FicWad

"You've got a lot of nerve, asking for my help, you Satellite reject." Trudge growled.

The officer was about to grab Yusei's jacket, but the young man caught his arm and held him back.

"Good to see you too, Officer Trudge." Yusei calmly replied.

Yusei walked past Trudge with me following him slowly since my abdomen was still sore. He slowed down so I could hold onto his shoulder from behind, keeping my balance.

"Let's get something straight." Trudge said angrily. "You want my protection? You need to respect my authority." We both ignored him. "Hey, did you hear what I said?!"

I turned to Trudge with a irritated expression on my face as I let go of Yusei's shoulder. "Officer, I know you two weren't on good terms before, but this time you have to tolerate Yusei."

Trudge growled with a glare. "Just get in the car already!"

I shrugged and stepped into the car with Yusei. As soon as I sat down, Trudge shut the door and got on his motorcycle.

"Thanks for what you said back there." Yusei said as the police car started driving away.

I turned to him with a small smile. "You're welcome."

"You must have had lots of friends back home when you stood up for your friends, like you did just now." Yusei commented.

My small smile was replaced with a frown. I turned away from the young man and looked out the window, watching the streets and people. I saw Yusei's worried expression reflecting in the window.

"Estelle?" He raised a eyebrow.

"I used to have a couple friends when I was a little girl." I replied. "But not now after growing up."

Yusei didn't ask any more questions. He probably heard the low tone in my voice.

XXXXXXXXXX

Yusei and I waited in the lounge when we arrived at Sector Security HQ. The raven-haired man walked around in circles in the lounge while I was watching a screen as Goodwin presented the new movie "Atlas Rising: The Rise of Jack Atlas".

I eventually became tired of watching the presentation and turned to Yusei, watching him walk around restlessly like a caged animal.

"Yusei, can you sit down and relax for a moment? You're making me nervous watching you walk around like that."

Yusei shook his head, but he leaned against the wall, trying to get rid of the adrenaline kick. A few minutes later, Trudge decided to check on us.

"Enjoying the film?" The officer asked us.

I shrugged, not answering the question.

"When can we talk to Goodwin?" Yusei asked with a scowl.

"Be patient, Yusei." Trudge replied. "The Director is a busy man. If you're bored, we could always pass the time with a duel. What do you say? Wait, you don't have your Duel Disk, so..." He turned to me, eyeing my Duel Disk. "Are you game, little lady? Or are you afraid of losing your title so quickly?"

Before I could retort, someone else joined us.

"Hah! Now that would be a interesting development. Though, I seriously doubt our new champion would fall to a man of your character, Officer Trudge."

We all glanced at Lazar who had approached us without making a sound.

"Why you!" Trudge spat.

Lazar walked up to me and Yusei. "Sorry for keeping you waiting. The Director is ready to see you now." Yusei and I nodded before the clown turned to the officer. "Mr. Goodwin would like to thank you for escorting the champion and her friend here. Now, we'd like you to go to the hospital to fetch Jack!"

Trudge grimaced, but saluted. "Whatever he needs, sir!"

I stood up from the couch and walked up to Yusei who waited for me by the door with Lazar. When I walked past Trudge, I tried to cast a warning glance at him, telling him to be careful. But I guess he got the wrong message because he glared at me, like I was trying to look down on him because I was the new Queen of Games.

XXXXXXXXXX

Yusei and I were escorted to a limo that would take us to the unfinished bridge that was supposed to connect the city with the Satellite. I was a bit restless for some reason when my right arm started to glow. I looked down at it and realized this was around the time Jack and Carly dueled the mind-controlled Trudge at the hospital.

I was about to ignore the pain when I felt a sudden sting in my heart. I grimaced slightly and rubbed my arm, trying to calm down from the impact.

"Everything okay?" Yusei asked me.

I nodded. "I'm fine...but Jack's not for the moment."

"What? Is Jack in danger?" Yusei asked, keeping his voice down so the chauffeur didn't hear us.

I leaned closer to Yusei's ear to whisper. "Jack is dueling a Shadow Drone...and I think I just felt his physical pain."

Yusei's eyes widened. "We have to get to the hospital immediately!"

I grabbed his hand. "No." Yusei stared at me like I was crazy. "We can't interfere, but if it can calm you down...I can try to send a message with one of my Duel Monsters."

"Send a message? What do you mean?"

I ignored the question as I took my deck out of my Duel Disk and went through the cards until I found Galaxy Serpent. I picked the card up and held it close to my face.

"Come out, Galaxy Serpent." I whispered.

There was a low glow before the transparent figure of said monster appeared in front of me.

"Mistress." Galaxy Serpent cooed with a young girl's voice.

"Galaxy Serpent, I need you to go to the hospital and stay by Jack's side until his duel is over." I whispered.

"Understood."

Galaxy Serpent flew through the limo and headed to the hospital, leaving shiny powder behind.

I turned to Yusei who eyed me suspiciously. "Everything will be fine, Yusei. Trust me."

He nodded before leaning back against the seats, exhaling a deep sigh. I turned to the window and looked out it, seeing it was getting late and dark.

XXXXXXXXXX - Normal POV

The duel between Jack, Carly who was in a nurse's outfit, and the mind-controlled Trudge was about to become difficult, especially for Jack. He barely had any cards left in his deck, thanks to the Shadow Drone's monsters.

The mind-controlled Trudge had just activated Dark Diviner's special ability to lower Strong Wind Dragon's attack points.

Strong Wind Dragon, Level 6: ATK 3400 - ATK 2000

"We of the Netherworld are here to rob you of your power by burying you in the shadows." The manipulated Trudge spoke. "Then the Crimson Star Priestess will fulfill the prophecy and perish, so that darkness will rule!"

Jack raised a eyebrow. "The Crimson Star Priestess? What prophecy?"

"I don't like the sound of that." Carly commented nervously.

"Dark Diviner, attack!" The Shadow Drone commanded.

"Bring it, officer!" Jack retorted.

Both monsters attacked, but a powerful wind was produced and was about to toss Jack and Carly into the purple flames that surrounded the dueling field when a shining blue force field appeared around them, protecting them from the wind.

"What's this?" Jack questioned.

"I have no idea." Carly shook her head, holding Jack's cards.

They all heard a shriek from above and looked up to see Galaxy Serpent fly down to Jack and Carly. They gasped when they realized they could actually see the tuner monster, even though it was in spirit form.

"You're-" Carly began.

"...Estelle's tuner monster?" Jack finished.

"Yes." Galaxy Serpent nodded. "Mistress sent me here to deliver a message." Jack raised a eyebrow again. "Don't let the darkness control your fear. You might have a big ego, but when you put that aside, you can become stronger than ever before. And don't forget you have the other Signers who are standing by your side and helping you." The tuner monster glanced at Carly. "Including this human woman who's dueling with you."

Jack glanced down at the woman with the glasses. He realized he had to put his ego aside for a moment and truly duel together with her until it was over.

"What was your name again?" He asked. "Carly?"

"Oh...my name is Carly." The woman corrected him.

"What'd you say, Carly? We finish this together?"

Carly was astonished by Jack's words, but nodded in agreement. "Oh, uh!"

"It's my-"

"A-a-an-an-and my-"

"...turn!" The two shouted simultaneously.

"That's the spirit!" Galaxy Serpent happily cooed.

XXXXXXXXXX

The duel ended quickly and was very explosive, nearly destroying the hallway. Trudge fell to the ground as a small spider fell off his neck. Galaxy Serpent growled at the spider before she flew down and bit the insect, killing it. She quickly spat it out because it tasted bad, especially with the dark aura around it.

"Where am I?" Trudge asked before losing consciousness.

"That's what the other guy was." Carly commented. "It's like they were controlled by someone else."

Jack lost his balance and was about to fall down, before Carly caught him.

"Jack!" A worried Carly shouted.

Jack turned to the young woman. "Would you mind...getting me out of this hospital?"

Carly looked uncertain at first, so she turned to Galaxy Serpent who flew by her side.

Galaxy Serpent nodded. "Help Jack, and use your wisdom to make him open his heart even more."

Carly gasped in shock. "W-what do you mean?"

The tuner monster didn't reply. She slowly vanished into a cloud of shiny dust, leaving the two alone.

"Wait!" Carly exclaimed, but it was pointless.

She turned to Jack who was in pain. She ultimately made a decision and helped Jack escape the hospital without being noticed.

XXXXXXXXXX - Estelle's POV

Yusei and I were standing side by side at the unfinished Daedalus Bridge, waiting for Goodwin to show up. I rubbed my tired eyes underneath my glasses before holding up a hand against my mouth to block a yawn. I felt like I could fall asleep on my feet at any second. Yusei put his arm around me, rubbing my right arm. I smiled gently at him and put my hand on his hand, telling him that I was fine. Yusei removed his arm just when Goodwin finally arrived.

"Yusei...it's time you learned the whole truth." Goodwin got straight to the point.

"About what?" Yusei asked him.

Goodwin pointed out to the horizon, making me and the raven-haired man look towards the Satellite and the unfinished bridge. "About where you come from and where you're going..."

Yusei and I remained quiet to let Goodwin continue his speech.

"How do you like the bridge, Yusei?" Goodwin asked. "Did you once know that the bridge was going to connect the Satellite with New Domino City?"

"So why was it never finished?" Yusei questioned.

Goodwin cast a glance at the young man next to me before looking back at the horizon. "I'm glad you asked. You see, if the construction of this bridge was ever completed, it would've given the evil that lives deep beneath the Satellite access to my precious New Domino City, and the battle that is about to begin must never reach these shores."

"But what about the people in the Satellite?"

"They will be enveloped in eternal darkness, unless someone can save them..."

"So why aren't you using the power you possess to get them out of there?!"

"I can't do that."

"But why?!"

"Because as long as the people of the Satellite remain there, the darkness will stay as well."

"But why would you put the people of the Satellite at risk?!"

I could feel Yusei's sadness inside my heart and it was really affecting me. When I felt how much Yusei really cared about the island he grew up on, I felt tears form in my eyes. But I wiped them away and put a hand on Yusei's shoulder to calm him down.

"Yusei, the time has come to tell you the truth." Goodwin sighed.

Just then, the sun appeared in the horizon. I blinked. It was really beautiful. But if the darkness took over, the beautiful sights would disappear forever.

"You said you'd tell me the truth." Yusei pulled his sleeve up, revealing his Mark. "Why don't we start with this?"

"That is the Mark of the Crimson Dragon. It belongs to those who protect our world from the darkness."

"Oh, is that all? Then why did it choose me, huh?"

"Because you are strong and selfless, Yusei. The dragon knew you would not run from a challenge or from the darkness that is coming, and this darkness is dangerous. It'll take on many forms, maybe a stranger or a friend, but you will know, for they will have the Mark of the Shadows."

"Mark of the Shadows?!" Yusei exclaimed. "You must mean the Dark Signers. I dueled one of their drones and he had a glowing spider Mark on his arm."

"Then the first battle of this war has already been won." Goodwin replied. "Just as you were chosen to protect the light, they choose to protect the darkness. They will stop at nothing to stop you, Yusei."

"Dark Signers? Chosen protectors? But when did this all start?"

"Perhaps we should go back to the beginning. Five thousand years ago, when the war began..."

"Now we're getting somewhere. Tell us..."

Goodwin began to tell me and Yusei the history of this war. The war between the shadows and the Crimson Dragon and it's guardians, the dragons that belonged to each Signer; Stardust Dragon, Red Dragon Archfiend, Black Rose Dragon, Ancient Fairy Dragon, and the last one who's identity was unknown.

Light End Dragon's spirit appeared next to me when Goodwin mentioned that Ancient Fairy Dragon was taken prisoner by the Earthbound Immortals. My white dragon let out a few sobs, but I sent her some comfort through our connection, which helped Light End Dragon calm down.

Yusei stared at his Mark before looking at the director. "But how? And why now? I...I thought they were trapped under the ground or something. It's been five thousand years."

"It was something we could not possibly predict happening." Goodwin replied. "Tell me, have you heard of the Ener-D Reactor? It was built to absorb the positive energy created through dueling. But to create a better future, we had to take risks in the past. Years ago, a prototype was built and kept deep underground, below the slums of the Satellite. Our goal was to harness the incredible energy created through the competition of dueling and use it as a positive force." He took a short break. "Imagine powering all of New Domino City with packs of cards. We would be a beacon of the world. But then...something happened. Instead of receiving useful positive energy, the first Ener-D reactor had a meltdown. Negative energy erupted and split New Domino City in two. Everything above the reactor was infused with this negative energy. It became a barren wasteland of depression and became the Satellite. But the troubles didn't end there. The burst of energy was so strong that the surface of the Earth trembled and something deep beneath it was awakened."

"The Army of Shadows?" I guessed.

"Exactly." Goodwin nodded. "They fed on the negative energy, slept in power until now, when they're strong enough to continue their war. We can't let that happen. I know this must all come as a shock, but I promise you that my grief is worse then you can imagine. After all, I was in favor of it's creation. I thought it would help people, but low behold the power of this reactor has sparked a war between the Signers and the forces of darkness. But I know how to end it and I'm going to need your help. That duel tournament wasn't held just for fun. I had some suspicions on who the Signers might be and that tournament proved it. Now that I've gathered you all together, including the Priestess, you can combine your strength and defeat the Dark Signers; those who have tried to free the Earthbound Immortals from their prison and the shadow army."

"And if...we can't stop the shadows?" Yusei asked after remaining quiet for a while.

"If that should happen, well...you've already seen a glimpse of our fate during your duel with Jack, Estelle. Do you remember?" Goodwin replied, meaning when the Crimson Dragon showed me and the Signers the destruction of the Satellite and New Domino City.

"I can't get it out of my head...the Satellite was destroyed." Yusei said. "Can we evacuate? Get all the people to safety? I've got friends there and they're stuck, Goodwin!"

"Where would you take them?" Goodwin asked. "Satellite's first, then New Domino City. The planet will be reduced to ash, but the first battle must take place in the Satellite, that is where this negative energy regenerated and that is where it must be stopped."

"What am I to do? Am I supposed to beat the Army of Shadows on my own?!" Yusei demanded. "Am I supposed to put the safety of my friends in my deck?!"

"Yusei." I held his arm to calm him down.

Goodwin pointed strictly at the Satellite. "The people need a hero, Yusei! Be that hero! Defeat the Dark Signers or let them take over! The choice is yours. What's it going to be?"

Yusei calmed down and looked at me for a decision. I gave a nod, telling him to go. When the young man got the message, he turned and looked at Goodwin.

"I'll take these Dark Signers on. But wait...you said there're five of us, didn't you? I'm only counting four Signers. Who's the fifth?" Yusei asked him.

"I'm still working on that, Yusei." Goodwin lied, since I knew who the fifth Signer was. "But I'm sure they'll show up eventually. For now, let's get you back to the Satellite."

A chopper suddenly appeared in front of us, as a hatch was lowered, revealing Yusei's Duel Runner. For a moment, I thought the Duel Runner looked like it had been upgraded.

Goodwin turned to us. "Don't let the world down, Yusei." He walked back to his limo, but didn't leave yet.

I let go of Yusei's arm as we exchanged a glance. "I...guess it's time for you to go."

Yusei nodded. "Yeah...make sure you look after Luna, Akiza and Jack while I'm gone."

I nodded before I took a card out of my jacket and handed it to Yusei. "Here. Take this card with you as a good luck charm." He grabbed the card and took a closer look at it. "It's one of my most valuable cards, so I want it back when we'll meet again."

"A Feather of the Phoenix?"

"I have a feeling you'll encounter one of the Dark Signers and it might be traumatic." I explained. "I want this card to be a reminder for you that even if you feel weak and useless, remember that you can always rise up again from the grave and strike back. Just like the fire bird that rises from the ashes over and over again when it dies."

Yusei smiled as he put the card inside a pocket in his jacket. "Thank you. I'm sure it'll give me some good luck, cause I think I'm going to need it."

I smiled with a nod as Yusei boarded the chopper and sat down on his Duel Runner. We exchanged one last smile before the hatch closed and the chopper took off for the Satellite.

I stood there, watching the chopper before I heard Goodwin clear his throat.

"Would you like a ride back to your friends?" He asked me.

I turned to the director while shaking my head. "No thanks. I've got my own ride." I looked at my Duel Disk that contained my deck. "Rallis the Star Bird!"

A light flew out of the deck and materialized into said monster. Rallis let out a shriek as I heard a small gasp from Goodwin. I ignored the director and climbed onto Rallis, gently rubbing his feathers. Rallis purred as he received the attention, relaxing a bit.

I turned to Goodwin with a poker face. "I hope when the war with the Dark Signers is over, you'll finish the bridge and connect the Satellite with New Domino City. It's time to reunite the people who come from the same city."

Goodwin eyed me for a second before nodding. "If that's what our new queen wishes, then it will be done as soon as the war is over."

I nodded in agreement before Rallis took off into the sky, leaving orange feathers and shiny powder behind.