Ruler of the Gentle Darkness (Chapter Five)
Disclaimer: I don't own Yu-Gi-Oh GX.
Their time was done, the day had passed and now it was time for them to return home to start their new adventures. "I was thinking we could inform both of our parents before we set out" Alexis told him on the boat ride back to Domino City.
"Sure" Jaden smiled. "My house isn't that far from the pier; that's probably why I was almost late to the Entrance Exams. I had to run half way across town."
Alexis giggled "My house is actually near the Kaiba Dome so I remember getting there rather early." Both of them laughed slightly "I assume Atticus has already called pretty much my entire family so odds are my parents will be there waiting for us."
"Well if that's true then I can't wait to meet them" Jaden said with a smile.
"My mom is just like Atticus; she's really lovey-dovey and likes to meddle and interfere so be prepared for that" Alexis warned him.
"What about your dad" Jaden asked.
"He's more serious, but he's generally very kind and patient" Alexis said. "I should warn you; I was a daddy's girl when I was little and my dad still sees me as such so you might be getting the evil eye for a bit."
Jaden shuddered "Thanks for the warning" he said nervously. Alexis giggled a bit at her fiancé's nervous look. Jaden had never been nervous about anything, but apparently he was. Jaden was now both excited and nervous.
SCENE CHANGE
Meanwhile in Domino City's Kaiba-Corp main Headquarters Seto Kaiba was hard at work managing his company. Despite ten years passing since Pharaoh Atem split with Yugi Kaiba didn't look like he aged a day. He still looked the same as he did ten years ago except he had grown a little taller and his voice deepened.
Kaiba had spent the last ten years managing his company and creating many different duel monster's concepts and even some cards. Kaiba kept up his dueling skills by either dueling Yugi or Joey for fun, but still kept up their old rivalry. Needless to say Kaiba had mellowed out quite a bit in the last ten years.
In some ways Kaiba almost missed the crazy adventures that he had gone through with Yugi and the others. Everything had been a little dull and boring lately, but that doesn't mean everything had stayed the same.
Kaiba had attended four weddings in the past ten years; the first one was, shockingly, to Joey Wheeler's wedding to Mai Valentine. According to Yugi it surprised them all when Joey told them and Kaiba could see why. Joey the underdog and Mai the pre-Madonna, but they had been happily together for almost nine years now.
The next one was Joey's little sister Serenity getting married to Joey and Yugi's friend Tristan. Kaiba didn't know why he was invited to that one, but he attended nonetheless and smirked every time he remembered Joey's face when he saw the bride and groom kiss. It was combination of happiness and anger; he looked like he wanted to throttle Tristan, but was held back by Mai and Yugi.
The third one had him, and everyone else, saying "Finally." As it was Yugi and Tea that finally married. Tea had harbored feelings for Yugi for a long time, as did Yugi for Tea, but both were too cowardly to admit it to each other until finally they both did it. They had been together for six years now and everything was perfect.
The last one shocked Kaiba as it was his own little brother Mokuba that got married. Apparently Mokuba had been secretly going out with Rebecca Hawkins, granddaughter of the famous archeologist Arthur Hawkins. It shocked everyone when they revealed that they were engaged, but nevertheless Kaiba was happy for his brother and gave him the best wedding he could.
Kaiba was interrupted from his inner musings when his door was open "Pardon the interruption sir" the man said.
"What is it" Kaiba said in his usual stern, cold voice.
"A message from the CEO of Wicked Games Corp. was just delivered" the man said. "The message says the CEO wishes to meet with you at the new Duel Museum downtown."
Kaiba frowned slightly; Wicked Games was a new company that had just started up two years ago and already it was becoming a rival company. If the CEO wanted to meet with him than perhaps it might be a good business opportunity "Very well" Kaiba said standing up.
"I will get the limo prepared sir" the man told him.
"Don't bother; I'll walk today" Kaiba said walking out of the room. Every now and then, when the opportunity presented itself, Kaiba liked to get out of his office and take a walk around the city. As he exited the building Kaiba saw the sun was shining, but it wasn't too hot and by the slight pain he felt in his eyes he knew he needed to get out more.
As Kaiba walked down the streets he turned a corner and felt someone bump into him "Oh I'm terribly sorry" a soft voice said.
Kaiba looked down and nearly gasped; the person who ran into him was a woman with long periwinkle blue hair that almost looked white with deep ocean blue eyes and pale white skin. She wore slightly ragged clothes and her skin looked a little dirty, but it did nothing to hide her amazing beauty.
"Kisara" Kaiba breathed in shock.
The woman looked surprised "How do you know my name; have we met before?"
Kaiba blinked a bit "No, sorry; you just look… very familiar."
She smiled with a tiny blush "I don't get that very often. Anyway sorry about bumping into you, but I must be going." She walked past him and disappeared into the crowd; Kaiba didn't stop staring until she vanished. For some reason he now felt very happy that he left his office today.
Either way he continued his way to the Duel Museum; it was a relatively new museum that was built by Pegasus and its content held early designs, scriptures, pictures and even some cards of the most famous duelers in history. It also housed a few one of a kind cards that were rarely displayed to the public due to so many theft attempts.
When Kaiba got to the museum he saw it was deserted, which surprised him since it was a typical Friday meaning it should be open. "Welcome Seto Kaiba" a voice said. Kaiba turned around and saw a man with spiky, dark back hair, a very sharp angular face with very dark forest green eyes wearing a business suit. All in all everything about him screamed 'darkness.' "My name is Makko Shido, CEO of Wicked Games Corporation."
"A pleasure I'm sure" Kaiba said plainly. "Your message says you wish to talk."
"I do; please follow me inside" Makko said walking into the museum. Like Kaiba suspected it was barren.
"Why is the museum empty" he asked Makko.
"I wanted to conduct business in private; duel monster's fans are not known for subtlety" Makko said simply. Kaiba smirked a bit; no truer words were ever said. "Tell me Kaiba, after everything you've been through do you believe that there is a cosmic power that created all life."
"Cosmic power" Kaiba said with narrowed eyes "What are you talking about?"
"Long ago, before life and duel monsters even existed, two cosmic powers roamed around the universe" Makko began to explain. "The Light of Destruction and The Gentle Darkness; both were eternally locked in combat until the Darkness banished the Light and created all life as you know it."
"If all you wanted to talk to me about is cosmic fairytales then I'm leaving" Kaiba said coldly.
"I assure you it is not fairytales" Makko said simply. "Just follow me and you will understand." To Kaiba, this was fairly familiar as he remembered what happened when he met at a museum with Ishizu ten years ago.
Following Makko down a couple flights of stairs they ended up in a basement where Makko flipped on some lights and saw some ancient stone carvings and a few statues. "The Egyptians were the ones who wrote down the earliest forms of Duel Monsters by summoning their spirits to do battle, but could not control them and Pharaoh Atem locked them in stone tablets. Sorcerer's of that time learned to control them, but still could not completely do it. Pharaoh Atem was the closest one who could control the spirits, but his power pales compared to the two entities."
"Entities" Kaiba inquired with a frown.
"As I told you; The Gentle Darkness created all life by banishing the Light, but chaos and light waves would return to destroy all life" Makko continued. "The Darkness knew this so it bestowed all of its power onto one single person; that person would forever be known as the Supreme King."
Makko indicated to a statue depicting a person with spiked armor and spiked hair in the back with a long cape "That's the king" Kaiba asked.
"Yes; and there is proof of his existence" Makko said indicating to a scripture of writing near the statue. "The earliest forms of human settlement were the Mesopotamians and the Sumerians. These scriptures indicate the epic of Sumerian's most powerful King; Gilgamesh. In reality it was not the King's real name, but it was the name the people had given him because of his powerful abilities. The King used his strength and magic to construct the entire city of Uruk and the three walls that surrounded and protected the city."
"What's your point" Kaiba asked.
"This piece of structure right here" Makko said indicating to a piece of stone wall. "This structure is over 7000 years old and it is in pristine condition. No structure that old could still be in such good condition unless magically created; it is a prime reason why the Ancient Pyramids are still standing."
"That's all very fascinating, but you have yet to explain what this all leads up to and why you know this" Kaiba asked getting very impatient.
"Very well then" Makko said closing his eyes briefly. "A prime reason the Supreme King was unstoppable was because he had brought the God's of Darkness under his control and was the only one who could control them."
Makko led Kaiba to another ancient slab that depicted the Supreme King and three beasts surrounding him. "This is the Supreme King with the God's of Darkness, otherwise known as the Wicked Gods. They are named as such; The Wicked Dreadroot, The Wicked Eraser and The Wicked Avatar. These God's were known as 'Destruction Incarnate' with their powers rivaling, perhaps even surpassing, the Egyptian God Cards."
"Surpassing them" Kaiba said with shock. "And did Pegasus create these cards?"
"Yes" Makko nodded. "When Pegasus did create them he was so fearful of them that he almost stopped production completely. However he did finish them as he needed rivals for the Egyptian God Cards, but had them locked away much similarly. That's where I come in."
"You" Kaiba said eyes narrowed.
"My family has existed as Guardians to the Supreme King's will" Makko said. "Recently the Supreme King has awakened in his true vessel and the Light of Destruction is returning and taking its own vessel. The Light of Destruction is seeking these cards in order to vanquish the Supreme King and destroy its only rival. The battle that took place eons ago will soon take place once more."
'Cards stronger than the Egyptian God cards, another ancient power trying to destroy the world' Kaiba thought frowning before giving a tiny smirk. 'And I was getting bored too.' "Makko, what happened to these cards?"
"When they were created we informed Pegasus of everything I just told you" Makko told him. "In return Pegasus entrusted the three Wicked God's to us for in time the Supreme King would awaken again and be ready to do battle with the Transcendent Emperor. He would need the power of the Three Wicked Gods."
"I sense a 'but' coming" Kaiba said.
Makko sighed quietly "You are right; unfortunately one of our clan turned traitor and stole both The Wicked Avatar and The Wicked Dreadroot, but thankfully we managed to save The Wicked Eraser. That leads me to the reason I have come to speak to you."
"Oh" Kaiba mused. "And what is that reason?"
"Like you did ten years ago I would like to organize a battle city tournament only this time on a much larger scale" Makko said seriously. "The 'Ultimate Tournament.' A tournament so grand and so mighty that duelists from everywhere will come."
Kaiba chuckled "Just like ten years ago; like Ishizu Ishtar did you plan on luring the thieves into the city like a vulture is lured to a carcass."
"Precisely" Makko told him.
"Hmm, it sounds tempting, but first tell me; what did you do with the Wicked Eraser" Kaiba asked. "A card that rivals the Egyptian Gods; I could use a card like that."
"Even if I still had the card with me you would not be able to use it" Makko said bluntly.
Kaiba scowled "Are you calling me weak?"
"Far from it; you are a powerful duelist Kaiba, but the Wicked God's are different" Makko said. "The Wicked God's are beings of darkness so as such only those with the power of darkness can use them properly. Due to your connection with the ancient Egyptian past you may be able to use one of them, but that is a very small 'maybe.' Forget about being able to use all three; only the Supreme King is capable of that feat."
Kaiba grunted, but then smirked "So you say, but I make my own destiny; very well I will start this Ultimate Tournament, but before I do that I want to know something. If you don't have the Wicked Eraser with you… then where is it?"
Makko didn't reply at first before speaking "I have sent it to its one true wielder" was all Makko said. Kaiba nodded before leaving.
'New God's and a new opportunity' Kaiba thought with a smirk. 'Perhaps the title of 'Number One Duelist' is not forever out of my reach.'
SCENE CHANGE
Alexis was blushing in absolute mortification. Just as she had predicted Atticus had told her family everything and her parents were at the pier the moment the ship docked. The two of them barely had any time to say goodbye to their friends before being whisked away.
They practically made it to Alexis' house in five minutes flat; a ride which normally would've taken twenty minutes. Once there Jaden was properly introduced to Alexis' mother and father.
Jaden could definitely see where Alexis got her looks from; her mother was just like her in appearance with a heart shaped face, long dirty blond hair, a curvy body and the same hazel colored eyes. They were alike in appearance, but opposite in personality as her mother was just like Atticus in personality. She was very warm though and welcomed Jaden immediately.
Her father on the other hand was a bit like Alexis as he had a rather serious personality, but looked just like Atticus with shoulder length brown hair, a sharp face and dark brown eyes. He welcomed Jaden, but his rather serious eyes made Jaden nervous.
Now the reason why Alexis was blushing in mortification was because her mother was now grilling Jaden with nonstop questions. "How long have you been together" she asked excitedly.
"About two months" Jaden answered honestly. "But we've known each other ever since I joined the Academy."
"Sis won't admit it, but she fell in love with him not long after First Year began" Atticus said mischievously from beside his mother. Alexis was so red steam was pouring from her ears. Jaden wondered if that shade of red was healthy.
"That's enough Atticus; stop teasing your sister" her father, Dante Rhodes, finally said. Turning to Jaden he spoke "Jaden, right" he asked. Jaden nodded "You say you've officially been together with my daughter for two months yet you already ask her to marry you."
"Dante" Alexis' mother, Ashley Rhodes, interjected.
Dante held his hand up stopping his wife "I just feel that you are rushing into everything; it seems you are moving rather fast."
"I see what you mean sir" Jaden said being respectful. "It may seem fast, but honestly this is the one thing I've never felt more sure about. With everything me and Alexis have been through and shared together I just don't think I can imagine our lives apart from each other." He smiled at Alexis and the blushing blond smiled back at him.
Dante saw the looks Jaden and his daughter shared and was reminded of when he first met his own wife. Sighing a bit he smiled "Well I've raised my daughter right; she knows whatever decision she makes is the right one so if she wants this then as her father I can only support it. Welcome to the family son."
Jaden grinned brightly "Thank you sir."
"Thanks dad" Alexis smiled hugging her dad tightly. Atticus and Ashley were cheering happily in the background before Atticus pulled out his camera and got a picture of Jaden and Alexis together.
"Yeah… that one's going in the scrapbook" he said happily. Jaden couldn't help, but laugh when Alexis began chasing Atticus.
The laughter suddenly stopped when the T.V. flared to life revealing Seto Kaiba's face "Greetings citizens of Domino City" Kaiba said. "This is a message to all duelists currently in the city. You all know of my famous Battle City Tournament of ten years ago when Duelists from the farthest corners of the Earth all converged on this city to duel and be declared the best duelist of all time."
The smirk on Kaiba's face was completely battle-hungry "That tournament of ten years ago will now be child's play compared to what I am unleashing now. The Ultimate Tournament is upon us all; I am inviting Duelists from around the world to compete in the Ultimate Tournament. All you must do is register at your local Game Shop and collect your locater card." Kaiba held up a clear card with a few marks on it. "Like the last Battle City Tournament you need six of these Locator Cards to compete in the finals and also like the last tournament the Ante Rule will be in effect. You lose then you forfeit your best card. Of the thousands that show up only 16 Duelists will make it to the finals and the winner of the Ultimate Tournament will be crowned 'Duel Monster's Champion.'"
Kaiba's smirk widened, if possible "But that's not all; the duelist who wins the Ultimate Tournament Final Round will have a chance to be declared one of three titles; The Luck Duelist, The Demolisher Duelist or… The King of Games. Those titles come because the winner of the Ultimate Tournament will have a chance to duel against the Three Strongest Duelists in the entire world. Myself, Joey Wheeler and Yugi Muto. Defeat Joey Wheeler and earn the title of 'The Luck Duelist' and you get to face me. If by some miracle you can defeat me you will earn the title of 'The Demolisher Duelist' and if by some slim chance you can defeat the Egyptian God Cards and Yugi Muto then you will earn the title of 'King of Games.'"
"Registering starts tomorrow and ends two days afterwards; register and prepare because one week from today the Ultimate Tournament begins" Kaiba finished and the screen went dark.
When Kaiba's announcement was made everyone could see the excited look on both Jaden and Alexis' faces. "Excited are we" Atticus teased.
"Alexis" Jaden said turning to her.
"No need to ask; we register tomorrow" Alexis said with an excited grin.
"I love you" Jaden grinned at her.
TIMESKIP
"You sure you can't stay" Alexis asked him.
After Kaiba's announcement Jaden stayed with Alexis and her family and had dinner with them and shared many adventures about their time at Duel Academy, but left out the life threatening parts. Jaden and Alexis were both mortified when Atticus shared the story about Jaden's duel with Harrington and becoming Alexis' fiancé.
"I wish I could, but I need to head home" Jaden said softly. "Besides I got to tell my parents the news as well; they haven't seen me in a while."
Alexis nodded "Then have a nice night."
"You too" Jaden said before the two of them shared a goodnight kiss. It was more like a goodnight make-out as every time Jaden pulled back Alexis pulled him towards her to prolong the experience. Only ten minutes later did Atticus, Ashley and Dante see Alexis come back.
"So Alexis, is he the one" Dante asked her. His only response was a radiant smile and tears of joy.
SCENE CHANGE
It took Jaden about twenty minutes to get home just as it got dark; he looked at the house he had grown up in his whole life. Jaden softly knocked on the door and waited. About a minute later a woman of about 40 answered the door. She had a heart shaped face with minute wrinkles, long caramel colored hair with bright brown eyes.
The woman was wide eyed when she saw him "Jaden" she whispered.
Jaden smiled "Hey mom." Jaden was immediately embraced by his mother and Jaden responded just as tightly holding his mother.
After coming inside Jaden also shared a tight embrace with his father as well and for the next few hours all of them caught up about current events. "Oh yeah Jaden" his father said after a while. "This came for you in the mail today."
Jaden looked at the letter; there was no return address so he had no idea who sent it. Opening up the letter Jaden pulled out a letter and a duel monster's card. Looking at the card Jaden widened his eyes and his eyes glowed golden briefly.
"Jaden" his mother said concerned when he was silent.
Quickly Jaden said "Oh, it's just a letter from a friend I met at Duel Academy. I'll read it more tomorrow; right now I'm pretty tired so I think I'm gonna go to bed. Night guys" he waved before racing upstairs. Once upstairs Jaden immediately sat on his bed and looked at the card. It was unique because the background of the card was grey unlike the usual yellow or orange of regular monsters.
'The Wicked Eraser' he thought as he felt a massive power of darkness from this card. 'Yubel, what do I sense such a powerful darkness in this card?'
Yubel appeared "This is one of the God's of Darkness that the Supreme King controlled. I never thought I would see one of them again, at least so soon."
"God's of Darkness" Jaden murmured as his eyes turned golden.
"The Supreme King's armies were massive and since he was the embodiment of darkness only he could control the Wicked Gods" Yubel explained. "Only the Supreme King or anyone affiliated with the powers of the darkness in some way can use these monsters. If someone not affiliated with the darkness tries to use them then at best they'll be rendered catatonic."
Jaden shuddered 'Yikes.'
"Indeed" Yubel said. "Only the Supreme King has the power to control all three of these monsters. After you had settled a bit with that girl I was going to tell you of these monsters so you could both go and seek them out, but if someone mailed this to you then that means someone has stolen them."
"She is correct my King" a voice said. Jaden turned around eyes glowing and body glowing in dark energy. "Calm yourself my King" the person said in a relaxing tone. "My name is Makko Shido, a retainer of the Supreme King."
"Retainer" Jaden questioned.
Makko nodded "Yes, ever since the time of the First Supreme King my family was chosen to be a retainer of the Supreme King's will much like Yubel was chosen to be the Supreme King's guardian. My clan has existed for 7000 years waiting for your return my king."
Jaden stared at the man before looking at the card in his hand "Was it you who sent me this card?"
Makko nodded "I did and I stuck around to make sure you got it. In the hands of someone other than the Supreme King those cards can cause untold amounts of destruction and devastation. Even more than those Sacred Beasts you faced two years ago."
"And why did you give me the card" Jaden asked.
"Because you will need it my king" Makko said simply. "The Transcendent Emperor is upon us and a traitor of my clan has stolen the other two Wicked God's. You must enter Kaiba's tournament and you must win my king. The world will not survive should you fail."
"If what he says is true Jaden" Yubel entered the conversation. "Then it is your destiny to win."
Jaden was silent as he looked at the card again "I accepted my destiny the moment I learned to control this power. If what I was just told was true then there's no doubt about what I must do; I'll win this tournament and I'll stop the Transcendent Emperor and stop the Light of Destruction."
Makko and Yubel smiled "Good" he said.
NEXT MORNING
"Okay Kaiba what's the big deal with the announcement" Joey Wheeler demanded the next morning at Kaiba Corp. Like Yugi and Kaiba Joey had aged gracefully looking almost the same as he did ten years ago. The only difference was that he had slightly bigger muscles.
"Yes Kaiba, I too am curious" Yugi said.
"You'll understand after I say this" Kaiba said. "It's Marik all over again."
Both Joey and Yugi widened their eyes "You mean there's a traitorous person after a set of God cards bent on world domination."
"Pretty close; just substitute world domination with universal annihilation" Kaiba said blankly.
"You can't be serious" Joey said with a shocked look in his eyes.
"Unfortunately" Kaiba said sitting in his chair. "As much as I hate to admit it the proof was all presented to me."
"You're actually believing now" Joey teased.
Kaiba glared at him "After everything I've seen it's a little hard not to believe anymore, but the point is that we've now got two supernatural entities that are even stronger than the Pharaoh."
"More powerful than him" Yugi asked remembering Atem. He could hardly believe something existed that was stronger than him.
Kaiba nodded "If you count one of the forces created all life and the other threatens to destroy it all."
Both Joey and Yugi looked nervous "Kaiba; can you explain the whole thing. Everything you heard" Yugi asked. And so Kaiba did explain everything that Makko had told him. By the end both Yugi and Kaiba were very nervous.
"What can we do" Joey asked.
"Nothing" Yugi said surprising Joey. "It's not our destiny to stop this evil. It is the destiny of the one called the Supreme King. All we can do is put our faith in this person."
"You can do that all you want" Kaiba said. "However if things go wrong I'm not going to just stand around."
"That makes two of us" Joey said agreeing with Kaiba. Oh boy, that wasn't a good sign "No offense Yugi; I trust you and your skills; hell I trust Kaiba and his skills, but some unknown person. Sorry, but I'm having a hard time trusting that person; I agree with Kaiba and you know it's bad when both of us agree on something."
Yugi chuckled slightly "I don't blame you… but it's all we can do."
SCENE CHANGE (Jaden's House)
"KYA" a loud squeal echoed from the house. The squeal belonged to Jaden's mother as she had just met Alexis. Alexis had come over to greet Jaden and see if he was read to go when she was introduced to his parents and they told them about their relationship. "My Jaden is engaged" she said happily.
Jaden looked so embarrassed as his mother fussed over Alexis like a mother hen. Jaden's father on the other hand was grinning as he clapped his son on the shoulder "Good job son, she's a pretty one." That only added to Jaden's embarrassment.
Finally he called "Okay mom that's enough; Alexis and I have to go register for the Kaiba's Ultimate Tournament."
"Ah, my son and his fiancé going out to duel together, so sweet" his mother continued to gush happily. Jaden too that time to leave with Alexis leaving his parents behind to happily gossip about their son's relationship.
"Good God, now I know how you feel" Jaden said trying to rid his face of his blush.
Alexis giggled "They seem like really nice people. Your mother seems especially happy."
"She's been like that ever since she discovered her first grey hair when I was 14" Jaden said. "Ever since she's been pressuring me to find a girlfriend and give her grandchildren before she turns old, grey and brittle."
Alexis blushed and giggled slightly imaging children "I-I think we're a little too young for that."
Jaden also blushed "Y-Yeah same here; I wouldn't mind kid's sometime in the future. What about you?"
"I've always loved children; I definitely want to have some in the future" Alexis responded. Both smiled and shared a kiss before moving onto the local game shop. It was packed and it took them about an hour of standing in line until they got to the front.
"Let me guess you want to register" the man in behind the computer said in a tired voice. Apparently he had been doing this for a little too long without a break.
"Uh, yes please" Jaden said.
"Name" the man said.
"Jaden Yuki" Jaden responded. The man typed Jaden into the computer and was surprised; it showed Jaden as a 5-star duelist with his rarest card being Elemental HERO Neos.
"Five-star duelist; that's the highest rank a duelist can achieve" the man said. "First one I've seen all day; congratulations. You qualify for the Ultimate Tournament. Here's your locator card."
"Thanks" Jaden said taking the card. He stepped aside so Alexis could step up.
"Name please" the man said.
"Alexis Rhodes" she said. The man typed in her name and got her information. She was a four-star duelist with her rarest card being Cyber Angel – Dakini.
"Four-star duelist; you qualify" the man told her. "Here's your locator card."
"Thank you" Alexis said gratefully before she left the store with Jaden. Now the two of them were out in Domino City with the Ultimate Tournament only a few days away from starting. Everything was beginning.
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