Archive of Our Own

It is a pleasant late summer day when Jesse enters the newly constructed building. The entrance hall is filled with excited duelists, either looking at the scoreboards or nervously chatting with each other. A smile creeps onto Jesse's lips at the sight. There was a time when he was just like them. Jittery and nervous. However, Jesse doubts that Jaden has ever been anxious before a tournament. He was probably fidgeting with impatience. Ah Jaden. Just the thought of seeing him again makes Jesse's heart beat faster.

Unnoticed, he weaves his way through the crowd and makes his way to the VIP section of the arena, which is all upstairs, giving him a view of the entire stadium. The way there is very well marked and can only be entered by an elevator, which is secured by code. Jesse is amazed when the elevator carries him to the top and he can already catch his first glimpse of the playing field. At the top, wide monitors hang from a hinged roof, currently broadcasting the hottest highlights.

"Someone has really outdone himself here," mutters Jesse.

Before he can enjoy the sight too much, the elevator stops, and the doors open. With an appreciative whistle, he steps out and looks around the lounge. To his right is a minibar and directly behind it are the restrooms. To his left are comfortable sofas and armchairs that invite him to roll in. Most of them, however, are already occupied. Seven pairs of eyes stare at him in disbelief. Jesse takes a step back and scratches the back of his head. The corners of his mouth twitch a little nervously before a meek, "Hi, long time no see," escapes his lips.

"Jesse!"

"Anderson!"

His friends, with whom he's had only sporadic contact since graduation, rush up to him. Before he knows it, he's caught in a tight embrace. They all talk wildly, so Jesse can't get a word in edgewise. They haven't changed a bit, he thinks, as he lets his gaze wander over their faces. But someone is missing! The person Jesse was looking forward seeing. Despite his disappointment, he keeps smiling. He can't help but think of their year together. Jesse wouldn't say it was more carefree then, but they were more easygoing. Less mentally damaged. Thinking back like this, he wishes they'd had more time together.

"Man, long time no see, mate. You're looking good," grins Jim, patting him on the back.

"Thanks. I can only return the compliment."

"It's really nice to finally see you again," comments Axel. "You're really hard to get a hold of."

"Exactly," agrees Aster with raised eyebrows. "It's strange that we don't see you in the professional league or hear about your victories."

"You're not going to secretly jet around the world with that Slifer loser, are you?" asks Manjome, with his arms crossed in front of his chest. "If you ask me, that's a waste of talent!"

Jesse scratches the back of his forehead, sheepish and with flushed cheeks. "Ah, no." But I wish I could travel the world with him, Jesse adds mentally, as he feels a pang in his heart.

"What do you mean, no?" asks Manjome, who is following Jesse around. "Is that referring to the duels or the Slifer loser?"

"Both?"

"Is that an answer or a question?" laughs Aster.

"Boys, give him room to breathe," Alexis reprimands the boys before grabbing Jesse by the arm and leading him to the lounge area.

Jesse breathes a sigh of relief before dropping into the nearest armchair and lets out a contented sigh. His friends do the same, so that he still has some time to examine them all.

"That's much better," sighs Alexis, who stretches out her legs.

"Good, then we can grill him some more," grins Hasselberry, rubbing his hands together.

"Shouldn't I actually say that?" Jesse asks, amused, before looking behind him. "Hey Axel, are you still working for Pegasus?"

"Yes, but I get most of my orders from Kaiba-Corb," replies Axel, with a shrug. He is standing right by the window, with his back to the playing field. Except for the longer hair and the increase in muscle mass, not much has changed about him.

"Are you still in contact with the sergeant?" Hasselberry wants to know, as he leans forward a little.

"You could say that", sighs Axel, unwilling to say any more on the subject. Jesse hopes it's because of some confidentiality clause and not because Jaden has forbidden him to talk about it.

"And you Jesse? Are you still in contact with Jaden?" asks Atticus.

"Sporadically." Jesse sighs. Just hearing Jadens name makes him squirm. "And you?"

"The same," replies most of the group in chorus.

"Uhm, while we're on the subject, where's Jay?" Jesse had already noticed when he entered the VIP area that Jaden was missing from the group. However, he hasn't gotten around to asking yet. Jesse was so looking forward to their reunion! His heart contracts painfully and the smile on his lips disappears. But he has lived with the emptiness in him for the last few years, so he will not let it overwhelm him now. Instead, he thinks of Jaden's beautiful brown eyes, in which he can get lost. Oh man, how much he misses him!

“Mate, you got it bad”, grins Jim.

"No idea," says Atticus. "I'm sure Syrus and Zane invited him."

"He's probably just late again," Manjome replies, eye-rolling. "Wouldn't surprise me, anyway."

"But maybe he's just indisposed," Hasselberry replies immediately. So, he turns and looks at Axel. "Do you know anything?"

"And where are Blair and Fujiwara?" Jesse asks hastily when he sees Axel's expression darken.

" I'm afraid Blair can't come. She's in the middle of her exams," Jim explains, who sits a little bit aside from Axel. Jesse raises his eyebrow in surprise, unable to see the crocodile Jim used to carry around.

"Ah, Shirley's at the hotel. She's getting on in years," Jim waves off. Jesse uses the time to take a good look at him. Jim hasn't changed at all. He still looks like he's come straight out of the Wild West. Only the bandage he wore on his face has disappeared. It takes a little getting used to seeing the different colored eyes, but Jesse has to admit that it suits him. It makes him even more mysterious. Leaning on the back of his chair is Alexis, who has her hands clasped in front of her chest. Except for the subtle makeup, the waist-length hair and the green business suit she's wearing, she is still the same old Alexis. But green is not Alexis' color, if you ask Jesse.

"Aren't we all getting there?" asks Alexis, amused. Her words elicit laughter, which everyone joins in. Even Jesse grins. “Nii-san, where is Fujiwara?”

"Oh, he's away on business," smirks Atticus. "That reminds me, are you two still living together?" he asks, facing Chazz and Aster. Both sit across from Jesse. On one of the couches. They still wear black and white. But both have a few more pieces of jewelry strapped onto them. What Jesse misses about them is their arrogant aura, which they both wore around them like a protective cloak.

"Why should you change anything if things are going so well?" asks Aster with a raised eyebrow.

So, it's true, thinks Jesse. Although he is not in the professional league himself, he still follows the news. A few months ago, an interview was broadcast in which the two confirmed that they were living together. At the time, Jesse wondered whether they were secretly a couple. But when he looks at them now, it doesn't look like it. It's refreshing to see that they no longer argue with each other. They seem to have really benefited from the years of the professional league and living together, Jesse thinks with a smile.

“Very true”, agrees Jesse.

His eyes wander on and linger on Hasselberry and Atticus, who have put their heads together and are whispering to each other. Both have grown even taller. While Atticus has the figure of a swimmer, Hasselberry has become even more of a muscleman. He can hold a candle to Axel, Jesse thinks to himself admiringly. Even their clothes couldn't be more different. While Atticus apparently takes advice from Zane and now copies his clothing style in dark brown shades, Hasselberry prefers more pragmatic things. The expansive pants with the many pockets and straps provide enough storage space for all the knick-knacks he needs for his survival trainings. Instead of his shirt and vest, he now wears a cream-colored thin sweater and a yellow-brown jacket with the arms rolled up. Jesse also notices that the hair style of the two has changed. Atticus wears his hair short and tousled, almost like Jaden's own mane, and Hasselberry, like Axel, has also let his hair grow. He has put two hair ties around the black grid curls to keep the hair from sticking out. It's a sight that takes some getting used to, Jesse has to admit. He opens his mouth to ask about the missing members of their circle of friends when Chazz speaks first.

"So, Anderson, what have you been up to the last few years?"

"Hmm?" replies Jesse, before shrugging his shoulders. "I went to medical school."

"You became a doctor?" ask Alexis, Jim and Aster in surprise.

"Yeah," Jesse shrugged. He hopes no one asks why he chose this path. Probably everyone hoped he would go pro like Chazz, Aster, and Syrus. But in his eyes, that would have been unfair. With his unique deck. And without his partner... "What about you guys?"

"Teacher at DA," Alexis replies with a proud tone. "It's my first year as a teacher," she adds, playing with her hair.

"Oh, congratulations. So you've achieved your dream."

Alexis smiles and blushes a little.

"I became an anthropologist," announces Jim with a broad grin on his lips. His career choice doesn't come as much of a surprise to Jesse, since he's been interested in archaeology before. "And animal rights activist," he adds.

"Detective", Atticus pops in with a curt voice. Jesse stares at him with wide eyes. He'd thought of him more as a singer or actor.

"Oh wow. Didn't you want to do something else first? How did you get into that?" Jesse asks with interest.

"So how's it going?" Chazz wants to know from Atticus at the same time.

"It's lucrative," Alexis replies with a proud smile. "So much so that he's brought Yusuke and Zane on board."

"Wow," exclaims everyone, except for Alexis and Atticus.

"Oh, that's nothing," Atticus waves it off. "To be honest, I stumbled more into this profession. You could even say that the profession chose me and not the other way around." Atticus pauses and strokes his chin thoughtfully. "If I remember correctly, it was in Alexi's first year at university in America. The female students who wanted to go home at night were always intercepted by a pervert who stripped in front of them. Although campus security had increased their presence, they couldn't find the culprit. At the time, I was dating a student from Lexi's year. She was one of the man's victims. To spare Lexi the same fate, I did my own research." He shrugs his shoulders and grins. "Within a few days, I found out that it was a student who had dropped out of school and wanted to take revenge on a female student. She was probably responsible for his expulsion. But since the lady in question was no longer at the university, he made it his mission to terrorize the other female students. I enjoyed the investigation and before I knew it, word of the adventure had spread, and I had the next case."

"What about you Hasselberry?", Jim wants to know, which astonished Jesse. He honestly would have guessed that the two of them were doing the same thing professionally. After all, they had the same preferences. To Jesse's surprise, Hasselberry blushes.

"I started a security company and work with the Truesdale League," replies Hasselberry.

"That means you're on the job?" asks Jim with a raised eyebrow.

"Yes, but not for a few hours."

"That reminds me, I haven't even seen our host yet," Jesse says, looking around again but not catching sight of Syrus or Zane. "Speaking of which... You said earlier that you informed Jay about this meeting. Did he reply to any of you?"

"No," everyone, except for Axel, answer in unison. Therefore, Jesse looks expectantly at Axel. But contrary to his hopes, Axel doesn’t answer.

"As for Syrus," Hasselberry continues. "He's checking the catering again. And Zane is checking the arena's projectors and hologram technology one more time."

"Wouldn't the latter have been your job?" inquires Aster, whose tone manages to make his words sound like an accusation.

"I was going to, but Zane sent me here," grumbles Hasselberry, crossing his arms and looking out the window. "Wretched perfectionists."

Jesse has to bite his lower lip to keep from laughing. He hasn't felt this lighthearted and free since he returned to North Academy. Sure, he was popular at his own academy and now as a doctor. Nonetheless, he has never felt the deep friendship that he feels toward the people in this room. Maybe it's just because they've been through hell together from the beginning of the third school year. He just wishes Blair and Jaden were there, too. They just aren't complete like this. Loud cheering snaps Jesse out of his thoughts.

"Oh, here we go," announces Atticus, who is also looking out of the window and grinning broadly.

Jesse watches as Alexis looks at her watch and opens her eyes wide in surprise. Seems like they've completely lost track of time. As he turns around in his chair, the lights go out. Two spotlights point to the center of the field. Smoke rises from the center and small fountains in golden colors ignite all around the arena as if by magic. And suddenly Syrus and Zane are standing in the center of the stage.

"Did you give him some pointers, Nii-san?" inquires Alexis approvingly.

Jesse can't blame her. Zane didn't used to have a penchant for drama. He muses at the two hosts, noting that Syrus, at least, is fully in his element. He raises his hands up and down, encouraging the audience to cheer and whistle louder.

"Welcome to the opening of the Trudesdale Professional Duel Arena, Daleware!" Syrus greets the crowd with a broad grin on his lips. His voice echoes off the walls and vibrates in the lounge. Jesse closes his eyes and tries to let Syru's voice fill his ears. With the loud applause and screaming from both the VIP area and the stadium, it's not so easy to concentrate. It takes a moment, but then he has picked out Syru's voice. Except for joyful excitement, he can't hear anything else resonating in his voice. Seems Sy has found his place in the world, he thinks with a small smile.

"Well, are you as excited as I am?" he calls into the microphone.

"Yes!" echoes back from the audience. To express their joy even more, they stamp their feet on the floor. “Can we start now?”

"I also wish we could start right away," sighs Syrus, who really sounds like he regrets having to give a speech.

"What?"

"Oh no!"

"I want to see duels now!"

"Come on, hurry up, we don't have all evening!"

"Guys, don't be so impatient!" Syrus grins. Anyone else would have flinched and forgotten their lines. Jesse assumes that he is so confident because Zane is standing at his side, keeping everyone calm with a wave of his hand. It's always amazing how Zane can influence a room with his mere appearance. "Ah, I can understand the disappointment. Give us your attention for a moment and then the duels will begin," assures Syrus. "After all, your future could be at stake here!"

"Our future?"

"But be quick!"

"From now on, the Trudesdale Professional League will cooperate with the other leagues and hold qualifying matches. However, the final will always be held here, in this arena. Anyone who is registered as a professional duelist can participate." Syrus explains in one breath, so as not to waste any more time.

"Junior tournaments are held once a year to help young, future high school graduates get started in the pro circuit," adds Zane. "The first such tournament is scheduled for March. We're working closely with dueling academies around the world who will send their greatest talents to us."

“YEAHHH!!”

The audience is on fire. They have been waiting years for just such a system. Zane and Syrus exchange glances before clasping hands.

"Did you know about this?"

Jim's question snaps Jesse out of his contemplation. He looks from him to Alexis, who looks as surprised as the rest of the group.

"No," she mumbles before pulling her phone from her pocket and excusing herself.

"Must be really frustrating not knowing everything, even as a teacher," Aster says, looking after Alexis and then shrugging his shoulders.

"Well, this is a recent development," Hasselberry interjects. "The contracts with the academies and Kaiba Corp were signed just a week ago."

"A heads-up would have been appropriate," grumbles Atticus, who keeps glancing at the door.

"Confidentiality," Axel explains. "As you should know."

Jesse deduces that they were both present at the contract negotiations and had to sign a confidentiality clause. He shrugs and looks back into the arena. They missed part of the speech, but it doesn't matter. After all, each of them received the program in advance with the invitation. So Jesse is not surprised that the screens are black for a moment before they turn white and then show the photos of Jesse and the others one after the other.

"At the end of the tournament, the winners of each group will have the opportunity to compete against the best of the best," Zane explains, pointing a finger at the screens. Jesse's eyebrows draw together. The screens are divided into eleven columns, but only ten show actual images. The last column is only a black silhoutte.

"Do you know what this is all about?" asks Jesse, addressing his friends. As he looks at them one by one, he can see that they are also confused. Except for Axel, who has a mysterious glint in his eye. For a moment Jesse considers addressing him again, but then decides against it. If Axel didn't answer before, he won't now.

Suddenly, there is a beeping sound that gets louder. Confused, Jesse looks around. It's not a ring or messaging signal. And it's coming from Axel. He opens his mouth to point it out to Axel, but then pauses when he sees Axel smiling. Smiling! Then he reaches into his pants pocket and looks at a small, square device. A damn familiar device, even if Jesse hasn't seen it in a few years.

"A tracking device?" asks Jim with raised eyes, who works with Axel far more often.

"Yeah," Axel replies, turning off the beeping and looking more closely at his receiver. He opens his mouth to say something when the earth suddenly shakes.

"What's broken now?" asks Chazz, who jumps up and looks around. He stretches his hands out to either side to keep his balance as the ground rocks beneath him.

From the arena, the group can hear the loud, nervous screams of the visitors. Some of the spectators have stood up and are looking around frantically. Jesse watches as Zane and Syrus try to calm the audience, but with so many people, it wouldn't surprise him if their voices were drowned out.

"Better we help out," says Jim, rising.

"Good idea," agrees Atticus, who is trying to get into an upright position with the help of his seat. "It's almost like our school days."

"I'm beginning to wonder if we're not cursed," mumbles Aster. He had tried to stabilize Chazz, but instead they crashed hard to the ground together. Now he tries to push him off his feet while at the same time protecting himself from being hit by bottles, glasses and pillows. "Whenever we're together, disaster follows. And the disaster magnet isn't even here!" He shouts the last part as the armchair Jim was sitting on brushes his shoulder.

"We have to get out of here," Jesse shouts, protecting his head from all the shards of the broken window while crawling to the elevator. Behind him, on all fours, is Axel, who just shakes his head.

"Disasters really do follow him everywhere," mumbles Axel. He's not loud enough for the others to hear, but Jesse hears every word. And he wonders who he means. But they don't have time to dig deeper, because the tremors are getting stronger and stronger, and the walls are crumbling around them.

"Guys, we have to look for Lexi," shouts Atticus anxiously. He looks around, trying to spot his sister among all the dust and bodies.

"I'm sure she's already gotten to safety, mate," Jim calls over his shoulders. "The lady's a smart girl!"

"Don't take the elevator," hollers Hasselberry the next moment as he sees Jesse opening the doors. "Let me go first. I know where the emergency exit is!"

"Get the hell going! I don't want to find out what it's like to be a pancake," roars Chazz. He has finally managed to roll off Aster's body and now brings up the rear of their little human chain.

Jesse rolls away from the elevator as the lights fall from the ceiling. Inevitably, he rolls directly into Hasselberry, who has struggled forward on his stomach.

"And that's exactly why you don't take the elevator!" He pauses and eyes Jesse before asking, "Did you take a hit?"

"Except for dust and dirt?" questions Jesse with a raised eyebrow. "Unharmed!"

"Very good. Wouldn't do to have the only doctor in the group out due to injury when you need him most."

Jesse rolls his eyes before following Hasselberry to the restrooms. Apparently, the emergency exit has been installed there.

"Hey, how can you be so calm in a situation like this?" demands Aster, his voice a few shades higher than usual. Jesse is almost offended that they don't ask Jim and Axel this same question. They are equally calm. Both have certainly been in situations like this, just like Hasselberry and him. Considering their education and career choices.

"I'm a doctor," Jesse calls back, as if that explains everything. Basically, it does. A doctor must keep a cool head in any situation, because people's lives depend on it. He has also spent some time working in crisis and war zones. This is nothing compared to some of the other places.

"Have you forgotten?" says Hasselberry, trying to push open the jammed door with his muscle power. "My father is in the military. He trained me from a young age. Nothing is going to knock my socks off any time soon."

Hasselberry pulls and tugs at the door, but it won't budge. Cursing under his breath, he tries to push the door open with brute force. As the floor and walls are still unstable from the vibrations, it is difficult for him to get a grip and apply the necessary force.

"I could do with a bit of support here," he utters through gritted teeth. If Jesse wasn't so close to him, he wouldn't have heard it over all the thunder and rumbling.

"Jim, Axel, give Hasselberry a hand!"

"Already on my way, mate!"

Shortly afterwards, he is passed by two staggering people who must keep bouncing off objects. All three of them throw their entire weight against the door, but it doesn't move a bit. Instead, they dodge the falling sink that was hanging on the wall just a few meters away from them.

"It's not going to work," Jesse mutters. "Atticus, Aster, Chazz, if you don't want to get crushed, help the boys!"

"And what about you?" barks Chazz, who pushes away overturned bar stools to crawl to the front.

"I really wish Jay was here," sighs Jesse. "Or that we were in the Isekai. Then we could use our monsters to get out of here."

"Stop talking to yourself," snarls Chazz, before he grabs Jesse by the collar and drags him towards the door. "We'll throw ourselves against it as a whole group!"

"What a great idea. How long did it take you to come up with it?" huffs Aster sarcastically. Jesse watches as Aster's blue eyes look back and forth between the wall and the door before, he leans against the wall and stretches out his legs. "That's how it can go!"

Jesse knows what he's getting at and follows his example. All he has to do first is move the pieces of porcelain and bricks out of the way. Hopefully the wall will last a few minutes longer, thinks Jesse, as he bites his lower lip.

"You're just jealous that you didn't come up with that solution yourself," grumbles Chazz, who drops down between Jesse and Aster and stretches his legs out too.

"Guys, use the legs as anchors while you push against the door," Atticus yells to Jim, Axel and Hasselberry. "I'm trying to give you extra support!"

The boys don't need to be told twice. They use the door to help them stand up before pressing their calves against the soles of Jesse, Chazz and Aster. Atticus counts to three and the boys push against the door together. To build up a little more pressure, Atticus pushes Hasselberry with his whole-body weight. There is a loud creaking sound that even drowns out the thunderous noise of falling pieces of brick and toppling furniture. The door opens a crack before it bursts open completely and presses against the railing, denting it. At the same time, the door frame comes crashing down and the wall that Jesse, Aster and Chazz were using as a support collapses backwards. Fortunately, they are spared from the falling pieces. However, Hasselberry, Axel and Jim have so much momentum that they fall down the first few steps.

"No time to stay down," shouts Atticus, who has landed on top of them and is crawling off them. "Get out of here!"

Together, Chazz, Jesse and Aster jump into the stairwell, only to immediately cling to the banister when the staircase beneath them rocks so violently that they can't stay on their feet.

“Guys, it's about to collapse! Run," yells Jesse, who must let go of the banister to avoid a falling piece of staircase. He barely has time to really look around, but he can see that parts of the upper staircase have already completely collapsed, and their railings are now stuck in the staircase as spikes that they have to walk past. One of them was narrowly missed by Jim's head.

Crawling on all fours, sliding on their bottoms and stumbling on their feet, they fight their way to the exit. Again and again, they have to push themselves against walls to avoid falling sections of the stairway or crawl over metal spikes. Although they move as fast as they can, it seems like an eternity to Jesse until they reach the burst-out door on the landing. However, there are massive chunks from the wall with metal spikes between the last step and the door, blocking their way.

"Bloody hell," swears Aster, as he wipes his sweat with the sleeve of his white suit jacket.

" Help me," orders Atticus, who is already sitting in front of the first stones and pushing the first one aside. Jesse follows his instructions and rolls a stone away on the other side.

"Not from the bottom!" warns Axel, who uses the lower boulders as stairs to climb up. He looks around and then calls down to the others. "We just have to clear away two big rocks up here and then we'll get through!"

Atticus and Jesse immediately drop their rocks and crawl up on all fours. Every now and then a foot or a hand slips, but they help each other until they sit next to Axel and help him push the first big boulder out. Surprisingly, it is a whole three steps that have jammed horizontally. The entire base wobbles and slides through the door with them. Their terrified cries are barely audible. Atticus tears his jacket and shirt open at the back on a piece of metal. Jesse, who prevents worse by pushing Atticus aside, gets his foot caught. He escapes without serious injury because Axel gets out his rescue rope, which he always carries in pairs, and secures it with a throw around the bars of the tribune. He then grabs Atticus and Jesse around the waist and pulls them out of the danger zone.

"Thank you, Axel. You've saved me," mumbles Jesse as he sits cross-legged on the floor and takes a deep breath.

"No thanks," retorts Axel, who turns around and then calls out to the rest of the group: "What are you waiting for? A written invitation?"

"We're on our way, mate," replies Jim, crawling carefully over the stones.

"Why isn't it shaking as much as up here?" grumbles Chazz, pulling at his trouser leg until it gives way and he topples backwards. Hasselberry supports him, otherwise he would have fallen backwards into the hallway.

"Careful!"

"Oh damn. My favorite pants," curses Chazz, causing Hasselberry to roll his eyes.

"Better the pants than you."

With bloodied hands and partially torn clothes, they drop in front of Jesse.

He allows his eyes to wander over the injuries and is relieved to see that they are only superficial scratches. Afterwards, his gaze turns away to get a better look at the destruction around them. A few lamps and pieces of ceiling have fallen down. The fences are dented or slightly broken because they have been hit by stones, but the paths themselves are mostly clear. The devastation in the stadium itself is limited. There are a few broken railings and empty chairs that have fallen over and some small steps that have collapsed, but that's it. Nevertheless, they can still hear the upset screams of the spectators.

"Why are they shouting like that?" Chazz wants to know. "The shaking has stopped!"

"It could be a preliminary quake," Axel speculates. "We'd better help Zane and Syrus calm them down. Panic would be the last thing we need if there's another earthquake."

"Best we split up," Jim suggests, counting the individual sections of the stadium with his eyes. "There are a good 20 sections. And there are eight of us, so everyone has two and a half sections to cover."

"Wait, there are only seven of us," Atticus interjects. "Lexi is still missing. I must find her!"

"Try calling her," Hasselberry suggests.

Atticus widens his eyes and then frantically rummages in his pockets. Jesse can understand why he didn't think of this communication device sooner. If it were his family member, he would be worried sick and unable to think clearly. But that's why they have friends. Atticus' cry of joy snaps Jesse out of his thoughts. He confidently holds the smartphone above his head.

"Call already!" groans Hasselberry, who jumps from one foot to the other. He's probably suffering from too much adrenaline that he hasn't been able to burn off yet, Jesse suspects.

"Lexi, Lexi! Can you hear me? Tell Nii-san where you are," hollers Atticus into the cell phone before holding it to his ear and listening to the answer. Suddenly, tears run down his cheeks as a broad smile creeps onto his lips. Then he yells enthusiastically: "She's fine! She's in Section B, helping a young girl find her mother!"

"Then we should do the same," announces Chazz, who immediately starts moving and shouts over his shoulders: "I'll take care of ranks C, D and E!"

"He's so easy to figure out," huffs Aster, who slowly follows him. Then he turns around one more time. "Better I make sure he's not panting after Alexis and actually doing his job. That's why I'm taking over the adjoining sections."

"Hey, I wanted to work next to my sister," pouts Atticus, to which Jesse pats him on the back.

"Take the ranks on Alexi's other side," Jesse suggests. No sooner has he said it than Atticus throws his arms around his neck.

"Thank you," he whispers in Jesse's ear before running past him.

"Anyone else who wants to take a preferred section?" inquires Axel, to which Jim, Jesse and Hasselberry shake their heads. "Jim, you follow Atticus. Hasselberry and I will take the ranks next to Aster. And you, Jesse, take care of everything right here."

"I'm on my way, mate," affirms Jim.

Hasselberry just raises his hand before running off in the direction Aster has disappeared to.

"All right," replies Jesse, who stays behind after they split up and heads straight for the nearest entrance to the stands. The passageway has taken quite a beating. Pieces of the ceiling are scattered across the upper stairs and have even penetrated the top row of seats. The bare metal is exposed, which seems to be hanging by a thread. Jesse makes himself as slim as he can and turns sideways through the entrance. As soon as he stands in the middle of the ranks, he looks around. He is amazed that the arena has no massive damage given that the earthquake felt so strong. Even the power is running smoothly, as he sees with a glance at the screens above the arena. Then he turns his gaze to the crowd, who are frightened and rushing toward the exit, pushing and shoving.

"Ladies and gentlemen, please remain calm and form an orderly line and proceed to the playing field." Zane's voice rings out from all the speakers. He sounds clear and authoritative. "This arena is prepared for such cases."

He has barely finished speaking when the roof of the stadium opens. Safety nets stretch across the entire arena as if by magic. The meshes are so fine that they can catch every stone impact, no matter how small. The material looks like thin wool, but it is nylon reinforced with carbon fibers.

Zane grabs his right ear where his receiver is and talks to the person on the other end. Jesse suspects that he wants to find out what is going on. Normally, scientists can detect earthquakes days in advance and warn the population. But Jesse has heard nothing of the sort on the news. He therefore concludes that this earthquake is of unnatural origin. Since they are in Japan, they should find out quite quickly what is going on. The country is at the forefront of technology, investigation and reporting. For this reason, Jesse also assumes that drones have already been sent out. The image of the drones will probably be shown on every channel. Maybe that will help calm people down a bit, thinks Jesse, as he chews on his lower lip. In any case, Zane's words have only encouraged a fraction of the people to behave appropriately.

"Let me out of here," shouts a man shaking the fence, which has risen on its own and separates the stands from the inside of the stadium. "I want to see my family!"

"Rina, where are you?" cries a lady who is literally spinning in circles.

Jesse sighs. No matter where he is, it's always the same in these situations. He knows from experience that there is no point in worrying about the runaways. So he ignores the man and goes to the woman instead.

"How can I help?"

"My daughter, she's just disappeared," wails the woman, who grabs his arm and looks at him desperately.

Jesse grabs her shoulders to calm her down. Then he puts on a smile and talks to her in a calm voice.

"Don't worry. I'll find your daughter. Her name is Rina, right?" he asks. As subtly as possible, he leads her to the line that has formed at the edge of the arena.

"Yes. She's ten years old. Her hair is tied into side braids with a red bow. To match her skirt."

"Where did you last see your daughter?" inquires he, and beckons one of the security guards over.

"She was sitting right next to me. But then the earth started shaking and so many people climbed over the chairs..."

"She was probably hiding," tells Jesse, but inside he is worried. He pushes the agitated lady into the arms of the security guard. "Please stay here. I'll bring your daughter to you!"

"But..."

"If you rush back upstairs now, the young man won't know where you are. How is he supposed to bring your daughter to you then?" asks the security guard empathetically. Jesse doesn't stay to find out what the lady answers. Instead, he swings himself over the small wall and starts looking for the child. He runs past the line of people which, to his relief, is slowly getting longer. His search leads him back to the center of the stands. There he gets down on all fours and crawls through the individual rows. He calls for the child again and again but receives no answer. But giving up is not an option for him. So, he continues his search.

"Hey, there's blood here!"

Jesse's head snaps up before he jumps up and sprints to the man who was rattling the fence earlier.

"Where exactly?" he asks.

"Right there!" The man points to a spot by the steps, just a few meters away from him. On closer inspection, it is a fine splatter of blood moving away from the stairs.

"Thank you," Jesse replies, before grabbing the man by the arm and pulling him along.

"Stop it! What are you doing?"

"Get you to safety," declares Jesse, with a roll of his eyes.

"But the exit is up there," objects the man.

"No one can get through up there. So, if you want to be safe, go down to the arena!" Jesse gives the man a little shove before following the trail of blood. At the other end of the row of seats, curled up, he finds the missing child.

"Rina?" he asks gently as he leans down to her.

"Yes," squeaks Rina, who lifts her head and looks at him with a tear-stained face and widened eyes.

Jesse holds out his hand to her. "Come on, I'll take you to your mom. She's worried sick."

Rina hesitates a little. She avoids his gaze, but then grabs his hand. Jesse helps her to her feet and then examines her closely. Her clothes are dusty and slightly torn, but he can't see any serious injuries. Apart from a small bump over her right eye and black marks that will develop into bruises and scraped knees, she seems to be fine. That's probably where the blood spatter was coming from. But now the blood is caked and crusted.

Better clean the knees, muses Jesse.

"Can you walk?"

"Yes," mumbles Rina, and wipes her face.

"You're so brave," Jesse praises her as he slowly leads her to the arena. When they are close enough to the arena, Jesse turns his gaze away from Rina to look for her mother. To his relief, she is still where he left her. What surprises him, however, is the fact that she is still talking to security.

"Mom," Rina yells out.

The lady turns around with wide eyes and then storms towards Jesse. She wraps her daughter in her arms and hugs her tightly. She looks Jesse in the eye with watery eyes.

"Thank you so much for bringing my daughter to me."

"Ah, no problem," Jesse waves her off, as he feels his cheeks turn red. "Please stay in the arena." He turns to the stands, which are now almost empty. A few of the visitors are still in their seats. Jesse fears that they might be trapped or that something else is preventing them from getting up. So, he makes his way over to them. One of the first remaining people points his finger at the screens.

"Hey, if you're not hurt, get to safety," Jesse calls out to them, but he is ignored. “HEY, I speak to you!”

"Looks like they're filming an action movie," says one of the people.

"That looks pretty real," a second voice replies incredulously. "I mean, look at the monsters!"

"Monster?" another voice asks, offended. "That's a duel monster!"

Duel monster? Jesse's head snaps up and follows the fingers directed at the screen. His heart drops as he sees the billows of smoke. Fireballs fly everywhere and a shadow flit from rooftop to rooftop. All color drains from his face as the person leaps out of a skyscraper at the last moment and gets back on his feet with a roll, only to be attacked from behind with a beam of white light.

Jesse feels a chill run down his spine. His whole body shakes as his heart beats twice as fast. Even though he hasn't seen him in years, he would recognize him among thousands. Jesse watches as Jaden survives the very assault on him alone by Neos, who splits the energy. An explosion occurs and once again thick clouds of smoke obscure the scene. The fact that Jesse hasn't broken his neck running from the stands to the center of the field is nothing short of miraculous. However, he can't take his eyes off the screen.

"Seems like Kaiba has sent his drones out for recon," notes Axel.

"Is that really Jaden?" asks Syrus incredulously. Jesse flinches. He didn't even realize that the others had arrived at the center.

"No doubt about it," comes from Aster. "There's only one guy with Neos!"

"Has he always been able to fend off such fierce duel monster attacks with Neos?" inquires Alexis, concerned.

"Ever since his return from Isekai," replies Axel, furrowing his eyebrows.

"Zane, could you turn it up a little?" inquires Jesse, heart pounding. His knees are as soft as butter and for a moment he thinks they are failing him. Zane presses a remote button. The screens continue to roll down and grow even larger. At the top, directly on the edge of the screen, are large soundbars. Now that they are hanging freely in the air, the sound echoes within the arena. This makes the crumbling of walls extremely loud and ensures that the dueling arena is eerily silent.

"Huh, that was close," chimes Jaden's voice.

Shortly thereafter, the fog clears to reveal Jaden. In front of him, in a defensive position stands Neos, behind him Yubel and right next to him Banner. Around him, just a few centimeters from his toes, the ground is full of deep craters.

"Aren't you celebrating too soon?" echoes a mocking, dark voice, causing Jaden to look around. "Do you really think it's over just because you beat Paradox?"

Jaden sighs heavily. "Is there a nest of you here or what?" he inquires sarcastically.

"Jaden!" exclaim Banner and Yubel simultaneously.

His chocolate brown eyes widen as balls of energy come at him from all three sides. His gaze briefly glows golden. Neos crosses his arms in front of his chest while Yubel extends her right hand. This deflects two of the attacks, but he cannot dodge the third one in time. A snow-white light shine, blinding the screens and thus the spectators. There is a transmission error and only the voices are audible.

"Really, we should stop meeting under these circumstances," comes an unfamiliar voice that sounds both reproving and amused.

"Do you know this voice?" asks Axel, addressing his friends, but they all shake their heads.

"I wish we had a picture again," Chazz grumbles. Jesse can only agree with him.

"Are you okay?" asks another voice.

"Isn't that Yugi Muto?" asks Aster in surprise.

"No doubt." Each of them has seen Yugi Muto's games. Therefore, they are all familiar with his voice.

"What the hell. Why does someone like that Slifer loser have the pleasure of knowing Yugi Muto personally," complains Chazz, with a sneer. "He's not even a professional!"

"What the hell does it matter?" asks Hasselberry, stepping on Chazz's foot. "The main point is that the sergeant has help out there!"

"I'll be fine," replies Jaden. "I've gotten worse."

"Well who do we have here," the snarky voice chimes in with a laugh. "If it isn't the heroes of all time. Yugi Muto... Jaden Yuki and... Yusei Fudo."

With a flicker, the image returns, revealing even more destruction. The previously damaged houses are now completely in ruins. The ground looks as if a bomb had hit it. No stone lies above the others, even the previous craters are no longer visible, instead deep holes are gaping in the ground. And directly between two of these craters lies a bundle of 3 people.

Jesse narrows his eyes to see better. In the middle lies Jaden, bodies wrapped around him from both sides. The three slowly raise their heads, causing dust and dirt to fall from them. The three bodies sit up and ignore the attacker. Instead, they stare at one another.

"I thought you guys returned to your times?", inquires Jaden, then tilts his head and points at Yugi and Yusei. Or rather, at their hands, which glisten slightly. "Nice jewelry."

"Really, Aniki?" asks Syrus, who smacks himself across the face. "There are more important things than jewelry!"

"That's the way he is," laughs Hasselberry, who pats Syrus on the back. "Way to go, Sergeant!"

"Their times?" asks Jesse, confused.

"Maybe Jaden got hit in the head with something?" speculates Chazz, crossing his arms in front of his chest.

"I don't think so," Axel says. "I've never seen him...Yusei Fudo...before. His name doesn't ring a bell either."

"Let's wait and see," Zane says.

"Does anyone know where that is?" asks Alexis, biting her thumb.

Jesse looks around, but after all the destruction, it's hard to make out exactly where Jaden is.

"He's here. In this town. This should have been the marketplace."

Surprised, Jesse turns to Axel with wide eyes. He has his receiver back in his hand and is looking back and forth between it and the screens. Jesse shudders as a thought suddenly occurs to him.

"Did you bug him?" asks Jesse hesitantly. While ignoring the horrified looks from his friends, he holds his breath. He doesn't know which answer he prefers.

"Smartphones?" asks Axel with a raised eyebrow.

"Ah," comes the chorus. The answer seems to reassure everyone except Jesse, who feels Axel is keeping far more from them. But he decides to keep his thoughts to himself and look back at the screen instead. It's the only way Jesse can make sure his soulmate is really okay. Even if he secretly admits that he dislikes the fact that the three boys... ah men... are wearing the same ring, just with different stones.

"You're one to talk," Yugi laughs, pointing his chin at Jaden's hand, where there's an identical ring, only with a ruby. "Huh, where did that come from?"

"We have a whole other problem," says Yusei, who nods his head to one of the rooftops where a cloaked figure stands. There is not much to recognize. The opponent is wearing a long, baggy cloak with a pointed hood that is pulled low over his face. The duel disc is attached to his right wrist, which is not covered by the cape. The hand is hidden by a black glove. However, the fingers are quite thick and somewhat long. And because of the height difference between them and their opponent, they can't see their opponent's legs either. It is therefore difficult to assess what they are up against. It could be anything. From a monster, to a human, to a cyborg. "Looks like we're not done yet."

Yugi and Jaden nod at him before standing up and facing their enemy. Instead of taking immediate action, they observe their enemy and try to analyze him in depth.

"At least he doesn't steal monsters," Yugi says, to which his two partners nod.

"You weren't kidding when you said you attract these guys like a magnet," Yusei says, glancing at Jaden out of the corner of his eye and earning only a shrug in return.

"It was a fair warning after all," mutters Jaden for Yusei, with a shrug. He steps forward and addresses their opponent. "What do you want from me?"

"Oh Jaden, do you really think that traveling through time can stop our plans?"

"Then why are you attacking me only now?" Jaden wants to know, clenching his hands into fists.

"Simple," laughs his opponent. "You tend to let your guard down when you think you're safe. Yet you are the link between the times. If I take out the guardian of the present, then Yusei’s future disappears."

"Bond beyond time," Yusei says incredulously, his ring glowing briefly.

"I actually meant that as a joke," Yugi replies shaking his head and looking between the other two and his ring.

Jaden, on the other hand, laughs in amusement. "That's cool. Does that mean we will automatically be summoned if one of us is in danger?"

"Aren't you guys a little too cocky?" the opponent asks with unbridled anger in his voice. "Just because you have saved the world so many times, you should not underestimate your enemies!" He snaps his finger, and a black hole appears. Two reptilian Paws, which are each as big as trucks, deform the opening before a scaly snout pokes out. The monster opens its mouth and unleashes balls of fire at the three men. Jaden and Yusei each extend a hand. The two stones of their rings, sapphire and ruby, flash briefly. Jaden's eyes turn orange and green and Neos appears again after having retreated into his card. At the same time, Yusei's dragon mark lights up and Stardust Dragon materializes in front of them. Without a command, the duel monsters defend their partners, however, they cannot prevent the shock wave from throwing Yugi, Jaden and Yusei backwards. Jaden's trajectory causes his right shoulder to collide with a steel pillar. The impact is drowned out by Jaden's shrill cry.

"Jaden!"

Jesse sees Jaden slide to his knees and grit his teeth. His good hand grabs his injured shoulder as he squeezes one eye shut. Yubel appears and help him stand.

"Ah, that was almost too easy," laughs their opponent in amusement.

Jesse clenches his hands into fists. Then he turns to Axel. "Is there nothing we can do?"

"It's not safe outside," Axel replies grimly. "We'd only put ourselves in danger and distract him. Let's wait until it's over."

"But he can't fight with that injury," interjects Syrus, tears welling in his eyes.

"Jaden won't be brought down that easily," says Aster.

"Besides, he's not alone. Look," Jim adds, pointing to the screen again.

Yugi and Yusei have reached him and are supporting him. Yusei points to a red motorcycle and the other two follow him. Their retreat is supported by Yubel, who jumps into the fight and throws fireballs at the antagonist. Once there, Yusei opens a compartment and pulls out a first aid kit while Yugi slowly lowers Jaden to the ground and removes his jackets. After putting the jacket on the D-Wheel, he takes off his black sweater. Jaden closes his eyes and bites his lower lip hard to keep from crying out loud.

"That doesn't look good," Yusei mutters, leaning over to look at his shoulder. Carefully, he probes the skin, then sighs heavily. "Dislocated and splintered."

"Put it back in," Jaden presses out in pain.

"What, are you crazy?" asks Yugi.

"We have no choice if we want any chance of winning," states Yusei as he pulls out a bandage and sets it aside. "You'll barely have room to move," he then cautions, to which Jaden just nods.

"But the pain," Yugi interjects, to which Jaden gives him a pained smile.

"Nothing new," he gasps.

“Idiot”, snarls Yubel, who lands next to Jaden and retracts her claws after her attack. “How many times have I told you to be more careful?” But she receives no reply other than a sigh. As a result, she just roars before taking her anger out on her opponent, whom she assaults with punches and kicks.

"Do you think you can stall for time with these childish games?" the enemy sneers, as he dodges each of Yubel's attacks with an ease that is out of this world.

A rainbow-colored light appears next to Jaden's trouser pocket and increases in intensity. Clenching his teeth, he presses his hand on the pocket.

"No," he says firmly, before closing his eyes.

"Who are you talking to?" Yugi asks, before drawing in a sharp breath. His gaze is fixed on Jaden's torso. There is hardly a spot that is not full of bruises or scars. "No wonder you lost the fun of dueling," he then whispers.

"I'll give you children's play," hisses Yubel in the background. Suddenly, a brown whirlwind race past her and lands right in front of the hood opening. Two green hind paws claw into the fabric while the front paws flail around. A loud, angry "Kuri, Kuri" accompanies each strike.

"What in the bloody hell are you doing here? Go back to Jaden right now," barks Yubel.

The winged Kuriboh ignores Yubel and continues his attack. But with only 300 attack points, it can't do much and before it can be warned by Yubel, it is seized by its fur.

"Kuri," whimpers the winged Kuriboh.

"Didn't I tell you..." Yubel's words die as she sees the fiend kick kuriboh in Jaden's direction.

"Bugs shouldn't interfere," the aggressor says dismissively, who wipes his hands on his cloak. "I think I've given you enough time." The next moment he grabs Yubel by the arm and throws her off him. While Yubel can catch herself in the air, the winged Kuriboh is not so lucky. He hits the ground like a comet and remains motionless. One of his wings hangs unnaturally from his body.

"Kuriboh," screams Jaden, wide-eyed. Without thinking twice, he pushes Yugi off his body with one hand and tries to stand up. Before he can make it to his feet, Yugi pushes him back down again.

"We're not finished yet."

"But..."

"Yubel will bring him to you," Yugi assures him. Jaden jerks his head up and eyes Yugi. That's when he notices for the first time that they're not dealing with the Yugi from the past, but the 27-year-old Yugi from the present day. "Now hold still so Yusei can finish his work." While Jaden closes his mouth again, Yubel picks up the unconscious Kuriboh.

"Baka! Just as stubborn as Jaden," grumbles Yubel. She walks over to Jaden and drops the winged Kuriboh into his lap. "Hurry up! You can chat later."

"Thanks, Yubel."

"Better make sure the furball doesn't overestimate himself again," complains Yubel, with her arms crossed. She raises her hand and creates a force field that bounces off the attacks from their foe. "This shield won't last long!"

Yusei feels his upper arm and shoulder as he continues talking. Jesse has the impression that he is using his calm voice to distract Jaden from his work.

"That you just lost the fun of the game is a small price to pay.” Then he pauses and exchanges a meaningful glance with Yugi. "I've found the place!"

"Besides, you found it again during our graduation duel," muses Yugi, who carefully takes the winged Kuriboh from Jaden's lap and places it on his clothes. "When we've finished with your shoulder, we'll take care of this little one. After all, he is your faithful companion... and a gift from me to you. Seeing him like this breaks my heart."

But Jaden shakes his head. His good hand fumbles its way to Kuriboh. He gently cradles its paw before his fingers begin to glow. The golden light gently ripples over Kuriboh's body, healing every scratch and wound. With a gentle smile, he takes his hand away and watches from under narrow eyes as his partner slowly stirs.

"Wow," comes from Yugi in amazement.

"Can't you do the same with your injury?" asks Yusei.

"Unfortunately, not. My healing powers sadly have a different effect on me," mumbles Jaden, who leans his head against the D-Wheel and sighs exhaustedly. His hair is completely wet and sticks to the back of his neck and forehead. " Will you please put my shoulder back in?"

"What?" escapes Chazz.

"Double what?" comes from Hasselberry.

"Did anyone know about this?" inquires Jesse. It breaks his heart to learn that his best friend has lost the fun of dueling. And it hurts even more that he seemed to have even less faith in them. Has the trip to the Isekai really changed him so much that they don't know anything about him anymore? When he thinks about it like this, Jaden's brown eyes have indeed lost their luster. The few times he has encountered Jaden after his return, he has not seen any profound feelings in them. They were more jaded and dismissive. Even when he laughed, it didn't really reach his eyes. And why am I only noticing this now, wonders Jesse. I am so stupid, he adds mentally.

"What exactly do you mean? The fact that Jaden knows Yugi Muto personally and got his duel spirit from him, or the fact that he's lost the fun of Duel Monsters?" asks Aster.

"It's not that surprising," says Zane. Jesse looks at him with a raised eyebrow. "Anyone would eventually lose interest in the game if they had to constantly fight for their own lives or the lives of their friends."

"I guess that's true," mutters Jesse. "And about Yugi Muto?"

As much as Jesse hates to admit it, he's a tiny bit jealous. Who wouldn't want to count the King of Games among their friends? However, their connections seem deeper than casual friends. Then there is also this Yusei Fudo. What kind of connection does he have with Jaden?

"We never asked him," Alexis says. "Even though we were with him for three years, we don't really know anything about his past. Even the thing with Yubel, we only found out from the chancellor."

"Every one of us has something we didn't tell him. How can we accuse him of the same thing?" asks Jim.

"Jim's right. Besides, we're his friends," says Atticus, before he claps his hands and looks bright-eyed at the others. "Why don't we have a proper reunion when this is over, and Jaden is healthy? Then we can sit down together and talk about everything properly."

Jesse couldn't agree more. There are a lot of unsaid words between him and Jaden.

“Kuri, ku.”

"Don't worry. I'll feel better in a minute," whispers Jaden to his worried partner. "You were so brave. Get some rest."

"Kuri!" The winged Kuriboh nuzzles against Jaden's cheek briefly before dissolving with a grin.

"You shouldn't baby him," groans Yubel. "No wonder he's putting himself in danger!"

"Kuriboh knows exactly when it's better to retreat," sighs Jaden.

"Although this conversation is entertaining, it ought to end now," says Yusei with a roll of his eyes. The conversation between Jaden and his dueling spirits is more exhausting to watch than Leo's bragging. I hope they're okay, thinks Yusei, who's subconsciously feeling a little homesick. "Okay, ready?" asks Yusei. Jaden nods at him and grits his teeth. Yugi wraps his arms around him, keeping him stable. "On three! 1... 2... 3!" Yusei jerks his shoulder in and Jaden cries out with his eyes squeezed shut before collapsing in Yugi's arms. Jaden's skin is sweaty. His cheeks are flushed, and his breathing is too frantic.

"He'd need to go to the hospital," says Yugi to Yusei, who begins to bandage the shoulder. At this, both are glad that it looks like Jaden is unconscious for the moment.

"I hardly think he'll let us go," replies Yusei with a shoulder nod to their opponent, who is still busy breaking through the shield. "We should cover Jaden as best we can. The shoulder is a weak point."

Yugi nods to him before helping Yusei put Jaden back into his outerwear. He keeps looking over his shoulder and at Jaden in turn. Suddenly he raises an eyebrow. It's too quiet for his taste. They are in Domino City, a city with millions of inhabitants, and this small marketplace looks like a war zone. Under normal circumstances, there should be corpses lying under all the collapsed buildings. People ought to be running through the streets panicking and hindering each other.

The streets and sidewalks look like Swiss cheese. It is difficult to determine where the road once began, and the footpath ended. Chunks of rubble of varying heights lie everywhere, blocking the way. Water sprays into the air like fountains and fills some holes with water. The crackling of torn power cables can be heard, hanging from toppled or no longer existing masts. Behind them once stood a high-rise building, of which only the first floor is still standing. The streetlights are dented and resemble a toothpick in nine out of ten cases. The surrounding office complexes are nothing but dented metal skeletons. Their glass walls have been thrown into the ground and the walls of buildings further away. The entire right-hand side of the street, where Jaden got his shoulder injury, has been completely blown over. It might as well be a farmland! And they themselves seem to be sitting on a flat area surrounded by a ravine.

"He must have set up a protective barrier beforehand," hisses Jaden, with one half-open eye.

"What makes you think it was him?" asks Yugi. "Couldn't it have been Kaiba or Pegasus?"

"No, because then the sky would be covered in helicopters." Jaden tilts his chin to the right. "Instead, they're analyzing the situation with drones."

"You mean they're trusting us to get the situation under control," Yugi sighs, running his fingers through his hair.

"Well, if not us, then who?" Yusei wants to know. "Shouldn't we be wondering why our enemy is allowing drone transmission but blocking out everything else?"

"If no one is watching the triumph, how can you brag about it?" answers Jaden, as if they were talking about the weather. He looks at the shield and grimaces. There are deep cracks and small splinters fall to the ground like fallen butterflies. "Better we bring out our best game."

"Hmm, couldn't we call some of our friends?" asks Yugi, tapping his chin. "You know what I mean. The more the merrier!"

"I'd rather not get them involved in this," huffs Jaden, who pushes himself off the ground with one hand.

“You didn't tell them anything," declares Yugi, looking Jaden in the eyes. The brown pools are veiled, which indicates a fever. Yusei and Yugi slump their shoulders at the sight.

"No," murmurs Jaden, who knows exactly what Yugi wants to say. The latter just nods and runs a hand through his hair.

"Yeah, that's what I thought," replies Yugi, who grips Jaden by the shoulder and helps him stand up. He only let’s go when he sees that Jaden is securely on his own two feet and then he gazes up at the sky. The fact that the world is almost ending around them doesn't seem to bother any of them. Each of them is used to this sight.

"You think they've been through enough already, right?" Yusei takes Jaden's other side. Jaden nods. "Ah, we really are the same."

"You'd think the next generation would learn from the mistakes of the past.," Yugi chuckles, craning his neck.

"Humans are stupid," Jaden mumbles half-heartedly.

"The problem with friends is that they don't really... ah... want to be protected. No matter what excuse you come up with, they won't let you stop them from helping. Even when it looks like you've convinced them to stay behind," Yugi admits with a small smile on his lips. "So we should learn to accept that."

The shield finally collapses upon them and the malicious laughter of their enemy booms from all sides. It is so loud that it drowns out even Yubel's cursing. But instead of letting it bother him, Yusei squeezes Jaden's good shoulder.

"Jack and Crow...they're my best friends...would tell me I'm an idiot. And that I can't shoulder everything by myself," Yusei says with a shrug.

"They sound like really good friends," Yugi agrees. "Joey, Tristan, and Tea are similar in that way."

"What about yours?" questions Yusei, turning to Jaden.

"Hmm?" Jaden looks up at the sky with his veiled gaze. "Let's say they never had a choice. Because I was always the target, and they were usually by my side," he mutters as he reaches into his inside jacket pocket with his good hand and pulls out two cards. Yusei and Yugi bend down to look at them.

"Ah, the cards we got back from Paradox."

"Cyber-End Dragon and Rainbow Dragon." Yugi looks at the cards thoughtfully. "Why did the cards refuse to return to their owners?"

Jaden smiles in anguish and closes his eyes. "Because they are stubborn. Both prefer to be returned to their owners personally."

"Hello? Would you stop having a coffee party like old ladies?" shouts the opponent in frustration. "You know, time is money and very few people have any!"

"Yeah, yeah, you'll get our attention soon enough," yells Jaden back. "He can't wait for his turn, huh?!"

"What?"

Jesse and Zane are looked at in disbelief. No one, apart from Axel, has known that the two have lost duels and with them their strongest monsters. Jesse scratches his cheek in embarrassment as he takes a few steps back. It is still unpleasant to think that he has lost his most powerful card. But that's not all. With the loss, he has also lost the bond to that card.

"Yeah, some guy attacked us out of nowhere," Zane sighs, who puts his hands in his pockets.

"And that's not all," Jesse adds. "Paradox could summon the monsters like back in the Isekai. All the attacks were real. So was the damage."

"That guy was able to lock each monster into a blank card and then disappeared with them in a flash," Syrus explains. "But how did they get into Jaden's hands?"

"Weren't you listening, soldier?" inquires Hasselberry, pointing to the screen. "They defeated the Paradox Guy."

"I did, but how did Jaden get involved?" inquires Syrus.

"Is it really that surprising?" asks Aster, amused. "This time they were smart enough to take a detour to get strong monsters before attacking him. I'd say someone did their homework."

"Yeah, and Jaden beat him," Chazz grumbles. "With them!" He points a finger accusingly at the screen on which Jaden, Yugi and Yusei can be seen.

"Is he trading us for these two now?" inquires Atticus, seemingly voicing what is on Syrus' mind. At least that's what Jesse concludes when he hears Syrus draw in his breath loudly. That's how it was when Jim, Axel and Jesse joined the dueling academy. Jesse had hoped that this morbid jealousy would stop as they grew older. Besides, they have more important things to worry about.

With a pounding heart, he scrutinized Jaden closely. Jaden hasn't moved his shoulder once. The fact that he is conscious at all is a testament to a pain tolerance level. Jesse doesn't even want to know how he acquired it. He has the distressed feeling that the details would break his heart. Please, Rainbow Dragon, help Jaden, begs Jesse mentally.

"Then you should put them in your deck," Yusei suggests, rising slowly and patting the dust off his pants. "We can use all the backup we can get."

"Have you fought with them before?" inquires Yugi, before he and Yusei hold out their hands to Jaden.

Jaden takes the cards in his injured hand and lets the other two help him up. He then examines the cards again before putting one of them in the deck and stowing the other in his pocket. Yugi and Yusei look at him with raised eyebrows, to which Jaden raises his healthy shoulder.

"Just with one," he finally replies. "It feels wrong to use the other card." Jaden grins at his guardian. “Yubel, get some rest. You can leave him to us."

“Fine.” Jaden exhales in relief as Yubel disappears into his soul.

"Finally! Let the fun begin," their opponent exclaims. "But don't think it's going to be as easy."

"Like it was easy," Yugi mutters.

"Let's see what the heroes of the past, present and future have to offer."

"Time for a duel," exclaim Yusei, Jaden and Yugi together.

The dueling discs of Yugi, Jaden, and Yusei activate simultaneously and fold out. They each draw five cards from their respective decks before looking to their opponent.

"Are you sure you're fit enough for the duel?" inquires Yusei.

If Yusei had asked Jesse for his opinion, he would have answered him with a fat no. His pulse is racing like crazy, and yet he's safe! But he would much rather be by Jaden's side. At that moment, Jesse decides that he won't let Jaden out of his sight for a second. And if that means he must travel with him, so be it!

Out of the corner of his eye he sees Axel looking around. Normally he is calm but now he seems nervous.

"This is crazy. Jay belongs in the hospital," grumbles Alexis, who's turning pale as the wall.

"Hey, Jesse. You're a doctor." Surprised, Jesse looks to Axel, who has approached him. "What do you think his chances are in reality?"

"As long as the duel doesn't last long and he doesn't take any more blows to the shoulder, he should make it through without permanent damage," replies Jesse. The emphasis is on should, because if medical help comes too late, he could lose his range of motion in the shoulder.

"Then we should get you to him quickly," Axel mutters.

"It's quiet at the moment and the fight seems to be confined to this spot. Couldn't we take advantage of the opportunity?" Alexis wonders, looking around and watching the arena's medical staff treat the crowd's injuries.

"Even if we were to storm off now, we'd still have to get through the barrier first," Zane advises. "So, let's believe in him and wait."

Jesse puts a hand on his chest, trying to calm his racing heart. "Zane's right. Jay will work it out." His eyes settle back on the screen, where he hangs onto Jaden's every word.

"A little late for that," Jaden mutters with a small smile. "Don't worry, I won't keel over until after. This pain is nothing, if I do say so myself."

"That doesn't reassure us one bit," Yugi replies, shaking his head.

“You shouldn't be proud of that”, Yubel admonishes.

“When push comes to shove...,” Jaden answers mentally.

“I'll take care of it”, Yubel assures. “Let's hope he's not like Nightshroud and plays that one trump card.”

Jaden shudders and looks like he's going to throw up at any moment. His eyes begin to glow golden before a black cloud spread around him, even his clothes look a lot darker. The gray, tight jeans are suddenly pitch black and a little looser. His normally red ankle-high boots are dark as night and hug his calves and encircle his knees. They have purple stones and golden highlights that radiate an unnatural coldness. His red jacket gets longer at the hem and fans out like a cape, while his long arms disappear completely. What remains is the black sweater, which is longer and clings tightly to his torso. Even his two-tone brown hair looks a few shades darker. All at once, his entire demeanor changes. There's nothing to indicate that he's in pain anymore.

"Oh, someone's getting serious," the opponent sneers with a greedy look in his eyes. Then he bows in a sweeping yet disrespectful motion. "Didn't think I'd make the acquaintance of the Supreme King so soon." He then turns his gaze to Yugi, grinning hungrily. "Then again, with the company. Isn't that right, reincarnation of Pharaoh Atemu?" He seems a bit disappointed that he doesn't get a reaction. "Ah, two kings at once! What fun to destroy you guys."

"If I got a dime for every time I heard those words, I'd be filthy rich by the end of my first year at the Dueling Academy," Jaden announces in a deep voice that drips with sarcasm.

"Make your move," demand the three of them. These words signal the start of the game, which neither of them can quit. The duel discs automatically display 4000 life points.

"Always this impatience," their enemy grins. "By the way, my name is Doctrine. Would be a shame if you didn't know who defeated you.” He draws a card and eyes it for a moment. "I play flame attacker. When she's on the field, I can do 800 damage to my opponent's life points. Let's go."

The summoned monster appears on the field. In its hand it has a dagger, which it throws at Jaden, Yusei and Yugi. All three raise their arms in front of their faces as their life points drop from 4000 to 3200. With a loud laugh, Doctrine discards two more cards face down before ending his turn.

"Same order?" asks Yusei, standing in the middle and not taking his eyes off their opponent.

"No. I can't shake the feeling that he's been watching the fight with Paradox. Best we surprise him," says Yugi.

"Oh, don't worry. I'll surprise him for sure," Jaden replies with an ominous smile on his lips. "I'll start." No sooner have the words left his lips than he draws a card before unapologetically tucking it in with the others in his other hand. "Next, I call Elemental Hero Burstinatrix to the field. Then, from my hand, I activate Sinister Fusion. I fuse Avian with Burstinatrix and gain... Evil Hero Inferno Wing." A spiteful smile settles on his lips as he gives the order to attack. The female monster lunges at the enemy, who watches as his monster is destroyed.

"Thank you very much. This activates my trap card," grins the enemy, who activates one of his face-down cards. "With this card, I destroy your monster."

"Sorry, but Inferno Wing can't be destroyed by any trap or spell card."

"Tsk. I wonder what your friends would say if they knew you were using this deck again," sneers Doctrine. He then reveals the other face-down card, retrieving the destroyed monster from his graveyard. "All that work and nightmares, for nothing. But that's just your nature, isn't it, Haou?"

"I end my turn by playing three cards face down," Jaden explains unmoved.

"How can that be?" asks Aster, lowering his hands.

"Didn't you send his dark side to the stars?" asks Jim, turning to Axel.

"They're both Jaden," Zane interjects. "You can't erase his dark side without his light side. They're two sides of the same coin. And he's mastered them by now."

"You really have nothing to worry about," Syrus also assures.

"Dark heroes... I've never heard of them," Alexis mutters. "They scare me."

"Trust me, you don't want to be on the other side of a dark hero," Axel says in a shaky voice.

Jesse, Atticus, Alexis, Hasselberry, and Chazz, who have never met Jaden as the Supreme King, just stare at the others with open mouths. Despite what they have told them, they have thought some things were exaggerated. Now they will probably see with their own eyes what the dark side of Jaden is like.

Yet Jesse couldn't care less about the deck being used. He lets his eyes wander over Jaden's body. The golden, cold eyes send hot shivers down his spine. They have a noble expression about them that Jesse could lose himself in. Jaden's body, which now seems a lot stronger and more muscular, has a fascinating effect on him. There is such a tug in his loins. But he's injured! Shouldn't Jay's injury have a different impact on his body?

"I wonder what made him use that deck?" Jesse ponders.

"I suspect because it gives them an advantage. Nobody knows these cards. Not even his closest friends," answers Zane. "He's become a force to be reckoned with who no longer just rushes headlong into one duel after another. You couldn't ask for a better partner."

Jesse's cheeks glow as he lowers his head, caught.

"Well, it's my turn again," laughs Doctrine, who draws a card from his deck and then plays Princess of Tsurugi. "I activate the special ability of my two monsters. Thus, you lose 1300 life points."

"Sorry," Jaden mutters, turning to his two comrades-in-arms.

"Oh, well. Never mind," Yugi waves it off.

"I sacrifice my two monsters and summon Ganora the Dragon of Destruction. Then I'll put three more cards face down and pass."

"Well, I take over now," announces Yusei, drawing a card. "I play motor tricycle in defense mode. Next I send Spiny Screw Hedgehog to the graveyard to activate its special ability. Come to the field Spiny Screw Hedgehog." The monster in the shape of a hedgehog appears on the field and then dissolves into shining stars. "I tune my Spiny Screw Hedgehog to Motor Tricycle and summon Junk Warrior as a synchro summon." The human monster, which looks like a cross between a man and a machine, immediately goes into battle.

"I activate my trap card and cancel your attack," yells Doctrine with amusement. "All those points and you end up with nothing. Not long now and I'll have achieved my goal."

"And I activate my trap Synchro Explosion, this will make you lose 500 life points. Finally, I place 2 cards face down. With that, I pass."

"Synchro what?" chorus Syrus and Hasselberry.

"Synchro summon," Aster replies. "Hee, it looks cool already."

"I wish we knew more about that distant future," Alexis remarks, with shining eyes. Jesse can very much relate to the thirst for knowledge.

"That knowledge can be dangerous," cautions Axel. "I'd say there's at least twenty years between us and Yusei's time."

"It's really amazing how well our Jaden can keep up," comments Jim. "Then again, if they all have the same duty like Yugi said, then it's not surprising."

"Let's hope we reach that future," mutters Chazz.

I hope so, too, thinks Jesse. He hasn't experienced such a duel in a long time. But that's so typical Jaden. Jesse can only hope he won't need tranquilizers after this duel. He'll make sure to rush to his aid when the adrenaline wears off and he collapses. He steps back a bit to be on the same level as Axel. Without taking his eyes off the duel, he addresses him.

"Can you figure out the fastest way to get to Jaden?"

Axel raises his receiver, on which a red line connects two yellow dots. Jesse grins and raises a thumb. Let's hope my medical knowledge is enough to help him, muses Jesse, biting his lower lip.

"Bravo." Doctrine claps his hands and laughs in amusement. "I activate my spell card. This destroys all monsters on the field and only Light Attribute monsters can be summoned for the rest of the game. With that, I play Fellgrant Dragon in attack mode. And since your field is empty, I attack you directly."

"What the hell do you expect to gain by attacking Jaden?" asks Yusei, irritated. "And what's the deal with the link?"

"Oh no, how sweet. Good Yusei Fudo still doesn't get it," sneers Doctrine. "Do you seriously think I would have gone to all that trouble just to blow a hero off the chess bed? It's true that your time will be completely erased when Jaden and the present disappear. However, his existence has far more to do with you and the Fire Red Dragon's Chosen."

"Can you stop talking in riddles for once?" inquires Yugi, irritated.

Instead of answering, their enemy snaps his fingers. A round window appears next to his head, showing a small group of people. They look worried and their arms glow in a red that resonates with Yusei's mark, who draws in a sharp breath.

"My friends! Why are you showing them to us?"

"Ah, you recognized them," Doctrine jokes. "They are the chosen ones of the future. The protectors of this age!"

"Leave them alone," Yusei exclaims, stepping forward and glaring angrily at him.

"Now, now. Who's about to get aggressive," laughs their opponent. "You couldn't stop me if I actually attacked them. And I don't have to when I succeed."

"What do they have to do with Jaden?", Yugi wants to know.

"I'm glad you asked, Yugi. Do you see the two children?" Doctrine inquires, bringing the image closer so that the twins are clearly visible. In Luna's arms is a Kuriboh. It looks different from the Kuriboh that Yugi has in the deck, and it's not the same one that Jaden uses. But it is undoubtedly a duel spirit that is connected to her. The opponent laughs uproariously. Jaden's golden eyes widen, and he stumbles to Yusei's side.

“What kind of trick is that?” Yubel shockingly demands to know, as she abruptly appears next to Jaden's body.

"Well, well, something can shake you, Haou!" Doctrine sneers. "Your guardian seems to have failed to tell you so many things."

"What are you going to do with the twins?" asks Yusei, clenching his hands into fists.

"Nothing. Absolutely nothing.", Doctrine answers innocently. "Well Supreme King, what do you think of those two? The crown prince and princess are doing quite well, aren't they? Even without their parents."

"Prince and Princess?" asks Yugi in confusion, before widening his eyes and gazing at Jaden.

"Oh yeah, the crown prince and princess of the Isekai. Jaden Yuki's own children. They were sent to Earth to secure their education and give them the chance to make friends. Without their parents, of course. After all, a kingdom doesn't rule itself, does it Haou? Or is it perhaps something else? An injury maybe?” Doctrine makes a wide gesture with his hand before continuing sarcastically. "Asking you is really a waste of time. After all, we're in the present. Anyway, Yusei Fudo is looking after them."

"Children?" sputtered Jaden. "But they look more like Jesse’s."

"They even have your psy-powers, and they can see dueling monsters. But with their parents, no wonder," Doctrine continues unimpressed.

A loud thump snaps Jesse out of his stupor. He looks to the side to see that this news has knocked Jim and Axel off their feet. Alexis and Atticus can only stare at the screen, mouths open and eyes wide.

"Who the hell allowed this loser to reproduce?" yells Chazz indignantly.

"I'm surprised you didn't volunteer," Syrus laughs.

"What, why should I?", Chazz wants to know, scowling at Syrus.

"Hello, the life of a king? Is that out of your league?" asks Hasselberry, who winks at Syrus.

"I don't go for men," Chazz hisses angrily.

"Better be, too," Jesse mutters under his breath. He makes sure to speak quietly enough so no one hears him. Even back at the academy, the weird love-hate relationship between Chazz and Jaden irritated him. In his eyes, Chazz never admitted to himself that he had romantic feelings for Jaden. If it were up to Jesse, Chazz would never have the chance to get close to Jaden either. Well, it seems that he missed his chance, too.

"What is meant by psy powers?" asks Aster.

"My guess is that Jaden's powers are normal in the future and have a name of their own," Zane speculates, gripping his chin. "I have to agree with Jaden, though. The twins look like washed-out copies of Jesse."

"Hey!" It takes Jesse a bit to regain his composure. This news is a shock that makes all his dreams and plans collapse like a house of cards. He swallows down the bitter tears. As long as Jaden is happy, he thinks resignedly.

"You think so? They might as well have come from Syrus," Alexis counters after she recovers her composure.

"What?" squeaks Syrus, who is turning so red that Jesse fears his head will explode. "No way!"

"Well, seems like he broke your heart after all," grumbles Atticus, eyeing his sister with concern.

"Nii-san, I haven't seen Jaden in years! We are friends, nothing more."

"Very well, then you can give me a chance," Chazz demands who pulls at his hair.

"You never give up either, do you?" Alexis sighs loudly.

"Of course not," responds Chazz, rolling his eyes. "I'm just wondering who was dumb enough to tie himself to that loser. Like he's ever going to settle down!"

"You shouldn't underestimate Jay," comes from Syrus of all people, scowling at Chazz. "Whoever his partner is, it's worth it!"

Despite his heavy heart, Jesse smiles before wincing as his shoulder is squeezed. When he turns his head to see who is standing behind him, his eyes widen. It is Axel, who has grabbed him and is now staring back at him sternly.

"You shouldn't give up," Axel admonishes firmly. "We know absolutely nothing about that future. This may as well be a trap."

“Rubi bii bii.”

Jesse looks to his other shoulder, where he catches sight of Ruby Carbuncle, who gently snuggles up to him and then jumps to the ground. He can sense her concern for her winged friend through their bond. Her front paw points to the exit of the arena before she runs a few meters towards it and then pauses to look at him expectantly. Oh, how he would love to follow him! He shakes his head in resignation. "If you go to him, please be very careful," he murmurs softly, watching as the purple cat runs toward the exit of the arena. He clenches his hands into fists and grits his teeth before looking back at the screen. He examines Jaden closely and concludes that he looks just as shaken as Jesse feels. Instead of being cold, the beautiful, golden eyes seem vulnerable. A weakness that could be fatal in this duel.

"Oh please, protect our Jay," whispers Jesse, looking back and forth between Yugi and Yusei.

"Jaden, come on," Alexis calls out. "You have the best help ever. Kick that idiot off the field hard!"

"Lexi's right," Atticus laughs. "Go get him!"

"How is that possible?" blurts out Jaden in horror.

"I certainly don't have to tell you how children are conceived," Doctrine counters in a sickened manner. "You really should take better care of your body. We don't want to damage all those extras you got from merging with your Guardian. Do we? It might cost you more than a few bruises or broken bones."

"Are you saying...?" Yugi looks at Jaden with wide eyes.

"Well, what do you expect with a female Guardian?" replies their foe with a shrug. "Oh, I love that expression. It's just too bad your partner isn't here. I would have loved to see his face. All the drama and misunderstandings. But then again, it doesn't make any difference since I'm going to wipe you out." Doctrine catches his breath before giving the order to attack Yugi, Jaden and Yusei's life points. Before the attack can succeed, however, Yusei activates his Iron Scrap Scarecrow. This cancels the attack and Yugi takes over.

"Wait a minute," says Chazz, who looks like he's going to laugh hysterically at any moment. "Jaden can bear children?"

"Oh God," escapes Alexis, slapping a hand over her mouth. "He definitely needs a high pain threshold for that!"

"He said 'his face,'" says Jim, who has picked himself up and is staring wide-eyed at Jesse. "So a male partner."

"And considering the twins look like copies of you, I'd put my money on you being that partner," adds Aster, looking at Jesse and watching in amusement as his legs give way and he sinks to the ground.

"Yeah, Chazz. No chance to rule as a king," comes absently from Hasselberry.

"I already said I don't fancy him," roars Chazz. "But it serves that loser right! I finally got the last laugh!"

"Calm down," hisses Zane, kneeling next to Jesse. "Are you alright?"

"Quite a bit of information all at once," answers Jesse, his eyes still wide. Considering that just moments ago he'd been jealous of someone unknown, only to learn it was him in the first place, Jesse's surprised he hasn't gone off the deep end.

"I guess you can say that again," agrees Atticus, who sits down. "Seems like the people have calmed down." He nods to the audience, who are sitting awkwardly on the floor. Someone seems to have handed out food and drink to the people, because they are all stuffing their mouths and staring wide-eyed at the screens.

"At least they're not screeching around anymore," sighs Axel. "Really a relief to my ears."

"Well, nothing shocks me now," states Hasselberry with a shoulder shrug. "Good for the Sgt. We won't have to worry about him as much that way."

"Yes, because that task will fall on Jesse's shoulders," says Syrus, interlacing his fingers. "I don't envy you one bit."

"You'll be fine, mate," laughs Jim, patting Jesse on the shoulders.

"Guys, stop teasing Jesse," Zane reprimands the group. "What if he's not the father? In that case, he's got his hopes up for nothing!"

"If anyone can manage to keep that whirlwind in check, it's the idiot he ran back to Isekai for," sighs Aster with a grin in Zane's direction, without listening to his words.

"Are you still holding a grudge?" asks Zane with a raised eyebrow.

"Me? No way," Aster waves it off.

"I think we all could have done without encountering Jaden's dark side," sayes Axel, tucking his tracking device into his breast pocket. "As much as I hate to admit it, I still have nightmares."

"You're not the only one," confesses Syrus. "I still dream about the duel between Nii-san and Yubel, who had taken over Jesse's body. Truly a culture shock to encounter two dark sides of people who you would never have believed the existence of darkness in their hearts."

Jesse's face contorts at the memory of it. At least he has to give Yubel credit for good taste in clothes, even if he would never have chosen them himself. They still hang in the darkest corner of his closet, and when he's feeling very nostalgic, he even digs them out. The clothes still fit like a glove.

"Everyone has darkness in their heart," Jesse murmurs with a sigh. "We should really know that after what we've been through the last few years. Neither Jaden nor I are absolving ourselves of that."

"Enough of that," shouts Chazz, pointing to the screen. "We have a duel in progress! And it's Yugi Muto's turn."

"Let's start with this card, then," says Yugi, who places a monster card on the duel disc. A pink cotton ball with big eyes appears. "Marshmellon won't stay long, though. I sacrifice him to summon Knights of the King." The cotton ball dissolves and a knight with many muscles and a sword in his hand appears instead. "Then I activate his special effect and call Knight of Jack from my deck."

"I activate my Spell Card Black Hole!" The face-down card from Doctrine opens and begins lifting the monsters into the sky.

"Not so fast," exclaims Yusei, who in turn activates one of his face-down cards, destroying Black Hole.

"Thank you, Yusei," sneers Doctrine. "With this, you activate my other trap. With it, you lose your cards in your hand and your monsters on the field. In addition, your attack points will be subtracted from your life points."

Gritting their teeth, Yugi, Yusei, and Jaden put their cards in the graveyard.

"Ha ha, why are you guys working so hard?"

"I'm activating my spell card," Yugi shouts before their opponent can continue. Mirrors appear in front of him and the other two duelists, intercepting the black energy. Since both powers are equally strong, an explosion occurs, knocking all of them off their feet. Jaden, Yusei and Yugi land with a hard thud a few feet on the ground, over which they skid another few inches before remaining motionless. Doctrine, on the other hand, has more luck. Because he is standing on the roof of a house, the pressure is less intense. He slides a few meters backwards and sinks to his knees.

"Oh, come on! Don't just fall over," Chazz shouts at the screen, for which Alexis smacks him upside the head.

"They can't hear you, you idiot!"

"It makes me feel better though," growls Chazz, as he rubs his head and glares darkly at Alexis. "Why do you always have to lash out?"

"It's rather unusual that Jaden isn't back on his feet yet," says Aster, gripping his elbow and putting his other hand to his chin. "Compared to previous attacks, this was nothing."

"Do you mean... his shoulder?" Atticus wants to know in a worried voice.

"If that's the case, why aren't the other two standing up?" questions Zane with a raised eyebrow.

Jesse tries not to be influenced by these words. Instead, he concentrates on Ruby. The crystal monster has made the journey to Jaden all by herself. He can't communicate with her at this distance or see exactly where she is, but he can feel that she's okay. And when he squints his eyes and concentrates on the screen, he thinks he can see Ruby next to Jaden.

"Old age?" jokes Hasselberry, which earns him a kick to the shin and a deadly glare. "Hey! I was just trying to lighten the mood!"

"Your words will only make others rush off recklessly," warns Jim, who nods his head in Jesse's direction. When Jesse has processed the words, he blinks and realizes to his astonishment that he has taken a few steps away from his friends. He puts a hand over his heart and takes a deep breath.

"Axel, can you hack into the signal and transmit it to our cell phones?" inquires Jesse.

Silently, Axel stretches out his hand. Without hesitation, Jesse takes his smartphone out of his pocket and hands it to him.

"Does your neck hurt, or why do you want to watch the game on your cell phone?" inquires a confused Syrus.

Zane rolls his eyes and even Hasselberry shakes his head in astonishment.

"Here!" Axel hands Jesse the cell phone back over, which is playing the game. He then looks at the rest of the group and nods to the platform that Zane and Syrus used earlier to appear in the arena. "Let's go!"

"Fucking finally," proclaims Chazz, who is the first to rush off. "All this waiting just drives me crazy."

"You were crazy before," remarks Aster, who follows Chazz.

"I'll be happy to kick you off the platform," threatens Chazz, who sneers at Aster.

"If you keep arguing, you'll stay behind and play babysitter for the audience," warns Zane, silencing them both. "Axel, you take the lead."

Once everyone is standing close together, Zane presses the button and the floor beneath them starts to move. The metal floor of the arena closes over their heads again, plunging them into the deepest darkness, interrupted only by Jesse's cell phone and the emergency lights.

"Hang in there a little longer, Jay," whispers Jesse. "We're on our way."

"That's it. Stay down!" Doctrine raises a hand to the sky before white lightning pelts the earth. "And now comes your end!" A concentrated column of energy rushes toward the three prone men before a red barrier builds around them at the last minute. A black dot, which ripples across the barrier, envelops the pillar of light, gradually absorbing it before there is nothing left of it.

"What?" Doctrine backs away before an eerie aura envelops his body. "Why can't you guys just step down? Get out of history already!"

"Giving up?" Jaden begins, sitting up with difficulty. He watches as Yusei hoists himself up on his hands and knees. Yugi rolls onto his side right next to him. He tightens his legs and straightens his torso slightly. "Out of the question for us," Yusei finishes.

"Man, I completely forgot how much that hurt," says Yugi, shaking his head. "On the other hand, the heart of the cards has never let me down before."

"This feels like I fell off my D-Wheel at top speed in a turbo duel again," gasps Yusei, who finally sits up on his knees. "That's going to bruise."

"You duel on motorcycles?" asks Jaden in a mixture of surprise and concern.

"Don't worry. You have to get a license for that, like a driver's license. And the twins are way too young for that. They have skateboards," assures Yusei, not exactly helping to minimize Jaden's worry.

"Let's finish this duel. I could really use some ice packs," Jaden mutters, awkwardly sitting up.

"Good idea," agrees Yugi, who ends his turn by discarding two cards face down.

"You fools!" roars Doctrine. He leans forward, causing his hood to slip a little. A shiny metallic forehead and sinister, glowing red eyes are revealed. "You have no idea what you're doing." Then he takes a deep breath and smiles. "I'm activating my spell card. All monsters in your decks that don't have a Light Attribute will be destroyed."

"Shit," curses Jaden, sending most of his deck to the graveyard.

"Well, that doesn't make this whole thing any easier," sighs Yugi, who discards almost as many cards as Jaden. "How many light attribute cards do you have?"

"I'd say... three."

"That means I have the most cards," adds Yusei, who has mostly Light Attribute Monsters.

"Ha ha ha. The countdown is on. With so few cards, I'm assured of victory," laughs Doctrine, whose aura continues to increase, distorting the time-space structure around him. "Then there's no one to stand in my way!" He draws a card from his deck and laughs even louder and wilder. "And with this card, I seal your fate. I play the ruler of nothingness." A human being appears on his field, completely shrouded in white mist. It has 0 attack and defense points. "For each destroyed card in your deck, it scores 200 points. Now, my ruler, wipe out these maggots!"

"Jaden!" shouts Yugi, revealing one of his face-down cards.

"I call the Winged Kuriboh to the field."

"What's that little furball going to do against so many attack points?" sneers Doctrine. Kuriboh puffs himself up and narrows his eyes.

"Oh, a lot," assures Jaden, revealing his own spell card. "I play transcendent wings. With that, my Kuriboh evolves. Come on, winged Kuriboh level 10!"

"That's ridiculous. Your monster only has 300 points."

"That may be, but he has a special ability," grins Jaden.

"Kuri, Kuri!" With a determined expression, Kuriboh begins to glow before destroying the enemy monster and itself.

"No!"

"Oh yes. And it gets worse," insists Yugi, who activates another card. "After all the monsters are destroyed, we can draw three cards from our deck." He looks to Jaden and Yusei, who nod at him. "If it's a monster card, it can be called directly to the field." Yugi simultaneously places a hand on the top card of their respective decks with Yusei and Jaden. Just as synchronously, they close their eyes, missing how their respective cards glow gold, blue, and red. Their outstretched arms cross with the glowing cards.

"Come forth Winged Dragon of Ra."

"Starry Dragon, show yourself."

"Come to me, Rainbow Dragon."

None of the three need to look at the cards. They feel deep down which card they have drawn.

With momentum, they place the cards on the dueling disks and the monsters materialize behind the young men.

Doctrine clenches his hand into a fist and casts a hateful glance at Jaden.

"You shouldn't have that power!"

"Huh?" asks Jaden before scratching his head. "Didn't think I'd agree with you on that one." The dragon behind him begins to roar before wrapping itself protectively around Jaden. Jaden rolls his eyes and sighs, "I'm honored, I really am. But you know I can't adequately protect you. I can only enhance your powers." His tone is a mixture of resignation and concern. "You should have gone back to him."

The dragon doesn't seem to agree with him, as he makes more roaring noises that make Jaden shake his head with a sigh.

"Why do you have to be so stubborn and reckless? You really shouldn't imitate Jesse so much!" Then a perky grin creeps onto his lips, making him seem younger than he actually is. "On the other hand, I'm just as reckless. I'd say we're a good match!"

"You ignorant idiot. You have no idea what kind of forces you're up against," Doctrine roars with hatred. "All those attacks on you and your equally ignorant friends were to destroy you. You, who have the power to destroy the world and its twelve dimensions!" Their environment begins to crack, falling to the ground as black splinters, while the stones of the destroyed buildings slowly turn to dust.

"Wow," Jaden replies sarcastically. "Ever think that it was you guys who awakened that power?"

"Besides, it's not like we don't have that power too," Yusei replies, looking down at his glowing arm.

"Anyone who has powerful monster cards can use them for good or evil," Yugi adds, shrugging a shoulder. "And even we so-called heroes can go astray once in a while."

The earth beneath them shakes and a piece of facade falls down on them. Fortunately, all three have good reflexes, so they jump to the side and roll off.

"Whoa, that was close," gasps Jaden, lying on his back.

"I think you made him angrier, Yugi," mumbles Yusei, who is holding his head and supporting himself on the ground with his other hand.

"Looks like it," pants Yugi, who supports himself off the ground with his hands and knees.

"Quiet, you idiots," Doctrine yells loudly before pointing a finger at Jaden. "I don't know whether to thank you or laugh at you. You're traveling the country all by yourself, which makes it easy for us to get rid of you. How many times have you narrowly escaped in the last few months? Once I have wiped you out, no one will be able to destroy the world. Not even your friends and their powerful duel monsters. First and foremost, the Rainbow Dragon!"

"My friends can take very good care of their cards themselves."

"And who looks out for your friends?" Jaden narrows his eyes as the dark aura increases. Doctrine laughs hysterically. "Oh, you're so unstable, Jaden Yuki. But who's surprised. There's only darkness in you. Only light and darkness keep each other in balance. And we all know what happens when your light disappears."

"Don't let him get to you, Jaden," yells Yugi.

"If you know all this, why are you attacking head-on?" asks Yusei. "Why are you changing your attack strategy when going through our friends has been more successful in the past?"

"Do I really need to repeat myself?" Doctrine growls before clicking his tongue. "Jaden Yuki tends to walk over dead bodies when something happens to his light. My goal is to wipe him out, not the world."

"Wow," comes from Yusei and Yugi. "He's not the brightest candle in the chandelier, is he?" adds Yusei with a sigh.

"Without a hero to hold the world together, its demise will come faster than with him," Yugi agrees with him. "Jaden, it's your turn. All our monsters are under your command!"

Jaden draws the top card of his deck and puts it with the other cards in his hand. He raises his hand and orders Starry Dragon and the Winged Dragon of Ra to attack the enemy. Shortly after, the small window into the future shatters and the destruction of the surrounding area ceases. A glowing sphere encircles the enemy before it explodes, releasing a cloud of dust. Yusei and Yugi jump up and support Jaden, who would have otherwise toppled over from the blast.

"Ha ha ha, don't think the duel is over yet."

"Why can't you just stay down," grumbles Jaden, narrowing his eyes and inspecting the opposing field after the smoke clears. On the enemy field is the Five-Headed Dragon with 5000 attack points.

"Why should I when I have enough cards to take you out?"

"It's getting boring to hear the same thing all the time," says Yusei, who activates his last face-down card, preventing the opponent from playing a trap or spell card from his hand. "The next attack is the last one, Jaden!"

"I activate O-Oversoul and get Elemental Hero Neos from my graveyard," declares Jaden, before nodding to Yugi.

"I activate the spell card Fusion, which I placed face down."

"I fuse Rainbow Dragon and Neos and get... Rainbow Neos!" The two monsters leap into the air and merge, whereupon a yellow-silver Neos with wings appears. "I activate its effect. By sending the Winged Dragon of Ra to the Graveyard, I can send your Five-Headed Dragon back to your Deck!"

"What, you'll regret that!"

"I hardly think so," replies Jaden, who plays another Spell Card and equips Rainbow Neos with it. "Rainbow Neos, show him what raw power is!" The monster flies toward the opponent and thrusts its right hand through the Doctrine's torso. Loud screams fill the square. When the monster withdraws its hand, the hole in the torso remains. Horrified, Doctrine stares at his stomach. He raises a shaky hand before looking at Jaden with hatred.

"If you wipe me out, there will be consequences for the future," Doctrine wheezes out in a gasp as blood drips down his mouth.

"I dare to doubt it," Jaden replies impassively, deactivating his dueling disc and turning to face his two partners. "That should be the last one to manage to travel through time."

"Let's hope so," Yugi laughs, turning a blind eye to the destroyed surroundings. "How's your shoulder?"

"Didn't you say you'd collapse after the duel?" laughs Yusei, high-fiving Yugi and Jaden. They ignore Doctrine's screams, but Yusei watches him from the corner of his eye. It would not the first time they've been fooled by a defeated opponent.

"Adrenaline is really a great thing. Right now, I don't feel anything at all."

"Maybe it's better that way. We took quite a beating," Yugi sighs, looking down at himself. "And you and Yusei just got back. Besides, you were already banged up before."

"Can't help it when you're up against Cyber-End and Rainbow Dragon," replies Jaden, shrugging. "Luckily, Yusei got here in time before I would have been eaten for breakfast by his Stardust Dragon."

"Oh, Stardust Dragon is quite harmless," Yusei laughs, holding out his hand. Yugi and Jaden grin before each placing a hand on Yusei's. Their rings light up briefly. "The bond that binds us will stand the test of time." As he finishes speaking, the mark on his arm glows red and a loud dragon cry can be heard. The fiery red dragon appears and envelops Yusei's D-Wheel.

"Seems your time in our presence is over," Jaden notes, sounding a bit wistful.

"I hope we meet again under better circumstances," Yugi adds.

Yusei opens his mouth, but then falls silent. Instead, he looks over his shoulders and sees their enemy pressing a button with the last of his strength. Yugi and Jaden, who have followed his gaze, widen their eyes. Before they can react, Neos appears in front of them. He connects with the fiery red dragon, so that the three young men are protected in a barrier, while the enemy is torn to pieces along with the building in front of which he was standing. A black hole appears that seems to suck everything into it before it is sealed with a grid of black and red threads.

Yugi and Yusei look to Jaden in surprise, who has one hand outstretched. His eyes glow orange and green. He bites his lower lip as beads of sweat appear on his forehead. After he clenches his outstretched hand into a fist, the black hole disappears and with it the last strength Jaden had. He slumps down and must be supported by Yugi and Yusei. At the same time, the field that Doctrine has built around this part of the city is dissolving. They can already hear police sirens from a distance.

"Rubi, Rubi bii!"

A purple cat runs between the rocks lying around and the cracked asphalt straight towards Jaden. She jumps into his lap, only to crawl onto his head where she makes herself comfortable.

"Oh, where did the little lady come from?" Yugi wonders with interest.

"Ruby?" questions Jaden, who tries to look up. "She's been here for a while."

"Why didn't we notice her earlier?" Yusei wants to know.

"If Doctrine had seen her, he would have wiped her out for sure," Jaden mumbles with half-closed eyes and reddened cheeks. "That's why I masked her presence with my powers."

"Are you okay?" they ask in chorus, causing a faint smile to appear on Jaden's lips.

"I've been better," he confesses, chuckling. Then he shakes his head and looks Yusei firmly in the eye. "You need to leave before you get caught in my barrier and can't go back."

"I can't possibly leave you like this," protests Yusei.

"I'll take care of him," Yugi assures him.

Jaden closes his eyes briefly before adding: "Help is already on the way. Right, Ruby?"

“Rubi bii”, Rubin agrees, her tail moving slowly back and forth.

Yusei bites his lips briefly before thanking Yugi and Jaden. He rises and stumbles to his red motorcycle. Yusei drops onto it and puts on his red helmet before starting the engine. In one smooth turn, Yusei turns the vehicle around and pauses again.

"Three years from now... make sure you're not in Domino City."

Before Yugi or Jaden can ask what exactly he means, Yusei accelerates his D-Wheel and disappears in a flurry of pink-red energy. Except for the rings on their fingers, which glow briefly, and the destruction wreaked, nothing reminds them of their arduous battle.

"I don't think he should have told us," Yugi breaks the silence that has settled over them.

"It was definitely a warning," Jaden mutters in agreement. "A warning we should take seriously. Even if it will change the known future."

"Otherwise, we won't meet again," adds Yugi. Jaden approves, before grimacing and slumping down even more. "Hey, don't slump!"

"Sorry, but..."

"Jaden!"

"Aniki!"

"Sergeant!"

Yugi stares as a group of young people rush towards them and kneel down next to them. Jaden smirks before his eyes drop halfway shut. With the last of his strength, he pulls a card from the deck, holding it out with shaking hands.

"Your card."

"Jay... thank you," whispers Jesse, who comes to a stop in front of Jaden and Yugi and drops to his knees to better face Jaden. He takes the card and slips it back into his card holder before placing a hand on his best friend's burning forehead and sighing. "You've lasted long enough. I'll take it from here."

"He should go to the hospital," advises Yugi, who rises and anxiously examines Jaden's flushed face.

"N-no! No-"

Jesse sighs and runs his fingers through his hair. It wouldn't do any good to argue with Jaden about going to the hospital. He's as stubborn as a mule! On the other hand, Jesse understands. If you were constantly in the hospital as a child, having to endure electroshock therapy and the like, then you wouldn't want to go there voluntarily as an adult either. What's more, Jaden is a hybrid. If this becomes public knowledge, Jaden will end up in a laboratory as a guinea pig. In the worst-case scenario, he will be dissected. Just the thought of it makes Jesse shudder.

"Thank you for looking after our Jaden, Yugi-san," says Alexis, bowing politely.

"Man, are you even eating?" inquires Jim, carefully hoisting Jaden onto his back. "Where do you want to go, mate?"

"I would prefer my house, but we have to go back to the arena," sighs Jesse, who rubs his face.

"It's enough if Syrus and I go back to the arena," Zane decides. "We'll have to postpone the first tournament anyway. You'd better take care of our Jaden."

"He's obviously in safe with me," Jesse affirms with a grin, then looks at Yugi and raises an eyebrow. "Will you accompany us, Yugi-san?"

"Ah, another time, perhaps. Keep me posted, though."

"Will do," Hasselberry promises. "Okay, sergeant, let's go."

"If we take him to the hotel, we'll attract unwanted attention," says Axel as they make their way back to the stadium. "And we should come up with a good explanation for this destruction."

"Why? It's not like nobody saw it," Hasselberry wants to know, whistling appreciatively as he looks around.

"Do you really think that parents will allow their children to continue playing Duel Monsters if it can cause such damage?" asks Jim, rolling his eyes.

"I think we can leave that task to Kaiba. He and Pegasus will think of something," shrugs Aster.

"The most plausible explanation would be that they made a movie and overdid it with the dynamite," agrees Chazz. "Fortunately, they were all just office complexes, which were empty at that time anyway."

"I really don't want to be in their shoes," utters Axel, who cringes.

"I have an apartment I'm not using." Jesse and the others look at Aster with wide eyes. "What, there are a lot of tournaments going on here."

"You have a yacht," Chazz grumbles, jealousy oozing out of him. "And a trailer!"

"Our house is here, too," Syrus interjects.

"I don't think that's helpful," mutters Jesse thoughtfully. "Jaden is notoriously bad with bed rest when he has capable duelists around. A secluded spot..." Jaden opens his eyes, glowing orange and green, before grabbing Jesse's upper arm. "Huh, Jay?" Since it looks like Jaden is going to slide off Jim's back, Jesse rushes right behind Jim and grabs Jaden's waist. In the next instant, everything around them goes black. From far away, he can hear the startled shouts of their friends. Jesse opens his mouth to reassure them, but then light returns around him. The rapid change from light to dark and light again, triggers a brief dizziness that, coupled with Jaden's weight pressing against his body, causes him to fall to the ground.

"Ouch!"

"Rubibi bi!"

Jesse opens his green eyes and looks around before widening his eyes. They are in his bedroom. In his house. In Norway!

"How is this possible?" he asks, aghast. His dueling spirit, Ruby, runs to Jaden and taps his torso with her purple paw. But he doesn't even know where I live, thinks Jesse.

"Rubi bi bi."

"I think," Jesse begins, swallowing hard. "We need to have a serious talk."

After the whole Yubel incident, I don't like having my mind invaded at all, he thinks bitterly, before picking himself up, gently pushing the unconscious Jaden off his body. Only when he's sure he can stay on his feet does he pick Jaden up into his arms and carry him to his bed. There he carefully lays him down and begins to take off his shoes and socks before turning his attention to his jacket and sweater. He immediately notices the many fresh cuts and bruises that stand out against all the scars.

"Why can't you be careful with your body?" Jesse rebukes his sleeping friend before turning his attention to the shoulder, which is swollen and hot despite the bandage. "Better I get you free of all this dust and debris before I fix you up."

Thus he goes to the bathroom to fetch the first aid kit. He puts the small case on his bedside table before going downstairs to get a bowl, which he fills with warm water and takes a soft cloth and fresh towels from the cabinet. With these items, he returns to the bed.

"Okay Jay, here comes the hard part," murmurs Jesse to himself as he lifts his friend's torso to slide a large towel underneath and to loosen the bandage, which looks pretty damaged. "Sorry, but your pants have to go, too." Dainty fingers travel feather-light across the abdomen to the button of the pants, which he undoes and then moves on to the fly. Once the pants are loose, Jesse pulls them down along with the underwear and tosses them to the floor. "Better see if any of the clothes can be salvaged before I wash them," he mutters to himself as he slides the nearest towel under Jaden's body and then turns away.

As a doctor, he's had a lot of naked bodies in front of him, so the sight no longer embarrasses him. However, having Jaden naked in his bed is the fulfillment of his every fantasy. Only the circumstances were different in the dreams. Reluctantly, a sigh leaves his lips before he gently strokes a few strands of brown hair from Jaden's face. How long he gazed into the sleeping face he cannot say, for he has forgotten all sense of time. Only Ruby's admonishing call snaps him out of his stupor.

"Thank you, Ruby," whispers Jesse.

He reaches for the rag and dips it into the bowl of water before using it to clean first his face and then his arms. I wonder why Yubel hasn't shown herself yet. Or the winged Kuriboh, crosses Jesse's mind as he dips the piece of cloth back into the water before using it to clean his torso and legs. Satisfied with his work so far, he surveys Jaden's position on the bed and then runs a hand through his hair. Trying not to curse out loud, he bites down hard on his lower lip. If he wants to clean Jaden's back, butt and neck as well, he has to turn him over. However, this can only be done over the broken shoulder and he doubts that this will be painless. It would bring Jaden out of unconsciousness and make the whole procedure even more difficult.

"Hmm, I'll have to use my body as a stopper then," he mutters sullenly. With help, this would be so much easier. But something in him refuses to let anyone else see Jaden in his vulnerable state. Even if it would be their mutual friends. Thus he reaches over Jaden's body. He slides one hand below his shoulder and the other just below his rear end before carefully lifting him and leaning Jaden's stomach against his thighs. After Jesse is sure Jaden won't slip away and fall to the floor, he removes his hands from his body to take Jaden's front in his arms. He then gently lifts him a few inches and places his alarmingly light load belly-down on the towels. After removing his hands from Jaden's body, Jesse reaches out a hand and takes the one pillow off his bed so Jaden can lie as flat as possible. To prevent Jaden from accidentally suffocating, he turns his head to the side. Satisfied, Jesse nods to himself before spreading Jaden's arms out on either side of him and then reaching back for the washcloth, which he has dipped into the water again. Gently and carefully, he starts on the broken shoulder, which burns red-purple. Jesse frowns and furrows his eyebrows in concern. "For surgery, I'd have to take you to the hospital."

His own practice, located on the first floor, is state-of-the-art and capable of dealing with most treatments. But surgery, major surgery, is not one of them. Besides, he's not a surgeon! No matter how much Jaden would beg him, he would never take the risk of maiming his best friend. "First, we need to get the swelling and heat down," murmurs Jesse to himself as he washes Jaden's back and sides. "And I need an X-ray, too. I need to know what I'm dealing with." Jesse dips his rag into the water again and then turns his attention to Jaden's rear end, which he cleans thoroughly before placing a towel over Jaden's waist and taking the water bowl and rag into the bathroom. "Ruby, please watch Jay while I quickly get the portable x-ray machine," shouts Jesse over his shoulders as he exits the bedroom.

Uncharacteristically for him, he runs down the stairs and down the long hallway that leads directly to his small practice. Just as he opens the door, his cell phone rings, which is still in his back pocket. Cursing, he pulls it out and takes the call. Hopefully it's not an emergency. He can't leave Jaden alone like this! While his mind is elsewhere, his hand gropes for the practice's light switch and heads toward the lab.

"Anderson."

"Where the hell are you guys? You're so difficult to reach that we've started to worry!”

"The technology is probably not compatible with Jaden's powers. To be honest, I'm surprised my phone hasn't been overloaded yet," Jesse muses. The only one who knows for sure is Jaden. But he's out of commission.

A small smile settles on Jesse's lips. Never in his life had he been so glad to hear Aster's voice. If the professional duelist can curse, then they're doing just fine. Jesse focuses on the background noise for a moment and concludes that the group has made it back to the stadium. Which means they were fast enough to escape the reporters and the police.

"I don't know how Jay did it, but we're at my house," Jesse replies, his green eyes scanning the shelves. "I'm just about to treat him," he adds absentmindedly before a small whoop leaves his lips. "Aha! I've got you!" He puts the phone down and reaches for a small, dusty case.

"Anderson, you better not hang up on me," swears Aster. "I'll put you on speaker so the rest can listen in."

"I hope you didn't make that victorious sound because you had to look for the sergeant," adds Hasselberry. Jesse can't even blame him. It would be so typical Jaden. Grinning, he shakes his head and takes the phone in his free hand.

"Jay's out of commission. Probably used up all his energy," he explains as he leaves the lab again.

"Since when is teleporting part of his powers?" asks Zane, to which Jesse shrugs. Considering that Yubel can travel between dimensions, it's not particularly surprising that Jaden also has this ability. Jesse stopped being caught off guard after he got the call from Axel that day, which led him straight back to the Duel Academy.

"I have no idea. Maybe you should pose the question to Axel?" Even though Jesse phrased it as a question, he can't avoid the slightly bitter tone that creeps into his voice. Even after all this time, it pisses Jesse off that of all his friends, Jaden is the only one who keeps constant contact with Axel. Jesse and the others only receive photos and short messages. By e-mail! In addition, several months often pass between those messages.

"I only pass him orders from Kaiba-san or Pegasus-san," answers Axel finally. "However, that explains some inconsistencies."

"What do you mean by that?", Jesse hears Alexis inquire.

"Even though Jaden was in France investigating a problem with the dueling discs for Kaiba-san, after I called him about Zane and Jesse's missing cards, he was suddenly in Rome."

"Be honest, did you actually chip Sergeant?" inquires Hasselberry skeptically.

"If you did, I'm about to find out," murmurs Jesse absently, who has gone back to his bedroom during the phone call and is now leaning against the doorframe, eyeing Jaden. The hero deck duelist hasn't moved an inch, but the winged Kuriboh and even Pharaoh have joined ruby on the bed. Jesse has completely forgotten that Pharaoh is traveling with Jaden. For a moment, Jesse ponders where the cat has been hiding all this time before he spots the overturned backpack next to the door, which is now open. It must have landed there when he teleported, and Pharaoh then broke free of it, scattering the contents across the floor. "I'll call you when I'm done."

"What... no!"

"We want..."

Whatever his friends were about to say, Jesse doesn't care. He hangs up and stows the device back in his pants. With a jerk, he pushes himself off the doorframe and walks to the other side of the bed. There he sets down the case, which he opens and pulls out the x-ray machine. Jesse sets it up over Jaden's shoulder.

"You three should move over a bit," Jesse murmurs, addressing Ruby, Kuriboh and Pharaoh. "I might as well take x-rays of his abdomen, too.” He presses the top button of the device and moves off a bit as well. A buzzing sound is heard that lasts for a few minutes before it becomes a beeping sound. Jesse looks at the small display of the radiographic device and taps his lips briefly. Finally, he decides to send the scans directly to his laptop, which is in the living room. Before dismantling the machine, Jesse takes more images from other angles to get an accurate picture of the damage. While the machine is working, he returns to the first floor to get his laptop and a pack of ice cubes. With his catch, he returns to the bedroom, only to see Pharaoh pawing at the legs of his X-ray machine. The cat keeps sniffing against the metal, hissing at it as if it has angered him personally.

"Pharaoh, out," Jesse exclaims before running toward the bed and catching the device at the last second or it would have fallen on Jaden's shoulder. A relieved sigh leaves his lips before he puts the device back in the case and then spreads the ice on Jaden's shoulder. "That's all I can do for now," says Jesse, muttering to himself before sliding off the bed, suitcase and all. Out of the corner of his eye, he watches with amusement as Ruby and Kuriboh make themselves comfortable on Jaden's back.

Armed with his laptop, which he has hastily placed on the floor, he remains seated in front of the bed. Casting one last glance over his shoulder to make sure Jaden is still asleep, he calls up the X-rays and examines them long and hard. The swelling of the muscles doesn't make it easy, but giving up is not an option for Jesse. Using the mouse, he enlarges the collarbone as much as he can. The bone has hairline cracks that spread like spider webs along its entire length. A few smaller splinters, no larger and wider than two millimeters, lie scattered near the healing bone. Jesse slumps and briefly buries his face in his hands. A hysterical laugh bubbles in his throat that he swallows with great difficulty. If he doesn't, it could end in a nervous breakdown. Something they can't have at the moment. So he takes a deep breath in and out, counts to fifty in his head, and drops his hands from his face. Swallowing hard, Jesse puts his head back and stares at the ceiling of the room, seeing nothing.

"What a relief," escapes his lips. Jesse slides the laptop off his lap and then lifts his pelvis. "Then let's take care of the other injuries," huffs Jesse, as he stretches and heads back down to the first floor with his laptop. He leaves the computer on the coffee table and then goes back to his practice. With one finger on the shelf, he searches for the right medication. Once he has found the right painkillers and a cannula, he looks for antibiotics to prevent inflammation. With them in his arms, Jesse searches the shelves for a wide elastic bandage for Jaden's fractured ribs.

"Ah, I mustn't forget the band-aid for the cuts," mumbles Jesse, who reaches down to the bottom shelf and grabs a whole pack. He grabs an infusion pole as he heads out again. The way back takes a little longer, but everything arrives in one piece. With great care, he drops the medication and dressings on the bed to keep his hands free. He places the infusion stand at the head of the bed, directly in front of his bedside table. Next, he secures the stand and reaches for the medication, which he attaches to the pole. Jesse keeps the disinfectant in his first aid kit. He fetches the bottle and a cotton pad, on which he spreads the liquid and rubs it on the back of Jaden's outstretched hand. Under normal circumstances, Jesse would have placed the cannula for the infusion in the crook of his arm, but it would get in the way. He gently feels for a vein before inserting the cannula and securing it with a small bandage. In the next step, he connects the drugs to the needle through a tube and sets the dosage.

Jesse wipes the sweat from his forehead and studies Jaden's face. If he remembers correctly, Jaden's head also took a hit during the fight. Jesse takes his small flashlight out of the drawer and circles the bed. He sits on the edge and bends over to reach Jaden's face. He opens one eyelid at a time and shines the light in. The pupils react normally to the light, so he concludes that Jaden has escaped a concussion. Jesse drops the flashlight and reaches for Jaden's neck instead.

"Hmm, pulse, heartbeat and breathing are all in normal range," Jesse whispers, rising from the bed and pulling his phone out of his back pocket. With two simple clicks, he opens the group chat and leaves a message before muting the phone and tossing it on the nightstand. "Hard to believe I was in Domino City just a few hours ago. Seems almost like an eternity." Afterwards, he disposes of any packaging lying around and washes his hands. When he returns to Jaden's side, he sits down on the floor in front of the bed and leans against the mattress. Jesse closes his eyes and yawns. "I better get a break before Jay drives me crazy when he wakes up."

"Meow!"

Jesse opens his eyes and looks at Pharaoh with a raised eyebrow. The cat has sneaked into his lap and curled up there. Smirking, he lifts a hand and strokes it through the fluffy fur. Shortly thereafter, the purr of a contented tomcat can be heard, following Jesse all the way to dreamland. His head falls on his chest. His breathing becomes deep and even.

>>>>>GX<<<<<

"Ah, you're awake."

"J... Jesse?" Jaden mumbles in a husky voice. He opens his eyes fully and looks around in confusion before trying to sit up.

"Don't!" Jesse presses a hand between Jaden's shoulder blades and pushes him back into the sheets. Then he sits down beside him on the edge of the bed and strokes a few strands out of his eyes. "You took quite a beating. How do you feel?"

"Like I got hit by a wrecking ball and then run over by a truck followed by a bullet train," Jaden croaks. "How long was I out of commission?"

"Three days," answers Jesse immediately. Then he reaches over to the nightstand and picks up the glass of water he has provided there. There is a straw in the glass, which he presses against Jaden's raw lips, watching with relief as the brown-head drinks slowly. "Are you in pain?"

"I'm not awake enough to answer that question yet," yawns Jaden, whose eyes fall halfway shut.

Jesse smirks and shakes his head. He leans over Jaden's back to look at his injured shoulder. For the past three days, he has been treating it with ice, which has completely reduced the swelling. However, the shoulder is still red, because the splintered pieces of bone causing inflammation. Jesse has already given him antibiotics for it, but they haven't had their full effect yet. Therefore, Jesse reaches to the bedside table again and picks up the syringe he has parked there for this case. With his teeth, he pulls off the protective cap and then pushes the needle into Jaden's upper arm without any warning.

"A..Ow. Jess, that hurts!"

"Don't act like a little kid," Jesse laughs, pulling the needle out of his skin and gently massaging the puncture site. Finally, he puts the cap on the needle and tosses the syringe into the trash basket he's placed in front of the bed. "If you like, I'll massage your shoulder and back later as compensation. That will help with the circulation, too." The shoulder has been inactive for so long, so Jesse worries that some joints and tendons have withered away.

"Hmm, but I wouldn't mind a bath beforehand," Jaden murmurs, yawning.

"Maybe later. First, you need to eat something." Jesse rises from the bed before leaning over again to tuck Jaden in. "I've already prepared something, but... Any special requests?"

"Fried shrimp would be great."

"Sorry Jay, but you need some healthy food right now to get your strength back," answers Jesse, who heads for the door and laughs out loud when Jaden's face crumples. "Don't pull such a face. I'm a very good cook."

"I'll take your word for it," Jaden mutters, closing his eyes and sighing.

"You'll get the fried shrimp when you're fit again," calls Jesse over his shoulder, after already leaving the room. Laughing, he heads downstairs to heat up the already prepared food for Jaden. He throws on an apron and turns on the stove. Once the stove top is hot enough, he places the vegetable pan on it that has been sitting on the table for so long. While Jesse waits for the food to be ready, he puts on water for some hot chocolate. That should be able to cheer him up a bit.

With that in mind, he pulls out two large cups from his cupboard and fills them with chocolate powder. Once the water has boiled, he pours it into the cups and stirs them both vigorously. Finally, he adds some milk.

"It's too bad I don't have cream. But it works that way, too." After putting the milk back in the fridge, he takes the cups and places them on his wooden tray that sits on the dining room table. Loud hissing prompts Jesse to stir the vegetables. His mind wanders back to Jaden's shoulder and his offer to massage it. It's been a while since he's had to use his knowledge of massage therapy and he's certainly a bit rusty, but he remembers his training. Jesse knows exactly what to look out for, how hard to press to relieve the pain without aggravating the injury.

"Where do I keep the massage gel?" Jesse taps his chin. He received the gel as a birthday gift from one of his patients. But he hasn't had any use for it yet.

"Didn't you put it in the nightstand?" Surprised, Jesse looks at Amethyst Cat, who has come up beside him. "You know, because of the aching legs."

"Ah, right."

"Jesse, hurry up," Topaz Tiger calls down from the stairs.

With hurried steps, Jesse leaves the kitchen, only to come to a skidding halt in front of the landing. His wide eyes lock on the tiger, who looks as if he's been caught in a storm. Behind his crystal monster, he can make out Yubel, who has her arms folded in front of her chest and is staring him down with her different colored eyes. Only with difficulty does Jesse suppress the impulse to rub his forehead. It was clear that the crystal monsters and Yubel would not be able to let their dispute rest.

"Yubel?"

"What makes you think your lap kitten is having any more success keeping Jaden in bed than I am?"

"I'm not a lap kitten, dragon girl," Topaz growls through bared teeth.

"Now is not the time for this," Jesse reprimands, giving them both a warning look.

"Jesse, it smells burnt in here," Cobalt Eagle calls from the kitchen.

"Oh my!" Jesse turns away from the stairs. "I hope we have time to talk later, Yubel. And no fights while I'm away!"

Back in the kitchen, he immediately turns off the stove and picks up the pan. Jesse breathes a sigh of relief when he sees that not everything is burnt. He immediately distributes the food onto the plates he's provided in advance and places them on the tray with the cups. Humming, he puts the pan in the sink and then picks up the tray.

"Jesse."

"Hmm?" asks Jesse, looking at his cat.

"Have you forgotten what she did to us?" Amethyst Cat looks him seriously in the eyes. "We haven't forgiven her."

"I know," responds Jesse, getting down on one knee and looking gently into her violet eyes. "I haven't forgotten what happened either. I don't think any of us can. Least of all Jaden."

"You're too forgiving," Cobalt Eagle sighs.

"We'll be watching her every move, and if she's a danger to you, we'll kick her out of the door," snarls Amethyst Cat.

"Give her a chance first." With these words, he rises and returns to the bedroom, only to halt at the doorway "What the hell is this?" Stomping, he walks over to the bed. First he sets the tray on the nightstand, then glares at Jaden. The hero deck duelist ignores him and stares wide-eyed at the towel around his waist. Sighing, Jesse reaches under Jaden's chin and gently forces him to look into his green eyes. "Jay!"

"Nothing hurts me," Jaden murmurs, his cheeks flushed. "Besides, with Yubel's abilities, my wounds will heal in a few days."

"We'll talk about your abilities later," assures Jesse, who doesn't tolerate backtalk. At least that explains Topaz Tiger's exclamation and Yubel's disapproving look, he thinks, before helping Jaden lean against the headboard of the bed. To keep him from getting to cold, Jesse covers his legs and then hands him the food. To his surprise, Jaden immediately starts eating. Suspiciously, Jesse watches him. No talking back? And why can't Jaden look me in the eye? Does he have a fever again? Without thinking about it, he puts a hand on Jaden's forehead and closes his own eyes to concentrate better.

"Hmm, you don't have a fever." Concerned, Jesse watches Jaden's cheeks grow even darker. Jaden swallows his bite and fills his spoon again. But on the way to his mouth, he pauses.

"Why don't I have any clothes on?"

"I can't treat you well if you're clothed," Jesse replies, rolling his eyes. Getting dressed and undressed all the time would have taken too much time, so he was able to see for himself how fast Jaden's regenerative powers were. The bruises and cuts healed within a day. Even the broken ribs only took two days. All that remains is the damaged shoulder. It is no longer as badly injured as it was three days ago, but the injury is not completely healed. He continues to eye Jaden out of the corner of his eye before something clicks. With an amused smile on his lips, he taps against Jaden's forehead. "Are you embarrassed?"

The bright red cheeks are answer enough. They elicit bell-like laughter from Jesse. "Jay, I'm a doctor! How many naked bodies do you think I've seen?"

"That's different," Jaden mumbles sheepishly as he continues to shovel food into his mouth. His brown eyes keep peeking nervously between his bangs.

"Why?", Jesse wants to know, eating the last bites of his own food and putting the empty plate back on the tray. "Because you're my best friend? Or because of the supernatural extras?"

Jaden's head snaps up and big, confused eyes fix on Jesse's own. There's no sign of the flushed cheeks anymore, which gives Jesse a bit of relief. Thinking back to their time at the academy, Jaden really has no reason to be embarrassed now. How many times have they seen each other half-dressed? Besides, they didn't just share a bed or futon once.

"We're not kids anymore?" asks Jaden, sounding less than convincing.

"Were we really ever kids?"

When Jesse remembers all the stories he's heard about Jaden, he was never really granted the privilege of being a teenager. Even the best memories always led to one disaster or another. He himself had a much quieter life. No life-threatening duels, no friends in danger. Just doing his best to win one tournament after another. Sure, he risked his good name, but in the end, these tournaments helped him gain the crystal monsters. The fate of the world was never at stake. Meeting his family is something he will never regret.

When he learned about Jaden, he admired him and wanted to be like him. Or at least lend a helping hand to lift the weight on his shoulders. But after they all returned from Isekai, that view changed. Jesse wouldn't trade places with Jaden for the world, seeing what he's become after three years of saving the world. Growing up is all well and good, but completely changing his character? And recover from it as well? That would be impossible for him. Especially since he still has nightmares from that schoolyear. They have become fewer, but now and then the nightmares cause sleepless nights. He admires Jaden even more, who doesn't seem to have any sleep problems.

"Hmm. Probably not," responds Jaden thoughtfully. After he finishes eating, he passes the empty plate to Jesse, who puts it with his own and then passes him a cup. A comfortable silence settles over them, with Jaden just looking into the chocolate for a long time. Apparently he doesn't find the answer he was looking for there, so he takes a big gulp of the now lukewarm liquid and closes his eyes, enjoying it. "Really good," he praises.

"Thanks," Jesse mumbles into his cup while not taking his eyes off Jaden. Despite the recent struggle, Jaden looks better than the last few times Jesse has laid eyes on him. Less pale, exhausted and haggard. Even the expression in his brown eyes is no longer cynical and hard. The childlike anticipation Jaden displayed at the start of his third year of school is still missing, but at least he can laugh again. A lot has also happened with Jaden physically. He used to be tall and slim, perhaps a little too lanky. But now he has built up some muscle mass. They are not as obvious as his own. But now that he is sitting naked in front of him, they are well displayed. Jesse blushes and turns his face away. As he does so, he realizes that his cup is already empty. With a quiet click, he places the cup on the nightstand.

Ah yes, the massage gel, he remembers. Kneeling in front of the bed, Jesse opens all three drawers of the nightstand one by one. Looking at the contents of the top drawer, he feels his cheeks glow. Hastily, he closes it and focuses on the contents of the other two.

"Jesse?"

"Yeah?" asks Jesse absentmindedly.

"Was that really a vibrator just now?"

"Huh? No, you must have made a mistake," Jesse croaks. "Ah, there it is!" Relieved to have found what he was looking for, Jesse takes the bottle of clear liquid from the last drawer and closes it with a little too much force.

"First the vibrator, the condoms and lube. Not to mention the ring box. And now massage gel? What's next? Bondage ropes?"

Jesse's head turns to Jaden so fast that at first he fears he's broken his neck. Eyes wide, he stares dumbly at his best friend.

"What?"

"Oh nothing," Jesse waves it off after recovering. "I just didn't think you'd know about stuff like that. Hey, you learn something new every day."

"You're one to talk," Jaden replies with a raised eyebrow and a nod toward the nightstand. "What else have you been keeping from me?"

"Doesn't everyone have secrets?" asks Jesse with a shrug. He stands up with the gel in his hand and looks Jaden square in the eye, almost challengingly. "You done?"

Jaden looks into his cup before passing it to Jesse. The cup joins the rest of the dishes. For a moment, Jesse considers how best to give Jaden a massage. To be efficient, Jaden should lie flat and relax. But first he has to get some towels and warm up the gel. Thus, he pulls the blanket away from Jaden.

"Hey, what are you doing?" exclaims Jaden, which makes Jesse laugh.

"Throw down the pillows, please."

Grumbling, Jaden complies with the request and then looks expectantly into Jesse's eyes. The latter tosses him the gel, which Jaden catches with one hand. He examines it from all sides and then reads the text, which brings an amused grin to his lips.

"Really? Strawberry?"

"It was a gift!"

"If you say so," Jaden laughs.

"Warm up the gel while I get the towels!"

"Since when do you boss people around?" shouts Jaden after him, which just makes Jesse shake his head.

He goes into the bathroom and straight to his closet with the towels. From the top shelf, he takes out five large, fluffy towels in lavender, which he tucks under his arm. He then reaches into the bottom compartment and pulls out a regular fluffy towel in pink. Jesse returns to the bedroom. In the doorway, he stops to watch Jaden. His best friend is lying on his stomach. The massage gel is in his glowing hands.

"How long are you going to stare at me?"

"You got eyes in the back of your head lately?" asks Jesse, rolling his eyes.

"The way you were staring, even the most obtuse guy would have noticed." Without further ado, Jesse decides to throw the towels at Jaden's head. As expected, the towels are intercepted with a grin. "Ambush?"

"You really have been around Hasselberry too long," Jesse laughs, shaking his head. "Do you think you can spread the towels on the mattress?"

Jaden stares unimpressed at Jesse as he climbs out of bed and spreads the towels on it. "Can't you do the massage when I'm standing or sitting?"

"No," Jesse counters simply, taking the massage gel from Jaden's hands. Standing and sitting, his body would bend forward if he pressed against the back. The bed, on the other hand, is a hard surface that does not give way. Closing his eyes, he concentrates on the warmth of the bottle. "Perfect."

"What's the short towel for?"

"What do you think it's for?" answers Jesse absentmindedly. Luckily, he's already gotten used to his best friend's unclothed state, or he'd be a drooling idiot. Giving Jaden ample time lie down and cover his hips, he bends over and removes his socks and slippers with his free hand. With one knee on the mattress, Jesse opens the lid of the massage gel and continues talking as if giving a massage to one's crush is something mundane. "I hope you don't mind me sitting on your thighs."

"Jess." Immediately Jesse looks up and looks directly into chocolate brown eyes, losing himself in them. It's only when his best friend clears his throat that Jesse flinches and briefly averts his gaze.

"Sorry," Jesse mumbles. He eyes his friend and is relieved to find that Jaden is lying flat on his stomach.

"You don't seem to be focused. Are you sure you can give a good massage in this state?", Jaden inquires with a raised eyebrow.

Jesse grins and rubs the back of his head at the same time. "Is that a challenge, Jay?" Then he waves it off. "Don't worry, I'm on it." Jaden's skeptical look makes him screw up his face. "Are you comfy?"

With a nod, Jaden answers the question before turning his head away and resting it on his folded arms. Then he relaxes completely, prompting Jesse to climb over his long, outstretched legs.

"Are you almost done?" asks Jaden in an almost annoyed tone.

"Uh, in a minute," answers Jesse, finally finding a position he's happy with that doesn't involve any of Jaden's pointy bones pressing into his flesh. His green eyes scrutinize the back before him. Subtle muscles tightening and relaxing under the skin drive Jesse's pulse up. Blood begins to rush in his ears as he delicately strokes each scar with his index finger. Suddenly, guilt laces his throat. How many of those scars are because Jaden hunted Paradox? How can he ever make up for all Jaden has done for him? Not just the Paradox thing, but his rescue in the Isekai. He doesn't need to talk about it with Jaden, because then he only gets to hear: 'We are friends and friends are there for each other.' But that is not at all self-evident. Before he came to the Duel Academy, he didn't even know what friends really were. Even though just a few days later, after spending most of his time in Jaden's presence, he had to admit to himself that he felt much more than friendship. At least for Jaden. No matter how much he denied those feelings, they never went away. On the contrary. The longer he knew Jaden, the stronger they became.

"Thank you for retrieving my rainbow dragon and protecting him," Jesse whispers in an choked voice as he lets the gel drip down Jaden's back. A soft, comforting sigh reaches his ears as Jesse begins massaging the translucent liquid into Jaden's neck with gentle motions.

"Like I can sit still when you lose your best card. Especially considering what we went through to get that card in the first place," grumbles Jaden, pressing his face deeper into his arms. "And now no one else can use it but you and me."

Jesse pauses, staring at the shock of brown hair. Has he heard wrong? Or much more, should he ask for more details? A small smile plays around his lips as he leans forward and rests his forehead against Jaden's neck.

"You're the best," he whispers against Jaden's skin, who shudders and gets goosebumps. "What would I do without you?"

"Shouldn't the question be, what would I do without you?" retorts Jaden, under his breath. "Unlike all my friends, you've always taken me as I am. Without grumbling or questioning my decisions." He's silent for a moment, and it appears to Jesse as if he's thinking carefully about what to say next before he continues. "After everything Yubel did to you and your family, you accepted her as part of me. You didn't have to do that."

"I can't speak for my family," Jesse begins softly. "But how could I do without my best friend?"

Jaden lifts his head and looks at him over his right shoulder. For the first time in years, Jesse can't tell what's going on by looking at Jaden's eyes. They glow an unnatural gold. A small appreciative smile is on the brown-head's lips.

"Best friend, hmm?" Jesse tilts his head and continues to look him firmly in the eye. His lips, on the other hand, touch his shoulder. Then he sits back down properly and starts kneading Jaden's shoulders. He focuses especially on the broken side. "Uhnn!"

"My, you're tense."

"Does the pain ever stop?" growls Jaden sarcastically. "If I didn't know better, I'd say you're into giving me pain."

"Now you're exaggerating," says Jesse dryly, easing off his shoulders. He reaches for the gel again and lets the liquid drip onto Jaden's back. Jaden flinches and shudders violently. Jesse bites his lower lips as he spreads the liquid all over his skin in a circular motion. "You want to talk about the duel?"

He has known from the beginning that Jaden would not answer him immediately. Therefore, he concentrates on pressing his fingers as hard as he can into Jaden's back to find all the knots of tension. The worst knots are in the neck, lower back, and along the spine, as well as the bum shoulder. Jesse begins massaging the neck and spine with the back of his hand, working from the top down. As he does so, he moves down to the towel, which is directly over the base of Jaden's butt. With variations of strength and pace, he soon has the particularly stubborn knots out of the way.

Pleasant sighs and sometimes restrained moans reach Jesse's ear, making his heart beat faster. Gradually, Jaden is like butter under his hands. He is so relaxed that Jesse thinks for a moment that Jaden has fallen asleep.

"Did you see the duel?"

Jesse has to lean over to hear him better. As he does, the towel lying loosely over Jaden's rear end slides up, but neither of them seems to notice. Jesse strokes Jaden's waist in comfort. In his eyes, Jaden has a right to know everything. Jesse assumes it will be easier for them to talk about certain revelations. So he takes a deep breath. He sits back up and begins massaging from his spine to Jaden's sides. His gaze is fixed on his fingers.

"We," Jesse begins. Then he pauses and laughs lightly. "Jim, Axel, Aster, Atticus, Alexis, Chazz, and Hasselberry... man, we really need more ladies in our circle of friends. How Alexis and Blair aren't uncomfortable is beyond me."

"There aren't many top female duelists," murmurs Jaden, with a yawn. He turns his head to the side and stares at the window. "And they both wouldn't accept anything else."

"That's just because you set the bar so high," Jesse grins. "Besides, you're such a tight-knit group that it's hard to get in."

"You sound like you're speaking from experience." Jaden looks at him out of the corner of his eye with a raised eyebrow. "If I'm not mistaken, you've been a part of our exclusive circle from the moment you arrived."

"You made me, Jim, and even Axel feel welcome right away," Jesse corrects, shaking his head. "It took a little longer with the others."

"Really?"

"Typical that you wouldn't notice something like that."

"Hmm, now that you mention it. I think that behavior is normal?” Jaden replies with a shrug, for which Jesse's hand immediately pushes him deeper into the mattress. "You should have seen the power struggles between Hasselberry and Syrus. They went on all through sophomore year and annoyed even me. And that's saying something."

"Well, that's what you get for being so popular."

Jaden stares off to the side thoughtfully before sighing. "I don't think it has anything to do with popularity. I hate to even think that word, but I think they were all destined to be by my side."

Jesse bites his lower lip and remains silent. He has only heard of the stories that Jaden has the power to override fate. But hearing him speak now confirms it. Not wanting to think about it further, he goes back to the actual question.

"So, Zane and Syrus invited us to the opening ceremony of that stadium of theirs. Blair couldn't attend and you... I have no idea if you were invited or not. Axel just said you'd be sure to show up." Jesse reaches for the massage gel and tips more onto his palm before turning his attention to Jaden's lower back. Gently, he strokes from side to side before pressing the back of his hand into the soft skin. Jaden hisses out but remains relaxed. "It's hard to believe that was only three days ago," Jesse adds, already unable to remember all the details. "I think we were supposed to have duels... Anyway, Zane and Syrus were busy giving their speech. Suddenly there were commotions, and the screens went black before they showed you. We watched the entire incident. At the end, when you called Rainbow Dragon, I knew the duel was over. Axel hacked into the connection and redirected the game to our PDAs while we rushed to you."

"Not my best game," Jaden mumbles with a sigh, looking down at his ring, which symbolizes his bond between Yugi and Yusei.

"Are you kidding me?" asks Jesse, aghast. In his eagerness, he presses his palms into Jaden's flesh so hard that he hisses like a cat. "Ah, sorry." He takes a deep breath, then strokes the spots lightly. "Who among us can say he played in a team duel with the King of Games? And Yusei wasn't half bad either. We all envy you!"

Jaden smirks and closes his eyes.

"You really are amazing, Jaden," Jesse assures him with conviction.

"Is that why you fell in love with me?"

"Huh?" Jesse freezes. His eyes almost fall out of his head as he stares at Jaden's head. "Wha..." Before Jesse can find his composure, he's lying on his back on his mattress. His arms are pressed into the pillows next to his head. Jaden's face is inches from his own and he feels every breath on his skin. Golden eyes stare into his. They captivate him so much that he couldn't take his eyes off them even if his life depended on it. Unlike him, Jaden has sat down on his lap. This makes Jesse aware of something that has completely escaped him and causes his face to flame. He is completely aroused. Who knows how long he's been hard as hell. It must have been long enough for it not to have escaped Jaden's notice. Yet Jaden is normally refreshingly ignorant in matters of love. A small groan escapes him at the realization. Sharm and embarrassment surge through him, while at the same time he feels his cheeks radiate even more heat.

"Your shoulder..."

"Oh no, you're not going to use this as an excuse!" Jaden states firmly, as he gives a mischievous grin. "What exactly turned you on? The memory of the duel or my body?" asks Jaden, tilting his head.

Jesse's lower jaw drops. Hearing Jaden, of all people, utter such words leaves him speechless. What in the world happened to Jaden? And why isn't he blushing as much as Jesse at these words? That's not fair! Did he perhaps suspect that Jesse might never make the first move? Is that why Jaden watched him and assessed that they felt the same way about each other and then jumped at the chance?

"Hmm? What's the matter? Did Pharaoh or Ruby steal your tongue?" Jaden leans in even further so that the tips of their noses touch. A mischievous smile plays around his full lips. "Mhh, should I make a guess?"

Before Jaden can pull his head back again, Jesse bridges the final gap. Without averting his eyes, he thrusts his tongue aggressively and possessively into Jaden's open mouth. Subconscious, he feels the grip on his wrists tighten. But that doesn't bother him. What do a few bruises matter when he can say he kissed Jaden in return? It's freeing not to hide anything from Jaden anymore. That's why he relaxes completely underneath him.

Jaden's lips muffle Jesse's loud moans as the kiss is returned just as passionately and Jaden presses his butt firmly into Jesse's lap. Hot shivers run through him. His own hips rise on their own to increase the pressure even more. All the blood wanders from the rest of his body and pools in his loins. His heart is pounding so excitedly that Jesse doesn't doubt Jaden can feel the vibrations all the way down his soles.

Their tongues rub against each other, and each time one of them pulls back, they suck on it before the game for dominance starts all over again. Only when they run out of oxygen do they release their lips from each other. A razor-thin thread of saliva connects their mouths until Jaden's tongue darts out and licks across his swollen lips, severing the thread.

Jesse swallows hard. His chest rises and falls rapidly as he tries to get oxygen into his lungs. He feels like he's run a marathon. His head is completely foggy, so he can't grasp a single thought. And Jaden makes it even harder for him when he looks down at Jesse with a challenging, perky grin.

"Not bad for a start." Then Jaden's gaze hardens before he taps his index finger against Jesse's torso. "About time you lost some clothes. Ain't fair you hiding that muscular body of yours."

Jesse's blood rushes so hard in his ears that he doesn't hear a word Jaden says. Instead, he pushes himself against him as Jaden's fingers brush over his sensitive nipple. He underestimates the force of his reaction. A loud moan echoes off the walls as Jaden loses his balance. He topples backwards and his back ends awkwardly on Jesse's outstretched legs. Jaden stares at him unimpressed, almost reprimanding. With dark eyes, Jesse scrutinizes Jaden from head to toe and swallows hard. Jaden doesn't have a six-pack, like Jesse, and yet he sees muscles moving rhythmically beneath his skin. His figure reminds Jesse of a competitive swimmer, and he can't wait to explore it with his fingers and tongue. If Jaden will let him. His eyes wander lower and find a thin line of brown hair that starts below Jaden's belly button and goes to the root of his penis. By having Jaden's legs spread, he has an unobstructed view of his private parts, which are trimmed. Not a hair can be found there! The proud member that sticks out excitedly attracts Jesse's eyes next. Despite his rather petite body, he has a substantial member. Jesse guesses that he himself is only a few inches taller than Jaden. The testicles underneath are bulging and swollen. It probably doesn't take much for Jaden to reach his orgasm. Maybe it's the first time for him, too. At that thought, Jesse's heart beats faster and an intoxicating feeling overcomes him. He swears to himself that no one else will ever get to see Jaden so defenseless and intimate. His green eyes wander lower and linger on the pink opening, which twitches nervously. As if in a trance, Jesse reaches out a finger and touches Jaden's anus. Fascinated, he watches the muscles work as Jaden bucks up and silently cries out.

The massage gel on his hands makes it easier for him to run his fingers over the rough skin. In circular motions, he gets closer and closer to the inner walls until his fingertip presses against it. Jesse feels a barrier and considers applying more pressure when his wrist is gripped tightly. Confused, he stares with hazy eyes from the anus to the wrist before allowing his gaze to wander higher and finally look into amused, golden eyes. Jesse opens his mouth, but no sound passes his lips as Jaden pulls on his wrist until Jesse is sitting up in his bed. Sighing, Jaden leans his forehead against Jesse's shoulder. Instinctively, Jesse's strong arms wrap around Jaden's torso.

"You didn't hear a word I said, did you?" is all Jaden says in a mixture of amusement and resignation. His hot breath brushes against Jesse's sensitive neck in the process, making him shudder violently. By all appearances, Jaden doesn't like the fact that he still gets no response, because before Jesse has a chance to think, Jaden is biting him hard on the crook of his shoulder. Hot lust races through his body like lightning as he simultaneously cries out and holds Jaden tightly against him. "Look at that, you like pain?"

"Jay," Jesse murmurs in an husky voice that's several shades lower. His whole body trembles with desire.

"Take off your clothes Jess!" To reinforce his words once again, Jaden tugs at his clothes.

"Who...is...bossing...who around here now?" Jesse forces out. His shaky hands reluctantly disengage from Jaden's back and fall powerlessly to the bed. Although he commands his muscles to keep moving, they only twitch uncontrollably.

Jaden sighs and lends a hand himself. Before Jesse knows it, Jaden's nimble fingers have undone his pants and pulled off his shirt. Jesse flinches as Jaden's cold fingers stroke his abs. Goosebumps cover him as he hisses and gasps sharply. The higher Jaden pushes his shirt, the more his heated skin encounters the cool air, which makes him shiver even more.

"You really make me feel inferior," Jaden mutters, sliding the lavender shirt over Jesse's head, trapping the latter's useless arms in the fabric.

"Inferior? You? Why...ahh!"

With a muffled thud, Jesse's upper body lands back on the mattress. His trapped arms rest above his head. Before he can completely strip off the fabric, Jaden attacks his aroused nipples with his teeth. Nimble fingers brush his belly along the way. When Jaden rises from his pelvis, Jesse is momentarily irritated.

"Where are you going?"

"Nowhere. I just need more room," replies Jaden, who pulls down Jesse's pants, along with his boxer briefs, then throws them over his shoulder. "Hmm, much better now." Hot shivers run down Jesse's spine as Jaden licks his lips. His brown eyes fix on Jesse's penis.

"What do you think about the future?"

Jesse just stares at Jaden for what feels like an eternity. Then his brain processed Jaden's question. Immediately, the twins come to mind. The two children who are among the Fire Red Dragon's Chosen and whom Yusei has taken under his wing. If the unknown duelist is right, then....

"The twins?"

"I meant more in general," responds Jaden, who runs a hand through his sweaty hair.

"You want me to think deeply in this situation?" asks Jesse in horror. When Jaden nods, Jesse groans in annoyance. He sits up and takes off his shirt completely, dropping it on the bed next to him. "An interesting time. However, Yugi Muto seems to be only a legend in it. And even you seem to live rather reclusively." He tilts his head and examines Jaden closely. "Something that doesn't seem like you."

"I was shocked, too," answers Jaden, who rests his hands on Jesse's chest. "My mind has been spinning ever since. I really don't know what surprises me more. The fact that I'm apparently just as bad as my parents or that I've turned my back on the world?”

"I can imagine." Jesse looks deep into Jaden's eyes before resting his hands on Jaden's thighs and gently stroking the skin. "I can give you clarity on one thing, though. That is, if you're ready for that truth."

Jaden's eyes travel down his own body and linger on his stomach. Jesse watches with bated breath as emotions alternate in Jaden's brown eyes before he finally nods. Jesse squeezes Jaden's thigh encouragingly before placing a hand on Jaden's that came to rest on his stomach.

"According to Doctrine, the twins will be born in ten years," Jesse begins gently. "Your internal organs are fine at the moment. But you shouldn't have unprotected sex if you don't want to destroy the timeline." Jaden nods silently at him. For a moment, Jesse considers continuing, but then he takes a deep breath. His hands gently move to Jaden's butt cheeks, which he gently caresses. "Listen," Jesse begins, squeezing Jaden tighter and gripping his butt cheeks firmly. "I want you to understand that this is not a one-time thing. If we go any further, this will seal the end of your single life."

Uh, do I sound possessive? I hope I don't turn into a second Yubel, Jesse thinks, inwardly shaking his head at himself. Speaking of Yubel. Why hasn't she torn me to pieces yet? After all, she took possession of my body because she was jealous. Then again, does she really have another reason to be jealous? She and Jaden share the same body and soul.

"Ahh!" A sharp pain in his shoulder snaps him out of his thoughts. "Why do you keep biting me?"

"You seem to have a problem with your ears today," defends Jaden, who licks over the bite mark and then stares into Jesse's eyes. ""I hate to repeat myself! Although actions speak louder than words, I know that some things need to be said." He takes a deep breath and then continues, his cheeks flushed. "There's no one else for me to start a family with but you. And now look to the side!"

Complying with the request, Jesse averts his gaze from Jaden's eyes and looks next to his hip. There he catches sight of the velvet box and the condom that weren't there before. Both were in his drawer! Was he so deep in thought that he didn't notice Jaden moving? "But... How... When?" stammers Jesse, whose eyes widen.

"The question should be more like, how long were you going to swallow your feelings?" retorts Jaden. "You never would have said anything to me if the circumstances were different."

"And you're better?" asks Jesse with a raised eyebrow. "Why didn't you say anything?"

"After everything we've been through, are you really still asking that?" pours from Jaden in an incomprehensible voice.

Jesse bites his lower lip. What could he possibly say? Jaden is right. He wouldn't have said anything about his feelings and would have continued living the way he has been. Inwardly, the uncertainty would have continued to tear him apart, and the ring box would continue to lie accusingly in his drawer, reminding him of his inability whenever he opened it.

After all, it was his fault that Jaden had to return to the Isekai. Because of him, Jaden brought the anger of his friends upon himself and even lost them, albeit only for a short time. But nothing compares to the awakening of the Supreme King. Jesse will never be able to forgive himself for being the catalyst for the awakening of this dark side of Jaden.

He swallows hard and closes his haunted eyes. When Jesse hears a soft 'pop,' he opens his eyes again. His lower jaw drops as he sees the two white crystal rings in Jaden's hand. He looks at them from all sides. For a split second, it appears like Jaden's eyes are glowing, but by the time he blinks, Jaden has already grabbed his hand and put one ring on his finger. After that Jaden puts on the second band.

Jesse opens his mouth to say something, but instead a hoarse cry leaves his throat. It takes a moment for Jesse to register that Jaden is rubbing his pelvis against his groin. Even Jaden's passionate sigh only reaches him with a delay. And when he has recognized the sound for what it is, a deep sadness spreads through him. Back when he first met Jaden, he was an outgoing, loud teenager. But there's hardly any of that left. In the past, Jaden would probably have shouted his pleasure out loud without caring who heard him. Now, however, he is reserved. For the first time in a long time, Jesse wonders what else Jaden lost when he merged with Yubel.

"Jesse," Jaden warns, clasping his chin and forcing him to look into the latter's eyes. No sooner do his eyes fix on the disapproving gaze than Jaden kisses him hard. At the same time, Jaden begins to move his pelvis in a circular pendulum motion. "Much better!"

"Jay," Jesse sighs in rapture. He lays his head to the side so Jaden has better access to his neck, which the hero deck duelist also immediately sucks on. His green eyes fall closed and he pushes his back through to meet Jaden's lips. As he does, his penis slides even deeper into Jaden's anus and bumps right up against his prostate.

"Jesse," Jaden moans out, instinctively tensing up.

Jesse cries out wordlessly. He feels every little vein and that heat in Jaden's tight channel. Fortunately, his member can't get claustrophobic because there's no room for movement. His hands open and close helplessly as he bites his lower lip so hard he tastes blood. This distracts him and is able to prevent him from climaxing. Jesse tries to breathe as shallowly as possible and relax again. For a moment he has to think of something so abhorrent in order to last longer.

A breathless, humorous laugh leaves his lips. He never had such problems when he satisfied himself. Until now, he always assumed that he had very good stamina. But as soon as it is with Jaden, he feels like a pubescent teenager! His laughter turns into another scream as Jaden relaxes and slowly lifts his pelvis. The cool air that immediately envelops his member makes him shudder violently.

"Don't you dare stop," he screams before he rears up and throws his head back as far as the mattress will allow. Jaden has dropped completely onto his hips, allowing his penis to sink completely back into Jaden's body. Stars flash before Jesse's inner eye. "Jay," Jesse whimpers.

"This is just the beginning," Jaden promises.

Jaden's hands grasp his own and their fingers intertwine. He immediately squeezes Jaden's hands tightly so he can't take them away again. Their lips meet again in a hot French kiss in which they fight for dominance. The slow, steady rhythm that Jaden sets allows for deep penetration, which they both enjoy. It also helps them to get to know each other's bodies better and find out what arouses each other.

Pleasurable cries and moans echo off the walls along with the slapping of skin against skin. Lips release and find each other again and again before moving on. Their hands are pressed together so tightly they are numb. But they also give Jesse the opportunity to pull Jaden down deeper to him. Jesse takes advantage of this. He lifts his head and sucks on Jaden's neck, earning him a harsh moan. At the same time, he thrusts a little harder into Jaden's body, causing Jaden to lose his balance and slide forward.

"There...that was mean," groans Jaden, resting his forehead against Jesse's temple.

Jesse feels Jaden shaking all over before he shifts his weight more and more onto Jesse. His butt lifts only minimally, as if he has no strength left. Jesse resumes the rhythm by lifting and lowering his pelvis forcefully. He tries to hit Jaden's prostate with each thrust. Pleasurable sighs and little cries breathed directly into his ear only spur him on. Jesse's thrusts are getting harder and faster. His testicles are so full they are tighten and aching. On top of that, Jaden clenches so hard every time he pulls back that it borders on torture.

"Jay, n...not so hard," Jesse moans between clenched teeth.

Instead of relaxing, Jaden's anus tightens even more. In addition, he presses his hips firmly against Jesse's loins and rotates it. This causes Jaden's hard member that is trapped between their bodies to rub against Jesse's abdomen, stimulating Jaden even more. All it takes is one more firm thrust right against his prostate and Jaden rears up. A silent scream leaves his lips as hot semen spurts over Jesse's torso and chin in long, never ending spurts.

Jesse is so surprised by the erotic image and the unbearable tightness and heat that he follows Jaden. His full testicles pump all his cum painfully through his penis and into the condom. The twitching and pulsing of his member, still pressing firmly against Jaden's prostate, triggers a second climax in Jaden that makes him so sensitive he whimpers and tries to put distance between himself and Jesse.

"N.. no," Jesse gasps, gritting his teeth and squeezing his eyes shut. "I...I can hel...help. Loosen...my hands!"

He has barely finished speaking when he feels Jaden's fingers loosen from his and the invisible restraints fall away as well. With the greatest effort, he wraps his arms around Jaden's body and rolls them around. His hands come off Jaden's back and brace themselves right next to Jaden's head. This is how he manages to lift his upper body.

"Better?"

"Hmm," sighs Jaden, who yawns and looks at Jesse from half-closed eyes.

"No more bondage games, Jay," whispers Jesse, who kisses Jaden's sweaty forehead. "I want to be able to touch you."

"Only if you concentrate and don't treat me like I'm made of glass," Jaden mumbles. "And bondage is different, Jess."

"I couldn't move my hands," Jesse complains eye rolling. Then he shakes his head and grins. "Deal!"

"Good, now let me get some sleep before the others call and demand answers."

Carefully, Jesse lets a hand wander between their bodies. Light as a feather, slender fingers stroke the dilated sphincter that connects him and Jaden. It feels warm and swollen, making Jesse sigh. He can only hope that Jaden was telling the truth and won't be in pain later. Then he encircles the base of his penis and pulls it out of Jaden's body millimeter by millimeter. He watches every emotion on Jaden's face as he does so. A grumble leaves Jaden's lips and his brow furrows, but that's all.

For a brief moment, Jesse smirks before he screws up his face. The cooled sperm in the condom begins to itch at his sensitive skin. He strips off the rubber and closes it with a knot. Jesse bites his bloody lower lip and sets the used condom down next to Jaden's hip. He hates messes and would have loved to clean up the trash right away, but Jaden's well-being comes first.

Tenderly, he takes Jaden's right leg in his hand and kisses the inner thigh before making himself comfortable belly-down between the open legs. His eyes immediately fix on the anus, which is far more swollen than he suspected. The redness is as impossible to miss as the clear fluid that slowly drips onto the towel.

Sighing, Jesse runs a hand through his sweaty hair before getting up on all fours and reaching for his nightstand. In the first drawer are ointment and cleansing wipes. He grabs both and lies back down. Gently but thoroughly, he cleans Jaden's body before spreading the ointment both around and inside the opening. Jaden’s soft moan causes Jesse to freeze for a few seconds before he continues.

After Jaden is taken care of to his satisfaction, Jesse climbs out of bed with the condom and used wipes. He walks into his bathroom and heads for the trash can right next to the toilet. After opening the lid, he pauses and stares at the condom he is holding over the trash can. As a doctor, he is aware of all the things you can do with sperm from a condom and the thought of one of his fans getting their hands on the condom makes him shudder. It wouldn't be the first time they've visited him for nebulous reasons. But as long as he is not willing to relocate his practice, he will have to live with being listed in every phone book. Even Jaden could probably have found him that way if he really wanted to.

So he closes the trash can again and takes the small nail scissors from the mirror cabinet instead. With the scissors he opens the condom again and dumps the contents into the toilet before flushing. Paranoia is a crazy feeling in itself. It causes Jesse to thoroughly rinse out the condom at the sink himself before finally tossing it in the trash after all.

"Isn't that a little over the top?"

Jesse winces. When he turns around, he catches sight of Yubel, who is eyeing him closely. He feels his cheeks grow hot, yet he doesn't avert his gaze. Uhh, was she there the whole time? Was she watching us? Then he thinks about the last few days and adjusts his thoughts. Yubel and Jaden share one body and one soul. Since he was unconscious, she probably was too. She was probably able to concentrate more on healing Jaden because he was close to Jesse and therefore protected.

"Better safe than sorry," Jesse replies with a shrug. "I don't want to risk losing Jaden."

"Do you have that many admirers?"

"I'd prefer to call them fans. But yeah," admits Jesse, who massages his forehead. He looks longingly toward the shower. "Did you want anything in particular?"

He watches Yubel turn her head to the side and stare ahead of her. Patiently, he waits for her to sort out her thoughts. Whatever she has to say seems important, otherwise she wouldn't have sought him out alone. Finally, she sighs in frustration. She braces her hands on her hips and stares hard into his eyes.

"Jaden will never tell you this, but he doesn't have full control over his powers. At least when it comes to you."

"Ehh?" Jesse's eyes widen. He was expecting a lot of things, but not this.

"He's irrational and emotional!" continues Yubel, as if Jesse hadn't said anything. "His emotions control his powers and they act accordingly."

"What exactly are you getting at?" cautiously inquires Jesse, who still doesn't understand where this conversation is going. However, her words sound familiar. Hadn't Doctrine implied something similar?

"You saw the duel. You heard what that bastard said. Jaden's entire existence is to ensure the balance of the twelve dimensions." Yubel points a finger at Jesse before continuing. "Jaden embodies darkness. You are his light. YOU! Not the other useless friends who, despite their naivety, have been baselessly blaming him for all the bad stuff back in the Isekai. If anything should happen to you, he will destroy the world without batting an eye."

Jesse stares at her in horror. What a heavy burden! Besides, he's not like Jaden. Sooner or later, he will leave this world. And then what? What about the twins? Would he go that far despite their existence? And then there's the other thing. Yubel seems to accept him. At least she hasn't wringed his neck for sleeping with Jaden yet. A tough win, he knows only too well, considering how they started. Now he just has to get his own family to accept Yubel before it leads to a rift between him and Jaden. That won't be easy. Unlike him, the crystal monsters had to fight many battles under Yubel and were even severely punished for disobedience.

"I see you understand where I'm going with this." Does it just seem that way to him, or is Yubel relieved? Before he can think more, she clicks her tongue. "Jaden can act very recklessly and rashly. Like he did earlier."

"Huh?"

"He tied you to him."

"What do you mean?"

"You get the part already, in that he has no control over his powers when you are involved, yes? Or rather, when your life is in danger." Jesse nods immediately. "Good. He's not aware of it yet, but his powers have bound you together inseparably by putting on the rings. Well, I hope you haven't chosen a grave yet. That would be a waste of money when you're going to spend eternity on this damn planet by Jaden's side.”

With weak knees, Jesse sinks onto the toilet seat and intertwines his shaky hands. He doesn't break eye contact with Yubel for a second. Trying not to hyperventilate, he inhales as deeply as he can, inwardly counting to ten and then exhaling.

“In time a mental link will also form between you, allowing you to talk to each other by thought." She tilts her head and seems to listen for a moment to something Jesse can't hear before shaking her head. " It is fascinating to see how well Jaden can use the powers he has received from me. Already, he's able to determine your feelings and your exact location."

"Oh."

"That's all you have to say?" inquires Yubel.

"Um, why are you angry at his other friends?"

Yubel throws her arms in the air and rolls her eyes. "I'm giving it up. You deserve each other." With those words, she dissolves, leaving Jesse with his thoughts. Before he can decide what he really thinks about all this information, the crystal monsters appear in front of him.

"Are you sure this is okay?" asks Sapphire Pegasus, eyeing Jesse closely.

"A little late to be getting cold feet," answers Jesse, burying his face in his hands.

"I'm sure Jaden would undo it if you asked him to," whispers Emerald Tortoise.

"That's assuming Jesse wants it," Cobalt Eagle points out. "And the fact that he hasn't even thought about it shows it's not an option."

"Still, it's a heck of a lot of responsibility," Topaz Tiger chips in.

"It is..." agrees Amethyst Cat thoughtfully. "On the other hand, Jaden's responsibility is much greater."

"What do you mean?" inquires Jesse with interest, lowering his hands and looking at his cat.

"What do you think he had to do to prevent Rainbow Dragon from ever being used by strangers again?" inquires Amethyst Cat with a raised eyebrow. "Even we are under that protection."

Jesse's lower jaw drops. Jaden's powers... He can use them to summon duel monsters from their cards. There's probably always a remnant of his powers left behind. And if he embeds these residual energies into the monsters as a kind of lock when they become cards again, they need the right key to be used. Most likely, it is enough for a single card to be equipped with this protection, as it automatically transfers to the entire deck as soon as the cards come together. And in Jesse's case, it's even easier. He and Jaden shared a bond from their first meeting. This tie also includes their monsters, who would immediately agree if it meant that only Jesse or Jaden could call them.

"You've always been connected. Now it's just permanent," Amber Mammoth adds, shrugging his shoulder. "In the grand scheme of things, nothing changes. So no need to worry about that."

"You're right. Thank you."

"Now off with you to the shower and then you can join Jaden in bed. You've hardly slept in the last few days," orders Sapphire Pegasus.

"Yep!" Jesse grins. "You sound like Yubel."

"What, no! No way," Pegasus yells in horror.

"Oh, you haven't heard her talking to Jaden yet," is all Jesse replies, as he rises and then climbs into the shower. His family's horrified cries are lost in his amused laughter. He adjusts the water temperature before turning it on and standing under the hot spray. Sighing, he feels every muscle relax. He doesn't remember how long he lets the water just sprinkle over him. But at some point he reaches for the shampoo and quickly begins to soap himself up with it and rinse off again just as quickly. Yawning, he turns off the water and steps out of the shower. As he passes, he grabs a towel to dry himself off with. Shuffling, he marches to the bed, into which he flops down, exhausted. The wet towel falls to the floor unheeded as Jesse crawls under the covers with the last of his strength and snuggles up to Jaden.

>>>>>GX<<<<<

Jesse and Jaden have three glorious days to themselves before Jaden's prediction regarding a phone call comes true. During this time, Jaden tells him about his powers in detail, about his travels, and also about the fact that most of his time spent between his travels he is in the Isekai and has taken his place as the rightful ruler there. As expected, Jesse is completely thrilled and even expresses a desire to accompany him on his next visit.

On the evening of the third day, the young couple finds themselves nestled together on the couch. A movie is playing on the television, muted. Jesse is gently playing with Jaden's brown strands when his cell phone rings. He raises an eyebrow as Jaden smirks in amusement, then turns his head back to the movie.

"You should answer it."

Jesse rolls his eyes and extends his hand. He picks up the phone from the table and presses the green button. To his surprise, a video connection sets up. Once connected, his friends stare at him expectantly. How eight people can look at the camera at the same time is a mystery to Jesse.

"Uh, hi," he greets his friends lamely, which makes Jaden grin to himself.

"How's Jaden?" asks Aster, leaning over enough to obscure the others' view. Jesse looks back and forth between the screen and Jaden, who has his head resting in his lap.

"Um, good. Very good," Jesse replies shortly, which earns him raised eyebrows.

"Are you sure everything's okay? You're acting really weird," is all Jim says, eyeing Jesse closely.

Jesse scratches his cheek and then laughs half-heartedly. Seeking help, he looks again at Jaden, who holds a hand over his mouth. You're not much help, Jesse thinks, rolling his eyes, before looking at his phone's screen again. It's gotten suspiciously quiet on the other side.

"What, why are you silent?"

"I'm sure it's because of your ring, Jess," Jaden laughs, raising one hand and tapping his index finger against the crystal ring that's visible. Their fingers interlock and come to rest on Jesse's cheek.

"Is that Sergeant’s voice?" asks Hasselberry excitedly.

"You're not making this any better," groans Jesse, before turning the display so that Jaden is also caught on camera. "Say 'hi' to our friends, Jay."

"Uh, hi. Long time no see."

"Jaden!" Their friends' voices overlap, as does the beam on their faces. "How's your shoulder?"

"Oh, Jess is an incredibly good doctor," Jaden assures them with a wink. "I'm as good as new."

"Then you won't mind competing in our first tournament, will you?" inquires Zane, whose tone makes it clear he won't take no for an answer.

"It's taking place in a week," Syrus adds with a grin. "That should give you plenty of time."

"Are you guys participating in this, too?" Jesse asks their friends.

"Of course. We're not going to miss out on this fun," declare the group of friends loudly.

Jesse and Jaden laugh in amusement. "Will you give us more details?"

"It's a tag-duel tournament," Zane explains. "But that shouldn't be a problem for you guys."

Jaden looks at Jesse with one eyebrow raised. He nods in agreement. He squeezes Jaden's hand before bringing it to his lips and kissing the back of it.

"Someone didn't waste any time," Atticus whistles appreciatively.

"About time," Chazz agrees with him.

"We'll be arriving in three days," Jesse assures them. "Better start getting a room ready for us, Zane."

"We'll also pick you up personally from the airport. Otherwise, you'll get lost," jokes Hasselberry.

"That won't be necessary," assures Jaden, amused. "Sy, give us the address and room number of our hotel. That's all we need."

"After we check in, we'll call," adds Jesse, for Jaden's suggestion to be accepted. "Promise." This seems to appease their friends. They agree, which relieves Jesse. The rest of the conversation drags on before they end the call.

"Is it really okay for us to be a team?" asks Jaden.

"What kind of question is that?" questions Jesse, who grabs Jaden by the shoulders and forces him into a sitting position. Then he leans over and kisses him hard and possessively. His hand tangles in the brown hair, on the back of Jaden's neck, so he can't escape the kiss. "You and me forever. No more solo runs!" he adds after they've broken away from each other.

"Aren't you scared at all?" asks Jaden with a raised eyebrow. "You know power-hungry people always make me a target."

"You've helped more people with your powers than you've hurt." Jesse grins at him, amused. "And as for those power-hungry maniacs... Even without being by your side, I've been attacked. I think my chances are better if we have each other's backs." To reinforce his words, he taps the crystal ring encircling Jaden's ring finger. "This one should have put any concerns to rest," he says.

"Maybe I just like hearing that you belong at my side?" says Jaden with a shrug, for which Jesse playfully slaps him against the shoulder. "Well, my queen, shall we retire for the day?"

"Who are you calling queen?"

"Well, I'm the Supreme King and you're my partner," Jaden replies with his head tilted and a wide grin on his lips. "And since I don't plan on having anyone else besides you, you hold the rightful title of Queen."

"Speaking solely of the reproductive organs in our bodies, that title applies more to you than it does to me." Jesse sticks his hand out to Jaden, who also takes it. With a tug, he pulls the brown-head off the sofa and straight into his arms. "And now, my queen, we retire to the chamber."

"Don't call me that!"

"But it's fun, my king," Jesse replies with a laugh.

"Arg! What is it, then? King or queen?"

"How about...husband?" asks Jesse.

"Oh, I haven't heard anything nicer in my whole life!"

End