Eleven

"No, Pamela I assure you, Samantha is just fine. Yes of course I know how to take care of her. I raised two daughters did I not? Now don't give me that tone. Look, as soon the girls are done with their homework projects, Samantha will be back home before you know it, I promise. Good night!"

After slamming her phone down the receiver, Lauren began to breathe a little heavy. Lilly, who was sitting on the couch while watching television, glanced up and had to smile to see the look on her mother's face, "I take it Mrs. Manson is getting antsy isn't she?" she questioned.

"You have no idea. I honestly hope Caroline will be back soon. I cannot keep covering up for her if she, Samantha, and Jasmine are trying to find Tucker. Sooner or later, Jack, Maddie, and the families are going to get suspicious." Lauren moaned as she rubbed her forehead.

"Guess it's hard to be covering up for superheroes. I'm sure Carrie and the others will be back before you know it." Lilly shrugged as she switched a channel on the TV.

"I know. I just wish your sister would live a normal life," Lauren walked over and sat beside her eldest daughter, "I certainly love Daniel. He's such a good kid. Just seeing him go out and fight ghosts also makes me worried for him."

"You shouldn't really worry about it too much, mother. Carrie and Danny have been fighting ghosts for a while," Lilly pointed out with a smile before she turned back to the TV and frowned, "And speaking of ghosts."

Lauren too looked over and her face screwed up in disgust to see Vlad Masters on the screen, "Well, I wonder what he's up to this time." The woman questioned while folding her arms.

Lilly turned up the volume while Vlad spoke, "As you know, thanks to the heroic efforts of my new team Master's Blasters, Amity Park has been kept safe. It is not surprising that Danny Phantom and his partner Carrie Angel are not even here since after all they can barely keep this town safe."

"What a moron." Lilly scoffed while she gripped the remote.

It had been a couple of days and Lauren and Lilly had known about this new ghost team Masters Blasters. They had to admit that with Danny and Carrie gone, the town was kept safe for the time being. However, Carrie's mother and sister were the only ones to know that Vlad had something bigger plan for the Blasters. Lauren had come to hate Vlad since she heard from her daughter of what Vlad was really up to. It was hard to believe that she actually used to have a crush on him. For now, she and Lilly had decided to keep an eye on things around here, especially with Vlad.

"So to keep up with my team Master's Blasters, you must all make sure to pay a good well enough money. It does not grow on trees after all." Vlad began to laugh.

"Pay those morons? Is he out of his mind?" Lauren questioned in outrage while Lilly sighed,

"Apparently so. I just wonder if we should call Carrie and Danny."

Before the two can think it over, there was a loud crash from outside. Lauren and Lilly both gasped before they rushed over to their window and peered out. They could see a large ghost dragon roaring all around the city. It was Aragon, Lilly remembered from what her younger sister told her. Maybe this was a good time as any to call Carrie and Danny. But before she can even reach her cell to do just that, an RV drove up and Vlad's ghost team Master's Blasters jumped out and rushed toward Aragon.

Lauren and Lilly rushed out and they could see a crowd too had gathered. Jack and Maddie were among them, "Whoa! Look at them go!" Jack shouted as he pointed to see Master's Blasters start to use their technology to take down Aragon.

Aragon roared once more and tried to fend off the team, "Vid, Thrash, make sure you get him good!" a boy named Download ordered as he got into position.

"You got it!" Vid answered and she and her partner, using their jetpacks, flew up and used a net to incase Aragon.

The dragon tried to get free, but Download had already pulled out his device and sucked the ghost dragon right inside. The crowd went wild while Lauren and Lilly stared in slight bewilderment, "Was it just me, or was that a little too easy?" Lilly questioned her mother.

"More importantly, where did that dragon come from?" Lauren wanted to know.

Lilly rolled her eyes and wanted to retort that wasn't important when her attention span was turned back to seeing a familiar limousine come rolling up. Once it stopped near the RV the Master's Blasters had parked, Vlad stepped out. The crowd rushed forward while a few News teams walked over, "Mayor Masters, can you please tell all our viewers of what will become of Danny Phantom and his partner Carrie Angel now that your ghost team has taken over?" one asked and she held out her microphone.

"Of course. Being the cowards those two are, my ghost team will gladly take down any ghost that tries to threaten this city and all around the world. Besides, those ghost teens never were able to keep us safe anyway. They only brought more powerful ghosts they barely can even control themselves. It's time a new protector was here to make sure we are all safe." Vlad answered with glee and smiled as cameras flashed.

"Way to go, Vlad!" Jack cheered while Maddie placed her hand to her face.

"Now hold on a moment!" Lilly shouted as the crowd turned to her in surprise, "That is so not true!"

"Oh?" Vlad smirked and recognized Lilly as Carrie's older sister. He never had much acquainted with her. Although just watching her look so angry had him highly amused. Lauren in the meantime was not exactly too happy to see her oldest daughter lose her cool.

"Lillian, dear? Don't push him." She tried to warn, but Lilly marched forward.

"Danny Phantom and Carrie Angel have kept Amity Park and the whole world safe! They have tried to make sure of that! It's not their faults ghosts come here to try to take over the world!" Lilly walked right up to Vlad and gave him a definite glare. She then turned back to the crowd, "Besides, the Mayor and his team are forcing you to pay for them! The ghost kids never did that!"

As the crowd glanced at each other, Vlad sighed, "My, my, someone is getting a little ahead of themselves." he nodded to Vid, Thrasher, and Download. They nodded back before they walked over and grabbed Lilly by the arms.

"Hey!" She gasped as they forced her to turn toward Vlad. Lauren gasped,

"Leave her alone!" she started while she tried to get through the crowd.

"Listen here, young lady, you might want to watch your mouth. The last thing I need is another person standing in my way," Vlad began as he glared down at Lilly, who began to shiver. He then turned his icy eyes toward Lauren, "As for you, Lauren, you might want to teach both your daughters some manners. I thought you knew better than that since we are college friends are me not?"

Lauren gave him a cold glare. She walked up to the Master's Blasters holding her daughter before she shoved them off of Lilly and began to walk away, "We are not friends, Vlad," Lauren turned her eyes back to Vlad, "Not anymore."

Jack and Maddie stared and wondered on what had happened. Vlad only smirked as he watched Lauren and Lilly walk away, "I suppose not everyone is going to agree. Oh well, those two will learn to live with the new protectors of this city." Vlad announced as the crowd turned and began to chatter about Master's Blasters.

Jack was cheering along with them. Maddie on the other hand was watching Lauren and Lilly walk back toward their house. She never liked Vlad herself after finding out what a creep he was. But she really wondered on what had happened between Lauren and Vlad. She remembered of how Lauren harbored a huge crush on him. That was years ago. Had he done something to break her heart? What about Lilly? That girl always was friendly to anyone and hardly ever shown any disdain to anybody. She really wanted to know what was going on. She started to walk away when Jack suddenly wrapped his arm around his wife's waist and pulled her next to him.

"Maddie, look! They have plushies of Master's Blasters!"

Lauren and Lilly both stopped for the moment and glanced back to see the crowd cheering. They could see of how well received the Master's Blasters were getting from Amity Park, "Let's go, sweetie. Telling Vlad off won't solve anything." Lauren coaxed sadly and led her daughter into the house.

"But we can't let Vlad get away with this, mom!" Lilly snapped as she turned to her mom, "I know he's doing this to make my sister and Danny look bad! We have to do something!"

"And do what, Lillian? You and I barely know how to use ghost weapons. Vlad is a powerful half ghost man. We cannot stop him. And besides, even if we try, he will probably expose your sister and Daniel's secret identities to the whole world," Lauren said both sadly and patiently, "The only thing we can do is let Caroline and Daniel know of the situation. Not to mention, so far, Vlad has done nothing wrong so far."

"Yet. We have to think of something." Lilly balled up her fists and tried to think of a plan.

"Don't, honey," Lauren placed a gentle hand on Lilly's shoulder, "Besides, your sister is trying to locate Tucker. The only thing we can do is keep them covered until they return."

"I hope they make it back soon," Lilly replied as she slumped in defeat and turned back to the TV, "Otherwise, we could all be doomed."

"Thanks to the heroics of the Master's Blasters, our city is safe for now! Apparently according to our mayor Vlad Masters, Danny Phantom and his partner Carrie Angel are now considered wanted to be taken in for questioning." the newscaster Tiffany Snow said.

"Because they are running out of time." Lilly went on in worry.


Back in Domino City, Japan, Danny was far too busy with other things to worry about what was going on back in Amity Park. Not that he did it on purpose of course. After all, Danny finding out about his link to ancient Egypt and having to duel to help his ancient father would certainly keep him distracted. Not to mention, his best friend Tucker was still missing and this dueling tournament was probably the only way to find him.

The tournament went on. Danny watched Yami, Joey, and Bast duel against a number of opponents in the first round. It was not new to see how Joey dueled. He relied on using his luck and the Time Wizard among other things. Danny had never seen his ancient parents in action on the other hand; except Yami. He could see differences between Yugi and Catzi dueling compared to Yami and Bast.

For Bast, her deck was the same as Catzi's. But how she dueled was fairly different. Bast tended to keep calm and she never taunted or even let on what she had in her hand. She kept more to herself and kept dueling. Danny had seen Yami duel of course. He always loved seeing of how confident he was during the duel. And even when it seemed he was going to lose, he managed to pull a trick from his sleeve and win in the end. Not to mention, he never gave up, no matter how hard the struggle.

Danny was glad to have defeated Weevil. He knew that insect four-eyed geek probably will never quit. He had heard of how resentful Weevil was from Yami and the others. During the time, duelists continued to duel with each other. The chart that hung over in the main hallway showed who managed to win the first round and go on to the next arena.

"Man, that first round was tough." Joey sighed as he rubbed his hair.

"I agree. At least we all managed to get past it. Now we can move on to the next arena." Bast added her own thought.

"According to this chart, there have been two hundred who entered." Danny pointed out as he held up a finger to show the number.

"Then that would mean a hundred are remaining." Yami finished with a frown.

"Us included! Which means we better get prepared for the next round!" Joey exclaimed and started forward to the next arena.

"Just who do you plan to duel next anyway, Joey?" Bast questioned and gave a playful smile as the blonde stopped.

"Well I don't know! I don't really wanna duel any of you guys just yet." Joey answered and he started to laugh nervously.

"Aren't there supposed to be six arenas? Cause, even though I am not really good at math, I guess Kaiba is planning to make sure only five duelists make it the very last one." Danny scratched his head and tried to think of how this math works for the tournament.

"Whenever the case may be, we just have to keep dueling and try to get to the top." Yami said calmly and turned his eyes to the side.

"Good point. And speaking of, any sign of Tuck yet, Dan?" Joey questioned and Danny frowned before he replied,

"No. I mean I am looking at the chart, but I don't see any of the remaining duelists who can possibly be Tucker."

Danny glanced back at the chart at the hundred duelists who got past the first round. He could see all kinds of pictures of the duelists. But a few didn't show who was who. He realized that maybe whoever was controlling Tucker, this thing couldn't risk being exposed. Sighing, Danny heard an announcer call over the intercom,

"The next arena is now open and ready for duelists to go on to the next round. Please come to the second arena remaining duelists."

"We better go." Bast urged and she turned to walk toward the second arena which was on the second floor of the building.

Danny turned to follow after her, Yami, and Joey. He failed to notice a shadow figure walking behind him slowly. He snickered and knew it was only a matter of time before he made himself visible. In the meantime, Carrie and the others were moving on to get to the next arena to watch more duels play out.

"I have to say, this is really exciting. Now I can see why you guys like playing Duel Monsters so much. All that technology makes it really cool." Sam observed with a rare smile on her face.

"Yeah, Kaiba does know how to make a card game seem more like fun." Tea nodded in an agreement.

"I wonder how Danny, Yugi, Catzi, and Joey will do in the next round." Emi asked as the group followed after the large audience to the elevators.

"Not sure. But I still can't get over the fact of Danny putting Weevil in his place. Did you see that bug boy's face when he saw he lost again?" Tristan smirked as he tried to imitate Weevil's losing face.

"I'll say. I knew my little brother would show what he can do." Jazz nodded with a wide smile.

"Then let's get to it, kids. The sooner we get to the next arena and watch them duel, the better." Mr. Muto chuckled warmly.

Carrie smiled and paused when she felt her phone vibrate. She frowned before she picked it up and said, "Hello?"

"Carrie, it's Lilly."

"Oh hey big sis. What's up?" Carrie greeted and turned away to talk privately on the phone.

"Not good. Haven't you seen what has been happening back here?" Lilly questioned while Carrie frowned to hear her say this.

"Um not really. I have been kind of busy since we came over to tell Danny about Tucker. What's wrong?"

"It's Vlad. He's formed a new ghost fighting team that's forcing people in Amity Park to pay to keep the town and the world safe. He calls them his Master's Blasters."

"Master's Blasters?" Carrie repeated and resisted the urge to say how stupid the name sounded.

"Exactly. Mom also wanted me to tell you that we can't keep covering for you much longer. Mrs. Fenton is even trying to question mom on where Jazz is. And Vlad has put a bounty on your and Danny's heads to bring you guys back to Amity Park so he can compare you both to his ghost team. He might even send you two to the Guys in White."

"Look Lilly, I really want to help you. Honest. The only problem is we are in the middle of something big right now." Carrie sighed and rubbed her hair.

"What do you mean? This is important, Car!" Lilly's voice was starting to rise up.

"I know! But what is happening right over here is important too!"

"What can be so important happening over in Japan that you can't come home?"

"Well, for one thing, we still need to find Tucker. And second…" Carrie paused and wanted so much to tell Lilly of Danny's past life of being an Egyptian prince and that he was dueling to help his past father to save some unknown evil. But the ghost girl knew her older sister was in a bit of a panic mood to not have something like that explained to her right now.

"I know you still have yet to find Tucker. But come on, Carrie, Vlad is going way overboard!" Lilly pleaded and Carrie knew her sister hardly ever sounded scared.

"I know! Look just…I promise we will be back there as soon as we can! Just keep trying to delay as long as you can. Please Lilly, what is happening over here is really important. Please understand!"

Carrie heard some silence before she heard a sigh, "All right, I think mom and I can keep this charade up for another day. But I doubt it will continue for much longer. You have until then otherwise; you will have to get your butts back here. Got it?"

"No problem. Thanks Lilly! I love you!" Carrie said with a smile.

"Love you too, Car. I just hope what is happening over in Japan is important." Lilly sighed before she hung up.

"You have no idea." Carrie closed the call on her cell and she turned to see Bakura waiting by the door.

"Is everything all right?" He questioned in concern.

"Yeah everything is fine. But I might have to talk to Danny when I get the chance after this tournament," Carrie answered with a cheesy smile before she rushed by Bakura and grabbed his hand, "Come on, or we will not get good seats."

Bakura was unconvinced but he decided not to pry on what was really going on during that call. The call from Lilly was soon forgotten as the duels continued on. Danny, Yami, Bast, and Joey continued to duel their hardest against opponents with each arena. Kaiba observed from the top and he was waiting for the finalists on the very last arena at the top of the building. He was never exactly the patient type on a few certain things. But if it comes to waiting to finally going up against Yugi, defeating him once and for all, and taking those Egyptian God Cards, it was well worth it. After all, good things come to those who wait.

Danny had to face really tough opponents. Despite of how bleak the duels seem to look, he had his father, mother, and the rest of his friends to back him up. He was starting to feel more confident with each winning duel. At last, the final arena was one step closer when he beat his last opponent. He sighed deeply and could hear people cheering his name. He smiled as he waved sheepishly and headed off. He was the final duelist and waiting for him was Yami, Joey, and Bast. They were very proud of him to see he managed to make it past to the final round.

"Way to go, Dan! I wonder if we'll be dueling next in the final round." Joey high-fived Danny once he was near.

"Would be cool if I say so." Danny admitted with a wide smile and turned toward his past parents.

"Good work, Danny. You had managed to duel your heart out and you made it the top." Bast congratulated her son with another warm hug and backed up while rubbing his white hair.

"Gee thanks, mom." Danny laughed and was starting to feel more comfortable of calling her that.

"She is right. Now that all of us have made it to the final round, we may need to decide of whom to duel up against." Yami said with a smile.

Danny turned and wondered if he should duel against his father. It would certainly be very interesting. Before he could speak, he heard the announcer come up along with another duelist who won. This duelist was a strange one. He never spoke during his duels and he wore a long black jacket with a thick hood that didn't even show his face. He was also a pretty good duelist. Danny never paid much attention to him; until now. Before he can get a better look at this duelist, the announcer said,

"Congratulations, final five duelists. It is time for the final round with Mr. Kaiba himself. We must proceed to the elevator that will take us to the final arena. Please follow me."

Danny, Yami, Bast, Joey, and the mysterious duelist followed after him. The audience too moved off to get ready for the final duels. The performances have been broadcast all over the world since it had begun. Everyone who had been watching were now exciting to see on what was going to happen and who will win this time. Danny stared to see the final arena when the elevator doors opened.

Unlike the other ones, this one was darker and much larger. It took up all the space the building had to offer for room. Standing in the center was Seto Kaiba himself. He had a smile and he watched as the finalists moved forward. While the crowds gathered to sit in their seat, the announcer turned and shouted,

"Now it is time to begin the final round of this duel!"

The crowds began to cheer, "Well, guess we better pick who we should duel against." Danny said with a shrug.

"Good idea." Yami nodded.

"Yeah I vote that I…" Joey trailed off when the mysterious duelist walked forward, "Uh…"

"Huh? Is he going to duel against Kaiba?" Bast questioned with a frown.

No one answered as the duelist continued to walk forward. Kaiba too saw this and he frowned, "If you are here to challenge me, I'd say you are wasting your time. I will only duel against Yugi." He said with his arms folded.

The duelist snickered, "Fool," He began as everyone in the arena and audience had their eyes on him, "You don't understand don't you?"

"What?" Kaiba began and gasped when the duelist took off the heavy black clothing.

Danny along with Carrie, Sam, and Jazz from the audience gave a cry, "Tucker!"

Tucker turned to face Danny. Although his eyes were glowing red and he had a slight familiar Egyptian look to him, "I am not Tucker. You may not remember me but then again, I doubt anyone would." Tucker said in a different voice and he held up the glowing staff.

"Just who are you?" Danny cried as he flew into the air and hovered over his best friend, "And what have you done to Tucker?"

"Foolish prince, I am Dula Man. The rightful Pharaoh to rule all over! Not you or your stupid father!" Dula Man spat with a hateful glare at the ghost boy, "I guess you don't remember what happened all those 3,000 years ago. Such a pity. But with how you are, I doubt you would remember anything at all." Dula Man started to laugh while the whole crowd stared in stunned silence, "As for your friend, he is in a place safe for now."

Kaiba gritted his teeth. He remembered this kid from last night. Why did this have to happen again? "I don't care what is going on, but you are out of the tournament!" Kaiba began as he started to walk forward.

"Always so stubborn aren't you, Priest Seto? Well, it's time you learned things the hard way." Dula Man lifted up his staff and wind started to pick up.

The audience started to scream. Kaiba gasped as he felt himself being pushed back. He gave a cry before he slammed into the wall and felt something wrap around his wrists and ankles. He gasped to see the walls gained cuffs and now were holding him down. The announcer and a few body guards were in the same predicament. Danny gasped to see this happen. He glared before he started to fly right toward the enemy.

"Don't even think about it, Ghost Boy!" Dula Man turned and zapped something gold from his staff.

Danny cried out in pain while he went flying back. He landed harshly on the floor, "Danny!" Bast and Yami both cried as they rushed over to see if he was all right.

Dula Man then lifted his staff again and started to take out the cameras all around. Frightened, the crowds of people headed for the elevators. The only ones who remained were Carrie, Sam, Tea, Jazz, Tristan, Emi, Bakura, and Mr. Muto. Tristan peered over the rail down to Dula Man and said,

"I take it that's supposed to be Tucker?"

"I'm afraid so." Sam sighed in reply.

"He's not making a very good first impression." Tristan went on while Tea rolled her eyes.

"That's not even Tucker! It's an evil ghost overshadowing him!" Carrie flew into the air, "Hey Tucker! Snap out of it!" she started for him.

"Stay back, Ghost Girl!" Dula Man lifted his staff right at Carrie. She gasped when she stopped in midair and then flung right back into the bleachers.

Danny was rubbing his head and gasped to see this, "Carrie!" he screamed for her. He was relieved to see Sam and the others rush over to see if she was all right.

Yami glared as he got to his feet, "I demand that you stop this at once!" he ordered in a commanding voice.

Dula Man lowered his staff and turned to the Pharaoh, "I don't think so. Besides, I came here to get what I want and that is just what I am going to get."

"And what might that be?" Yami asked.

"I challenge you to a duel. We shall see who the true king is!" Dula Man started to laugh.

"Very well, I accept the challenge." Yami said while he flipped his jacket to have it wave out behind him like a cape.

Danny frowned before he got to his feet. Bast and Joey helped him up and he rushed over to his father's side, "Hold on, I want to help." He said once he got to Yami's side.

"Danny?" Yami began in surprise.

"No look. I know Dula Man is in control of Tucker right now, but I know deep down Tucker is still there," Danny implied before he turned his eyes toward the figure that looked like his once good friend, "I have a feeling having a duel against Tucker isn't going to be easy."

"Are you sure, Danny? This could be dangerous." Yami tried to state. He was starting to feel the instinct of an overprotective father get the best of him again.

"Look, I've fought a lot of tough ghosts. Dueling with cards is really a breeze compared to Vortex or Nocturne, trust me," Danny shrugged and glanced back at Tucker while Yami did the same, "No matter what happens we godda save Tucker anyway."

Yami glanced back over at Danny and could see the determination in the young boy's green eyes. He knew Danny had certainly inherited that strength from him. He sighed and smiled, "Very well, we shall win this duel together and get your friend Tucker back." He finally answered.

Danny slowly smiled, "I will duel with you as well." Both men turned to see Bast come walking up, "I am not about to let my husband and son fight without me."

"And count me in! You can call me Uncle Joey if ya wanna!" Joey put in a cheesy smile.

"And we will be here to cheer you on!" Tea shouted from the sidelines.

"Right! Just win this!" Sam cried out.

"You guys can do this!" Carrie managed to say, despite the harsh landing she had received.

Dula Man sighed impatiently and shouted, "If you all are done wasting my time, I want to begin this duel so I can go on into ruling this world!"

Danny, Yami, Bast, and Joey got into position on the opposite side of Dula Man of the arena, "You asked for it, dude." Danny said as he turned his dueling disk to battle mood.

"And we will make sure to win this duel and save Tucker." Yami added as he, Bast, and Joey turned their dueling disks to battle moods.

"We shall see." Dula Man snickered.

"LET'S DUEL!"