It was the day after Jaden's loss to Aster, and they and a few other students were in the arena for practice duels, but Jaden couldn't get his mind off of his duel with Aster. Chazz shouted at him to snap out of it and start his turn, but when Jaden looked at his hand, all his cards seemed blank.
Chazz brought Jaden to the infirmary, and rumors about Jaden's condition began spreading like wildfire. Most of the rest of Jaden's friends joined him in the infirmary soon after, Syrus filing in last. "Everyone is saying Jaden can't duel anymore. Please tell me it's just a rumor," Syrus said, but Chazz shook his head.
"When they said you hit puberty, that was a rumor, but this one's true. Jaden said that all his cards look blank, and he can't hear any of his duel spirits," Chazz informed as he handed Syrus Jaden's deck, but when he looked through it, all of Jaden's cards seemed fine. Syrus said the cards were fine, but Fonda said that something must've happened to Jaden.
Syrus asked Jaden if he was just pulling a prank on them or something, but Jaden told him he was serious. "Then I guess I showed up at a good time," a voice said from the door, and when everyone turned to the door, they saw a familiar face standing there. "Michael?" Lily asked, seeing her boyfriend standing before them, a leather bag in hand.
"Hey everyone. Nice to see you, but I wish it were under better circumstances," Michael greeted as he walked in, setting his bag on the floor. Alexis asked Michael why he was there, and Lily told her she had called Michael when she first heard the rumor. Fonda told Michael she had already checked Jaden over, and she doubted Michael would find anything she missed.
"While I may not be a doctor, I fear our problem lies outside the scope of traditional medicine," Michael said as he reached into his bag and pulled out a pair of glasses with black-tinted lenses. Syrus asked what they were for, and Michael explained the lenses were made from a special kind of glass that lets you see things like duel spirits and spiritual influences.
Michael put on the glasses, and once he did, he could see a white aura surrounding Jaden. "Jaden's been infected by some kind of spiritual energy, and I'm afraid I know the source," Michael said grimly, and Chazz asked if he meant the Light of Destruction. Hassleberry asked what the Light of Destruction was, and Michael told him it was an ancient form of sentient energy.
"And part of it is residing in Jaden. He must've been exposed to it after he lost to Aster. Fortunately, it doesn't have a complete hold on Jaden, however, the hold it does have is enough to block Jaden off from his duel spirits," Michael explained, and Bastion reasoned that must be why Jaden can't see any of his cards.
Michael confirmed it, saying that unless they could expel it, Jaden wouldn't be able to duel, but he did have an idea how to help Jaden, rummaging around in his bag before pulling out the book he had shown Jaden and the others the previous years. "This book tells about beings with strange powers. Creatures called 'Neo-Spacians'. If we can get Jaden to them, they may be able to help us," Michael informed.
Alexis asked how they were supposed to reach them, and Michael said that he had a way. He led them to the docks, stopping at a docked boat. "Alright Jaden, the boat's autopilot will take you where you need to go. Once you arrive, wait there, no matter what. If everything goes right, you should be transported to Neo Space," Michael informed.
Hassleberry told everyone to get ready to go, but Michael stopped him, saying that the journey was one only Jaden could take and that the rest of them would stay behind to keep an eye on things while he was gone. Alexis made Jaden promise to be careful, and Jaden did, but before he got in the boat, Alexis stopped him again, pulling a red scarf from her pocket.
"Jaden, this was a gift to me from my mother, and I want you to hold onto it until you get back," Alexis offered. Jaden agreed to take it, promising to keep it safe. He pulled off his blazer before asking Alexis to tie it around his arm so that he wouldn't lose it. The two embraced for a moment before Jaden got in the boat, promising to return as soon as he could before heading out.
Syrus asked what they were supposed to do now, and Michael said they had to prepare themselves for the battle that was approaching. He reached into his pocket, pulling out five silver rings. Lily asked what they were for, and Michael told her they would protect them against the Light.
"Never take them off. If you duel anyone affiliated with the Light and lose, you could be turned to their side like what almost happened to Jaden. Sorry Hassleberry, but I'll have to have a ring made for you, but it'll take time," Michael apologized, but Hassleberry told him it was no worry. Bastion asked Michael what he was going to do, and Michael said he was going to find out how Aster was tied to the Light of Destruction.
He told the others to be careful of who they dueled and to watch each other's backs. Michael then took his leave, and the others moved to Chazz's room to talk things over. "Of course, with Jaden gone, Bonaparte will most likely try to tear the dorm down," Bastion pointed out, Syrus saying he was right.
"We may be one man down, but we're six men strong. Well, four men and two ladies. But the point is we gotta fight," Chazz said, but Professor Drake walked in, saying that they had five men. "As the Slifer Headmaster, I won't let Bonaparte tear the dorm down," he assured, and Lily said they had to stand united, but their pep-talk was cut short when Bastion asked if anyone else could hear singing.
They listened closer and did in fact hear someone singing. They went outside and saw Atticus playing a guitar on a boat under the bridge. "Hey sissy," Atticus greeted from the water. Hassleberry asked who Atticus was calling a sissy, and Alexis told him that Atticus was referring to her as they were siblings.
Hassleberry apologized and they all went down to the water to ask Atticus what brought him there. "You know, Crowler's plan?" Atticus said, and Alexis said that he couldn't be serious. Another voice said he was serious, and they all turned their attention to the side and saw Crowler getting out of the water wearing a wetsuit with Atticus' boat strapped to his back.
"Nice day for snorkeling. So Alexis, have you come to your senses yet?" Crowler asked, but Alexis said clearly Crowler needed to come to his senses and that he must not have gotten enough air while he was under. "Sis, can't you just give his idea a chance? Please?" Atticus pleaded, and Syrus asked what idea he was talking about.
Alexis reminded them of Crowler's plan to turn her and Atticus into a pop-singing duo. "What's so bad about that? The school gets free publicity, and you get a free dress. It's a win-win," Crowler reasoned, and the idea of Alexis being a pop star was too much for Chazz to handle, telling her she should go for it.
Alexis asked for a little help, and Bastion said that Alexis wasn't a great singer, but no sooner had the words left his mouth than Alexis slapped him across the face, knocking him to the ground. Hassleberry told him he needed to learn how to withhold information, but Bastion said he was only trying to help.
"Okay, why don't we settle this in a duel?" Atticus offered, and Alexis agreed, saying that if Atticus won, she would sing, but if he lost, he would drop the whole thing. Soon after, the whole school was gathered in the arena to watch the two of them duel. "It's too bad Jaden's not here. He never misses a duel," Syrus lamented.
"I know soldier. But you heard what Michael said, Jaden has his own mission right now, so we have to defend the home front," Hassleberry reminded. Down at the arena floor, Crowler picked up a microphone, saying it was show time. "Crowler, of all your ridiculous plans, this one takes the pastry. What's next, Duel Academy on Broadway?" Bonaparte wondered to himself.
"Well as you kids like to say, time to raise the roof off this joint. So give it up for our first star, Atticus Rhodes!" Crowler shouted as Atticus dropped from the ceiling on a wire harness, earning applause from the whole crowd. Hassleberry noted that if nothing else, Atticus knew how to make an entrance.
"I dedicate this duel to the ladies in the house. Now who loves ya girls?" Atticus asked, causing all the girls in the crowd to swoon. Bastion noted Atticus was practically a one-man boy band, and when Syrus said it sounded lonely, Bastion said that was doubtful. "Now for his opponent and sister, Alexis Rhodes! If Duel Academy was a goose, she'd be the golden egg," Crowler said as Alexis was carted out on a swan-shaped vehicle.
"L to the E to the X to the I! Lexi rules and that's no lie!" Chazz shouted. "Tryin' to steal a man's woman when he's on his tour of duty. That's just shameful," Hassleberry criticized, but Lily said there was no way Alexis would fall for him. "Before you know it sis, we'll have a platinum album, be in every teen magazine, and have our own reality show," Atticus assured.
"Slow down hot shot, you have to win first," Alexis reminded, and Atticus said he was thinking they could "Bro-bro and Sissy" for their band name, asking his sister what she thought, but Alexis said it only added to her desire to win. They both drew their hands and shouted "Game on."
Atticus: 4000 LP
Alexis: 4000 LP
"Alright Sissy, Bro-bro first. I play Panther Warrior in attack mode," Atticus declared.
Level 4/Earth/Beast-Warrior
ATK 2000/DEF 1600
"Next up I play the continuous spell Spotlight. This card boosts the attack points of one of my monsters by 300 points."
Panther: 2000-2300 ATK
"Next I'll place one face-down and hand the mic to you," he finished. "I'm sensing a theme here, and to be honest it's buggin' me. I'm changing the scenery with my Ritual Sanctuary field spell. Once each turn, I can send a spell from my hand to the graveyard to add a ritual spell from my deck to my hand, and that's just what I'm doing right now. I toss one spell card to add Machine Angel Ritual to my hand," Alexis informed, Bastion noting she was about to summon a Cyber Angel. "I hope you have a backup career in mind, because this popstar thing is over. I play Machine Angel Ritual to sacrifice Cyber Prima in order to summon Cyber Angel Idaten!" Alexis shouted.
Level 6/Light/Fairy
ATK 1600/DEF 2000
Atticus noted that with only 1600 attack points, Idaten was no match for Panther Warrior. "Which is why I activate Idaten's special ability. When she's summoned, I can add a spell from my graveyard to my hand, like the Ritual Weapon I discarded to activate the effect of my Sanctuary. And now I'll play Ritual Weapon to boost the attack and defense of Idaten by 1500 points each," Alexis informed.
Idaten: 1600-3100 ATK/2000-3500 DEF
Alexis ordered her monster to attack, but Atticus revealed his trap, Cursed Ring, the ring from the card appearing on Idaten's finger and making her stop. Alexis asked what happened and Atticus explained that due to Cursed Ring's effect, when the opponent attacks, it equips to their attacking monster, and the equipped monster can't destroy any monsters in battle. "She may not be able to destroy your monster, but you'll still take damage," Alexis pointed out as Idaten rushed forward and punched Atticus in the jaw.
Atticus: 3200 LP
Alexis ended her turn, and when Atticus started his, he activated a spell called Stray Lambs, explaining that by cutting off his summons for the turn, he could summon two Lamb Tokens in defense mode.
Level 1/Earth/Beast
ATK 0/DEF 0
Syrus pointed out that they had no points, but Hassleberry said they weren't for attacking. "Panther Warrior's a monster that can only attack when ya sacrifice one of your other monsters," he informed. "If Panther Warrior wants to shine in the spotlight, he's got to cut down a few friends. It's the reality of show business Lexi. If you wanna get ahead, you gotta step on a few friends first," Atticus said, but Alexis told him to stop with the business analogies.
"Get used to it, 'cause pretty soon we're gonna be livin' it sis. And now I play the equip spell Path to Destiny. This card can only be equipped to a Beast-Warrior monster, and the equipped monster can attack directly. I sacrifice one Lamb Token so my Panther Warrior can attack," Atticus said as Panther Warrior raised his sword and swung it at Alexis, but she used her duel disk to keep it from striking her.
Alexis: 1700 LP
"He may be strange, but the boy sure has some strong tactics," Hassleberry complimented, and Bastion informed them that at one point, Atticus was considered to be Zane's only rival. "You're kidding me? Some two-bit lounge lizard, a rival to my brother?" Syrus asked in disbelief, and Lily told him not to sell Atticus short, because beyond his strange behavior, he was a great duelist.
"I place one card face-down. Take it away sis," Atticus finished. "Don't mind if I do. I play Pot of Greed, so I draw two more cards. Next, I summon Cyber Petite Angel in attack mode," Alexis declared.
Level 2/Light/Fairy
ATK 300/DEF 200
"When this card is summoned, I can add Machine Angel Ritual from my deck to my hand. And now I'll activate it and sacrifice my Petite Angel and Idaten to summon Cyber Angel Dakini!"
Level 8/Light/Fairy
ATK 2700/DEF 2400
"And due to her special ability, you have to destroy one of your own monsters when she's summoned, so pick one," Alexis said, and Atticus chose his lamb token. "I'm confused. Why didn't he destroy his Panther Warrior? If he did, Alexis would've only been able to attack his token, and since it was in defense mode, he wouldn't have taken any damage," Syrus pointed out, but Bastion told him that was wrong.
"Due to Dakini's other special ability, when she attacks a monster in defense mode, she deals piercing damage, which means Atticus would've taken far more damage had he destroyed Panther Warrior," he informed. Alexis ordered Dakini to destroy Panther Warrior, and her monster raised her swords and slashed Panther Warrior right across the chest, destroying him.
Atticus: 2800 LP
"Sorry sis, you just triggered my Miracle Moment trap card. Since Panther Warrior was destroyed in battle while equipped with Path to Destiny, I can play this trap and summon Bronze Warrior from my deck.
Level 4/Earth/Warrior
ATK 500/DEF 1800
Syrus was surprised it only had 500 attack points, but Hassleberry said they shouldn't underestimate it. Atticus informed Alexis that since Panther Warrior was gone, the effect of Spotlight shifts to his Bronze Warrior.
Warrior: 500-800 ATK
Alexis just ended her turn, and Atticus started his, assuring Alexis that dress rehearsal was over. "First, due to Bronze Warrior's special ability, I can add a Beast-Warrior type monster to my hand, so I choose my Indomitable Fighter Lei Lei, who I'm gonna summon to the field," he declared.
Level 4/Earth/Beast-Warrior
ATK 2300/DEF 0
"And due to Bronze Warrior's other effect, as long as he's in attack mode, all Beast-Warriors on my field gain 400 attack points."
Lei Lei: 2300-2700 ATK
"And now I play the Ultimate Stage Costume field spell, giving my Bronze Warrior an extra 3000 attack and defense points."
Warrior: 800-3800 ATK/1800-4800 DEF
Atticus ordered his Indomitable Fighter to attack Dakini, his monster getting down on all fours before running towards Dakini, tackling her and causing them both to be destroyed. "My glitzed-out warrior attacks you directly," Atticus said, and while Chazz said he couldn't watch, Lily said she couldn't get enough.
Chazz opened his eyes and saw Bronze Warrior struggling to even bend over wearing the costume. Hassleberry asked what was going on, and Syrus guessed the outfit was too big. "I forgot, when Bronze Warrior attacks, the power boost he gets from the field spell is canceled for the battle," Atticus informed, quite embarrassed.
Warrior: 3800-800 ATK
Bronze Warrior slipped out of the costume and slapped Alexis on the top of the head before putting it back on.
Alexis: 900 LP
"Guess you were right about the uniform, soldier. Of course, I wouldn't want to battle dressed like that either," Hassleberry admitted, but Bastion pointed out that since the battle was over, the point boost from the field spell took effect again.
Warrior: 800-3800 ATK/1800-4800 DEF
Atticus ended his turn, and Alexis assured him that she was putting an end to the duel that turn. "I play the equip spell Fulfillment of the Contract. By giving up 800 life points, I can summon a ritual monster from my graveyard and equip it with this card, and I choose my Idaten," Alexis informed.
Alexis: 100 LP
"And due to Idaten's special ability, I can return Ritual Sanctuary from my graveyard to my hand, and now I activate it, meaning your Ultimate Stage Costume is destroyed."
Warrior: 3800-800 ATK
"And now I'll use my field spell's effect to toss out a spell card to add Machine Angel Ritual to my hand, and then I'll play it to sacrifice Idaten in order to summon Cyber Angel Benten in attack mode."
Level 6/Light/Fairy
ATK 1800/DEF 1500
Alexis ordered Benten to attack, and her monster rushed forward, slapping Bronze Warrior with her fans and destroying him.
Atticus: 1800 LP
"And now Benten's special ability activates, so you take damage equal to your destroyed monster's defense points."
Atticus: 0 LP
Winner: Alexis
"How could you throw our career away? We would've been huge," Atticus lamented. Syrus and the others congratulated Alexis on her win, Crowler lamenting the loss of their record deal. The others came down to the arena floor to join Alexis and her brother, and Atticus told her it was a great duel, and that the only reason he went along with Crowler's idea was because he thought it would be good for Alexis.
"After all, you're my little sis, and I just want people to love ya," Atticus said with a smile, and Chazz tried to say something, but Lily put him in a choke hold before he could ruin the moment. "I'll say this for Michael and Jaden, they sure picked some strong women," Hassleberry noted, Syrus agreeing.
"Anyway, I know you're just looking out for me Atticus, but I belong here with my friends," Alexis said, Atticus noticing that Jaden was missing, asking where he was. "About that Atticus, the time has come. What we've been waiting for," Alexis informed, and Atticus asked if she meant the thing Michael told them about last year, Alexis nodding.
"It almost got to Jaden. Michael sent him somewhere he can get help, but we don't know when he'll be back," Alexis informed, and Atticus said to count him in, as now it was his chance to pay Jaden back for saving him last year, Alexis thanking him for the support.