Doomsday Duel

In a cave in a hidden location, a group of dark figures were hiding in the cave as they all listened to the voice of a man who they could not see.

"Our enemies have been tested, our allies are in place, the hour is upon us, it is time to cover the world in shadows." The leader's voice sounded sounding very pleased with himself. "Which one of you shall lead us to battle."

"I shall go master." A cold voice said

"And I shall go along as well." Another voice sneered

"Very well." The leader commented. "Nightshroud, and Black Soldier, you shall be our first warriors."

Nightshroud wore a dark blazer with a black cloak and point mask that looked like a dragon and a half medallion around his neck and he had long shoulder length brown hair. Black Soldier has short blond hair and he wore a black suit of armor along with a mask that looked like an assassin's mask.

"Thank you master." Nightshroud said

"We shall not fail you." Black Soldier added. "The Island's prize will be ours."

...

At Duel Academy Island, there was a loud storm that covered the whole island during the night. In Jaden Yuki's bedroom, Jaden was fast asleep and was sleeping through the storm while his roommates, Syrus and Chumley couldn't sleep. Syrus was awake and hiding under his blanket. Syrus gasped in fright as there was a flash of lightning and a loud boom of thunder. Syrus looked at Jaden in shock. "I don't get it Chumley, there's thunder and lightning out there, how can Jaden sleep through a storm like this?"

After another boom of thunder, Chumley turned to Syrus. "Syrus forget about the guy who can't sleep." Chumley cried in fright. "Think about the guy who can't hold me."

…

Inside Chancellor Sheppard's office, Sheppard was looking outside his window as he watched the storm, he could feel that something was coming and it was something that was not good. Then he widened his eyes and gasped when he saw what looked like a giant bat shaped hand glider with two figures holding on flying towards the island. "And so it begins, the fight, the war." Sheppard said to himself. "And the fate of the world lies in our hands now."

…

Meanwhile, the large bat like object landed and Nightshroud and Black Soldier got off while the bat vanished.

"So now we wait." Black Soldier said

"Aye, we wait until we choose who we face." Nightshroud replied and then his half medallion started glowing which Nightshroud noticed and he looked at it "Interesting, it seems that the Gravekeeper has lost another of his challenges. The victor is here on Duel Academy Island. When I find him, if he is a key keeper then he shall be my target."

…

The next morning, Solona and Daylen were in Duel Academy infirmary where their father lay on a bed with an oxygen mask on his face. Chancellor Sheppard had been surprised when the Field trip had returned with Aristide Amell with them and he had been treated by Miss Fontaine and she said that he would need to rest for a while.

"We thought that we might find you here." A voice called and Solona and Daylen turned to see Sereda and Alexis come into the room "You know Banner will want you two in class." It was Alexis who spoke

"I know Alexis." Solona said. "But I just can't believe that we have found our father. He has been missing for several years and all this time he had been brainwashed by those Venatori."

"It was a shock to everyone." Sereda replied. "But remember that we still have class."

"All right we are coming." Daylen said and then he saw Alexis' look on her face. He knew that she was a little jealous because Solona and Daylen had found their father while her brother was still missing. "Don't worry Alexis, I'm sure that we will find your brother soon."

"Yeah." Alexis said sadly. "I am hoping so, I miss him."

"Brothers and sisters should always stick by each other." Solona said. "Me and Daylen always stay by each other."

…

Later, everyone was in class with Solona and Daylen sitting with the Obelisk students at the top of the lecture hall with the Ra students in the middle and the Slifer Students at the bottom. Professor Banner was doing his alchemy experiments again though as usual, Jaden was sleeping through class again and he wore a face mask to make it look like he was still awake. Then Jaden yawned as he woke up and he stretched his arms out.

"All right, time to get up." He said

"For what?" Syrus asked. "For our next class?"

"Of coarse not, I mean it's time to get up for lunch." Jaden said as he pulled out his lunch box and he licked his lips at what was inside "Yum fried shrimp, my favourite."

"Jaden it's not lunch time yet." Kallian said. "You could get into trouble for eating in class."

"Yeah but who cares." Jaden smiled which caused Kallian to sigh, when Jaden has made his choice, there was no talking him out of it.

"Hold on a minute there Jaden, it seems that your lunch will have to wait." Banner interrupted. "It seems Chancellor Sheppard wants to have a word with you."

"A word!" Faren who was sitting next to Kallian gasped. "Oh man that is not good."

"What did you do this time Jaden?" Syrus demanded

"I didn't do anything wrong." Jaden replied and then he placed his finger to his chin. "Maybe he want to talk to me about something good. Like a reward."

Then there was a laugh and Jaden turned to see Chazz smirking at him. Chazz had improved his attitude since he came back to Duel Academy but he still wasn't happy about being in Slifer Red. "No way Jaden! Being called in to see Chancellor Sheppard is not a good thing, you must be is a lot of trouble."

"Actually Chazz he wants to see you as well." Banner said which made Chazz gasped "And several others as well, Bastion Misawa, Alexis Rhodes, Solona Amell, Daylen Amell, Aedan Cousland, Theorn Mahariel, Neria Surenna and Sereda Aeducan." Each student Banner called stood up as Banner called their names.

"This can't be good." Jaden said to himself as his face mask fell back over his eyes again.

…

Later after Class, the students Banner called were walking with Banner over to Chancellor Sheppard's office. "Professor Banner, we're not going to make a run for it so there is no need to escort us to the Chancellor's office."

"Oh but there is a need Jaden." Banner said. "Because Sheppard wants to speak with me as well."

When they arrived at the Chancellor's office, they were all shocked to see Dr Crowler, Professor Dorian and Zane.

"Well look at this." Crowler said with a smile on his face. "Look at this convocation of students. Some of the best in the school I see." Then Crowler looked at Jaden "Oh dear. Some things are not like the other. Looks like some people have gotten a bit lost."

"No he's not." Jaden said. "Chazz was invited here." Jaden thought that Crowler was talking about Chazz and how he was a bit lost.

Chazz didn't look happy as he knew Jaden was being an idiot again. "He means you slacker!" He snapped

"Now children that is enough." Dorian said. "I'm sure there must be a reason Chancellor Sheppard wanted to see us all."

…

"Three sacred what cards?" Jaden asked inside Sheppard's office. Chancellor Sheppard has just told them about three secret and ancient spirits inside three cards that were hidden at Duel Academy.

"Beasts." Sheppard spoke as he turned around from the window and he looked at everyone. "And due to their colossal power and intense might, these cards were hidden here at Duel Academy."

"Sweet." Jaden said to himself while the others looked a little freaked out "Like hidden under someone's mattress or in a cookie Jar."

"Hey let him finish!" Chazz snapped at him

"I really think we should pay attention." Aedan added

"These cards hold three ancient spirits that were sealed away long ago." Sheppard explained. "It is said that if these cards ever see the light of day terrible things will happen. Buildings will crumble, light will fade, souls will fall, and our world will be no more."

Alexis, Solona, Sereda and Neria gulped as they listened to what Sheppard said

"So where are these cards?" Jaden asked and it was clear he had no listened to what Sheppard had said "I say we take them out for a spin."

Everyone groaned and Crowler growled at him.

"Have you been paying attention slacker!" He growled at Jaden

Dorian then looked at Sheppard. "If those cards can do that they it sound like no one should possess them."

"True that was why they were hidden." Sheppard said

"So where are these cards then?" Daylen asked. "If you called us here to talk about them then we must know where they are hidden."

"Well they are not in a cookie jar." Sheppard laughed. "They not far from here, the cards are buried right below you." Everyone gasped at that "You see this school was built in part to protect the spirits of the Sacred Beasts and the ancient Spirit Gates that hold them." Everyone then looked at the Chancellor. "So this is why I call you all here. I need your help to protect these Sacred Beast from the widened ones. And I'm afraid two of them are already here. They arrived during last night's storm."

"Of course, that always where dark forces arrive." Bastion muttered

"But who are these wicked ones?" Aedan asked

"They are known only as the Shadow Riders." Sheppard said. "They are 12 powerful Duelists who duel in the Shadow games and are determined to open the 12 spirit Gates that seal the Sacred Beasts away. That's why I call on my 12 best students to help." Then Sheppard coughed at Crowler. "Well 11 best but I needed 12 so I need your help as well Crowler."

"So what are mine and Banner's role in this?" Dorian asked

"You and professor Banner are to help my students be ready to Duel." Sheppard said

"So how do we protect the Sacred Beasts?" Sereda asked

"You protect the 12 Spirit keys." Sheppard said. "Each of the 12 gates can only be unlocked by a spirit gate key which I have here." Sheppard pulled out a small black box and he opened it to reveal 12 small golden keys with black markings on "One for each of you guard."

Everyone looked at the keys.

"Wait hold on here." Bastion said "If we have the keys, won't that make us targets?"

"If we have these keys, those Shadow Riders will come after us won't they?" Sereda added

Sheppard sighed.

"It's true." He said. "With these key the Shadow Riders will seek you out."

"Wait don't you mean take us out?" Chazz asked

"Those Shadow Riders will do anything to get these keys." Neria added

"Well the Shadow Riders cannot just steal the keys." Sheppard replied. "Thankfully for us the keys cannot be simply stolen as they won't open the Spirit Gates. An Ancient Rule says that the keys must be won in a Duel. That's why I gathered the best Duelists here. Of course of any of you don't feel like it and want to back out, then I won't blame you, after all these Shadow Riders play for keeps. So who feels like saving and protecting the world?"

Everyone looked a bit unsure as they were worried about the life staking risks. But Jaden looked excited about this challenge.

"Count me in." He said as he took a key and placed the key around his neck which was like a necklace. "Would you look at that, it's my size."

That got everyone intrigued and Zane chucked a bit. "I too accept." He said as he took a key.

Then it was Bastion's turn. "It would be my honor."

"I don't want you boys having all of the fun." Alexis said as she took a key

"I'm with Alexis." Sereda added as she took a key with Alexis.

"My Templars are ready to help protect the world." Aedan then took his key followed by Daylen

"As are my Mages and spellcasters." Daylen said

"If my brother is involved then so am I." Solona said as she took a key.

"Of couse, there is no way the Chazz will be left out." Chazz sneered as he took a key.

"And I'm ready to save the world." Theorn then took his key which left two left for Neria and Crowler.

"How could I refuse." Crowler replied joyfully. "After all, the fate of our very world is at stake. They way of life and the future of our school. And if I said no then I wouldn't get this lovely piece of jewellery." Crowler then took his key

"Well I glad to see that you're getting involved for the right reasons kind of." Sheppard said.

Neria was the only one who hadn't taken a key and she looked a little unsure about this. Then Dorian approached her. "It's okay Neria, if you don't feel like you are up to this then I'll take your place" he offered

"No, I can't be seen as a coward." Neria protested. "I'm just a bit worried as these duels could cost us our lives."

"Don't worry Neria, I'll look after you." Daylen said

"Thanks Daylen." Neria said. "I accept this challenge" Neria took the last key.

"Well now that all of the keys are taken, we should decide on who should be the first one to Duel." Jaden said. "Now I say the strongest should go first so that would be me."

"YOU!" Crowler yelled at him which caused Jaden to fall over "YOU COULDN'T POSSIBLE BE THE BEST!" Then Crowler calmed down. "Obviously I should go first, after all I had a PDH in Dueling. If not me then I say Zane or the Amells. After all Zane did beat you and Solona Amell has been in Shadow Games before." Then Crowler got in Jaden's face. "That's right Jaden, I know all about that little game you had with Zane and I say little because I learned that you lost to him in no time at all, how pathetic."

Zane smirked at Jaden while Chazz scowled.

"Ah forget about both of them." He sneered. "I'm clearly the best choice here."

"I don't think so Chazz." Daylen smirked. "Jaden has beat you as so had my sister. And since Zane beat Jaden, it is clear that he should be the best choice."

"I don't think it works like that." Solona said

"She's right." Aedan agreed

"Yeah I don't think there is a choice here." Sereda and Theorn agreed

"There is no choice." Sheppard scolded. "This isn't a tournament where we choose who goes first. This is war, you could be attacked at any time by your enemy at any place and they could use tricks to make it harder for you. So you all need to be on alert." Everyone looked at Sheppard.

...

Later that night, Jaden was in his room and he had just explained everything to Syrus and Chumley.

"So now you have the fate of the world in your hands?" Syrus asked shocked

"That's actually quite scary to be honest." Chumley claimed. "That's a big responsibility. What happens if you fail and are defeated?"

"Relax Chumley, I have never lost before, except maybe to Zane." Jaden said cheerfully

"But aren't you even a little bit scared or nervous?" Syrus asked

"Yeah creepy Shadow Riders looking to beat you so they can destroy the entire world" Chumley added. "I mean that's pretty intense."

Jaden nodded.

"And not to mention exhausting." He said and then he gave a loud yawn. "Which is why I'm going to bed."

"Wait what!" Syrus gasped. "Jaden you can't just go to sleep, what if a shadow rider shows up."

Jaden had laid down on his bed. "Well I'm sure that they will wake me up, I just hope that it's not before 10, actually make that 11 so I have time to have a shower."

"Wow Jaden you sure seem chill." Syrus said

"Hey wait, make that 12 so I can have breakfast too." Jaden then added

"The fate of the world is in your hands so maybe you should skip your breakfast." Syrus said

"Yeah and I'll be happy to watch over it for you" Chumley offered

Jaden laughed. "You wish Chumley."

...

Later that night, most of the students were fast asleep. Jaden was asleep on his bed with Syrus and Chumley. Outside on the path towards the Slifer Dorm, three Obelisk Blue girl students were walking towards the red dorm. They were the three Obelisk Blue female key keepers, Alexis, Solona and Sereda.

"Thanks for coming with me you two." Alexis said to Sereda and Solona.

"Well it could be dangerous to be wandering around at night with two Shadow Riders already on the island." Sereda said

"Well if what Sheppard said is true and these Shadow Riders choose who they Duel then they will pick for who they think is weakest first." Alexis said. "Jaden is a good Duelist but because of his Slifer Red jacket the Shadow Riders will think he is the weakest. So I've got to warn him."

"Don't worry Alexis, I'm sure that Jaden will be fine." Solona said

"Well it never hurts to be prepared." Sereda added

...

Meanwhile hidden inside the forest at the Slifer Dorm, the Shadow Rider known as Nightshroud looked at his target in the Slifer Dorm and the eyes on his dragon mask glowed red.

Inside the Slifer Dorm, Jaden was fast asleep but he didn't notice a bright light shining outside his room which caused the spirit of Winged Kuriboh to appear and try to warn Jaden.

"Whoa Kuriboh can you keep it down?" Jaden asked but them Kuriboh managed to get Jaden to see the bright light. "Whoa what with the light." Then Jaden tried to wake up Syrus and Chumley. "Syrus wake up. Chumley, get up you two you need to see this."

Jaden's room was not the only one that was affected. Nearby in Kallian Tabris' room, the bright light also woke her up from her sleep.

"Oh Sera that better not be one of your tricks again!" She growled but then she noticed the light outside.

"Wait what's going on?" She questioned as she ran out of her room.

Then Alexis, Sereda and Solona all noticed the bright light coming from Jaden's room.

"That light! It's from Jaden's room!" Solona yelled

"That must mean that we were right." Sereda added

"The Shadow Riders are going after Jaden first!" Alexis finished. "Jaden!" then all three of them ran into Jaden's room and they were followed by Kallian. Then the bright light got brighter and they heard a wicked laugh.

"What's happening?" Alexis screamed

Then the wicked laugh was heard. "The first Duel is happening." Then there was a large flash which caused everyone to cover their eyes.

...

Duel Academy was built on top of a volcanic island and the volcano still had a crater with lava in. Then some kind of floor barrier appeared above the barrier and then Jaden, Solona, Sereda and Alexis appeared on top and they looked around the volcano in shock.

"Where are we?" Alexis asked

"It looks like we are inside the volcano on the island." Solona said

"But how did we get here?" Sereda wondered

"Well we are in one very weird dream." Jaden suggested and he looked over the floor barrier but then jumped back in shock when a dragon made from Lava appeared and shot from the molten lava which caused Alexis, Sereda and Solona to jump back.

"Or a nightmare" Alexis said

"It's neither." A wicked voice replied and then the dragon crashed into the force field and exploded which created a small fire in which the Shadow Rider with the dragon mask walked out letting out a wicked laugh.

"What's going on?" Jaden demanded

"You mean you don't know?" Nightshroud asked

"Call me a slow learner." Jaden replied

"Then call me Nightshroud." Nightshroud said

"Nightshroud?" Jaden questioned

"This must be one of the Shadow Riders that Sheppard said had come to Duel Academy." Solona said

"Yes." Nightshroud replied. "And I'll be the one who will be taking that key you have around your neck."

"Wow you guys don't waste much time do you?" Jaden said

Then Nightshroud held up his half medallion that was around his neck and shining while Jaden's half was shining as well. "Nice Medallion, the Gravekeeper must be getting sloppy. But if you think you will beat me as easy as you beat him, you've got another thing coming. I'll get that key one way or another and I'll get it now. Oh and just to make sure of that, I've brought some friends along."

"What does that mean?" Jaden questioned

"Does he mean the other Shadow Rider that Sheppard said had arrived as well?" Sereda asked and then they all ducked as another Lava dragon appeared

"They are here." Nightshroud laughed, "Say hello to Syrus, Chumley and Kallian."

"Oh no!" Jaden gasped

"Jaden!" The shout from Syrus came.

"Help us!" Chumley added

"Please get us out of this thing!" Kallian shouted

Jaden, Alexis, Solona and Sereda all turned to see a large blue orb like the barrier they were standing on. Syrus, Chumley and Kallian were inside the orb and they were whimpering in terror.

"NO!" Jaden shouted

"Hold on!" Alexis added

"That's not fair!" Solona shouted at Nightshroud. "You are using our friends against us!"

Sereda looked at her. "Remember what Sheppard said, these Shadow Riders will do anything to win."

Nightshroud laughed. "Looks like your friends are in hot water. Or should I say, hot molten lava. But then, such is the nature of a Shadow Game Key keeper."

"Shadow Game?" Jaden questioned. "Look I'm not afraid to duel you but let them go."

"I don't think so." Nightshroud laughed. "After all I need them to ensure a speedy match." he said. "And let's just say, that protection orb they're in, well let's just say that it's not built to last. Oh and I'm afraid that there is more too." Nightshroud held up a blank card that was surrounded by a black aura of shadows. "For you also, there is something else at stake here. Which is your soul, when you lose this duel, your soul will be sealed in this card. Of course if I lose then my soul will be sealed. But listen, me lose, well that's not going to happen."

Jaden narrowed his eyes as he gritted his teeth, he strapped on his Duel disk.

"All right, get your game on!" He hissed

"Jaden wait, you can't agree to this Duel." Alexis shouted

"Tell that to Syrus, Chumley and Kallian." Jaden countered. "They're about to become meatballs in a lava stew. And I'm not going let that happen to them or us. Besides, this is not my first Shadow Game, I just hope it doesn't hurt as bad as the others." Jaden remembered his Duel with the Gravekeeper's chief and the spirit of Jinzo. "All right then Shadow Rider, you want a Duel, you've got it."

"Good luck Jay." Syrus whimpered

"And just let us know if we can help." Chumley added

"Just focus on wining this Duel and getting us out of here." Kallian added

"Don't worry Kallian, I have all the help I need right here in my deck." Jaden said as he and Nightshroud activated their Duel disks. "All right let's throw down."

"**Duel!"**

**Jaden: 8000**

**Nightshroud: 8000**

"I'll take the first move key keeper." Nightshroud sneered as he drew his card. "And I summon Troop Dragon in defence mode." A small green dragon in armour and holding a sword and shield appeared kneeling down (Level 2 Attack 700 Defense 800) "And I'll play one card face down and then end my turn."

"All right, my turn." Jaden said as he drew his card and he looked at it. "I summon my dragonslayer, Elemental Hero Wildheart in attack mode." A dark skinned warrior appeared on the field (Level 4 Attack 1500 Defense 1600) "And now Wildheart is going to attack your Troop Dragon. Show him that that sword of yours isn't for show, attack!" Wildheart charged at troop dragon and he slashed his sword which caused the Troop Dragon to shatter.

But Nightshroud laughed. "You know there is something I forgot to mention, the Troop Dragon's special ability. When he is destroyed and sent to the graveyard, I can summon another one from my deck in defense mode." He sneered as a second Troop Dragon appeared.

"So that's why he's called Troop Dragon." Jaden sighed. "I end my turn"

"My turn." Nightshroud sneered. "And now I play my face down card, Call of the Haunted, in order to summon back my first Troop Dragon." Nightshroud's first Dragon appeared on the field so now he had two dragons. "But he won't be around for long because now I will sacrifice my Troop Dragons in order to summon..."

"Summon what?" Alexis questioned

"Oh boy." Jaden sighed

"... The Red Eyes Black Dragon!" Nightshroud finished

"Uh oh, it looks like this Shadow Rider uses a Red Eyes deck." Solona said

"Is that bad?" Sereda asked

"There are support cards for the Red Eyes which I've haven't seen yet." Solona explained

A large dragon emerged from the fire near the orb where Syrus, Chumley and Kallian were which caused the three Slifers to jump back in shock. "It's cool you two, the wall is still holding." Chumley said and the he leant his hands against the barrier but then his hand went right though the barrier which caused him to fall backwards "Though it's a smaller piece."

"It's disappearing!" Syrus gasped

"So that's what he meant by this orb's not built to last." Kallian added in fright.

Then the flaming dragon exploded onto the barrier and a huge black scaled dragon with red eyes that glowed red with hatred and anger appeared on the field (Level 7 Attack 2400 Defense 2000) Jaden gasped in fear at the attack points. "Now Red Eyes, attack Wildheart with Inferno Fire Blast!" Nightshroud ordered and then Red Eyes sent a powerful blast of red fire which exploded and engulfed Wildheart who groaned in pain before shattering. The explosion threw Jaden back.

"Jaden!" Alexis shouted

"That hurt." Jaden moaned as his life points lowered

**Jaden: 7100**

**Nightshroud: 8000**

"That's the nature of the Shadow Game" Nightshroud laughed "I end my turn"

"My turn." Jaden drew his card and smiled at it. "I summon Elemental Hero Bubbleman to the field in attack mode." The small blue man with water pistols appeared in attack mode (Level 4 Attack 800 Defense 1200) "And since he is the only monster on my field, I can draw two more cards." Jaden drew his next two cards "Next I play the spell card Polymerization to fuse Elemental Hero Clayman in my hand with Bubbleman on my field in order of summon Elemental Hero Mudballman in defence mode." A large grey hero mad of mud balls with Bubbleman's face appeared on the field kneeling down (Level 6 Attack 1900 Defense 3000) "And then I will end my turn by throwing one card face down."

"My move." Nightshroud sneered. "If you think my Red Eyes was tough; well I have another thing that's even tougher. I'll start by playing the spell card Red Eyes Insight. Now by sending one Red Eyes monster from my hand or deck to the grave, I can add one Red Eyes spell or trap card to my hand. So I will send my Red Eyes Wyvern from my deck to the graveyard to add Red Eyes Fusion to my hand. And now I will activate it, Red Eyes Fusion."

"Wait, what does that do?" Jaden asked

"It works like your Polymerization key keeper." Nightshroud sneered. "Only it allows me to fuse monsters from my hand, deck or field so now I will fuse Red Eyes Black Dragon with Meteor Dragon in my deck. These two monsters together will create the powerful Meteor Black Dragon." Nightshroud laughed as he Red Eyes Vanished and then a new Flame from the lava appeared which landed on the field creating a large dragon had from Lava and still had molten lava dripping from its body (Level 8 Attack 3500 Defence 2000)

"Oh no!" Sereda cried. "Now he has a monster with more attack points than Jaden's Mudballman."

Nightshroud laughed. "Well I could destroy that pathetic Mud ball but I have something else in mind. Now this monster's attack is an actual card. I play the spell card Inferno Fire Blast."

"Wait, I thought Red Eyes Black Dragon has to be on the field in order to use that." Solona countered

Nightshroud laughed. "Any fusion monster summoned with Red Eyes Fusion is named Red Eyes Black Dragon." He laughed. "Now prepare for a world of pain, Meteor Black Dragon, attack Jaden's Life points directly." Meteor Black Dragon created a ball made from Lava and then threw it at Jaden causing the ball to explode and Jaden yelled in pain from the burns.

**Jaden: 3600**

**Nightshroud: 8000**

"Jaden!" Alexis yelled

"Oh no!" Syrus gasped

"Jaden's life points have gone down by more than half!" Chumley added

"If Jaden doesn't do something soon, then he will lose." Sereda said

"At least that Shadow Rider can no longer attack since Inferno Fire Blast prevents his monster from attacking." Solona said

"Well I will end my turn there." Nightshroud said

"All right, my turn." Jaden said. *'And from the rate that orb is disappearing, this may be my last chance to save my friends.'* Jaden then drew his card 'and the world' Jaden then looked at his card. "All right Nightshroud, I play my face down card, De-Fusion, which separates my Mudballman back into Clayman and Bubbleman." The Mudball vanished and was replaced with the two Heroes that made him up. "And now I play the spell card Fusion Save which allows me to add a Polymerization from my deck to my hand. Which I will now use to fuse Clayman with Elemental Hero Burstinatrix in my hand in order to summon, Elemental Hero Gaia in attack mode." Jaden grey armored warrior appeared on the field (Level 6 Attack 2200 Defence 2600)

"All right, that's one of Jaden's best monsters." Alexis cheered

"Too bad you've made a big mistake." Nightshroud mocked "Your armored Hero doesn't have enough attack points to destroy my Dragon."

"Oh yes he does." Jaden smirked. "Because when Gaia is fusion summoned, his ability halves the attack points of one of your monsters and adds those attack points to my Gaia so now your Meteor Black Dragon gets weaker." Nightshroud gasped as his dragon get weaker and Gaia got stronger. (MBD Attack 3500-1750) (EHG Attack: 2200-3950) "But before I attack I will sacrifice Bubbleman in order to summon Elemental Hero Necroshade in attack mode." Bubbleman was replaced with a monster with Red Scales which looked more like a fiend (Level 5 Attack 1600 Defense 1800) "Now Gaia, destroy that dragon." Jaden ordered and then Gaia threw a large fist at the Meteor Black Dragon and destroyed him.

**Jaden: 3600**

**Nightshroud: 5800**

"And I'm not done yet." Jaden added. "My Necroshade still hasn't attacked yet so now Necroshade, attack him directly." Necroshade then punched Nightshroud in the chest which caused him to flinch a bit."

**Jaden: 3600**

**Nightshroud: 4200**

"Now our life points are nearly the same again." Jaden cheered

"All right, Jaden managed to get back into the game." Chumley cheered but his hand went out of the hole in the orb so he felt the heat from the Volcano which caused him to pull back his hand. "OW, Hot."

"Jaden better hurry." Kallian gasped. "This Orb may not last much longer."

"You just got lucky this turn." Nightshroud growled

"Hey I make my own luck." Jaden replied. "I place one card face down and end my turn." Gaia's attack points then returned to normal (EHG Attack 3950-2200)

"Well now it's my move." Nightshroud added. "And I play the spell card Dark Dragon Ritual."

"Dark Dragon Ritual?" Jaden questioned

"Uh oh, that's got to be a ritual monster." Alexis said, her deck had ritual monsters in her deck.

"Now I discard my Red Eyes Retro Dragon from my hand in order to Ritual Summon, my Paladin of Dark Dragon." Nightshroud added and then a dark armored warrior on a black dragon appeared on the field (Ritual Level 4 Attack 1900 Defende 1200) "And now Paladin, destroy that Necroshade." He ordered and the dragon flew towards Necroshade and the warrior of the Dragon's back impaled Necroshade through the chest and destroyed him.

**Jaden: 3300**

**Nightshroud: 4200**

"Well I play my face down card, Hero Signal." Jaden said as soon as his Necroshade was destroyed. "Now since you destroyed a Hero Monster, I can summon another one from my deck and I choose Elemental Hero Heat." Jaden's small red and yellow warrior with a flaming aura appeared on the field (Level 4 Attack 1600 Defence 1200) "And Heat's special ability allows him to gain an extra 200 attack points for every Hero on my field so with two Heroes on my field, that's an extra 400 attack points." (EHH Attack 1600-2000)

"Well now I end my turn which activates the effect of my Red Eyes Wyvern that's in my graveyard. Now since I didn't normal summon as Ritual summoning counts as a special summon, now I can remove my Wyvern from play which allows me to summon my Red Eyes Black Dragon in my graveyard." Nightshroud said and his large Black Dragon returned to the field as his turn ended.

"Oh man, and my Gaia's effect only activates on the turn he is summoned." Jaden said. "My draw." Jaden looked at his card, "I switch my Heat into defence mode and then I will summon Elemental Hero Lady Heat in defense mode." A red and white armored warrior woman with flaming red hair and flaming aura appeared on the field kneeling down (Level 4 Attack 1300 Defense 1000) "And now Gaia will destroy that Paladin." Gaia threw a fist and destroyed the Paladin.

**Jaden: 3300**

**Nightshroud: 3900**

"I now end my turn which activates my Lady Heat's special ability. Now I deal 200 points of damage for every Elemental Hero in my field so with three on the field, you take 600 damage." Jaden added and then Lady Heat threw a fireball at Nightshroud which caused him to cover his face.

**Jaden: 3300**

**Nightshroud: 3300**

"It's your move." Jaden finished

"Well you may have some defense but you won't have that around for long." Nightshroud sneered. "I summon Mirage Dragon in attack mode." A long serpent like dragon with yellow scales and bluish green hair appeared on the field (Level 4 Attack 1600 Defense 600) "Next I equip my Red Eyes with Dragon Treasure which gives him an extra 300 attack points" (REBD Attack 2400-2700) "And now Red Eyes, destroy that Gaia. Inferno Fire Blast." Jaden's Gaia was destroyed by a blast from Red Eyes "And now Mirage Dragon will destroy that Lady Heat, and you know what that means, no more hits from her ability." Mirage Dragon sent a blue blast which destroyed Lady Heat and leaving Jaden with only one monster. "That will do it for my turn."

"Fine then." Jaden said as he drew his card. "I play the spell card, the Warrior Returning Alive, now I can get Elemental Hero Clayman back to my hand." Clayman returned to his hand. "And now I will play the spell card Fusion Gate. Now I don't need to fuse using Polymerization, so I will fuse Elemental Hero Heat on my field with Clayman in my hand in order to summon, Elemental Hero Nova Master." A red warrior with spikes on his armor appeared on the field (Level 8 Attack 2600 Defense 2100) "Then I play Mystical Space Typhoon to destroy that Dragon's Treasure." A typhoon appeared and destroyed Nightshroud's equip spell which caused Red Eye's attack points to return to normal (REBD Attack 2700-2400) "Also since Necroshade is in my graveyard, I can summon an Elemental Hero without a sacrifice. So I summon Elemental Hero Bladedge." The golden armored warrior appeared on the field (Level 7 Attack 2600 Defense 1800) "And now Bladedge, destroy that Red Eyes with Slice and Dice Attack." Bladedge swung the blades on his arms and slice through Red Eyes and destroyed him.

**Jaden: 3300**

**Nightshroud: 3100**

"And also my Nova Master will destroy that Mirage Dragon." Jaden added and then Nova Master threw a fiery fist and destroyed Mirage Dragon.

**Jaden: 3300**

**Nightshroud: 2100**

"And when Nova Master destroys a monster, I can draw one card." Jaden finished. "And I will end my turn by placing one card facedown.

"Luck that was just luck!" Nightshroud growled

"All right, Jaden is now winning." Syrus cheered as he, Chumley and Kallian leant forward only to start falling through as more of the orb disappeared. They screamed as they fell backwards.

"Jaden hurry!" Kallian yelled. "I don't how much longer this orb will last."

"Jaden that orb is disappearing fast!" Alexis yelled

"Chum, if we don't make it, know that you've been a good friend." Syrus said sadly

"Don't worry you three." Jaden shouted. "It's going to be all right. I'll get you out of there."

"Well it doesn't look like you will." Nightshroud laughed as he drew his card. "I play the spell card Pot of Greed to draw two more cards. Then I will play the spell card Monster Reincarnation which allows me to get my Red Eyes Black Dragon back to my hand." The Red Eyes returned to Nightshroud's hand "And now it is time to bring out the monster that will spell your doom."

"I don't like the sound of that" Sereda said

"Oh boy" Jaden complained

"I now summon Red Eyes Black Chick." Nightshroud said and then the barrier opened to bring out a large red Egg appeared from the Lava and then a small black dragon hatched from it. (Level 1 Attack 800 Defense 500)

"That's it, that's your big card?" Jaden asked

"This is not good!" Solona yelled and Jaden looked at her confused. "Remember Chick's special ability?"

Jaden then remembered that Red Eyes Black Chick had a special ability and Nightshroud had the right card in his hand to activate his effect. "Oh yeah"

Nightshroud laughed. "Now I use Chick's special ability. Now by sacrificing him, I can summon out his daddy, the Red Eyes Black Dragon." The Egg expanded and exploded to reveal the now fully grown red eyes.

"Oh man, he keeps bringing him back." Syrus complained

"At least that Dragon is weaker than Jaden's Heroes" Chumley added

Kallian sighed remembering that Red Eyes was still weaker that Nova Master and Bladedge.

"Actually that is a lie." Nightshroud added and everyone looked at him condused. "Red Eyes is powerful but he can get bigger. A lot bigger. Red Eyes, I now sacrifice you in order to summon the powerful Red Eyes Darkness Dragon." Red Eyes flew into the lava and emerged as a new dragon that was bigger with red and orange markings on its body and his wings could separate (Level 9 Attack 2400 Defense 2000) "And now the molten ashes of my fallen dragon have their uses. Now my Darkness Dragon gains 300 Attack points for every Dragon in the graveyard." Jaden gasped as small fiery forms of dragons appeared and since Nightshroud had 7 in his graveyard so that was an extra 2100 attack points (REDD Attack 2400-4500)

"4500 Attack points?" Alexis gasped

"Yes now watch them in action!" Nightshroud shouted. "With my Darkness Dragon on my field, this Duel just got much harder. Face it key keeper, this Duel will be over soon. And your key, your friends your soul, they will all be mine soon! Red Eyes Darkness Dragon, destroy that Nova Master with Inferno Dark Fire!" Red Eyes Darkness Dragon sent a blast of black fire which exploded into Nova master and destroyed him. Jaden was thrown back in the explosion.

**Jaden: 1400**

**Nightshroud: 2100**

"Relax, this duel will be over soon." Nightshroud mocked

"It will be soon!" Jaden hissed. "And I'll be winning this Duel." *'I just hope, that I can win this Duel because if I don't then it will be over for me.'*

…

Meanwhile, all of the other Key keepers were all experiencing something with their Spirit keys. Zane was standing at the Lighthouse with his Spirit Key around his neck. But he could feel the Spirit key shaking around his neck, like it was trying to signal something.

"The Spirit key." Zane said to himself, "It's shaking, like it's trying to tell me something. It seems to be sensing a Duel or a Shadow Rider. And he is close by."

…

Over at the Ra Yellow Dorm, Bastion was sitting at his deck with his spirit key around his neck. He was trying to come up with a strategic to help him defeat the Shadow Riders. Then he noticed his spirit key. "The Spirit Key, it's shaking."

Theorn and Neria were looking at their decks and they also noticed their keys shaking. "Our keys." Neria said as she felt her key shaking

"It looks like they are trying to warn us of something." Theorn finished. Unknown to both of them, there was another figure outside spying of them.

…

Over at the Slifer Dorm, Chazz was lying in his bed in his new Slifer Red room trying to get some sleep. Though his new spirit partner, Ojama Yellow was distracting him by dancing in front of him.

"Stop dancing already!" He growled. "I'm trying to sleep."

"Sorry boss" Yellow Apologized. "I'm just trying to keep up with that spirit key."

Chazz then angrily shot up and swatted Yellow away.

"Actually, what is that trembling?" He asked himself and then he noticed his Spite key was shaking.

…

At the Obelisk Blue Dorm, Dr Crowler was fast asleep in his room with a sleep mask on his face and his key was on top of his blanket so he did not feel the key shaking. However, Aedan and Daylen were in the Obelisk Common room trying to come up with a plan but Daylen noticed something was wrong.

"Hey Aedan, do you feel that?" He asked. "Our Spirit keys are shaking about."

…

Meanwhile, Sheppard was in his room as he covered his face with his hands.

"What were you thinking Sheppard?" He asked himself. "Placing your students in danger like that? Getting them involved in a battle with such high stakes. But then again, there was no choice, after all the world needs protecting and there were no other options. After all if those Shadow Riders get hold of those three sacred Beast cards, they will be destroyed no matter what. We all will."

…

Back at the Volcano, Jaden drew his next card as he started his next move. "All right Nightshroud, I'll switch Bladedge to defense mode and then I'll summon Wroughtweiler in defense mode." A small mechanical dog appeared on the field kneeling down (Attack 800 Defende 1200) "And finally I place one card face down and end my turn."

"It's my turn." Nightshroud sneered. "And I summon Spear Dragon in attack mode." A blue and white Dragon appeared on the field with a spiky nose and sharp wings (Level 4 Attack 1900 Defense 0) "And don't think I'm falling for your tricks Jaden. You have two face downs so it must be a trap. So I'll eliminate the trap with this spell card, Heavy Storm. Now all spell and trap cards on the field are destroyed." A large tornado appeared and destroyed the Fusion Gate Field spell and Jaden's face downs which were Call of the Haunted and Draining Shield. "Now with that out of the way, Red Eyes Darkness Dragon, destroy Bladedge with Inferno Dark Fire." Bladedge was destroyed by Darkness Dragon's blast. "Now Spear Dragon, destroy that mechanical dog." Spear Dragon swooped down and speared right through Wroughtweiler and destroyed him.

"Whoops, now you've activated Wroughtweiler's special ability which allows me to get Polymerization and Elemental Hero Wildheart back from the grave and into my hand." Jaden smirked but then his eyes widened and then he felt something spear right through him and he fell to his knees and he held his chest "Wait what was that?"

**Jaden: 700**

**Nightshroud: 2100**

"That key keeper was Spear Dragon's special ability." Nightshroud replied. "When he attacks a monster in defence mode, the difference is added to you as damage, although Spear Dragon must switch into defense mode." Spear Dragon then knelt down. "Oh and I still have one last trick to play. I play the spell card Hinotama which deals 500 points of damage to you." A large fireball was thrown at Jaden which exploded. Jaden screamed in pain as the fireball exploded and when the smoke cleared, Jaden was lying on his stomach.

**Jaden: 200**

**Nightshroud: 2100**

"It's your move." Nightshroud laughed. "That is if you have any strength left to move."

"Jaden!" Alexis yelled

"Oh no." Syrus wailed

"Jaden!" Chumley added

"Get up!" Kallian shouted

By now, Alexis had finally had enough of this.

"Enough, this duel is over!" Dhe yelled

"Alexis wait; you can't interfere with a Shadow Duel!" Solona yelled

"Says who?" Nightshroud demanded at Alexis' question

"Says me and this." Alexis shouted and she showed off her Spirit key. "I have a Spirit Gate key too. So let my friends go and duel me instead and have my soul either way."

"Alexis no!" Sereda yelled. "Sacrificing yourself won't help us!"

Nightshroud looked at Alexis. "I know you." He said quietly to himself

"You can't lose." Alexis added. "So let them go and deal with me."

"No!" Jaden shouted as he managed to push himself up. "I won't let you Alexis. Besides, I'm just about to win this."

"He's delirious." Alexis said "Jaden you barely have any life points left."

"I know but a duel is not over until the last card is played." Jaden said. "And now I'm about to get my game on" Jaden then drew his card. "I summon Wildheart back to the field." Elemental Hero Wildheart returned to Jaden's field. "And now I play the spell card Wild Half. Since Wildheart is on the field, I can halve the original attack points of one of your monsters and it summons a token monster." Red Eyes Darkness dragon then split into two small dragons (Attack 3300)

"But because of those Dragons in Nightshroud's graveyard, they still have 3300 attack points." Solona said

"I hope Jaden knows what he is doing." Sereda added

"Next I play Card of Sanctity, now we both draw until we hold 6 cards." Both Jaden and Nightshroud drew until they had 6 cards in their hands. "Too bad you won't get a chance to use yours." Jaden smirked. "Now I play Monster Reincarnation, now by discarding one card, I can add Bladedge back to my hand." Jaden added and Bladedge returned to Jaden's hand. "Next I use Polymerization to fuse Wildheart on my field with Bladedge in my hand in order to summon Elemental Hero Wildedge." A warrior who looked like Wildheart wearing Bladedge's armour appeared on the field (Level 8 Attack 2600 Defence 2300)

"So what, that card doesn't have the attack points to destroy my Darkness Dragons" Nightshroud laughed

"Watch what you say." Jaden said. "Because Skyscraper will give Wildedge those attack points." Jaden then activated his field spell which caused a large city to appear from the lava. "Now when my Heroes battle a monster with more attack points, they gain an extra 1000 attack points. Also Wildedge can attack all of your monsters. Now go Wildedge, destroy all of Nightshroud's monsters." Wildedge sent two sharp spikes from his glove which destroyed both the Darkness Dragons and then Wildedge swung his sword and destroyed Spear Dragon."

**Jaden: 200**

**Nightshroud: 1500**

"Well I still have life points!" Nightshroud hissed

"Well I still have one card to play, I now use." Jaden smirked. "I play the spell card De-Fusion which splits Wildedge back into Bladedge and Wildheart." Nightshroud gasped when Jaden had two more monsters on his field. "Now Bladedge, end this Duel, attack Nightshroud directly with Slice and Dice attack." Bladedge sliced Nightshroud with the sharp edges of his armour.

**Jaden: 200 (Winner)**

**Nightshroud: 0000**

"No!" Nightshroud yelled as he fell to his knees and then a pillar of fire surrounded him. More pillars appeared and Jaden fell to his knees.

"JADEN!" Solona, Alexis and Sereda yelled as they ran towards them but then the fire engulfed them and there was a bright flash which forced them to cover their eyes.

...

Outside on the volcano, there were several small flashes and everyone in the volcano was no on the mountain slope of the volcano.

"What the?" Chumley questioned

"We're alive." Syrus gasped

"We made it out." Kallian added

Nearby, Alexis and Solona managed to push themselves up while Sereda was already up.

"He did it." Sereda said

"Jaden did it." Alexis agreed

"He beat the first Shadow rider." Solona finished

Then they all gasped when they saw Jaden lying nearby and not moving.

"Oh no!" Syrus shouted as they all ran over to Jaden's body. "Jaden wake up, please wake up. You can't leave us like this."

"He's fine Syrus." Sereda said

"Yeah he just needs some rest after that Duel." Solona added

"He'll be all right." Alexis agreed and then he saw the card lying next to him. "Which is more than what I can say for Nightshroud." Alexis picked up the card and looked at it to see that the card now had a shadowy background with chains and Nightshroud's mask. "At least we will be safe from him now." Alexis then saw the body of the Shadow Rider and she walked over to it. Then she saw the body move and open his eyes to look at her.

"Alexis?" The person said softly and then closed his eyes again.

Alexis gasped when she realized who this Shadow Rider really was. "It can't be!"

"Jaden hold on we're coming!" A voice shouted and Solona, Sereda, Kallian, Syrus and Chumley all turned to see Bastion, Daylen, Theorn, Neria , Aedan, Chazz and Zane running towards them.

"What happened?" Chazz demanded

"One of the Shadow Riders challenged Jaden to a Duel." Syrus explained.

"Are you all right?" Daylen asked

"We're fine brother." Solona answered

"They all just need some rest." Neria said

"We all felt something was wrong as our Spirit keys started shaking and they guided us here." Theorn claimed. "It seems like the keys are connected and can sense when one of the key keepers is in trouble."

"So is that the Shadow Rider?" Zane asked and then he and Aedan walked over to the body of the fallen Shadow Rider where they saw Alexis in tears and holding the body of the Shadow Rider.

"Alexis?" Aedan asked when he saw her crying. "Are you all right?"

"It's him." Alexis sobbed. "It's really him. I've found him. I don't understand how but it's really him. I thought I lost him but he's back."

"What are you talking about Alexis?" Zane asked

"Look at his face Zane." Alexis said. "It's my brother."

Zane and Aedan gasped when they saw the Shadow Rider's face when the mask was removed to show a older boy with long brown hair.

"Atticus?" Zane gasped

"It wasn't him before, but that card took whatever was holding him." Alexis sobbed. "He's back now."

Aedan looked at the others as they walked over with Chumley carrying Jaden on his back.

"If this is what happens when you win a duel against these Shadow Riders, then losing will be much worse. The sun may be rising now, but night will come again and when it does, we must be ready." He said

"And don't forget what Sheppard said." Solona added. "This is only the first Shadow Rider."

"And there is still one more on the Island." Sereda added. "When that Rider comes, we must watch out because he could target any one of us."

They all watched as the sun began rising on the horizon.

**Duel!"**