Before we begin, vote time. Should Jaden be with Alexis or Blaire?
-x-
"Alright," said Jaden as he grabbed Adam's arm. "I want some answers. What's this about bait? And why are they stealing souls and duel energy?" Adam sighed.
"Don't look at me," said Adam as he managed to free himself of Jaden's grip. "This was Kaiba's plan. As for why they are trying to steal people's souls and duel energy, well I have an idea. You see, a couple of months ago, three cards were stolen from my father."
"Let me guess," said Jaden. "Copies of the Egyptian Gods?" Adam shook his head.
"No, but close," he replied. "They were created around the same time as the Egyptian Gods, the Wicked God cards."
"The Wicked God cards?" repeated Jaden. "Never heard of them."
"Not surprising since their existence has been kept top secret," replied Adam. "These monsters are nearly on par with the original Egyptian Gods and Sacred Beasts. But, one thing remains clear that they could do a great deal of damage to this world if they aren't used properly. Kaiba decided to use the same trick he used to lure out the last group of Rare Hunters and my father asked he to find their boss and defeat him.
"You see, in order to bring out the full power of the Wicked Gods, they need souls and duel energy. And, sadly for us, our souls are the most powerful because we can see duel spirits. Who knows how many more people like us are here today. After they have collected enough, their boss will try to defeat Yugi in order to possess his cards as well. Once that happens, we lose with no chance at a to be continued."
"Yikes," said Jaden. "These guys sound worse than the Shadow Riders, Society of Light, and Trueman combined. But, what's with the prize Kaiba mentioned?"
"Oh, that's to help motivate everyone," explained Adam. "He and my dad analyzed everyone's decks before inviting them and created a dragon card of some kind that will give their deck an advantage. I believe yours is a new Neo-Spacian."
"Really?" asked Jaden as he began to get excited. "That's so sweet! Well take down the bad guys, get a new card, and have a chance to become the next King of Games all at the same time! Could it get any better?"
"Jaden," said Yubel. "This might not be as easy as you seem to think. The Wicked Gods are not to be underestimated. I will protect you with all of my power, but it might not be enough."
"Thanks for the warning," said Jaden. He then turned to face Adam. "Listen, what these guys are doing is not cool. You can count on me to help out in any way I can." Adam smiled.
"My father was right about you," said Adam. "I'm sure you'll be a great help."
-x-
In an apartment complex not too far away, sat a man on an old sofa. He wore a black trench coat, white shirt, and jeans. Behind his small glasses a person could see his teal colored eyes. His blond hair was long and flat and ended in a dozen spikes. Suddenly, a ringing was heard. The man went to one of his pockets and pulled out his cell phone.
"Hello," he said. "I see, so he is here." There was a pause for a moment. "Don't worry; I'll keep up my part of the bargain as long as you do the same." There was another pause. "I'll keep that in mind." And with that, he hung up.
"Was that him?" asked another figure in the room. This one had blue hair and brown eyes. He wore a black sleeveless shirt, black shorts, and had chains hanging from one of his sides. The man nodded.
"The time draws near," said the man as he pulled out his deck. He then removed three cards from it and held them up high revealing the three Wicked God cards. "Soon, my rein will begin!"
-x-
"Serge," came a loud voice. It was early the next day and Jaden, Adam, and Stella were waiting in the city square for Syrus. The three of them turned to the sound of the voice and saw Syrus along with several others. The one who had called out was Hassleberry who still dressed that same way he did back in school. Chazz was there to and, like Hassleberry, he was still dress the same. Blair had on an orange short sleeve shirt and jeans. Alexis had on a matching blue top and a blue skirt. Jessie was there along with Ruby Carbuncle on his shoulder. He had on a button up white shirt and jeans. Last up was Aster Phoenix.
From what Jaden had heard they were all doing well. Chazz was in the pro league and was doing well. Hassleberry had just graduated and Alexis was attending a school to help her to become a teacher. Jessie was also in the pros and Blair was going to be graduating this year.
"Howdy Jaden," said Jessie as soon as they all reach their friend. Before Jaden could say anything, Blair jumped up and wrapped her arms around. Immediately after, Jaden fell onto his back and Blair refused to let go.
"I just knew I would see you again," said Blair loudly. "It's the power of love!"
"Stop that!" yelled Alexis as she went over to the fallen two. "You're causing a scene! Get off of him!" With that, Alexis proceeded to grab Blair by the back of her shirt and tried to pull her off.
"Hey Stella, how come you never do anything like that for me?" asked Adam. Stella glared at him.
"Why would I ever disgrace myself like that for you?" she demanded. Adam smiled.
"Because it looks like fun," he replied. Stella just rolled her eyes and turned away causing Adam to chuckle. After a few minutes, Alexis finally got Blaire off of Jaden.
"Hey," said Alexis as she helped Jaden get up. "So…how have you been?" Jaden shrugged.
"Not bad I guess," he said. "So, did Syrus tell you all about what's going on?"
"You bet your boats Serge," said Hassleberry. "And don't you worry because Troop Jaden is ready to march out on your command!"
"So tell me," said Aster as he turned his attention towards Adam. "What do these Rare Hunters look like?"
"I…don't have a clue!" announced Adam with a grin. Everyone else just face faulted and Adam chuckled. "I mean, it's not like they have a web site or anything."
"What's the deal with this guy?" demanded Chazz as he pointed at Adam. "How can you stand there, grinning, when you have no idea on how to find the enemy?!"
"Well," replied Adam. "If you duel someone, lose, and find out that you're having your soul sucked out then that means you found one." Everyone sweat dropped.
"What a moron," sighed Stella. "Let's just split up into pairs. Just look for creepy or oddly dressed people." Everyone nodded.
"I'll go with Jaden," said Syrus, Hassleberry, Jessie, and Blaire at the same time. They all blinked and then turned to face each other. Then…
"I've known him the longest," said Syrus. "So I should go with him!"
"Heck no son," said Hassleberry. "I can offer my strategic advice which is way better than yours."
"I think good old Rainbow Neos would be helpful," said Jessie.
"I've waited a long time to be with my Jaden," said Blaire. "And I have a new deck that will be really helpful!"
"Actually guys," said Jaden as he got their attention. "I was thinking of going with Adam since he knows about the Wicked God cards. Besides, I gotta see what else his deck can do!" Everyone sighed. Then, after several minutes of arguing, everyone else drew straws to see who would pair up with whom. Aster was paired with Stella. Chazz found himself stuck with Jessie. Syrus was with Hassleberry which left Blaire with Alexis.
-x-
It was now half past nine and Reggie was now looking for the guy who not only defeated him yesterday, but embarrassed him as well. He was from Obelisk Blue and some punk defeated him. It wasn't right! He was in such a rage that he didn't see the man in the grey kimono and hakama. The man had black hair that was tied in the back in a ponytail and wore his Duel Disk on his side.
"Watch where you're going loser," growled Reggie as he raised a fist at the man.
"My apologies," said the man calmly. "I am sorry for any harm I might have caused you. If you will excuse me, I'll be on my way." The man started to leave, but stopped when he heard a Duel Disk activate.
"Not so fast," said Reggie. "I think I'll give you the pleasure of being my first victim of the day. How does that sound?" The man turned around and put on his Duel Disk. As he did, Jaden and Adam just happen to be walking in their direction.
"Very well," said the man. "I Shinji, accept your challenge." When he finished saying that, a black circle appeared around the two of them. There were no flames or anything too dramatic other than a light pulsing. Reggie eyed it and sneered as he drew five cards.
"What's this?" he asked as he pointed at the circle. "Some kind of lame attempt to freak me out."
"I would never dream of it," said Shinji as he drew his five cards. "This is the power of my master at work. Once your life points hit zero, you will lose your soul. Also, it will be absorbing all of our duel energy while we duel."
"Whatever," sneered Reggie as he drew the first card. "I can see right through you and your lame tricks. Now watch how a real duelist duels! I activate the spell card: Reinforcement of the Army! This spell card lets me add one level four warrior monster to my hand. Next, I'll summon my Marauding Captain!" A blond haired knight with a red cape holding two swords appeared on the field. "Now his special ability activates which allows me to special summon one level four or lower level monster to the field. And I pick my Command Knight!" This time it was a female warrior who appeared. Her armor had a winged design on it as was a bright red with a black cape. On her side was a golden sword. "And her special ability is that all warriors on my side of the field get a 400 attack point bonus!" Both monsters, whose original attack points were 1200, suddenly rose to 1600. "I'll then set one card face down and end my turn."
"Wow," said Jaden as he watched this. "Two monsters with 1600 attack in one turn. That's not bad. He might win this."
"Maybe," said Adam as he eyed the opponent. "But this guy is a Rare Hunter and he hasn't made his move yet."
"My turn," said Shinji as he drew a card. "I'll start with the spell card: Six Samurai United!" As soon as he set that card down, a large crest appeared behind him. "Each time I summon or special a monster with Six Samurai in its name this card will get a counter. Next I will play a monster face down in defense mode. Then I'll play the field spell, Shien's Castle of Mist!" The scenery around them changed as a dark forest. On each of the bare branches were crows with eerie red eyes. And behind Shinji was a glowing purple castle. "Now, I place one card face down and end my turn."
"I knew you had nothing," said Reggie as he drew a card. He now had three cards in his hand. "All you know is how to scare people. Now I'll attack with my Marauding Captain!" Once the order to attack had been given, the blond haired knight ran towards the face down monster. With a single blow the knight split the card in two to reveal a small, monkey like man holding a spear.
"Once you destroy Shien's Footsoldier in battle, his special ability activates," said Shinji. "Now I can special summon one level three or lower Six Samurai from my deck! And I choose The Six Samurai-Yaichi!" A samurai wearing armor that had a glowing yellow partner appeared on his side of the field. In one had it held a bow and on one of his eyes was an electric device which looked like a telescope of some kind. Its attack points were 1300. As soon as it was summoned, half of the crest behind Shinji lit up. "Then I'll activate my trap: Swiftstrike Armor! If I draw a Six Samurai monster during my draw phase, I will be allowed to special summon it."
"Big deal," said Reggie. "I'll just destroy it with my Command Knight!" The Command Knight rushed at the archer as she drew her sword. However, as soon as it was close enough, the archer pulled out an arrow and pierced it into the knight's chest. As Command Knight exploded, Reggie lost 200 life points bringing his total to 7800. Also, the Marauding Captains attack points went back to 1200. "What happened? My monster was stronger!"
"Yeah, I'm kind of wondering that myself," admitted Jaden.
"Looks like Reggie forgot about the field spell," said Adam.
"Allow me to explain," said Shinji. "When you attack one of my Six Samurai monsters while Shien's Castle of Mist is on the field, your monster will lose 500 attack points during the damage calculation. Now, it is my turn. I draw!" Shinji drew a card and then placed it on the field. "Due to the effects of my Swiftstrike Armor I'm allowed to special summon The Six Samurai- Kamon!" Now a red armored samurai appeared on the field and in one had was a stick of dynamite. This monster had had 1500 attack points. Behind Shinji, the rest of the crest light up. "I now send Six Samurai United to the grave to activate its effect which allows me to draw a card for each counter." The crest vanished and Shinji drew two cards. "Now, since I have at least one other Six Samurai monster on the field, I special summon Grandmaster of The Six Samurai!" Now an old man with long white hair appeared on Shinji's side of the field. He held in his hands a sword and his armor had a glowing white pattern. One eye was covered by an eye patch and he had 2100 attack points. "Now, before I attack, I'll use the special ability of Kamon which allows me to destroy one face down spell or trap card."
"What?" gasped Reggie as Kamon tossed a stick of TNT at his face down. A moment later the card exploded to reveal Blast with Chain. "Sorry loser, but the card you just destroyed was Blast with Chain! And when it is destroyed due to a card effect, I get to destroy one of your cards. So say goodbye to your Grandmaster!" There was a sudden explosion around the Grandmaster and he was then gone.
"I activate my Grandmasters special ability," said Shinji. "And that is when the Grandmaster of The Six Samurai is destroyed by one of your card effects, I can bring to my hand any monster with Six Samurai that is in my graveyard. So I choose the only one available, Grandmaster of The Six Samurai and then I special summon him again! Now, The Six Samurai-Yaichi, attack his Marauding Captain with Cyber Eagle Arrow!" Yaichi placed an arrow in his bow and aimed it right at the Captain. It then let the arrow fly and hit the Captain right in the middle of his chest and destroyed him. This brought Reggie down to 7700. "Now my Grandmaster will attack you directly with Honed Blade Assault!" The old now charged at Reggie and slashed his blade at his mid section. Reggie was now at 5600 life point and on one knee.
"What's the deal?" asked Reggie. "I really felt that. Is there something wrong with the hologram?"
"You may think what you like," said Shinji. "But this is a duel for your soul. If you wish to survive, you had better pick up your game!"
"Shut up," growled Reggie as he drew a card. "I'm not going to fall for whatever mind game your trying to play. I activate my Pot of Greed which lets me draw two cards." With that, Reggie drew two cards which brought his total to four. "I summon Gearfried the Iron Knight! Next I'll play Release Restraint so I can tribute my Iron Knight to summon Gearfried the Swordmaster!" One moment there was a warrior in black armor and then appeared a shirtless man with long black hair with 2600 attack points. "Next I'll discard one card from my hand to equip him with Wicked-Breaking Flamberge-Baou!" Gearfried suddenly got a new sword that had a red tint around it and his attack points went up to 3100. "Now that I have equipped him with a equip card, I can destroy one of your monsters! So goodbye again Grandmaster!" Once again the Grandmaster exploded.
"I activate his effect and bring him back to my hand," said Shinji.
"So what," snickered Reggie. "I'm attacking your Yaichi!" Gearfried leapt up into the air and then slammed his sword down onto the archer. He lost 500 attack points before it hit, but Yaichi was still destroyed and Shinji lost 1300 life point which brought his total to 6700. "I end my turn."
"Very well. I draw," said Shinji as he drew a card. He now held five cards. "I'll start by special summoning my Grandmaster once again! Then, since I have two Six Samurai monsters, I'll special summon my Great Shogun Shien!" Now, in between the Grandmaster and Kamon was a warrior in red armor with spikes on his shoulders. His face was hidden behind a mask and on his chest was a flame symbol. He held a single sword and his attack points equaled 2500. "While this monster is out, you can only active one spell or trap card each turn."
"Big deal," said an arrogant Reggie. "My monster is still stronger."
"I can fix that with Hand of the Six Samurai," said Shinji. Now a woman appeared on his side of the field dressed in a kimono armed with a dagger. "I now sacrifice Kamon to active her special ability which allows me to destroy one of your monsters!"
"Say what?!" yelled Reggie as the Hand of the Six Samurai appeared behind his monster and stabbed him. Gearfried then exploded and left Reggie wide open.
"I attack you directly with my Grandmaster," commanded Shinji. The Grandmaster charged at Reggie and once again slashed at his mid section. Now Reggie was at 3500. "Next will be my Hand of the Six Samurai!" Reggie blinked and the next thing he knew was that he was being stabbed from behind by the Hand. Now he had only 1900 life points. "Now finish this Great Shogun Shien with Shadow Flame Slash!" The sword held by the Great Shogun Shien began to burn black flames as he charged at Reggie and then slashed him into two. Once the arrogant boy's life points hit zero, his mouth opened and a ghost like head shaped like Reggie's came out and shot right up into the sky. Moments later the circle also shot up into the sky as Reggie fell to the ground. Shinji walked over to the fallen body and took both his locator card as well as his rarest card.
"Hey, are you alright?" asked Jaden as he rushed to Reggie's side. However, Reggie said nothing and felt cold to the touch. Jaden gritted his teeth and then turned to face Shinji. "Give back his soul now."
"I cannot comply," said Shinji. "That is beyond my powers."
"Fine then," said Jaden as he put of his Duel Disk. "Then I challenge you to a duel!"
"Very well then," said Shinji and he shuffled his deck. His life points resent and he then drew five cards. The black circle reappeared and began to pulse. "I draw." He drew one card. "I'll summon The Six Samurai-Yariza!" In front of him there appeared a samurai with a glowing blue patterned armor. In his hand was a spear with a white glowing tip and his attack points were 1000. "Next, I'll equip him with Legendary Ebon Steed and that will end my turn." A black horse appeared on the field. Yariza jumped into the air and landed on his saddle. When he did that, his attack points became 1200.
"Alright then, I draw," said Jaden as he drew a card. "I summon Elemental Hero Wildheart." A bronzed skinned man with long black hair appeared on the field. "Now attack!" Wildheart charged at Yariza and attacked with all its 1500 attack point might. There was an explosion and when the smoke cleared the horse was gone but not Yariza. "Hey, what gives?"
"It's the effect of my Legendary Ebon Steed," said Shinji. "If the monster it was equipped to was about to be destroyed, the spell card is destroyed instead. However, I still take the damage." As soon as he said that, his life points went down to 7700.
"Alright then," said Jaden. "I'll place one card face down and then let you make the next move."
"Very well, I draw," said Shinji as he drew a card. "I summon Spirit of the Six Samurai." Purple samurai armor appeared on the field; however it seemed that a ghost was wearing it. "Now I equip this monster onto my Yariza." As soon as he said that, the armor swirled around the spear holder and began to equip itself onto him and its attack points went up to 1500. "Next I'll equip him with Lucky Iron Axe." An axe appeared in Yariza's hand and its attack points went up to 2000. "Now attack!" Yariza ran towards Wildheart who tried to block the attack. But Yariza's axe cut through Wildhearts sword and Wildheart. The elemental hero was destroyed and Jaden lost 500 life points. "Now, due to the effect of Spirit of the Six Samurai, I get to draw one card." Shinji draw a card.
"And I activate my trap: Hero Signal!" said Jaden. "So come out Clayman in defense mode!"
"I end my turn," said Shinji as Clayman appeared on the field.
"Good," said Jaden as he drew a card. "I play Polymerization to fuse the Burstinatrix in my hand with my Clayman to form the Elemental Hero Rampart Blaster." A large monster with a shield in one hand and a gun for the other appear on the field in defense mode. Its defense points were 2500 and its attack points were 2000. "Now I cut my monsters attack points in half to attack you directly!" As commanded, Rampart Blaster began to fire several missiles past Yariza and at Shinji which lowered his life points to 6700. "I guess you're up now."
"My draw," said Shinji. "I play The Six Samurai-Irou." Now a samurai with a long sword and armor with a glowing purple pattern appeared on the field. Its attack points were 1700. "Now that I have another Six Samurai monster on my side of the field, Yariza can attack you directly!" Yariza dashed at Rampart Blaster, but instead of attacking it jumped over it with great agility. The monster then slashed Jaden, reducing his life points to 5500. "I end my turn."
"I draw," said Jaden. A smile appeared of Jaden's face when he saw the card. "I summon Elemental Hero Stratos!" Now a hero with a glider on his back appeared on Jaden's side of the field. It was in attack mode and had 1800 attack points. "Now I activate his special ability and destroy one spell or trap card on your side of the field for each Elemental Hero on mine. And I count two." Two mini twisters appeared from the glider on Stratos' back and destroyed both of the cards equipped to Yariza.
"My Lucky Iron Axe allows me to draw a card when it is destroyed by a card effect," said Shinji as he drew a card.
"That may be so," said Jaden. "But it won't help you now. Stratos, attack his Yariza!" Once again the twin twisters shot out from Stratos and hit Yariza, causing Shinji to lose 800 life points bringing his total to 5900. However, it was Irou who was destroyed instead. "Hey, what gives?"
"The Six Samurai know that sometimes you have to take one for the team," said Shinji. "If one is attacked while there are other Six Samurai monsters on the field, I can send a different one to the grave."
"Sweet," said Jaden. "That's pretty cool, but not as cool as my Rampart Blasters special ability." Once again, Rampart Blaster attacked Shinji directly brining his life points to 4900.
"My draw," said Shinji. "I play Six Samurai Unite!" The crest appeared behind Shinji once again. "Then I summon The Six Samurai-Zanji." As a counter appeared on the crest, a samurai with golden glowing armor appeared on the field. It held in its hand a golden glowing spear and its attack points were 1800. "Now Zanji, attack Rampart Blaster!"
"What?" asked a shocked Jaden. Zanji did as commanded and charged at the Blaster. However, the Elemental Hero blocked the attack with its shield and Shinji lost 700 life points which brought him down to 4200. Yet, as soon as he lost his points, Rampart Blasted exploded.
"If there is another Six Samurai monster on my side of the field, Zanji has the power to destroy any monster it battles after the damage step," explained Shinji. "Now attack him directly Yariza!" The other speared warrior nodded and this time threw his spear in the air and when it fell it hit Jaden. This brought the hero users life points to 4500. "I end my turn."
"Great," said Jaden as he drew a card. He now had four cards. "I play my Pot of Greed which lets me draw two cards." Jaden drew twice giving him five cards. "Next I'll play my Fake Hero spell card so I can special summon Elemental Hero Neos!" Now warrior in white tights appeared on the field. "Next I'll summon my Neo-Spacian Glow Moss." From the ground grew a figure that looked like a man. "Now it's time for Contact Fusion! I fuse together my Neos and Glow Moss to create my Elemental Hero Glow Neos!" The two monsters jumped into the air as the scenery became that of the galaxy itself. When the two landed, they were one. It looked like a glowing version of Neos with dreadlocks.
'So that's Jaden's contact fusion,' thought Adam. 'It seems to be more difficult than mine is and from what I have heard there is a serious flaw to it. I wonder how well it would do against my Tag Fusion.'
"Now, I destroy your Six Samurai United in order to attack you directly!" yelled Jaden. Shinji gasped in shock as his spell card was destroyed. A moment later he was wincing in pain as a spear made of glowing spores pierced him, bring his life points down to 1700. "Next I play my Contact Out which sends my Glow Neos back to my fusion deck and brings out the two monsters that created it. And the best part is that I can still use them to attack!" As promised, Glow Neos separated back into Neos and Glow Moss. "Neos, attack Yariza with Cosmic Crush!" Neos jumped into the air and then karate chopped Yariza in two and brought Shinji's life points to 200. "You're up next Stratos." Stratos created the twin twisters once more and sent them towards Zanji. This left Shinji with 100 life points. "And last is Glow Moss. But before he can attack, you have to flip the top card on your deck. This will determine what Glow Moss will do." Shinji nodded and drew his card. It was Shien's Castle of Mist! Jaden nodded. "Looks like he can attack you directly with Spore Spear!" Glow Moss created his spear from his body and then launched it at Shinji. When the attack hit he lost the last of his life points.
It was the same as Reggie. Shinji raised his head and opened his mouth to allow a ghost head of himself to escape into the air. Moments later the black circle shot into the air as well right after Shinji's body fell to the ground. Jaden, who had been drained of almost all of his duel energy, took a knee.
"One down," said Adam as he went to help his friend back up. "And only an unknown number left to go."