Dueling Preparations

The day after Solona and Jaden had defeated Banner, things around Duel Academy were different. The whole school knew of their accomplishments and now both were celebrities. Everywhere the two went they received cheers. This wasn't met well with Solona as she didn't like the attention and she believed that this was not over yet.

Solona wasn't the only one who wasn't happy. On the roof of the Duel Academy Building, Chazz Princeton lay on his back as he began thinking about a dream he had just had.

**Chazz's dream:**

Chazz was still trapped in his bubble that Banner had sealed him in as he sat down and holding his knees with his eyes closed.

In another bubble, Alexis was lying on her stomach but there was a ghostly spirit standing up staring at Chazz.

"Chazz, Chazz." She called. "Wake up Chazz, its Alexis. I want to tell you how I feel about you. How much I love up. Wake Up Chazz."

**Real world:**

"**Wake up Chazz."** The call of Ojama Yellow came and Chazz woke up from his dream to see his Ojama Spirits staring at him. **"What's wrong with you Chazz?"**

"I'm in love." Chazz stated. "But I doubt the Girl I'm in love with loves me back. I'm not even the most loved Duelist at the Academy." Chazz looked down to see Jaden who was walking through a crowd of students who were smiling at him.

"Way to go Jaden." one student cheered

"Way to stick to those Shadow Riders Jaden" Another shouted

Jaden looked cheerful "Why thank you" he greeted

Syrus and Chumley walked behind him. "This is the life isn't it Chumley?"

"It sure is." Chumley replied. "Though I don't know about you but I would like a Hero sandwich. They're treating Jaden like a hero."

"And don't forget about Solona." Jaden said as he looked at them. "She's a hero too."

"Speaking of Solona, where is she?" Syrus asked "I thought she would be greeting her fans."

Jaden looked at him.

"Solona doesn't like the attention." He replied

Chazz watched them from the roof while the Ojama brothers could see the sad look on his face.

"**Hey, what's wrong with Chazz?"** Ojama Black asked

"**He seems to feel sad about something."** Red added

"**But about what?"** Blue wondered

Ojama yellow smiled at them **"The boss in in love"** he said cheerfully

"**Seriously!"** the other Ojamas gasped in shock

"That's right," Chazz sighed, "But the girl I'm in love with doesn't love me back and has feelings for someone else. But I just can't get her out of my mind"

"Get who out of your mind Chazz?" A voice called and Chazz sat up in shock and turned to see Aedan walking towards him. "I was told you were up here. We both have been through a lot with that last Shadow Rider, so how are you feeling?"

"Well we were both taken by the final Shadow Rider." Chazz replied, "It was a shocking experience and one I do not want to repeat."

"I don't even remember it." Aedan stated. "I'm just glad that Solona and Jaden were able to rescue us though Solona is still worried that this is not over. I was shocked to learn that Banner was the final Shadow Rider, he was very kind to the Slifers."

"It was shocking to me as well." Chazz replied. "But it explains why he went missing."

Aedan then looked at Chazz. "Listen Chazz, you've been feeling down lately, so I need to ask you what is wrong?"

Chazz sighed. "I have feelings for a girl on the island." He admitted. "But I don't think that this girl will return the feelings."

"Well you never know." Aedan stated "It depends on the girl, so who is the girl you have feelings for?"

Chazz sighed and then he admitted who he had feelings for.

"It's Alexis." He admitted. "Alexis Rhodes."

Aedan looked at him and sighed.

"I'm sorry to say this Chazz but you have no chance with her." He said. "Alexis will never return the feelings to you. There is only one thing she loves and that's Dueling. Even if you believe it, I doubt Alexis will have feelings towards you. You can't force someone to have feelings for you. Alexis has had problems with boys flirting with her and it annoys her. Though she will never admitted it but I think she has a crush on Jaden."

That made Chazz sigh "Jaden always gets everything." He stated "I never get anything"

"Well maybe you should try to be something." Aedan stated. "You clearly are a good Duelist and the way you beat your brothers proves that and with those weak cards. You created hope for the Slifers as you proved that even weak cards have their uses. And one day you will be a pro duelist, you just have to try. And one day you will find a girl who loves you back."

That made Chazz smile at him.

"Thanks Aedan." He said. "I'm glad I decided to forget about my brothers. I'm glad to have our friendship back together."

…

Meanwhile, over at the lighthouse at the docks, Alexis was at the docks with Zane and Sereda.

"I'm glad that you are okay Alexis." Zane stated

"Okay?" Alexis questioned. "I was taken hostage by someone who I thought was our Professor. It was a terrifying experience."

Zane chuckled.

"Well things like that aren't too uncommon around here." He stated. "Maybe you need a bodyguard."

"Thanks but I can take care of myself." Alexis stated

Sereda then looked at her.

"Every time you get in trouble, Jaden seems to save you. I'm starting to get the feeling that he likes you."

Alexis blushed. "Well it's not just me he saved. He saved all the others who were captured. And he had help from Solona."

Sereda smirked. "You never know, maybe Jaden has feelings for you and by the way you blush, I get the feeling that you have a crush on him as well."

"I do not!" Alexis snapped but it was clear that she was lying as she was blushing. "Still he is a nice guy and it's nice to see that you care."

Zane smiled. "I'll miss you Alexis when I graduate from here." he said and Alexis smiled at him. "So how's your brother, is he back to normal?"

"Well as normal as he can be." Alexis stated. "He's back to his old ways of flirting with girls."

Sereda smirked. "That sounds like Atticus." She stated and then she looked at Zane. "By the way Zane, Solona has been looking for you. She wanted to ask you a question"

"And what did she want to ask me about?" Zane asked

"Well Banner said something about this not being over yet." Sereda replied. "I think she wants to make sure that she is ready"

"So she wants a Duel?" Zane questioned. "I admit, Solona is a tough opponent and it's been a while since I've had a challenge, where is she?"

"I think she's finishing something in her room then heading over to the beach." Sereda stated

…

In the Obelisk Blue Girls Dorm, Solona was in her room as she prepared her deck. Even though many were acting like the issue with the Shadow Riders was over since all 12 Shadow Riders had been beaten, she was still not sure after what Banner said. He did have a point, they still didn't know who the leader of the Shadow Riders was so Solona was taking no chance. She had prepared her deck with her best card when there was a knock at the door.

"Come in." She answered and the door opened to reveal her brother Daylen.

"Hey sis." Daylen greeted. "I see that you're preparing for the worst."

"I just can't get this feeling out of my head." Solona replied. "I get the feeling that this is not over yet. We may have defeated the 12 Shadow Riders but we haven't seen their leader. All of the Shadow Riders acted alone except for Frenic. We don't know who sent them and I need to be ready."

"So you're going to ask Zane for a Duel?" Daylen asked

"I am." Solona replied. "He is the best Student on the Island. I beat Jaden when I was dressed up as Maiden with Eyes of Blue but I still haven't faced Zane. He's never lost a duel before, sure he lost to Camula but that's only because Camula cheated with that Illusion Gate spell. Dueling Zane might help me prepare for any Duel we have."

"Well I would like to see how you duel against Zane." Daylen stated. "So where are you going to duel?"

"I told Sereda I would wait at the beach for the Duel." Solona stated

…

The beach on Academy Island was located at the western side of the island near the hot springs. This was where many students would hang out on warm days to relax while others, mainly the boys would try surfing on the waves. There was a small drinks bar set up while students would buy drinks. Solona and Daylen had arrived at the beach and they sat at the drinks bar while they waited to see if Zane would turn up. Then they heard splashes and they turned to see Alexis' brother Atticus was surfing and was doing a good job. Solona saw Alexis' friends Jasmine and Mindy were squealing in delight as they watched Atticus come back and then the two ran up to him.

"Hey Atticus." Mindy squealed

"Can we have your autograph?" Jasmine added

"Anything for a fan" Atticus replied as he sighed their small books.

Then the two squealed when they saw what Atticus had written "He wrote BFF"

"It means Best Friends Forever." Atticus smiled and then Jasmine and Mindy fainted which made Atticus sigh. "That always happens." then he saw Solona and Daylen. "Hey Solona."

"Hey Atticus." Solona greeted

Daylen looked at him.

"What is it with you and girls?" He asked

"I don't know." Atticus smiled. "I guess they just think I'm good looking."

"Jasmine and Mindy always flirt with good looking boys." Solona stated

Atticus looked at them.

"So did you two come here to relax?" He asked

Solona shook her head. "No, I came here so I could have a Duel with Zane."

"You want to Duel Zane!" Atticus gasped. "But why."

"I just want to make sure I'm ready." Solona stated

Then Daylen saw Zane approaching with Alexis and Sereda.

"Well here comes Zane now." He stated

Zane walked up and spotted Solona and she walked up to her.

"So Solona, Sereda says you want a Duel?" He questioned

"I do." Solona replied. "I want to see if my deck is ready and you are the best student here at Duel Academy."

"You're a good duelist too." Zane replied. "But yes, I will duel you, let's see how good you are"

Solona smiled and then she and Zane got their decks into their duel disks and they ended up attracting a lot of attention as Jaden ran up with Syrus, Chumley, Theorn, Kallian and Neria

"So it's true." Syrus gasped "Solona is about to duel my brother."

"This will be a sweet match." Jaden smiled. "I wish I could duel Zane."

Theorn looked at him.

"Well maybe you will get your chance." He said

Zane and Solona activated their Duel Disks.

**"Duel!"**

**Zane: 8000**

**Solona: 8000**

"You can take the first move." Zane offered

"With pleasure." Solona smiled as she drew her sixth card.

*'Zane's a strong duelist and I know how his Cyber Dragon works. He can summon his Cyber dragon straight away thanks to its ability. Then he can summon a second monster so I better play it safe.'* Solona looked at her hand and smiled at her hand. "I place a monster face down and then throw two cards face down. That will be all."

"My move." Zane stated. "And I special summon Cyber Dragon in attack mode." The large machine dragon appeared on the field (Level 5 Attack 2100 Defense 1600) "Next I summon Cyber Dragon Zwei in attack mode." A long snake like machine dragon with a green glow appeared on the field (Level 4 Attack 1500 Defense 1000)

"My brother has two monsters on his field" Syrus stated

"Which means that he can attack directly with one of them" Theorn added

"Now Zwei attack that face down monster." Zane ordered and when Zwei attacks a monster, he gains 300 attack points." The green glow got brighter (CDZ Attack 1500-1800) then the dragon sent a green laser towards the face down monster when then flipped up.

Solona smirked. "I knew that you were going to use a plan like that." She stated which made Zane confused. "You would special summon Cyber dragon then summon a second monster to attack me directly. When my face down monster is Keeper of the Shrine which has 2100 defense points, more that your Cyber Dragons Zwei so now you take damage." The laser bounced off the Keeper and struck Zane.

**Zane: 7600**

**Solona: 8000**

Zane smiled "Not bad Solona, not bad at all. I end my turn."

Solona then drew her next card.

"My draw." She stated. "And since my Keeper of the Shrine counts as two sacrifices, I sacrifice him in order to summon my all powerful Blue Eyes White Dragon in attack mode." The draconic priest was engulfed in fire and then the large blue and white scaled dragon appeared (Level 8 Attack 3000 Defense 2800) "And now, go Blue Eyes, attack that Zwei with White Lightning." Blue Eyes White Dragon unleashed a blast of white fire which engulfed the Zwei. Lightning sparked over its body and then the monster exploded which struck Zane.

**Zane: 6100**

**Solona: 8000**

"Check that out." Jaden stated. "Solona is dealing a good bit of damage to Zane."

"My sister really is a good duelist." Daylen added

"Don't count Zane out." Theorn stated

"Remember, my brother still has great skills." Syrus added

Zane smiled. "You really are a skilled Duelist Solona." He said. "But let's see how you deal with one of my more powerful dragons. I summon Cyber Dragon Core in attack mode." S small robotic snake like dragon appeared on the field (Level 2 Attack 400 Defense 1500) "And when my core is summoned, I can add 1 Cyber spell or trap card to my hand so I choose to add the trap card Cyber Shadow Gardna."

"I have the feeling there is more to this." Solona stated

"There is." Zane replied. "When my Core is on the field or Graveyard, he is treated as Cyber Dragon so now I can use this spell card, Photon Generator Unit."

"Uh oh, that isn't good for my sister." Daylen stated

"Why not?" Jaden questioned

"Because now Zane can summon his Cyber Laser Dragon." Theorn stated and the two machine dragons merged together to form the large machine dragon with the laser tail (Level 7 Attack 2400 Defense 1800)

"And my Laser Dragon's ability now activates." Zane smirked. "So now I can destroy one monster on the field with equal or more attack points than my Laser Dragon's attack points. Which means your Blue Eyes is finished. Now destroy that dragon with Blue Lightning Lash." The laser on the dragon's tail sent a powerful blue laser which struck Blue Eyes and destroyed the dragon. "And now you are wide open so go, Blue Lightning Blast." Laser Dragon sent a powerful blue beam from his mouth which struck Solona.

**Zane: 6100**

**Solona: 5600**

"You see." Syrus stated. "I told you my brother can plan."

Solona smiled.

"Good hit Zane." She said. "But thanks to you; I can now use my face down card, Damage Condenser so now I can summon a monster with equal or less attack points than the damage I just took, so I summon Red Eyes Black Dragon." A large black scaled dragon with red eyes appeared on the field (Level 7 Attack 2400 Defense 2000)

"Very well then, I place one card face down and end my turn." Zane finished

"My turn." Solona stated as she drew her next card. "And I'll start by summoning Luster Dragon in attack mode" A large purple scaled dragon appeared on the field (Level 4 Attack 1900 Defense 1600)

"And I play my face down card." Zane stated. "The card I drew with Cyber Dragon Core, Cyber Shadow Gardna. Now this card is summoned to the field as a monster." A small black robot with dragon wings appeared on the field (Level 4 Attack 0 Defense 0) "Now whenever you attack him, his attack and defense points become the same as the monster that attacks him."

"So they'll both be destroyed." Solona gasped. "But even so, your Laser Dragon is too dangerous to keep around. So go Red Eyes, attack Laser Dragon with Inferno Fire Blast" Red Eyes unleashed a blast of fire while Laser Dragon sent his laser, both monsters were hit and then they shattered

"Both were destroyed?" Jaden questioned. "But what was the point of that?"

"Because on Zane's next turn he would have used Laser Dragon's ability to destroy red eyes and then destroyed Luster Dragon." Alexis replied

"I place a card face down and end my turn." Solona finished

"And now the effect of Gardna activates, so now he goes back face down as a trap." Zane started and then the shadowy cyber monster faded. "Now since my field is empty, I can special summon another Cyber Dragon." Another Cyber Dragon appeared on the field. "And now attack that Luster Dragon." Cyber Dragon unleashed a beam of light which struck Luster Dragon and destroyed the dragon.

**Zane: 6100**

**Solona: 5400**

"And now I will place one card face down and end my turn." Zane finished

"My turn." Solona stated. "And I play the spell card, Monster Reborn which allows me to summon back my Red Eyes Black Dragon." The large black scaled Dragon returned to the field "And now my dragon will attack that Cyber Dragon with Inferno Fire Blast." Red Eyes unleashed a blast of fire which went towards Cyber Dragon.

"Sorry but I play my face down card." Zane countered. "Attack Reflector Unit, now this reflects my Cyber Dragon into the Cyber Barrier Dragon." A large mirror appeared on the field which reflected light and Cyber Dragon changed into a new dragon with a massive head and pink markings (Level 8 Attack 800 Defense 2800) "And now my Barrier Dragon's ability negates your attack." The head shrunk and Cyber Barrier created a green barrier which blocked the attack.

Solona sighed.

"I end my turn." She stated

"My move." Zane smirked. "And I'll play the spell card Cyber Repair Plant, so since I have at least 3 monsters with the name Cyber Dragon in my graveyard since Core and Zwei are called Cyber Dragon in the graveyard, I can add one light machine monster to my hand and add another to my deck, so now my two normal Cyber Dragons return." One Cyber went into Zane's deck while the other appeared in his hand. "Next I activate the spell card Different Dimension Capsule so now I remove one card from my deck and in two turns, that card is added to my hand. And with that, I end my turn."

"That card has to be one of Zane's best cards." Solona said to herself. "I must find a way to stop him." Solona then drew her next card and smiled. "Your Cyber Barrier won't protect you from this attack since I'm using Red Eyes' attack as an actual card, Inferno Fire blast so now you take damage equal to Red Eyes' attack points" Red Eyes Black Dragon unleashed a blast of fire which struck Zane.

**Zane: 3700**

**Solona: 5400**

"And now I end my turn." Solona stated

"Good move." Zane stated. "Though I still have tricks of my own. I play Pot of Greed which allows me to draw two more cards." Zane drew two more cards "And now I use the effect of Cyber Dragon Core in my graveyard. So now by banishing him, I can special summon a Cyber Dragon from my deck." The spirit of Cyber Dragon Core appeared and then a Cyber Dragon appeared on the field. "And now I play Polymerization to fuse the Cyber Dragon on my field with the one in my hand in order to summon Cyber Twin Dragon." A portal appeared and the two Cyber Dragons were sucked into it and then a large robotic two headed dragon appeared on the field (Level 8 Attack 2800 Defense 2100)

"Uh oh, that's not good for Solona!" Jaden stated

"That Cyber Twin can attack twice per turn." Theorn added

"Now Cyber Twin Dragon, attack that Red Eyes with Twin Strident Blast." Zane ordered and one of the heads unleashed a beam of light which struck Red Eyes and destroyed him.

**Zane: 3700**

**Solona: 5000**

"And now my Cyber Twin Dragon can attack again along with Cyber Barrier Dragon." Zane added. "Now attack with Twin Strident Blast and Sonic Shriek." The 2nd head of Cyber Twin blasted a light which Cyber Barrier let out a high pitch scream.

**Zane: 3700**

**Solona: 1400**

"Wow your brother sure has skills." Theorn stated

"There's a reason why Zane is the best Duelist on the island." Atticus stated

"But don't count Solona out yet." Alexis added. "She still has some tricks to play."

"I place two cards face down and end my turn." Zane finished

"My move." Solona stated as she drew her card and smiled at what she drew. "I play Graceful Charity so now I can draw three cards as long as I discard two of them." Solona drew three cards then discarded two. "And now I summon Masked Dragon in attack mode" a red and white scaled dragon appeared on the field (Level 3 Attack 1400 Defense 1100) "Next I play the spell card Dragon's Mirror."

"That's Solona most powerful card." Jaden gasped

"It looks like she's about to summon her most powerful monster." Daylen smiled

"I now fuse my Red Eyes Black Dragon, my Blue Eyes White Dragon, my Luster Dragon and the two monsters I just discarded, Red Eyes Black Chick and Red Eyes Wyvern in order to summon the all-powerful Five Headed Dragon." The spirits of the five dragons appeared and then they were sucked into a portal and a massive five headed dragon with different colored heads appeared (Level 12 Attack 5000 Defense 5000) "And now Masked Dragon, attack that Cyber Barrier." Masked Dragon swooped down on Cyber Barrier and zapped right through him and destroyed him.

**Zane: 3100**

**Solona: 1400**

"Wait, why didn't my brother use Cyber Barrier's ability to negate the attack?" Syrus questioned

"Because he would have lost the Duel." Neria stated which made Syrus look at her. "Cyber Barrier can only block one attack each turn so then Solona would have use Five Headed Dragon to attack Cyber Barrier and end the Duel."

"And now it's time for my Five Headed Dragon to attack and destroy that Cyber Twin." Solona added and then each of the five heads fired a blast which then combined into one and struck Cyber Twin Dragon. Cyber Twin roared and then exploded. Zane covered himself from the explosion.

**Zane: 900**

**Solona: 1400**

"Look at that!" Jaden gasped

"Solona just took out one of Zane's best monsters." Theorn added

"You see, I told you my sister had a plan." Daylen stated

"I place one card face down and end my turn" Solona finished

Zane smiled. "Impressive Solona." he said as he drew his card. "You really are a skilled Duelist but I still have my ultimate weapon because now the card I sent away with Different Dimension capsule returns" The capsule appeared and then shattered

"Knowing Zane I think we know what that card is." Syrus said

"If it's Power Bond then it's too bad he can't use it." Jaden stated

Zane smiled. "But what if I could." He said. "I play my face down card, Call of the Haunted which allows me to bring back my Cyber Twin from the Graveyard." Cyber Twin reappeared. "Then I play De-Fusion to separate him into the two normal Cyber Dragons." Cyber Twin was engulfed in a bright light and then the 2 normal Cyber Dragons appeared on the field. "Now I summon another Cyber Dragon Core to the field." A second small cyber dragon made of beads appeared on the field "And since he is known as Cyber Dragon on the field, I can play the card you thought I had, Power Bond so now I fuse my 2 Cyber Dragons and my core to summon Cyber End Dragon." The three machines were sucked into a portal and then a massive robotic three headed dragon appeared on the field (Level 10 Attack 4000 Defense 4000) "And thanks to Power Bond, his attack points double to 8000." Cyber End Dragon glowed as he gained power (CED Attack 4000-8000) "It's over Solona, now Cyber End Dragon, attack that Five Headed Dragon with Super Strident Blast." The three heads fired a blast of light which combined into one and headed straight towards the five headed Dragon.

"It's over" Daylen gasped, "Solona's life points can't take this hit"

The Blast headed right towards the Five Headed Dragon while Solona smiled.

"Well Zane, it's been a great Duel." She stated

"It has been." Zane replied. "With more practice you might just beat me."

"Or maybe I'll beat you now." Solona smirked which made everyone look confused. "I play my face down card, Magic Cylinder." Zane widened his eyes in shock "Now your attack is reflected right back at you. Sorry Zane, but I was waiting for you to attack." The blast went into one Cylinder and then blasted out of the other and headed right towards Zane.

"Wait, did Solona just win?" Jaden questioned

"I think she just did." Daylen stated

"Wow, I can't believe it." Syrus gasped. "My brother lost and this time it wasn't on purpose."

Zane smiled when the attack came and the field was engulfed in light. But when the light faded, they were shocked by what Zane had on his field, it was his other face down card which turned out to be the trap card Ring of Destruction. "Sorry but I use my trap card, Ring of Destruction and use it to destroy Cyber End, now we both take damage equal to his attack points."

"But that means?" Jaden gasped

"That this Duel ends in a draw." Theorn finished

**Zane: 0000**

**Solona: 0000**

**Draw**

Solona smiled at Zane. "I nearly had you there Zane" she stated

"You did." Zane replied "One of these days, you will be a great Duelist."

Daylen and his friends came down to greet Solona.

"Hey sis, that was a great Duel" Daylen stated

"I never thought you could do it" Syrus added

"That was a sweet Duel." Jaden smiled. "I hope I get the chance to face Zane again."

Theorn looked at him. "You did a great Job, you really are a strong Duelist."

"Thanks guys." Solona stated. "And now I know that I am ready for whatever challenges come."

…

Meanwhile, Chancellor Sheppard was in his office doing some paperwork. He knew that he needed to find someone to take over the Slifer Red Dorm now that Banner was gone. The Slifers needed a teacher and Sheppard was going to make sure that he found someone. He was shocked that Professor Banner was a Shadow Rider but happy that the 12 Shadow Riders had been defeated. Now the 12 Spirit Gate Keys were back in the box and hidden inside a planter in his office. Then he noticed a faint glow coming from the planter where he had hidden the box with the Spirit Gate Keys. So he lifted up the plant and got the box out. Then he opened the box to see the 12 Spirit Gates Keys were glowing and making a humming noise. Then Sheppard gasped as the 12 keys suddenly flew upwards and then out of his Office.

"Oh no!" Sheppard gasped and the he ran out of his office and saw the Spirit Gate Keys were flying around and he saw then right near Chazz. "Quick Chazz, grab them."

Chazz jumped when he heard the Chancellor's call and he turned and gasped when he saw the Spirit Gate Keys flying so he grabbed the strings of them but they then started to pull him along and he screamed for help as they dragged him along.

"Then they soon came past Aedan who was taking a walk and gasped when he saw the 12 Gates dragging Chazz along.

"Chazz, what are you doing?" he questioned

"I have no idea!" Chazz called. "Just help me!" Yhe Keys then dragged him out of the Duel Academy Building with Aedan running after him.

…

Meanwhile, Solona and the rest of the group had all smiled at the results of the Duel but then the ground started shaking which made them all gasp.

"Wait, what's happening?" Alexis questioned

Jaden looked around and he widened his eyes.

"This must be what Banner warned us about." He stated. "It's here."