Merry Christmas season to all; no I'm not done yet but I wanted to wish you all a happy season. And thanks go out to the person reviewing my stories. I would like to see more reviews; it is the only way I will learn how to improve. Also working on a way to eliminate Zips once and for all and it starts tomorrow.

Chapter 8 Changing the Rules

Brett and rest of the guys stayed at the infirmary for the rest of night. The next morning came; bringing many students to the infirmary for medical attention after the massive duel event. It was all to clear now to everyone that Viper was behind all of this. Everyone confronted the now acting head of the school Professor Crowler and Professor Napoleon. Brett was the first to begin an assault of statements; "what do you mean the Chancellor is gone?"

"Exactly what we said, the Chancellor has just left" Crowler said, Jesse just looked at him while speaking "well he picked a fine time to go a wall. I mean we have an entire school of students who are dropping like flies."

Napoleon was sweating like mad; he had no idea how to run this school, or make an executive decision. "Fine then what do you purpose we do about this situation?" Napoleon questioned, but Jaden already knew exactly what they had do. "We have to find Viper and get him to pay for what he has done. Only when Viper is beaten will all of the bio bands stop draining our energy."

Crowler looked worried, he was the adult in charge but he had no courage to hunt down Viper. "Very well you and your friends shall go hunt down Viper, which is my decision." Crowler and Napoleon smiled knowing they had dodged danger and responsibility again. "Yes I agree with my colleague, you shall find this mad man. Now bonne voyage!" The two professors left the office saying they had important matters to attend too; leaving Jaden and his friends to find and deal with Viper.

"Wells that is just great they want us to find the crazed lunatic who is endangering lives" Jesse said with a sigh. Jaden got a call on his PDA; saying that Adrian was awake, and that he had information on Viper's whereabouts. Jaden and the others began to run to Adrian's room; Jaden looked back at Brett who stood perfectly still. "Brett you coming, I thought you would want to get even with Viper after what he has done?"

Brett looked up; he was incredibly conflicted about which path was correct. He could go defeat Viper or stay and help the students. "I think it would be best if I stayed here. I may be able to help more here, then if I go with you. Jaden you'll be fine; you have Alexis, Jesse, Jim, Syrus, Hasleberry, and god knows who else will join you on your quest." Jaden looked at him in question "you sure?" Brett just nodded; "Jaden this your fight; you are the person who has to end this. Not that I would not mind fighting Viper." Brett turned leaving for the infirmary; Jaden and his group left in the other direction, going to see Adrian.

Brett arrived at the infirmary; he arrived to see an incredibly long line up of students who all looked in rough shape. Brett entered the infirmary; only to see Crowler talking to Mrs. Fontaine. "What would you like me to do about it; we simply have too many injured students hanging around. We simply do not have the supplies or manpower to heal this many students." Mrs. Fontaine sighed, feeling vastly overwhelmed by the work ahead of her. Brett stepped up speaking in a confident voice. "I'm going to help if that is ok with you Mrs. Fontaine. I don't know too much, but I'll do what I can; I do know some things about the body."

Mrs. Fontaine smiled at Brett; she was happy to hear him with confidence in him for once. "Thank you Brett, but where is Jaden and the others. Shouldn't you be with them?" Brett looked out the window; he spoke in a quieter voice. "They went after Viper." "They went after Viper?" Mrs. Fontaine questioned, with a stunned look at Brett. "Who let them go? That is far too dangerous for students to do; especially if Viper is really behind these duel incidents."

Brett turned and pointed to Crowler; "he did, he gave them the permission to hunt Viper down." Crowler freaked out at how much trouble he was in. Brett continued; he closed his eyes before he continued to speak. "It's Jaden's fight; he is the hero who will defeat Viper. He will be fine, I doubt we really have to worry that much. How is Blair?" Mrs. Fontaine turned looking at Blair "Blair and Marcel are fine, they just need more rest." Brett nodded, happy Blair was alright; Crowler snuck out of room while Brett and Mrs. Fontaine, running down the hall to hide.

The next four hours, Brett helped Mrs. Fontaine through the army of injured duelists. Mrs. Fontaine could not believe how skilled Brett was; either he was shy about his skill, or he was a very quick study. Regardless, Brett quickly got through more students then Mrs. Fontaine did; he easily and quickly diagnosed each of the students that he examined. Soon the line was down too only a few students, but Fontaine was worried. Even she had taken a break; but Brett was barely showing any signs of fatigue.

Blair slowly awakened getting up feeling completely recovered; she sat up and saw Brett finished helping a student, sending the student on his way. But then it hit him, a aura that was powerful, and it was coming from the old research facility. The aura forced him to his knees, it felt evil. Blair and Mrs. Fontaine rushed to his side. Mrs. Fontaine spoke with serious concern in her voice. "You have been working for hours non stop; you need to take a break. I thank you for all your help but you are only hurting yourself now."

"I'm not tired; something is about to be unleashed. I have to go now!" Brett got up running towards the exit Blair grabbed his arm pulling him back. Brett turned around to see what was holding him back; he turned around when Blair leaned in kissing him on the lips. Brett was speechless, but Blair was the first to break the scientist. "You saved me again; just promise you come back safe ok?" "Brett thank you for all your help, and be careful" Mrs. Fontaine said to Brett seconds after Blair finished. "I will, stay inside the school" Blair told Brett before he ran out the door.

Blair looked at the door; watching Brett leave to go help his other friends. "He's been pushing himself too hard hasn't he?" Mrs. Fontaine questioned Blair; her face smiling when she saw Brett was still the same. "Looks like that time alone with you did him a lot of good."

"He has been straining himself a bit" Mrs. Fontaine spoke, but Blair looked to the door; starring into space, wondering if he would be ok. Only a few words escaped Blair's lips; "sounds like Brett. He is always going beyond his limits; like he has an unlimited supply of energy. I can only hope he truly does; I do not want to see him injured again." "I was surprised when he carried you in with a sprained arm, but today he helped me with a hundred patients, and now he is off to help Jaden." Blair continued to stare at the door; almost like Brett was about to walk in at any moment. Mrs. Fontaine knew she could only comfort the maiden who was in love with Brett. "He will be fine Blair, he is special."

Brett had left the school running as fast as he could, to the aid his friends. His senses screamed to him saying that something evil was coming from that research center. Brett finally arrived at the center; the entire facility was locked down tight so that no one could enter or escape. He had to find a way in; he searched the premises before finding a latter that led him to the roof.

Brett stood on the roof scouring for a way to get in. Then the roof began to move; splitting into two pieces. Brett quickly noticed; running to the separating center of the roof. He looked down to see a helicopter platform raising from the black abyss. Brett jumped in the widening hole; landing in the center of the platform, standing between Viper and Jaden. "Viper, what are you trying to unleash?" Brett questioned Viper; he laughed before he answered Brett, saying "wouldn't you like too know." "Viper I have had it with these games!" Brett yelled; he ran forward towards Viper launching a fist at Viper.

Brett's fist landed right in Vipers palm doing no damage. Viper laughed as he grabbed Brett's fist; swinging him around before he tossed Brett far back as far as he could. Brett came crashing to the ground; only inches away from falling off the platform. "This is between me and Jaden, and you shall get you're answer one way or another." Viper stated; Alexis ran over to Brett who was not far away from the edge. "You ok, I thought you were not partaking in this" Alexis said as she smiled at Brett. "Alexis were in big trouble. Something is coming is growing and I can feel its presence from the school."

Alexis helped Brett back over to the others. Hasleberry rushed over to aid Alexis; he put Brett's other arm over his shoulder. Hasleberry asked Brett; "Is it Viper that you sensed?" "No it is something else" Brett was able to stand without aid; Jaden turned saying "Glad you came, but leave this to me."

There was little Brett could do besides watch the duel take place. The duel was long, with each opponent trumping the other constantly. Viper summoned and sacrificed legions of snake monsters all for his victory. Soon though it came down to do or die, as Jaden pulled the card he needed to finish the duel. Jaden won as the bio band took effect draining both duelists energy. This time a pillar of light engulfed the research center. Everyone opened their eyes to view a glowing gold outline of a boy with a monster claw in front of Viper.

"My boy, you have come back!" Viper said as his eyes began to water. "This is your reward for serving me; it is just too bad you failed me Viper." Viper's expression turned to fear as he was engulfed in light. The field of light spread across more of the island; a bright flash forced Brett and everyone were forced to shield there eyes.

When the light; faded they were no longer on Duel Academy Island, but in a large desert that stretched as far as anyone could see. Viper was gone, and there was no trace that he ever existed. They were still a top the platform in the middle of a desert, but behind them was Duel Academy with part of the mountain attached. Jaden looked around; he tried to lighten the mood as he jokingly said. "I don't think were in Kansas anymore."

Brett looked off into the distance; he scanned the whole are before he replied added to Jaden's comment. "I don't think were on earth anymore." Brett pointed to three suns in the sky, and it was obvious to everyone that something was very wrong.

"Duel Academy is still here though, and we are still a top the platform, and Viper is gone. Think it had something to do with that glowing figure." Brett shrugged at Alexis's comment; before responding. "That is not important; we have to get back to the school. There is going to be a lot of worried people, and confused about this state of affairs." Jesse looked over to Brett; he knew why Brett wanted to get back. "Worried about Blair?" Brett nodded; then the tower sunk into the sand slightly putting it on a slight slant.

Everyone stabled them selves from the slight collapse; he walked to the ledge as he jumped of landing on his feet like it the drop was nothing. "Alright you guys before that tower collapses; jump!" as Jim, Jesse, and Hasleberry jumped off landing without problem.

Alexis was about to jump but she slipped on the metal surface she began to scream falling towards the earth. Brett heard Alexis; he ran under her catching her out of the air. He set her on her feat; she was slightly blushing but she thanked Brett for saving her. Syrus jumped down too landing in Hasleberry's arms. Jaden who was still week slipped as well on the metal surface; Jaden yelled for someone to catch him.

Brett instinctively heard the cry for help and knew he had to help; he positioned himself under Jaden catching him. Jaden looked at Brett as he sarcastically said, "Oh my hero!" Brett was so shocked and embarrassed, that he just dropped Jaden on the ground. Jaden came crashing down. Recovering from the pain; Jaden looked up at Brett and asked; "what? Something I said?" Brett turned away, trying to regain his composure before he said; "come on guys let's get moving."

The group set out heading back to the school. They walked for a bit before the tower came crashing down behind them. Brett did not even bother to look back; but then he was able to hear moaning coming from nearby. He looked around and saw Axel under a pile of ruble. Everyone rushed over to help Axel; Jaden looked on concerned for Axel. "You ok Axel?" Axel looked up; trying to look tough; but he weakly spoke. "I'm fine but think you could get me out of here?"

Hasleberry and Jim tried to lift the ruble, but the large slabs barely move. Brett stepped up grabbing the slab as he flipped over the large slab holding Axel in place, almost effortlessly. "Wow Brett I never knew you were that strong" Jesse said; Brett looked at his hands before he answered Jesse. "Neither did I; this strength, where did it come from. Never mind; let's get going."

The now slightly larger group continued to travel; the heat from the suns was starting to become evident with each meter they traveled. They approached the school when Winged Kuriboh appeared clear as day; the creature motioning to the school before flying off. "That was weird the heat must be getting to me, I thought I just saw Winged Kuriboh" Alexis said; sighing from the extreme heat. Brett shook his head defiantly; "No that was real; and look that person is under attack. Come on Jesse we better go help!"

Winged Kuriboh had arrived and was distracting the real Harpy Lady; the distraction aloud Crowler escape from the clutches of the monster. Jesse ran in shouting "If that monster is real then so are mine, I summon…" but was cut off by Brett running in front of him. "Stop, remember the bio band, let me take care of this" as Brett drew a card; "Axe of Despair!"

The Axe of Despair appeared in Brett's hand; he ran forward slicing at the Harpy who dodged the slash of the axe. Brett motioned the Kuriboh to get out of there; the Harpy swept in at top speeds. Brett rolled to the side as he swung his Blade as it clipped the monsters claws. The Harpy was afraid to lose; the force of the blow had hurt her slightly. She began to flee flying away fast. Brett was unhappy that he did not defeat her; since she probably had attacked first without being provoked.

Brett squinted; he focused in on the monster, "your not getting away that easy!" Brett hurled the axe at the creature; it flew at the creature, nailing the Harpy in the back. Everyone was speechless at the display of skill; Brett slowly calmed down, trying to slow his hearts pace. Jesse ran over "Brett that was an amazing throw!" "Huh what happened" as Brett held his head.

"That was cool Brett you fought a duel monster and won!" Jaden was his same old self; completely thrilled with the performance. Brett had no memory of what had just happened; but he shook his head dismissing the fact that he could remember doing nothing. "Come on guys, we should get to the infirmary."

Everyone went by Brett except for Alexis who stopped beside Brett. She put her hand on his shoulder; trying to comfort him. "Brett are you ok? It looked like you lost control." Brett was almost shivering; he spoke in a quivering voice. "I did… I do not remember what happened out there, or anything about the fight. I'm starting to worry about what I'm becoming. I lifted that rock like it was nothing and now I lost control. Was that fortune teller right?" Alexis but her hands on his shoulders as she moved behind him; "Don't second guess yourself right now; you know we need your help. You are still you."

Brett nodded before Alexis began to lead him away; and they all went to the infirmary. Jaden had taken Chazz's spot, and Axel was put in another free bed. Brett went over to Mrs. Fontaine questioning where Blair was. She told Brett she left with Marcel but she promised she would not leave the school. "Come on guys, let's round up all the students we can." Only Jaden and Axel stayed behind resting in the infirmary.

Everyone split up; scouring the school for duelist before bringing them to the gym. Hours passed and Brett continually brought more and more duelists. The PDA communications were impossible; there was far too much static interference to get a clear communication line.

Brett was heading back when he saw a disturbance happening in the gym. Duelists argued with each other on how to possibly handle the situation. Brett was in no mood; yelling as loud as he possibly could. "Silence! School may be out bet let me tell you two things I know for certain. One bio bands are active so no strenuous activity. Two, we know that if we want to get home we all have to stick together. Now no one is to leave this gym, and for the love of god sit down and shut up."

The duelists all sat down quietly now; soon came the announcement that someone was approaching Duel Academy. Brett went to run but ran into Britney; her eyes lit up when she realized it was who it was. "Hey have not seen you in a while how are you doing?" Brett looked at her seriously; "not right now, we have problems. Just stay in the gym no matter what got it?" Britney shook her head in compliance.

Brett ran outside just in time to see the Topaz Tiger crushed another Harpy. The other two backed up before they swooped in again to attack. This time there path was blocked as a flying sword that flew past their faces; stopping their assault. "Like my Sword of the Deep-Seated?" Brett said; the blade reappeared in his hand when he finished his question. The harpy sisters fled as Brett stood there and watched.

The stranger had passed out; and the duelists rushed him to the infirmary. They put him in a bed as more room was made, but the infirmary was filled to capacity. Jaden was being commanded by Mrs. Fontaine to stay and rest. "So what are you guys going to do now?" Jaden asked Jesse. Jesse looked at Brett who was standing by the door; looking furious like he was depressed. "Well Brett, Jim, and I are going looking for the last of the students. We still have not found Blair and Brett is probably worried sick."

Jesse felt a hand on his shoulder; he turned to see Brett who was smiling at him. "Thank you Jesse for helping me." They soon left and began their search through the school. They checked every class, nook, and cranny looking for missing students. The search led into the night as Brett continued to move faster and faster; he desperately wanted to find Blair and see her smiling face again.

"Brett slow down, would you. It may be easy for you to walk fast but I have a crocodile on my back." The crocodile growled on Jim's back, when he finished his comment. "Sorry but I'm worried, I still feel that evil presence around here. If Blair or anyone gets hurt…" as Brett was interrupted by a loud blood curdling scream, and Brett knew it was Blair's voice.

Brett took of down the hall at top speed; leaving his allies behind. Brett came upon Blair shortly after; he saw her lying on the ground with a bright orange scar on her arm. "BLAIR!" Brett shouted at the top of his lungs. Brett's rage built as he began to form a fist, rage building up as he lost control to his emotions. His fist hit the ground cracking the floor beneath the fist.

Jaden, Axel, Jim, and Jesse arrived at the scene; Brett spoke in a voice that sounded as if someone else was speaking the exact same words. "I shall kill who did this." Jaden went beside Brett grabbing his fist; "No Brett we need to get Blair to the infirmary, now." Brett shook his head coming back to his senses; Axel began to talk a few seconds after Jaden. "Yeah, you and Jaden get Blair out of here. You will guys get Blair to the Mrs. Fontaine; and we shall go find who did this to her."

Brett picked Blair up in his arms; he looked to Axel, Jesse, and Jim. "Thank you; you guys be careful." Brett finished speaking; he took off down the hall as fast as he could go. Jaden watched him for a split second before yelling to Brett. "Hey wait for me too;" and Jaden took off after Brett.

They were halfway there when Blair began to talk; causing Brett and Jaden to stop. "Brett, Jaden you rescued me didn't you?" Brett held her tight; "Blair who did this too you?" Blair passed back out; leaving Brett holding her tightly. Brett turned to Jaden speaking in quivering voice; "come on we got to move fast. Hold on Blair."

In the library stood Marcel; who now had a monster arm and was acting very different. He was now possessed by the creature that destroyed Viper earlier. He smiled speaking with a happy and confident tone; "Jaden soon we shall play." Silently a man in a black cloak appeared behind him from no where. "So you are the dark presence I have been sensing in this world. You have done me a great favor so far; but how about I make you an offer you could never refuse?"

"I'm listening, but who are you?" The new Marcel looked to the stranger; his level of intrigue constantly growing. "My name is meaningless, but you may call me 2."

"That is a weird name, how did you get that?" questioned Marcel. "It is not a name, it is a rank. I prefer strategy and overwhelming my enemy. But if you aid me the rewards will be what ever you desire."

The cloaked man flung a package of cards to Marcel. "You shall summon those cards, as you sit back and watch the show from here. So long as my target dies then it matters not what you chose of those to kill him with. Give them obstacles till the perfect time to strike him down. I shall show the world the world a show they will never forget; that will end with a hero's death."

"You speak of the one named Brett?" questioned Marcel. "Yes he is my target; we shall talk about the plan more in a bit, but first. I just wanted to thank you for injuring the girl. If I can make him lose control; then odds are he will lose his head, and he will fall to my blade. But we must soften him up. Do you have an ability to control people?"

"I could have this entire school under my control in a matter of hours." Marcel laughed; his new ally continued to speak. "We have much to discuss, but first I need to know your name."

"My name is Yubel, and this should be fun for the both of us!" The man drew a long blade and a pack of cards; before speaking to Marcel. "You have no idea how much this means to me."