The Spirit Keys

Chancellor Sheppard was sitting in his office doing some paperwork when the phone rang.

"Hello Duel Academy, Chancellor Sheppard speaking." Sheppard said.

"Hello Samejima, it's been a long time since we last spoke." The voice on the phone said.

Sheppard gasped. He instantly recognized the voice.

"Kagemaru." Sheppard said.

"Yes, I'm pleased that you remember me after all these years." Kagemaru said.

"Well, what can I do for you old friend?" Sheppard asked.

"Samejima I would like you to give me the spirit keys." Kagemaru said. A frown appeared on Sheppard's face.

"We talked about this years ago. The Sacred Beasts are too dangerous to be unleashed." Sheppard said.

"I am aware of the risks, but I'm afraid that I am out of time Samejima. I need those cards." Kagemaru said.

"I'm sorry, but the answer is no." Sheppard said.

"I'm sorry too old friend, I didn't want it to come to this." Kagemaru said.

"What are you talking about?" Sheppard asked.

"If you will not give me the spirit keys then I will take them." Kagemaru said.

"You're not strong enough to beat me." Sheppard told him.

"Perhaps, but the Shadow Riders are." Kagemaru said.

"Who?" Sheppard asked.

"The Shadow Riders. Seven associates of mine. Each one is powerful in their own right. If you do not hand over the keys willingly then they will take them. By force if necessary." Kagemaru explained.

Sheppard's eyes widened in fear.

"Kagemaru please, millions of people could be killed." Sheppard begged. However it seemed that Kagemaru took little notice.

"Good bye Samejima." He said, hanging up.

Sheppard didn't move for a few seconds. There was sweat forming on his forehead and he was breathing deeply. Finally Sheppard picked up the phone and made a call.

"Professor Banner we have an emergency." Sheppard said.

Far away from Duel Academy Kagemaru was having a meeting with the seven Shadow Riders.

"I'm sad to say that Samejima was unwilling to cooperate." Kagemaru said. None of the Shadow Riders looked bothered by this.

"I told you that he would refuse." The first said.

"Ha I'm glad, now I can tear that academy apart." The sixth said.

"Please try to calm yourself, charging in head first won't get us anywhere." The seventh said.

"I personally like going in head first." The third said.

Before anyone else could say anything Kagemaru spoke up.

"That's enough, if we are to acquire the spirit keys we must do so with careful planning." He said.

"I'll do whatever you say, just as long as I get paid." The fourth said.

"Don't worry, you'll have your money." Kagemaru reassured the fourth person.

"And what about me, will I get what I want?" The second asked.

"Relax, once the Sacred Beasts have been freed you will all receive what you have been promised." Kagemaru said.

"Now then, who will go first?" Kagemaru asked.

"I'll go, I'll show them that nothing can resist the power of darkness." The first said as he left the room.