Chapter 28: Darkness Rises and Dawn Breaks Part 2

Haru's eyes flickered open and he let out a groan, rubbing his head in discomfort. "Did someone get the plates of the bus that just steamrolled me?"

He heard a small chuckle to his left, and his vision began to adjust. Once again he was in a white room sitting at a dark oak table. Four chairs beside the one he currently occupied were arranged around it with one being occupied by a familiar presence.

"That was hard to watch kid," Godzilla's biker clad human form said, giving him a toothy smile as he lit up a cigarette and placed it in his mouth.

"Yeah shadow games are definitely something to do in moderation," Haru sighed slouching down in his chair.

"Oh good, you're awake Dear," Mothra's voice said as she materialized in front of him at the table, carrying a teapot and several cups on a tray. She began to set the table, putting a cup in front of each of the seats. She stopped in front of Godzilla and snatched the cigarette from his lips. "I told you not to do that in civilized company."

Godzilla flinched at Mothra's sudden move before glaring at her. "And since when have I ever followed your rules?" the spirit snarked.

Mothra clicked her tongue in frustration but moved on to give Haru his cup.

"I hope I'm not being rude when I say this, but why are we here?" Haru motioned to the room. "We don't usually come here unless it's important."

"Right to the point as always I see" Mothra nodded. "We three spirits would like to discuss some matters with you, about what's happening right now and perhaps going forward."

Haru looked at the two of them looking somewhat confused. "Three spirits?"

"She would be referring to me."

Haru jumped slightly as he turned to see a brown haired teenager sitting in the chair next to him. The youth wore a baggy tie-dye hoodie and khakis, and his hair spiked up in two peaks resembling antennae. He took a sip of his tea and fixed Haru with a pair of radiant sapphire eyes. "Hiya bro," he smiled.

Haru blinked, he couldn't shake a sense of familiarity with the boy. "Last I checked kid I have only one sibling and you're the wrong gender."

"You're a pretty funny guy bro." The boy smiled, placing his tea down in front of him and holding out a hand, "You can call me Leo."

Recognition flashed through Haru as he put together the pieces. "You're the one that helped me pull out the victory against Nightshroud."

"Ding Ding," Godzilla chuckled. "You now have another roommate in the blank space you call a mind palace"

"Nice burn Uncle," Leo laughed.

"Don't call me that," Godzilla growled

"Why? You essentially are" Leo raised an eyebrow.

"He has you there "Uncle" Haru smirked.

"Alright you three," Mothra sighed, sitting down at the end of the table. "We did call Haru here for a reason after all, let's not get too sidetracked."

"Yes Mum," Leo said, sitting back in his chair.

"Fine," Godzilla snorted, doing the same.

"Well I'm all ears," Haru said leaning forward. "Doesn't look like I'm going anywhere, anytime soon anyway."

"That's actually the first thing we wanted to talk about," Mothra nodded. "Your participation in shadow games has begun, and we don't think it will be the last time you take part in one either."

"What are we at? Two now?" Godzilla asked.

"I guess my run in with Titan could be counted, despite the fact he was a fraud going into it and we must have just stumbled into some sort of dark magic."

"From what I've been told, I hypothesize that due to Titan not actually having control over that dark power you didn't feel the after effects as much as you did during the previous duel." Leo tapped his fingers on the table.

"So you're saying this may be an ongoing thing?" Haru groaned. "Cant say I'm enthusiastic about passing out every time I face one of these Shadow Riders."

"Do you intend to face each of them by yourself? Your spirit is admirable but even I think that's a mistake," Godzilla shook his head.

"I'm not saying I'm going to actively seek them out, but if they come for me and my friends I won't hesitate to step up"

"You must have confidence in your allies, child. You're not the only one who is willing to put themselves on the line to protect what they care for" Mothra spoke.

"I never denied that," Haru frowned.

"Mum just wants to make sure you're thinking about your own well being as well." Leo placed a hand on Haru's shoulder. "Your last encounter did a number on your body bro. Too much of the same thing back to back to back could possibly spell your end."

"That's…...dark," Haru said, thinking it over.

"Basically kid, we just want to make sure you don't overdo it," Godzilla added.

"I suppose that's fair," Haru nodded.

"Promise you won't overdo it dear" Mothra said, fixing him with a concerned look.

"Alright Mom, I promise I wont overdo it," Haru rolled his eyes.

"Good," the Moth Kaiju said triumphantly. "Now who wants cookies?"

Simultaneously the three men sitting at the table raised their hands, making Mothra giggle slightly. "It will be a couple minutes then". She got up from the table and disappeared into the white void.

"So while I have you, there are a few questions that I've been holding off till this moment to ask" Haru said, crossing his arms and leaning onto the table.

"Shoot," Godzilla nodded.

"I'm kinda new here but I'll try my best" Leo shrugged.

"Well since you're here now, I've been wondering who the empty chairs are for." Haru nodded towards three vacant chairs across from him.

Godzilla clicked his tongue in irritation. "Well if we're going to be honest, they were supposed to show up with us when you started at the academy, but one of them got lost and screwed it all up"

"So I have three more spirits coming my way?" Haru sighed. "I suppose my sanity can take it"

"Oh come on now we aren't that bad" Leo laughed.

"Listen bud, your mom and your uncle here get into it every so often," Haru shook his head. "And conveniently it happens to occur when I'm trying to sleep in class."

"Well maybe you shouldn't do that" Leo cocked his head slightly.

"Listen kid, if I give an inch they'll try to take a mile. If it actually looks like I'm paying attention then then Crowler might try to promote me so it's easier to demolish the red dorm."

"I never thought of it that way."

"Don't listen to his excuses," Mothra sighed, materializing with a plate of cookies. "While there may be some truth to what he says, he just doesn't want people to start expecting more out of him."

"Ow," Haru faked offense. "While true, it hurts to hear that you think so little of me/"

She gave him a pleasant smile, "If the shoe fits child."

"While this argument is adorable, I think we are getting away from the point," Godzilla sighed, "Those three chairs belong to one single being."

"Must be a huge spirit to take up three chairs," Haru commented imagining a creature similar to Godzilla but three times as big.

Leo chuckled.

"It's not quite the way you picture it," Mothra said, sitting down at the table after passing out her confections. "The best way to describe them is a single entity, ruled by three different personalities."

"Sounds like a pain in the ass," Haru smirked

"You have no idea," Godzilla shook his head.

"Mom told me that Uncle and two of the personalities get along like oil and water" Leo said.

Godzilla glared at Mothra but said nothing.

"So what's the name of this Kaiju then?" Haru asked.

"They go by many names," Mothra said. thinking about it. "Monster Zero, The Devil with Three Heads, but the way we have come to refer to him is just by their joined name."

"Ghidora" Godzilla growled.


Meanwhile on the opposite side of the island…..

A figure clad in a grey robe stood atop one of the cliffs, watching as the sea crashed against the rocks below. The figure smiled as he felt a familiar presence emerge from the trees behind them. Turning to look they were greeted by a kneeling woman wearing a duster and a white dragon mask over her face.

"Welcome Dawnbreaker. You're earlier than I expected," the figure said.

"Does this displease you master?" Dawnbreaker asked looking up at them.

"Not at all, in fact your arrival provides an opportunity to remove a powerful weapon from our enemies arsenal."

"Then Nightshroud failed." She looked down at the ground, her voice showing some hints of disappointment.

"Indeed, but he served a purpose even with his failure. We have exposed Duel Academy's secret dueling talent, and left him in a compromised state."

"This is where I come in I presume."

"Yes. You shall draw Haru Yoshida out and deal the first blow to our enemies defenses. With him out of the way we can wear down the rest of the key guardians, then secure victory for our organization."

"How do you propose I lure him out master?"

"Offer him the chance to regain something he has lost. Tell him you know the whereabouts of his sister who disappeared last year while touring the Island."

"It shall be done. May I ask permission to do something before I go?"

The cloaked figure smiled and nodded, "Proceed".

"Ever since I obtained the deck that Pegasus created, something within me yearns to unite the Kaiju decks together. It's as if my deck is calling out to his"

"I don't see a problem with this request. If you deal the finishing blow to clearly he won't be using the deck anymore"

"Thank you master, I assure you I will make up for my partner's failure." Dawnbreaker bowed before leaping to her feet and flourishing her duster as she walked back towards the dark forest.

"This shall be quite entertaining," the cloaked figure mused. "It's your move Sheppard".


After a long day of classes, Alexis made her way to the infirmary for her daily check on her friend and brother. The hallways in the building seemed unnaturally vacant for the time of day, giving the Obelisk Girl a bit of an ominous feeling. As she came into view of the door leading to the infirmary she spotted a familiar face sitting cross legged on the floor next to the entrance.

Bastion seemed deep in thought as he scanned over the several piles of cards he had stacked in front of him. Every so often he would reach to his side and pull out a notebook and write something down.

"Hard at work as always I see," Alexis said cheerfully stopping in front of him to observe the process.

"Oh hello Alexis," the Ra boy nodded, placing his notebook aside to reveal a page filled with complex equations even Alexis had a hard time deciphering. "The state that Haru was in after the duel has made me rethink a few of my formulas, I figure why not prepare for the brewing storm by thinking of strategies to combat our mysterious foes".

"Do you normally do this right outside the infirmary?" she raised an eyebrow.

"Not really. I accompanied Syrus to deliver the classwork for today to Haru, and I figured it wouldn't be appropriate to do it in front of two people who are still recovering."

"Fair enough"

"I'm happy to hear you found your brother," Bastion added, getting back to working on his equations. "At least we'll be able to say something good came out of this war when it's over."

"I appreciate it. It feels so weird having him right in front of me after so much time searching for him."

"Enjoy your time with him. I know it's what Haru would say if he wasn't in deep hibernation right now."

"I'm not sure what you mean," Alexis frowned.

Bastion sighed, "I'm amazed you can't hear it from out here. The man snores so loud I'm surprised anyone in the red dorm can get any sleep".

Almost as if on cue the door was opened and Syrus walked out letting out a deep sigh clutching something in his hands. The sound of deafening snores came out of the room, before being silenced when the door shut behind him.

"Hi Syrus," Alexis greeted.

"Honestly how do you manage to sleep with him as a roommate?" Bastion asked.

Syrus remained quiet as if not noticing the two immediately, then looked up and let out a tiny yelp. He reached towards his ears and withdrew a pair of red ear plugs. "Sorry what did you guys say?"

"I guess that answers that question," Bastion chuckled.

"I was just saying hi," Alexis shrugged, her eyes fixed on the white piece of paper the small slifer clutched in his hands. "What do you have there?"

Syrus blinked for a moment then held it out for each of them to see. "I came in to check on Haru a couple hours ago and fell asleep somehow. When I woke up a few minutes ago this was laying on his chest as he slept."

"Doesn't look like you've opened it yet," Bastion commented reaching out his hand. "Do you mind if I read it?"

"Sure" Syrus nodded, handing it to him. "I've been trying to work up the courage since I found it"

Bastion unfolded the paper and read it over once before looking up at the two with a concerned look.

"What is it?" Alexis asked

"Our opponents don't seem to be above kicking a man while he's down. From what this says they are holding information on Haru's sister in exchange for a duel."

"What's the location of this meeting?" Syrus asked.

"The cave system under the island looks like," Bastion looked up at the two of them. "It says to come alone or there will be consequences."

"I'll go," Syrus volunteered. "I could probably convince them that I stole Haru's key". Alexis and Bastion exchanged a look before the former shook her head.

"I know how you feel sticking up for your best friend Syrus, but we don't know how far their intel goes on us." Alexis sighed.

"They could be watching us right now for all we know," Bastion added.

"I guess that makes sense," Syrus grumbled. "But we just can't sit by and wait for Haru to get better, the dude will rush head first into this danger without a second thought"

"I don't think that was the idea," Bastion said. "We just need a plan going forward."

Alexis nodded. "And I think I know just what we should do."

"Do go on," Bastion nodded as the two boys turned their attention to her.

"I'll go in as the bait. I'll put my puzzle piece on the line and meet this shadow rider. You two will back me up to make sure they don't attempt to gang up on me," Alexis explained pulling out her deck. "I owe Haru that much."

"So the two of us act as surveillance a good distance away, and if need be we fend off the additional bad guys. Your strategy is sound" He turned to Syrus. "You up for this Syrus?"

"Anything to keep Haru from doing something stupid," Syrus nodded. "Did they specify when?"

"Dawn tomorrow," Bastion said.

"Looks like a decent night's sleep is out of the question then" Alexis sighed.

"A bit of psychological warfare, I admire our opponents tactical thinking," Bastion commented.


The following morning as the sun began to push above the horizon as the trio of Red, Blue and Yellow students made their way towards the assigned meeting place.

"Since when did this island have a cave system underneath?" Syrus asked, letting out a small yawn.

"Well I'm not well researched on the subject, but I believe they've been there since the island was created."

"Who knows honestly? These caverns could lead throughout the island"

"Haru would love exploring these," Syrus mused as they stopped in front of the entrance.

"What he would do with the knowledge concerns me," Bastion shook his head. He seemed to be in deep thought as they entered the caves, just narrowly avoiding tripping over a rock that was pushed out slightly more than the rest.

"What's wrong Bastion? You're normally more talkative than this," Alexis asked, noticing his behavior as they walked.

"He's probably going over another deck formula or something," Syrus shrugged, paying no mind to the Ra student's behavior.

"Actually I'm pondering why Haru never brought up that he had a sister. this is the first time I've heard mention of her." He looked at the other two to gauge their reactions.

"He told me after he found out about Atticus going missing," Alexis blushed slightly as she reminisced about their little heart to heart.

"I see" Bastion nodded. "Makes sense that he would confess to someone who was going through something similar to what he had." He looked at Syrus "And you?"

"Remember when Haru dueled Zane a while back?"

"When he was doing his best to get you to leave the island by being kind of…. What's the word for it?"

"A dick? Yeah that one" Syrus chuckled slightly. "It all happened shortly after that."


Haru and Syrus walked down the path leading to the Slifer dorm in silence, Haru uncharacteristically contemplative after his loss to Zane. Syrus looked at Haru nervously, his mind going over Haru's declaration to Zane earlier. Syrus gulped and decided to bite the bullet.

"Hey, Haru?" he asked.

"Yeah Syrus?" Haru responded, his mind seemingly elsewhere.

"I was wondering, why were you so mad at Zane earlier? Like, I get you were defending me, but it felt like there was something else, especially when you asked him about brothers."

"Why was I pissed at Zane?" Haru asked, stopping in his tracks. He was quiet for a moment before responding. "Because the way he treated you spits in the face of everything I believe about brothers."

"I see," Syrus nodded. "I guess Eiji's lucky to have a brother like you."

"I wasn't talking about Eiji."

"What?" Syrus said, shocked.

"I wasn't talking about Eiji." Haru repeated, before sighing. "Look, what I'm about to tell you, you can't tell anyone. Got it?"

"Yeah," Syrus nodded.

"Eiji's not my only sibling. I have a biological sister." Haru clenched his fists as he stared off into the distance.

"Haru…" Syrus started, but Haru bulldozed forward with his revelations.

"When we were younger, all of our parents died in a fire. After that, we were sent to an orphanage. A few months later, she was adopted and taken away from me." Blood began to trickle from his hands as his nails dug into his palms. "I never saw her again." He turned to look back at Syrus. "That's why Zane made me angry. I would give up anything, anything, to see my sister again, and here he is trying to crush the person he's supposed to protect? It's insulting." He turned to look forward, and squared his shoulders to steel himself. "I may have lost today, but I promise, next time, I'm gonna win, and I'll knock some sense into Zane, even if I have to do it physically." After that, Haru began to walk forward.

"Haru," Syrus said, stopping him once more. "Thank you. For everything. Helping me, standing up to Zane, telling me about your sister. Thanks." He gave a small grin.

"No problem shortstack," Haru smirked. "Now c'mon. It's almost dinner time, and I'm starving." As the duo resumed their walk, a thought occurred to Syrus.

"So what was her name?" Syrus asked. At Haru's cocked eyebrow, Syrus elaborated. "Your sister. What was her name?"

"Her name is Maya."


"So the only person in this group who did not have an intimate moment with the island's number one delinquent was me then" Bastion sighed.

"To be fair he doesn't really communicate well when it's not sarcastic banter or plotting Crowler's demise," Syrus chuckled.

The trio had been walking for about ten minutes at this point, and the area around them had become almost pitch black. Now they walked along by the light of an electric lantern Bastion had packed just in case. Alexis stopped suddenly and motioned for the two to press against the wall behind her.

"There's light ahead," she whispered motioning with her head towards a spot where the cave split and went off to the right. The sound of waves crashing nearby could be heard as they stopped to listen.

"We've arrived then," Bastion muttered.

"How are we going to do this?" Syrus asked. "One goes in from the front and the other two attempt to circle around?"

"Now now, there's no need for such a thing," a shadowy voice called out to them. They looked around, but could find no origin for whoever was speaking. "I've known you three have been here since you took your first steps into the caves. So please, let go of the attempted secrecy and join me."

"I guess there's nothing we can do," Bastion sighed. "We might as well."

"Agreed." Alexis nodded.

"Sounds great," Syrus said with false enthusiasm, though fright shined in his eyes. "I'll hang back to watch for anyone else, and you two can go confront the terrifying disembodied voice."

"Syrus, just come with us." Alexis said. When Syrus hesitated, she sighed. "For Haru?" At that Syrus blinked in surprise, before seemingly thinking for a few seconds.

"Oh alright," Syrus gulped, before attempting to steel himself. "For Haru." With Syrus's terror dealt with, the three made their way down the right path, and eventually came upon a large cavern with a massive pool of water in the center. In the middle of the pool there was a large stone rising out of the water, almost like a platform, with pathways of rock connecting it to their entrance to the cavern, as well as a second entrance on the opposite end of the room. On the stone platform stood a young woman in a leather duster, with a white dragon mask with a dark blue jewel embedded in the forehead. As the three walked down the pathway, the woman smiled.

" 'Will you walk into my parlor,' said the spider to the fly?" She said, dark humor laced in her voice.

"I'll say this," Bastion said as the trio walked to the center. "She has a good taste in poetry, if a bit cliche with the choice."

"Really, Bastion?" Alexis asked, exasperated.

"What?" Bastion shrugged. "A man can appreciate appropriate use of 19th century poetry, even if it's by a villain."

"While listening to you critique my literary choices is quite fascinating," the woman interrupted. "I would like to get this show on the road."

"Fine then," Alexis said, crossing her arms. "Who are you?"

"I am Dawnbreaker," she replied, "Nightshroud's partner. Or should I say, former partner, since he was defeated. But a better question would be why you three are here when I asked for the Guardian Kaiju?

"Well we would be rather poor friends if we just let our comrade walk right into a clear attempt at emotional manipulation," Bastion replied. "So we decided to take it upon ourselves to deal with you while Haru rested."

"I see," Dawnbreaker sighed. "I had hoped to take his deck after taking his spirit key, but I guess taking the ones you have will have to tide me over until our clash. Now, who would like to lose their key to me first? The Obelisk, or the brainiac? I'd suggest giving the pipsqueak a crack at it, but I'm afraid you have to be this tall to duel a shadow rider." She held her hand out about 5 inches above Syrus's head and giggled slightly at her joke.

"Always with the short jokes isn't it? I swear to god one of these days I'm gonna hit a growth spurt and I will tower over all of you bast-"

"I'll duel you." Alexis declared, cutting Syrus's rant short. "Haru brought my brother back to me. The least I can do is deal with you for trying to use his sister against him." She brought out her duel disk and activated it.

"Very well." Dawnbreaker smirked, before bringing out her own duel disk, this one a pure white, with blue accents and a dark blue gem in the center, the same shade as the jewel on her mask. "Then you shall be the first key-holder to fall tonight."

"Lets see if you can back up your boasting," Alexis sneered

"Ooh I like your spirit girl," Dawnbreaker chuckled before pulling a card from a pouch on her belt and holding it so Alexis could see. "I'll be playing by my partners rule to up the excitement a bit. Whoever loses will have their soul trapped within this card".

"Doesn't seem I have a choice in the matter" Alexis sighed impatiently.

"Correct. And I do ever so look forward to adding three new cards to my trophy case" She smiled sinisterly and waved at the observing boys, "Sit tight little flies."

"Enough talking" Alexis stated. "It's time for another Shadow Rider to be taken off the board."

"Just what I like to hear" The masked woman returned, her smile never leaving.

DUEL!

A:4000

D:4000

"I'll start the duel off," Alexis announced as they drew their opening hands. "For my first move I'll summon Cyber Magician in defense mode." A woman dressed in a red and purple tuxedo and dress pants appeared. The monster twirled her black tophat in her hand before placing it on top of her head. As usual with the obelisk girl's monsters the magician wore a futuristic headset that took the form of chrome glasses. "When Cyber Magician is normally summoned I'm allowed to summon a level 4 or lower cyber monster from my hand as well. Arise Cyber Petit Angel." She slapped a second card onto her disk. Soon after a pink spherical creature with angels wings and two dark red eyes appeared on her field.

"You're going to smother me with cute things?" The shadow rider giggled. "If that's the extent of your tactics I'm afraid this won't take long after all."

"Careful with judging things by their appearance, even cute things have a few surprises up their sleeves," Alexis warned. "For example my Cyber Petit Angel has a pretty useful effect. When it arrives on my field I can search a Cyber Angel, or Machine Angel Ritual from my deck, and I choose the later. Now the stage is all set! I use Machine Angel Ritual and offer Petit Angel and Magician as offerings for a ritual summon! Goddess of all which flows forward, come to my side and stand as the personification of wisdom! I ritual summon Cyber Angel Benten!" As Alexis chanted, a mechanical altar appeared behind her. Magician and Petit Angel both turned into blue flames which flew over and lit the altar. An explosion went off at the center of the altar and a female figure emerged from it. She wore a grey and white Jumpsuit and red boots and armguards. Atop her head was a four pronged crown sitting on waist length hair tied near the bottom. She twirled a gold and red fan before striking a defensive pose.

Cyber Angel Benten lv 6 (1800/1500)

"Seems Alexis has added a few new cards to her arsenal" Bastion commented.

"And they're kinda hot," added Syrus. The former looked down at his eyebrow cocked and the two women currently locked in conflict turned to look at him as well. "Listen It's the only thing that is keeping me from freaking out right now, let me have this one ok?"

"Anyway…. I'll conclude my turn by equipping the equip spell, Ritual Weapon to Benten, giving her an additional 1500 attack." A bowlike weapon with a purple shield on top appeared on Bentens right arm.

Cyber Angel Benten lv 6 (1800-3300)

"Then we shall begin our little descent into hell, I draw!" Dawnbreaker said. She looked over her hand and smiled, "Let's cut to the chase shall we? I activate my own ritual card, Prayers to the Wrathful Deity! Now I must send monsters with Lost Kaiju in their name to the graveyard that equal eight or more."

"Did you just say?" Alexis started.

"Yes, you heard correctly, Yoshida isn't the only one who wields the power of Kaiju.'' Dawnbreaker smirked. "I offer Lost Kaiju Zigra and Lost Kaiju Viras in my hand to call upon a new power! Angry God who strikes out at the unrighteous, heed my call and strike down my enemies! Come forth Lost Kaiju Daimajin!" The ground shook around them as a single stone hand reached up from underground, followed soon after by another. The rest of the body soon followed revealing a statue of a samurai warrior made out of dark grey stone appeared behind the masked shadow rider.

Lost Kaiju Daimajin level 8 (2500/2000)

"While a fearsome foe, it seems her knockoff Kaiju doesn't have enough attack to make a dent in Benten's defenses" Bastion mused.

"I assure you my Kaiju are no mere imitations, and I am not a novice," Dawnbreaker replied, seemingly offended by the remark. "Lets get rid of that attack advantage shall we, with a classic card called Mystical space typhoon!" Daimajin clapped its hands together, whipping up a great tempest and sending the bowlike weapon flying out of the hands of the Cyber Angel.

Cyber Angel Benten lv 6 (3300-1800)

"And just like that your crutch is gone, leaving your miniscule monster at the mercy of my Enraged Deity! Daimajin destroy her monster with your fiery wrath!" Dawnbreaker pointed towards Alexis's monster and the giant statue slammed its fist onto Benten. Dust was scattered around them and Alexis raised her duel disk as she took the damage.

A:4000- 3300

Dawnbreaker let out a small cackle as she waited to see her monster's handywork. She was taken aback however as the dust cleared revealing Benten holding up Daimajin's fist. Her face turned into that of frustration, "How did you manage to keep your monster on the field?".

"I'm glad you asked" Alexis returned dropping her duel disk from her face revealing a small grin. "While It may have looked like I set up a basic defense during my first turn, I had something in my back pocket for just this occasion. You see Machine Angel Ritual has a second effect that can be activated in the graveyard, allowing me to negate the destruction of a light monster on my field."

"Well aren't you clever," Dawnbreaker smirked, her serious tone fading back into her more playful one. "Very well then, I'll end my turn by setting one card facedown," she stated as a reverse card appeared then disappeared in front of her.

"My turn then" Alexis nodded as she looked at the new card she had drawn. "I'll activate a spell called Cyber Switch Up! Now I shuffle my Cyber Angel into my deck and then I can special summon a monster with Cyber in its name from my hand ignoring its summoning conditions!" The card flipped face up displaying Cyber Magician performing a three cup trick for a goblin wearing a crown, one cup was lifted to reveal a Cyber Dragon figurine underneath. "So say goodbye to Benten and hello to Idaten!" Alexis placed a new card onto her field as a purple skinned woman wearing a similarly colored headdress and a black jumpsuit jumped onto her field.

Cyber Angel Idaten Level 6 (1600/2000)

"I don't get it," Syrus said aloud, looking up at Bastion. "Why would she send a card with more attack back to her deck then replace it with one that has lower".

"I'm not overly familiar with the playing style of her deck yet" Bastion shrugged, "But if I had to wager a guess, It has something to do with ritual summoning with additional benefits."

"You're correct on that account, brainiac" Alexis smiled, "But I think I'm getting a little ahead of myself in terms of my combos. First I have to add a few more things to my hand, and I think this card will get me well on that way. I activate Cyber Rites!" flipping face up her spell depicted Benten praying over a downed Idaten. "This card allows me to banish any amount of Cyber monsters in my graveyard, then I can add a Cyber Angel ritual monster to my hand with a level equal to or less then their levels combined, then I can add a copy of Machine Angel Ritual to my hand".

"It seems the appetizer of this meal has a bit of a bite to it," Dawnbreaker smiled wolfishly before licking her lips. "Hopefully I won't be too full for the second course."

"I'm here to make sure you don't get to that point" Alexis said, feeling a slight shiver of unease at her opponent's display. "Once again I'll perform a ritual summon, this time offering up Idaten as the sole tribute! Arise again Cyber Angel Benten!" The fan wielding Cyber Angel reappeared on the Obelisk girl's side of the field.

Cyber Angel Benten lv 6 (1800/1500)

"A neat display, but a waste of time as you have returned to where your turn began. The same monster by itself on the field."

"I wouldn't be so sure about that," Alexis smiled. "When Idaten is tributed, all Cyber Angels on my field gain 1000 attack," Benten began to swell with energy as a purple aura engulfed her.

Cyber Angel Benten lv 6 (1800-2800)

"Battle! Benten take your revenge on Daimajin!" Benten did a cartwheel as she crossed the field before delivering a somersault kick to the giant stone statue, making it crumble afterwards.

D:4000-3700

"I'll end my turn with a facedown. Your move" A reverse card appeared next to her.

"Well done, allow me to award your demonstration with a feat of my own. I draw!" the shadow rider took a moment to look over her hand before tapping a button on her disk. "I activate the continuous trap Lost Prophecy" the trap flipped face up to reveal a scroll depicting a white tiger, a phoenix, azure dragon and a black tortoise. "This card allows me to resurrect a Ritual monster that was destroyed by battle last turn but its effect is negated until the end phase. Additionally once per turn I can banish a Kaiju monster in my graveyard and place a counter on this card. I offer the Zigra I sent last turn." The azure dragon began to glow slightly on her revealed trap card.

"Return Daimajin!" She commanded as the earth split apart below her and the stone giant re-emerged.

Lost Kaiju Daimajin level 8 (2500/2000)

"Now to make my monster grow," she chuckled. "I activate my own equip spell Rage of the forgotten Deity!"

Daimajn raised a stone fist and a red aura surrounded him giving it more power in the process.

Lost Kaiju Daimajin level 8 (2500-4000)

"Oh dear" Bastion whispered.

"Time to battle my monster! Show her the difference between our power!" The stone giant raised the arm with the bow and fired a bolt of energy attempting to destroy Benten again.

"I won't allow it!" Alexis yelled " Go Cyber Waltz! When you declare an attack on a monster with Cyber in its name I can take the damage directly instead, but its power is reduced by half."

The beam of light seemed to curve around Benten and instead pierced Alexis's left leg. The cyber duelist dropped to her hands and knees as she felt pain lash throughout her body.

A: 3300-1300

"I hope keeping your monster on the field was worth the pain the shadows inflicted upon you." Dawnbreaker cackled. "Perhaps you should've just let Yoshida fight me if these are the extent of your abilities."

Alexis took a moment to breath before pushing herself to her feet. "I'm tired of feeling helpless." she muttered looking down at the ground.

"What was that pet?" The shadow rider turned and raised her hand to her ear.

"I'm tired of feeling helpless" The Obelisk girl repeated. "Titan, the gravekeepers, my brother, every timeI had to sit idly by as someone came to save me." A vision of Haru helping her from the coffin during the encounter with Titan flashed through her head, followed shortly by Haru fainting after the duel with Nightshroud. "But no more." She looked up and glared at Dawnbreaker.

"Interesting. You seem to have found some new resolve" Dawnbreaker smiled, "Lets see if that will make a difference during your next turn, will your deck answer your call? Show me the extent of your power!" She opened her hand outward signifying her turn was over.

"For my first move I'll activate Pot of Greed, allowing me to replenish my hand by two," Alexis declared as she retrieved two additional cards. "Cyber Tutobon's effect activates from my hand. By tributing a Cyber Angel in my hand or the field I can special summon it. I chose Cyber Angel Cupid from my hand as its tribute." A young woman wearing a pink and green ballerina outfit appeared on the field before striking a dancers pose. '

Cyber Tutubon lv5 (1800/1600)

"When Cupid is tributed it gets to activate its secondary effect! If you control a monster with more attack than my most powerful monster, you take damage equal to the difference in attack points." A pink clad Effeminate young man with large beautiful wings appeared behind Alexis before drawing a bow and firing an arrow of purple energy directly at the shadow rider piercing her in the left arm.

D:3700-2500

"I'll set one card facedown and end my turn"

"Wonderful display," Dawnbreaker complimented, feeling a bit invigorated by the now determined look in her opponent's eye. "You made a potentially fatal mistake however, as you have left a low attack monster to be fodder for Daimajin," she grinned. "I hope your determination isn't just for show. Daimajin destroy Tutubon and test her resolve!" The giant stone guardian lunged across the field but stopped as Tutubon seemed to grow in power."

"I activate my quick play spell Machine Angel Oversoul! Now I can tribute Tutobon and add its original attack to Benten's until the endphase, then you're forced to attack Benten instead!"

Cyber Angel Benten lv 6 (2800-4600)

Daimajin stopped and slammed its fist down at Benten once again, this time the Cyber Angel was ready as it ducked to the side and planted a roundhouse kick on its arm.

"Rage of the Forgotten Deities second effect activates! Once per turn I can negate my monster's destruction by reducing its attack by 500 after a battle has ended."

Lost Kaiju Daimajin level 8 (4000-3500)

"You're still taking the damage and that's all that matters," Alexis smiled.

D:2500-1900

Dawnbreaker let out a cry of pain and her blue mask began to glow, a small trickle of blood appearing beneath her nose.

"Hmmm" Bastion muttered. "Syrus? When Haru dueled Nightshroud it turned out to be Alexis's brother being controlled by a mask of some sort right?"

"I wasn't there but that's what she told me," Syrus replied looking at the taller boy with curiosity. "Why?"

"This new shadow rider said she was partnered with Nightshroud, would it be too much to guess they have the same affliction?"

"Actually, I was thinking the same thing Bastion," Alexis smiled. "So all I have to do is win and free her from the influence of the mask."

"You have no idea of what you speak," Dawnbreaker chuckled. "But that is to be expected of someone who is riding high on small victories. My turn isn't over yet, and while I have embarrassed myself by taking damage on my own turn I assure you it will not happen again. First I activate Lost Prophecies' effect to banish a Lost Kaiju in my graveyard, giving me another counter!" The phoenix drawing began to glow on the continuous trap.

"Next I'll activate Ritual Cage from my hand. Now victory moves farther from your grasp for I no longer take damage from battles involving a ritual monster I control, and they can't be targeted by or destroyed by monster effects! Additionally I set one card face down and end my turn."

"Lets see If I can chisel away at that solid defense of yours, I draw!" Alexis said with a mixture of determination and enjoyment in her voice.

"Watch closely, Syrus, I think this is the closest we will get to watching two pro duelists clash for a while," Bastion nudged the smaller boy.

"First Benten returns to her normal attack point value at the end of your damage step. Her low attack won't matter in the long run, because she won't be sticking around. I play my third copy of Machine Angel Ritual and offer Benten and The Cyber Tutu in my hand to call upon a new more powerful monster! Four armed warrior goddess of the heavens, I offer you my monsters to enlist your services, Grace me in my time of need! Come forth Cyber Angel Dakini!" The area around Alexis darkened as the altar from earlier reappeared. Just like before, Alexis' monsters turned into flames, flew into the altar, and out of the flame a female figure emerged. The figure had a feminineappearance with four muscular arms, two wielding swords and the other two a long staff. Her torso was clad in golden armor and her legs a blue and yellow jumpsuit with knee guards.

Cyber Angel Dakini level 8 (2700/2400)

"An interesting show I'll admit," Dawnbreaker complimented. "Alas your monster still has less attack points than my almighty Daimajin."

"True" Alexis admitted, "However we both know that attack isn't everything in duel monsters. Even the weakest monster can topple an incredibly powerful one given the right circumstances. It just so happens that this is one of those times, as Dakini has an ability that bypasses your protection with Ritual Cage."

"Oh?"

"That's right! When Dakini is Ritual summoned I can make you send one monster you control to the graveyard." Alexis smirked.

"I control only one monster," Dawnbreaker realized.

"That's correct, your Daimajin is headed towards an early retirement!" Dakini tapped her staff on the ground beside her and a divine light engulfed the giant stone figure, making it disappear from the field.

The shadow rider seemed to be unfazed by the new development, a sly grin stretched across her face. She stretched out her hand and beckoned for Alexis to continue.

The Obelisk girl frowned a bit, seemingly thrown off by her opponent's reaction, but then she shrugged and snapped her fingers. "Dakini attacks you directly, and since you don't control a ritual monster you don't gain the benefits of Ritual Cage. Go Cybernetic Backlash!" The four armed warrior dashed across the field and slashed with both of her curved swords, then stopped to look at her handiwork before tapping her staff on the ground once,twice, then a third time as metallic spikes appeared around Dawnbreaker and pierced her body. Oddly enough the shadow riders body began to glow a radiant blue preventing damage from the attack.

"A nice try dear, you would have had me If I wasn't prepared" She spoke as a trap card revealed itself next to her. "Your attack was all for naught though for I activate Defense Draw to negate your damage, additionally I get to draw a card."

"It seems I can't do anything else this turn then. Your move," Alexis conceded.

"The time has come." The masked duelist declared as she started her turn. "I activate Lost Prophecies' final effect! As long as it has counters I can send it to the graveyard, then immediately summon guardian tokens to my side of the field equal to the number of counters." The trap card flashed as two stone statues, one of a phoenix and the other a chinese style dragon, appeared in front of her.

Guardian tokens x2 level 4 (0/0)

"You've been planning this from the start haven't you?" Alexis said accusingly.

"Guilty as charged," Dawnbreaker said coyly. "First things first I activate Graceful Charity, allowing me to draw three cards then ditch two". She pulled three cards from the top of her deck then placed a ritual monster and a spell in the graveyard. "Now the pieces have been assembled, prepare for the arrival of your demise. I ritual summon using the spell Guardian Rising, and offering the two tokens I just obtained." The water around the duelists began to rumble as Dawnbreaker began to chant. "Ancient beast slumbering beneath the frozen tundra! Answer my cry and descend oh Guardian of the Universe! Ritual Summon! Come forth, Lost Kaiju Gamera!" The water behind Dawnbreaker began to recede as an inhuman screech could be heard outside the cave. Up from the depths emerged a rugged looking turtle-like monster, small spikes running down the center of its head and down under its spiked shell. Its mouth had two large tusks protruding from either side giving it a more ancient feel. Probably the oddest feature of the new kaiju however was its strangely human-like eyes, not to mention its ability to walk on two legs. The giant turtle stood over its owner and glared over at Alexis letting loose a snarl that revealed a mouth of razor sharp teeth.

Lost Kaiju Gamera level 8 (2500/3000)

"You've shown me your ace monster, now observe mine" She giggled. "You mentioned attack not being everything earlier. You're quite correct on that account."

"I'm glad you agree," Alexis replied somewhat confused.

"Allow me to demonstrate Gamera's power! Go my monster, tear Dakini to shreds!" Gamera lifted off of the ground as its lower legs disappeared into its shell and fire erupted from where they once were. Flying up into the air it did a barrel roll before angling itself towards Dakini. In a moment the two monsters clashed and a bright light filled the cavern.

"Gamera's first effect activates! When it does battle with another monster I can banish a ritual monster, like my Daimajin you destroyed last turn, then destroy the monster Gamera does battle with."

"Thanks to the effect of Machine Angel Ritual in my graveyard, Dakini won't be going anywhere!"

"As expected. Gamera's effect isn't over yet however as you take 1000 damage when this effect is activated as well!" Gamera's mouth began to glow crimson as it let loose a fireball at Alexis, singing the edges of her uniform.

A: 1300-300

"With that my Ritual Cage has something to protect once again, I may not have been able to end you this turn, but I assure you next turn will be your last," Dawnbreaker said, licking her lips in anticipation.

"Then I'd better make this turn count. My turn! Draw! I activate Ritual Spoils from my hand! By tributing a ritual monster I control I can draw two cards! I offer Dakini to replenish my hand" Dakini disappeared from the field and Alexis drew her spoils.

"Sacrificing your ace monster in an attempt to combat me? Your desperation is showing."

Alexis smiled, "Bold of you to think that's the best monster I have in my arsenal."

"Oh?"

"I think it's best if I show you. I play Machine Angel Absolute Ritual! Now I can offer monsters in my hand, on the field, or I can shuffle light or fairy monsters from my graveyard back into my deck as tributes to bring out a ritual monster from my hand! I shuffle Dakini back into my deck as the sole tribute! Goddess of Creation,return from the underworld and become the grand spear of light which rends the darkness! I ritual summon Cyber Angel Izana!"

Emerging from a circle of light in front of Alexis another four armed female warrior emerged clad in silver and blue armor. She wore a samurai-like helmet with a circle shaped piece directly above her forehead with long purple hair cascading out the back. In one of her left hands she wielded a small axe, and her right hands grasped a ceremonial looking spear.

Cyber Angel Izana level 8 (2500/2600)

"Izana has a similar effect to her sister in arms Dakini, when she's ritual summoned I can force you to send a spell card you control to the graveyard, and since Ritual Cage is the only one you control you have no choice but to get rid of it." Izana tapped her spear on the ground before pointing it at the spell card as a red beam of light shot out of the spear and shattered it.

"I'll activate Gamera's second ability then, by banishing a ritual spell I can make him immune to any monster, spell or trap cards until the endphase." Dawnbreaker retrieved Guardian Rising from her graveyard and removed it from play.

"You have forced my hand then. I declare battle between Izana and your monster!" Izana and Gamera lunged at each other ready to strike the killing blow.

"It wont do anything if our monsters share the same attack" Dawnbreaker laughed, "or did you overlook that fact?"

"I activate the effect of Machine Angel Oversoul in my graveyard! Once per turn I can banish it and another cyber monster in my graveyard to negate the destruction of a Cyber Angel I control."

Izana extended her spear and pierced through the Turtle Kaiju's shell appearing behind it victorious.

"You've destroyed Gamera, but used up your attack for the turn. I still have my next turn to come back."

"There won't be a next turn," Alexis grinned. "Cyber Waltz has a graveyard effect as well, by halving my life points I can have my monster attack a second time"

A: 300-150

"Izana attacks you directly, Heavenly Strike!" Izana once again raised her spear and a red beam of light shot out of the tip hitting the shadow rider in the chest and sending her flying backwards.

D:1900-0

Dawnbreaker slid across the rocky floor, and the white mask was separated from her face skidding off to the side of her. The two onlooking boys ran over to her side "Alright a deal is a deal, tell us where Haru's sister is!" Syrus yelled, standing over the cloaked woman. Alexis returned her deck to a pouch on her belt before walking over to the mask on the ground.

"Syrus I think we may have a repeat of what happened to my brother," She said, holding up the mask as it began to glow and change into that of a duel monster's card.

"That's a neat trick, when did you take up sleight of hand?" Bastion asked walking over to examine the card.

"It's not magic in that sense" Alexis shook her head pulling another card from one of her pockets, the one nightshroud had left behind.

"So my hypothesis was correct then. The mask was pulling the strings just like the one your brother had."

"So that means we're not getting any important information out of her anytime soon" Alexis sighed, she gripped her side and stumbled slightly. Bastion moved quickly and stabilized her.

"Try not to over exert yourself, you've seen what the shadow duel did to Haru. Let's get you and our mysterious companion to the infirmary, and then we can sort out all the information we have."

"Good Idea" Alexis nodded, moving over to a wall to stabilize herself. Syrus and Bastion worked together to get the now unconscious young woman to her feet and supporting her on both sides the three made their way back towards the school infirmary.


As the sun poked above the horizon, Haru's eyes fluttered as light pierced the infirmary room through a crack in the curtains. He groaned and pushed himself up to a sitting position, the meeting with his duel spirits still weighing heavily on his mind. He looked around the room, spotting Atticus still asleep in the bed next to him. A snore made the Kaiju duelist jump as he turned to see Eiji snoring in the corner chair with his mouth wide open, a stack of papers set next to him.

"Do I really want to be awake right now?" Haru muttered to himself, sizing up the stack of papers. "I end up in the infirmary and the homework stacks up in anticipation for my return". He rubbed his eyes and let out a short groan before retrieving a pillow from behind him and tossing it at his brother.

Eiji jumped as the pillow made contact, "Who-what?" he struck a fighting pose with his arms crossed in a t shape.

"I almost forgot you snored, sleeping beauty" Haru smirked.

"You're no better," Eiji shot back, his face turning from tense to semi annoyed in the span of seconds. "How do you feel? From what I've been told, that shadow game really does a number on you physically."

Haru had not really noticed until he pointed it out but he was sore pretty much everywhere. He cracked his neck and smiled. "I feel like shit but that's nothing new for me. Besides this is my third shadow duel now?"

"I'm not sure that whole encounter with the gravekeepers counts," Eiji shrugged. "But that may be the reason why you reacted so poorly to that duel, to much negative energy from the shadow duels adding up over time."

"Is there a point here?" Haru raised an eyebrow.

"Don't try to take on all the shadow riders by yourself bro." Eiji smiled. "I know how much you like a good fight but we have comrades now."

"God you sound like a mother," Haru laughed.

"If it keeps you from hurting yourself further then I'll take the role if need be."

Haru looked around again and frowned, "I'm surprised Syrus and Alexis aren't here."

"I saw Alexis earlier when I was going back to the dorm," Eiji recalled. "She seemed a bit off."

"How do you mean?"

"Like she was preparing to do something she hasn't done before"

"Well that's kinda ominous"

"I'm sure they'll turn up, they're probably getting breakfast right now and will head over after," Eiji said, trying to shift the conversation to a more positive tone. "Bastion dropped off all your classwork and homework you missed." The silver haired boy picked up the stack of papers and threw it onto the bed.

"What if I told you I'm feeling light headed?" Haru smirked.

"I'd tell you to suck it up, if you get behind on your work it just gives Crowler a reason to get rid of you" Eiji smiled. "You wouldn't want to give him that satisfaction would you?"

"You're being kinda manipulative bro," Haru sighed. "I'm not sure if I should be proud or scared."

"I learned from the best."

Haru got to work cranking out the worksheets provided by his mortal nemesis while Eiji went over the lessons he had missed in his classes. Despite his hatred for classwork, Haru made his way through the problems rather easily, and within an hour they were on the last page. Both of them stopped however as the sound of a commotion could be heard outside. Soon after the door was flung open and carried in the limp form of a feminie figure clad in a leather outfit, on the other side of her was Bastion helping her.

The two made their way to the bed opposite Haru's and sprawled the mysterious figure across the bed. Before Haru could put forward a question, the door was flung open again and Syrus walked in supporting a limping Alexis.

"What the hell happened?" Haru asked jumping from his bed and almost collapsing when his feet hit the floor and the pain flashed up and down his body.

"Easy there you're not at 100 percent quite yet," scolded.

"Fine, but still what's happening?"

"A shadow rider tried to take advantage of your condition by offering information on your sister as leverage" Bastion explained.

"Alexis decided to take your place," Syrus added.

Alexis dropped down into a nearby chair and flinched slightly, "It was a tough battle but I managed to pull off the win," She said, giving Haru a slight smile.

Haru paused a variety of emotions happening within him, mixed with the current pain that his body was in. "These shadow riders are a conniving group, willing to use anything to get their way. I'm sure she was probably bluffing about knowing my sister's whereabouts, I doubt she's even in Japan anymore."

"But there's a chance she wasn't," Syrus said walking over to him and placing a comforting hand on his arm.

"I don't know what to feel right now" Haru began to shake looking between Alexis slumped in the chair and the unconscious body of the shadow rider in the bed near him. "Rage for the fact they used my sister as leverage and hurt one of my friends in the process, or hope that this may let me see her again."

"Haru" Eiji said softly standing at the bedside of the unconscious woman.

"WHAT?" Haru yelled causing everyone in the room to cringe.

"You need to see this" The Ultra duelist nodded towards the girl.

"Haru made his way over fighting through the pain and looked down at the girl that had inflicted so much pain on Alexis. Time froze for a second as Eiji moved away some hair from the shadow riders face so he could get a clear look at was vague, but Haru recognized the woman laying before him. Years had passed but not even time could make him forget. The two boys looked at each other, sharing an unspoken mutual realization.

"What is it?" Alexis asked, making her way over as the group gathered around. She looked over at Haru and observed as tears began to flow freely from the normally calm Slifer.

"It's her," Eiji said, tears flowing from his eyes as well. "I can't believe it."

"I don't understand," Alexis managed to get out before Haru grabbed her in a deep hug.

"You found her" Haru managed to get out. "You found Maya. Thank you." His body was wracked with sobs as he hugged Alexis, years of pain and anger leaving his body.

She hugged him back, and over his shoulder she looked at Atticus still asleep. "It was the least I could do."

In the back of everyone's minds, they knew that the war had only just begun. But for now, the only thing that mattered was the reunion of two families, and the healing of both mind, and heart.

Hey Guys, Gokai Red here. Sorry for the lack of chapters for a while, it's been an eventful year for me. I've taken on a few new projects like helping Gokai Blue with Next Gear, and well work and other items have been taking my attention away from my writing hobby. Fear not however I do intend to continue on with this story, Silver and I have too many Ideas to quit. One question I saw was about the supreme king in later seasons. I'm not saying it won't happen but Silver and I have mapped out plot points to season 3 that don't involve it at this time. Thanks for the support with this story as always and I hope to be back at some point relatively soon.