Chapter 27: Darkness Rises and Dawn Breaks Part 1
A long day at Industrial illusions had come to a satisfying conclusion as Maximillion Pegasus entered his mansion's study. He hung up his suit jacket and walked into the backroom, and soon the sound of running water could be heard within. Not long after he walked out in light purple night attire and plopped himself down next to the fire place.
There was a knock on the door, and soon after a well dressed man carrying a wine bottle in one hand appeared.
"Sir would you like the chardonnay now, or when you get a little more comfortable?" He lifted up the wine from his arm so his boss could see.
"Now would be good, Croquet. Thank you. It has been quite a draining day dealing with office politics, and Kaiba-boy's constant need for more blue eyes support."
Croquet walked over and popped the cork of the wine bottle with ease, before pouring his boss a glass. "Shall I keep the package from the office until tomorrow then?"
Pegasus cocked and eyebrow. "A package came for me? I wasn't expecting anything."
The butler held up a yellow envelope with what seemed to be a rectangular item within.
"Oh I remember now" Pegasus chuckled, recognizing the item. "I called in a few favors and had some support made for my son.
"The troublemaker or the quiet one?" Croquet asked, handing it over.
Pegasus pulled a letter opener from his nightstand and cut it open with a single try, turning the package over so the contents could spill out into his hand. "The troublemaker my dear Croquet. He's been making quite the waves at Duel Academy as I've heard." A black and white reinforced deck box popped out into his hand.
He opened the hatch on the top and began to pull out small stacks of cards, placing each on the arm of his chair until all of the contents had been unloaded.
"Tell me Croquet, what do you know of Haru's deck?" Pegasus ran a hand through his long silver hair and leaned on the unoccupied chair arm with his elbow.
"High level monsters with varying effects, mostly using cost of some sort like tokens and counters," the butler recited.
"You make it sound so boring" Pegasus chuckled, "Despite that you are correct, Kaiju Legends are built to distribute heavy damage, but need to be set up beforehand."
"Suits his personality quite well I think" Croquet said dryly.
"As it stands Godzilla, and Mothra are staples of his arsenal. I intend to introduce a third to the mix." he held up a single card to show his companion.
"A turtle?"
"It's far more than just a turtle my dear Croquet" Pegasus chuckled. "While not as physically powerful as the King of the Kaiju himself, this turtle makes up for that in utility and defense."
"Are you still going ahead with Project Zero?" The butler asked.
"All in good time" Pegusus smiled before downing the last bit of wine. He took a minute to organize each of the stacks of cards before placing them back into the card box. He stood up and let out a deep yawn. "I believe it's time for me to retire for the night. I'll look over the rest of the cards in the morning." He walked over to his desk and pulled open a door and placed the box inside before locking it with a key he pulled from his robe.
Croquet moved to the door and bowed. "Have a good night Sir."
"You as well Croquet," the Industrial Illusions president nodded. The door clicked as the butler left, and Pegasus paused for a minute as his gaze moved to a pair of pictures in the center of his desk. One containing a picture of his wife, and the other of himself with two boys. The picture had been taken shortly after he adopted Haru and Eiji. The latter stood blank faced on his right in a little tuxedo, while the other had waited till the camera flashed to stick out his tongue and pull down his right eyelid.
Pegasus smiled and ran his hand along the side of the picture. "They're doing just as well as I hoped Cecilia. I only wish you were here to meet them," he sighed sadly and walked to his bedroom door, taking one last look at the back of the pictures before closing the door behind him.
The room fell to silence for several minutes, until the door to the terrace clicked open and a shadowy figure moved silently inside. The figure was clearly female, and clad in a leather duster, stilettos, as well as a white dragon mask with a blue jewel just above the eyes, along with shoulder length black hair. The figure moved to the desk and pulled out a small case filled with metal instruments. Pulling out two in particular they began to pick the lock on Pegasus's desk. A few moments later the lock gave way and the door opened. The figure pulled out the deck box and smiled standing up to admire her handywork. A slight glimmer caught her eye as the moonlight bounced off of the glass cover of the picture frame on the desk. The figure reached for it and gazed at the picture of Pegasus with Haru and Eiji, and felt something akin to sounds of footsteps outside sprung her from her trance, and she made a quick dash to escape out to the terrace door. Jumping off the balcony and making a run for the nearby forest they pulled out a cellphone and began to dial a number. Placing the phone to their head, the figure began to speak. "This is Dawnbreaker, I have obtained the package and will be making my way to the rendezvous point."
Elsewhere in an undisclosed location a group of shadowy figures stood overlooking the ocean. One of the figures, a male in similar clothing to the woman who had raided Pegasus's estate, closed his phone and returned it to his jacket. "Master, everything has gone according to plan. Dawnbreaker will meet us here within the next several days."
"Excellent," another voice said. "The time for us to make a move has arrived. Our enemies have been tested, we have assembled numerous allies, the time is now to cover the world in darkness. Who shall make the first strike upon our unsuspecting foes?"
"It would be my pleasure master," the man in the black dragon mask said. "Dawnbreaker will accompany me."
"Very well Nightshroud, you and your apprentice shall be tasked with the first strike" the other voice said.
Thunder boomed outside of Chancellor Sheppard's office and lightning illuminated the darkness within. Sheppard stood at the window with his hands behind his back watching the water flow down the window, and the wind blowing the trees back and forth outside. Lightning flashed again and Sheppard noticed a single object flying overhead amongst the storm clouds. He let out a deep sigh, his eyes never leaving the object. "And so it begins, the battle-no the war has begun."
The day after the storm was cloudless and warm, and Haru was taking advantage of it by lazily napping on the roof where he and Chazz had retreated too after the School Duel. But all good things must come to an end, as Eiji had found Haru's hiding spot.
"Haru, we need to talk," Eiji said as he walked over to his adoptive brother.
"What about?" Haru grumbled sleepily, cracking open a single eye to look at Eiji.
"The meeting about your wall of weird." That got Haru's attention.
"The thing with Banner?" Haru asked as he sat up.
"The thing with Banner," Eiji nodded as he leaned against the railing. "You didn't buy into Syrus saying that him overhearing Banner was a dream. Why?"
"Easy," Haru said as he stood up fully, cracking his back. "Syrus said his dream was most likely paranoia about the field trip. A reasonable conclusion, especially after all the weird crap we've run into when we explore the island. But, we didn't know the field trip was going to be to a tomb until right before Syrus told me about his dream, where he apparently eavesdropped on Banner and a mysterious voice mentioning a tomb. How could Syrus have a paranoia dream including details he wasn't aware of until after he had it?"
"That does sound suspicious," Eiji concurred, nodding. "But what if Syrus just misheard what Banner said and he was talking to someone like Sheppard about the field trip?"
"It's possible," Haru conceded, walking over to the railing and looking out over Duel Academy. "But something seems off about that theory too. If Banner was talking to a faculty member, why didn't Syrus know who it was?"
"Maybe it was a member of the staff Syrus hasn't run into like some kind of administrator, or maybe he was sleepy and just didn't recognize the other voice?"
"That's also possible, Haru nodded. "But my gut is telling me there's more to the story, and I'm gonna find it."
"So, how do we start?" Eiji said, crossing his arms. Haru raised an eyebrow at him, making Eiji smirk. "What? You thought I'd let you do this alone? You're my brother." Haru chuckled at that.
"Thanks, but at the moment there's nothing we can do. Just wait and observe."
"Do we let the others know?" Eiji asked.
"Nah," Haru answered, shaking his head. "The only evidence we've got is my gut, and you're the only person who'd trust that blindly."
"I don't know, Syrus, Blair, and Chumley might believe you," Eiji mused.
"Yeah, that's a no" Haru deadpanned. "Don't get me wrong, they're great, but they're also about as subtle as a herd of elephants. Telling them would make them blatantly suspicious around Banner, and that would tip him off if he's involved."
"I never thought I'd see the day when you criticized someone for being unsubtle." Eiji chuckled.
"I'll have you know that I can be subtle when I want to. I just normally don't want to." Haru responded, giving Eiji a fake offended look. The look lasted for about 15 seconds, before the brothers burst into laughter. Eventually the laughter faded, and the two stood there, looking out over the school.
"So, are you going to tell me why were you out here alone?" Eiji asked. "Usually the others are right by your side, or at least know where you are." After Haru didn't answer, Eiji looked at him concerned. "Haru?"
"Today's the anniversary Eiji," Haru choked out. "6 years to the day Maya was adopted, and taken from me." He tightened his hands around the railing as he spoke, his eyes growing wet. "And we're nowhere closer to finding her."
"Haru…" Eiji placed a comforting hand on his brother's shoulder. "We'll find her. I promise." The two brothers mourned in silence for a few minutes before Eiji's eyes widened as a thought occurred to him. "That reminds me! Pegasus called me yesterday. He said he had a surprise for us. Maybe he found something?"
"Maybe," Haru said, wiping the wetness from his eyes. "I still can't believe everyone knows about him adopting us. I know it was gonna come out eventually, but I wish we could have waited until after we went pro. Not have it aired on TV by a couple of assholes," He turned to Eiji. "Has anyone been giving you crap?"
"Nah," Eiji answered, knowing Haru would welcome any subject other than his sister. "It's honestly the opposite. Most of the Obelisks are trying to be buddy buddy with me, probably to get new cards from Pegasus." He scoffed. "Fat chance of that happening. You?"
"Other than a few Obelisks being well, Obelisks, not really." Haru replied. "Slifer doesn't care because I'm me and I only interact with 2 Ra's who also don't care. It's weird though, I honestly thought more people would be freaked out."
"Well, there are a lot of kids here from incredibly powerful families, so I guess the idea of Pegasus having kids isn't that outlandish. Though you in particular being Pegasus's kid, that would be a shock to most people."
"What's that supposed to mean?" Haru said, narrowing his eyes.
"Because you're a loudmouth troublemaker that actively pranks people who act like a rich person's kid would." Eiji snarked.
"Oh. Well thank you for the compliment."
"In no way whatsoever was that a compliment."
"I know, but taking it as one helps suppress the urge to punch you."
"THERE YOU TWO ARE!"
Eiji's inevitably snarky retort was cut off by the grating voice of Chazz, who climbed up onto the roof.
"Where the hell have you two been? Chancellor Sheppard gathered a bunch of people for a meeting, including you two, and neither of you have been answering your duel pilots!"
"I left mine in my room," Haru said. "I wanted to be left alone."
"Mine's on silent," Eiji said, fishing his out of his pocket. "30 unread messages. Holy crap."
"The Chancellor sent me to go find you two morons, so come on! He said it was important." Chazz said, still annoyed at the two.
"Alright, don't get your panties in a knot Chazz." Haru turned to Eiji. "C'mon, let's go, don't want to keep the Chancellor waiting, or give Chazz an aneurysm, even though that'd be an improvement." He let go of the railing and started walking to the door back inside.
"Oi!" Chazz said angrily. "I didn't come here to be insulted Yoshida!" He stomped after Haru.
"Oh, well where do you usually go?" Haru snarked as he walked inside. Eiji started to chuckle, causing Chazz to turn and glare at him.
"Sorry Chazz," Eiji said, shrugging. "But you walked right into that one." He patted Chazz on the shoulder and followed his brother inside
The trio made their way to the headmasters office in a matter of minutes and were met outside by the scowling face of Professor Crowler, and the usual smiling face of professor Banner. Each flanking either side of the door.
"I'm not surprised your student is late for such an important meeting" Crowler rolled his eyes and looked over at the head of the slifer dorm.
"Let us not forget one of your prized students is with him as well, and brothers do tend to acquaint with each other on occasion," Banner returned, never breaking his ever persistent smile as he scratched Pharaoh behind the ear earning a pur from the fat Tabby.
"Hmph" The obelisk head harrumphed, crossing his arms in front of his chest.
"Always a pleasure Crowler," Haru smirked slightly as the group of students stopped outside the door. This earned another eye roll from the professor but he refrained from another response.
"If you'll find a seat when you enter, Chancellor Sheppard will start the briefing as soon as possible" Banner opened the door and beckoned them inside. The room was quite crowded even before the three had entered the room. Seats had been arranged in a semi circle around the chancellor's desk. All but five were occupied by students the brothers were all too familiar with.
"Ah yes, Eiji and Haru. I figured I would see two chaps showing up at some point" Bastion called from the far end of the room were he and Will currently sat. Alongside them was a girl in Ra colors that Bastion had identified as Petra, the Ra dorm representative, during a previous conversation. Then came the Obelisk students, Sarah, Alexis, Zane and Leon occupied a set of armchairs, Leon and Zane seemed to be in mid conversation. Next was the duo from North Academy Luke and Biggs who sat out of the way of everyone else observing the individual groups. When Luke saw Chazz he motioned to a seat next to him that he had saved. Chazz made his way over and sat down, and Eiji found a spot next to his other dormmates.
Haru stood in the door for a moment and watched as Crowler and Banner walked over and stood behind Shepards desk. After observing the surroundings he noticed Damian sitting on the couch in the center of the room waving him over.
"Haven't seen you in a while," Haru said sitting down beside him.
"Senior year brings a lot of new things to think about" Damian shrugged. "Between the two of us, Leon, Petra and I have been looking into the Duel College overseas as per the recommendation of the chancellor."
"I suppose that explains the lack of order in the mess hall, since Banner couldn't control us even if he tried" Haru grinned.
"Excuse me students," Sheppard announced. "Since you're all here it's about time I explain why I called you all"
"That would be nice," Chazz snorted, earning the evil eye from Crowler.
"Never thought I'd agree with Chazz but, it is odd that you called all of us together at once," Bastion added.
"There is a reason for that," Sheppard held up a finger. "We require the best duelists this island has to offer for the threat that looms over us."
"Well that sounds ominous" Sarah said.
Sheppard nodded, folded his arms behind his back, and began to explain.
"So you're telling me that Dad didn't learn his lesson the first time with the egyptian gods, and instead went ahead with creating another trio of super powerful cards referred to as the Sacred Beasts." Haru let out a deep sigh and massaged the bridge of his nose.
"Not quite Mr. Yoshida" The balding man shook his head. "The creation of the Sacred Beasts was kept secret from Pegasus until after they had been confiscated by the people trying to use them."
"Are these the people who are employing these dark duelist's? The Shadow Riders as you referred to them?" Bastion asked, leaning forward in his chair and forming a pyramid with his hands.
"We can presume as much" Shepard nodded.
"It all seems rather fantastical" Sarah spoke.
"Never thought being abandoned by Foster meant that we would be drafted into a war for a collection of cards" Luke smirked.
"You must have stored them in a safe place, right Chancellor?" Biggs asked closing his book that he had been reading during most of the dialogue.
"I doubt he would hide these cards underneath a bed or in a cookie jar" Leon joked.
This earned a small chuckle from the chancellor. "You're indeed correct my boy. You're actually sitting rather close to them at this very moment" Using his right hand he pointed downwards, and all the people in the room looked at their feet for a moment.
"You see Duel academy was built on this island partially to lock these cards away from the outside world. They're buried deep beneath this building sealed safely away from anybody who would use their powers in the wrong way. After all, if these cards were to see the light of day" Sheppard stopped for a moment and placed his hands on his desk, his face becoming more solemn. "They could cause great calamity for this world, Buildings will crumble, light will fade, Souls will be consumed in a darkness not seen for millenia."
The group let out a collective gulp all save for Haru who seemed unnaturally stone faced at the moment.
"But why here of all places Chancellor?" Alexis asked, "Wouldn't it be a better idea to leave each with a powerful duelist, Splitting them up at least makes them more difficult to collect.
"But people are corruptible Lex" Zane shook his head, "Even when separate cards like these seem to hold enough power to make the holder a force to be reckoned with. And such power attracts people who would use any means necessary to obtain it"
"I'd hate to see what someone like Chazz's brothers would try to do with those cards," Eiji added.
"Hmmm" Chazz grumbled, not sure if he should be offended or agree with him.
"I assure you Ms. Rhodes, we took everything into account when we moved them here," Sheppard responded. "Which brings me to why I brought you all here" He. bent down behind the desk for a moment and retrieved two dark wooden boxes and placed them on the desk in front of him side by side. Opening one revealed a golden triangle made of three separate pieces, one for each side. The other opened to reveal a rectangle made of varying sized golden pieces, each with a black mark on top. "Here before you are fourteen individual keys needed to open the storage unit containing the sacred beasts, one for each of you to guard."
Will raised a hand. "But won't that make us the targets of these shadow riders?"
"Indeed it does children," Banner spoke. "By accepting this responsibility, these dangerous people will actively seek you out."
"Seek us out huh?" Chazz snorted. "You mean take us out."
"They can only win these keys through an actual duel, ancient customs prevent the use of other methods to procure these items. So I've called on you, the fourteen best duelists on this island to take up this challenge and prevent the fall of modern civilization." He turned to look at the two teachers standing behind him "Well twelve, I needed fourteen so I had to cut a few corners…"
"You're one short Chancellor," Sarah pointed out counting it out on her fingers. "There are fifteen people here."
"Well that just means one person will have to go without." Crowler smirked as he stared daggers at Haru, making the latter smirk slightly.
"If any of you wish not to take up the responsibility I understand," Sheppard said, ignoring Crowler's antics. "This is a dangerous risk, one not to be taken lightly, but I ask that you make your decision before leaving this office."
The room remained silent for a couple minutes as nobody made a single move. Each group started to whisper amongst themselves.
"What the hell" Haru shrugged, getting up and walking across the room and grabbing a piece from the rectangle key box. "I've experienced some really weird shit during my short time here, so what's another couple dozen incidents in the grand scheme of things?" He turned to Crowler and winked before returning to his seat.
"Well I can't let you of all people show me up," Chazz sighed, following his example.
Hearing the two of them Zane couldn't help but smile as he reached over to pick one for himself, "It would be my Honor Chancellor.".
"Who am I to decline saving the world?" Will smiled, taking one for himself.
"Can't let you have all the fun Haru," Eiji smiled, grabbing a key.
"Well if you're going so am I" Sarah nodded, procuring herself a key.
"As will I" Alexis said, taking one for herself.
"Who am I to say no?" Crowler asked, wagging his finger and smiling as he looked down at the three remaining keys. "If the world is at stake, then our way of life, and the safety of my students is challenged as well." He took the third to last key in the rectangle box. "Plus I am rather fond of posh jewelry."
"Glad to see you're doing this for all the right reasons" Sheppard grumbled.
Next came Biggs who took a single key, "Luke and I are a pair so it makes sense for us to share a key. Plus it'll be easier for two people to defend one key."
Sheppard took a moment glancing at Banner and Bastion respectively. Bastion seemed overly calm as the current situation played out, his face never changing from that of his normal calm demeanor. His straight face broke for a minute as everyone turned to look at him and turned into a smile.
"I was in from the beginning, just figured it would be theatrical to wait until the end to throw my hat in the proverbial ring."
"Dick" Haru chuckled.
Bastion tipped his invisible hat as he took his piece from the box.
"I suppose that leaves me then," Banner said moving toward the box. Haru's eye twitched as he and Eiji exchanged glances.
Pharaoh yawned in Banner's arms, before hopping down onto the table and waddling over to the box. He sniffed the container then the final piece inside before picking it up in his mouth.
"Now Pharaoh what did I say about stealing?" Banner asked, not breaking his usual tone of voice. The Tabby let out a small snort sucking the straight rectangular piece further into his mouth as his owner got closer. Banner reached for the cat and soon after the sound of a gulp could be heard as the Tabby swallowed the piece.
"Did he just?" Crowler began in shock.
Leon let out a sharp whistle. "You know, I sorta figured Pharaoh ate everything with how big he was. Didn't think he was into eating that sort of stuff though."
Haru was smiling now, Pharaoh had gone down a few spots on his shit list after this little stunt. In fact it took every fiber of his being not to cheer at this very moment. Chancellor Sheppard seemed less than pleased on the other hand, as he was now covering his face with his hands.
"No Pharaoh that's a bad kitty!" Banner scolded.
"Well on the plus side they can't take that key for a bit," Chazz chuckled.
"Chancellor If I may" Petra interrupted. "Am I to assume that the three pieces are for us?" She motioned to Damian and Leon.
"Ah yes" Sheppard said coming out of his stupor. He turned the box and picked up a single piece and held it up for the group to see. While on the top, the bar was gold, the bottom was painted red. He held up the other two to reveal a blue and what seemed to be a yellow one. "You three will be attending a seminar at the North American Duel College in the coming weeks, so I figured with these three keys in your possession we can split our enemy forces by sending some of the keys off the island."
"Makes sense" Leon nodded.
"It is our job to take the pressure off our junior's" Damian smiled, putting his arm around Haru, the latter letting out an uncomfortable three reps grabbed their keys, and the group stood in silence for a moment.
"I guess an easy year at this school was a little too much to ask" Haru ran his hand through his hair.
"You're a disaster magnet Yoshida" Chazz snarked. "Your life here was going to be bumpy no matter what happened.
"Ow, that hurts," Haru looked at the group. "Tell me it's not true guys." The rest of the group seemed to be avoiding eye contact after the question.
"I'd go out on a limb and say it's you and Eiji honestly," Biggs said looking up from his book.
"The dude's not wrong" Will agreed.
"So now I'm being dragged into this?" Eiji asked.
"You're always around when something happens Hero boy" Sarah agreed placing her hand on his shoulder. Sheppard smiled as the group began to argue the fact, Haru and Eiji on one end and the people aware of their previous adventures on the other. He turned in his chair and gazed out the window as the sun entered its highest point in the sky. He decided to let them squabble like the children they were for now, for much darker dealings were ahead.
Several hours later, Haru and Eiji assembled in the laters room in front of Eiji's rather impressive computer as they had done a number of times since they had entered the academy. Every time Haru found a way to make a unique crack about the elitist look of his brother's abode, compared to the shack he called home. Not today however, as both of them had quite a bit on their minds.
The monitor flickered to life as a video feed expanded across the screen and the visage of their adopted father appeared in front of them. Pegasus was sitting behind his desk, with his normal glass of wine in view as he gave the two a cheerful smile.
"Hello boys, it's wonderful to hear from you. Especially you Haru, since you never seem to find the time to call your dear father." He wiped an imaginary tear from his eye. "I even called you earlier and you didn't pick up."
"Sorry Pops," Haru said. "I just- I wanted to be alone this morning." He clenched his fist as Eiji placed a hand on Haru's shoulder.
"Of course, today's that day isn't it," Pegasus said, his smile turning into a look of concern for his adopted son. "Haru, I know this day is painful, and I know how much you wish to find her but I want you to do something for me."
"What?"
"Don't let it consume you. After Cecilia died, I let my obsession overwhelm me and it led me down a dark path. I don't want it to happen to you." Both teens eyes' widened at the mention of their father's lost love. "Luckily for you, you have something I didn't back then. You have people to help keep you from that precipice. You have your brother, you have your friends, you even have your fabulous father." His voice had taken on a teasing edge by the end of his sentence.
"Thanks Pops," Haru said smiling, surreptitiously wiping a stray tear from his eye. "That means a lot." His eyes widened as he remembered something. "Hey, Eiji told me you had a surprise for me. What is it?"
"Ah yes, your surprise." Pegasus spoke, embarrassment seeping into his voice. Eiji and Haru both looked at each other with an eyebrow cocked, unused to hearing Pegasus sound embarrassed. "I actually had some more support for your Kaijus made. They were delivered to the mansion yesterday and were supposed to be shipping to the island today, but unfortunately, someone broke in and made off with them. Oops."
Eiji and Haru looked at each other, their expressions conveying the pieces coming together in their heads.
"What?" Pegasus asked, cocking his head slightly. "You two know I can't read minds when you do this right?"
"Sorry Pops" Haru shook his head. "We just think this is too much of a coincidence."
"It stands to reason that since we have been drafted into this conflict, perhaps the enemy has some sort of intel upon the people they may be facing." Eiji leaned back in his chair, his hand moving back and forth as if to connect invisible threads between the events.
"Hold on you two, you're getting way too far ahead for me to understand the current conversation. What do you mean you've been drafted into a conflict?" Pegasus asked, leaning closer to the monitor.
"Chancellor Sheppard didn't tell you huh?" Haru rolled his eyes, "Of course he wouldn't tell you that he drafted your adopted sons into a war for three cards that could end the world as we know it."
Pegasus's eyes lit up in realization. "Someone knows where the Sacred Beasts have been hidden then?" He took a deep swig from his wine glass, then rubbed his eyes. "I knew this would happen one day."
"Sheppard told us they were made without your consultation, freeing you from the guilt of people lusting after their powers," Eiji said, trying to alleviate his father's guilt.
"I wish it was that easy to make this feeling go away son. Pegasus shook his head. "The guilt of another trio of cards that could cause great calamity, being made by the company I worked so hard to build is not so easy to get rid of."
"Well if it makes you feel any better, the island life here hasn't been peaceful even before these revelations came to light," Haru smirked. "And yet every challenge the two of us have faced we made it through alright."
"Then it's my duty as your father to set you up for success" Pegasus nodded a smile returning to his face. "I shall begin production on new cards for both of your decks at once."
"Perhaps you should look into getting a safe, or a better security system for the house first," Eiji chuckled.
"That to" Pegasus laughed, "I shall start on this new project at once, sorry to cut our family time short boys, but you've lit a fire inside me that can only be satisfied by one thing and one thing only!"
"Old Cartoons?" Eiji asked.
"Making Kaiba feel awkward?" Haru followed up.
"No boys. Making children's trading cards!"
Haru cracked a grin at that.
"Never change Pops, never change."
"That about sums it up boys and girls," Haru said dangling the key in front of his three Slifer companions. After he and Eiji had finished their conference call with their adopted father, the Kaiju duelist elected now was as good a time as any to go and have a nap. Unfortunately as soon as he entered his room he was tackled by Chumley, Blair and Syrus, who were anxious to know if he had been expelled or not.
"Woof" Chumley muttered. "Can't get a day off here can you boss?"
"That's what I'm saying" Haru chuckled, "The whole gravekeeper thing and now this apparently."
"Wouldn't it stand to reason, these shadow riders will try to pick off the weakest duelist first? Then work up the totem pole?" Blair pondered.
"Well if that's the case I'm pretty sure Crowler will be about the middle, his title as teacher will only get him so far until they realise he's all bark and no bite " Syrus joked. "I still can't get over the fact Pharaoh swallowed Professor Banner's key. I mean he's been known to eat just about anything in the mess hall but this really takes the cake."
"Yeah, something about the Shadow riders digging around his litterbox for it makes me quite content with what happened," Haru smiled.
"Uh guys, correct me if I'm wrong, But if these shadow riders were to attack Haru, wouldn't we be caught in the crossfire? I mean we hang out with him more than anybody else." Chumley asked, his face becoming a bit more panicked after the realization.
"You can't be implying we abandon him in his time of need, Chumley," Blair said, sounding like a disappointed parent.
"If anything I feel safer with him here," Syrus shrugged. "The guy's prepared for just about anything, I wouldn't be surprised if he's started building a doomsday bunker by now."
"Not quite, but that would be kinda nice" Haru smirked thinking about it. He got up from the bed where he was seated and wrapped his arm around Chumley's neck and gave the Koala duelist a noogie. "Don't worry bud, I didn't earn the title of Guardian Kaiju for nothing, besides I've planted a few landmines around the perimeter just to be safe."
"Landmines?" Chumley whimpered.
"That was a joke Chum" Haru sighed.
"Well I didn't find it very funny."
Haru returned to his bed and flopped down into it. "But first I need a nap, today has been a bit too stressful for my liking."
"Night boss" Blair called.
"Night Haru" Syrus added.
"Night…" Chumley began before being cut off by Haru's snoring.
"Wish I could get to sleep that easily after that information dump," Chumley sighed.
As darkness enshrouded the island, Alexis approached the slifer dorm with an expedited pace. She looked around the area and let out a small sigh. "If what Chancellor Sheppard said is true, these Shadow Riders might coordinate and take out either the strongest with consecutive attacks or try to dwindle our numbers by attacking the weakest," she thought watching the shadows for any sign of movement.
"If that's the case Haru would be a primary target for them. Either taking his red jacket as a sign of weakness, or going off of the school duel broadcast and going after him first." she ascended the stairs to the second floor and stopped in front of Haru's door. "I should bring it to his attention just in case something happens."
Back inside the room, the Slifers had all gone to bed, with Blair retiring to her quarters only a few minutes prior. The window to their room began to shine with a blinding radiance, and the spirit form of Godzilla appeared sitting on the edge of the bed.
"The fuck is this shit at this time of night," the Kaiju growled, crossing his arms in front of his Torso. "KID! HEY KID! WAKE THE FUCK UP!"
Haru rolled over and his right hand went through the spirits body, earning an eye roll. Haru's eyes flickered open and he blinked several times. "Why are you yelling old man? I just went to sleep". He raised his palm to shield his eyes from the light, "and who's the jackass that's shining LED lights in my window?" He got up and peeked into Syrus's bed. "If this is your idea of some kind of joke, I'm kinda proud Syrus but we both know you dont fuck with me while im asleep." He pushed the boy sligtly but earned no response. He looked up at Chumley on the top bunk and poked him directly in the nose.
The light expanded into a domelike shape, and the medallion around Haru's neck began to glow a dull golden hue. The door to the room was thrown open as Alexis dashed into the room.
"Haru? Haru are you alright? I was heading over to talk to you then I was blinded by the light coming from your room."
Haru turned to look at her in surprise, and they both realized that the dome had begun to shrink around them.
"What's happening?" Alexis asked, as the two heard the sound of laughter around them.
"The war begins, and I intend to take first blood," a menacing voice said as the dome encircled them, completely blinding them .
As the light began to die down the Slifer and Obelisk found themselves in another location. The cold air-conditioning fueled air had been replaced by an almost unbearable hot breeze. The two stood on a circular rocky platform surrounded by lava.
"Where are we exactly?" Alexis asked, looking around them.
"Well either I'm having a really realistic dream, or the island is working its weird voodoo again" Haru replied, taking a pebble and throwing it into the lava below. They both jumped as the pebble landed and a column of lava in the shape of a dragon shot up, circling the area above them.
"Unless this is normal for you, I'd say this is more likely a nightmare" Alexis whispered.
"Unfortunately for you this is quite real," a cold voice said as the lava dragon crashed down into a rock platform across from them. The two watched as a figure walked out of the flames, smirking evilly. The figure was that of a young man, who stepped forward wearing a long heavy trench coat, a black dragon mask with a red jewel in the top, and dark brown hair, along with an ominous looking duel disk strapped to his wrist.
"Creepy mask, long black coat, sounds like a bad guy. You must be one of those Shadow Riders I've been hearing so much about" Haru sighed. "Couldn't we have done this in the middle of a class or something? A growing boy like me needs his beauty sleep."
"Funny," the figure chuckled. "But you knew what you were getting into when you accepted that key."
"Yeah, sure. What do they call you? Emo Mask or something?" Haru snarked.
"Nightshroud," the man replied, taking a slight bow, and ignoring the comment.
"Can't get more edgy than that? Was Blood-blade taken?"
"Will you take this seriously?" Nightshroud asked.
"No, because I'm not giving you that satisfaction," the Kaiju duelist replied.
"I'll take great pride in shutting you up, then taking the first key from your soulless corpse."
"Challenging me to a shadow duel I'm guessing. That was so three months ago."
"Your confidence in the face of certain death is admirable, if not annoying. Perhaps I should duel the girl first, and we can see if your bravado holds up after I toss her body into this volcano."
Haru's eyes widened at that, before narrowing into a fierce glare. Rage seemed to pour off Haru's form, making Alexis take a step back and even giving Nightshroud pause.
"You just made a big mistake," Haru said, his voice eerily calm. "Today has already been an awful reminder of what I've already lost, and now you want to waltz in here and threaten someone I care about? I hope you like the taste of boot Nightshroud, because I'm gonna shove my foot so far up your ass you'll be able to taste it!" Haru pulled out his duel disk and strapped it to his arm.
"I look forward to seeing if you can back up that claim," Nightshroud smirked. "If not I can always add you to my collection." He held up a blank monster card.
DUEL!
Nightshroud: 4000
Haru: 4000
"Let's get this ass whooping underway," Haru yelled as the two duelists drew their hands.
"Yes, let's," Nightshroud smiled as he drew and placed a single card down the field. "To begin I activate the spell card One for One. By discarding a monster from my hand like this Red-Eyes Black Dragon, I can then special summon a level 1 monster to the field, Such as the Black Stone of Legend." Pulling said card from his deck he placed it in a defensive position.
Black Stone of Legend level 1 (0/0)
An obsidian colored egg glowing a bright shade of crimson appeared in front of the masked duelist.
"I wasn't aware of new Red-Eyes support," Alexis gasped.
"Usually Kaiba puts the kibosh on any kind of new card for his rivals, much less Joey Wheeler, but maybe Pops got some through," Haru commented.
"I assure you just like your deck, my cards are one of a kind" Nightshroud chuckled. "But back to the point I activate my Black Stone of Legend's effect, tributing it to summon Red-Eyes Baby Dragon in defense position" The egg began to move and pulse before spewing forth a red beam from its top as a miniature sized Red-Eyes Black Dragon appeared and let out a small coo.
Red-Eyes Baby Dragon level 4 (1200/700)
"I'll set a card and pass my turn."
"My go then," Haru nodded looking at his hand. "Starting off I think I'll play a spell card I've been experimenting with, called Kaiju Circle of Life. When activated I can send two level 4 or lower Kaiju monsters, one from my hand and one from my deck, to special summon a Kaiju monster equal to or less than their levels from my hand." A spell card depicting Rodan swooping down on a colony of Meganulon appeared beside him. "I'll discard the level 4 Condor in my hand and the level 4 Octopus within my deck to special summon Kaiju Legend Rodan in attack position." With a loud screech the winged dinosaur Kaiju emerged from the depths of the lava below curling its wings around its owner as if in a defensive stance.
Kaiju legend Rodan level 6 (2300/2300)
"But I don't think that's enough to express how pissed off I am, so let's take it up a notch shall we? I play the spell card Kaiju Evolution: Laval Imbuement! While Rodan occupies my field I can activate this spell and offer him up as material for a special summon called Evolution Summon.
"Evolution Summon?" Nightshroud repeated. "I've never heard of such a thing
"Guess you haven't been doing your research then," Haru smirked. "It's when I offer up a Kaiju for another with the same name in my deck. Imbue yourself with the flames that lie dormant within the volcano and arise with a new power! Evolution Summon! Come forth Fire Rodan!" The ancient pteranodon Kaiju let out its signature roar as the lava around them began to bubble up and burst onto him imbuing him power fitting of his new title.
Kaiju Legend Fire Rodan level 8 (2800/2000)
"Excellent," Nightshroud chuckled. "It's been far too long since I witnessed a monster with such power radiating from it. I'll enjoy snuffing out it's flame, and with it, any hope left within you."
"I don't think so," Haru smiled. "If anything Fire Rodan's going to light a fire under your ass, because when he enters the battlefield every card in your back row is destroyed and you take 500 points of direct damage for each one." Haru raised his hand upward and snapped his fingers as Rodan flapped its wings harder and harder, sending the Shadow Rider's facedown flying backward at him before disappearing. Nightshroud raised his arm to shield his eyes but the gale sent him sliding back a bit.
Nightshroud: 4000-3500
"And your Baby Dragon is about to be snuffed out as well!" Rodan's horns began to glow as it let loose a beam of red energy that engulfed the tiny dragon.
"Your overconfidence has led to me gaining a new boon in this duel Kaiju tamer" Nightshroud smiled. "For when Red-Eyes Baby Dragon is destroyed I can special summon a level 7 or lower Red-eyes from my deck." He pulled a card from his deck and revealed it. "Say hello to Red-Eyes Black Flare Dragon as my baby dragon awakens its latent power and ascends!" Out of the smoking pile that had once been his monster a beam of crimson fire erupted upwards, the fire within shifting into the form of a much larger black dragon. Its scales were of a metallic black with thin black and red wings, as it fixed its eyes on its new opponent.
Red-Eyes Black Flare Dragon level 7 (2400/2000)
"He baited me into a false sense of security when I destroyed that trap card," Haru muttered gritting his teeth.
"Two ways of coming back from whatever you threw at him, I'd hate to see what the trap card had in store" Alexis nodded moving up to stand beside him.
"But wait, Keyholder, for my combo has not yet finished! When I use Baby Dragon to summon another Red-Eyes monster I can equip it to that card and it gains an additional 300 attack points." The flaming outline of the baby dragon emerged from the lava to the side and swirled around the much larger dragon before being swallowed up by the creature.
Red-Eyes Black Flare Dragon level 7 (2400-2700)
"Guess I have to play defensive for the time being" Haru placed a card face down before passing the turn.
"Very well then… I shall make my move," Nightshroud's smile widened as he drew. "The fortune keeps flowing my way it seems. I equip from my hand Black Metal Dragon to my Black Flare Dragon, giving him an additional 600 points of attack." A smaller black dragon appeared over the larger one then split apart into fragments of armor equipping itself to each part of the dragon's body.
Red-Eyes Black Flare Dragon level 7 (2700-3300)
"Shit" Haru groaned.
"Just goes to show you Keyholder, the bigger they are the harder they fall" Nightshroud cackled. "And so quickly this duel has turned in my favor. Since I have not yet normal summoned, I activate my Black Flare Dragon's effect, since it's a Gemini it's treated as a normal monster when it first enters the field, but now I can normal summon it to have it gain its effect." Fire began to pulse all about the dragon's body, shooting out of its wingtips and even its eyes.
"Gemini are a hard type of card to play with, but it seems this guy has enough experience with them that he's overcome that obstacle. This is troubling," Alexis stated.
"I'm definitely playing against a higher tier player here huh" Haru nodded.
"And now my dragon shall deliver the finishing blow to your oversized dinosaur," The black armored dragon let loose a pulse of crimson flame that hit Fire Rodan flat in the chest, the flame then began to engulf the Kaiju, causing it to let out a cry of pain as it disintegrated.
Haru: 4000-3500
"So we're even now, was all that show for just that?" Haru asked.
"Boy you don't begin to understand what I have in store for you. Black Flare Dragon's effect activates! When he destroys an opponent's monster you get dealt damage equal to its original attack in addition to the amount you suffered during battle." The dragon let loose another blast of fire that this time made impact with Haru directly, burning off parts of his jacket in the process. Haru fell to one knee as he took the damage.
Haru: 3500-1100
"Where's all your big talk now Keyholder? In one turn I've brought you down to less than half of your life points. Do you understand the severity of your situation now?"
"Haru are you ok?" Alexis asked, placing an arm around his shoulder and attempting to help him up.
"I'm a bit hot to be honest," Haru replied letting out a small cough as he let her help him to his feet.
Nightshroud gritted his teeth in frustration at the return of the quips.
"It helps to be naturally suspicious of everyone Nightshroud" Haru smiled pressing a button on his duel disk "I planned a bit ahead just in case in the form of the quick play spell card poison of the old man. As you probably know I can inflict 800 damage to you directly or gain 1200 instead. I think in this case the latter is warranted." A phial of green liquid appeared over the Kaiju duelist's head and poured itself over him, healing some of the burn marks he had obtained.
Haru: 1100-2300
Nightshroud's irritated expression returned to that of enjoyment. "Good. It wouldn't do to have this concluded in so few turns. I'll set a card and pass my turn to you."
After drawing his next card Haru blinked for a minute as he realized what he had just drawn. He shrugged. "That's a nice board you've established for yourself buddy, would be a pity if i broke it now."
Nightshroud chuckled. "From your tactics, no doubt you've found a way to either resurrect your monster or have found another to replace it. Either way it's time for me to activate the card I set last turn." His set card flipped face up revealing Red-Eyes Black Dragon emerging from a summoning circle, "It's called Red-Eyes Spirit and it allows me to resurrect the original Red-Eyes I sent to the graveyard during my first turn." The legendary black dragon with burning crimson eyes appeared to his right and let out a loud howl.
Red-Eyes Black Dragon level 7 (2400/2000)
"And that's it. You may continue," the Shadow Rider said, motioning for Haru to continue.
"How nice of you to let me play during my turn," Haru said dryly. "You are correct however, I drew Monster Reborn this turn, so it's time for me to resurrect an old friend. Come back to my side, Fire Rodan!" The colossal pteranodon Kaiju erupted from the lava behind Haru and let out its signature roar. "With that his effect activates again, destroying all cards in your back row and dealing you 500 points for each. Sure you managed to save yourself 500 but oh well, your equip cards are getting incinerated!" Rodan's horns began to glow again and it let loose its beam weapon against Black Flare Dragon. When the smoke parted the dragon was no longer cloaked in the armor it had before.
Nightshroud: 3500-2500
Red-Eyes Black Flare Dragon level 7 (3300-2400)
"When you destroy my equip cards, both of their effects go off. First I can add a level 1 dragon type monster with the Baby Dragon's effect, then Black Metal Dragon's effect allows me to add a Red-Eyes monster to my hand." Pulling two cards from his deck he revealed them. "I'll add Decoy Dragon and Gearfried the Red-Eyes Iron Knight."
"Well say goodbye to your Black Flare Dragon Nightshroud. Take him down Fire Rodan!" With one command the Kaiju incinerated the black dragon with its breath weapon.
Nightshroud: 2500-2100
"Back in the lead again" Alexis let out a sigh of relief as she looked down at the bubbling magma below her.
"You had doubts?" Haru looked at her, seemingly insulted.
"Well Shadow games can be unpredictable. You've been through two, but…"
"Lets hold that thought Lex" Haru raised his index finger to his mouth. "Just knowing you're here gives me what I need to defeat this masked wackjob.
Alexis blushed for a moment but then nodded her head in agreement.
"Adorable" Nightshroud said sarcastically. "I'll be sure to remember this moment when I'm tossing you into the molten lava with your keys in my grasp."
"Listen tall dark and stupid. Unless you haven't been paying attention my Kaiju still has the superior attack."
"And if you're feeling so confident, why haven't you ended your turn simpleton?" Nightshroud mocked.
The Kaiju duelist growled.
"End your turn bossman" the unfamiliar voice of a young man said from Haru's shoulder, as he turned his slightly to see what seemed to be a blur of rainbow coloring.
"Huh?" Haru thought. "Is the heat getting to me already?"
"Nah man, Mom has been training me up so I can unleash my full potential so I can help out in the events you're bound to face. End your turn buddy and have confidence that I'll be there when you need me."
"Haru are you ok?" Alexis asked, shaking his shoulder a little bit.
"I end my turn with a facedown" Haru said, shaking his head. "I'm fine, the heat is a bit overwhelming.
"Time for me to move you closer to your demise then." The Shadow Rider drew for turn, then picked a single card from his hand and raised it upward. "Let's start things off with a good old fusion summon! I play Red-eyes Fusion! I offer up the Gearfried the Red-Eyes Iron Knight in my hand and the Red-Eyes on my field." The two monsters turned into energy that formed a flaming vortex as Nightshroud began to chant.
"Pitch black dragon wielding the inferno, consume the knight which binds its power and become a weapon of unparalleled might! Fusion Summon! Unleash your blades upon my foe, Red-Eyes Slash Dragon!"
Leaping forth from the Spiral a new Red-Eyes was born, This one covered from head to tail in obsidian black armor, with white armor on the underside of its neck and chest. A red Jewel was firmly fastened to the Dragon's Head and the metal formed into points to form a crown. On it's right arm a sharp blade was attached and it's tail had a new spear-like attachment.
Red-Eyes Slash Dragon level 7 (2800/2400)
"Next I equip Slash Dragon with Red-Eyes Immolation, giving it an additional 800 point attack boost, and my personal favorite, all cards it destroyed are banished when they leave the field. A black fire began to seep from the dragon's mouth as it and Fire Rodan started to stare each other down. "And for the final touch I'll activate this field spell!" A card depicting a Red-Eyes and a Blue-Eyes White Dragon staring at each other, the latter standing on a ledge above the former appeared. "This card is called Red-Eyes Hunting grounds,and it doubles all damage that's inflicted during a battle with a Red-Eyes monster." The lava around them gave way to a rocky landscape and the sound of conflicting dragons could be heard in the background.
Red-Eyes Slash Dragon level 7 (2800-3600)
"Slash his Kaiju to pieces my monster!" Nightshroud commanded as he entered the battle phase. "Slash Dragon's effect activates! When a Red-Eyes monster attacks I can target a warrior monster in my graveyard and equip it to slash dragon giving him an additional 200 attack!"
Red-Eyes Slash Dragon level 7 (3600-3800)
"I activate my facedown Magic cylinder and target your Slash dragon! Take your damage back in full asshat!" Haru retorted.
"I don't think I will, because when Slash Dragon is targeted by a card effect I can ditch one of its equip cards and negate and destroy that card. Gearfried is hitting the graveyard once again."
Red-Eyes Slash Dragon level 7 (3800-3600)
The armored dragon flew across the field and made an X shape slash mark in the Kaiju's torso making it shatter.
Haru: 2300-700
Haru was blown backwards, almost flying off the back of the rock they were perched on. He lay there for a minute struggling to get up. Alexis moved to his side and attempted to help him up.
"Enough!" She yelled. "This duel is over, he can't take much more of this."
"Says who?" Nightshroud asked
"Says me the wielder of this spirit key," Alexis grabbed the key around her neck and held it up. "Let my friend go and you can duel me, and either way you can have my soul and my key, you win either way."
Nightshroud gazed at her for a moment "Do I know this person? She seems so familiar" He clutched his head and erased the thoughts from his head.
"You're only adding to the delight I feel in this battle girl!" Nightshroud laughed maniacally, "When the flame flickers for the last time as all sense of hope is thrown to the winds. Desperation is such a delicious emotion!"
"DO YOU EVER STOP TALKING?!" Haru yelled rolling onto his back and looking up at the sky for a minute. He flashed Alexis a smile and pushed his way to his feet, cracking his neck as he went. "I mean seriously the whole supervillain monologue gets old after a while." He looked at Alexis and shook his head. "Do you think I could live knowing one of my friends sacrificed their soul for me?"
"But you're injured Haru," Alexis shook her head. "You shouldn't continue."
"It's honestly no worse than when I dueled Titan. I'll live." He took a deep breath and his soft expression turned to that of determination "Besides, I still have life points left. I've come back from bigger deficits before."
"You're right, I'm sorry for doubting you," the Obelisk girl smiled. "Show him how you got your nickname as Guardian Kaiju of the red dorm."
"Yes show me your Power Guardian Kaiju!" Nightshroud exclaimed. "Your struggle only makes this victory that much sweeter!"
"End your turn then," Haru said.
"Very well, use your last turn on this mortal coil to give me a show worthy of your talk."
Haru drew for turn, "Pot Of Greed Huh? This may be what the voice was referring to." "I play Pot of Greed allowing me to draw two aditional cards this turn, so here goes." as he added them to hand the smile returned to his face from before. "Thanks guys you never let me down," he thought looking down at his desk.
"Can't have you losing to someone who dresses up like it's Halloween 24/7," Godzilla commented.
"I'm always here to help dear, we're like family after all," Mothra added.
"And I'm going to make my debut something fierce," The voice from before added.
"Patience Leo, your time is coming soon" Mothra replied.
"I know mom I'm just so excited is all."
" First I summon Kaiju Miracle Egg in defense position," Haru said, placing the first card sideways on his duel disk. In front of him a large egg roughly the size of Rodan appeared. It has an intricate swirl of Blue and white across the shell, and it seemed to glow from within.
Kaiju Miracle Egg level 3 (1000/1000)
" Then I activate an equip spell of my own called Miracle Incubation! When Equipped to a Miracle Egg on my field it is destroyed during my endphase."
"You call this your comeback?" Nightsroud mocked. "Clearly you've given into despair and have given up on your chances of winning this battle. How disappointing"
"For the love of fuck let me finish asshole," Haru growled. "When Miracle Egg is destroyed by battle or card effect I search one Larvae, and one Leo Larvae from my deck and you have to choose one at random for me to special summon! So let's get to that shall we? I declare my endphase destroying my egg in the process." He removed the card from the field but the giant egg remained firmly planted on the field. Retrieving two cards from his deck Haru held them up for his opponent to choose.
"The right one."
"You chose poorly Nightshroud because now Leo gets to make his debut in this duel." Haru smirked placing the larvae back into his deck. The egg began to shake and fragments of the shell began to fall to the ground. Springing from within was the typical Mothra Larvae in its usual long brown insect like form, but this one had a line of yellow spots going down its sides to distinguish itself from the others.
Kaiju legend Leo Larvae level 3 (1000/1000)
"And when Leo is specially summoned I can search a Kaiju Evolution spell card and set it on my field" Haru pulled a card from his deck and placed it in the card slot beneath Leo. "That's it for me."
"All that talk for a 1000 attack monster and a facedown. I think you've given into your fate boy so I'll oblige you with a swift end. Destroy his new monster, my fearsome dragon!"
"Now you're the one getting cocky," Haru shook his head. "I activate the quick-play Kaiju Evolution Rainbow Transcendance! When I control a Kaiju with Leo in its name I can use it to form a single monster fusion summon! From the ashes of Despair and Sadness comes a new protector of the planet. Spread your majestic prismatic wings and bring evil to its knees! Arise Kaiju Legend Rainbow Mothra Leo!" Leo began to spin a cocoon around himself and it began to glow with a radiant energy. Springing forth was a new form of Mothra, its wingspan twice the size of the original with more radiant rainbow coloring about it. Its eyes glowed like sapphires and its antenna had taken on a feather like appearance.
Kaiju Legend Rainbow Mothra Leo level 6 (2000/2000)
When the dragon went to slash at the newly summoned Mothra it hit a wall of pure golden energy and it was sent flying backwards shattering into pixels.
"WHAT?" Nightshroud yelled shocked at the revelation.
"When Mothra Leo in his rainbow form does battle with a monster that has more attack than itself, it destroys that monster instead and you take battle damage equal to the difference between the attacks! Evil Reflection!
Nightshroud:2100- 500
Nightroud was blown backward as well but he managed to keep his footing as his life points were reduced. "Very well, I'll activate Obsidian's Cry! This card allows me to resurrect a level 7 dragon type monster as long as it has Red-Eyes in its name, and I've chosen Slash Dragon to return to my field in defense position.
Red-Eyes Slash Dragon level 7 (2800/2400)
"My turn is over, and since my monster is in a defensive position I'll survive to sow more terror next turn," The Shadow Rider said.
"Sure let's go with that," Haru nodded seemingly unphased by his opponent's play. "You would be correct in most cases but in this case with what my deck has given me your finished"
"What?"
"I play the spell card Card Rotator. By discarding one card I can change the battle position of your monster from defense to attack." The Red-Eyes on Nightshroud's field was forced from its defensive position and it let loose a roar as it braced for an attack.
"Leo put him out of his misery with Evil Reflection once more!" The Kaiju duelist commanded as the Rainbow themed Kaiju dove across the field and crashed into the armored dragon a second time.
Nightshroud:500-0
Nightshroud grabbed his head and let out an ear splitting scream, the lava around them swirling and moving up the rocks they now stood on. The defeated Shadow Rider fell over, continuing to scream as the fire advanced and the heat increased.
"Consider your ass kicked," Haru said, giving him a thumbs down. His head wobbled and he fell backwards onto his back as he was swallowed by flames as well. Alexis gasped as they surrounded her as well. Then a flash of light and she found herself outside at the base of the volcano.
She pushed herself up from her kneeling position and looked around. "Haru… He did it… he pulled out a win again."
"ALEXIS!" she heard behind her as Zane ran up from the direction of the docks. "What happened? Why are the keys acting up? Why are you outside at this time of night?"
"Zane! There was a Shadow Rider that attacked Haru at the Red dorm, he transported us inside the volcano." She paused for a minute, "Haru….. where's Haru?. She looked around and saw Haru sprawled out across the ground with Nightshroud only a few feet away.
The two rushed over and Alexis checked the slifers pulse. She looked up at Zane and nodded "He's alive! After all that he's been through today I'm not surprised he passed out."
"That's good to hear" Zane bent down beside her and picked up a playing card that was laying on the ground. He turned it over then showed it to her. The card depicted the mask of Nightshroud covered in chains. "What does this mean?"
"It means we have one less shadow rider to deal with." Alexis let out a sigh of relief before getting up and walking over to the other unmoving body on the ground. The boy was lying face down with his hair and arm concealing his face from view. She bent down as the rider began to stir and move so his face was now visible. One eye fluttered open and gazed up at her.
"...Uh…. Lexi?"
Alexis gasped "It…. It can't be!" She stared at the boy, not believing the words she had just heard him utter, as tears began to form in her eyes.
"Atticus," Zane murmured in shock, a myriad of emotions displayed on his usually stoic face.
"Big Brother?" a small girl asked, tears in her eyes.
"Yeah?" he responded, his voice much higher than it was now.
"You and Eiji won't go away like Mom and Dad, will you?" The sadness in her voice broke his heart, even now.
"I promise you Maya, I'll never leave you," he vowed, wrapping her in a tight hug.
"Ever?"
"Ever."
Before the girl could say anything else, shadows encroached from every corner of the room, transforming into countless hands that grabbed at them, pulling them apart. He struggled in vain as they pulled her farther and farther away from him.
"Haru help! Please! You promised!"
"MAYA!" He screamed. "Let me go dammit! MAYA!"
It was no use. She was pulled into the shadows, far beyond his reach.
"NOOOOOOO!" Haru screamed, shooting up from the bed. He looked around frantically. Where were the shadows? Where was Maya?
"Haru?!" A voice called out in alarm, breaking him out of his panic. He turned sharply towards the voice, it was Alexis. "Haru what's wrong?!"
"Alexis?" Haru thought. "Why is she here? Wait, where is here?" He took in his surroundings and realized he was in the infirmary. Alexis was coming towards him, concern shining in her eyes. His gaze turned towards the other beds and as he saw Nightshroud lying on one of the beds, the memories of what had happened ran through his head. "Right. Shadow game on a volcano."
"Haru!" Haru's internal monologue was interrupted when Alexis called out to him again, now right next to his bed. "Are you ok? Why were you screaming?"
"I-I'm fine. Just a bad dream" Haru replied, refusing to elaborate. Wanting to quickly change the subject, his eyes turned to Nightshroud. "So, why is Nightshroud here? Also, how did you carry both of us here?"
"After you won, we were transported to the base of the volcano. Zane found us and helped me bring you both here, then he went to get Chancellor Sheppard. As for why…" She trailed off, staring at Nightshroud's bed.
"Lex?" Haru questioned, concerned. "What's wrong?"
"It's Atticus," Alexis managed to choke out as tears stung the corners of her eyes. "Nightshroud is Atticus."
"What?!" Haru exclaimed. "Atticus was Nightshroud?! But, how? Why?"
"I don't know," Alexis said. "We found a card with Nightshroud's mask on it next to him. Zane said it might be the penalty of losing the shadow game between you two."
"Wait, if he lost the shadow game," Haru's mind went to the worst case scenario. "Lex, did I..?" He was unable to finish the question.
"No," Alexis replied, shaking her head. "Nurse Fontaine said he's responsive, just unconscious."
"Thank god," Haru said, breathing a sigh of relief. "I don't think I could forgive myself if-" As Haru looked up, he was cut off by something he was not expecting.
Alexis was crying.
"Thank you," she said shakily, before bringing him into a tight hug. "You brought him back to me. Thank you so much."
Seeing the girl that had always seemed so composed no matter what break down stunned Haru. All he could do was wrap his arms around her and offer what comfort he could. As the two teens held each other, Haru couldn't help but think about his nightmare.
"I swear, I will find you Maya. Whatever it takes."
Little did Haru know, Alexis was thinking along the same lines.
You saved my brother Haru. You gave me hope. I promise, I'll find her for you. Whatever it takes."
Now we're getting into the good stuff aren't we? Hey guys I know it's been a awhile since Silver and I posted the last chapter. A lot has been going on as of late for the both of us. I can't speak for him but in the time between chapters I've been running a D&D campaign as dungeon master (Silver and Blue are both players), I got a new job that I like, and college is winding down, (or was until this Plague started). Needless to say life got in the way as it usually does. Rest assured however that Silver and I are dedicated to writing this story, it might not be as frequent as our run in the beginning but you can count on us. This school year is going to be a doozy for the gang I guarantee it. Also if you haven't figured it out by now the three of us are huge Tokusatsu geeks so you'll probably be seeing more of them going forward. As always thanks for the support and I'll catch you guys next time.
-Red
Reds Q&A
How will duel Academy fair in a natural disaster?
A: We hadn't thought of it until you brought it up, but it would be an interesting subject to delve into in the future.
More holiday chapters and what timeframe does this story take place in?
A: Silver and I throw ideas at each other frequently. I'm not saying there wont be another holiday special but we haven't had it planned out at this time. As for timeframes I figured the series starts around July and moves forward, I'll have to look into that a little bit.
Do I plan on using non movie related monsters and such?
A: Well I used the wolfman didn't I? I don't want to play all my cards immediately so I'll be rolling them out over time. (No pun intended of course)
