Quillion9000:Alright, here we are. It's time to really begin the Shadow Riders Arc. I have been excited to get to this point. Unknown and I have big things planned. That includes the filler. We got some great idea on how to spice that up and change it into something new. Really, I can't even say all it is filler to this story. A good chunk of it will have it's affect on this story moving forward. Let's get started.

Zack: Wow, you are not kidding. You were so excited, you forgot to ask me do the disclaimer.

Quillion9000:Sorry.

Zack. Eh, it's fine. I got it. Quillion9000 and Unknown entity328 do not own Naruto or Yugioh Gx. They only own their original characters and any plot points they may come up with.


Coauthor:Unknown entity328


Deep in some Cave, Night…

11 figures were obscured by the darkness as one of them spoke. "Our enemies have been tested. Our Allies are in place. The hour is upon is. It's time we cover the world in shadow. Which of you shall lead us into battle?"

"I'll be the first to go master." A voice stated.

Another voice said. "I would like to go as well and reclaim my deck. The one who is taking care of it can go to the shadows. A most wonderful fate."

"Nightshroud and Yamata? So be it." The original voice stated.

Academy Island: Sheppard's Office, Stormy Night…

Shepard was staring out the window when he saw two figures gliding through the air. "So, it begins… The fight… The war."

Somewhere on the Island

Nightshroud and Yamata landed discarding their gliders. Nightshroud was a young man with long, brown hair and a black mask with a red jewel on the center. His attire consists of a black shirt with matching pants and a black and gold trench coat. Around his neck sat half an amulet.

Yamata hadn't changed much since emerging from the Shadow Realm, but there were differences to be sure. His skin had paled greatly even compared to what it wants was. His height was still that of an average Duel Academy student.

His gray hair, still in a pony tail, was lighter in color. His attire consisted of long sleeved, purple shirt with matching pants and new, black snake like duel disk. Around his neck he now wore a gold pendent with the eye of Wdjat on display.

Yamata smiled. "Do as you please Nightshroud. I will be waiting for my chance to strike against the owner of my deck. He will surely be picked as a holder."

Yamata walked off and Nightshroud chuckled to himself as his medallion began to glow.

Banner's Class, Day…

The bell went off signifying the end of class. Jaden was overjoyed. Zack was his best friend, but he wished he'd let him sleep more.

Jaden pulled out a lunch box and opened it revealing fried shrimp. "Oh yeah, I love lunch."

Zack chuckled and shrugged. "At least it's one class we know you pass with flying colors."

Jaden popped a shrimp in his mouth, but Banner chose to speak to him. "Just a moment Jaden. Chancellor Sheppard wishes to see you."

Zack raised an eye brow as he turned to his friend. "Alright talk man, what have you been doing when we're not hanging out?"

Jaden thought about it. "Maybe it's good. Like an award."

Banner cleared his throat. "It's not just you Jaden. He also wishes to see Bastion, Alexis, Chazz, and Zack."

"Well, this is odd." Zack commented as he stood up with everyone who was supposed to go while the other students looked on in shock and surprise.

Hallways

The students followed Banner down the hall.

"Professor Banner, you don't have to chaperone us. We aren't going to make a run for it." Jaden stated.

Banner replied, "Actually I do because he wants to see me as well."

The group arrived at the door at the same time as Crowler and Zane who appeared to have been called down to the office like them.

Crowler smiled. "Well, look at this congregation of students. Some of the best duelist in the school I see." He looked at Jaden and Zack. "And you two."

"You may want to check the figures their doc. I've pretty much creamed every Obelisk and Ra in school… Multiple times over." Zack commented.

Jaden smiled. "I've beaten pretty much every duelist I've come up against."

Sheppard's Office

The group stood in a line before Chancellor Sheppard's desk.

"3 Sacred what cards?" Jaden asked.

Sheppard turned to them. "The 3 Sacred Beast cards. Due to their immense power, they were hidden under the school. Sealed away. After all, legend says that if they were ever reawakened, then they would wreak havoc. Buildings would crumple. Light would fade. Souls would fall. Our world would be no more."

Everyone understood how serious this was except for Jaden. "I say we take them out for a spin."

Zack sighed. 'Not the time Jaden."

"This is why I brought you eight here. To protect these cards from duelist known as the Shadow Riders. We originally thought they had seven members, but we have come to see that they in fact, there are ten total members. I'm afraid two of them are already here." Sheppard explained. "They arrived in the thick of last night's storm."

"Okay, so how do we go about protecting these cards?" Alexis asked.

"By protecting the seven spirit keys. These keys can unlock the seven gates, but they all must be brought together to do this. That is how we shall protect the cards. By protecting the keys." He brought out a small box and opened it revealing the seven keys. "Here they are, one for each of you to guard."

"But there's eight of us?" Jaden questioned.

"True, but you eight are our best duelist. Banner will act as guidance or a replacement key holder if one of you should back out." Sheppard informed.

"But won't holding these keys make us targets?" Bastion asked.

Sheppard nodded. "It is true. If you take a key, the Shadow Rides will seek you out, but for a duel. You see, there is an ancient edict that states these keys can only be won not taken."

Zack had heard more than enough. He reached over and grasped one key. "If my dueling skills can help secure these cards, then who am I to back out."

"I'm in to. I'm always up for a good duel." Jaden declared.

The two friends put their key's around their necks.

Zane smiled. "I to accept."

Bastion was next. "It would be my honor."

"I don't want you boys having all the fun." Alexis said as she took hers.

Chazz took his without a word.

"How could I refuse when my students have already agreed." Crowler grabbed the last one.

"Well let's get started." Jaden declared. "I think the best duelist should go first…"

Zack interrupted. "That would mean Zane." Jaden fell to the ground. "Although, Sheppard did just finish telling us that they will seek us out. It's unlikely we'll get to choose who duels… Every time."

Sheppard nodded. "Indeed. This is war. You could be attack at any time. So, be on guard with a duel disk and your best decks on you always."

Slifer Dorm

Zack and Jaden had just finished explaining the situation to Chumley. "Aren't you two scared? I mean creepy shadow guys looking to take your keys, so they can destroy the world. That seems like something you should fear."

Zack said, "Maybe we are scared, but that's what bravery is. You face what comes even if it scares you. If anything, a healthy dose of fear is great for keeping you on your toes."

Jaden yawned and stretched. "It's also exhausting which is why I'm going to hit the hay."

Zack chuckled. "I'm going to head out for a bit."

He stood up, grabbed a duel disk and his deck, and left the room.

Road to Slifer, Some Time Later…

Alexis was walking to Jaden and Zack's room. "If what Chancellor Sheppard said is true, then they'll go for who they think is the weakest first. With that Slifer red jacket, that's Jaden. They may also think Zack weak for staying in the same dorm. I have to warn them."

She noticed Zack standing away from the dorm, so she walked over to him. "Zack, what are you doing out here?"

Zack looked at her. "You know, just thinking a bit. Getting my thoughts collected before heading off to bed. Sheppard gave us a fair bit of information to process."

Before Alexis could speak, they both suddenly noticed that they were trapped in a blue dome. Zack's pendent began to glow silver.

"This doesn't bode well." Zack stated.

They heard someone laughing. "It's time for the first duel to begin."

Suddenly they were teleported away.

Volcano

Suddenly, Alexis and Zack were standing on a circle, made of light, over Duel Academy's Volcano. The lava was directly below them. It was bright and incredibly hot.

"Where are we now?" Alexis asked.

Zack looked around. "My guess, the place where that Shadow Rider who spoke early wishes to duel."

Lava suddenly shot up into the air becoming a long dragon that smashed down into the ground becoming fire.

Nightshroud walked out of it. "It was a real surprise catching you two when I intended to go after Jaden, but I wasn't about to look such a perfect gift in the mouth."

Alexis reacted with shock, and Zack looked at her with concern. "Alexis are you okay?"

She was wide eyed. "He looks exactly like Atticus."

Zack quickly looked at Nightshroud and began comparing it to the picture they'd found in the abandoned dorm. Once he did that, several features lined up perfectly.

Nightshroud smiled and laughed once more. "I should have guessed you'd be the one most likely to recognize him. Yes, this is his body, but his will rest within. I am the one that has taken him over. I am Nightshroud."

"So, if my brother is still in there, then I can duel you to get him out. Send you back to whatever darkness you came from." Alexis firmly stated.

Nightshroud was amused. "No force in this universe could truly kill me. Least of all one duelist." He held up two blank cards. "Although, if it's a duel you want, then a duel you may have. A Shadow Duel. Your souls will be sealed inside these cards when you lose, and your keys shall become mind. So, who is first?"

"I am." Alexis stated determined.

Zack stepped in front of her. "Wait Alexis. I'll allow you do this, but you need to calm down. Going into this duel enraged is a sure road to defeat. Just take a deep breath for me."

Alexis did as he said and felt a little calmer. About as calm as she could be given the situation they were in and who she would be dueling.

"I'm ready." Alexis stated.

Zack nodded. "Then go for it. If you lose, I'll defeat him to bring you and your brother back."

Alexis nodded, and Zack stepped away.

She then focused on her opponent as she activated her duel disk. "Alright, let's do this."

Nightshroud activated his as well.

"Duel!"

(Alexis 4000/Nightshroud 4000)

"I play Troop Dragon(700/800) in defense mode." A small green dragon, with wings, in armor with a blade and shield appeared kneeling before Nightshroud. "I'll then sent one card and end my turn."

"I summon my Cyber Tutu(1000/800) in attack mode." A girl with shoulder length, pink hair and a red and light blue outfit appeared. "I'll then have her destroy your Troop Dragon."

"Lexi, you shouldn't have done that because my dragon has an effect. When he's destroyed by battle, I can summon another Troop Dragon(700/800) from my deck." Nightshroud explained.

"You have no right to call me Lexi, impersonator." Alexis stated angrily before taking another breathe to calm herself. "I set two cards and end my turn."

Nightshroud laughed. "What's the matter Lexi? Did I do something wrong again? Are you mad at me? Tell your big brother what he can do to make you happy Lexi."

Alexis tightly gripped her card. "Shut up! You're not Atticus! You're some form of parasite that's taken him over! I will free him from your control!"

Zack said, "Alexis, don't let him get to you. He's just pushing your buttons. Keep a leveled head. It's the only way you can beat him."

Alexis loosened her grip on her cards a bit. "He's right. I'm usually not this hot headed, but this Shadow Rider's got my blood boiling. I just need to focus on the duel and saving Atticus. If I do that, then I should be fine."

Nightshroud laughed. "You mortals are so easy to manipulate." He drew. "I'll start by activating my Call of the Haunted which will allow me to bring my first Troop Dragon(700/800) back from the grave.

He won't be staying long as I sacrifice both Troop Dragons to summon the Red-Eye's B. Dragon(2400/2000). A dragon as black as night and with red eyes appeared in place of the Troop Dragons.

"I'll now activate Heavy Storm ridding your field of all spells and traps." Alexis flinched as she sent Doble Passe and Shrink to the grave. "Now my dragon can freely destroy you little ballerina Lexi (Alexis 2600/Nightshroud 4000)."

Alexis was sent skidding back by the blast. She crouched and gripped her stomach in pain.

"Alexis!" Zack shouted worried.

Alexis was panting. "That hurt."

Nightshroud smiled. "Giving up because of a little pain dear sister. I thought you were tougher than that Lexi. Go on, get up. It's your turn."

Alexis struggled, but she got to her feet.

She drew her next card. "I activate Polymerization allowing me to fuse my Blade Skater with Etoile Cyber to fusion summon Cyber Bladder(2100/800)."

The woman with long blue hair and a red outfit appeared.

Nightshroud laughed. "Oh good, your monster is spared from destruction during battle, but it's to weak to destroy my dragon. I thought you could do better Lexi."

"I can because I have Fusion Weapon and I'm giving it to my Cyber Blader(3600/2300)." The red electric weapon replaced her arm. "Now she's strong enough to destroy you dragon(Alexis 2600/Nightshroud 2800)."

Nightshroud had crossed his arms before the monster was destroyed. He skid back, still on his feet, and was now shaking from the damage.

He drew. "I activate Premature Burial. By paying 800 life points (Alexis 2600/Nightshroud 2000), I can bring my Red-Eyes B. Dragon(2400/2000) back to the field. "Next I'll activate the spell Infernal Fire Blast. With this, you take a full blast of my monster's attack directly (Alexis 200/Nightshroud 2000)."

The Red Eyes launched a fire ball which engulfed Alexis causing her to shriek in agony. When the attack dissipated, Alexis was on her knees crying from the pain. She didn't want to but couldn't help it in the moment. She also seemed on the verge of collapsing right there.

Zack wouldn't let her give up just yet. "Alexis, you have to fight through the pain! Don't give in!"

"My baby sister is in pain, and you caused this! Get out of my head!" Atticus shouted from within his own body.

"No! You're supposed to be suppressed. This body belongs to me!" Nightshroud shouted.

Zack and Alexis, who looked up with tears streaming down her cheek, saw that Nightshroud was flailing about, and the way he was shouting informed them. Atticus was fighting back for control.

"Stop hurting my sister you creep!" Atticus roared.

"My will is stronger than yours! I will suppress you!" Nightshroud roared into the night sky.

He began panting as he rested a hand on his head and spoke without really thinking. "That idiot almost took it back."

Alexis had found the will to stand as she rose to her feet panting from the effort. "Finish your turn Nightshroud because I'm getting my brother back!"

Nightshroud growled. "I set one card and end my turn."

Alexis drew. "I activate Pot of Greed allowing me to draw two more cards. I summon Cyber Gymnast(800/1800) in attack mode." The man in blue spandex appeared. "Now by sending discarding a card, I can activate my Gymnast's effect.

I can destroy your Red-Eyes B. Dragon." She pointed at a worried Nightshroud. "It's over. Now get out of my brother! Cyber Bladder attack him directly and end this duel! (Alexis 200/Nightshroud 0)."

Nightshroud gripped his head and screamed in pain as he fell to his knees. He was consumed by the fire. Alexis fell over passing out resulting in Zack running to her side as the fire consumed them both.

Ra Yellow Dorm, Same Time as Zack and Alexis getting Teleported…

Bastion, with the help of a very worried Syrus, was hard at work improving the Otogakure deck. Mainly the traps. It was a long time coming considering it only contained five of them with each having a copy. That left some serious room for improvement.

Syrus sighed. "Bastion, how can you be so calm about all of this?"

Bastion sat his now finished deck back in its box and turned to his friend. "I see this situation as something I must involve myself with. If I had withdrawn, then what is the point of being Ra's top duelist. Duel Academy needs my skills, so I shall give them."

Suddenly, darkness began to cover the room trapping Bastion and Syrus. "I guess now is when we find out if you can back up those words with action." Yamata appeared from the shadows. "You see, you have my deck, and I would like it back."

Bastion stood up. "Syrus, hand me a duel disk."

Syrus grabbed the disk and fumbled with it a bit before passing it to Bastion. "So, you are Yamata. The man once known as The Otogakure Duelist and who Zack beat long ago."

The man chuckled. "So, he told you about me. Yes, I am him, and I have returned to usher all people into the glorious Shadow Realm. That way they may experience it as I have. You two shall be the first I send, so let us begin."

Bastion looked at Syrus who was trembling a bit. "You can forget it. I won't let you send me to the Shadow Realm, and I certainly won't let you take Syrus."

Syrus stopped trembling and smiled feeling more confident as he realized that Bastion was with him. He wasn't alone.

Yamata chuckled. "Of course not. We haven't dueled yet." He activated his duel disk filled with black colored cards. "We must duel, and you must lose for me to send you there. So, let's get started."

Bastion activated his. "Quite."

"Duel!"

(Bastion 4000/Yamata 4000)

"I'll start with Jirobo(1300/2000) in defense position." A rather large guy with orange hair appeared. "I'll then set two cards and end my turn." Bastion declared.

Yamata smiled. "A substandard move." He drew. "Allow me to show you want this deck is capable of. I activate Polymerization to fuse my Dosu Kinuta, Kin Tsuchi, and Zaku Abumi together allowing me to summon the ultimate Otogakure Shinobi Orochimaru(3000/2500)."

A pale skinned man with long, black hair and snake like eyes appeared.

"Orochimaru… The ace of the Otogakure deck. This won't be easy." Bastion thought.

"Oh man, that fusion is really powerful!" Syrus thought. "Are those traps good enough to protect Bastion?"

"Next, I'll use my normal summon to bring Jugo(1800/1800) to the field." A young man with medium length orange hair and torn beige clothing appeared. "Now, I'll have him destroy Jirobo." Jirobo was sent to the grave. "I'll then have Orochimaru attack you directly."

Bastion smirked. "That is where you've made your mistake. I activate Magic Cylinder this redirects those 3000 ATK points back at you (Bastion 4000/Yamata 1000)."

Yamata began panting and gripped his chest as the pain washed over him. "I set one card and end my turn." Bastion drew. "I now activate Regeneration on my Orochimaru. Now by destroying him I gain back those 3000 life points I lost (Bastion 4000/Yamata 4000)."

"I'll activate my Pot of Greed to add two more cards to my hand. Next, I'll activate Graceful Charity allowing me draw three cards, but I must send two to the grave. That doesn't mater when I have my own Polymerization. Now I can fuse Sakon and Ukon to fusion summon Sakon & Ukon(2600/2300)."

The two headed Shinobi with smooth, short silver hair appeared "I activate his effect to equip him with the Jirobo in my grave Sakon & Ukon(3600/2300). I'll have him destroy your Jugo (Bastion 4000/Yamata 2200)." Yamata fell to his knees panting and sweating from the pain. "I set a card before ending my turn."

Syrus smiled. "Way to go Bastion! That's how you play."

Yamata stood and drew. "I summon Kin Tsuchi(700/800)." A girl with long, black hair and purple camouflage pants appeared. "She won't be staying long as I activate Orochimaru's effect from the grave. If I tribute her, I can summon him from the grave. Welcome back Orochimaru(3000/2500). I'll now have him attack your Sakon & Ukon."

Syrus was confused. "Why would you do that?"

Bastion answered. "True, it doesn't make sense until you consider the face that his monster's effect would imbue my monster with a Curse Mark counter. He'd then take control of my monster."

He smiled. "Of course, I have a plan for that. I activate Demon Consuming Seal. With this, both our monsters are removed from play which means you can no longer activate Orochimaru's abilities."

Yamata flinched. "I end my turn."

Bastion drew but froze when his key began to glow. "It's telling me that there's another duel happening at the volcano. The other holders must be getting the same warning. Hm, it wasn't acting up for me because I'm doing just fine.

This must mean whoever's dueling there is in serious trouble. Good thing this duel is over." Bastion refocused on the duel. "I summon Jugo(1800/1800). I'll have him attack you. Thanks to his effect, you lose. (Bastion 4000/Yamata 0)."

Yamata fell to his knees with a genuine smile. "I never imagined you'd be the superior Otogakure Duelist." He removed two, normal cards and his pendent throwing them to Baston. "Those belong to you because I don't need them when I return to the Shadow Realm."

He laughed like a mad man as he fell into the darkness disappearing. The darkness itself soon followed. Bastion looked at the cards. One was Orochimaru and the other was the spell to go with him to go with him. Bastion now had a complete Otogakure deck.

Syrus ran over to Bastion hugging him. "That was amazing! I thought you were going to be seriously hurt, but you beat him hands down! I hope all the Shadow Riders are that easy!"

Bastion pulled away serious. "They aren't Syrus. We need to get to the volcano asap." He pocketed the pendent and tucked away the cards. "One of the other holders is in danger."

Syrus was wide eyed. "Can your key lead us to them?"

Bastion nodded. "I know exactly where they are."

The Ra duo ran out of their room.

Base of the Volcano

Zack looked around and noticed Alexis laid out on her back.

This worried him greatly as he immediately checked for a pulse through her wrist. "Come on, be okay!"

He let out a sigh of relieve when he felt a pulse signifying that she was just unconscious. Atticus was laid out nearby. Zack moved over to him and rolled him onto his back. The mask was gone, and a card depicting the mask was by Atticus' head.

He briefly opened his eyes looking right at Zack. "Is Alexis okay?"

Zack nodded, and the guy passed out. The Obelisk-Slifer then walked back to Alexis as Jaden, Chumley, Zane, and Chazz were running over to him.

"Zack, we're here!" Jaden shouted.

"What happened?" Chazz questioned.

Zack picked Alexis up carrying her bridal style. "There'll be time to explain later. On of you grab Atticus. We need to get them to Ms. Fontaine." Zane looked over at Atticus in shock. "Zane, you can look at him later. We need to get help."

Zane snapped out of it and ran over. He picked Atticus up and slung him the right shoulder.

Zack took off running. "Let's move people!"

Everyone followed him and Bastion and Syrus joined them on the way.


Dark Green Demon: wow, incredible chapter, hehehe rare to see Zane joker, but welcome, Zack seems to be coming to Chazz, although Chazz himself does not want to admit it. Interesting the encounter and Duel with Shion, in addition to her warnings

Savoxgut:an impressive chapter, I did not see the meeting with Shion, although I always suspected that in this part Zack would meet and/or be apart with someone different than who is Jaden in the original, but I did not expect it to be her, I think it was good in the end. Chazz seems to begin to soften a bit, but I do not think he'll admit it to anyone.

Quillion9000:Thank you both for your kind reviews. I hope this story continues to interest you.