Shadow Riders Part 1: Vampires vs. Ancient Gears!
Early the next morning, after spending hours from the events of the first Shadow Rider duel and waking Nurse Fonda Fortaine up in the middle of the night, much to her displeasure, but still knowing that there were students that needed attention. It took a while, but Atticus and Draco where laying in beds in the Nurse's Office and a few minutes later, Fortaine sighed out in relief.
"Well, everything is alright." She said sitting down, "They both are in stable conditions."
"Well, that is certainly good news." Sheppard sighed out, wiping his forehead with a handkerchief.
"But if they are stable," Syrus stated, "how is it, they haven't woken up yet?"
"Yeah, Syrus does have a point." Mindy agreed with him.
They all looked at each other, trying to think on the reasoning, besides the whole "Shadow Duel".
"I can explain." A voice spoke up, startling the entire room with its powerful but wise voice, "However, I fear Her Highness will give me an earful and suspend me from entering this world for some time."
"Ok, I'm not the only one hearing that, right?" Crowler asked, as Mindy and Jasmine hugged each other, thinking it's another Shadow Rider.
"I know that voice." Alexis thought, "But, I can't name the owner."
"Whoever you are," Sheppard, slightly plead, "would you mind coming into view?"
"Oh, right. I keep forgetting, that Alexis isn't the only one who knows of us now." The voice spoke again, before a dark purple dragon wearing crimson wristbands and sash across his waist, leaning against the wall, between the two beds.
"What on earth is that?!" Crowler screamed on top of his lungs, only to get an amused huff from the dragon.
"You were told of Shadow Games, three cards that can destroy two worlds, witness the aftermath of a Shadow Game, and I'm the thing that makes you lose your shit?" the dragon asked him, with a grin.
"You're Kendov, right?" Alexis asked.
"I am, nice to know you remembered me." Kendov replied, then over to Crowler, "No hard feelings with that gut punch?"
"Gut punch?" Crowler asked, "What in blazes are you talking about?"
"Changing the subject back on the unconscious boys!" Fortaine said, "You said you might know the problem?"
"In a way." Kendov replied, "In Atticus' condition, he was influenced by the powers of the Shadow Realm for who knows how long, or in this case controlled by someone."
"You mean, Night Shroud?" Alexis asked.
"Yes, Night Shroud was controlling Atticus for who knows how long, when the Young Lord banished Night Shroud to the Shadow Realm, that was all who was banished."
"So, you're saying, that in due time Atticus' mind will regain strength?" Bastion theorized, getting a nod from the Fighter.
"Ok, but what about Draco?" Alexis asked, being worried.
"That I can explain." Another voice spoke up before a pale gold dragoness wearing a white sash across her waist and over her chest appeared, scaring Crowler and causing the Nurse to gasp lightly.
"Ah, perfect timing Vahraniik." Kendov spoke.
"Ok, I need to get some incense going to destress myself." Fonda said.
"Perfect!" Vahraniik said, "It'll be the perfect way to explain what is wrong with the Young Lord."
After Nurse Fortaine got the incense going and everyone started to relax from the scent, before Vahraniik began.
"Alright, to put it simply;" she stated, "the smoldering ember at the tip of the incense stick? That is what the Young Lord's Flame is like at the moment."
"Why are you saying like that's a good thing?!" Alexis slightly demanded, getting the Grand Healer to look at her.
"Oh, right." She replied, "I forgotten you are not familiar with our biology. To put it simply, Alexis; the Young Lord is still alive. Our flames only dies out when we die."
"I don't understand how your biology as anything to do with Draco." Nurse Fortaine said, "He isn't a dragon."
"Afraid, that's where you are wrong, Healer Fortaine." Kendov replied.
"I am a nurse not a healer." Fortaine snapped.
"Different title, same area of work." Vahraniik stated, "You treat the injured and the sick, the same as I do."
"However, what I said before," Kendov continued, "you are wrong. The Young Lord is in fact a Dragon. He is the heir to the throne of Dragon Lord. He is the son of the current Dragon King and Dragon Queen. Lord Krono and Queen Saffira."
Those not in the know, looked either puzzled, shocked, or didn't believe it, "The point I'm trying to make;" Vahraniik spoke up, "is he's going to be fine. Just give him three days."
"Three days?" Sheppard asked.
"The three days will put the Young Lord's Flame at a different visual." Kendov explained, "Right now, as Vahraniik said, it's a smoldering ember. Tomorrow the Flame should be like flickering candle; he'll be awake but will be tired all day."
"On the second day," Vahraniik chimed in, "his Flame should be like a campfire or what you find in the fireplace, he'll be up and about, but I don't recommend he leaves the room. And on the third day, his Flame will be like a raging wildfire; then he'll be at full strength. Until then, he should stay in this room."
"Or at least a more secured one." Chazz muttered, getting everyone including the two Dragon Guards to look at him, "All I'm saying is give me until the end of the school day tomorrow, besides Nurse Fortaine will need the bed Draco is in incase someone in worse condition comes in."
"I knew you had a hard time of listening," Vahraniik stated, "but seriously, the Young Lord can't move until day two."
"Actually, you said he can't move." Chazz reminded her, "You never said anything about us moving him."
"I believe I said, until the third day he shouldn't leave this room." Vahraniik replied.
"I'm aware of that." Chazz remarked, "But are you saying that you guys can protect him in the main building? Like you can put up a barrier that surrounds the building?"
The two Guards looked at each other, "I heard that!" a voice shouted out, "And even with the Sage's help, it'll be impossible!"
"Well, there you go." Chazz stated, "What I have planned, it's much smaller and much easier to defend." He then got up and began to walk out, "Like I said, give me until the end of tomorrow."
After he left the room Vahraniik looks over to Kendov, "I know we shouldn't question the Young Lord, but how is it he sees that boy as a friend?" she asked.
"Not my place to answer." Kendov replied.
"Alright, I may not know what is going on," Sheppard stated, "but, Chazz has the idea. You all need to head back to bed, I'll excuse you all for the first class but after which I would like you all to return to classes."
"Chancellor, with all respect." Crowler spoke up, "I would advise that Ms. Rhodes as well as her two friends be excused from the classes."
"And what will be your reasoning, Crowler?" Sheppard asked.
"Well, for Mindy and Jasmine, they were just used as bargaining chips for a Shadow Duel, as for Alexis, her brother just returned and the person she loves is in a weaken state. I think she'll be too worried to focus on schoolwork." Crowler explained.
"That I can understand, Crowler." Sheppard agreed, "Well, Miss Rhodes, I would say get some rest, but I have a feeling you don't want to leave them."
"Her getting rest is the best idea." Kendov spoke up, getting everyone's attention.
"But, Kendov—" Alexis started, "Don't start." He replied, "Do you think we would let anything happen until this safe room Chazz has in plan is ready?"
"He does have point there, Alexis." Bastion chimed in, "When we were in Necro Valley, under Draco's orders they ensured none of us got hurt."
"But, how would they keep him protected?" Mana asked.
"Simple." The Fighter replied, "Sophitia will no doubt be outside of this room, Gahlot has the window covered as we speak, and the rest of can cover the room above and below this room."
"Well, at least I won't death glares on me anymore." Mana stated, before she suddenly shivered.
"Forgot about our Spy, didn't you?" Kendov asked jokingly, "You don't have anything to worry. He's just watching you is all."
"Anyways, all of you to bed." Crowler told the students, "I'll be seeing most of you later in the day."
"Speaking of which." Vahraniik stated, looking at Nurse Fortaine, "You should also get some rest. You won't be able to do your work correctly if you're tired."
"I can't just leave with students here!" she protested, "And what makes you think I'm going somewhere?" Vahraniik asked, "I was ordered by the Captain to remain here."
Nurse Fortaine looked around, not seeing anyone, before she sighs out in defeat, "I can't even grasp what is even happening." She said, "I really hope by the time I wake up; all of these so-called Spirits are just from the lack of sleep."
Each person, left the nurse's office one after another, leaving only Alexis and Fonda, before the Head of the Blue Girls comes up to Alexis, placing a hand on her shoulder.
"I know you are worried about them." Fonda told her student, "But you not getting any sleep won't help them."
"I know, Ms. Fortaine." Alexis replied, "But it's just—"
"I understand what you are going through." Kendov said, "But tell me, what would the Young Lord or your brother tell you to do?"
Alexis looked at the Fighter stunned by his words, before sighing out, "They might tell me not to worry about them." She replied.
"Trust me when I say this, Alexis." He stated, "The Young Lord has been through a lot worse than this."
"He'll be fine, Alexis." Vahraniik reassured her, "You go get some sleep, I'll be sure they'll be fine, and I'll get someone—"
"No need." Kendov interrupted the Grand Healer, "The Captain has already instructed that the girls leave Alexis alone for the night."
Alexis smiled at the two Guards before leaving the room followed by Nurse Fortaine, Kendov then sighed out and looked over to Vahraniik, "You are lucky Alexis doesn't know as well as the Guards do." He told her, "You are a terrible liar. Telling her, that her brother is alright."
"Would you want me to flat out and tell her the truth?" she asked, "Tell her that due to being consumed by the Shadow Realm for an unknown period of time, his mind was sealed away?"
"The Young Lord purged the Shadows from Atticus' mind!"
"He purged Night Shroud, yes! But he sealed everything that made Atticus, Atticus!" Vahraniik snarled, "You never thought it was strange that Night Shroud continued his turn after seeing Alexis without hesitating?"
"Hmm." The Fighter pondered, "I did notice that."
"That's because Night Shroud sealed or locked all memories of her in Atticus' mind, he wanted a body that would list to him and do his bidding without question."
"So, why not just—"
"If I try to unlock everything, he'll go insane, because of what Night Shroud made him do!"
Kendov looked over to the human and sighed in defeat, "Fine. Let his mind regain itself on his own terms. Do not unlock anything for him, Vahraniik!"
"Afraid that's impossible." She replied, "I have to at least get one thing unlocked to get his mind going."
"Then be it of the memories of Alexis." Kendov ordered, getting the Healer to look at him in shock, "At least let him remember his sister. We don't want Alexis to feel heartbroken of her brother not remembering her."
Vahraniik smiles as her hands began to faintly glow, "That was a good call to make." She remarked.
A few hours later, Nurse Fortaine was on her way back to her office, yawning out and taking a quick sip of her coffee, before sighing out, "Oh boy, that was a weird event." She told herself, "Talking to Duel Monsters, stuff about end of the world- heh, glad that weird dream event is over."
As she made her way down the hall, at the door to her office, Sophitia looked over to her and smiled warming.
"Moring, Fonda Fortaine." The Royal Guard spoke up, "Morning." Fortaine replied, taking another sip of her coffee, before he eyes snapped open and then she spit out what she had in her mouth before coughing loudly. Sophitia looked at her worriedly.
"Please tell me, it was a little too hot." Sophitia said, as the nurse coughed out.
"What are you doing here?!" Fortaine gasped out, "You are a hallucination from lack of sleep!"
"Oh, that's what you thought of us?" Sophitia asked, "Sorry to surprise you, but we are real."
Fonda stood there, mouth agape before she then chugged the entire mug of coffee, "Oh god! That's not going to be strong enough." She muttered, "Why are you even here?"
"I figured you might have forgotten." Sophitia replied, "I'm here to protect the Young Lord. That happens to Draco. I'm just going to stand in the room, to keep an eye on anything that would bring harm to him or Atticus."
"Don't you think the room will be crowded?" Fortaine asked, "I'm mean, I know Alexis is going to be here, but you and those other- what are you called? 'Dragon Guards'? – my recovery station will be too—"
"Ma'am, we are spirits, you know." Sophitia interrupted her, "You can just faze through us, and plus Kendov and Vahraniik will leave."
The nurse sighed out, and unlocked the door letting herself in, Sophitia followed behind and noticed Kendov still leaning against the wall between the two still unconscious boys.
"Kendov?" she spoke up, getting the Fighter's attention as he looks over to her, "Where is the Grand Healer?"
"She returned to the Guild hours ago." He replied, "She spent all of her Spirit Energy trying to unlock Atticus' memories of Alexis. That Night Shroud was very determined that Atticus didn't interfere with his plans, whatever they were."
"What do you mean 'unlock Atticus' memories'?" Fortaine asked, "What did she do to my student?"
"What she did was help him regain his mind." Kendov replied, with a slight hiss, "Night Shroud was in complete control over Atticus, for who knows for how long."
"By getting something free from Night Shroud's power, Vahraniik gave Atticus a start to remember everything." Sophitia explained, "If it took her all of Energy to unlock the memories of Alexis?"
"That's right." Kendov spoke up, "Night Shroud wanted to be sure Atticus was gone in his mind."
It wasn't long before the Academy's speakers chimed to start the day, Kendov sighed out and slowly vanished from the human world, and it wasn't five minutes before the door of the office opened and Alexis walked in, "Good morning, Ms. Fortaine." Alexis said.
"Good morning, Alexis." She replied, "I expected you to be here, this early."
Alexis took a seat between the beds, looking at the two boys with a worried look, "There is nothing worry about, Alexis." Sophitia spoke up, "Your brother is in good hands, your Academy's nurse knows what she is doing."
"It's not just Atticus." Alexis stated, "Draco used pretty much all of his energy to free my brother."
"Oh, you are worried about the Young Lord?" Sophitia asked, "I wouldn't worry too much on him. You'll be surprised on how fast he recovers."
"That doesn't really bring me any comfort, Sophitia." Alexis told her, "I know your Healer said until this school day was over before he wakes up, but—"
"You know, when Vahraniik tells you something, it's best to listen to her."
Alexis and Nurse Fortaine gasped softly from the sudden, but extremely tired voice speaking up, before looking over and seeing Draco looking back as he struggled to sit up.
"Oh no, young man!" Fortaine spoke up, lightly pushing him back down, "You are not leaving that bed."
"Afraid she is correct, Young Lord." Sophitia said, "The Grand Healer even said you are to stay in that bed."
"Are you kidding me?!" Draco groaned out, "I need to know about—"
"You were successful in defeating Night Shroud in a duel, as well as banishing him into the Shadow Realm." His Royal Guard spoke, "And by doing so, you actually freed Atticus from Night Shroud's control."
"Wait, Atticus and Night Shroud were the same person?" Draco asked, before he looked over to the next bed and saw Atticus resting.
"Which memory was unlocked first?' Draco asked.
"Draco?" Alexis asked, "What do you mean by that?"
"My Lord, we should be—"
"Sophitia. I asked you a question." Draco replied, "And it's best to let Alexis know what happens to those controlled by dark beings. They block all memories of the human to gain full control over them."
"So, that bastard—"
"He was in control." Draco told Alexis, "Vahraniik unlocked his memories to help him regain who he was, before Night Shroud took over."
Alexis gave off a relief smile as she sighed out, "However." Sophitia spoke up, "He will remember everything he did as Night Shroud."
"Isn't there a way to not let him remember that?" Alexis asked.
"I know why would say that, Alexis." Sophitia replied, "but it is for the best that he does remember them."
"How could say that?!" Alexis yelled out, "My brother shouldn't have to remember things he had no control of!"
"Alexis." Draco said with a groan, "If and when Night Shroud escapes the Shadow Realm, if Atticus remembers what he did as Night Shroud, his mind will be more resistant to Night Shroud's power."
Alexis looked at Draco, with a look of both shock and sadness, "But, he shouldn't have to remember what he didn't do." She said.
"I understand Alexis." Draco told her, "But trust me, he needs to know, so he can protect himself."
Alexis thought it over, clearly fighting back tears, before sighing out, about to give her response before Draco's head pressed into the pillow more and he began to snore softly.
"Looks like he used what energy he recovered." Sophitia explained, "He'll be back and talkative by the end of the school day."
Alexis looked at the now sleeping Slifer, before smiling softly and wiping the tears from her eyes. During the school day, the rest of the Key Barrers- well most of them- took the rest of the day without free periods, not only to keep up with their schoolwork, but also just in case they go through the same as Draco, some of them wanted to stay caught up, others didn't want to fall behind. However, there was one who didn't care, Zane finished up the class work and got the teacher's permission to roam the halls until the class ends. He started to head back to his dorm room, still determine to prove the simulation duels he did earlier that week were faulty. On his way, he overheard some Obelisks talking.
"Hey, did you hear what happened last night with a Slacker?"
"Why should we care about those worthless, Slackers?"
"Because, it was THAT Slacker. The one that's been giving us Obelisks a bad name!"
"What did that loser do this time?"
"Well, it seems there was an Underground Duel Academy, that sent one if it's best students here and challenged that Slacker."
"Oh? Did that loser finally lost and learn his place?"
"No, he won. But the weirdest thing is what this Under Duelist did, he took two Obelisks as bargaining chips and the Slifer still dueled him."
"Underhand tactics?" Zane thought before walking closer, "You two! What did this Duelist call himself?!" causing both of the Obelisks to slightly jump from his demanding tone.
"Mind your own business, Truesdale." One of them snapped back. Zane growled at the Obelisk before grabbing the blazer and pulling the Obelisk out of his seat.
"Listen here, you little shit!" he growled, "That Slacker and I are two of seven dueling these Underground Duelists! The Chancellor told us the one that defeats the most of them is the better duelist!"
"Fine, if you want to know so badly." The other Obelisk butted in, "He was calling himself a 'Shadow Rider' such a dumb title."
Zane's eyes snapped before he dropped the other Obelisk and began to storm off to find any of the other Key Barrers, but mostly for Draco. In another classroom, the rest of the Key Barrers were waiting for the class to end, since they finished early, and the teacher said they could talk among themselves until the class was over.
"So, you think Draco is doing alright?" Mana asked them.
"Well, if I know him," Syrus stated, "He might be up now, and trying to sneak out of the infirmary."
"Oh, that will be a battle he'll lose." Bastion chimed, "I learned a little on the hard way, that nothing gets passed Ms. Fortaine."
"Sounds like you had some experience in that." Chazz joked.
"I did." Bastion replied, "You see, Chazz; Draco and I had a duel to find out who would duel you in the Representative Match, although we didn't know we would be dueling you."
"Anyways?"
"Right, we just finished a game of Baseball in Ms. Fortaine's class, and Draco pitched the ball, it ripped apart when I smacked it with the bat, the vibrations actually hurt my hands."
"And after the pain died down you tried to leave without her approval?" Chazz asked, with a smirk.
"That I did, and boy she was not messing around." Bastion replied, with a slight chuckle.
"Oh, yeah. I remember." Syrus added, "I went in a few minutes after the class ended because my hand hurt from catching the ball."
Bastion and Syrus chuckled at the mess that was made that day, Chazz raised a brow, before Yellow popped up, "Hey, Boss! I have some news for you!" he said.
"Oh, geez." Chazz groaned, 'You couldn't wait until the class was over?"
The others looked at him as he talked to himself, "Why is he talking out loud to himself?" Mana asked, "Does he want to whole Academy to think he's insane?"
"I don't think he's talking to himself, Mana." Bastion said, "If I remember correct, Draco did say Chazz has a Duel Spirit with him."
"That's right." Syrus said, "Chazz has- I think Ojama Yellow."
"Well, I really couldn't wait." Yellow told Chazz, "I was just floating around when I ended up in the infirmary. I learned from the Dragon Guard there, that Draco woke up for a few minutes. She said he'll be good at the end of the class."
"I guess that is good news." Chazz stated.
"What sounds like good news?" Bastion asked, "None of us can hear your Spirit."
"Oh right." Chazz muttered, "Yellow just said Draco was awake for a bit."
"He was?!" Syrus gasped out.
"How is that possible?" Mana asked, "We were told, he wouldn't be up until the end of the day."
"Mana, did you forget this is the last class?" Bastion asked, "Chazz? How long ago was he up?"
"You heard him, Yellow." Chazz told the Ojama.
"Let me think." Yellow replied, "Umm when the classes started."
"Damn, he recovered quite quickly." Chazz stated, then turned to the others, "He said when the school day started."
"Wow." The others said, "I didn't think Draco would recover that quickly." Syrus stated.
"Well, guess when the bell chimes, we should head there to check on him." Mana suggested.
"You guys can." Chazz said, "I need to check in on the construction team to see if the addition I added to the Slifer dorm is completed."
"It wouldn't happen to be a five-star style room only for you, would it?" Mana slightly mocked at Chazz.
"It was going to be." He replied, "But, given what we are up against, I decided to make it into something better. Once I know they have finished, I'll swing by the infirmary to help move Draco."
"Are you forgetting, he can't move?!" Mana snapped.
"Are you forgetting, that with him lying in the Infirmary, he's an easy target?!" Chazz snapped back, "That mage of his said they can't put up a barrier on the whole Academy!"
"Both of you knock it off!" Syrus yelled out, 'I'm tired of you two going at each other's throats! It's dumb!"
The three of them looked at Syrus shocked, blinking a few times, "Well, color me impressed." Bastion spoke up, "I never would have never thought you would put your foot down like that."
"They have been at it since Chazz came back." Syrus remarked, "Seriously, you two! Have you seen Draco go after Zane for trying to get me to leave the Academy?"
"He did duel him." Mana stated.
"If I recall, I think Zane and Draco only dueled once." Chazz stated, "But I don't recall him going after Zane any chance he had."
"That's because, unlike you two, Draco doesn't hold a grudge!" Syrus told them.
"He could hold a silent grudge towards Zane but doesn't show it." Bastion said, right before the bell chimed ending the day.
"Alright, everyone!" Crowler called out, "That's it for the day, for those of you who haven't finished the class work for today I expect to see it tomorrow on my desk when you come in!"
The students groaned out as they all got up and leave the classroom, Crowler looked over to the four friends, before clearing his throat, "You four, I need to speak with." He said. The four of them looked slightly worried, even more so as Chazz heard some Obelisks chuckling under their breaths, as they approached the desk.
"Did I hear you correctly?" Crowler asked them, "Did you say that Draco fellow is awake?"
"Was awake, Doctor." Chazz corrected, "When the school day started, he passed out minutes later."
"And if I recall, didn't someone say he'll be awake at the end of the day?"
"That's what we were doing, Dr. Crowler." Bastion told him, "Well, myself, Syrus and Mana were. Chazz said he needed to check that construction team he hired."
"I don't think so." Crowler suddenly snapped, "As a teacher I shall oversee any improvements to the Academy."
"I'm the one that hired them!" Chazz tried to protest, "Nonsense, Mr. Princeton." Crowler replied, "I will check on them. After all," he suddenly hushed his voice, "If anything were to happen like with Draco, any of you could be an easy target if you go alone."
They each looked at each other confusingly, before Syrus' face lit up, "Oh, and since you are teacher, the Shadow Riders would think twice of attacking someone that has a higher skill." He theorized.
"That's correct, my boy." Crowler replied, "And besides, I can just call you on your PDA if something comes up."
"I keep forgetting we have those here." Chazz muttered, "Guess having the Doctor to check on them would be a good idea."
"Alright, head to the infirmary and I'll check on the Slifer Dorm." Crowler told them. The four students left the room with Crowler and went their separate ways.
"I really hope Draco is awake." Syrus told them, as they round a corner, before Syrus slammed into someone, "Ah! Sorry about—" Syrus stopped himself with a gasp, looking up at Zane, as he glares down at him.
"Where is he?!" Zane snarled, "Where's who?" Syrus asked, before yelping slightly from being yanked off the floor.
"Don't try to play dumb with me, Syrus!" Zane yelled, "Where is that Slifer friend of yours?! I just heard he dueled the first Shadow Rider, after I told everyone, I was going to do that!"
"Well, you were just unlucky." Chazz mocked.
"What was that?!"
"If you must know, the first Shadow Rider was a former student here in the Academy."
"Which was why Draco was first to duel." Bastion added, "The Shadow Rider spotted Draco alone and challenge him, knowing the ranks he expected an easy win."
"So, why didn't the Rider go after you?" Zane mocked, "The first Obelisk to drop all the way to the Slifer dorm."
"At least I accepted that I was defeated by a Slifer and moved on!" Chazz snapped back, "You on the other hand think of this like some form a contest trying to beat more of the Shadow Riders to prove you are the best!"
"That's what this is Chazz!" Zane snapped, "It is a contest!"
Syrus struggled free from his brother's grip and sighed out, "Enough!" he yelled on top of his lungs, "Zane you need to wake up! I don't care what you think it is, but I know what is at stake here!"
"The only thing at stake, is the Academy's reputation!" Zane yelled at Syrus, "And I'll be damned if I let a Slifer be the one that beats me in this contest! Now, where is he?!"
"Take a guess, genius." Chazz snapped, "He's in the infirmary."
"Good." Zane snapped, turning his back to them, "It's time to find out what that Slifer knows."
Syrus growled softly before running and stopping in front of Zane, "No." he said.
"What was that, Syrus?" Zane slightly demanded.
"You heard me! You are not going to the Infirmary just to cause trouble! Draco used all of his energy in his duel! He not only defeated the first Shadow Rider, but he saved a student that went here!"
"I heard that he saved two Obelisks!" Zane yelled, "Now, get out of my way, Syrus!"
"Draco, saved a student that vanished in the Abandon Dorm!" Syrus argued, "The Shadow Rider turned out to be, Atticus Rhodes!"
Zane's eyes snapped wide, before grinding his teeth, "What was that?!" he snarled, "What the hell did you just say, Syrus?!"
"You heard me!" Syrus snapped, "Alexis' brother was the first Shadow Rider!"
Zane pushes Syrus to the wall and began to storm off, the others began to quickly follow him. Over at the Infirmary, Draco was once again awake, having spent the rest of the last class period just talking to Alexis, Sophitia and Ms. Fortaine, see as that's all he could do, for the time of the class period, until the chime was heard.
"Guess we'll be getting the rest of the gang here, real soon." Draco tiredly stated.
"Well, there is no doubt that 'little buddy' of yours would want to check on you." Sophitia slightly joked.
"Sophitia, you are terrible at jokes." Draco told the Royal Guard.
"Well, she does have a point. "Alexis stated, "I think Syrus would be the first to come and see you."
"I've had all day and I still can't wrap my head on what I was told." Fonda suddenly stated, "I mean Duel Monsters are real? And they have been in everyone's decks?!"
"Well, not really." Sophitia replied, "Only a few cards house an actual Spirit. The Young Lord is the first to have deck with each monster being a Duel Spirit."
"Ok, Sophitia was it?" Fonda asked, "You need to explain that 'Young Lord' thing. Why are you calling, Draco that?"
"She's calling me that because that's what I am." Draco replied, "Sophitia calls me, 'Young Lord' because I am the Dragon Prince."
"But the only way for you to be a prince is if—"
"I'm a descendant of a royal bloodline? Or I have parents that are currently the Lord and Queen of Dragons?"
Ms. Fortaine looked at Draco speechless, as Draco looked at her the best he could from the angle in the bed.
"It is true Ms. Fortaine." Alexis spoke up, "I learn about it on Duel Spirit Day when they actual crossed over to our world, and I overheard Sophitia here, telling Draco to act like a real prince."
"And you weren't shocked by that?" she asked Alexis.
"Of course, I was shocked." Alexis replied, "But Draco and I sat down, and he explained it all to me. Why he kept it a secret, and all of that."
"She was the one to surprise me." Draco stated, "Wanting to stay as a couple and work through what she learned."
"And just how was did Alexis do that?" Fortaine asked.
"Just like how you are dealing with it now." Sophitia answered, "The two princesses and our Healer helped Alexis to know what life would be with Duel Spirits."
"Trust me, I've had months and I'm still trying to get use to them." Alexis stated, before the door suddenly burst open startling Alexis and Fortaine, while Sophitia suddenly dropped into a battle stance, as Zane barged into the room and glare over to Draco, before walking over to him and grabbed his shirt, pulling him up from the bed.
"What the hell, you bastard?!" Zane snarled, "I told you, I was going to take out the first Shadow Rider!"
"Well, too bad, the first Shadow Rider, didn't think you as a worthy opponent." Draco mocked, "Besides, you can ask him yourself, when he wakes up that is."
"And just, what's that supposed to mean?!"
Draco just lazily looked to his right, making Zane angrier, "Don't you dare ignore me!" he yelled out.
"Just shut up and look to your right." Draco told him, "Or are you afraid to see the Shadow Rider?"
"What the hell would I—" Zane was cut off, as he looked over to the next bed, his eyes slightly widen as he saw Atticus laying there. He then growled out and pulled Draco up threatening causing Ms. Fortaine to stand up and Alexis to gasp out.
"Zane Truesdale!" Ms. Fortaine yelled, "Just what do you think you are doing?!"
"What the hell did you do to Atticus, Bastard?!" Zane yelled.
"Saved his life which I'm sure they told you." Draco bluntly said and looked at the door just as Syrus, Chazz, Bastion and Mana walking in, "You were told that these duels were not a contest of skills, but—"
"Shut up!" Zane yelled, rearing his free hand back.
"Zane!" Syrus yelled out, "Knock it off!"
"Truesdale!" Fortaine yelled out, "If you try anything in this room—"
Zane yelled out, swinging his arm towards Draco, only for his arm to stop in the midst of the swing, "Damn, Alexis! Let go of my arm!" he snarled out.
"It's not Alexis, dumbass." Draco told him, getting Zane to look at the tired Slifer student, before looking at his arm, seeing a transparent black scaled hand holding it. Following the arm holding his, Zane locks eyes with the creature, glaring down at him.
"What the hell?" Zane gasped out.
"If you dare continue to threaten the Young Lord, I'll make sure you'll never duel again!" Sophitia snarled at him.
Zane grinded his teeth, before giving a cocky smile and chuckle, "You really think a Hologram can stop me?"
"There are two facts wrong with your cocky remark." Sophitia growled back, "The first is; if I am a Hologram, how did I stop you?"
"Don't try to act like you are real or smart." Zane spat out, pulling his arm away, but Sophitia kept her grip.
"And the second but most important fact; the Young Lord's Duel Disk is offline." She replied.
Draco tiredly sighed out, getting Zane to glare at him, "She is right." He told Zane, "If she was a Hologram, how is she standing there, holding your arm in place, if my Duel Disk is off?"
Zane continues to glare at Draco, before the Head Nurse sighed heavily, "Zane Truesdale!" She yelled, "For the last time, unhand Draco Kaitos this instant! I don't care what is going on at the moment, but he needs to rest! Put him down or I'll be seeing you in detention for a week!"
"Not until he tells me what he did to Atticus!" Zane yelled back, "What the hell did you do to him?!"
Draco quietly growled, clearly too tired to deal with this, "What I did is none of your fucken business."
"What did you just say?!"
"I just told you." Draco replied, "It's none of your fucken business. Now if I were you, I would take Sophitia's promise of breaking your arm."
Zane didn't loosen his grip on Draco's shirt, until everyone heard Kendov sigh out, walked up to the two boys, and placed his hand on Zane's arm that held Draco.
"And just what do you think this Hologram is doing?!" Zane demanded, before Kendov pressed one claw into Zane's wrist, causing him to yell out and to drop Draco, with a tired grunt.
"Ugh! What the fuck?!" Zane groan out, before Kendov released his arm.
"As a Martial Arts Master I can give out maximum damage with little effort." Kendov explained, "However, if I were to move my finger just one centimeter up, I would have severed the nerve and that hand would have been paralyzed."
Sophitia released his other arm as he grips the wrist and glares at the transparent Fighter, "On a side note." He continued, looking at Draco, "I do apologize for the sudden drop."
"I've been through worse." Draco replied.
"Truesdale!" Fortaine slightly barked, "Out!"
Zane rubbed his wrist heading to the door, the others stepped out of his way before he stopped and glared back at Draco.
"This isn't over between us." He snarls before leaving the Nurse's office.
The two guards stood their stance until Zane was out of sight. Syrus lets out a loud sigh before feeling his shoulder getting tapped as Mana got his attention and lean closer.
"I hate to say it, Syrus." She told him, "Your brother is such an asshole."
"Mana, now is not the time." Alexis stated.
"It's fine, Alexis." Syrus replied, "Zane is an asshole at the moment. The sad thing is he wasn't always like that."
Everyone besides Nurse Fortaine, looked at Syrus, "I still don't know what happened." He stated, "One day he just acted differently."
"You think it was from disappointment." Draco asked.
"And by that, what do you mean?' Alexis asks, looking back at him only to see him passed out again, "Oh, he's out again."
"If you ask me." Sophitia spoke up, getting everyone to look at her, "Whoever the next Shadow Rider is, I hope that duelist bests that boy."
The humans looked at her stunned as Kendov slightly glares at her disapproval, "That is stepping over the line, Royal Guard." He said, "Seeing as that will give these Shadow Rides one victory not just destroying this world, but our world as well."
"I'm not the only one thinking that." Sophitia defended herself, "Everyone else is thinking that, well except Syrus there."
"It's alright." Syrus replied, "I do think Zane does need to get another lose on his record to make him see that even the best can lose."
"However, I don't think against a Shadow Rider.' Kendov stated.
"I do agree." Bastion added, "If anything, I think another duel with Draco will be the best route for it."
"Is it because he beat Zane before?" Chazz asked with a slight mock tone.
"Well, I do see what Bastion is saying." Mana added, "But Draco is in no condition to duel."
"Not at the moment." Kendov stated, before looking at Syrus, "I do understand you only came here to check on the Young Lord as a good friend should."
"That why we all came here, at first." Syrus replied, "But then, Zane started to ask where Draco was and why he defeated the first Shadow Rider."
"And on a similar topic." Kendov stated, looking at Alexis, "The way Zane acted with seeing your brother. Were they...?"
Alexis looked slightly confused to his lingering question, "If you are asking if they were best friends, then yes, they still are." She replied.
"That's not what I'm asking." Kendov replied, "What I'm trying to ask is; how can I put this in a more civilize way?"
Everyone stared at the Fighter as he tries to find the right words, "I guess the best way to put it; Is Zane and your brother like you and the Young Lor—"
"Ok! That is going in the very personal Information!' Fortaine suddenly spoke up and caused Alexis' face to flush.
"Oh god no!" she yelled out flaying her arms, "When I started the Academy last year, I always saw Atticus with a girl on a date pretty much every day!"
Kendov lightly chuckled, shaking his head, "I do apologize for the assumption, Alexis." He said, "It was the only thing I could think of, based on how Zane acted."
"Alright, I think everyone needs to go back to their day." Fortaine stated, then looked at Syrus and Mana, "I know you two and the others came to check on Draco, but he is currently resting."
The four students that came in, all nod their head before leaving one by one. Nurse Fortaine then looked at the two Guards, "And you two, either disappear or leave. Not only am I trying to do my job, but trying to work with two Duel Monsters that are not holograms—"
"We do understand the situation." Sophitia replied, interrupting her, "But Kendov and I cannot leave the Young Lord unguard."
"We have to wait for our replacements." Kendov added, right before three Dragon Guards appeared in the room, Alexis slightly jumped in her sit as Fortaine, nearly yelled and lean as far back in her chair as possible.
"Zooruvhun, Zahkriirith, Rith?" Kendov asked the newly arrived Guards, "Are you three here to replace myself and Sophitia?"
The larger of the three fully armored Guards gave a grunt and a nod, "And whose post are you replacing, Zooruvhun?" The Fighter asked, before the grey armored dragon points to Kendov.
"Very well. Sophitia, you heard him."
"Of course, Kendov." The Royal Guard replied, then looked at the brothers, "Hope you two know, my post is outside this room."
The two similar dragons nod their heads before proceeding to faze through the office door. Nurse Fortaine sighed out, leaning forward, and placed her head in her hands groaning out.
"This day is just going to be one massive headache, isn't it?" she asked the Guards.
"You should count yourself lucky." Sophitia stated, "You got the three silent Guards today."
"And how is that 'lucky'?" she asked, "I still have three Duel Monsters around me."
"It's not as hard as it seems." Alexis stated, "I've had a few of them hanging with me for months."
"Before we leave, Kendov." Sophitia said, "Zooruvhun, is our Healer returning?"
He gives the Royal Guard a head nod, before she and Kendov faded back into their world, leaving Alexis and Nurse Fortaine with the intimidating armored dragon, as he leans into the wall between the two beds.
"I don't know if this is any better than the last two." Fortaine stated.
"Why do you say that, Nurse Fortaine?' Alexis asked, looking back at her dorm's head.
"Well, his size for one thing." She replied, "We are the only ones that can see him, right?"
Zooruvhun just waved his hand slightly, in a so-so signal, "What does that supposed to mean?' Fortaine asked the Guard. He then looked at Alexis giving a hand gesture for some translations.
"Oh, right." She realized what Zooruvhun was trying to say, "Nurse Fortaine, this Guard can't speak."
"What? He took the vow of silence?" she asked jokingly, getting a stern huff form him.
"No, not a vow of silence. Draco told us he got a really bad wound to the throat." Alexis explained.
Zooruvhun then left his head up slightly, showing Nurse Fortaine the large scar right on his throat, "What the? How is he alive?!" she asked, "That wound should have killed him."
It was then Vahraniik reappeared in the room, looking more energize then before, "That would be, thanks to my skills." She said, "However, I did stop the bleeding to save his life, but not his voice."
Vahraniik sat next to Alexis and began to look over Draco, hovering her hands over him as he continued to rest, "Well, this is a surprised."
"What?" Alexis asked, slightly concerned.
"The Young Lord's flame, it's close to those handheld torches." Vahraniik replied, "It's like between the candle and fireplace that I said about his flame phases of his power returning."
"So, you are saying that Draco is recovering much more quickly than you thought?" Fortaine asked the Healer.
"That is correct." She replied, "How many times has he woken up today?"
"Twice." Alexis answered, "Is that a good sign?"
"A very good sign." She replied, "He was always a fast healer, though he did try to get out of eating the herbs I made for him to help him, when he was sick."
"Let me guess." Fortaine said, with a smirk, "He takes one bite, tastes how bitter it is and says that one bite made him all better and try to run from you?"
Vahraniik giggles lightly with a bright smile, "Indeed, every time." After examining Draco, she turned around facing Atticus, "Alright, now for Atticus, I just need to see how his mind is recovering."
She looked over Atticus before noticing sweat droplets on his forehead, "Hmm, excuse me, Fortaine, was it?"
"It's actually Nurse Fortaine, Ma'am." She replied.
"Well, technically, I am older than you, but now is not the time for us to bicker." The Healer replied, "Would you mind getting a cloth soaked in cold water?"
Getting a surprise stare, before walking over the medical cloth cabinet and getting one out, soaked it with cold water, "Ok what do you need this for?' she asked.
"Place it across Atticus' forehead." Vahraniik replied, "I forgot about this, when unlocking someone's memories they tend to run a fever."
Fortaine quickly walked over and placed the cold cloth on his forehead, as Vahraniik began to use her skills to scan his memories, her hands lightly glowing as she closed her eyes. During the scan, she gave some facial expressions of concern, before opening her eyes and the glow fading.
"Well, nothing bad." She stated, "But it does seem to be taking longer than I thought."
"So, this Night Shroud really didn't want him to regain his mind?" Alexis asked.
"Correct, but you have nothing to worry about." The Healer replied, "Your brother is very strong minded, if Night Shroud tried to enter his mind, I think even now, Atticus can fight him off."
Alexis gave a small smile as both care takers looked after them. Meanwhile, with rest of the friend circle heading to the Slifer Dorm, mostly talking about schoolwork or how Zane acted, before the subject got to the Shadow Riders.
"So, any of you guys have an idea on the next Shadow Rider?" Chazz asked.
"I honestly have no idea." Bastion stated, "But I do know this, once we learn what deck, I can start to build a deck to counter it."
"But somewhat changing the subject." Syrus said, "Mana? Have you gotten hold of Jasmine or Mindy?"
"I have left a text for them but knowing what they went through. I don't blame them wanting to be just by themselves."
"Tell me." Chazz sudden spoke, "Is it really that bad?"
"You did hear Mrs. Wheeler, right?" Syrus asked, "The Shadow Game she played with that Marek character? She was losing her memories of everyone she cared about."
"And that was just her Shadow Game." Mana stated, "The one who initiates the Shadow Game can decide what happens to the duelists in the Duel."
The others stopped in their tracks and began to think the situation over, "So, not only do we need to know their deck strategy, but we also need to be ready for whatever they put us through." Bastion stated.
They all began to ponder the thought before a PDA chimed off, getting them to yelp in surprise, but quickly relax that it was just one of them getting a call. After they all checked, it was confirmed it was Chazz going off, looking over the flipped screen, seeing the caller ID, "Calling: Dr. Crowler"
"I knew I should have gone there." He muttered, before answering the call, "Yes, Dr. Crowler?"
"Ah there you are, Mr. Princeton." Dr. Crowler replied, "The crew that was building that addition to the Slacker—I mean Slifer Dorm, said they need you for a final look over."
"We were on our way there." Chazz replied, "I knew they were going to need me to look everything over."
"Well, it was better safe than you, Ms. Ishtar, or Mr. Misawa to be out in the open." Crowler remarked.
"We understand that." Chazz replied, "But if that Shadow Rider was going to strike, he should have done it by now."
"Well, whoever this next person is, he should know better than attack this school."
Chazz stated they will be there shortly, before hanging up. The four of them continued out of the Main Building, making their way to the Dorm, with Mana still glaring at Chazz.
"Ok, addressing this right now." Chazz suddenly spoke up, "It was going to be my personal dorm room while I was in the Red Dorm."
"'Was'?" Mana asked, "Yes." Chazz remarked, "After the meeting about the Shadow Riders, I went back to the building team and told them to change the lay out."
"So, what is it now?" Syrus asked, "You'll see, when we can move Draco out of the Nurse's Office." Chazz replied.
"Which would be in two days." Bastion stated, "Unless say, the Shadow Rider arrives much sooner than we think."
"Bastion, don't jinx us." Mana slightly complained.
"The chances of such a thing to happen after just saying it, is mathematically 1.4 million to one." (Yes, I made that math up. No, I don't actually know the math behind those coincidences.)
The four of them made their way to the Slifer Dorm, exiting the main building, upon doing so Ojama Yellow realized how long they were in the building, looking at the sunset over the vast ocean.
"You have to admit, this place does have a nice view of the sun setting and raising." He stated.
"Ugh! You say that every time!" Chazz groaned out, "Every time you see the sun rising or setting you have to mention it!"
Syrus, Mana, and Bastion stared at Chazz as he yelled loudly into the air, causing them to look at each other in both concern and confusing, "Umm, Chazz?" Syrus cautiously spoke.
"What?!" He huffed out, looking over at them.
"Why are you yelling at nothing?" Mana asked, annoyed.
"I'm yelling at Yellow!" Chazz snapped back, pointing to the air next to him.
"It looks like you are just yelling and now pointing to nothing." Bastion stated.
Chazz looked at Yellow then back at them, "You can't see him?"
Each one of them shook their heads, "You can't make yourself usefully, and let them see you?!" Chazz yelled out.
"I explained it to you, Boss." Yellow replied, "Strong monsters, like the Dragon Guards can make themselves seen by others if they wish."
"So, you're saying being a weakling, you can't be seen by anyone?" Chazz asked.
"I can only be seen and heard by anyone who spent years with Duel Spirits and by you only." Yellow replied with a smile.
"Are you fucking kidding me?!" Chazz yelled out.
"Yeah, keep yelling into the air, that'll make you less crazy." Mama mocked, smirking.
"You know damn well I'm not yelling into the air!" He snarled back, "Could have fooled me."
"Will you both stop?!" Syrus yelled out, "This isn't helping anyone with you two bitching about who did what!"
The others stared at the young Slifer as he slightly panted, "Have you ever stopped to think that maybe, this is what those Shadow Riders want?! All of you arguing with each other instead of working together?!" Syrus continued.
"That is possible." Bastion theorized, "But, they don't seem to know who has a Key."
"Then how did Night Shroud know Draco was a Key Bearer?" Mana asked, "You don't think they can sense them?"
"What about that strange broken necklace he was wearing?" Chazz suggested.
"But that just vanished after Draco won." Syrus stated, "I just don't know why."
They looked at each other trying to figure everything out, before Chazz's PDA chimed off again, once again answering it.
"Mr. Princeton! These kind gentlemen who worked hard are still waiting for your final approval for the job." Crowler said on the other side, before hanging up. They looked at each other, before Chazz sighed out and quickly made his way to the dorm with the others close behind him. Once at the Dorm, Crowler is trying his best to keep the crew calm down before the head construction worker walked pass Crowler and towards Chazz.
"There you are Mr. Princeton." He said slightly irritated, "My team and I finished about an hour ago. I need you to look over the final work of this attachment to the building."
"Alright, let me have a look at it." Chazz told the man. He walked over to the man as he looked at his tablet of the inside of new structure, swiping through the images, before smiling at the final results.
"This is just what I was looking for." Chazz said, "Are the keys all done as well?"
"Of course, they are done, we had an hour of waiting." The man replied, handing over five key cards to Chazz, before whistling to his team and they all began to gather their equipment and head to the docks to leave the island.
"Care to tell me why you have five keys for this one small building?" Crowler asked his student.
"These are the keys for the room." Chazz replied.
"So, you did make it into a five-star suite." Mana mocked out.
"If I did, then why the hell did I want five keys for it?" Chazz spat out, "There's one of each of the Key Bearer."
"But there are seven Key Bearers." Bastion pointed out.
"OK, first off; Dr. Crowler has his own office." Chazz stated, "And secondly; you saw how Zane acted. He wants to do this on his own without help."
Bastion then nodded in agreement, before Chazz handed him a Key Card, looking to Mana, Chazz just toss the Key Card to her.
"If you lose it, don't expect to get another one." He told her, as he handed the third Key Card to Syrus.
"Wait, I'm not a Key Bearer." Syrus stated to Chazz.
"That is for Draco." Chazz stated, "I figured since you are always with him, it can be counted as your key as well."
"So, that just leaves that last Key." Syrus pointed out, "It must be for Alexis."
"It is." He replied, "But seeming the time I can give it to her, with the curfew and all."
"Which I am sure, she is still in the Nurse's office." Crower stated, "I'll hand her the key when I head back—"
Crowler was stopped as a sudden loud crash and the sound of rushing water was heard, "What in the world was that?!" they all shouted in unison.
A few minutes earlier, Vahraniik finished her mind scan of Atticus, and spent the rest of the late afternoon talking with Alexis and Fortaine, as well as check Draco's Flame every once and a while as Fortaine changed the cloth over Atticus' forehead.
"I guess today was kind of a safe day for everyone." Vahraniik spoke up.
"Oh? What makes you say that?" Fortaine asked, skeptically.
"Well, for starters; not all day has anything happen to the other Key Bearers. I think after Night Shroud failed, the yare rethinking how to approach us now."
"You really think that, Vahraniik?" Alexis asked, "I believe so." She replied, "It happens a lot, once someone fights with us Dragon Guards, the enemy always retreats and rethink the attack strategy, while we do the same."
"You are talking like actual battles?" Fortaine asked, "Not duels?"
"Afraid that I am." Vahraniik replied, "Things in the Duel Spirit World is quite different than here. For our world it's like different time eras. You have the era we come from like some sort of Mediaeval time, and then there is one for the Dinosaur Monsters, and even like a modern section like your World, where those 'HERO' Monsters watch over. Or was it fight over?"
Alexis' PDA sudden chimed off getting a small surprise gasp before retrieving it from her right pocket, "A text from Jasmine?" she questioned, before opening it up and reading it.
Vahraniik and Fortaine looked at each other than to Alexis for a moment before the Grand Healer cleared her throat politely.
"So, being nosey here." She stated, "What does it say?"
"I believe it's between her and her friends." Fortaine spoke up, "It's fine." Alexis reassured, "She said that she and Mindy just pass Syrus and the others and are on their way here."
"What made them to come out of the Dorm room?" Fortaine asked, concern about her students.
"Well, let me see." Alexis replied, "She says, they had encouragement from some new friends."
The three ladies looked at each other, before Vahraniik began to chuckle softly while shaking her head, "Oh, I can think of two new friends she is speaking of."
Alexis began to ponder the thought before she too smiled, "The Princesses?"
"The Princesses."
"I'm a little lost here." Fortaine spoke up, "We are speaking of Kulaas and Suraasven." Vahraniik explained, "They are the Dragon Princesses of Water and Wind."
"You see, Nurse Fortaine." Alexis added, "After I learn of Draco's secret and to help me with the whole 'Duel Monsters are real' Draco had Vahraniik, Kulaas and Suraasven, be the three that would be around me the most."
"At first we were only allowing Alexis to see and hear us," The Healer continued, "but ever since that Shadow Game with Night Shroud, and the two friends of Alexis has seen Sophitia, Suraasven and Drake, we figured they might as well be in the loop."
"And that includes myself?" the nurse asked, "Well, it was but we didn't count on you thinking we were a dream." Vahraniik replied, "Speaking of, I think it's good that your friends are in the loop Alexis, however I think Her Highness will have opposite thoughts."
"I did figure that Draco's mother will have a few things to say." Alexis stated, "But given what happened, you think she'll under—"
A sudden crash stopped Alexis as she lets out a frighten gasp looking out the window as Zooruvhun got into a battle-ready stance, standing between the window and Draco's bed as the Slasher Brothers faze into the room drawing their twin blades facing the door just in case.
"What was that?!" Alexis panted out, I…I have no idea." Vahraniik added.
"What are you two talking about?" Fortaine asked, getting all five of them to look at her.
"Ms. Fortaine? You didn't hear that loud crash?" Alexis asked her, "What loud crash?" she asked.
"Zooruvhun!" The sudden yelling got them all to look at the window, seeing Gahlot fazing through it, "Look at the lake that is between those Blue Dorms!"
Zooruvhun crossed over the bed as Zahkriirith and Rith began to move towards the window, before Zooruvhun turned back and held a hand and let out a huff and the two stopped in their tracks as he fazed through the window and hovered next to Gahlot, looking out to the lake. Alexis stood up and walked to the window, opening it and looked at the two guards before outward seeing a strange silhouette of a structure, in the setting sun. Gasping softly, Alexis quickly turned and ran out of the Nurse's Office, before Fortaine could stop her.
"Alexis where are you going?" Fortaine yelled out, before Alexis was out of view. As Alexis ran out of the main building, she wasn't aware she ran pass Jasmine and Mindy. Down by the Lake shore between the Blue Dorms, Alexis met up with the other Key Bearers, as they all looked at what seemed to be a mediaeval castle with a strange fog surrounding it, as the sun fully sets over the ocean covering the area in an unsettling night.
"What kind of sick joke is this?!" Crowler demanded, looking at the obviously large building that NOBODY could make in a day.
"I don't think it's a joke, Dr. Crowler." Alexis stated.
"Well, I agree with that." Bastion said, "But Alexis, what proof do you have?"
"Well, I was in the Nurse's Office and I heard a large crash." She replied, "But the strange thing was, Nurse Fortaine said she didn't hear the crash."
Everyone looked at her, "Ms. Fortaine, didn't hear it?" Crowler asked, as Alexis nods her head.
"So only the Key Bearers heard it?" Zane asked Zane asked, before glaring at Syrus, "So, how did Syrus hear the crash? He's no Bearer."
"Maybe, he heard it, cause he is always around us?!" Mana slightly snapped.
Before Zane could remark on Mana's comment, the sound a loud, large doors creaking open, everyone looked back at the castle, seeing the doors slowly opening and the large drawbridge lowering, linking the castle to the lake shore. A large swarm of bats flutter out of the opening doors, scattering to the night sky, before a woman slowly walks out of the castle, wearing a dark crimson dress, long green hair stopping at her waist, giving a confident smirk as she stared at the Key Bearers with her yellow eyes.
"You are the Key Bearers?' she asked in a mocking tone, "Hmph! Not very impressive."
"What the hell did you just say?!" Zane ordered, "Just who do you think you are, to declare that I am not impressive?!"
"She did say all of us, idiot." Mana said under her breath, "A low life such as yourself doesn't have the right to demand who I am." The woman replied.
Before Zane could say anything else, Crowler stepped forward standing between his students and the woman, "I'm afraid, I can't let you disrespect my students." He stated, "I may have to teach you some manners."
Crowler pulled out the Dueling Vest he used during the Entrance exams, before the woman began to chuckle softly, "Vat? You are going to duel me?"
"As a teacher, I will keep my students from that you might bring." Crowler told her, as the woman let out a "Hmph!" and extend her left arm out, showing a rather large bracelet before it opened up, revealing to be a Duel Disk with the filed looking like a bat wing.
"You show me some manners?" she mocked, "How could a child teach one that had century to learn them?"
"And exactly what does that mean?" Crowler asked, "You are but a child compared to me." She replied, giving a chilling smirk as two large fangs was shown, "Because, I am close of being 20 centuries old."
"Excuse me?!" Crowler gasped, "Too put it simply for a simple creature like yourself, I lived just as long as 2000 humans." She replied.
"No human can live that long." Bastion stated, getting a loud almost animal-like snarl from the woman, "I am nothing like you veak mortals! I am immortal! The name is Camula, but you shall address as me as 'Mistress'!" she ordered them, as her Duel Disk become fully activated as Crowler activated his vest.
"DUEL!"
Camula LP: 4000
Crowler LP: 4000
A few moments earlier, in the Nurse's Office after Alexis ran out, Nurse Fortaine looked at the two guards hovering out of the window with the other three in the center of the room, looking at the Grand Healer with a stare that demands an answer.
"I know what you are going to ask me." Vahraniik told her, "You want to know what's going on."
"That's right." Fortaine replied, "So, care to explain?"
Vahraniik stood up and walked pass the Academy Nurse and to the window, "Gahlot!" she slightly barked, getting the other Dragoness' attention, "What's going on out there?"
"A strange castle suddenly appeared in the lake." Gahlot replied, "I think it might be the next Shadow Rider."
"We better hope that it doesn't come for the Young Lord." The Healer stated, before two gasps were heard and four swords being drawn, as Vahraniik and Fortaine looked at the door, before two more Dragonesses appeared.
"Whoa! Slasher Brothers put your weapons away!" Suraasven ordered them, "These two humans are friends." Kulaas added.
The two Guards looked at each other before sheathing their swords, "Jasmine. Mindy." Fortaine said, "What brings you two here?"
"Well, we have been in our dorm for about two days." Jasmine replied, "And we figured Alexis would be here." Mindy added.
"She was." Vahraniik told them, "But she ran out before you arrived."
"You didn't see her as you walked here?" Fortaine asked her students, they both looked at each.
"I didn't see her. Did you Mindy?"
"No, I didn't."
"That's surprising." Vahraniik stated, looking at the Princesses, "And it's a surprise you two didn't see her."
"Well, we were a little busy making sure Jasmine and Mindy were alright with what has happened to them and to get them use to us." Kulaas told the Healer, "Which was surprisingly only the whole day."
"How did it take only a day when it took Alexis weeks?" Vahraniik asked.
"Well, all they did was just hung with us in the dorm and talked all day." Mindy replied, "I'm guessing with Alexis it was more of trying to keep it a secret?"
"Yeah, that must be why it took longer for her." Suraasven, "Now, Vahraniik? What is this about a castle?"
"Well, they said a castle suddenly appeared in the lake between the two Blue Dorms." Fortaine told them, as the two Princesses looked at each other.
"You think that was the loud crash we heard, Kulaas?" The Wind Princess asked.
"Maybe, but it was weird that Jasmine asked us about it." Kulaas replied.
"Then it's not a coincidence." The Healer muttered, "What was that?" Kulaas asked.
"The Nurse here didn't hear the crash either, only Alexis, myself, Gahlot, and Zooruvhun heard it." She replied, "And you two as well, which only means it had to be the Shadow Riders."
Draco suddenly snapped his eyes open, before grunting and groaning loudly, struggling to sit up on the bed, "Whoa, whoa, whoa! Draco! What are you doing?" Suraasven called out, getting everyone to look at him as he struggled to push himself up.
"No, you don't young man!" Fortaine told him, placing a hand on his shoulder.
"D-don't try to stop me!" He slightly snarls back, causing the Nurse to gasp lightly and jump back as he got to sit himself on the bed as he panted heavily, looking up at them as Jasmine and Mindy gasped as they see his eyes being slits.
"Young Lord," Vahraniik spoke up, "You still need to rest, you are forcing yourself to move too soon."
"Hah-hah Va-Vahraniik." Draco panted out, "They n-need to know the danger th-they are facing."
"My Lord," Gahlot spoke up, "Seeing what you went through, I'm sure they know the danger they are going to be in."
"No." He groaned out, gritting his teeth as he swung his legs off the bed and struggled more to stand up, as he did, he suddenly collapsed and groaned out. Vahraniik and the Princesses began to move towards him to help but realized they could help.
"Jasmine? Mindy?" Draco groaned out, looking at his friends, as they are still shocked by the state of his eyes, "I need your help."
The two girls looked at him before Mindy gulped loudly, "So-so, you have control over whatever is going on with you?" She asks.
"N-never lost control of my in-instincts." Draco panted out, "Now, please hurry. S-someone c-could lose their soul."
The two Obelisks quickly got over to the Slifer, helping him to get to his feet and hanging an arm around their neck, getting a stern glare from their Dorm Head and the Grand Healer.
"Zooruvhun, Zahkriirith, Rith." Draco spoke up, getting the three named Guards to look at him, "Tag long just in case."
The three armored Dragons slammed one of their fists into their chests, giving a "clang" of the metal, confirming they are obeying the order.
As the six of them left, Vahraniik sighed out and lean into the wall, rubbing her eyes, "I shouldn't be surprised." She stated, "When the Young Lord has made up his mind, nothing can stop him."
"He still needs to stay in bed." Fortaine stated, "I do agree with you." The Healer replied, "But the Young Lord has always been like that, putting the safety of others before his own health."
Down at the lake, the duel finally got underway after a bit of banter.
(Flashback)
"Very vell." Camula stated, "I vill begin ze duel."
"Pardon me?"" Crowler asked, "You trespass on to our Academy grounds, act like you own the place, and you expect I'm LETTING you go first?!"
Camula glares from her hand to the teacher, "If you vere a gentleman," she stated, "You vould let a beautiful voman like myself to go first."
"Age before beauty, lady." Crowler snapped back, "Zat statement doesn't make sense." She snapped back, "Since I am older zan you, I'll still be going first."
"Oh, drop the cosplay act already!"
"Dr. Crowler, if I may?" bastion spoke up, getting the two duelists attention, "If I am correct, the one who challenges the other to a duel has the right of deciding who goes first."
"Well, that is true Mr. Misawa." Crowler replied, "But I am the one that challenged her."
"However, she is the one that is technically a guest." Bastion pointed out, "As much as I hate to admit it, she is the one challenging us."
(Flashback ends.)
"Now zen." Camula said, drawing her card, "I'll summon my Zombie Verevolf in attack mode." She placed her card on her Duel Disk, before a Werewolf creature appeared on her field, wearing only ripped pants from "transforming" as well as have two shackles on his wrists with broken chains before it raised it's head and howled loudly at the moon.
Zombie Werewolf
DARK Attribute Level 4
Zombie/Effect
ATK/1200 : DEF/1200
"Zat is all I vill do."
"Why would she place a weak monster in Attack Mode?" Syrus asked, "I know you do that as bait when you have face down cards, but she doesn't have any."
"I agree with you Syrus." Bastion stated, "It's like she wants to see if Dr. Crowler will attack or not."
"I draw!" Crowler announced, looking through his hand, "Well, this one is definitely stronger than your mongrel." He stated with a grin, "I summon Ancient Gear Knight, in Attack Mode."
Appearing on Crowler's field looked like a small version of Ancient Gear Golem, the difference was not only the size bit the left hand was a large cog wheel acting like a shield and the right hand was a metal piece shaped into a lance.
Ancient Gear Knight
EARTH Attribute Level 4
Machine/Gemini/Effect
ATK/1800 : DEF/500
"Now, my Knight! Spear them!" Crowler ordered. He Knight lundged itself forward charging at the Werewolf, before thrusting it's right arm out, impaling the large wolf. The wolf let out a painfilled snarl, grabbing hold of the spear as it thrust more into it, before the wolf whined out as the spear came out of the back, the Knight then basked the wolf with its shield removing the spear form the mid-section of the were beast, and causing it lay on the ground in front of Camula before it began to turn to dust and be blown by the wind.
Camula LP: 4000-3400
"How very predictable of you." Camula said calmly, "By destroying my servant you allowed me to summon it form my deck, but more powerful."
As she spoke a second Werewolf appeared but looking more vicious than the previous one.
Zombie Werewolf
ATK/1200-1700
"So sad, it came up short." Crowler mocked, "I'll place one card face down and end my turn."
Camula smirks as she drew her card and looked over to Crowler, "Vell, this spell should take care of zat Trap you have." She said, "I activate Giant Trunade." A powerful gust of wind began to blow over the field, before Crowler's face down card disintegrated from the field.
"Well, it was a good thing I placed that card down." Crowler said, "Just to see what you would do to stay safe." "Actually, that was smart, but I can't admit it to her."
"And now I activate my Continuous Spell, Pyramid of Wonders." Camula said, the Spell's image showed an underground cavern with a small river and on the cave's ceiling a light blue glowing pyramid. The pyramid suddenly appeared above her side of the field, giving off its chilling and sinister glow, causing her Werewolf to snarl out as its eyes began to glow red for blood.
Zombie Werewolf
ATK/1700-1900
"What the?!" Crowler gasped out, "How did your monster get more Attack Points?!"
"Zat would be the power of my Pyramid." Camula replied, "My vonderful servants gain 200 extra Attack for every Monster you control. Now my servant, destroy zat pile of scrap!"
The Werewolf roared out, before it charged forward, swinging both of its hands down, slicing the Ancient Gear Knight with its claws through the machine, before it explodes, sending a shockwave back to Crowler as he groaned out.
Crowler LP:4000-3900
As the pieces of his Ancient Gear go flying through the air, Crowler lets out a startling yelp as a sharp piece cut his face.
"What is the meaning of this?!" he demanded, "How did a hologram cut my face?!"
"You are such a child to believe zis is a normal duel." Camula mocked with a laugh.
"What are you saying?!"
"It's a Shadow Game, Doc." A tired voice spoke up. Everyone looked to the source, seeing Jasmine and Mindy holding Draco up as he pants out, "In a Shadow Game, the monsters are real."
"I don't know how you know so much about Shadow Games, boy." Camula said, slightly annoyed, "But I do heat it when someone ruins the surprise!"
"I've been in two Shadow Games." Draco growled, "And the reason I am so tired is from my last one against Night Shroud!"
"That is no great completion." Camula mocked, "He vas veak. Ve knew he vould fail."
Draco glares at her tiredly, before Alexis ran over to help her friends hold him up, "Draco what were you thinking?" she asked him, "You are clearly nowhere ready to be moving."
"That's what Nurse Fortaine and that one dragon told him." Jasmine told her, "but he said he needed to tell everyone of the dangers of this duel."
"I know of the dangers since I saw him in the last duel." Alexis said.
"No." Draco replied, "This one is far worse."
"How can you tell if you weren't here when she arrived?" Mana asked him. The others began to think as to how he knew until Chazz and Syrus looked at each other in a realization.
"Does it have to do with your instincts?" Syrus asked, "It does, little buddy." Draco replied, "Has she said anything that sounds too suspicious?"
"Well, she did say all of us were not impressive." Mana replied.
"Which is a lie." Zane remarked, "The only ones that are worth any Shadow Riders time are Alexis and myself."
"Shut up." Draco groaned out, "You haven't dueled in a Shadow game yet and therefore have no say in it."
"Not to mention you didn't state the important fact." Chazz shot out, "She said she's been alive for centuries."
Draco looked surprised by that fact, looking over to the Shadow Rider, "Hey, am I crazy or does she have fangs?"
"She does and Dr. Crowler believes she is cosplaying." Bastion stated.
"I don't think she is." Draco remarked.
"how can you tell?" Mindy asked, "Her scent." He replied, "Her scent doesn't smell anything like a human."
"As if a human could tell by your veak nose to smell my vonderful scent!" Camula spat out.
"How about the fact I'm not a human myself?" Draco shot back, "Now everything makes sense. Your scent, those fangs, and that chill my instincts are giving off. You're an actually living Vampire."
Everyone's eyes widen, except for Zane who just rolled his eyes, "How stupid can you get?" He mocked, "Vampires don't exist."
"I am ze last of my kind." Camula stated, "It vas you vermin who killed everyone zat I loved. I have been promised in a Blood Oath that my people vill be resurrected and the descendants of the humans that killed my people vill pay vith zeir lives and freedom!"
"No that is going a step too far!" Crowler yelled, "I'm now going to start my turn and continue this duel!"
"Just remember one thing Doc." Draco spoke out, "To end this nightmare, you have to win."
"I plan to, my boy." Crowler replied, "I Activate Pot of Greed, and I won't explain what it does since everyone knows this card well." Crowler drew his two cards and seem to smirk at his knew cards, "First I'll activate Ancient Gear Castle!"
Appearing behind Crowler was an old stone castle, that had many cogs in it as they turn and clank, as many cannons began to take aim, "What this spell does, it gives my Ancient Gears 300 more attack, and each time a monster is summon, this card gets a Counter." Crowler explained.
"So, vat?" Camula mocked, "Zat won't help you."
"And if I need to tribute summon an Ancient Gear Monster, "Crowler continued, "I can send my Castle to the grave with the number of Counters to summon the monster."
"That can be helpful to get his strongest card out." Bastion pointed out.
"Now I'll continue my turn by summoning Ancient Gear Soldier!" Crowler placed his second Ancient Gear appeared to have its right arm looking like a proto-machine gun, taking a knee and aiming at the Werewolf.
Ancient Gear Soldier
EARTH Attribute Level 4
Machine/Effect
ATK/1600 : DEF/1300 (ATK Boost of Ancient Gear Castle)
Ancient Gear Castle Counter count 1
"Hmm, too bad." Camula taunted, "It fell short."
"Oh, I don't think so." Crowler replied, "I now activate Ancient Gear Tank, this Equip Spell will give one of my Ancient Gear monsters 600 Extra attack!"
Crowler slid the Equip card under his Soldier and a two-wheel ancient motorcycle, that looks nothing like a tank, with a large cannon in front of it as the Soldier sat down revving the engine.
Ancient Gear Soldier
ATK/1600-2200
"Zat can't be right!" Camula shouted, "The math is right." Crowler replied, "Now my Soldier, attack! Ancient Tank Fire!"
The Soldier took aim before the front cannon let out a loud bang and a second later a fiery explosion right where Camula's Werewolf was standing.
Camula LP:3400-3100
However, once more another Werewolf appeared on the field, "Is sat all?" She mocked, "Unfortunately, it is." He replied. Camula drew her card and just smiled, "I now activate, Book of Life." She announced, "I can revive one of my Zombie monsters from the Grave and in turn remove one of yours from the Grave."
"it lets you do what?!" Crowler gasped, as his Graveyard shot out his Knight and hers shot out one of her Zombie Werewolves, she took it and placed it on the field, the second Werewolf roaring out.
"But my second servant vill not stay." Camula said, "I sacrifice my Verevolf to summon Vampire Lord!"
The weaker of the two wolves, suddenly turned to dust, before it burst into a swarm of bats, flying in circles before they manifested a well-dressed man, very pale sky with light blue short hair and a strange cape held in place by a large hand.
Vampire Lord
DARK Attribute Level 5
Zombie/Effect
ATK/2200 : DEF/1500 (Pyramid of Wonders Boost)
Ancient Gear Castle Counter count 2
"Well, it seems we both have a strong monster now." Crowler stated.
"Vampire Lord attack zat trash can!" Camula ordered, the Vampire just smirked before sending a swarm of bats flying towards Crowler's monster, in return the Soldier fired another round from its tank.
"I'll now use the other benefit of my Pyramid." Camula stated, "By sending to the Graveyard my Zombie will be safe from battle destruction."
"Wait, what?!" Crowler gasped out.
"Hold on, wouldn't her monster also lose that boost from it?" Syrus asked.
"I don't think so." Draco stated, "I think it's after the battle, Crowler will be defenseless."
The pyramid above Camula's field shatters and the pieces fall right into front of Vampire Lord shielding him from the Tank's cannon fire as the bats he sent out swarm the Soldier and the Tank before they both explode in a fiery explosion, Camula smirk at the destruction but it vanished as Crowler smiled back.
Zombie Werewolf
ATK/1900-1700
Vampire Lord
ATK/2200-2000
"Vat? Vhy are vou smiling?!" she demanded, "I'm smiling because you fail to notice something." Crowler replied, pointing upwards. Camula looked up as multiple metal shards began to rain down upon her, causing her to groan out before glaring at Crowler.
Camula LP: 3100-2500
"Vat the hell vas zat!?" she hissed out, "That was the ability of my Ancient Gear Tank." Crowler replied, "If it goes to the Graveyard from the Field, you lose 600 Life Points."
"Zombie Verevolf, Slice him to ribbons!" Camula ordered as the Werewolf howled out before charging towards Crowler and swung its claws down, ripping at his clothes and making him yell in pain.
Crowler LP: 3900-2200
"That really hurt!" Crowler whined out, "Zat's right." Camula mocked, "Vine like ze lesser creature zat you are!"
"Draco wasn't joking at all." Crowler thought, "This is real! No Hologram could tear through clothes like that!"
"Oh, man." Mana said, "She took the lead."
"Indeed." Bastion added, "But the Duel is too close."
"Come on Doc!" Draco roared out, getting him to snap out of his frighten trance, however, weaken himself as the three girls held him up, "You're going to let some undead bitch beat you?!"
"What do you mean?" Crowler asked the Slifer, "I mean show her why you are the head of the Blue Boy Dorm! Teach her a lesson!"
Crowler looked at his student, seeing the fire in his tired eyes, before he too gave a stare of confidants back, "He's right." Crowler stated, "As a teacher, it is my sworn duty to educate these students and to ensure they never get hurt by people like you!"
Crower drew his next card and gave his signature grin, "Well, it seems I will be ending this duel." He stated, "I send Ancient Gear Castle to the Graveyard with its two Counters."
The old Castle began to crumble, but also transform, as the rocks and some cannon fall off some of the cogs and gears began to take a new shape.
"I now summon Ancient Gear Golem!" Crowler announced as his monster finished assembling itself and stood up, towering over the others.
Ancient Gear Golem
EARTH Attribute Level 8
Machine/Effect
ATK/3000 : DEF/3000
"Vat?!" Camula gasped out, "Zat can't be!"
"Ancient Gear Golem, attack!" Crowler ordered, "Mechanize Melee that mongrel!"
The large machine reared it's fist back before plummeting right on top of the Werewolf, destroying it as Camula grunts out in frustration.
Camula LP:2500-1200
"That is all I will do." Crowler told Camula, who suddenly began to chuckle to herself, "Trying to make it like you are still going to win I see."
"Oh, I am going to vin." She replied, drawing her card, "I use my Pot of Greed." She drew her two cards, and her grin grew wider, "Now, I activate my second Pyramid of Vonders!"
Once more the eerie Pyramid returns as the Vampire Lord gave a blood thirsty grin.
Vampire Lord
ATK/2000-2200
"I don't see how that will help you." Crowler said, "Your monster is still weaker than my Golem."
"I now activate the Spell Card, Vampire Eyes!" Camula announced, as the Hologram of the card appeared showing one classic Vampire with red glowing eyes and behind him a large pair of red glowing eyes.
"I never heard of that card." Bastion said, before looking at Draco.
"First time I heard of this card myself." He replied.
"This turn my Vampire Lord is able to attack you directly!" Camula roared out, cackling like a mad woman, "You said you vere ending zis duel? You are wrong! I am! Vampire Lord fetch me his soul!"
The Lord, this time, launched himself towards Crowler baring his fangs as he let out a vampiric hiss as he approached the Golem, before transforming into a swarm of bats and reforming back once the bats got behind the Golem, causing Crowler to shriek out, before the Vampire Lord bit his neck.
Crowler LP:2200-0
Everyone watched in horror as Crowler began to glow blue in an eerie light as the Vampire Lord let him go and Camula stood there smirking with pride. Crowler looked back at his students.
"I guess I failed as a teacher, didn't I?" he asked them, "Well, I guess I have no choice, it's up to you to make sure they don't win."
The light from Crowler got brighter causing the Students to shield her eyes. Once the light faded, they all saw the Vampire Lord holding a well-made voodoo doll of Crowler, before huffing out in amusement and tossing the doll at them, to which Chazz caught it.
"I have no more use for zat pathetic human." Camula stated, "Let zat be a reminder of ze fate you vill face if you duel me."
She bega not laugh mockingly at them as she and her monster were shrouded in fog before her laugher began to echo around them, the fog faded and the two were gone, before the castle doors began to close and the drawbridge rose up.
"Grr! Damn that bitch!" Draco growled out, before groaning out and felt heavier for Jasmine and Mindy.
"Draco, calm down." Alexis told him.
"He is starting to feel heavier." Jasmine stated, as Alexis helped them, to get him more balanced.
"Come on." Chazz said and began to walk off.
"Chazz? Where are you going?" Syrus asked, "Where do you think?" he remarked, "You and Bastion help them with Draco and head back to the dorm."
The two boys helped the three girls hold Draco as they all, minus Zane, began to walk to the Slifer Dorm, however, Zooruvhun stopped and looked into the nearby trees and glared into them, as he saw what seem to be a small bat hanging from a branch, before it took off, as if it noticed it was spotted.
"Hey, Zooruvhun?" Yellow called out getting the large dragon to look back at them, "What did you see?"
He just waved his hand in a "nothing important" manner and walked back to keep up with them.
(Author's Note: HOLY CRAP another long chapter, took me far longer than I thought to finish it. I want to thank you readers waiting patiently for this. Hopefully my next chapter won't take this long.)
