Doomsday - Ultra Remix
A/N: Various changes were made as this based on Tag Force 1. So instead of "death" or "sealed" we are going it the way Tag Force does it which is brainwashing them. It's the only way to have tag duels. I'm keeping the anime order as I'm still trying to maintain the story of the anime while maintaining true to Tag Force. Decks that are used are Tag Force deck profiles.
It was dark at night, with the full moon glowing in the sky, almost hidden behind the clouds. Somewhere, in a dark cave, seven figures were gathered close to each other. They were all listening to a voice that sounded like it belonged to an old man. "Our enemies have been tested. Our allies are in place. The hour is upon us. It's time to cover the world in the shadows. Which of you will lead us to battle?"
"I'll be the first to go, master." A young man spoke up.
"Nightshroud... So be it. Don't do anything stupid you'll regret." The voice approved while also giving him a warning.
"I will not fail." The young man sais as he stood up and put a Duel Academy themed duel disk on his arm. He had long brown hair, and was wearing a heavy black trench coat. He was also wearing a mysterious mask that resembled a dragon's face. "Academy island's prize wil be ours."
Monday
Time 10pm
One night, rain poured down endlessly, thunder boomed, and lightning flased above the Academy Island. The Chancellor found himself standing in his office, the lights turned off. He stood at the window, staring outside, and oberved the ongoing storm. He was troubled by something.
As Sheppard continued observing, another flash of lightning occurred. When that happened, he noticed something in the air. He spoted figure that soard through the skies. Said figure was flying on a wing shaped glider.
"And so it begins." Sheppard muttered to himself. "The fight... the war..."
Nightshroud landed down at the base of the volcano safely. Once landed, he set his hang glider on fire finding no more use of such a thing. Around his neck was half of an ancient looking pendant, which started glowing, catching Nightshroud's attention. Wearing a faint smirk, Nightshroud replied, "So, the other wielder of the other pendent is here. Hope he's really strong, otherwise this wouldn't be fun." Nightshroud had to remember his mission. "Mustn't get carried away. My mission for now is to duel any nearby key keeper that comes my way. Either way I'll enjoy causing them pain." with that Nightshroud takes off into the night.
Tuesday
Time 10am
As the storm was over, and it was now clear sky in the morning. The students had progressed with the usual routine. In other words... class. Since today was Professor Banner's class today, Red Hat descided to show up today with Blair sitting next to him. Jaden was sleeping through the class as usual. With a twist, he was wearing a paper mask with a smiley face, acting as his face. Red Hat chuckled at that while Blair giggled at how goofy it looked.
Jaden yawned, stretching his arms. "Time to get up."
"For the next class?" asked Syrus.
"Of course not..." replied Jaden as he picked up a lunch box. "For lunch!" He opened it and was ready to chow down. "Oh yeah, the one subject I can't get enough of."
"Just a moment there Jaden!" Banner caled out just as as Jaden stuffed his mouth with a piece of fried food. "I'm afraid your lunch will have to wait. It seems Chancellor Sheppard wants a word with you."
"Hm?" Jaden hummed with the piece of food still sticking out of his mouth.
Chumley leaned forward behind him. "Jaden, I'll watch your lunch for you. Especially if you have a side of grilled cheese in there."
"You wish." He replied.
"Chancellor Sheppard?" Syrus replied worriedly. "Aww, Jaden what'd you do?"
"Hmm..." Pausing for a moment to think, Jaden replied. "Maybe it's good, like an award."
"Hehe! No way!" The trio turned to Chazz rising from his seat, which was a couple rows higher and off the side. He wore the same black jacket ever since he came back. "It's never good news with Sheppard. You are so busted!"
"You're one to talk cream puff." mockenly replied Red Hat.
"What you call me slacker!" Chazz turned around, angry at what Red Hat said.
"You heard what I said. I'm not repeating myself." said Red Hat continuing to provoke Chazz.
"Just wait until I get my hands on you!" Chazz was then interrupted by Banner.
"Actually, Chazz, Sheppard wants to see you too."
"He wha...?" He snapped his head to Banner, with a shocked expression.
"And three others..." Banner said as he got up. "Bastion, Alexis and you too Red Hat." Red Hat frowned at that. He knew something was up.
"Blair, when we leave head back to the dorms immediately. So you don't get caught." Red Hat whispered into her ear.
Blair nodded and whispered back. "Of course, but are you sure you are gonna be okay?"
"I'll be fine, and so will the others. Just head back and stay until I return okay." Red Hat then stood up.
"This doesn't sound good." Jaden said.
And so the group of students who were called headed toward the Cahncellor's office. Banner was leading them.
"Uhh, we're not gonna make a run for it, Professor Banner." Jaden said. "You don't have to escort us to Chancellor Sheppard's office."
"Yes I do. You see, he wants to see me as well."
They went until they reached the door ro the Chancellor's office. At the same time, two other people arrived at the same door. Those two being Zane and Dr. Crowler.
"Well well." Crowler spoke up delighted. "Look at this congregation of students. Some of the best duelists in the school, I see!" He then glanced at a certain Slifer Red and scowled at Red Hat. "Oh oh! Which of these are not like the others?~ Clearly, some people are lost!"
"He is not. Chazz was invited." Jaden replied.
"The same goes to you Crowler." Red Hat mockingly replied smirking.
"Why you no good Slifer! Why does Sheppard ask for a deliquient!" screached Crowler.
"You act like I care about what you say. All you're doing is embarrassing yourself." Red Hat mocked.
Crowler bit on to a hankerchief as he turned around to calm down. Zane and Bastion sweatdropped at this. Jaden was laughing. Alexis and Chazz scowled at this.
"Ha, ha, nice one Red Hat." Jaden said in between laughter.
Alexis sighed and spoke up. "Don't encourage him Jaden."
"Does this slacker have any shame." Chazz glared at him. Still annoyed at both Red Hat and Jaden.
"If all of you are done arguing with each other. Let's head inside, the chancellor is waiting." Banner said, breaking up the group.
Once the group went inside as Chencellor Sheppard turn around and greeted all of them before getting down to business. "Good, you're all here."
Everyone all gathered and began listening. Red Hat stayed close to Jaden.
"Do you know the tale of the three legendary cards? They are known as the three Sacred Beast. The three Sacred Beast Cards are hidden on this island. They're sealed behind the Seven Spirit Gates. Legend says if these cards ever see the light of day. Buildings will crumble. Light will fade. Souls will fall. Our world will be no more. That's why they were buried deep underground... their powers seal safely away." Sheppard explained the situation to everyone present in the room. Many of them were left speachless.
"Wow!" is all Alexis could say after hearing said tale.
"I never heard of these cards!" commented Zane.
"Neither have I!" Crowler added. Red Hat and Bastion had nothing to say. Red Hat had an indifferent look.
"Where are they? Let's take 'em out for a spin!" Jaden said., being the only one who was staying chipper. Red Hat lightly chuckled.
"HAVEN?T YOU BEEN LISTENING?!" Crowler snapped at him.
"Now, seven evil duelists are after these cards. They call themselves the Shadow Riders. To get the cards, one must unlock the spirit gates. There's a key for each of the seven gates. Therefore, each of you will guard a key. You can only lose a key in a duel." Chancellor Sheppard explain in more detail as he took out a small box in front of him. Opening it up for all to behold and see the seven Spirit Keys all arranged together.
"Wait, so... we hold the keys?"questioned Bastion. "Won't that make us targets?"
Sheppard nodded with a sorrowful expresion. "Yes, it's true. With these keys, the Shadow Riders will seek you out. Like I said, the keys can't simply be stolen. An ancient rules states that they must be won in a duel. And so, I've called upon our school's seven best in oder to fight a good fight!" Glancing up, he turned to Crowler. "Wel, six best, but I needed seven, so you know."
"He certainly doesn't mean me." Crowler whispered to Jaden, who pouted and crossed his arms.
'You're one to talk. You and Chazz are terrible. The bar isn't exactly set high if you and Chazz are here.' Red Hat thought.
"Of course, if any of you don't feel like it and feel like backing out, then I don't blame you. After all, these Shadow Riders play for keeps. So, who wants to go and save the world?" asked Sheppard., encouraging the others while also feeling regret about his decisions and wondering how they'll affect the future.
The others glanced at each other hesitantly, worried about the high life-staking risks. Red Hat just stared at the keys without a care in the world. Excited Jaden was the first among the group to collect his Spirit Key. "Count me in!" he said, placing the Spirit Key around his neck since it also acted as a necklace. "Huh, how about that? It's my size!"
Intrigued by the challenge, Zane was the second to take a Spirit Key. "I, too accept."
Bastion nodded, retrieving his own Spirit Key. "It would be my honor."
"I don't want you boys to be having all the fun." said Alexis, taking one along with Chazz.
"How could I refuse? I mean, our very world is at stake!" replied Crowler joyfully. "The way of life, the future of the school, and, if I said no, I wouldn't get this lovely piece of jewelry!"
"Y-yes, well... good to know that you're doing it for the right reasons... kind of." Sheppard commented.
Stepping forward, Red Hat took a glance of the last spirit key in the box. Red Hat was having some thoughts. He did not care about saving the school or anyone else that he didn't care about. Why save people that clearly hate your guts? Red Hat could have cared less about what happens. He shook off these thoughts. He can't be petty or selfish, the world was far more important then petty nonsense he was feeling. "I too accept Chancellor." said Red Hat as he took the last key and wore it around his neck.
"Well, I guess that's all of them." Banner said as he turned to the Chancellor. "Since I'm not really needed, I would like to go and finish paperworks." Banner waves his goodbyes before leaving the office while having some thoughts. 'Red Hat also joined. This will give the Shadow Riders some trouble.' Banner thought as he walked off.
Soon everyone else left the Chancellor's office. Red Hat though stayed for a bit to gather his thoughts. Chancellor Sheppard then broke the silence. "To be honest, I never wanted to put my students in danger. But this time, there was no one else I could trust. I'm counting on all of you."
"Will do Chancellor. I'll make you proud." Red Hat commented as he left the chancellors office and head back to the Slifer Dorm.
Time 9pm
Later that night, Red Hat was in Jaden, Syrus and Chumley's room, so he can get things over with before telling Blair. He was standing near the door. He stood there in silence while Jaden told his roommates about the whole situation.
"So that's pretty much the story, guys. Pretty sweet, huh?" Jaden finsihed. "And now we'll just wait."
"Aren't you scared?" asked Syrus.
"No joke." Chumley added. "Creepy shadow guys looking to beat you so they can destroy the entire world? I mean, that's pretty intense."
Jaden nodded. "And not to mention exhausting." he said before yawning. "Which is why... I'm gonna hit the hay."
"What?! Wait a sec!" Syrus spoke up. "You can't just go to sleep now! I mean, what if a Shadow Rider shows, Jaden?"
"How about you shut up!" Red Hat spoke up annoyed. "The Shadow Riders will come to us no matter what. They have to duel us as stated by the rules, so its unavoidable, at the same time they can't try anything funny."
"How can you be so calm about all of this?" asked Chumley.
"Cause I can... That and I'll be able to beat them. So no big deal." Red Hat scoffs as he leaves their room and shuts the door.
"How can he be calm and also so aggressive?" asked Syrus.
"Who knows, still better then being scared I guess." answered Chumley.
"Leave him alone guys. That's just Red Hat's way of saying he's worried." assured Jaden.
"You think so? It didn't sound like it." replied Syrus.
"Trust me on this Sy, Red Hat is worried. He's just not the type to show it is all." said Jaden as he went back to sleep.
As Red Hat returned to his room. Blair was still wide awake although with a distain look. "Let me guess you were easdropping on us weren't you?" asked Red Hat. Although he wasn't angry at her.
"I heard everything. You sure you'll be okay? I don't want you and Jaden to get hurt." Blair said with a sad look.
"Hey, don't worry Blair. If they come for me or Jaden. We'll take 'em down, no matter what." declared Red Hat.
'Sometines I wonder how your mood changes so fast in these situations.' Blair thought as she observed Red Hat's actions and attitude, before heading to bed.
In the meanwhile, Alexis was walking along towards the Slifer Red dorm, and for a good reason...
'If what Chancellor Sheppard said was right and it's these Shadow Riders who decide who to duel, then odds are they'll go for who they think is the weakest first.' thought Alexis as she kept on her pace. 'And with that Slifer Red Jacket, that's Jaden. I've go to warn him.' despite her thoughts, she did not have the same care for Red Hat instead merely scoffed.
Unbeknownst to her, the masked indivividual was hiding close by and his eyes glowed red. 'Heh, my first prey. This will be easier then I thought.'
As Alexis got closer. The moment she tried to get closer she was consumed by a strange white light. "Ahh! What's going on!"
"The first duel is happening!" The voice laughed answered. Soon after that, Alexis was teleported elsewhere.
Time 11pm
When the light died down, Alexis found herself on a platform made of light, hovering inside a volcano, rock walls on all sides and a pit of lava below.
"Where am I?" Alexis wondered as she looked around. She saw a piller of lava shot up from the lava, startling her as it took a form of a serpentine dragon.
"In my arena if you can call it that!" The unknown voice spoke from the lava dragon. It twisted in the air a few times before it crashed into the platform. The figure walked out from the blazing remains, laughing sinisterly.
"What's going on!?" Alexis demanded, now having a serious determind look.
"What else, your my first victim. I'm known as Nightshroud, your opponent." he said as he got closer. "Didn't anyone teach you never to walk alone at night." Nightshroud mocked. Alexis' mood soured after hearing that.
"Just what are you on about? I know you want this key." said Alexis.
Nightshroud chuckled, "Girl, if only you knew what I was after. Besides that key, I want something much more then just your key. With you alone here, there's no where to run and no one to call for help. As such is the nature of a Shadow Game."
"Shadow Game? I got no choice do I? I'll beat you and I'll be free from this." Alexis declared, trying to put strong stance.
"Me lose? Don't make me laugh! Originally I wanted to seal your soul in this card." Nightshroud pulls a blank card. "But I have something much better in mind. When you lose you'll become my servant to hunt down the other key keepers!" Nightshroud said as he put away his blank card.
"I don't plan to lose!" Alexis readies her duel disk. "And I refuse to be your puppet!"
"We'll see about that key keeper!" Nightshroud also readies his duel disk.
Duel
Nighshroud: 8000 LP
Alexis: 8000 LP
"I'll go first key keeper. I Draw!" Nightshroud draws.
Hand 6
"I'll start out easy, I play Masked Dragon in attack mode. (Atk: 1400 Def: 1100) Then I set a facedown. Thats's all for now, your move key keeper."
Hand 4
"That's all? All that talk and you go with that? My turn I draw!" Alexis draws.
Hand 6
"First off, I play Polymerization! I fuse Etoile Cyber and Blade Skater to summon, Cyber Blader! (Atk: 2100 Def: 800)" Her Balerina ace monster appeared onto the field. "Now I summon Command Knight in attack mode! (Atk: 1200 Def: 1900) Her effect, while she's on the field all my warriors gain 400 extra attack points. In addition you can't target her for attacks if I control another face up warrior monster! (Atk: 1200 - 1600 Def: 1900) (Atk: 2100 - 2500 Def: 800) Battle, Command Knight slay that dragon!" The female knight unshethed her sword and slashed the dragon destroy it.
Nightshroud: 8000 - 7800 LP
"Masked Dragon effect, if he's destroyed in batte I get to summon a dragon type monster from my deck with 1500 or less attack points. Come out another Masked Dragon!" Nightshroud explained as another Masked Dragon emerged ont the field. (Atk: 1400 Def: 1100)
"Yeah, but I still got an attack. Cyber Blader attack his second Masked Dragon! Whirlwind Rage!" Cyber Blader spins twords the dragon and kicks the dragon destroying it.
Nightshroud: 7800 - 6700 LP
"Masked Dragon effect activates once again! This time I'll summon this! Red-Eyes Black Chick! (Atk: 800 Def: 500)" A small red egg emerged from the lava pit and rose up through the platform. Then a bit of it's shell cracked away to reveal a pair of glowing red eyes.
"Fine by me. I'll end my turn here." Alexis ended her turn.
Hand 2
"My turn, I draw!" Nightshroud draws.
Hand 5
"I activate Chick's effect, by tributing him I can special summon his daddy. Red-Eyes Black Dragon! (Atk: 2400 Def: 2000)" Another serpentine dragon shot out from the lava. As it landed, it faded away to reveal said back dragon.
"So what that dragon can't beat my Cyber Blader as she has more attack points, and you can't attack Command Knight." Alexis pointed out. Nightshroud merely scoffed at that.
"Who says I'm going to attack. Where I can play this, the spell Inferno Fire Blast! This deals you burn damage equal to Red-Eyes' attack points but can't attack afterward but that won't matter. Go Red-Eyes, give her a taste of your flames!" The attack was launched, bypassing Alexis monsters and hitting her directly, causing a massive explosion. Alexis scream in pain.
Alexis: 8000 - 5600 LP
Alexis fell to her knees, panting. "That attack, I felt that and it hurt..." said Alexis as she was injured by the blast.
"One blast and already on your knees, excellent. Now I tribute my Red-Eyes to summon his evolved form!" The dragon dove down through the platform and disappeared into the lava pit. "Be born, the Red-Eyes Darkness Dragon!" The lava began to bubble and shake violently as another lava dragon emerged from it and flew up into the air. Like the previous it had appeared once the lava faded away. (Atk: 2400 Def: 2000)
"Now his effect for every dragon in my grave, it gains 300 attack points. Since there are 4 thats 1200 more attack. (Atk: 2400 - 3600 Def: 2000) Battle, Darkness Dragon attack Cyber Blader! Inferno Dark Fire!" The dark dragon was surrounded by a dark aura as it launched powerful streams of flames.
"Cyber Blader can not be destroyed in battle if you control one monster." Alexis explained as she was standing.
"As idiots like to say. You still take the damage!" The attack was successful as Cyber Blader was hit by the flames, creating an explosion. Cyber Blader wasn't destroyed, but Alexis took damage from the intense heat.
Alexis: 5400 - 4300 LP
"Now I play the continuous spell Burning Land! This destroys any field spell but that's moot. During your standby phase you take 500 burn damage, however during my standby phase I'll take 500 burn damage. Next I play the equip spell Flint! And I'll equip it to Cyber Blader! Now she can't attack and loses 300 attack points. In addition you can't change her battle position! So don't try to defend!" A fiendish creture appeared and attached itself onto Cyber Bader making her unable to move. (Atk: 2500 - 2200 Def: 800)
'I've got to either get rid of that equip or destroy that dragon. But how? I need to be quick or I'll just be taking damage.' Alexis thought.
"With that I end my turn. Let's see if you can keep going key keeper!" Nightshroud ended his turn.
Hand 0
"My turn, I draw!" Alexis draws.
Hand 3
"Don't forget Burning Land! You take 500 burn damage!" Burning flame from above hit Alexis directly causing her to scream in pain at the heat.
Alexis: 4300 - 3800 LP
Alexis dropped to one knee but kept going. 'This card should do it. He just needs to attack and it will be destroyed.' Alexis thought, before continuing. "I set one card facedown then I change Command Knight to defense mode. (Atk: 1600 Def: 1900) That ends my turn." Alexis ended her turn.
Hand 2
"Alright enough games. I draw!" Nightshroud draws.
Hand 1
"I'll take the heat from burning land." Nightshroud says, and burning flames hits him directly.
Nightshroud: 6700 - 6200 LP
"I play Pot of Greed, so I draw 2 cards." Nightshroud drew his cards. "I play the quick play spell Mystical Space Typhoon! So your facedown card is destroyed!" Powerful winds destroyed the set card Alexis had. "Darkness Dragon attack that Cyber Blader again! Inferno Dark Fire!" The dragon again lauched powerful flames hitting Cyber Blader, unable to be destroyed, but Alexis still took damage. The damage was intense, Alexis screamed in pain as she fel to her hands and knees.
Alexis: 3800 - 2400 LP
"Looks like you can't take the heat much longer. I set a facedown and end my turn here!" Nightshroud ended his turn.
Hand 0
Alexis slowly got up still in pain. "My turn, I draw!" Alexis draws.
Hand 3
"Burning Land does you another 500 burn damage. Take the heat some more!" Nightshroud announced as more burning flames striked down at Alexis.
Alexis: 2400 - 1900 LP
'I need to keep fighting, I can't lose here.' Alexis thought still in pain. "I play Pot of Greed, so I draw 2 cards!" Alexis draws her cards. "I play Mystical Space Typhoon to destroy your Flint equip card!" Powerful winds destroy the equip card also freeing Cyber Blader from the attachment. (Atk: 2200 - 2500 Def: 800) "Now I summon Cyber Gymnast in attack mode! (Atk: 800 - 1200 Def: 1800) Now for her effect, by discarding one card I can destroy one face up attack position monster once per turn! So your Red-Eyes Darkness Dragon is destroyed!" as Alexis discarded her card Cyber Gymnast powered up and jumped high up and twirled around. Hitting the dark dragon head on destroying it.
"Big woop so you destroyed my dragon!"
"You should be more worried about your life points!" Alexis retorted. "Now Cyber Blader, Command Knight and Cyber Gymanst attack Nightshroud directly!" All three monsters attacked Nightshroud. Cyber Blader and Cyber Gymnast kicked Nightshroud while Command Knight unsheath her sword and slashed him. Nightshroud staggered at all the attacks.
Nightshroud: 6200 - 5000 - 2500 - 900 LP
"Almost got you there! I will win this! I set one card facedown and end my turn!" Alexis ended her turn.
Hand 0
"Grr, I had enough! My turn I draw!" Nightshroud draws.
Hand 1
"Burning Land burns you for 500 burn damage!" Alexis pointed out. Nightshroud took the fames and grunted at the pain.
Nightshroud: 900 - 400 LP
"Argh! I had enough of your games. I play the trap Call of the Haunted! With this I revive the all mighty Red-Eyes Black Dragon! (Atk: 2400 Def: 2000)" The vanilla black dragon returns to the field. "Now I'll finish you off with this! I play my second copy of the spell Inferno Fire Blast! With this I burn your LP equal to Red-Eyes attack ponits! It's over!" Before Red-Eyes began it's attack...
"I'll play the counter trap, Magic Drain! This card negates your spell card, you can negate it by discarding a spell, but since you don't have a hand; you can not negate it. Too bad for you Nightshroud!" as a magic barrier was placed on the card, Nightshroud was now laughing.
"Ahahaha! Did you honestly think I'll let you negate my spell!" Nightshroud declared. Alexis was confused until she realized what was on the field.
"Wait your facedown!" Alexis gasped at the realization.
"Go counter Trap, Solemn Judgement! By paying half my life points, I can negate your counter trap and destroy it! You shoud have known I had this all set up!" A ray of holy light emerged from the sky and negated the seal placed on the Nightshrouds spell.
Nightshroud: 400 - 200 LP
"No way... I lost..." Alexis couldn't believe she lost to a Shadow Rider.
"Dang straight! Red-Eyes finish her off! Inferno Fire Blast!" Red-Eyes launched a huge ball of flames at Alexis, bypassing her monsters, and hitting her directly. Depleating her LP.
Alexis: 1900 - 0 LP
Alexis collaspes onto the platform. Nightshroud took her key and it disappeared in a flash of light when he held it. "Heh one down, six to go. You were a waste of time." Nightshroud then possessed Alexis, and soon her body glowed a dark purple aura before she got up with her eyes lifeless.
"What are your orders master Nightshroud." Alexis said in a mono tone voice.
"Follow me to hunt down the other key keepers and we duel them together." Nightshroud explained.
"Understood master Nightshroud." With that Nightshroud and the possessed Alexis disappeared as the platform collapsed and they left the volcanno.
Time 2am
Nightshroud and the possessed Alexis made back to the Slifer Red dorm. As the possessed Alexis continued walking to the dorm, Nightshroud stayed behind in the forest near the dorm waiting for the signal as his eyes glowed red. Alexis made it to the Slifer Red dorm, only she passed Jaden's room and went to Red Hat's room and entered in waiting.
"Interesting so there's two key keepers in this place." Nightshroud chuckled. "This will make things even easier."
Red Hat was sleeping peacefully through out the whole affair. When his door opened, he slightly woke up to see Alexis standing at his front door. This prompt him to get off his bed still half asleep.
"Alexis? What brings you here?" asked Red Hat. Alexis did not respond to his question. Red Hat rubbed his eyes to to see clearly and got annoyed when Alexis wasn't responding. "Answer me, why are you here? Something wrong?" Alexis still did not respond. This lead Red Hat to conclude something was wrong here.
Soon there was a bright light that was shining through the window. Red Hat knew this was not good. As he tried to leave his room; he was blocked by Alexis which he noticed had lifeless eyes. "Out of my way Alexis now!" Alexis still didn't respond. Soon Red Hat's room was consumed in bright light blinding him for a bit.
As the light died down, Red Hat found himself on a platform made of light hovering inside a volcano, rock walls on all sides and a pit of lava below.
"Just what's going on." Red Hat wondered as he found Jaden nearby. "Jaden you're here. Everything alright."
"I'm fine, but this is just strange." Jaden and Red Hat stayed close incase anything happened. Soon a figure appeared at the far end after the smoke disappeared.
"Kill two birds in one stone. You two will be my opponents." said figure walk up as he spoke. "Once I'm through with you I'll be taking that key around your neck."
"Wow, you guys don't waste time, don't ya?" asked Jaden.
"They call me Nightshroud. I'll be the one taking that key, you both have around your necks." Then the half medallion around Nightshroud's neck started to glow. He then noticed Jaden's half was also glowing, which Red Hat noticed this as well. "Nice medallion. The Gravekeeper must be getting sloppy, but if you think you'll be able to beat me as easy as you beat him, you have another thing coming. I'll get those keys and I'll get them now. Oh, and just to make sure of that, I've brought friends."
"What's that mean?" Jaden asked. Red Hat and Jaden look a bit. Red Hat was unfased by two serpentine dragons that appeared around them, but still covered his face.
"Here, say hello to Syrus and Chumley!"
"Oh no!" Jaden gasped as he spoted both of them.
"Jaden!" Syrus called out.
"Help us!" Chuumley also call out.
Jaden and Red Hat saw the both of them being trapped inside a blue orb of light being near rocks and above lava. Both Syrus and Chumley were still wearing their pajamas.
"No!" Jaden exclaimed.
"Hold on you two, well get you out." Red Hat called out.
"Looks like they in hot molten lava. But then, such is the nature of a shadow game key keeper." Nightshroud said.
"Shadow Game?" Jaden gasped. "Listen, just duel me, but let them go!"
"I don't think so. I need them to ensure a speedy match. After all, that protection orb they're in well, let's just say that it's not built to last." explained Nightshroud. "In fact why stop at just you. I'll take the both of you on. The sooner the better."
Red Hat scoft at that. "What makes you think you take the both of us on your own. Both of us are far too strong."
"This is why!" Nightshroud snapped his fingers, and soon Alexis appeared next to nightshroud with lifeless eyes. "You see I dueled her first and she lost miserably to me. Rather then taking her soul, I decided to make her my servent. What better way then to assist me in a tag duel." Alexis got in position and readied her duel disk in response to Nightshroud's command.
"Wait! You took down Alexis and made her your servant! Alright I'm dueling you right here, right now!" Jaden declared as he readied his duel disk.
"One more thing. I brought a surprise as well." Nightshroud snapped his fingers and soon another orb appeared this one had Blair trapped insided at the other side in Red Hat's direction.
"Red Hat!" Blair called out. Blair tried to smashed her fist at the orb trying to get out. "What is this witchcraft? Get me out!" Red Hat noticed Blair. He never seen her so scared.
"Don't think I didn't know about 'his' disguise." Nightshroud mocked. "I'll take great pleasure in tormenting 'him'."
Red Hat grit his teeth and clenched his fist. "I never seen Blair so scared..." Red Hat then readied his duel disk in retaliation. "I'll make you pay! I'll will tear you apart for taking Blair and putting him in harms way."
"I know how much 'he' means to you, so I can't wait to see that anger of yours. The darkness thrives in one's anger ahahahaha!" Nightshroud readied his duel disk.
Duel
Nightshroud & Alexis: 8000 LP
Jaden & Red Hat: 8000 LP
"I'll go first key keeper! I Draw!" Nightshroud draws.
Hand 6
"I summon Masked Dragon in attack mode. (Atk: 1400 Def: 1100) Then I'll set a facedown. That ends my turn." Nightshroud ended his turn.
Hand 4
"Alright my move. I draw!" Jaden draws.
"I summon Elemental HERO Wildheart in attack mode! (Atk: 1500 Def: 1600) Battle, Wildheart attack his Masked Dragon! Wild Slash!" Wildheart rushed up to the Maked Dragon and slashed it with his sword, destroying him.
Nightshroud & Alexis: 8000 - 7900 LP
"Masked Dragon effect when destroyed by battle and sent to the grave, I get to special summon a dragon monster from deck with 1500 or less attack points. I special summon another Masked Dragon! (Atk: 1400 Def: 1100)" another Masked Dragon appears.
"Great, I throw down a facedown and end my turn." Jaden ends his turn.
Hand 4
"My turn, I draw!" Alexis draws.
Hand 6
"I play the spell Reinforcement of the Armory! I get to add a level 4 or lower warrior monster from my deck. I choose Etoile Cyber! Now I summon UFO Turtle in attack mode! (Atk: 1400 Def: 1200) Battle, UFO Turtle attack that Wildheart!" The machine turtle begins to charge in.
"Huh?" Jaden blinked. "Wildheart has more attack points. Wildheart attack that turtle! Wild Slash!" Wildheart retaliates by slashing the machanical turtle.
Nightshroud & Alexis: 7900 - 7800 LP
"UFO Turtle effect, when destroyed and sent to the grave, I get to summon a fire attribute monster monster with 1500 or less attack points. I bring out Command Knight in attack mode! (Atk: 1200 - 1600 Def: 1900) Command Knight's effect she gives all warrior type monsters on my field 400 more attack points. It's still the battle phase, Command Knight attack that Wildheart!" The female knight charged in and slashed Wildheart, destroying him.
Jaden & Red Hat: 8000 - 7900 LP
"Go trap, Hero Signal! Since you destroyed my monster in battle, I get to special summon a level 4 or below Elemental HERO. So here comes Elemental HERO Sparkman in attack mode! (Atk: 1600 Def: 1400)" Sparkman emerges onto the field.
"Since I can no loger attack. I set a facedown and end my turn." Alexis ended her turn.
Hand 4
"My turn I draw!" Red Hat draws.
Hand 6
"I play the Spell Change of Heart! I get to take control of a monster you control. I'll take that Command Knight." An angel appeared and went inside Command Knight bringing her to Red Hat's field. "Now I'll tribute your Command Knight to summon, Zaborg the Thunder Monarch! (Atk: 2400 Def: 1000) His effect, when he's tribute summoned, I can destroy one monster on the field. So that Masked Dragon is destroyed!" Zaborg launched a powerful strike of thunder at the Masked Dragon. "Battle, Zaborg and Sparkman attack Alexis directly!" Both Zaborg and Sparkman launched power blast of electricity at Alexis. Despite being possessed stil screams in pain.
Nightshroud & Alexis: 7800 - 6200 - 3800 LP
"I'll set a facedown and end my turn. Your move!" Red Hat ends his turn.
Hand 3
"Argh! My turn, I draw!" Nightshroud draws.
Hand 5
"I summon Red Eyes Black Chick! (Atk: 800 Def: 500) First I'll play the spell Stamping Destruction! Since I control a dragon I can destroy one facedown! Since you have one, I'll destroy it and you take 500 burn damage!" A large dragon foot appeared and smashed Red Hat's facedown.
Jaden & Red Hat: 7900 - 7400 LP
"Now I use Chick's effect by tributing him I can special summon this from my hand, Red-Eyes Black Dragon! (Atk: 2400 Def: 2000)"
The dragon roared as it passed in front of Syrus and Chumley's orb surpriing them enough to fall over. The serpentine dragon passed through Blair's orb causing her to duck down and covering herself. It finally crashed into the platform.
"Tch, a Red Eyes deck. Show me that potential Nightshroud." Red Hat joked.
"You'll regret insulting me key keeper! I play the spell Inferno Fire Blast! Now you take burn damage equal to Red-Eyes attack points! So that's 2400 burn damage!" The dragon fired a powerful blast of flames at Red Hat bypassing the Monarch hitting head on.
Jaden & Red Hat: 7400 - 5000 LP
"Argh!" The blast sent Red Hat skid across the platform and down to one knee. "That... burns? That actualy hurt."
"In a Shadow Game all damage we take is real key keeper! Now I tribute Red-Eyes Back Dragon to special summon his evolved form!" The dragon dove through the platform and disappeared into the lava pit. "Be born, Red-Eyes Darkness Dragon! (Atk: 2400 Def: 2000)" The lava began to bubble and shake violently as anther lava dragon emerged from it and flew up into the air. Also the lava was rising and close to both orbs.
Jaden and the others were startled by it's appearance. Red Hat merly scoffed at it. 'You have no hand. Unless that facedown is a dud or a specific trap we shoud be fine.' Red Hat thought.
"Now then key keeper, Darkness Dragon gains 300 attack ponits for each dragon in my grave. With 4 dragons, thats 1200 extra attack ponits! (Atk: 2400 - 3600 Def: 2000) Battle, Darkness Dragon attack Elemental HERO Sparkman! Inferno Dark Fire!" The powerful dragon was surrounded by a dark aura as it launched a powerful stream of dark flames and destroyed Sparkman. Red Hat grunted trying to resist the pain of the flames.
Jaden & Red Hat: 5000 - 3000 LP
"Red Hat!" Blair called out. Worried about Red Hat's current state. 'He's taking so much damage. Please be okay Red Hat, you too Jaden.'
"Argh! If you think this is enough to put me down, you're wrong Nightshroud!" Red Hat got up trying to fight back his pains.
"If only you knew key keeper. I end my turn!" Nightshroud ended his turn.
Hand 0
"Alright my turn, I draw!" Jaden draws.
Hand 5
"Sweet, I play the spell Graceful Charity! I draw 3 cards then I discard 2." Jaden discards Elemental HERO Necroshade and Clayman. "Now since I have Necroshade in the graveyard, I can now normal summon an Elemental HERO without tributing. So say hello to Elemental HERO Bladedge in attack mode! (Atk: 2600 Def: 1800)" The golden armored hero appeared onto the field.
"So what? He's still not strong enough to beat my Darkness Dragon." Nightshroud commented.
"Not by himself he isnt, but with this; it will be different. I activate the field spell Skyscraper!" The field was soon covered in many tall buildings. "Battle, Bladedge attack that Darkness Dragon! Slice and Dice attack!" Bladedge dashed forwards to the dragon. "Skyscraper effect, it raises Bladedge attack points by 1000 when he's battling since he's weaker then Darkness Dragon! (Atk: 2600 - 3600 Def: 1800) "
"You want to go down? Fine by me! Darkness Dragon attack as well! Inferno Dark Fire!" The dragon fought back and launched the blast of flames at Bladedge. Bladedge kept charging forward and striked Darkness Dragon. Both were destroyed but the remaining flames hit Jaden feeling the leftover pains.
"Now Zaborg, attack Nightshroud directly! Voltic Thunder!" As Zaborg began charging lightning, Nightshroud was ready.
"You're a fool if you think I'm letting you attack me directly! Go continuous trap, Soul Resurrection! With this trap I can revive Red-Eyes Black Dragon in defense mode! (Atk: 2400 Def: 2000)" The black dragon returns to the field and crosses it arms as it lands.
"Alright then, Zaborg attack his Red-Eyes instead! Voltic Thunder!" Zaborg launched his lightning attack at Red-Eyes destroying the dragon. "Alright I'll throw a facedown and end my turn!" Jaden ended his turn.
Hand 2
"My turn, I draw!" Alexis draws.
Hand 5
"I play my continuous trap, Call of the Haunted and bring back Command Knight in attack mode! (Atk: 1200 - 1600 Def: 1900) Next I play the spell Pot of Greed so I draw 2 cards." Alexis draws her cards. "I play the spell Creature Swap! With this I can switch both monsters side. Granted you have to choose, but since you have no other monsters, Zaborg comes to my field and I'll hand you Command Knight." Command Knight and Zaborg switch places with the opponents field. "Now I play Polymerization to fuse Etoile Cyber and Blade Skater to fusion summon Cyber Blader! (Atk: 2100 Def: 800)" Her Balerina ace monster appeared onto the field.
"Oh boy this is gonna hurt." Jaden commented.
"Jaden don't worry, this won't be an issue." Red Hat remarked.
"Battle, Cyber Blader attack Command Knight! Whirlwind Rage!" Cyber Blader twirls around and slashes Command Knight with her skates.
Jaden & Red Hat: 3000 - 2500 LP
"I'm not done! Zaborg attack Jaden directly! Voltic Thunder!" Zaborg was charging his lightning attack, Jaden was ready.
"Go continuous Trap, Call of the Haunted! With this I can bring back Elemental HERO Bladedge back to the field!" As Jaden was about to bring back Bladedge, Alexis interrupted him.
"Don't think so! Go quick play spell Mystical Space Typhoon! With this your trap is destroyed!" Powerful winds are launched at the Call of the Haunted trap destroying it. "No more interruptions. Zaborg attack Jaden directly!" Zaborg launched powerful lightning at Jaden. This caused an explosion and blown Jaden back and collapsed.
Jaden & Red Hat: 2500 - 100 LP
"Jaden!" Red Hat called out.
"Jaden!" Syrus and Chumley called out.
Nightshroud laughed at Jaden's state. "What's the matter key keeper! Can't get up!" Soon the lava flow was rising and was cose to the blue orbs
"Jaden please get up!" cried Syrus as the orb protecting him and Chumley was being splashed with hot lava.
"Help us! Please!" Chumley cried out.
Red Hat looked over where Blair was. She was trembling. Red Hat sunked to his knees as he starred at Blair. "Please save me!" Blair was on the verge of crying. "I don't want to die!" This caused internal anger inside Red Hat.
"Giving up already. Face it you both lost!" Nightshroud mocked.
"Master Nightshroud and I make an amazing team." Alexis added. "I end my turn here."
Hand 1
Time 3am
Meanwhile, away from the shadow duel, Zane was standing next to the lighthouse by himself, gazing out at the sea. He then felt a light shaking on his chest. He reached down and grabbed the cause of the shaking, his spirit key. His eyes moved toward the volcano behind the academy. He then saw lightning at the volcano. "A shadow rider, but this different. Something is not right. This key's telling me... to head over there quick." Zane then ran toward the volcano.
At the Ra dorm, Bastion was in his room, typing on his computer, until he felt his spirit key go off. "The spirit gate key! It's shaking!"
At the Slifer dorm, Chazz was trying to sleep, but was bothered by Ojama Yellow who was dancing in front of his face. "Stop Dancing!
'Sorry Boss. Just trying to keep rhythm with that spirit key.'
Chazz sat up, making the yellow spirit fly off. "Actually what is that trembling?" He grabbed his key, feeling it's vibration.
Sheppard was sitting in his office, and was very worried about the decision he made. 'What were you thinking, Sheppard? Getting your students involved in a battle with such stakes? But then, what other choice did you have? After all, if those Shadow Riders get hold of those Sacred Beast cards...' He lifted his head from his desk, a solemn look on his face. "Something is wrong. Something amist going on."
Time 4am
Back at the volcano, Jaden was able to get up. "Ugh, this may hurt, but I'm not out just yet." Jaden said as got back up. Jaden saw Red Hat on one knee as he was looking away. "Red Hat?"
Red Hat gets up while still having his head down. "Blair... I never seen her so scared." Red Hat has a dark aura that surrounds him. "I'll tear you to shreds Nightshroud!" Red Hat now faces Nightshroud with pure anger.
"Hahaha, that's right unleash your anger. This will be your downfall!" Nightshroud mocked Red Hat.
"BOKU NO TURN!" Red Hat draws with such anger.
Hand 4
"I play the spell Dark Hole! All monsters on the field are destroyed!" A black hole appeared and both Cyber Blader and the Monarch where pulled into the void and were destroyed. "I play the spell Pot of Greed! I draw 2 cards." Red Hat draws his cards. "I now play the spell Graceful Charity! I draw 3 cards then discard 2!" Red Hat discards Kycoo the Ghost Destroyer and Heavy Storm. Red Hat grins at this. "I banish Elemental HERO Sparkman and Necroshade, to special summon Black Luster Soldier - Envoy of the Beginning! (Atk: 3000 Def: 2500)" Sparkman and Necroshade was ejected from Jaden's graveyard, as Jaden puts the cards in his back pocket, Black Luster Soldier appears onto the field.
"So what? You still won't be able to defeat us!" Nightshroud pointed out. Red Hat was annoyed by this.
"How about you be quiet!" Red Hat responded as he continued his turn. "I banish Kycoo the Ghost Destroyer and Zaborg, to special summon this!" Lightning struck the field hitting Nightshroud, Alexis, Jaden, and Red Hat. All of them felt intense pain except Red Hat who was holding back his pains. "Mighty dragon from the depths of hell, emerge and bring chaos to this world. Chaos Emperor Dragon - Envoy of the End!" As more lightning struct, the mighty Chaos Dragon desended from the dark clouds and gave a massive roar. Nightshroud and Jaden were taken aback from this. (Atk: 3000 Def: 2500)
"What?! How can this be?! How do you have that savage beast?!" Nightshroud asked.
"I once made a promise; I would never used this card again. This time however I do not care if it means taking you down! Black Luster Soldier attack Alexis directly! Chaos Sword Slash!" The chaos knight charged forward as his sword gowed with a dark and light aura and he slashed Alexis causing damage.
Nightshroud & Alexis: 3800 - 800 LP
"Chaos Emperor Dragon finish them off! Eternal Chaos Flame!" As Red Hat commanded his dragon to attack. More Lightning struct at the platform onto everyone. The chaos dragon launched a very large powerful fireball of dark and light energy blasting and burning both Nightshroud and Alexis.
Nightshroud & Alexis 800 - 0 LP
Nightshroud screamed as he was engulfed in a ring of fire as he grabbed his head and screamed. As Nightshroud fell over so did Jaden. "Sy... Chumley...! Jaden muttered before he also collapsed.
"Jaden... Blair..." Red Hat muttered as he tried to approach Jaden only for the both of them to be engulfed in flames as well.
Time 5am
When everything was clear again, they were outside the base of the volcano.
"What the!?" Chumley exclaimed when he looked around.
"We're alive! We're alive!" Syrus stated before he and Chumley saw Alexis was starting to wake up. Although Alexis was in pain.
"Wha... happened?" Alexis asked. As she tried to get up she fell to her knee. "Ow! Everything hurts!" Alexis then remembered what happened. "No... I lost the duel to Nightshroud and then... I dueled Jaden and.. Red Hat."
"It's okay, they saved you and thats all that matters. That shadow rider was beaten as well." Chumley stated.
"Speaking of which where are they?" Alexis asked as she looked around and found Jaden unconscious and battered.
"Jaden! Jaden! Wake up, please!" Syrus begged.
"Please, wake up! Wake up!" Chumley also begged.
"Guys! Guys! He's fine!" asuured Alexis. "Tired, maybe, but he's fine." Alexis still tries to get up but still continues to feel pain.
Much farther out she saw Blair and Red Hat, latter had collapsed and was trying to crawl. 'Stubborn like always. Let him help you at least.'
With Blair and Red Hat; he was trying to crawl away. Blair was trying to get him to stop. "Red Hat you need to go the nurses office. You're badly injured!" exclaimed Blair as she was trying to keep him in place.
"Blair, please leave. I don't want you to get exposed." Red Hat struggled to speak to her. "Sorry I went berserk back there but I had to save you Blair." Something stirred inside Red Hat, but he didn't understand and couldn't figured it out.
"You and Jaden saved me. Thanks, but why don't you want me to help?" Blair asked.
"I don't want you to get exposed. There's to many spectators. I'll try and leave but somehow I'll be forced to go." said Red Hat. Blair then leaves Red Hat as she took off to the Slifer dorm. She was able to sneak by the others as they were heading to the volcano.
Zane and the other key keepers arrive on the scene. "Everyone! What happened!?" Zane asked as he approached Alexis.
"Jaden! Hold on! We're comming!" Bastion and Chazz rushed towards the base of the volcano.
"What happened?!" exclaimed Chazz.
"One of the shadow riders challenged Jaden and Red Hat to a duel." Syrus explained. "Alexis was challenged first, she lost and then Jaden and Red Hat were challenged to a tag duel."
"Did they win!?" Chazz asked.
"They sure did." Chumley answered. "The battle was intense. Red Hat even had a rough challenge."
"Alexis tell us what happened?" Zane asked her. Zane then noticed her key was gone.
"I lost Zane. I let you guys down after the firsst duel. Nightshroud, that shadow rider over there brainwashed me. I was forced into a tag duel with Jaden and Red Hat." Alexis explains with distain in her voice.
"Don't push yourself Alexis." Zane puts her arm around his shoulder and tries to pick her up as she stands with some pain. "There was no telling what you were fighting. I don't hold it against you." Zane helps Alexis out and takes her near Nightshroud. "So that's him The Shadow Rider?" Zane asked as he got close to him with Alexis. When they did the Shadow Rider began to stir. Grunting, he opened one eye and looked straight at them.
"A-Alexis... Z-Zane..."
Alexis gasped. "It can't be!" she said as she was shaking. Alexis let go of Zane as she collapsed near the Shadow Rider. Alexis began to cry and hug him. "It's him, Zane!" Alexis said with tears streaming down her cheeks. "I-I don't understand how, but... it's him! I-I thought I'd lost him, but he's back! He's finaly back! My brother!"
Zane widened his eyes in shock as he got a better look on the shadow rider's face. "Atticus?"
The rest of the group gathered around them, with Chumley carrying Jaden, Alexis explained. "It wasn't him before, but this card here took away whatever darkness was holding him. He's back now!" It was then the sun began to rise.
"And if this is how it is after you win a duel, losing will get you brainwashed by the Shadow Riders." Zane said. "The sun may be coming up now, but night will fall again soon, and when it does, we must be ready." Zane picks up Alexis while Chazz went in to help carry the unconcious Atticus.
Bastion found Red Hat farther out, trying to crawl away. "Red Hat!" Bastion runs towards him and stops him. "You're hurt Red Hat you need help." Bastion helps Red Hat get on his feet and places Red Hat's arm around his shoulders.
"Thanks Bastion." Bastion and Red Hat walked back to the group to get those that where injured to the nurses office.
"Oh joy, we are all carrying someone, except this pip squeek." Chazz said as he tried to point at Syrus.
"That may be, but we don't have a choice do we." Bastion pointed out. Chazz sighed as he reluctantly agreed.
Red Hat wouldn't speak but he had a bit on his mind. 'I doubt the next Shadow Riders will be as tough, but I could be wrong. No matter if it comes down to it. I'll crush the shadow riders.' Red Hat thought as he remained quiet for the rest of this early morning.
A/N: Two duels in one chapter. These kinds will take a while each time. Since I'm using deck profiles Tag Forces offers, I'm using them as reference. I'm ignoring the BS anime dueling and rulings. Cause the anime is notorious for ignoring proper rules. Now, for the next chapter, we will be doing the Zane and Camula duel and a slight twist to who will team up with Jaden. As for Illusion Gate... Tag Force version will not be like the anime as for plot BS to force Zane lose. Until next time.
P.S: Time Period and Anime Lore I'm keeping so don't ask me for out of place cards. Also DO NOT remind me about banlist. Anime never cared about the banlist so why should I. Difference I wont spam them like crazy. Also another thing because I'm also keeping true to anime in some degrees I'm not giving Red Hat card he isn't supposed to have like Cyber End Dradon or Blue Eyes, unlike what other people try. There will be an exception but that wont be until much later. What will that be? That is a secret.