Chapter 2: The Naturals Pt 2
Previously on Kaijudo:
"Rumbling Terrasaur!" "You 2 said the name and it appeared!" "But how did that even happen? How'd you 2 even know its name?" "Razorkinder Puppet, come!" "Okay! Wanna go home now!" "Anytime, Mr. Chavez!" "You work at a martial arts studio." "Only part time." "Welcome to the temple of the Kaijudo Duel Masters."
(Intro)
The kids took a while to take in their surroundings. "Wow. This is like…awesome!" Portia exclaimed. Maribel was surprised by this sudden outburst. "Judging by the architecture, this place must be ancient." Gabe said. "How long do you reckon this place has been here?" Greta asked. "Probably like 100 years." Allie guessed. "More like 1000, Allie." Ray said. "I'm thinking at least 5000." Jen said. "Try 10,000." Janet corrected. "Come." Hector said. As the kids followed Hector, Janet and the Kazamas into the temple, Ray and Jen got texts from Grandpa Raiden. "Oh, that's Grandpa asking where we are." Jen said. "It's okay. Raiden-san knows of my secret. Just say we'll be late." Janet said. "Okay, Mom." Ray said. As the twins sent their grandfather their texts, a little yellow camera sphere floated over them and scanned their phones. They watched as the sphere floated right up to a grumpy looking man in an arch staring down at them. Not wanting to waste any more time, they hurried to catch up with the others.
Hector, Janet and the Kazamas brought the kids to a mural. "Am I crazy or do these markings indicate some sort of chronology?" Gabe asked. "You mean like something historical?" Maribel asked. "The history of our order. The secret history of our world." Hector started to explain. "Long ago, creatures that can be only described as magical or monstrous roamed the Earth. Each belonged to 1 of 5 Civilizations. There were the proud warriors of Fire, the cyber-intellectuals of Water, the beastly tribes of Nature, living nightmares of Darkness, and mysterious sky dwellers of Light. These creatures gave rise to our midst of dragons, sea monsters, ghosts, giants and even UFOs. Man and creature kind lived mostly in peace. But it wouldn't last. Some creatures felt man had grown too numerous and powerful, and decided that it should be enslaved. The Great Kaiju Wars raged for centuries. Seeing the inevitable that they would destroy each other. Until a group of shaman warriors launched a desperate plan to save them both. Using Kaijudo, they pulled all the magic they could from the 5 creature rulers and created the Veil, equipped with a magical energy that moved the creatures into a new dimension, parallel to our own. And just like that, the war was over." "So, what happened to the rulers of the Creature Civilizations?" Ray asked. "Yeah, what became of them after?" Jen asked. "During the creation of the Veil, they were trapped here and put into a deep hibernation." Hector explained. "Wow. Asleep for 10,000 years to this day? That's gonna put Old Man Winkle to shame." Portia said. "Oh, you know it." Terry said. "So, these shaman warriors…are you?" Gabe asked. "The Order of the Kaijudo Dueling Masters. We have dedicated our lives to protecting the Veil." Hector said with a bow. "Every Master had their knowledge passed down through the generations. Hector, Master Kimora and the other 3 are current shaman warriors of the 5 Civilizations." Janet explained. "And we come in where?" Allie asked. "We invited you here to see if you are worthy of joining us." Hector said before walking away. Ray, Jen and the others were puzzled by this.
As Hector, Janet and the Kazamas led the kids towards the main chamber, they passed by a set of statues of previous Kaijudo Masters. Until one of them caught the children's eyes. A statue of the Choten. "He looks familiar." Allie said. "He's that guy who attacked the Terrasaur with that giant eel thing." Greta said. "The Choten. He was once one of us. He abandoned our ways to enslave creatures for his own gain. His statues remains as a reminder that no one is beyond corruption." Hector explained. "Guess there's bullies everywhere." Gabe said. "You have no idea, Gabe." Miku said.
Hector, Janet and the Kazamas brought the kids into a library. "A library!" Gabe said with joy. "Unlike any other in the world." A female Russian voice said. Everyone turned to see a woman with pale white skin, bright pink hair and blue body-hugging leather clothes named Nadia Lobachevsky, the same woman who spoke with Hector and Janet on the phone. "Nadia." Janet greeted. "Good to see you again, Janet. And you, Kazamas." Nadia greeted. "Master." The Kazamas greeted with a bow. "This is Master Nadia. She oversees our…collection." Hector said. "I am the keeper of the Order's history and knowledge. I wasn't aware we'd be expecting Janet's children so soon." Nadia said. Gabe looked at some kind of tablet, thinking it was a book. "These books are exquisite. But I can't seem to get this one open." He said. "Not books. Tablets. Upon which information inscribed about the thousands of creatures that reside across the Veil." Nadia said as she took the tablet. "Details about their weapons and powers, strengths and weaknesses." Hector added. As they talked, Ray and Jen noticed a couple of glows coming from separate shelves and walked up the stairs to investigate. "Each creature has their own unique abilities depending on what Civilization they come from." Janet said. "The tablets not only enable us to summon creatures, but also teach us better how to use them." Nadia said. "Knowledge is power." Gabe said. "And this knowledge is priceless." Nadia said. Allie, Portia and Maribel looked into a symbol-shaped pool and saw tiny fish creatures swimming in it. "What kind of fish are these?" Allie asked as she dipped her finger in the pool. Just then, one of them shocked her finger. "OW!" She cried, pulling it back. "The kind you do not want to touch." Hector said. "They're called Memory Swarm. They enable a mind-numbing electric shock to the brain that wipes memories. They come in handy when someone learns of our secrets." Sakura explained.
Ray and Jen reached the tablets that were giving off the glows. "Tatsurion?" Ray asked. "Skarvos?" Jen asked. As they tried to take out the tablets, Nadia quickly shoved them back in. "Tablets here represent creatures far beyond your…skill." She said. "Sorry." Ray said. "Yeah. We grew…curious." Jen said. "I understand. Your mother was curious herself once. I should know. She and I have trained together since we were your age." Nadia said as she led the twins back down. Ray and Jen kept glancing at the 2 glowing tablets. As Nadia brought the twins back to the group, Hector gave each of them a tablet. Ray got a Nature tablet. Jen got a Fire tablet. Allie got Water tablet. Gabe got a Light tablet. Terry got a Fire tablet. Greta got a Darkness tablet. Portia got a Nature tablet. And Maribel got a Water tablet. "Study these. Learn the creature's names and powers. You'll be summoning these later." He said.
Later, in a blacksmith's armory, a man named Toji was forging a dueling gauntlet while supervising a student. "The pressure and heat must be high enough to activate the mass." He said as he pounded the gauntlet with a hammer. Hector, Janet and the Kazamas entered with the kids. "Master Chavez! Miss Janet! Young Kazamas! New recruits?" Toji asked. "Perhaps. Ray, Jen, Allison, Gabriel, Terrence, Gretchen, Portia, Maribel, meet Toji, a gauntlet master." Hector introduced. "He constructs our dueling gauntlets." Janet said. "Aha, welcome. This is Joseph." Toji said, introducing his student. "Hey. Call me Fingers." Fingers said, showing that he had 3 fingers on his right hand. "Ugh! I don't even want to know." Greta said in disgust. "Toji, we need 8 practice gauntlets." Hector said. Fingers walked over to some shelves, picked up a crate and set it on the table, opening it to reveal 8 fingerless gloves. The kids each took one and put it on their right hand. "Now concentrate on the glove. Use your will to activate it. Like so." Hector explained as he demonstrated, activating his gauntlet. Ray and Jen concentrated on the gloves and activated their practice gauntlets. Allie, Gabe, Terry, Greta, Portia and Maribel did the same. "Sweet." Allie said. "I like the feel of it." Terry said. "I could get used to this." Portia said. "Where are the batteries?" Gabe asked. "You are the battery. Your Kaijudo gauntlet is powered by one's own mana. A magical energy. You've got a boatload of it." Toji explained. Ray and Jen looked at their gauntlets. "Hector, may I take my kids for a moment?" Janet asked. Hector noticed the look on her face. "Very well." He said.
Janet led Ray and Jen outside the armory. "What is it, Mom?" Ray asked. "I have something to give you." Janet said. She reached into her pocket and pulled out a folded handkerchief. She unfolded it and unveiled an azurite necklace. "An azurite?" Jen asked. "This azurite was given to me when you 2 were born. I was told to give it to you both when you were ready. And since you both now know the secret of Kaijudo, you're ready." Janet explained. "But who gave it to you? What's it for?" Ray asked. "When I was given it, I was told that you 2 would be destined to unite our 2 worlds one day." Janet explained as she put the azurite necklace around Ray's neck. Ray and Jen stared at the azurite for a moment, wondering how they would be able to unite Earth and the Creature Realm.
Later, Janet brought Ray and Jen back to the group as they got ready for practice. "Your gauntlet is the link that connects a duelist to the creature he is using." Hector explained. "Like a leash for a dog?" Ray asked. "You really need to show these beasts whose boss or they'll make you pay." Fingers said as he unlocked a cage, nearly getting scorched by a little Fire Bird. "Dude, is that bird on fire?" Allie asked with impression. "Yes, it is. It's a Fire Bird. Its name is Kenina the Ignitor." Hector explained as he took control of Kenina. "The essence of controlling a creature in a duel is to focus your mana through your gauntlet. Observe, a dueling command. Kenina, attack!" He motioned his hand and Kenina fired a fireball at a target. The children were in awe at this. Hector gestured them to give it a try.
Allie went first. She tried motioning her arms to take control of the Fire Bird, but Kenina just flew on her own. As Allie walked back to her friends, Kenina started clawing her hair with her claws. Allie tried to shoo her away as Hector, Janet, Toji and the Kazamas watched. Gabe went next. He motioned his hand, and Kenina seemingly obeyed when she landed in front of him. As he motioned his hand again, they just stared at each other for a moment. Just then, Kenina laid an egg. As Gabe inspected it, it blew up in his face, blowing him to Hector. Terry went next. As he motioned his hand, Kenina fired fireballs everywhere. Not one hitting the target. He groaned in defeat. Greta went next. As she motioned her hand, Kenina ended up landing on her head to rest. "Uh, this is…awkward." She said. Portia went next. She motioned her hand, but Kenina just perched herself on the target. Maribel went next. But as she motioned her hand, Kenina just gave her a light peck on the forehead. She was shocked by this.
Finally, it was Ray and Jen's turn. Hector allowed them to practice together. Ray and Jen motioned their hands and Kenina followed their every command. They flew her in a circle, creating a fire ring above them. And finally, with a single thrust into the air, they had Kenina create a fireball fireworks display. Hector, Janet, Toji, Fingers and the Kazamas were impressed and in awe at this. "Your kids have some talent." Toji said. "They sure do. They really do." Janet said, knowing how special and gifted her twins are. Ray and Jen were happy with their outcome. "Okay, my turn. Showoffs." Allie said as she stepped up again. "Hey, Kenina, attack!" As she motioned her arms, Kenina fired her fireball attack…directly at HER! "No!" Hector exclaimed. Allie just stood there, too scared and shocked to move.
Just then, Ray ran up to Allie and raised his gauntlet. The fireball was suddenly deflected by some kind of shield. Hector, Janet, the Kazamas and the other kids ran up to them. "Are you 2 alright?" Janet asked. "What was that?" Terry asked. "You discovered the gauntlet's shield. Without instruction." Hector said in shock. "Shouldn't that be lesson number 1?" Gabe asked. "Yeah, I could've been fried!" Allie exclaimed. "Fair enough. Lesson 1, you can use your gauntlet to create a mana shield for protection. Happy?" Hector asked. Just then, Ray held his arm out and Kenina perched herself on it. But as he tried to pet her, Hector scared her off. "Hey!" Ray exclaimed. "What was that about?!" Jen exclaimed. "Rule 1, never touch creatures. They are not pets. Or friends. They all have the capacity to harm or kill you. Don't forget that." Hector said strictly. Fingers held up his hand in example. Ray and Jen also glanced at Toji's metal leg. They widened their eyes in shock as they started to think if it was true. Especially with what happened with the Terrasaur.
Later, Hector, Janet and the Kazamas brought the kids to a training session with Fingers and the other acolytes. A dwarvish elder woman named Master Jaha was teaching them. "Duelists must be able to open a portal and pull a creature through the veil quickly. So, knowing how to create the door to a desired creature's Civilization…is vital." Jaha explained as she demonstrated. "Fire burns with passionate heat. Nature mows stronger together. Light cuts the chaos of disorder. Water flows into pure thought. Darkness strikes from the deepest shadow. Now, acolytes…practice. Light! Water! Darkness! Fire! Nature!" The kids practiced with Fingers and the acolytes. Ray and Jen created the doors as naturally. Hector was growing concerned at the twins' naturality with Kaijudo.
Later, he met with the others Masters in the main council chamber. "I have never seen a more natural dueling talent. Even Toji senses their abilities. As did the Choten." He said. "If they did somehow create their own tablet to summon a Rumbling Terrasaur, that should be enough." Master Kimora said. "If that's what occurred, Master Kimora. My observation is that they lack focus. I'm…unimpressed." Nadia said. "I watched them with the Fire Bird. Talented, yes, but for the boy to call the creature to land on him is forbidden. And disturbing. And…intriguing." Master Jaha said. "Spying from the shadows again, Master Jaha?" Hector asked, knowing the elder master's style with Darkness. "Shining a light on their talents is urological. Particularly if what Master Chavez said about the Choten is true. I say we test them." The grumpy man, named Master Nigel Brightmore, suggested.
Later, Ray and Jen were brought into a training arena. Janet, the Kazamas, the kids, the Masters and the acolytes watched from their seats. Fingers stood by the wall in the arena. "Don't worry, kids. If you can't control your creatures, old Fingers' got your backs." He said. "Okay, Ray, focus now." Allie said. "Jen, you got this, girl." Greta said. Janet watched her children with concern. Ray and Jen stared at their tablets. But then, their thoughts shifted to the tablets of the creatures named Tatsurion and Skarvos, seeing them in their eyes. They dropped their tablets and got ready to summon their creatures. "Tatsurion the Unchained!" Ray shouted. "Skarvos the Assassin!" Jen shouted. The symbols of Fire and Water appeared in front of them. And then, 2 creatures emerged from the 2 doors. Tatsurion the Unchained was a giant beast with dragon armor. Skarvos the Assassin was a giant aqua humanoid with spider legs and a chimeric head. Everyone was surprised by this. "They each summoned a hybrid!" Jaha exclaimed in surprise. "And 2 powerful ones too." Kimora said. Janet watched with worry, hoping that Ray and Jen knew what they were doing.
Tatsurion and Skarvos were shocked and angered at their whereabouts. "What is this place?! Whoever brought Tatsurion the Unchained here will pay!" Tatsurion exclaimed. "What Tatsurion does will be nothing compared to Skarvos the Assassin!" Skarvos exclaimed "Those things are gonna attack Ray and Jen!" Terry exclaimed. "Do something, dude!" Allie exclaimed. Hector stood up, but he was blocked by Nigel. "Hold on. Let's just see what happens." Nigel said. "You did say they were naturals." Nadia said. As Hector sat back down, Nigel nodded to Fingers, who prepared his own practice gauntlet. Tatsurion and Skarvos advanced on Ray and Jen with curiosity. "These must be the humans of legend, Tatsurion." Skarvos said. "Humans. We know the legends of fleshlings who magic our kind away to battle. Why have you brought us here?" Tatsurion asked. Ray and Jen couldn't find a proper answer. "SPEAK!" Tatsurion demanded. Just then, the 2 creatures noticed the azurite around Ray's neck. "It can't be." Tatsurion said in shock. "But…that's impossible." Skarvos said. Ray and Jen looked at the azurite in confusion. "Where did you get that?!" Tatsurion exclaimed.
"Launcher Locust!" Fingers shouted, summoning a Launcher Locust into the arena. The big insect fired 3 missiles from its cannon and struck Tatsurion and Skarvos. Tatsurion retaliated by bashing into the Launcher Locust and sending it into the wall, making it disappear. "Nice moves. For a Fire creature." Skarvos said. "Tell you what. We can share the human who summoned that bug." Tatsurion said, glaring at Fingers. "I like the sound of that." Skarvos said. Ray and Jen looked at their gauntlets. "Uh, Tatsurion? Here, Tatsurion." Ray said. "Um, Skarvos? Heal? Stop?" Jen asked. But Tatsurion and Skarvos charged towards Fingers as he ran. Ray and Jen motioned their hands and forced the creatures to stop. The 2 creatures struggled as the twins tried to pull them back. "I…am…Tatsurion…THE UNCHAINED!" Tatsurion roared, breaking free from Ray's control. "And…I…am…Skarvos…THE ASSASSIN!" Skarvos roared, doing the same. They charged for Fingers as he climbed the arena wall. Just then, Nigel leapt into the arena. "Seal the arena!" He exclaimed. Toji placed his hand on a panel and created a force field around the arena, trapping Tatsurion and Skarvos inside. "Hello?! Ray and Jen are still inside with those…things!" Allie exclaimed. "And so is Master Brightmore." Hector added as he exclaimed.
"Ra-Vu, Seeker of Lightning!" Nigel shouted, summoning a creature. Ray and Jen looked as Ra-Vu float beside his duelist. "A Light creature?! He's mine!" Skarvos exclaimed as he charged. But Nigel motioned his hands and Ra-Vu fired a lightning bolt from his staff, blasting Skarvos and knocking him into Tatsurion. Ray and Jen rushed over to their creatures in concern. "Get clear, children!" Nigel demanded. "No! You're going to hurt them!" Ray exclaimed. "We won't let you do that!" Jen exclaimed. Nigel motioned his hands as Ra-Vu spun his staff and fired a typhoon at them. Ray and Jen blocked the attack with their mana shields, but the force threw them into their creatures. "Ray! Jen!" Janet cried. The kids looked on with worry. But Ray and Jen got back up. Tatsurion and Skarvos, sensing the humans' passion to protect them, got back up, ready to fight together with their duelists. "Then let your first duel begin." Nigel said.
Ray and Jen motioned their hands. "You may want to step aside, young ones." Tatsurion said. "This is gonna get messy." Skarvos said. Tatsurion tossed a chain at Ra-Vu and ensnared him. He then swung the Light creature around before tossing him. Skarvos extended his arms and punched Ra-Vu hard, sending him into the wall. But it wasn't enough. Nigel motioned his arms and Ra-Vu fired another lightning bolt, striking the 2 hybrids. Ray and Jen were sent flying from the force of the attack. "You 2 just gonna lay there or help us fight?" Tatsurion asked as he lowered his head to Ray. Jen looked as Skarvos lowered his hand to her. Getting the message, Ray and Jen climbed onto the creatures. Everyone was shocked by this. "They know that's forbidden!" Jaha exclaimed. "But why is that like a big no-no?" Allie asked. "No human has ridden such a creature…and lived." Kimora said. "I tried to ride one once. It costed me." Toji said, gesturing to his peg leg. "Get off of those things!" Nigel demanded. Ray grabbed the chain on Tatsurion's armor, surging him with mana. Jen placed her hand on Skarvos' shoulder, doing the same. The 2 creatures charged. Tatsurion bashed Ra-Vu, sending him over to Skarvos, who caught the Light creature in his hand and slammed him into the ground. "Wow! What a rush!" Jen exclaimed happily. But Nigel motioned his hands as Ra-Vu recovered and fired lasers from its eyes at Skarvos. "Jen, look out!" Ray exclaimed as he and Tatsurion ran in front of Jen and Skarvos and blocked the attack with the mana shield. "This isn't working. Attacking it isn't enough." Jen said. "What would you suggest we do? Surrender?" Skarvos asked. "Surrender is not the warrior way!" Tatsurion exclaimed. Just then, Ray had an idea. "Bob and Weave." He said. "What's Bob and Weave?" Skarvos asked. "We dodge in different directions and then strike when they least expect it." Jen explained. "Dodging is for cowards!" Tatsurion exclaimed. "Maybe. But what choice do we have, Tatsurion? Let's let the humans take the lead and help us win this fight." Skarvos said. Tatsurion looked at Ray and Jen, and sighed. "Very well. Bob and Weave. Lead the way." He said.
Ra-Vu fired a uni-beam at the 2 creatures. Ray and Jen motioned their hands as Tatsurion and Skarvos dodged left and right. Everyone was surprised by this while Janet watched with a big smile. Ra-Vu continued firing his uni-beam, but with help from Ray and Jen, Tatsurion and Skarvos kept up the bob and weave movements until they got close enough. "All together now!" Ray exclaimed. "Attack together!" Jen exclaimed. They motioned their hands, and Tatsurion and Skarvos both gave a powerful punch, knocking Ra-Vu into the ground and making him disappear. Nigel was shocked by this. Nobody had ever defeated Ra-Vu in such a matter. The kids and Kazamas cheered at Ray and Jen's victory. Even Janet cried tears of joy. Even the Masters were impressed as Toji lowered the shield. "A most…auspicious beginning." Jaha said. "That's the understatement of the year." Kimora said. "These children, they have quite the gift." Hector said. Nadia silently agreed, seeing the potential. Skarvos laughed victoriously. "We are victorious! Who would've thought it? Tatsurion the Unchained and Skarvos the Assassin, working together with young humans to win a fight!" He exclaimed. "I must admit, you 2 had the right idea. That bob and weave tactic really won the day today." Tatsurion said. "It's something we learned from our grandfather." Jen said. "It's how we stand up to all bullies." Ray said. Tatsurion and Skarvos put all this to thought as Ray and Jen got down, motioned their hands and sent them back to the Creature Realm.
But just then, Nigel marched right up to them and he looked angry. "That was the most poorly, inexcusable for of dueling I have ever seen in my life! Not only have you broken the rules of no touching or riding creatures, you summoned creatures that weren't even assigned to you!" He exclaimed. "Leave them alone, Nigel! They won the duel! That should be enough for their test!" Janet exclaimed, getting between Nigel and her children. "While I agree with Janet, Nigel was correct on the creatures your children summoned. They were not the ones assigned to them." Hector said as he and the kids walked up. "Why did you summon those 2?" Janet asked out of interest. "They just…felt like the ones we were meant to summon." Ray said. "We felt…connected with them somehow." Jen said. Everyone looked at each other at what they said. "It is still inexcusable!" Nigel exclaimed. Suddenly, the azurite began to glow. And then Ray and Jen became surrounded by a blue aura. Their eyes glowed as they were shown a vision.
[Vision]
Ray and Jen found themselves in a field similar to the Nature Civilization, but for ancient and flowing. "Where are we?" Jen asked. "It looks like the Nature Civilization." Ray said. "We have been watching you for a long, long time." A voice said. Ray and Jen looked as several silhouetted creatures appeared before them. "You have fought alongside Tatsurion the Unchained and Skarvos the Assassin, 2 mighty hybrids, with courage and with sacrifice. The virtues of a leader. A leader worthy of the Azurite of Ancient One." The lead creature explained. Ray and Jen looked at the Azurite upon learning its name. "Return now to the temple. Prepare yourselves for the coming evil. For it is now your destiny." The lead creature said. All the creatures then started to glow brightly, and sent Ray and Jen back to the temple.
[Vision End]
Ray and Jen gasped as the vision ended. "Ray! Jen! Are you okay?" Janet asked as she and the others helped them. "What happened?" Hector asked. "We had a vision. There were these…ancient creatures." Jen said. "They said that this was called the Azurite of Ancient One." Ray said, gesturing to the Azurite. Hector and the other Masters were surprised by this. They thought it was just a myth. Just then, Allie changed the subject by hugging Ray and Jen. "That duel was amazing, guys! So, we got next, right?" She asked.
Gabe went first. He studied his tablet and prepared to summon the creature. But as he motioned his movements, he forgot to speak the creature's name. "Blinder Beetle?" He asked. Nothing. No door opened. "Gabe! Like this!" Ray whispered, but shut up as Hector glanced at him. "Blinder Beetle!" Gabe exclaimed. Still nothing. Jaha shook her head as she walked off. Hector put a comforting hand on his shoulder. "You'll get them next time, bud." Terry assured. Greta went next. She started motioning her moves. "Skrap Skul-" But as she tried to call out the creature's name, she tripped herself. Terry went next. He motioned his movements slowly to get it right. "Jetflame Lizard." He said. But nothing happened. "Try it a little faster." Hector said. Terry sped up a bit faster this time. "Jetflame Lizard!" He called. Still nothing. Portia went next. She motioned the moves. "Gasbag!" She called. The door successfully opened and the Gasbag flew through. "I…I did it?" She asked in shock. But then, the Gasbag snatched her with its roots and started floating up. "Hey! Put me down!" She exclaimed. "Gasbag, be gone!" Jaha shouted as she motioned her hand. Just then, shadows snatched the Gasbag and dragged it back to the Creature Realm, forcing it to let go of Portia. Maribel went next. She motioned the moves. "Aqua Initiate." She said quietly. But no door opened. "Did I miss something?" She asked. The Masters remained silent. Allie went last. She started motioning the movements while psyching herself up. "Steam Star Grapplog." She said. But no door opened. "Steam Star Grapplog." Ray whispered, using his gauntlet to help. Jen, Janet, Hector and Nadia noticed, but said nothing. The door opened and Steam Star Grapplog came through. "I did it! Ha! Go Allie! Go Al…oh, you are ugly." Allie said. "Okay, uh, Steam Star, load over here." Steam Star floated around Allie and sprayed fresh mist in her face, moistening her hair. "Bad monster! Bad!" She exclaimed. Steam Star did not like that. It fueled its middle tentacle with electricity and floated towards Allie. "Steam Star Grapplog, be gone!" Jaha exclaimed, banishing Steam Star with the same spell she used on Gasbag. "Oh, I was just getting it!" Allie complained. "So, pass or fail?" Ray asked. "We will retreat to chambers to decide. Come, Hector." Nadia said. The Masters left as the kids, Janet and Kazamas grouped up.
Meanwhile, Fingers was lurking by a fountain. He dropped a trinket in the water, and then opened a transmitting communication with the Choten. Turned out Fingers was secretly in league with him. "So, you have secured my tablets?" The Choten asked. "I've…I've been trying, sir. The Duel Masters have intensified their security." Fingers said. "Intensify your efforts. I vested a great deal to insert you into the temple. I expect the return of that investment…soon." The Choten said as he ended the transmission. Fingers retrieved his transmitter and went back to work.
Meanwhile, the Masters were discussing Ray and Jen's actions in the arena. "Befriending creatures will prove fatal. The twins clearly don't respect their power." Nigel said. "They not only respect them, but they treat them as intelligent beings." Hector argued. "I admit at first, intelligence wouldn't have been a word I would've used to describe those beasts. But after seeing what happened today, my thoughts had changed." Nadia admitted. "What hasn't changed is that the twins knew the rules about touching creatures and willfully broke it." Nigel said. "True. But their willingness to share the creatures' fates inspired them to invite them aboard. This way of theirs is…different, but intriguing." Kimora said. "Their way is not the Kaijudo way." Nigel said strictly. "Then maybe Kaijudo should expand!" Hector exclaimed. Nigel was about to argue, but Jaha cleared her throat. "Our dueling art has proven quite effective over the centuries. However, I have just watched a boy and a girl with no experience hold their own against a Duel Master and even defeated him." Jaha said. The 4 Masters were stunned by this. "We cannot know if their way is worthy unless we explore it. The unknown is like a dark place, frightening until one sees what lies inside." Jaha explained.
As the Masters continued talking, Janet, the Kazamas and the children were waiting downstairs. "Don't worry, kids. Once you're accepted, you'll have plenty of time to train." Janet assured. The other kids weren't convinced. "Cut the baloney, Mrs. Okamoto." Allie said. "We're just not capable." Portia said. "Yeah. Ray and Jen are the naturals. I don't think they like us." Gabe said. "Wouldn't be the first time in my case." Terry said. "So, we had some beginner's luck and beat the guy, but…Jen and I feel like we found where we're supposed to be." Ray said. "Yeah. It just feels right for us. Especially after what we just witnessed." Jen said. Janet smiled at her kids' words. Just then, Hector appeared.
Later, the children stood before the Masters, Janet and the Kazamas. "Step forward, twins." Nigel said. Ray and Jen stepped forward. "Despite your…impetuousness, your potential is undeniable. You both shall join our ranks as an acolyte in training." Nigel said. Hector presented the Okamoto twins with 2 dueling gloves. Ray and Jen each took one and put them on. "Present your gauntlets." Hector instructed. Ray and Jen held out their hands. The Masters held out their gauntlets and started fueling the gloves with beams of mana. When it was finished, Ray's glove transformed into a crimson gauntlet with forest green highlights, and Jen's transformed into a magenta gauntlet with hot pink highlights. "Welcome to the Order of the Kaijudo Duel Masters." Hector said. Ray and Jen bowed with gratitude as Janet and the Kazamas looked at them with big smiles. "We made it!" Ray cheered. "Not all of you." Nigel said. Ray and Jen were stunned by this. "What do you mean?" Jen asked. Hector, Kimora and Nadia showed signs of regret. "Your friends lack what we need." Nigel said as he and Masters began to leave. "Allison, Gabriel, Terrence, Gretchen, Portia, Maribel, I'm sorry." Hector apologized. "We had such hopes." Nadia said. "Here's some coupons for a free class upstairs." Kimora said, giving the children coupons for martial arts classes. Ray and Jen stopped the Masters at the stairs. "Give them another chance." Ray begged. "We know they can do better." Jen assured. "Don't sweat it." Allie said. "We're obviously not duel material." Gabe said. "It ain't a big deal, man." Terry said. "And it was fun while it lasted." Greta said. "Yeah. We'll be okay." Portia said. "And you guys will be too." Maribel said. "We don't believe that! Masters, if our friends aren't good enough, then neither are we!" Ray exclaimed as he and Jen took off their gauntlets and discarded them. The Masters were stunned by this action. "Ray, Jen, I don't think you understand the opportunity you've been given." Hector said. But Ray and Jen shoved passed the Masters and rejoined their friends. Janet smiled at her children's loyalty to their friends. "They've made their decision." Nigel said.
Later, Hector and Nadia led the children, Janet and the Kazamas back to the library. "I can't believe you 2 did that!" Terry exclaimed. "Seriously, guys! You shouldn't quit because of us." Gabe said. "I can't believe I'm agreeing with Gabe, but he's right. This is all you 2." Allie said. Hector and Nadia looked at the children with regret as they talked. "Well, why can't it be you 2?! I can't believe you're all giving up so easily!" Ray exclaimed. "Yeah! It's supposed to be all for one and one for all with us! It's all of us or none of us!" Jen exclaimed. Suddenly, as they reached the library, they heard a cluttering noise. "Hello?" Nadia called. Nobody answered. Nadia placed her fingers on her head and used a psychic link with her creature partner, Aqua Chaser, Rusalka, and forced out the intruder, who happened to be none other than Fingers. "Fingers, what are you doing?" She asked. "Research for Toji. Just leaving." Fingers lied, trying not to be suspicious as he left.
"So, what are we doing here?" Ray asked. Nadia took control of the Memory Swarm and sent them flying towards the children. Janet and the Kazamas became worried at what was about to happen. "I recall you called them Cyber Viruses. What exactly do they do?" Gabe asked. "Quite simply, they attach to your head and absorb the memories you no longer need." Nadia said. "You're going to erase our minds!" Gabe exclaimed. "She's gonna what?!" Greta exclaimed. "Yeah, I'm not letting those things eat my brain!" Allie exclaimed. "Why are you doing this?" Ray asked. "Anyone who discovers the temple and the truth has that knowledge deleted for their own protection. I'm sorry. But don't worry. You won't remember the pain." Nadia explained regretfully as the Memory Swarm prepared to swarm.
To be continued…
Well, wasn't that amazing? Ray, Jen and their friends were tested to become acolytes of the Kaijudo Duel Masters. During their practice tests, Ray and Jen have proven to be naturals at Kaijudo. But then came the summoning test where they summoned 2 very powerful hybrids, Tatsurion the Unchained and Skarvos the Assassin. And to further the Masters' shock, Ray and Jen tamed the creatures by riding them. Later, while Ray and Jen were accepted as acolytes, their friends were passed over for their lacking of what the Masters need. But rather than abandon their friends, Ray and Jen reject the offer. Upon leaving, Master Nadia unleashes the Memory Swarm to erase the children's minds of Kaijudo. To make matters worse, one of the other acolytes, Fingers, turned out to be a spy for the Choten. Will Ray, Jen and their friends lose their memories of what they had witnessed? What part is Fingers role in the Choten's plan? Will Ray and Jen unlock the secrets to their Azurite? Leave a review if you'd like.
