Once more, more filler episodes, and maybe another Dark Signer, I mean Shadow Rider in this chapter. LOL, too much 5Ds. Alright guys, let's get back into dueling, because it's time to CHAZZ IT UP!
Dx: Yep, I actually agree with you this time.
Jenny: Oh wow, there must be a blue moon out. Cause, that's about how often you agree with RDF1.
LR: I thought that happened more often than Dx agreeing with DragonX?
Dx: Eh, it happens. I'm just in an agreeing mode right now. So count your blessings.
YGOFreak54: Should I be concerned by this? This seems highly irregular from my last visits.
RDF1: Not really. By the end of the chapter, he'll probably be back to normal. I guess the vacation did some good for him as well.
YGOFreak54: Where'd you go?
RDF1: California. Among many events, I visited Muir Woods – the National Redwood Park near San Francisco, a very awesome place and very relaxing. Definitely a vacation recommendation for anyone!
Dx: A vacation from you is always worth it. That or at least some time to actually relax and not have to worry about messing things up for awhile.
RDF1: (slaps forehead) (Sighs) Okay, never mind. It's time to get back to the story anyways. Oh, and before I forget: Which filler episode of the first season of Gx is your favorite?
YGOFreak54: That would be telling, but they weren't all bad.
RDF1: Can't say that I'm surprised, I enjoyed a fair few myself, even on into the second season were some good ones as well.
And to prevent spoilers, let's just get right on into the action.
Disclaimer: EVEN NOW, RDF1 does NOT own YuGiOh Gx OR W.I.T.C.H. or anything related to them. He COULDN'T own YuGiOhFreak54 even if it was legal, which it isn't.
YuGiOhFreak54: Now, onto the free distribution of a fanmade version of a popular, yet disliked at the same time, spin-off to an awesome show, manga, and trading card game!
(Chapter Begin)
(Recap)
Jenny collapsed back onto her bed when she got back to her room. That duel was tougher than even the last one she had with Bastion just before Christmas Break.
"There is one interesting tidbit I'd like to know," said Shagon, appearing out of the deck.
"Sorry, Jenny," apologized Sir Matthew, appearing as well, "I couldn't stop him fast enough."
"It's okay," sighed Jenny, "What's up?"
"Why does he have more attack points than me?" asked Shagon, "I mean, we're both pretty much the same, at least appearance-wise. So, what's up?"
"That has two reasons behind it," replied Jenny, "One, the original source of your powers was split into four, while Lillian's power has been split into three. Other than that, Shagon, Sir Matthew just has more control over his power. Nothing more to say really, cause other than that, I don't really have a valid reason for it."
"Hn," shrugged Shagon, before disappearing back alongside Sir Matthew.
"To be honest," said Jenny, to herself and quite possibly her deck, "I could have done more with your points, but this just felt right."
With that, she went to sleep, just wanting these Shadow Riders gone for good.
(Recap End)
The next few days weren't too bad, a birthday for Syrus was the only real highlight. But not a week had passed before another event was starting up, one Jenny couldn't foresee.
She found herself going through her normal routine and shortly after lunch, engaged in a duel with a second-year male Ra Yellow. She was enjoying herself immensely, particularly the fact that this guy was going toe-to-toe with her, without being distracted by her looks. This was a plus, since it gave her incentive to look carefully at her moves.
Jenny: 1500
Field: Queen of Meridian – Elyon, one face down.
Hand: 1 card
Queen of Meridian – Elyon
Level: 7
Atk: 2000
Def: 2800
Effect: Once per turn, you can special summon one monster from your deck, hand, or graveyard.
Ra Yellow: 1900
Field: Chaos Command Magician, Equip Spell – Horn of the Unicorn, one facedown
Hand: 3 cards
Chaos Command Magician
Level: 6
Atk: 2400-3100
Def: 1900-2600
Effect: Your opponent's monster card effects cannot destroy this card.
(AN1)
'Not bad,' thought Jenny, 'using those two cards in that combo. He even managed to defeat Phobos, one of my strongest cards. Guess I need to find another strategy, but with only Elyon, it needs to be a good one. And with my facedown, TeleTransportation, no longer useful to counter with since he negated it's effect last turn, I've really got to get something good to go with the card in my hand.'
Jenny looked at her deck. If she was gonna keep her winning streak, something she didn't care about as much as the spirit key in her pocket, she had to pull a good card right now.
After she drew her card, she knew she had a second chance since her first plan would fail.
"I'll start with Elyon's ability, to Special Summon 'Guardian of the Veil – Cornelia' from my hand!"
Guardian of the Veil – Cornelia
Level: 7
Atk: 2800
Def: 2000
Effect: Sacrifice 1000 life points to destroy all monsters on your opponent's side of the field.
"Did you know you have your two monsters mirroring each other's points?" asked her opponent, "Not for nothing, but it's something I just noticed. Was that intentional?"
Cornelia and Elyon turned to look at Jenny, since they now wondered as well. They didn't think of it before, but the guy made sense.
"You know, I didn't really notice that, because this is the first time I've had Cornelia's Guardian form on the field beside Elyon. Thanks for that by the way!" spoke up Jenny, shrugging her shoulders, "And now, to get back to the duel: I now activate the Spell Card, Pot of Greed, allowing me to draw two more cards. I now activate the equip spell card: Heart of Kandrakar! Cornelia gains 500 attack points!"
Heart of Kandrakar
Effect1: Can only be equipped to 'Average Teenager' or 'Guardian of the Veil' monsters. Increase the attack of the equipped monster by 500 points.
Effect2: If equipped to 'Average Teenager – Will Vandom', then you can special summon all 'Guardian of the Veil' monsters by sending 'Average Teenager' by the same name to the graveyard.
Cornelia
Atk: 2800-3300
"Not bad, now you can win," said the guy, seemingly letting things go.
"Yeah, but it's not like you didn't put up a good fight," replied Jenny, "Attack Cornelia, destroy Chaos Command Magician!"
Using the Heart of Kandrakar, Cornelia let loose a large amount of vines, intent on squeezing the life out of CCM. However, a shield prevented the vines from ever touching the Spellcaster.
"Not so fast," announced the Ra Yellow, "I play the counter trap: Negate attack! Now, I've got another turn to clinch this duel."
"Maybe, maybe not," smirked Jenny, "I place one card facedown and end my turn."
The kid smiled, he could actually beat Jenny and be the talk of the school. He didn't care about dating her, that wasn't his priority; however, earning her respect was a major bonus either way.
"My draw," said the guy, "And you finally lose, Jenny."
"Not really," countered Jenny, her smirk never disappearing, "I play my trap: ATTACK WITHIN THE FOLD!"
"You've never played that card before!?" exclaimed her opponent.
"Yep, because I've never needed to, or never got the chance due to another combo earning my victory," replied Jenny, "And here's how the card works."
Attack Within the Fold
Type: Counter Trap
This card can only be activated when two or more of the following cards are on the field: Heart of Kandrakar, Seal of Nerissa, Queen of Meridian – Elyon, and/or Passling – Blunk.
Deal effect damage to your opponent equal to the original attack points of the monsters currently on your field.
"And since Cornelia has the Heart of Kandrakar, I can now deal 4800 points of damage to you, and win the duel."
Ra Yellow: 1900-0
Jenny: 1500
"Thanks," said Jenny, "I meant what I said, you gave me a good challenge."
(AN2)
"Hey, Jenny," said Alexis, running up to her, "We've got a visitor."
"And that's supposed to get my attention how!?" asked Jenny.
"He's in a submarine!" exclaimed Alexis, "Let's go!"
All three of them headed to the shore, as submarines weren't everyday news.
It wasn't that long after they got there that Jaden's group from Slifer showed up as well. It was very different seeing a submarine parked on at the dock, and asking for a duel against Jaden Yuki, which put all the Key Keepers present on edge, minus Jenny.
'Shadow Rider?' thought Jenny, fighting back a sweatdrop, 'something's telling me he doesn't even know about the Beast Cards.'
(AN3)
Jenny got on the boat with Jaden, Bastion, Alexis, and Chazz and they explored a little of the ship before they came to an open front area that was to be the duel arena. Soon enough the Duel got started, but not before some one-liners from the group.
"So are we gonna duel, or walk the plank?" quipped Jaden.
"Why not just open a window," added Chazz.
"How about concentrating on the duel," said Bastion, "That Admiral's ready to go."
"Something feels different about him," spoke up Jenny, arms crossed, looking closing at Admiral.
Jaden: 4000
Admiral: 4000
"I'll start with Wildheart in Defense mode, and end my turn," started out Jaden.
'Not all that strong, leaves plenty to do for anyone,' thought Jenny, just before the lights went out.
"HA! The lights went out; I knew this was a Shadow Game!" declared Jaden, leaving Jenny to sweatdrop as she went over to the controls to find an intercom switch.
It took a few seconds before the ship emerged back on the surface again, giving Jenny another headache.
"Not the bends, anything but the bends!" cried out Jenny, clutching her head.
"Ma'am," replied a sailor, "We weren't all that deep to begin with, so there's very little chance of anyone getting the bends."
"Oh. Thanks for that," smiled Jenny in appreciation, before finding the intercom switch.
It was being activated by another sailor, "Sorry about the lights. We were working on them when the guests entered the ship."
"See what you get for jumping to conclusions, Jaden," said Jenny, getting in front of the intercom, "Now just get on with the duel so we can go home!"
With the Admiral's allegiance no longer in question, the Admiral drew his first card.
"I start with 'A Legendary Ocean'!" declared the Admiral.
A Legendary Ocean
Type: Field Spell
Effect1: All Water Monsters in your hand are reduced by one level.
Effect2: All Water Monsters on your field gain 200 Attack and Defense points.
"Oh crap, can't breathe!" flailed Jaden, trying to breathe in a perfectly oxygenated room.
"Jaden, it's a hologram!" deadpanned Bastion.
"Next, this allows me to summon out: Orca: Mega-Fortress of Darkness!"
Orca – Mega Fortress of Darkness
Level: 5
Atk: 2100-2300
Def: 1200-1400
Effect: By sending 'Torpedo Fish' to the graveyard, destroy one monster on the field. By sending 'Cannonball Spear Shellfish' to the graveyard, destroy one spell or trap on the field.
"And I'll be sending Wildheart to Davy Jones's locker!" continued the Admiral, "I've come to Duel Academy for one purpose, and that's you, Jaden Yuki! I'll set a card facedown and end my turn."
"My go," said Jaden, feeing confused by the sea-goer's statement, "And I'll put Avian in Defense mode, and throw down a facedown. Now what's so important about me!?"
"Oh, I've had a grand plan. I be setting up a new Academy, one right on the Ocean Floor. But, as every one who knows their Navy knowledge, every Admiral needs a First Mate. And I choose you, Jaden Yuki, to come teach at the Undersea Duel Academy with me!"
"You've got to be kidding me," said an incredulous Jenny, this was something she didn't really think about, "An Undersea Duel Academy isn't that bad of an idea, but Jaden as a teacher? Not the best in book smarts."
"Jaden just can't leave us," said Alexis, who wasn't about to let Jaden walk out of her life like that.
"Why not?" countered Bastion, "It is a grand opportunity, and a rare one at that, for his age."
"And his grades on paper," added Jenny, "Of course, now's not exactly the time to be talking about it."
"Seriously, Jaden's leaving," spoke up Chazz, almost glad about it, "I can finally get a new room."
Jenny glared at Chazz, who had the decency to sweatdrop.
"I mean, Jaden still has to finish his own schooling and we shouldn't let him leave now of all times," amended Chazz, who still had a slight debilitating fear of a coma from his friend.
"That's better," grinned Jenny, turning back to the duel.
(AN4)
"So what do you say Jaden, with your talent, you'd be a great teacher," complimented the Admiral.
"Well, it's true that I have taught Chazz a few things," admitted Jaden.
(AN5)
Chazz growled, before turning to Jenny, who shrugged, and continued growling a few more seconds.
"And you're in!" exclaimed the Admiral.
This surprised everyone, even Jenny, who would have thought that the Admiral wouldn't be so enthusiastic if he actually thought this out.
"I didn't mean I would join!" countered Jaden.
"Well, if it's going to be like that, then how's about a friendly wager?" asked the Admiral, changing tactics, "I win, and you come teach for me, and if you win, you can choose!"
"Jaden," moaned Alexis.
"IT'S A TRAP!" shouted Bastion.
"Way to be blatantly obvious, Bastion," groaned Jenny at her friend's reference to Star Wars ROTJ.
(AN6)
"Why should we care?" asked Chazz, quietly so Jenny wouldn't glare at him again.
"Back to the duel," continued the Admiral, "And I play my trap!"
Cursed Waters LV3
During this turn, you can normal summon monsters whose combined level equals three or less.
"I play, Torpedo Fish and Cannonball Spear Shellfish!"
Torpedo Fish
Level: 3
Atk/Def: 1000-1200
Effect: While 'Umi' is on the field, this card is unaffected by spell cards.
Cannonball Spear Shellfish
Level: 2
Atk/Def: 1000-1200
Effect: While 'Umi' is on the field, this card is unaffected by spell cards.
"Not bad," said Bastion, "Thanks to 'A Legendary Ocean' lowering their levels…"
"They can be summoned via that trap card," interrupted Jenny, "Thanks for the explanation. Also, the Admiral can take a huge lead with that Orca on the field."
"Which now, thanks to my Orca," continued the Admiral, "I'll be clearing your field! First, Cannonball sends that facedown belly up! Next, Torpedo Fish will be making that Avian walk the plank!"
Jaden couldn't help but get frustrated at the combo the Admiral just pulled off.
"And I'll follow up with a broadside blast from my Orca!" added the Admiral.
The explosion knocked back Jaden right off his feet.
Jaden: 4000-1700
"I haven't gotten that wet since the walrus show at Sealand," remarked Jaden, feeling a little pumped up since he now had to make his moves count more now.
"He's actually been to Sealand?" asked Chazz.
"Let's just hope it wasn't recent," quipped Jenny, to which everyone chuckled a bit.
"This be no Theme Park!" shouted the Admiral.
"It could be, with a few rides," remarked Jaden, before drawing his next card, "I'll play Polymerization to fuse Sparkman and Clayman into Thunder Giant!"
"Is that all ye got?" asked the Admiral, "Sure, your monster be able to shock the ever living hologram out of my Orca, but I'll only take 100 points of damage. Surely you can do better!"
"And you say you've studied me," smirked Jaden, feeling disappointed that he actually got to surprise the Admiral, "My monster has a very special ability, one which allows me to destroy a monster on your field when he's summoned!"
"That can't be!" cried out the Admiral.
"'Course it is, I read the card," replied Jaden, "Destroy that Killer with Static Blast! And Follow up with Voltic Thunder!"
Admiral: 4000-1600
Jaden: 1700
"Well, that's why they're endangered," remarked Bastion.
"No argument here," added Jenny.
"I'll throw down a couple facedowns and it's your move," finished Jaden.
"What say we maroon this duel here and now, and you work for me for 1000 doubloons?" asked the Admiral, who had a small fear of losing.
"Did he say 1000?" asked Bastion.
"Can't argue too much with the rarity of doubloons these days," smiled Jenny, who would consider the opportunity herself if she didn't have other plans.
"That's a lot of booty," said Alexis, amazed by the proposition.
"I beg your pardon," deadpanned Bastion.
"It's the run with the gag, Bastion," replied Jenny, "You know, Pirate talk."
Bastion simply rolled his eyes in annoyance.
(AN7)
"No thanks, and it's not about the money," said Jaden.
"Really?" asked the Admiral, "What have you back at Duel Academy? You're first mate Syrus is about to weigh anchor and set sail on your friendship."
"For a guy who forgot about Thunder Giant's effect, he did his homework for this morning," remarked Chazz, actually amazed that had been brought up.
"What happened?" asked Alexis.
"From what I could gather: I'm afraid they've had a bit of a falling out," informed Bastion, "That's why Syrus opted out of this trip."
"Okay, fear of water because of no swimming ability aside," spoke up Jenny, "That doesn't seem like it's going to last, even if it is kinda serious."
"Let's continue while you think it over," said the Admiral, "I play 'The Shallow Grave'!"
The Shallow Grave
Type: Normal Spell
Effect: Both players choose one monster in their graveyard and special summon it to the field in defense mode.
"I choose my Orca!"
Orca – Mega Fortress of Darkness
Def: 1200-1400
"I choose Clayman," said Jaden, bringing back Clayman.
Clayman
Def: 2000
"But before my turn is done, I sacrifice my whale for my 'Levia-Dragon – Daedalus'!
Levia-Dragon – Daedalus
Level: 7
Atk: 2600-2800
Def: 1500-1700
Effect: By sending 'Umi' on your side of the field to the graveyard, destroy all cards on the field minus this card.
"And now that I send 'A Legendary Ocean' to the graveyard, all cards on the field are washed away, minus my Dragon of course!"
"Not so fast!" declared Jaden, "by kicking insurance to my graveyard, Emergency Provisions gives me 1000 life points!"
Jaden: 1700-2700
"That was close," remarked Jenny.
"Now attack and end this duel!" ordered the Admiral.
Jaden: 2700-100
Admiral: 1600
"Yeah, but Jaden's not getting out of this easily," remarked Chazz.
"It's not over yet!" declared Jaden, getting back up and drawing, "I…"
"What is it?" asked Alexis.
"Is it good?" asked Bastion.
"I'd say very good, considering its Jaden we're talking about," smiled Jenny, remembering Jaden's past duels.
(AN8)
"I special summon Bubbleman!" declared Jaden, bringing him out onto the field.
Bubbleman
Level: 4
Atk: 800
Def: 1200
Effect1: Last card in your hand, he can be special summoned from your hand.
Effect2: Only card on your field when summoned, draw 2 cards.
"And with two more cards, I can play 'Pot of Greed', which again, gets me two more cards!" said Jaden, as he drew cards to get his final combo ready.
"I've been horn-swoggled!" cried out the Admiral.
"I'll add in 'The Warrior Returning Alive', which allows me to bring one warrior-type monster back to my hand, which I'll normal Summon! Come on back, Sparkman!"
Sparkman
Level: 4
Atk: 1600
Def: 1400
"I'm not done yet, I'll add in 'Metamorphosis'! This allows me to trade in Bubbleman for Neo Bubbleman!"
Elemental Hero Neo Bubbleman
Type: Fusion
Level: 4
Atk: 800
Def: 1200
Effect: Can only be summoned by 'Metamorphosis' on 'Bubbleman'. This card is treated as 'Bubbleman' on the field.
Effect2: When this card battles a monster, destroy that monster at the end of the damage step.
"I'll also add in Bubble Blaster, which adds 800 points to 'Bubbleman', which is 'Neo Bubbleman' at the moment."
Neo Bubbleman
Atk: 800-1600
"Ye be daft!" shouted the Admiral, "You still lose 1000 points even if you attack!"
"Not so," replied Jaden, "Bubble Blaster negates all battle damage when it gets sent to the graveyard to save my monster in battle. That, added with 'Neo Bubbleman's' ability to destroy a monster that battles with him, and you're finished!"
"NO!" shouted the Admiral, having been out maneuvered by this boy who he wanted so bad to be on his teaching staff.
Neo Bubbleman attacked Daedalus, destroying his own Bubble Blaster, allowing Neo Bubbleman to destroy Daedalus, which cleared the field for Sparkman to attack directly.
Admiral: 1600-0
Jaden: 100
"Jaden won!" cheered a very happy Alexis.
"Yeah, but it's still his choice," reminded Jenny, which deflated her mood somewhat.
Two sailors came in and escorted them back to the boat, hoped they had a good experience, and wished them well in the future, as they left, without Jaden, they started to wonder what just happened.
"You can't be serious," said Alexis, as the boat left them at the dock, "He actually decided to stay!?"
"WHAT!?" shouted Syrus, who had waited for them to return, despite not wanting to be apart of that adventure.
"According to the Shipmate that dropped us off, he was informed by the Admiral that Jaden decided to stay after all," informed Jenny.
"That just can't be true," cried out Syrus, as everyone began heading back to their dorms, their day mostly over.
Syrus didn't leave though, even though he argued with Jaden, and it was something serious, it wasn't as important as Jaden actually being there. And so, he waited, day after day, for Jaden to return.
Not much could convince Syrus to move from the dock. Only food and sleep were able to get him away for more than five minutes, if that. Jenny even offered a duel to get his mind off of it, but Syrus refused, saying it would insult their friendship for him to leave Jaden like that. After that, Jenny decided to let him be. Until one day, a week later, she heard from Alexis that Jaden had miraculously returned. She smiled, glad to know that her friend didn't abandon them for money. Not that Jaden would, but it was tempting, for even her, and she would have wanted the money if she were shallower than many of the girls at Duel School.
(AN9)
Nothing of interest happened for a few days, while trying to get over Jaden's week of absence due to being abducted. Crowler wanted to use that as an excuse to expel him once and for all, but thanks to the other Key Keepers that were there (minus Chazz) managed to convince Shepard that Jaden didn't leave of his own free will. Before long, things were back into routine, yet Jenny was getting worried. It was a month left before the final exams, and they had only faced three of the Shadow Riders. Four of them were still out there, waiting for their turn. She just hoped things could get finished before finals; she didn't need to worry about Shadow Riders while final exams were going on. It was just asking for trouble.
(AN10)
A few days passed by without much incident. There was a new transfer student named Chick, something that felt odd with Jenny, but let it slide, because she shouldn't judge a person's name, particularly since her name had a different spelling that could be confused with a certain Harry Potter Character. She REALLY didn't like being associated with that red head.
(AN11)
It wasn't too much longer before a new visitor showed up, one that was invited. Jenny found Alexis and Atticus in the hallway, but was interrupted by Jaden, Banner, Chazz, and an older man in a detective uniform.
"Hey Alexis," greeted Jaden, "How's Atticus holding up?"
"A little better, now that he's in a room next to Zane instead of in that hospital bed," replied Alexis, "but he's made no progress on remembering anything that's happened while he was gone, just that he fought against Nightshroud during your duel and won shortly after you did."
"That's a bummer," said Jenny, "Who's the uniform?"
"The law, actually a PI that Shepard asked to help us safeguard the rest of the keys," informed Banner.
"Good afternoon ladies," greeted the man, "I am Detective Zaloog."
His eye patch, with a golden eye on it, flashed, sending chills up Jenny's spine.
"Okay," replied Alexis, not understanding what's going on yet.
"Jenny, I feel a weird energy from that eye patch of his," spoke up Will.
"You see, with three of the Spirit Keys having yet to be recovered, and the other four in greater danger now, the board had a majority vote to call in a specialist to help us protect the keys," explained Banner.
"By the way, where are your keys?" asked Jaden.
"Around my neck," replied Alexis.
"In my pocket, if I'm not shadow dueling that is," added Jenny.
"I think there's a misunderstanding here," spoke up Zaloog, "You may think that's where it's safest, but it's really not."
"I'd like to see someone try it," replied Jenny, a little testy, "I dare them to invade my personal space."
"I completely understand that mentality," replied Zaloog, remaining calm, "However, if a Shadow Rider finds you, then they already have a chance at getting the key immediately."
'Okay, this guy's not playing with a full deck,' thought Jenny, as Banner explained the idea of hiding the keys away from them, but still easily accessed if needed to return them to Shepard.
So, they headed off to the Slifer Red dorm, since two of the remaining keys belonged to Slifer Red Students, despite being among the best duelists on the island. When they got there, they headed for Chazz's room first, and hid his in a bottom space cabinet next to his bed. Unfortunately, they saw Gorg the replacement janitor outside painting the rails. Jenny raised an eyebrow that the convenience of the timing, but ignored it for the time being. Next, they headed to Jaden's room, where Jaden deposited his key in his junk draw, something he collected that had no real value for the casual goer.
(AN12)
"That's a good spot, where no one would start looking," appraised Zaloog, before a knock at the door startled them.
Jaden opened the door, revealing Chick, the new transfer student, and let him go to his room next door.
After leaving the Slifer Red Dorm, they headed to the Obelisk Blue Girls dorm, and the boys were actually invited this time, so there was no hassle. Once getting to her room, Alexis placed her key into her jewelry box, where some of her other necklaces were, so it could hide in plain sight. Shortly afterwards, Meanae, the Nurse's assistant, showed up.
"I'm sorry," apologized Meanae, "Did I come at a bad time? I'm just here to give you the updated records for your brother, Miss Rhodes."
"And just who is this?" questioned Zaloog.
"This is Meanae, the Assistant Nurse. She's been a big help all year," replied Jenny, remembering the times Crowler's needed assistance more than a few times, "My room's next."
"Not so fast," suggested Zaloog, "Two keys within ten yards of each other is more tempting, especially with the spacious area preventing anything to be tripped over. The other two keys are in such cluttered rooms that it was safer to do so, but not here. I would suggest a different spot."
"How about the safe in the Faculty Lounge?" piped up Banner.
"That sounds good," replied Zaloog.
Jenny walked along the others silently, thinking back to the information Pegasus gave her before she got to the island. It wasn't important that they kept the keys now that they had lost at least one; however, there was a rule that said they had to have a key in order to win back a key, or keys if multiple keys have been lost in a duel before. Also, the fact that they kept running into someone that wasn't apart of their group, or extended group like Syrus and Chumley, it was feeling too much like a trap.
When they got to the lounge, Jenny didn't want to give up her key.
"I'm sure you realize the danger you could be in if the Shadow Rider were to use ulterior motives to get the key from you. Someone that is not only unafraid of crossing your boundaries, but to do so in a malicious manner," urged the Detective.
(AN13)
"I'm still not sure about this," said Jenny, "I mean…"
"Jenny," said Chazz, pulling her close so he could whisper to her, "I've got this covered. I'm going to make sure we don't lose the keys, or rather that we don't permanently lose them. Just trust me on this."
Realizing what he was talking about, she reluctantly placed her key in the safe and let Chazz close it. Soon enough, another person walked by, at attention, getting Zaloog's attention.
"Who was that?" asked Zaloog.
"That's Cliff, one of our security guards on duty tonight. If anything, he'll provide extra protection," replied Banner.
"Alright, with the keys in a safer place, it's time to get some rest," informed Detective Zaloog.
(AN14)
Later that night, Alexis woke up Jenny, informing her the keys had been stolen. Jenny was instantly awake at that news and they quickly got dressed and headed over to Chazz's room, where everyone else was waiting. They didn't get very far into the discussion when a voice interrupted them.
"I believe we can find out the truth of this by comparing notes," spoke up Zaloog, with the four other people who were conveniently close by at each location when they hid the Spirit Keys, "I've brought along the four most likely suspects, since your group is protecting the keys."
"Makes sense," said Jaden, for his group, "He is the detective after all."
'I don't believe it,' thought Jenny, 'I knew something was off, and now I know why. How in the shadow realm did they get out of Industrial Illusions's vault?'
However, Chazz decided to take charge of the situation, and asked each of the people if they found any evidence. Unfortunately, the others weren't as inclined to actual protocol, and ended up ruining the evidence. Jenny rolled her eyes, and smiled when Chazz stated he knew who did it.
"He did it," declared Chazz, pointing at Cliff, then Chick, Gorg, and Meanae in turn, "And him, and him, and her!"
"And your basis is?" asked Chick.
"Yeah," added Meanae, "There's no evidence! So what's your proof?"
"My proof, well, let's just ask these guys!" replied Chazz, bringing out the Ojama Brothers.
"Now that's a fool proof plan," added Jenny, smirking as the group of five.
"These guys are my eyes and ears wherever I put them. Not to mention every last one of these guys watching my room 24/7," continued Chazz, showing the Ojama Brothers, and his deck of Spirit Monsters in turn.
This sent the group not accustomed to Chazz or Jaden, or even Jenny for that matter, and their usual adventures, into confusion, as they 'couldn't' see these 'witnesses' Chazz was talking about.
"Where are these witnesses?" asked the group.
"Okay, either you guys are bad actors, or even dumber than I thought," informed Jenny, "Don't tell me you've never heard of Duel Spirits?"
"Even if you guys can't see them, I can, and the four of you are guilty!"
"Actually, Chazz," said Jenny, turning to glare at Zaloog, "Our dear detective was in on it as well."
That got everyone's attention.
"How did you know?" asked Zaloog.
"Do you think I believe in coincidences?" countered Jenny, glaring at the others lightly before returning her attention to Don Zaloog, "I've rarely seen the other four guys, and you suddenly show up and I see them all within the same day, within an hour no less. I didn't figure things out until just now when you guys showed up together, even though Chick should have tipped me off. Transfer student this week of all things, and you showing up 'proclaiming' to know better than I do, a Spirit Key expert compared to the rest of the school, and not to mention that eye of yours. I had seen the design before, but not in that particular way. The eye is similar to the Eye of Udjat, something that's Egyptian in origin. You guys aren't who you say you are!"
"Very clever," replied Zaloog, as his group took off their disguises "We are the international crime ring known as the 'Dark Scorpions'!"
"Never heard of you," replied the others, minus Jenny.
"I have," said Jenny, "Pegasus created them years ago. I saw them in the list of unfinished cards. Not hard to figure out what was missing."
Alexis snickered, given that she figured out what Jenny was getting out.
"You see, Cliff, Gorg, and Meanae were here long before most of you were, and Chick looks too young to have been here that long without causing any questions," informed Zaloog, "However, now we have the keys!"
"Doesn't matter," said Chazz, "I'm guessing you couldn't unlock the other gates on your own, right?"
The Scorpions nodded, being truthful for once.
"Jenny, am I correct in saying that now that a gate(s) have been opened by a Shadow Duel(s), that Shadow Duels themselves have to be the way to open the rest?" asked Chazz.
"You're right," nodded Jenny, "Nice deduction, Chazz. This is the first time it's come up, but you've done some good detective work of your own."
"Thanks Jenny," replied Chazz, returning his attention to the Scorpions, "You still have to defeat us in a duel, or rather me, because I'm gonna be the one to duel you."
(AN15)
"Why you, Chazz?" asked Jaden.
"Because we've already had our turns, Jaden, you got two, while I got the third. Not to mention Crowler, Bastion, and Zane don't have a key currently. Let Chazz have his duel," replied Jenny, "Oh, and Scorpions: you might want to give the keys to Chazz so it can be official (if) you win."
Zaloog reluctantly gave the keys to Chazz before the group headed out the door and across the field in front of the dorm, giving him and Chazz ample space for their duel. The others followed, with Chazz getting his deck ready.
"Duel!" they shouted together.
Chazz: 4000
Zaloog: 4000
"I'll start with Golem Sentry in defense mode," said Zaloog, "And end with a facedown."
Golem Sentry
Level: 4
Atk: 800
Defense: 1800
Effect: Once per turn you can flip this into facedown defense mode.
Flip Effect: Select one monster on your opponent's field and return it to the hand.
"My go," said Chazz, drawing his card, "I'll start with Fiend's Sanctuary, which allows me a fiend token to sacrifice for Armed Dragon LV5!"
Armed Dragon LV5
Atk: 2400
"Next, I'll attack your monster," said Chazz, as Armed Dragon pummeled Golem Sentry, "Next, I'll set two cards and Level up my Dragon to Level 7!"
Armed Dragon LV7
Atk: 2800
"My turn, and I'll start with Pot of Greed," said Zaloog, drawing another two cards after his first draw, "Next, I'll summon myself: Don Zaloog!"
Don Zaloog moved himself in front of the spell/trap card zone before continuing.
Don Zaloog
Level: 4
Atk: 1400
Def: 1500
Effect: When this card inflicts Battle Damage to your opponent, activate one of the following effects:
A: Discard one random card from the opponent's hand to the graveyard.
B: Send the top two cards from your opponent's deck to the graveyard.
"Wait, these guys really are cards!?" asked Syrus.
"Unfinished cards at that," said Jenny, "Which begs the question of how they got out of the vault at I2?"
"I'll add in 'Mustering of the Dark Scorpions, which allows me to summon my companions on the field!"
Gorg the Strong
Level: 5
Atk: 1800
Def: 1500
Effect: When this card inflicts Battle Damage to your opponent, activate one of the following effects:
A: Target one monster your opponent(s) controls and return it to the deck
B: Send the top card of your opponent's deck to the graveyard.
Meanae the Thorn
Level: 4
Atk: 1000
Def: 1800
Effect: When this card inflicts Battle Damage to your opponent, activate one of the following effects:
A: Add one 'Dark Scorpion' card from your deck to your hand.
B: Target one 'Dark Scorpion' card in your graveyard and add it to your hand.
Cliff the Trap Remover
Level: 3
Atk: 1200
Def: 1000
Effect: When this card inflicts Battle Damage to your opponent, activate one of the following effects:
A: Target one spell/trap card on the field and destroy it.
B: Send the top two cards of your opponent's deck to the graveyard.
Chick the Yellow
Level: 3
Atk: 1000
Def: 1000
Effect: When this card inflicts Battle Damage to your opponent, activate one of the following effects:
A: Target one card on the field and return it to the hand.
B: Look at the top card of your opponent's deck, and place it at the top or bottom of their deck.
"Now, I play the trap: Dark Scorpion Combination!" continued Zaloog.
Dark Scorpion Combination
Type: Normal Trap
Effect: Can only be activated when all four 'Dark Scorpions' and 'Don Zaloog' are on the field. You can attack directly with each of the above monsters; however, the effect damage is only 400 for each one that attacks.
Chazz: 2000
"That's not how you want to start a duel, Chazz," said Jaden, getting a glare in return.
"Now, things get interesting," smirked Don Zaloog, "I activate all the effects of the Dark Scorpions that just attacked.
"First, Armed Dragon returns to the top of the deck," started Gorg.
"Secondly, a facedown returns to your hand," added Chick.
"Next, the top two cards of your deck go to the grave," followed up Cliff.
Chazz wasn't as disappointed with discarding Armed Dragon and Level Up as he let on, because his backup plan was still ready to go, if the other pieces of the puzzle worked out.
"Then, one card is discarded to the graveyard," grinned Don Zaloog.
"And finally, 'Dark Scorpion Combination' gets returned to our hand," finished up Meanae.
"Come on Chazz, you can still win this," encouraged Jaden.
"I know that," replied Chazz, very irritated with him right now.
"Just 'Chazz him up' already," added Jenny.
"Sure thing," smirked Chazz, "I play Level Modulation!"
Level Modulation
Type: Normal Trap
Effect: Your opponent draws two cards, and you can special summon one 'Level' monster from your graveyard.
(AN16)
"I choose, Armed Dragon LV7 in attack mode!" declared Chazz.
"I'll set two cards facedown and end my turn," finished Don Zaloog.
"My go, and I'll send one card to the graveyard to have my Dragon destroy all monsters who's attack is equal or less than the one that I discard, which is 'Despair from the Dark'."
Despair from the Dark
Level: 8
Atk: 2800
Def: 3000
"You've just triggered my trap," said Zaloog, "I play 'Retreat of the Dark Scorpions', which allows me to return 'Don Zaloog' and all 'Dark Scorpions' to my hand.
Don Zaloog returned his team to his hand, and got back behind the safety of the Spell/Trap Card Zone.
"Fine, I'll attack directly!" sighed Chazz, "I'll end with one card facedown."
Chazz: 2000
Zaloog: 1200
"One lucky move doesn't win the duel," countered Don Zaloog.
"No, but a good strategy does," replied Jenny, "And you've got none!"
"I'll show you a strategy: RIGHT HERE!" said Don Zaloog as he drew his next card, "I summon myself to the field again! Next, I'll add in my second 'Mustering of the Dark Scorpions'!"
"I don't think so!" countered Chazz, "My trap halts your call out!"
Ojama Trio
Type: Normal Trap
Effect: Special summon up to three 'Ojama' tokens to your opponent's side of the field. If these tokens are destroyed, the controller receives 300 points of damage.
"What are these things?" asked Cliff.
"Ojama Tokens, which prevents you from summoning out all four of your group!" replied Jenny.
"I'll still be able to help you Boss!" shouted Meanae as she took to the field.
"I won't forget this, Meanae," replied Don Zaloog, a little heartfelt, "I play 'Dark Scorpion – Tragedy of Love'!"
Dark Scorpion – Tragedy of Love
Type: Normal Spell
Effect: When 'Meanae' and 'Don Zaloog' are on the field together, by sacrificing 'Meanae', destroy all monsters on your opponent's field.
"COME ON YOU BEHEMOTH!" shouted Meanae as she destroyed Armed Dragon, taking herself off the field in the resulting explosion.
"Next, I'll attack you directly," said Don Zaloog, "And now, I'll have you discard a card from your hand!"
"Not a problem," replied Chazz, "Because the card I'll discard is 'Ojamagic'!"
Ojamagic
Type: Normal Spell
Effect: When this card is sent directly from the hand or field to the graveyard, add 'Ojama Yellow', 'Ojama Black', and 'Ojama Green' from your deck to your hand.
"It won't matter!" countered Don Zaloog.
"You really haven't been paying attention, have you?" questioned Jenny with a smirk.
"What's that supposed to mean!" exclaimed Chick.
"It means, that these Ojama's will seal your fate!" added Chazz, "I'll start with 'Pot of Greed'. Then, I'll play 'Polymerization' to form the 'Ojama King'!"
Ojama King
Type: Fusion
Level: 6
Atk: 0
Def: 3000
Effect: Select up to three of your opponent's monster card zones. They are now unusable.
"Next, I'll be adding in 'Ojamuscle'!" continued Chazz, "Which let's me sacrifice all remaining Ojama monsters on the field and increase his attack power by 1000 for each of them!"
Ojama King
Atk: 3000
Don Zaloog: 1200-300
"Guys, run for it!" said Jenny, moving back in a hurried pace.
"Why?" asked Jaden.
"NOW I ATTACK WITH OJAMA KING! GO: FLYING BELLYFLOP DROP!" declared Chazz.
"THAT!" shouted Jenny.
(AN17)
Everyone realized what she was talking about when Ojama King jumped into the air and made a belly flop right no the island, sending out shockwaves over a small area, though no one outside the group felt it from it being part of a duel.
"No, it can't be…" started Don Zaloog, before he and his group started glowing and returned to their card forms.
"Dang, that's what I call, heart in the cards," quipped Jenny, as she moved to pick up Chick the Yellow, the 'transfer' student she just met a few days back.
"That's a bad one, Jenny," said Alexis, before turning to Chazz, "Wonder what he's thinking?"
"I'll take the cards from here," said Chazz, "I'll make sure they're put to good use."
So, everyone handed over the cards to Chazz while Chazz gave Jenny the eye patch Don Zaloog wore.
"I can make sure this doesn't fall into the wrong hands," said Jenny, pocketing the charm.
"Well, now that the keys are back where they belong, it is time we get some rest. There is still class in the morning," spoke up Banner.
Everyone groaned, but agreed, since it was after midnight. Everyone headed back to his or her room, Jenny pulling out the charm after bidding good night to Alexis.
"So, what's the plan?" asked Will, appearing next to her, "Destroy it like the necklace?"
"Actually, the necklace wasn't destroyed like I thought. It reformed the next day by the lake and I decided to keep it with me for safekeeping. It, plus this eye patch, needs to be given to someone that can properly take care of it. That, or maybe get it repurposed," replied Jenny, "I need to find Yugi again to see if there's that possibility. Him, or maybe find a way back to the Gravekeepers. They would know something about this."
(AN18)
"Well, ignore it for now, we've got more important things to worry about right now."
Jenny sighed, before getting ready for bed. There were still a few more weeks before finals. Hopefully things will be over with soon.
(Chapter End)
Yeah, decided to bring back the necklace, even though I still don't like it.
So, the year is winding down and there isn't going to be much…
Jenny: Why did you bring it back though? I HATE IT!
Dx: Think of it this way: you're turning something you don't want into something you will.
LR: He's got a point. If you remember what happens…
RDF1: HEY! NO SPOILERS! I'm keeping that a secret until the right time! So, KEEP OUT OF IT!
YGOF54: Keep out of what?
RDF1: You'll find out when it's time. That part is pretty much only prep work for an appropriate time frame.
YGOF54: Yeah, probably. I just hope I can get back to my stories soon. That darn muse.
RDF1: Go figure…
Anyways, thanks or sticking around for another chapter. I've had this written out mostly for a little while (dodges fruit) my life kinda took over or awhile before I just told myself: FINISH THE CHAPTER! So, I did. Isn't awesome when you listen to yourself.
LOLZ!
So, a few more things, then it's DIGIMON!
AN1: Easy combo to counter many of Jenny's strategies. Not so easy finding multiple people who run that combo. LOLZ!
AN2: Forcing Jenny to bust out an entirely new combo? Yeah, that's a good challenge presented!
AN3: Seriously: Electrical failure and Shadow Riders mix? Don't these guys ever use their brains!?
AN4: Very funny, considering the optional pairing some people could place these two as. This is mainly for LOLZ, but serious enough that since she considers Chazz a friend, he doesn't want to upset that balance he's got with her.
AN5: Well, since he's dueled him twice, and each time Chazz has learned that using great power might be used against him. Thus, he used it against his brother. So yeah, Jaden is a teacher, at least in some regard.
AN6: Seriously, I know this is admitting something I shouldn't, but this is kinda overused, so yeah…
AN7: Seriously, that's what his mind goes to?
AN8: Well, Jaden gets JUST what he wants at the right time, so… What are you going to do?
AN9: Well, some of the girls ARE pretty shallow. I don't want to stereotype or anything, but can you blame me?
AN10: Kinda of a Harry Potter Reference. Read OotP for source material. LOLZ!
AN11: Yeah, I consider Ginny a fangirl, at least during the first half of the series. There isn't much defining her character until at least the fifth book.
AN12: Well, you got a better explanation for it? Because I don't!
AN13: Yeah, I'm kinda going there. Also, considering the closest Jenny ever came to that was with Titan, you can probably understand how he's trying to convince her that she isn't a full proof protector she thinks she is, despite actually be good enough.
AN14: Yeah, time for the obligatory montage of things not working out for the heroes.
AN15: Yeah, kinda nerdy there, but still… It does make sense that would be true, since the keys didn't work and all.
AN16: Never really understood this card until writing this fic. I know it's straight forward, but it just didn't click with me for a long time.
AN17: Well, a GIANT Ojama monster belly flopping ten feet in front of you? Yeah, I'd run even if it IS a Hologram!
AN18: Last minute change of mind. Considering a chapter I've written out that won't be seen for a long time to come, I decided to change the direction just a little bit. Trust me, this will pan out before the year ends, mainly because of subplot that's never covered specifically, but alluded to in an earlier episode.
Alright, time to get this chapter posted! By the time this has gone up, I have gotten back from a two-day vacation with family. It was an AWESOME time!
Anything else left?
YGOF54: To all my readers, I'm currently having a massive case of writers block for most of my stories. I've also currently gone back over TFGX and while its good-good... I think it can be better so I'm currently re-writing it in my spare time. Fifteen credit hours are killing most of my free time. YF out.
RDF1: Alright, thanks for that, and looking forward to everything else as well.
Until then…
Later,
RDF1