bopdog111: Well after that filler, and prequel announcement we now get to the second to last arc in this fic; the Nightshroud Arc.
Ulrich362: True and... second to last? Isn't Nightshroud the final antagonist of GX?
bopdog111: Yeah but we have another arc after Nightshroud.
Ulrich362: That... doesn't sound good, but I guess we'll have to wait and see, enjoy the chapter.
Disclaimer: We don't own Yu-Gi-Oh! GX or Persona but we own the OCs!
It had been over 5 months ever since Jaden sacrificed himself to ensure everyone is returned from the Alternate Dimension from Yubel's grasps. And now school was a little struggle to get back into but eventually they all work back there schedules though without Jaden which they all feel since they lost one of the best duelists/students of the school despite his grades not being that good. During which everyone gotten some practice to be prepared against the Shadows, and whatever else comes on to take Erebus.
During which Yukiko, and Jesse both went out together, and from some talking with the Kirijo Group, Adrian gave his report of what happened to them which Mitsuru instructs him to stay with the Team to assist in trouble which he agreed upon, Bastion is working hard as the team's navigator while testing them during mock battles they do to train, and be bettered prepared while also growing as Duelists. During which to everyone's surprise, Chie, Yosuke, and Kanji built as the strongest duelists in the school while Yukiko, Naoto, and Teddie ranged mid-length. Yu is still the best from them after he, and Marie made up, and had a small quiet date together.
For Rise she doesn't duel as her pregnancy advances though she does solve duel puzzles through her PDA, and other things which allows her to keep her skills sharp while dueling, and Syrus makes sure she is getting TLC as much as he can to where pretty much most of everyone tells him to give her space as they sometimes feel he is crowding her much. And during the period during winter break, Syrus finally worked up the courage with Zane's help to introduce Rise to there parents.
Flashback (1 month earlier)...
"We're here." Zane said in the backseat of a limo with Rise, and Syrus over to a small two-story house that has shrub made status of Cyber Dragon, and Barbaroid on the lawn.
Rise looked slightly nervous. "I've been to sold out venues before and done live shows on the fly but... this is still kind of intimidating."
"Your not the only one who's nervous Rise." Syrus admitted holding her hand, "But don't worry... we're here together. Both me, and them."
He gave a smile to her which she smiled back before Zane feeling left out softly smile, "Where does that leave me?"
"U-Uh, I didn't mean to forget you Zane!"
"I know you wouldn't." Zane opened the door exiting, "Now come on you two, there waiting for us."
They nodded getting out of the limo. They walked over to the doorstep as the limo drove off to park somewhere. Arriving Zane rang on the doorbell as they waited for a few seconds. Soon who answered was a dark blue haired man wearing a monocle in his eye while having on a suit looking to them before he smiled, "Zane, Syrus."
"Hi dad." was Zane's greeting with a nod.
"H-Hello dad... How long has it been?" Syrus asked nervously with a smile rubbing his head.
"Come on in boys, your mother's in the kitchen." He gave them both a hug, "It's been so long since you both went to Duel Academy, and out at the Pro League in Zane's case." Noticing Rise with them he smiled asking, "Oh who is your friend?"
Rise sees that he probably doesn't recognized her due to her hair being down, and wearing some sunglasses to obscure her identity from fans.
"Oh... it's nice to meet you." she smiled. "My name's Rise."
He raised an eyebrow before shrugging having a smile, "Well come on in you'll catch a death of cold, if you stay out here."
"Thank you." she smiled as they walked into the house.
"I'm Katsura Truesdale." the man introduced to Rise with a smile offering a hand, "I hope my boys had been nice to you?"
"They've been wonderful." Rise smiled.
"Syrus, Zane!"
They looked over seeing a woman wearing a pink apron placing something on the big table with looks like Syrus only without the glasses in a long hair braid as she walked over with a big smile, "Oh boys your back home!" She hugged them close.
"Hi mom... your kinda squishing me here." Syrus said with one clenched eye from her hugging.
"Hello again mom." Zane greeted not as effected but has a soft smile.
She pulled back before pouting with hands on her hips, "You two should've told me you were heading in early! I haven't had time to vaccume the floors, wax the counter, dust the walls...!"
"Mom!" Syrus quickly called to stop her ranting which worked as she looked to him which he gave a small smile, "The house is fine for us. Besides we only came for a visit over. Well that, and we have someone to introduce to you two."
"Oh you brought someone over?" his mother asked interested curious, "So who is it?"
"It's nice to meet you ma'am, my name's Rise... one of Syrus's classmates." Rise said politely.
Noticing her, the woman smiled brightly running over, and hugging her, "Oh my gosh, you two should've told me you were bringing a girl home! Tell your mother in advance before this!"
"We kinda told you over the phone mom..." Syrus admitted rubbing his head.
Pulling back she cleared her throat, "Sorry for that overwhelming greeting... I'm Tutsuji Truesdale, it's very nice to meet you, and in case it ain't obvious, my little Syrus has our looks in our family here."
"He mentioned that." Rise chuckled before groaning slightly. "Your house is lovely."
Surprised from seeing this Tutsuji asked her worried, "Did you get carsick sweetie?" She softly tries to help Rise up.
"I'm ok, may I sit down for a minute?" Rise asked.
"Actually mom? Dad?" they looked to Syrus who looks nervous before admitting, "There is... something we need to talk to you two about."
The Truesdale Parents blinked at this before they all sat down on the table together while Tutsuji serves them a hot steamy meal for everyone which to Rise's surprise is a big bacon wrapped pig which Zane explains to her, "Mom likes her meat with dad being a big time butcher, and all."
"Oh..." Rise frowned slightly at that. "I'll pass."
"Don't worry Rise... you need to eat something." Syrus said to her worried.
"I'll be ok, really." Rise nodded.
"Oh, right your grandmother owns a small tofu shop. Do you not like meat?" Zane inquired.
"It's not that, my stomach just isn't feeling that good right now." she explained.
"How come?" Katsura asked worried.
Syrus gulped taking Rise's hand, "Well actually... me, and Rise... are more then classmates."
"More then..." Tutsuji trailed off before widening her eyes, "Wait... you mean you two are..."
Rise blushed and nodded.
"But then how does..."
Syrus audibly gulped at his dad's question before saying, "Well actually Rise is... she's..."
Zane put a reassuring hand on Syrus's shoulder. Syrus at that gulped before closing his eyes calling, "She's pregnant, and it's mine!" A few seconds of silence passed before he opens a eye where they see they have the same expression before they asked, "...Eh?"
"Rise and Syrus are having a baby." Zane answered calmly.
...
CLANG!
They looked over startled seeing Tutsuji dropped a plate she was carrying which crashed to the floor as she trembled, "She's... she's... she's... she's..."
"M-Mom... are you okay...?" Syrus asked worried for her.
Suddenly Tutsuji bears a overjoyed expression before she ran hugging Rise close, "Oh my god, my baby is having a baby! I'm gonna be a Grandma!"
"You're not mad?" Syrus asked. "We're... not married yet, and I don't even know how a wedding would work."
"Syrus... let your mother express her happiness." his father tells him although by his tone HE will talk with Syrus about it.
Syrus flinched but nodded at that.
"Oh my gosh, I didn't think Syrus would meet his special someone at Duel Academy, or be a Daddy!" Tutsuji continued expressing her happiness while hugging Rise close, "How's my boy been treating you, has he been a good boyfriend, are you feeling okay, do you need too..."
"Dear, dear too many at once!" Katsura said to her which gotten Tutsuji to stop.
From there Tutsuji cleared her throat with a blush on her cheeks now calmed down, and bowed, "Please forgive my behavior."
"He's been... incredible." Rise smiled.
Tutsuji smiles towards her, "Well if you really are having a baby, your eating for two. I'll be back, I know what you need." She walked off to upstairs.
With them alone Syrus flinched feeling his father's stern stare. Frowning Rise took his hand and gently squeezed it.
"Syrus... do you know how much responsibility goes into childcare?" Katsura asked him simply.
Syrus gulped before nodding, "Y-Yeah... Me, and her been together since our first year together, and decided to have it at our last year..."
"What do you plan to do once your Graduate?"
Syrus sweat nervously before admitting, "W-Well... I been thinking... of following in Zane's footsteps to the Pro League... I... had been getting stronger in Duel Academy... And now I want to support Rise, and the baby together by doing what I love to do... Dueling."
"And if you are faced by a choice of either Dueling, or your family what would you pick?"
Syrus hearing that looked determined saying, "I'll... I'll put them first above dueling if I have too for them! I care about too much to lose them!"
"Syrus won't have to make that choice." Rise mentioned. "I'm sure of it."
He turned to her hearing that.
"Syrus won't have to put his family above dueling, because I know he can do both and be amazing." she smiled.
"And I'm sure he thinks Zane is more deserving of you are." Katsura said to her before asking, "How did you prove to him you are for him?"
"What's that supposed to mean?" Rise asked blushing.
"At the first year, when Syrus thought you would be with me, how did you convinced him your his?" Zane explained to her asking a question on how did Rise convinced Syrus to stop thinking she belongs to Zane.
"I told him." Rise answered.
Katsura stared at them before then looking at her, "And now... you can drop the guise, I knew you were familiar... Rise Kujikawa."
"I wasn't trying to hide it, I just didn't want to make a big deal about it." she admitted.
"No need for that. Me, and Tutsuji don't make such a deal about you being here. Though you being in the same year as Syrus in Duel Academy... that's something I didn't think of." Katsura admitted to her.
"Long... long story." Rise admitted.
Just then Tutsuji walked in with a smile holding a bottle, "Alright Rise, take a swindle of this, and it should help with your tummy so you can eat, and feed your baby without trouble."
"Oh... thank you." Rise took it and taking a small sip.
"Alright everyone, no need to keep our tummies grumbling! Let's eat!" Tutsuji announced them as they ready there plates before Tutsuji then smiled to Rise, "By the way Rise?"
"Yes?" she asked.
"Welcome into the Truesdales." Tutsuji smiled to them.
"That... thank you." Rise smiled warmly.
With that they ate there big dinner in peace while talking on family matters.
Flashback End...
After a week with it, they returned back to Academy Island for the year. Rise with the bottle given by Tutsuji was able to eat without trouble to feed herself, and the baby in her. Now it was half the year where Syrus, and Rise are in there room in the Investigation Dorm where Syrus was laying in bed with her together snuggling while he softly rubs her back, and belly. They haven't feel it move yet but they will sometime which Syrus, and Rise are a little impatient about.
"Come on champ... you gotta move at some point." Syrus said to there child softly while snuggling against her rubbing her 5 month belly trying to feel some moving which proved no luck.
Rise smiled softly before blushing. "Syrus?"
Syrus looks up towards her stopping what he's doing to hear what she wants to tell him, "Yes Rise?"
"Can you... pay attention to my tummy?" she blushed.
"In what way?" he asked her softly.
"Kiss it, and rub it." she smiled.
Syrus smiled nodding before diving under the cover before tapping her hand to have her pull her shirt up. She carefully pulled it up for him. With it pulled before he begins he takes a look towards it. Rise sighed in content as he saw it was getting larger from their baby growing inside.
"Rise?" he softly asked her.
"Yeah?" she asked.
"Did I ever tell you that your incredible?" he asked before closing his eyes starting to kiss her belly.
Rise sighed. "You're the incredible one."
Syrus kept kissing softly before reaching a hand starting to rub her belly. Rise softly moaned. "That feels good."
"I hope it can move soon..." Syrus admitted.
"So do I." Rise agreed.
Syrus kept kissing, and rubbing Rise's belly for several minutes which she felt a bit of comfort from how caring, and gentle Syrus is towards her as she rubbed his head with his hand. Soon she felt Syrus pressing his head against her belly. Smiling she gently rubbed his head. They kept close together for a minute before Syrus reluctantly pulled back, "We... we can do this more at a later time..." As he gets up Rise suddenly felt something in her.
Gasping she put a hand on her stomach. Hearing her gasp Syrus turned to her, "Rise? You okay?"
Shuddering she put his hand on her stomach. Syrus blinked from that before he felt something bump making his eyes shot open, "Huh?"
"Did you feel that... I mean, was that really what I think it was?" Rise asked him.
"I... I... Yes, I felt something!" Syrus cried in shock.
Rise started tearing up. "Our baby is moving."
Syrus kissed her belly before laying his head against it overjoyed. Suddenly Rise sensed something, and widen her eyes, "Help me to my feet."
"Rise?" Syrus asked hearing that.
"Please... I just had a weird feeling." she told him.
"Can you describe it?" Syrus asked worried as he helped her to her feet.
Rise just frowned. "Come Kouzeon!"
Her Persona appeared as it beeped before detecting something in the forest. Rise looked sick after that but turned to Syrus. "That... it's Jaden."
Syrus widen his eyes, "Wait, Jaden!?"
"Except, it isn't just him..." Rise started before groaning and looking really sick. "I sensed her too, Yubel."
"Yubel!? Oh man, we gotta inform the team!" Kouzeon vanished as he helped up before saying worried, "And-And, I told you to stop using your Persona while your pregnant Rise!"
"I had to... make sure it was really him. My analysis is more effective with Kouzeon's help." Rise explained.
They arrived in the Living Room where the Team, and the Duel Academy Persona Users are before Syrus called to them, "Guys! Guys!"
The team looked over as Yosuke asked, "Whoa man, what's gotten into you Syrus? Did the little tyke finally start moving?"
"Well, yeah but that's not it... Jaden's back!" Syrus told them.
That shocked everyone as Kanji asked stunned, "You gotta shittin' me right?"
Bastion shook his head. "No he's saying the truth. I wasn't sure before but I did sense Jaden's signature a while ago. But it wasn't just him."
"No, it's her too... the original Persona, Yubel." Rise nodded.
"Can't she leave us alone already?" Adrian grunted hearing that, "Okay who's going in to take care of her once, and for all?"
"More importantly, who's going to let Alexis know what's going on?" Jesse pointed out.
"I already made the call." Yuzu said to them before saying, "Go on, get to where they are but be careful."
The group all nodded with Rise and Bastion directing them where to find Jaden. As soon as they arrived someone was raising up to where they find the location where Rise, and Bastion sensed it. It was Jaden's back to them before he then turned around over seeing the group where they see stern, and soft brown eyes as opposed to his more gentle, and optimistic kind of look.
"Jaden?" Syrus asked hesitantly seeing that.
He stared before he then gave a soft smile, "Nice to see you all are all okay again. Glad I was able to get you all to safety."
"Jaden... what happened?" Yu asked him.
"...After I took you all back to the Alternate Dimension me, and Yubel's souls became one. And together we both headed off, and now the Light of Destruction won't be bothering us anymore." Jaden answered that question before saying, "And the Darkness of Justice within me had purged the Light of Destruction's influence over Yubel."
He closed his eyes before opening them showing the same bichromatic of Yubel's own eyes before then saying, "Now Yubel is safe to be around, and we're back together like we were when I was a kid. Let me show you."
He closed his eyes before calling, "Change! Yubel!"
A blue light enveloped around him before Yubel in the Persona Aura rose up behind Jaden crossing her arms grinning to the team. Seeing her they all clearly shifted and looked to be on their guard which was understandable after what they went through.
Yubel nodded towards the team, "It had been a while Team..." Her voice was not the cold, and sinister feeling as before in fact more gentle, and warm, "I understand the caution... but now with the Light of Destruction's influence gone from me, I hope we can work together for now on."
Alexis frowned slightly. "It won't be easy, but we can try."
"Alexis..." Jaden walked over standing in front of Alexis as they stared at each other.
Then Alexis raised a hand slapping Jaden making him turn his head physically before turning back, and rubbed his cheek, "Yeah... I kinda deserved that did I?"
She didn't answer but just embraced him with tears. Jaden slowly embraced her back closing his eyes. Just then Yu felt something with Jaden as time froze.
"Thou art I... And I am thou...
Thou hast established a genuine bond...
These genuine bonds... shall be your
eyes to guide you to peace.
We bestow upon thee the ability to
create Persona HERO - Ramia, the ultimate form
of the Lovers Persona..."
Alexis Rhodes (Jaden Yuki): Social Link (RANK 10)
Yu's eyes widened before he smiled softly. Time resumed which Jaden blinked confused what he sensed before turning to Yu if he sensed it too as it was different from the usual rank ups.
"Later Jaden, I'll tell you later." he answered.
Jaden nodded as Alexis pulled back, "Hey... sorry for that... I didn't think I would survive. But I hope I can make it up."
"Just don't do something like that again." Alexis whispered.
Jaden hearing hearing that before noticing something, and softly smiled, "Well Syrus, you, and Rise looked busy."
Syrus blushed. "Yeah... the baby started moving today."
Jaden nodded hearing that before saying, "Well now we gotta make sure the Shadows don't get there hands on Erebus."
"Right, so how many of us still have the Arcana?" Sheppard inquired.
"All but 1." Chumley answered that question, "We only have 1 lost so far."
Dimitri frowned at that.
"Well, we almost lost a second one when Yubel possessed Marcel." Adrian mentioned. "A Shadow teamed up with her to duel me and Nanako but it ended with no winner so we protected both Justice and Death."
"Which means the Shadows might start bringing there A-Game here." Chazz said to them before saying, "Well I won't let them take it without a fight."
"Just be careful Chazz." Zane told him. "We have no idea what these Shadows are capable of."
"Well not just them, I can feel something in the midst. A familiar presence around here." Atticus mentioned to them.
"Well, for now I think we should catch Jaden up on what's been going on." Aster mentioned. "And then figure out what we're going to do moving forward."
They all nodded walking together heading into the Investigation Dorm, and explained everything to Jaden over what happened while they were gone. During which unaware to them a blonde haired boy wearing a blue Obelisk Blazer was spying on them through a window before then leaving.
The next day...
Throughout the next day, everyone in the Team couldn't but notice something odd. Some blonde haired student named Yusuke Fujiwara had came in, and had been welcomed as if he been here the whole time. They never seen this boy before, and everyone is acting like everyone known him for a long time. Along with Chazz who was made an Obelisk Blue for the year doesn't know him at all but treated Yusuke like he's a regular student. Eventually they decided to confront him.
"Fujiwara-san, do you have a minute?" Naoto inquired walking over to him.
"Hm?" the boy Yusuke turned over seeing them, "Oh hello there, what can I help you in?"
"I'd like to speak with you in private, do you have a few minutes?" Naoto asked calmly.
Yusuke looked curious but nodded as they walked together to somewhere. Eventually Naoto turned. "Who are you really, you're not a student of Duel Academy."
Yusuke stared before smiling to pull a convincing act, "What are you taking about? You known me for a while remember?" His eyes glowed red before shining a light which blared over Naoto. Naoto blinked before shaking her head. "Whatever you're trying isn't going to work."
Yusuke blinked surprised hearing that, "What?"
"Now, I'll ask again who or what are you really?" she questioned.
Yusuke grunted seeing this, "I given too much to be stopped by someone like you. Don't think of stopping me." He moved to walk out only to be intercepted by Kanji, and Yosuke who are not looking amused. Grunting he tries what he done before at the two boys.
"Nice try punk, your little mind games aren't going to work." Kanji told him.
"Kanji's right, now why don't you answer Naoto's question." Yosuke suggested.
Yusuke widen his eyes back, "How... what are you? How are you able to resist?"
"You want the answer, it's because of our power." Chie mentioned walking over with Yukiko and Teddie.
Yusuke looked around finding himself surrounded from this. Teddie soon admitted to them, "He doesn't smell like a Shadow... But he's not human either."
Widening his eyes Yusuke asked stunned, "You can tell that?"
"I'm not human." Teddie answered before saying, "Now why don't you stop trying to weasel your way out of it, and tell us what we want to know?"
Yusuke looking around again finds himself cornered by the Team with no way to get out before he then sighed raising his arms in surrender, "Alright fine, your all twisting my arm, fine I'll tell you what I am..."
"We're listening." Yosuke told him.
Yusuke looked over before saying, "To say it simply... I'm a Duel Spirit."
"A Duel Spirit?" Teddie asked hearing that.
"Of Honest." he answered.
"Then what are you doing here?" Yukiko asked.
"Looking for my master." the boy, Honest, answered looking at them, "You all were staying at the Dorm he was in for a long time, so I thought you might've uncovered a clue."
"You mean the Investigation Dorm?" Yosuke asked him.
"That was what it was called nowadays. It used to be called the 'Darkness Dorm'." Honest answered that question, "The reason was because it held ties to the World of Darkness."
"What?" Chie asked in sock.
"You pretty much heard the legend about that dorm when you arrive." Honest said to them, "Students disappeared in the dorm. Forbidden to head to the Abandoned Dorm. Cursed dorm about the Shadow Games. All of that was basically how to describe it in way humans understand it but it's far more far-fetched then that. Normal humans are unable to grasp it's powers of the Darkness, yet you all managed to survive living in that place for a long while. How are you able to handle what the Darkness Dorm can do to anyone like you all?" He then recalled what Chie said to him, "She said it was because of your 'power' you were immune to my abilities, and he said he isn't human... does that mean you all aren't ordinary humans?"
"Well, when you put it that way no, we're not." Yukiko admitted.
"Then that answers a lot." Honest nodded before saying, "The Darkness Dorm at the time before you arrive was passive. But then something agitated the Darkness within it which allowed the Dorm to grow unstable. From there it became the Abandoned Dorm as you all are so familiar with it, but then those people renovated it, and driven away much of it's dark power. But that darkness remained when I sensed three powerful presences. The longer they were there the more powerful it grew, and by the time it began to spill over, what happened a few months ago came in. This only delayed the darkness' attempt to overtake this island, but now over these past months, I fear it might be time for the Darkness Dorm to swallow this island into the World of Darkness."
"Wait, three... don't tell me." Naoto frowned. "How long have you sensed those presences?"
"Since the end of the first year you all we're here." Honest answered.
"The Sacred Beasts." Chie whispered hearing that.
"So all this time while we were protecting them in the Dorm... we were only feeding growth towards a dark power's attempt to take over the island?" Teddie asked concerned.
"Big deal, Yu-sempai and Jaden took them down once and they can do it again... especially with us backing them up." Kanji pointed out.
Honest however shook his head, "Not them." They looked over where he explained, "It's not the Sacred Beasts. I fear the progenitor of the World of Darkness will be the combatant against us."
"Progenitor... what do you mean?" Naoto asked him nervously.
"Exactly what I mean... The creator, and Master of the World of Darkness." Honest answered simply. "However there is a way to stop it."
"How?" Teddie asked him.
"We find my master. He is the one that entice this conflict onto us, if we find him, we can get him to close the portal before this island ends up in darkness." Honest answered to them.
"You mean the real Yusuke Fujiwara correct?" Naoto asked. "Unfortunately none of us have seen him."
"I figured as much he was one of the students that disappeared in the Darkness Dorm." Honest said with a grumble, "In any case the Darkness Dorm is our best clue on how to find him. We need to head off without delay."
"Wait, what about Atticus?" Teddie asked. "He disappeared too and became a Shadow Rider right?"
"Oh yeah, good thinking Ted." Yosuke grinned.
"Atticus... Atticus Rhodes, he was one of my master's classmates." Honest said remembering the name, "Do you know where he is?"
"He's with Zane, Syrus, and Rise-chan." Yukiko answered. "They're taking care of the developing baby."
"Then there's no time to spare." Honest said walking off which they followed.
While walking Teddie suddenly paused stopping so suddenly.
"Ted, what's up?" Kanji asked him.
They looked over where Teddie said to them, "My nose... it's picking up something."
The members of the Investigation Team all exchanged a glance hearing that.
"Lead the way, we're right behind you Teddie." Chie mentioned.
Teddie shook his head, "It's not enough for me to guide... the smell's enough for me to identify it... And it's nothing familiar."
"Can you tell us what it is?"
Teddie concentrated from Yosuke's question before admitting, "Strange... it seems like a Shadow yet it's not the same... Like darkness that doesn't have a other self, or anything like that... In fact, I smell anger, and sadness."
Honest hearing that grunted, "I know what's he sensing."
"You do?" Chie asked turning to him.
"One of the World of Darkness' servants, and probably a top soldier... Unlike humans, cards as you wield also have darkness that when grown can spill over, and take there essence whole." Honest explained to them, "If enough of them are gathered, this soldier would manifest from being formed of cards tainted in the World of Darkness. And if it's here we are wasting time. I can sense where it is, follow me!"
He ran off to guide them. As they ran Naoto messaged the others letting them know what was going on.
Meanwhile earlier...
Syrus was slowly helping Rise walk around the island as they were given time to leave for Rise to focus on her baby while Zane, and Atticus watch to help her out if needed.
During that Atticus tries to strike a conversation, "So Zane? Has the 'uncle' feeling hit you yet?"
"Not quite, honestly I'm glad they have each other." Zane smiled. "Rise was, no she is good for Syrus and he's clearly good for her too."
"But what we're the odds of him scoring someone like her?" Atticus asked with a soft smile.
"You might have a point, but he beat them whatever they were." Zane chuckled.
While they were talking Syrus has Rise's arm around his shoulders while helping her walk. He had gotten a little taller so he was able to help her walk without her crouching which would make it painful, or unpleasant for both of them.
"You're a real gentleman Syrus." Rise smiled.
"I try to be." Syrus smiled up to her, "My powers of the Persona might not be the best but I will do anything to help you, or our baby."
Rise smiled kissing his nose. "Thank you Syrus."
He blushed a little before then asking, "So uh Rise...? Can I be honest with you?"
"Of course you can." Rise nodded.
"I had been thinking... honestly thinking that once we graduate, and have our baby... I had thought over us going with you to your job of being an Idol." Syrus admitted to her.
"Syrus..." she whispered in awe hearing that.
"S-Sorry it's short notice... But I think for you to keep doing what you love, and that's being Risette... It might be best for me, and them to be with you wherever you go." Syrus admitted to her looking up at her, "I still want to enter the Pro-Leagues but you come first for us."
Rise looked at Syrus before hugging him. "You shouldn't put your dreams aside for me."
"But I want to make sure you can be able to devote your time as Risette, and us." Syrus said hugging her back.
"I'll manage." Rise smiled. "Even if we both have time consuming jobs we'll make sure we always have time for each other and our baby."
Syrus stared at her before smiling to her, "Well... I don't know how but we will make it work."
"Of course we will and..." Rise started before their Duel Disks started beeping.
"What's going on?" Atticus asked before Rise sensed something in front of them.
"What's going on?" she asked. "Guys, there's something here."
A black cloud appeared before something stepped out.
It was a tall sickly-skinned man with short spiked black hair. His facial expressions are grim by default and his eyes obscured by red sunglasses. He is completely clad below the neck in a shiny black jumpsuit covered in orange lines and spikes.
"What the, who are you?" Syrus asked moving in front of Rise.
"You may call me Trueman. Someone who always speaks the truth." the man answered revealing his name before saying, "Now step out of the way boy."
Syrus glared before calling, "Submarineroid get him out of here with Swift Strike!"
His Persona appeared before firing the torpedo which struck Trueman. When the smoke cleared they find a black cloud mass with shadows of what seems like cards remain before it slowly reformed Trueman backed to normal who has a smirk on his face.
"What?" Atticus questioned.
"You think something as trivial as that is enough?" Trueman smirked before raising a card, "Evil Smile!"
An aspiration of something behind him appeared before something struck Syrus as he started shaking in fear, "W-W-What...?"
"Syrus!" Zane cried in shock seeing that.
"What did you do to him?" Atticus questioned.
Trueman only raised a second card before Rise heard the next move of the skill.
"Ghastly Wail."
"No!" she screamed as Kouzeon appeared and a green barrier surrounded Syrus protecting him before she tearfully slapped him to get rid of the fear effect.
"H-H-Huh!?" Syrus looked around startled from the slap, "W-W-What happened!?"
"He tried to hurt you badly." Rise answered with tears as she glared at Trueman as much as she could despite feeling incredibly sick. "What do you want with us?"
"Tch, no matter I'm not here for some petty fighting anyway." Trueman shrugged saying, "Now step out of the way."
Syrus to protect Rise stepped up, "What, there's no way I'm letting you do what you want!"
Trueman sneered before raising his arm, "Fine have it your way." His arm disbursed into a smoke with cards before reforming into a Duel Disk that's merged on his suit.
'I have a bad feeling about this.' Zane frowned. "Syrus, step back. I'll duel him."
"No he tried to hurt Rise, and almost killed me... I'll handle him. Besides your Deck had been taking a strain on you." Syrus told his brother simply.
Zane looked unsure but nodded. "Be careful."
Syrus, and Trueman prepared just as the Team with Honest ran in.
"DUEL!"
(Dueling Theme: Reach Out To The Truth)
Syrus: 4000
Hand: 5
Field: Nothing
Trueman: 4000
Hand: 5
Field: Nothing
Let the duel commence!
Trueman 1st Turn:
"So he did manifest." Honest grunted seeing Trueman.
"That guy?" Yosuke asked seeing him blinking.
"Don't take him lightly. He almost took Syrus out with a Ghastly Wail." Atticus informed them.
"What?" Yosuke questioned hearing that.
"Come Yamato-Sumeragi! Shield of Justice!" Naoto called as her Persona appeared and shields appeared in front of everyone but Trueman before fading.
Trueman only watched before saying, "Those shields are useless... I'm done with the petty civildry... now it's my turn first." He takes a card showing it, "I summon Dark Archetype."
What rose was a fiendish like squeamish mass.
(Attack Position)
Dark Archetype
DARK
Level 4
Spellcaster/Effect
ATK: 1400
DEF: 400
When this card is destroyed in battle and sent to the Graveyard, you can Special Summon 1 monster from your Deck with an ATK less than the Battle Damage you received.
"Dark Archetype?" Atticus questioned. "I've never heard of that monster before."
"I place 1 card face-down, and end my turn." Trueman ends his turn rather mild.
Trueman's Hand: 4/Field: Dark Archetype (Attack Position), One Set Card
Syrus 1st Turn:
"Then it's my turn, I draw!" Syrus drew looking, and called, "And I summon Patroid!"
Patroid rose up readying.
(Attack Position)
Patroid
EARTH
Level 4
Machine/Effect
ATK: 1200
DEF: 1200
Once per turn, during your Main Phase, you can look at 1 face-down card your opponent controls, then return it to its original position.
"Now I use it's ability to look at your face-down! Let's see what your hiding!"
Patroid wailed around on Trueman's set card which was shown as a trap called Alchemy Cycle.
"A trap that reduces his own monster's points? But why?" Chie asked seeing that.
Syrus was also skeptical but took this front to score more damage, "Alright, I use the spell, Blustering Winds!"
Blustering Winds
Normal Spell Card
Target 1 face-up monster you control; it gains 1000 ATK and DEF until your next Standby Phase.
"Thanks to this until my next Standby Phase, Patroid gains 1000 points!"
Patroid: (ATK: 1200 + 1000 = 2200/DEF: 1200 + 1000 = 2200)
"And now Patroid charge in at Dark Archetype!"
Patroid charged in which Trueman used his face-down, "Alchemy Cycle activate!"
Alchemy Cycle
Normal Trap Card
The original ATK of all face-up monsters you control becomes 0, until the End Phase. Each time a monster that had its original ATK reduced to 0 by this effect is destroyed by battle and sent to the Graveyard, draw 1 card.
"For the rest of this turn, all the original attack points of my monsters becomes 0."
Dark Archetype: (ATK: 0)
Patroid charged tackling Dark Archetype destroying it easily while Trueman wasn't affected by the damage. (Trueman: 1800/Hand: 4) Of course his plays do confuse them cause it seems that he is dueling like an amateur duelist.
"There has to be a reason he did that right?" Chie asked. "He can't be that easy to beat."
"Due to Alchemy Cycle's effect if the monsters who's attack points were changed were destroyed, I draw a card." Trueman drew before then saying, "Then Dark Archetype's special ability activates. When it's destroyed in battle, I summon a monster with equal or fewer attack points then the total battle damage, I taken from my Deck."
"So that's why he did that." Atticus frowned.
Taking a card Trueman displays it, "Rise to the field. Phantom Beast Rock-Lizard!"
What rose was a large rock like beast like centaur that roared.
(Attack Position)
Phantom Beast Rock-Lizard
DARK
Level 7
Beast-Warrior/Effect
ATK: 2200
DEF: 2000
If you're Tributing a "Phantom Beast" monster or "Gazelle the King of Mythical Beasts", this card can be Normal Summoned with 1 Tribute. When this card destroys a monster by battle, inflict 500 damage to your opponent. When this card is destroyed and sent to the Graveyard by an opponent's card effect, inflict 2000 damage to your opponent.
Syrus looked stunned seeing the monster.
"That thing might be strong but why risk so many Life Points to use?" Teddie asked seeing that although Trueman's moves were strategic was it really worth it?
"I don't know, but I have a bad feeling." Zane frowned.
Syrus deciding that's all he can do sets a card. "I end my turn."
Syrus' Hand: 3/Field: Patroid (Attack Position/ATK: 2200/DEF: 2200), One Set Card
Syrus: 4000
Hand: 3
Field: Patroid (Attack Position/ATK: 2200/DEF: 2200), One Set Card
Trueman: 1800
Hand: 4
Field: Phantom Beast Rock-Lizard (Attack Position)
Trueman 2nd Turn:
"My turn draw." Trueman drew looking before casting his drawn card, "Wild Nature's Release!"
Wild Nature's Release
Normal Spell Card
Target 1 Beast or Beast-Warrior monster; it gains ATK equal to its current DEF (until the End Phase), and if it does, it is destroyed during the End Phase.
The spell powered up the monster as it roared loud.
Phantom Beast Rock-Lizard: (ATK: 2200 + 2000 = 4200)
"4200!" Rise cried fearfully.
Trueman thrust an arm forward, "Rock-Lizard attack!"
Rock Lizard charged forward as Patron stand guard before Syrus called, "I activate, Half Shut!"
Half Shut
Quick-Play Spell Card
Target 1 face-up monster on the field; it cannot be destroyed by battle this turn, also its ATK is halved until the end of this turn.
Patroid: (ATK: 2200 / 2 = 1100)
"By halving Patroid's points, it can survive the attack!"
Rock Lizard struck Patroid knocking it back while Syrus braced against the shockwave. (Syrus: 0900/Hand: 3)
"He barely survived that attack, and fortunately Wild Nature's Release has a powerful side effect." Atticus mentioned.
As he said that Rock-Lizard grabbed it's head roaring before being destroyed.
"And it wasn't done by his opponent's effect." Honest added seeing this, "Had Rock-Lizard destroyed his monster he would deal 500 points, and if destroyed by his card effect, 2000 will be inflicted."
"But now Syrus has an easy win right?" Teddie asked. "This guy has nothing in play."
Trueman's Hand: 4/Field: Nothing
Syrus 2nd Turn:
Syrus breathed before drawing, "I draw!" As he does that Blustering Winds expires.
Patroid: (ATK: 2200 - 1000 = 1200/DEF: 2200 - 1000 = 1200)
"Syrus..." Rise whispered nervously.
Looking Syrus shows Submarineroid, "I now summon Submarineroid!"
His first Persona rose up readying.
(Attack Position)
Submarineroid
WATER
Level 4
Machine/Effect
ATK: 800
DEF: 1800
(This card is treated as a "Persona" card.)
This card can attack your opponent directly, but when it does so using this effect, the battle damage inflicted to your opponent is the original ATK of this card. At the end of the Damage Step, if this card attacked or was attacked: You can change this card to Defense Position.
"And now get him out of here!"
Trueman watched as Patroid, and Submarineroid both attacked him making him grunt out before vanishing into black cards.
Syrus: 0900
Hand: 3
Field: Patroid (Attack Position), Submarineroid (Attack Position)
Trueman: 0000
Hand: 4
Field: Nothing
Syrus wins!
"What the? What just happened?" Kanji questioned.
"That was Trueman, the Darkness Soldier that is made from the cards tainted of the World of Darkness. He's held off for now but he will return later." Honest said before looking over to them, "Which means we need to find my master."
"Tainted, what do you mean tainted?" Rise asked him.
Honest looked towards her, "There is lot to explain to you, and them."
"Then you should start explaining." Zane mentioned.
With that Honest explained to Zane, Atticus, Syrus, and Rise all of what he had told the Investigation Team. They looked absolutely stunned hearing that.
"So... your not really Yusuke, and he had made what had given the Investigation Dorm what it was before?" Syrus asked shocked.
Honest nodded to them, "I stood by on guard in case it leaks over, and now I need to find my master."
"Then we should let the others know, hopefully we won't see that creep again anytime soon." Chie mentioned.
Suddenly they noticed Atticus placed a hand on his head looking dazed.
"Atticus?" Zane asked. "What's wrong?"
"The name... Yusuke..." Atticus trailed off before widening his eyes, "Oh yes, that's right, I remember now!"
"You do?" Yukiko asked hearing that.
He then looked serious turning to them, "Okay listen... I need to duel Yu, and Jaden at the Investigation Dorm."
"What, but why?" Syrus asked him.
Atticus stared before saying, "Cause I think I know just who this 'progenitor of the World of Darkness' is but I need Yu, and Jaden's help to figure it out."
"Then let's go and tell them what's going on." Zane mentioned as Syrus moved to help Rise. "The sooner we figure this out the better."
Ulrich362: Well then... something dangerous is on Duel Academy, again.
bopdog111: This time we're onto this 'Trueman', and probably the true secrets of the Dorm, the Investigation Team had been living in.
Ulrich362: What other secrets does the former Abandoned Dorm have hidden? Only time will tell, see you in the next chapter.
bopdog111: Be sure to review!