Chapter 14: The Sleeping Giant

"That's three of my Supernovas destroyed…" Ryuusei counted as he watched the outcomes of the three duels in which C.J., Dylan and Jamie managed to defeat Mars, Mercury and Venus respectively. He sighed and moved the holographic screen aside as he flipped another one up out of thin air showing the lone Tsunami Catastrophe gear, and the four empty spaces accompanying it. As irritated as he was, he remained calm. All this was telling him was that these Duelists were more of a nuisance than he gave them credit for.

"I wonder if I should call "Them" in…" Ryuusei pondered, rubbing his chin. He smirked and closed the current screen and opened another, pulling his hands apart and expanding it. On the screen he saw golden skyscrapers and small airships flying to and fro, along with various energy beings doing the same.

"If anything this should reveal where the last Gear is hiding…" he turned to one of the officers standing next to him.

"Tell June to lead a troop to raid Central City up ahead. It's 32,000 ft above the heart of the Nature Civilization; The Grand Cross Catastrophe should be somewhere around there. I want her to retrieve it, and if anything should happen: Let the 'Sleeping Giant' rage out…"

The colonel hesitated to reply to that. "Are you sure that Jupiter should be unleashed?"

"Apparently you don't see how serious of a situation we are in right now Colonel. I want those gears… And if you refuse..."

The colonel backed up a bit, afraid of him finishing that sentence.

"There's a group of Chimera who are starving down in the gallows; and it seems that Dreammates aren't cutting it for their diet…"

"Yes sir, say no more!" the colonel scurried along, his tail between his legs as he ran to tell June what Ryuusei told him.

Once the officer left the room, Ryuusei turned his attention back to the screen in front of him. "Always save the best for last…"

Jake stared at his two Cross Gears: King's Blade and Queen's Shield; the Nature and Light Cross gear combination that powered Tenshi enough to evolve into the creature he was currently sitting upon…

"I only have one shot." Jake drew two cards, a Nature Cross gear, and a Light Cross gear from his deck case.

"Are you insane, if you use those, it'll drain you completely. Karon told him.

"It's either me or the world." Jake shot back. "If we don't get those cards the world will be destroyed. At least if I do this we'll have a chance."

"You're an idiot!" Karon shouted.

Jake smirked. "Typical for my rival to worry about me…" Jake crossed his arms and revealed the cards.

"GENERATE: KING'S BLADE; QUEEN'S SHIELD: CROSS!"

The smoke cleared, showing Jake holding Alphadios' card in his hand and Alcadeias behind him, his arms covered in a golden shield like object, along with six Green Blades extending from his back.

"Alcadeias… Evolve into Alphadios… SHINING EMPEROR!"

Jake threw his arm into the air, the Card not losing its radiant glow. A large beam shot from the sky as it engulfed the armored Alcadeias. The Green Blades turn Gold colored as the armor of the blades reformed into arms that gained golden armor on them as well, black hands grasping onto them. Alcadeias' body grew twice in size, including his wings. His body lost most of the sapphire color and was replaced by brownish royalty clothing such as the sash around its neck. His helmet also extended horns, making it resemble more of a crown.

"Jake?" The Alphadios said, trying to attain the attention of his human partner.

"Yeah?" Jake replied, still lost in the cards in his hand.

"You're daydreaming again…" He said in a slightly disturbed tone.

"Oh sorry about that…" Jake replied. "I'm just thinking about something.

"Are you thinking about the others?" After all it's been almost four days since you've found yourself here. Are you worried?"

"Me? No, I'm not worried. Dylan's a techie so he can survive granted a Video Game's in his face. I know Jamie and C.J. are together, since they'd go through great lengths to make sure they meet up, and Karon's Karon; can't say I'm worried about them, Per se."

"Then what are you worried about? It's not like you to be quiet for this long period of time unless you were in deep thought." Tenshi noted as the duo continued to float among the clouds.

"I was wondering how many of those Supernova guys we're gonna come in contact with…" Jake replied. "I mean, We've already seen what damage two of them can do; and if I remember right from the sets that they were in, there's more than five of them. It's one thing to see them as cards; but to actually face them in real life… that's insane."

Tenshi nodded. "I understand what you might be going through. I wouldn't worry however; the Councilmen of Central City have the most elite defense system in the Kaijin no Sekai's history.

"The Invincible Aura, right?"

Tenshi nodded. "After Neo Cannon Skyterror destroyed most of the ancient Light Civilization, the legendary White Knights, along with the Shining Command created the 'Invincible Aura' Defense system. In case of an emergency, this defense mechanism will trigger not letting anyone in or out. Despite the Fire Civilization creating the 'Invincible Cataclysm' weapon, the peace found between the Light and Fire has caused them to abandon it unless needed."

"So even if NOVA were to attack…"

"There's no way to penetrate the Aura. It's that strong." Tenshi nodded.

Jake sighed in relief. "At least the Cross Gear is Safe then…" Jake suddenly heard a loud Jet engine over head as he then realized how dark it gotten so instantly. He and Tenshi looked up and saw the Black Airship fly overhead.

"It's NOVA!" Jake realized. "You don't think…"

Tenshi shook his head. "As I said, the Invincible Aura is impregnable. They have no chance to break its defense."

Ryuusei smirked as he walked across the balcony where he found roughly 100 soldiers strapped with Sky Jet Cross gears on their backs and various weapons on their persons, as well as half of that group made up of Fire and darkness creatures, also armed with Gears.

June stood at the front of the group, her arms clad with Emerald Claws as her jade-colored hair lock drooped in her face. It was easily definable in her expression that she was against this and she wished someone would talk her out of it. Problem was, she didn't know what she was more afraid of; Ending up like her three teammates; or Jupiter's tendency to rampage through everything. Only being Fourteen years old, she was the youngest of the five. She found herself attached to Vanessa as an older sister, and she had a small crush on Peyton, despite their age differences, so he was close to him as well. She wished one of them would trade places with her at that moment. She stared at the door way, wishing one of them would come in to notice her and to offer to switch sides.

"Attention Troops!" Ryuusei announced, thus crushing June's chances of leaving. "With this mission we will be one step closer to breaking the seal of the great Thanatos! With that said, I expect you to follow Lieutenant Jhang's every order; which also means…" he then turned his attention to June. "I expect flawless results from you…"

June looked up, and despite not seeing his eyes, she felt the coldness in his words, and that was enough to force a nod out of her.

Ryuusei grew a pleasant smile and turned to his officer. "Unlock the hatch."

"Yes sir!" the officer saluted as he pulled the lever which made the gears move accordingly.

The warning signs to "Stay Clear" were made as a precaution as the soldiers turned and looked at the various Guardians surrounding Central City. The Invincible Aura System was activated as well, the giant navy blue energy shields deploying and encircling the city.

"Launch on my mark…" Ryuusei held his hand in the air. He counted down, pulling each finger back.

Hearts were racing; pulses were speeding, millions of thoughts started to flood the minds of the soldiers of what they'd be facing down there.

"LAUNCH!" Ryuusei ordered at the top of his lungs as the warriors all skydived towards the shielded city.

Jake and Tenshi watched them all go head first, the first twenty or so instantly bouncing off, despite attempting to break through.

"Wow… when you said impregnable, you weren't kidding…"

"They're armed with Sky jets; that's not good. Tenshi observed. "They're gonna keep going until they get through…"

"But you said it yourself, that defense is impossible to break."

"There's a flaw in the designs of it." Tenshi said.

"A flaw…? But you just said-

"I know what I said!" Tenshi snapped. "I designed it! We need to get down there before they can find the flaw."

Alphadios flapped its wings hard and fast as the zoomed forward.

"What kind of flaw is it?" Jake asked.

"Basically, I designed it like a Diamond." He said. "Since the shield is impregnable, I needed to make a way for allies to pass through it; I made a small weak spot, no bigger than 60 meters; the Actual range of the Defense system is over 2,000 meters, enough to cover the city completely all around.

"So like a diamond, it has one hidden soft spot that if discovered…"

"Can shatter the entire thing like a glass..."

And that's when Tenshi saw his worse fear come true.

The Aura System exploded in various places and began to crumble, the energy shields deactivating and dropping from the sky. The remaining Soldiers landed safely amongst the platforms and rooftops of the buildings as various Viziers zoomed up to greet the unwelcomed guest.

The armies of NOVA and Light clashed as Ryuusei watched from his throne room pleased with what he was seeing. The Great Invincible Aura was a sheer memory and within minutes, Central City would be his.

Vanessa walked into the room to greet her master as she bowed lowly to him.

"I have returned Master Ryuusei." Vanessa told him.

Ryuusei peeked over slightly and a smirk grew on his face. "Nice to see you've returned."

"I deeply apologize that Venus was destroyed… and also that I couldn't retrieve the gear."

"No need to worry dear…" he replied. "Within moments we will have secured one of the Gears.

"Pardon?" Vanessa asked. She looked at the screen, and then her eyes widened when she saw June beating her way through the armies of Sanfist and Frei that intercepted her.

"What is she doing out there?" Vanessa panicked. "It's too dangerous for her to be out there on her own!"

"Don't worry." Ryuusei replied in a calm manner. She has orders to unleash Jupiter if things get… 'Out of hand'…"

"If Jupiter is summoned, all hell will break lose!" Vanessa snapped. "She's going to get herself killed out there! I can't believe you'd do that to her!"

"ENOUGH!" Ryuusei made Vanessa shut up instantaneously. "You have no right to use that tone of voice on me, not as you commanding officer, nor as your father; Disappear from my sight…" he snarled. "Bad enough that you came back alive…"

Vanessa stared him down as she stormed off from the room.

Ryuusei turned up towards the balcony where the members normally stay at, seeing Peyton with a not so thrilled look either.

"I'd suggest you do the same."

Peyton didn't reply but turned and left the room as well.

Jake and Tenshi arrived and Jake got off ready to join the fight and help out. He drew the Glorious heaven's arm gear from his deck as his glove sparked.

"Cross over!" he called out as his arm was covered in the armor. The sword appeared in his hand as he and Alphadios readied themselves to face this army.

"You sure you're ready for this?" Tenshi asked.

"I've sat on the sidelines, guiding C.J. through all of his trials. It'll be fun to see what being the Hero's like for once; let's go!" Jake replied as the duo charged forward.

Jake and Alphadios made quick work of the oncoming soldiers, Jake slashing through them all as Tenshi blasted the various Tyranoids and Swamp people that sprouted from the air. It all seemed too easy. Meanwhile June was knocking out the Initiates left and right, through her various skills in fighting. From what it seemed, it was as if both sides were having no trouble facing their adversaries. It was then there and then that Jake and Tenshi came face to face with the NOVA agent.

Jake and June noticed what the other did to their allies; they were even more surprised at the coincidence of meeting each other like this. The tension between the began to build as the two stared each other down.

"You should know why I'm here…" June finally spoke.

"You want the Gear… Right?"

She nodded and put her hand out.

Jake shook his head. "No chance."

June retracted her hand and sighed. "OK fine then; we'll do this the hard way." She drew a card from her deck and it sparked up Green and White Lightning.

"I summon Royal Durian…" She said as the creature materialized next to her.

A Durian-based creature materialized, dressed up in a king-like outfit. It grumbled a bit and looked up at Tenshi.

"Do it." June snapped her fingers.

Royal Durian raised is staff up high and suddenly Tenshi felt a sharp pain throughout his body.

Jake turned to his companion, realizing something wasn't right.

"Tenshi what's wrong?"

"That Durian… It's draining the power from my Evo crystal!"

The durian creature chuckled evilly as Alphadios reverted back into Alcadeias, both the King's Blade and the Queen's shield Cross Gears flying from his body.

Jake managed to secure the King's Blade gear; however he looked up and saw the Queen's Shield Gear float towards June.

"Not what I had in mind… but this can work." June said.

"Give that back…" Jake said.

June smirked. "No chance." She replied, mocking Jake. "Cross Over!"

The Queen's Shield gear resonated in her hand as the Five gold shields materialized and rotated around her person.

"Guess I'll have to get it back by force… Cross Over!"

The King's Blade Gear did likewise to Jake, surrounding himself with Five Green Swords.

The two of them continued to stare each other down before they dove headfirst into each other.

"Did you hear that?" Dylan asked Karon as the two were on their respected Avatars riding towards the light civilization.

Lancer looked up and saw the grey clouds forming high in the sky. "It wasn't going to rain today was it?"

Kage shook his head. "That's not clouds; that's smoke from a fire.

"NOVA must've attacked the Light Civilization looking for the Grand Cross Catastrophe Gear." Karon noted. "Jake must be holding his own up there."

"Let's keep moving then." Dylan nodded.

Jake continues his assault, attempting to break through June's defensive shield, but the Queen's Shield protected her from damage as she attempted to strike Jake past his Six blades.

June ducked a swipe and came back for an uppercut once she saw that slight opening, but Jake blocked it and slashed her. Finally making a successful hit, June hit the ground.

"You can't resist me forever!"

June heard the evil voice in her head that made her hesitate to get up.

"Stay away from me…" She whispered to herself.

"Hey, watch where you're fighting!" Jake slid and made a horizontal slash, but June grabbed the blade and snapped the Heaven's Arm Blade in half, leaving Jake with the five King Blades left.

"I'm paying attention…"

"Summon me… You can't do this without me…"

June's eyes widened as she knelt down and clutched her head. "Damn it, just shut up already!"

"Is she alright…?" Jake wondered. He then saw the floor under them spark up.

"You need my strength, you know you can't win without me!"

"Leave me alone!" June screamed.

Her hand sparked up violently as her Kaijudo Energy manifested into a Giant Green and Red beast. The Phoenix resembled a King, a muscular humanoid with a golden headdress, while on the bottom of his person, resembled a Tiger Head with Insect-like legs. His Shoulder blades had small red-winged tips that showed off the beauty of this creature.

Its crimson red eyes stared down Jake and Alcadeias, with murderous purpose as June's exhausted body laid under it.

"Now then… Let's finish this, shall we?" The Phoenix spoke up.

Jake stood in awe at that sight. "The Phoenix… can talk?"

Jupiter laughed evilly as it's Tiger mouth charged energy from its Evo Crystals.

"Die…" Jupiter told him.

As Jake was about to brace for impact, the ground under him began to crack. Jake realized that the fighting and the extra weight brought by the creatures weakened the floor under them.

"That's not good… Tenshi, we gotta move like now!"

I… Can't." He replied, paralyzed by the Durian.

"Are you kidding me?" Jake looked down and saw it break further.

"Crap!" he looked over and saw Jupiter continuing to charge its energy.

Ryuusei smiled, enjoying the sight of Jupiter beginning his rampage.

"Go, Jupiter; destroy everything!"

Jupiter fired the blast, which in turn was the last bit of force that broke the floor under them.

Jake who had very little time to think jumped from the platform and fell forward, the Phoenix roaring in anger losing its target; with Tenshi still weak from Durian's draining, Jake had to think of something to save himself. And then it occurred to him; the simple solution to his problems...

June cracked her eyes open, feeling her sore body ache as she sat up, hearing the cackling of the flame near her. The Stars illuminating the night sky. It wasn't what she expected after she passed out. Just… what happened?

"Glad to see you're awake…"

June jumped from the voice of the stranger as she realized who it was.

"It's you…"

Jake nodded. "Are you feeling alright?"

"What did you do to me?" She stood up. Her sore body however forced her back down.

"Relax you!" Jake scolded. "We fell from 32,000 ft., you can't expect to feel in tip-top shape.

"How are we alive if we fell from so high?"

"Grand Cross Catastrophe..." Jake held it in his hand. "I used it to save myself, but without me knowing, it captured you too in its barrier. It protected us as we fell down here. Once we were safe, I made camp and took care of your wounds."

"Do you expect a thank you…?" June scoffed.

"Cut the tough girl act already." Jake said, seeing through it.

"Excuse me?"

"You don't seem like the others." Jake said bluntly. "You're too much of a kid to be evil."

"Too much of a kid…?" June repeated, annoyed by that statement.

"Do you mind telling me what happened to you up there?"

"What do you mean…?"

"I mean what's up with that Supernova of yours? Out of the ones I've seen so far, that's the only one I've seen that had a mind of its own."

June dug her face into her lap and looked back at Jake. "They call him the 'Sleeping Giant'. Jupiter, the Savage Supernova has a tendency to go berserk if he's summoned, or if his duelist is under pressure.

"So that's what was going on. He was trying to get you to summon him…"

June nodded. "But then I learned the reasons why he goes berserk. And that's because… It's not Jupiter at all."

That statement took Jake by surprise. "Not Jupiter…?"

She shook her head. "It's another creature entirely; if it could be even called a creature.

Now Jake started to feel concerned at this point. He unintentionally saves this girl, and now he's found himself in a situation where she's waging her own war against her Deck Avatar. Just what is this girl hiding? His conscious is going to bug him about it later, but…

"Do you mind telling me how you all got involved with the Supernovas in the first place?"

June looked at him and Jake saw something in her eyes, as if she can put her trust in him and that he would believe what she had to say. She took a deep breath, and began her story…

[END]