Chapter 08: In the name of the father.
The next 24 hours after Henry Rhodes senior clued in Jaden on their next destination said teen felt anxious about the whole ordeal, not because of the location or anything, in fact if you told the kid that the helmet was berried in a sandbox he would've dived in there head first. The real cause of worry was Atticus, Jaden had no idea how to break the news.
" hey man….. listen… remember that Shadow Rider you were….. no that's not it…"
Jaden at that tried spending half a day trying to break the news to Atticus and by extension Alexis.
The both of them in turn noticed that Jaden was acting squirrely around them all day until both of them approached him as Jaden gradually opened up.
"…. so yeah… sorry about that man….."
Atticus laughed in return saying.
" don't sweat it…. More importantly we need to find uncle Elliot, so where our new adventure begins?"
Jaden replied as follows.
" the Bermuda triangle it seems."
With that Alexis nodded as she suggested.
" let's find a safe way to get there and a safe way to return."
Before anything else could happen though henry Rhodes senior came in as he asked.
" what are we waiting for?, in this race there are no silver medals for second place you know."
At that Jaden asked.
" so you secured a way into the triangle?"
Henry Rhodes senior confirmed by saying.
" of course."
With that the trio followed the old man as they came across Henry Rhodes the second.
" dad?!…. You're coming too?"
Alexis's and Atticus's father confirmed it by saying.
" Elliot is as much as family as one can get so you bet I'm going too."
Noticing the adventurers getup, especially the revolver hanging around the man's waist Jaden asked.
" do you think things will turn out that bad real fast?"
The older Rhodes responded as follows.
" let's just say I'm a cautious fellow"
Jaden nodded saying.
" okay….. after you."
With that said and done the group managed to secure a boat heading towards the Bermuda triangle as the voice of Yubel came in Jaden's mind.
' rest assured, if you listen to me, you will survive this voyage with ease.'
Jaden took the opportunity to ask.
" what am I to the supreme king?"
Yubel gave a small smirk as she replied.
' keep focus on the journey ahead.'
Yubel chose to disappear at that leaving Jaden to wonder the following.
' okay… that's weird…..'
Before he could think of anything else the group made it to an old but reliable fishing boat, with Henry Rhodes the second pointing out the following.
" this is the point of no return, if anyone's staying behind now's the chance."
Atticus gave an easy going smile and an equally easy going laugh replying.
" what are you trying to do?, scare us half to death?"
As Atticus boarded the boat with ease Alexis was the second one to respond saying.
" dad, uncle Elliot is in trouble, so no matter what I'm going to try and do everything I can to save him."
Henry Rhodes the second swelled up with pride at the courage his kids were showing as Alexis has already boarded with Jaden wordlessly boarding as well.
" figured you knew my answer already."
Setting sail and course towards their destination the group made it about a quarter of their destination already as Jaden took notice of a pile of wetsuits in the ship's haul as Henry Rhodes senior stated.
" I'm not exactly sure if we'll need them but it's better to be safe than sorry"
Jaden at that nodded as he took a wetsuit, finding a private spot to change into he came out about five minutes later as he helped the group navigate the treacherous seas as eventually every last one of them was wearing a wetsuit.
" question, how we will know if we're close?"
Alexis was the first to reply.
" doesn't this Yubel guide you to the destination?"
Jaden answered honestly.
" it's not like she's a roommate in my brain, plus when she does guide me it's usually vague."
Alexis concluded the conversation.
" makes sense… sorry….."
Henry Rhodes senior interjected in the conversation by saying.
" I can offer some assistance if you don't mind the interruption."
The group welcomed the old man's input as he elaborated further.
" the lead I came across spoke ofa temple connecting two worlds together right at the heart of the Bermuda triangle, a temple created by neither men or gods a like, that's where we're headed."
At that Jaden rightfully pointed out.
" doesn't that mean that we'll have to be lost ourselves in this triangle?"
Amused Henry Rhodes senior replied with.
" yes, but rest assured we're taking the safe route there."
With that in mind the group continued their voyage until a blurry image could be seen on the horizon with Alexis looking more worried than usual, noticing that Jaden asked.
" penny for your thoughts?"
Alexis gave a small nod saying.
" I'm worried a little that's all…."
Jaden took a wild guess.
" you're not sure if we'll find uncle Elliot there?"
Alexis kept quiet as Jaden reassured her by rubbing her right shoulder a little.
" I promise you, if we don't find him there I won't stop searching for him even if it takes a few more summers."
Alexis gave a small smile saying.
" I don't doubt that one bit."
By this point and time the blurry image began to enlarge in size revealing it self as an object the size of a medium sized villa on the surface but in reality it was a part of a bigger structure submerged underwater.
" at the risk of sounding dumb, are we sure we're in the right place?"
Jaden was the one to reply to the question Atticus posed.
" see the statues that decorate the entrance?"
Atticus nodded saying.
" yeah….."
Jaden then continued his reply.
" I dueled those monsters while facing off Yubel."
With that said and done the group began their descent into the temple, as expected the corridors created an intriquet maze each one more involved than the last and to top it all off with each floor the traveled down with so did the light source began to diminish. Eventually they came across a pathway that seemed completely pitch black aside from a feint natural light source.
" I don't know about you guys but I'm guessing this is like a puzzle we have to solve if we want to continue."
Agreeing with Jaden Henry Rhodes the second stated.
" couldn't have said it better myself, now since it seems like a challenge we need to find out said what said rules or conditions will allow us to solve it."
The group searched their surroundings without stepping foot on the pathway until Alexis found what seemed to be etchings carved on a duel monster's statue as henry Rhodes senior began translating it.
" ye who wishes to pass must do so using the source of shadows to do so, a light of any other kind will guarantee the seeker's demise for all eternity."
Jaden at that asked just to make sure he got it right.
" so if we use a flash light we're doomed and it asks us to use only the shadows to cross right?"
Henry Rhodes senior acknowledged Jaden.
" correct."
With that Alexis thought for a little before asking.
" did anyone bring a duel disc with them?"
Jaden was the first to respond by saying.
" I always do but let's be honest here, I don't think this is the best time to think about dueling."
Alexis at that took the opportunity to quiz Jaden about history.
" tell me, what's the ancient name given to duel monsters?"
Catching what Alexis was going for Jaden slightly chuckled at his own goof as he replied with.
" Shadow games….. right….."
With that said and done Jaden activated his duel disc as he summoned Elemental Hero Burstinatrix as he asked her to use her flames to light the path as Henry Rhodes the second stated ominously.
" this seems too easy of an answer… I'm afraid we're missing something."
Looking around the group didn't find any solid clues as Jaden decided to play on intution, he took a few steps according with Burstinatrix's level before stopping. Finding a pebble Jaden chucked it forwards before said small stone disappeared into the darkness never making a sound that it hit the opposite direction.
" nice instincts you've got there dear boy."
Jaden replied as follows.
" anyone got a stronger monster we could summon?. Atticus, how about you?"
Atticus smirked as he revealed his own duel disc saying.
" I got you covered."
Atticus summoned a fire monster of his own from within his dragons deck saying.
" alright stay close to me guys."
making their way towards the other side the group was in direct line of sight with the goal in question ,noticing something strange about the natural light source Alexis pointed out the following.
" guys…. do you think that little light can be some sort of goal post?"
Henry Rhodes senior chimed in.
" I highly doubt it."
As the group took a closer look at the light source so they noticed that it only appeared natural but in reality it didn't come from anywhere in particular, the next detail they noticed was that this light in particular had an off white color to it making Jaden ask.
" so should we try and go around it?"
Henry Rhodes the second chimed in.
" it seems like it's too an easy of a solution….."
Taking a cue from Jaden's play the older Rhodes man threw a projectile near said light source as it evaporated almost immediately into dust.
" so what now?!"
Jaden answered Atticus's question by summoning Elemental Hero Necroshade in attack mode stating.
" we used flames to come this far, now we'll try and use darkness."
Both Atticus and Henry Rhodes smirked as they said in unison.
" you're a natural at this."
Jaden scratched his head as he tried to be modest.
" thanks and all but I'm not even sure it will work or for how long…"
Alexis at that stated.
" well it means that we'll have to be as fast as we can than."
By this point Atticus summoned Red Eyes Darkness Dragon to lend a hand to Jaden as they attacked the light source while everyone else crossed to the other side as said light tried to eviscerate them.
" Jaden… get a move on… I'll keep this lava lamp wannabe busy…."
Jaden disagreed.
" leaving people behind isn't my style."
Atticus grimaced.
" and you're not a loser either…. so if anything tries to hurt my family… I'd want you to protect them…."
Jaden nodded as he understood and agreed with that kind of logic before he thought of something as he talked to Necroshade.
" listen, can you do me a favor buddy?…. protect my friend and keep him safe at all cost…"
Necroshade on his part gave a silent nod in approval as Jaden tossed the card towards Atticus before leaving. As the group continued on with Jaden in toe eventually they came across an open space with high ceilings sporting a large pedestal in the middle of it with a vale of darkness blocking the exit.
" so now what?…"
Henry Rhodes the second talked from experience.
" look for a thick stick or a branch for me please… and of course be careful….."
At that Alexis came through as her dad tried to check for booby traps using the branch his daughter found. With that said the danger revealed himself as a bolt of light like the last one began shooting out as it blocked their path.
" stay alert no matter what…"
The group bearing that in mind crossed carefully until they reached the middle of the room where another challenge awaited them. An elongated row of cards was spread in front of them depicting all the same monster, Yubel. As Jaden took a step forward he asked.
" so any idea what's the trick behind this one?"
Henry Rhodes replied with.
" it's a test for you to find the authentic one amongst a sea of fakes."
Jaden nodded as he asked further.
" and surprise surprise there's probably a catch that it will make this test even more difficult."
On cue Henry Rhodes senior chimed in.
" found an inscription that reads as follows, while the true guardian shall protect those that are brave enough to venture into the temple, the false one will lay waste to the grounds on which ye stands."
with that said Jaden took a moment to check the cards in front of them all.. deciding on picking a card after a few seconds the group asked him.
" any insights you'd like to share?"
Jaden replied with.
" at first I thought of picking the most worn out card of them all but… knowing that this supreme king is a duelist and a fighter it's more likely to pick a card which has mileage on it but still well kept."
Henry Rhodes senior was the one who replied next.
" well….. there's one way to find out with certainty…."
picking a card that fit that description Jaden summoned the monster on the still active duel disc as said monster appeared as a legit hologram driving the darkness away revealing a statue in the middle of their path depicting a middle aged man, a worst for wear warrior. Before anyone else could comment on what happened a few sparks of darkness came from the statue before the room seemingly froze in time except for Jaden as the darkness consumed him whole as he disappeared as though he really didn't exist at all.
"….. ouch….. did I chose wrong?!…"
Jaden awoke the next moment in a medieval styled castle with duel monsters surrounding him, preventing him from making a run for it as a booming voice declared.
' that all depends on your next answer….'
The voice that came belonged oddly enough to a human but not just any other human, it was the statue depicted in the temple but in flesh and blood form.
" ask away your majesty."
His majesty wasting no time asked as follows.
' why are you after the armor I'm leaving to my only child, my one and only heir?'
Jaden answered honestly.
" I couldn't care less about that armor, I'm just trying to find a friend and protect that helmet from people who want to use it for evil."
Making the king smirk said monarch asked the following.
' how can I trust the word of a mere whelp?'
Jaden responded boldly.
" I don't care if you trust me or not, if it's a fight you want I'll give it to you."
The king in question stared at him with intensity before declaring as follows.
' since you are keen to challenge me, a duel shall await you tomorrow at dawn.'
With that said and done those same monsters that surrounded Jaden led him towards a room which the hero user could only describe as a lavish guest room, as the creatures left he immediately thought to himself.
' well….. this is a fine mess you've landed yourself in….'
Before Jaden could do anything else Yubel materialized from his deck onto his duel disc as the hero user was caught off guard.
" Yubel!?….. you're actually here?…"
Yubel gave a small nod.
" before you ask, yes, you chose correctly."
sighing in relief Jaden replied as follows.
" could you do me a small favor please?"
Yubel looked at Jaden curiously as he asked.
" could you make sure that my friends are alright?, I don't want them to worry too much about me."
Yubel nodded slightly as she replied.
"your will be done…."
Before she could disappear completely Jaden caught her attention by saying.
" could you let them know as gently as possible though?"
Sighing in both frustration and understanding she responded with.
' a shock is bound to happen either way, but I promise to do my best.'
With Yubel disappearing and nothing else to do in the situation Jaden spent the entire day trying to rest as much as he could for tomoroow knowing that it's going to be eventful and boy was he right. As Jaden was led to an arena withing the castle's walls the first thing he noticed was that he was brought to a room with swords, battle axes and shields decorating the walls as said king paid him a quick visit.
" choose your weapons with careful consideration."
Jaden hummed and nodded before pointing out.
"it would be too late to point out that I'm not an expert fighter right?"
Said king nodded.
" nor was I, but you either adapt or die, you have until you are called to choose."
As the king left Jaden scanned the room quickly before thinking to himself.
' best offense is a good defense…..'
Back with the rest of the group, all of them were caught by surprise as Jaden fainted as they tried various techniques to wake him up until said teen opened his eyes suddenly, however Alexis and Atticus in particular noticed that the eyes staring at them back weren't of their friend but a complete stranger.
" who are you and what have you done with Jaden?"
' Jaden' replied as such.
" very perceptive, to reward you allow me to introduce my self as Yubel."
Holding the panic and stress at bay Alexis was the first to speak.
" now that you introduced yourself would you be so kind as to tell us what happened to Jaden?"
Yubel gave a straight forward answer.
" that is a complicated answer, to you he is trapped in his own mind, as for myself he has been summoned by the royal family I was sworn to protect."
At that Alexis's dad asked the following question.
" doing what exactly?"
Yubel answered with an even tone.
" proving his worth to my king."
Atticus at that didn't bother to hide the cynicism as he sarcastically remarked.
" very informative….. now would you mind telling us what exactly our friend needs to prove to this so called king?"
Without fail Alexis gave her brother an aggressive poke in the chops as it made Atticus wince as Yubel showed the faintest signs of a smirk.
" madam I assure you I can appreciate an attitude and a fighting spirit."
Alexis replied with.
" still it wasn't needed, though I'd be lying if I said I didn't wonder the same thing for myself."
Yubel nodded as she closed her eyes as she said.
" then allow me to explain, I believe your Jaden will be the next champion not only to protect the relic of the supreme king but also the next one to combat an evil that knows no bounds, my king however has his doubts about the boy."
By this point Henry Rhodes the second asked the next logical question.
" with all due respects, what do you intend to do with us?"
Yubel answered nonchalantly.
' I was asked by Jaden to keep you safe until his return, what happens next depends on his actions and your own'
Speaking of action Jaden was thrown into the middle of it as he was now carrying a shield about as heavy as his own body weight, maybe even more so as he was led for the final time into a gladiatorial style arena with said king waiting for him.
" interesting choice of weaponry."
Jaden respectfully replied with.
" thanks but I didn't have much of a….."
Before he could finish his sentence said king was already swinging a broadsword aiming for Jaden's head with him barely blocking it.
" well… that was un-sportsman like….. aren't kings suppose to have honor and such?"
The king scoffed.
" in here we are no kings nor peasants, we are warriors….. therefore you shall have the honor of dying by my blade…."
As the king continued swinging his blade Jaden did his best to dodge and block them with his shield, trying to find openings for him to charge head on, while also trying to get used the the new duds he was given for the event no doubt which consisted of a basic armor and chainmail.
' the only time that I could make a go for it is when he's beginning to make his swings… legs don't fail me now…..'
Just as the king was beginning to make another swing Jaden ran in charging, doing his best to hold the shield above the waist before going in with a right hook. To his surprise the king dropped the broad sword as he swung a right hook of his own as both punches collided with their targets, in this case both opponent's jaws as Jaden was flown back, shield and all while the king slid a few yards away, maintaining his balance.
"….. ouch…"
As a winded Jaden tried to get up the king remarked as he wiped a few trickles of blood from his jaw.
154
" it has been a while since a challenger managed to make me bleed."
As confident as Jaden could make himself sound to be he replied with.
" by the end I'll make you surrender."
Laughing out of excitement the king returned the favor by continuing fighting with every move he came up with ending up in a stalemate as Jaden managed to block and get a few punches in occasionally .
" it seems we are evenly matched."
Jaden responded with.
" you're too kind, I'm just trying to survive out here so far…"
The king noticing that the boy in front of him was getting tired and winded despite his clear bravado offered the following.
" we'll conclude the match as follows, we will both be given one final chance to trade blows, you hit me and you get to leave…"
With that Jaden finished for the king.
" but if you hit me I'll remain trapped here right?"
The king closed his eyes as he responded.
" only until you will finally manage to best me in combat."
Jaden placed the shield on his back as he already had a plan in mind.
" ready when you are….."
With that both charged at each other as Jaden ran as fast as he could before genuinely surprising the king by leaping forward before turning his back towards the opponent with the shield smacking the king head on knocking him to the ground with the teen in question now holding him with his fist at gun point.
" do you wish to continue?"
Said king gave him a knowing grin as he said the following.
" on any other occasion I would reply with a yes but since you have clearly landed a strike on me first you then I find it fitting to return you back to where you came from."
with a sense of relief Jaden collapsed backwards saying.
" good….. I don't think I have the energy to keep on fighting anyway."
The king in turn willed himself up as he offered benevolently.
" since you have proven yourself as a worthy adversary allow me to heal your wounds before you depart."
With that the king gave a direct order to his monsters and subordinates to escort Jaden to the castle's medical wing with the latter having no chance to protest while the order was carried out. Having being treated by the king's subordinates a few days passed as Jaden inspected the work being done to him saying.
" that was amazing….. they've even managed to take care of an old injury…"
Before he could say anything else an explosion had occurred in the surrounding area with said king taking charge of the situation.
" sorcerers, make sure this young man is brought back to his home post haste."
Jaden protested saying.
" I'm not about to leave someone behind when I can fight."
The king simply replied.
" choose your fights carefully since your journey has not met its end yet."
With that said and done the enviroment around Jaden began to dissolve as though the teen was beginning to lose his consciousness as the next thing that happened was him regaining his senses back at the temple with the group hovering over him with worry.
" Jaden if you can hear me say something…"
Hearing Alexis's voice loud and clear Jaden jokingly replied with.
" something…"
With mixed emotions the following actions surprised her as well as him and anyone else present. What were her actions exactly?, she lightly punched him and hugged him at the very same time as the confused Jaden pointed out.
" careful….. I'm brittle….."
Recovering her self control Alexis stood up and backed away from Jaden as she replied with.
" I'll keep that in mind if you promise one thing."
Jaden gestured her to continue curious about what Alexis was about to say.
" no more stupid jokes like that."
Jaden chuckled apologetically saying.
" yeah I got you but it was too good to pass on….."
With that Atticus intervened "accidently" ruining any further back and forth between Jaden and Alexis as he asked the former.
" so how was your little challenge?"
Jaden unfazed by the sudden interruption replied.
" it was more like a full on brawl"
Atticus continued.
" and!?….."
Jaden just gave him a silent deadpan look that said 'you see me in one piece don't you?' before he changed the subject for once stating.
" come on, we still need to find the helmet and uncle Elliot."
The group agreed with that sentiment as they continued their journey through the temple encountering with challenges and deathtraps as challenging as they are lethal up until they reached one of the very bottom levels of the temple, a room dedicated to what can only be described as a mausoleum.
" hello?!…. Anyone in here?"
Atticus joined Jaden's line of questioning.
" anyone still breathing that is…!?"
Alexis was about to punch her brother as a silent, whispering voice responded from the center of the room where a large and ornate casket rested in darkness with its top half obscured by shadows.
" Henry…. Alexis….. you've made it…. How wonderful…."
Elliot emerged out of the shadows looking worse for wears, looking as though he lost significant amount of weight saying.
" oh…. And you've brought Jaden boy too….. marvelous…"
Jaden unusually somber has spoken up.
" how much longer do you have?"
Uncle Elliot chuckled.
" how did you know?
Jaden confessed.
" I've seen that look before"
Elliot's next response sent chills within Jaden, Alexis and especially Atticus.
" ah yes….. poor and desperate professor Banner…."
as the laughter within Eliott's voice began to sound louder and louder as though they were standing over an abyss.
" Elliot old man….. what do you want exactly!?"
Atticus corrected his grandpa by saying.
" that not uncle Elliot… not anymore at least…. Right Nightshroud?"
Elliot remained quiet for a few seconds before replying.
' so you figured it out… no matter…. I have no more use for you at the moment'
At that Atticus smirked as he made a step forward.
" I don't care what you say about it….. I'm not done with you"
With that Atticus didn't back down, as a matter of fact he took charge.
" Jaden I'm leaving you to take care of my little sister and more importantly find that helmet before anything crazier happens."
Before Jaden or even his dad and grandpa could protest Atticus rushed Elliot as the latter said annoyingly.
' you're becoming quite the pest.'
Atticus smirked.
' I aim to please.'
With That said and done the two in question struggled as eventually Nightshroud repossesed Atticus and with one last act of defiance said teenager made himself disappear into the shadows before the creature of darkness could actually hurt any of the others.
" not again…"
Jaden noticed that expression on Alexis's face as he went to comfort her.
" we found him once and we'll find him again"
Henry Rhodes senior at this point went to check on Elliot to see in what shape he was in, finding a weak but steady pulse he asked.
" what did that creature promised you old friend?"
Elliot weak from the experience and from his illness replied with.
" he promised me that I wouldn't feel lonely once it's time for me to go."
Henry Rhodes senior simply replied with.
" you never were."
At this point and time Henry Rhodes the second chimed in suggesting that he'll take Elliot top side as his father agreed while Jaden gently asked.
" if it's alright with you me and Alexis will give chase after Atticus."
Henry Rhodes senior heavily disagreed.
" without knowing for certain where he went to it would be a waste of time and effort which we can't afford to waste as it is."
Jaden and Alexis had to reluctantly agree with that statement as said hero duelist asked the following question.
" since we're already here, do you think any one of those coffins hold the clues as to where to go next?"
Henry Rhodes senior asked inquisitively.
" interesting theory, but what makes you ask that?"
Jaden replied honestly.
" could be totally a guess but it seems pointless for a temple to lead us all the way down here for nothing."
Henry Rhode senior agreed as he instructed jaden and Alexis to start opening up the coffins laying about in the room as the duo in question hopped to it. About halfway through though Jaden couldn't help but ask.
" hey does any of this seems right to you?"
Alexis replied the following.
" which part?, the fact that we got roped in into another world ending crazy adventure?, the part that a supernatural monster got a hold on my brother twice in one year? Or the fact that we're disturbing the dead?"
Jaden continued the conversation.
" when you say it like that, all of the above?"
Alexis at that chose to continue what they were doing instead of dragging the conversation further as Jaden gently whispered.
" hope you're heavy sleepers guys….."
Alexis couldn't help but snort at Jaden's comment saying.
" I don't think they'll turn into zombies Jay…."
To his defense Jaden responded with.
" oh I don't know after the crazy stuff we went through this year I'm not taking anything for granted anymore…."
With that alexis couldn't argue as eventually the two set their sights on the one coffin still untouched, the one that Elliot stood next to. With a mighty shove the casket was laid open to reveal the remains of what seemed to be a warrior until Jaden noticed the clothes of said remains which freaked him out a bit.
" no way… that's the king I fought from earlier…."
Henry Rhodes senior asked.
" are you sure about that?"
Jaden answered bluntly.
" well he was more lively when I met him for the first time but yeah."
the old man in the group nodded as he instructed the other two to start searching for clues as Jaden noticed that the remains were burried with a broad sword, probably the same one that he was attacked with. Noticing it was a bit dusty Jaden carefully cleared the dust as he noticed something important.
" guys….. found something…"
What Jaden found seemed to be an ancient text that Henry Rhodes senior began copying using a clear etching paper put on the blade of the sword as he used a pencil to trace it over knowing that by doing so would be just the start of their greatest adventure yet while all Jaden could think of was.
' hang in there everyone….. I'll save you all…..'
Next time: The call for adventure.