I don't own Yu-Gi-Oh! If I did, the Shadow Charms would have a different symbol. I know it's the trademark of the show, but they're obviously not the original Millennium Items.
Chapter Twelve: Dueling a Vampire
Atem sat in the infirmary, struggling to keep his eyes open. He wanted to stay alert for when Mana, Jaden, or Atticus woke up. How the heck did Atticus become Nightshroud? Why did he want the Sacred Beasts? And where had he been this whole time?
Atem glanced to Syrus dozing in his chair next to Jaden. Like how Atem insisted on staying with his sister, Syrus refused to leave Jaden alone. Atem suspected Syrus blamed himself for Jaden's state because Nightshroud had taken him hostage. The tri-color haired student knew he wouldn't be able to change the Slifer's mind; Jaden and Mana would have to do that later. Alexis slept in a chair next to her brother. Atem couldn't begin to guess what was running through her mind as she watched over Atticus.
He must have dozed off, because the next thing Atem knew his sister was hugging him. "Mana!" Atem returned the hug. "Don't scare me like that."
"I'm sorry, Prince," she said. "I promise I just overdid it with my magic. I had to, otherwise Syrus and Chumley would be toast. They are okay, right?"
"They're fine,' Atem assured her. "Jaden passed out from the duel even though we won. Nightshroud was sealed in that card, but it seems he was an evil spirit like the one in Bakura's Millennium Ring. He was controlling Atticus."
"Your friend who went missing? Alexis's brother?"
Atem nodded. "He hasn't woken up, so we don't know what he's been through."
"Then go back to your dorm and get some sleep," Mana told him. "You don't have to worry about me."
"No way," he refused. "You and Jaden are in no shape to protect yourselves if another Shadow Rider comes. I'm staying here."
"Fine, but you better at least sleep while you're here," she relented. "You won't be able to take on a Shadow Rider if you stay awake waiting for him to come."
"Same goes for you," Atem grinned at his sister. "Especially since you're the one who went overboard with her magic."
Mana stuck her tongue out at him and lay back down on the infirmary bed. Settling back in his chair, Atem closed his eyes and let himself drift to the land of sleep.
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Mana made Atem go to class the next morning, insisting that she was fine and that Alexis could protect them should a Shadow Rider arrive. Professor Fontaine assured him Mana would be able to leave at the end of the day. Unable to argue with their logic, Atem gave in and headed to class. He hated it when his sister actually made sense.
Sitting in Professor Sartyr's class, Atem heard rumors from other students about a vampire lurking around campus. He suspected she was the next Shadow Rider. Chancellor Sheppard gave truth to the rumors when Atem and the other Key holders—minus Mana, Jaden, and Alexis—met in his office to discuss their next move.
"It's a joke!" Dr. Crowler insisted.
"It wasn't a joke that put Jaden and Mana in the hospital," Bastion pointed out.
"Do you think she's a Shadow Rider?" Zane asked.
"Perhaps," Sheppard answered. "So be on the lookout for anything strange."
"By the way, Atem," Bastion turned his attention to the Obelisk senior. "What exactly happened to Mana? She was only a bystander to Jaden's duel, wasn't she?"
Atem groaned inwardly. He should have known the others would ask, and he would rather Mana explain herself, but the others needed to know. "Mana is bonded to the spirit of Dark Magician Girl," he answered. "To put it simply, because of that bond she can use Dark Magician Girl's powers, basically magic. She used her magic to save Syrus and Chumley, but she has her limits. Using it too much will exhaust her, which is what happened."
"Can you use the same powers?" Zane asked.
"Not exactly," he answered. "Both of us can see Duel Spirits, but I'm bonded to Black Luster Soldier. I can't use magic like Mana, but I can summon Duel Spirits into our world. We think it comes from our dad having magical abilities with the Millennium Puzzle, and our mom has some light power."
"So you're saying you and your sister can give us a boost against the Shadow Riders?" Chazz asked.
"To an extent," Atem told him. "Honestly we're still figuring it out ourselves, which is why we didn't say anything until now. Knowing Mana, she's going to get me for telling without asking her first. Wouldn't be the first time though. I'll just need to be careful going around corners."
Zane chuckled as he left the room. The others took that as their cue to leave. Chazz hung back with Atem, and when the others were out of earshot he asked, "Can you teach me to summon creatures like you do?"
That's right, Chazz can see spirits too. "I don't know," Atem answered. "I think each person's ability to interact with Duel Spirits is different, provided they can at all. Mana can't summon spirits, and I can't do magic. Talk with your spirit partner. I think that determines more than anything what powers we can use."
"See, boss? I told you we gotta work together! So can we go find my brothers?" Atem looked for the sound of the nasally voice that spoke. He found it hovering next to Chazz—a bizarre yellow creature in a red speedo. Right. Ojama Yellow is Chazz's partner.
"I told you to get lost!" Chazz yelled at the little spirit. He tried swatting at it, but the Ojama flew out of the way.
"Chazz, this is what I mean," Atem stopped him. "Look, sometimes cards and spirits bond with us for certain reasons. In ancient Egypt, they called a spirit that was bonded to a human's soul a Ka, and that was the creature they could summon in times of trouble. Only a select few could call upon other spirits."
"So you're saying I'm stuck with this disgusting yellow nuisance? That he's my Ka?"
"I don't know," Atem answered. "But considering he's the only spirit you've spoken with, there's a chance, unless there's something you're not telling me. Try listening to him and see where that gets you. I can advise you, but ultimately only you can figure out what you're capable of. Now I'm heading back to the infirmary to check on Mana. I'd say prepare for whatever this vampire Shadow Rider has in store, and listen to what your cards tell you. In a Shadow Game, they're the ones that'll save you. And keep your guard up. You never know when a Shadow Rider will attack."
Chazz nodded and headed towards the main doors of the building. Atem suspected he was going back to the Slifer dorm to prepare for the next challenge. Turning the opposite way, he headed to the infirmary.
"How's everyone doing?" Atem asked as he entered.
"Jaden woke up for a little bit and said something about seeing a girl," Syrus answered, "but he hasn't said anything since."
"Atticus is pretty much the same," Alexis said, "but I know he'll get better. He's a fighter."
"I know he is," Atem assured her.
"Hey, I'm doing fine too, thanks for asking," Mana tackled Atem from behind.
"You had your chance to answer," Atem steadied himself, adjusting for Mana's weight on his back. "And the fact you just tackled me proves you're fine."
"So what's the word on the next Shadow Rider?" Alexis asked.
"It sounds like she's here," he answered. "I'm meeting up with the others later. Chazz said he'd search the campus for any signs of her. Apparently this one's a vampire."
"A vampire? Are you serious?" Syrus asked.
"Well that's new," Mana chimed in. "I guess we can finally say we faced something Dad hasn't."
"I don't think this is one to brag about, sis," Atem rolled his eyes at her, prompting her to laugh and hold onto him tighter. Having enough, he backed up until he felt the edge of the next infirmary bed against his leg. Grinning, Atem threw himself backwards onto the bed, pinning Mana underneath him.
"Prince! This isn't funny!" Mana yelled pushing against him as she tried to get free.
"That depends on your perspective," Atem laughed. "And this is what you get for tackling me. And for all the pranks I put up with."
"I haven't done that many!" she protested. She tried to tickle him, but Atem turned around and pinned her arms down.
"That's enough you two," Professor Fontaine's voice interrupted them. "This is an infirmary, not a play area. Leave if you're going to play games."
"Sorry, ma'am," the two Mutos apologized. Atem caught Syrus and Alexis snickering as Fontaine chastised them. Atem and Mana left to prepare for the next battle.
They met up later at Chancellor Sheppard's office. "Sorry we're late," Atem apologized when he saw they were the last ones to arrive. "What did we miss?"
"I searched the whole campus," Chazz said, "and there's no—"
"Vampire!" Atem jumped at the sound of Chumley's voice. He burst into the room panting. "I saw her! She's at the lake!"
Everyone followed the Slifer senior to the lake. Atem could barely make out a speck in the center when a red carpet rolled out to the shore. "I think she's expecting us," Bastion commented.
"At least it's the red carpet treatment," Crowler said.
"Crimson red," Zane noted the color of their welcome. "How fitting."
"I guess we know what a vampire's favorite color is," Atem added.
"So what now?" Mana asked.
"Now we face her," Zane answered.
"Yeah, but who?" Chazz chimed in.
Atem noticed Crowler and Banner creeping behind the group, obviously terrified of the situation. They bumped into each other, and Crowler jumped to the front of the group. The others in the group took it as him volunteering, and they wouldn't let him wiggle out of dueling. Seeing everyone else was for it, Crowler agreed to face the Shadow Rider.
"Dr. Crowler, are you sure?" Atem asked cautiously. He didn't want to insult the Obelisk head by questioning his judgement, but he couldn't let Crowler go in without considering the stakes. It wasn't that he didn't believe in his teacher; he just worried the Shadow Game would throw Crowler off his game.
"I'll be fine," Crowler assured him. "I am the professor charged with protecting not only the Spirit Key but also you students, and I won't let some vampire keep me from doing just that."
"All right," Atem hoped Crowler really knew what he was doing. Who knew what this Shadow Rider was capable of?
Mana and Chumley ran to tell Alexis and Jaden what was happening. Crowler hesitated calling a challenge to the vampire, but she finally crossed from her boat to them. She had long green hair with her bangs curling to the left side of her face, pointed ears, and crimson eyes. She wore a long red dress with off the shoulder straps and a long matching cape, and she had golden bands around her upper arm and golden bracelets around her wrists. Around her neck was a golden choker, and Atem could just make out the Millennium Symbol on it. That's really not a good sign. "Hello, gentlemen," she greeted them with a thick accent. "And who might you be?" She turned her attention to Crowler.
"I'm your challenger," the Obelisk professor answered.
"I don't think so," the woman looked over the group before her eyes settled on Zane. She definitely wants to duel Zane. Atem had a bad feeling as he thought about what the woman might do get what she wants. "You're not worthy," she mocked Crowler.
"Not worthy? I have a PhD in Dueling! That takes nine years of duel school!" Crowler shouted at her.
"Not the time, Dr. Crowler!" Atem cut the professor's rant of. If he let Camula get inside his head now, it wasn't a good sign for how he'd handle her Shadow Game."
"Fine, if you're that anxious to lose your Key," the woman said, "then you may duel me, Camula, vampire mistress of the Shadow Riders." Her eyes flashed red.
"So she's the vampire," Banner observed. "I need to get new horror movies."
Atem rolled his eyes as Crowler shook off Camula's scare tactics, claiming them to be nothing more than cheap props. It's good he's not scared, but I don't think those are props. Atem tensed when Camula promised to take Crowler's soul and put it in a doll should she win, and she'd get his Spirit Key. First it was cards, and now it's dolls? What happened to just sending us to the Shadow Realm like what Bakura always promised Dad? Actually, scratch that. This is probably easier to undo should the worst happen. Atem hoped Crowler really knew what he was getting into as he scoffed at her terms, mocking her vampire claims.
Camula started the duel with her Zombie Werewolf (1200/1200) in attack mode and set a face-down card. Crowler activated his Ancient Gear Castle, granting his Ancient Gears 300 attack points, and it received a counter for every Ancient Gear he summoned, eventually allowing him to use that as a tribute instead of his monsters. Then Crowler summoned Ancient Gear Soldier (1300/1300), and strengthened by the Castle the Soldier attacked the Werewolf. Soldier's effect prevented Camula from activating her face-down card, and she took 400 points of damage from her monster's destruction.
Since Zombie Werewolf was destroyed by battle, Camula was allowed to summon another from her deck, and the new one got a 500 attack point boost. Crowler ended his turn with a face-down. Camula summoned Zombie Bat (800/1200), and its effect powered up her zombie-types by 200 points. The Werewolf, now at 1900 attack points, attacked and destroyed Ancient Gear Soldier, and the Bat attack Crowler directly, dropping him to 2700 LifePoints. Atem could see the panic in his teacher's eyes as the dorm head realized the monsters were no holograms. Crowler dropped to his knees when the attack finished. Keep it together, Dr. Crowler. We're counting on you.
"You don't have to endure this you know," Camula said. "Step down, and I'll duel that one in white."
"Hear that, Zane? I guess you're her type," Chazz laughed at the Shadow Rider's interest in the Obelisk senior.
"Yes, or her blood-type," Banner added.
"So how about it?" the Shadow Rider asked. "Give me your student, and I'll let you go free."
"As tempting as your offer is, I don't think so!" Crowler got to his feet, scowling at the vampire. "I won't let you lay a finger on my students! Do you understand? I am the leading professor at the most famous Duel Academy in the world! And if you want to get to my pupils, you're going to have to get through yours truly!"
"But, Crowler, you can barely stand!" Chazz protested.
"Don't worry about me. I still have a deck in my hand," Crowler assured his students, "and a few tricks up my sleeve." He activated his face-down Damage Condenser, allowing him to summon a monster whose attack points were less than or equal to the damage he took. He summoned a second Ancient Gear Soldier from his deck. Then he sacrificed his Soldier to summon his Ancient Gear Beast (2000/2000). Crowler sent his Beast to destroy the Werewolf, and Beast's effect negated Werewolf's, preventing Camula from summoning another, and her LifePoints fell to 3200. He just about evened the score. Atem smirked at Crowler's comeback. This is why he's Obelisk Blue's head.
Camula was unimpressed with Crowler's move as she activated her field spell Infernalvania. The scenery shifted to a stereotypical vampire town. Good thing Mana's with Jaden. She'd be flipping out in this place. Atem thought the field spell might be a good source of revenge for Mana's next prank. It was bound to happen eventually. Unfortunately for Crowler, Infernalvania allowed the turn player to discard a Zombie-type monster to destroy every monster on the field with the stipulation that that player was unable to normal summon a monster. Camula activated the field spell's effect, discarding her Vampire Lord, and destroyed Crowler's Beast. Her Zombie Bat was spared because of its effect, allowing it to be protected if Camula sent another one from her deck to the graveyard. She did, and the Bat swooped in to suck away another 1000 LifePoints from Crowler, leaving him with only 1700. He collapsed to the ground.
"Crowler!" Zane called to the professor. "We can't just stand here and do nothing."
"There's nothing we can do," Atem blocked his friend with his arm. "It's one thing to interfere when there's a hostage, but there isn't one. I want to help him too, but Dr. Crowler knew the stakes when he accepted this duel. If we try to intervene now, we risk losing his soul and key. This is his fight, we have to have faith he'll pull it off. We all know he's not a pushover in a duel."
"Atem's right!" Jaden's voice rang out. The group turned to face the new arrivals. Chumley carried Jaden on his back, and they were flanked by Syrus and Mana. "Dr. Crowler can win this duel," Jaden continued as he leaned on Syrus and Mana for support. "I know because I've dueled him!" The Slifer focused his attention on the two duelists, urging Crowler to stand up and win. "Believe me, he can throw down! And he'll find a way to beat you! So get up, Dr. Crowler, and get your game on!"
Crowler nodded and staggered to his feet. "I won't give up!" he promised. "And though it makes me slightly ill to admit it—Jaden's absolutely right! I can beat you! I can throw down, and I can get my game on! Bleh, I suddenly feel the need to rinse my mouth out."
"Come on, it's not that bad, teach," Jaden said.
It seems like Jaden was the best person to keep Dr. Crowler going, though I doubt he'll ever admit it when this is over. Atem smiled. Crowler may not like Jaden, but he can't deny Jaden's faith in him.
Luckily, Crowler had a comeback waiting in the wings. By sacrificing his Ancient Gear Castle, he was able to bring out his Ancient Gear Golem. The Golem blasted through the Zombie Bat and inflicted 2000 points of damage to Camula. The Bat's effect negated its destruction, and Camula prepared to use Infernalvania to destroy the Golem on her next turn, but Crowler wasn't going to let her. He activated the spell Heavy Storm to destroy every spell and trap card on the field. The powerful winds blew away the vampire castle and Camula's face-down card.
Camula grinned at Crowler's play, revealing her long fangs and even longer tongue. "Ew, gross," Mana grabbed Atem's arm. She never did like vampires.
The Shadow Rider activated her Zombie Bed trap. Since it was destroyed by Heavy Storm, it activated allowing Camula to summon Zombie Werewolf from her deck. And since Crowler had played Heavy Storm, he had no face-downs to defend himself with. The spectators questioned how Camula knew all of Crowler's moves, and she admitted she had her bats spying on everyone, giving her information on their cards and decks. Good thing I wasn't editing my deck. We'll have to make sure to be extra cautious about being spied on from here on out. Atem scowled at the Shadow Rider.
Camula activated her spell Book of Life, resurrecting her Vampire Lord and removing Crowler's Ancient Gear Beast from play. Then she removed Vampire Lord to summon Vampire Genesis, which was boosted by the still-present Bat. Vampire Genesis was strong enough to destroy Crowler's Golem, and the Bat and Werewolf were ready to take out the rest of his LifePoints.
"My students," Crowler called to them. "Always remember this! It's true I may have been hard on you at times, but it's simply because I believe in you. Therefore, if I fall here, there's still hope because I know you all will rise!"
"Don't talk like that!" Zane insisted. Atem grit his teeth as everyone realized there was nothing Crowler could do to stop Camula.
Camula ordered her Genesis to destroy the Golem, and her other monsters wiped out Crowler's LifePoints. "No," Mana whispered. Atem put his arm around her to console her.
"Dr. Crowler!" Jaden yelled to the fallen professor.
"Jaden," Crowler gasped, "avenge me, my boy." With that, he lost consciousness.
"His Key is mine," the Shadow Rider grinned as she loomed over her victim, removing the Spirit Key from his neck. "One down, seven to go. And now, darling children, to take my second prize." She held up a blank doll, and it glowed with shadow energy. Crowler's body had the same glow, and after a few seconds it was gone. The doll morphed into the Obelisk professor's likeness. "Dolls are pretty, but this is decidedly not. It's garbage now." She tossed the Crowler doll on the ground.
"That's it!" Jaden tried to charge the vampire, but Zane and Atem blocked his way. "But Zane, Atem," he said. Atem shook his head. As much as Atem wanted to charge in himself, there was nothing they could do for the moment. They could only watch as a large castle appeared behind Camula. Bastion and Chazz promised to find and duel her, but she only mocked them as she disappeared. She wanted to be found and challenged.
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"I'll play a spell, and then I'll play a trap, and then I'll attack!" Jaden swung his arms as he spoke. "At least as soon as I get better," he sighed, letting his arms fall on his face. "I mean, taking that Spirit Key is one thing, but Crowler's soul too?"
"I know how you feel Jaden, but calm down," Atem told the Slifer. "Unfortunately, it's how maniacs like the Shadow Riders operate. My aunt Mai once lost a Shadow Game, and the winner trapped her mind in the Shadow Realm. It wasn't until Dad defeated the same duelist that she was freed. We'll get Dr. Crowler back, but we have to defeat Camula to do it. And you're not in any shape to take her on as it is."
"He's right, Jay," Syrus said. "You should just rest for now."
"I agree," Professor Banner said, stroking Pharaoh. "After all, if we're not at our best, it'll be our souls in dolls and our bodies will be catatonic." Pharaoh yowled and dove under Jaden's bed. Banner followed him under. "No, Pharaoh, just because it has the word 'cat' in it doesn't mean it applies to you. Though I'm not sure nine lives makes a difference with vampires."
Mana rolled her eyes at the duo's antics. "So we know we have to stop Camula, and we know she can spy on us with those bats of hers." Her wand materialized in her right hand, and a tome hovered in front of her. "I know my brother already told you about my magic. There should be something in here to keep them out. Let's see. . ." she flipped through the pages. "Turning humans into toads… the freeze spell… levitation… aha! This should do it!" Mana pointed her wand at the window and chanted something. The orb flashed with light, and a pink haze covered the glass. "That should keep her from spying on us in here. If anyone wants to work on their decks, do it here or let me shield wherever you plan on doing it."
"Can you do something to help Dr. Crowler?" Alexis asked.
Mana shook her head. "Maybe if I had more practice, but right now only half my spells actually work. If I tried something that advanced, I could kill Dr. Crowler or blow up half the school."
"So let's stick with defeating Camula to save him," Atem said.
Bastion and Chazz began debating about who should face Camula that night. Alexis managed to pull them together and finally convince Jaden to sit out. Out of the corner of his eye, Atem saw Zane leave the room. Suspecting something was up, he followed his friend.
"Zane," Atem called after the Obelisk.
Syrus followed them as well. "Big bro, where are you going?" he asked. "Didn't we just agree to work together? What gives?"
"If all that matters is protecting those Keys and rescuing Crowler, then you know where I'm going." Zane kept walking.
"Not on your own," Atem blocked his friend's way. "Look, I get you wanting to stop Camula, and if you really think you can handle her Shadow Game, I'm not going to stop you. But I won't let you go alone. And if you try to stop me, Syrus will go get the others."
"Are you threatening me, Muto?" Zane asked.
"Depends on what you mean by threaten," Atem answered. "I said I'd let you duel her. I just said you're not going alone." He glanced to the window and saw a bat hovering in it. "She's watching us." He pointed to the bat. "We'd better ask Mana how long that spell of hers lasts and how much area she can cover. I'd rather not deal with being spied on at every corner."
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Mana cast her protection spell in Chazz's room, and Chazz set Dr. Crowler's doll on the stand by his television. They began sorting and editing their decks, discussing different strategies until Ojama Yellow started hovering around his partner. "Hey, boss, how's things?"
Chazz slapped the little yellow spirit into his television. "They were fine until you showed up!"
"Oh, and now things are great, right?" Ojama Yellow popped out of the screen. "Thanks, boss, you always know how to make me feel good. So what are you doing? Arranging your decks?"
Mana chuckled at the Duel Spirit. "Yeah, kind of. We have to be careful about where we do it. There's a vampire sending her bats out to spy on us."
"Ooh, scary," the creature answered. "Can I help?"
Chazz swatted the spirit again, sending him crashing into Crowler's doll. "Hey! Fragile here!" the doll yelled at them.
"Chazz, do you have to be that way around him?" Mana asked.
"Why do you care? He's lame and annoying," Chazz answered. "You got an awesome partner, and so does your brother."
"So? Every card has a strength and weakness," she told him. "Just because Ojama Yellow's not powerful like Dark Magician Girl doesn't mean he's useless. You know what I think?"
"What?"
"I think he's meant to remind of how far you've come," Mana said. "Think about it. Before you met him, you solved all your problems by throwing money at them. Expensive cards, fancy food, rich friends. Then you left, you met that little guy, and you've learned to see the potential in every card. It's not about attack points or special powers. It's about heart."
"Wow, you really are a Muto," Chazz rolled his eyes at her. "I thought only Yugi could give Heart of the Cards speeches like that."
"Oh, you've never heard one of my mom's friendship speeches," Mana laughed. "Between the two of them I never had a chance."
"Your family's pretty cool," Chazz said. "I like that they came to watch our duel. Next time you see them, can you thank them for standing up to my brothers? I know you did most of it, but still."
"Sure thing," Mana smiled. "And just so you know, Mom wanted to tear into them before the match. They think you're a good duelist too."
"Boss, this doll's alive!" Ojama Yellow interrupted them.
Chazz went and picked up the Crowler doll. "Would you mind easing up on the grip a tad bit?" it asked. "You're wrinkling my coat!"
"That's definitely Dr. Crowler's voice," Mana commented.
Chazz looked out through the pink haze on the window. Outside were hundreds of Camula's bats. "It's starting again," Chazz said. Mana nodded and followed him to the lake. It was time to duel yet again.
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Atem stood next to Zane in front of Camula's castle. "Are you sure about this?" he asked his friend.
"You think I can't win?" Zane asked. "You're the only person who has beaten me."
"If she was playing fair, you'd win no problem," Atem answered. "It's the Shadow Game and other tactics she uses I'm worried about."
"I can handle it," Zane insisted. "But thanks for your concern."
"And I've got your back," Atem extended his fist to his friend. Zane smiled and bumped his to Atem's.
"Why are we going to this place instead of running away from it?" Chumley's asked as he came over the hill carrying Jaden on his back. They were followed by Bastion, Chazz, Alexis, Mana, and Syrus. Knowing that none of them were going to leave, Zane led the way into the castle. "Can I just drag Jaden instead of carrying him? It'd be easier on my back." Chumley asked as they entered the castle and walked through the dark hallway.
"Quiet," Zane told him. "We're close."
They came to the entrance hall of the castle where Camula greeted them from atop one of the balconies. She grinned at their arrival. Again Bastion and Chazz argued over who should duel, but Camula challenged Zane. Why is she interested in him? Even when she was dueling Crowler she was more focused on Zane. Atem worried for his friend as Zane accepted the challenged, climbing the stairs to the balcony opposite the Shadow Rider.
The stakes were about the same as before. Zane wins; Camula returns Crowler's soul and leaves the Academy. Camula wins; she gets Zane's soul, Spirit Key, and continues her quest to gain the Sacred Beasts.
Camula took the first and summoned Vampire Lady (1550/1550) in defense mode. She ended her turn by playing a face-down. Zane activated Power Bond to fuse his three Cyber Dragons into Cyber End Dragon (4000/2800), doubling its attack points to 8000. Are you sure about this Zane? It's not like you to use Power Bond on the first turn. You haven't even taken a precaution against her face-down. Atem grimaced at Zane's choice. If that face-down got him, Power Bond would end the duel right here.
"Atem," Syrus got his attention. "What do you think? Did Zane use Power Bond instead of play it?"
"I don't know," Atem answered, noting Syrus was now thinking in Zane's terminology. Syrus was improving as a duelist, even thinking through every possibility. "It's not like him to bring out Cyber End Dragon this early, but this is a Shadow Game. Sometimes it's best to hit hard and fast, before the strain of the duel gets to the player. But Camula is cunning. She was spying on us long before we knew what she was up to, so she knows what kind of deck Zane runs. I betting Zane's trying to overpower her before she can toy with him like she did with Dr. Crowler, but that face-down could change things."
"It's a big risk," Chumley chimed in, "but the doubled attack points could be worth it."
Zane ordered Cyber End Dragon to attack Vampire Lady, intending for its piercing damage to end the duel. Camula activated her trap: Red Ghost Moon. By discarding a Zombie-type monster, Red Ghost Moon added Cyber End Dragon's attack points to her LifePoints, and it ended the battle. Zane countered with De-Fusion, splitting his three-headed dragon back into three separate Cyber Dragons (2100/1600). Since Cyber End Dragon was gone, Camula didn't receive her 8000 LifePoints, and Zane wouldn't take damage at the end of the turn from Power Bond. He ended his turn with a face-down card. Nice save, Zane.
Camula laughed at him. "I see now why you're one of the top duelists at the Academy. The little Prince of Games must provide you an excellent challenge. But not enough to beat me."
I'm not that short! Atem scowled at the vampire's comment. Granted, he was barely taller than Mana and her friends, and Zane did tower over him, but still. Mana snorted next to him. "Say one word, and I'll tell your friends every embarrassing story I can think of," he whispered to her. She scowled and elbowed him. Hard. "Ow!" he rubbed his arm.
"It's not my fault you got Dad's height," Mana stuck her tongue out at him.
"I'm still taller than you."
"You haven't seen anything yet," Zane said to the Shadow Rider, drawing the Mutos' attention back to the duel.
"I hope not," Camula smiled seductively at him. "Zane, precious dear, we've only just begun this duel, and I expect to have a lot more fun with you. Now then, shall we?" She tributed Vampire Lady to summon her Vampire Lord (2000/1500). Then she sacrificed him for Vampire Genesis (3000/2100). Camula ordered Vampire Genesis to attack; Zane countered with his face-down card: Attack Reflector Unit. It let him sacrifice one Cyber Dragon to bring out Cyber Barrier Dragon (800/2800). The Barrier Dragon's effect negated Camula's first attack every turn, specifically Vampire Genesis's attack.
Zane activated Pot of Greed to draw two cards. Then he played the spell Photon Generator Unit, sacrificing his remaining Cyber Dragons to bring out Cyber Laser Dragon (2400/1800). Laser Dragon's effect let Zane destroy a monster on the field whose attack or defense points are greater than or equal to Laser Dragon's. With that, Zane blew up Vampire Genesis.
"I bet you talk to all the girls like that," Camula frowned at Zane's Dragon.
"No, just ones I really don't like," Zane said before sending his dragons into attack. Camula's LifePoints dropped to 800. He ended his turn by setting a card.
"Zane dear, you do realize you're forcing me to reveal my ugly side?" Camula extended her fangs and tongue, and the eye on her choker glowed red. Then she activated the spell Illusion Gate. Atem knew it was a bad sign when none of them had even heard of the card. The Illusion Gate opened and destroyed all of Zane's monsters. Then a second Camula emerged from it, and the two vampires alternated explaining the rest of its effects. It allowed her to summon any monster Zane used during the duel. Since Zane defused Cyber End Dragon, she could summon it. The catch was if Camula lost the duel, she had to sacrifice a soul to the Sacred Beasts. She eyed the younger Truesdale.
"Syrus, run!" Zane yelled to his brother.
The one that emerged from the Illusion Gate flew towards the group before he could get away. "Oh no you don't!" Mana raised her wand and chanted something, but nothing happened. "No!" she yelled. Before she could try again, the vampire grabbed Syrus and brought him to the Gate.
"Sorry, Zane," Syrus apologized from the vampire's grasp. He screamed as Camula brought forth Cyber End Dragon. Zane's in an impossible situation now. This isn't like with Dad and Uncle Joey's duel. There's no way to turn the stakes around on this. I know if I was dueling, and Mana was the hostage, there'd be no way I could fight back. Atem clenched his fists. They couldn't sacrifice Syrus. And he knew there was no way Zane would do it either. Zane wouldn't sacrifice his brother to win the duel.
"So what is it going to be: save the world or save your brother's soul, which also means losing yours?" Camula mocked her opponent. "Which do you choose?"
"Go on, Zane," Syrus weakly pleaded. "Do it. You have to." Zane eyes widened at his brother's words. "My soul is a small price to pay to stop Camula. After all, if she wins this duel, she gets your Spirit Key. And you know that means the Shadow Riders will be that much closer to freeing those Sacred Beasts! Besides, if one of us has to go down, it might as well be me. Sure I may have gotten the looks, but you got pretty much everything else. The skills, the smarts—everything. Anyway, Zane, it's all right. At least this way, I'll be remembered for something other than just being your little brother. I'll be the one who's the hero." Tears sprung from Syrus's eyes as he continued to speak. "After all, we both know I would have never been able to do it by dueling. It's just like you said: I never belonged here."
"I did say that," Zane answered his brother. "But since then you proved me wrong. You do belong here. I love you, Syrus. Never forget that. I'll miss you." He lowered his duel disk. "I stand down!" he yelled to the Shadow Rider.
"Zane!" Syrus yelled. "What are you doing?"
The Cyber End Dragon attacked the Obelisk, wiping out his LifePoints. The Illusion Gate closed, and the doppelganger of Camula vanished, releasing Syrus. The defeated duelist dropped to his knees, his body engulfed in a shadowy flare, and then it was gone. Camula looked in delight at the doll she held.
Atem grit his teeth as Camula vanished in a black fog. His best friend was taken, and there was nothing any of them could do about it. I'll get you back, my friend. I promise.
The castle's magic forced them out, leaving them to regroup on the lakeshore. "Just like that," Syrus sank to his knees. "He's gone."
"It's not your fault, Syrus," Mana consoled him. "If only my spell had worked. I could have kept her from getting to you."
"We'll get him back," Atem promised them, his rage building up. "It's time to end this. And I swear she'll pay for what she's done to Zane and Dr. Crowler."
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Atem slammed his fist into the wall of the infirmary. "Prince, losing your temper isn't going to help," Mana placed a hand on his shoulder. "That's what you're always telling me. Who knew I'd get the chance to tell you the same thing?"
"You're not helping, Mana," he grumbled, ignoring the worried gazes of his sister and Alexis. Atem didn't know how much more he could take. One of his best friends was unconscious after being missing for over a year and being possessed by an evil spirit, and his other best friend had his soul sealed inside doll and was being kept as a trophy by a vampire bent on destroying the world. How did his dad do it? In Battle City, Yugi lost so many friends and allies to Marik—Mai, Odion, Bakura, Joey—and he still kept fighting. Where did he find the strength to keep going?"
"Atem, do not lose faith," Black Luster Soldier appeared next to him. "Your father kept going because he knew it was the only way to save his friends. You can do the same."
He sighed and pulled himself together. His spirit partner was right. Getting angry and punching the wall wasn't going to save Zane and Dr. Crowler, and neither was sitting around moping. "I'm dueling Camula tonight," Atem told the girls.
"And I'll have your back, Prince," Mana promised.
"No, you're staying here," Atem told her.
"No way! I'm coming with you."
"Mana, please," Atem met his sister's eyes as he begged. "Remember what happened to Zane? If she uses that spell against me, whom do you think she's going to offer up? I won't let you be put in danger for my duel."
"I'll be ready for it this time," Mana promised. "I'll summon Dark Magician Girl to help protect us, and together we'll keep her from taking anymore hostages."
A light drew their attention to Atticus. The half of the Gravekeeper's medallion he had glowed, and his eyes slowly opened. "Atticus?" Alexis whispered her brother's name as she removed the breathing mask from his face. Atem and Mana were right next to her.
"Alexis, Atem," his dark brown eyes met theirs. "I need to tell you about her. The vampire, Camula, you can't defeat her like the others."
"Why not?" Alexis asked.
"She has a Shadow Charm that gives her the power to steal souls," Atticus answered. "I'm sure you've seen her use it, but you can stop it with another Shadow Charm." He held up his half of the medallion. Atem took it, and Atticus fell back asleep.
"If you combine that with Jaden's half, he should be able to counter Camula's," Black Luster Soldier said.
"But Jaden's in no shape to duel," Mana looked to her resting companion.
"He doesn't have to duel," Atem said. "If he's there with the charm, then that combined with our powers should be able to keep Camula's soul-stealing powers at bay."
"Then let's get going," Mana grinned before waking Jaden up.
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"The cavalry has arrived!" Alexis called to the others as she, the Mutos, and Jaden arrived at the meeting spot in a boat. "We have a plan to defeat Camula."
Atem told the others their plan to combine the Muto powers with Jaden's Shadow Charm to stop Camula. Keeping her from taking hostages was the key to beating her. "Granted, if this doesn't work, any bystanders could be targets," Atem said after he finished. "That in mind, if anyone wants to stay behind, I won't hold it against them." Even with their plan, he couldn't help but feel he was putting his sister in danger. She was still the likely target if Camula played Illusion Gate. But their plan relied on her powers and knowledge. Steeling himself for whatever Camula had planned, Atem led the way into the castle. Camula was waiting for them in her entrance hall.
"It's time to duel, Camula!" Atem yelled at the vampire and activated his duel disk.
"Ah, the little Prince of Games," Camula sneered at him as she readied her duel disk. "I hope you provide an interesting challenge for me."
"I'll do more than challenge you. I'll make you release Zane and Dr. Crowler, and you won't hurt anyone else here again." He drew his card. "I activate the spell Black Luster Ritual. By sacrificing the Obnoxious Celtic Guardian and Gaia, the Fierce Knight in my hand, I can summon Black Luster Soldier (3000/2500)!" Atem brought forth his spirit partner. The black-and-gold-clad warrior brandished his sword at the vampire. "And I'll end my turn with a face-down."
"A big play right away? You must be in a hurry to lose," Camula grinned at the card she drew. "I play Illusion Gate!" Already? Atem looked to his sister who held her wand ready. "I'm sure you remember its effects. First all monsters on the field are instantly destroyed. Then I get to summon any monster you've played. And all I need to pay for this is a soul to sacrifice to the Sacred Beasts, should I happen to lose this duel." Her choker glowed red. "Now whom shall I choose?" The Illusion Gate opened, and a choking black smoke filled the entrance hall. Camula looked over the spectators. "How about the little magician girl? I'm sure the Sacred Beasts would enjoy her."
"You won't take my sister," Atem snarled at the vampire.
"With this necklace, I can do anything," Camula rested a finger on her choker. "Never underestimate the power of the shadow."
"Mana, do it!" Atem yelled to his sister. She chanted something, and a pink barrier materialized around the group. The two pieces of Jaden's medallion came together and flashed with golden light, chasing Camula's shadows away. Yes! It worked! When the light faded, Jaden's medallion was one complete piece.
"What will you do now?" Atem asked. "If you want to play that Illusion Gate, you're going to have to find someone else to sacrifice."
"It matters not!" Camula proceeded with her move. "Illusion Gate, accept my soul as the sacrifice!" The Gate opened again and engulfed Black Luster Soldier, destroying him. Atem gasped and clutched his heart as his spirit partner was destroyed. Then the Gate reopened, and Black Luster Soldier reappeared on Camula's field. "Next I'll summon Zombie Werewolf (1200/1200) in attack mode! Now, Black Luster Soldier, attack Atem!" The Soldier pierced Atem with his sword, and the tri-color haired duelist dropped to his knees. He only had 1000 LifePoints left. "Now Zombie Werewolf, finish him off!"
"Not today, Camula," Atem activated his face-down card. "I play Call of the Haunted. It lets me revive Gaia, the Fierce Knight, from my Graveyard." The mounted knight brandished its twin lances at the Werewolf.
"Zombie Werewolf, stop attack!" Camula canceled her move. "Clever move."
"Alright, Prince!" Mana cheered for him. Atem gave her a thumbs-up and pulled himself to his feet.
"My move!" he drew his card. "I activate the spell Hammer Shot. It destroys the monster on the field with the highest attack points. So you're going to have to say good-bye to my Black Luster Soldier!" A large mallet crushed the black and gold warrior. "Next I'll summon Big Shield Gardna in defense mode. Now Gaia, attack her Werewolf with Spiral Spear Strike!" Gaia ran the Werewolf through with his large red lance. Camula's LifePoints fell to 2900.
Camula smiled at him. "How quickly you forget. When you destroy my Werewolf, another one comes from my deck, with a little surprise—500 more attack points." Another Werewolf appeared on her field.
"Good thing I'm not done yet," Atem continued his move. "I set a card face-down, and I'll play the spell Card of Sanctity. Now we each draw until we have six cards in our hands."
"How very generous of you," Camula drew her cards.
"Make your move, Camula."
"I will!" Camula drew her card. "I play the spell Pot of Greed! Now I may draw two cards from my deck." She looked at her draw and grinned. "Tell me, Atem, do you know what's worse than a vampire mistress? A vampire mistress with a grudge."
"What does your grudge have to do with us?" Atem narrowed his eyes at the vampire. "None of us met you before this week, and yet you steal our souls for your own amusement."
"I will get to that, darling Prince," Camula said. "But first, good-bye my Werewolf! I sacrifice you to summon Vampire Lord!" The blue-haired vampire appeared on Camula's field, grinning at Atem. "Now I'll remove him from play to summon forth Vampire Genesis!" The large purple beast materialized on her field."
"That's not good," Bastion said. "Gaia's no match for that Beast, and it has a special ability to boot. Atem will have his work cut out for him."
"Don't count him out yet," Mana insisted. "Camula's running out of tricks to use on him."
"Next I'll use the spell Genesis Crisis," Camula continued her move. "Now every turn, a zombie-type monster is transferred directly from my deck and into my hand." She added a monster to hand with the spell's effect. "And with Vampire Genesis, I can discard that monster to the graveyard to summon another one. It can be any zombie monster, as long as it's a lower level!" She resurrected Zombie Werewolf. "Now I could just attack and destroy your Gaia, but what fun would there be in that? So instead I'll play the spell Giant Trunade!"
"I play my trap: Gift of the Mystical Elf!" Atem revealed his face-down card. "This gives me 300 LifePoints for every monster on the field." His LifePoints rose to 2200. Giant Trunade's effect then returned all spells and traps to their owner's hands. Since Call of the Haunted was removed from the field, Gaia was sent back to the graveyard.
"You may have restored your LifePoints, but it won't help you against Vampire Genesis," Camula sent her monster into attack. "I don't need to know the weakness of your deck to beat you. I know you avoided my bats spying; the magician girl has a few clever tricks of her own. But it matters not. Vampire Genesis, attack that Big Shield Gardna!" The purple monster smashed through Gardna's shield, destroying him. "And now, Zombie Werewolf, attack Atem directly!" It slashed Atem with its claws, dropping his LifePoints to 1000. Camula frowned at Atem's remaining LifePoints before reactivating her Genesis Crisis. With its effect, she added Despair from the Dark to her hand.
"Keep it up, Prince!" Mana called to her brother. "As long as you have LifePoints you can win this! Stop her soul and Key craving!"
"Pathetic magician," Camula sneered at the humans. "You mortals have no idea what I crave. Centuries ago, the vampires were a proud and peaceful race. We lived in harmony with our mortal brothers and sisters. That is… until the dark times… until the war. No one knew who struck first, but the fighting was fierce. Neither soldier nor child was spared the horror as hatred decimated both our peoples. I, the last of my race, had no choice but to go into hiding. For years I slept, a coffin as my home. Then a stranger approached. The dark power of the shadow coursed through his veins. He offered me a choice: spend an eternity in my tomb or accept his Shadow Charm and join his quest for the Sacred Beast cards. For each duelist that I would beat in battle, their soul would be mine, which I would use to resurrect my defeated army of vampires, and we would suck our revenge from the bloated vein of humanity!"
"Are you so blinded with hatred that you're willing to destroy innocent lives?" Atem asked her. "I'm sorry your people were destroyed by humans, but I had nothing to do with that. Neither did Zane nor Dr. Crowler. If you do this, it makes you no better than the humans who destroyed your people. You said yourself your people were peaceful."
"What else am I supposed to do? My people are gone! This is the only way to bring them back! So make your move so I can end this!"
"I'm sorry, but your days of soul-stealing are done," Atem drew his card. "First I'll play the spell Double Summon which, as its name implies, lets summon twice this turn. I summon Queen's Knight (1500/1600) in attack mode." The card warrior with long blonde hair materialized on his field. "Next I summon my King's Knight (1600/1400), and since Queen's Knight is on my field, I can automatically summon Jack's Knight (1900/1000)." The three warriors brandished their swords at Camula.
"You may have three monsters, but they are no match for Vampire Genesis," his opponent mocked him.
"Good thing I'm not done yet," Atem smirked at her. "I play Polymerization to fuse my three Knights into the Arcana Knight Joker (3800/2500)!" The powerful Swordsman pointed his sword at Camula. "Next I play Monster Reborn to resurrect Black Luster Soldier! Finally I'll equip Lightning Blade to my Joker, raising his attack points by 800." The knight's sword sparked with electricity. "Go, Arcana Knight Joker! Attack her Vampire Genesis with Lightning Thunder Blade!" The Joker sliced through Camula's strongest monster, and her LifePoints fell to 1300. "And since Vampire Genesis was destroyed, your Genesis Crisis destroys all the other monsters you have out!"
"No!" Camula yelled as her Werewolf was destroyed. She was defenseless against Atem's next attack.
"And now, Black Luster Soldier, finish her off with Chaos Blade!" The black and gold warrior slashed Camula with his sword, wiping out the rest of her LifePoints.
"All right, Prince!" Mana cheered.
The Illusion Gate reappeared behind the defeated vampire. It opened, and a shadowy claw reached out and pulled Camula's soul into the darkness of the Gate. Illusion Gate closed, and Camula's body turned to dust, leaving only the doll with Zane's soul. After a minute Zane's doll transformed back into his real body. "Zane!" Atem called to his friend. Syrus, Chumley, and Alexis went to take care of him. Dr. Crowler appeared next to Chazz, holding onto the black-haired duelist's leg. At least they're safe.
Atem suddenly felt drained, and he knelt on the ground, fighting off dizziness. Mana was by his side in an instant. "I'm fine," he assured his sister.
"I know you will be, but how about a boost?" Mana pointed her wand at him. "Please in our hour of victory, restore my brother's vitality."
The orb on the wand flashed, and Atem felt his strength return. "How long did it take you to figure that one out?"
"Actually, this is the first time I've tried it," Mana grinned sheepishly at him. "I thought of trying it on Jaden, but I wasn't sure what would happen if I messed up."
"So you decided it was safe to try it on me?"
"Well if something went really wrong, you could summon Black Luster Soldier or Mahad to help fix it."
"Would that be better if I wasn't the test subject?"
"Prince, would you stop worrying so much? I'll get the hang of my magic eventually."
"It's the eventually I'm worried about."
The castle shook and began to crumble, the magic holding it together dissipating. The group got out as fast as they could. From the lakeshore, they watched the castle fall to pieces. A few minutes later, the sun began to rise. "At last, the nightmare's over," Alexis said.
Bastion handed Atem Camula's Shadow Charm. "For now," Atem said. "Camula was only the second Shadow Rider. We have a long way to go before we succeed in stopping the Sacred Beast's resurrection."
Wow, I actually wrote a chapter with no obscure references. I was beginning to think that would never happen. Anyway, thanks for reading! Let me know what you think!