Staying in the Background

by Emblemfan1

Ren Cambell awakes in the GX universe. However, why should he get involved with the plot? Everything's going to be fine anyway if he stays away from the protagonists, right? He's just a background character in this world. He's got a second chance to live his best life. Become a pro duelist, get a girlfriend and get rich off card games. Wait... Who's that other guy? (Self-Insert/OC)

7. Chapter 7

Staying in the Background

Early Days - Ripples in the Dark

"Uh…I'm a blue…" I groaned, my head on my desk as I moped. The moonlight shone through the window, illuminating the now barren surroundings of my Ra yellow dorm room. After the exam, I'd been told I would be moving to the blue dorm the next day. As such, when we returned, Bastion had helped me pack my things. And just when I'd gotten my room the way I liked it too.

Tomorrow, I'd be moving to the halls of Obelisk Blue. Movers had arrived earlier in the day to take my belongings over to my new abode, which I was told was in the process of being prepared. So far, everyone had been ecstatic about my promotion. Professor Sartyr held a feast for those who were going up in rank, as there were a few others besides me. The food, I'll admit, was fantastic. And yet for the second time, I couldn't enjoy it.

Dimitri had gone out of his way to avoid me during the meal. He sat on the opposite side of the dining area, making idle chatter with some of the other students. When I tried to approach him, he excused himself and put as much distance between us as he could. In the end, it was best to give him space and let him cool off. Just thinking about Dimitri made me feel exhausted and the air in my room had grown stale.

"Some fresh air will do me some good."

I had already handed back my yellow uniform and so I was dressed in a black T-shirt and hooded cardigan that came down to the back of my knees and a pair of blue jeans. Letting out a yawn, I left the dorm and went out into the brisk island air.

There, I stood on the doorstep, basking in the night-time beauty of the island, just as I had on that first night only a month and a half before. Only this time, it seemed Bastion would not be interrupting me. A smile tugged at my lips as I closed my eyes and breathed in the salty air. Why was it human nature to overlook the little things? In that moment, I felt more at peace than I had done since the school year started. I stood there for a few moments more, relishing the cold air against my skin that sent a shiver down my spine. Proof I was alive.

And part of being alive was facing what life dealt you. Tomorrow was a new day, and I'd be ready for whatever it dealt me.

---

Over at the Slifer dorm, four people sat together in the small attachment that Professor Banner called their 'cafeteria'. In actuality, it was an overexaggerated attachment that was minuscule compared to the other dorms' eating areas.

There, sat with only the light of a single candle, was Jaden, Syrus, Chumley and Logan. The wooden chairs they sat on were unbalanced and uncomfortable, but the boys had managed to perch themselves around one of the tables in the middle. The four had decided to celebrate Jaden and Logan's victories over their Obelisk opponents by telling scary stories. Despite the two Slifers' wins, neither wanted to be promoted so tonight was also a celebration that they would be staying together.

Jaden was seriously enjoying the time he got to spend with his roommates, as he always did, but he was also enjoying Logan company. Truth be told, the Slifer trio had run into the Lightsworn user on the way back to the dorm and told him their plans. He'd been surprisingly enthusiastic about the idea so they invited him to join.

The way each told their story was determined by drawing from a deck of Duelling cards filled with different monsters the Slifer trio had gathered from packs at the shop. The level of the monster you pulled dictated how frightening your story had to be. So, if you drew a level one, the story didn't have to be scary at all, whereas if you drew a level twelve… well, you get the gist.

They went around a few times, some stories were scary, others weren't. Jaden had found Logan's story about Card Game Hell the worst. He couldn't even imagine a world where problems weren't solved by card games. It was a terrifying concept.

The hero duellist had to admit, he found the Lightsworn a little odd sometimes but when they hung out, he seemed pretty cool. If only he could get him to duel him. For some reason, he just was never in the mood when Jaden asked. Why could that be?

"Hey? Jaden? C'mon, did you hear anything I said?"

Syrus's words snapped Jaden back to reality as he looked around to see the other three boys staring at him. "Haha, sorry about that, Sy. I must have zoned out for a second. What were you saying?"

"I was saying that it's your turn. I couldn't really scare anyone with my story about the rare card in the water," Syrus said dejectedly.

"I wouldn't be so sure about that," Logan said with a chuckle, pointing behind the Vehicroid user to where Chumley had retreated several seats, looking downright terrified. "You alright there, big guy?"

"Uh, yeah," Chumley said, his voice trembling. "I just dropped something and it rolled over here."

"Uh-huh. Sure, you did." The Lightsworn user nodded his head, looking particularly amused. Logan, not for the first time that evening, looked over his shoulder towards the window. He tried to do it surreptitiously, but Jaden had noticed it.

"You alright man? Are you expecting something?" Jaden asked, looking over to where Logan had been glancing.

"No, it's nothing. Just thought I heard something is all," Logan said a little too quickly before laughing good-naturedly. "It's your turn, remember?"

"Oh yeah. Sorry about that. Hope I get a good one." All eyes were on Jaden as he picked his card. Much to his disappointment, it was the level one monster, Sinister Serpent. "Oh…"

"Aw, you lucked out," Syrus said as Chumley retook his seat beside him. "You hardly have to scare us at all with that low card."

"Alright, well I think I've got a story that will do the trick. Well… actually, it's more like a memory." Resting his head in his hands, Jaden proceeded to tell his dorm mates about the strange voices and sounds he used to hear as a child. Every night, he would get out of bed and try to find them, but when he went into the next room, he found nothing but his own cards. Understandably, Syrus and Chumley were less than impressed.

"That's it?" they said together, slumping in their seats. It seemed they had been expecting more.

Jaden chuckled before memories of the past month ran through his mind. He thought of the cute purrs he'd heard when he looked at the Winged Kuriboh card he'd received from Yugi Muto. "But do you want to know something strange, recently I've been hearing them again. Hmm…" It was strange. Maybe he was going crazy?

However, Logan tapped him on the arm. "These voices you heard, what was it like?" he asked with genuine curiosity. Unlike the others, he seemed to have been drawn into the tale.

"Well, I don't know how to explain it. It's like sometimes when I look at my cards, I just… hear them. Like they're as close as you and me."

"I see." Logan turned away, staring off into the middle distance. It seemed something was on his mind. However, before Jaden could ask what it was, he was interrupted.

"HAHAHAHAHA! Hey, I want to join in on the fright fest!"

"Ahhh!" The boys screamed, snapping around to find their dorm head, Professor Banner standing in the dark, his brown, tubby cat, Pharaoh in his arms.

"I think you already did!" Syrus cried.

"Yeah, we're on the edge of our seats here," Logan said, although he seemed a little less shocked than the others.

"Ha, I was just about to say that" Jaden laughed, trying to ease the tension.

"Haha, you don't say…" Logan trailed off.

While Jaden quirked a brow in confusion as Logan refused to meet his eye, Syrus turned to the Professor. "Well, since you're here now, why don't you draw a card? The tougher it is, the scarier your story has to be."

"Oh, well that certainly seems easy enough. Let's see here." The professor knelt down and picked the top card, revealing it to be the level twelve monster, Five-Headed Dragon.

"Wow, that's a top-level monster," Jaden gasped.

"This should be a treat," Logan said with a smirk.

"Yeah… nah, I think I'm going to go to bed now," Syrus squeaked.

Once again, Banner began to laugh and turned his head to the side. "What is wrong? Don't you want to hear about the abandoned dorm at the end of the island?"

---

Outside the Slifer Dorm, Dr Crowler peered into the dark cafeteria from the window, listening in as Banner told the four slackers about the abandoned dorm. As the deputy headmaster, Crowler was aware of the mystery surrounding the building. Two years prior, several Obelisk Blue students had disappeared without a trace. Rumours had it that the disappearances had something to do with the shadow games, but who would believe that bull cocky? The academy had tried to keep the matter under the table, but there were still a few who knew of the occurrence. The dorm itself was supposedly haunted and since then, the academy had deemed it off-limits to all students. Anyone caught near or in its premises were to be expelled.

Why they didn't just knock down the damn thing was beyond Crowler but for some reason, Chancellor Shepperd refused to do so. A shame really. Where it was located would be the perfect place for a professor's club where weary teachers could go after a hard day's work for a few drinks. Just thinking about it made the blue head of house sigh in longing.

He snapped out of it when he heard the door to the cafeteria slide open. Crowler had to quickly hide in the shadows as Banner left, apparently done with his tale, and made his way back to his room on the bottom floor of the Slifer barracks. Only once he heard the Banner's door close did the good doctor relax. It would not be good if he was caught spying on students. Still, after Chazz and that other one's defeat at the hands of Yuki and Evans, Crowler just knew he needed some dirt on them. Fortunately, he had overheard their plans for the night and decided it was the perfect opportunity to eavesdrop.

"You know, there is this creepy building I saw in the forest once." The younger Truesdale's voice once again focused Crowler's attention as he crouched down by the window. How Syrus was Zane's brother, he just couldn't understand.

"Aw sweet, then you'll lead the way for us tomorrow night," Jaden said, a carefree smile on his face.

"Wait a sec, what do you mean us?" Chumley asked, suddenly reappearing behind Syrus, scaring the little lad.

"C'mon guys, it'll be fun!" Logan said. Unlike Jaden, he was smirking. "Don't you want the opportunity to see it up close?"

"NO!" the two other Slifers said in unison.

"I'm with Logan!" Jaden cheered. "We've got to check this place out!" As he said this, he pumped his fist into the air. It seemed his optimism had won over the fearful others. For the briefest moment, Crowler could have sworn he saw Evans' expression sour but when the teacher blinked, he was smiling again.

Crowler had heard enough, a wicked, toothy grin spreading over his lips. It seemed Banner had neglected to mention the dorm was forbidden. And now they were planning to venture in! What luck! This was the perfect opportunity to scare the daylights out of the two upstart Slifers who had embarrassed him and get them expelled to boot. He was sure he could find someone online to help him with his trick.

"I think it's time the 'shadow games' made a comeback," he giggled to himself, dark thoughts dancing through his devious mind.

---

Little did Crowler know, but Logan had noticed him by the window. Having future knowledge meant he knew all the doctor's thoughts before he'd conceived them. Logan had made sure to insert himself into this event. It was something he'd been looking forward to. This was his opportunity to finally take the plot by the reigns and steer it in a direction where he would be the hero.

But first, he needed to ensure Jaden and the others didn't interfere. As the boys packed up for the night, Logan cast a quick look outside to check that Crowler was gone. He couldn't have him overhearing. Fortunately, it seemed he had gone back to the blue dorm to make his preparations.

As the Slifer trio were about to enter their dorm room, Logan slapped his head. "Oh guys, I forgot! I've actually got plans tomorrow."

"Oh what? That sucks," Jaden said, his eager expression faltering. Behind him, Syrus and Chumley let out a relieved sigh, clearly hoping this would mean their little excursion would be put on hold. "What are you doing?" Jaden continued.

"I've got a study date actually," Logan said.

"Oh, a date?" Syrus asked, perking up, the subject of girls and romance always making his ears prick. "Anyone we know?"

"A study date; and a man is allowed his secrets," Logan said, wagging his finger in the smaller boy's face. "I don't suppose we can rearrange for another time?"

"Yeah, it's all chill, bro." Jaden flashed him his trademark smile, making the Lightsworn user feel a little nauseous.

"Awesome," Logan said before giving the three a wave. "Let's talk about it the day after tomorrow. I'm bushed. Good night."

"Night!" the other three said before entering their own room.

Logan waited until he saw the door close before heading back to his own, where his roommates would undoubtedly already be asleep. He couldn't keep the grin from his face. He'd finally done it. Jaden wouldn't be going to the abandoned dorm, leaving the perfect slot open for someone to step in and save Alexis, earning her affection. Then, once Titan was defeated, he could set about charming the Obelisk queen, something he'd been wanting to do since school started!

"Ah, I love it when a plan comes together," he chuckled to himself.

---

The Next Day

"WOO HOO! I'm a blue!" I cried as I flopped onto my king size bed that had just about the comfiest duvet I had laid on. This morning, I made my way over to the blue dorm where I was personally greeted by Crowler and another male student with long brown hair and glasses who I knew I recognised but initially couldn't place a name to.

There, the Obelisk Head gave me a standard greeting and congratulations. He told me the rules of his dorm, which were all standard stuff like; don't make a mess, no fights, when food would be served, etc, etc. He seemed to rush through it, constantly looking at his watch like he was late for something. Once he had finished with his explanation, he introduced me to Torrey (ah, that was it) and promptly took his leave, hurrying out of the dorm before I could thank him.

From there, Torrey acted as my guide around the grandiose living quarters. Now, the yellow dorm had been like standard university housing. If I had to compare the blue dorm, it was like a luxury hotel! Torrey showed me around the common room, the private library, the indoor swimming pool and the giant 'cafeteria' which looked more like a restaurant. Everything was pristine. I could see why so many of the blues acted entitled when they had access to all of this. I imagined the girl's dorm had similar luxuries but obviously, I would never know.

Torrey was a fairly nice guy too. Considering the only interaction viewers had of him in the anime was his terrified attempt to escape Jinzo, he actually made pleasant company. While he was a freshman who'd managed to get into Obelisk Blue through his connections, he didn't share any of the prejudices that the other blue students seemed to have. As we walked, he told me all about the various clubs the school offered and his own Occult Research Club that looked into the various mysteries surrounding the island and the game of Duel Monsters. He invited me to join but I told him I'd have to think about it. I'd rather not get caught up with a vengeful cyborg spirit.

The final stop on the tour was my dorm room. I almost wept when I saw the interior. The room was twice as big as my one in the yellow dorm. I had my own flatscreen tv in the wall as well as a L-shaped sofa that was larger than I'd need unless I had guests. I had my own bathroom, complete with a bath and shower and my own mini cooking area. My Obelisk uniform lay neatly folded on the bed.

I don't know who would ever complain and try to avoid living in a place like this. Anyone who did that must be an idiot.

At that point, Torrey left me to get settled and that was when I flopped on the bed. After taking a few more moments to relish in the bliss, I looked over to the pile of luggage that had been stacked in the corner. I really didn't feel like unpacking yet.

"Well, what better way to celebrate a promotion than buying new cards," I mused, finally pushing myself up. I swear I'm not addicted; I just want to be prepared. The thrill of seeing what I get has nothing to do with it. Honest.

As I was going to the main academy building, I threw on my new Obelisk uniform. Unlike the other dorm uniforms, which were essentially coloured jackets, the blue uniform was lavish and possessed coat tails that came down to the back of my knees. I suppose it was meant to emulate Kaiba's own jacket in some way. The out of universe reason was probably that the designers thought it looked cool and would show the Obelisks to be 'different' from the other students on the island. Yes, it identified them as cannon fodder.

I looked in the mirror before I left. I will say it made me look quite dapper. Even in my old life, I'd been a fan of long coats. Maybe they just appealed to the chūnibyō in me. After making sure my duel disk was in my bag, I headed out. The blue dorm was fairly big, but I managed to make my way to the entrance.

Much to my surprise, as I walked down the grand staircase to the lobby, which definitely was going overboard for a boarding school accommodation, I spotted a rather peeved looking Chazz Princeton heading towards the entrance. Now, thankfully, Chazz had been the only main character that I had been able to entirely avoid since coming to Duel Academy. Due to his disdain for anyone who wasn't in the blue dorm, he had made it a point not to socialise pleasantly with anyone from Slifer or Ra, making my life a lot easier. However, when he spotted me coming down, he stopped.

'Here we go again…' I mentally groaned, preparing for the inevitable confrontation. 'Why can't any of the main cast just leave me alone?'

"Your that guy who just got promoted, right?" he asked, his voice smoother than I remembered it being. The time that he will come to spend at North Academy is most likely the reason for it becoming gravelly.

"That's right," I said, keeping my defences up. This was Chazz we were talking about. Right at the beginning of the series when he was at his most prickish. "Can I help you with something?"

"No, but I can help you," he said with a wry smirk. Oh, he was definitely up to no good. "You see, you must be feeling a little out of place among us elites. So, if you want, I can take you under my wing and show you the ropes." Ah, so that was it. He was trying to make me one of his cronies. In the canon, after his loss to Jaden, he quickly began losing the respect of his fellow Obelisks. It suddenly occurred to me he was alone. Those other two from the anime, whatever their names were, weren't with him. He was probably trying to get in my good books so that if anything happened, he'd have an ally. Smart. Unfortunately…

"That's a kind offer but I'd rather make my own way," I said. The smile on Chazz's face dropped as his lips twisted into a frown. It did not take much to make him drop his nice guy act.

"What? This is a one time offer, kid," said the teen who was, in actuality, younger than me. "I won't be making it again. I can help you reach places. I've got connections."

'Ha! Is that what you're calling your brothers?'

"That's all well and good, but I'd much rather proceed on my own. Thank you for the offer though." I tried to be a nice as I could. Mostly because I always tried to be but also because I knew my attitude would just piss him off. If Chazz thought even the new Obelisks had no respect for him, it would be even more reason to leave Duel Academy so that he could begin his journey of redemption.

Chazz bared his teeth, it looked like he wanted to say more, maybe pick a fight, but at that moment some more Obelisks came in from a room to the left, which I think was the common room. Not wanting to cause a scene, the youngest Princeton took back and turned away from me. "You'll end up regretting that. You'll never reach the level I could have helped you achieve."

---

"And then he just walked away, didn't even give me the chance to get the last word."

I had finally made it to the card shop. Fortunately, I had arrived just as Sadie was about to take her break, so I got the chance to talk to her. The card shop was a little busier today than my first visit, with a few of the other students perusing not only the card section but also a few magazines and reading materials the shop offered. Sadie and I were sat in the same area as when we had first met. It was just past midday, and it seemed the counter clerk was all too happy to chat and relieve some steam. She even treated me to a free coffee. I offered to pay but she merely shook her head. As we sat down, I regaled her with my little encounter with Chazz.

"Yeah, that guy has come in here a few times." Sadie gently blew on the cup of coffee she had been nursing before taking a tentative sip. "He's a real piece of work. Much like many of the other Obelisks. He thinks himself a real Casanova too." Her face cringed in disgust. I didn't bother to ask what he'd said to her. It was interesting to know that Chazz had some feelings for girls other than Alexis. Then again, I suppose he was a teenage boy. Hormones are prone to run rampant.

"He's not your type then?" I asked playfully. "I thought girls liked guys to be confident and rich."

She shot me an amused, half-hearted glare. "Confidence is one thing. Arrogance is another. As for the money, while nice to have, there are better things in life. There are too many people who don't seem to understand that." Her tone was wistful and somewhat rueful. Was she speaking from experience? Before I could ask, she rounded on me. "What about you? Would you consider a relationship if the main motivator was cash?"

"Oh, well, I don't come cheap," I said with a grin, trying to off-put some of the tension that had fallen on our chat. "It takes a lot to maintain my natural charm."

"And here I thought you only had eyes for your ace monster," she countered with a giggle, making me somewhat deflate, much to her own entertainment. "I suppose it is good to see that you have an interest in things other than your Blader." Was that a euphemism hidden in there?

"My interests span far and wide," I countered. "Why, I'll have you know I'm fond of snowboarding. I also like long walks on the beach and curling up on the sofa with a good book."

"Oh wow, a sportsman, a romantic and an intellectual," Sadie said sarcastically, rolling her eyes. "How you must make the women swoon."

"Well, I wouldn't go that far." Thoughts of the disdain Alexis had shown me filled my mind. Even though she had backed off, I noticed one of her groupies, Jasmine, continued to shoot me foul looks during class. It seemed my luck with women in this universe was just as bad as in my old one. Well, maybe not quite as bad as I thought. I seemed to be doing alright talking to Sadie.

"So, what is it like being a blue?" she asked, breaking me from my thoughts.

A wry smile tugged at my lips. "Wouldn't know. I haven't even unpacked yet. I will say I like the accommodations."

"The blue dorms are fancy," Sadie agreed, nodding her head. "The clothes are nice too," she added, eyeing my uniform.

"Oh, you like it?"

"The uniform, yes. Although it looks a little big on you," she said with a laugh and tugging at my sleeve before taking another sip of her beverage. I took a sip from my own as well and for a moment there was a comfortable silence between us. I thought about asking if she wanted to hang out sometime but struggled to build the courage. Things like this never went right for me before and I didn't want to make things awkward now. Just as I steeled myself, the beeper on her watch went off.

"It looks like my break is over," she said, rising from her chair, drinking the remainder of her coffee.

"Oh, that's a shame," I said, feeling a little downcast. Nonetheless, I rose too. "Enjoy the rest of your shift."

"Thanks," she said, flashing me a smile. What she did next surprised me. Taking out a pad of paper and a pen from her uniform, she wrote something down before handing me the note. "You know, you're pretty fun to talk to. Here's my number. Give me a ring if you want to meet up sometime. I can show you some of the best places on the island. If you want."

"That… that would be great," I said, a giant, dorky grin plastering my features. After handing me the note, she gave me a wave before heading back over to the counter. I watched her disappear into the backroom before leaving, feeling a particular skip was in my step. It seemed I had a shot after all. I felt like a could take on Kagemaru right now. Nothing could bring me down.

---

Alexis had taken care when leaving the dorm that night. Forgoing her uniform, she was dressed in a dark hoodie and jeans that allowed her to blend in with the darkness. She knew from experience that the island air was cold at night, so her outfit was to keep her warm as much as it was to make it difficult for prying eyes to see her. The only thing on her besides her duelling deck was a singular red rose.

Her journey wasn't far from the Girl's Dormitory. The abandoned dorm near the centre of the forest was the place where she knew her brother had disappeared. Since the beginning of the school year, she had made it a weekly ritual to make a trip to the forbidden building and lay down a single rose at its gate in respect for Atticus. Tonight, was no different. Walking further into the trees, the air grew colder, forcing a shiver to run down Alexis's spine. She noticed was a distinct lack of night-time animal life. It was like this entire area of the island had been deserted. And at the centre of it all was the old obelisk dormitory.

Two years ago, almost two dozen students had vanished, seemingly overnight. No trace to be found. Officials were left baffled as there was no evidence they'd left the island. They were simply there one minute, gone the next. And in wake of the disappearances, the families of the abductees were left shattered. Alexis's mother was inconsolable for weeks and her father threw himself into his work, often coming home late and speaking little before retiring for the night. For Alexis, this only made her feel even more alone. She'd had been forced to grow up quickly, looking after her parents as they despaired while maintaining her own relationships and grades. However, the worst thing wasn't Atticus's absence. In the beginning, she'd had hope he would be found and returned to the family; that everything would return to normal. No, the worst thing was what others had to say.

"Oh, you poor thing, how are you faring? It must be tough without him."

"You're going to have to be brave for your parents from now on."

"What are you going to do now he's gone?"

Friends, family, teachers. They had tried to be kind but their words of finality ate away at Alexis's hope. Weeks turned into months. Months became a year and finally, a year became two. In the end, Alexis' hope was all but used up. Now she just came here to mourn.

Her parents had fought when she said she wanted to attend Duel Academy, the same place he had disappeared. But Alexis' tenacity broke through their arguments. She would become a professional duellist and Duel Academy provided the best education to achieve that dream. And yet, when Zane had told her where to find the abandoned dorm, against his better judgement, she had found herself drawn to the building.

She'd been here many times since the beginning of the year but she still couldn't get used to its appearance. The last two years had not been kind. It was clear that once the dorm had been a grand and nice place to live. It was reminiscent of the mansions owned by those of wealth. There had been a gate a little away from the building that would have kept out the students of lower houses. While it was nowhere near as big as the current Obelisk Dorm, it was clear this had been the seat of power for students.

No longer.

The windows were shattered, the grand double doors were off their hinges and the gate was rusted and broken. Appropriately, the building looked like it was rotting. A truly adequate appearance for a building that was now dead to the world.

Pushing down the sadness that clawed at her heart, Alexis laid down the red rose, Atticus's favourite flower, at the foot of the broken gate.

"I'm sorry, brother," she said softly, tears threatening to well. "I hope that wherever you are, you're at peace."

She stayed still for a few moments; her eyes closed. As she always did, she focused on recalling all the good times she had shared with Atticus. The last time they spoke, he sounded happy, saying he'd met someone who reminded him why he loved duelling. That had made Alexis smile. It was because of him that she had grown to love Duel Monsters so hearing they were still connected by it made her happy too. She wanted to honour his memory by becoming the best at the game. She liked to think that would make him proud.

SNAP

Alexis' eyes shot open as she wheeled round only to be blinded by a strong light. "Who's there?" she called, covering her eyes.

"Oh, sorry about that, I wasn't expecting anyone else to be here," a confident and yet familiar voice said. The light flicked off, and Alexis was able to see the interloper.

It was the boy from the start of the year, the one who had challenged Zane and ended up embarrassing himself, Logan Evans. Much like herself, he had forgone the school uniform and was wearing a black t-shirt, a leather bomber jacket, and white jeans. The stark contrast in colours was insulting to her eyes. Strangely enough, he had his duel disk attached to his arm. Who was he expecting to duel at this time of night?

His eyes briefly looked over her figure and he seemed momentarily confused. It was like he was expecting something else. However, he seemed to quickly shake off his confusion. Had he had an issue with what she was wearing?

"You're Alexis Rhodes," the teen stated, flashing her his most charming smile. Another chill ran down Alexis's spine. Although this one wasn't from fear. "It's nice to meet you, I'm Logan Evans."

"We've met before," Alexis replied, her mood souring. "I was with Zane when you challenged him."

"I know. But we didn't get the chance to talk then," Logan said.

"What are you doing here?" she asked, getting straight to the point. He was a freshman, just like her. He should have no idea the abandoned dorm existed, let alone where to find it.

"I heard rumours there was a haunted house on this side of the island," he explained. "I knew I just had to check it out. Spent all day looking for this place."

"Well, you shouldn't have," Alexis replied coldly. Maybe she was being a bit harsh, but she already wasn't in the best mood, especially since he had interrupted her. "This place is forbidden. If you get caught here, you'll be expelled on the spot."

"Oh? Then why are you here?" he asked with a smirk.

"I have my own reasons, that's why!" she suddenly snapped. Her anger was growing. Just who was this guy? The reasons he had cited for being here seemed innocent enough, and yet who would bring a duel disk to go to a haunted house? Well, maybe Jaden would be he was unlike any other guy she'd met. That kid was obsessed with duelling.

Logan, on the other hand, possessed none of his fellow Slifer's charisma. Jaden played the game to have fun and make friends. He admired his opponents for their own strengths and just the experience of getting to play against them was thrilling for him. But of Logan's matches that Alexis had observed, and the rumours circulating the Obelisk dorms, the Lightsworn user ended his matches quickly and efficiently, never taking more time than he needed and demeaning his opponent while maintaining a charming and yet condescending tone. His playstyle reminded her more of Chazz, who liked to humiliate his foes. She wanted nothing to do with him.

However, despite her outburst, Logan did not seem deterred. In fact, it seemed like he had been expecting her reaction. "Woah there, no need to snap. I just came to look around, but I can stay out your way if you want."

"Yeah, maybe you should! Don't you know what happened here?" She was furious. This place was dangerous, and yet he was treating it like some kind of side road attraction. She had half a mind to report him herself, although that would implicate her as well. Maybe if he was someone else, she would have been kinder, but she didn't know anything about this boy.

For the first time, Logan seemed surprised. "Hang on, wait… That's not…"

"Not what?" she said, her eyes sharp and cold. She'd come here to pay her respects and now she had to deal with this. Well, she wouldn't have it. She'd done what she came here to do, and now she just wanted to go home and get some sleep. "Look, I'm going home. You should do the same. And forget about this place. Your curiosity isn't worth something bad happening to you." She tried to walk away but Logan reached out and grabbed her arm.

"Wait, you can't go yet," he said, his voice surprisingly desperate.

"Let go!" Alexis cried, flinging her free arm out and smacking the Slifer around the face, forcing him to release his grip as he stumbled to the ground. "What is wrong with you?" the Obelisk Queen demanded as she stood above the Slifer.

"You can't leave yet!" he began. It looked like he wanted to say more but stopped himself. That was interesting. However, before Alexis could call him out on it, there was a loud popping sound and suddenly a thick smoke enveloped her and Logan.

"The boy is right. You cannot leave just yet." A deep and mysterious voice echoed around them. Alexis, her body beginning to quiver, looked around desperately for the interloper. The smoke burned her throat as she breathed it in, causing a coughing fit as she held her hand up to her mouth.

"Uhh!"

THUMP!

She heard a male gasp before the sound of something heavy hitting the ground. "Logan?" she called out. She didn't like the guy, but she could still check if he was okay. She took a step forward and almost tripped. Logan was on the ground, his eyes closed and mouth agape. Thankfully, she could hear him lowly groaning, telling her he was still alive.

However, before she could do anything else, someone grabbed her from behind, placing a funny-smelling cloth over her mouth and nose.

"Sleep now." The voice of the stranger cooed into her ear. "You both will make the perfect bait for my prey."

'Prey?'

Alexis tried to scream but with the cloth over her mouth, it was a fruitless endeavour. She thrashed in her attacker's grasp but slowly, her efforts grew weaker. The world around her was becoming blurred, and soon, she was consumed by darkness.

---

The day started off normally. It was Monday morning and when I rose, I went through my normal routine. I hadn't contacted Sadie yet. You're supposed to wait a day before doing that type of thing right? But still, I was anxious. After putting on my uniform, I made my way down to breakfast. That was when I ran into Crowler on the stairs. I was going to greet him when his expression made me pause. It was something I had not seen on the man in this universe. Normally the doctor kept this air of confidence that made it seem like he could take on the world if he needed.

But today, his shoulders were slumped, there were bags under his eyes, and he had the barest amount of makeup. He, by all accounts, seemed worried. He said nothing as he passed me, but I heard him muttering to himself. What he was saying was incomprehensible, but it seemed that whatever had him whipped up into a frenzy had made him unaware of my presence. He walked past me without a greeting, heading straight to his office in the dorm. I thought nothing of it as I made my way to breakfast. It was just Crowler being Crowler.

In class, that was when things began to take a strange turn. First, Alexis didn't turn up to class. She hadn't missed a lesson once since the beginning of the year, so her absence was immediately noticed. Furthermore, Logan wasn't present either, which combined with the former fact made the warning bells in my head begin to ring.

'Please just let it be a coincidence. Please just let it be a coincidence.'

About halfway through the day, I approached Jaden, Syrus and Chumley before they could leave for lunch. It may have been a little out of character for me but if my suspicions were correct and Alexis and Logan's absence was connected, these three may know something.

"Hey guys, how are my favourite Slifers?" I said, giving them a small wave.

"Oh, hey there Ren, yeah we're all good," Jaden said, shooting me a friendly grin. However, despite his friendly attitude, he seemed a little worried too.

"Are you sure?" I asked, pressing the matter.

"Yeah, it's just that, we went to wake up Logan this morning and he wasn't in," the hero user explained.

Syrus nodded his head. "We thought he might have just come to school early, but now…" he trailed off.

"Maybe he just overslept and decided not to come in," Chumley offered. "He did say he had that study date last night."

"Study date?" I asked.

"Oh yeah, we had plans, but he said he wouldn't be able to make it. We were going to go-"

"Jaden, shh!" Syrus suddenly interrupted the hero teen, shoving his hands in front of his face. "He said that he was meeting someone last night to study," the smaller teen told me with a very unconvincing smile on his face. They 'had' plans? My canon senses were tingling.

"What were your original plans?" My question made the three Slifers a little nervous as they shared uncertain glances. "C'mon guys, you can tell me," I pushed.

The three of them looked around, checking that no one was listening before gesturing for me to come in. They did all this in unison, and it was clear they had already spent far too much time together. "So, you see, Professor Banner told us about this dorm on the other side of the island where which is rumoured to be haunted," Syrus said.

'Oh no.'

"Originally, we were going to check it out last night, but Logan asked if we could reschedule," Chumley added.

'He didn't…'

"So, we agreed we'd sort it out another time," Jaden finished. "Shame too because I was stoked to check it out.

'He did…'

"Hey, are you okay, man?" Jaden asked. "You're shaking."

I looked down at my hand to see that it was indeed trembling. "Me, oh yeah. I'm fine. Your secret is safe with me guys. Um, would you excuse me a minute?"

Without waiting for a reply, I hastily made my way out of the classroom. I could feel the Slifer's confused eyes baring on me, but I didn't care. I walked down the corridor to the nearest toilet. Once inside, I checked under each stall. No one was inside.

"Oh good. All alone. THAT! FUCKING! IDIOT!"

My anger had finally bubbled over, my frustration with my fellow reincarnate immeasurable. Sure, he'd interposed himself in the plot. Whatever.

He was using an overpowered deck to try and claim top student position. That's fine. That's fine. I don't even care.

But now he's fucked with the plot, and if my guess is correct, he's gotten himself and Alexis kidnapped. Or worse, he'd them both trapped in the shadow realm. That was where Jaden's original duel with Titan had ended up being finished so it was possible.

And now who was going to have to sort out his mess? That's right, it's going to have to be me. Because I'm the only one who knows where they are. No, that's not true. My thoughts drifted to this morning when Crowler had ghosted me on the stairs. He had been worried. It stood to reason he was in contact with Titan and things had gone unfavourably in the teacher's favour. At this point in the day, Crowler should be in his office in the main academy building.

My mind made up, I turned on my heel and made my way over to the Doctor's office. As I got close. I heard the muffled sounds of Crowler shouting at someone. I slowed my pace, getting close and placing my ear to the door.

"Look, you'll get your money, now please, return the students," Crowler's voice was loud but pleading. It seemed he was trying to negotiate.

"Oh no, the deal was I'm here for one night and I'm paid in full." I recognised that voice, even if it had an electronic buzz to it. Crowler was speaking to Titan, stupidly on loudspeaker. Anyone could hear them if they happened to walk by. Well, I guess Crowler's idiocy is my good fortune. "I'm keeping these two as insurance until the money is in my account."

"But you didn't even do your job! According to you, Jaden didn't even show up! And why didn't you just scare Evans?" Crowler demanded.

"You told me the boys would be coming as a group. I assumed he was a bystander and decided to use him as bait. Next time you hire a hit, you should provide pictures." Eh, he had a point.

Nonetheless, Crowler didn't take this well. "And we should have discussed price first. Look, I'm a man of my word, you will be paid, just give me time to gather the funds. Release the students. If any harm comes to them, I swear-"

"Your threats mean nothing. I hold all the cards. You ordered a hit from a shadow duellist on your own students. If anyone finds out, you could be facing hard time. Not to mention you'd have the lives of these two hanging over your head. I want my money, Crowler, and you have until midnight to provide it. Otherwise… I'll be sending these two to the shadows for all eternity."

"No, please…" Crowler murmured helplessly. He had been outplayed. Titan did indeed have everything stacked in his favour. If Crowler made a move against him, Titan could harm his hostages and still flee. The line cut and I heard Crowler slump, at least I assume slump, into his chair. "What have I done?" I heard him say. It seemed the guy had a heart this early after all. Or maybe he was just concerned because one of his precious Obelisks had gotten involved. Well, while what Crowler had done was despicable, he was lucky I had no choice but to interfere in the matter, restore the canon and clear up Logan's mess.

I'd been lucky to overhear that conversation. I now knew that Titan had both Alexis and Logan and that, currently, they were okay. However, there wasn't much time to save them. I quickly made my exit, leaving as quietly as I could so that Crowler wouldn't hear me. Once I was sure I was safe, I took out my PDA and sent a message to Jaden.

I overheard a student saying they saw Logan heading into the forest last night. You don't think he went to check out that dorm, do you?

It was a lie but it made more sense than the truth. I didn't have to wait long for a reply.

He could have done. But why would he do that on his own?

Who knows, but he might be in trouble. We should go and check.

Alright, Syrus knows the way. Let's meet by the main gate in 5.

I didn't bother to reply. Things were already partially back on track. I just hoped Titan hadn't decided to leave the Abandoned Dorm yet.

---

You're useless! You live in a fantasy world! When will you learn? All that shit isn't real! You need to grow up!

"I'm… sorry…"

The words left Logan's lips as his eyes groggily flickered open. He felt cold and his mouth was uncomfortably dry. His wrists itched, his back arched, his face stung and it felt like someone had hit him in the back of the head. He tried to move only to feel pain. His attention sharpened as he looked down to see that his wrists and ankles were bound by rope. His duel disk had not been removed either, making it especially uncomfortable.

"What the hell?" he cried; his voice hoarse. He fruitlessly tried to struggle, only to topple over from his seated position onto the chilly stone floor. "Grr… what happened…?" His mind replayed the last things he could remember. He'd tried confronting Alexis at the abandoned dorm, just as Jaden had done in the anime. He'd even said the same things and yet she didn't respond in the same way. He was hoping she'd mention Atticus so that when he entered the abandoned dorm and found his picture, he could give it to her once saving her from Titan.

However, she'd tried to leave. Logan remembered trying to stop her and she… she had slapped him. And then there was all that smoke…

"No. I couldn't have been…"

Using his bound arms to push himself upright, he finally got a good look at his surroundings. He was in a circular stone cavern. The floor had been intricately carved into a pattern like those used in rituals. Carved into the walls were the heads of snake-like monsters, each with their fangs bared. Logan recognised it as the ritual chamber underneath of the Abandoned Dorm, the place where originally Jaden would have duelled Titan. Across the chamber, Logan spotted an ornate, wooden coffin with what looked like bones decorating its contours. It was open and Alexis, unconscious and dead to the world, lay inside. Like Logan, her wrists and ankles were bound.

"Ah, so you are awake."

A deep, chilling and yet familiar voice filled the room, echoing off the walls and making it seem even more mysterious. If Logan didn't know better, he may have assumed his captor was talking to him from another plane of existence. White smoke suddenly began to fill the chamber, obscuring the Lightsworn user's vision.

In the centre of the smoke arose a man dressed in black. He wore a long black trench coat that had been modified to hold an apparatus similar to Crowler's duel coat. His fedora was tilted over his face so that you could only just see the trademark silver mask that obscured the duelling mercenary's identity. On his left arm was a large metal cuff which Logan knew to be his duel disk.

His acting was top-notch, emerging from the smoke like a creature of the night, his arms initially crossed across his chest before coming down to his sides. "You were unwise to come to this place," he said, his voice still echoing around the chamber. "Now you will fall prey to the dark forces that wreak havoc through this unholy-"

"Can you just stop? We both know this is fake," Logan suddenly cut in, causing the mercenary to pause. At that moment, Logan had absolutely no patience for bullshit. In his mind, the masked man had ruined what was supposed to be a perfect plan to get him into the main plot and quite frankly, he was angry.

Titan seemed taken aback by his behaviour. Logan reasoned he was expecting him to be quivering like the schoolboy he appeared to be. "Are you not scared of me?" he asked, his voice a little meeker.

"Of an out of work carnie? Hell no!" Logan snapped. "But let me out of these ropes and I'll show you just how scary I can be."

He thought he'd sounded tough, but Titan merely laughed. "You shouldn't be too cocky, brat. You seem to forget the position you are in. I am Titan, the duel mercenary. And I have ended many a soul by feeding them to the shadows. And as for your carnie comment, I'm afraid you couldn't be more wrong. In fact, I used to work for an organisation that struck fear into the very hearts of duellists around the globe."

That didn't sound right. Titan was supposed to take offence to the carnie comment. Instead, he seemed to have taken it in stride. His confidence had put Logan off his game. As the masked man approached, Logan felt a chill for the first time. "And what organisation was that?" he asked.

Titan flashed him a toothy grin, seemingly relishing in the moment of silence between them. "I'm sure you've heard of the Rare Hunters. They may be gone but their methods live on through me."

"Why… why are you telling me this?" Logan asked.

"Because every man should know just who is going to end them."

Before Titan could continue, there was a series of small pings. His natural frown returned as he took out a small device from his coat. "Hmm… it seems we have some visitors." He reached back into his coat and produced a line of rope, a large hook, and a gag. "Are you ready to play your part?"

---

After retrieving my backpack and duel disk and meeting up with Jaden and the others, Syrus led us into the forest towards the abandoned dorm. Since the sun was still out, we had little trouble finding our way and soon enough I got my first look at the abandoned dorm and what was effectively the epicentre of all the supernatural events that would take place over the next three years. Even in the light of the day, the dorm still possessed an imposing and uninviting aura. Just looking at it filled me with the urge to run. On the way here I'd notice the distinct lack of bird song. It seemed even the wildlife had deserted this place.

"Are we sure he's in there?" Chumley asked fearfully. It occurred to me that having been held back three years, he should probably know more about this place. However, he'd said nothing. Not even about how it was supposed to be off-limits. Hmm… strange.

"It's our best guess, Chum," Jaden said, taking the lead and stepping over the 'Keep Out' sign. "Even if we don't hang out with him a lot, he's still our friend. If there's even a chance he's in there, we should try and find him."

'Ever a hero, even at this early stage,' I thought with a wry smirk.

"Shouldn't we have told the teachers?" Syrus tried to reason. "Surely they might have been able to help."

"We don't even know what's going on," I lied. He had a good point but doing so would prevent Syrus's own growth as a duellist. After this, I'd just have to make sure it was discovered we were at the dorm. "If we told them, they'd waste time getting a search party together. Logan might be hurt. In this case, it's better to act now and seek permission later," I said before following after the hero user.

Behind us, Syrus and Chumley shared a concerned look before running to catch up. The inside of the dorm was just the same as its exterior. Broken and littered. The remnants of furniture lay smothered in dust, making the air hard to breathe. The wallpaper was rotting from rainwater that, from the smears, appeared there must have been a leak. Interestingly, despite all the mess and filth, I noticed there wasn't a single cobweb.

The four of us came into what was probably once a common room. Thanks to the sunlight, we didn't need torches, so we were able to see it in its entirety. The room was just as wrecked as the rest of the dorm, but what set it apart were the carvings on the back wall.

"Woah, look at that," Jaden gasped as he walked towards it.

"Be careful, Jay," Syrus whimpered. The poor guy had been walking closely behind Chumley the entire time, his head frantically looking from side to side like something was going to jump out at him.

Jaden approached the wall and gently ran his hand against the carvings. The wall was absolutely covered in ancient symbols that none of us could understand. However, along with these writings were the images of what I knew to be the seven Millennium Items. The Millennium Eye, Scales, Necklace, Key, Rod, Ring, and Puzzle were all etched into the very being of the door and just looking at them gave me an uneasy feeling. Despite their power, those items had been made using the lives of an entire village. Despite their unbelievable power and the good some of them had done, those items were undoubtedly cursed. Of course, I knew what they were due to my knowledge of the series. The others, however, were momentarily confused.

"I… I think these are the Millennium Items." Jaden was beginning to say his canon lines, a sign we were back on the right track, so I stopped listening. Instead, I focused on what else was in the room. It was never shown in canon the exact way to the underground chamber, so we'd still have to search.

That was when something caught my eye. A dusty photograph that hung on the wall. As I got closer, my eyes went wide. I knew this photograph; it had been shown in the anime after all. It was the image of a handsome teen with brown hair that went down to his neck. He wore a colour inverted variation of the Obelisk uniform, the same Zane wore, and he had a stunning smile that could probably make any girl swoon. It was Atticus Rhodes, Alexis's lost brother. However, this isn't what shocked me. It was the woman standing in his arms.

She was pretty with long dark hair that came down to her lower back. Her Obelisk Girl's uniform hugged at her generous form comfortably and she had a beaming smile. Mesmerising, aquamarine eyes stared out at me as she put up a peace sign. The reason this was so shocking; this girl shouldn't exist. In the anime, this picture should have shown Atticus on his own. Now, I had no doubt that he probably had a girlfriend at some point, the Casanova he was presented to be, but this picture, it shouldn't be here.

I looked quickly at the other dusty pictures on the wall, but I couldn't see the one I was familiar with anywhere. This was it. Who was that girl? And why was she never brought up in the anime? The cogs of my mind began to whir, trying to work out why such an aberration could exist. I came to a conclusion but dismissed it. It wasn't possible. And yet, it kept coming back to my mind until I could no longer see any other option.

"I wasn't the first…" It came out as a whisper and yet the realisation it hit me like a hammer. There was someone else out there besides Logan and me who had reincarnated here. Where were they now? Had they been taken by the spirits of the dorm too? Were they dead, like the others that were taken?

"Hey, Ren? Are you alright man? You don't look so good."

Jaden appeared at my side, startling me. I quickly shook my head, banishing the thoughts. It was something to think about later. "I'm fine. Just wondering what happened to make the academy abandon this place."

"Yeah, it seems weird," Jaden agreed before turning to look at the picture of Atticus and the unknown girl. "Who do you think they were?" he asked.

"No idea, but I'd like to know."

"Hey, guys! You need to see this!" Chumley called. It seemed that while I'd been distracted, he and Syrus had gone into another room. Jaden was quick to head towards them. I lingered long enough to take the frame from the wall and remove the picture. I could hand it to Jaden to give to Alexis once this mess was over. Jaden would need this later to clear another flag with her character development.

I followed the path Jaden had taken to find him and the three Slifer's staring at something on the floor. Jaden picked it up, his face etched in worry. In his hand was a Duel Monster card. I didn't need to look at the card to know what it was. The Etoile Cyber, one of Obelisk Queen's staples.

"Alexis is here?" Syrus said, looking around for the girl.

"You don't think she was taken, like Professor Banner said, do you?" Chumley asked fearfully.

"I don't know," Jaden said, placing the card into his deck box for safekeeping. "But one thing's for sure, we're now looking for two people."

"Well said," I commented with a smile. It seemed Jaden's heroic spirit had ignited. Good, he was going to need it. At this point, I was sure he had all he needed to face Titan. After seeing that inscription on the wall, he should be able to work out Titan's tricks. Despite being portrayed as childish in the show, Jaden had also been shown to be very perceptive and capable of making connections.

"Alexis's card was in front of this doorway," the hero said, looking down a dark hallway. After Chumley managed to retrieve a flashlight from his backpack, why he had one in there during the day I'll never know, we made our way in. After a minute of walking, we came across a tunnel leading underground. Wooden scaffolding prevented tons of rocks and rubble from caving in but with how old the structure seemed; I was surprised it'd lasted as long as it had.

Finally, we came out into the large stone chamber I remembered from the show. A large ring of rubble created a boundary to a circular altar with long indentations leading to the centre of the ring.

"That place is creepy? Why is this underneath a dorm?" Syrus asked, shaking nervously.

"That's a great question," I said, looking around the chamber. It was freezing down here. Across the chamber, I spotted a coffin with the unconscious Alexis inside. Logan, however, was nowhere to be seen.

"Over there!" I cried.

"Alexis!" Jaden made to run over to her when white smoke began to spread out from the centre of the chamber.

"Hahaha! She can't hear you. She's locked away. Far in the shadow realm," a voice echoed around the chamber.

"Who's there?" Jaden demanded.

From the smoke arose the trench coat wearing Titan, his eyes staring at us blankly from behind his metal mask. "Your worst nightmare come true."

"Oh, give me a break," Jaden said, although he moved to stand defensively in front of the rest of us.

"Then let me prove it to you, in a shadow game," the masked man declared.

"Oh please, there's no such thing!" Jaden cried angrily.

Titan merely laughed. "The others didn't believe in such a thing either. But they were so convinced. For you see, when you lose in a shadow game, you don't just pay with your life points, you pay with your soul." I knew he was bullshitting. He was probably recounting information Crowler had told him when he hired him. Nonetheless, my compatriots seemed convinced.

"So, you're the one behind all those disappearances, well you won't get us! And where is our other friend? What have you done with Logan?" While Jaden talked, Chumley was once again reaching into his backpack where he produced a duel disk. He handed it to Jaden.

Titan laughed. "The boy has his own part to play, Jaden Yuki."

The hero duellist's eyes widened as he took a step back. "How do you know my name?"

"I know a great many things," the masked man replied. "My shadow powers grant me knowledge far beyond your pitiful understanding. As for me, you may call me Titan. Come, if you wish to have any chance of saving your friends, you must duel."

Jaden seemed slightly shaken, but with his friends in danger, he steeled his nerves and equipped his disk. "Fine then, get your game on!" he walked forwards, taking his place across from the duelling mercenary.

Titan merely smiled as he brought up the long metal cuff on his left hand. The device unfurled into a duel disk in the shape of a mechanical bat wing. "Shadow game that is."

Jaden cast one look over at Alexis and whispered something under his breath that I couldn't hear. Probably some sort of reassurance. He then turned towards his opponent.

"DUEL!" they both cried. (Jaden: 4000LP/Titan 4000 LP)

As the two drew their opening hands, I found myself strangely excited, despite the situation. This was my first-time seeing Jaden duel up close. Even if I knew what was going to happen, I couldn't help but look forward to the experience. Just as I remembered, Titan took the first move, not bothering with the customary roshambo. The only thing that worried me was Logan's absence. If Alexis was here, then he should be too. So where was he?

"Prepare to enter the shadows," Titan said with a smirk, drawing his first card from the apparatus attached to his coat.

Turn 1: Titan – 4000LP – 6 cards – 0 cards on the field

Titan smiled as he looked at his cards. He was confident. If my memory served me right, he should summon his queen archfiend or whatever its name was first.

"I activate the effect of Archfiend General in my hand," he said, his voice calm and methodical. "By discarding it, I can add the field spell Pandemonium to my hand."

'Umm… what?' I thought dumbly. That wasn't the right move. Where was his queen?

"I now activate Pandemonium!" As he slotted the card into his disk, the scenery around us began to change. The centre of the chamber began to bubble with magma, illuminating us all in orange light. Furthermore, architecture made from bone spread out under our feet and scaled the walls, great tendrils of the bones curving upwards like talons. Above us, the skulls of ram-like creatures looked down on the duellists with empty eye sockets.

"Wow… that's pretty cool," Jaden murmured. While the hero duelist was impressed, Syrus and Chumley were now staring at their surroundings with fear-filled eyes. Syrus's legs were even knocking together!

"Yes, it is very cool," Titan grinned. "But with the stage set, the terror can now truly begin! I summon Shadowknight Archfiend (2000/1600)." From the magma emerged a winged fiend with blue skin wearing scratched, silver armour over its body. Its right arm was a blade that's tip glowed a dangerous orange whilst its left was a gauntleted claw. Long blue hair cascaded down its back and two glowing red eyes stared out at Jaden from behind a skull carapace mask.

Finally, I was beginning to feel afraid. Titan's deck wasn't different, but he hadn't drawn the same cards he had in canon. It stood to reason Jaden was in the same situation, and he'd drawn a different hand as well. But why? Why were things different?

No, that was a stupid question. Things were different because the circumstances were different. The canon duels Jaden had had so far had happened as they were supposed to without interruption. But Logan had disrupted the flow. Yes, Titan and Jaden were facing each other, but their decks had more than likely been shuffled in a different way. My knowledge was useless at this moment. Maybe fate was on Jaden's side, maybe it wasn't.

Either way, I could no longer be sure Jaden of Jaden's victory.

Even in the face of Titan's deadly fiend, he maintained a confident attitude. "So, you play archfiends? Guess I'm in luck then. You'll be taking damage during each of your standby phases."

Unfortunately for him, Titan merely shook his head. "I'm afraid not. Thanks to my field spell, I no longer have to pay the cost to keep my monsters on the field. Furthermore, if you destroy one of my archfiends outside of battle, I can add a new one of a lower level to my hand. Oh, and before I forget." He reached into his coat and produced a charm attached to a rope that bore striking resemblance to Millennium Puzzle that Yugi Muto used to wear. The Eye of Wdjat in the centre of the charm began to blow golden light. "By the power of my Millennium Pendant, I call upon the shadows to grace this game. Let your powers take hold!"

The light grew stronger, almost blinding and the sound of scraping bones filled out ears. Straining my eyes, I looked across to see the coffin holding Alexis close and large, talon-like bones burst from the ground, wrapping themselves around the coffin before pulling it into the ground.

"Alexis!" Jaden cried.

"That's not fair!" Chumley growled.

"What has he done with her?" Syrus exclaimed with surprising bravery.

"The same thing I will do to you if you continue to pester and annoy me!" Titan growled, making Syrus and Chumley take a step back.

I said nothing, merely keeping my eyes on the spot where the coffin had sunken. 'This is all a sham.' I reminded myself. 'Chances are he's just manipulated the hologram settings on his duel disk. He must be quite the showman. But it doesn't work on someone who knows the game.' I could have told the others what I knew, but that would be like opening a can of worms. I had no way of proving my knowledge, at least not in a way that would make sense. For now, I would just have to play the role of onlooker. But that didn't mean I had to be idle. There was a life at stake now and the future was uncertain. Staying in the background here could mean someone would die. I had faith in Jaden, but it's better to be safe than sorry. I just needed an opportunity.

"It is still my turn!" Titan declared. "I activate the spell Foolish Burial to send a monster from my deck to the grave. I send the Imprisoned Queen Archfiend. Finally, I shall end with a face-down card."

"About time. It's my turn!"

Turn 2: Jaden – 4000LP – 6 cards in hand – 0 cards on the field

Jaden took a moment to check his cards. He didn't seem too happy. He probably didn't have much to work with in the face of such a powerful monster.

"I set a monster and a facedown. That's all from me," he said regretfully as the cards materialised on his field.

"That is all?" Titan said with a smirk. "Why, it's like you don't even want to save your friends." Jaden let out a low growl in response, which only seemed to feed Titan's amusement. "It is my turn.

Turn 3: Titan – 4000LP – 3 cards in hand – 1 monster, 1 set card, Field spell in play

"First of all, during the standby phase, the effect of my Imprisoned Queen Archfiend activates from the grave." Behind him, the spectral image of a titanic fiend appeared. It was purple with the same bone carapace armour all archfiends possessed. Orange hair came down to its chin and it wore a simple green loincloth. Shackles attached to the shadows trapped it from moving. The monster screamed and howled as it thrashed against its manacles. "When I have Pandemonium on the field, I can target a level four or lower archfiend on my field and increase its attack points by 1000 until my end phase."

His knight let out a frightful cry as a dark aura surrounded it (2000-3000 ATK). With its work done, the spectral image of his queen faded, although its screams still echoed around us. "Now, I shall call upon the Terror King Archfiend (2000/1500)!" Titan's new monster was a large, winged fiend with a red sinewy body and regal bone armour. A large, demonic broadsword rested in its talons.

"Battle!" Titan declared as his monsters readied their weapons. "Shadowknight, attack his facedown monster!"

His knight charged forward; its right arm drawn back. But, even in the face of a powerful monster, Jaden smiled.

"You just triggered my trap card! Go, Magic Cylinder! All those attack points are going right back to you!" Two purple, hollow cylinders rose from the ground in front of Jaden.

"Yeah!" Syrus and Chumley cheered but a frown remained on my features.

"I wouldn't celebrate too early," I said.

Titan's grin grew. "Your friend is right. My Shadowknight effect activates." From the bubbling, magma appeared six different colour balls that flew over to Titan's side. His Shadowknight had paused its attack but did not return to his side. "When you target my archfiend with an effect, I'm allowed a chance to stop it. A number between one and six is randomly selected and if the result is three, your effect is negated, and the card destroyed."

"Ha, that's, what, a one in six chance? I'm not worried," Jaden said with a smile.

"Pride cometh before the fall," Titan replied as a flame ignited around one of the floating balls. One by one it moved around the numbers. After a few moments, it came to rest on the ball with the numbered three.

"No way!" Jaden cried.

"Way." Jaden's Magic Cylinders shattered, leaving Shadowknight Archfiend free to finish his attack. The knight plunged his sword into Jaden's set card, briefly revealing it to be Elemental Hero Sparkman (1600/1400). The gold and blue hero let out a cry before exploding.

"Sparkman!"

"You have bigger things to worry about than your lack of a monster. Things like my Terrorking! Go, attack with locust storm barrage!" At Titan's command, his fiend's belly begin to swell and bulge before it burst open, letting loose a swarm of… well as he said, a swarm of locusts that flews across the field, bombarding the poor Slifer as he threw up his arms to protect himself (Jaden: 2000LP).

"Jaden!" Syrus and Chumley cried in fear, performing the classic sidekick role of screaming the main characters name when they were in trouble. I was more interested in something else. The fact that I could still see Jaden's body. In the canon, when Jaden lost life points, parts of his body began to disappear. Since it wasn't happening here, Titan clearly had other plans.

Despite having lost half his life points, Jaden stood tall. "I'm still standing! That all you got?"

"You may be standing, but there is someone who unfortunately doesn't have that luxury," Titan chuckled. "You were wondering where you other friend was, correct? Why, he is right above you!"

All eyes turned to the ceiling as Logan materialised out of a dark cloud, his body forming together from particles of darkness. His body was strange, his arms in the air with glowing manacles attached to his wrists. The same dark energy was covering his mouth, preventing him from talking, but the frustration in his eyes was clear as he struggled in the air.

"It's Logan!" Chumley cried out, stating the obvious.

"Let him go!" Jaden thundered. "He's got nothing to do with this!"

Once again, Titan gave a low chuckle. "He has everything to do with this. For you see, when you lose life points, not only will you be brought closer to the shadows, but your friend will as well!" He pointed to the suspended Lightsworn user as his body suddenly began to fade. His right arm, lower torso and left leg all vanished instantly.

"What did you do to him?" Jaden demanded, glaring at the duel mercenary.

"He is paying the cost for your misplays. With every life point lost, the shadows consume him. I hope the pressure isn't too much for you." He had said it with a toothy grin, further increasing my unease. Jaden seemed rattled, his eyes darted up towards Logan's struggling form and then to his cards. The poor guy was probably trying to think of the best way to win the duel without causing unnecessary 'pain' to Logan.

It was a trick. Titan had no true power. The only reason he was showing Logan off like this was to get in Jaden's head, force him to make a misplay. And by the scowl on Jaden's face, it was working.

"I shall end my turn there," Titan said. "As such, my knight's attack points return to normal." The aura surrounding his knight faded. (3000-2000 ATK)

"I draw," Jaden said. As he drew his next card, I noticed he did it with a lot less flare.

Turn 4: Jaden – 2000LP – Five cards in hand – 0 cards on the field

He gazed at his cards and then to the field. While I doubted he'd felt any damage from the attack, it seemed that due to the panic in Logan's movements, Jaden truly believed my fellow reincarnate was feeling the pain of this 'shadow game'.

Titan's trick was making Jaden doubt himself. And he hadn't even had his second turn yet. I'm not normally one for dramatic speeches but someone needed to snap the kid out of it, and it wouldn't be Syrus or Chumley. The two of them believed what was going on as well. No, it was apparently, and annoyingly, going to have to be me.

"Jaden!" I called out, gaining the hero duellist's attention. "Don't let this guy play with your head! You've got this!"

Jaden still looked unsure. His gaze once again went to the suspended Lightsworn user. "But Logan…"

"He'll be fine once you win this! Now fight! That's what heroes do, right? They save the people in trouble!" I was playing to his nature and my words seemed to strike some resonance with him.

"Shut up, you brat!" Titan cried, once again bringing out his pendant and pointing it in my direction. He was probably worried that my words would undo all of the work he'd put into messing with Jaden's head. "If you are not silent, then I will send you to the shadows here and now!"

"Do your worst!" I dared, knowing he couldn't do a damn thing to me. Titan scowled but backed down, putting his pendant back in his pocket.

"You are lucky I am in a good mood. Now, Jaden Yuki, make your move. Just know that depending on what you do, it could mean the end for your friend." Once again, he was trying to manipulate Jaden, but much to my happiness, the hero duellist gave a small smile.

"Thanks for the advice, Ren. Now then, I suppose I should get on with my move. I start by activating Pot of Greed. That's two extra cards for me, and a world of hurt for you. Sweet! I play Polymerization! I fuse the Avian and Burstinatrix to summon my favourite, the Elemental Hero Flame Wingman (2100/1200)!"

The birdman and woman of fire briefly appeared on the field before disappearing into a swirling portal. From it emerged Jaden's first ace. It was a green, draconic humanoid with a long, red dragon tail. At the end of his right arm was a red dragon head and he possessed a single feathered wing. As the hero appeared, he floated next to Jaden with his arms folded.

Huh, it was weird. Now that I thought about it, Jaden's first ace was a monster that was one part man, one part woman and had a draconic theme to it. Was that part of Yubel's influence on Jaden? Hmm… it was one hell of a coincidence if not.

"Ha, that was your big play?" Titan gloated. "He only has a hundred more attack points than my creatures."

"That's true," Jaden admitted. "But what really sets my hero apart is his ability. Here, why don't I just show you? Wingman, attack his Terrorking!"

At Jaden's command, his hero flew into the air and pointed his draconic right arm towards the Titan's king. A torrent of flame burst forth, overtaking the fiend and reducing it to ashes. Titan barely flinched as his points decreased. (Titan: 3900LP)

"Is that all? I'm not impressed."

"Oh, well maybe this will get a reaction out of you. When my Wingman destroys a monster, it's not just it that feels the burn, you will too! You take damage equal to your monster's attack points!"

"What?" Titan cried as Jaden's ace suddenly landed in front of him, its deadly appendage raised. Before the mercenary could react, flames overtook him, forcing the man to cover his face. (Titan: 1900LP)

I took this as my opportunity. While Titan was distracted, I ran around the edge of the chamber, making my way to where the coffin had sunken. I could explain how I knew it was there later. For now, Alexis came first. Titan's field spell was still active, so I couldn't see it, but as I reached around, I soon found what I was searching for. Feeling the lip of the coffin, I pulled with all my strength, forcing the lid to budge.

"You! What are you doing!" I heard Titan shout behind me. But it was already too late for him. Little by little, the lid moved until it fell away, revealing the sleeping girl within.

"Hey, he found Alexis!" I heard Syrus cry out.

I looked back to see that the Slifer trio and Titan were staring at me, the latter looking particularly nervous. "Well, would you look at that. I thought you sent her to the shadows," I said, glaring at the masked man.

"Yeah, what gives?" Jaden demanded.

"Uh…"

"If that wasn't real, what else have you been lying about?" Jaden demanded. "Is all of this fake?"

"No! My powers are real. See, she still sleeps! And she will not wake until I allow her to!" Titan cried.

"I thought I had to win for that to happen," Jaden countered, his glare hardening.

Titan growled as he took a step back, all his machinations coming undone. "I… Uh…"

Jaden looked from Alexis to Logan, really focusing on the two of them before snapping his head back towards Titan. "All of this… its all been smoke and mirrors. You don't have any power at all! I bet you're just some out of work carnie!"

"Why does everyone assume that? I'm not I tell you! I have power, real power! I trained under Master Marik in the Rare Hunters! I know all about the shadow games!"

"Knowing about them and being able to conjure them are two different things!" Jaden cried. "You may as well give up, return Logan and tell us what you did with all the people you've taken!"

Titan looked around us, he knew he was outnumbered. With his tricks revealed, he no longer had confidence in his victory. "Enough of this! I don't have to explain anything to you! I'm out of here!" he reached into his coat and produced a small pellet. Throwing it to the ground, he obscured himself in smoke. The holograms began to fade, revealing that Logan was being suspended in the air by a crude pulley system. That had to be painful.

"Hey, you're not going anywhere!" Jaden cried, running after his would-be opponent. That's when it happened. As Jaden ran, the eyes of the carved snakes in the wall began to glow. The floor came alive as the giant glowing symbol of the Eye of Wdjat appeared on the floor.

Both Jaden and Titan stopped as the very ground began to shake. The force was so intense, that Alexis fell forward from the coffin. Thankfully I managed to catch and steady her before she hit the floor.

"How are you doing this?" Jaden demanded, but Titan merely stared dumbly at the floor.

"I didn't," he gasped.

At that moment, a glowing purple orb, sparking with electricity appeared in the centre of the room. It instantly began to spread until it consumed both Jaden and Titan, transporting them to the shadow realm where I knew they would be forced to finish their duel. I just hoped that Jaden would be able to win as he had in the canon.

But I had no time to keep these thoughts. The sphere hadn't stopped and was continuing to grow. It was already high enough that Logan from his elevated position had been sucked into its expanse. A distinct fear rose within me, my body beginning to shake. I could hear Syrus and Chumley yelling at me to run but I couldn't leave Alexis. Hoisting her up in my arms, I tried to scurry out of the ring and get to the wall of rubble, but it was too late.

There was a horrible stinging sensation, and then Alexis and I were drawn into the shadows.

---

My eyes blinked open to find that I was in the middle of a purple, shadowy void. As far as could be seen there was nothing. I felt cold, a permanent chill that hadn't even been present in the abandoned dorm. Alexis was still in my arms, and I dared not let her go less I lose her to the void. Jaden and Titan were nowhere to be seen. My breathing grew ragged as I rapidly snapped my head around. They were my ticket out of this dimension. If I was there when Jaden won, I could escape alongside him and Winged Kuriboh. But now that I was alone… I was unsure. As far as I knew, I didn't possess the gift to see monster spirits. In the ten years since I'd been here, not one spirit had spoken to me, and believe me, I had spent many an hour looking at my cards willing them to make contact.

Just as I thought I was beginning, the shadows began to shift, revealing the prone Logan, lying helplessly on the floor, his mouth still gagged, and body bound. When he saw me, he began to gargle, his actual cries muffled.

"Hang on, I'm coming!" I cried, running over. It felt like I was moving through a swamp. My body was heavy, and it was difficult to move. When I finally reached him, I placed Alexis down to the side where I could see her and set about untying the Lightsworn user. The ropes were tough, but I managed to get them loose. Now free, Logan quickly removed the gag.

"Fuck, when I get my hands on that guy!" he cried. His voice was hoarse, and the wrath of the gods was embezzled on his face. Deep red rings were on his wrists where his restraints had cut into him. I'd feel bad for him if I wasn't so angry with him.

"We can worry about that later!" I cried. "We need to find a way out of this place!"

The danger of the situation finally dawned on the Lightsworn user as he looked around the empty void. "The Shadow Realm…" he murmured.

"Yeah, we need to get out of here, now!" I cried; despite the fact I had no idea exactly how we were going to do that.

"Oh, why leave? After all, you belong here in darkness, don't you?"

Logan and I jumped as a cocky and distinctively female voice echoed all around us. Suddenly, a blue portal appeared in front of us and from it emerged a woman draped head to toe in black garb with crimson lining. She wore a long black leather coat and bodysuit, numerous belts securing boots and gloves to her appendages. Long dark hair cascaded down to her lower back. But the thing that stuck unparalleled fear to my very heart was the mask she was wearing. Small and in the shape of a dragon's head, it covered the top half of her face. Blue gems covered the eyes, making them shine distinctly against our shadowy surroundings. This person was a stranger to me, and yet I knew the mask. It was the mark of the people possessed by GX's final antagonist, Nightshroud.

As she looked at the two of us, a cruel grin spread across her face as she raised her arm, an academy duel disk materialising.

"The stench of death lingers from you. I must know how this is possible. Prepare to be consumed by the shadows."

---

The drama in the abandoned dorm has only just begun, and already a new enemy has appeared. How will Ren and Logan deal with this development?

So hello again everyone! I hope you enjoyed the chapter!

The first thing I want to say is thank you to everyone who voted on the poll! If you have seen, the vote was in favour of having more modern cards added eventually, however it was extremely close. As such, I'm going to try and honour both opinions and include them sparingly. People have offered suggestions on how to make it work and there were a few ideas that I think would be worth a try.

By the way, the analysis about the comparison between Flame Wingman and Yubel was told to me by RonaldM40196867. He is really knowledgeable about the series and makes some brilliant observations.

On to messages:

Peter Kim: Thank you for your messages, I really appreciate it. What was that fanfic? I would love to read it. Also, do you have any decklists for True Draco? It is an archetype I haven't used before and would be interesting to look at.

West: Thank you for your review, it made me really happy! Sorry, I couldn't use the idea you suggested but it was really interesting!

Middernacnt: Ren will eventually be getting his act together a bit more, yes. At the moment, he's mainly using cards he enjoys and found useful but soon he'll realise that's not always useful.

To everyone: Thank you all so much for your reviews! I really appreciate the time you took to write them and I do try to reply to you all if I can! Thank you so much for your support!

Please don't forget to fav, follow and leave a review with your thoughts! I will see you all next time!