.

"I take my Level 8 Masquerade the Blazing Dragon and Level 8 Lubellions the Searing Dragon…" Zack began to say as Masquerade and Lubellions started to glow purple. "And build the Overlay Network!"

The two dragons turned into orbs of purple light due to being Dark type monsters and flew up into the air. On the ground a black and gold vortex appeared. The orbs flew into it and exploded.

"I Xyz Summon!" Zack yelled. "Come forth! Rank 8: Number 107: Galaxy-Eyes Tachyon Dragon!"

Number 107: Galaxy-Eyes Tachyon Dragon

Rank: 8

Atk/Def: 3000/2500

2 Level 8 Monsters

Once per Battle Phase, at the start of your Battle Phase: You can detach 1 material form this card; negate the effects of all other face-up monsters currently on the field, also their Atk/Def become their original Atk/Def. During the Battle Phase, if you activate this effect this turn, each time an opponent's card effect resolves, this card gains 1000 Atk until the end of the Battle Phase, also, it can make a second attack during each Battle Phase this turn.

Now appearing on Mirrorjad's right side was a Xyz monster that was black with glowing red lines all over it.

"An…Xyz…monster?" Serena slowly said in shock.

"A Galaxy-Eyes monster!" Ruri said surprised.

"Do you know that monster, Ruri?" Rin asked making Serena look at her too.

Ruri shook her head.

"My brother's friend uses Galaxy-Eyes Xyz monsters." Ruri explained. "But I've never seen that type of Galaxy-Eyes before. Nor a "Number" monster either."

'Sucks that Galaxy-Eyes doesn't have the anime effect where Number monsters can only destroy Numbers monsters.' Zack thought. 'Oh well, not like I'm not use to it.'

Over to Yuri, he was just staring at the three extra deck monsters with his jaw slightly open. Until he started to chuckle.

"He…hehehe…" Yuri chuckled which became a fit of laughter. "HehehahahaHAHAHAHAHAHA!"

He kept going until he was able to speak.

"I knew it!" Yuri exclaimed. "I knew you were holding back your true power, but to be keeping something like this a secret?! Now I'm not sure if I want to card you or not, Zack-san!"

"This isn't about showing my true power." Zack said. "I just don't have a reason to keep hiding anymore."

"Hiding?" Yuri asked.

"That's right." Zack confirmed. "I know the Prof… no Leo Akaba is watching this duel." his mask cracked more. "It's a good thing he is, because I have a message for him."

"And that is?" Yuri raised an eyebrow.

"That message is…" Zack began to say as his mask finally broke apart.

The four people present looked at Zack in utter surprise upon seeing his face.

"The light that was trapped in the dragon of darkness has returned, Leo!" Zack announced.

"His face looks just like…" Serena stared to say.

"Yuri/Yuto/Yugo!" Serena, Ruri and Rin said at the same time.

"Well, well." Yuri said. "I always wondered what was under that mask."

"Sorry, but I've already wasted enough time in this game." Zack said. "Battle! Galaxy-Eyes, attack his Starving Venom!"

Galaxy-Eyes started to gather energy in its mouth.

"An Xyz monster destroying a Fusion monster. Consider this payback for all the pain and suffering that you and the rest of this school inflicted on the citizens of the Xyz Dimension!" Zack shouted at his brother.

Ruri's eyes widened at hearing him say that.

'He truly is different then them.' Ruri thought with tears in her eyes and a burning in her heart.

Tachyon unleashed the built-up energy at Starving Venom. It tried to fight back but couldn't and was destroyed.

Yuri LP: 2200 – 2000

Smoke had covered Yuri from view, but they could still hear him.

"Not bad, but you had sealed your fate when you banished the wrong monster." Yuri said with a smirk. "When Starving Venom Fusion Dragon is destroyed…" a portal opened above Yuri as Venom stuck its head out. "All special summoned monsters on your field are destroyed and you take their combined attack as damage. It's over Zack-san!" Starving then unleashed a purple smoke from its mouth towards Zack's monsters.

"Zack!" the sisters cried out.

"I activate Stardust Dragon's effect!" Zack yelled.

Stardust roared as a veil of stardust shielded them from the smoke.

"Nani?!" Yuri shouted. "What did you do?!"

"Simple." Zack said with a smirk. "Whenever a spell, trap or monster effect activates that destroys cards, Stardust can tribute himself and negate the effect and destroy that card!"

"Complete destruction negation!" Serena exclaimed.

"That's so powerful!" Ruri agreed.

'It's like the opposite of the Kings ace monsters' effect.' Rin thought as she realized it. 'Instead of destroying his opponent field, Zack protects his field and his monsters!' Rin started to feel her heart beat faster.

Stardust flapped his wings, sending stardust at Starving Venoms, pushing it back into the portal. Afterwards the synchro dragon faded away. Yuri's field was completely empty and Zack still had one attack left.

"This… can't be…" Yuri whispered.

"You're right about one thing Yuri." Zack said. "It IS over. Mirrorjade the Iceblade Dragon attacks you directly!"

Iceblade shot freezing energy at Yuri, knocking him back. He didn't make a single sound, still trying to understand what happened.

Yuri LP: 2000 – 0

Winner: Zack

Zack took a knee and pants. That was one of the toughest duels he had ever down since coming to this universe. Although it being Yuri, it shouldn't be a surprise. Zack heard footsteps coming towards him. Looking up he saw the sisters running to him with looks of worry on their faces.

"Zack!" Rin called.

"Are you okay?" Ruri asked.

"You nearly gave us heart attacks you jerk!" Serena scowled him as they all hugged him.

"I'm fine girls." Zack said. "Just a bit tired. I have dueled three times already today and running everywhere didn't help."

While the first and second duel was easy, but Yuri was like a mini boss at the beginning of a videogame.

"Zack?" Rin asked getting his and her sisters' attention. "Why do you look like Yuri?"

This was a question Serena and Ruri wanted to know as well.

"Yeah, cause it's really surprising to see your actually face to look like his." Serena said.

"Wait why are you surprised?" Ruri asked. "You've been with him the longest. Shouldn't you know what he looks like?"

"He never took that damn mask off!" Serena defended herself. "How is that my fault?!"

Rin giggled at them arguing.

"I promise to tell you everything I know." Zack said getting their attention as he stood up. "But for now, lets get the hell out of this Dimension, agreed?"

"Yeah/Yup/Hell yeah!" the three said in agreement.

They made their way to the gate except luck was not on their side.

"There they are!" a voice yelled.

The group turns around to see an army of students running at them.

"Stop the traitor!"

"Recapture the girls!"

"Shit!" Zack swore as he quickly began tapping on his duel disk. "Leo must have told them all what was happening just before Yuri lost! Run for the gate!"

"Don't got to tell us twice!" Serena said as they ran while Zack brought up the rear.

They were getting closer to it but didn't seem like it was coming on.

"Zack?!" Rin yelled.

"Hurry!" Ruri urged him.

"Almost got it!" Zack responded.

Just as they got a few feet from it did it activate.

"Jump for it!" Zack ordered them.

And jump they did. Headfirst into the swirling bluish-green vortex. Zack didn't have time to set an exact destination, but he did make sure they would land together.

TO BE COUNTINUED…

---

HOLY SHIT! I never meant it to be this long and I'm still just starting to write stories! I couldn't find any place to stop and I wanted these "prologue" chapters out of the way so we can get into the main story. Don't expect any other stories to be THIS long unless I can't help it again.