Chapter 13: Should you choose to accept this.

Alexis: 4000 – masked Ryuga: 4000

' normally I would let the little lady to go first but I don't feel particularly nice so…'

Having said that Ryuga drew his opening hand, fanning it, placing three facedown cards before playing Pot of greed allowing him to draw to additional cards as he placed them in his hand saying.

' with that I'll end my turn now make your move, not that it will amount to anything.'

Alexis at that didn't say a single word which annoyed Ryuga to no end with the only exception being the following.

" my move, I tribute Cyber Tutu and Cyber Gymnast to summon Cyber Prima in attack mode."

At that the two monsters in question briefly appeared before vanishing while in their place Cyber Prima materialized on the battle field.

Cyber Prima ( 2300/1600 )

Ryuga scoffed.

' I expected a better opening from an Obelisk.'

Alexis's only response was.

" she has a special ability you know, then again I seriously doubt you knew that as a prospect teacher."

Angry, Ryuga couldn't help but witness that his face downs were destroyed completely as Alexis declared the following.

" Cyber Prima, attack him directly."

With that Cyber prima launched the attack on Ryuga as it took a huge chunk of his life points.

Masked Ryuga: 4000 -→1700

Alexis at that set a couple of face downs of her own saying.

" your move."

Ryuga scowled.

' I'm well aware of this game's mechanics thank you!'

As Ryuga drew his next card he cursed under his breath that his hand did not allow him to mount the comeback he hoped for so instead he placed a couple of face downs to bluff his way into victory or at the very least make life a little more difficult for his opponent before handing the turn for Alexis.

' I play ny own Pot of greed to start with."

Drawing her two cards Alexis fusion summoned Cyber Blader to the field in attack mode.

Cyber Blader ( 2100/800 )

continuing her turn Alexis played the following card, Fusion Weapon before the turn returned to Ryuga's hands.

Cyber Blader ( 2100-→ 3600/800 )

Drawing his next card Ryuga smiled evilly as he made his play.

' from the field I play Smashing Ground which destroys the monster with its highest defense so say goodbye to Cyber Prima.'

Alexis in the meantime remained unimpressed as Ryuga continued his play while Cyber Prima shattered.

' from my hand I play Don turtle only to sacrifice him in order to summon Cyber dinosaur'

Like clockwork the smaller monster appeared for a second before Cyber Dinosaur arrived at the scene.

Cyber Dinosaur ( 2500/1900).

With that said and done Ryuga tried to force Alexis into defense with said opponent not falling for it as the man growled to himself.

' damn bitch…..'

Eventually Alexis's turn came up. With Alexis drawing her next card she smirked inwardly as Ryuga tried to rush her move unsuccessfully and to add insult to injury Jaden or that damn slacker as far as the disgraced prospect teacher was concerned opened his mouth.

" will it take longer?, we seriously need to get Chazz to a hospital…"

Alexis in turn replied as though she was late for a lunch date.

" don't worry I already won."

Seriously pissed off Ryuga demanded.

' explain yourself right this instant!'

At that Alexis sighed.

" why don't I show you instead."

Alexis at that slotted the following card Ring of destruction as she attached it to Cyber Dinosaur saying.

" I trust you know what it's function."

before he could retaliate or even get a word edge wise Cyber Dinosaur exploded and with that the rest of his life points.

Alexis: 4000 -→1500

Masked Ryuga: 1700 -→ 0

As Ryuga fell to his knees in defeat the barrier that kept the friends apart collapsed as Alexis rejoined the group, or at least tried to,, however she felt drained by both this duel and fighting the so called agents with Jaden managing to give her a shoulder to lean on.

" easy there… take a few deep breaths…"

Alexis groaned at that stating.

" I forgot how much shadow duels can take a lot out of you."

Jaden at that smirked.

" now we should let everyone rest for a bit and then go after Nightshroud and Atti."

At that a low and sinister chuckled escaped from the ground up as Nightshroud appeared from the shadows near by as he made his way next to the fallen Ryuga.

' master…. I can still fight….. give me another chance…'

Nightshroud at that simply replied.

' at what?, fail me miserably again?!'

Before he could say anything else those "agent" Shadows that were under Ryuga's command have turned on him swarming him from their name sake devouring him alive as the mask card flew next to Nightshroud as he in turn ripped the object to pieces.

" how could you!?, he was your soldier!"

Nightshroud's reply to Jaden and his group held sadistic glee in its tone.

' and now he's serving another important purpose, as for you?, for now you'll earn a short reprieve, grow strong until then.'

before the group could do anything else Nightshroud disappeared just as Echo arrived with her car to take them to a nearby hospital owned and operated by the Gecko financial group. While on the ride there Jaden was having a private conversation with his alter ego.

' you do realize what Nightshroud is planning right?'

Jaden replied.

" my guess would be the power of gentle darkness, your power."

The supreme king nodded as Jaden continued asking.

" so what do you plan to do next?"

The king answered.

' in regards to your conflict in this matter?'

Jaden simply nodded as his other half just said.

' undetermined at this point.'

The Gecko's private hospital a few hours later.

As the group were treated for their various injuries, yes even emotional ones Adrian made sure everything was satisfactory to their needs, speaking of needs, Jaden at the moment was scarfing on as much hospital food as he could handle.

' pace yourself, I'm the one without a stomach of his own remember?'

Jaden smirked and laughed a bit before saying.

" sorry about that…. You know what?!, I never asked what your name is…."

Surprised the Supreme king simply responded with.

' I went by many names over the years, my given name though is Hao.'

Jaden gave a pleasant smile.

" well nice to meet ya Hao… kinda….."

Hao returned a slight smile replying.

' the feeling is mutual.'

When Jaden finally finished with his meal he immediately fell asleep as Yubel appeared next to Hao's spirit form.

' he's quite a carefree person isn't he?'

Yubel replied.

' not like a certain someone I know.'

Hao cleared his throat before asking.

' I suspect this is not just a social call?'

Yubel confirmed

' indeed.'

As Jaden slept peacefully Hao was left taking charge of Jaden's body, as he got up he heard a knock on the door.

' you may enter.'

In came Alexis which intrigued Hao.

' to what do I owe this visit my lady?'

Alexis, politely but bluntly replied.

" I came here for Jaden your grace, I came to drop off a few textbooks for him to study."

Hao gave a small smile as he asked.

' you are quite devoted to him aren't you?'

At that Alexis didn't answer straight away but instead asked a question of her own.

" at the risk of sounding rude, how long do you intend to keep possessing Jaden for?".

Hao answered honestly.

' I have not the slightest of idea, he is a part of me as much as I am a part of him.'

At this point one honest answer deserved another.

" to your question, I am, very much so….. Jaden helped find and rescue my brother when no one else could do, including myself and he makes everyday interesting and special just by being a part of it."

Hao nodded as he asked with sincerity.

' have you told him that in person?'

Alexis returned the gesture by stating.

" there's never a good time for that, something always gets in the way."

With that said and done Alexis placed the books near Jaden's hospital bed as she said.

" I'll trust that you'll make him read all of these."

Hao smirked as he got comfortable near her as he asked.

' are there any story books in that pile?'

Alexis returned the smirk.

" you'll have to find out for yourself."

As soon as she left Hao couldn't help but laugh as he said under his breath.

' no wonder he likes her so much.'

As the day came and went Jaden was feeling well rested enough to return to the arrangement he had with Hao as he started the following conversation while going through the textbooks Alexis left for him.

" say how smart would you say you are?"

Smirking Hao replied.

' smart enough not to get pulled into your little scheme.'

Jaden at that asked innocently or at least tried to play it off as innocent.

" scheme?, what scheme?, I don't know what you're talking about."

Playing along Hao responded.

' you do realize that I can and actually am reading your mind right now.'

To that Jaden admitted.

" well you can't blame a guy for trying."

Hao nodded as he found an in to talk to Jaden about something he had on his mind for the day.

' talking about trying, you do realize that Nightshroud would double his efforts to obtain my power since he's left with one servant left.'

Jaden replied.

" as to be expected, so what are we going to do about that?"

Hao bluntly answered.

' we need an upgrade for our deck.'

Curious Jaden asked.

" what sort of upgrade?"

For once a little hesitant Hao paused for a moment before saying.

' there is a rare group of cards within the Elemental heroes archetypes called Evil Heroes, mostly fusions and extra deck cards that could prove useful.'

Jaden at that asked the obvious.

" why are you hesitating?"

Hao took a deep breath before replying.

' their fiends in nature, meaning if you are not careful they will corrupt you and more importantly infect your elemental heroes.'

With that Jaden finished for him.

" and you know how I treat my cards."

Hao nodded thankful that Jaden was sharp on the uptake when dueling was involved as he stated.

' the choice is yours.'

A few moments of silence passed as Jaden surprised Hao by saying.

" so how do we get our hands on said cards?"

Before the conversation could continue Adrian cleared his throat saying.

" sorry for eavesdropping but I think I could help you with that, more precisely the Gecko group could."

Both Jaden and Hao gestured Adrian to continue.

" the Gecko group had various business dealings over the years with influential people, chief among them is none other than Maximilian Pegasus."

Jaden was at this point awestruck as he asked with clear enthusiasm in his voice.

" don't tell me you have his number on speed dial or something?"

Adrian smirked at the comment stating.

" no but I can make a few inquiries and find out where and when he's going to be at next."

Hao asked with no hint of humor in his voice.

' and how long will it take you?'

Adrian mirroring the king's attitude replied with.

" give me two days, if I don't bring results by then we'll discuss on a plan B."

Hao agreed to those terms before continuing minding his own business and in the meantime Chazz was sitting alone in his hospital room recovering while also steeling his resolve for the rest of his adventure. Two days have passed quickly with Adrian coming through on his promise as he visited Hao and the rest of the group.

" I secured a one on one with Pegasus but we better hurry, he's going to be in Italy for at least four more days before he moves on."

Hao only asked.

'where are we going to?'

Adrian returned the courtesy.

" Venice."

Before anything else could be said the lights started to flicker a bit as Hao began tensing up.

' I trust you know what it means right?'

Chazz was the first to respond.

" the only question now is what do we intend to do, fight or flight?"

Just as Hao was about to respond Chazz began cutting him off.

" your majesty, you can't take a part in this fight just yet, you need to get to Venice."

With that the group began to run out of the room as Adrian noticed that those agent Shadow creatures materialized from within the building as they were trying to corner the group.

" head for the exit, lure them into a wide area as soon as possible."

As the group ran to the exit Chazz slowed down as he stated.

" I'm staying behind to slow them."

Jaden at that moment was the one who responded.

" are you seriously trying this again?"

Chazz scoffed in response.

" yeah slacker, I'm doing it again but this time don't come back….. if you do I'll give you hell."

With that said and done the group reluctantly left Chazz behind just as "agent" Shadows began swarming the place.

' surround the Supreme king, let none escape…..'

Chazz scoffed as he activated his duel disc and loading up his deck.

" you don't get it, they didn't left me I'm the last line of defense, now duel!"

With that "agent" Shadow reformed into one being as he stated.

' very well.'

With that said and done "agent" Shadow materialized a duel dis of his own with a deck included.

Chazz: 4000 – "agent" Shadow: 4000

" I'll make the first move if you don't mind"

The opponent in question remained quiet for a second before he responded as follows.

' make all the moves you want, I know you inside and out.'

Chazz began laughing.

" you only saw what you wanted to see."

Drawing his five cards Chazz waited his options before making the following move, making sure his opponent followed it.

" first I'm placing two face downs, three monsters in defense mode face down and end my turn."

With that " agent Shadow began his turn wordlessly as he summoned Dark Archetype in attack mode and while plucking a card from his hand he asked.

Dark Archetype ( 1400/400 )

' why are you afraid of me?, have you not faced me previously on multiple occasions?'

At this point Chazz scoffed while Shadow placed a facedown card effectively ending his turn.

" I remember very well the cards you're using so forgive me if I don't intend on playing into your hand."

With that said and done Chazz continued on with his turn sacrificing a low level monster, Totem Dragon, to summon a dragon that he considered an ace and an old friend Light and Darkness Dragon to the field in attack mode.

Light and Darkness Dragon ( 2800/2400 )

If "Agent" Shadow was frustrated he didn't show it, in fact he wasn't the type to show any kind of emotion, he had the ultimate poker face while Chazz ended his turn.

" your move."

Shadow took no moment to delay as he revealed his facedown Power Gift which bestowed Light and Darkness Dragon additional extra attack points equal to Dark Archetype's values.

Light and Darkness Dragon ( 2800-→ 4200/2400 )

At that Chazz smirked.

"as I anticipated, in fact I was counting on my dragon's special ability, it loses 500 points for every trap, spell or monster effect while negating it completely.

Light and Darkness Dragon ( 4200-→3700/2400 )

Shadow at this point had no choice but to end his play while Chazz took his turn.

" Light n and Darkness dragon attack that Archetype."

The dragon followed his master's command as the opponent's monster was destroyed.

"agent" Shadow: 4000 → 1700

While witnessing the drop in life points Chazz could only think the following.

' I drew first blood but if I remember correctly I'll have to say goodbye to Light and Darkness dragon about now.'

Like clockwork Light and Darkness dragon was destroyed as Shadow took his turn normal summoning Meteor Dragon.

Meteor Dragon ( 1800/2000 )

Shadow at this point ordered Meteor Dragon to attack the middle monster on Chazz's field as it was revealed to be Ojama Yellow, one look at the attacking monster and the always loud of a goofball asked quietly.

' this is going to hurt isn't it boss?'

Chazz simply replied with.

" yup"

Shadow by this point Played a facedown card and allowed Chazz to continue as he drew Pot of Greed, using it he drew two cards, one of them being Ring of Destruction.

' good, this would come in handy for later, though knowing him he probably has a surprise up his sleeves.'

With that Chazz placed Ring of destruction facedown as he passed the opportunity to attack with the only thought running through his mind was.

' slacker, you have better escaped by now…'

At that Shadow allowed himself a small smirk, stating as though he read Chazz's mind.

' stall all you like, it won't prevent the inevitable.'

With his turn coming up Shadow drew his next card. In a swift motion Shadow fused two low level monsters to summon Meteor Black Dragon in attack mode thanks for the card in his hand.

Meteor Black Dragon ( 3500/2000 )

" are you trying to intimidate me?, sorry to say but that ain't working."

With that said and done Shadow just placed three cards facedown depleting his hand completely as he hasn't launched an attack with his dragon which made Chazz slightly cautious, however instead of panicking he played his hand.

" to continue where we left off I play Ring of Destruction and place it on your new pet, knowing you I'd say you figured what's coming next."

Before the ring could attach itself onto Meteor Black Dragon Shadow revealed his face down.

' I play Emergency Provisions granting me 1000 life points for every spell I destroy and I choose the ones on my field.'

"agent" Shadow: 1700→ 3700

As the explosion finally took effect Shadow was saved by the skin of his teeth.

"agent" Shadow: 3700 → 200

Chazz: 4000 → 500

Panting from exerting himself Chazz hoarsely groaned.

" now that you left your field wide open, Light and Darkness Dragon attack him directly."

At that Shadow began actually laughing as Chazz realized something.

" you didn't duel to beat me, you dueled me to get me out of your master's way."

Shadow's only response was.

'true.'

Light and darkness Dragon's attack by this point has already connected as Shadow remained motionless before turning and disappearing into shadows.

"agent" Shadow: 200 → 0

Chazz at this point was about to collapse, however, he caught himself just in time to lean on the hospital's walls as he fished out his cellphone contacting Jaden.

' Chazz…. You made it out okay?'

Chazz retorted sarcastically.

" no, I'm making a collect call from the heavens….."

Ignoring the tone Jaden asked.

' still must be an important call so what's up?'

Chazz struggled at this point.

" listen carefully, do not let any of our friends engage directly in a duel with these shadow creeps… they were sent to slow down everyone but you…."

Jaden nodded.

' thanks, me and Hao will owe you both…."

Chazz scoffed.

" whatever slacker, just don't get killed."

At this point you could feel Jaden's smirk as he asked.

" why, do you actually care about me…?"

Smirking himself Chazz ended the conversation as follows.

" here's a free lesson in bussiness, you can't collect debt from a dead guy…"

Chazz at that ended the call abruptly before he collapsed laying his head against the walls while the Ojama brothers were freaking out.

" I'm not dead you idiots, I'm just dead tired…. well tired…"

Back with Jaden and the group, hospital's parking lot.

" old man Rhodes….. tell me the helmet's still safe…."

At that the duo said in unison.

" which one of us?!"

Jaden almost facepalmed himself for walking into that one as he replied.

" it doesn't actually matter, now about the helmet?"

Henry Rhodes senior answered Jaden's question.

" for the moment, let's hope those creatures aren't as clever as they are persistent."

As the group reached Echo's car everyone got on board except for Jim Crocodile Cook as Jaden ventured a guess.

" staying behind to buy us more time?"

Jim replied as follows.

" just about the gist of it, though I'd wish I had a better plan to be honest."

Jaden at that nodded wishing him good luck. As the car drove off the remaining group got briefed on where the helmet remained safe, the trunk of the Gecko group's company car.

" hey Echo?, how fast do you think you can get us to the nearest airport?"

Echo replied Jaden's question as followed.

" the hold on to your dear life kind of fast."

With that Echo accelerated, heading towards the nearest airport and knowing the nature of Italian traffic?, a car ride that lasted typically three hours only took one as the group and their cargo ran into the airport.

" how come you didn't get motion sickness?!"

Jaden at that slightly smirked at Alexis saying.

" would you believe me when I say that I'm glad I didn't have an apatite before the ride here?"

Alexis smirked back.

" don't get smart for your own good."

Jaden's only response was.

" it never crossed my mind."

Speaking of minds, everyone within the group were on high alert as they waited for the plane that will take them to Venice as a figure dressed in dark clothing approached them.

" excuse me, are you seniore Yuki?"

Jaden replied as follows.

" that's right."

With that the gentleman introduced himself as a colleague and a friend of his mothers as he offered his help in any way that he could with Adrian taking the opportunity by saying.

" for the most part we're on top of things but there are a few friends of us that were left behind at the Gecko group private hospital…"

The acquaintance finished for him indicating that he was sharp witted.

" and you need to make sure that they're safe and well yes?"

Adrian nodded.

" exactly."

The gentleman excused himself as Jaden addressed Adrian.

" tell me?, would that be jinxing it if we take a deep breath?"

Adrian responded with.

" honestly, I never believed in the idea of luck."

Feeling like he talked with his dad Jaden simply replied with.

" good talk….good talk."

At that Adrian smirked as Jaden went to find a vending machine as he asked.

" do you guys want anything to drink or eat?"

Everyone at that declined as Jaden simply stated.

" well more for me I guess."

With that said and done the Rhodes's private jet landed on the runway with little to no problems which caused slight worry between Adrian and Axel as Jaden noticed it straight away.

" guys take it easy, there er no little green men on the wings of this jet okay?"

It took a lot to unnerve Axel Brody, even more so to raise his voice at someone but this Jaden kid really pushed him right on the edge.

" can't you take the situation seriously!?, it's bad enough that you act stupid and ignorant, we really don't need carefree right about now!"

At this Jaden remained quiet before his left eye started to change color.

' let me make myself clear, on any given day I would knock some sense into my reincarnation, however, in this predicament? I will allow him to act like a fool simply for the fact that there is no good reason to wallow in one's insecurities.'

Hao at that continued walking towards the private jet when he suddenly stopped.

' we're about to have company.'

He Didn't need to say anything else as the rest of the group save for himself, Axel, Adrian and Echo remained on ground level to make sure the helmet was secured in the cargo hall.

" helmet's secure and ready to go."

As Hao and Axel began boarding both Adrian and Echo shared a knowing glance.

" guys, don't wait for us, we'll buy you enough time to get yourselves airborne."

Hao knew the answer to his next question but still.

' we can't change your minds can we?'

Adrian smirked.

" you're right about that one, now get out of here before both of our plans fail!"

A few minutes later the jet took off as Hao relented Jaden his control back while the latter asked the former.

" please tell me you have better ideas than to split us up a few people at a time…"

Hao replied as follows.

' I did not became a king without a few tricks up my sleeves.'

With that he concentrated on a thought as he granted his favorite monster and childhood friend flesh and blood body.

' Yubel, promise me you will protect those who stayed behind.'

Yubel responded as follows.

" consider it done my lord."

Jaden at that took over really quickly as he added something of his own.

" Yubel, when you're done protecting these two, come and find us, hopefully by then you'll have new friends to play with."

Yubel allowed herself a small smirk.

" your concern never ceases to amaze me."

As time awaited for no one the private jet was already beginning to head down the runway as Hao managed to close the doors before the plane took off.

"it isn't going to be that simple is it?"

Hao's reply was.

' if you mean our current plan then it rarely does.'

Jaden at that took the initiative by saying.

" that's why we can't afford surprises so out with everything you know about this gentle darkness and our enemies."

Hao obliged by asking.

' care to spare a few minutes?'

Jaden simply nodded as the rest of the group listened carefully to the explanation Hao gave detailing every piece of the puzzle with no one interrupting him, not even his other half as he concluded in the end.

" so the helmet wasn't so much as a source of power but a tool to wake you up inside me so you could help me master the actual power, is that about right?"

Hao's reply was.

' you understood it faster than I did when I was taught about this.'

Jaden thanked as he did ask.

" one thing though, how did you blink Yubel into existence?, how is that even possible?"

Hao began smirking.

' you fought shadow riders, sacred beasts, dueling primates and as of late real monsters and yet that small detail confuses you?'

Jaden was about to respond as eventually he gave up stating.

" fair enough I guess."

Jaden at this point got comfortable in his seat trying to close his eyes as Alexis tapped him with a textbook which made him groan as Hao intervened.

' you take your rest while I do the reading for you this time.'

Thankful Jaden allowed Hao to take full control while Alexis gave him a pleasant smile.

' what is it?'

Alexis replied with.

" that's awfully nice of you."

Hao continued the conversation by asking.

' even though I am a creature of darkness?'

Feeling self conscious Alexis simply stated.

" I'm sorry."

Hao concluded the conversation by saying.

' don't be, it is what it is.'

With that almost forty minutes of their short flight schedule has passed as Alexis was staring out the window deep in thought as Hao bluntly asked.

' do you have something on your mind?'

Alexis shrugged.

" just wondering about that power you showed from earlier."

Hao at that asked amused.

' do you wonder if I could do it again if I choose to?'

Alexis nodded.

" yeah, it seems pretty cool."

Hao at that smirked with a little hint of satisfaction.

' you wonder if I could bring your monsters to life, now my question would be what for?'

Alexis explained quickly that it would help her with preventing unwarranted advances from some of her classmates back on academy island, especially from some of the jerks in school as Hao bluntly stated.

' I refuse.'

Alexis's face began do lose its confidence as Hao immediately stated.

' I'll be more than happy to help you scare them away myself, besides it is more amusing for me as well, now get some rest before we land.'

At that Alexis thanked him as the both of them took a rest before their next destination.

Next time: Crazy?, wait till you see this.