Here we go with chapter 29. If you're confused, it's because I removed the author's note because that bugs me in other people's stories so now chapter 28 is officially up. If you haven't read it yet, you're going to be confused so please make sure to go back.

As promised, this story begins with Hakase, Robin and John finally meeting up as well as figuring out what to do with their hidden orders. That's one less confusing storyline out of the way! But we'll also be seeing a fairly important concept to the story. Then we'll focus more on some Dark Signer stuff.

Things will be explained on Yusei and Aki's end, and rituals will be performed. Strap yourselves in for this.

As always feel free to leave me a review below! Who even reads these though?

Chapter 29: Relics of a Bygone Age

Hakase had found over the years that waiting was becoming harder than ever as he aged. When he was attending Duel Academy he could be one of the most patient people in existence and yet now he was fidgeting like a kid with too much sugar. He supposed he had a good reason to at this point, but he wished he could stop the odd nervous ticks. None of his people seemed to blame him though, all as excited to see John, Robin and any other unknown survivors as he was. When Jim and Jesse had brought them news of the other order, Hakase had almost started crying. As much as they hadn't gotten along in their school years, he had missed his two friends. If nothing else it made him hopeful for a happy ending.

He turned his attention back to the reports his people had been giving him however, frowning down at it. There was no telling when this Order of Silence would get here anyway. With the information that Jesse, Zane and Jim had given them, things were starting to make a little more sense. Still, there were plenty of things to worry about. What did Yugi suspect the Satellite had to do with anything? Were these odd shudders they all kept sensing part of the supernatural powers of the Signers, and what did they even mean if that was true? Then there was Jaden's powers apparently reawakening, which was no comfort to him because it meant things were finally starting. He had managed to give them information he had gone to Haou to get, but how long would it be before he wasn't talking again? He let out a sigh, wondering if their lives would ever be simple.

The sound of the door opening didn't manage to drag his attention out of the dark thoughts spiraling through his head. It was the sound of a choking gasp that made him blink in surprise though. Before he could turn though a small shape had shot forward and slammed into his back. The woman's thin arms wrapped around his own with no care for the fact and he felt tears splashing down into his back. Stumbling a little, he looked down to see a familiar head of fire orange hair attached to his waist. He felt tears prickling at his own eyes as he recognized the woman, but a huge grin made its way onto his face.

"Been a while," he managed past the lump in his throat, aware that everything was now silent in the lab.

"You're an idiot," came Robin's tearful reply.

"Hakase Fudo," another voice roared behind him, tugging the smile on Hakase's face wider, if that was possible. "I thought you were dead, for years! You're lucky I haven't kicked your teeth in!"

John Atlas did no such thing however, and just threw an arm around Hakase's shoulders as he drew closer. He seemed to not care about wounding his pride currently, which had always been hard as diamonds before. He wasn't crying but as he buried his head into Hakase's shoulder he could feel him shaking. It was a near thing though, even as the man hid his face as if it would make him seem less weak. None of the three of them spoke for a long minute, even as Hakase felt his shoulders slowly unstiffen more than they had for years and others moved in the room to greet old friends.

"I missed you guys too," Hakase said, a beaming smile still splitting his face.

John just made a non-committal noise in the back of his throat, but to Hakase it practically screamed his agreement. Robin didn't say anything, but she did squeeze him tighter for a few moments before letting go and managed to wriggle out from between John and Hakase. It reminded him of simpler times, when they had finally reached a point in their friendship where things like this hadn't been awkward. It had only been a few short months before everything had changed, and the landscapes of their lives had been forever altered. He shook his head with a smile as John finally stepped back too.

"Let's go somewhere a little more private, okay?" He asked.

The man knew, even as he turned to take them to the personal office he often used here, that both were giving him grateful looks. Robin would want to talk where there were less people, where they could avoid ruining anyone else's reunions. John on the other hand liked to pretend he was an uncaring asshole even if they all knew he was a huge softie, so he wanted to go somewhere to keep his reputation in tact. All in all, it was a business as usual that Hakase had never thought he'd get again. Their missing spouses brought back an aching hole in Hakase, but at the very least he knew they could all rest easy knowing that their sons had survived and the boys' remaining parents were ready to do whatever it took to help them.

John closed the door behind the three of them, taking one of the chairs and sitting in it like it was some kind of throne. The glare in his eyes told Hakase he was probably going to get an earful from his friend, but he knew after running back into the middle of the Zero Reverse he probably deserved it at this point. He didn't even want to think about how Jaden would react, and suppressed a shudder at the thought. Robin took another chair and settled into it, the years of lessons on being a professional taken seriously easily seen in her form. She offered him a sort of resigned smile instead, because they both knew John's explosion was incoming. Hakase pulled his own chair out from behind the desk to join them sitting down and offering them both his own smile. This finally seemed to make John shift.

"So you're not even going to say anything?" He growled. "You were an idiot, ran back into the middle of that explosion, and expect me to not give you an earful?"

"Of course not," Hakase snickered with a good natured smile. "I'm just waiting for YOU to explode."

Even John couldn't help the smirk that fought its way onto his face from the familiar scene. Robin and Hakase on the other hand just laughed loudly, managing to force down the tears for those they had already lost again, but just barely. It hurt, as it always did, but at the very least there was some reason to be happy again. The thoughts of those recently lost brought Yoko back to Hakase's mind, and try as he might he couldn't stop a few tears from escaping. Had he ever even taken time to just stop and mourn her for even a few minutes? John and Robin both turned to him with wide eyes.

"H-Hakase?" Robin asked. He managed a sad smile and shook his head.

"Sorry," he said. "Just thinking about Yoko." There was silence for a moment, as no one needed it explained why she wasn't here.

"How long as it been?" she asked.

"A week or so?" He asked, not entirely sure himself. "I'm not sure. I haven't really thought about it. I was more worried about that boy we came across. Or maybe came across us may be more accurate."

"Boy?" John asked, suspicion and that same protectiveness coming across his voice that Hakase knew only the people who knew him well could hear. His eyes narrowed towards Hakase, expecting an answer. Fudo knew he wouldn't calm down until he got them.

"Yeah," Hakase said, drying away the tears and putting a serious frown back onto his face. "A boy who needed no incantations to use magic. His eyes were unsettling too. The whites of them? They were black instead, and he had a purple mark on his arm. After everything we've heard? I think he might have been a Dark Signer. And that bothers me too, because he couldn't have been much older than Jack, Yusei or Crow."

It was clear that the information bothered Robin and John as much as it had Hakase. What kind of child could have so much darkness in their hearts that they could be found by an Earthbound Immortal? The uncomfortable answer lay with the Satellite, where all of their boys grew up. Those who had been abandoned because Rex Goodwin seemed determined to stand between them. The terrifying thought that this could have been any one if their sons instead made it all the more terrible. All three of them shivered, as if an icy chill had settled into their hearts.

"Is that when Yoko..?" Robin managed to ask. Hakase shook his head with a small smile.

"No," he replied. "She lived a while longer. Long enough to see her son on the news when he first came to the city. She was at peace knowing he had survived."

The news did managed to make both Robin and John relax just a little. It was a little bit if a comfort, even if their own spouses had never gotten the same chance. John frowned to himself, deciding that he would leave giving Hakase a piece of his mind for being a self sacrificing idiot again later. He seemed to have a lot on his mind. The information Jim had given them about the Dark Signers being forced into contracts with the dark gods wasn't a good sign. His hand tightened on the phone in his pocket as he thought of the man.

He had said that Jaden's reaction to the darkness surrounding them was worse than before, and that wasn't a comforting thought. It meant it was about to begin or it was a war far worse than the one that the boy had sensed before. John and Robin hadn't been around him when he was like this before, but they had heard enough to know that it could get bad, even with Jaden only at half power. If he got distressed enough and Haou popped up...the man shuddered to think of seeing an explosion of power that could rival the Zero Reverse. The Supreme King was said to have the power to fight gods and he didn't want to find out if that was true. It looked like they might have to though.

Both Hakase and Robin noticed the movement and immediately picked up on it. John saw Robin frown and knew she understood. She had avoided Jaden during their school years because she had been one of the friends he had as a child that had been hurt by his rampant powers. He had long mastered control of it, but it didn't change the fact that she had hurt him greatly by her distance. Even so Jaden was a kind enough soul to give it, and then had been strong for everyone else to heal and move on. If there was one person she wanted to make things up with, it was him. To hear that the man was suffering because of his own powers had hurt her too.

"John?" Hakase asked.

"Jim texted earlier," he said. "He said he was going to Jaden's and to not text because he doesn't want to stress him out more."

"Right," Hakase said, sounding tired. "Jaden's powers. Why now though? Is something wrong?"

"He said it's way worse than before," Robin said almost mournfully.

Hakase's frown grew more pronounced, and John knew he needed no explanation. He had been around Jaden before after all, and knew the man would only get worse. His powers highlighted the darkness in even Jaden, and it would begin to show more and more now. Hakase's bet was that the war was worse than before though instead of the other option. After all, even Yugi's war had involved five gods, though two of those no longer existed. It had nearly destroyed the world then. This one involved eight, and perhaps more that they didn't know of yet. How could it be anything but apocalyptic?

Yusei wasn't sure why they needed these marks inked into their arms, legs and face for this ritual to work, but he couldn't help but admire the handiwork. Yusei's was wind designs, and pictures of dragons in tribal designs spread across his body. The tribe didn't seem to mind his scars though, and they were careful with his injuries. Aki wouldn't look at them however, frowning sadly to herself. Her designs were plant like, with dragons of the same designs. They were works of art to be sure, and oddly comforting. If not for the glares Harris kept sending from outside the house in the settlement he would have found it peaceful.

The Signer looked up, watching the elder whose name he had yet to hear over the group of men and women carefully brushing on designs. She gave him a smile when he was looking but he frowned thoughtfully. He thought Professor Anderson said no one knew about the Crimson Dragon here, so why was that clearly not the case? The village was close to the god's resting place in the lake, and there were huge temples kept clean though bare and pictures and statues of dragons everywhere. The man had seemed to believe that there was no way people knew of the dragon here, but that was obviously false.

"Something trouble you, young one?" The woman asked, gaining Yusei's attention again. "Speak then. Only fools let doubt and anger fester in silence."

"When our teacher talked about this place," he began, as serious as always. "He said that no one in the area knew about the lake or the Crimson Dragon. But that's clearly not the case. There are well kept temples here and statues, not to mention the people themselves. Someone should have noticed something."

"That is true," the elder said with a patient smile on her face. "However people can be deceived. The statues can be quickly made to look old, the temple dirtied and people can pretend to know nothing. Why would we share our secrets with those who could use it for wrong? Sacred rites can be written off as largely forgotten tradition and we can pretend to know nothing. There are many people who grow lost here in the Spirit Realm. We simply chose to do so. Though there are those of our bloodline in your world, we were once descended from the People of the Stars who worshipped the Crimson Dragon. It was our warriors who became Signers before the gift spread. Why would our god not warn us of threats?"

"So the Crimson Dragon warned you someone was coming to investigate," Yusei guessed. "And that gave you enough time to make it seem like you knew nothing. Why go to that length though?"

"Because it was the man named Goodwin who came here," the elder replied.

Aki's attention was on the woman now as well, clearly interested. It could only be Rex after all, the man in charge of the Security in the City and Satellite. He had been the one to force attention away from the Satellite for years and possibly do far worse things. Yugi couldn't prove anything of them, but he had been keeping a close eye on him ever since. Kidnapping and extortion were just some of his rumored dealings, among other things. Rex Goodwin had been the first person Yugi had warned him about when he had taken him as a student. He had seemed harmless enough to their mission at the time for Yusei to file the information away to the back of his mind. That was clearly not the case however.

"Why would he be interested though?" Aki asked, frowning towards the shadows of the two dragons stretching their wings outside the hut.

"No one knows, child," the woman said, and Aki took no offense to this. "but he has been interested in a long time. He came here to learn of the dragon long before his presence was revealed, then left with nothing. I had hoped he would forget, but it seems that youth grow more stubborn each day. It was years later the Crimson Dragon appeared long enough to leave our Human Realm kin among us."

"He did?" Aki asked, voicing Yusei's confusion before he could. "Why do that?"

"Goodwin had struck again," she replied. "He went there seeking answers not too long ago, but they had already been passed to an Egyptian man who would take it to those who needed it most."

"That must have been Marik," Yusei said, and the old woman smiled.

"He reached you then?" She asked. "Good. Goodwin however was not so pleased with the results. He is a tricky man that one, smiling kindly while distracting you from the knife at your back. He offered to retry the Ener-D experiment, to create energy to help our kin. However he decided none should know of his questions. After forcing some of our kin to work for him, he sabotaged the project and created a second Zero Reverse, bragging that he would bring the dragons to heel."

Both Yusei and Aki's eyes widened in horror at the thought. Sure, it wouldn't be have been caused by an Earthbound Immortal, but it would have been intended for murder all the same. How could someone do something like that? They couldn't prove it either. There would be no evidence, and bringing up the word of these people would force them to explain what they knew and that they had lied in the first place to avoid Goodwin. That would bring Goodwin back and put everyone here in danger. It was a terrible situation, but their hands were tied. Yusei heard Aki let out a growl at the situation.

"You see why we are silent," she said with a nod. "It would cause only more harm than good. Who would believe us after we lied once after all? You children must stay close to those who you can trust. You are in danger as well from him."

"Pathetic," Harris scoffed from the door. "Signers who can't even protect themselves. There are plenty of better choices here."

The two Signers blinked as they watched him leave, stomping away from their sight. Aki glared after him, clearly not appreciating his attitude. Yusei on the other hand had seen similar reactions in the Satellite. It was the kind of man who had been burned before, who still reached for the lighter because he had to. Yusei was one of those, one of the ones who threw up a wall that someone always seemed to see beyond when they really looked. One of the ones who would shoulder the world when he was scared to just so someone else wouldn't have to. Yusei didn't think Harris was mad at them being chosen as Signers because they were children. He was mad at himself for not being strong enough, that he was so weak the burden had to be shouldered by children.

"Forgive him," the woman sighed. "He wished to become a Signer, if only to correct the mistakes of the past generations."

"And because he didn't want someone else to carry this burden," Yusei added quietly, though it seems everyone heard.

"How do you figure that?" Aki asked as those with the red paints collected their tools and retreated from the hut to be allow the painted designs to dry. Yusei be shrugged.

"Shooting stars see others on the way down," he replied, not meeting her gaze. Aki reached out and grabbed his uninjured hand, giving it a squeeze. When he looked up, her eyes were determined band unwavering.

"But they fall to earth to give the rest of us their light," she replied. "And we make them burn all the brighter."

Yusei knew they weren't talking about Harris anymore, and he frowned. He knew she could see it, the uncertainty and fear in his eyes. He may be carrying this burden so no one else would have to, but that didn't make it less terrifying. If nothing else the thought of failure became worse. It meant he would leave a legacy of death behind. Aki squeezed his hand tighter in response to his fear making him take a deep breath. He was a shooting star, just like Harris. They we're the ones that drew gazes no matter how they tried to hide, who took on the burden of the world. They were the ones who fell in a blaze of glory, like Yusei had when Team Satisfaction had been broken and all his confidence and bravado had shattered. They were the ones who burned quietly on the ground. But Aki was right too. He wasn't alone, and even if he never regained a place in the sky, he could light people's path down here instead.

"So this ritual," Aki said suddenly, clearly changing the subject. Yusei was grateful for it though, knowing the infamous Black Rose Witch was a kind friend and comrade. She had yet to release his hand, and got once Yusei didn't try to hide from his own attraction to her. He didn't pull away either. "What exactly do we have to do?"

"Ah yes," the woman said with a smile that hinted she knew what they were both doing. "The ritual. You needn't worry, it isn't all that complicated. These marks are meant to connect in to those dragons who came before instead of the Crimson Dragon himself. The temple is only used by Signers after all for various purposes. When you reach the inner sanctum open only to those with the dragon's blessing upon their arms, you will simply call to the Shooting Quasar Dragon to lend you power in the name of your souls. Should he deem you worthy, your dragons will gain tremendous power."

"The Shooting Quasar Dragon?" Yusei asked. The woman nodded, pointing to Yusei's markings.

"Indeed," she replied. "Do you see these marks? There are three dragons painted upon your skin, each different from the last. Though young Aki also has three dragons, they are all the same." Yusei glanced down then at Aki, noting that the woman was right. "This is because of a legend. Why are the Signer Dragons so hidden?"

"Because of their power?" Yusei guessed, blinking in surprise.

"That is not incorrect," the woman encouraged. "The dragons have abilities their Signers can call on in battle that make them fearful indeed. But it also is because the Signer dragons once took the form of a Dragon God."

"Shooting Quasar Dragon," Yusei said, understanding dawning on him.

"Exactly," the woman said with a nod. "a second dragon god. It is said that the Shooting Quasar Dragon offered its power in the War of the Immortals, using a terrifying strength. Like the Crimson Dragon it did not rely on worship to grow strong. Instead it drew its power from the ever expanding universe beyond our world. The stars themselves gave him power, and even should the stars be shrouded he was strong enough to kill other gods. Indeed he had, and offered to help the Crimson Dragon take on the Earthbound Immortals."

"Then how did it become seven different dragons?" Aki asked in confusion.

"Because of the Immortals," the elder said, shaking her head sadly. "They carefully drew upon their worshippers and used the dark energy to shatter him beyond repair. Powerful the god was, but just too. He refused to attack his enemies while they did not put up a fight, for death should never be taken lightly. In this way they beat him. Taking pity on him, the Crimson Dragon formed the pieces of his soul into the Signer Dragons, who would finish the task he could not. Over the years, the dragons grew weaker and took on less powerful forms as fear drive their more powerful kin to extinction. Thus, dragons such as yours were born."

"So what does this have to do with these marks?" Yusei asked, motioning to the now mostly dried ink.

"Shooting Quasar Dragon," the woman continued. "like all it's kin, did not take on one true element. All however do lean more towards one. The Crimson Dragon for example leans more towards fire. Shooting Quasar Dragon leans towards wind. Perhaps because of this, the wind attribute dragon created from it has always had more forms before it settled into one as the dragons hid to avoid extinction. All of the Signer Dragons have another form, but the dragon tied to the Soaring Soul has had three. First was Shooting Star Dragon, next Majestic Star Dragon, and finally Stardust Dragon."

"So Yusei has three drawings then while mine are all the same," Aki said with an understanding nod.

"Correct," the elder replied. "Should you unlock the ability to change your partner's form to Majestic Star Dragon, you could also call upon a further miracle and change her into a Shooting Star Dragon."

Yusei frowned at the thought of his partner being what was once left of a shattered god, or at least descended from it. All of this almost seemed surreal in a way, to think that there were so many creatures once fighting for the fate of their world. But it brought up another question too. If the dragon was shattered and pretty much dead, why was it still conscious enough they called upon it in a ritual to create miracles? How could that be possible? Horakhty the Creator God of Light, the goddess that could only be summoned by combining Obelisk, Slifer and Ra, and Zorc were both dead, so gods could die. Horakhty was split as well, and her parts were still gods. If Shooting Quasar Dragon was split so badly it's parts were not gods, how could it still exist as it was?

"But how is it still around then?" Yusei asked with a frown. "Why would we need it's blessing?"

"That perhaps," the woman said. "is the greatest mystery of the dragon. Why indeed? All we know is that if a miracle were to be achieved by the Signers' hearts aligning, the dragons could take the form of the god."

"Is that possible?" Aki gasped.

"It is," the woman replied. "For it has happened before. However all that remains is a shell. Though the dragon has been summoned, none have had a soul that resonates enough to awaken his shattered mind. Should such a person exist, they would gain the god's terrifying and awesome power. Only for a short time however, for human bodies were not meant to carry the weight of the gods. Still, I think I've bored you enough with legends for now. The time has come for you to call upon the Shooting Quasar Dragon. Once the ritual is complete, you must return to your own people and your world."

Both Signers jumped, clearly unhappy with the idea. There were so many questions this woman may have the answer to, and so many things they could learn. Yusei was never one to turn down knowledge, bit this was so much more. It was an edge they could use to help themselves and their world. It was ammo they badly needed against foes they barely understood. If nothing else they had learned something even Marik hadn't seemed to get his hands on, and it was incredibly useful as well! There was nothing boring about the information. Aki shifted near him, clearly feeling the same. The woman was obviously determined however and didn't budge her stance.

"We don't even know your name," came Aki's reluctant reply. The woman just smiled.

"I have none," she replied. "For those who take upon the role of earthly leader in our tribe must cut all ties to the past to give wise counsel and heed the Dragon's voice. Not all of us are so blessed as you two."

Both sighed bit gave understanding nods. Signers seemed to be the exception to most rules around here. No one else could hear the dragon speak, and even the Egyptian gods only spoke to those they deemed worthy. Yusei and Aki stood, leaving their jackets (and in Yusei's case his entire shirt and sling) in the hut to retrieve at a later time. They gave the woman thankful nods, expecting her to be gone when they returned. As they stepped outside, they could hear the people murmuring quietly in awe of their marks even if they weren't glowing. Their destination was the temple, and overhead the two dragons changed course to follow them towards the mysterious rite.

They hadn't even made it halfway there however when Harris stepped out in front of the two Signers to stop them. His eyes had taken on a sort of dangerous edge, and Yusei could practically sense Aki tense in a sort of protective stance just to his left. Her hand reached out and wrapped around his uninjured elbow like she was getting ready to pull him out of the way and attack the man should he prove hostile. Yusei blinked a little in surprise, but didn't bother trying to pull his arm from her grip. He knew she wouldn't relax again while she felt like she needed to protect something. It was almost like what she did with Rogue, yet there was something almost different in it. Harris sent the female Signer a scowl to match her glare.

"I won't pretend to be happy about this," he growled. "but I'm not stupid either. If the Crimson Dragon chose you it was for a reason. Take this with you."

The man continued to snarl, but held out his hand. In it was a strange pendant on a cord, something old and carved from stone. It appeared to have some sort of dragon like design carved into its face, though it looked simple. Yusei had no idea what it was supposed to be, but he still got no bad vibes from the huge man. He reached out and took it from the man's fingers, making him scowl more when Aki's hand tightened against Yusei's elbow as if she was waiting for a reason to attack him. Yusei examined the piece closer but still had no idea what its purpose was.

"What is it?" He asked. Harris gave him a glare too, and Yusei heard both dragons overhead rumble out growls.

"It's a ward," he said. "As long as you have it, you'll have luck enough to avoid injury. It won't work against Dark Signers or Earthbound Immortals, but it should help you. I only have one though so you'll have to make due."

"Thank you," Yusei said, nodding to the man. He turned his gaze away and started to walk past, pausing only a moment before glancing over his shoulder.

"You need to look after yourselves," he said, unable to keep the unhappy tone from his voice. "You carry the weight of the world on your shoulders. Should you fall, so will we."

The man turned and hurried away, leaving them no time to reply to him. Yusei blinked, glancing down at the pendant in his hand. It looked so unassuming, yet he could feel some sort of magic pulsing off of it. He blinked, glancing at Aki. She was still sending a glare after Harris, and had yet to let go of his elbow. Something about it grounded it despite the fact that the man's words had reminded him of the same fear of failure he had been harboring since the Crimson Dragon had first spoken to him.

Aki, while she had a hard shell, was certainly a comrade anyone would be blessed to have, but she was more than that. She was strong and beautiful. Maybe it was just because the Crimson Dragon had linked their minds and he knew practically everything about her, but he had been drawn to her for what seemed like his whole life. She was so like him, lacking in confidence because it had been stripped away, hiding behind her own mask. But she was passionate and powerful in ways Yusei had never been. They almost seemed to slide together at the jagged edges in ways he had never thought possible. Yusei turned, holding out the pendant to her. She blinked at him, before looking down at it.

"Take it," he said. "You mean...a lot to me Aki. I don't want you to get hurt."

Something seemed to shift in her gaze at the half confession he had spoken to her, and for a moment he worried she might lose her composure and cry. But then the steel returned to her gaze and she reached forward, letting go of his elbow. She didn't hang the pendant around her own neck though, turning to him instead. To his surprise she lowered it around his neck, letting it hang over his chest. Aki reached out with two fingers, lighting tracing the design. Something almost sad seemed to enter her gaze for a long moment, but when she looked it it was gone. He opened his mouth to speak but she leaned forward, brushing her hand over the scars on his right shoulder. Her lips brushed the corner of his mouth, effectively making him freeze. When she pulled away he was pretty sure they were both blushing a shade of red that might have matched her hair.

"You mean a lot to me too, Yusei," she said. "But you should keep it. You always seem to get yourself into trouble, so you need it more."

"But-"

"If nothing else," she said to placate him. "We can take it back and change out who's holding onto it for a while. Please don't fight me, not on this. You're the first person who's really ever seen me as me, except maybe Rouge. I don't want you to get hurt. I may not like Harris, but I'll thank him for that. I haven't cared for someone like this since…"

She cut herself off, and Yusei could hear a sad warbling coo from Thorn who was still wheeling overhead next to Star. Yusei couldn't help but feel intrigued by the words. Why had she stopped? Was it because it was a bitter memory she didn't want to relive? Was it because she worried he would be angry or jealous at it? Yusei understood that he didn't know everything about her life, nor anyone she had been seeing before. While neither of them had given a true confession, as if both afraid to actually say it because of the war drawing , he got the feeling it was understood. He didn't want to push her to talk, but he couldn't let her retreat behind her mask again either. He took her hand this time, giving it a squeeze.

"Do you need to talk about it?" He asked.

"His name was Divine," she suddenly began, as if she couldn't stop. She squeezed his fingers back almost painfully, but he just rubbed his thumb over her knuckles in a silent encouragement to continue. "He was the leader of the Arcadia Movement. He was the first person to treat me like I wasn't a monster or glass. I would have done anything for him, but when Yugi came and exposed the terrible things he was doing he abandoned me to face punishment."

"What was he doing?" Yusei couldn't help but ask. He had heard of the Arcadia Movement, who was gaining popularity with psychics, but never the real details. Few details made it to the Satellite.

"Kidnapping," the young woman murmured, shaking her head. "Experimenting on people to try and bring out their powers and making others disappear. He was a psychic too, but my powers have always been stronger than everyone else. He was just using me, and I hated him. But sometimes I still miss him too."

"He was nice when you felt the world had turned its back on you," Yusei soothed, laying his injured hand carefully on her shoulder. She was shaking, and tears were pouring down her face. "It's only natural you would feel a pull towards him."

"I don't feel it so much anymore," she admitted, slowly leaning against his chest. Yusei realized she was only just shorter than him, but she didn't seem to care as she gripped his hand tighter. "He never really cared, just wanted me for the power I had. Like some trophy he could brag about."

"Which is why you hate people being friends with you just for your power," he said knowingly. He felt her nod against him.

"He abandoned me," she murmured sadly. "He left without looking back. I was punished for being part of the movement, though I think they went easy on me. Then I was shipped back home and to Duel Academy, where I had run from to not hurt anyone. That's when people started calling me the Black Rose Witch. The only person who didn't care was Rouge. People don't even remember the movement now. They just hate me because they don't understand my powers."

"The Arcadia Movement was barely around long enough to make an impression," Yusei mused aloud. "Not with people like Jaden already around. Of course people forgot. Still, I stick with what I said. You're beautiful and powerful. Don't forget that alright?"

Aki said nothing, just burying her face farther into the side of his neck. She made a small noise he couldn't identify and leaned into him more,.as if he were suddenly her center of gravity. Yusei said nothing, feeling a blush from her proximity creeping onto his face. He fought it down though, knowing that she needed the comfort now more than anything. He really didn't understand about this Divine guy, but he supposed it was enough to damage her outlook on life enough to make her take to wearing her mask. Now that he had chipped away at it, he saw the same damaged soul as everyone else. Yusei didn't move until she finally stepped back, reluctantly pulling her hand out of his.

"We should go," she said. Yusei just nodded.

They began their trek again towards the temple, and the dragons wheeling overhead cut their own path through the air. This time, as Aki kept close to his side, he didn't feel the awkward space between them. It was more comfortable than it had ever been before, like it was always supposed to be that way. The temple was large, shaped like a pyramid but less angular, and with stairs to a huge building on top. No one was around this place, save for a few curious duel spirits who Yusei wasn't sure if they were part of the tribe or not. The two Signers kept their gazes fixed overhead though as they began to climb the stairs.

Though the building at the top seemed small in comparison to the bottom, as they reached the top Yusei realized the cavernous doors were wide enough to let their dragons easily fly inside. Still, he was glad he was in shape as he was or the climb might have been way worse than his aching legs were telling him it was. His mark, though not glowing, seemed to be pulsing gently and falling him towards the doors. Neither he nor Aki said anything as they stepped inside, the whoosh of dragon's wings following them in. Inside a familiar relief of the Crimson Dragon was carved into the floor, but there was no hint of any other chamber as the elder had said.

Both the marks on his and Aki's arms, along with the one on Yusei's back, began to glow brightly however and they stepped forward with no indecision at all. As he drew clowe to the far wall, a split appeared and grew wider the more light from the marks fell across its face. Soon the wall fell, revealing a staircase down into the depths of the pyramid, in a corridor wide enough for both dragons to make their way down. They did so, flashing past their partners into the dark, no doubt looking for any danger towards the two of them. Guided by the Crimson Dragon's call from their marks, they stepped into the darkness. As the wall closed behind them, Yusei felt no fear.

Their marks cast red across the walls, easily lighting the way through the path, sending off and eerie shadows that should have sent dread settling into Yusei's stomach. Instead it gave a sense of comfort, even if his mind was supplying facts of why the nearly forgotten passage should have fallen to time. Only Signers could come here, so why was it so well maintained? He could see the tension in Aki's shoulders bleeding out slowly into the crimson light. Their footsteps echoed mournfully through the silence, and Yusei could almost feel sad eyes watching him. He didn't have to wonder why though. The answer came to him easily. Those last Signers whose fight had broke all hope of ending the war, those that had forced the Crimson Dragon to seal itself and the Earthbound Immortals away, they were still here. How could they not look at what they must see as two children taking up their mission and not feel sorrow and despair? The only indication that Aki sensed it too was her hand returning to his uninjured elbow. They said nothing.

It seemed to take forever, and yet take no time at all either. They stepped out into another room, a huge square chamber which must have been at the bottom of the pyramid. The relief was here, seemingly responding to their marks by giving off a soft red glow. There were alcoves cut into the wall, all marked with the drawings on their skin. In the one like gives, Thorn had nestled comfortably, his rose like feathers puffed up like a bird that was too cold, and his eyes looked uneasy. Maybe it was just the watchful presence they all felt but he kept his eyes trained on the two Signers. He was directly behind them.

Star on the other hand, was right in front of them. She looked slightly bristled, but was also resting with her tail wrapped around her legs and her hands trailing towards the ground. Under the niche she had chosen or been directed to as her perch, was a picture of a dragon, but in any he had ever seen. He could see the resemblance to Star, or perhaps she resembled it. Its main body was slender, but it waa covered in large chunks of armor that seemed to make up its wings and tail. If it had kegs, they were oddly shaped, though fingers could be seen as could the jet liner like nose that Star sported. This was long, and shaped like a sword, and its tail was more like a whip. Still, the resemblance was there, even if the stone carving showed no color.

On the left wall were two alcoves and symbols, one that resembled a rock and another that looked like fire. Two niches also sat, no doubt where Blaze and Quake would sit. On the right wall were two similar markings, one that resembled a shining sun and one that looked like a shadowed moon. The relief in the center of the floor was surrounded by carvings he couldn't make out, possibly words of some kind. It almost looked like a portal in one of those old movies that led to another dimension or something. Knowing the insanity of magic their lives had become however it was a possibility.

A pang ran through his arm, calling him to move. He didn't question it even as the wall slid closed behind him, leaving them in the chamber. Aki moved as well, answering the unfamiliar summons. No, unfamiliar wasn't quite right. Yusei would almost bet, with the Crimson Dragon now watching silently, that this presence was one he felt when the Signer Dragons we're gathered in one place. Maybe he hadn't known what it was at the time, but he had felt it. Yusei knew he could trust his own partner, so he moved when the creature called weakly through his mark. He didn't stop until he was just in front of Star and the relief carved into the wall below her, and Aki moved to stand in front of the now closed wall and Thorn. Both dragons shivered, as if sensing a new power pulsing through the air. Their wings raised, as if to take flight.

Yusei however felt his eyes drawn towards the relief of the Shooting Quasar Dragon, as if the creature would suddenly come forth. He felt something pulse through his arm, and he reached for it. When he looked up he found himself alone in the room, Star nowhere in sight. He whirled around, looking for Aki and Thorn, but before fear could set in his arm gave another pang and he relaxed. Blinking he turned back to the wall, but found the relief missing. It wasn't until he heard a roar, beautiful and awesome at the same time that he turned again. The Shooting Quasar Dragon took up much more of the enormous space, which must have reached up into most of the pyramid, yet he couldn't stop himself from stepping forward.

The creature wasn't looking at him yet, but he didn't feel it needed to. It's body was black, it's face under the pointed nose almost skull like except for the huge fangs. It's eyes were white, almost as if it were blind, but Yusei knew it was aware of his presence. Still it stared upwards, it's whip like tail nearly touching the ground and it's machine like wings relaxed in the air. The armor on its body was silver, glowing as if with starlight just as Star's wings did, but brighter. It almost hurt to look at, yet Yusei couldn't tear his eyes away. Its legs, of they could be called that, were bent as if to take flight, and the talons on its hands were bared against an invisible foe. Yusei kept walking until he could have reached out and touched its tail. Only then did the god turn its attention to him.

Signers have come here before, the god told him, his voice echoing powerfully like chiming bells through his head. Yet none have ever reached me in this place.

"So why now?" Yusei asked, feeling no fear in his heart. After all, it was Star, Blaze, Feather, Thorn, Quake and Monarch all rolled into one. What did he have to be afraid of? The dragon's gaze softened towards him, as if it sensed it too. Perhaps it did.

Perhaps because of you, the god said simply. I think it may be obvious that you are different from every other one before.

Yusei just blinked up at the creature, not sure what to make of his words. How many times had he heard people or god's tell him that? How long would it take before he believed it himself? He had lost most of his confidence, and indeed had even stopped showing much emotion quite some time before. He knew it hurt people, that Crow and Jack especially hated Kiryu for making it happen in the first place, but it was easier to hide behind a mask. Maybe it was time he stopped though, that he tried to be what everyone thought he was. Suddenly the god moved, and Yusei blinked as it drew near. It pressed one large claw, nearly half the size of Star, into his chest and rumbled out a gentle purr.

You have more strength than you realize, the god promised him quietly. Much more. You did not fall from the heavens or from grace. Rather, you became what the world needed in a Signer and lowered yourself for others. Your light is not that of a fallen star, destined to burn out. Nor is it a candle in the darkness, slowly losing its way. You are a Quasar. You will usher in light and peace. You are the birth of something more, and your gravity will pull in others around you. Shadows cannot hide in your light, and that is why people are drawn to you. Accept this, and you will find your true strength.

"What do you mean?" Yusei asked, perplexed.

But the dragon seemed to give him a sad smile and slowly backed up, carefully moving so he wouldn't injure him. Despite the familiar feeling of frustration at not gaining an answer, Yusei understood it was something he was going to have to figure out for himself. The dragon raised its wings, giving another roar, and Yusei felt a wave of vertigo. His eyes slid closed as he lost his balance, but he never hit the ground. Instead it was as if the world shifted and he felt someone's arms wrapped around him. Had he somehow fallen while he had looked into that it her world? He could feel tension in the air, as if more than Aki and the two dragons had been startled by his sudden lapse in concentration and fall.

"-usei," he heard Aki's voice, slowly coming back into focus as if he had been under water. Was he breathing? "Yusei!"

Her desperate voice finally seemed to make his screaming lungs remember how to work. He coughed, but managed to suck in another breath, shivering at the feeling. Soon enough, though his breathing was ragged as if he had nearly drowned, he was breathing. He didn't open his eyes for a few long moments feeling Aki let out a relieved sob and bury her face into the side of his neck, giving him a chance to just breathe. He fought down the vertigo that still threatened to send him into unconsciousness, wondering how long he had been like that. Some of the tension left the air, and he heard both dragons letting out worried coos. Whether those were for Aki or him, he couldn't tell. Slowly he opened his eyes, laying a hand on her shoulder.

"A-Aki?" He asked, hoping she would understand. She did.

"Y-You suddenly collapsed," she told him. "Even the Crimson Dragon seemed surprised. The mark didn't react but you… Y-You weren't breathing."

"I'm okay," he promised her quietly, though both dragons still made worried noises. He didn't even know when both had crowded around the two Signers, leaning over them with their wings outstretched as if to hide them from view. "Really. I'll explain what happened, just not here, okay? We have to finish this."

For a moment he was worried that Aki would refuse, and her arms tightened around him just a little. But she finally sat back, blinking tears away from her eyes and nodded. Her eyes widened as soon as she had though and he followed her eyes down with a curious gaze. As she seemed to reluctantly release him, he examined the markings. No longer were they the crimson they had been painted, but they were silver and shimmered slightly as they reflected the scarlet light of their Signers marks. He stood, his legs shaking for a few minutes. He could feel both dragons watching him even as they retook their perches, and Aki had yet to move. He laid his hand across his chest though. He hadn't liked the feeling of having drowned, but he was fine. In fact as his hand touched the place where the dragon's claw had touched him, he felt stronger somehow. That didn't stop the Crimson Dragon uncurling within his mind as if to check for injuries.

"Are you sure?" Aki asked, still clearly worried. He met her gaze unflinchingly, but there was something more there than she had ever seen. His mask had finally cracked, and he could see her blink in surprise.

"We need to do this," he said. "I'll tell everyone later. I promise." She nodded, trusting him to keep his word, but gave him a watery smile.

"That settles it," she said. "You're keeping that necklace. You get into too much trouble. Everyone else is going to agree so don't argue."

Yusei frowned, but decided he and worried her enough for one day so he let the subject drop. Seemingly satisfied, she nodded, before turning and making her way back over to Thorn. His eyes were staring back at him, unblinking, and Yusei knew from the dragon's tense body language and stare that he was worried. He could hear him let out a calming coo from here, as if to assure him that he could trust him. Star was silent behind him, but he knew she was worried too. He sent her a smile over his shoulder and she seemed to relax and purr to him a little. Aki took her place and Yusei took a deep breath.

"Shooting Quasar Dragon," he called. "The Signers ask you for aid! Send us the blessings as my Soaring Soul resonates!"

"Respond to my Blooming Soul," Ali cried.

Both raised their arms, and for a few moments nothing happened. Then suddenly Yusei felt the world around him shift again, but not as violently as before. Instead rings of wind seemed to form around him, howling and whipping his hair into his eyes. Around Aki a similar effect was taking place, though hers more resembled vines that had grown together in a loop. These circles raised above their heads, growing large enough to circle their dragons. It seemed the two needed no instruction, because both dragons leaped up into the air, curling their wings around themselves. These loops circled the dragons before bursting outward into light.

Yusei blinked as Star seemed to transform. She was smaller than before, though not by much. Still, she looked more like a machine now. She still resembled a jet liner, but it was more refined in shape now and had a crown like formation. Instead her nose was shorter and she looked more metallic in color. She had two wings which split at the ends into two separate sections. Her body was longer and more snake like, with thin "legs" and a whip like tail. She didn't have arms, but instead had orange and purple jewels set into her wings and chest. Thorn on the other hand seemed not to change much in comparison. His color was no longer the same blood red, but more like Aki's hair. His body was a dark red instead of black, and the rose petals were rimmed in black and looked more like feathers. The biggest difference was that he was now nearly double his original size.

When Star, now bearing the form of one of her ancestors, came close to him, he didn't hesitate to reach out and lay his hand against her head. She began to purr quietly. Thorn as he landed reached his larger wings out to shadow over both Signers. Aki walked forward with a smile to greet him, but Yusei was touched by the silent offer and promises of protection that he had just given him too. He knew that whatever had happened he had really scared the two dragons and Aki, and maybe whoever else was watching him here. He rubbed his hand along Star's head quietly, offering her an apologetic smile. Her face wasn't as an to show emotion now, but he could see her eyes soften. He turned to look at Aki instead.

"We should go," he said.

She pursed her lips, but nodded and went back towards the wall they entered from. He followed, not sure what to say. He couldn't really imagine what she felt like right now. She had opened her heart up to him, only for him to apparently collapse and stop breathing. She had to have been terrified. He was almost surprised she wasn't angry at him, but only just. He did know after all that when you had her loyalty it was for life. As he drew closer to her however she grabbed his arm, wrapping hers around it and forcing him to a halt. He gave her a glance, but she looked like she was going to start crying again if he tried to pull away. He didn't, reaching up and wincing as he sore muscles pulled but laying his hand on hers. He felt her relax a fraction at his clear understanding of what she was feeling. As the door opened the two dragons took to the skies again, swooping up through the path. It was a good thing the path was so large, or the Black Rose Moonlight Dragon wouldn't fit. The Majestic Star Dragon had no trouble however, and soon they were gone from sight.

The walk back up was quiet and awkward, but Yusei wasn't sure he wanted to break it. He didn't want to make Aki feel worse, and he wasn't sure he could say anything to make the situation better. As the sunlight came back into view however, he could feel Aki finally starting to relax again. They paused a moment, letting their eyes adjust back to the light, he shivered as magic settled into his skin. When he looked again the markings that had been so carefully painted onto them had seemingly faded into their skin. He supposed that meant they wouldn't have to explain to anyone why they had been painted on.

"Where do you think they went?" Aki mused aloud.

"No idea," he replied, watching as Star and Thorn flew out of the temple in their now probably temporary forms. "Maybe they only existed here?"

You're right, The Crimson Dragon replied. The marks are part of the rituals done in this temple. With their task now complete, my power has faded them from view. They will reappear when the time comes for you to return.

Yusei made a vague noise of understanding, getting a raised brow from Aki. His response was to tap his forehead with a single ginger twice and she nodded her understanding. He would tell her later, as he always had. He shrugged and motioned towards the door. Her arm tightened against his a moment, but they stepped out again into the sun. Yusei frowned up at the sky, noting that it had to be around three in the afternoon. He must have been out of it for longer than he thought. No wonder Aki and the dragons were so upset. He reached over, squeezing her hand again in a silent apology. She squeezed back, a promise that she knew it wasn't his fault.

The two dragons circled over their heads, keeping a careful watch as they made their way down the staircase. Yusei's brow raised however as they grew close to the bottom. There were more duel spirits than before, seemingly waiting at the bottom of the stairs for them. The two dragons landed in front of them as their Signers finished the last of the descent, glaring at the group. A few of them seemed to ball, but most just stared back. A bright light fell over thr dragons then, and they returned to their normal forms as Yusei had suspected. He wondered what it would take to perform the miracle that would let them summon the dragons to battle far longer.

"What do you want?" Star growled. Thorn clearly added something, because they shifted. Aki and Yusei stopped just beneath the wings of the two dragons.

One creature stepped forward, one that Yusei could recognize. It was a warrior spirit, mostly human like. It was covered in blue-purple armor with a white face. There was no nose or mouth, but glowing red lights that served as eyes. It wore a white scarf and had dark gray knuckles over it's fists. Being pieces sat iver its legs and arms, matching the torso of its body. It was a Junk Warrior, and Yusei was surprised to see the creature practically looking defiant. Next to it, a Phoenixian Cluster Amaryllis was waving nervously. Thus was a plant like monster, mostly orange in color, though it had a head with yellow eyes and yellow orange petals hanging like feathers over its green stem.

"You want to what?" Star asked, surprise clearly coloring her tone. The warrior motioned towards Yusei, and Star turned to look at him. Thorn had turned towards Aki too. "They want to make contracts with you and Aki."

Now it was Yusei's turn to blink. No wonder Star and Thorn were so confused. Contracts weren't as powerful as partnerships and could be broken far easier, but the fact remained that it wasn't normal to simply offer this. Duel Spirits were called "shy" for a reason, and letting them have the power to suddenly summon them away from their lives wasn't one that was given easily. We're these spirits from the tribe then? Why else would they simply give their power away? Aki made a surprised noise too, glancing towards the plant like creature, who seemed to wave in a sort of greeting towards her.

"Why us?" Yusei asked. "Why now?" The Junk Warrior turned back to Star, seemingly staring at her for a long while. She finally turned back to him.

"They say because their tribe has always offered this to Signers," she replied for them, and Thorn did the same for Aki. Yusei and Aki soon found their expectant gazes on them again. "and that it is their duty. Signers must face terrible battles, but they can't do it alone."

"Wait," Aki said, her voice sounding as overwhelmed by the information as Yusei felt. "Are you sure? You can't take this away!"

"They say they know that they can trust you."

Yusei just sighed and nodded quietly. How could he say no to more help, after all? At his nod, Star stepped back want Thorn soon followed. The Spirits seemed to perk up and stepped forward, leaving Yusei wondering what they were going to tell their teacher when they finally met up with the rest of the class.

Bruno was sitting in his dorm room, which had been graciously provided a year ago when he had ended up here. He didn't know what he was doing or even who he was, but he had an impending feeling of dread settling into his bones. This was wrong. He shouldn't have ended up like this. He should have remembered. There was something he needed to do. He couldn't remember anything though, and he had been forced to settle in. For a year he had pushed it to the back or his mind, pretending to be Bruno and just act like a kid even if he knew that was a lie.

He loved these people and he felt the pressure again. He had to protect them, but he didn't know how. He found himself soon put into more and more advanced classes, and the students grew to like him too. It wasn't until Yusei Fudo walked into class that something in him had felt relief. Something told him that Yusei was so very important, and in so much danger. He only had the one class either him, but when his quiet new friend was out of sight he felt unease unlike any before. He couldn't help but try and befriend him try to keep him close. The feeling had only been getting worse, and gnawing at the hole in his memories.

A phone was in his hands as he stared at the opposite wall, wondering what he was going to do. The phone was one of his only links to hair mysterious past other than what he thought may be a D-Wheel. It was unlike anything he had ever seen though, and the phone never rang. The numbers never connected when he tried calling them either, like it was a ghostly relic from some forgotten time. So of course Bruno jumped about three feet into the air when it suddenly began ringing. He stared at it with wide eyes, his face not quite making sense of the caller ID. Was that a name or nickname? He wasn't sure, but ahyku picked it up.

"H-Hello?" He asked.

"Antinomy," a young man's voice gasped. "Thank goodness. I thought I was the only one! To think the Immortals would go so far as to force us off course...things must be getting bad there. Do you know what's happening?"

"I-I'm sorry," Bruno said, absolutely confused. "But who are you?" For a while the other end was silent, until the voice then spoke again.

"You mean you don't remember?" The man asked, quiet horror evident in his tone. "Were you hurt badly? Damn, I'm going to kill them for this!"

Bruno was surprised at the venom and conviction in the man's tone, wondering what he had ever done to deserve such things. The man clearly seemed to know him, even if he wasn't sure who he was. Still, the name he ahe used for him was so unfamiliar and yet so right sounding at the same time. For a while the man stewed silently in his apparent anger. Bruno didn't know what he meant though. Where had they traveled from? What were these Immortals and how had they all gotten separated? He talked like there were more of them.

"Um," Bruno said, unsure what to do. "I was hurt. But I've been here about a year so…"

"A year?" The stranger gasped. "Did they screw things up that much? Then when will the others get here? Have you at least found out where Yusei Fudo is?"

"Huh?" Bruno asked, feeling a wave of protectiveness towards his friend. "What do you want with Yusei?"

"So you did find him," the man sighed. "Good. Even without your memories it seems you knew your mission. Maybe there are some merits to being an Android after all."

"What are you talking about?" Bruno demanded, feeling frustration and anger welling up in him. No way anyone was hurting any of his friends here. "Who are you and where did you come from?"

"I'm not here to hurt anyone, Antinomy," the man soothed patiently. Bruno got the feeling it was largely out of character and he must be really worried. "And neither are you. We came from New Domino City, but the real question is when, not where. We came from several years into this world's future because of the Crimson Dragon. He wants our help to make sure things go the best they can."

"I don't know what you're talking about," Bruno growled. "Why would we need to to change the past?"

"Because things went wrong," he said, frustration starting to enter his tone. "The Signers need to survive. Because some of them died, the world was still left a mess. There are things we can change to make our own future brighter. That was the task we took even if it meant we would disappear! Antinomy, if you want Yusei Fudo to live to see the end if this war this time you're going to have to trust me."

The words brought back a terrible feeling of dread, the same he and tried to force down for a year. Now it was roaring in his veins worse than ever, and Bruno was glad he was sitting. He had always felt Yusei was in danger so did that mean that somehow he knew what this man was saying was true? Did he know that Yusei was going to die if he didn't do something? But what was he supposed to do? How could he not be scared? If he was from the future then wouldn't he cease to be if they changed the past? Somehow the thought didn't bother him much.

"Antinomy?" The man asked quietly.

"What are we supposed to do?" Bruno asked, trying to keep the trembling from his voice. The stranger let out a relieved sigh.

"Just stay close to him," he replied. "You're an Android. The technology doesn't exist yet to make a creature like you, so the Dark Signers won't expect it. If nothing else you'll be the perfect shield, though I don't want to think about any of my friends getting hurt. I'll look for the rest of our friends and we'll work on watching out for all of the Signers."

"I don't understand any of this…"

"I'll explain," the stranger soothed. "Just...promise me you're not lying. It's already bad enough you don't remember, Antinomy. You're not hurt are you?"

"I'm not lying," he quickly promised, even if he didn't know why. "I'm not hurt anymore. I promise. But I've been going by Bruno for a long time now. I'm enrolled at Duel Academy with Yusei."

"That's probably for the best then," the man sighed. "I'll start from the beginning. I hope you're comfortable, because this is a very long story."

"I'm sorry," Bruno couldn't help but say at the man's dejected tone.

"Don't be. It could have been much worse. You could be dead."

"But I," Bruno said quietly. "I don't even know you...but I think I should."

"It's alright. Just take it slow. Don't push yourself. And please, call me Paradox."

Um, tada? Please don't hate me. I couldn't help but make this happen. People asked if I was going to work in Bruno's plot line, and here is your answer! Yliaster is going to be making an appearance, but as good guys in this story. And I wanted to involve Paradox because I do like him a little. He is very determined, ready to do anything, and in a way wants to make things better. Because of that he seemed like a good person to add to this story. He wants to make his future better no matter the cost, and when the Crimson Dragon pops up offering a chance because he wants to save his Signers, he jumps on the time travel train.

He's also important to the theme of the story that people with powerful conviction can reach the gods. Yusei and Yugi are both good examples of this (and Yami too). Also yeah, the Crimson Dragon can time travel and resurrect the dead because he is the god of humanity. And because I said so. He does limit himself a bit about all of it and he doesn't do it all the time, but he can.

The parents sub plot as I'm calling it is wrapping up soon. So what do I do? Add another sub plot and start focusing more on the Dark Signers. Yay. Send help.

Also what do you think of Shooting Quasar Dragon being a god? As always feel free to leave me a review below!