The Academy burned.

The chilling sound of dying students filled the air, their bodies consumed by the blazing magma emerging from the volcano above. Bolts of lightning fell from the sky and vaporized those in their way, leaving the last survivors to face the fiends rising from below.

How had this happened?

How on earth had they let the school fall so far?

"Ohohohohoho!"

Oh. Of course.

It was them.

"Kami! Konami…!" Alexis sneered, clenching her fists. It took everything she had to stay on her feet, but she couldn't afford to back down!

"Rhodes," Konami replied. "I should've known that you'd come to face us. You were the only one, after all. The only one here who saw past my guise."

He chuckled softly, almost as if he were basking in all that he'd done. A twisted smile sat on his face, ugly and dark, just like him.

"But what good did that knowledge do you?" he asked. "You have no more weapons. No friends. In your quest to deny me what's mine by right, you've lost everything you once had!"

"D-Damn it!" she hissed, shielding her eyes as a sharp wind swept past her. "I always knew you were a piece of work, but destroying the school? You're insane!"

"The school?" Kami laughed. "Oh, please. Did you think we were stopping with this? Ha! Our power's already spread far beyond the shores of this island."

"Beyond?" she breathed. "What are you saying?!"

"Why don't you look at the news? I'm sure they'll be showing some interesting things," Kami said, smiling as she tapped her chin with a finger. "Hm, right about now."

Far in the distance, a pillar of light erupted beyond the horizon, so bright and vivid that it even blinded those fleeing from Academy Island! Within that enormous stream, Kami's Daedalus rose from the ocean, only to be caught in an onslaught of missiles raining down on its location.

A thunderous boom filled the air as the mighty explosion shattered the sound barrier, forcing Alexis to cover her ears as a mass of light filled her vision. As it faded, she'd hoped to see Kami aghast at her monster's defeat, but instead, she only saw her grin…

And her Daedalus, completely unscathed.

"W-What is this?!" she gasped. "That card! I-It's a monster!"

"Oh?" Konami asked with a smirk. "But I thought these 'monsters' weren't real?"

"GAH!"

With a frantic shout, Alexis woke and threw the bedsheets off her mattress. She wiped her brow, drenching her hand in sweat as her eyes scanned the room.

Clean and pristine, just as she'd left it. Not a single hair sat out of place. She sighed and slumped back onto her bed.

"A dream," she said, closing her eyes. "Of course. Of course, it's a dream."

How could it be anything else? How silly of her. Monsters weren't real, and neither were Kodo's Duel Spirits.

She glanced out the window, watching as the sun slowly rose past the horizon.

"And today, I'm finally going to prove it. Konami, your lying stops here!"

TAG FORCE ALTERNATIVE: LEARNING TO DUEL
LESSON FORTY
NOPE

"Alright, children," Professor Banner said hours later as they left the main gate, "stay close to me, and please remember not to touch anything once we're there."

'I bet you'd like that, wouldn't you?' Alexis thought, scowling amongst the group.

"Yes, Professor," she said, joining the chorus of the four boys beside her.

She'd expected Chazz to show up. These days, he always seemed to hover around her. But Syrus and Jaden were unexpected additions, and Bastion was far more surprising. Unwelcome, too, but Zane had gone through the trouble of making this happen, so she'd take a win where she could and put up with the not-quite genius for now.

And speaking of Zane…

'I can't believe he called me out in front of everyone like that!' she thought. 'Sure, I might have gone a little too far, but did he really have to go and embarrass me?!'

She shook her head. Couldn't he see that she only wanted to find out the truth? To prove to everyone, especially Jasmine, that Konami Kodo didn't belong here? She'd been fine putting up with his antics at first. He had acted like most first-year Obelisks. But once he'd gone and teamed up with that witch, she knew he was up to no good.

Why couldn't Jasmine see it?

Kami had gotten Mindy expelled, for God's sake! And the way Konami had maneuvered that scene, it almost felt like he had planned it! And now, here they were, weeks later, and he was doing it again!

His whole club was missing, Jasmine was hurt, and she was the only person who cared!

Okay. Maybe that wasn't entirely true. She had to admit the school acted. But suspension was only a temporary fix for what she knew was a much bigger problem. She'd thought for a moment the task force would help, but Sartorius was his old doctor! No matter how famous he was, there was no way she could depend on a person like that!

It was up to her and this motley crew to bring Kodo's truth to light. She didn't know how he had pulled off the trick, much less how he convinced Jasmine he'd saved her, but she would find out, and once she did, he'd never darken their day again!

"We're here," Banner said, coming to a stop.

Alexis blinked. Already? Had she really been lost in her thoughts for so long?

"Sweet place," Jaden said. His eyes twinkled with delight as he grinned at the structures beyond the foliage.

Alexis frowned. She wouldn't say sweet. The buildings looked old. Ancient! Half-crumbled ruins lay scattered about, covered with overgrown vines. Tiny critters and birds chirped freely upon them, eyeing their group, but they scattered before anyone could get a good look.

'Here's hoping his club didn't, too,' she thought.

"These ruins are located near several leylines," Banner said, taking a knee. "It is one of many such places nearby that carry tremendous spiritual power."

"Spare us the supernatural nonsense and get to the point, Professor," Chazz murmured. "You're sayin' this place is a hideout, right? Those losers staying in there or something?"

"If they are, it's not by choice," Banner said, reaching into his knapsack. The group watched on curiously, only to tense as he pulled out a shiny steel object.

"H-Hey, Jay, why's he got a machete? Is he gonna use it on us?" Syrus gulped.

Alexis rolled her eyes at Syrus's question. Of course not! He wasn't stupid! It was probably just a tool for cutting through the vines that surrounded these "so-called" ruins; something proved just a few minutes later as he cut a path straight through the vines. The group followed closely behind him, trying not to get tangled up in the thick foliage. After he hacked away for some time, they emerged into the small clearing, free to finally explore the dilapidated structures housing its overgrown center.

As they stepped into the clearing, Alexis couldn't help but widen her eyes in awe. Even if they were fake, these "ruins" were more impressive than anything she'd seen in photos. Made of stone, they held intricate carvings and strangely familiar hieroglyphs. It was hard to imagine that something so beautiful could be abandoned and forgotten.

"Whoa," Jaden breathed, glancing around. "This place is amazing! Right, Syrus?"

"Well, it's definitely seen better days," Syrus said with a frown.

"Stay close, children," Banner said as he dared to step in its entrance. "And please, please don't touch anything. There may still be traps set to spring."

Alexis pursed her lips but said nothing as the group followed him in. Sure, she didn't plan on believing whatever story he'd likely come up with, but she knew better than to actually say as much. At least for now, anyway.

After all, this was it, her chance to expose Konami as a fraud! She couldn't let this opportunity slip through her fingers! No matter what, she would win!

Her eyes darted back and forth as they walked, searching for anything "off." Anything that might point her and the others in the direction of Konami's dumb club.

But as they continued deeper into the ruins, her sense of excitement faded. They'd been walking for what felt like hours without any sign of anything happening!

More than that, the way the shadows darted on the walls made her uneasy. There was something eerie about this place. Something that made her skin crawl.

Apparently, she wasn't the only one who felt off by this little venture because not long after she noticed her unease, Syrus spoke up as well.

"Professor, are you sure this place is safe?" the boy asked, his voice barely a whisper.

"Yes, Syrus," Banner replied. "I've been here many times before."

"With the Occult Club?" Alexis pressed.

"By myself," he retorted. "Though I will admit I've told them of its location on Spooky Saturday."

"Spooky… Saturday?" she asked.

"The night we exchange scary stories," he said. "Old ghost tales, haunted campsites, anything that might give you nightmares."

Alexis sighed. "Wonderful."

"It really was," Banner laughed.

She pursed her lips.

'I was being sarcastic,' she thought, shaking her head.

"Nonetheless, as long as we follow the path, we'll be fine," Banner said. "There should be an open space further ahead. We'll rest and reconvene there."

Alexis nodded, shaking off her impatience to focus on the task at hand. She scanned the walls for any signs of hidden rooms or secret passages, but all she saw were the same carvings and symbols she'd seen outside.

"Professor, what is this place?" Bastion asked, no doubt wondering the same thing as her. "I admit I'm no historical expert, but these ruins are quite clearly ancient. More offputting are these carvings. Say what you will, but they're clearly Duel Monsters!"

Alexis blinked. Now that he mentioned it, she realized Bastion was right! Pictures of what appeared to be Duel Monsters lined every wall of the ruins. Familiar forms like Buster Blader and Swordstalker appeared on the carvings, doing battle against towering giants as humans ran away underneath them. Alexis had heard the stories of how such inscriptions had inspired Duel Monsters, but from what she'd heard, those tales were bound to tablets found in Egyptian pyramids! What was one doing all the way out here, on a nowhere island in the Pacific? Before she could deduce an answer herself, Banner provided an answer.

"Tell me, children," he said, using his flashlight to illuminate the walls, "how many of you are familiar with the Egyptian Gods?"

Alexis frowned.

"Are you serious?" Chazz asked. "What kind of question is that? The Academy dorms are named after them! Slifer, Ra, and Obelisk!"

"Quite so, Chazz. The three great defenders of Egypt," Banner said. "Called upon through the might of the Pharaoh to defend against Egypt's foes. It's said their powers were called many times to protect the people of Egypt, but a would-be usurper once sought to use their might to attack."

"What?"

'More like whatever. I don't see how it's important. Especially now,' Alexis thought with a scowl. She'd come to look for Konami's club, not take part in history class! But, as usual, the professor couldn't help but turn everything into a lesson. She groaned softly. She understood the professor's passion for history, but she wished he could focus on the present. On this! They were in the middle of an ancient ruin, possibly full of danger, and all he could talk about was some… story!

"Professor, I hate to interrupt, but what does this have to do with the missing students?" she asked. "No offense, but that's why we're here. I could care less about these old carvings."

Banner sighed. "No one has time to admire the classics anymore, but I suppose you're right. I got carried away."

"Hmph. Well, at least someone said it!" Chazz huffed.

"Aw, come on, guys. Relax, would ya? We're all on the same side here, aren't we?" Jaden asked. "Besides, what's the point of an adventure if you don't make time to have fun?"

"Fun?" Alexis asked, her voice firm as she swiveled around to face Jaden. "I didn't come here for 'fun,' Jaden. I came here to-"

"-prove yourself right?" Bastion asked.

Alexis glared at him. "What's that supposed to mean?"

"I mean, you seem pretty determined to prove Konami wrong. But have you stopped to consider that maybe he's not lying? That maybe there really is something strange going on here?" Bastion said.

Alexis scowled.

"Big words for someone who couldn't even scratch her Life Points," Chazz interjected.

"This and that are two different things," Bastion said. "And I won't lose again."

"Humph. Sure, you won't. And Jaden here will be the next King of Games!"

"Wow, you really think so, Chazz?! I never knew you believed in me so much!"

"Shut up, slacker! It's sarcasm!"

"Well, alright," Jaden laughed, "but if you wanna change your name, I think you could do way better than Sarcasm."

Chazz's eye twitched. "You know I mean, slacker!" he snapped, grabbing him.

Jaden laughed as Chazz throttled him back and forth like a ragdoll, forcing Syrus to jump between them.

"Hey, come on, guys! Break it up! You're gonna get us in trouble with Banner!"

"Indeed," Bastion said. "There's a time and place for such things, and this isn't it."

"Oh, shut it, nerd!" Chazz barked, but he did shove Jaden away.

The Slifer yelped as his back hit the wall, cracking one of the carvings.

"Hey!" he shouted, "Not cool, Chazz! You don't see me pushing you, do ya?"

"Spare me the lecture. I'm only hanging out with you posers so Rhodes won't go crazy! If she was stuck with you goons by herself, who knows what you losers might pull!"

"I can take care of myself, Chazz," she replied, not at all pleased by his actions.

"R-Right! Of course, you can," he averted his eyes. "But you never know…"

"As exciting as this all was," Banner said, narrowing his eyes at the group, "I do believe we came here for a reason, and it certainly wasn't for horseplay. If you two can't control yourselves, then I'll have to ask you to leave."

"Hey, it wasn't my choice to start fighting," Jaden pouted. "Blame Sarcasm over here."

"Why you-!" Chazz raised his fist, possibly to hit him again, but before he could strike, a loud noise erupted from the wall behind Jaden.

Alexis and the others gasped in surprise as the cracked carving exploded with light, engulfing them all in its blinding glow as Banner's shout filled the air.

"Everyone, stay together!" he shouted, reaching out for them.

But it was too late.

And as the light faded, everyone but him had vanished.

He glanced around, back and forward, making sure he wasn't tripping. But as he set his gaze on the cracked carving detailing a simple knight's image, he felt himself gulp.

"Oh, dear," he said. "This isn't good."

-GX-

"Mnnn… Nnn…" Alexis groaned, blearily opening her eyes. "What… happened…?"

She rubbed her eyes as she rolled over, having found herself on the floor. No, not floor, she realized as she felt the softness beneath her.

Grass.

Green grass. Had she somehow ended up back outside?

Groaning, she leaned up.

"Jaden?" she asked. "Chazz? Bastion? Syrus? Professor Banner?"

No one replied.

"Ugh, great," she mumbled, rubbing her forehead. After sighing again, she shook off her unease and forced herself to her feet.

"Hello?!" she called out across the plains. "Professor Banner?! Chazz?!"

Once again, no one replied.

Nothing but the occasional chatter of the surrounding wildlife.

What happened?

The last thing she remembered was…

"Ugh, Chazz," she groaned. "I should've known he'd cause problems. But that light…"

What was it? And how had it transported them?

She set the question aside for now. She had bigger problems to deal with. Namely, figuring out where she was and where everyone else had gone!

Rising to her feet, Alexis turned and studied the surroundings around her. The clearing she currently found herself in looked far different than the one the ruins had stood upon. For starters, the grass was greener. Softer. And it smelled sweet, almost majestic. Nothing at all like the jungle taste accompanying those at the Academy.

And the trees!

The ones she remembered were thin, overgrown, and crooked. But these trees were huge! Strong! Mighty! Their trunks were the size of ten men!

What was this?! Sure, she couldn't claim to have explored all of Academy Island, but she sure as hell would've noticed if the place had trees even half the size of these!

She was just about to write it off as a trick of the eye when she looked up. Upon doing so, she wished he hadn't, for in the sky sat two suns.

Her eyes widened.

"Wha-?"

She shook her head and looked up again. But just like before, two gentle suns shone down on the land.

She stumbled backward, tripping over a rock that landed her on her rear.

Two suns?

Two suns?!

What in the world was this place?!

She took in a breath and exhaled sharply. Then, she did it again.

"This doesn't make sense. It can't make sense," she told herself over and over. "None of this makes any sense…! I'm… I'm dreaming. I have to be."

She smiled.

"Yeah, that's it. This is all some sort of dream. I'm still in those ruins with Chazz and the others, and I-"

A growl cut her off.

Alexis froze.

Unbreathing, she slowly turned to face the noise, locking eyes with the crimson gaze of…

"A dragon?!" she screamed.

The dragon growled, its hot breath washing over Alexis as it moved closer. Its black scales shimmered in the light with each step, illuminating its appearance.

"No. This can't be real," Alexis said, shivering in place.

It couldn't be.

She knew this dragon. She'd seen it often on TV.

"Red-Eyes…!" Alexis squeaked.

The Red-Eyes B. Dragon roared.