bopdog111: We're back here for a rather important plot here.
Animefan25: True, a plot point curtesy of a field trip.
bopdog111: And for the coming future starting with a flashback.
Ulrich362: Maybe... let's see what happens, enjoy the chapter.
Disclaimer: We don't own Yu-Gi-Oh! GX but we own the OCs!
Syrus softly woke up one night yawning needing to use the bathroom. "Oh man... bathroom breaks in the middle of the night are the worst..." He walked down the stairs where the dormitory bathrooms are walking passed a cracked door seeing a soft light. Pausing he walked peeking in through the crack to see what's going on.
"You are not here to ask why, you are here to obey." stated a voice as Professor Banner was looking at a computer.
"But Jaden, and Emily are some of our best students, they could be buried alive." Professor Banner spoke over to the voice at the computer not noticing Syrus out of concern for what there discussing.
"Buried?" Syrus asked himself quietly hearing that.
"If the tomb shall be the end of Jaden, and Emily Yuki then so be it, but there true potential must be tested." the voice stated.
Haring that Syrus shut the door and fearfully took a step back. 'Tested, in a tomb where they could be buried? Something tells me this test isn't midterms.'
The next day...
Last night's events kept playing in Syrus's head as the school day started over while Syrus is worried about what Banner talked about involving Jaden, and Emily. Well right now is class time with Professor Banner as he watches while Jaden is snoozing with black eyes drawn in his eyelids to make it look like he's awake while Banner is going over the lesson.
"So as you can see we can learn a lot about dueling from alchemy." Banner smiled to his bored class, "Just as you combine two monsters, you can combine two compounds to create something equally impressive."
At that he mixed two compounds together which glowed over before it created a small explosion covering Banner in smoke taking everyone by surprise worried. When the smoke cleared showing Banner with a dazed expression. "And equally devastating!" With that said he collapsed on the floor fainting.
But Emily wasn't paying attention mostly. That is cause sometime before class began she had a small chat with Blair, Alexis, Jasmine, and Mindy about something important, about her past, and also her past Deck. It made her think, and still remembers the chat.
Flashback...
"Hey girls?" Blair, Alexis, Jasmine, and Mindy who are all walking to class with Emily chatting together looked over to Emily who looks nervous before turning. "Sorry... can we talk for a second?"
"Oh sure." Jasmine nodded seeing a girl's bathroom beside them. "In here?" She gestures for them to meet in there.
Emily looked down but nodded walking into the bathroom with the four of them. They entered in as Blair softly held her hand with a smile. "So, Emily... what is it?"
"Is it something you need to tell us?" Alexis asked her concerned willing to listen.
"You can tell us anything girlfriend." Mindy reassured her.
"Yeah, it's ok." Jasmine smiled gently. "Your three best friends and your girlfriend are all right here for you."
Emily blushed as she kept silent before taking a breath. "Well uh... girls... there is something... kind of personal, I need to tell you."
"Huh, what is it?" Alexis asked her.
"Well uh... I... actually used another Deck before I started using the Elemental HEROs." Emily admitted over to them.
"Huh?" Jasmine blinked. "There's nothing wrong with that."
"It's just... do you remember... Yubel?" Emily immediately shuddered from saying the name of the person that was close to Jaden, and caused her pain in the past. Only Blair doesn't know yet though.
"Yubel?" Blair blinked before frowning seeing Emily reaction. "Whoever she that is I won't let anyone hurt you Emily."
"Uh Blair, girl?" Blair turned to Jasmine who tries to explain it. "See Yubel is-"
"Jasmine?" she turned to Emily who looked to her, and despite being afraid requested. "I... I would like to tell her myself... if that's okay."
"Oh, sure... that's ok." Jasmine nodded.
Emily nodded before taking a breath looking at Blair. "Blair... Yubel is... someone who almost... killed me when I was younger."
Blair's eyes widened before she hugged Emily. "I... I'm so sorry. I didn't know."
"She... was Jaden's Duel Spirit." Emily hugged her back shivering. "Was... really protective of him. Me, and him were dueling one time... and I almost won before... she used her powers on me."
"What... what happened?" Blair asked uncertainly.
"I... don't know. She used her powers to... inflict pain onto me just like that. Willing it." Emily shivered more before then closing her eyes hugging Blair. "She's... not here anymore though... but, I... started using the Elemental HEROs sometime after that."
"You were?" Mindy asked hearing that.
"See... Jaden doesn't remember about it... I switched Decks so I can be stronger for him..." Emily admitted over to them. "I also entered a card contest with Jaden about a... Guardian Angel... something similar. But my original Deck is something called... the Mikanko. I always kept it with me but... I use the Elemental HEROs instead of those."
"Mikanko, I don't know those cards." Mindy admitted.
Hearing that Emily reached into her bag before looking as she took out a card and handed it to Alexis.
Ohime the Manifested Mikanko
LIGHT
Level 6
Fairy/Ritual/Effect
ATK: 0
DEF: 0
You can Ritual Summon this card with "Mikanko Kagura". Cannot be destroyed by battle, also your opponent takes any battle damage you would have taken from battles involving this card. You can only use each of the following effects of "Ohime the Manifested Mikanko" once per turn. You can reveal this card in your hand; add 1 "Mikanko" card from your Deck to your hand, except "Ohime the Manifested Mikanko", then discard 1 card. (Quick Effect): You can target 1 Equip Spell in your GY; equip it to 1 appropriate monster on the field.
"Can't be destroyed in battle, and the opponent takes the damage instead?" Alexis widen her eyes shocked from seeing this. "That's pretty powerful." She then looked up to Emily. "So... why...?"
"Well... Yubel has the same effect." Emily admitted over. "I... want to help Jaden by using his Deck so... I tried to use Elemental HEROs like he does. I still hold on the Mikanko but I kept using the Elemental HEROs instead."
"Emily..." Jasmine looked before then patting her shoulder. "That isn't right."
"Jaden was so happy when I started using Elemental HERO cards like him... he said we were a team back then and... I've been playing them for years." Emily admitted. "I was... I wanted to ask if you could take those from me Alexis. That way I won't have to think about her anymore..."
"Emily... that isn't right." Alexis repeated over to Emily much to her confusion.
"Huh, what do you mean?" she frowned. "I want to give them to you."
"You don't need to copy your brother to be strong, your strong enough on your own." Alexis stated over to her. "It be painful but you be yourself."
"Yeah, Decks shouldn't be loaned or be used to copy others." Mindy agreed over smiling. "Besides, I'm interested to see what you can do with that Deck, it sounds right up your ally."
"And alongside that, you can also be Jaden's Guardian Angel from how that Deck works." Jasmine smiled to Emily as she said this over. "If you just use your brother's Deck, you'll only be copying him nothing of anything original. Duelists have to be unique from each other. And I think Mikanko is right for you."
"I don't use... the exact same strategies as Jaden. We play the deck differently and... I've gotten this far with the Elemental HERO cards." Emily blushed a bit. "Please Alexis, I want to give these to you, and we're going to be late for class if we stay in here for much longer."
Alexis moved her hand but pushes the Deck back. "No Emily... that's yours to use. And besides, you, and Jaden's Elemental HEROS are similar using Fusion Summoning strong monsters. Should be time for you to be back to your original Deck."
"If you don't think so, why not ask her for what she thinks?" Jasmine asked Emily gesturing to Blair.
"Blair?" Emily blinked turning to her.
Blair looked over to her before softly smiling taking Emily's hands holding the Deck in her own. "Emily... I don't get what your feeling as I never experienced what you went through, and why your so afraid... but I do understand this much, that experience is preventing you from using the Deck." She looked to to Emily smiling over. "But... I know you can get through it. The first step is to use your original Deck again, and I know you will... cause your my Guardian Angel." She raises to her tippy-toes placing a soft peck on Emily's lips.
Emily gasped and blushed at that.
End Flashback...
So Emily had some careful thought from the chat they all went through. The experience, and memories are painful but from the girls talking over she was only copying Jaden. Jaden is happy that she uses the same Deck as she is but at the expense of her original Deck the Mikankos that she loved since childhood. From it, and Blair talking to her, maybe it should be time for her to move on... this Deck despite reminding her, can help her be stronger.
The bell rang which caught her by surprise as she wasn't paying attention while Jaden yawned stretching. "Morning... you guys learned anything exciting?"
"Sure did, to duck." Syrus answered as Professor Banner stood up.
"Oh, I almost forgot." he mentioned. "I'm ah... I'm planning a little field trip."
"Great to where, circus? Carnival?" Jaden guessed.
"Even better, we're taking a ten mile hike! All the way to the excavated ruins where we'll be taking geologic core samples." Professor Banner answered eagerly. "Saturday at 7:00 AM, don't be late."
They all gotten up walking over to head out exiting the classroom.
"Field Trip to some ruins?" Jasmine asked they talked over. "Sounds exciting doesn't it?"
"Yeah, it does. Maybe we will find a real mummy?" Mindy asked over just as excited with a smile.
"Mummies are just superstition Mins, there not real." Jasmine turned over to Alexis. "Hey Lex, what do you think we will find?"
"I hope... clues to where Atticus went too." Alexis admitted over looking down worried for her brother.
Hearing that Emily looked unsure. "Hopefully... but, I hope it doesn't end up like last time when we were kidnapped... I don't want to end up in another coffin."
"Coffin!?" Blair questioned in shock.
"Long story, but Jaden saved us." Alexis answered.
"Well you don't have to worry about something like him again right?" Mindy asked the two talking about Titan who they haven't seen since Jaden defeated him using Shining Flare Wingman. "Plus if someone does try to kidnap ya, they'll get a nasty surprise. A surprising karate-chop! Like this, wa-taa!" She did a karate chop on the wall to demonstrate... but then yelped waving her hand. "Well... you get the point." She had a sweatdrop while saying that looking sheepish.
"Let me see." Jasmine frowned taking her hand and kissing it gently. "Come on, let's get you to the nurse's office... we can't have you surprising anyone with a karate chop if you just hurt your hand."
"Okay." Knowing she can't argue with Jasmine on this as she waved to the remaining three girls. "See you later back at the dorm!" She, and Jasmine walked off to head to Miss Fontaine's Nurse office.
"See you." Alexis chuckled as she turned to where Jaden was talking with Syrus and Chumley about going on the field trip and how it might be fun only for Chumley to groan and complain about getting up early and not even getting any grilled cheese.
The next day...
"Huh, only 8?"
At Saturday, Banner was in front of the Academy Building for the field trip where Syrus, Chumley, Jaden, Alexis, Jasmine, Mindy, Blair, and Emily. Banner wasn't expecting a small crowd of students which is half of what he originally intended of. Although in his mind he is glad that it isn't much students as this would be too much for him to cope with regarding what he talked with that person a few days ago.
"Where is everyone else?" Banner frowned looking over his student list for the students that didn't show up like Bastion, Makoto, and everyone to act like he expected more.
"There probably still asleep in there warm fluffy beds, and comfy pillows." Syrus frowned not amused he gotten up too early for this.
"That should be me right now but Banner threatened us with detention if we didn't show." Chumley complained at being a late-sleeper himself but doesn't want any bad marks on his student record so he had to come. "I need my beauty sleep, and not be out in places like this." While he spoke this Banner puts on his backpack.
"I can tell you guys how to make it easy to get up early." Jaden grinned. "Just stay up all night."
"Jaden..." Emily frowned hearing that before sighing. "That's just like you."
"Some of us actually use this miracle intention called an alarm clock." Jasmine told him.
"Annoying when it goes off but hey at least it helps us wake up." Mindy giggled over from this. "Though, I think Emily's own is her little sweetheart Blair."
"What? I was just excited for the trip, I just... jumped on Emily to wake her." Blair blushed a bit embarrassed from it.
Emily blushed a bit recalling her girlfriend jumping on her but it was a really nice way to be woken up.
"Well to be honest I couldn't sleep either... it turns out these ruins might be linked to the Shadow Games and well..." Alexis started only for Jaden to gently smile.
"Hopefully we find out something right?" he asked.
"Yeah." Alexis nodded.
"Now everyone be careful as we approach the ruins, there is a tomb there." Professor Banner warned the group.
Hearing that Syrus froze. Taking a look at the picture of the ruins he recalls the talk that he had overheard Banner talk about with his contact the other day, and knows this probably is what they were chatting. He needs to warn them before it's too late so he turned over. "Uh, Jaden, Emily come over here, I need to talk to you two!" Before they can respond he grabs there wrists pulling them over.
"Huh, hey what's going on Syrus?" Jaden asked being dragged off.
"Are you ok?" Emily frowned.
Once there away to talk he turned over to them. "Listen you two, I overheard Banner talking about some tomb like this! I think he's going to bury you two!"
"I think that's a little extreme for sleeping in class." Jaden admitted though Emily froze at that and shivered.
"Pr... Professor Banner?" she asked.
"Jaden, I'm serious! I heard him talking about it!" Syrus tries to convince Jaden it's for reals.
Jaden isn't believing it though by telling him that it's probably something he heard wrong. "Listen Sy, you were probably dreaming it. I mean you were tired last night so it's probably something you dreamt of."
"Okay everyone let's go!" Banner called over before they can talk more letting them know the hike has began.
"Professor wait... I um... I have to help miss Fontaine so I need to stay here." Emily told him nervously.
"Hm? You do? Why didn't you mention it before?" Banner asked her before then shrugging. "Oh, I'm sure she'll understand if you aren't there right now. Besides don't you want to have a little fun?"
"I'm in the mood." Mindy admitted with a smile before taking Emily's shoulder. "Don't worry girl you got us with you."
"Yeah, nobody will be doing anything to you while I'm around." Blair grinned taking Emily's hand.
Emily shivered fearfully but nodded.
"Don't say I didn't warn you two." Syrus frowned as they walked off.
So they done the hike to the ruins together. And otherside some steep mountain climbing, walking over a rock field, crawling on a log to cross a river, they all moved while dealing with Chumley's complaining about every five minutes which is sure everyone is quite annoyed about it. But after about like 30 minutes into the hiking they walked past some trees where they see some statues.
"Oh we're finally here!" Banner smiled seeing this as he walked over to them. The students looked at them in awe seeing some real ruins on them. "Isn't it amazing?" Banner turned gesturing to the ruins with a excited smile.
"Wow." Syrus whispered in awe.
"They look all... ruined and stuff." Jaden commented.
"I think that's where the name ruins comes from." Jasmine pointed out to him.
Emily though shuddered seeing them as she could only recall what happened at the abandoned dorm as everyone walked to look at the ruins.
"Do you need to sit down Emily?" Blair seeing her uneased expression figured it's cause Emily is tired from walking 10 miles from the Academy to here.
"I think so." she nodded. "Thanks."
"That sounds good to me, and we can eat while we're at it." Jaden smiled. "Right Professor?"
"I don't see why not. After that maybe we can look for fossils, ancient relics, sarcophagi, oh the possibilities are endless!" Banner sat down already digging into his bag. "Mmmm, can't wait for my pizza!"
"Pizza?" Jaden questioned hearing that. "You're eating pizza when we're just have... whatever this stuff is!?" He raised up holding the riceballs in his hands.
"That hardly seems fair, if you brought pizza you should share it with us." Mindy frowned over that Banner gotten some good grub while there having just normal stuff.
"That's... I'm the professor so I need more food to be at my best to answer any questions and teach you about these ruins." Professor Banner explained wrapping his arms protectively over his bag that Jaden pouted sitting back down.
"Well uh actually..." Blair started up for the students.
"Huh, what is it Blair?" Emily asked turning to her girlfriend.
"I... actually asked Miss Fontaine help for something." Blair reaches into her large bag with a smile pulling out something. "Something that she was glad to help me make for us." She opened showing a fresh pizza that's pretzel crust, and topped with pepperoni, cheese, sausage, mushrooms, and peppers. She had intended this for her, and Emily but from what just discussed figured it be better for everyone else. It is also quite large so there's plenty for everyone.
"Oh wow, you're the best Blair." Jaden grinned seeing that.
"You'd really share that with us?" Syrus asked her in awe. "That's so nice of you Blair."
"Your welcome." Blair chuckled.
Banner stared over a little envious that they have a pizza like that. Ah well, it means he gets to have his all to himself. So he reached into his bag for it, and feeling something odd blinked. "Huh, I don't remember getting a furry topping on this pizza." He pulls something out which he sees Pharaoh with crumbs on his mouth meowing looking pretty satisfied.
"YOU WERE SUPPOSE TO STAY AT HOME, NOT HITCH A RIDE, AND EAT MY LUNCH!"
From realizing what had just happened Banner groaned on all fours that his beloved pizza is now gone in a sweet taste of karma.
"Oh, who's a happy kitty?" Jasmine laughed. "I bet that tasted good."
"Yeah, I bet it did." Chumley agreed.
Seeing that Banner had tears. "Would you be so kind as to share some of your food with your poor teacher?"
"Sorry, we need full stomachs to really take in everything you're going to teach us." Jaden mentioned playfully echoing what Professor Banner told them just moments ago.
While Banner was begging over Pharaoh gets out of the bed scuffling around finding something odd on one thing he stepped on, and dig in with his paw finding some sort of ancient pendant which he kept pawing on. It triggered a bright green light over sparking a large light over catching everyone's attention as they looked over off-guard.
"Huh, what's going on?" Jaden questioned.
"I don't know, but I don't like it." Syrus mentioned fearfully as the green light enveloped them and to their shock the sun appeared to split into three.
"Uh... I'm not the only one seeing in triplicate am I?" Banner asked nervously as he watches over.
"Whoa this is the most licious field trip ever." Chumley said in awe as he watches.
"Emily!" a sudden young voice spoke up, a voice she haven't heard in a very long time.
Her eyes widened in shock as she turned to see a blue-haired girl. "Huh!? Wait, what's going on?"
"You need to run, this is dangerous!" the girl warned her as Emily nodded moments before an aurora of light started to violently spark like thunder.
"Children, hurry to cover, this looks dangerous." Banner told them.
So they all turned running off to get some cover running off. Then Mindy tripped which Emily, and Jaden sees running over knelling to help her up. "You alright?"
"I'm fine, just tripped over something." Mindy assured Jaden as they get up before turning where a bright light is approaching. "Uh oh we need to move it!"
"Over there!" Jaden pointed to a different direction then where the others headed which he started running over.
"No Jaden wrong way!" Mindy called before she sighed turning to Emily. "Let's get your brother!"
Emily looked worried but nodded as the two of them ran after Jaden only for the storm to envelop them in a white flash of light that knocked them out only for them to wake up a bit later seeing a giant temple where the ruins had been.
"Ow that smarts..." Jaden rubbed his head while they get up.
"Kuri? (Are you okay Emily?)" something cooed above her while asking which when she turned sees it's Ankuriboh looking worried but she doesn't realize it's her talking/corporal immediately.
"Huh, what?" she groaned slowly getting up only for Mindy's eyes to widen.
"That... aren't those your Kuriboh cards? Why can I see them?" she asked seeing both Ankuriboh and Winged Kuriboh.
"Huh? Winged Kuriboh?" Jaden stared before moving softly grabbing Winged Kuriboh which Jaden blinked before grinning big. "Hey buddy, I can touch you now!"
Hearing that Emily hesitantly reached to touch Ankuriboh only to smile and gently rub her fur. "So soft."
Jaden smiled before pausing. "Hey, weren't those ruins before?"
Looking over Emily and Mindy noticed the ruins weren't broken anymore and looked almost new.
"Weren't they uh... ruinified?" Mindy asked confused.
"Yeah, they were... but what happened?" Emily asked as they didn't notice a woman in a black cloak walk over with their bags.
"What are you trespassers doing here?" she questioned. "This is sacred ground, leave at once."
"Whoa... what dorm has clothes like those?" Jaden disregarded what the woman just said only in awe at her clothing. "I wanna have some too!"
Suddenly hearing something the woman ran grabbing them all, and put then against the wall. "Shh! Do you want the others to hear?"
"Others, what are you talking about?" Mindy questioned. "Where are the others?"
"Shh!" the woman spoke sharply before they hear footsteps.
Looking over they see some tanned guards in the same clothes as the woman holding golden spears walking together up the stairs below them walking passed them without noticing.
"Whoa, those guys dressed weirder then Dr. Crowler." Jaden admitted as they watched them walk pass. "Say uh, what's going on here miss?"
"We found some earlier trespassers who share how you all dressed. They been taken by the Gravekeeper Chief, and are to be punished for trespassing in his most sacred tomb." the woman spoke over towards them. "I can get you all out of here before your seen as well."
"Punished?" Emily asked. "What do you mean punished?"
"As punishment for trespassing, they are all sentenced to be buried alive." the woman answered.
Hearing that Emily froze and started to tremble badly.
"No way, he can't!" Jaden cried. "Take us to this chief right now!"
Hearing that the woman looked at them.
"Very well, I warned you three." she mentioned before turning to run off with Jaden and Mindy following her but Emily was just frozen in place.
"Emily." a soft voice spoke as something softly taps her arm.
Emily's eyes widened. "You... Hu-Li?"
"Hey there girl, it's been way too long." the golden haired girl, Hu-Li smiled to her taking her hands. "Oh my Kitsune, you looked so grown!"
"Yeah, I can't believe your already a teenager." the blue haired girl smiled looking at her. "I remembered you were just as short as us!"
Emily blushed a bit before shuddering in fear as she could just watch Jaden, Mindy, and the woman run off.
"Wait wait nevermind!" Hu-Li slapped her cheeks with her hands. "That's not why we're here!" She grabs one of Emily's hands. "We would LOVE to move through memory lane but we don't have that kind of time! We need to go!"
"Yeah come on!" the blue haired girl grabbed the other as they started moving her with Ankuriboh pushing from behind to help Emily move.
"Wh... I, I can't." she trembled in fear. "Don't make me..."
"Emily, these are your friends, do you want to help them?" the blue-haired girl asked her.
"I… I can't… not after what happened." she shivered. "Not again…"
Hearing that Ankuriboh cooed and explained what happened with Titan.
"Emily is your fear more important then your friends, and brother?" Hu-Li asked her.
Emily flinched at that but managed to nervously start to follow Mindy and Jaden who had gotten a long way from them that she could barely see where they were going.
"Okay let's go!" the blue-haired girl grinned as they headed together.
"So how do you all get here strangers?" the woman asked them.
"I'm Jaden Yuki, and this is Mindy and my twin sis... huh, Emily?" Jaden blinked seeing she wasn't with them.
Mindy frowned turning. "Emily?"
As she was called Emily arrived though it was obvious she was incredibly scared to be there. "I... I'm here Jaden."
"Well, as for how we got here there was a green light and then... things went completely insane... I don't know what happened." Mindy told the woman.
Arriving a small stone area she turned over to them. "You all will stay here. I will look for your friends, if you all are seen then your no good for them." She then quickly headed off leaving them all alone.
"Huh, wait Emily is that little Jay jay?" asked the blue-haired girl.
"Huh?" Jaden turned over seeing the girls. He blinked looking them before then widen his eyes remembering them. "Ni-Ni is that you?"
"Yup." she smiled. "Wow, we haven't seen you in years."
"Same to me! I haven't seen you in ages!" Jaden grinned before noticing Hu-Li. "And Hu-Li too! Haven't seen you too! How you been?"
"I'm ok, but I..." Hu-Li started before they heard a loud scream of terror.
"That sounded like Syrus!" Jaden cried jumping up to look out of a window.
"So I guess I'm cut out of the introductions, and why there here?" Mindy asked as they looked at Jaden.
Jaden is able to see everyone there with down near a ditch in coffins wrapped in mummy bandages.
"Do you see anything?" Emily asked nervously while turning to Mindy for introductions after they find the others.
"Yeah, everyone is down there! There in coffins!" Jaden answered over.
Suddenly something sharp poked Mindy's back making her yelp as she turned before widening her eyes. "Uh guys... I think we have a bigger problem!"
Turning Emily's widened seeing them as Jaden landed only for the five of them to have spears pointed at their heads. They see it's the same guards as before holding there spears at them. But behind them was a white clothed elder tanned man with a glare staring at them.
"Who are you?" Mindy questioned.
"I am the Gravekeeper's Chief." the elder man spoke as he stared at them. "And you fools like them have tread upon this most sacred domain I am sworn to protect, and like them you will be punished."
"How is that fair? We didn't come here on purpose! Just let our friends go and we'll leave." Jaden suggested.
"Unfortunately it is not that simple. It is our tribe's law to punish trespassers into this tomb regardless of the circumstances." the Gravekeeper's Chief stated to him.
"Hey man, we just said we didn't mean too on purpose!" Hi-Li pointed out with a glare before freaking out at a spear pointed at her face. "I mean uh well... is there someway we can work this out?" She hugs herself close to Emily.
"Hmm... you all show spirit. I suppose I'll pardon your trespassing if you survive my challenge. What is your answer?" the Gravekeeper's Chief asked them.
"Fine, I'll…" Jaden started only for Mindy to glare at him.
"I'll take your challenge." she snapped.
"Wait Mindy, we don't know what challenge it is." Emily said fearfully to remind Mindy.
"They took Alexis. Jasmine, and Blair… I'm passing whatever the challenge is." Mindy told her.
The Gravekeeper's Chief stared over before grinning closing his eyes revealing a Deck under his robes. From seeing this they know what the challenge he has in mind is, a duel.
"But of course the wagers... should you win you, and all your friends will be pardoned." the Gravekeeper's Chief spoke over to Mindy. "But should you lose... you along with all your friends will be punished, and buried alive."
Hearing that Emily's eyes widened in terror as Mindy flinched but slowly nodded accepting the terms.
So a few minutes later they all arrived at a area above the coffins where the Gravekeeper's Chief is across from them.
"Hey Mins cheering you on down here!" Jasmine called over for Mindy despite in the coffin.
"Don't worry girlfriend, I'll get you guys out of there." Mindy reassured her.
"Well then shall we begin?" the Gravekeeper's Chief asked her readying a stone made Duel Disk.
Mindy nodded activating hers. "I'm guessing you aren't the type to let ladies go first?"
"Boy, girl it makes no difference to me. However as I was the person who challenged you, you go first." the Gravekeeper's Chief stated over to her.
With that they readied over on there hands.
"DUEL!"
(Dueling Theme: Black Diamond by Stratovarius)
Mindy: 4000
Hand: 5
Field: Nothing
Gravekeeper's Chief: 4000
Hand: 5
Field: Nothing
Let the duel commence!
Mindy 1st Turn:
Mindy looked at her card before nodding. "I'll start by activating Machina Armored Unit."
(face-up)
Machina Armored Unit
Continuous Spell Card
Once per turn, when a Machine monster is destroyed by battle and sent to your GY: You can Special Summon 1 Machine monster from your Deck that has the same Attribute and less ATK than that destroyed monster in the GY.
"Then I'll summon Machina Soldier in attack position."
A green mechanical soldier with a blade on its right arm appeared.
(Attack Position)
Machina Soldier
EARTH
Level 4
Machine/Effect
ATK: 1600
DEF: 1500
When this card is Normal Summoned while you control no other monsters: You can Special Summon 1 "Machina" monster from your hand, except "Machina Soldier".
"When Machina Soldier is summoned and I don't have any other monsters I can summon Machina Defender from my hand."
(Defense Position)
Machina Defender
EARTH
Level 4
Machine/Effect
ATK: 1200
DEF: 1800
FLIP: Add 1 "Commander Covington" from your Deck to your hand.
A blue robot with missile launchers on it's shoulders rose up readying.
"That'll do for now." Mindy mentioned.
Mindy's Hand: 2/Field: Machina Soldier (Attack Position), Machina Defender (Defense Position), Machina Armored Unit (face-up)
Gravekeeper's Chief 1st Turn:
"Then it's my turn now." the Gravekeeper's Chief drawn checking over his hand. "And I start by activating the Spell, Necrovalley Throne!" A spell appeared on his field.
Necrovalley Throne
Normal Spell Card
Activate 1 of these effects.
● Add 1 "Gravekeeper's" monster from your Deck to your hand.
● Immediately after this effect resolves, Normal Summon 1 "Gravekeeper's" monster.
You can only activate 1 "Necrovalley Throne" per turn.
"Due to this card's effect, I can take a Gravekeeper's from my Deck, and add it to my hand." the Chief takes a card from his Deck adding it. "Then I place this monster face-down." A set monster appeared on his field, and then showing a monster. "And I discard this monster Gravekeeper's Commandment to activate it's effect! With it, I take the field spell, Necrovalley to my hand!" He takes a spell showing it's a sunset like canyon area.
"Necrovalley?" Jaden blinked.
"Observe." the Gravekeeper's Chief inserted the card in the field spell slot before the area around them changed into the dark canyon with a sunset outside.
(Field Zone)
Necrovalley
Field Spell Card
All "Gravekeeper's" monsters gain 500 ATK/DEF. Cards in the GY cannot be banished. Negate any card effect that would move a card in the GY to a different place. Negate any card effect that changes Types or Attributes in the GY.
"This... what kind of place is this?" Mindy asked looking around.
"Your tomb. For now though, I end my turn." the Gravekeeper's Chief ended simply after setting a card.
Gravekeeper's Chief's Hand: 3/Field: Necrovalley (Field Zone), One Set Monster, One Set Card
Mindy: 4000
Hand: 2
Field: Machina Soldier (Attack Position), Machina Defender (Defense Position), Machina Armored Unit (face-up)
Gravekeeper's Chief: 4000
Hand: 3
Field: Necrovalley (Field Zone), One Set Monster, One Set Card
Mindy 2nd Turn:
Mindy drew her card uncertainly. "Ok... I'll start by summoning my Machina Peacekeeper in attack position."
A small red machine appeared.
(Attack Position)
Machina Peacekeeper
EARTH
Level 2
Machine/Union/Effect
ATK: 500
DEF: 400
When this card on the field is destroyed and sent to the GY: You can add 1 Union monster from your Deck to your hand. Once per turn, you can either: Target 1 Machine monster you control; equip this card to that target, OR: Unequip this card and Special Summon it. If the equipped monster would be destroyed by battle or card effect, destroy this card instead.
"Now, I'll equip Machina Peacekeeper to Machina Soldier." At that Peacekeeper moved attaching itself to Soldier readying it.
Machina Soldier: (Equipped with Machina Peacekeeper)
Machina Peacekeeper: (Equipped to Machina Soldier)
"Now... I'll attack with Machina Soldier."
Soldier charged an attack firing over where the monster was revealed as a kneeling woman.
(Defense Position)
Gravekeeper's Spy
DARK
Level 4
Spellcaster/Effect/Flip
ATK: 1200
DEF: 2000
FLIP: Special Summon 1 "Gravekeeper's" monster with 1500 or less ATK from your Deck.
Spy: (ATK: 1200 + 500 = 1700/DEF: 2000 + 500 = 2500)
Mindy's eyes widened as the attack failed and she winced.
(Mindy: 3100/Hand: 2)
"And now the effect of Gravekeeper's Spy activates!" the Gravekeeper's Chief called over. "When it is flipped, I summon a Gravekeeper's from my Deck with 1500 or fewer ATK!"
Mindy's eyes widened hearing that.
"So now emerge Gravekeeper's Curse!" the Gravekeeper's Chief reveals something as a tanned shaman like monster rose up holding a relic cane.
(Attack Position)
Gravekeeper's Curse
DARK
Level 3
Spellcaster/Effect
ATK: 800
DEF: 800
If this card is Summoned: Inflict 500 damage to your opponent.
Gravekeeper's Curse: (ATK: 800 + 500 = 1300/DEF: 800 + 500 = 1300)
"And now it's effect activates!" the Gravekeeper's Chief smirked over as the shaman glowed meditating over before suddenly Mindy's head erupted in pain.
"AAAHHH!" she cried out.
(Mindy: 2600/Hand: 2)
She knelled down holding her ringing head as Emily over concerned to her. "Mindy!? Are you okay?"
"I... I think so." Mindy shuddered looking at her hand. "I set this and end my move."
Mindy's Hand: 1/Field: Machina Soldier (Attack Position/Equipped with Machina Peacekeeper), Machina Defender (Defense Position), Machina Armored Unit (face-up), Machina Peacekeeper (Equipped to Machina Soldier), One Set Card
Gravekeeper's Chief 2nd Turn:
"My turn now!" the Gravekeeper's Chief drew before then calling. "And I sacrifice Gravekeeper's Curse in order to summon," Curse meditated as he evolved. "Gravekeeper's Visionary!" A Egyptian Monk like monster rose up readying.
(Attack Position)
Gravekeeper's Visionary
DARK
Level 8
Spellcaster/Effect
ATK: 2000
DEF: 1800
You can Tribute Summon this card by Tributing 1 "Gravekeeper's" monster. This card gains 200 ATK for each "Gravekeeper's" monster in your Graveyard. If this face-up card on the field would be destroyed, you can discard 1 "Gravekeeper's" monster instead.
Gravekeeper's Visionary: (ATK: 2000 + 500 = 2500/DEF: 1800 + 500 = 2300)
"2500?" Mindy asked in shock seeing that.
"Hey wait, that thing's level is too high for him to sacrifice only one monster!" Jaden argued seeing that Visionary's level is 8 which should be impossible with only 1 Tribute.
"He doesn't need two monsters." Hi-Li explained over to them as they looked. "Visionary also requires a Gravekeeper to Tribute to be Tribute Summoned."
"Great, anything else we should know about that monster?" Jaden asked her.
"It gets 200 points for every Gravekeeper in the graveyard, and he can discard a Gravekeeper to keep it from being destroyed." Hi-Li answered as Visionary powered up.
Gravekeeper's Visionary: (ATK: 2500 + 200 = 2700)
Mindy's eyes widened seeing that.
"And now battle! Visionary attack!" Visionary charged a darkened orb of magic before blasting it over at Machina Soldier.
'I can't protect my life points but...' Mindy thought seeing that. "I use Machina Peacekeeper's effect, I destroy it instead of my Soldier and then I can add a Union Monster to my hand like my Machina Gearframe!"
Though despite Peacemaker taking the hit she still was damaged.
(Mindy: 1500/Hand: 2)
A bit of the attack struck her shoulder burning off the blazer at that area, and damaging it. Wincing she collapsed to one knee.
"Mindy!" Emily went over as Li-Li generated magic healing over the injury.
"This Shadow Game is real dangerous. Be more careful." Hu-Li advised over to Mindy.
"Easier said than done." Mindy frowned as she nervously looked at the Gravekeeper's Chief. "Anything else you can do?"
"That be my turn." the Gravekeeper's Chief stated over to her.
Gravekeeper's Chief's Hand: 3/Field: Necrovalley (Field Zone), Gravekeeper's Visionary (Attack Position/ATK: 2700/DEF: 2300), Gravekeeper's Spy (Defense Position/ATK: 1700/DEF: 2500), One Set Card
Mindy: 1500
Hand: 3
Field: Machina Soldier (Attack Position), Machina Defender (Defense Position), Machina Armored Unit (face-up), One Set Card
Gravekeeper's Chief: 4000
Hand: 3
Field: Necrovalley (Field Zone), Gravekeeper's Visionary (Attack Position/ATK: 2700/DEF: 2300), Gravekeeper's Spy (Defense Position/ATK: 1700/DEF: 2500), One Set Card
Mindy 3rd Turn:
Mindy drew her card only to blink. "This... this might work. I play Machina Redeployment."
Machina Redeployment
Normal Spell Card
Activate 1 of these effects.
● Discard 1 card; add 2 "Machina" monsters with different names from each other from your Deck to your hand.
● Discard 1 "Machina" card; add 2 "Machina" cards with different names from each other from your Deck to your hand, except "Machina Redeployment".
You can only activate 1 "Machina Redeployment" per turn.
"I'll send Machina Megaform to the graveyard to add Machina Fortress and Machina Citadel to the graveyard, but I'll send Citadel to the graveyard to Special Summon Machina Fortress." A tank-like robot with a head, and cannons rose up treading in.
(Attack Position)
Machina Fortress
EARTH
Level 7
Machine/Effect
ATK: 2500
DEF: 1600
You can discard Machine monster(s) whose total Levels equal 8 or more, then Special Summon this card (from your hand or GY). If this card is destroyed by battle and sent to the GY: Target 1 card your opponent controls; destroy that target. Before resolving an opponent's monster effect that targets this face-up card, look at your opponent's hand and discard 1 card from their hand.
"Fortress attack Gravekeeper's Visionary!"
"What? Why are you attacking Visionary with that weakling?" The Gravekeeper's Chief questioned not seeing what the benefit is as Visionary charged another dark orb firing as Fortress fired from its cannons. From the power difference Visionary prevailed firing over at Fortress.
(Mindy: 0900/Hand: 1)
"It's a small price for two effects; first, when Machina Fortress was destroyed I can destroy any card on your field, and then since a Machina Monster was destroyed I can bring back Machina Citadel!" Mindy revealed except...
ERROR!
"Huh?" they looked over seeing an error on Mindy's Duel Disk.
The Gravekeeper's Chief however smirked. "You try to move a card out of the graveyard?" They looked at him as he explained. "It is useless! Due to the effect of Necrovalley, you cannot move cards out of the graveyard!"
"Hold on, Machina Fortress can destroy Necrovalley." Jaden pointed out.
"Yes but the chain activated. Fortress' effect activates the very moment it's destroyed so she has no control over it." Li-Li explained it to him. "So she can't wait on it, it activates before Citadel can summon itself it seems so Necrovalley stops it before it can be destroyed."
Mindy's eyes widened. "Well... I can at least destroy Necrovalley... and I have Machina Armored Unit's effect to summon Machina Air Raider in defense position."
Necrovalley shattered as a new blue machine with propellers appeared.
(Defense Position)
Machina Air Raider
EARTH
Level 8
Machine/Effect
ATK: 1500
DEF: 2600
You can discard 1 other "Machina" monster; Special Summon this card from your hand. During your opponent's turn (Quick Effect): You can target 1 Machine monster you control; Special Summon from your Deck, 1 "Machina" monster with a different name and an equal or lower Level than that monster, and if you do, destroy that targeted monster. You can only use each effect of "Machina Air Raider" once per turn.
"That... ends my turn."
Gravekeeper's Visionary: (ATK: 2900 - 500 = 2400/DEF: 2300 - 500 = 1800)
Gravekeeper's Spy: (ATK: 1700 - 500 = 1200/DEF: 2500 - 500 = 2000)
Mindy's Hand: 1/Field: Machina Air Raider (Defense Position), Machina Defender (Defense Position), Machina Armored Unit (face-up), One Set Card
Gravekeeper's Chief 3rd Turn:
"Then it's my turn, I draw!" the Gravekeeper's Chief drew checking over.
"I use Machina Air Raider's ability!" Mindy called quickly. "I destroy a machine monster I control to summon a Machina monster with an equal or lower level and I pick to destroy Defender and summon Machina Sniper in defense mode."
Defender shattered as a new machine appeared.
(Defense Position)
Machina Sniper
EARTH
Level 4
Machine/Effect
ATK: 1800
DEF: 800
Monsters cannot attack "Machina" monsters, except "Machina Sniper".
"What good would that do for you?" The Gravekeeper's Chief questioned seeing this while knowing Armored Unit can also summon another defense like it but helpless before Visionary.
Mindy frowned. 'Honestly I'm just hoping I'm right about what he's going to try.'
Seeing she's not activating Armored Unit's effect he only moved over, and called. "Very well then." He checks over his hand and sees his drawn card is Hidden Temples of Necrovalley which isn't useful without Necrovalley. So he places the card in his hand, and grabs another. "I summon Gravekeeper's Spear Soldier!" Surprising everyone what rose was one of the guards they were cornered by.
(Attack Position)
Gravekeeper's Spear Soldier
DARK
Level 4
Spellcaster/Effect
ATK: 1500
DEF: 1000
If this card attacks a Defense Position monster, inflict piercing Battle Damage to your opponent.
"Huh, wait, that's the monster that tried to attack us!" Jaden recalled seeing it.
Mindy frowned. 'At least Air Raider's defense points are high enough to keep me safe.'
The Gravekeeper's Chief then raised an arm over. "Now, Spear Soldier attack!" Spear Soldier readied its spear charging over, and pierced through Machina Sniper which charged over at Mindy who widened her eyes dodging but it sliced a part of her arm.
Mindy's eyes widened as she cried out.
(Mindy: 0200/Hand: 1)
"Mindy!" Li-Li softly grabs Mindy's arm healing over the cut before she frowned over. "Piercing damage... this guy really has a lot of tricks."
"I… I'm ok, I have one last thing I can try… I just hope it works." Mindy admitted looking at the field.
"Next turn, will be your end." the Gravekeeper's Chief stated over to her ending his turn.
Gravekeeper's Chief's Hand: 3/Field: Gravekeeper's Visionary (Attack Position), Gravekeeper's Spy (Defense Position), Gravekeeper's Spear Soldier (Attack Position), One Set Card
Mindy: 0200
Hand: 1
Field: Machina Defender (Defense Position), Machina Armored Unit (face-up), One Set Card
Gravekeeper's Chief: 4000
Hand: 3
Field: Gravekeeper's Visionary (Attack Position/ATK: 2400), Gravekeeper's Spy (Defense Position), Gravekeeper's Spear Soldier (Attack Position), One Set Card
Mindy 4th Turn:
Mindy shivered a bit drawing her card as her eyes widened. "I switch Machina Air Raider into attack position."
Machina Air Raider: (Attack Position)
"Then, Pot of Greed lets me draw two new cards."
Pot of Greed
Normal Spell Card
Draw 2 Cards.
She drew 2 cards checking over to see what her cards were.
Seeing one of them she smiled. "I use the spell Foolish Burial to send one monster from my deck to the graveyard."
Foolish Burial
Normal Spell Card
Send 1 monster from your Deck to the GY.
"With that done, I banish Machina Sniper, Machina Defender, and Machina Soldier from my graveyard, in order to summon forth my deck's most powerful monster. Machina Ruinforce!"
(Attack Position)
MAchina Ruinforce
DARK
Level 10
Machine/Effect
ATK: 4600
DEF: 4100
Cannot be Normal Summoned/Set. Must be Special Summoned (from your GY) by banishing Machine monsters from your GY whose total Levels equal 12 or more. When your opponent activates a card or effect during the Battle Phase (Quick Effect): You can pay half your LP; negate the activation, and if you do, halve your opponent's LP. If this card is destroyed by battle or card effect: You can Special Summon up to 3 of your banished "Machina" monsters whose total Levels equal 12 or less. You can only use each effect of "Machina Ruinforce" once per turn.
"Ah!" the Gravekeeper's Chief gasped, seeing the powerful monster which was stronger than Visionary.
"Next, I summon Machina Gearframe." Mindy mentioned nervously.
(Attack Position)
Machina Gearframe
EARTH
Level 4
Machine/Union/Effect
ATK: 1800
DEF: 0
When this card is Normal Summoned: You can add 1 "Machina" monster from your Deck to your hand, except "Machina Gearframe". Once per turn, you can either: Target 1 Machine monster you control; equip this card to that target, OR: Unequip this card and Special Summon it. If the equipped monster would be destroyed by battle or card effect, destroy this card instead.
"And then, I'll use the spell Red Medicine."
Red Medicine
Normal Spell Card
Increase your Life Points by 500 points.
(Mindy: 0700/Hand: 0)
"Gearframe, attack Gravekeeper's Visionary!"
Gearframe readied over charging in at Visionary who charged an orb blast like the last few times blasting it at Gearframe which destroyed it already while the extra damage got over towards Mindy. Mindy cried out, getting blasted again.
(Mindy: 100/Hand: 0)
"Ok... let's try Machina Citadel's effect again, I summon him from my graveyard!" Mindy called and this time her graveyard glowed.
(Attack Position)
Machina Citadel
EARTH
Level 8
Machine/Effect
ATK: 3000
DEF: 2500
Cannot be Normal Summoned/Set. Must be Special Summoned by a card effect. (Quick Effect): You can target 1 Machine monster you control; destroy that Machine monster and all monsters your opponent controls with ATK less than or equal to it. If a face-up EARTH Machine monster(s) you control, except "Machina Citadel", is destroyed by battle or card effect while this card is in your GY: You can Special Summon this card. You can only use each effect of "Machina Citadel" once per turn.
"Machina Ruinforce attack Gravekeeper's Visionary!"
Ruinforce charged a large attack at Visionary who readied firing an orb but Ruinforce fired large blasts from its cannons easily blasting through Visionary's attack strucking Visionary while the Gravekeeper's Chief grunted over. (Gravekeeper's Chief: 1800/Hand: 3) "Not bad young woman, but it's worthless! Due to Visionary's effect, I discard myself Gravekeeper's Chief to keep it on the field!" He discarded a card of himself as Visionary stands tall. Alongside that Visionary grew stronger from an extra Gravekeeper.
Gravekeeper's Visionary: (ATK: 2400 + 200 = 2600)
"And then I activate my face-down!" The Gravekeeper's Chief activated a trap.
Dark Horizon
Normal Trap Card
When you take battle or effect damage: Special Summon 1 DARK Spellcaster-Type monster from your Deck with ATK less than or equal to the damage you took.
"As I took damage, I am allowed to summon a Spellcaster that's DARK from my Deck with fewer attack points than the damage I just took! So now you'll be facing TWO Gravekeeper Visionaries!" A second Visionary starts to emerge from the dark portal.
"No I won't!" Mindy called. "I pay half my life points to activate Machina Ruinforce's ability! I negate your card and then I can cut your life points in half!"
(Mindy: 0050/Hand: 0)
"What!?" the Gravekeeper's Chief gasped out from the effect before a bomb detonated on him. (Gravekeeper's Chief: 0900/Hand: 2)
"You're on the home-stretch girl! Land the last one so we can go home!" Jasmine grinned seeing Mindy has just won.
"You know it girlfriend, Machina Citadel blast away his Gravekeeper's Spear Soldier!" Mindy called while secretly letting out a huge sigh of relief that she somehow pulled it off.
Citadel moved over landing a saw attack on Spear Soldier destroying it while the Chief himself knelt over with a grunt.
Mindy: 0050
Hand: 0
Field: Machina Ruinforce (Attack Position), Machina Citadel (Attack Position), Machina Armored Unit (face-up) Machina Air Raider (Attack Position), One Set Card
Gravekeeper's Chief: 0000
Hand: 2
Field: Gravekeeper's Visionary (Attack Position/ATK: 2400), Gravekeeper's Spy (Defense Position)
Mindy wins!
"She won, so let our friends go." Jaden told Gravekeeper's Chief.
"Well... as agreed I will pardon you all." Gravekeeper's Chief spoke over to them.
So after a few minutes everyone was released from the coffins while Jasmine was checking Mindy over as she took some heavy hits during the match.
She was blushing a bit but nodded. "I'm ok as long as I'm with you Jasmine."
Suddenly some Spear Soldiers all in attack formation headed over which the Chief seeing this got in front of them. "What are you all doing?"
"It's our tribe's law, they must be punished!" one Spear Soldier called before the others started chanting 'punish' while ignoring the Chief's protests over.
Hu-Li takes Emily's hand looking at her. "I think we've overstayed our welcome!" She started to run, dragging her with her as the others followed.
"Wait." the chief told them before they could leave.
They turned as the Chief threw them something that Jaden caught. "There was someone else that passed the challenge who wields the other half of that medallion. Carry it well. Now go!" The Chief turned back to hold back his guards while they got away.
Jaden blinked looking at the amulet. "What's this?"
"I don't know... but I wonder who has the other half." Syrus admitted looking at it thoughtfully.
Ulrich362: Well... that was... tougher than it should have been.
bopdog111: No complications happened though. Either from internet difficulties, or that was blocked (Probably running an update, or something) we managed to complete this chapter with Discord but had to wait until it became available again.
Ulrich362: True, but... honestly the site has been glitching a lot. Hopefully it gets resolved soon, that aside... next up is going to be... a bittersweet reunion?
bopdog111: Probably cause next would finally be us seeing the threat of the Shadow Riders.
Ulrich362: Exactly, see you in the next chapter.
bopdog111: Be sure to review!