Ryo stood silently just outside the entrance to the Abandoned Dorm. Even though it was technically against school rules to be here, and his brother and Judai were caught trespassing and were threatened by the higher ups to get expelled if they didn't defeat the Paradox Brothers he couldn't bring himself to pass up the chance to visit the grounds around the area. He had went to check the dorm with Asuka several times but they couldn't find anything new, but when he had gone inside for the first time as a 3rd year, he remembered how desperate he was to find some clues about Yusuke and Fubuki's disappearance. He went across every room including Fubuki's room but he couldn't find anything, and finally he decide to check Yusuke's room and when he went inside he notice the box where he stores his deck was glowing, The turquoise haired went their to see what was inside he opened and notice it was his ace monster Honest glowing. Ryo blinked when he saw him and he remembered Yusuke can see and hear Duel spirits like Judai, and he remembered seeing him using Honest several times when he dueled during their 1st year. Even though Ryo can't see but he can hear them, he can understand that Honest was giving him some signs asking him about his Master, so Ryo decide to add him in his deck until Yusuke returns.

After leaving the ground Ryo began to pray for the safety of his best friends and payed tribute to them.

Fubuki and Yusuke wherever you both are please be safe and comeback soon Ryo thought to himself solemnly as he placed two red roses on the ground next to the side of the building and he began to leave as quick as possible before any higher-ups caught him.

The night was stormy with a blood red moon in the sky. Duel Academy Island was being drenched in the cold rain. However below ground there was a group of sinister people lying in wait, just needing the right moment to strike.

"Now is the time my soldiers. We shall cover the world in shadows, our allies are in place, our enemies have been tested. Now who among us is going to go first?" The voice asked the darkness of the underground cavern.

Scattered around the cavern, red eyes appeared. The forms of many different individuals started to form from the shadows. They all looked to one another but one of the youngest member of the group stepped forward, the eye spots of his mask glowing an ominous red.

"I will be the first to go. None here can stand against me." The form of a teenager with seaweed green hair reaching to his shoulder in jagged layers proclaimed arrogantly. His face was fully covered in black dragon mask. He was dressed in a black coat, shirt and pants.

"So will I..." The next voice spoke sounding more haughty and smug than the first one. This figure was a brown-haired man, dresses similar to the seaweed haired man except his Dragon mask covers his eyes only.

The voice of their presumably leader called them by their name

"Nightshroud and Tragedio, I will leave this to both of you. Lead us into battle."

Both the Dark Duelist places their duel disk in their left arm and smirked.

"We, the Slayer duo will not fail". The seaweed haired now known as Nightshroud boasted

"The Academy's prize will be ours.".. The brown haired now known as Tragedio grinned

Samejima stood in his office looking out the window. A strange feeling was settling in his gut, it was a bad feeling, but the feeling of optimism as well. Knowing what he was going to be doing in the morning, he had no reason to be optimistic.

In the dark, Samejima could feel he spotted two dark clad figure flying to the island on… his eyes widened. A silver slinking form was in the sky with a two dark figures a top of it. Riding it as if the person had done so a thousand times.

"Impossible… That was…" Samejima couldn't even finish his sentence. It seemed too far fetched to even try and comprehend.

The Chancellor turned around and pulled out the stacks of files on the six students he needed for this war. It was going to be asking more than a lot to have his students put themselves in harms way like this. Luckily the ones he was picking had either proved themselves as strong duelists or were making strides to do just that.

Looking at the names, he steepled his fingers and rested his forehead on them. The war was beginning and the first round was now. He prayed his students had the courage to do this for him as well as for the world.

By the time the sun rose the storm had passed. Everyone was either in classes or lingering in hallways for a bit. The group that consisted of Judai, Asuka, Chumley, the Marufuji siblings and Misawa were lounging near Professor Banner's classroom. They had a new member for the first time today, Chazz Princeton.

They were discussing what happened the day before. Judai egaled them of what happened with duel and he also told to Ryo, Misawa, and Chazz about gravekeeper's field trip since they weren't present.

"And that's what happened," Judai finished. He lifted the medallion which was glowing off and on, and looked at it. "I wonder who the owner of the other half is. Maybe we can be friends." Judai smiled at the thought of another friend.

"I have a feeling I know," Ryo whispered.

Everyone turned to look at him surprised. He had been quiet and reserved since the disappearance of his best friends. Asuka looked at her brother-figure next to her and placed a gentle hand on his bicep. She waited until he opened his eyes to look at all of them.

"Did something happen to you there Ryo?"

Chazz and Misawa looked at one another in confusion. Judai had been the one talking and apparently there was even more to the story with Ryo now. Neither him, Misawa nor Chazz had thought to go on the field trip and were equal parts relieved and disappointed, it seemed as if some really interesting things happened there.

"At the start of the new academic year, when I went to the abandoned dorm, and found Honest a Duel Monster card who belongs to my best friend Fujiwara Yusuke, and he told me he saw another duel taking place, one that was years prior. Yusuke had been there first and defeated the Grave Keeper. He has the other half of the medallion," Ryo dropped the bomb without warning.

Everyone was stunned into silence. The group stared at the oldest among them with various expressions of shock, disbelief and curiosity. It was probably a shock to be telling both Judai and himself that it was all nightmares and to hold on to hope. Now… there wasn't much hope to hold onto.

"Who is Fujiwara Yusuke Kaiser?" Judai asked out of curiosity.

"He has been best friends with me and Fubuki since we were in middle school. He was also an Obelisk like us but he is actually more talented and genius than both of us, just like Fubuki he also disappeared at the abandoned dorm last year." Ryo explained sadly which again made the group stunned,.

The PA speaker system in the school chimed on. Everyone stopped talking and listened to what was about to be said. The system was rarely used, usually if something had to be relayed the instructors did it or they gathered in front of the giant screen to have Samejima tell them what they needed to know.

"Good morning students. I need the following students to report to my office. 3rd year Marufuji Ryo, and 1st years Tenjoin Asuka, Yuki Judai, Misawa Daichi, Chazz Princeton and Marufuji Sho. I also need Dr. Chronos de Medici and Professor Layman Banner to report as well. Thank you."

The group all stood frozen as eyes from other students rested on them. This was not a good thing, to be called into Chancellor Samejima's office usually meant you were in for it. Panic was clear on the faces of all of them except Ryo who painted a stoic expression. They all looked at one another and waved to Chumley as they all left to see what Samejima wanted with them. And whose fault it was they were in trouble.

They all made their way in silence trying to figure this out. None of them could think of anything recently that would get them called here. They met Banner in the hallway and reached the door and Chronos opened it and stepped aside letting the group of duelists in. Standing behind his desk stood Chancellor Samejima.

He turned away from the window and looked at the eight people he called to his office. His face was grim and it made the hearts of every student sink. This was not going to be good.

"Good, you all came. There is something I have to tell you and to quite honestly beg for all your help. Below the school, buried deep in the island are three dangerous and catastrophic monsters. They are known as the Sacred Beasts. They are said to be able to bring about an era of darkness over the planet and annihilate us all."

He paused to look at the faces of his six students and two instructors. They were all pale and wide eyes looked back at him. The feeling of guilt was creeping up his spine and was making him feel ill. They were teenagers, teenagers that should be worried about studying, dueling for fun and even parties. They should not be worried about the fate of the world, but he needed the best and here they were in front of him.

Asuka gulped in fear and she blinked her golden eyes. A sweat drop rolled down her face as she stared back at the head of Duel Academy.

Misawa, the top Ra Yellow student, stared with fear widened eyes and whispered, "Annihilate us all?"

Chazz Princeton, the student who just returned to Duel Academy and was starting to show signs of being himself, narrowed his eyes and raised an eyebrow as he made a sound in the back of his throat. Samejima ouldn't tell what kind of sound it was, or even what it meant.

Ryo mainted a stoned face and is uncertain what Samejima said.

Banner was giving a slight sinister smile, and is curious to know more about what Samejima is up to.

Judai stood in between Chazz and Sho. He had his hands on the back of his hips and gave a little smile. The fact that he smiled in the face of all this made Samejima wonder what really went on in that head of his. And then the first year Slifer opened his mouth.

"So where are these cards? I say we take them and see what they can really do." His voice held absolutely no care in the world.

Chronos leaned across the desk where he was standing next to Samejima and waved a fist at Judai, His long blonde hair was pulled back, and his Obelisk blue jacket was strangely accented with pink frills at the neck, waist and on both wrists. He also chose to wear purple lipstick and dangling earrings from each ear. The man was truly a fashion statement to himself.

"Haven't you been listening?!" Chronos screeched. That single act caused Jaden to widen his eyes and take an involuntary step back.

Samejima decided to break this up before it went too far. He leaned down and pulled out the box that contained the very thing all eight Shadow Riders were hoping to acquire. "This is why I called the eight of you here. To protect these cards from wicked ones."

For the first time Ryo seemed to become interested in this. He blinked his teal eyes at Samejima before narrowing them once more. "The wicked ones?"

"Yes, that's right. Eight Duelists who want to use these cards for their own wicked goals. They are known as the Shadow Riders. And two of them arrived last night in the middle of that storm."

Misawa leaned forward and nodded his head. "Naturally. What better way to get on the island unnoticed."

Ryo looked at him over Judai's head. He nodded in agreement with the Ra Yellow. "Ok, so let's say we help. How do we even protect these cards?"

"By protecting the eight spirit keys." He opened the black box in front of him. Inside was what looked like a puzzle of eight keys. All different shapes. "In order for these Shadow Riders to get to the cards they need to get these keys and unlock the eight gates. There is one for each of you to guard."

They all gasped in understanding. Misawa was the first to speak what everyone was thinking. "Wait, so we hold the keys… won't that make us the targets for these people?"

Samejima sighed sadly and looked at each of them in the face. "It's true, with these keys the Shadow Riders, WILL seek you out."

Chazz scoffed at that. "Uh, 'seek us out', I think you mean TAKE us out. How are we supposed to fight them?"

"They can only take you out in… a duel," Samejima dropped the bomb. That one phrase got everyone to straighten up and gasp. Understanding lighting in each of their eyes. "That's right, fortunately for our side, the keys can't simply be stolen. Some sort of ancient edict demands they must be won in a duel. And for that I have gathered Duel Academy's eight best." He looked a little sheepish and coughed into his fist. A quick look at Chronos, Banner and Sho before he continued. "Well five best, one making great strides and I needed one more, so you know."

Chronos leaned across to sneer at Judai. Pointing a finger at the Slifer he said, "He certainly doesn't mean me."

Judai simply turned his head up and closed his eyes with a grunt. Samejima was honestly proud of the young man for that. He could just as easily have risen to the bait and snapped back at Chronos but he didn't, he chose to be the mature one.

"However, if any of you prefer to back out, I certainly will not blame you, nor will any of you be penalized. These Shadow Riders play for keeps, and the stakes have never been this high." He motioned to the keys sitting in the purple lined case. "Who feels like saving the world?"

All of the students looked to one another nervously. This was a lot to take in and even more to take on, should they accept. Samejima was not going to rush them, he would let them think as long as they needed to come to a conclusion. The first response was quite frankly unsurprising.

"Count me in!" Judai exclaimed with a laugh. He pulled the far left key out and put it around his neck, where it rested against his half of the shadow charm. "How about that? It's my size."

Ryo chuckled under his breath and reached for the far right key. "I also accept. Can't let myself be stood up by a first year here."

Misawa nodded his head solemnly as he grabbed his own key. "It would be my honor."

"I can't let all you boys have ALL the fun. Count me in," Asuka said as she reached for hers.

"As a teacher it would be my honor to protect my students nya". Banner said as he grabs his key.

Chazz simply "hmphed" under his breath as he took his. The last two duelists were Sho and Chronos. Samejima was uncertain how the younger Marufuji would react. He never got to know him, he trained Ryo and knew what the older would do… but the younger it was a coin toss. He had shown massive improvements in his strategies during his and Judai's tag duel with the Paradox Brothers, which is why Samejima opted for the chance.

Sho sucked in a breath and grabbed a key as well. He looked Samejima dead in the eyes and nodded his head. "I am going to do this and defeat these Shadow Riders". That tone was the most confidence Sho had displayed since coming to Academy.

Samejima nodded his head proudly. Ryo is proud to see Sho's bravery but is worried about his safety. Ryo smiled down at him and ruffled his hair. It was such a big brotherly thing to do, it made Samejima choke up for a moment.

Everyone turned to Chronos and waited for his response. Samejima really should have seen it coming. The man was vainer than any other he met. "How could I refuse this? Our very world is at stake… and if I were to turn this down, I wouldn't get to wear this posh piece of jewelry na no nae."

With that all eight of the keys now rested in the hands of their guardians. Samejima met their eyes and in a moment of gratitude, he stepped around his desk and gave a deep bow to them. They were putting their lives and souls on the line, he owed them more than anything. The whole world would owe them, if any were to ever find out.

"Just a word of precaution. The Shadow Riders will be the ones who chose who they duel. That is something in their favor. So be very careful and diligent when you are out. Watch your backs and out for each other. If there are any problems or any strange sightings, report to me. I will be behind you for this and beside you."

With those parting words everyone was dismissed. They all walked out and made their way to their respective classes. Chazz, Misawa, Asuka, Judai, and Sho went to Professor Banner's class. While Ryo followed Chronos to his class.

Night rolled around quickly. Everyone was in their dorms, and the Slifer dorm happened to be wide awake with Judai and Sho catching Chumley up to speed. Chumley sat riveted by what he was being told. Judai, as usual, did most of the talking. Sho sat cross legged on the floor and the spirit key around his neck and resting in his palm.

"So, that's about it Chum. You are now officially caught up to speed," Judai announced.

"Aren't you both terrified? I mean come on, creepy shadow guys waiting to meet you and duel you so they can take the key and take over the world. This is straight out of an anime," Chumley said.

"I mean not really. I would be more scared if I knew there wasn't anything I could do. But that isn't the case we all have the keys and will duel to the end to protect them. That is all it will take." Judai made it a decree as he stretched and yawned. "Man am I exhausted, I say we all hit the sack."

Outside the moon was blood red again, the eerie glow casted over the island as a black shrouded figure stepped out from the trees surrounding the Slifer dorm. The jewels over the eyes on his mask glowed red and a bright, white light encased the entire room.

At the Obelisk Girls dorm, Asuka was telling Junko and Momoe who were in their PJ about her duty to protect the keys.

"And that's the story of how I need to be one of the gatekeepers for those Shadow Riders". Asuka finished telling her story.

"Wow, that's cool!" Momoe gushed."Now it's time you show off why you are the Queen of Obelisk".

"Don't forget this is a lot dangerous Momoe". Junko said trying to be sensible about the oredeal

"Junko is right, even if I lost I could end up losing more than just a key".And the others are in much danger as I am." Asuka noted.

"So Kaiser is in the same boat as well". Momoe asked. Asuka nodded.

"Don't worry his tough, besides he's been undefeated so any of those Shadow Riders stand no chance against him". Junko reassured her roommate.

Ryo left the Obelisk dorm and head to Slifer Red dorm with his disk and he grow frantically worried about Sho. While he acknowledged that Sho has grown as a Duelist after watching his tag duel with the Paradox Brothers, but unlike him, Judai, Chazz, Misawa, and Asuka Sho tends panic and get nervous so easily. He may be aloof and distant towards Sho but still love and deeply care for his only sibling and is even willing to risk his life and protect him. So far in his 3 years of school life this will be his first time stepping his foot in the Slifer Red dorm, ever since Sho came to the Academy he never thought of visiting his little one and check on his well-being at his dorm, but now he is one of the gatekeepers, Ryo knows the Shadow Riders will target him and Sho, and he will do whatever it takes to protect Sho even if it means losing his own life.

I am sure those Shadow Riders will target the weakest Duelist first, but before they can do anything harm I must go to the Slifer Red dorm. He thought to himself as he walked grimly towards the dorm

From a distance Ryo saw a bright light flashing on and off in a certain room and as expected he recognize that room belongs to his brother and Judai and he quickly rushed towards them before the Shadow Riders could do any harm.

Judai woke up to the light and Winged Kuriboh shaking him and chattering in his ear. Opening his eyes, Judai cringed and blinked trying to fight the white light. Realizing something was very wrong, he jerked up and threw the blankets aside. Before he could even get up, Sho was climbing down, the spirit key having woken him up along with a roar he heard.

"What is going on? Aniki?" Sho yelled in a panic.

"I don't know Sho!"

As Ryo entered the dorm the white light engulfed them and when they opened their eyes again, they were standing on a platform hovering over the volcano. Judai and Ryo were teleported to the center and they looked around them, utter disbelief etched on their faces.

"Where are we?" Ryo asked looking around them. They were surrounded by a huge circular rock walk and the air was very hot

Judai rawled on all fours to the edge of the large circular platform and looked down. Gulping he realized that they were suspended above the freaking volcano. "We are in one weird dream."

A fire dragon rose from the flames and whipped right by them. Judai scurried back and bumped into Ryo's legs. He looked up with terror in his brown eyes to Kaiser's whose blue eyes reflected the same look.

"Or nightmare," Ryo deadpaned corrected.

A maniacal laugh echoed around them. The flame dragon crashed on the platform. It dissipated and a man walked out of the metal flames. Ryo gasped as he looked at the man.

"It's neither key keepers. You really don't know what this is?" the person asked.

"Call me a slow learner," Judai quipped back.

"And call me Darkness or Nightshroud… both work for me."

"Nightshroud?"

Suddenly the pendant lit up around Judai's neck and the same for the one around the neck of Nightshroud. Nightshroud picked up his medallion and looked up with a sneering smile to Judai. He let it fall back against his chest.

"Nice medallion. The Grave Keeper… he must be getting sloppy. But if you think you will beat me the same way you beat him… you have another thing coming. That key will be mine and it will be mine quick."

Judai took a good look at the guy. He stood tall, with green hair in seaweed style, with jagged layers. The demonic mask fully covered his face, He was clad in heavy trench coat with the tail of the jacket flaring out. His shirt, pants and shoes were also black. The guy looked like he lived comfortably in Hell… so the name kinda worked.

"You ready key keepers? I don't really care which of you I take first, since both of you will fall here. And once the duel is over, your soul will be mine. Sealed into this very card." Nightshroud held up a duel card with an ominous black aura coming from it.

"So this is Shadow Games?" Ryo demanded a couple more labs serpent appeared around them.

Nightshroud chucked and ignored him, he then waved his arm to the side. "At least say hello to Sho and Chummley".

Both the key holders gasped in horrar and looked around the place.

"Oh no! Sho" Ryo yelled in horrar and his eyes widened in terror and concern

Judai cupped his hand over his mouth "Just hold on, we will get you out of here.

Judai picked up the duel disk in front of him and turned to Ryo, Raising his eyebrows, he silently asked if it was ok if he went first. Ryo nodded his head and took a step back, never taking his eyes off this person.

Sliding the duel disk onto his arm, Judai turned back around and faced his opponent. Knowing this was going to be one hell of duel, Judai just hoped he was ready.

Notes

Me and my best friend have been working on this project for a while and we thought of doing a rewrite to Shadow Rider arc. Starting from ep 29 everything is a rewrite,

We want to give half of the keykeepers a win because in Canon we were disappointed Judai defeated 5/7 Seven Stars and took all the glory.

This time instead of 7 their will be 8 key keepers Vs 8 Shadow Riders.

Yusuke appears as Nightshroud instead of Fubuki but you guys don't worry his not kicking him out and Fubuki will appear later aa Tragedio but still dressed as Darkness. He will be dueling against Asuka and we both are still working on that,