Disclaimer: I don't own Yu-Gi-Oh. Wish I did though.

Author's Note: As mentioned in the summary, this story is set after the events of Bonds Beyond Time, following Jaden/Judai when he attempts to travel back to his own timeline. I have no idea how well readers will take it if I incorporated Pendulum, Synchro, and Xyz for the sake of this AU.

Note that his mental age would be 20-21 in this story, and is now more mature as opposed from the original series.

Please be sure to let me know in the reviews. Pairings have not been completely finalized later.

"Character thoughts/Duel Spirits talking/Flashbacks"

(Level or Rank/ATK/DEF)

Enjoy!

Chapter 1: Re:start From Zero

Jaden's golden eyes flashed brightly as he and Yami Yugi activated their respective cards. "Activate, Neos Spiral Force and Black Spiral Force! It allows us to double Stardust's Dragon's current ATK points twice!"

Roaring, Stardust Dragon began to shine brightly as it was empowered by the two Trap Cards. The stardust glimmering off the monster also began to glow fiercely in the same shade of multi-chromatic colour.

"This is our power to head towards the future!" Yusei Fudo yelled as he declared the attack. "Go, Stardust Dragon! (8/10000/2000)"

Charging up, the aquamarine dragon launched a powerful beam boosted by the other two duelists of legend. Dark Magician and Elemental Hero Neos followed up by empowering Stardust Dragon's attack with their own thanks to Neos Spiral Force and Black Spiral Force.

"Shooting Spiral Sonic!" The three duelists yelled as they swung their arms out.

Paradox's face contorted with terror as the titanic beam soared towards him and his Malefic Truth Dragon (12/4000/4000). "An ATK power of 10000! What?"

The blast collided with the fused Paradox and the Malefic Truth Dragon headfirst, causing the villain to shield himself with his arms. "D-Does this mean my experiment was incorrect?"

Yugi/Jaden/Yusei: 500

Paradox: 0

His yell faded as a pillar of light pierced into the sky, cancelling the field effect of Malefic World and signalling the end of the Duel. Jaden, Yusei, and Yami Yugi smiled as a familiar helicopter could be seen approaching within the horizon, safe and sound.

The future was once again secure.

Marvelling the sunset, the legendary trio had their silence broken when Yami Yugi turned towards them with a smile. They had a good time discussing the differences of their timelines, and the changes that would come in the future regarding the development of Duel Monsters.

"Are you guys going now?" The King of Games asked reluctantly.

"Yeah, we still have a lot lot undone in our own eras." Jaden smirked back.

Yusei nodded. "However, I think we'll be able to meet again..." The Satellite mechanic paused for a brief moment, contemplating his next words before speaking with a friendly tone.

"And when we do, please allow me a duel."

"Right, I'm sure of it! We'll meet again someday!" Yami Yugi's eyes immediately brightened up as his tone also became enthusiastic. "As long as we believe in Duel Monsters, our bonds will always be joined together!"

Sticking his hand out first, Jaden grinned from ear to ear as he felt Yusei's leather grip on top of his hand, before joined on top by the King of Games'. The trio held the position together for a long moment, not saying a word. Their bonds were demonstrated by the show of friendship.

"Goodbye, everyone." Yusei was the first to break away as the Crimson Dragon suddenly appeared though 2 voids. Jaden also let go, giving his signature salute as he walked towards one of the voids.

"Wait up, Jaden." The said duelist turned back to face the King of Games. "That Winged Kuriboh..."

"Yep!" Jaden smiled as he gave Yami Yugi a thumbs up. "You were the one who gave it to me, and he has been one of my closest friends in my Deck."

"I see." The Pharaoh hid a smile as he reached into his pocket. "Then take these as well. I have a feeling that you could use them somewhere in the future."

"Gee, thanks." Jaden glanced at the cards and frowned slightly. "Erm, these cards aren't my kind of thing though. I don't think I'll be able to make use of them properly."

Attempting to hand the cards back, Yami Yugi held a palm up. "I can sense the power of darkness within you Jaden, and the Heart of the Cards tells me that you'll be needing these when the time comes. Maybe not now, but one day."

The Slifer graduate sighed before giving a bashful grin and pocketing the cards. Jaden had felt the same thing that the King of Games was saying, and perhaps he might be able to use them in the future. Maybe he could even start building a dragon theme in his HERO Deck.

"Thanks a lot, Yugi." Jaden bowed gratefully. "I hope you don't mind me accepting these rare cards."

Yami Yugi laughed in a humorous manner. "Don't you worry, Jaden. I still have more copies of those cards at home. I'll be fine."

Jaden smirked back as he turned towards the portal again. "I'll be looking forward to seeing you in the future, Yugi."

"As do I." Yami Yugi felt his eyes tear up as he waved them farewell. "Goodbye, my friends."

"May our bonds of friendship last forever."

Yusei rode out of the void in his signature duel runner, landing smoothly on the highway that overlooked all of Neo Domino City. Taking off his helmet, he frowned as he realized that something was wrong. Jaden was supposed to have rode with him to his timeline before Yusei returned to his own.

"Jaden... I hope you're alright."

Sighing, Yusei stopped thinking hard on it as Jaden wasn't your average duelist. Even if he didn't come with him, the younger duelist could definitely find his way back to his own timeline without the Crimson Dragon's power, since he obviously had a strong power of his own to use.

The power of the Supreme King, embodiment of the Gentle Darkness. The Satellite Shooting Star remembered from Jaden explaining after the Duel with Paradox, and how the Supreme King's soul had been reincarnated within him.

He was truly powerful, carrying strength to rival the Crimson Dragon by himself alone.

"But why doesn't it feel right?"

Soaring through the darkness, Jaden frowned as the feeling was much different than how he and Yusei had arrived at Yugi's timeline. Something felt wrong since he swore that he had been free falling for over 20 minutes in the pitch-black darkness.

"Jaden, I also think something's wrong." His most trusted monster, Yubel, frowned as she appeared in her demonic silhouette. She was a Duel Spirit that had served the Supreme King in the past, and had been transformed into a demonic protector for her devotion and loyalty.

"This power doesn't feel like the Crimson Dragon's, yet it's not from a malevolent source. I believe the creator of our new destination has something planned for us." Yubel flapped her black dragon wings nervously.

"I see. I had wanted to return these to my friends before we were thrown into this detour." Jaden frowned as he took out Cyber End Dragon (10/4000/2800) and Rainbow Dragon (10/4000/0) from his pocket.

Aside from the cards Yugi had given him, he had also taken back the ace monsters Paradox had stolen from his friends Zane Truesdale and Jesse Anderson. Yugi had taken back the Blue-Eyes White Dragon as well as the Red-Eyes Black Dragon for Kaiba and Joey, while Yusei took his Stardust Dragon back.

Yubel smiled. Ever since they had left Duel Academy, Jaden only grew more and more mature. Not even 3 years have passed, but ever since he began accepting the powers of the Supreme King as his own, the change has been gradual, but very progressive.

"Koo!" Jaden turned to see Winged Kuriboh giving him a worried gaze. The Slifer graduate couldn't help but think warmly of all the battles they had fought together, and the hardships they had endured while petting it in an affectionate manner.

"Don't worry, I'm fine." The Duelist comforted the Duel Spirit. "I'm just a little concerned that my friends wouldn't be able to have their cards back for the time being."

"Jaden!" Yubel warned the incarnate of the Gentle Darkness as a bright light finally appeared at the end of the void journey. They were about to find out where they have been transported, and it was best that they be cautious in an unfamiliar environment.

Landing on a grassy hill, Jaden grunted as he was forced to somersault down in order to reduce the force of the fall. Picking himself up, he brushed away the blades of grass that still clung to his signature Slifer Red jacket.

"Ouch, that was painful." Jaden rubbed his sore bottom as he complained. Something felt off with his voice though, and it was probably due to the large dust cloud created from his impact.

But does dust even cause your voice to pitch higher than usual?

"M-My lord! You-" The Slifer graduate turned quizzically towards his most loyal Duel Spirit. Taking out a mirror from his knapsack, Jaden's own eyes snapped open in shock when he realized the reason behind Yubel's surprise.

"HOW DID THIS HAPPEN?" He yelled.

The Duelist's hands washed over his own body and face in a panic. He hoped it was just a hallucination, but the touches confirmed his worst fears.

"Excuse me. Coming through." A teen with black hair and black eyes politely spoke as he tried to snake his way out from the flood of passengers from the train. Wincing as someone's elbow made contact with his cheek, he tried his best to avoid the multitude of flailing limbs from the other riders who had fallen behind on their schedules.

"This sucks. I'm running late for the examination." Finally making it up the long line of stairs and the underground terminal station, he desperately tried to force his body to continue running. "The train just had to be late today on my big day, ugh."

Gasping for breath, he felt his eyes dull as he weakly stumbled through the park that was a shortcut to the examinations building. "I really need to start exercising soon. Preparing for the exam really made me out of shape."

The teen then clenched his fists nervously. This power inside him was extremely dangerous, and he withheld himself from dueling for years. However, if he truly wanted to attend his dream school, as well as find "her" again, he needed to do it.

Distracted in his thoughts, the young duelist was completely unaware as he collided headfirst into a red-jacketed brunette.

"Ahahaha! Jaden, you're back into your teens again! How adorable!" Yubel continued to snicker as Jaden wore a despondant feature on his face.

It was already bad doing all the paperwork for passports and whatnot for his travels, and reverting to a younger age just made all of his official documents useless. Not only that, Jaden was not even sure that they were in Domino City.

However, the brunette was more depressed about his voice than anything else. It had grown darker and masculine in his early adult years, and he prided himself in having developed a smooth tone.

"I really don't know, Yubel." Jaden muttered bitterly as he observed some individuals walking by in the park. Their clothes seemed completely different from the fashion of what he was used to, and he could tell from the stares he was getting that his own attire wasn't of the norm either.

"This timeline seems completely different from ours." The HERO Duelist concluded.

After all, ties on females wasn't exactly popular from his time in terms of casual clothing, neither was the crazy styles of hair from the males. There were people with close to normal appearances as well though, but it was a rare sight compared to the majority.

"Jaden! Look out!" Yubel warned, but it was too late.

The Slifer graduate made a squeaky yelp as someone collided headfirst into him, causing a Duel Disk and cards to be scattered into the air. Holding his throbbing forehead, Jaden looked down to find a black haired teen about the same age as his current self performing the same action.

"Sorry..." He said as he picked himself off the ground and began collecting his dispersed cards. His pupils were also dark in the same shade of black, and he had on a light-blue jacket that had an aquamarine tinge to it with black olive jeans.

Jaden also noted that the teen's hair seemed to be quite tame as opposed to the styles of the other males he had observed in the park. They both also appeared to have a similar slim body-type, with moderate muscle. Not only that, their heights were pretty much identical at a solid 5'6.

"It's fine! I can see that you're in a rush." Jaden laughed as he bent down to help collect the cards. It was reassuring to him that Duel Monsters seemed to be prevalent in the new timeline that they had been transported to. "Do you Duel?"

"Yes, and thanks a lot. I'm very grateful." The black haired duelist smiled gently back as he accepted the small stack Jaden had collected. "My name's Yuuji. Are you also participating in the examination?"

"I'm Jaden." The Slifer graduate was glad that he had met someone kind in a completely different timeline. "By the way, what's this examination about?"

Yuuji gave him a quizzical look.

"Erm. Today's the examination to see if you can attend Duel Academia. Aren't you also participating?" He pointed to Jaden's Duel Disk still attached to his left arm.

Jaden's heart skipped a beat at the mention of Duel Academia. "If that place also exists here..."

"Ah, right." Jaden glanced down at the familiar technology to hide his excitement. However, as he gave an unintentional closer examination, Jaden noticed that Yuuji's Duel Disk looked a lot more advanced than his. It was much more compact and looked to weigh less than his own, and much more high-tech.

Unlike the standard two-piece separation from the Kaiba-corp model, Yuuji's seemed to only have the deck and graveyard slot visible as a one piece. Not only that, the whole body was a solid black while his contained the red, blue, and white colours.

"Now that I mentioned it, your Duel Disk doesn't seem to be of the version that we use." Yuuji commented as he activated his Disk, causing a light blue laser blade to pop out. Jaden jumped back at the sudden appearance of the blade.

"Uh... Yeah." Jaden recomposed himself internally as Yuuji gave him another weird look. He wondered what other surprises this timeline had for him. "So where is this examination happening?"

"Oh, so you're lost and also running behind." Yuuji's dark eyes brightened in realization. "Don't worry, I'll take you there with me, but we must hurry. There's only about 5 minutes left before the examiners close any more entries."

"Always running late, am I right Jaden?" Yubel chuckled lightly as a light smirk appeared on Jaden's lips. However, it disappeared as quickly as it came when Yuuji suddenly took a large step back.

"That's an interesting Spirit you have there." Yuuji seemed unsurprised at the appearance of Yubel, yet he appeared to be extremely wary of her presence.

"You can see her too?" Both Jaden and Yubel were caught unguarded by this reaction from the dark-haired teen. It wasn't as if individuals who can see Duel Spirits are surprisingly rare, but rather Yuuji's actions from witnessing her terrifying appearance.

Even Yusei and Yugi were slightly freaked out when she had first appeared in front of them.

"Yep, and I'm fairly certain most others would find her look to be traumatizing." Yuuji chuckled drily while giving Yubel a polite greeting. However, he didn't realize he had also given off a flash of a familiar, yet dangerous aura with his response.

"I'm used to things like this though, I've seen and been through enough." The dark-haired teen finished a cryptic manner, seemingly unaware of the illusive white glow radiating off him.

Although Jaden was curious at the meaning behind his words, he could feel his instincts screaming at him to be wary of danger. This very power had nearly destroyed the world back during his days at Duel Academy, and he couldn't believe that he had found it to exist in this timeline as well.

He thought he had completely destroyed it.

Yuuji put on a fake smile as he pointed towards an intersection across the park. "Anyways, we best hurry. Even if the examination is a drop-in, they still don't take kindly to anyone who is late even one minute. We need to be there in 5 minutes, or there's no chance of getting in this year without a miracle."

"Right." Jaden returned the fake smile and began to hurry with Yuuji towards their destination. He didn't know what exactly awaited him in this timeline, but the Slifer graduate might as well as face it head-on.

Not only that, Jaden was sure that the one he currently ran beside would be an important piece in finding out the truth.

"That was close." Yuuji commented breathlessly. "I had planned to arrive 30 minutes ago, but the usual train just had to be delayed for me. Another minute and we'd have been toast."

Arriving in front of a modest butterdome, Jaden couldn't help but think of how he had passed his examination all those years ago. The nostalgic tension and excitement from the aspiring Duelists was thick in the air.

"But hey, atleast you got to meet me, your new best friend." Jaden joked weakly, causing Yuuji to snicker as he gave a nod in return.

"So you are the last two, eh?" Jaden and Yuuji looked up to see a titanic receptionist whose biceps and chest bulged out of his business clothes.

A red mohawk stretched itself vertically across his polished head and complimented his enormous physique, giving off an intimidating feel as if both duelists had walked into a mob hideout, and not an examination room.

The gigantic receptionist pointed to a stack of forms on a nearby table before handing them two pens. The writing utensils seemed like toothpicks in his mammoth hands. Quickly filling them out, both Jaden and Yuuji waited patiently as the receptionist checked over their information.

"So Yuuji and... Judai?" Jaden gave a nod of confirmation.

"It's my legal name." Jaden quickly explained to Yuuji. "Jaden is my preferred name, but you can call me whichever one you like."

"I think Judai fits you better." Yuuji teased back in a genuine friendly manner.

"Alright, lovebirds. Don't get too excited." Both Yuuji and Jaden sweatdropped. The receptionist was hunched over and typing at a remarkably fast speed. "Judai is in examination room B-2. Yuuji, you're in E-3."

"I've sent the information to the examiners, and they'll notify you of the practical once you've finished the written." The humongous man shooed them away as he went back to typing on the computer.

"Well then, good luck Jaden." Yuuji said as he began walking towards the E hall. "I hope we can both make it, and maybe we can even share a dorm together if we both place in the same rank."

"Definitely! Good luck to you too!" Jaden gave his signature salute as he walked away towards his own hall. He felt Yubel appearing beside him as he walked toward this assigned room.

"Jaden, that boy holds THAT power." Yubel commented as Jaden's expression turned serious. "I'm not sure if you realized, but he's our enemy and-"

"I know, Yubel." Jaden's hazel eyes flashed gold as his facial expression turned fierce. "It's definitely the same power, but for now, let's just worry about ourselves and gather more information."

Their meeting with Yuuji could not have been a coincidence, but rather pre-determined by fate.

"As you wish, my lord." Yubel sighed.

Written Response 1: Which Summoning method(s) requires a Tuner Monster, regardless of circumstance?

Jaden frowned as he remembered Yusei talking briefly about the Summoning mechanic he used called Synchro Summoning after the Duel with Paradox. They had discussed briefly on the different of each other's timelines before they decided to part ways.

He was pretty sure that it was the only choice available, since he didn't know any other methods requiring the same specific condition.

"This one's fairly simple. Synchro Summoning." Jaden quickly wrote his answer down as he moved to the next question.

However, the incarnate of the Gentle Darkness took a brief pause and smirked. He had flunked his written portion during his entrance exam back when he had just entered Duel Academy all those years ago.

Since he has much more knowledge of the game now, most of the test had been a easy breeze on the fundamental rules and mechanics of Duel Monsters. Jaden was curious on how his school life would turn out this time.

Written Response 2: Which Summoning method(s) can be performed by 2 monsters of the same or exact Level, ignoring other circumstances?

"Ritual, Fusion, and Synchro for sure." Jaden jotted them down as he frowned. It was more than likely that other Summoning methods can exist in this timeline, but it's impossible for him to know what they are now since he had just recently arrived.

Written Response 3 (Bonus): Which Summoning method(s) can only be performed by properly set scales of 3 and 5?

Jaden deadpanned as he looked at the question. "No idea what scales are, but this is definitely saying there are more Summoning methods than the ones I currently know."

Sighing, Jaden left it blank and handed it to the expressionless female examiner. "Might as well as ace the practical."

"I can't figure out how this chain will finish resolving!" Yuuji face-palmed in frustration as he glanced at the last two questions that he had no idea on.

"Time's up. Pencil down." The male examiner declared as Yuuji circled in 2 random answers. Collecting the test, Yuuji faceplanted on his Deck as those 2 questions possibly costed him his perfect score.

"At least the bonus would account for one of them..."

"Head towards the centre of the building. There are 3 stadiums, so make sure you pay attention to when your name is called." Yuuji nodded in understanding.

"How was it?" Jaden immediately changed his expression as he turned to face Yuuji, who currently wore a friendly smile on his face.

There were plenty of other teens up on the spectator docks that mingled together, with a large number of them appearing to have already finished their practical. Some were having casual conversations, while others took more interest in examining the Duels of others as they could be possible peers.

"I think I did well, although I wasn't too sure of some of the written." Jaden answered truthfully with a bashful grin. The Supreme King reincarnate also took out his Deck and began to sift through it.

"You run an Elemental HERO Deck? That's pretty cool." Yuuji complimented as he took a quick peek at the cards in Jaden's hands.

"Yeah." Jaden replied cautiously after giving his Deck a once-over. For now, it was better that he kept his guard up, especially in front of an ancient nemesis that had caused his demise in the past.

"Judai Yuki to Stadium 3, please." The PA buzzed.

"Good luck, Jaden." Putting his Deck into his Duel Disk, Jaden gave his signature salute from Yuuji's words as he turned towards the stairs leading to the correct stadium.

Descending the stairs, Jaden stepped onto the field to face an examiner with black hair and dark grey eyes. He had an effeminate face, but a well toned physique underneath his black trenchcoat.

"Hello, examinee." Jaden ignored the proctor eyeing his attire for a little too long to be comfortable while he spoke. "I am Examiner Kazuto Kirigaya, and I'll be testing you today in order to determine your ranking in Duel Academia."

"Hello, examiner. I'm Judai Yuki, but you can call me Jaden." The Slifer Graduate replied as he activated his old Duel Disk model. He noticed Examiner Kazuto also gave another brief pause to examine his technology.

Taking the time to observe his surroundings, Jaden noticed the spectator windows near the roof. There were quite a number of people watching him curiously, most likely due to his current appearance and clothes.

"Very well, Jaden. I wish you luck." Kazuto activated his own Duel Disk, which had the same black frame as Yuuji's but with a laser black Disk as well.

"Duel!" Both Duelists shouted.

Jaden: 4000

Kazuto: 4000

"Since you are the examinee, you may take the first move." Jaden nodded as he drew his starting hand. However, as he tried to draw another card to begin his turn, his Duel Disk prevented his Deck from budging.

As he was about to tell the examiner that his Duel Disk was broken, Kazuto interrupted him. "Erm... You're not allowed to draw or attack if you go first in a Duel."

"Weird rules in this timeline. I wonder what else is new?" Jaden ignored the jeers and laughter he heard from the spectator windows, mostly from female voices.

"Ahh! Kirigaya-Sensei is so handsome!"

"I want to marry Kirigaya-Sensei when I grow up!"

"Looks like he's popular with the ladies." Jaden sweatdropped as Kazuto gave a bashful wave to the spectators, trying to silence them.

Seeing Yubel appear beside him in her spirit form with a furious expression, Jaden shook his head, signalling for her to back off. "It's alright, Yubel. I'm fine."

Looking back at his hand, it appeared viable enough to defend himself even if he was down a card.

"I'll Set one monster and two cards face-down. It's your turn." Jaden said as he inserted the cards into his Duel Disk.

"Very well." Kazuto drew his sixth card, making Jaden frown slightly as his opponent now had a +1 card advantage before making any plays.

"I'll Summon Constellar Kaus in Attack Position." Kazuto placed a card onto his Duel Disk, causing a centaur dressed elaborately in white and gold armour to appear. It also carried a golden bow with a light arrow drawn. (4/1800/700)

"Constellar Kaus attacks your Set monster! Piercing arrow!" Constellar Kaus fired the light arrow at Jaden's Set card, which immediately flipped face-up to reveal a large clay giant wearing a red helmet. (4/800/2000)

"Sorry, examiner. Elemental HERO Clayman has a higher DEF than your monster's ATK." Jaden smirked as his monster knocked away the arrow of light away with a backhand swing.

Jaden: 4000

Kazuto: 3800

"I'll set this card and end my turn." Kazuto said as a Set card appeared behind Constellar Kaus.

"Draw!" Jaden took a quick glance at the card and smiled. "Thanks a lot for deciding to fight with me. I'll return you back to Jesse soon, I promise."

"Seems like it's game over, examiner."

"Oh?" Kazuto seemed to be genuinely surprised at his declaration.

"Come to think of it... I've come really far, haven't I?" Jaden couldn't help but smile as he activated a familiar Spell Card from his hand.

"Polymerization fuses my Elemental HERO Neos and Rainbow Dragon together from my hand!" Jaden declared as he placed the Fusion Materials into his Graveyard slot.

"When the protector of space and rainbow divinity combine, a new beacon of hope is born!" The wielder of the Gentle Darkness felt his pupils flash gold as he chanted, although it went unnoticed by the spectators. "Fusion Summon!"

"Descend, Rainbow Neos!" Jaden slammed down the shining card onto his Duel Disk.

Kazuto gaped as a huge, majestic warrior descended from the portal. It radiated an aura of majesty as it landed on the field. Beautiful, angelic wings and armour in the colours of white and gold adorned its body. (10/4500/3000)

"Wow." Yuuji's dark eyes widened in surprise as he examined the holy warrior. He heard the clamour of the other examinees change from insulting Jaden to excitement on his Duelling prowess.

Yuuji thought it was weird when Jaden had tried to draw on his first turn, when he was the one who had asked him if he Duelled. He concluded that the brunette thought it would've been funny to pull a joke, since now it was blatantly apparent that Jaden was a formidable Duelist.

Shaking his head with a soft smile, he turned back to examine how the Duel would end.

"I activate Rainbow Neos' effect!" Jaden placed his Limit Reverse into his Graveyard slot form his Spell/Trap Zone, which had been Set on his previous turn.

"Once per turn, I can send one Spell or Trap Card I control to the Graveyard and shuffle all of yours back into the Deck!"

Flapping its holy wings, Kazuto watched impressively as his Sakuretsu Armor was blown back into his Deck from a virtual hurricane that trailed with particles of light.

"Now I'll activate my other Set card, H-Heated Heart!" Jaden flipped the Spell Card face-up, which had been Set as a bluff.

"This card gives my Clayman an addition 500 ATK until the end of this turn, as well as a piercing effect." Jaden rubbed his nose triumphantly as the clay giant powered up. (4/1300/2000)

"I switch Elemental HERO Clayman to Attack Position, and Rainbow Neos attacks your Constellar Kaus! Holy Neos Force!" Jaden commanded.

Firing a monstrous blast of light from its fists, Kazuto shielded himself from the force as Constellar Kaus was completely annihilated from the attack. "Ouch."

Jaden: 4000

Kazuto: 1100

"Don't worry, examiner. It'll be over soon." Jaden grinned. "Clayman! Finish this Duel off with Clay Tackle!"

Blocking the tackle with his disk, Kazuto smiled bashfully as he watched his life points deplete. "Congratulations, Jaden. Well done."

Jaden: 4000

Kazuto: 0

"Gotcha!" Shooting Kazuto his signature salute, Jaden stood proudly as he heard cheering from the spectators.

Maybe this timeline wasn't so bad after all.

"Congrats, Jaden." Yuuji was the first to greet Jaden once he exited the stadium. "That was an awesome Duel. You're really good."

Chuckling, Jaden scratched his head bashfully at the praise. Although he was wary of Yuuji, he couldn't help but feel shy at the compliment. "It wasn't anything special. How are you feeling for your practical?"

Yuuji coughed nervously. "Well, in all honesty, I'm still anxious from seeing your performance. I am definitely not at your level of expertise."

"Yuuji Hikaryu to Stadium 3, please." The PA blared again.

"Good luck. You're up against the same examiner as me." Jaden cautiously patted Yuuji's shoulder. The dark-haired teen gave him a weak smile before turning towards his destination.

"I am Examiner Kazuto Kirigaya." The handsome examiner smiled politely. The day had been long, and he had already introduced himself to over 100 examinees. Thankfully, these were the last few before the proctors could go home and relax.

"Judai Yuki." The last examinee had been surprising though. Kazuto couldn't believe he witnessed such talent that was on par with the pros. Most of the teens they tested haven't mastered a specific Summoning method yet, even if they had learned it in theory.

Sighing, he thought about the examinees that had lost to his Constellar test Deck. Hopefully, they could still get into Duel Academia by doing well enough on the written portion.

"I'm Yuuji Hikaryu." Yuuji tried to look confident as he activated his Duel Disk, causing the light blue laser blade to pop out. Kazuto also activated his own black Duel Disk.

"Hikaryu..." Kazuto mused in interest. "Oh! Would your sister happen to possibly be-"

The examiner stopped himself from speaking further at Yuuji's quick and serious nod, understanding the situation. "Very well."

"Good luck, Yuuji. Since you're the examinee, you may have the first move." The examiner smiled kindly.

"Thank you." Yuuji replied.

"Duel!" Both Duelists shouted simultaneously.

Yuuji: 4000

Kazuto: 4000

Looking at his hand, Yuuji briefly paused to contemplate his choices. "I'll Set a monster and call it a turn."

Jaden focused on the Duel with a high intensity. After he had gotten away from a large crowd that mobbed him with curious questions, the Supreme King reincarnate managed to find an isolated corner to observe Yuuji's practical exam.

Sensing Yubel appearing beside him, Jaden's tone was solemn as he spoke. "Do you believe that he's our enemy?"

The demonic servant bowed her head. "I do not know, Jaden. He seems to bear no malevolence towards us in his actions. However, it could all just be an act for us to lower our guard."

Jaden nodded in reluctant agreement. "I agree, but seems like he really wants to be our friend."

Flapping her dragonic wings, Yubel's tone was laced with hatred. "Don't forget how you both killed each other millenias ago, my lord. The moment he appears to try anything against you, I will be sure to kill him."

"Hmm... This'll give him a tough time." Kazuto frowned as he glanced at his drawn card.

"I'll start by Summoning Constellar Pollux." A warrior wearing armour of half gold and half white appeared onto the field, brandishing a double bladed sword. (4/1700/600)

"His effect allows me to conduct another Normal Summon of a 'Constellar' monster this turn." Kazuto explained as he placed another card onto his disk. "By tributing Pollux, here comes Constellar Virgo."

A slender, angeloid-like monster took the place of Constellar Pollux in a flash of light. It appeared to have a female body-shape and was dressed in a white and gold robe. (5/2300/1600)

"Virgo's effect activates. When it's Normal Summoned, I can Special Summon a Level 5 'Constellar' monster from my hand in Defense Position. I choose Constellar Zubeneschamali." A large, white golem armed with sharp claws appeared beside Constellar Virgo. It also had two large shields on its forearms. (5/2100/1400)

Yuuji felt himself break out into cold sweat when the two monsters turned into rays of lights. They disappeared as they flew and combined together in the dark vortex that had appeared on the field.

"Cluster up into the champion of the stars! Xyz Summon!" Kazuto slammed a card onto his Duel Disk as he chanted. "Appear now, Constellar Pleiades!"

A paladin armed with a peculiar sword shaped like a bow slowly emerged from the void. It had the standard gold and white armour of the Constellars, as well as a cape with seven points. Two orbs of yellow light encircled around its body. (R5/2500/1500)

"Xyz Summon?" Jaden sat up from his seat in shock at the appearance of Constellar Pleiades. At first, he had thought Kazuto was aiming for a beatdown strategy, but he completely was taken aback by another new Summoning method.

"This examiner is certainly not pulling any punches." Yubel mused.

"Yeah, and to think I only learned about Synchro Summon a few hours ago." Jaden chuckled internally. "Looks like I also missed the mark on that Written Response from the written portion as well."

The Slifer graduate sighed. "The Summoning method with two monsters of equal Level included this type of Summon."

Jaden turned back towards the Duel, focusing on the nervous-looking duelist. "Now that I think about it, this might not even be a different timeline, Yubel."

"This could be a different world entirely."

Kazuto felt slightly guilty about Summoning the Xyz Monster since it caused most of the examinees to be defeated by its powerful effect. However, he had to follow protocols, and that meant to play his best using the test Deck given to him.

"I activate Pleiades' effect!" Kazuto declared as one of the orbs of light disappeared into the paladin's weapon. "By detaching 1 Xyz material, I can target 1 card on the field and return it to the hand!"

Shooting an arrow of light from its weapon, Yuuji grimaced as his Set monster returned back into his hand in card form.

"Now Pleiades attacks your life points directly." The examiner commanded.

Swinging its weapon, Yuuji grunted as Pleides slashed him across the chest with the blades on the edges. The duelist fell down to one knee and had his hair overshadow his eyes.

Yuuji: 1500

Kazuto: 4000

Cheers erupted from the spectator windows from Kazuto's demonstration of skill. "I'll Set a card and end my turn."

"I draw." Yuuji briefly glanced at the card before inserting it into his Duel Disk. Looking up, he now wore an unreadable expression, surprising Kazuto with the sudden change in mood.

"I activate Charge of the Light Brigade."

"Ayumi. I've gotten better than you, haven't I?" A young Yuuji teased as he won the Duel. He wore a light blue hoodie, and his hair was the same dark and plain style that he kept now.

"Hmph. I'll win next game." The girl named Ayumi wore a slight pout as she collected her cards. She had long, light brown hair and hazel-gold irises. Her attire consisted of a simple white blouse and olive jeans.

"We'll see." Yuuji stuck his tongue out playfully before squeaking after Ayumi gave him a death glare.

"Don't get cocky!" She growled as they both drew their starting hands. "I'm going first this time!"

Yuuji laughed. "Sure! Let's play again!"

"Ayumi..." Yuuji muttered as he sent the top 3 cards from his Deck into the Graveyard, his dark hair overshadowing his eyes while he continued his play. A faint white glow now encircled his body, only visible to those with extremely keen eyesight.

"By sending the top 3 cards of my Deck into my Graveyard, I can add 1 Level 4 or lower 'Lightsworn' monster from my Deck to my hand." Yuuji explained stoically.

"I'll add 'Raiden, Hand of the Lightsworn' from my Deck to my hand." The declared card popped out of Yuuji's Duel Disk, which he took and immediately placed onto his Duel Disk.

"I'll Summon Raiden now." A tanned, muscular warrior appeared, wielding two golden daggers. He was shirtless, wearing only a blue scarf and armoured pants. An aura of light radiated around him. (4/1700/1000)

"Response?" Taken aback, Kazuto shook his head to signal no.

"He's trying to bait out the effect of my Pleiades." The examiner's expression turned from shock to wary.

"I'll then activate my Raiden's effect to send the top 2 cards of my Deck to my Graveyard. Response?" Yuuji waited patiently for his opponent to answer. Kazuto shook his head again.

Sending the cards to the Graveyard, Raiden's daggers began to glow simultaneously with a shine from Yuuji's Graveyard slot.

"Since Raiden just sent a 'Lightsworn' monster to the Graveyard with his effect, he now gains 200 ATK until the end of your turn." Yuuji explained as his monster powered up. (4/1900/1000)

"Minerva, Lightsworn Maiden's effect also activates." Yuuji milled another card from his Deck. "When she's sent from the hand or Deck to the Graveyard, she allows me to send the top card of my Deck to the Graveyard."

Kazuto's eyes widened when he realized his mistake. "Shoot! I allowed him to send too many cards to the Graveyard!"

"Looks like you've realized your own blunder, examiner." Kazuto looked up at his opponent, who currently wore a unnatural smile on his face.

"However, it's too late now. I already have 4 Lightsworns with different names in my Graveyard." Yuuji slammed down a glowing card.

"Rise, the arbiter dragon of light. Descend now and adjudicate between the good and evil!" A roar echoed the stadium as a large shape slowly formed itself onto the field from the particles of light.

"Judgment Dragon!" Yuuji swung his arm as a gryphon and Chinese dragon hybrid appeared in front of him. It's glowing red eyes was expressionless as it turned towards Kazuto. (8/3000/2600)

"It's time for my counterattack. I hope you're ready." Yuuji's dark pupils now radiated a suppressed anger that was trapped deep within.

"It really is The Light of Destruction." Jaden watched with a blank expression at the appearance of the new monster.

"Yes, it's the reincarnation of your eternal nemesis, the wielder of the Light of Destruction." Yubel watched as Jaden looked away with a stone-like feature. "He is the one you will need to eliminate."

"I know." Looking up, Jaden's eyes were now the colour of a hateful golden.

Author's Note: End of Chapter 1. Wow, this took a lot of work.

I'd like opinions on how the pacing is so far. Of course, I already have antagonists placed in mind for the series, but I'd like thoughts on all the themes I've incorporated.

Biggest things I've been scared to tinker with is a more mature Jaden in mentality, an alternate dimension, and incorporation of additional mechanics set after GX.

By the way, for all the ones who like the Alexis x Jaden pairing, I'm thinking of incorporating an alternate dimension Alexis. Not sure if I want the romance to work out though, since it's obviously hinted Jaden will probably have to return to his original timeline once this series end.

I still like my idea of having Jaden reset to Duel Academia with a different personality though. Not sure if it becomes too AU.

Please RxR!