Chapter 29:

Blake rolled around in the sleeping bag, trying to get into a comfortable position. After a few minutes, he sighed loudly and stopped, instead staring at the ceiling above him. The feeling of the hard ground underneath him reminded him off a time when sleeping on the ground was a common occurrence. He didn't like that at all.

"Are you sure you don't want to switch?" Bastion asked from the atop the bed that stood right next to him.

"I'm not gonna kick you out of your bed, Bastion." He said and rolled onto his side. "It's more than enough that you're letting me stay here to begin with." The last thing he wanted was to be alone after the colossal shit of a day he'd gone through. About the only good thing that had happened was breaking Shinji's nose, and even that only made him smile for a moment before everything else came up once more.

"It's only natural to help a friend in need." Bastion replied. "How are you feeling?"

'If that's the case then it's really easy to see who counts as "friends" and who doesn't.' Blake thought to himself. The fact that only Bastion and Jaden had turned up after things had been sorted out by Chancellor Sheppard was telling enough. His match had been marked as forfeited, since he'd willingly disrupted the duel. On top of that, he'd been given a probation time to make sure he wouldn't act out again, unless he wanted to be kicked out of the academy.

'And fuck Sheppard for that. I wonder how he would've punished me if he didn't need me for his Spirit Guardians.' At least Shinji was given the same "punishment", once he was allowed to leave the medical bay. He hadn't heard any news regarding who'd been responsible for destroying his deck, but he'd raise hell – or, well, the Shadowrealm? – if there wasn't severe punishment and appropriate compensation. His decklist was stacked, and getting back those cards would be … expensive.

Not only that, many of the cards he'd stored in the box under his bed were from the early days of his underground dueling career and brought them with him. They were cards that had literally kept him alive. Got him out of the shithole that was his home. And now that they're gone, he felt … strangely calm. He was angry, that wouldn't go away anytime soon, but he also felt lighter. It was weird.

"Angry, annoyed, uncomfortable, strange." He answered.

Bastion hummed at that. "I guess that's understandable. I still can't quite believe all of this happened. Especially the fact that Bright and Yuma were involved, if only by accident."

'Right … that reminds me …' Blake shuffled around and grabbed his PDA from the table behind him. He shot a quick message to his guardian. "Start operation 'Fuck the police'." It was bloody obvious where Bright had gotten that false info from. Considering that the underground ring had already tried to get rid of him once, he believed it was due time to see them go up in flames. Everything they knew would be sent straight to Kaiba Corp, including the big names, the locations of the arenas, and the involvement of the police. 'Weird that Kaiba Corp will be the one cleaning up that mess, but who am I to argue with a world that revolves around a card game.'

"Yeah. The last bit that fuckhead said was fake by the way. You know about the rest, but-"

"Of course, it is." Bastion interrupted him sternly. "You don't think I'd believe an obvious lie like that, do you?"

He stopped for a moment, a strange warmth coursing through him. "No … no, of course you wouldn't. I know I can always count on you to have my back." 'Even if I don't really deserve it-'

"I know that look, don't put yourself down." Bastion chided, having switched positions so that he could look at him from atop the bed. "I know everyone is giving you a hard time, but that doesn't mean you should do that as well."

"I didn't know you can read minds now-" he tried to jest.

"You're not a bad person, Blake." Bastion interrupted him. "Don't ever think like that."

Whatever rebuttal he might've head died in Blake's throat. He looked away from his friend, the uncommon feeling of ease and warmth overcoming him. Not knowing what to do or say, he barely managed to choke out "T-thank you." It was incredibly strange for him to feel both safe and vulnerable at the same time. Especially since he'd never shown the latter to anyone, not even his spirit partner.

He noticed a sudden lack of air and took a deep, long breath. "Thank you, Bastion." He said and looked back at him. "You really are the best friend anyone could have."

"Now you're just buttering me up." Bastion joked and they shared a heartfelt laugh. "Just so you know, the feeling is mutual. I can count the number of people that weren't put off by my quirks on one hand."

"Eh, you might want to dial down on the math-fixated talking, like you do with me, but other than that you're completely fine." Blake replied in a teasing voice. "I'd say being able to beat someone with facts and logic, both in a conversation and in a duel, is pretty cool, though."

"Such high praise, are you sure you should say that? If some of the girls heard that they might get jealous." Bastion said with a chuckle.

"You know what they say, Bastion; bros before hoes."

After he'd spent the night at Bastion's, Blake returned to his room. When he checked his PDA on the short walk over, he couldn't help but smirk when he got the confirmation that Katherine had indeed started their little operation. That smirk vanished when he entered his room, however. While he'd expected that it might've looked a bit worse after someone had gone through his things, he didn't expect a tall figure to stand there waiting for him.

The intruder wore a long grey coat with an extra-high collar, along with a black top hat, which perfectly hid its appearance. It slowly turned around, a pair of red eyes glowing in between collar and hat.

"Alright, you got three seconds to explain yourself." Blake said and raised his hand to count. "Otherwise, I'll use you to let off some steam."

A mechanical laugh echoed through the room and Blake raised the first finger. "Very good, exactly as predicted." He raised the second finger. "I'm here to help you get revenge, in exchange for a little something." And he raised the third.

"… Huh, didn't expect you to actually manage that. Big bad monologues and stuff. What a shame." Blake confessed and crossed his arms. "Get on with it then; how can you help me and what exactly do you want in return?"

The giant produced something from his coat, a flash drive. "I have secured a recording that shows how the one that wronged you acquired his means to do so. The footage has since been replaced, without anyone being any wiser."

"You're telling me that Kaiba Corp tech, inspected by professional Kaiba Corp personnel, got manipulated to a degree they can't notice? Yeah, I call bullshit on that." Blake said and waved the guy off.

"It is very much possible, as long as you're not hindered by the confines of mortal body and mind." The figure replied and took of its head. Now revealed was a fully pink head with visible veins all across its bald skin. It's face was covered by a metallic green mask that was held up by two rings with around the side of the head and one leading up the figure's forehead and onto its back. The red lenses on its mask shined once more.

"Oooooh, Jinzo. I completely forgot about you once I left for vacation." Blake surmised, clapping his hands together. "Okay, yeah, that makes sense. Technomancy or whatever you want to call it. But aren't you more of a psychic than a technician?"

Jinzo laughed at that. "There is little difference, when you're more machine than man."

He couldn't argue with that. "Fair enough. But if you got that footage, then it means you were responsible for hiding it in the first place. Which in turn makes you an accomplice." Feeling the presence of his spirit partner nearby, Blake cracked his knuckles. "So, what reason do I have to not just fuck you up – like my dragon said he's done several times in the past – and just take the evidence?"

"Because there's more value in it if you don't." Jinzo argued. "While beating me might grant you momentary satisfaction, you surely realize that having me as an ally is worth more than what you could do with a sandbag."

'As if we'd need a wimp like him. Let's just mess him up.' Dark Armed said as his spirit form appeared in the room as well, making the inside packed.

"That is only if you were to become my ally. You still haven't told me what you want in return." Blake replied with a raised eyebrow.

"Becoming your ally is my payment." Jinzo revealed with a light bow. "I've tried more than once to get to you, yet your pet dragon kept everyone away, as you already know."

Ignoring the angry growl of his partner, Blake prodded further. "Why?"

"Two simple reasons." Jinzo replied and raised his hand. "One; I'm certain that with your energy and strife, I can become stronger. Two; it's safer for me that way."

Blake paused for a moment. "… safer from what?"

"From the war raging in the spirit world, of course. I'd rather be a willing ally to you than a slave to those in power over there. Not speaking about getting destroyed rather than enslaved."

'That checks out if I remember correctly. There was some war including the Dark World and Yubels forces originally … but there's also that weird shift DAD was talking about …' Blake thought, trying to remember as much as he could. 'But Jaden said he'd lost Yubels card, and it was never sent to space either. So, it shouldn't be corrupted by the Light, right? Urgh, how annoying.'

"Alright, fine. You can stay. Under one condition."

'WHAT?!'

"Marvelous. What is the condition to speak off?" Jinzo's eyes flashed once more.

"Since you appear to have a physical body right now, you'll help me get a bit more … hands-on revenge, if you will." Blake explained with a devious smirk. "But do you even need a physical body if you feed of my energy? That's what you'll, do, right?"

"If you allow me to, that's all I'll need, indeed." Jinzo nodded. "While I've waited for a long time to get a body and the freedom it brings like this, I must say that its limitations irritate me. Moving freely like this is almost impossible, even on this island."

Blake scratched the back of his head and sighed. "Then give the energy back to the guys you took it from after we're done with Shinji, I guess. Don't need a witch-hunt coming after you."

"This sounds … acceptable. I must ask you to make sure that dragon of yours doesn't try to get rid of me, however." Jinzo said in a cheery voice.

"You heard the brainy guy; keep that violence to where it matters." Blake said over his shoulder. "You can take him apart if it looks like he'll betray us, though."

The dragon grumbled, but reluctantly nodded when he felt a sudden surge of irritation in Blake.

"Now that that's settled; gimme the evidence."

"Of course." Jinzo handed over the flash drive. "It might interest you that the professor that guy stole from was fully aware of it happening."

"Huh?" Blake frowned. "Why would a professor let that happen? Who was it?"

"I believe the human is called Lyman Banner."

"Oh, that stupid mother-"

'-fucker!' Blake finished his thought and pushed down his anger when he opened the door of his room, only to find Professor Banner on the other side. "Professor, I didn't expect you here."

Banner laughed good-naturedly. "Why I hope so. This is a surprise visit, after all." The man entered without a second thought.

'Yeah, sure. Come in, make yourself comfortable. Take a cookie, you absolute piece of-' Blake closed the door behind them and sat down on his bed since Banner claimed his only chair. "So, what brings you here?"

"Straight to the point as always." The man chuckled. "I'm here to inform you about the progress made considering yesterday's events."

Blake perked up at that and put his emotions towards the man aside, for now. "Okay, what's the update?"

"Both the student that broke into your room and the one that ripped up your cards and threw them off the roof have been taken in by security. The evidence on these two is clear, although nothing has been found out about a certain middle-man they apparently took orders from." The professor explained. "The first one is a third year Ra student by the name of John Doe."

"Never heard of him."

"From what security could gather, we believe he's dissatisfied with the fact that you, a first year, got a promotion exam to Obelisk Blue. Unlike him, who hadn't gotten anything like that despite having the grades and a good-enough dueling record the past two years."

'Now if that's not a statement that shit needs to change, I don't know what is.'

"The other perpetrator is a first-year Obelisk Blue student called Taiyou Torimaki, who you might've seen around Chazz earlier this year."

Blake shrugged at that. "Don't remember the names of background characters. How will they be dealt with?"

Banner looked amused at that, no doubt taking note about his attitude. "Simple: They'll be expelled and banned from attending any affiliated duel academy. If it went after Sheppards suggestion, that'd be it. But this incident went further up the ladder, no doubt thanks to efforts of someone in a powerful position." The man looked expectingly at him, but Blake just looked at him with a confused look. "I believe Miss Umino might've had a hand in that. Well, that and trying to clear your name. Aside from young Bastion and Jaden, she's the loudest going against the rumors."

'Kami? Why would she care? She'll only need me for the dirty work, which means replacing my deck, which in turn costs a lot of money. Though I guess she could use that to get another favor from me … or does she need to do it to keep me in the academy? Would I be kicked out without her?' Blake thought to himself. Maybe the rumors about me put her in a bad spot? Shouldn't she just drop me and find someone else before her image gets stained?'

"Since this matter was escalated, both students will be blacklisted from every official tournament, with a note of what they've done in their duelist profiles. Their dueling careers are over." Banner finished. "As for you: Unless the student you put in the infirmary tries to sue for the assault on him, you're fine after your probation ends. While none of us teachers condone what you have done, considering your mental state at the time as well as the input regarding your problems from Professor Fontaine, we'd come to the conclusion that would be enough. Doctor Crowler was the most vocal about you getting out unscathed."

Blake nodded, both satisfied by the punishment and surprised how little he was punished himself. Even more so with Crowler being his strongest supporter, although that might've been influenced by Kami as well. He was on her payroll now, after all. The good doctor did seem horrified by what had happened to him, though … "Sounds good. Would that punishment extend to anyone else that could be found guilty?"

The good professor looked at him for a tad longer than he needed to. "Yes, but according to security there's nothing left. The messages on the PDAs of both students that went to this middle man went to an unknown number. I imagine you mean that Mister Matou should receive a similar punishment?"

It took Blake a few seconds before linking the name to a face. "Yeah, a broken nose isn't enough for that guy."

"I'm afraid nothing besides his role in dueling you link him to the destruction of your cards. So, any punishment you'd want him to have would have to come from a … different angle."

'Oh, wouldn't you know. How I'd love to rub knowing what you did in your face right now, but you'll learn soon enough. Can't reveal my hand if I want to punish you as well.'

"Which brings me to the other reason for me being here." Banner leaned forward in his seat and his glasses shined just long enough so Blake could see his red eyes for a moment. "Do you remember the offer I made you when the year started?"

'Perfect.' "You mean about helping you in your experiments for a pretty penny? Yeah, I remember." Blake played off innocently.

"Exactly. These aren't your average alchemic experiments however. While I imagine you don't need much monetary compensation anymore, since you're affiliated with Miss Umino now, I might just have a better selling point."

"And whatever would that be?" He raised his eyebrow at the man.

"A way to take revenge on the one that's wronged you. In any way you could imagine, no matter how brutal." Banner concluded with a small smile.

"… you have my attention." Blake said and leaned forward, now smiling as well.

'Alright, meeting with the Shadow Riders this evening, aka after most likely getting a Spirit Key instead of Banner.' Blake thought to himself as he and Bastion made their way up to the Chancellors office. He'd accepted Banner's offer with the promise given that he'd be provided with an item that would help him giving Shinji his just desserts. 'With Jinzo's help I can get that fuck just where I want him. So, all I need to do now is wait, and get something out of Sheppard.'

"The weather has been weird all day, hasn't it?" Bastion noted while looking out of a window they're passing. The sky was surprisingly dark, despite only a few grey clouds hanging over the island.

"Wonder what's up with that. Tropical blizzard coming for us, maybe?"

"Can't be."

When they turned the corner, they ran into Jaden. Syrus and Chumley chuckled when Jaden crashed into Bastion, but when they saw Blake then promptly left. "Oof … sorry 'bout that- oh hey guys!" Jaden apologized.

"Hello, Jaden." Bastion greeted, unfazed.

"'Sup. Bit early in the day to get send to Sheppard's office, don't you think?" Blake followed up.

"Ha, I hope Crowler didn't say something about me that got me here." Jaden laughed. "What about you, dawg? Are you here because of … you know, what happened?"

"Don't think so, Banner already updated me on the situation." Blake replied. "And since I don't believe he sent for Bastion to be my lawyer I'd say we're here for something else."

"Phew, lucky." Jaden grinned and swiped away his imaginary sweat.

They went up the last pair of stairs and arrived in front of Sheppards office. They were joined shortly after by Professor Banner and Doctor Crowler from the right, as well as Alexis, Chazz, and Kami from the left. The Obelisk trio came straight up to them, although Chazz looked very reluctant doing so. Alexis began chatting with Jaden and a weirdly focused Bastion, while Kami quickly pulled Blake to the side. She seemed a bit stressed out.

"It wasn't me." She whispered, making sure nobody overheard her.

"Huh?"

"What Shinji did wasn't on me."

It took him a few seconds to understand what she meant. "Why would I think you wanted him to do that? Can't work for you without cards now, can I?"

Kami blinked at him dumbfounded before letting out a sigh. "Of course, you can't. But since he did all that both to impress me and replace you, I wouldn't put it past you to blame me for it."

He was surprised by her attitude on this. 'She doesn't want to replace me then, good. But why does she seem so off then?' "I think it's safe to say that not even you could've seen coming what he did. Hell, Syrus getting promoted is more probable than him pulling off what he did. Plus, I heard that you escalated the other guys punishments, thanks for that by the way."

She was about to do something, probably let out her rich-girl laugh, but was interrupted by the door of Sheppard's office opening. "We'll talk this out later. You're still mine, don't forget that." He didn't even get to say something about her odd choice of words.

The teachers went in first, followed by the girls, and lastly the boys. Waiting for them inside were of course Chancellor Sheppard, with Zane to his left and what must be the current Queen to Zane's side. As all third years, she's wearing the primarily white uniform with blue highlights, her black hair ending just above her shoulders gave a nice contrast to that. Her pristine appearance made it clear why she had enough support to become Queen, although she wasn't as pretty as Kami, or even Alexis, at least in Blake's eyes.

He saw her eyes meet with Kami's, with a clear spark of competition between the two. Banner and Crowler took to the right side of Sheppard, who welcomed them with a serious demeanor and his arms crossed behind his back. "Hello students, thank you all for coming at such short notice. Unfortunately, ill news has reached me, which is why I called all of you here."

While the others exchanged confused looks, Blake looked at Zane, who let out a low sigh. It was Doctor Crowler who spoke up first, however. "Chancellor Sheppard, I must again question if this is a good idea. They're students, capable students – with one exception – but students nonetheless."

"Whether it's a good idea or not, I'm afraid we're left little choice in the matter." Sheppard replied and looked at his students. "What I'm about to tell you is something that may never leave this island. I'm aware I'm asking much from all of you, but please, listen to what I have to say." Everyone silently nodded.

"All of you have heard off the legendary Egyptian God cards, as they were not only a vital part of the Battle City tournament, but are the namesakes of this very academy's dorms." He began. "To this day there are stories and rumors about their supposed power. Despite these being just rumors to the public, there's truth to these stories. They're more than just cards, capable of critically injuring their opponents and causing great destruction in the wrong hands. They weren't the only of their kind, however, which is the very reason you're here."

"In an attempt to replicate the Egyptian God cards without the inherent danger they posed, Maximillion Pegasus himself sought out an inspiration for a new trio of cards other than ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs. Little did he know at the time, that history would repeat itself. The 'Sacred Beasts', as they were named, were created, but it turned out the Hebrew hieroglyphs Pegasus had used as his basis were tainted by darkness."

"Which is why these cards are now sealed away under this very academy, so that they may never see the light of day as to not unleash the chaos and darkness within them and destroying everything in their wake." Sheppard finished his story.

The reactions were mixed; Bastion and Chazz had thoughtful looks on their faces, Alexis and Kami seemed to be weirded out, while the professors as well as Zane and the Queen looked like this was nothing new to them.

"Man, those cards sound pretty strong. I've always wanted to duel against something as strong as the Egyptian Gods."

All eyes turned to a bright Jaden, at least those that weren't hidden behind shaking heads and facepalms. "What?" he asked obliviously.

"While I must commend your aspirations, Jaden, these cards must never be used in a duel." Sheppard chided. "They hold not only danger for the one facing them, but for all life near them."

"Excuse me, Chancellor, but surely you don't believe us to believe a story like this." Alexis chimed in. "I mean, cards that can hurt people? Destroy the world? They're just cards."

"It sounds outlandish from an outside perspective, Miss Rhodes." Sheppard admitted. "Duel Monsters in itself is more than a mere card game, however. To the bright masses, it may be nothing more than a sport, but its very design resides in the supernatural. While you may not believe me, some of your fellow students are well aware of this already."

Blake nodded, along with Bastion, Jaden, Zane and the Queen, and even Chazz. Alexis stared at them in disbelief. "You can't be serious. Especially you, Bastion. You're the most logical out of all of us."

"And I wouldn't take the Chancellors story at face value if I was you either." Bastion said with a sudden blush. "I have long since been running experiments on topics regarding Duel Monsters that cannot be explained by mere science, though. Believe me when I say that none of us is messing with you on this matter."

This left her to ponder, while her fellow dormmate shot an angry look at Blake that all but told him that she'd squeeze him for information later.

"But what does all of that have to do with us?" Chazz asked.

"Everything, I fear. You see, Central Academy was built on this very island for the sole purpose of protecting the cards hidden here. To train duelists that would be capable enough to keep them locked away hence the day came that darkness would come for them." Sheppard answered. "The Sacred Beasts are locked away in a special vault that can only be opened with seven special keys; the Spirit Keys." He reached under his desked and put a box on top of it. The box opened with a soft click and revealed seven golden and weirdly formed objects, with black markings all over them that created some sort of script.

"Okay, and why are the only keys that can open this vault here and not in some high-security safe?" Blake couldn't help but ask. "Better yet, in Kaiba Corps space station where nobody can get them?"

"Because they are bound to the vault. They cannot leave the island."

"What makes you think a group of teenagers can protect these things?" Blake asked again.

"The only way these keys can be used to open the gates of the vault is if they're won in a Shadow Duel. Which is also why those who will come for them won't just take them from you forcefully." Sheppard responded.

"Then why are we students supposed to protect them, rather than the experienced staff?" Bastion questioned further. "If these cards are so dangerous, then surely the staff here should be strong enough to protect them."

"Yeah, why not call in the cavalry? You don't need us; get Yugi and Kaiba here and we'll cheer them on while they take apart whoever wants these keys." Blake added, getting a round of nods and surprised looks that quickly went to Sheppard.

"Believe me, that's what I'd prefer. Due to cuts and changes made to the staff, however, I'm afraid the only professors I can comfortably put on the same level as you are Doctor Crowler and Professor Banner." Sheppard lamented. "If Miss Hibiki was back by now, we would've dealt with this matter with just us teachers and the titled duelists. But since she's still on leave to care for her ill brother, as well as me not being in form due to the chairman swamping me with work, I've turned to you."

Jaden and Chazz noticeably perked up when they heard the name of the missing professor, but since he couldn't place the name, Blake asked once more. "And why don't you call anyone else in?"

"Because it appears that communication with the outside world has been cut off." The Chancellor stated, which earned him a raised eyebrow from Zane and a horrified look from Crowler. "Calls, messages, nothing gets out. Security tried to go by boat, but they simply came back, worse for wear and with an broken engine."

"It's likely connected to the dark sky. If there are cards that can destroy the world, then surely there are methods to hold us here." Bastion surmised.

"That is what we think as well, but until we can find a way to deal with whatever disrupts our communication, these keys need to be protected. Professor Banner believes he has found a good point to start, but before any of that we need to know if you're willing to help."

"Alright, so, we – a bunch of kids in our first year here, with exception of Zane and missy over there – are supposed to beat these evil guys with the capabilities of not only trapping us on this island, but also cut us off from the outside world. In duels that can leave us severely injured, or even dead." Blake put it simply. He turned to Jaden, Alexis, and Kami. "Like the duel we had under the Abandoned Dorm."

The girls visibly paled at that, and even Jaden clenched his fists at the thought. The other students didn't look much better, safe for Zane who's as stoic as always.

"Safe to say I won't do this for free. Not that I even have a deck that I could comfortably use against anyone in this room. No offence, Bastion." He finished speaking his mind.

"None taken." His friend replied.

"I'm afraid reimbursing the cards you've lost has barely begun. All I can offer you is full access to whatever cards we have left in the store." Sheppard said. "Of course, none if you will go empty handed if you decide to help, but this is a matter for when this is over. This is a big commitment, a dangerous one at that, but I wouldn't ask this of you all if I didn't belief you couldn't handle this."

"Needless to say, that I'll be spearheading this." Zane announced as he stepped forward from the side. "I'm the oldest and strongest duelist of us, and as long as I have a choice in the matter, I will deal with everyone coming for us."

Chazz was the second one to speak up. "Who cares what kind of duel we will get; all we have to do is win. I'm more than confident in my abilities as a duelist, I'm in."

Alexis was third. "If what you said is true, then my brother's disappearance is surely connected to this somehow. I will get to the bottom of this, even if it means putting myself at risk."

"The timing couldn't be worse, Chancellor, I believe I have to stay out of this and so will Miss Umino." The Queen said next. "We have our competition starting this week, and just like you couldn't change the date of our Jack's promotion exam, neither can you change this. But alas, it'll keep the other students busy from everything else happening."

Kami was pale, no doubt shaken by the memories of her kidnapping. "It is a bad timing …" he raised in a shaky voice. Her eyes went to find Blake's.

"Don't."

She took a deep breath and looked back at Sheppard. "But what kind of Queen would I be, what kind of Umino would I be, if I stood back and watched?"

"Urgh, way to undermine me here." Blake sighed, ignoring the scoff he got from Chazz. "Alright, alright. But we're not done talking cards, Sheppard." Inwardly, he screamed. 'What the hell, Kami?! You're not supposed to get involved!'

"Well, if you join, so do I." Bastion simply stated.

"Hey, don't forget about me!" Jaden blurted out. "No way am I gonna miss dueling these guys!"

"Then it appears we have all the guardians we need-" Sheppard began, but was interrupted from his side.

"Chancellor, I cannot in my good conscience accept this." Doctor Crowler scolded. "And you know Miss Hibiki would have your head for even suggesting this. But to leave all of this to our students? No, I won't accept this."

Sheppard shook his head and looked like he was searching for a way to convince Crowler. Considering what he wanted of the Chancellor, Blake decided to come to his rescue, for this time only. "You can still support us. Just because there's only seven keys don't mean that there only has to be seven duelists protecting them." This seemed to raise an idea none of the teachers seemed to have considered who now all looked at him expectingly.

"Really? Oh man …" Blake shook his head. "While I think teaming up all willy nilly is a bad idea, just so we don't lose two keys at once to some stupid strategy, that doesn't mean we have to go at everyone one-on-one." He began pointing around.

"Zane obviously doesn't need help, it'd be more of a detriment to pair him up with anyone, really."

"Same with Jaden, there's no one that would really work well with his HEROs anyway." 'Aster isn't here yet, sadly.'

"The rest of us? I think we can. Bastion can adapt to anything; Chazz and Alexis have some strategies that would break anything their opponents could do in a two-on-two scenario if given the chance." He finished with putting his hand on Kami's shoulder. "And there's no way I'm gonna let anyone at little miss princess over here." 'Not like I have much of a choice after she's thrown herself into the fire. But from the way she's shaking already I can't just let her get traumatized even more.'

He expected a scoff, a stare, anything like that from her. Not her blushing and looking away. He decided to ignore that for now and looked at Crowler. "Adding your Ancient Gears and experience to the mix will make for some flexible and strong team-ups for sure." His eyes went over to Professor Banner, who held a neutral expression on his face. "And Professor Banner can help us with his knowledge to find a way to deal with whatever spell is at work here." He shot him a wink as well, trying to imply that this was for the better. If he was the one maneuvering the guardians around the island, then he could pick out the targets for the Shadow Riders. Not that he would let that happen.

"Yes, everything that Mister Moore has said seems logical to me." Banner said eventually. "Safe to say I won't be much help in a duel, even if you value me that highly, Chancellor."

Blake wanted to swipe away the bead of sweat running down the side of his face, but instead strengthened his hold on Kami, who's since stopped shaking.

"Then we have a plan." Sheppard said and gave all of the guardians one of the Spirit Keys. "Just remember; this isn't going to be a school curriculum. You can be attacked anywhere at any time. So, make sure you all stay in contact with one another, and preferably don't go anywhere alone."

"Sounds like I'm bunking with you guys then!" Jaden said cheerily looking at Bastion and Blake.

"Alexis, surely you wouldn't mind looking after Kami? I'm afraid even under these circumstances I won't be welcome at your dorm." Blake asked with a smirk.

"Wha- I don't need her to-"

"Sure, as long as you take her off my hands the first chance you get." Alexis poked at Kami with a teasing smirk herself.

"Hmpf!" Kami turned away with a cute pout.

"I'll make sure to escort the signoras in the morning and will stalwartly look after signore Princeton and Truesdale." Crowler added.

"I wish all of you the best of luck in this and once again apologize for the situation I've put you in. I'll make sure all of you are exempt from classes, as even if I would prefer you attending, we can't risk getting the other students involved." Sheppard announced, earning him a cheerful shout from Jaden.

Everyone started to funnel out of the office, with Bastion looking at Blake to follow. He shook his head and directed his friend to Kami instead, waiting until everyone but Sheppard and Zane were left.

"Let's get back to me needing a deck for this." Blake began.

"Naturally, I'll write you a note and inform Miss Dorothy for you to have free reign over what is left in the store. On the premise that every card you take is a rental, unless matching any cards you've lost." Sheppard replied.

"Good, good. I have one question though." Blake looked at Zane, then back to Sheppard. "You're the master of the Cyber Style who Zane trained under and whom he got his Cyber Dragons from, right?"

"I am."

He grinned widely. "And we absolutely can't let the Spirit Keys get taken, right?"

"Correct. Where are you going with-"

"You wouldn't happen to have the Cyberdark cards on hand right now, would you?"

Back again, this time with a mix of heartfelt friendship, supernatural powers, and plotting. It was high time that Blake finally accepted Bastion as the best boy he obviously is. Not only that, he gained another spirit that'll hopefully help him out in the future. Whether it's a good idea he agreed to join the Shadow Riders will remain to be seen, but the line-up for the opposing Spirit Guardians had some changes. And what's Kami's deal all of a sudden, how mysterious ... Whether Sheppard actually has and gives away the cards Blake's looking for you'll have to find out next time.

Thanks for all the positive comments on last chapter, glad to see you guys liked it. Save to say, Shinji won't get away with just a probation. And a little shoutout to quarttzblade12, who continues questioning what's wrong with the adults. Something's definitely not right, let me tell you that much, but we'll have to wait and see. Until next time ~