Chapter 26: Runes and Relics Part 2

As Eiji made his way to his position on the platform, Haru sat down in the middle of the entryway. Godzilla popped out of his duel disk and returned to his human form, and he walked over to lean against the wall nearby. The sound of footsteps could be heard behind them as a group of guards escorting Blair, Syrus and Chumley appeared.

Haru felt himself engulfed as the three ran over and tackled him.

"Easy there," Haru grumbled wiggling himself into a comfortable position within their embrace, "I'm still sorta sore from that shadow game."

"I knew you could do it!" Blair said cheerfully. "Even when these two had given up, I was still confident you would pull through."

"Hey, it's not my fault I'm claustrophobic," Syrus complained.

Chumley had remained unnaturally silent as he seemed to be clutching a tin foil wrapped sandwich up to his cheek.

"Hey Haru?" Syrus asked breaking the hug.

"Sup?"

"Who's the biker looking dude standing behind us?"

This comment earned a chuckle from the Kaiju spirit.

"So you know how I sometimes talk to myself, and everyone thinks I'm crazy?" Haru smiled.

"Yeah?" Syrus raised an eyebrow.

"Well for a while now I've been playing host to a duo of duel spirits in my head. That right there is Godzilla." He pointed and Godzilla gave a small salute.

"Like your duel monster card?" Syrus asked.

"As crazy as it sounds he's not bullshitting you" Godzilla explained, "Haru and Eiji have a unique gift for communicating with spirits from this plane of existence. Blair as well it turns out."

"Makes sense to me" Chumley said between bites of grilled cheese, "I started seeing weird shapes after my duel with my dad a while back, then after that weird Belowski dude it turned out that I was seeing Giant Koala everywhere."

"And you didn't feel the need to tell me?" Haru scowled.

"I thought they were just delusions brought on by the amount of grilled cheese I eat" Chumley smiled innocently.

"If it were anybody but you I'd say your lying" Syrus said through narrowed eyes.

"I'm going to assume the older gentlemen with Eiji is his own duel spirit" Chumley said as Blair sat down beside him to watch the duel.

"Yeah, that's Ultra Father. He and Godzilla don't get along all that great" Haru chuckled as the group watched the Ultraman duel spirit strap Eiji's duel disk onto his arm with the utmost care.

"GET A MOVE ON ALREADY!" Godzilla yelled. "Even in this world I'll probably die of old age at this rate"

The Ultra Hero spirit's head turned as he finished helping Eiji and a bolt of lightning shot between the two spirits' eyes for a fragment of a second.

"Did it just get colder?" Syrus asked as a shiver ran through the group.

"This happens sometimes when those two are in proximity of each other" Haru sighed.

The Ultra Hero moved in front of Eiji and placed his hands on the boys' shoulders. "You've got this kiddo. The full might of my homeworld is at your beck and call."

"Thanks Ken," Eiji smiled. "Can't let Haru and his spirits show us up now can we?"

"Absolutely not" Ultra Father said a little too quickly. The spirit placed his right hand on the orb of Eiji's duel disk and disappeared just like Godzilla had not too long ago. The orb began to glow, which engulfed the duel disk and began to change it. The silver painting of the base was replaced with a red, and the card trays remained silver but began to glow. The arrows in the middle of each had turned a light blue color.

Eiji blinked as he observed the process, but said nothing.

"Are you ready for your part of the trial, trespasser?" The figure with the Jackal mask asked as he took his position opposite the Obelisk student.

"Almost" Eiji said raising a finger as he made his way to the side of the column and looked downward. "ARE YOU GUYS ALRIGHT?" he yelled down to his captive companions below.

"Not a big fan of the mummy treatment!" Alexis called back.

"First the freaky brain monster that fed on psychic energy and now this." Sarah grumbled as she gave him a nod, "It will be a wonder if I ever leave my dorm room after this experience."

"Don't lose!" Banner said bluntly with his normal expression.

"Sounds like it's time for us to get this underway then," Eiji nodded as he returned to his position and activated his disk.

"Excellent, I shall make sure to get revenge for my father's defeat."

DUEL!

Eiji:4000

Commandant: 4000

"As my master did before I shall take the first turn" Commandant stated as he pulled his last card from the top of the deck.

"By all means."

"As my father did before, I set a monster in facedown defense position." The image of a sideways facing vortex appeared in front of him before disappearing once again. "Additionally, I'll set a card and pass my turn."

"Hmmm" Eiji muttered. "Ken you don't think he could be going with the same strategy as Chief do you?" he thought.

"Hard to say," Ultra Father's voice replied inside his head. "It's clear he stands to benefit from you trying to destroy that card, so tread carefully child." Eiji nodded and looked at the new card he had just drawn before adding it to hand. "Let's start this off with a bang. If your deck relies on field spells, then why not do the same?" Eiji stated. "My field spell E.G.I.S Home Base will suit this situation just fine." The field around them morphed into an office complete with a table and a computer with multiple monitors. "When I activate it I'm allowed to add a single copy of the spell card Buddy Go! to my hand." The card pushed its way out of his deck and Eiji retrieved it before placing it into a spell card zone. "Buddy Go! allows me to add an Utra Vessel card to my hand and select three Ultra Heroes from my deck, then you choose one at random I get to keep. First I'll add Hiroyuki Kudo to my hand, then it's your turn to choose."

Three reversed cards appeared in front of the gravekeeper. He rubbed his chin in thought "I choose the one on the left."

"Good choice," Eiji smiled. "The other two cards are then shuffled back into my deck. Now let's get down to it! I Summon Hiroyuki Kudo in attack position!" A young man in a blue jacket with the letters E.G.I.S emblazoned on the back and wielding a gauntlet like contraption colored yellow red and black appeared in front of Eiji.

"God his new set up is really complicated" Haru muttered.

"Hopefully that means this will end faster" Syrus nodded.

"Kudo's effect! Once per turn I can summon an Ultra Hero from my hand and equip him to it."

"Come on!" The gauntlet announced as Kudo pulled a lever on the bottom of the gauntlet, before grabbing what seemed to be a keychain from a holder on his belt.

"Arise Sage of Strength and Inheritor of the stars, bring defeat to all who oppose you! I summon Ultra Hero Titas!" Kudo was engulfed in light and his body began to grow into a new Ultra. The new hero had a black body with red arranged across it in elaborate patterns. His upper torso was covered in a silver chest piece and shoulder pads with golden outline, and his color timer seemed to be star shaped rather than the regular circle or orb. His head supported a star like crest above his eyes, and on either side of his head two golden horns where his ears would be. The Ultra let out a grunt as he flexed his oddly large muscles compared to his brethren and took up a defensive stance.

Ultra Hero Titas level 6 ( 2600/2000)

"Now comes my field spell's effect! Once per turn when I control an Ultra Hero monster with Titas,Fuma, or Taiga in its name I can add a trap with that specific name in its text to my hand." He added a card that had pushed out of his deck slot to hand then raised his palm outward. "Battle! Titas attacks your facedown with Planium Buster!" The strongman Ultra raised his fist as a ball of energy formed around it. He then sent said fist flying towards the hiding monster and the ball of light shot out and engulfed the facedown.

"You did well to destroy my monster" The masked spirit nodded. "However I expected this move and planned accordingly. The set monster was Gravekeeper's Recruiter and when he is sent to the graveyard I can add one of his comrades to my hand as long as they have 1500 or less attack. I select Gravekeeper's Cannonholder." He placed the card in his hand before pulling the one next to it and revealing it. "Additionally when a Gravekeeper's monster is destroyed I can special summon Gravekeeper's Mummy in attack position." He raised his hand and a well built body wrapped in bandages, and the gold and blue helmet often seen on sarcophagi on its head, appeared were Recruiter once stood before taking a knee in a defensive stance.

Gravekeeper's Mummy Level 6 (2400/2600)

"When intruders delve too deep into his tomb, and injure those sworn to protect him, the ancient Pharaoh shall rise again to face the threat."

"Interesting" Eiji nodded. "Then I'll set a card and call it a turn then."

"Your judgement will begin henceforth" Descendant said eagerly. "First comes the spell allure of darkness, allowing me to add two cards to hand so long as I banish a dark monster from my hand afterwards." Adding the two cards he revealed another "I banish Gravekeeper's Vassal as cost."

"Eiji has done quite well for himself," Banner nodded as they watched from below.

"Don't get too cocky Professor. If this guy was chosen by the chief he must be a formidable opponent" Sarah told him.

"We can only hope that Eiji will pull it out then" Alexis sighed.

"Now I'll activate Double Summon, allowing me to call forth two servants of the Pharaoh instead of one. Arise Cannonholder, And Defender!" In front of the mummy two muscular bald men appeared, wearing the black cloaks with golden trim much like their brethren. One was wielding a bulky cannon outlined with silver metal, and the other crouched behind a tough wooden shield.

Gravekeeper's Cannonholder level 4 (1400/1200)

Gravekeeper's Defender level 4 (800/2100)

"Now the true trial will begin, Cannonholder's effect will activate! I tribute Mummy and deal you 700 points of direct damage." The undead creature dispersed and the man with the cannon took aim, letting loose a bolt of green energy that hit Eiji in the shoulder.

Eiji felt a burning sensation as a patch of his jacket melted away.

Eiji: 4000-3300

"Mummy's effect activates when its sent to the graveyard. Now I can banish Recruiter and resurrect him. Return my Pharaoh and seek vengeance on my opponent" He commanded as the undead Pharaoh returned to the field.

"At least he can't deal damage multiple times in a turn" Haru grumbles watching his brother clutch his shoulder.

As if on cue Commandant seemed to smile. "Cannonholder's effect activates again using Mummy as the tribute." Again the mummy disappeared and the cannon wielder let a blast of energy shoot out towards Eiji, this time hitting him in the right leg. Eiji flinched as he felt the pain but somehow managed to keep himself upright.

Eiji: 3300-2600

After taking the brunt of both direct hits, the sound of grinding stone could be heard below as the three sarcophagi moved a third of the way towards concealing their contents.

"I'm not a big fan of tight spaces children," Banner whined as he struggled in his bindings.

"Honestly professor I feel like we're getting the better part of this deal" Alexis said as she squinted up at the now injured Ultra Hero user. "Wherever we are, it seems to be translating battle damage to real damage, and Eiji just took a decent chunk of it.

"Hey Ken I think we're going to need all hands on deck for this one" Eiji muttered.

"Already on it," the orb on his disk flashed. "My grandson is on his way as we speak."

"Hopefully I can hold out till then." He raised his hand "Titus's effect activates! So long as he's on the field, and I have a trap card that lists his name in the name or card description I can activate it from my hand. I activate Ultra Technique- Battle stance! Now all monsters that you control that are in attack position must attack Titas, so in this case your Cannonholder has to participate in this battle!" Titas maneuvered his arms into a flexing position parallel to his stomach as a dark aura pulsed around him.

Commandant growled as his monsters eyes flashed and let loose a volley of green energy from his cannon. Each beam met Titas head on but nothing seemed to affect him, instead reflecting back onto the gravekeeper and destroying it.

Commandant: 4000- 2800

Commandant patted out his sleeve that had been set aflame by the projectiles reflected his way. "I'll set a card and pass my turn."

"That brings it to me again, and I think I'll start out with a classic. I play Card of Sanctity allowing us both to replenish our hands. Additionally I activate my field spell's effect, allowing me to add another trap to my hand."

"He's taking the real damage stipulation rather well," Syrus observed.

"Eiji is really good at hiding his emotions" Haru nodded. "Sort of the opposite of me in most situations"

"That's an understatement" Chumley snorted.

Haru flicked him in the head. "Quiet you.".

"I activate the continuous spell Change Out! Once per turn during my Main Phase I can return an Ultra Hero I control to hand and special summon another to the field in its place so long as it shares the same level. "Titas swap out! Arise Hero of Wind who strikes his enemies with the power of the tempest! I summon Ultra Hero Fuma in attack position!

"Come On" The gauntlet announced as Hiroyuki pulled another keychain from his belt and held it in his gauntleted hand. The area around him began to twist as a tempest built, then it suddenly subsided as a blue Ultra appeared from within. He bore a black, silver, and blue bodysuit with a thin breastplate and shoulder pads. Whereas Titas was bulky he was slender and built for maneuverability and speed.

Ultra Hero Fuma level 6 (2200/1900)

"When a monster is summoned via Change Out, any Ultra Vessel equipped to the returned Ultra is equipped to the summoned one. Next I activate Fuma's effect, allowing me to add a continuous spell card from my deck as long as it includes his name. I'll retrieve Fuma Art: Holo Clone from my deck then play it. Once per turn when I don't already control one, I can summon one Fuma Token!" Fuma made several hand signs then in a puff of smoke an identical copy of himself appeared beside him.

Fuma Token level 6 (1100/950)

"Copies are never stronger than the original so his stats are cut in half while he's on the field."

"You are equally as formidable as your ally" Commandant admitted. " If my instincts are correct you intend to destroy my defense position monster then use the second copy do deal me damage?"

"Got me down to a T" Eiji nodded. "Fuma's original form will attack your Defender with Lightray Shuriken!" Placing his hands together the Ultra formed a shuriken of light before sending it flying towards the defense position monster, slicing it in half. The shuriken continued on and planted itself in the rock behind the group of Gravekeepers watching. Commandant did not so much as flinch as it sailed over his shoulder.

"Then his clone will attack you directly! Lightray Shuriken!" The clone made the same motion and sent the shuriken of light spinning towards the young man in the golden mask, as it neared it seemed to shrink before embedding itself in his chest. He flinched grabbing the light weapon and tossing it to the floor as blood began to creep across the inside of his shirt.

Descendant:2800-1700

"Gotta hold out for another turn at least, here's hoping Ken can pull through on this one" Eiji inserted a single card into the underside of his duel disk. "I set a card and pass."

"I am impressed by your monsters, however I don't intend to let your party get away with trespassing on our sacred land," the masked man stated. "I shall strike you down, then I'll come for your companion that defeated my father."

"Guess that explains a decent amount," Blair frowned. "He must have taken you defeating his dad really badly, and took it upon himself to restore his honor."

"Yeah I have that effect on people" Haru said nonchalantly.

"Let me begin by resurrecting my beloved Pharaoh! I banish Defender in my graveyard to resurrect Gravekeeper's Mummy in attack position. A coffin appeared in front of him as the mummy of the pharaoh rose again to the battlefield.

Gravekeeper's Mummy Level 6 (2400/2600)

"Additionally I'll play a field spell as well, the one your friend is all to familiar with. I activate Necrovalley! Now Mummy gains an additional 500 attack and you can't banish monsters for any reason"

Gravekeeper's Mummy Level 6 (2400-2900)

"With that all I need to do is one more thing. I summon Gravekeeper's Spiritualist in attack position!" A woman with long black hair wearing a jackal mask appeared next to the mummy. She wore a long black and gold gown with a light blue cape and white baggy pants.

Gravekeeper's Spiritualist level 4 (1500/1500)

"I activate Spiritualist's effect! When Necrovalley is on the field I can conduct a fusion summon with her and another Gravekeeper's monster as fusion materials. I fuse her and Mummy! Priestess who watches over spirits, use the undead servant in your dark ritual in order to obtain the highest level of magic! I fusion summon, Gravekeeper's Supernaturalist!"

Spiritualist tapped her staff on the ground and raised it skyward as a green and purple spiral appeared overhead. She and Mummy were sucked in and in a flash of light a new figure emerged from within. Like all his counterparts he bore the black and golden robes, but he also seemed to bare more formal jewelry of gold and vibrant colors around his neck and wrists. Like Spiritualist before him he bore a staff, but this was different as it was made of pure gold and bore a pulsing sapphire at the top.

Gravekeeper's Supernaturalist level 7 (2000/2000)

"Spiritualist gains 100 attack multiplied by the combined levels of the monsters used to summon him. Mummy was level 6 and spiritualist was level 4 increasing his attack by an additional 1000"

Gravekeeper's Supernaturalist level 7 (2000-3500)

"In addition, he gains 500 more attack due to the effect of Necrovalley."

"Well that could be a problem," Alexis stated after the display concluded.

"I never expected it to be easy" Sarah sighed.

"Our face-off is nigh! Supernaturalist will attack Ultra Hero Fuma! Eternal Rest!" Supernaturalist slammed his staff onto the floor and a shadow emerged from the base of the instrument and crept across the field. As it met Fuma it grabbed onto the Ultra's shadow and pulled him inside it. A burst of light could be seen from within.

Eiji: 2600-1300

Eiji raised his arm to block his eyes as the pieces of light collided with his body causing small scratches and cuts to appear. "Hiroyuki's effect activates! Once per duel I can return a destroyed Ultra to my hand and special summon himself in defense position. Also when Fuma leaves the field his copy and the continuous spell are destroyed" The clone of Fuma dissolved and Eiji added the card to his graveyard.

The sound of stone was heard once again as the lids on the coffins crept more than half way to enclosing on their prisoners. The trio let out a short yelp.

"The battle has ended so you and your friends may rest easy for the time being. When I enter my end phase for this turn, Supernaturalist's ability activates, allowing me to add One Necrovalley or Gravekeeper monster from my deck to my hand. I select Gravekeepers Sacred tome." He held up a spell card before adding it to his hand.

"YOSHA!" a voice said as Eiji pulled a new card from his deck as his turn began. The Silver haired boy blinked and turned slightly as a figure stepped into view. He was a younger man with some resemblance to Ultra Father. He wore a pair of headphones that sloped upwards to form what seemed to be horns on either side of his head, and his hair was fashioned into a mohawk. He ran his hands through said hair to make sure it hadn't been fussed and adjusted his dark blue jacket before crossing his arms. "I'm here as requested Grandpa! Looks like the rest of the tri squad kept him busy while I made my grand entrance."

Eiji's duel disk sighed. "Taiga must you?"

"Listen Gramps, you gotta save the best for last." The young man smiled and placed his hand on Eiji's shoulder, "Alright partner lets do this." He disappeared and the card Eiji just drew flashed.

"Who was that?" Syrus asked as he watched the headphone wearing youth appear then disappear in a matter of seconds.

Chumley, Haru and Blair traded glances. "Another spirit," they all said in unison.

"Hiroyuki's effect! I can now special summon an Ultra Hero from my hand! Heir to the power of the land of light ally yourself with this vessel and bring hope to the galaxy! Arise Hero of Light, Ultra Hero Taiga!"

"COME ON!" The gauntlet announced as Hiroyuki pulled the third keychain from his belt and grasped it tightly in his gauntleted hand. Once again he was basked in a beam of light as his body began to grow. Ultraman Taiga bore a pair of horns on either of his head similar to his Father Taro, with a mohawk like appendage at the top of his head. Of the three Ultras seen so far in the duel his body was the most similar to the older Ultras, as it was silver with red linings with his arms and legs being covered in red as well. Unlike his teammates who had more decorative chest plates, he seemed to have a light set, with blue stripes running vertical from back to front.

Ultra Hero Taiga level 7 (2500/2000)

"I activate my field spell's effect and add the equip spell Ultra Armament: Orblet to my hand. Then I'll activate it." An image of another Ultra with a circular timer appeared behind him. "Orblet gives Taiga a 500 point attack bonus, and in addition I can target and destroy a monster you control."

Ultra Hero Taiga level 7 (2500-3000)

Taiga raised his right arm into the air then brought it down to touch his other hand in a T motion as he let loose a beam of rainbow energy towards his opponent's monster. The beam collided with the Gravekeeper but nothing seemed to happen as it just bounced off harmlessly.

"What gives?" Eiji asked surprised.

"While I control a Necrovalley Supernaturalist and Necrovalley can't be destroyed by other effects meaning your attempt was in vain," Commandant smirked.

"Damn I thought that would work" Taiga complained as he resumed his regular fighting stance.

"He did go through all that trouble to summon that monster, I suppose I should have seen this coming," Eiji mused. "Time to go with plan B, I set two cards face down and end my turn," he declared as the reversed cards appeared in front of him.

The masked Gravekeeper turned to look at his companions. "Father I move ever closer to getting revenge for your loss."

Chief shook his head. "Do not let your confidence blind you from the task at hand, for that was what led to my downfall to his friend."

"Fine" he said gritting his teeth. "My turn begins now! I activate the continuous spell Gravekeeper's Tome." A large book was placed in the empty hand of Supernaturalist. "Now once per turn when you would activate a spell or trap card I can negate and destroy that card. Now, Supernaturalist will attack Ultra Hero Taiga!"

"Not if my magic cylinder has anything to say about it!" Eiji interrupted as one of his set cards flipped face up. "Now you take the whole 3500 attack points of your monster right back at you as damage"

"Did you forget so soon? Tome negates your trap card and destroys it, meaning the attack goes on unimpeded!" Supernaturalist raised his staff and dark energy rippled through it as the trap card shattered into bits.

"Nah man that was just bait for my other trap," Eiji said giving a Haru-esque toothy grin. "My second trap card is what I was waiting for. Say hello to Tri-Squad Unite! When I control one Ultra with Taiga, Titus or Fuma in their names and the other two are in my hand this card's power is unleashed! Now i'm able to special summon Fuma and Titus from my hand but they can't attack this turn, then Taiga gains 200 equal to the combined level of both Fuma and Titus bringing it to a grand total of 12 and 2400 attack points.

Ultraman Fuma and Titus appeared on either side of Taiga and struck their signature poses.

Ultra Hero Taiga level 7 (3000-5400)

"Then I'll just cancel my attack then"

"Nope, Tri-Squad Unite requires the highest attack monster on the field to do battle with Taiga the turn its activated, meaning you've sealed your fate!" The shadow that had been sent the Ultras way stopped as it neared the being of light before retreating back to its owner, as each of the Ultra's charged up their signature attacks and sent it colliding into Gravekeeper's Spiritualist. The attacks destroyed Spiritualist before continuing on to Commandant

Commandant: 1700-0

"Well I'll be damned, he pulled it off" Haru said impressed.

"His dueling style changed to resemble yours a bit during that last turn" Syrus pointed out.

"RELEASE THE PRISONERS!" Chief yelled as a set of guards broke from his group and headed into the tunnel behind them.

"Gotta say that was a fun debut" Taiga said appearing in his human form next to Eiji.

"You almost caused him to lose his friends" Ultra Father said as he appeared on the other side.

"Relax gramps, I showed up didn't I?" The young Ultra gave his grandfather two thumbs up.

"Teenagers," Ultra Father sighed.

"You have done well to pass these two challenges!" The older man sai., "Let us meet in the courtyard when your companions are freed." He beckoned to his son, who fell in line with the other members of the party as they left through the entrance behind them. Soon after the guards keeping Haru and his crew at bay escorted the four and their duel spirits through the corridor.


"As with your companion before you, I bequeath to you this fragment of a medallion" The Chief draped the other piece of the medallion over Eiji's neck. With this piece, the two necklaces created a complete circle, but the center was still missing as the Chief had mentioned earlier.

"Never thought I would say this, but I'm ready to get back to school" Chumley stated looking around at the guards with a worried expression.

"Never thought I would agree with Chumley, but yeah I don't think ancient Egypt is for me" Alexis agreed.

"My servant, Gravekeeper's Assailant, shall guide you back to where you came," The Chief let out a short whistle as the young woman who had met the group earlier appeared next to him in a crouched position.

"You summoned me master?"

"Yes, escort these people back to where they entered our realm. See that they are unharmed during the journey."

"As you wish." She bowed and moved past the Duel Academy party, beckoning them to follow.

"Wait" Commandant said stepping forward out of the group of guards that were currently protecting him and his father. "There's some information I must impart upon you two before you return to your realm."

"Hmmm?" Godzilla smirked placing his arms behind his head as he turned to face their former captors.

Eiji and Haru followed suit, and the rest of the group followed suit.

"You're not the first person who bears your type of clothing to enter this domain. Not long ago someone else showed up and did battle with me."

"Another student fell victim to the ruins mystical power?" Banner muttered resting his chin between his fingers as if he was deep in thought.

"This person holds the third part of your medallion. Each part will give you a sort of advantage in the shadow games you will face ahead of you. Though I do recommend you find the third piece and unite them into a whole." He bowed and returned to the group of guards.

"Well that's fucking ominous" Godzilla muttered.

"Language" Ultra Father scolded.

"Oh fuck off."

Eiji and Haru got between the two of them and forced them away from each other.

"Follow closely" Gravekeeper's Assailant told the group. "We must make it back to the gate before nightfall, or there is a good chance you'll remain here until the next time it opens."

"Uh, how long is that exactly?" Chumley asked.

"For your world, who knows?" She shook her head. "The other person from your world came here about three years ago, it's quite possible time passes different between our worlds, so it's best to be safe". She took off at a run and the group followed after them, with Chumley bringing up the rear.

They made it to the arches in good time, and the young woman stood off to the side, as the portal opened in front of them. Chumley ran through without any beckoning from the others.

"Well I'd best go after him and make sure he got through all right," Banner smiled giving a salute before entering as well.

"It has been good to meet you in person Big G" Haru grinned, grasping arms with his duel spirit.

"You're acting like I'm going somewhere," Godzilla grinned. "We'll see each other on the other side after all."

"We will be with you always, whether you like it or not," Taiga smirked. "So don't worry about it."

"I have so many questions" Alexis stated stepping towards the three spirits.

"Now's probably not the best time for that Lex," Sarah shook her head, "Now that we know they exist you can just ask Haru and Eiji when we get back to the academy."

"I guess that's fair" Alexis sighed. "See you on the other side then." She gave a wave to the spirits before she and Sarah walked through.

Syrus and Blair walked over to Haru's Kaiju spirit. "Guess this is the last time we will see each other. Glad to see big bro has someone watching out for him other than himself," Syrus said.

"Bet you have a lot of stories about him too," Blair smiled. "I could always go for some embarrassing stories about when he was younger."

"Well I could tell you those," Eiji snickered.

"Well now you've piqued my interest," Taiga grinned.

"Oh fuck off with that shit" Haru grumbled.

"Guess I should say it since the old lady isn't here," Godzilla smirked at the discomfort of his charge. "Thanks for sticking with this delinquent for so long, I know it's not easy."

"Hey! Whose side are you on?"

"Honestly my own and not much else" The Kaiju smirked. He placed his hands on both of the smaller slifers' heads and ruffled there hair "I have a feeling this isn't the last time we will converse anyway."

The two looked up at him and nodded before heading back through the portal.

"See you on the other side bro" Eiji waved as he followed suit.

"What do you mean you'll see them again soon?" Haru asked after giving Eiji a salute, and turning to his spirit.

"Well Blair can already see us, plus I sense Syrus is cut from the same cloth as the two of you, they just haven't learned to listen yet," Godzilla shrugged. "Would be nice to have other people to talk to other than Mothra, that pompous justice hound, and the little yellow pervert."

Haru smiled and held out his fist. "I never thought we would be able to do this, but thanks for sticking it out with me Pops."

"Don't get sentimental on me brat," the spirit chuckled as he gave him the fist bump.

"The way to your world is closing strange ones." Gravekeeper's Assailant stated as they watched the portal begin to dim.

"Well I guess I have to go check in with the old lady now, and explain why we disappeared." Godzilla gave a two finger salute and walked through.

"It's been nice," Haru said to the Gravekeeper. "But don't take this the wrong way, I hope we don't see each other any time soon."

"The sentiment is mutual," she nodded. "Now go."

"Later"

And with that Haru stepped into the light.


"Do any of you have a sharpie?" Haru heard as he came to. His eyes blinked open and the light of the sun blinded him for a moment, making him see only human shaped blurs around him. One in particular had a light blue shade and seemed to be getting closer.

Haru's hand shot up and grasped what he assumed to be a hand. "What are you planning on doing with that permanent marker Syrus?" He grumbled pushing himself up to a sitting position.

"Nothing," Syrus replied quickly.

"Damn right."

His vision began to fully clear, and the Kaiju duelist looked around to see the field trip group standing around the pillar outside the main campus were they had met before the adventure. Everyone had woken up save for Chumley, who was snoring quite loudly, and Banner who was gripping Pharaoh like a teddy bear in his arms.

Haru raised and eyebrow. "Did I just dream that?"

"Not quite" Eiji shook his head. He and Sarah were leaning against the pillar, examining his third of the medallion.

"I'd wager the fact that you and Eiji still have your necklaces means this was all to real" Alexis stated, crossing her arms.

"Plus I snagged some of the bandages I was held captive" Blair said proudly.

"Why?" The three blue students asked in unison.

"An offering to a certain Ra student. Can't have too many allies on this cutthroat island" she grinned.

Haru wiped away a small tear from his eye. "That's my girl. You have been learning from my lessons"

"Of course, I'm not Syrus," Blair seemed somewhat offended.

"Hey! I pay attention," Syrus shot back.

"Can we not do this here?" Sarah asked preventing the argument from going any further.

"I hate to say it, but she's right. Syrus, Blair, I have something I need you to do for me before Banner wakes up," Haru said beckoning them over.

Syrus looked at the still unconscious teacher and nodded. Blair on the other hand seemed rather confused.

"What's wrong with Banner being around?" She asked.

"I'll explain later," Haru shook his head. She seemed to accept this for the time being and the three Slifers entered a huddle.

After a second of muttering between them they parted.

"Got it bro!" Syrus nodded

"You can count on me!" Blair gave him a thumbs up.

The two smaller students took off at a run, Blair towards the Slifer dorm and Syrus towards the Ra dorm.

"Care to share with the class?" Eiji inquired.

"Figured it was time for our little group to meet up again. We need to add to the wall," Haru shrugged.

"The wall?" Eiji asked confused.

"I assume your referring to that board you had me draw up for you when you were dealing with the Tarzan wannabe," Sarah asked crossing her arms.

"Correct" Haru smiled. "It's best we build up our forces now for god knows what's coming in the future."

"You make it sound like were going to war," Alexis raised an eyebrow.

"It's possible Lex," Haru sighed. "I feel like our little adventure today was just a preview of worse things to come."


As night engulfed the island in darkness, Haru's companions filed into the designated meeting place. In this case, Haru had determined that holding a meeting in the room he shared with Syrus and Chumley was both a security risk, and lacked space with the additional members that he had decided to add to the group. Once informed of his intentions Bastion and Will were all too happy to offer their own room as a meeting place for the occasion.

Each group of students grouped together according to their dorm, with Alexis, Sarah and Eiji sitting against the wall opposite the door. Bastion and will had taken the Luxury of their desk chairs as they were hosting. The Slifers had split into two groups, with Chazz and the north academy duo keeping to themselves as Syrus, Chumley and Blair looked around wondering were their leader had wandered off to.

"Typical Yoshida" Chazz complained, "He asks us to all meet somewhere and he doesn't even have the decency to show up on time."

"Chazz, shut up," Eiji stated matter of factly. "We've had a long day filled with crap, so the least you can do is be quiet until Haru gets here. Understood?" Before Chazz could retort, someone knocked on the door. Bastion, being a courteous host, got up and opened up the door, revealing Haru, as well as something covered in a sheet.

"Sorry I'm late," Haru said as he wheeled the object into the room, Bastion closing the door behind him. "Had to sneak past Banner and that is not easy with this thing." He wheeled it over to the corner of the room so everyone would have a good view of it.

"Seriously, Chazz makes a crack about you and you immediately appear." Luke said, cocking an eyebrow. "Were those rumors I heard true and you can hear insults no matter where you are on the island?"

"Maybe," Haru said giving a shit-eating grin. "But my possible psychic powers are not what I brought you here for. I brought you here because of this!" He pulled the sheet off the object, revealing the whiteboard he had originally stashed in his room. "The Wall of Weird! Now updated with our more recent adventures."

"The wall of weird?" Biggs asked. "What's so weird about it?"

"I'm glad you asked," Haru said. "This is an illustrated catalogue of all the weird crap we've encountered since we set foot on the island. Chumley, Blair, Syrus, Sarah, and Alexis have already seen version 1, but I figured it's time we let others in on it because today was a doozy. That reminds me," he fished out a grey dry erase marker and tossed it to Sarah, who caught it easily. "Mark down today's adventure please." Sarah rolled her eyes, but walked over and began to draw.

"What should I draw?"

"I don't know, the old guy I guess?" Haru responded. Sarah nodded, and continued her work.

"Wait," Luke turned to Chazz. "You told me those two didn't like each other, why is she helping him?"

"Other than the fact that her and Hayata got the hots for each other, no idea." Chazz said. Eiji and Sarah turned red and started sputtering, while the others chuckled.

"It's simple Luke," Sarah said after she got her blush under control. "Haru helps me get some of the more expensive paints I need on the cheap, and I draw figures for him on his wall. Cause let me tell you, Haru can't even draw a stick figure."

"It's the only skill I lack," Haru said with a mock sigh.

"That and studying" Eiji snarked back. While they descended into bickering, those who hadn't seen the board decided to study it.

"Hmm, the thief from Halloween," Will remarked with an enigmatic smile. "Did anyone catch him?"

"No, he got away. Crowler was pissed for weeks afterwards." Alexis said.

"Who's this tarzan looking asshole?" Chazz asked, then noticed his own caricature. "And why am I on there!? And why is my head so goddamn big?"

"Because it matches your ego," Haru stated, still bickering with Eiji. "Though you do need to be moved to the Slifer section." The brothers were about to continue their argument when a sharp whistle pierced through the room. Conversation stopped and everyone turned to Sarah, who handed Haru the marker and walked back to where she had been sitting.

"Done."

"Thank you, you'll be getting your paint next week. Purple or red this time?"

"Silver please."

"Can do." Haru turned to the rest of the students. "Now that we've added our most recent weird to the list, we can go over it. For those who haven't guessed, the wall is divided by dorm, with faculty and people not part of the school in gray on the end. Now, last time, our board consisted of the Duel Giant and the Halloween Phantom in the Ra section, Chazz, Crowler, and tennis fanatic and Alexis stalker Harrington in Obelisk, and finally, dueling monkey Wheeler and rhyming cue-balls Para and Dox in the miscellaneous section, " Haru explained while using a pointer he got from somewhere to gesture to each drawing as he listed them.

"I have so many questions," Biggs said.

"We can go over our adventures after this, let me finish." Haru replied. "Now since then, we've added more to the list. In chronological order we have the wannabe Tarzan Damon," he pointed to a chibi drawing of Damon in the Obelisk section. "The copycat who stole Yugi's deck Dimitri" he gestured to a chibi Dimtri in the Ra section. "The first addition to the Slifer section, our resident Zane fangirl Blair," he pointed to a chibi drawing of Blair with her hat on in the Slifer section.

"Hey!" Blair interrupted. "I am not weird!"

"Blair, you're my friend, and you've been a great protege, but you disguised yourself as a boy and lied your way onto the island at age 11, all so you could stalk Zane. I'm sorry, but you're weird." Haru explained. Blair opened her mouth to protest, but couldn't, and started to sulk. Chazz, Luke, and Biggs, who hadn't been around when Blair arrived, looked at her in disbelief at what she'd done.

"Don't worry Blair, half of the students on the island will probably end up here by the time we leave," Haru said, smiling. "Now to continue, the next weirdo we encountered was after we decided on the representative for the School Duel, a weird stoner-like guy named Belowski. "He pointed to a chibi drawing of Belowski in the Obelisk section, which had wavy lines coming off of him.

"Wait who?" Chazz asked. "I've never even heard of this guy, why the hell is he in the Obelisk section Yoshida?"

"You've never met the guy Chazz because he was locked away somewhere on the island, because he gives off this weird haze that causes people to basically become vegged out stoner when in his vicinity, hence the lines coming off him in the drawing."

"I should've stayed at North Academy," Chazz said with his head in his hands. "Dealing with Foster can't be worse than this crap."

"Ignoring Chazz's dramatics, which honestly is best for everyone, we continue on with a few that should've been added last time, but I honestly put it out of my mind." He pointed over to the gray section, specifically 2 drawings, a chibi Titan, and a Chibi Jinzo. "We have the duel mercenary Titan, who I dueled in the Abandoned Dorm, which involved some weird ritual crap that might have something to do with the disappearances there, and the Jinzo spirit that 3 dumbasses from Obelisk summoned and Eiji had to duel. Which brings me to our newest addition." He pointed to the drawing Sarah had just made, a gray chibi drawing of Gravekeeper's Chief. "This, is Gravekeeper's Chief. Earlier today, when we went with Banner on that stupid field trip, we stumbled upon some ruins that ended up transporting us somewhere. Somewhere duel spirits reside."

"Seriously Yoshida?" Chazz said, not buying it. "You want us to buy this crap? What's the game here?"

"THIS ISN'T A GAME CHAZZ!" Haru exploded, looking probably the most serious he'd ever looked on the island. Everyone was taken aback slightly. "This shit happened. Syrus, Blair, Chumley, Alexis, Sarah, and Banner's lives were on the line today! If me and Eiji failed they would have died! All because of the crazy bullshit on this island! And I'm trying to warn you! If you want proof, look at the little yellow bastard sitting on your shoulder." The others looked at Chazz, but only Blair, Eiji, Chumley and Luke could see Ojama Yellow sitting on his shoulder, while Alexis, Sarah and Syrus could only see a small hazy figure, and Biggs, Bastion, and Will saw nothing.

"Uhh Haru, nothing's on Chazz's shoulder." Bastion said.

"How rude!" Ojama Yellow yelled in his usual annoying tone. "I'm as real as the boss here! Tell them boss!" Chazz looked murderous as he glared at his companion.

"I should've chucked you in the ocean the moment I met you." Chazz said to his spirit. Ojama Yellow looked like he was about to cry.

"He's telling the truth Bastion." Luke said. "Duel spirits are real, and there's one right on Chazz's shoulder." He walked over to Chazz and looked Ojama Yellow. "Is what Haru's saying true?"

"Yeah," Ojama Yellow nodded. "There was some weird energy spike earlier, and then again a few hours later. Some baaad juju's going on with duel spirits on the island."

"He seems to be telling the truth." Luke said as he turned back to Bastion.

"This whole notion of duel spirits sounds ridiculous, but I'll give you the benefit of the doubt," Bastion said, looking at Haru. "While I know you like pranks, this seems far too serious to be a joke.

"I have no idea about duel spirits, but I do trust you Haru, what do you propose?" Will asked.

"We need to stick together. You see something weird, you let everyone else know. If you go off campus, you let everyone else know. Be careful whenever you're alone with anyone, even faculty if what Syrus told me is true." The others looked to Syrus.

"Uh, Haru?" Syrus said. "I think that whole thing with Banner and the voice was just a dream. I don't think it actually happened."

"What dream are you talking about Syrus? Alexis asked.

"Oh, I had a weird dream last night about Banner talking to some weird voice about Haru and a tomb. It seemed so real I brought it up to Haru earlier, but I think it was just my mind being paranoid about the field trip so I dreamt up something crazy." The others nodded at Syrus's explanation except Eiji, who looked Haru in the eyes, and the two brothers had a silent conversation.

"Alright," Haru seemingly conceded. "Still, be careful. Something's going on on this island, and I have a bad feeling we're all gonna be dragged into it." As the others absorbed what Haru had said, a lightbulb went off above his head. "Oh yeah, that reminds me," he fished around in the pockets of his coat. "Will, I picked you up something in the spirit realm." He pulled out the strips of dirty cloth Blair had revealed earlier. "Genuine mummy linens, straight from Necrovalley." Will's eyes widened.

"Real mummy apparel." He leapt up and snatched the linens from Haru's hand. "Oh my god!" His eyes sparkled. "A genuine movie monster artifact! Bastion this is amazing! Even better than when I found that wooden stake when I was 10!" As Will annoyed Bastion with his fanboying, Eiji turned to Haru.

"I can't believe he's that excited over a few strips of cloth."

"I can. You should've seen him on Halloween."

"What did he do on Halloween?" Eiji's eyes narrowed as he asked.

"Wouldn't you like to know?" Haru said, grinning.

"You are so annoying."

"Love you too bro, love you too."

With that we have officially started the Shadow rider arc of the series. Silver and I have been plotting this out for a while now and we're so happy to finally get to it, It is my second favorite arc after all, after season 2's society of light. Anywho we plan on expanding a bit on the side characters, and give everyone a chance to shine. So Look forward to it true believers!

Now for some Q&A!

On the topic of Jaden Yuki for the series, I've been playing with the idea of introducing him as a character during season 3, where we plan on doing some dimension hopping during the arc.

Additionally the transformable Mecha Godzilla 2 is an awesome piece in the grand history of Godzilla (to bad the figure is out of my price range) I'm pacing myself on how often I introduce new Kaiju to the story, but I promise transformable Mecha Goji 2 will show up eventually.

Keep It showy guys, and keep them comments coming I love to hear from you!

-Red

And as for the Haru-Fontaine suggestion, it won't happen. But it has given us an idea for something real funny in the future, so look forward to that down the road.

-Silver