Chapter 35:

Blake finished up his plastic cup of coffee and threw it in the trash bin next to him. The exhausted sigh of Professor Fontaine followed by her loudly slumping down in her chair told him she's done with everyone.

After they'd made it out of the ruins Banner brought them to and called security, he made sure to get everyone to the infirmary and checked up. He didn't know how Bastion and his group made it out, considering they're all out cold when he found them, but that didn't matter. They hadn't lost any other key than Alexis', which was completely gone, as was Atticus' Shadow Charm, so they came out even.

Making his way over to the only conscious teacher, he let his eyes roam over everyone's settled forms. All of them looked like they'd a rough time, with Sheppard, Alexis, and Atticus being the obvious outliners. Kami was sitting next to Fontaine, trying to appear calm as she sipped her own beverage but looking positively shaken.

Fontaine rubbed her temples as she turned towards him. "Life was easier when dueling was just a sport and not some sort of evil dark ritual. I did what I could to treat any visible bruises and damage, but most of them just seem to lack a lot of energy."

"How bad are the others?" He asked, jabbing his thumb towards the critical patients.

The woman sighed. "Alexis got some first-degree burns and a concussion at the back of her head, but she'll make a quick recovery. Her brother is similar, but appears to be completely devoid of energy and also got some old wounds that haven't been treated. The chancellor …"

"Will he survive?"

"I surely hope so, but his days as a duelist are definitely over." She shook her head. "There's just nothing I can do against the third-degree burns on his arms with what I have here. If we could get him to a proper hospital, they might be able to do something. His insides also haven taken a lot of damage from some strong impact, so they'd need to start soon …"

"And we don't have that luxury at the moment." Blake finished. "How long do you think he got before he turns critical?"

"A few days, a week at most. I got some ways to treat him and stop the burns from causing lasting damage for a while, but that's it."

'There are six Shadow Riders remaining, including me.' Blake thought. 'I could probably take them out fast enough, but I have no idea how to get to Kagemaru. Once he's dealt with the barrier should dissipate and we'd be able to get help if it isn't already waiting just outside.'

'I could try to trace back the energy of your charm to find its maker.' Jinzo supplied, appearing in his now spiritual form.

'Can you do that?' Blake asked in surprise. 'Wait, you're a spirit again; did you make sure to get all the evidence accounted for?'

'Yes. Both the physical evidence and the digital copies are where they should be.' Jinzo answered. 'The network administrator should've gotten the message.'

'Good, good.' Blake nodded to himself and threw a glance to Shinji, who's resting further in the back. The guy hadn't stirred ever since they got here, so he's probably still unconscious. He looked like a giant wrap of bandages, but Fontaine didn't say anything on him.

'And yes, I should be able to. While my analysis of the magic enabling a non-spirit to bring forth a Shadow Duel isn't complete, it shouldn't take me long to find out the rest even without the object. If I'm correct, they'll be destroyed once the origin of their powers is as well.'

'And hurry up! I'm gonna crush those puny spirits that stand in our way!' DAD added with vigor. The dragon hadn't gotten any action ever since their duel with Shinji and was getting restless.

'Then get started on it.' While the Chancellor didn't do much if anything for him, he could respect the man for his actions tonight. And although he didn't care if the man would make it, his fellow students certainly would. He couldn't have them throwing themselves blindly at the enemy because of a time crunch, so something needed to be done.

That and seeing Bastion and Jaden all worn-out and Kami on the brink of a nervous breakdown made him angry. The Shadow Charm only amplified that anger and it took him all he had to not explode and cave the mans face in when Banner entered the room.

The man wasn't looking all that crisp either, with his hair disheveled and full of dirt, broken glasses, and torn clothes. "Ah, there you are. I wondered where everyone went."

"It got kinda dicey after Zane's last attack. We couldn't risk the building crashing down on top of us while searching for you." Blake replied, unable to keep his annoyance and anger out of his voice. "What happened to you anyways?"

"I'm afraid I triggered some kind of secret door when touching some markings on the wall, ha ha." Banner answered casually. "Luckily I didn't encounter anyone, but there were quite a few traps that kept me from linking back up with you."

"Yeah, lucky." Blake growled under his breath.

"Professor Banner, take a seat. I'll give you a quick look-" Fontaine began as she stood up.

"That won't be necessary; it's just dirt and an unlucky fall." Banner interrupted her. "But with everyone here we're a prime target for further attacks, which is why I'd like to borrow Blake to make a quick sweep of the building."

Blake narrowed his eyes at the man and stood up before turning to the two women beside him. "Well, someone has to keep them safe and I didn't get to do anything yet. Professor Fontaine, can I count on you to support the little princess here in protecting everyone in case someone slips by?"

Despite her obvious fatigue, the professor gave him a sharp nod. "I won't let anyone mess with my patients."

"Sweet. You might want to get Kami something for her nerves though." He added due to the missing reaction on the rich girl's part. He was half of a mind to just take her key then and there, but she shook her head.

"I'll be fine, just make it quick." Kami said, lacking any heat in her voice. After a few moments of staring at each other her attitude was back. "It's rude to keep a lady waiting, you know."

"Want a slice of cake with that order?" He snorted as he turned away.

"Strawberry cheesecake with cream on top." Was her cheeky answer. "Make that two, because the professor certainly needs it after fixing up everyone."

"Don't count on it, princess."

Blake followed Banner for a while before they arrived at a location where they wouldn't have to worry about being overheard; the balcony above the buildings main entrance. He walked over to the side and leaned against the wall, looking out into the silent night. After a few minutes of grueling silence, he decided to break it.

"So, what's up?"

"Whatever do you mean?" Banner asked back.

"I reckon you brought me here for a reason and I'll warn you just once; if you try to throw me down, you'll end up worse than me."

The man chuckled at that, his red eyes staring at Blake. "Now why would I do that to my own ally? If you still are, that is."

"Considering y'all have a screw loose I wouldn't put it past you." Blake said with a shrug.

"I won't argue with that. Half our ranks are made up of spirits, after all." Banner conceded, his gaze sweeping up to the dark sky. "But all of us have a reason to do this and a goal to achieve." He sounded oddly melancholic.

"Like saving yourself from dying?" Blake asked. Banner side-eyed him with raised eyebrows. "Come one, your body's almost falling apart. I can sense DE good enough to notice you barely holding together." Which was a lie. Unlike Bastion he utterly sucked at it. He needed to be right in front of Banner to sense anything. But he knew regardless, so go him.

"I see … I wondered what you and your friend were experimenting with. How fascinating …"

"Seeing as you didn't protest, I have a question."

"Oh? By all means, ask."

"Suppose we win all the keys and open the gates holding back the Sacred Beasts." Blake began. "If we're still around for that, what makes you sure we actually get what we want? More importantly; I'm quite certain those beasts can and will wreak havoc across the world. I'd like to know how Kagemaru plans to control the Sacred Beasts. The way I see it right now we're all fucked if he can't."

It was a gamble telling Banner he knew who their boss was, because only he ever spoke to the man as far as he knew, and perhaps Camula. But given Banner's logical mind as an alchemist, he surely must've asked that himself. What worth held a new body if it was destroyed only moments later?

"You knowing the name of our leader should surprise me, but somehow it doesn't." Banner said eventually, turning back to him. "To answer your question; I don't know."

"You … don't know?" Blake asked befuddled. "Why not?!"

"It was never my intention to let Kagemaru have them, simple as that." Banner revealed with a dark chuckle. "I've found the tomb Maximillion Pegasus got his inspiration from to create their cards, you know. Judging from the stories written about them there it was quite clear that binding them to one's will was a monumental effort and only possible for those they themselves selected. Otherwise, they'll tore anyone who tries apart and begin absorbing any life around them until they're satisfied.

"After Kagemaru told me more about them and how they whispered to him in his dreams, along with the few experiments I have completed ever since arriving on this island, I'm certain they won't do me any good. I might've come across a different solution, however …"

Blake had expected anything, ranging from simply no answer to Banner potentially attacking him for knowing too much. This he didn't expect. His mind began racing.

'So, wait. Banner doesn't want to succeed in unleashing the Sacred Beasts. And the Sacred Beasts can only be controlled by someone they want … he said they spoke to Kagemaru in his dreams …' That sounded oddly like his nightmares. It had taken him way too long to figure out what caused them, but now it all made sense. If a spirit as strong as Dark Armed Dragon was reaching out to him because of his unique energy, who's to say even stronger spirits wouldn't as well? But it was still a gamble. 'Note to myself; ask my spirits on that later.'

For now, he needed to deal with something else. "Jaden won't be able to help you." He stated clearly.

"… you really got me wondering if I'm too easy to read, you know." Banner replied, not sounding amused at all.

"Got nothing to do with you. I just noticed as well." Blake half-lied. "While he's holding some big power, I believe it can only impact spirits. Duel Spirits, that is."

"Perhaps it just needs some more refinement-"

"Or maybe he'd be happy to try and help you if you just asked." He interrupted. "Regardless, there's not much we can do with the Shadow Charms bound to us and Kagemaru around, right? I for one can't take mine off and I doubt that old fart will put down the barrier until he gets what he wants."

"Yours has a safety measure, given you're working as a double-agent." Banner said, putting a knowing emphasis on Blake's supposed role. "But I believe you're right. Unless all of us fall or the gates are opened completely, I doubt he'll make an appearance."

"Is there any way we can get to him?"

The man rubbed his chin in thought. "The academy doesn't have any flight-capable vehicles, but even if we got them, I doubt he'd allow us in."

"And what if I didn't care about his opinion on that?"

"Then he'd still have some form of defense. Kagemaru did create all our Shadow Charms, I assume he has some kind of dark magic to protect himself as well."

Blake's shoulders dropped. The idea of having Jaden manifest Flame Wingman or something to fly up to Kagemaru was still in his mind, but if they failed to get to the man and fell instead …. 'Too risky. So, we have to get him down instead.'

"Feel free to let me know if you come up with anything. All I can tell you is that none of the other riders have any desires to go against their leader." Banner said and clapped his hands. "For now, we'll just have to continue as planned. While I would've preferred a better result, we at least got rid of Sheppard's meddling and unlocked the first gate."

Blake rolled his wrist towards the man as he asked "And that plan is …?"

"Use the little game you've so helpfully started to single out the guardians. It starts tomorrow, whether the Chancellor is conscious or not."

He'd honestly forgotten about that, face-palming at the reminder. "Fair enough. I'm honestly surprised you didn't try taking advantage of everyone being so exhausted right now."

"Oh, I considered it." Banner said nonchalantly. "I just wanted more time to find a way to save myself. Zaloog was furious and doubted us pulling our weight, especially you. So, expect him to come after you."

"Let him try, he's nothing." Blake snorted in amusement, remembering the capabilities of the spirit, and walked over to the door. "But I can't argue with your reasoning. If I come up with anything I'll let you know. Our goals align somewhat, after all."

"So, it would seem. For now, you'll have to deal with something else, however."

Blake was just opening the door when he looked back over his shoulder. "And what's that?"

"An eavesdropper."

The atmosphere in the infirmary was sullen and quiet, aside from Jaden's snoring. And while there's security just outside the entrance, Kami didn't feel safe at all. Not after Truesdale and the Chancellor were almost beaten. Not after she'd seen the effects and aftermath of these Shadow Duels. She was already second-guessing her decision to join, even more so after she'd used Blake to block out what was happening! The thought alone was embarrassing. She'd need to make sure he'd never tell anyone about it.

Her eyes went over to Rhodes and she instinctively gulped. While she now knew that their attacker was the girl's older brother, she couldn't help but feel like there's more to attacking her specifically. What if the Shadow Riders decided to attack the weakest link first? That'd be Alexis. What if they decided to continue up the ladder?

Perhaps they wouldn't, seeing as the Kaiser only narrowly won against his opponent. Then again, they had no idea how strong a duelist said opponent was. If it'd been their own weakest … she shook her head. There's no way that could've been the weakest of them, otherwise they wouldn't bother playing this the way they did.

So, it was likely they'd go for the next weakest duelist, which would be her. Although she hated to admit it, and never would if asked, she had no disillusion of grandeur when it came to her skills as a duelist. She's good, of course. Her father taught her and gave her his deck, which she's only improved on ever since. She'd earned her place as an Obelisk student and didn't get it just by virtue of being rich. But she wasn't on the level of the others.

While the boys would argue which of them was the strongest after Truesdale and Blake, there was a gap, that much she could tell. Blake had told her recently that the Yuki boy of all people would be the strongest by the end of their time at the academy. She hadn't believed him then and still didn't, her partner would remain the strongest after all. But she saw the Slifer outperforming the others already.

But with all of them out of commission, she'd really appreciate if Blake got back soon. She could hold herself in a duel, but the prospect of getting hurt, feeling the pain of attacks, it scared her. It could cause her to lose her nerves, make mistakes. Something she's confident wouldn't happen if-

A sudden movement got her all tensed up, duel disk at the ready. A groan soon followed when the Kaiser rubbed his head, sitting upright in his bed. He let his eyes sweep over the room, widening when they got to the beaten-up forms of the Rhodes siblings and the Chancellor. Before he could get out of his bed, Professor Fontaine was at his side, firmly holding him down.

"I'm glad to see you awake, but you'll have to stay down, Zane." The woman said in a tone that left no room to argue.

"But-"

"I've looked after them, and there's no need to worry about the siblings." Her words caused Truesdale to let out a sigh, before he tensed up.

"And the Chancellor?"

"… he's in a pretty bad condition. Unless we get help from outside soon ..." She told him with a sullen expression.

Kami wanted to question her telling that to everybody, but given the circumstances it was probably best to be honest.

"And no, I won't let you get up just yet. You need energy, so lay back down and sleep until morning. Professor Banner and Blake are on the look-out, so there's no need to worry."

Truesdale grumbled and cursed under his breath, but before he laid back down, he turned to her.

"If we're on a timer then there's no point in playing coy. The Chancellor would probably be against this, but I fear we must go all out against these enemies." He reached into his jacket and pulled out a small key. "Give this to Blake and tell him to open the hidden compartment in the Chancellors desk, in his office."

Kami frowned but took it. "And that's supposed to help how?"

"In there's the deck Blake was trying to get from the Chancellor." He said and laid down. "Blake said if he'd get it, he could quickly deal with the Shadow Riders. If it's as strong as my teacher made it out to be, we'll need it."

She nodded and put the key away safely. "Then I best go looking for him. He could use the upgrade, if his whining about his current deck is anything to go by."

"Are you sure, Miss Umino?" Fontaine asked. "If you go out alone-"

"If there's anyone outside, they most likely are either engaged with them or have gotten rid of them already." Kami replied, making her way to the door. "And if there's someone foolish enough to challenge me, I'll show them just how bad of an idea that was."

That said, all she had to do now was finding Blake. In the middle of the night, in the empty giant academy building. Not wanting to walk around all night, she pulled out her PDA, called him, and waited. When he didn't take the call, she did it again, and then again.

"Take the bloody call you idiot!" She shouted angrily, but the next wasn't magically taken either. "Urgh."

Frustrated and annoyed she began walking through the empty corridors. Knowing Blake, he wouldn't just agree to check every nook and cranny, especially not this late. So, what would be the best place to get an overview … overview. She went back to the stairs and made her way up to the balcony over the main entrance.

Once up there, she was about to open the door when she heard voices on the other side speaking and decided to wait.

"… suppose we win all the keys and open the gates holding back the Sacred Beasts…"

Wait, was that Blake's voice? She leaned against the door to hear more clearly. The other voice was definitely Banner, although he sounded a bit different. Not the laid-back weirdo teacher, but a cold, calculating man. It gave her the creeps.

"… there's not much we can do with the Shadow Charms bound to us …"

No, it was definitely Blake's voice. But he talked about opening the gates, not guarding the keys. Something about Shadow Charms. Did that mean he joined the enemy? Why would he do that? If what the Chancellor had told them was true, then terrible things would happen if they lost. Or was there perhaps more to this …

Her eyes widened when she saw the doorknob turn.

"An eavesdropper."

Her teacher would be proud if she had stopped the time of the sprint she performed just now. Her mind raced almost as fast as her feet carried her. Banner was their enemy. He'd been the first to vanish and he came back last. Blake knew, he had to. That's why he'd held himself back when they were attacked. But if he wanted to get the keys, why did he keep trying to have her hand her key over, rather than taking it from her by force?

There had to be more to this. And he'd tell her, whether he wanted to or not.

Oh no, she knows. She also holds the key to the Cyberdark, so I believe it's safe to say she'll get her answers if Blake wants the cards. I changed up Banner's goal a bit; what's a living body with no living world, eh? Whether that means he'll go against Kagemaru remains to be seen ~

Happy to see you guys enjoyed the interlude chapter, I'll probably do another one during the break between the years once we get there. The insight provided sure made Katherine even more unlikeable, eh? I don't know if Kaiba calling her out was the most elegant way to say it, but hopefully its clearer as to why Blake doesn't go against her now. And yeah, she follows whoever benefits her most, so her pulling Blake into things suuurely won't happen in the future, eh?

The review from Nonexistent Existence got me cooking a bit. While the Cyberdarks don't have any relation to newer summoning types, the early creation of the GBs with their contact fusion might've had a bigger impact than just giving Blake a busted deck. Perhaps the evolution of Duel Monsters has been accelerated just a bit? Our boy will meet Kaiba sooner or later, so maybe …

And don't worry Alexis fans, I've done her dirty for the last time – hopefully. She'll get a much-needed upgrade with the Cyber Angels, but that doesn't mean she'll have a more prominent role than before. But she won't just have one half-way decent card. Now that I think about her, I wonder who she'll get with? Chazz? Jaden? Bastion? SYRUS? Gotta see how much shipping around I'll do … oh well.

Thanks for reading, see you next time!