Chapter Five- The Shadow Riders

Zane kept an eye on Syrus whenever he could, aided by Alexis though in a reluctant manner as she thought Zane was being an overprotective brother, something she was familiar with until Atticus went missing. Syrus showed no sign of anything strange or unusual. He displayed confidence and an occasional faraway look but nothing more.

Months passed and early spring arrived with a dark threat. A group of seven people calling themselves The Shadow Riders intended to release a trio of powerful and dangerous cards collectively called The Sacred Beasts upon the earth. They were locked beneath Duel Academy Island behind seven gates that could only be opened by seven spirit keys. Sheppard called seven of his strongest duelists to guard the keys: Crowler, Banner, Zane, Alexis, Bastion, Chazz, and Jaden. He explained everything to them and how the Shadow Riders could only get the keys if they won them in a duel.

"So, you're essentially bait," Syrus had said when Jaden told him and Chumley.

"Yeah, but no one's getting this key," Jaden had stated with his usual cheery grin as he held up the key that hung around his neck.

Syrus couldn't help feeling cheered by Jaden's determination to keep the world safe from the danger the Sacred Beasts posed, but he wondered what these Shadow Rider would do to get the keys.

"They could turn a duel into a Shadow Game like those Gravekeepers did with Jaden," Kage spoke up. "Their name seems to imply that they have the shadows at their command."

"True," Syrus replied. "And I get the impression that Shadow Games don't get easier no matter how many times you play one."

Kage couldn't disagree with that assessment and it turned out that Syrus and he were correct with how the Shadow Riders operated. That night, the first Shadow Rider, Night Shroud, pulled Jaden into a Shadow Game with Alexis as a witness while Syrus and Chumley were hostages and in grave danger, a situation that Kage didn't like and told Syrus so afterwards.

"I didn't like it either but there was nothing I could do."

"Actually, there was if I had spoken of it before."

"What?"

"You could have taken my form and used your powers to rescue Chumley and yourself."

"Oh…yeah. You did say I could do that once I turned fifteen. How would I do that?"

"You will need to tap your energy and will the change. After that, you will be able to invoke the change anytime you like."

"That will lead to a lot of questions."

"Yes, but you'll be able to answer them."

"Yeah, I will. I know your story and how you and I came to be one."

"Do you still plan to use my name when in your demon form?"

"Yeah. You did say it would be nice if your name was spoken again."

"I did. Thanks, Sy."

"You're welcome."

A few days passed after Jaden defeated Night Shroud who was actually a dark force that had possessed Atticus Rhodes, Alexis' brother. Atticus currently laid in the infirmary unconscious and Jaden was also there, exhausted from the Shadow Game he had to endure. That was when students started talking to each other of seeing a lady vampire around. Most of the students dismissed the rumors, but Syrus didn't; after all he was half-demon being joined the soul and spirit of a demon. This vampire could be a Shadow Rider. I'm inclined to think these Riders would strike at night, especially if one was a vampire.

Syrus had been walking along the lake where the vampire was frequently spotted when he saw Chazz, Bastion, Zane, Crowler, and Banner ahead. He headed over to find them taking the story of the vampire seriously and thinking she was a Shadow Rider, just like he did. Chazz was trying to convince Banner to challenge the vampire, but Banner seemed terrified at the prospect. Chazz gave up on convincing him and declared that he would take on the vampire.

Well, the vampire ended up coming to them and introduced herself as Camula. She seemed quite impressed with her choice of opponents before pointing at Zane and declaring him to be her first opponent.

Oh no, she's not, Syrus thought. I won't allow it.

"You can't stop Zane if he chooses to face her," Kage said. "In any event, he will have to duel eventually. That's the hazard of holding a spirit key."

Crowler, it turned out, also didn't want Zane dueling Camula and stepped up, declaring that as a teacher it was his duty to protect the students. Crower has a point. He may hate Slfiers but we are his students and he would protect us.

"If I win, I get your spirit key and your soul," Camula said, holding up a small doll with a blank face.

Another Shadow Game, Syrus thought. Poor Crowler has no experience with Shadow Games; no one does except Jaden. "Kage, is there any way I can help Crowler?"

"I am afraid not. The power these Shadow Riders employ is not familiar to me. I did not analyze it when Ja took the Gravekeeper's test, but I was studying it during his duel with Night Shroud. If I study Camula, I may discover how to neutralize her Shadow powers."

"And if you do?"

"I'll develop an ability from our energy and powers to protect us and our friends."

"Cool." Syrus turned his attention to the duel as did Kage, the latter watching Camula carefully. There has to be something she's using to make this a Shadow Game…and I think that charm around her neck is that thing. Kage focused his attention on it, subtly using his powers an abilities to analyze the charm and had a theory that, aside from its soul taking power, it was no different from his own shadow powers. They do seem a little stronger than my own. I could use my ability to gain the strength of her powers and add them to mine to make Sy and me stronger. I just need her to use it, just a little bit.

The duel between Crowler and Camula continued and while Crowler was making solid moves and chipping away at Camula's life points, Camula was dealing more damage with monsters that seem weak but supported on another to boost their attack points. At one point, Crowler had collapsed, his points at 1700. "Crowler!" exclaimed those gathered there. "He can't go on," Zane said.

"Yes, darling, I quite agree," Camula said. "Come. Step in and save your teacher."

"No," called Jaden as he arrived being carried by Chumley. He got to his feet and rested a hand on Syrus to steady himself. "Don't give up, Doctor Crowler. You can win this so get your game on."

Jaden's words gave Crowler the strength to get back up and continue to duel and though he did his best, Camula maintained the upper hand and defeated him, much to the horror of everyone.

Camula stood over Crowler before leaning over and taking his key. "One down, six to go," she said as the key vanished. "Now for my second prize." She brought out the doll and the eye on her charm glowed red while Crowler was outlined in black.

Now, Kage thought. He reached out, seized onto the power around Crowler and pulled some of it into himself and Syrus. Syrus staggered slightly, unnoticed by the others. What was that? Syrus thought.

"I have absorbed a good deal of Camula's shadow powers strength and added it to our own. Her powers are no different from ours but it was a little stronger. Now, we are stronger than her."

"That's good 'cause I think we're going to need it." Syrus watched helplessly as Crowler's soul was taken and Camula retreated to a castle that appeared in the lake.