Anonymous Review 1: Question- why is it wrong to make fun of Camula for acting nothing like a vampire and being a rip-off of Sabrina from Pokemon, but it's okay when Littlekuriboh makes fun of Tea's friendship speeches and Mai's giant boobs? While I did make fun of Camula in my story, it was in a more lighthearted manner, while also fitting Jaylin's character. I did make that mistake of bashing a character as a joke and executing it poorly before (I got lots of crap for that -_-). Though, it works in this one, because in Jaylin's universe, someone like Camula would seem like a bad Twilight fan fiction villain in her mind. Keep in mind that Yu-Gi-Oh GX does not exist in her world and this isn't the same anime. It has many parallels, but there are also a number of comparisons. The only time I truly bashed Camula was in my authors notes, which have nothing to do with the story and stated that I was only stating opinions on why I don't like the character.
What do you mean by insulting those with different opinions than me? If you're talking about what I mentioned about the Nion Ad System, I seriously wasn't trying to insult them and I apologize if it did seem I was. I was trying to state how lazily done Camula was as a villain and how she seemed to not show that she gave a damn about bringing back her human race (though maybe that's just me nitpicking, but even cliche villains like that show the previous victims they've collected to bring back their people... just saying).
As for your second part. I have watched every episode and it is cheesy and goofy in many parts. Yes, it does have its dark moments, especially in season 3 and 4, but it's mostly goofy and lighthearted. Even with season 4, where it's the darkest, it still hold a bit of the cheesiness. Last I checked, saving the world with a children's card game is considered goofy. I'm also pretty sure that season 3 also included students turning into duel ghouls that force people to duel them, despite the fact that you could just hit them with a duel disk and run like the wind and, if that doesn't work, use one of Zane's electric shock collars to electrocute the bastards (though, that's just me). If that isn't cheesy, I don't know what is. (not to mention Linkara stated he loved Yugioh GX for its cheesiness)
Anonymous Review 2: When I mentioned that Camula doesn't act like a vampire, I was expressing that I found Camula's portrayal of a vampire lazy and cliche (in other words, there wasn't much creativity to her character as a vampire. I probably worded it wrong and I apologize if I did). The main point I was making is that your proof of Camula acting like a vampire were weak. My main problem with Camula is that she doesn't act like a vampire, because there's no reason stated why she is a vampire, except cliche assumptions. You are right about creativity, but the main point is Camula is not creative. There's no explanation about vampires at all. There's no explanation to, if Camula turning her victims into dolls would bring back her people (even if I was to go with the fact her Shadow Charm does give her that power, because that's totally not ripping-off of the millennium ring at all), why she never did it to previous victims. In fact, I still haven't found a reason why Camula would want to be a Shadow Rider (except the charm). Her stating that humans and vampires used to live together in harmony is weak too, since there's never a reason humans got along with vampires if vampires drink human blood. Just stating that vampires don't drink human blood would've been a good enough reason, but it never says that either. Another thing, Camula and the idea of vampires is never mentioned again. We never see Camula, we never see other vampires, and the episodes of Camula are never even mentioned. You could easily replace Camula with another Shadow Rider and nothing would've changed. You can't just introduce something and never mention it again, even if it is only one vampire appearing. This is a series, where you have plenty of room to go deeper into things like magic, darkness, or even vampires. I actually would like to know more about the vampires, besides that they used to be peaceful with humans before they slaughtered all the vampires. Even Twilight had more depth to their vampires. If there's no depth to a character (especially a villain), where he/she came from, or their race, in a world where you'd assume those kind of creatures never existed, why should I or the audience care? Even Kim Possible went into depth when introducing aliens.
Okay, enough about Camula, because this is getting ridiculous. I'm having to take up over 1000 words of an A/N just to answer both of your comments. If you want to discuss and debate about this, get your own fanfiction account, so we can have a decent conversation and stop wasting the rest of my readers' time. Camula isn't in the story, has nothing to do with Yugioh DA, and isn't going to improve it anymore or any less (the fourth wall joke doesn't count). If you want to debate with me about Camula, create a fanfiction account, so everyone else won't have to scroll down a bunch of nonsense they've already read three chapters ago. The discussion about Camula is officially closed until you both anonymouses can talk to me in a fanfiction account. Everything else, I will be happy to discuss. Review please!
The next day, after the Jaylin and Chazz duel, Zane was writing his assignment, using his laptop for any online help he needed. While doing this, Atticus was lying on the top bunk talking to one of his five girlfriends. Atticus had recently roomed in with Zane, since all the other rooms were taken and Atticus and Fuji were the only two people he would allow as his roommates. Jaylin would be an exception too, if the school wasn't so strict about boys and girls having separate dorm rooms.
"Sure, I'd be happy to, Olivia. After I finish your English paper, we can have the rest of the day to ourselves," Atticus told Olivia on the other line. "Of course the teachers won't notice. I'll purposely put a few answers wrong. They won't see the difference." Zane could almost sigh at the conversation being discussed between Atticus and the one of many on the other line. "Don't worry, it will still be high. I'll be over around... how's seven sound?" There was a pause, then Atticus' smile deepened. "Good. I'll see you then." Atticus kissed in the air, then hung up his cell phone.
"Aren't you supposed to be doing your homework?" Zane asked.
"Already did. I don't start at the last minute," Atticus teased as Zane looked over at shot him a glare. "You know, you used to not even study at all. I wonder what changed."
Zane concentrated back on his work, then sighed. He replied, "my parents said, if I don't show improvement, they'd kick me out of the house."
"That's it?"
"I wanted to know for sure if I would see you and Fuji again. I lost you two, because I was selfish and arrogant."
"Aw co'mon, Zane. It wasn't your fault... at least not just yours. I mean we were all equally involved. I should've told us to stop."
Zane sighed, then Atticus smiled, stating, "now cheer up! We can't rescue our friend with you moping like that."
"Do you have to be the optimistic one?"
"Someone has to!"
Zane and Atticus heard a scream from outside of the campus. They turned their heads to face each other before Atticus dropped himself from the bunk bed, landing on his feet. Zane immediately dashed out the door and down the steps to the outside of the campus. The boys ran outside where they heard the scream.
They gasped, noticing Dr. Crowler and Fonda lying on the ground unconscious with their eyes wide open. The students panicked in fear, staring into the eyes of a female former Obelisk student, judging by the uniform. This student seemed to be Zane's and Atticus' age with dirty blond hair that was shoulder length, and a few bangs that looped right over her eyes with the middle lock of her bangs between her eyes. Cold blue eyes matched perfectly with the heartless smirk that was written across her face.
Atticus' eyebrows rose, whispering, "Reggie?"
"Now, how about someone tell me where Jaylin Yuki is?" Reggie, who was really Nightshroud, asked everyone in a threatening manner.
"You won't know, because I'll be your opponent, bastard!" Zane shouted, marching forward.
"My, my, what made you decide to face me, Zane?" Nightshroud asked with a devilish smirk.
"Because I decided to face you! I'm ready to take you on and you can leave the rest out of this!"
"Hm... you're no fun. I suppose having her boyfriend's soul should get the bitch's attention."
"For the love of... why do you keep calling me her boyfriend!? We're not... you know what? Forget it! Call me whatever you freakin' want! I don't give a damn!"
"I'll make it easy on you. The last shadow game I played was a guessing game. What game would fit you the best?"
Zane began thinking. He could always play a diaha, but he wasn't sure, if he was ready for that. For one, he only has one monster as his Ka and would have to depend on that monster to win. It wasn't like Zane could choose whatever game he wanted. It had to be something Nightshroud or Reggie MacKenzie knew how to play. Atticus knew this as well.
"Dancing!" Atticus shouted.
"WHAT!?" Zane cried out with widened eyes.
"Reggie was a top notch dancer, when I was dating her. You both could have a dance battle or something. I mean you're a dancer yourself too, Zane."
"Atticus, you are completely-"
"BRILLIANT! I already have come up with the perfect game," Nightshroud said, raising up his index finger in the air next to his head.
"A dance battle right?" Zane asked with a skulk face. He turned to Atticus. "Remind me to strangle you alive after this."
"But even better. We will have three rounds and the one with the most wins, wins the Shadow Game."
"Sure didn't see that coming."
"But, here's the catch, the shadows of the Shadow Realm will be choosing a dance routine for us to do and we have to perform that dance. We are scored based on our errors in performing the dance perfectly. If one of us makes a miss, whatever part of our body made the miss or error will feel pain. Also, we will both be performing without sight. You could say that we'll be dancing blindly."
Zane instantly felt nervous, after hearing the rules. If he messed up a dance move, whatever part of his body made the miss would be feeling intense pain. Just one miss could result in the end of the game. Zane had to ignore any pain, if he made a miss. He furrowed his eyebrows and nodded his head, indicating he was ready and wasn't afraid.
"Very well!" Nightshroud smirked, snapping his fingers as darkness engulfed the entire field, giving him and Zane room to dance. Everyone else was pushed away from the field, including Atticus.
Jaylin, Ronda, Carl and Syrus came running to the area where they heard commotion. They all gasped when they saw Dr. Crowler and Fonda lying on the ground unconscious. Syrus was the first person to reach the teachers before everyone else. Jaylin looked out onto the field of the Shadow Game commencing and saw Zane about to play a Shadow Game against Nightshroud, who was inside the body of a former Obelisk female student.
Zane's sight instantly disappeared and he felt instantly more nervous than he ever was. He couldn't see anything, but could hear what was going on around him. His eyes would've seemed hollow from a common person's standpoint, including Reggie's eyes. Though, Nightshroud kept himself calm and in position, being that he was in control of the Shadow Game.
"The shadows will choose the dance number and show it to you through your mind. I figured that would be an easier way for the both of us to know. You also won't need to worry about music, since this Reggie girl seems to keep some good music for us to dance to on her MP3 Player," Nightshroud smirked, reaching into the breasts of the girl he was controlling and got out the MP3 Player, letting the dark shadows grab a hold of it and enhancing the sound waves of the music from the earbuds.
"I'm not going to question how a criminal from Ancient Egypt would know anything about MP3 Players, considering Atem knew how to use a payphone and evil Bakura knew how to work a Duel Disk," Jaylin muttered to herself boredly.
Zane was instantly informed what dance number he had to perform from his mind: hip hop. He was slightly relieved, since that kind of dance was very easy to do, and fun for the most part. One of the things Zane wondered about is, if he moved, would he accidentally hit Reggie or Nightshroud? Right now, Zane couldn't worry about that, especially since his life was on the line. He had to focus and concentrate.
The music started playing Imma Shine by Youngbloodz. The students, who hadn't run from the area for their lives, and stayed to find out more about what's going on, stood with such wonder on their faces. This wasn't the same Shadow Game Dr. Crowler or Fonda played against Nightshroud, especially with music being involved. Zane, then was shown the kind of dance move was he suppose to perform as if he was playing a Dancing game on Xbox Live or Dance Dance Revolution, only with moves to perform shown instead of arrows to step on.
From what the students could see, Zane and Reggie, or Nightshroud, were standing side to side, then began moving to the music. They'd walk forward, then moved their arms around like turning a wheel, then stretched their legs, almost doing the splits, while moving their body from left to right, forming a U shape. Everyone could already tell they were having some sort of hip hop dance battle, judging from the moves of their arms and legs, including the music they danced to. Alot of the students found entertainment in this, despite knowing what kind of game Zane was playing.
Zane turned his body, stomping his foot slightly closer than it was supposed to go. He suddenly felt a huge ache in his foot, cringing from the pain, but kept on dancing. Zane knew he had to focus on saving the students. It was hard not to mess up, after feeling the pain of his first one. Dancing took energy and the dancer would eventually start sweating. Dancing was, in a sense, like a workout.
The music finally stopped and Zane began panting. It took him by surprise when he heard clapping from the students. He didn't expect anyone to be watching.
"Guess Reggie liked American songs," Jaylin thought.
"The songs on that MP3 are actually songs she used to practice her dancing, depending on what competition she was going to. I'd have her plug it to a couple of speakers I'd let her borrow," Atticus explained.
"I suppose that makes- wait, you know her?" Carl asked with widened eyes.
"Of course! Before we became possessed by Nightshroud, we had been together for... I'd say since sometime in my Freshmen days."
"Of course you dated her," Jaylin said, making a face, while also stating the obvious.
Zane waited for the shadows to pick the next dance number he was going to perform. It was to be a Bollywood Dance to the song Chunari Chunari by Biwi No.1. For some reason, he was not surprised Reggie had that song on her playlist. A moan left from his nose, not really liking that he had to perform a Bollywood Dance, being that it just seemed too girly for the most part. At least it wasn't bellydancing.
"Looks like someone doesn't like the choice," Nightshroud smirked as Zane shot a glare, showing great annoyance.
The song began to play, Zane and Nightshroud being revealed what dance they had to perform. Their hips were swaying, while their legs were gliding from left to right or hopping from left to right. Their arms were swaying in different directions like waves of the ocean, almost like they were doing a hula, but with faster pacing, and their bodies would turn around half the time. It was obvious they were performing an Indian style dancing.
Atticus could almost chuckle at the fact Zane was having to perform a Bollywood Dance, being that he hated that kind of dance. Unfortunately, that was also a problem, since Zane was making more misses from this kind of dance than hip hop. Zane was trying hard not to fall over or make anymore misses, but it was hard not to. His body began to hurt, including his hips. Sweat was pouring from his face and could feel some on the back of his neck.
The song finally ended, Zane panting as the students applauded for his and Reggie's performance. It seemed that they had forgotten this was a Shadow Game where lives were at stake. Jaylin and her friends never bothered reminding the students that, since it was better than being traumatized from the Shadow Game. Though, the stakes were about to grow higher, and both Zane and Jaylin knew it.
Zane grabbed each of his arms, trying to stand on his aching legs to the best of his abilities. Each part of his body felt like a strain. He was counting each breath he took, feeling the intense pain from each of his muscles and body.
"I can already tell that dance was a bit difficult for you. You might've won the hip hop round, but you failed at this one. If you don't win the next round, I will feed your soul to the darkness, just like your two teachers," Nightshroud smirked as Zane glared in response.
"How do either of us know which one is winning?" Zane asked.
"I am the host of the Shadow Game after all. Someone's gotta keep count."
"Right."
Zane felt the shadows showing him the next dance to perform. The Tango to the song El Tango de Roxanne from the movie Moulin Rouge, though there was a problem: this kind of dance could only be performed by two people.
"Seems like we will need a dance partner for this one. Luckily, I brought backup just in case," Nightshroud smirked as Zane heard footsteps on the grass.
The students looked ahead, toward the location between the Abandoned Dorm and the forest, seeing a tall blond male former Obelisk student. Atticus recognized the male as David Rabb from his former English Class. Though, his eyes were darker now, being that he was being controlled by Nightshroud as well. He easily entered inside the barrier where the Shadow Game took place.
"I'm sure you know I can control multiple people at once with ease," Nightshroud stated in David's body.
"Yes, but that doesn't give me a partner!" Zane pointed out.
"Then, choose one. We've got a full crowd here. Would anyone like to volunteer? Of course, you have to be female, since the Tango requires a male and female dance partner, unless there are any guys that would be willing to perform the woman's routine of the Tango," Nightshroud offered, talking inside Reggie's body.
"I'll go!" Jaylin offered immediately.
"Jay, I know you're the dancer of the group, but can you Tango?" Syrus asked with widened eyes.
"Miss Gardner taught me all kinds of dance moves. Tango was one of them," Jaylin replied, then walked into the barrier, her eyes now glowing gold, then stood in front of Zane before letting her eyesight disappear. "You okay?"
"I'll live. I've never liked Bollywood Dances," Zane muttered.
"I hope you both are ready, because neither of you will see what the other one is doing and couple dance requires teamwork. If you hit a miss, you might make your partner hit a miss as well," Nightshroud, speaking through Reggie, smirked.
"Let's just get this over with!" Zane snapped.
"Hey Zane," Jaylin said. "Try loosening up a bit. We are dancing after all and Shadow Games usually are easier when you're having fun with the game."
Zane took a deep breath before the song began to play. Him and Jaylin began seeing what moves each of them had to perform through their minds, depending on that alone to dance correctly. In one single move, Zane had his right hand around Jaylin's waist and the left hand holding Jaylin's right hand. Their legs were following the other's direction, while Zane was the one leading Jaylin.
Of course, Zane's left leg didn't step back at the right time and an aching pain was felt on that leg. Zane hissed, but tried to focus back on the dance the best he could. He could hear Jaylin chuckling, then began feeling very annoyed. He focused on the moves he had to perform and performed them without thinking. He'd turn Jaylin around and she would perform one kick, then lead her body back, while Zane leaned in the same direction toward Jaylin. He couldn't see Jaylin, but could already feel his face was only an inch toward her neck.
Then, they snapped back up and Zane began leading Jaylin again, their legs moving the same direction at a slightly faster pace to the music. The students were chuckling and clapping at the performance, most of them completely forgetting this was a Shadow Game. In fact, Zane forgot he was in a Shadow Game, even with the pains he was feeling on his legs and arms. At one point, he laughed, which made Jaylin laugh too.
The song ended and there was a huge round of applause from the students watching. Nightshroud felt very annoyed, being that he had made misses. Though, it was harder to dance using two people, instead of one person. At the very least, he was able to get Jaylin to play the Shadow Game.
Jaylin's and Zane's sight returned and Zane remembered he was playing a Shadow Game. He turned to the two former students, controlled by Nightshroud, and shouted, "being that you didn't give me a Penalty Game, I'd guess I've won. Now, you return our teachers' souls right now!"
"And what makes you think I will?" Nightshroud asked in Reggie's body. "Even though Jaylin volunteered to help you, it was you I challenged. She can't do anything to even the stakes!"
"No, but that doesn't mean I can't," Zane said coldly as darkness surrounded his body and Gatling Dragon appeared in front of the two students Nightshroud was controlling, aiming right for them. The students gasped and began screaming and running from the area. "Last I checked, I believe Ka Monster spirits' attacks can give a ton of damage to dead spirits, especially ones possessing other human beings. Gatling Dragon, attack Nightshroud!" Gatling Dragon began shooting at the two possessed students, with their heads for guns, knocking both of them to the ground with three gunshot wounds and blood seeping from their mouths.
Zane was almost taken aback, feeling his stomach turning from the shock of the violence he was witnessing. It was different when he was finally doing it, than witnessing Jaylin burn a man alive. Though, he remained calm and kept reminding himself that the students were still alive and it was this or Dr. Crowler's and Fonda's souls would never return to their bodies. Besides, this was the best strategy Zane could come up with.
Nightshroud pushed himself up with Reggie's body, coughing and spitting out blood, while Zane walked to the girl and noticed a gold choker around her neck with the Eye of Horus in the middle. He took off the choker immediately and it glowed bright gold. Two glowing orbs appeared from the choker and Zane stared at them before they turned into the spirits of Dr. Crowler and Fonda.
"Wha... what happened!?" Dr. Crowler cried out, turning and seeing his unconscious body. "OH MY GOD, I'M DEAD!"
"No, you're not. You just need to return to your bodies," Jaylin explained.
"Oh... I knew that," Dr. Crowler replied as Fonda giggled, then her and Dr. Crowler returned themselves back into their bodies.
Zane heard footsteps and saw, what used to be, Fuji appear from the woods, picking up Reggie's and David's bodies, which held bullet wounds and were rapidly breathing.
"Fuji!" Atticus cried out as Truman smirked, being the one controlling Fuji, then disappeared in the blink of an eye.
Zane dropped to his knees, staring at the grass before Jaylin, Carl, Ronda and Syrus stood around him. Jaylin took the gold choker Shadow Charm from Zane and whispered, "we'll get him back."
"I hope so," Zane replied, then a smile appeared across his face. "By the way, it has been a long time, since I've actually enjoyed dancing. I think I might go back to it sometime."
"I've heard they hold competitions during June at Domino City," Jaylin smirked.
"I'll think on it," Zane smirked as Jaylin showed an encouraging smile in response.
A/N: Just to make this clear, I tried to make this chapter as realistic as I could, despite the lighthearted feel it's supposed to have. I based the dance battle off of a Dance game on demo on XBox Live where there's a dance battle feature you can do against a friend. It is hard to dance, when you're completely blind, which is why the dance with Jaylin and Zane is challenging for them. This would mean they would have to mainly depend on their sense of touch and hearing in order to know where the other person is. Other than that, a professional dancer could actually dance blindfolded, because it requires moving your body a certain way and timing. Zane and Jaylin were trained in dancing, so it works for them to dance blindly and still make an excellent performance.