A/N: Wow, this chapter was long and challenging to put together. In all honesty, I don't even know if I like it. Whatever, I hope it flows in sync with everything. Sorry I don't write out the duels, I find those boring. Plus, most of ya'll will skip it anyways. Enjoy the chapter, and leave a review if you like! Cheers!

Chapter 3: Hidden Eyes

Hidden in the dorm was Esme, she sat in the middle of her bed pondering on the thought of the next Shadow Rider. Throughout the whole day she heard rumors of a said Vampire lurking among the shadows. Some students said they even saw her with their own eyes. Others say it's only a hoax just to get some attention. But at the end of the day it didn't matter, what mattered was her being prepared.

Esme laid her cards across her bed. Trap cards to the left and on the right was her monsters. She carefully skimmed over each card, boy did she have a collection of dragons. It made her happy deep down. Truthfully she had came a long way, from being so shy and scared as a child to someone completely different. Esme turns quickly over her shoulder, for a second it felt like a pair of eyes were watching her.

"Who's there?!" She yelled, recollecting her cards. "It would be wise to show yourself."

Silence; nothing rupted from the scene. Just her soft breaths that crept past her subtle lips. Esme raised from her bed and approached her window. She held her hand out and peaked through the blinds: nothing. All that showed was the academy and only but a few of her peers walking back and forth. The Blue Obelisk retracted her fingers and took a deep breath. Maybe it was just her head? The whole Shadow Games and knowing she had so much weight on her shoulders had a big toll on her. Part of the world lied right in the palm of her hands and if she wasn't careful she could give it away.

But little did Esme know that there was a bat lurking in her shadows of the room. The creature hung upside down, its eyes glowing a dark red hue. In other words, the bat was a simple spy.

The sun had fallen and now things were going to get interesting. Esme changed out of her casual attire and switched into her uniform, a jacket on top of the white and blue set. Looks as though it was going to rain. Not too sure where she would find Zane she thought about the lighthouse. She would start there and make her way around the school.

Esme headed straight to her destination, paying close attention into the distance. From there you could see yours truly standing beside the building with an emotionless face. As she drew closer to Zane she called out his name, waving. The waves were crashing against one another so recklessly. A cold and exotic breeze caressed each of the duelists faces. Rain began to trickle from the sky lightly soaking into Zane's clothing.

"She's here."

"She? Who? I mean, how do you know?" Esme asked.

"Look." He pointed out towards the waves.

From far beyond she noticed a red carpet rolling out over the careless waves, the storm suddenly quiet. Esme watched as the remaining of the carpet finished unraveling. Without hesitation she balled her fist and took a single step towards the rug.

"Wait,"

Surprised to see, Zane grabbed the woman's hand pulling her back before she stood foot on the rug. He looked down on Esme with the intentions to go first.

"But why?"

"I can't afford to see another one of my friends hurt. This time, it won't be the ladies going first."

Even before Zane could step foot on the illuminating welcome matt, he was interrupted by professor Crowler, one of the teachers who also received a spirit key. "Ahem!" And right behind Crowler was Chazz, Banner and Bastion. It looked as though it wasn't just going to be Esme and Zane after all.

"You're wanting to go and leave us out of the fun?" Chazz scoffed. "Leave it Zane to take all the glory."

"Nice of you all to join us." Zane replied.

For just a few seconds everything was peaceful. It was a relief to see that everyone was right behind them; well, almost everyone. Her thoughts wandered off on Jaden and Alexis. However, It was nice to see familiar faces and not only that the voices and aroma they brought as well. Together if they worked alongside one another they could win the war and be victorious. But that's only if they decided to stay as a group and put aside their differences.

"How cute, a family reunion." A woman's voice echoed from the far.

Traveling closer to all the students on a boat was a feminine structure. Past the mists of the ocean was a tall woman in red heels. She wore a long dress, a slit on the side of it showing off her curvy figure, lips crimson red and long locks of green hair behind her shoulder. She spoke with such a thick vampiric accent. And here she was, this was the second Shadow Rider, the 'vampire' everyone spoke of. Her fangs finally exposing as she gave a half witted smile.

"So, which one of you pests will be my first victim?"

With the group of guys gathered around they forced Crowler out, pushing him out in the wide open. He gasped looking from side to side, surely he was a worthy opponent right? Wrong. Camula, the vampire had other plans.

"You? Don't make me laugh you are not worthy, but perhaps. ." She paused as her hues skim through the group and met with Zanes. Camula cooed softly, his charming looks made him stand out the most. Therefore she had to have him for herself. "Him, he looks worthy. Come forth my precious." The Shadow Rider curled her finger towards the blue haired raven. "I do not bite, well, not too hard." She chuckled. "I will make this quick and painless."

"Not so fast! If you want to get through my students you will have to get through me!" Crowler said in a challenging tone. Sure at times he was a pain but to see him defend his students was something so rare. Esme swallowed the deep lump in her throat. She knew by him doing so it wasn't easy. "Don't you dare lay a finger on neither one of them. Now, you came to duel, so let's get to it."

"Hmn, fine very well, and if I win, I take your spirit key and your soul." She raised a doll visible to everyone's hues. A doll with no face or design on it. "Well, not necessarily me but my little doll will get your soul. I will take it back as a trophy."

Crowler grit his teeth and readied himself for battle, activating his duel disk. He had pressure before just wearing the key but now? It was his soul and key on the line. He agreed to her terms before they both shouted: "Duel!"

The battle was coming to an end and Camula had proven her words correct. A sinister expression plastered across her face knowing that she would win Crowlers spirit key. Even the professor knew as well, he said his final words before he soon vanished as his human self. The spirit key hit the ground and all that was left was his clothing. Esme, Chazz, Bastion and Zane stood there stuck in their tracks, and just like that Crowler was no longer.

"Crowler!" The students yelled.

"And I shall accept his key. He put up a great duel but not good enough. I shall accept my tokens." The Shadow Rider collected her belongings and vanished from sight.

From there the students returned back to the infirmary. The first key already taken, which meant one of the 8 gates opened. Esme stood in the corner of the room alone, she only wished she'd done something. Crowlers words continued to play over and over again.

"My students, listen. . do not be afraid to know that I've failed. I deeply apologize for not keeping my word and protecting you all. I only wish to have kept you all out of harm's way but it looks as though destiny has other plans. I know you all will do your best, avenge me! All of you, avenge your professor. Don't let my sacrifice go to waste, remember all that I've taught you. I've always been so tough on you because I want the best for you. Do not forget that! You all will make fantastic duelers and prove this world wrong. .farewell my dear students. ."

And just before anyone could respond or help he was gone. Nothing but a doll was left of Crowler. But there was one thing Esme knew, she knew that Camula was going to return. And when she did she was going to battle Camula and win Crowlers soul back. Pondering in deep thought she stayed inside the infirmary looking over her deck once again. She held one of her most powerful cards, glaring at it. So powerful, she was afraid to use it. But maybe it was time to break from those shackles and give it a try.

Hours passed and the sun never rose. When Esme went over to look outside it was nothing but dark clouds and those vengeful waves. In the clustered form of clouds she noticed a set of bats flying into this direction. Once again the vampire had returned for her second victim. This was her cue to approach the Shadow Rider and win back the soul of her teacher. Still peeping through the blinds she noticed the red matt unrolling. And not only that, on top of the rug was Zane! He strolled across the rug with his Duel Disk in hand. This time he was going alone, with or without Esme.

Esme dashed out of infirmary grabbing her own Duel Disk that sat on the end table. She latched it onto her wrist and ran out of the building. If she was quick enough she could stop Zane and take his place. Sure it sounded stupid to go alone but there was so much at stake. As Esme made her way outside, the mists of fog accompanied her. She walked over the rug and followed until it was no longer. All that stood in her way was a giant castle. Scared of what was to come she pushed the large doors open and entered. Inside was Zane and Camula, just as she thought. It looked to be as though Zane was in the lead. Keeping quiet Esme hide behind a few old rusty furniture items in the building, holding her breath. A few minutes later the large door opens again, the gang arriving. Jaden riding on Chumley's back, Syrus shortly behind. Alexis, Chazz and Bastion. They must have noticed her arrival minutes after Esme did. Jaden looked over noticing Esme crouching behind an older couch. Just as he parts his lips to speak, Syrus stepped aside from the crowd, he placed both hands on either sides of his mouth, "You got this big bro! You can win!"

This brought attention to everyone else in the castle. Syrus had given away everyones cover, all train of thought directed to Syrus. Zane frowned, this is why he left by his lonesome in the first place.

"Not if I know all his moves. I know every single card he has." Camula chuckles. "You see, I've been spying on each and everyone of you. My little bats have watched you all fairly close. Sad to say, poor Esme almost caught me." She eyed the female. "I know all your most powerful cards alongside with your traps. So try as hard as you'd like, no matter what you'll soul and key will be mine!"

Zane turns to look down on his friends but more importantly, Syrus, his younger brother. He grit his teeth balling his open hand into a tight fist. Camula took notice to his soft expression and decided to use that against him. A door opened behind the vampiric woman, she chuckled and placed two fingers on her necklace that she wore. Upon activating her spell card a second Camula appeared right beside her.

"I play illusion gate!" Camula yelled, "This eliminates all your monsters on your field. So say goodbye to your dragon!"

"What?!" Zane cursed under his breath watching his CyberEnd dragon vanish from the battlefield

"But that's not all, I am aloud to summon any monster you have played during this match. So even though you've played your CyberEnd dragon, I shall return him with the aid of Illusion Gate. Though it comes with a small cost. I must sacrifice a soul to the sacred beasts. This soul will be consumed by the monster I summon."

"Tch' well good! It's what she gets for taking Crowler's!" Chazz shouted.

"Fool! I said a soul, Not my soul, now who shall I choose." Her hues shift from Zane's then over the students of Duel Academy. She taps her necklace and beams at Syrus. It was the perfect choice, using someone dear to Zane as an advantage. "And that soul will be yours, Syrus." Camula points to the Slifer who gasped in surprise.

"M-Me?"

"Don't you dare!" Zane retorted with anger, "Syrus run!"

Before Syrus could get his feet going he was swept up from his feet into the arms of the cloned Camula. The vampire scoops up Syrus and brings the boy to Camula. She chuckled draining the energy from the young boy, glaring down at Zane. With the Illusion gates still open, crying for their next victim she cupped Syrus's face. He stood there, not being able to move his energy fading away by the second.

"I now summon the CyberEnd Dragon!"

Just as she called forth Zane's previous monster, the Dragon appeared right in front of her.

"You see, if Zane decides to finish off my dragon. Syrus's soul goes along with that. So he has a choice, shall he end the match sacrificing his brothers soul or surrender? The choice is all yours my precious. .by all means, finish this duel along with your brother's soul."

It was a tough call. Esme stood there baffled herself. He would either defeat Camula from taking another spirit key or stand down and free his brothers soul in return. All though, his soul would be obtained by a doll. It was all up to the duelist now.

In the meantime, Syrus exchanged a few words with his elder brother. Throughout the year Zane had been very tough on his younger brother. At times never showing affection or consideration when it came to his brother belonging to the school. Syrus ended up telling Zane to save the world rather than himself but who would Zane be to listen?

With only one choice to make Zane forfeit the match. He stood with pride, ready for his CyberEnd Dragon to release its wrath along with the consequences. But before it was too late, he told Syrus that he loved him and he would miss his younger brother. From that point on Camula directed a full attack hit to Zane, all his life points dropping to zero. From the audience, everyone either turned away or watched in agony. Out of the group, Jaden burned the brightest fire. He hated how he couldn't stop her from stealing the sacred key. But, it was a fair match and they couldn't do anything. Only to just sit and watch the aftermath.

"No! Zane, what are you doing?!" Syrus cried out to his brother as his form vanished from his very sight and appearing in the palm of Camula.

The doll growing Zane's charms and looks. As for the key, it showed up in her grasp too. "He will make a fine piece to my collection. Maybe just a tad less quieter and smidge less cuter but it is all the same." She chuckled in her merciless tone before returning behind closed doors.

"We're not through Camula! You hear? I'll be back for my friends!" Jaden yelled.

Jaden shook his head, him and his friends returned to the hospital so he could heal more. No one spoke, not a single soul. Everyone sulked into their own form of desperation. Syrus muffled cries sitting in the corner of the room alone. All he did was blame himself for everything.

"It's my fault. All because of me Zane is gone. And what's worse is I can't even duel. . you're all better without me. I'm the weak link. ." Syrus said in a soft tone. Only the people who stood close enough heard, that being Esme. She turned on her heel and cautiously walked to Syrus. Hot tears streamed down his face with his hands in fists. The girl sat beside Syrus and rubbed his back. She reassured her friend and whispered nothing but sweet and soft words. This was a close friend of hers so whenever she saw one of her friends down in the dumps she insisted of helping them get through it.

"We're going to get him back Sy." Esme said resting her hand over his fists. She rubbed her thumb around his knuckles, lowering her face to his. A soft set of lips pressed against his hot face, with her other hand she moved it to his face. Very close to his ear as she pulled her lips away she said, "I promise we will get him back. One way or another I won't let it end this way."

Surprised, Syrus jumped and grew dark red cheeks. His tears ceased, listening to the words of Esme somehow helped eased the pain. It helped calm his hurting heart and the rage that burned through his blood. Though he didn't say anything he just nodded, rubbing the tears away. His head rested on Esme's shoulder, hugging her waist tightly.

"That's it." Jaden said, rising from his bed, "I can't spend another day in here without doing anything. I have to put an end to this. I can't sit and watch Syrus blame himself and then let Camula steal another soul. I'm going after her! This ends tonight."

"But Jaden, you're still recovering." Alexis told her friend.

"So what, I can beat Camula, I'll win Crowler and Zane's soul. Plus, I've had a little help from a friend." He looked down on the necklace that bumped against his sacred key. It was a millennium item, he grabbed it tightly and said, "Courtesy to Atticus. So let's get our game on and bring back our friends!"

E S M E' S - P O V

The battle between Camula and Jaden had begun and I watched them chanting for Jaden every time I could. I knew that he would win, he had to. There was something in Jaden that made him special, it made him better than the rest. His humble heart and faith in his deck always took him to the right places. Watching him draw his monsters on the field I prayed that Camula would have a taste of her own medicine. At this point of the battle, Jaden was in the lead and Camula was looking desperate.

Sooner or later, Camula would call forth the Illusion Gate, the same rules applied. She looked down to find her next victim using the same strategy she did with Zane, picking someone who seemed to be dear to their heart. As she skimmed through each and everyone of us she pointed at me.

"Esme, you'll be a lovely soul for the Sacred Beasts to enjoy. Come forth my dear."

Before I was taken off the ground, Jaden threw his hand out. "Not so fast! With my millennium item, This will stop you from taking another one of my friends souls away! So nice try!" He holds out his necklace as it would instantly light up the dark and dreary castle.

Camula gasped, hiding behind her hands. She growled at her opponent and in order to keep the balance she sacrficied her own soul. "Fine! I give my soul!" A similar figure of Camula left her phisique and falls into the gates of Illusion. She summons one of Jaden's own previous monsters but he was two steps ahead of her. He uses a different strategy and stops her attack from degrading his life points; in return he turns the tables to hit Camula's points.

I watch as her life points fall to a solid zero Camula falling to the ground as her body slowly dissolves into dust. A soulless body crumbling to the ground due to her choice of sacrificing her soul. Hidden within the dust was Zane and Crowler. Alexis and Chazz rush to pick up the doll of their professor which soon turned into his human self. I on the other hand rushed over to the doll of Zane. Waiting only seconds after Crowlers transformation he returned to his life sized figure. He laid there with his eyes closed, breathing softly.

"Sy!" I yelled.

"Zane!" His brother called, rushing over.

Syrus and I picked up Zane, I stood on his right side and Syrus was on his left. His arms over both of our shoulders. We carried him out the castle that was starting to crumble. We made good time and without anyone getting hurt. As soon as we arrived back on school grounds, we brought them to their dorms. Syrus and I headed to the Blue Obelisks dormitory where Zane could rest. Syrus checked the matt at his brother's door to find a key. He quickly opens the door and I rush in to lay Zane down in his bed.

"I'm going to get some water and food for big bro." Syrus said waving as he walked out of the room and closing the door behind him.

I stood there fiddling with my fingers, knowing I was alone with Zane. For some reason I was a bit more nervous than usual. I rubbed the sweat from my hands onto my skirt looking down at the unconscious Dueler. I stood only a few feet from him but part of me told me to come closer, so I did. My feet drew near until I was right up against his bed. His chest rose to inhale air and lowered when he exhaled. His hair was a mess, scattered all over his face. Without further ado, I found myself brushing his dark blue raven locks aside. From there my fingers made their way down his chest, continuing on to his arm and lastly, to his hand. I paired each and every finger against mine, glaring at the size difference. Then slowly, very slowly I slid my fingers in between his, closing the space between our palms.

My cold pale hand against his warm one, holding it tightly to admire the feeling. I felt ashamed, to bare light feelings for Zane. One of the reasons being because he was highly liked and I was just another female to add on the list. And secondly, because I would never have enough courage to express these feelings, to him or anyone as a matter of fact. I always had it rough when it came to expressing my love to someone. Needless to say, I was afraid. Love was always so tricky and look at my mom. The reason she turned into an alcoholic was because of my father, the pain of betrayal is hard and almost unforgiving. For reasons such as those I won't ever have the power or wants to express my fondness in someone.

Suddenly, Zane started to move, he began to mumble words in his daze. I pulled my hand back and walked as far away from him as possible. I took a seat at the couch, grabbing a book that was in Zane's bookshelf. I opened up to a random page and started to read— well, skim really.

Zane had finally opened his eyes looking around the room. At first he had called for Syrus, looking around the room until he noticed me. I acted as though as I was surprised, gasping at first then closing the book to give him my attention.

"Oh! You're awake. . how do you feel?" I asked standing up, the book still in my hand.

"Fine." He responded holding his head as he rose, a unpleasant expression on his face.

"Your face says something else."

"Where is Sy?" Zane asked

"He went to get you food and water. I thought I would stay to make sure you were okay or if you woke up. In which you did so I'm happy I stayed."

"Thanks Esme." He took a deep breath and continued to hold his head, this time rubbing it.

"You know," I started as I walked closer, now sitting on the edge of the bed "Syrus was really torn to know his brother was gone. . and not only that, he blamed himself for you doing so. I've never seen Sy cry. I did my very best to comfort him but he really took it to heart." I told Zane. "He probably won't tell you all that I've told you but I thought I would remind you of how much you mean to him."

Zane looked down at his sheets, both his hands lowering to the comforter. "I see, but what kind of brother would I be if I allowed my brother to lose his soul to a duel? After all, even if I did win, there would be no way of bringing him back."

"I understand that Zane but all I am trying to say is maybe ease up on him okay? And oh, it's good to have you back."

"Very well, I will try my best." He nodded. "Good to be back Es."

The door opens and out comes Syrus he carries a tray of food and water eyeing his brother as he steps in. Syrus rushed in and sat the tray down, dashing into his elder brothers arms.

"Big bro! You're back! I was so worried!" A soft yet high pitched voice came out from Syrus. "Don't ever do that again!"

"Yeah, I guess I am." He chuckled looking down at his brother then to me with a hidden smile plastered on his calm structured face.

From there I watched as Syrus and Zane spoke on a friendly yet brotherly level. It made me wonder what it would be like to have a sibling of my own? Would I be tough and stern against them? Or soft and overprotective? Those questions filled my head. Or, would I have an older brother or sister who would care for me instead? I guess I'll never know, for now I can just admire the love they share towards one another. After all, family is family no matter what your differences are. That's what makes family so rich and important.