18 Four Vs One - 17
A/N: Busy cleaning. There was another flood in my basement from the pipes leaking again. And this time it damaged my cable/internet plug wires that connects to this household. [It's connected through from the basement]
:^(
***
Text message: From Alexis.
Can you meet me by the port tonight? I want to talk to you and Zane about something. You are the only two I can talk to about this. Please.
~
[Are you going?] Dark Magician Girl asked, her smile growing smug as she read the text message while propping her chin on my shoulder. Tsk, I immediately deleted that text message.
"It's probably something stupid," I mumbled as I plopped down onto the floor, resting in the warm sunlight outside at the park.
[Like her concerns for her brother.] I telepathically thought about the conversation of the future.
[His memories, right?] She asked.
[We had nothing to do with it.] I clarified.
[That's true. But is there even a way to get it back?] She tried to delve into the possibility through her memories.
[Do you know a way to open the Shadow Realm and specifically retrieve Nightshroud?] I replied telepathically, my thoughts filled with uncertainty.
[I think I have some clues. I'm not going to do it, though. There's a high chance of causing a rift,] Dark Magician Girl thoughtfully explained.
[Figures... Hey, what about some magical items from my Gate of Infinity that might help with recovery?] I pondered.
[No.] She immediately rejected that option.
Oh well, her loss.
[So, the only option is.] I casually left out what I said while enjoying the dirt floor.
[Wait for Nightshroud to magically reappear and challenge him to a shadow game or something.] suggested Dark Magician Girl.
[You could have just shorten it to just, 'wait.']
[Honestly now that I think about it, I don't think these Spirit Key holders are going to lose anytime soon.] I added.
[Then doesn't that mean your plan is not gonna work then?] She questioned.
[Probably. I don't really see Jaden losing any time soon. Oh... Wait, he did lose to Kaibaman that one time. Lmao. Shouldn't that have already taken his Spirit Key.] I chuckled as I remembered Kaiba man.
[Doesn't work like that. Again, how do you know about parts you weren't there for?] Dark Magician Girl asked me once again.
[Will you believe me if I said I'm a prophet?]
[No,] She firmly denied any beliefs in my knowledge of the future.
[Well, let's say I watched this world happen once when I was a kid, and never bothered watching it again. There are lots of seasons and I could only pick up bits and pieces from what I can remember.] I casually explained.
[And…then?]
[I only watched 'season one' and that's it.] I stated.
[You're not going to tell me more!?]
[I barely remember what I ate for breakfast. Besides, I mainly remember Yugi's adventure, that was way more entertaining (abridged version at least). I saw you desperately trying to save the world. That was so cute.] To which Dark Magician Girl materialized, started pouting, and pinched my cheeks.
***
It was 8 PM sharp when Alexis and Zane arrived together at the port at night.
"Zane..." Alexis began.
"I'm not sure if he's showing up," Zane chimed in, his tone reflecting a hint of concern.
"Why'd you want us here at this creepy port at night, anyway? Isn't it freezing out here at night?" I interrupted, stepping out and catching them off guard. Dark Magician Girl popped into existence, giving everyone a magical welcome.
"Gojo. Dark Magician Girl." Zane nodded.
"Hey, Gojo, Hey Dark Magician Girl." Alexis waved with a neutral expression.
"Heya, pals~" Dark Magician Girl cheerily waved as she floated, wrapping her arms around Gojo from behind.
"I thought you guys would like the scenery here." Alexis explained, her gaze drifting over the moonlit waters.
"It's mid. This 'talk' better not be about your brother. It's a waste of time. End of story." I casually dismissed the entire conversation in a matter-of-fact tone.
"Gojo, you can't just brush it off like that," Zane retorted, his eyes narrowing in concern.
"He's a close friend of mine," He added, his voice tinged with a hint of melancholy.
"Your friend is alive, fully intact, breathing, and conscious." I pointed out.
"Only just missing memories. And given that piece of shit is the one who magically possessed him, I wouldn't be surprised if he makes a comeback and challenges us to another shadow game," I said, giving the answer they needed. However, it was my tone and my boredom that seemed to irritate the two.
"Just give it a thought. All we have to do is wait for him." I flopped down on the floor, my exhaustion visible in my posture.
"As much as I hate my husband's wording. He's right, there is not much to do other than waiting for another shadow game and beating Nightshroud in his own game." Dark Magician Girl added, her words carrying a sense of resignation.
"Shadow games this, Shadow rider that. I'm surprised you're still holding up from these, Alexis. The first one, in particular, was dangerous, and you survived that. I'm glad you are still safe." I added, offering a compliment. Zane nodded in agreement.
Zane and Alexis were watching this man just casually and swiftly change topics from what was supposed to be a serious conversation.
"Now that's outta the way. What are we here for? You know texting is for emergencies, and calling is for when the world is coming to an end." I reminded her.
"I— " Alexis was about to respond, but her words were cut short when a horde of mummies suddenly emerged from the floor.
In hindsight, I probably should have seen this coming, but what kind of mummies could scale concrete or hardened floors on the port? They just clawed their way up through the solid marble.
But
"I guess you weren't wrong about this emergency group meeting!" I said excitedly. Dark Magician Girl sighed, looking a bit resigned by my attitude, behavior, and common sense. She transformed into a spiritual form, ready to keep an eye out for any potential enemy scouts or lookouts.
"Ehhh!!" Alexis yelled in confusion.
Zane quickly positioned himself in front of Alexis, shielding her from the encroaching mummies.
As I watched the absurdity unfold in front of me, I tilted my head in amusement. I rose to my feet with ease, moving closer to the mummies to get a better look. I then swung my fist and shattered one of the walking corpses into pieces with a single powerful punch, without hesitation.
"Very weak. (Yowai Mo.)" I said as I continued.
"Gojo!? Be careful!" Alexis yelled, but my swing continued, eventually hitting all the remaining mummies in front of me and breaking their corpses into pieces.
["They can regenerate…"] Dark Magician Girl and I both thought in unison as we observed the pieces of rotten flesh attempting to scrap and group together, working tirelessly to reassemble itself.
As I strolled up to another mummy, I unleashed a swift kick at one of the zombie's core bodies that were in the process of regenerating, sending it hurtling towards the ocean to test its capabilities. It, unsurprisingly, couldn't swim, and as I observed its futile struggle. Immediately, the mummies that had half regenerated began to retreat hastily, seemingly unnerved by my abnormal behavior and unusual strength.
"You know, normally Alexis's behavior is the normal one here. Why are you all so excited?" Zane asked, noticing my wide grin.
"If they can regenerate, isn't it more fun to think of a way to counter them? I've only thought of a couple of options: immobilize them or just trap them in an environment where they can't resist." I said, giving a peace sign as if letting them know it's all under control.
"No, the thought of these mummies even being immortal is terrifying!" Zane scowled, his concern evident.
"Anyways, I can take it from here," I assured them. With a wave of my hand, rings of golden light emerged all over the place, illuminating the entire seaport for everyone to see. Weapons began to rain down and fired at lightning speed, shooting and mutilating all the mummified corpses, pinning them to the floor.
Zane and Alexis's jaws dropped at the spectacle, amazed by the unexpected display of power.
However, at that very moment, Jaden, Syrus, and Chazz, who were up by the cliff and had been shocked at what was happening, saw mummies suddenly decapitated and bathed in a rain of golden weapons within a brilliant golden light.
"Why are you guys even here!" Zane shouted, turning his attention to Jaden as he heard Jaden yelling Alexis's name. To make matters worse, mummies began to spawn in Jaden's vicinity.
'Necromancy?' I quickly considered before launching a barrage of weapons at the mummies that had gathered close to Jaden. They were pinned to the trees by the weapons, which rendered them helpless. Since Jaden's location was on dirt, many had probably spawned there.
That was until a mummy's voice echoed, "Give us the spirit key!"
'Shadow riders?' everyone thought.
"Oh, my fucking me. Of course, it's just going to be another card game coming up soon," I sighed.
The weapons disappeared after I willed it. However right after, a flying golden ship emerged in golden light, appearing above us.
'Woah, I have almost the same ship, in my Gate of Infinity,' I thought internally. 'Let's shoot it down.'
"...Jutsushiki Hanten・Aka," I said as I took aim with my index finger, preparing to fire it at the ship. Alexis and Zane were looking at me horrified after I said that, witnessing the creation of a crimson red glow appearing on my index finger.
[Husband, Stop!] Dark Magician Girl telepathically yelled, alarmed as the ship began to grow brighter and brighter. I could feel the sensation of teleportation surrounding the duelists around us.
[You really want this teleport to go through?] I was surprised.
[It's safe! Trust me.] She went back into a sphere of pink light and merged with me.
"Duelists, I have come for you!" An announcement echoed for everyone to hear.
'Come faster next time then.' I put on the invisible ring and made myself invisible.
~
As we were teleported onto the ship, we found ourselves at the deck of the boat. I quickly glanced around and noticed that the entire group was safe. Hell, even Professor Banner was here with his cat.
[Soooooo?] I turned to my wife, a hint of curiosity in my voice.
[This guy isn't a real threat, you know.] She sighed softly.
[I'll be the judge of that,] I replied with determination.
[He's an Egyptian Pharaoh. His name is Abydos the third.] She reluctantly disclosed.
[Never heard of him. Guess he was never that important. Who is he, anyway?] I questioned.
[Famous for being undefeated in his time,] Dark Magician Girl mused.
[...I'm listening.] I leaned in, intrigued by the possibility of learning something new about hidden legends, especially since even the great Atem had his share of L(losses).
[Abydos is a sore loser, to be honest,] Dark Magician Girl huffed.
[?] I blinked in confusion at the unexpected revelation.
[Right. There was a time he tried courting me too,] She added, her tone revealing a hint of annoyance.
[Ah. That means he needs to die.] I concluded after hearing that.
As I rose from my spot, Dark Magician Girl stepped in front of me, attempting to stop me.
[That was a long time ago, and, of course, I firmly denied his advances. What I wanted to say was that he isn't exactly a great duelist, but he is a descendant of a Pharaoh,] Dark Magician Girl clarified, providing some context to Abydos's reputation.
[So, he won because... people let him?] I questioned, trying to make sense of this revelation.
She nodded.
[Man, I can't imagine history after that. Not even Atem held the undefeated title.] I shook my head in disbelief.
[Probably.]
[Are we going to let Jaden and the others handle this?] I asked, considering our options.
[Yeah, I didn't think Abydos would actually be chosen as a shadow rider, though. 💀] Dark Magician Girl started giggling.
[Okay then 👌, I'm going to rob him,] I declared with a mischievous grin.
[Huh?] She responded in confusion.
[What else are we supposed to do? If he's a Pharaoh, then he must be loaded! And I doubt he'd mind losing with a few things or twenty.]
[If there's anything worth stealing, it would be at his tomb. Why bother?] She pouted, reluctantly following me as I started exploring the ship's interior.
[It's our mini date now. Before the real duel starts. Come on~] I smirked, playfully grabbing her spiritual hand.
~
Like in the anime, Jaden beated Abydos with normal and effect monsters. Not a single fusion monster was pulled out 💀
I returned to the ship's deck. There, I observed that the duel had come to a close.
To my surprise, the man the legend the pharaoh known for being 'undefeated' had been defeated by Jaden, with not a single fusion monster out in the duel. 💀
"Anyone seen Gojo?" Alexis anxiously scanned the area, her voice laden with concern and deep-seated anxiety as she realized I was nowhere to be found. But the next moment I reappeared beside her.
I couldn't help but wear a frown on my face as I observed the seemingly questionable scene unfolding before me. "Wow, are they hugging right now? Wasn't he an enemy who actually started this 'Shadow Game'?" I quipped, unable to contain my amusement at the unexpected turn of events.
"Eeep, Gojo!?" Alexis screeched, surprised by my sudden reappearance as I deactivated my invisibility with a playful grin. She tried to smack me for that.
Abydos then expressed his desire to bring Jaden with him to his time after losing the duel. I didn't want to hear what they were talking about. It sounded gay from my point of view. Instead, I was busy chatting with Alexis.
Shortly after, we were all transported to the ground, where we watched Abydos disappear in a flash of golden light, swallowed by a time vortex warping loophole.
"Farewell," Abydos solemnly announced before disappearing into the unknown.
'Weird, I'm pretty sure Banner was on that ship's deck, and he was unconscious. Shouldn't he have teleported with us? Well, that does change the plan a bit, but it will be fine,' I mused to myself as I walked alongside the group toward our dormitory.
~
"I'm starting to get quite a collection. But where's the shadow rider with a skateboard?" Jaden exclaimed with excitement, swinging around a counterfeit Millennium item.
Alexis and Zane were a bit quiet and had a lot of things to say but wasn't sure what.
"Hmmm. How did the duel go, Jaden?" I asked, my voice filled with curiosity. I was currently being forcibly held by Alexis, who had taken my hand to prevent my disappearing and reappearing antics from scaring her.
"Didn't you watch?" Jaden asked, his eyebrows raised in surprise.
"No, I was busy looting inside the ship," I casually dropped a bombshell, my tone suggesting that my activities took priority over seeing the duel.
"YOU DID WHAT?!" Syrus, Chazz, Zane, Alexis, and Jaden all shouted in unison, their voices a mix of disbelief and shock at my audacious actions.
"Anyways I wanted to ask you guys something." I said with a determined tone.
However, Chazz was having none of it. "No, no, no! Don't casually change subjects. What did you steal?" He demanded, his eyes narrowing with genuine curiosity.
Alexis, still holding my hand to prevent my disappearing act, chimed in, "No, what were those golden lights and weapons shooting? That was your doing right?"
Zane added his curiosity to the mix, "And how are you so strong? I remember that scene before the Shadow Rider."
Syrus, seemingly still processing the information, finally exclaimed in surprise, "Wait, that was all Gojo's doing?" He stared at me with a newfound sense of awe.
"Oh, those were all pretty insane and awesome. Anyways, Gojo, I beat the undefeated Egyptian Pharaoh!" Jaden exclaimed with a triumphant smile, flashing his iconic peace sign.
Despite their excitement, concerns, and questions I had my own agenda. I needed to challenge and defeat all of the key holders here in order to unlock the seal that held the three Sacred Beasts cards.
As the chatterboxes continued, I let go of Alexis's hand and walked ahead of the group, stopping in front of them. That's when things took an unexpected turn.
"None of you guys are leaving. I'm challenging all of you key holders to a duel, and I want you guys to wager your Spirit Keys," I declared firmly, activating my Duel Disk to emphasize the seriousness of my challenge.
That was when the group stopped.
…
"What?" Zane was the first to speak up realizing I was serious.
"What do you mean, Gojo!? What are you doing?" Alexis yelled in a mix of confusion and concern.
"Yeah, what's going on, man?" Jaden chimed in, clearly puzzled.
"Guys, I think he's serious…" Syrus shuddered, feeling an ominous pressure looming coming from me.
"Hmph, finally, my turn to duel. I've always heard about you only through rumors. It's time for a fact check!" Chazz declared as he activated his Duel Disk.
"Sorry, Chazz, but I fully intend to duel all four of you simultaneously," I openly declared.
"I'll even make it fair. I'll take just one turn instead of four, going back-to-back with each of you," I added, my resolve unwavering.
"You're looking down on us!" Zane narrowed his eyes in response.
"Gojo, snap out of it. Please don't do this," Alexis pleaded, her anxiety apparent.
~
Professor Banner, who was quite a distance away, observed the situation through his binoculars. "Now, this is a surprise…" he mumbled, blinking in astonishment at this unexpected turn of events.
~
"You… You were a Shadow Rider!?" Jaden yelled, his voice filled with concern and suspicion.
"Nawh, Jaden, my actions are just beyond your comprehension. So, as you always say, 'Get your game on. Or get rekt," I smirked, playfully using his catchphrase.
"Then why are you doing this?" Jaden asked, gritting his teeth.
"There's no Shadow Game involved in all this. But if all of you guys wager your Spirit Keys. In exchange…"
"If I lose, I will have to take off my blindfold for you guys to see." I reluctantly stated, revealing something I clearly didn't want to do.
[Really, Husband? The one thing I'm privileged to see, and you are betting on that?] Dark Magician Girl telepathically voiced her displeasure. Her words carried a mix of concern and playful chiding.
Immediately, Jaden, Chazz, Alexis, and Zane readied their Duel Disks when they realized they had a chance to see what lay behind the blindfold. No, in fact things got serious.
"Get your game on!" Jaden fired up and roared.
"I won't lose like last time." Zane said with a menacing tone.
"I will tear that fucking blindfold off from you, Gojo!" Chazz yelled with fiery determination.
"Don't think I'll hold back!" Alexis excitedly proclaimed.
"Holy crap. The fate of the world is at stake here and you guys want to see what is behind Gojo's blindfold?" Syrus expressed his utter bewilderment, staring at his friends in disbelief.
"It's one of the top three mysteries in the academy, and it has not stopped since the beginning of the school year. In fact, it's ranked one. Don't you want to see it too?" Jaden explained, trying to convince his friend.
"He has never taken that off, no matter how much we asked him to. He always refused, and dodged every attempt. It's one of his absolute secrets." Alexis added.
Zane's assessment echoed through the group, intensifying their curiosity. "He will most likely never take that off his entire school year. There's no better chance than now," he muttered, heightening the anticipation among his fellow duelists.
The concern for the world? Fuck that shit, leave it to Kaiba and Yugi like how Gojo suggested. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that will never come twice. They all knew how stubborn I could be when it came to removing my blindfold. (This part had remained entirely off-screen.)
***
