"Man, what a day!" Jaden yawned, stretching as his group returned to their campsite. "We really crushed it out there, didn't we?" he said, grinning at the group.
Alexis smiled, looking at the pile of medals they had collected that day. "Yeah, we did pretty well, you guys. I'm impressed. Let's keep it up!" She paused, her eyes shifting over to Chazz. "Especially you. Good work! If we duel like we did today the whole time, then we'll be in the Finals by dinner tomorrow!"
Chazz smirked, leaning against the side of a tree as he folded his arms. "You've got that right. Don't worry, Alexis. This tournament is practically ours! Soon, the whole world will know The Chazz is the very best Duelist there is!"
Syrus laughed nervously as they reached their tents, and went in to grab his supplies. After emerging, he knelt in the clearing to try and start a small fire. "Sure, Chazz, but, uh, our wins were because we all worked as a team!"
"Whatever you need to tell yourself, slacker," Chazz replied, but there was no bite to his words. Despite his bravado, even he couldn't deny that their teamwork earlier had been crucial. The way he and Alexis had teamed against the Paradox Brothers had reinforced the idea, serving as proof that his friendship with the group had made him stronger—not weaker.
Alexis rolled her eyes playfully but softened her expression as she looked at the Obelisk. "Come off it, Chazz. Syrus is right! We've all gotten better at dueling. Especially because we've been working together. Half of our wins today were all through Tag Duels!"
"And they were some sweet matches, too!" Jaden added, looking at the fire Syrus finally lit. "But man, I wish some more Pros would show up! I can't wait to throw down against the best! It'll be great!"
"Just try not to get too overconfident, Jaden," chimed Alexis. "You don't want to lose all your medals in a single Duel because you got cocky."
"Tell that to Mr. The Chazz over here," he said, shooting him a wide grin. "He's the one who's been talking about how he could even take down Seto Kaiba!"
"And? You think otherwise, punk?!" Chazz glowered, brandishing his fist.
Jaden giggled. "Nah, but he might! Actually, let's hope he shows up!"
"Let's not and say we did," Syrus mumbled. "He's the last person I'd want to duel against!"
"Please," Chazz scoffed. "We've been wiping the floor with these so-called Pros all day! If Kaiba wants to step in and join their ranks, then he's welcome to be my guest."
Alexis glanced over at him, raising an eyebrow. "Confident as ever, huh, Chazz? But let's not get in over our heads. Or start looking for trouble."
"Don't worry, Alexis," Chazz nodded. "I'll keep these slackers in line."
"Actually, I think she was referring to you," Jaden laughed. "But hey, you're the boss!"
Alexis shook her head with a chuckle. "Well, either way, we should prepare for tomorrow. We'll need to rest up if we want to wake up early and stay ahead of the rest."
"Rest up? Hold on, Lexie! You can't go to sleep yet! I mean, I just got here! And we've got loads to catch up on!"
Alexis's eyes widened and she swiveled on her heel to face the bushes, the sound of footsteps crunching through them and revealing two familiar figures.
Her breath caught.
"Atticus?!" she gasped, her eyes widening. Her brother strode into the clearing, his arms opened wide for a hug. Behind him, Zane followed with his usual stoic demeanor, only to pause as he noticed Syrus.
"Brother…" Syrus murmured quietly.
Ignorant of his plight, Atticus rushed forward and pulled Alexis into a hug. "Hey, sissy! It's been a while! You've grown since the last time I saw you! Looks like you've gained another few inches! Any more of that, and you'll be taller than me!"
"Atticus, please! Let go!" Alexis cried, squirming out of his grip. "Come on, you're embarrassing me!"
"Embarrassing you?!" he whispered. "Oh no… Have you reached that age?"
He fell to his knees in despair.
"No… My little sis has hit puberty… It's all downhill from here!"
"Atticus!" she whined, "Please, stop!"
"Who the hell is this punk?" Chazz glowered. "Hey, stop bothering Lexie!"
"Huh? Lexie?" Atticus asked. "And who are you? Her boyfriend?"
"T-That's not—!" Chazz blushed and flicked his eyes over to Alexis.
Atticus smirked. "Oh, I get it." He gave a thumbs-up. "Good luck, pal!"
"Atticus stop!" Alexis groaned. "Chazz and I aren't like that. We're friends!"
Chazz choked as an arrow pierced through his heart, suddenly collapsing onto all fours.
"Just… friends…" he murmured.
"Tough luck, buddy," Jaden patted his shoulder.
"Awright, that's it!" Chazz snapped, jumping back to his feet and stepping between the two siblings. "Alexis! Who the hell is this punk?! 'Cause he's starting to get on my nerves!"
"Huh?" Alexis asked, blinking at him. "You don't know? I'm surprised, Chazz. Usually, you're on top of these things. This is… my brother, Atticus."
"What?! This guy's your brother?!" he choked.
'And I just said he got on my nerves!' he thought, collapsing again.
"Atticus, what are you doing here?" Alexis wondered, turning back to him. "I thought you were staying overseas this year!"
"I came back to compete in the tournament!" he grinned. "Besides, I couldn't say No to an excuse to check in on my little sister. It's been too long since we've seen each other! I thought it'd be great to catch up!"
"Yeah, great…" she said, shooting a wry smile at him. Her eyes awkwardly shifted away. "You… look like you've been well."
Atticus studied her face for a moment, then broke out into a smile. "Yeah, I have! And I've learned a lot, too. The world really is a huge place! There are all kinds of great Duelists out there. I almost didn't believe it! But here, let's catch up over dinner!"
"Dinner?" she asked, glancing at him.
Atticus grinned and reached into his bag. "Hungry? I've got burgers! And tell your friends they don't need to be shy! I've got enough for the whole bunch!"
Jaden and Chazz went star-eyed as they lunged at the man.
"Hey, relax!" he laughed. "Hold on! Cut it out! Relax, you two! Haha! Hahahaha!"
Alexis sighed as she watched the group's antics, shaking her head at the sight. Across from her, Zane continued to watch Syrus, undisturbed.
"It seems you've done well for yourself," he said, inclining his head. "Good job, Syrus. You've… found some good friends."
"Brother…" Syrus mumbled, glancing back at the trio. Jaden, Chazz, and Atticus continued to fight over the meals. "Yeah, I have."
TAG FORCE ALTERNATIVE: TWISTING THE TALE
LESSON TEN
NIGHTFALL
The moon hung high over the abandoned lab, its light shining through the broken windows. Konami's eyes narrowed as he watched it from inside, paying no mind to the three souls behind him.
"I'm beat," Jasmine muttered, yawning as she threw herself onto her sleeping bag. "Wake me up if something happens, okay? Otherwise… I'll see you tomorrow."
"Indeed," Bastion agreed, removing his jacket and placing it beside him. "Rest is essential if we're going to be at our best tomorrow. Good night."
"Night," Konami replied, nodding at the pair as the two settled in. He turned his head back to the moon outside, waiting for them to settle into the rhythm of sleep. Once they had, he turned, locking eyes with his group's final member. Kami frowned at him but rose to her feet as he nodded his head sideways, following him outside the room and into the hallway beyond.
The moment she stepped beyond the door's boundary, Konami caught her wrist and spun her, pressing her back against the wall before capturing her lips in a kiss. Kami moaned in surprise but quickly melted into his embrace, snaking her arms around his neck as she pressed her body against his.
"Finally," she whispered into his mouth as she broke off for air, "I thought we'd never get time for this. Not with those louts weighing us down."
"I'll always make time for you."
"Could've… Mm… Could've fooled me," she huffed.
She kissed him again, savoring his taste and how far they'd come since they first met. If someone had told her two months ago that she'd be sucking face with a commoner, she'd have not only had them hauled off to court, but paved their way into an early grave, too!
And yet, here she was, letting some no-good ruffian have his way with her. And worse, she was enjoying it. His taste. His scent. His touch.
"Haa… Ahn…!" she mewled in his grip, pulling him even closer. "Why did you… have to bring them?" she asked. "I'd have rather… it just been us."
"Their strength in numbers," he noted. "And they're not useless. Their Duel with Czar and his mook proved that much. Or are you just mad that we had to wait 'til now to do things like this?"
"You… Mm… Vile brute! How dare you… make me fall… for you…"
Konami chuckled. "To be fair, you made me fall for you, first."
Kami blushed and averted her gaze. "Idiot… You just wanted power. And now that you have it, I can't help but wonder what you're going to do next."
"Next?" He raised a brow at her words.
"Oh, please. Don't you play coy!" she huffed. "Becoming a Pro was just the start, wasn't it? Just what are you really planning?"
"Isn't it obvious?" he wondered. "I'm going to settle everything, Kami. My past. My regrets… This tournament is where those things end."
"The North," she recalled. "That girl… Wisteria… She's one of them. I hope her status as your other Sponsor won't keep you from crushing her for me?"
"Hmph. For you?" he inquired. "What am I now? Your weapon?"
"My one and only," she teased, pulling him in for another deep kiss. "You might have to meet with that hag for work, but don't forget who you belong to. You are mine. And I am yours. That's the deal, Konami."
"Heh. What a wily woman I've gotten involved with," he sighed. "Relax, Kami. I might be an asshole, but even I know not to cheat."
"Good," she chirped. "Because if you do, I'll sue you and all your descendants. Now, if you'll pardon me…" She pushed his chest back gently, opening up enough space for her to squirm out and head back to bed. "We have another long day tomorrow, and a girl needs her beauty sleep. I'll see you tomorrow, alright?" she kissed him on the cheek. "Good night!"
Konami blinked in surprise as she quickly spun on her heel and ran off.
'She's really done a one-eighty on me… but I guess this is new to us both,' he thought. 'Still… As much as I'd love to keep exploring this relationship… it'll have to wait for tonight. I… have other things planned.'
After casting one last look back into the room they'd chosen to sleep in, Konami frowned and turned on his heel, heading back toward the forest.
Those Sacred Beasts wouldn't find themselves, so it was time he chased down his lead.
-GX-
Unlike the noisy hustle and bustle that had filled the island that morning, the forest was utterly silent now that darkness had conquered the land. The pale moon above was the only source of light he could follow, and it cast tall shadows across the land as it cut through the canopy of leaves.
Anyone else might have been scared by the whispering leaves so late, but Konami had long grown used to them… and tonight, he planned on becoming the ultimate predator… not its prey. For that purpose, he came to a stop at the base of the Academy's volcano, casually resting his hands in his pockets while searching for any sign of his contact.
A frown pulled at his lips. This was definitely where they'd agreed to meet. Was she running late? Or worse…
Had she chosen to betray him?
As if brought on by his thoughts, a card suddenly shot through the air. He didn't flinch; instead tilting his head just enough for it to miss. It sliced past his cheek with a sharp woosh and cut into the rock behind him, leaving behind an inch-deep cut before harmlessly falling to the ground.
Konami scowled as he picked it up, reading the name at its top.
Lady Ninja Yae.
He sighed. "Really? That's how you're choosing to greet me?"
As he spoke, the card spirit within shimmered into existence behind him.
"I-I'm sorry, my Lord! She found me out right away!" she cried. "I was unable to gather any new information… She had me locked up the whole time!"
"Of course, she did," he grimaced, sliding the card back into his holster. "So?" he asked, turning his head to the forest, "How long did you know?"
A soft giggle emerged from the shadows, followed by a familiar figure: Wisteria.
"Long enough… But I'll admit it was a good trick," she mused.
Konami hummed in acknowledgment, narrowing his eyes as he stared at the girl. He'd honestly thought she'd be more upset… but it seemed fortune favored the bold. The last time they'd spoken was during the afterparty of his duel with Rex, during which he'd taken the opportunity to plant Yae on her to gain information. He'd thought that being a "Ninja" spirit, she'd be capable of hiding herself…
But on the contrary, it seemed as though the spirit was caught right away.
"A smart move," Wisteria purred, "but not one I can call wise. What if I'd chosen to rip the poor thing? You'd have lost another piece."
"R-Rip?!" Lady Ninja Yae gasped, quickly jumping behind Konami.
"If you ripped her, then I'd know for a fact you weren't to be trusted," he replied. "It was a calculated risk, and I thought Yae was up to the task. But it seems there are some things Spirits can't do. Even when it's in their damn name."
"I-I'm sorry, milord…" Yae cried again, sulking behind him. "I really thought I could spy on her for you! But she immediately knew where I was!"
Wisteria smirked. "I've long grown used to sensing the presence of spirits… which is why I find it so interesting that I'm sensing so many from you. Fufufu…" she drew closer to him, gracing his cheek with her hand. "Darling… tell me. Have you acquired yet another piece?"
"Ha! He wishes!" the disembodied voice of the Dark Magician Girl shouted. "I'm not his Spirit! Or his aide! I'd never serve someone so rotten!"
The iconic spirit materialized beside Yae with a pout on her face, floating angrily behind Konami.
"I'd leave him right now if I could!"
"D-D-Dark Magician Girl?!" Yae gasped, staggering backward. "Milord, no! Have I been replaced?!"
"As if. She has information."
"Hmph! Not for you, I don't!" she huffed, folding her arms. "I'm sworn to the protection of the Sacred Beasts! I won't help you release them!"
"Sacred Beasts?" Yae inquired, tilting her head curiously.
"The Symbols of Power our friend Wisteria here wanted me to find," Konami grunted. "Funny. She failed to mention the fact they were powerful Duel Monsters cards."
"Must have slipped my mind," she said, smiling sultrily as she shrugged.
"Yeah. Sure, it did," Konami narrowed his eyes. "Just like it also slipped your mind that you were coming here with Mackenzie."
"Fufufu… Was it wrong that I wanted to surprise you, darling? I must admit, the look on your face when you saw us was quite… delectable." She cupped her cheeks. "Oh dear, I wanted to gobble you up! That anger. That darkness I sensed… Mmmmmm! It was too much!" she grabbed her sides and squirmed in place, squealing into the sky.
"Don't joke with me!" Konami growled. "You know what we're after, Wisteria! You should've told me Mackenzie was coming the second you found out about it! That bastard used me, and now, he's running the school! I'm not gonna stand here and let that slide!"
"And how do you intend to do that?" she inquired. "Mackenzie is no fool, you know. He taught us everything we know. Besides, even if I had told you, there's nothing you could've done! Better to let you find out like this… Now, we can plan things together! Like how to get rid of that arrogant fool… and how to celebrate once we have…"
She leaned in close again, planning to brush her lips against his, but Konami turned away and scoffed.
"Sorry, but I'm a one-woman guy. And now that I've sealed the deal with Kami, I'm not wasting my time with you."
"Oh?" Wisteria purred. "And here I was thinking you had good taste. Fufufu… So, you settled for her? You realize she's nothing special?"
"So says the girl coming in second place."
"For now," she smiled coyly. "But I know you, Konami… and I know you won't be satisfied playing her Prince Charming for long. You're a King, after all. A conqueror who's destined for greatness. In the end, you won't be satisfied by a girlfriend—but an equal."
Konami snorted, folding his arms. "And you think that someone is you?"
Wisteria's lips curled into a smirk. "I don't just think it—I know it. Kami may be your first choice, but she'll never be your final one. She lacks the ruthlessness to stand by your side when things get truly difficult. She's too soft, too fragile. You need someone who's stronger. Someone who understands your darkness… and embraces it to the fullest." She leaned closer, her lips just inches from his ear. "I know you, Konami. I've seen what you're truly capable of… and unlike the rest of those fools, I'm not afraid of your power… I want it."
Konami rolled his eyes as he turned his head to face her. "You're awfully confident for someone who's still just talking. If you're sure you're superior to Kami, then prove it with your actions, not words."
Wisteria chuckled softly, her cold red eyes gleaming under the moonlight. "Why do you think I wanted to meet you here, darling?" She asked, stepping backward. "I came to show you what true power looks like. Power she could only dream of."
"And what exactly do you have to show me?" Konami replied, his tone taunting. "If this is another one of your tricks, spare me. I don't hve time for your games."
Wisteria grinned. "Oh, don't worry, darling. No tricks. Not this time. Only results." She reached into her pocket, pulling out an old map.
The Dark Magician Girl gasped.
"That's… But no… Why do YOU have that?!"
"Surprised?" she giggled. "Funny what Lord Grandfather and Mackenzie have lying around."
"So, Konami was right. There are others after the three Sacred Beasts!"
"That's right, and this map, combined with the one I gave you… will lead us straight to their location. Shall we get going… darling?"
"No. I can't allow this! I won't!" Dark Magician Girl shouted. But as she lunged forward, Wisteria's eyes narrowed, reverting her to her card form.
Konami glanced back at where the spirit had been just a second ago.
"Neat trick," he glowered at the girl. "You'll have to teach it to me."
"Fufufu… Oh, I plan on teaching you many things, lover. But for now? Let's settle on acquiring more power first."
"Milord… are you sure about this?" Yae asked, trembling behind them. "We still don't know if we can trust this girl! And Dark Magician Girl is a strong spirit! If even she's afraid of these Beasts, then maybe we should be cautious…"
"And leave them for Mackenzie to take for himself? No, Yae. We're going." Konami grimaced, producing his own side of the map for Wisteria. Once together, it shone, revealing a new site near where they stood.
Wisteria smirked. "See, darling? Good things come when we're together. Now, let's go claim our prize. Or shall I say… Yours?"
Konami scowled, not at all enthused by her sultry behavior.
"Fine," he murmured. "But if this a trap… you're who I'm coming at first."
Wisteria smiled. "I wouldn't dream of anything less… my dear."
-GX-
"You know, lame jokes and teasing aside, it is good to see you, Atticus," Alexis said. She sat beside her brother near Syrus's fire, warming herself with the lingering flames. "Everything's just been so tense lately… I feel like I haven't had any time to rest!"
"So I've heard. Zane told me a little about what you've been up to," he replied. "Gotta say, sis… I was a little worried when I heard you went after a teacher, but seeing you now…" he glanced behind them to where Jaden, Chazz, and Syrus were sleeping, "...I don't think there's anything to worry about. You seem to have made some good friends."
"The best," Alexis agreed. "But… I've lost some good friends, too." Her lips curled down as she thought about Mindy and her unsure friendship with Jasmine. "I… don't want to lose anymore. That's why I chose to get stronger."
"And you have. Word through the grapevine is you beat the Paradox Brothers! Not bad for my little sis! Looks like some of my talent rubbed off on ya!"
"Stop playing around," she sighed. "Besides, Chazz did most of the work."
"It was a Tag Duel. You both played a part. Victory belongs to you both," he noted. "Besides, from what I've seen, it sounds like most of your classmates adore you. The Untouchable Queen, they call you? That's almost as good as my Blizzard Prince name!"
"Don't remind me," she groaned. "It's not like I told them to start saying that."
"Them's the brakes, little sis," he joked. "You think Zane went around telling everyone he dueled to call him the Emperor? People usually choose a name for you, and once they have, it sticks. You can always try to rebrand if you want! I still got my idol idea!"
"In your dreams, Bro. I'm not becoming a Dueling Idol."
"I think to him, you already are," Atticus smirked, pointing over at Chazz.
The spiky-haired teen grumbled as he rolled on his side, kicking Jaden. The Slifer groaned as he curled over, but somehow, didn't wake up.
"Who? Chazz?" Alexis sighed. "I told you, bro. We're just friends."
"Fine, fine," he raised his hands. "But are there any you do your eye on?"
"No," she said. "Right now, my one and only love is dueling. Sorry to Chazz and all my other admirers, but I didn't come here for romance. I came so I could prove myself as a Duelist… but now? There's way more at stake. Atticus… this world is bigger than I could have imagined. Hey, tell me something… Have you ever heard of Duel—"
"HELP!"
Whatever she was going to say was lost as a boy burst out of the bushes, rushing at the group frantically, shock and horror in his eyes.
"What the—?" Atticus frowned, quickly rising to his feet. "Friend of yours?"
"No," Alexis murmured. "Hey, guys. Wake up!"
"Whdayman?" Jaden grumbled, rubbing his side as he leaned up. "What's the rush? Is it morning already?"
"No, doofus! Someone needs help," Chazz scoffed. He squinted his eyes at the approaching boy, grimacing as he saw their jacket. "Looks like it's some North Academy student. But what's he doing way over here?"
"Atticus. Could be trouble," Zane said, rising from his seat.
"Trouble…?" Syrus wondered, glancing over at his brother in shock.
"HELP ME! HELP ME—!" the Northern student cried once more.
"Hey, dude! What's the problem?!" Atticus asked, only to freeze in his tracks. Mere seconds after speaking the words, the boy suddenly burst into black flames! The group jumped to their feet, horrified, unable to look away as the student's terrified wails filled the night air. Alexis took a step forward instinctively, but Atticus's arm shot out, stopping her.
"Stay back, Alexis!" he ordered, his eyes narrowing on the figure writhing within the dark flames.
Just as suddenly as they had appeared, the flaming pillar extinguished itself, leaving only a faint shimmer of smoke—and the unconscious body of the student.
"What… what just happened?!" Syrus's voice trembled, his eyes wide as he clutched his blanket.
"I… I don't know…" Jaden murmured.
A low, menacing chuckle promptly echoed from within the shadows, drawing their attention toward the bushes from which the boy had run out. From their midst, a figure clad in a long, black jacket emerged, his face obscured by an eerie black mask that shone with a pair of blue eyes.
"Another feast for the shadows," the Dark Duelist said, eyeing his victim. "But not enough to fuel the seals. I need more for the second."
"Seals?" Jaden asked. "Alright, I don't know you, but he gives me the creeps!"
"You can say that again," Chazz muttered.
"He gives me the creeps!"
"I was being rhetorical!"
Ignoring the banter behind him, Atticus frowned and stared at the figure. He shifted, locking eyes with Zane for a moment. Could this be one of those threats?
Sensing their presence, the Dark Duelist turned to regard the group.
"Ho?" he asked. "Interesting… I sense two key-bearers here. Heh Heh Heh… it seems Sheppard's already made his move. No matter. It's come too late. And now, they will pay the price."
"Alright, dude. Enough of your yappin'!" Atticus said with a frown. "Why don't you take your friend and scram? There's nothing here for you, creep."
"Oh, but I think there is, boy," the figure chuckled deeply. "In fact, you and the other one there have precisely what I need."
Again, Atticus and Zane locked eyes. So, he was a key-hunter! In which case…
Atticus took a step forward, putting himself between Alexis and the dark figure. "Whatever you're here for, it stops with me. If you're here for a Duel, then fine. I'll take you on. Just don't drag my sister or her friends into this!"
The Dark Duelist's blue eyes gleamed through his mask, a wicked grin spreading across his face. "Noble of you, but I'm afraid I have a taste for more… immersive experiences." He raised his gloved hand, air swirling around him as he activated his Duel Disk.
The second he did, a black mist began to spread from device, creeping across the ground like tendrils of shadow. Jaden, Chazz, Syrus, Alexis, and Zane tensed as they felt a cold, unnatural chill wrap around them. The night sky above twisted and darkened, the stars blinking out as though devoured by the expanding gloom.
"Heh Heh Heh…" the figure chuckled. "Welcome, my friends… to the Shadow Realm."
Atticus's face hardened, but he kept his stance steady. "You really had to do this the hard way, didn't you?"
"Indeed," the figure replied. "And here, I can savor every moment of our Duel. Here, only the strongest will survive."
"Atticus?!" Alexis gasped, staring at her brother in shock and fear. "What's going on? Do you know this guy?"
Atticus clenched his fist, "Sorry, Lex… Didn't mean to hide it from you. But part of the reason I came back was to help the Chancellor with a top-secret mission! Real Superspy kind of stuff, see? Although… it's not much of a secret now. Anyway, just stay back. This is my fight. I've got this!"
"Atticus… Wait. What are you saying? You don't have to do this alone!" she said, stepping forward.
"No, Lex," he interrupted, "I won't let this creep lay a hand on you." He turned back, activating his Duel Disk as he faced the figure with fierce resolve. "Alright, Shadow Freak, let's get this over with!"
The Dark Duelist raised his own Duel Disk, its dark energy swirling and crackling with intensity. "Shadow Freak…? Heh Heh… Good, but I can do better." he sneered. "I've yet to fully adjust to this vessel, so, for now, you can call me Nightshroud."
"Whatever, dude. I'll call you anything if it means you'll leave us alone," Atticus muttered. "But I get the feeling that won't be the case, so save the talk… and let's—"
""DUEL!""
TAG FORCE ALTERNATIVE: TWISTING THE TALE
LESSON TEN
END
Uh oh! As night descends, things get darker for our heroes! Will Atticus be able to defeat Nightshroud, or will the shadows claim their first victim? And what about the budding villain Konami? How far will he go to claim power?! And will the lure of the first Sacred Beast be enough to make him ditch Kami? We'll have to find out together… NEXT TIME on Twisting the Tale! Lesson Eleven! VS NIGHTSHROUD!
"Be sure to watch my darling win!" Wisteria winked.