Y/n= Your name

L/n= Last name

Y/n POV

My name is Y/n L/n.  And, this is the story of how my life changed forever.

I'm a 3rd-Year Obelisk Blue student at Duel Academy.  My deck is mostly Spirit Monsters, with a few exceptions.  I'm the second most respected duelist in the Obelisk Blue dorm, right behind my long time best friend, Zane Truesdale.

Anyway.  One day, he, Dr. Crowler and I were summoned by Chancellor Shepperd to his office, along with 4 others; Bastion Misawa, Chazz Princeton, Alexis Rhodes and Jaden Yuki. 

 He told us we were to protect 3 cards known as The Sacred Beasts.  And told us if they were ever to see the light of day, it would literally be the end of the world as we know it.  So because of this, he tasked the 7 of us with keeping the 7 Spirit Keys safe.  He also warned us about 7 duelists called the Shadow Riders who sought to release those Sacred Beasts.  And would try to take the keys from us.  But, only if they can defeat us in a duel.  

Naturally, Jaden was first to jump in and accept.  Next was Zane.  Then, Bastion.  Then, Alexis.  Then, Chazz.  Then, me.  And finally, Dr. Crowler.  All that was left to do was wait.  And hope we were ready for what for what lay ahead.

Later

It had been pretty crazy around here, lately.  Even more than usual.  Jaden managed to defeat the first Shadow Rider; a masked Dragon duelist called Nightshroud.  But that duel took a lot out of him.  Not only that, but Nightshroud turned out to be Alexis's missing brother, Atticus.  We couldn't believe it. 

Now, we're hearing rumors about a vampire on the island.  And a female one, at that.  Some thought it was just a dumb prank someone was playing.  But we suspected those rumors might not be just that.  And that this lady vampire might be another Shadow Rider.  So, Chancellor Shepperd told us to be on guard.

So far, there has been no clear evidence of any vampires on the island.  But while I was arranging my deck, I saw something by my window; a really creepy-looking bat.  Just as I spotted the creepy creature, it promptly flew away.  'I dunno about vampires, but I think we might have a bat infestation.' I thought to myself.  We spent the whole day looking all over the island, and still found nothing.  But, that would soon change.

Later That Night

Bastion, Chazz, Dr. Crowler, Professor Banner, Zane and I all gathered in the Chancellor's office to tell him the results of our search.  "Good news, Chancellor.  We searched the whole campus.  And, there's no.." Chazz said confidently.  But Chumley finished his thought, running in and yelling "VAMPIRE!!!"  "What!?  You mean you saw her!?" I asked him, "Yeah.  She's at the lake." he told us.  So, that's where we headed.

At The Lake

When we arrived at the foggy lake, we received a literal "red carpet" treatment.  "I think she's expecting us." Bastion commented.  "What makes ya say that?" I said, sarcastically.  "At least it's the red carpet treatment." Dr. Crowler commented.  "Crimson red.  How fitting." Zane said in his usual serious tone.  "Well.  Now, what?" I wondered.  "Now, we face her." Zane answered.  "Yeah, but who?" Chazz questioned.

While we were talking, our 2 Professors slowly backed away.  But, they bumped into each other and Crowler ended up jumping in front of us.  We had our volunteer.  "Oh, wow.  You are so brave." Chumley said in awe.  "We'll be right behind you." Bastion said.  "Yes.  By a good 10 feet." Banner interjected. 

It was clear the good Doctor wasn't totally up for this.  "Hey, I have an idea.  Let's draw straws to see who goes.  Now, where can we find some straws?  Oh, never you mind.  I'll find them, just don't follow me." he said, trying to mask his fear.  "Sorry, Crowler.  You're up." Chazz told our reluctant volunteer. 

"What's the hold up, Doc?" I questioned,  "If you're in such a hurry, why don't 'you' go first!?" Crowler retorted.  But then, our "guest" made herself known when a gust of wind blew away the fog. 

And there she was.  The lady vampire we'd been hearing so much about.  Standing on a boat near the lakeshore.  And man, was she beautiful.  She had a nice, slender build, fare skin, pointy ears, long, green hair, light brown eyes and quite a bit upstairs.😉  She wore a short, crimson dress with bat-like ornaments on the sides and top, a golden choker, arm bands and bracelets, a custom Duel disk and heels with straps that went up to her thighs.

"Gentlemen. Why don't 'I' just come to you?" she said, in a stereotypical vampire accent, as she stepped onto the red carpet and walked toward us.  When she arrived, the vampire lady asked Crowler: "And, who might you be?"  "I'm your challenger." he told her.  But, she didn't seem too thrilled to duel him.   And, shot Zane and I a look. 

"You are not worthy." she told Crowler,  "I BEG YOUR PARDON!?  I HAVE A PH.D IN DUELING!  That takes 9 years in Duel School, you know!" he retorted, angrily.  "Fine.  If you're that anxious to lose your key.  Then, you may duel me, Camula.  Vampire Mistress of the Shadow Riders." she said, formally,  

"So, "she's" the vampire.  I need to get new horror movies." Banner commented.  'Woah, mama.~  She can suck my blood, anytime.~' I thought to myself. 

"Rubber bats and plastic teeth.  Your tricks don't scare me." Crowler told Camula.  "Well then, perhaps this will;  If you lose, I get your soul.  Well actually, this little doll does." she told him, holding up a tiny ragdoll.  "You want to take his soul AND the key!?" Bastion questioned.  "Forget it!" Chazz objected.  "Is that all?  Don't want anything for your mummy?  Or, perhaps something for your pet werewolf to chew on." Crowler said, jokingly.  "Be careful what you wish for.  It may just come true.  Now then, Key Keeper.  Let's duel!" Camula declared.

After the 2 duelists activated their Duel Disks and drew their 5 cards, the duel began.

Crowler LP: 4000       Camula LP: 4000

 Camula made the first move.  "So, Key Keeper.  You don't believe in werewolves?  Well.  Perhaps, this will convince you.  RISE, ZOMBIE WEREWOLF!" she declared, summoning her first monster.  (Zombie Werewolf ATK: 1200)  "And, I will end my turn with a face down card." Camula said, ending her turn.

"Oh, please.  What do you take me for?  Some sort of pathetic amateur?  That face down is obviously a Trap.  And, that mangy fleabag is clearly the bait.  But even so, I'll bite." Crowler said, drawing his first card.  "Because, YOU'VE bitten off more than you can you can chew.  First, I play the Spell Card; Ancient Gear Castle.  It gives all my Ancient Gear creatures 300 extra Attack Points." he said, as a giant castle dripping with gears and weapons appeared. 

"Second.  I'll summon the Ancient Gear Soldier, in attack mode." he said, summoning it.  (Ancient Gear Soldier ATK: 1300 > 1600)  "And now, Camula.  I think it's time we gave that filthy, slobbering mongrel of yours his shots!  Attack!  Rapid Fire Flurry!" Crowler commanded, prompting his Gear Soldier to destroy Camula's werewolf.  Camula LP: 4000 > 3600  But, she didn't seem phased, at all.

"I guess that Crowler's more of a cat person." Zane commented.  "Nah.  You seen how acts around Pharaoh?" I said, jokingly. 

"That was fun!~  I should get out of the classroom, more often!~" Crowler said, giddily.  "On the contrary, you should study up.  Then, you'd know.. MY WEREWOLF.. is coming back." Camula declared, as her monster reappeared onto the field.  (Zombie Werewolf ATK: 1200 > 1700)  

"But, how?" Dr. C inquired.  "Ah, the living.  I forget the ignorance of a beating heart.  When Zombie Werewolf's destroyed, I get to summon another from my deck.  With 500 more Attack Points." Camula explained.  "And, 'he' teaches 'us'?" Chazz commented.  "Don't worry.  Everything's under control.  I place one card face down.  I guess it's your turn." Crowler said, ending 'his'.

"Why, thank you.  And I..  summon Vampire Bat, in attack mode!" Camula said, as her newly summoned monster appeared. (Vampire Bat ATK: 800) "And with my winged friend out on the field, every Zombie monster I have out gains 200 Attack Points!" she explained.  (Zombie Werewolf ATK: 1700 > 1900)  (Vampire Bat ATK: 800 > 1000)  

"Don't the 3 of you look so cute?  You know, if you had bags, you could go Trick-or-Treating." Crowler quipped.  "The only treat will be your demise.  Zombie Werewolf, go sick that Gear Soldier!  Midnight Pounce!" Camula ordered, prompting her monster to destroy Dr. C's.  Crowler LP: 4000 > 3700  

"Well well.  It would appear that your mutt still has some bite in him, after all.  No matter, I still have more Life Points." he said cockily.  "Perhaps.  But, not for much longer.  Vampire Bat, attack with Swarming Scourge!" Camula commanded her bat to attack the Doc.  It turned into a swarm of bats.  And it looked like he was in real pain.  Like he could actually feel their little teeth.  Crowler LP: 3700 > 2700

"Hahahaha!  For rubber bats, they pack quite a wallop, don't they?  Listen, dear.  You don't have to endure this.  Step down.  And, I'll duel those 2 in white." Camula said, looking toward Zane & I at the last part.  "Hear that, guys?  It sounds as though you're her type." Chazz said, snarkily.  "Yes, or her blood-type." Banner interjected.  "Shut up, you two." I told them with a slight blush.  "So, how about it?  Give me your students, and I'll let you go free." Camula offered.  But the Doc wouldn't have it.

"As tempting as your offer is... I don't think so!  I won't let you lay a finger on MY students!  Do you understand!?  I am the leading Professor at the most famous Duel Academy in the world!  And if you want to get to MY pupils, you're going to have to get through yours truly!" he said, defiantly.  "But, Doc.  You can barely stand." I told him, "He's right, Crowler.  You're in no shape to keep dueling." Chazz interjected.  

"Don't worry about me.  I still have a deck in my hand, and a few tricks up my sleeve.  Like 'this', for example.  I play my face down card; Damage Condenser.  It summons a Monster from my deck who's Attack Points are equal or less than the damage you've just inflicted on me.  In other words: The more pain you deal, the more hurt you'll feel.  Rise!  Ancient Gear Soldier!" he declared, summoning a new monster to the field.  (Ancient Gear Soldier ATK: 1300 > 1600)  "But, he won't be around for long.  I'll now sacrifice the Ancient Gear Soldier, so I can summon my own four-legged friend; The Ancient Gear Beast!" Crowler said, trading the Soldier for the Beast.  (Ancient Gear Beast ATK: 2000 > 2300)  "And as you're about to see, he's well trained!  Go, Ancient Gear Beast!  Show that Zombie Werewolf who's top dog!" he commanded.

"Don't do it!  If you win.. she'll bring back the Werewolf, all over again!  Hello?!" Chazz said, trying to warn Crowler.  "Don't worry about that, Chazz.  It's handled." I told him,  "He's right.  You see, Ancient Gear Beast cancels the effect of any destroyed monster." the Doc informed the others.  "Clever calculation." Bastion said.  "Yes.  Good thinking." Banner concurred.

"Now, attack Zombie Werewolf!" Crowler ordered.  So, the Gear Beast destroyed the Werewolf, causing an audible whimper from the latter.  Camula LP: 3600 > 3200  "Hahaha!  If you'd like some help with you dueling strategy, feel free to stop by my class." Dr. C said confidently.  "Maybe, Crowler's lesson plans really 'do' work." Chazz commented.  "Quiet.  He'll only give us more homework." Bastion told him.

It was Camula's turn.  "Nice move.  Pity, you won't have many more.  I cast the Field-Spell; Infernalvania!" she declared, as a creepy-looking castle appeared.  "But, you'll destroy everything with that!" Crowler said in a fearful tone.  "Exactly.  By discarding a Zombie Monster from my hand, I can send every creature that is on the field straight to the Graveyard." Camula explained.  "That's true.  But, you don't forget.  Thanks to that Infernalvania, you're not going to be allowed to normal summon your monsters, anymore." Chazz pointed out. 

"So what? Who says I need anymore monsters? Isn't that right?" Camula said, smugly.  "Don't play games with me.  I know all about that bat of yours." Dr. C told her,  "But, do your students?  Do they know my Vampire Bat can be made indestructible, by simply discarding another one from my deck?  Or did you skip that chapter?" she asked.

This revelation surprised us all.  "Oh, dear." Bastion said.  "But, first.  I'll discard one of my Zombie monsters, for Infernalvania." Camula said, discarding her Vampire Lord.  This activated Infernalvania's effect, destroying all monsters out.  Well, almost. "And like I said.  Now, I'll just discard another Vampire Bat to keep this one on my field." she explained, as her destroyed bat regenerated itself.  "Now, attack the good Professor!" she ordered, in a slightly raspy voice. 

Dr. Crowler was once again attacked by another swarm of Vampire Bats. "No! Not, again! I can't take much more of this!" he cried. It was clear he couldn't hold out much longer. "He needs our help." Zane said, "No. Stay back. This is my duel. And, my duel, alone. You must protect your keys." Crowler said weakly, as he collapsed. Crowler LP: 2700 > 1700 

"But, Crowler!  We can't just stand here and do nothing!" I objected.  "Yes.  I completely agree with you, darling.  You and your friend should step in and save your teacher.  Because, obviously, he can't save himself." Camula suggested. 

But when all hope seemed lost for the Doc, a familiar voice spoke up.  "Wrong!" he declared.  "Jaden!?" everyone exclaimed.  It was Jaden, alright.  With Syrus and Chumley carrying him. 

"Dr. Crowler can win this!" he said.  "I know that voice.  It's slacker." Crowler said in surprise.  "I know, because I've dueled him!  Believe me!  He can throw down!  And he'll find a way to beat you!  So, get up, Dr. Crowler.  And get your game on!" Jaden said, motivating Crowler back to his feet.  "Wow.  That actually worked?  You really missed your calling as a motivational speaker, Jaden." I said to him.  "Hahahaha.  It's a gift." he said jovially.

"I am not giving up." the Doc said.  "Oh, are you still here?" Camula said, in a condescending tone.  "You had better believe it.  And here to stay, too, missy.  You see, though it makes me slightly ill to admit it.  Jaden is absolutely right!  I CAN BEAT YOU!  I CAN THROW DOWN!  AND, I CAN GET MY GAME ON!  Ugh.  I suddenly feel the need to rinse my mouth out." Crowler said, with determination, then disgust. 

"Come on. It's not 'that' bad, teach." Jaden said, jovially, "Yes, perhaps. But, you know what is? His Life Points." Bastion pointed out, "True. To win, Crowler will need to mount quite a comeback." Zane interjected.  And mount one, he did. 

"Now, let's duel.  I summon Ancient Gear Golem in attack mode!" Crowler declared.  (Ancient Gear Golem ATK: 3000 DEF: 3000)  "Check it!  Crowler's best monster!" Chazz said, enthusiastically.  "But, where's the sacrifice?" Syrus inquired.  "It's on the field, Sy.  The Ancient Gear Castle.  You can sacrifice it to summon an Ancient Gear monster..  and it counts as the same number of monsters that you've summoned, so far." I explained.  "Ancient Gear Golem, attack Vampire Bat with Mechanized Melee!" Crowler commanded.  His golem smashed that bat, along with 2000 of Camula's Life Points.  But, the former victory didn't last long.  Camula LP: 3200 > 1200 "

Did you forget that Vampire Bat can't be destroyed?  But, as Infernalvania will demonstrate, your golem can." she told him, as her bat regenerated.  "I'm afraid, you're mistaken." Crowler said, bringing a shocked expression to everyone's face.  "What's he gonna do?" Chazz wondered.  "Oh.  Just destroy every Spell and Trap Card on the entire field.  Suffer the wrath of.. Heavy Storm!" the Doc declared, as his storm blew away all of Camula's Spells and Traps.  Including Infernalvania.  But she wasn't phased by it, at all.  That bloodsucker was up to something.

"You must be quite a bore for your students.  So predictable." she said, "Please.  You don't know what you're talking about." Crowler said with disbelief.  Then, Camula's mouth widened, showing her huge fangs and a massive tongue.  Then, she said, in a raspy voice: "Oh, don't I?!  I activate the Trap Card.. Zombie Bed!"   

"You can't!  I just destroyed all the Trap & Spell Cards!" Crowler exclaimed.  "Which is exactly what I wanted you to do!" Camula said, with her monster-mouth.  "But, why?" Crowler inquired.  "Of course.  It's obvious.  In order to be activated, Zombie Bed has to.. be destroyed." Zane deduced,  "That's why she never used it, until now.  Camula had that move planned, from the start." I interjected. 

"Very good, my darlings.  And now that Zombie Bed has been activated..  I can bring back Zombie Werewolf, in attack mode." she explained.  (Zombie Werewolf ATK: 1200 > 1400)  "Thanks to your card, you're completely defenseless." she continued.  "She knows Crowler's every move even before he does." Chazz spoke up.  "It's easy when you have 100 flying bats spying on everyone." Camula said, with her face and voice back to normal.  Then, a bat landed on her shoulder.  

We were all in shock.  Ms. Fang-face laughed. "It's over, Crowler.  I activate Book of Life!  It resurrects my Vampire Lord."  (Vampire Lord ATK: 2000 > 2200)  "However, you cannot give life without taking it away.  So, I'll be taking your Ancient Gear Beast from your Grave, so you can't use him, again.  And now, I'm removing Vampire Lord from play.. so that I can summon Vampire Genesis!"  (Vampire Genesis ATK: 3000)  "And since Vampire Bat is still on the field, his Attack Points increase by 200." Camula explained.  (Vampire Genesis ATK: 3000 > 3200)

Yeah.  Things really looked bleak for the good Doctor.  And even 'he' knew it.  However.  Even though Crowler knew his defeat was inevitable, he didn't back down.  But he did give us all one last speech.  "My students.  No matter what happens to me, always remember this..." he started. "What the?" Syrus questioned.  "It's true, I may have been hard on you at times.  But, it's simply because I believe in you.  Therefor, if I fall here, there's still hope.  'Cause, I know you all will rise." he told us.  "Doc." I said with disbelief.  "Don't talk like that." Zane said.  "This isn't good." Jaden said. 

"Have you finished your final lesson, yet?  Crowler?" Camula asked him, condescendingly.  "EXCUSE ME, BUT THAT'S "DOCTOR" TO YOU!" he bellowed.  "Hahahahahaha!  As you wish!  I'll put it on your tombstone, as soon as I'm finished!  Vampire Genesis, destroy his Golem!" she commanded.  

The hideous fanged beast turned into a storm of crimson wind and sent Crowler's ace monster to the scrapyard.  Crowler LP: 1700 > 1500  Things were really looking bad, now.  "Is that all?  I thought you Shadow Riders were supposed to be tough." he said, defiantly.  "Ha!  You want more?  Very well!" Camula declared, before Zombie Werewolf sank his claws into the Doc's Life Points.  Crowler LP: 1500 > 100  "Tough enough?  Here.  Try this, as well.  Vampire Bat, attack!" she ordered her flying pet to finish him off.   "Dr. Crowler!!" I cried.  "Y/n.  Avenge me, my boy." he said, before collapsing.  Crowler LP: 100 > 0

It was over.  Camula had won.  Much to everyone's dismay.  "His key is mine." she said.  "Nuh uh.  No way." Chazz said with disbelief.  "We can't stop her.  She won the duel." Jaden said.  

Then, Camula went to claim her prizes.  "One down.  Six to go.  And now, darling children, to take my second prize." she said, as the ragdoll in her hand began to glow.  And as it did, Dr. Crowler began to disappear, and his likeness reappeared on the ragdoll.  "She put Crowler's soul in a doll!" Syrus said.  "Dolls are pretty.  This is decidedly not.  It's garbage, now." Camula said, throwing the Crowler doll on the ground. 

Jaden wasn't too happy about that.  "That's it!" he yelled. He tried to make a move, wanting to teach Cammy a lesson.  But, Zane and I stopped him.  

"Now, I bid farewell." she said, as a big, creepy castle appeared out of nowhere.  "How long has that been there?" I commented. 

"We'll find you!!" Bastion told her.  "And, duel!!" Chazz finished.  "Children.  That's precisely what I'm hoping for." Camula said, ominously.  Then, she disappeared while laughing evilly.

It was clear that Camula was not gonna be an easy foe to beat.  The rest of us were gonna need to step up our game.  And be on our guard.

To Be Continued