Thriller Night Ch 6: Unraveling the Mystery

Radley stirred come morning. Kalin, on the other hand was still sleeping away. Radley looked at him sleepily and rested against the pillow. After about five minutes, Kalin slowly opened his eyes and peeked over to his friend.

"Hi," Radley smiled.

"Hey..." Kalin smiled tiredly.

"Sleep well?" Radley sat up.

"Yes, I did. You?" asked Kalin.

"Me too," Radley smiled.

"That's good. Perhaps we should get up now."

"Yeah, I think so." Radley got up to start breakfast.

Kalin went to fetch the newspaper. Radley soon had breakfast ready.

"What's for breakfast today?" asked Kalin as he walked back in.

"English muffins and bacon," Radley said.

"Look great," said Kalin.

"Thanks." Radley started to eat.

"I wonder what's in the news today?" pondered Kalin as he opened the paper.

It seemed like an average day. The reporters were still wondering where the monsters came from on Halloween. The problem had not been made public though.

"Hmm, some people are still wondering where the monsters came from," sighed Kalin.

"That's not surprising," frowned Radley.

"But do we really want them to know?" asked Kalin.

"No, not really. Let's let them keep wondering," replied Radley.

"Yeah, that would be for the better."

The Bunch arrived as breakfast wrapped up.

"Hey guys," waved Kalin.

"Hey!" Scotch grinned.

Radley greeted them too.

"Ready to go to the City?"

"Yeah!" they chorused.

"I wonder what we are going to learn today?" wondered Kalin.

"Hopefully something. Maybe no one will know anything," Radley said.

"Yes, that's a possibility..." sighed Kalin.

"Well, let's go find out." Radley rode off, leading them to the City.

Kalin was feeling a bit nervous. What if the enemy they had no idea who they were suddenly showed up? Radley was concerned too, but he was hoping against hope that the gems had been largely forgotten.

They arrived at the New Domino Museum at 10:45. Radley led them in.

"Hello, friends," Ishizu smiled.

"Hey, Ishizu," waved Kalin. "Good to see you again."

"Is this a casual visit or do you need help with something?" Ishizu asked.

"Well, we found some magical gems the other day that could open portals. As well as summon monsters," Kalin answered.

"I see. That is very concerning," Ishizu said. "Where did you find them?"

"We found the first one in a warehouse."

"And the others?"

"We collected them from someone who had them," Radley said vaguely. "They're from South America."

"Really? That is interesting," Ishizu said. "I will try to find out something about them."

"Here. We brought them with us."

Kalin opened the jewelry box and showed them to Ishizu.

"They're beautiful. Let's see if we can find them in the books." Ishizu went to a large encyclopedia and started looking.

Everyone waited patiently.

"It doesn't say much, just that the gems are rumored to exist and that in the wrong hands they could destroy the world," Ishizu said.

"Destroy the world?" gasped Luna.

"Considering they can summon monsters, that figures," scoffed Jack sarcastically.

"Yes, they are very dangerous," Ishizu frowned.

"So then, what should we do with them?" asked Crow.

"Keep them safe," she said. "You must not let anyone steal them."

"We promise," nodded Akiza seriously.

"Does the person you took them from know you have them?" she asked in concern.

Kalin hesitated for a moment before replying.

"Unfortunately, yes. Because that person happens to be my father."

"... Oh, I see," Ishizu frowned. She could tell it was a touchy subject. "Was he trying to use them?"

"No, he thought they could make him rich."

"Do you think he would use them if he knew f their power?" Ishizu asked in concern.

"Perhaps. He was always reckless."

"That is concerning. Did you tell him of the danger?"

"Yes, I did. But my father was always stubborn." Kalin shook his head.

"Hopefully he won't try to get them back from you," she said.

"Let's hope not. I managed to escape from him once before, I can do it again."

"We won't let him do anything," Radley said.

"That's right!" added Jack.

Yusei nodded firmly. "We'll protect Kalin and the world."

"Hopefully it won't be necessary," Ishizu said.

"Yeah, he's been through enough," said Crow.

"Let's hope so," sighed Kalin.

"I'll keep looking for more information," Ishizu said.

"Alright, thank you, Ishizu."

"Of course," Ishizu said.

Team 5Ds waved farewell to Ishizu before leaving the museum. They planned their next course of action in the park.

"... I wonder if Goodwin knew about the gems," Yusei said.

"But he's dead now," said Akiza. "Who else can we ask?"

"What I meant was, there might still be something in his house," Yusei said.

"Hmm, do you think Lazar would give us permission to search it?" asked Akiza.

"I think he might," Yusei said.

"Maybe we can try to see him," said Akiza.

"Let's go over now," Radley said.

"Yes, let's go," nodded Kalin.

Yusei led them to city hall and Lazar's office.

"Hey Radley? Can I ask you something? Have you read about Director Lazar before?" asked Luna.

"Sure, and I've been told things too," Radley said.

"He helped with keeping the two halves of New Domino together!" said Luna.

"Yeah," Radley smiled. "So it should work out okay now."

Lazar looked up when they came in. "What can I do for all of you?"

"We discovered some magical gems on Halloween that have the ability to open portals," said Kalin.

He took the box out of his bag and showed it to Lazar.

Lazar stared at them. "So, this is some new potential world-ending problem?! Why bring it to me?"

"Since you once worked for Goodwin, we were wondering if there's info about the gems here," said Akiza.

"Well, I suppose that's possible. He didn't tell me everything," Lazar frowned.

"Is there any book on magical artifacts in his library?" asked Jack.

"Quite a few," Lazar said. "Of course, those are at his home, not here."

"Hmm, perhaps we should go there," said Kalin.

"I still have the key. I can let you in," Lazar said.

"Thank you, sir," nodded Akiza.

Lazar headed out with them, calling instructions to his secretary, and led them out to the mansion. He unlocked the gates and let them in.

Scotch looked around in awe. "This is amazing!"

Kalin was just as surprised as Radley. "Have you been here before, Yusei?" asked.

"A couple of times," Yusei said.

Lazar took them inside and to the spacious library. "Well, here you are. Browse to your heart's content."

"Oh, I see," said Kalin.

"Thanks sir," saluted Crow.

"Just let me know when you're done." Lazar started to head off.

"Sure thing," nodded Crow.

Yusei started going through the books. Everyone else also searched around the library.

"Here's something." Crow held up a book on the gems of the world.

"Gems of the world?" asked Leo.

"Yeah, famous and infamous ones," Crow said. He looked through it. "Yeah, they're in here. It looks like it's mostly info we already have, though."

"What's different?" Virgil asked.

"It just says cults were after them," Crow said. "Probably Iliaster too."

"Just imagine what IIiaster could have done with the gems," growled Jack.

"I don't think I want to know..." shivered Leo.

"What if it was someone from a cult who had them before your dad did, Kalin?" Luna asked in concern.

"Another cult? I've only heard of IIiaster and the Dark Signers."

"There's a lot out there. Or it could be remnants of Iliaster," Bruno said.

"I can't imagine why they would still be around though."

"Some random oddballs who can't accept it's over, maybe?" Crow said.

"We can handle them. They don't have any real power!" scoffed Jack.

"It's all hypothetical anyway," Bruno said. "There might not be any to handle!"

Yusei wandered about and found a secret compartment in a desk. "What's this?" He took out some papers. Goodwin had sketched the gems and scribbled things about them.

Akiza was just as shocked when she saw the paper. "What on earth?" She gasped. "It's the gems!"

"Well, he was certainly interested," Radley mused.

"As in opening portals so monsters can destroy the world?" asked Leo.

"It sounds like it," Yusei frowned, looking over the notes.

"And other crazies might feel the same way!" Crow groaned.

"And now that we have them, they might be after us," said Luna.

"I wonder if they tracked the gems to Kalin's father," Radley said. "He'd talk, wouldn't he?" He didn't have much hope otherwise.

"Most likely," nodded Akiza.

"As much as he hurt me in the past, my father might have more info on how he found the gems," said Kalin

"Yeah, we'll still have to talk to him again," Radley sighed.

They searched the other shelves and desks but didn't turn up anything else.

"I can't find anything else about the gems," said Akiza.

"Let's go then," Yusei said. "We'll have to see Kalin's father."

"Right!" nodded Jack.

They left and Lazar locked up.

"So ... we're going to the Satellite?" Scotch said.

"Most likely," replied Kalin.

Radley hoped this wouldn't bring a lot more pain. Yusei led them to the Satellite and towards the old home.

"Here's my old house. Be careful where you step," Kalin said as he opened the door.

Scotch cringed and looked around. The house reeked of alcohol and had dirt on the floor. Mr. Kessler was sacked out on the couch with whiskey. "Oh, you're home again, Kalin? I thought you'd be busy with all your new buddies and this Death God stuff."

"We went to see Lady Ishizu and Goodwin's library regarding the gems," said Kalin dead-panned.

"Yeah? You're really obsessed with those things, huh?" shrugged Mr. Kessler.

Kalin glared at his father. "We were wondering how you found the bank that was keeping them?"

"I didn't get them from a bank. I got them from a guy!" he protested.

"Why would anyone give them up?" Radley frowned.

"Well ... he wasn't in any condition to protest!" yelled Mr. Kessler.

"What do you mean 'not in any condition?'" asked Jack

"What did that guy look like?" asked Kalin.

"He was dead! Wasn't like he was gonna need them! ... But he was like that when I found him! I didn't do anything to him! He didn't look that memorable... Fat, balding, probably croaked from a heart attack or something," replied Mr. Kessler.

Crow tried his best to do a police sketch of the suspect as Mr. Kessler was describing it.

"Fat and bald?" asked Leo.

"Yeah! Dark hair, what was left of it."

"This is a different story than you gave before," Jack frowned.

"I just didn't tell it all before!" Mr. Kessler countered.

Crow grumbled to himself and quickly scribbled on hair onto his sketch.

"Did he tell you his name?" asked Kalin.

"He was dead, duh! How would he tell me?" asked Mr. Kessler sarcastically.

"Maybe you took his wallet too?" Radley said mildly.

Mr. Kessler grumbled and took another swing of whisky.

"What?!" said Jack in a frustrated tone.

"Okay, okay. Yeah! Have it! I don't need it!" Mr. Kessler tossed it at them. "The name's probably in there!"

Jack picked up the wallet and showed to everyone.

"Wonder what's inside?" asked Leo.

Any money was gone. However, there was an old ID card with the name 'Peter Larson'.

"There's just a name card. Peter Larson?" asked Jack.

"We'll look him up," Crow said, frowning at Mr. Kessler. "Did you lift his money?"

"Not like he'd need it!" Mr. Kessler said.

"You snake!" yelled Jack.

"Father, why do you still want to live here? Ever since Goodwin was defeated, Satellite and the City were united. Can't we start over too?" cried Kalin.

"'We'?" Mr. Kessler repeated. "You'd leave your buddies and live with me again?"

"You can come over to live in Satisfaction Town. We can find you a new home."

Radley blinked in surprise.

Mr. Kessler looked surprised too. "You'd really do that?"

"Yes, I will. I was given a second chance at life. And so can you."

Mr. Kessler actually looked sobered. He set the whiskey aside. "How can you feel that way after all I did to you?"

"Because Yusei, Jack, Crow, and Radley all forgave me."

Yusei smiled. Radley did too.

"... They've been your real family, boy," Mr. Kessler said. "I know I was never worth anything. But ... I'll take you up on that house..."

"You will? Thank you...father," said Kalin. He felt a bit awkward, as this was the first time he ever said anything kind to his father.

Radley put an arm around Kalin's shoulders.

"Me? I should thank you," Mr. Kessler said.

"How about we start over by getting to know my friends?"

"Yeah, sure," Mr. Kessler said. "I remember Yusei."

Jack looked like he thought they should focus on finding out more about the guy who had the gems. Akiza looked at the serious expression on Jack's face.

"What's on your mind, Jack?" she asked.

"This is all well and fine, but we have a mystery to solve!" Jack said.

"So, where do we go next?" asked Leo.

I'm looking up the guy's name," Crow said. "I can't find anything much."

"I told you he was probably a nobody," Mr. Kessler said.

"We can't give up now," said Luna.

"Yeah, I'm gonna try some other tests, like trying to run his fingerprints. I'll probably get all of ours instead," Crow sighed.

"I guess I'll study the gems in the meantime," said Akiza.

Crow left to take the wallet to the police station. When he came back, he was scowling. "Well, he didn't have a record, but he was known for being in cults. He was in one with Devack."

"Huh? Devack?! That Dark Signer me and Luna dueled?" exclaimed Leo.

"Yeah," Crow sighed. "So now we're gonna have to track him down to find out more about this guy."

"Does that mean we have to travel overseas?" asked Luna.

"Nah, he lives in the City," Crow said.

"Oh, Part of me thought he would have moved out," said Luna.

"So, are we just going to find his house and say hi?" asked Jack.

"Pretty much," Crow said.

"Let's search for him, then," said Kalin.

"I have the last known address, but who knows if he's still there," Crow sighed. "Let's go."

"Right," nodded Akiza.

"Um, father, would you like to come with us?" asked Kalin.

"Uh ... well, what the hay." Mr. Kessler shrugged. "Sure. It ... won't be dangerous, right?"

"Uh..." muttered Kalin, not sure what to say.

"Honestly, I've got no idea," Crow sighed. "Devack was a whack job before he became a Dark Signer."

"Wonder if he's still a whack job?" asked Jack.

"Yeah, I think I'll sit this one out," Mr. Kessler said. "You can tell me all about it on the way to the new house."

"Ok, father. See you later," waved Kalin awkwardly.

"Bye now," Radley said.

They headed out.

"You really want that spineless moron in your town?" Jack grunted.

"But where else can he go? I don't want to hold grudges forever," asked Kalin.

"He could just stay where he is," Jack said.

"I suppose so," shrugged Kalin.

"Kalin's made his choice. Let's find Devack," Yusei said.

Crow led them to the last known address.

"What should we ask him?" asked Leo.

"If he's here, we'll ask him about the Peter Larson guy," Crow said. He went up to the door and knocked. It creaked open. No one seemed to be home.

"Uh? The door opened by itself?" gasped Akiza.

"Maybe we shouldn't be here..." muttered Leo.

"It was already unlocked and ajar," Crow frowned. He went in. "Hey! Sector security! Hello? Anybody home?"

"Maybe he's looking for the gems," Radley said.

No one answered to Crow's call.

"But don't you guys think it's strange he didn't lock the door?" asked Kalin.

"Yes," Radley frowned. "Either he was so eager to find them that he didn't think ... or he might be laying hurt or worse from someone attacking him."

"Well, things are a mess here," Crow frowned as he went into another room.

Everyone followed behind him. A close search of the house found no one there. However, the team found something even more surprising.

The floor was littered with papers. Radley looked at some without touching them. They were about a cult worshiping the gems. Kalin looked at the papers Radley found.

"Another cult?" he asked in shock.

"Yeah." Radley frowned.

Suddenly the door opened and Devack came in. "What are you people all doing in my house?!"

((A/N: Yes, I decided to involve Devack in this whole mess. Considering in cannon, the guy didn't get any character development.))