It was the middle of the night at Duel Academy, and Syrus had just climbed out of bed to go to the bathroom.
Syrus: That's the last time I mix chili sauce with ice cream.
He walked down to the first level and opened a door, except it was the wrong one.
Syrus: Oh wait, this is Professor Banner's room.
He was about to close the door when he overheard a conversation between Banner and another man on video chat.
?: You are not here to ask why. You are here to obey.
Banner: But Jaden is one of our best students. He could be buried alive.
Syrus: *under breath* Buried alive?
?: If the tomb shall be the end of Jaden Yuki, then so be it. His true potential must be tested.
Syrus closed the door as silently as he could and backed away in shock.
Syrus: Tested? In a tomb? Something tells me this test isn't midterms.
The next morning, everyone was in Banner's alchemy class.
Banner: So as you can see, we can learn a great deal about dueling from alchemy. Just as you might combine two monsters to create a new one, you can combine two compounds to create something equally impressive.
He mixed together two liquids and stirred the vial, only for it to promptly blow up in his face.
Banner: As well as equally devastating.
The bell rang, signaling the end of class.
Banner: Before you all leave, I am planning a field trip.
Syrus: Where to Professor?
Banner: We'll be taking a ten-mile hike to the excavated ruins where we'll be taking geologic core samples. We'll be leaving this Saturday at 7 am. Don't be late.
Saturday morning, Banner's field trip had a less than stellar turn out.
Banner: Only four of you?! Where is everyone else?
Chumley: Still in bed like any sensible person.
Alexis: If it's so sensible, then why are you three here?
Syrus: Because Banner threatened us with detention if we didn't go.
Jaden: By the way, where are Michael and Lily? I thought they'd want to get in on this.
Suddenly Banner's pda went off. When he checked it, he saw it was Lily calling him.
Banner: My that's some timing. Is something the matter Lily?
Lily: I'm afraid Michael and I aren't going to be able to come on your trip today professor.
Banner: Is everything alright?
Lily: Michael is sick today, and I'm looking after him.
Banner: Well, that's a shame. It is strange though, Michael seemed fine in class yesterday.
Lily: Well…
Flashback
Lily and Michael were in the academy library studying together.
Lily: Thanks again Michael. I've been having some trouble in Professor Banner's duel alchemy class lately and my grade is starting to drop.
Michael: It's no problem. To tell the truth, it took me a while to understand a lot of what he teaches in class.
Lily: Well, I think I'm starting to get it. *yawn*
Michael: You alright?
Lily: Yeah, I'm just starting to get tired is all.
Michael: Hmm, I wonder how long we've been here.
He looked at his watch and couldn't believe what time it was.
Michael: 10:30?! Come on, let's head back to the dorm.
Lily: Alright.
They went outside and a breeze blew past, causing Lily to shiver.
Lily: Brrr. It's kind of cold tonight. I wish I had a jacket.
Michael pulled his blazer off and draped it out around her shoulders.
Michael: Hopefully this should help keep you warm until we get back to the dorm.
Lily: Thanks. But what about you?
Michael: I'll be okay.
They hurried back to the dorm and Michael walked Lily back to her room.
Lily: You know, I think that was the most fun I've had studying before.
Michael: Agreed. You're excellent company.
Lily: And so are you. Goodnight, Michael.
Michael: Goodnight, Lily.
They leaned in and gave each other a kiss before Lily walked inside her room and closed the door.
Ceruli: Are you sure you're alright Michael? It was cold outside tonight.
Michael: I'll be fine. Ah…ah…achooo! Oh crud.
End Flashback
Banner: I see. Well, next time you should both be more careful. And feel free to come to me if there's anything you don't understand in class.
Lily: Okay Professor.
Banner: Well, I suppose we'll just have to go without them. Oh, before I forget, we must be careful as we approach the ruins. Inside is an ancient tomb.
Syrus: A tomb? Jaden, I need to talk to you for a minute.
Jaden began to protest, but Syrus pulled him away from the group where they couldn't be heard.
Syrus: I think Banner wants to bury you. He was talking about that tomb and you in it.
Jaden: Just 'cause I fell asleep in class? Does the school board know about this?
Syrus: Jaden, I'm serious.
Jaden: Sy, this is starting to sound like another chili sauce nightmare.
Banner: Okay everyone, it's time to go.
Syrus: I hope Jaden is right.
After a lot of walking and even more complaining from Chumley, they finally arrived at the ruins.
Banner: It's beautiful.
He began pointing out various buildings and structures.
Syrus: He sure seems excited to see some rocks.
Chumley: Yeah, well I'm excited to sit down.
Jaden: Yeah, and while we're at it, how about we chow down?
Banner: I don't see why not. Ah, I can't wait to see what Ms. Dorothy packed for me.
Jaden: Wait, Ms. Dorothy packed you a special lunch? Can we see what it is?
Banner: No, you have your lunch and I have mine. Now where is it? What is this?
He reached into his bag and pulled out his cat, who had crumbs on his face.
Banner: You were supposed to stay home, not hitch a ride and eat my lunch! Maybe you four could share yours with me?
Jaden: Like you said, this is our lunch.
Banner: Please Jaden. I could raise your grade when we get back to Duel Academy. Not by much, but still.
While Banner continued his pleading, Pharaoh leapt out of his bag and pawed at the ground, uncovering a strange symbol. When the cat touched it, pillars of green light surrounded them all. The sun seemed to split into three and a strange multi-colored veil covered the area.
Banner: Is in anyone else seeing in triplicate?
Chumley: It's actually kind of beautiful.
Winged Kuriboh flew onto Jaden's shoulder and spoke to him.
Jaden: What? What do we need to run from?
Suddenly, the sky flashed.
Banner: Run for cover! Quick, into that structure!
Everyone but Jaden ran into the structure.
Banner: Quickly Jaden!
Reign-Beaux: Jaden, over here!
Jaden: Reign-Beaux? What are you doing here?
Reign-Beaux: No time to explain, follow me!
Jaden ran after Reign-Beaux and was enveloped in a blinding light. When he came to, he was lying in front of a pyramid.
Jaden: Woah, how'd I get here?
Winged Kuriboh flittered down next to Jaden.
Jaden: Well, we're not in Kansas anymore Kuriboh. Wait, that's the arch that was at the entrance to the ruins, except it's not, well, ruined. Am I dreaming? Too bad you can't just pinch my cheek so I can wake up, huh?
Kuriboh fluttered up to Jaden's face and did just that.
Jaden: Ow! What, did you sharpen those? How about a manicure once in a while? By the way Kuriboh, since when can I feel you? This is a first.
Reign-Beaux: I'm glad you're alright Jaden.
Jaden: Reign-Beaux! You're real too?
Reign-Beaux: Indeed. It seems that we've been transported to one of the duel spirit worlds.
Jaden: How'd that happen? And why are you here?
Reign-Beaux: I don't know how it happened, and as for why I'm here, Michael asked me to watch over you today in case anything happened.
Jaden: Well, I guess it's a good thing you're here. Where's everyone else?
Reign-Beaux: I don't know. But we should find them quickly. I fear I recognize this pyramid, and it's not a place that's gracious to strangers.
?: Your friend is correct. This is sacred ground, you must leave here immediately. You are in very grave danger.
They turned to face who spoke and saw a woman in black robes standing there.
Reign-Beaux: You are Gravekeeper's Assailant. Jaden, stay behind me.
Assailant: You have no place here, fiend. Take your friend and leave.
Jaden: Please wait. We wound up here by accident. I'm looking for my friends.
?: You and your friends have trespassed upon sacred ground and must be punished.
They all turned and saw a group of men, most of which armed with spears, at the foot of the temple.
Assailant: The chief.
Reign-Beaux: Great.
Jaden: Um, hi. My name is Jaden. You said you found my friends?
Jaden attempted to walk towards the chief, but the other men pointed their spears at him. Reign-Beaux stepped in between them with his staff ready.
Reign-Beaux: I won't allow you to lay a hand upon him.
Chief: Are you prepared to give your life for him?
Jaden: Wait, this is all a big misunderstanding. My friends and I wound up here by accident. We mean no harm. If you release my friends, we can leave your temple and go back home.
Chief: I am afraid that is not possible. However, if you can pass my trial, you and your friends are free to leave.
Jaden: What kind of trial?
Gravekeeper's Chief held up a deck.
Jaden: A duel? Okay then, I accept your challenge. If I win, me and all my friends are allowed to leave.
Chief: Agreed. But if you should lose, you and your friends will be buried alive.
Jaden: I really don't have a choice, do I? Fine, I accept.
Chief: Follow me.
Jaden and Reign-Beaux began to follow him, but the guards blocked Reign-Beaux from continuing.
Reign-Beaux: What is the meaning of this?
Chief: I will not allow a creature such as yourself to tread any further upon my domain.
Jaden: Well, that's a problem, because I won't leave my friend behind.
Reign-Beaux: Jaden, I'll be okay. Go and save everyone else.
Jaden: Okay. I promise I'll be back, with everyone else safe and sound.
Reign-Beaux: For everyone's sake Jaden, I hope you can keep that promise.
Jaden followed the Chief to the top of the pyramid, where they stood on opposite sides.
Alexis: Jaden!
He looked down and saw all his friends trapped in sarcophagi beneath him.
Banner: Good luck Jaden. We're all rooting for you.
Jaden: Don't worry guys, I'll have you out as soon as I can! Now, get your game on!
Jaden: 4000 LP
Chief: 4000 LP
Chief: Get my game on? What do you speak of?
Jaden: It's sort of my battle cry, I guess.
Chief: I would consider alternatives. Of course, you'd have to win this duel first. A duel that I will start. I place one monster face-down in defense mode and end my turn.
Jaden: Ok then, I draw!
Winged Kuriboh appeared and flew onto Jaden's shoulder.
Jaden: Hey there, Kuriboh. Good to see you bud. Maybe you can help me later. For now, I summon Elemental Hero Bubbleman in attack mode.
Level 4/Water/Warrior
ATK 800/DEF 1200
Jaden: Due to Bubbleman's special ability, when he's summoned while I control no cards, I get to draw 2 more from my deck. With Avian and Burstinatrix in my hand, all I need is Polymerization to summon Flame Wingman. I place one card face-down and end my turn.
Chief: My turn. I summon Gravekeeper's Spear Soldier in attack mode.
Level 4/Dark/Spellcaster
ATK 1500/DEF 1000
Chief: I hope your Bubbleman's effect provided you two very useful cards, because he's already outmatched in battle, and he is soon to be outnumbered as well. I flip summon Gravekeeper's Guard.
Level 4/Dark/Spellcaster
ATK 1000/DEF 1900
Chief: Due to Guard's special ability, one monster on the field returns to its owner's hand, and I select your Bubbleman.
Chumley: That's not good.
Syrus: I second that.
Chief: And now that you're unguarded Jaden, my monsters shall attack you directly. Gravekeeper's Guard, Blazing Blade Strike!
His monster wielded its spear and slashed Jaden across the shoulder.
Jaden: 3000 LP
Jaden: I could feel that. This is real.
Beneath him, the lids on the sarcophagi slid closed slightly.
Banner: The lid!
Alexis: It moved!
Chief: Now, Gravekeeper's Spear Soldier, wage your assault. Lunging Spear Slash!
Jaden: 1500 LP
Jaden: Okay, I think I'm getting it now. This duel isn't just about life points, it's about my life.
Chief: Yes, and that of your friends.
Beneath them, the lids closed more, now covering a little over half of them.
Syrus: I'm claustrophobic.
Chumley: So am I, if it'll get me out of here.
Jaden: It won't, but I will. I draw! Just what I needed for a comeback. I play the spell Polymerization, and I'll use it to fuse Elemental Heroes Burstinatrix and Avian to summon Elemental Hero Flame Wingman!
Level 6/Wind/Warrior
ATK 2100/DEF 1200
Jaden: Now to even the score a bit. Flame Wingman, attack Gravekeeper's Spear Soldier with Infernal Rage!
Chief: 3400 LP
Jaden: Next Flame Wingman's special ability activates! When he destroys your monster in battle, you take damage equal to your destroyed monster's attack points.
Chief: 1900 LP
Jaden: Next, I summon Wroughtweiler in defense mode.
Level 4/Earth/Machine
ATK 800/DEF 1200
Jaden: With that, I end my turn.
Chief: Very well then, I draw. First, I change my Gravekeeper's Guard to defense mode, and then I shall place a monster face-down on the field in defense mode. With that, I shall end my turn.
Jaden: My move. Flame Wingman, attack Gravekeeper's Guard!
Chief: 900 LP
Jaden: One more shot like that and we're home free. I end my turn.
Chief: I draw. And since I have drawn the Pot of Greed magic card, I am permitted to draw two more cards. I now summon Gravekeeper's Assailant in attack mode.
Level 4/Dark/Spellcaster
ATK & DEF 1500
Chief: And I shall also flip summon my Gravekeeper's Curse.
Level 3/Dark/Spellcaster
ATK & DEF 800
Chief: And due to my monster's special effect, when it is summoned, you lose 500 life points.
Jaden: 1000 LP
Jaden: I'm still in this duel!
Chief: Not for long. I activate the field spell Necro Valley! While this card is in play, all Gravekeeper monsters gain 500 attack and defense points.
Assailant: 1500-2000 ATK & DEF
Curse: 800-1300 ATK & DEF
Chief: Now my Assailant, lay the Flame Wingman to rest!
Jaden: What? Even with that powerup from your field spell, Flame Wingman is still stronger than your monster.
Chief: Perhaps, but due to the effect of Gravekeeper's Assailant, when she attacks your monster while Necrovalley is on the field, she can change your monster's battle mode.
Jaden: But my Flame Wingman's defense is only 1200!
Chief: Which means my Assailant can defeat it.
Assailant moved behind Flame Wingman and struck him with her dagger, destroying him.
Chief: And now Gravekeeper's Curse will destroy that cur. Take him down!
A yellow aura surrounded Wroughtweiler before it was destroyed.
Jaden: Due to Wroughtweiler's special ability, I can add an Elemental Hero and a Polymerization from my graveyard to my hand when he's sent to the graveyard.
Chief: I am afraid not. Due to the effect of Necrovalley, cards cannot be banished from the graveyard and any effect that would move a card from the graveyard to a different location is negated. Both you and your cards are useless here.
Alexis: No, I refuse to believe that. If anyone can save us, Jaden can.
Syrus: I hope you're right Alexis.
Banner: It's no use. We're done for!
Syrus: That's not true Professor. Look at the life points. Jaden is still winning.
Banner: Forget the life points, look at the field! Jaden has no monsters out and that Gravekeeper Chief has two monsters, both of which have enough attack points to eliminate Jaden's remaining life points!
Jaden: How did this happen? We set out to find some ruins, but now we're about to be trapped inside them forever. If I don't get my game on, we're all going to be long gone.
To be continued…