Persona Task Squad: The Heart of the Watcher. Crystal Tokyo Arc.

Chapter 19: The Two Game Kings! Tale of the Shadow Realm!

(Enter Andrew's POV)

As an avid watcher of the anime, I knew what Jaden's appetite held, but Atem's surprised us. Why he was eating as fast as Jaden was because "I've been dead for over 5000 years. You get revived and don't have the appetite of a Blue Eyes White Dragon, you'd be surprised." Those were his words. Not mine.

After they finished eating, we then got the meeting underway.

"So, Pharoah," Travis said to Atem, "how'd you get revived in this time period?"

Atem blinked, then said, "I could say the same thing about you, Daruna."

Setsuna glared. "Any more surprises, Travisto?" she asked him.

He sighed. "I've been alive more than you have, Pharoah, and I've served under different kingdoms under different names because I forgot my own. It's been over 9000 years."

"WHAT! 9000?!?!" Jaden and Ranma (who changed back) yelled. "That's impossible!"

"And you have no idea how often I get that reaction." Often? It's an Internet meme back home.

"Here's the problem," Atem said. "After arriving into the Afterlife, I was then caught by the Egyptian Gods..."

(Flashback. Atem's POV)

I found myself in the Chamber of the Gods, facing Osiris, Ra, and Obelisk.

"What's the meaning of this?" I asked them. "Didn't I fufill my purpose?"

"You fufilled the task of sending Bakura to hell," Osiris said, "but someone has interfered with the World Order."

Don't tell me. "Kaiba, right?"

"No, Atem," Ra said, to my surprise. "During your departure, Bakura made contact with a man known as Gin Ichimaru, who has been known to make Espada." Now, I didn't know what an Espada was at the time...

Andrew's voiceover: Basically, they're the Hollow equivalent to Death Gods...

Yami's voiceover: I know that NOW! Let me continue.

"And it involves the Tomb Robber, how?"

"Bakura jumped at the chance of getting revenge on your other half," Obelisk said. During my time within him, Yugi had grown on me, and if anything happened to him, I'd send myself to hell. "But don't be frightened. Their attack doesn't start until the Hero of Duel Academy finds his joy of dueling with his heroes. I'm sure you remember him?"

That's when it hit me. Yugi had given his Winged Kuriboh to the guy who dueled Slifer with an alien Duel Monster that Pegasus hadn't created. "You don't mean..." They nodded. I then sighed. "When am I revived?"

"Not so fast," Ra said. "In order to find him, you must reassemble your old deck." I then noticed the cards in front of me were that of the Deck I used against Yugi, minus the three Gods. "You can't use us because we've already faded from the world. However, you can replace us with three other cards." Sure enough, the deck reassembled itself with three blank cards in my hand. "Now choose which three you want and you'll be on your way."

Hm...Knowing Yugi, he'd not only put his whole heart in his deck, but that of his friends. "The first card would be Cyber Commander." Sure enough, the card in the middle changed into that of Tristan's favorite card. "The next one is Waboku." The card that helped Tea get Yugi to get his grandfather's soul back. However, since Flame Swordsman was a Fusion Card from the start, I needed something different. That's when memories of Battle City went into my head. The Dark Side of Marik taking Joey to the Shadow Realm. "The last one is that of my other's closest friend. The Red Eyes Black Dragon!" The three cards then went into my deck.

"Looks like your time in the human realm affected your choices," Osiris said. "However, all three are compatible with your deck, so you have nothing to worry about."

"Our meeting is over," Obelisk said. "Fine the one who holds the Amulet, which is the opposite of your Puzzle. When the Shadow and the Light join forces, they will be an unstoppable force."

That's when I woke up in this area, confused and shocked.

(End Flashback. Enter Andrew's POV)

"No kidding," I said, looking through his deck. "All three cards are here. Even the Black Skull Dragon." I then noticed the Dark Magician. "You know, Riku has a summon charm just like this. It summons every Dark Magician known in the Council."

"I wasn't aware of that," Atem said. "Still, you do have an apt knowledge of Duel Monsters. How come you're not a duelist?"

"I was more of a collector than a player. Don't ask why. Still, I can't help but feel these cards are alive." That's when Kuriboh jumped out of the deck. "What the heck?"

That's when it happened.

"SO CUTE!" the Inners and Hotaru squealed. Kuriboh just hid behind Atem.

"Doesn't it explode when frightened?" I then handed Atem his deck back.

"It gets weirder," Jaden said. "After I graduated as the best Duelist at Duel Academy, as soon as I went home, I had a similar dream, only it took place within my own mind."

(Flashback. Jaden's POV)

"Where am I?" I asked myself. "HELLO! Honest? Yubel? Neos? Kuriboh? Anyone?"

That's when I saw Grand Mole come out of the bottom, shocking me. "Don't tell me I'm in the Spirit Realm again..."

"You're not, Jaden," Grand Mole said. "We're within your mind."

I was surprised. "Since when can you talk?"

"Since forever. Now follow me. The others are waiting." He then led me to the inner chamber of my mind which held the mirrors of my friends, but was acting like a council seating with Yubel and Neos as King and Queen.

"Okay, this is the weirdest Duel Monster dream I've ever had."

"It's not as weird as the time you met Cyber Blader," I heard Neos say. I was surprised that he knew about that dream. "It gets boring here, okay?"

"Never mind that comment," Yubel said. "You're in here because we need your help." Huh? "Not just us, but the whole Spirit Realm."

"Since when do they care?" I asked her. "Last time I went there, I nearly took over, remember?"

"I apologized a hundred times for that!" she yelled. She then regained her composure. "Anyways, it gets worse than that: Nightshroud has returned." WHAT? "Not so loud. We're in your mind."

"Sorry. I had a feeling he'd return, although I have no idea what form he's taking."

"He's a Heartless General this time, Jaden," Neos said. A what? "Heartless are made from the Darkness of everyone's hearts. In fact, you almost became one if it weren't for Jim and Axel." I'll thank them later. "In fact, you came in contact with one." He then showed me a mirror, having me in front of a panther-looking guy.

"Caroso?" I asked them, seeing my memory work. Then it hit me. "His real name's Yagami, like my past life's was Judai. He's a Heartless Vice-General originating from Corneria's past. I had thought about his deal, and he acted like I accepted it. When Jim sealed the King in his Orichalcum eye, he sealed only the darkness within the heart, but not the body."

"That means you can use the Supreme King's power against him," Yubel said. "However, your heart's not going to be enough this time. The Egyptian Gods have already sent the Pharoah to this time period."

"You can, however, rearrange your deck." I then saw the cards on the table in front of me assemble into my deck (even with the Evil Heroes). I then noticed three blank cards. "Take your pick from your memories. You can only choose three, though."

Only three...well, I've seen my friends duel most of the time, but it's hard to choose three that are compatible to my deck. However, my memories helped out. "My first choice is UFOroid." During my battle against the Paradox Brothers, Syrus and I had fused Elemental Hero Tempest and his UFORoid into UFOroid Fighter. However, I didn't have Power Bond, so I'll make do with Fusion Gate. "My next choice is Phoenix Sentry." Since Aster's deck was more Destiny-based than mine, Phoenix Sentry would be a powerhouse to my deck. After all, he is the only other Elemental Hero user I know. "My last choice requires seven other monsters in order to assemble itself, but I doubt that the Crystal Beasts can agree with it."

"Ah yes," Neos said. "The Rainbow Dragon. I can't help you there, Jaden."

If that's the case, then I'll go with another choice. "Then I'll use the card of the man that helped me get to where I am today." Both of them were surprised. "You both don't know this, but I was inspired to duel with the Elemental Heroes by a duelist who's long gone. I'm just sorry that I have to use this card after a long absence." I then picked up the empty card and yelled, "My final card is Elemental Hero Terra Firma!" At that, it turned into the card which belonged to an old friend, then all three went into my deck.

"I see what he's talking about," Yubel said, looking at one of the mirrors. Neos looked at her. "After sending me into space, he trained under a Duel Monster Champion at the hospital who specialized in Elemental Heroes. Terra Firma was his strongest card, but his favorite was the Winged Kuriboh."

"If that's the case," Neos said, "then honor his memory like Fujiwara did with Honest. Woodsman and Ocean is already in your deck, Jaden. And I get the privledge to work with a veteran hero."

"Jaden," we heard someone say. A mirror opened to reveal... "Dark Magician Girl?" I asked her. "What are you doing here?"

"My old friend's revived," she said, "and I'm here to give you this." She then handed me the Shadow Amulet. "I fear that this new threat won't be dueling for the world, but using something else in its place."

"That's most disturbing," Yubel said. That's when all of us felt it. "Beryl's back."

I looked at her. "Beryl?"

"My half-sister and the usurper of the Dark Moon Kingdom. Your old kingdom, Jaden."

Haruka's voiceover: Wait a second...your past life was that of the Dark Moon Kingdom emperor?

Jaden's voiceover: Unfortunately. What, are you going to kill me? She took over after killing me and putting darkness in my soul!

Setsuna's voiceover: Haruka, stand down and let him finish.

Jaden's voiceover: Thank you, Setsuna.

That's when one of Yubel's old memories came up, seeing the carnage Beryl did on the Moon Kingdom. "Not good. And we were in peace with them at the time." I then turned back to Yubel. "That's why you went crazy. Because you were afraid that I'd die without you."

"Well, I do approve of Alexis being your fiancee," Yubel said.

"That reminds me," Neos said. "When are you and Alexis getting married?"

I was shocked. "THAT'S what fiancee means?" Then I smirked. "Well, Alexis was one of the few who admired my child-like behavior. I'm just saddened that she's at Duel College studying as a teacher."

"That reminds me," DMG said. "When you go back to the real world, say hi to Syrus for me. I just want to know how he's been."

"He graduated Obelisk Blue, Dark Magician Girl," I said. "Now he's the new Cyber-style duelist in Zane's place. But I'll make sure you meet him personally."

Atem's voiceover: I think that's Yugi's fault somewhat.

Jaden's voiceover: Why is that?

Atem's voiceover: During my memory duel with the Tomb Robber, Yugi and his friends (as well as Kaiba) tried to help me find my real name, and Mana seemed taken with Yugi, much to Tea's disdain.

Jaden's voiceover: Her real name's Mana?

Atem's voiceover: After merging with the Dark Magician Girl, it still is. Continue, please.

At that, she smiled and disappeared.

"Yubel," I said, "I need your card as well."

"I know, Jaden," she said. "It's already in there. And let me tell you, it won't be easy. You're going to need both sides of the Hero spectrum this time."

I shuddered. "The Evil Heroes as well?" She nodded. I sighed. "You still haven't forgiven me for sending you into space, right?"

She had a sadistic grin at that.

"Lay off the kid, Yubel," Neos said.

"Fine, Neos," Yubel said. "Good luck, Your Excellency. And look for the Pharoah. He'll help you out on your quest."

"I will," I said. I then found myself in my one-bedroom apartment.

(End Flashback. Enter Andrew's POV)

"I was working at the Turtle Gameshop during Moto-san's absence," Jaden said, "and I couldn't impose on the place where Yugi grew up in, so I rented an apartment next door in order to live quietly."

"Well, I thank you for looking over Solomon's place in his absence," Atem said. "Plus you found me outside the door face-down, remember?"

"With the Kuriboh on your head? Anyone who can see Duel Spirits wouldn't miss it."

"Well," I said, looking through Jaden's deck, "I don't exactly see the resemblence between Yubel and Beryl, but the form change is good for a side deck and a secret weapon." I then looked at them. "Still, with Beryl out, she's marking everyone with negative energy in their Pure Hearts, and that's everybody in this world and others beyond the stars."

"Looks like you've got your work cut out for you," Travis said to me. I growled. "However, Nightshroud's a Heartless General this time, so we may need more than one Keybearer."

"That's a problem. There's a dark energy barrier that's preventing them from entering this world, and if I unlock the Keyhole, the barrier would disappear."

"You're overlooking something. It prevents those who aren't demonic in energy from coming in." I blinked. "I've already told her about it and she's coming in right...about...now."

Sure enough, Trisha and Tyler appeared in here.

"Nice to see you, Travis," Trisha said. She then turned to me and smirked. "And you as well, Tora-kun."

Everyone stared at me.

"Did she call you Tiger?" Jaden asked me.

"Oh yeah," I said. "Everyone, this is Trisha Parker, my girlfriend and guardian."

"If she's your guardian," Rei said, "then she's loyal to you." Everyone stared at her. "My cousin, Kagome, has a kitsune kid named Shippou that she adopted with a Hanyou named Inuyasha."

"Odd coincidence," Trisha said. "My dad's name is Shippou."

"We'll discuss it later," Tyler said. "My name's Tyler Mathers, and lades, I'm single." He then gave a fliratious wink and Minako fainted.

Trisha sighed. "He's at it again."

"I don't think Mom's apartment can handle more guests," Ranma said. "And it's nightfall."

"Then we'll have to get ready for the next day," Usagi said. "From what I know, school's out because of the Cherry Blossom festival tomorrow."

"And my school day starts after that. I'll see you guys later." With that, Ranma, Trisha, Tyler, and I left the shrine with Atem and Jaden following.

"So," Jaden said, "how'd you get her as a girlfriend?"

"I saved her life from an intergalactic criminal who uses zombified corpes of his victims to hold a Wal-Mart hostage," I said.

"Isn't it usually the other way around?" Tyler asked me. "And you defeated The Hunter?" I nodded. "No wonder she was taken with you."

"I'm not shallow," Trisha said. "Plus his parents were killed by the outlaw and was about to kill him if I hadn't stepped in. I just wanted to help him out since he was unable to talk to anyone."

"Dare I ask how?" Ranma asked her.

"That's best kept secret." Everyone facefaulted at that. "Anyways, where are you staying, Andrew?"

"At Nodoka's place," I said, "but I'm worried about those from Nerima attacking you guys. I fought Ryoga and almost died if it wasn't for Travis sucking most of his depression ki."

"I'll deal with those from Nerima," Ranma said. "They're my problem. Not yours."

"I said to you that I'll help you out, and I'll do it. And I know you'll get the support from the Sailor Senshi because of your royal blood."

"Looks like we'll have to deal with Nerima sooner than you think," Atem said, surprising us. "On our way here, we saw a resturant known as the Cat Cafe. Any relevance to Nerima?"

Ranma groaned. "The old ghoul doesn't know when to quit."

"I heard that, Son-In-Law," we heard an old woman's voice say. We turned to see an old woman stand in front of us.

"Do we have to dance this waltz again? I'm not marrying Shampoo!"

"I know that, Ranma." We were surprised at that. "Pluto and the Wanderer told us that you were of Royal Blood of the Moon Kingdom, which is off-limits. I'm not foolish, although Shampoo would think otherwise when it comes to that."

"Then what are you doing here?" I asked her. "If Ranma's off-limits, how come you're relocating to Juuban?"

"Because as the matriarch of the Amazon tribe in China, I'm offering a hand in peace to help him against Beryl." Huh?

"Any strings attached?" Ranma asked her. "Because if you sucker me into marrage, I can call customs."

"Not really. I'm just renewing an age-old alliance that fell after the Silver Millenium collapsed. We may not be the most technologically advanced tribe, but we know when to respect the will of those who are dead. That, and the incident at Jusendo where you defeated the Phoenix God Saffron puts you in a higher prestige among the council, and they wanted to make your female side an Amazon Warrior." She then looked at Atem. "And I see the Pharoah of Egypt is among you as well. You have the scales with you, right?"

Atem, already activating the Scales, noticed that she was telling the truth. "Yes, Matriarch. I did have the scales out, and you were telling the truth. However, with me around, the alliance not only extends to that of the Moon Kingdom, but that of my own."

"Same goes for me," Jaden said. "As the new Supreme King, I have to make sure that no one repeates any of my mistakes. Beryl's my enemy as well."

"Extend it to our team as well, Elder," Tyler said, to my surprise. "The Persona Task Squad will take care of Beryl and the other Heartless Generals in order to restore the World Order."

"Very well," Cologne said. "I'll inform the other elders about this. In the meantime, Mousse isn't after you anymore, Ranma."

Ranma sighed in relief. "Thank God for that," he said. "Fighting a guy who loses his glasses on a daily basis isn't exactly fun when he does it to you multiple times."

So, the Fellowship of the Moon was created, and we managed to keep our sanity intact. Still, Cologne's sneaky and deceitful, but never breaks her word about an alliance. That and Ranma's off the hook for good.

Soon enough, we explaned to Nodoka about the living arrangements, and she managed to get her old family house back, only it was a mansion.

Tomorrow's the Cherry Blossom Festival, and I asked Trisha out, and she responded by kissing me fully on the lips.

(To be continued...)