Disclaimer: I do not own any part of Yu-Gi-Oh, feels bad man.

Author's Note: Whew, been awhile hasn't it heh heh. Welp, I'm kinda back, and we got pretty good animes this season. Can't wait to finish DxD Season 4 and hopefully get a move on with my other fics as well.

I also came to conclusion that Link Monsters/Format will not be implemented in this story (Regarding this part, I've decided maybe the monsters themselves could be implemented in but not Master Rule 4, but that'll be way later.)

Pairings are kinda finalized in my head too, but I might throw some twists in. No fun without some drama atleast heh heh.

"Character thoughts/Duel Spirits talking/Flashbacks"

(Level or Rank/ATK/DEF)

Enjoy the incredibly delayed chapter 3.

Chapter 3: On the Way to Duel Academia

"Ringggg!~"

Jaden awoke to the loud blare of an alarm clock. Pulling himself up, he quickly shut the alarm off in a groggily manner.

"Oh yeah, today's the day we head off to Duel Academia."

Still sitting in his sheets, Jaden once again observed the unfamiliar room that he was in. Yuuji had graciously enough invited him and Yubel to stay over at his place. It was a nice, modest apartment that Yuuji appeared to live alone in at the moment, although he had told them that he had a sister.

"Morning Jaden, Yubel." The HERO duelist heard 3 knocks before the door to the room opened slowly, greeting them with disheveled hair and slightly drowsy eyes.

"Morning." Jaden replied as Yubel simply nodded back in her spirit form. To be honest, he still was very wary of the other teen, even though Yuuji showed out-worldly generosity in providing them food and shelter for the days that they stayed.

"If you have nowhere else to go right now, you can stay with me until we head off to Duel Academia." Yuuji grinned sheepishly after they had split ways with Reimu at the town's temple. It was of a beautiful traditional Japanese design, although there seemed to be a lack of people present.

"I live alone anyways, plus my sister's not going to come back anytime soon." The dark haired teen assured Jaden.

"Look, I'm sorry but-" Giving the other duelist a cautious look, Jaden was about to decline again until he met Yuuji's pleading eyes.

"You know something about this power I have, please help me control it." Yuuji then looked down in shame. "I've... Hurt my friends and others because of it, and I have no idea on how to stop it from happening."

Jaden sighed, uncertain about his best course of action. After all, it would be easier for him to monitor the incarnate of the Light of Destruction and could possibly help him, but it also places himself in danger in case Yuuji loses control again.

"Alright, I'll live with you until we go to Duel Academia." Jaden reluctantly decided, causing Yuuji's dark eyes to brighten up almost instantly and for Yubel to give him a questionable stare. "But first, let's talk about what the Light of Destruction really is."

Jaden had then discussed what the Light of Destruction really was, and how that he wasn't from this world. Surprisingly, Yuuji took it very well, but it was fairly expected for someone who already possessed such a destructive power that he couldn't control at all.

Yuuji had then told Jaden how the supernatural was fairly on the norm in this world, to the point that they even had elite special forces established to deal with such occurrences. However, they were equivalent to secret service agencies, so not much information is known about their exact authority.

Jaden also found out that the world was divided by three superstates that had very tense relationships with one another. They currently resided in Eastasia, with Eurasia to their north and Oceania dominating the rest of the globe. Yuuji told him that he'd learn more regarding current politics once they're at the school.

"Well, I guess that we're finished talking about things for the most part." Jaden said as he activated his duel disk, having a general grasp of the world he was in now. "Let's work on your power."

"Ready for today?" Yuuji's voice cut through Jaden's thoughts and brought him back to reality.

"Mmhmm." The Supreme King reincarnate replied quickly after a moderate delay, slightly embarrassed at how easily he still gets distracted at times.

Yuuji turned around to show a decent sized backpack. "Anyways, we better get going. The ship leaves in about an hour and we're required to be there 20 minutes early. I've made some toast for both of us to eat along the way."

Picking up his own knapsack, Jaden's guilt grew as he contemplated the way he treated and thought of the other duelist. However, the Light of Destruction was no simple matter to simply let bypass; it was a power that threatened to destroy the world after all.

"Here you go." Yuuji handed Jaden 2 slices of toast on a napkin, in which the HERO duelist hesitantly took after he had entered the modest kitchen.

"Thanks a lot for everything." The brunette replied after a brief pause.

"No problem, like I said, my sister and I are doing quite well here. You don't have to be shy about it." Yuuji chuckled.

Nodding slowly, Jaden exited the apartment first while munching on the toast, which was very buttery and delicious. Yuuji had his own slice in his mouth as he locked the door on his way out.

The walk had been uneventful to the ship. In the days that Jaden spent in Yuuji's apartment, he familiarized himself around the local area in this new world and took frequent strolls around the neighbourhoods.

"Yuuji, Jaden~" A enthusiastic voice greeted them as they walked up to the shrine. A familiar miko with reddish-brown eyes ran up to them carrying her own knapsack, with her purification stick tied onto a back strap. "Morning~"

"Morning Reimu" Yuuji chuckled and patted her head affectionately, to which the shrine maiden seemed to enjoy.

"Morning." Judai also replied to her back in a friendly manner. "Ready for the trip to our new school?"

"Yep." She nodded happily. "This week was horrible while waiting for it. My master kept stealing all my snacks and I haven't eaten anything good in days."

Seeing the pouty tears that start to well up in her eyes, Yuuji sweatdropped and chuckled in good humour. "Don't worry, I'll buy you something once we get on the boat."

"Yay, thanks Yuuji-kun!" Tackle hugging Yuuji, the dark-haired teen returned the hug to the very affectionate girl with an amused smile. The height difference made it feel pretty awkward, but he believed that it was her way to show her friendship.

"Anyways, we should head off." Even Jaden couldn't help but smile at their interaction. Breaking away from the hug, Yuuji nodded back although Reimu kept clinging to his arm.

"Yubel, you think that Yuuji knows that uh-" He asked his guardian mentally before he was cut off.

"Nope. He's completely clueless, just like someone else we know quite well." Yubel replied with a good-natured laugh.

"Huh. Did you mean Chazz?" Jaden questioned innocently. Resisting the urge to facepalm as hard as she could, Yubel decided to not continue the discussion any further to her oblivious master.

"Yuuji Hikaryu." Yuuji spoke his name and flashed his ID to the valet guarding the entrance to the cruise ship, which was monstrously huge. Flipping through a couple of pages, the woman nodded and directed him in.

"Reimu Hakurei." Reimu flashed her ID and was also allowed in.

"Judai Yuki." Jaden knew that his ID would not work here, so he commanded Yubel to enter the woman's mind in order to possess it for a few seconds.

The valet's eyes suddenly changed to yellow and green as she allowed Jaden to step past. Winking at her master, Yubel left the woman's mind and re-fused with Jaden, leaving behind the confused woman who could not remember what happened a few seconds earlier.

"Everything feels the same..." Jaden looked out into the open waters, entangled in his memories. The cool breeze was very pleasant, making the Supreme King Incarnate somewhat drowsy.

"Winged Kuriboh has also stopped responding to me ever since we came into this world." Jaden thought sadly as he took out the named card given to him by Yugi Muto himself. He could feel his beloved spirit still in there, but it was as if the little guy was locked in a deep sleep.

He hoped that he'd be able to find out everything regarding this world sooner or later at Duel Academia, including the reason that he was sent here.

The ship left a few moments later, carrying them off. Jaden could not place the landmarks that they passed in his memory, so he assumed that they only existed in this dimension. He also noted that there weren't many people on the ship compared to its enormous size, giving lots of personal space to the passengers present.

"It's only a four hour cruise to get there, not that bad." Yuuji appeared beside him on the railing with Reimu awhile later, who was happily mumbling on some mochi. "Anyways, I was wondering if we could run a quick duel to pass the time. There's an isolated spot on the bridge where we can play in peace."

"I'm down for a game." Jaden replied with a small smile as he activated his old-fashioned duel disk. The week he had stayed with Yuuji proved to help him a lot. By infusing some of the power of the Gentle Darkness into the other duelist, Yuuji was now able to successfully duel without the Light of Destruction flaring up.

"Great." Yuuji grinned as he also activated his duel disk. "I guess this is going to be our first official duel against each other. Let's get going!"

"I'll just sit here then." Reimu commented once they got to the location. It really was an isolated area, hidden underneath a massive deck from the level above them.

Hopping onto a lounge chair, the shrine maiden sat down cross-legged to watch the duel while thoroughly enjoying the snack that Yuuji had bought her.

"You can go first, Yuuji." Jaden told the other duelist before they drew their starting hands. Before they had started, he made sure to grab Yuuji's hand and infuse some of his power into him to balance out the Light of Destruction.

"Sure, and don't forget to draw on your turn." Yuuji teased back in a friendly manner.

"Duel!"

Jaden: 4000

Yuuji: 4000

"I activate the Spell Card, Solar Recharge." Yuuji discarded a card into his Graveyard as the Solar Recharge's illustration depicted a Lightsworn paladin holding her arms out to a blinding light.

"By discarding a 'Lightsworn' monster, I'm allowed to draw 2 cards and then send the next 2 cards from my Deck to the Graveyard." The dark hair teen said as he inserted his 'Wulf, Lightsworn Beast' into his Graveyard slot and swiftly drew twice, before having to discard 2 more cards from his Deck.

"I'll Summon Raiden, Hand of the Lightsworn." A familiar, muscular warrior with tanned skin and 2 golden blades appeared on the field. (4/1700/1000) "Next I'll activate his effect to send the top 2 cards of my Deck to the Graveyard."

Milling 2 cards from the top of his Deck, Yuuji frowned when he saw no Lightsworns. "I'll Set a card and on my End Phase, Raiden sends 2 more cards from my Deck to the Graveyard. Your turn Jaden."

"Draw." Nodding, Jaden drew his card and glanced at it briefly before coming to a decision. "I activate Polymerization, allowing me to fuse together 2 monsters from my field or hand. I choose Elemental HERO Burstinatrix (3/1200/800) and Elemental HERO Avian (3/1000/1000)."

"Burn brightly, Elemental HERO Flame Wingman!" Appearing out of a pillar of flame, a half-man, half-dragon HERO emerged with the colours of both Burstinatrix and Avian. (6/2100/1200)

"Battle!" Jaden then pointed at Yuuji's lone monster on the field. "Flame Wingman attacks your Raiden with Skydive Scorcher!"

Enveloping itself in flames, Flame Wingman dive bombed Yuuji's monster while he could only look on helplessly. "Ouch."

Jaden: 4000

Yuuji: 3600

"That's not all Yuuji." Jaden flashed him one of his signature grins. "Flame Wingman's effect now activates! When he destroys a monster by battle, you take damage equal to the ATK amount of the monster destroyed!"

"What the-" Yuuji was cut off suddenly when Flame Wingman shot a fireball at him, reducing his LP again.

Jaden: 4000

Yuuji: 1900

"I'll Set 2 cards and end my turn. I hope you're not going to lose this easily Yuuji." Jaden teased back, causing Reimu to giggle as she looked on amusingly.

"Heh, we'll see." Yuuji smirked good naturedly as he drew. After avoiding duelling as much as he could, because of how he had been hurting others, he finally can duel without worry. Not to mention, the teen felt himself having... Fun again.

"I Summon Card Trooper!" Jaden's eyes widened slightly in surprise at seeing the red and blue robot that he also uses appear on Yuuji's field. (3/400/400)

After thinking about it for a few seconds, the HERO user did thought about it being logical as Card Trooper was great at discarding cards from the Deck, which his opponent's Lightsworns depended on to be effective.

"Once per turn, with its effect, I can send the top 3 cards of my Deck to my Graveyard." Yuuji explained as he quickly milled the number from his Deck, causing the robot's eyes to brighten up. "Then, Card Trooper gains 500 ATK for each card sent this way." (3/1900/400)

"Not strong enough to take out my Flame Wingman." Jaden grinned and reminded his opponent.

"I know, it's not going to be staying here for long though." Yuuji then slammed down a card onto his Duel Disk. "By having 4 or more Lightsworn monsters with different names in my Graveyard, I can Special Summon a monster you should remember quite well."

"Rise, the arbiter dragon of light. Descend now and adjudicate between the good and evil!" Yuuji chanted nervously at first. However, there wasn't any ominous feeling behind it anymore, causing the teen to immediately gain confidence. "Descend now, Judgment Dragon!"

Jaden watched confidently as the gryphon and Chinese dragon hybrid appeared in front of Yuuji, staring down at him and his Flame Wingman. Growling, Judgment Dragon then flew around the field, leaving a trail of light particles behind it. (8/3000/2600)

"Pretty." Reimu chirped as she finished her last mochi ball. She could feel that the duel was about to get good.

"By paying 1000 LP, I can destroy all other cards on the field. World Annihilation!" Yuuji commanded.

Jaden: 4000

Yuuji: 900

Roaring, Judgment Dragon unleashed a wave of light that had no malevolence or force behind it, unlike at Yuuji's examination Duel. However, Jaden still frowned at seeing his field being wiped clean as his cards dissipated into pixels. "Sorry about that Wingman..."

"Card Trooper's effect now activates! When it is destroyed, I get to draw a card." Yuuji grinned cheekily as he drew. "Judgment Dragon now attacks you directly with Judgment Burst!"

Sighing, Jaden still couldn't help but grin back at being impressed by Yuuji's skill. For someone who's been avoiding duelling for so long, it was obvious that he was facing a very formidable duelist.

They might be the same age physically due to the supernatural circumstance affecting himself, but once Yuuji got enough experience, he could very well be considered his equal.

"You should start putting some more effort in, Jaden." Yubel reminded him in his mind disapprovingly. "If you get too lazy, you might even lose."

"Yeah, I know. Don't worry Yubel." Jaden chuckled back as he blocked the blast of light from Judgment Dragon with his Duel Disk.

Jaden: 1000

Yuuji: 900

"I'll then Set a card." Yuuji said as a facedown card appeared in front of him. "During my End Phase, Judgment Dragon sends the top 4 cards of my Deck to the Graveyard. Your move Jaden."

"Draw." Jaden looked at the card in his hand and smiled at the memories that began to flood his mind. "I Summon Winged Kuriboh."

Appearing from its illustration, the little furball creature gently floated onto the field with its angelic wings. Its eyes were closed, and appeared to be in a deep sleep. (1/300/200)

Yuuji seemed surprised at Jaden Summoning such a low level monster, especially being faced down by such a formidable monster as Judgement Dragon.

"I wouldn't underestimate one of my best friends so easily if I were you." Jaden laughed as he inserted another card into his Duel Disk. "I activate the Spell Card, Pot of Greed."

"What does that card do- I'm just kidding." Yuuji joked, causing Jaden to give a chuckle as well.

"Yuuji." Closing his eyes, Jaden placed his hand on top of his Deck as he stopped laughing, now wearing a determined smile instead. "Tell me, how much do you trust in your Deck?"

"Trust in my Deck?" Yuuji questioned back, frowning as he glanced down at his cards. "What do you mean by that? I can see and hear spirits, but I'm not sure what else you mean."

"The heart of the cards. Can you hear them?" Jaden's eyes briefly flashed gold as he drew two cards in a single, tranquil movement. "Draw!"

"I activate Alchemical Experiment!" Pocketing Burstinatrix, Avian, and Flame Wingman, Jaden calmly watched as Winged Kuriboh exploded in a pillar of light. "By banishing 3 monsters from my Graveyard, as well as tributing Winged Kuriboh, he can now evolve to a much stronger form!"

A card popped out from his Deck, which Jaden caught and immediately placed in his Monster Zone. "Come out buddy, Winged Kuriboh LV9!"

Now armoured in a bulky red platemail, Winged Kuriboh LV9 slowly descended from the sky with light particles raining down from its angelic wings. However, like its Level 1 form, its eyes were closed as if asleep. (9/?/?)

"Unknown ATK points... It must have a pretty powerful effect." Yuuji stared at the monster warily.

"I'd say he's pretty powerful." Jaden grinned. "For every Spell Card in your Graveyard, my buddy here has 500 ATK and DEF for each one!"

"Crap!" Yuuji's eyes widened as he realized that he currently had 7 of his Spell Cards in his Graveyard, thanks to the effect of Solar Recharge, as well as Raiden and Judgment Dragon. Winged Kuriboh LV9 suddenly grew huge on Jaden's field from the power boost. (9/3500/3500)

"Alright buddy, take out Yuuji's dragon with Berserker Crush!" Jaden commanded as Winged Kuriboh LV9 charged Judgment Dragon. Although its eyes were closed, it was still able to pick up and crush Judgment Dragon easily between its huge claws.

Jaden: 1000

Yuuji: 400

"I'll throw a card facedown and its back to you, Yuuji." Jaden smirked confidently as he watched his opponent frown at losing his ace monster.

"Draw." Yuuji seemed a lot less confident now that Judgment Dragon wasn't on his field anymore, and he had to face a 3500 ATK monster on Jaden's. "No choice but to play this if I want the highest chance of surviving next turn."

"Charge of the Light Brigade sends the top 3 cards from my Deck to the Graveyard, then I can add a Level 4 or lower 'Lightsworn' monster to my hand." Yuuji winced when he saw his Upstart Goblin being milled, and Winged Kuriboh LV9 growing even larger than it already was. (9/4000/4000)

Suddenly, Winged Kuriboh LV9 glowed and caused Yuuji's Charge of the Light Brigade card to pop out from his Graveyard slot. "Uh?..."

"Winged Kuriboh LV9 banishes any Spell Cards that are activated and would be sent to the Graveyard." Jaden explained. Nodding, Yuuji pocketed his card reluctantly.

"I'll add Ryko, Lightsworn Hunter to my hand." Yuuji said as he caught the card that popped out of his Deck. Shuffling his hand, he sighed as a Set monster appeared in from of him. "Back to you."

"Draw." Jaden smiled at the familiar sight of Elemental HERO Neos. However, he had no way to Summon his signature monster right now, and Yuuji's Set monster was most likely the one he added with Charge of the Light Brigade.

He had to take it out now, cause it was inevitable that Yuuji would Flip Summon it regardless on his next turn.

"Sorry buddy." Jaden winced and apologized internally as he pointed at Yuuji's Set monster. "Winged Kuriboh LV9 attacks your Set monster! Berserker Crush!"

"Ryko, Lightsworn Hunter's effect allows me to destroy a card on the field when he's flipped face-up." Yuuji felt his confidence return as he watched his monster take down Jaden's Winged Kuriboh with it, and both monsters shattering into pixels. "Also, after I use his effect, I send the top 3 cards from my Deck to my Graveyard."

Jaden nodded calmly. "Your move Yuuji."

"Victory is within my reach!" Yuuji thought happily as he drew, throwing caution to the wind. "I Summon Jain, Lightsworn Paladin and activate my facedown card, Lightsworn Sabre!"

A white-haired woman with white an gold armour stepped out beside Yuuji from a portal, brandishing her shield and sword. (4/1800/1200) Yuuji's facedown card also flipped up to reveal a golden, intricate sabre with a glowing blade, which Jain grabbed hold of and pointed its tip at Jaden.

"Lightsworn Sabre gives my Jain 700 additional ATK points." Yuuji explained briefly to Jaden, who simply nodded again. (4/2500/1200)

"Jain will now attack you directly for the game! Go, Lightforce Sword!" The dark haired teen commanded. Jain leapt up into the air, the sun shining behind her back as she dived towards Jaden.

Flipping up his facedown card, Jaden wore a small smile as Jain's sabre was blocked by a barrier just inches before it touched him. "You shouldn't be so eager for victory, Yuuji! I activate my trap, Mirror Force!"

Yuuji gaped in shock as his monster shattered instantly, sending pixels flying towards him that he had to block with his duel disk. Looking at the last card in his hand, he grimaced as he couldn't do anything with 'Felis, Lightsworn Archer'.

He could only hope that Jaden doesn't draw something that would take out his remaining LP.

"My turn, draw." Jaden drew calmly as Yuuji signaled the end of his turn disappointingly. Wearing a small smirk, he inserted the drawn card into his Spell/Trap slot. "I play Ancient Rules."

"This allows me to Special Summon a Level 5 or higher Normal Monster from my hand." Jaden explained with his signature smile, throwing the last card in his hand onto his duel disk. "Come out, Elemental HERO Neos!"

Yuuji sighed in defeat once he saw Jaden's ace monster step onto the field, striking a battle stance. "Well, it was a great duel Jaden. Thanks a lot." (7/2500/2000)

"It was a good duel." Jaden grinned infectiously, causing Yuuji to grin as well. "You really are a good duelist, Yuuji."

"As are you, Jaden." Yuuji chuckled back gently before shooting a finger gun at his friend. "Bring it!"

Unbeknownst to the them, a pair of silver eyes were carefully observing their duel from behind the door that led to the bridge. She gently fiddled with the skateboard in her hands, too nervous to make her presence known.

"Roar!" A little red lion with a flaming mane and tail floated out from behind her. There were green, weird plant-like trimmings covering its head, body, and legs.

"I know Apelio, I see her too." She whispered, brushing her midnight-black hair back. There was a spirit behind the brown-haired teen dueling that completely terrified her, an amalgamation of a dragon and demon, but with a humanoid form.

The girl was dressed in a tomboyish fashion, with a diagonal scar across her forehead. A bright red hat sat upon her head, which didn't help her ability to remain in stealth, but it did further accentuate her skater girl look.

Yubel sensed someone watching them and saw the girl glancing at the duel from behind the door. She chuckled in amusement when the girl made a muffled "eep!" sound after being caught, and immediately ducked behind the wall to scramble away.

The guardian didn't view the girl as a threat, so Yubel decided to leave her be.

"Elemental HERO Neos attacks you directly!" Blinking in front of Yuuji, Neos delivered a cross chop through his body that the teen made no move to defend.

"Wrath of Neos!"

Jaden: 1000

Yuuji: 0

"Ahhhh!" Yuuji yelled lightly. The teen collapsed onto his back gently with his eyes closed, his life point meter dropping to zero. It's been so long since he had lost a duel, but...

It's been even longer since he remembered how fun it was.

Hearing a thump, Yuuji turned to find Jaden also lying down on the deck beside him, staring into the open blue sky where the sun is now shining brightly. Reimu apparently had already fallen asleep mid-duel on the chair, sleeping happily with a bit of drool leaking out the side of her mouth.

"Thanks a lot Jaden... It's been so long since I remembered to have fun while playing." Yuuji admitted sadly, in which Jaden simply shook his head to signal that everything was fine. The winds were relaxing, and the brunette now felt like taking a nap.

"By the way, what did you mean by the heart of the cards during the duel?" Remembering the phrase Jaden pulled out, the Lightsworn duelist couldn't help but to ask.

Opening one eye, Jaden felt too lazy to explain it, although he was certain that Yuuji would understand eventually. He thought it'd be more fun to tease him instead. "Not telling."

Sweatdropping as Jaden immediately fell asleep after saying those 2 words, Yuuji couldn't help but laugh from thinking about everything's that's happened recently to him.

He's finally able to duel without worrying about hurting others after so long... Thanks to Jaden who fixed it so easily. However, he still had to fix and confront his actions from the past. He hasn't forgotten his purpose in coming to Duel Academia either, because he also wanted to find "her" as well.

But dueling to him though... Yuuji can say that it's finally fun again.

AN: Kinda lack of plot progression imo, but next chapter will be coming out rather quickly.

As a hint for future events: No, Yuuji is not "cured" from his power lol. It's only a temporary measure to help him balance it out with help from Jaden. This is hinting at what's to come in the future. ; 3

As always, RxR! I'm also looking for anyone willing to be a co-writer/helper. It'd help me out a lot I think compared to just me writing all of this by myself. xwx

Anyways, stay tuned for the next chapter! Reviews for Neko Miko Reimu please. xd

Notice: Chapter 4 is halfway done along with the latest chapter of my DxD fic. Expect it sometime this month for Christmas. = d