Zack: I do not feel really weak. Can you get someone else to do this?
Quillion9000: Uh, Sure. I'll send you back now.
Zane: Well, this is certainly odd.
Quillion9000:Well, I would have brought Jaden, but he's been up here twice if I'm remembering correctly. Figured I might as well dip into the cast a little more
Zane: Wait a minute. You're the one that made me lose to Johnson and Alexandria.
Quillion9000: In my defense, they was a decision Unknown and I made. You're only really conscious of me because our form of communication does take some time, and I would rather use that to discuss the story. Secondly, you at least genuinely lost here. They didn't have to pull out some spell that could steal souls and black mail you into losing. Plus, you and Crowler put an amazing duel.
Zane: Fair enough, so I'm supposed to do the Disclaimer?
Quillion9000:Yeap.
Zane: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. Get You Game on!
Coauthor:Unknown entity328
Outside Banner's Class
Zack slowly made his way to the door with Chazz and Atticus by his side in case he needed help. It's been two days since his duel with Alexandria, and that coupled with the left-over effects of his shadow game with Titan left him recovering a slower than Jaden. Who was already cleared to leave the nurses office.
The only reason Zack had only been cleared temporarily as certain things had to be squared away with Johnson who had been detained in the classroom. He was overseen by Cero and the Disciplinary Action Squad. Zack approached the Chairman and she nodded at him before letting the three boys into the room.
Banner's Classroom
A good number of DAS members stood along the wall with two members standing on either side of a still bound Johnson, behind the desk, with Cero standing against the wall behind him. From what Zack had been told, those three were usually the only ones in here with Johnson.
Sheppard had determined that a little more security could come in handy considering three students and a key would be in the same room as a Shadow Rider. Zack agreed. He may not like the Johnson, but he could not deny the man's intelligence.
Johnson looked up at Zack at he noticed the dark bags under his eyes. The man clearly hadn't slept well after finding out his wife was in the Shadow Realm. Despite likely not having much energy, he managed to look at Zack with clear disdain.
"Zackery… To what do I owe the pleasure?" Johnson asked with as much sarcasm as he could muster.
Zack sat down in the seat across from the desk as Atticus and Chazz stood at his side ready to help him if he fell or to try and stop Johnson. Either way, they were keeping one eye on the man before them.
Zack crossed his arms. "You seem quite chipper." Johnson scoffed. "Let's cut to the chase. You don't hate me; however, I know the one person you genuinely love, and I may capable of bringing her out of the Shadow Realm."
For a moment, the disdain was replaced with hope until it reverted to disdain. "What do you want?"
"Three things. One, a confession to every crime you and Alexandria have committed. Two, you are to sign said confession. Three, if you have any information on Banner's location, then you give it up." Zack stated.
"That's a lot to ask when I possibly have nothing to gain from it." Johnson returned.
Zack shook his head. "This is the best deal you're getting Johnson. As it stands now, you have nothing to lose. At least if I pull her out, you'll have a chance of seeing her while you both serve time in prison."
Johnson angrily said. "You've given me no guarantee and no evidence that you can perform such a feat. Why would I put myself in the fire like that?" He looked down. "Even if I love her, I know she'd say the same."
Zack leaned back. "Fair enough, so how about this? You write your confession now. Once I bring Alexandria back, you sign it and provide information you can about Banner and his location."
Johnson didn't hesitate. "Agreed."
Zack stood up and immediately fell to his knees. He hated this. He hated feeling this weak, yet he would not change a single action he took over the past few days. The fact that Chazz was immediately there to help him, eased the whole ordeal for him.
Zack was soon on his feet and able to stand tall once more. "Thank you Chazz."
Johnson had one more thing to say. "Zackery are you happy with what you've done to us? We brought you into this world, yet you never once showed us the respect we deserve. Even now, you turn your back on us to save this pathetic world. A that doesn't recognize how superior your mother truly is. Wouldn't it be best to let it all end? Best to start over with a clean slate?"
Zack sighed as he turned away from the agent. "Johnson, someday when I'm a father, I swear I will never be anything like you or her."
Zack then walked out of the room followed by Chazz and Atticus.
Hallway
The boys entered the hallway with Zack immediately turning to Chairman. "How soon can you have a squad deployed to the power station to apprehend another prisoner?"
Chazz and Atticus looked at Zack in shock.
"30 minutes." Chairman stated.
"Please do so. The sooner we get this out of the way, the sooner we may know where Banner is." Zack stated.
Chairman nodded and walked off to gather a small squad.
"Zack you're going to try and do this today?" Atticus asked.
Chazz added, "I agree. There may be a chance this works and from what you've said, that pendent of yours drains you if you use it to protect others. I can't imagine the strain it'd put on you to pull someone out of the Shadow Realm."
"I'm aware of what this could do to me, but we don't have time to wait around. Banner is out there, and every day that goes by is another day you, Alexis, Bastion, or Jaden are in danger. That's why this must happen now." Zack stated.
"Your attitude is a shining beacon for all of Domino City. Worthy of 5 stars; however, even heroes need to take a breather." Atticus stated.
"Yeah, but…" Zack couldn't argue due the fact that he was far from healed.
Chazz sighed, "How about I do this?" Zack looked at him a bit surprised. "I've recovered from my duel with the Black Scorpions, and it might be easier for someone in good health to attempt this."
"Alright." Zack removed his pendent and passed it over. "I'll count on you for this."
Chazz took the pendent and put it on. It glowed a dull silver for a few moments.
Chazz said, "I won't let you down."
Power Station
Zack and Atticus hung back as Chazz stepped into the center of a squad of DAS members. They stood around the area where Alexandria was sent to the Shadow Realm. He looked back at Zack who nodded. Chazz nodded back before crouching over the spot.
He took deep breathe before focusing on the spot. "Just as Zack explained. Focus on the pendent and will it to do what you want." The pendent began to glow brighter than it had before. "Okay, now focus on what you want to happen."
Chazz opened his eyes as he suddenly felt weak, but that wasn't going to stop him from completing this task. He eventually began panting and fell to both knees as he tried to draw Alexandria out of the Shadow Realm.
The pendent continued to glow brighter and brighter until in covered the entire area forcing everyone to shield their eyes. The light then receded, and when everyone turned around, Chazz and Alexandria were passed out on the grass.
The Chairman said, "Move in. I want that woman apprehended now!"
The squad moved in and picked her up while Atticus walked forward and removed the pendent. He then handed it to Zack before picking Chazz up. He slung the boy over his shoulder.
"I'll get Chazz to the Nurse's office. This way you can deal with Johnson." Atticus stated.
Zack put the pendent back on. "Take good care of him Atticus."
"You got it." Atticus stated before walking off.
Zack followed the members back to the classroom.
Banner's Classroom
Alexandria had been sat in the first row while Zack took the same seat from before. He noticed Johnson's eyes darting to Alexandria as well as the paper listing multiple crimes the two of them had performed.
"She's back. Now sign the paper and tell me what you can of Banner." Zack stated firmly.
Johnson signed the paper. "I had no idea Banner was a Shadow Rider, but given the facts, he has to be Amnael. He always did wear that full mask, so no one, but the employer, knew who he was. The employer told us that if we ever needed an ally we, should go to that Abandoned dorm."
Zack nodded as he took the paper. "Hm, this employer you speak of. Is he the one after the Sacred Beast or does he have different plans in mind? Is he even counted among the total number of Shadow Riders?"
Johnson sighed. "I don't know. He never revealed himself to Alexandria and I. He was funding the group. As far as I know, Nightshroud was the leader. He's the one who brought us in. Once you defeat the last of the Riders, the threat is stopped."
Zack stood up. "Well, Detective Shin will be contacted shortly. I expect you'll be on your way to a proper jail soon enough. Once there is substantial proof, I suspect you'll get a speedy trial."
Johnson glared at him. "I hope your happy Zackery?"
"Happy? No. Believe it or not, I didn't want my parents to be such terrible people that they could fill a page with all the crimes or attempt to end the world. Though I suppose those are thoughts for a perfect world because the fact is, this is who you became." Zack replied.
"Do you even know why we did what we did?" Johnson stated.
Zack sat back down. "I'm aware why you two did what you did. I think we've more than established that I know more about you than you ever tried to know of me or Lexi. You two grew up poor and on the streets in New York looking out for each other.
The fact is, the system failed until you prove skills around your teenage years. That's when you started earning money and let it consume you. Judging from this list you just provided, it completely consumed you.
Still doesn't excuse your behavior. I mean look at me. My parents wouldn't love me unless I was good at dueling. When I was able to duel, they didn't even attempt false love. No, they got angry and tried to destroy the world.
Bottom line, you can blame the world all you want, but you're responsible for your actions. For the choices you've made. You know what? Despite everything, I hope the system can give you the help you need."
"How? How did you turn out like this?" Johnson asked.
It was more out of curiosity than anything else.
Zack crossed his arms. "I'm not sure. Maybe it's because I had to mature faster than most people my age. Maybe I came to my own realizations. Maybe I learned something from the mistakes you've made. Maybe it was the unconditional love I received from my sister.
The love you two couldn't give. Either way, I became what I am today because this is who I wanted to be. The type of guy that sticks up for the bullied and attempts to change the world even if the impact I can have is so miniscule that it'll likely never matter in the long run."
Zack left it on that. He just walked out of the room without another word. The Obelisk Slifer then handed the confession off to the Chairman before walking back to the nurse's office.
Nurse's Office
Zack entered and found Jaden sitting up in one of the beds and Chazz resting on another bed. The Obelisk-Slifer sat down on his own bed genuinely glad that he could now that everything was over for the day.
"So, what did he have to say about Banner?" Jaden asked.
"I didn't get much information. All Johnson knew was to go to the Abandoned Dorm if they were in trouble. Supposedly, they'd find an ally there." Zack shook his head. "It was clear, to me, that he was uncertain if this ally was Banner."
Jaden sighed. "I still find it hard to believe that Professor Banner is a Shadow Rider."
Zack yawned. "I'll say it again man, I do to. I'd be in as much disbelief as you if I…"
He had suddenly fallen asleep. Jaden got off the bed and gently pushed Zack down, so he could sleep more comfortably. He then grabbed his own duel disk and deck before leaving the office.
Courtyard, Some Time Later…
Jaden leaned against the wall as he waited for everyone. Given what this was about, it didn't take long for Alexis, Atticus, Zane, Chumley, Bastion, and Syrus to arrive. Though there were a few people missing.
"Where's Crowler, Mindy, and Jasmine?" Jaden asked.
"Crowler, strangely, wasn't at the dorm." Zane replied.
"Oddly enough, Mindy and Jasmine have been missing since last evening." Alexis added.
Chumley was shaking a bit. "You don't think Banner, or another Shadow Rider has taken to capturing students, do you?"
Bastion thought about it. "It's a possibility. Shadow Riders have been showing up rapidly after all."
"Okay, but what do we do now. If this is another Shadow Rider, then just going out to find Banner isn't going to be good enough." Syrus stated.
"We do what we did last time. We break up into teams and start searching. Chumley and Jaden will search the academy in case Banner has some sort of secret base. They'll also be on hand in case someone goes after Zack and Chazz. Bastion and Syrus, you check Banner's room.
Maybe he left something behind that could tell us where he is. Afterwards, search the woods for signs of the missing people. I'll take Atticus and Zane with me to the Abandoned Dorm. Banner invited Obelisk there, so he may have a hiding place within." Alexis stated.
Zane nodded. "A well thought out plan Alexis."
"Yeah, let's get searching." Jaden declared.
"Be sure to send us a message if you find Banner. Jaden and I need to see this for ourselves." Chumley firmly stated.
Atticus nodded. "Got it."
With Jaden and Chumley, A Bit Later…
The pair was currently checking one of the classrooms when Jaden sighed. "Nothing in here."
Chumley smiled. "We could try the cafeteria. Even if we don't find anything about Banner, we can at least find some lunch." He noticed that his attempt to lighten the mood hadn't really worked so he sighed.
"Jaden, I get it. I liked Banner as much as you and Zack did, but I don't think Zack would lie about something like this. If he says Banner is a Shadow Rider, then I'm inclined to believe him. Not to mention he has Atticus and that Cero guy backing him up."
Jaden nodded. "The thing is, I may not be able to belief it, but I don't doubt Zack either. It's just… Banner may have been an odd guy, but he was one of the kindest people in this school."
Chumley sighed once more. "Yeah…"
With Bastion and Syrus
The Ra duo had just entered Banner's room.
"Syrus, you begin looking through the books on the shelf. There's not telling if Banner left a slip of paper. In that regard, I'd start with the Alchemy books. I'll search on the opposite side of the room for any clues." Bastion stated.
Syrus nodded. "Got it."
The duo began their search through the room looking for anything that might tell them where Banner went.
At the same time, they said, "Found something!"
Syrus held a folded note and Bastion had found a map.
Syrus looked at the note. "It looks like it describes the location of a particular tree, and the Mark of Amnael is at the bottom like a signature."
He handed the note to Bastion who looked it over. "It's promising." He rolled out the map which displayed Academy Island and had the Mark of Amnael indicating a certain spot off in the forest. "If I had to assume, I'd say this is the exact location the note indicates."
Bastion took the items and put them in his bag. "Come on Syrus, we were told to search the forest anyways, so we might as well start with this tree and the area around it. Afterwards, we'll expand the search area."
Syrus nodded. "Right."
With Alexis, Zane, and Atticus
The three Obelisk made it to the Abandoned Dorm and where greeted by a familiar mark, at least to Zane and Atticus. It was a glowing, green mark of Amnael which hung in the doorway before vanishing.
"Atticus, you remember Professor Banner's lesson?" Zane asked.
Atticus nodded, "Yep. That was the Mark of Amnael."
"Who's Amnael?" Alexis asked.
"One of Banner favorite Alchemist he would have soon taught your class. Some of the more avid studiers have likely already read about him." Atticus explained.
The trio made their way inside with Atticus holding the flashlight.
"This is a good indication that Banner is here." Zane stated.
They noticed the mark down the hall as it kept flashing down getting farther away.
"That's an even better indication. Let's follow it." Atticus stated.
The Obelisk ran after the mark following it deeper inside the dorm until they ended up in a room they'd never seen before. It looked like a lab from a horror movie. Atticus shown his flashlight until he stopped on a coffin.
"Hey, correct if I'm wrong, but I'm pretty certain that's a coffin." Atticus stated.
Zane walked over to it and pushed the lid off as Atticus and Alexis joined him. Inside they found the mummy of Professor Banner.
"Professor Banner!?" Alexis asked shocked.
Atticus thought back to that night. "This may have been Professor Banner at one-point Sissy, but it's not him anymore. Whatever Banner is now, it isn't human."
"If that's the case, then I think his current body must be a Homunculus version of himself. Given his fascination with all things Alchemy, and the oddities we have come across since coming to this island." Zane informed.
Alexis nodded. "Yeah, I suppose it isn't that crazy a thought in the slightest."
"So, you three are the first to arrive." Banner stated.
The Obelisk turned to face Banner who now had full on silver hair. His attire consisted of a black shirt with poufy, black pants and matching shoes. He also wore a white cloak which extended past his back.
"I suppose we should get started. Alexis, step forward and face me. Amnael, the Shadow Rider." Amnael stated.
Alexis focused on him as she began to step forward.
Atticus rested a hand on her shoulder. "Be careful Alexis. I don't think his attire is the only thing he's changed."
Alexis looked back and nodded before stepping into the circular indentation in the ground. Zane pulled out his PDA but noticed that there was no signal to get a message out.
He turned to Atticus. "I need to head back to the entrance to inform everyone of what's happening."
Atticus nodded. "Right. I'll stay here and support Alexis."
Zane took off and Amnael pulled out a tablet with the eye of Wdjat on the front. "The rules for this match. If I win, you lose your key and your soul becomes mine to take. You win, and my hunt for the keys stops here. This will be a Shadow Game Alexis."
Alexis was determined as she activated her duel disk. "I understand."
Amnael activated his. "Then let's not waste any time."
"Duel!"
(Alexis 4000/Amnael 4000)
"I summon Cyber Petit Angel(300/200) in defense." A little, pink angel appeared. "I activate her ability to add a Cyber Angel monster to my hand. I'll then place one card face down. It's you move professor."
Amnael drew and smirked. "I play the spell card Alchemic Kettle-Chaos Distill. This spell makes it so from here on out any card sent to my grave are instead banished. Now that my Distill is on the field, I can activate four spells in my hand.
Lead Compass, Mercury Hourglass, Silver Key, and Steel Lamp. These four are the catalyst to summon Alchemy Beasts - Leon the Lead(500/500), Ekenas the Mercury(500/500), Moonface the Silver(500/500), and Salamandra the Steel(500/500)."
A lion with fur the color of lead, a strange, mercury colored sea animal, a silver moon on two large legs with two small arms, and a steel colored dragon all appeared on Banner's field.
"Four monsters in one turn!?" Alexis was shocked.
"If you think this is impressive, then just wait until they attack because all Alchemy Beast can attack my opponent directly." Banner stated. "I'll have them do so now."
All four-beast attack Alexis as one causing her to scream out in pain (Alexis 2000/Amnael 4000)."
"Hang in there Alexis! You can take him!" Atticus shouted encouragement. "Show him a performance worthy of five stars."
Alexis managed to stay standing. "Is that all you got?"
"I now activate Black Process-Negledo. So long as I control my Distill and have no cards in my hand, I can banish all Alchemy monsters I control to draw two cards per beast banished. I'll then set one card and end my turn."
With Bastion and Syrus
The duo had found the tree, but all in contained was an empty duffle bag. Though that wasn't all they found. In the distance, they noticed a clearing with a strange stone structure. What's more, they heard voices coming from it.
Then Bastion's PDA went off showing a message from Zane. 'We've found Banner at the Abandoned Dorm.'
Syrus saw the message. "What should we do?"
Bastion looked from the message to up ahead. "Given the fact that I don't recognize that structure being built, it is safe to assume that's a Shadow Rider. Though it could be someone else responsible for the disappearances of students. Either way, we should check it out."
Bastion wrote up a message of his own and sent it to Zane, since Alexis was likely in the middle of a duel, and the other keys holders. The Ra duo walked towards the structure which they began to see was a half-finished coliseum.
With Jaden and Chumley
The pair were searching yet another classroom when Jaden's PDA went off. He picked it up and looked at the message.
"Chumley, they found Banner at the Abandoned Dorm. You go make sure Zack and Chazz are okay. I'll head for the dorm." Jaden stated.
Chumley nodded. "Got it Jaden."
They ran out of the room and parted.
Nurse's Office
Zack was woken by a PDA going off. He sat up feeling rather groggy as he looked around for the source. He saw Chazz reading his PDA.
"Huh, Nurse Fontaine didn't take that from you?" Zack questioned while yawning.
Chazz looked at him surprised he was up, but he chooses to explain. "They found Banner at the Abandoned Dorm and Alexis is currently taking him on." The PDA went off again with Chazz scanning over the new message. "On top of that, it appears Bastion and Syrus have found what they believe to be a Shadow Rider as well."
Zack got out of bed feeling good enough to at least walk without his legs giving out. "We have to go. Chazz, I'm assuming Bastion gave you information on their location, so you head there. I'll head to the Abandoned Dorm."
He was looking through his deck as Chazz, who was in a far better state than Zack, jumped out his bed. "Hey, you've done enough Zack. Why don't you just lay down. I'm sure Alexis has got Banner handled. Even if she doesn't, Jaden is likely on his way now."
Zack eventually found the card he was looking for as he strapped his duel disk to his arm. "Sorry Chazz, but it's not in my nature to stay down for long. Especially since two keys have already been taken."
He focused on the card and Iruka popped out. "Huh, so this is the regular world."
Zack shook his head feeling the drain on his body from both this act and the string of Shadow Duels. "Iruka, can you take me to the Abandoned dorm?"
Iruka scratched his face. "Well, I'd have to carry you over my shoulder since I don't think I could carry a person of your height on my back."
"That's fine. I just need you to get me to the Abandoned Dorms as fast as possible." Zack stated.
Chazz sighed. "Just be careful Zack, alright?"
Zack nodded. "I'll be as careful as I can be."
Zack let Iruka sling him over the shoulder. "You can go through the tarp. The window was broken and the rest of it has already been removed."
Iruka nodded jumped out the window. He landed on the ground and took off into the forest.
Chumley then came running into the room. "Chazz, you're up? Wait, where's Zack!?"
Chazz walked over to his duel disk and put it on. "Don't worry about it. He's fine. Right now, I'm heading off to where Bastion and Syrus are. You can either follow me or not." He walked past the Slifer. "It's your choice."
Chazz took off and Chumley decided to follow.
With Alexis
"Sissy, show this guy what dueling is all about!" Atticus cheered.
Alexis drew. "I tribute my Cyber Petit Angel to summon my Cyber Prima(2300/1600)." The monster wore a blue outfit with golden rings around its waist. "Guess what?" Alexis smiled. "When she's tribute summoned, I get to destroy all face-up spell cards on the field."
Banner sent his Distill to the grave not seeming that bothered by it; however, he made it apparent as to why that was shortly after.
Banner smirked. "I activate my Elemental Absorber. So long as I banish a monster with a similar attribute from my hand, your monster won't be able to attack. I'm choose my Alchemy Beast-Ouroboros the Bronze. A light monster."
"I activate Mystical Space Typhoon to destroy your Elemental Absorber. This leaves you wide open to an attack from my Prima." Prima moved forward and landed a nice kick to Banner's gut causing him great pain (Alexis 2000/Amnael 1700). "I end my turn."
Zane reentered the room and looked at Atticus. "The other key holders should be here soon.
Atticus nodded. "Alexis is holding her own, has field advantage, and just scoured a nice hit on Banner, but the professor has many cards in his hands at the moment."
Banner drew. "Well, looks like this duel is all wrapped up considering I can now activate another Alchemic Kettle-Chaos Distill. This, in turn, allows me to activate White Process-Albedo to special summon the Golden Homunculus(1500/1500) from my hand." A giant, golden golem appeared. "His effect grants him 300 ATK and DEF extra for every card I've banished."
Golden Homunculus(4800/4800).
Alexis was utterly shocked. "My monster doesn't have enough attack, and my face down is Doble Passe. I've lost."
Atticus saw the look on his sister's face and knew what it meant. "She's lost." He tried to run forward. "Sissy!"
Zane held him back. "We can't interfere Atticus. This is a Shadow Game."
Atticus fell to his knees knowing that Zane was right.
Outside the Abandoned Dorm
Iruka jumped down from the trees landing before the building. "Is this it Zack?"
Zack replied. "Yes. Now get me inside. The room where looking for is deep inside the building."
Iruka nodded. "You got it."
With Alexis
"Golden Homunculus take down her Cyber Prima." Amnael declared.
The monster punched down at Cyber Prima who valiantly tried to hold off the attack, but it was useless. Cyber Prima was destroyed causing Alexis to scream out in pain (Alexis 0/Amnael 4000).
"Zack… Atticus…" That was all Alexis could say before she passed out falling forward.
The key around her neck vanished. Amnael made his way forward only to stop as a figure ran into a room coming to a stop. It was Iruka with Zack over his shoulder. The Shinobi helped Zack down.
Zack said, "Thanks Iruka." His pendent stopped glowing. "You can return now."
Iruka nodded as he faded, and Zack stepped ahead of Atticus and Zane. "Banner don't."
Amnael looked up at Zack as he slowly opened his book. "She lost Zackery, so her soul is mine. She agreed after all. Also, my name is Amnael."
"Come on, be reasonable. You don't need to take her." Zack firmly stated.
Amnael ignored him and opened the book. The mark on the inside glowed causing Alexis to fade.
"Damn it." Zack stepped into the center determined. "Alright, then let's duel right now Amnael. I win and you free Alexis as well as stop your bid for these keys. You win, and I'll give up both my key and soul."
Amnael walked back to his place. "Well, I didn't expect you to set the terms for this duel, but I can certainly agree to them Zackery."
Atticus was standing. "Kick his butt Zack!"
"I intend to Atticus. I will get Alexis back and stop him!" Zack declared determined to make good on his word.
The two of them faced off.
Quillion9000:Before we get to the reviews, I have something I need to tell you all. Sometime in the future, I will be moving, and I have no idea when we will get Wifi. The last two places seemed to only increase the length of time I went without Wifi. That being said, I have every intention of posting until there is no Wifi where I live currently, and I will be back as soon as we have Wifi in the new place. Just wanted to let you know in case Wifi suddenly turned off and I couldn't get a message out. Thank you.
Dark Green Demon:that was great, two more Shadow Rider have come down, although that was a bit close for Zack. I love the Zack/Alexis moments
Savoxgut:je moments Zack/Alexis, I love them. Good duels, although it was a bit close for Zack, I wonder if this time if we get rid of those two, eh only remains to see, this gets exciting
Quillion9000:Yeah, Zack's duel was certainly harder than the last one he had with Alexandria, but both he and Jaden came out on top. Though things have not been easy for Zack. All his duels with Shadow Riders have just been so compact that it's really wearing on the guy. I'm really enjoying writing the Alexis and Zack moments as well. It's a slow build up to a relationship, but fortunately they have the self proclaimed Doctor of Love Atticus Rhoades in their corner.