Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Many years ago…

A young Jaden Yuki is standing in front of the Kaiba Corp capsule he has earned the right to put his drawings in. The designs he had made, the cards he drew…they would be sent to the stars high above. And in his hands, the little boy, who loved Duel Monsters more than anything else, held a single card in both of his hands.

Yubel.

She…she had hurt people, because she didn’t understand. She says that duels are dangerous, that losers lose more than just the game. He’s been trying to tell her that it’s just a game. It’s like Duel Monsters is two completely different games to the two of them…Jaden thinks it may be best to put her in the capsule, with the others. Maybe his cards could keep her company. They could go together, see the stars, and she could go on her own adventure to find herself…

But…

“Young man, would you like to put that card with your drawings?” the attendant lady smiles. “I won’t tell,” she winks, encouraging him to do as he pleases.

Please, Jaden…I’ll be better…don’t send me away… Yubel’s voice in his head is young, as young as he is. They’re both kids, and maybe she doesn’t realize her own power! Jaden hugs the card close to him. Yubel is his best friend…his only friend. Even without all that she’d done.

Jaden has always been the weird kid for seeing Duel Monster spirits. It’s always disheartening when he goes up to someone, tells them how much one of their cards likes them, and they just dismiss him…and honestly, the look of hurt on the Duel Spirit’s face at the dismissal of their affection is also kind of heartbreaking. Jaden’s alone, but…he doesn’t want to be.

“...no,” the little boy says hesitantly. “No, this is my card.”

Yubel… Jaden mentally speaks. We need to talk about this. I don’t want you to go, but…I don’t want you to keep hurting people. Can’t we compromise?

…perhaps we can decide something.

~=~

Present Day…

Jaden Yuki has had quite a life. He’s grown up alongside a demonic duel spirit that he has become admittedly smitten with, he’s the reincarnation of an ancient being meant to lead another dimension, and oh, he’s the embodiment of darkness. He’s also infamously the weirdest kid in his neighborhood.

Alas, none of that matters to Jaden. What matters right now is that he’s running late for his chance to enter Duel Academy! He’s only got a couple of minutes before it’s too late!

I told you to hurry up.

Not the time, Yubel!

Jaden sighs. Was it so much to ask for a little support sometimes? Yes, Yubel adores him, but at times like these, he could really use a little “You did your best, Jaden!” Well, you get what you get.

Jaden's mad dash is interrupted when he SLAMS into an unfortunate passerby that he doesn’t see in time. “Ah! Sorry about that!” Jaden says, both to the man he slammed into and to his dropped cards.

…Jaden.

“I’m in a bit of a hurry, I should have watched where I was going,” Jaden sheepishly says.

Jaden, this man…look up.

Jaden is dusting off his cards gently, and he curiously looks up at the man before his eyes widen.

“You’re a duelist, aren’t you?” the man asks with a smile.

“Uh, y…yeah,” Jaden is awestruck as he realizes just who the man is. “I’m going to go try out at the academy.”

“You don’t say?” the man smiles knowingly, and his eyes flicker for a second to the figure that no one else can see. He smiles warmly. “It’s always good to have a friend by your side for things like this…but you could always use more.” The man flicks open his deck case and pulls out a card without looking. “Why don’t you take this? Something tells me it belongs with you.”

Jaden takes the card, observing the art of Kuriboh with demonic wings. “Whoa…this effect…it fits my deck perfectly!”

“Good luck,” the man walks away, and Jaden smiles as he can feel the energy in the card…

Well, everyone, looks like you’re getting a new buddy! Jaden slides the card into his neck. This was awesome! I just met my idol and he gave me the perfect card to complete my deck!

Jaden. The exam.

“WAGH! Right!” Jaden starts sprinting again. “What kinda King is late to the fight?!”

~=~

The whole thing goes…not at all how Jaden thought it would. He got in at the last second, but it seemed like for a second they still weren’t gonna let him take the exam! Luckily, though, Jaden still has a chance. Doctor Crowler of Duel Academy’s Faculty is willing to be his proctor since none of the others are available! So now, Jaden actually gets to test his skills against a pro!

Jaden, I don’t think they’re doing this out of any good in their heart… Yubel whispers.

Nah, why would he duel me if he didn’t wanna give me a chance? Jaden mentally retorts.

Jaden steps onto the arena with a smile.

“So, son,” Crowler smiles as he wields his custom duel disk. “Your name?”

“Uh, Jaden! Jaden Yuki!” Jaden stands at attention.

Don’t stand like a soldier, you’re a gods damned King.

Sorry! Jaden relaxes a little.

“Well, uh Jaden Yuki, I’m Doctor Vellian Crowler, Department Chair of Techniques here at Duel Academy.” Crowler says condescendingly.

Oh, trash talk! I can trash-talk back!

“Wow, a department chair, I had no idea!” Jaden smiles. “From how you were dressed, I was thinking you were some kind of weird academy mascot!”

Doctor Crowler looks annoyed, and Yubel internally sighs.

“Duel vest activate,” Crowler declares and takes hold of his custom disk.

Man, that looks so cool! Jaden smiles. Hm, I like your duel disk too, though, Yubel…I wonder which one I’d prefer more.

“Alright, teach, I’m ready! Let’s duel!” Jaden declares, and the battlefield’s hologram generators activate.

Remember, Yubel, no Shadow Game stuff. This is Duel Academy, a safe place.

I’ll be the judge of that…but very well. You can play your simple game.

“Duel!” Jaden and Crowler declare, marking the start of their match.

Jaden: 4000 LP (Hand: 5)

Crowler: 4000 LP (Hand: 5)

“I’ll take the first move!” Jaden draws and internally grimaces. Hmm…I have both Burstinatrix and Avian, but I should play it safe for now. “I summon Elemental Hero Avian in defense mode!” He declares, and his heroic monster rises and defends itself.

Avian: 1000 DEF

I know you like to test the waters before throwing down all your traps, but this is an exam in unfamiliar waters. The spirits in that deck crave battle…they’re not like any of the proctor decks here. Don’t hold back.

Well…if you say so.

“I’ll set two cards face down and end my turn,” Jaden declares. “Get your game on, teach!”

“Yes, yes, a promising opening move…” Crowler dismisses and draws a card. “For this first move, I’ll start nice and easy with the spell card Confiscation! By paying 1000 life points, I can look at your hand and force you to discard one of your cards!”

Crowler: 4000 LP > 3000 LP (Hand: 5)

The holograms reveal Jaden’s hand: Elemental Hero Burstinatrix, Fall From Grace, and Monster Reborn.

“Oh, yes, I remember some of these from when I was a naive rookie…” Crowler barely skims the cards.

Naive rookie?! Yubel hisses. Monster Reborn is one of the best cards out there! And I put work into manifesting Fall From Grace, you wretched little…

Whoa! Calm down there, Yubel… Jaden tries to keep his own cool, too. His deck responds to his emotional state, the creatures within desperately wish to serve the will of their duelist.

“Now, which one shall I banish?” Crowler snickers. “Monster Reborn, to the graveyard!” Jaden discards Monster Reborn, and Crowler sets two cards. “Next, I’ll place two cards face down…and next, I’ll activate Heavy Storm! This spell card destroys every other spell and trap card on the field.”

“Oh, no…” Jaden frowns as Crowler’s two set cards are destroyed along with Jaden’s set Draining Shield and Evil Signal! “Why would you destroy your own trap cards?”

Crowler chortles. “Now, now, don’t speak out of turn, young scholar!” Crowler grins as his destroyed Statues of the Wicked create a pair of tokens on the field. “Now, I tribute these two tokens to summon the level 8 Ancient Gear Golem!” With his words, the tokens fade, and Crowler’s ace monster takes the stage.

Ancient Gear Golem: 3000 ATK

Crowler laughs triumphantly. “Golem, attack with Mechanized Melee!” He orders, and the golem charges. “And my Golem inflicts piercing damage, hurting you even when your monster is in defense mode!” Avian is destroyed, and the damage carries through to Jaden.

Jaden: 4000 LP > 2000 LP (Hand: 2)

Jaden’s head is hung low, and Crowler is saying something (probably more trash talk), but Jaden isn’t listening. He starts laughing excitedly and throws his head back in joy.

“Boy, I really wanna come to this school, now! You really know your stuff, teach.” Jaden smiles. “It’s my move!” he draws, and he can hear the noises of his new little buddy. “Well, hey there,” he mutters and smiles at the Darkuriboh card. “You know, little guy, I think you’re exactly what I need.” He places the little fiend in his hand and picks up another card from it.

“I activate the spell Fall From Grace!” Jaden announces. “Its effect lets me special summon one Elemental Hero from my graveyard. I choose Elemental Hero Avian!”

Avian: 1000 ATK

“You’re summoning it again?” Crowler chuckles. “I hope you haven’t mistaken piercing damage to mean it does no damage when your monster’s in attack mode. What a rookie mistake…”

“No mistake here, teach!” Jaden grins. “But Fall From Grace does have another effect…”

Before their eyes, Avian’s feathers turn darker, and his visage turns devilish, and he sports a wicked grin.

Avian: Warrior Type > Fiend Type

“Whether it’s a warrior, a fiend, or even a divine beast, you must understand that your monster’s attack points are no match for my Ancient Gear Golem’s,”Crowler smiles. “A rookie mistake, to be certain…now let’s proceed,” he says and draws his next card. “Ancient Gear Golem, attack!”

“I have an effect to activate!” Jaden smiles. “Darkuriboh in my hand! By discarding it, my fiend monster can’t be destroyed this turn!” Jaden discards him, and the monster appears to defend Avian from the attack!

“Foolish boy, you still take battle damage! Victory is mine!” Crowler laughs.

Jaden: 2000 LP > 1000 LP (Hand: 1)

Crowler keeps laughing, but slows down and gawks. “What the…why do you still have life points?!”

“Well, see, that’s the other effect of Fall From Grace,” Jaden explains with a smile. “All battle damage involving the monster I revive is halved. Not only that, but since Darkuriboh has been sent to the graveyard by a card effect, I can add one Polymerization from my deck to my hand.” Jaden explains and takes the card.

Crowler grits his teeth. It’s clear he wasn’t seeing any of this coming…but he composes himself. “Fine, fine. I guess your lame little cards saved you there.”

“Alright, slow down there, teach,” Jaden frowns. “I can take the trash talk to an extent, but lay off the cards.”

“Oh, yes, I keep forgetting how attached you new duelists get to your monsters, I’m sorry,” Crowler mocks.

Jaden frowns. “It’s my turn,” he draws. And there’s only one card that can win me the duel now…

Jaden smiles as he flips the card over. “This next one’s for you, Darkuriboh. I activate the field spell Supreme King’s Castle!”

When Jaden slides the card into the field spell slot, the entire arena shifts and changes from the hologram. The system is pushed to its limit as Jaden and Crowler find themselves on a bridge. Looming behind Jaden is the mountain and castle that is his apparent birthright.

Yes…feel the power…

“Oh, I can feel it!” Jaden grins. “Now I activate Polymerization! I fuse the Elemental Hero Avian on my field with the Elemental Hero Burstinatrix in my hand to fusion summon a whole new monster!” He takes a deep breath. 

“Winds of Change and Righteous Flames, join in darkness and endless strife to carve yourselves a renewed name and usher my foes to the afterlife! Fusion Summon!” Jaden chants. “I summon Evil Hero Inferno Wing!” He orders, and the fiendish heroine looms on the field with a wicked grin.

Inferno Wing: 2100 ATK

“What a strange mixture of archetypes,” Crowler chuckles, “and to top it all off, you didn’t even play a monster with more attack points than what’s already out.”

“Did you really think I’d be beaten that easily?” Jaden smiles. “Inferno Wing, attack Ancient Gear Golem!”

“Excuse me?!” Crowler exclaims.

“I activate the effect of Supreme King Castle!” Jaden orders, and lightning strikes above. “I send the level five Evil Hero Sinister Necrom from my deck to the graveyard, and in exchange, Inferno Wing gains 200 attack points for every level it has. That’s 1000 points!”

Inferno Wing: 2100 ATK > 3100 ATK

“Burn it all to ash!” Jaden declares, and Inferno Wing unleashes a torren of fire that engulfs and destroys Ancient Gear Golem!

Crowler: 3000 LP > 2900 LP (Hand: 2)

“Inferno Wing’s power then inflicts damage equal to your Golem’s Attack or Defense points in the graveyard, whichever is higher!” Jaden smiles. “And that’s game,” he says as Inferno Wing turns its ire on Crowler directly.

“We’ll show you who the amateur is!” Inferno Wing declares spiritually.

Crowler: 2900 LP > 0 LP (Hand: 2)

“This can’t be!” Crowler exclaims as the holograms fade, and Jaden is declared the winner.

Well done, Jaden. You didn’t even need to use Sinister Necrom’s ability. Yubel compliments.

“I’m sure he’ll get his chance. All my cards will!” Jaden smiles. “So I guess I pass, right, teach?”

Crowler is just muttering to himself as he slowly stands up.

I got in… Jaden smiles. And now, we’ve all got nowhere to go but up!

===

Jaden’s deck in the first season of this fic is as follows (if he adds cards to the deck, it will be noted):

Monsters:

• Elemental Hero Avian
• Elemental Hero Burstinatrix
• Elemental Hero Clayman
• Elemental Hero Sparkman
• Elemental Hero Wildheart
• Evil Hero Toxic Bubble
• Evil Hero Sinister Necrom
• Evil Hero Malicious Edge
• Evil Hero Infernal Gainer
• Evil Hero Infernal Prodigy
• Evil Hero Adjusted Gold
• Wreckweiler
• Darkuriboh
• Yubel

Spells:

• Polymerization
• De-Fusion
• Pot of Greed
• Monster Reborn
• Mirage of Nightmare
• Emergency Provisions
• Favorite Hero
• Battle Fusion
• Dark Fusion (x2)
• Dark Calling
• Evil Mind
• Evil Assault
• Evil Arsenal
• Fall From Grace
• Supreme King’s Decree
• Supreme King’s Castle
• Lover’s Malice

Traps:

• A Hero Emerges
• Draining Shield
• Staunch Defender
• Dark Supremacy
• Evil Signal
• Yubel’s Mirror
• Evil Signature
• My Favorite Nightmare

Extra Deck:

• Evil Hero Inferno Wing
• Evil Hero Lightning Golem
• Evil Hero Infernal Sniper
• Evil Hero Vicious Harpoon
• Evil Hero Dreadwall
• Evil Hero Wild Cyclone
• Evil Hero Depth Vent
• Evil Hero Darkest Knight
• Evil Hero Malicious Bane
• Evil Hero Malicious Fiend
• Evil Hero Inferno Gatekeeper

Yes, some of these cards are made by me…you’ll have to wait and see what they do ;)

Chapter Text

…or down. Down is an option, too. Jaden is standing in front of the Slifer Red dorms in his new red uniform. These dorms will be his new home for the foreseeable future.

This is where they’re putting us?! Yubel hisses. This place looks less hygienic than a horse’s stables! This is no place for a King!

“Let’s try to calm down, Yubel…” Jaden mutters. “They aren’t… that bad.”

“This isn’t a dorm!” Jaden’s new friend, Syrus, complains from up the stairs. “It’s like an outhouse with a deck.”

EVEN THE COWARD AGREES!

“Well, let’s count our blessings!” Jaden says to both Syrus and Yubel. “We’ve got a great view! I think I can see the mainland from here.”

A view fit for a King, one might say!

…

Jaden ignores the loud silence, and so he and Syrus start moving into the dorm they now share. During the process, Syrus makes a command about past lives, and Jaden smiles to himself.

I didn’t happen to know anyone who looked even a little like Syrus, did I?

Not even close.

Figured I’d ask.

“Nah, they broke the mold when they made the two of us!” Jaden smiles.

“Yeah, in different ways…” Syrus frowns.

“Sy, we’re gonna have to work on that self-confidence of yours…” Jaden sighs. “But first, let’s start on decorating!” He throws the blinds open.

“Hey, those were closed for a reason!” a grumpy voice says from the top bunk.

“Oh, sorry,” Syrus says.

“We didn't see you up there,” Jaden apologizes.

“Well, can you see me now?” A koala-like young man sits up with a grumpy expression on his face while he growls. Syrus screams in fear and clings to Jaden’s arm.

Is…this guy supposed to be scary? Jaden thinks to himself. I mean, I guess I did grow up with Yubel, learning how to harness the powers of darkness for good…my opinion of what’s actually scary might not align with everyone else.

“Would you stop the screaming?!” Their roommate scolds Syrus. “Who are you and what are you doing in my room?”

“My name’s Jaden Yuki,” Jaden smiles politely.

“A-and I’m Syrus…” Syrus says and pulls himself off of Jayden.

“We’re your new…roommates…” Jaden trails off as the guy turns over.

“You’re new, alright, so let me tell you how things work around here…” Jaden and Syrus’s new roommate proceeds to lazily tell them how the dorm colors work. It’s…dissapointing, honestly. “Yeah, sorry, but we’re bottom of the barrel here. Duelin’ duds. I’m Chumley, by the way…” he turns over to nap.

That…wretched…spiteful… Yubel begins to fume with negativity. Placing us in the lowest dorms just because we beat him?! I will find his office and burn it to the GROUND-!

“Hey, uh, why don’t I just go for a walk for a bit?” Jaden chuckles nervously.

“I’ll come with you!” Syrus says, joined to Jaden by the hip, and the two walk out. He needs to try and help Yubel let off some steam without actually using her powers too much…Yubel’s one of the most powerful Duel Spirits out there, and her powers can be devastating.

On the resulting walk, Jaden does his best to cheer Syrus up while internally calming Yubel down. However, soon enough, Jaden stops in his tracks and looks toward the Main Campus.

You feel it too, don’t you, Jaden?

Duel Energy…

Jaden follows the feeling like a sixth sense. There’s somewhere here where a lot of spirits have been before.

“There’s a place to duel around here, I know it!” Jaden smiles.

“How could you know it?” Syrus asks as he follows. “Do you have a sixth sense for dueling or something?”

“Something like that,” Jaden chuckles.

“Are you sure we should be in here…?” Syrus asks as they go through a doorway, but he gawks with Jaden when he sees what’s inside: an immense duel arena with enough stands for a full audience.

“Whoa, look at this place!” Jaden grins.

“It looks completely state-of-the-art,” Syrus observes. “I bet it would be amazing to duel here.”

“Well, let’s find out,” Jaden smiles. This is perfect! Yubel, you can channel your frustration into the deck. That way, you can blow off steam without destruction…or worse, a Shadow Game. We can release the energy safely in a duel.

Hmm…fine. I can agree to that, if only so we can duel in such an interesting locale.

“Do you think we're allowed?” Syrus asks meekly.

“Sure, we’re allowed!” Jaden smiles. “We’re students here, and this is our campus, right?”

“Wrong,” an obelisk blue student says nearby. “This is Obelisk Blue’s arena, and you Slifer Red rejects aren’t welcome here, ya got that?”

“Check out the crest,” a second student says, pointing out an Obelisk crest above the entryway.

Only Jaden sees the wisp of energy that causes the crest to fall off its post and SMASH into the ground, breaking into multiple pieces. Everyone stares blankly at the (seemingly) random destruction.

Yubel! Jaden internally scolds, but all he gets in return is her ominous chuckling.

“What the heck?!” one of them exclaims. “What did you slackers do?!”

“You can’t really blame us for that!” Syrus frowns.

“Just you looking at it is enough to make our dorm’s crest fall!” the other scoffs. “You’ll be in for it when we tell Doctor Crowler!”

“Well, if Crowler would believe that just looking at it made it fall,” Jaden smiles a little. “Wouldn’t he also blame the guys who pointed us to look at it?” he challenges, and the two stiffen up a little. “Anyway, I’m not gonna personally take responsibility for that, but if you really wanna blame me, we could always duel about it. I’m ready to go whenever and wherever.”

“Hang on…you’re that guy,” one of them realizes. “Chazz!” they call up to the stands, where one more obelisk student is sitting. “That applicant who beat Doctor Crowler is here, check it out.”

“Oh, hey,” Jaden smiles and waves to him. “My name’s Jaden. And, uh…sorry, I didn’t catch your name?”

“His name’s Chazz Princeton!” one of his hypemen declares. “And he was the number one duelist back at duel prep school, so you make sure and pay the proper respects, got it?”

“Yeah,” the other one says. “He's gonna be the future king of games, the best duelist in the world!”

“Well, that’s just not possible,” Jaden smirks. “It’ll be impossible for him to be the King of Games, ‘cause that’s what I’m gonna be!”

Among other things. Yubel cuts in.

Among other things, Jaden agrees.

“A Slifer Slacker as king of games?” one of them scoffs.

“That'll be the day,” the other shakes his head.

“Can it, you two,” Chazz stands up and smiles. “Maybe the new kid's right.”

“Whaddaya mean, Chazz?” one of the goons asks.

“He did beat Crowler, after all,” Chazz says, “and that legendary rare monster of his. I suppose it takes some skill to pull that off.

“Got that right,” Jaden smiles.

“Or was it luck?” Chazz snickers. “I say we find out right now.”

“Bring it,” Jaden smiles. I can feel duel energy radiating off this guy…does he have power like mine, or just a few duel spirits drawn to him? I’m so stoked to find out!

“This sure is a motley crew,” a woman’s voice says as a new student steps in.

“Hey, Alexis,” Chazz smiles, visibly smitten. “Have ya come to watch me mop the floor with my new little friend Jaden here? It'll be a short duel, but an entertaining one for sure.”

“I'm here to remind you about the Obelisk Welcome Dinner,” Alexis says pointedly. “You’re late.”

“Oh, yeah…” Chazz frowns and huffs. “Come on, guys.” he says, and he and his goons leave the arena, stepping over the broken crest.

“Sorry if Chazz rubbed you the wrong way,” Alexis says, “and don’t sweat the crest. That thing’s pretty old anyway. I just wanted you to know that not all Obelisks are like he is. He’s just a jerk…especially with sliders.”

“Aw, it’s no big deal!” Jaden smiles. “Those types don’t really bother me at all.”

Yubel, on the other hand…

Hush, you.

“Besides, with a deck like mine, I’d have beaten him in one turn,” Jaden says, and Yubel crosses her arms and mentally turns away. Flattery will get Jaden everywhere, he can feel her blushing.

“We’re gonna have to work on that over confidence,” Syrus points out.

“Alright, two turns, tops!” Jaden shrugs.

“You know, the Slifer Welcome Dinner’s about to start, too,” Alexis points out.

“Right! We better go, Sy,” Jaden says. “Oh, hey, what was your name again?”

“Alexis Rhodes,” Alexis says. “And yours?”

“The name’s Jaden Yuki.” Jaden gives a two-finger salute. “Alright, see ya around!”

~=~

Yubel has decided to separate from Jaiden temporarily. She wants to see how the other dorms live, and honestly…it only makes her angrier. The Obelisk Dorms are the only ones split by gender, for starters. Both locations are built like aristocratic galas, with buffets and fine non-alcoholic drinks galore! This is where she and Jaden should be. They should be enjoying the finest lap of luxury to prepare Jaden for his destiny as the Supreme King…that is the entire reason Yubel supported this in the first place! Jaden needs to get used to adoration and luxury if he’s going to be a ruler.

The Ra dorms are at least set up like an actual dining hall and dinner party…but the food is still fine and expensive. She’s stepped down from the aristocracy and directly into the upper class. She supposes this place will be a fine stepping stone on the way to Obelisk…and maybe things won’t be so bad. If Jaden’s living a middle-class lifestyle, as the difference so far suggests, it won’t be too bad…

And then, Yubel returns to the Slifer Red Dorms and finds that their food is the kind of cheap, lower-class poverty you feed to the desperate. Jaden may not mind, but Yubel does. She feels her rage peeling off of her and flowing into Jaden’s deck. Whoever duels him next is going to get hit, and hit hard.

Yubel, you okay? Jaden asks mentally as he eats up.

I’m. Fine.

You’re not, though… Jaden sighs. Just remember our deal about hurting people, okay?

I remember.

“Jaden, what are you doing?” Syrus whisper-yells. “I don’t think we’re supposed to be eating yet!”

“Well, I’m starving!” Jaden shrugs and keeps eating.

“Jaden, I mean it, he’s walking over here…” Syrus mutters.

“Well, since some of us don't feel like waiting…let's just eat.” Professor Banner smiles kindly.

This man…he makes no reaction to me. He probably can’t see me, and yet his duel energy is strong. Yubel tells Jaden.

Hm…well, he seems nice! Jaden smiles. We can worry about that later.

~=~

Jaden is drinking tea with Syrus in their room and trying to get some kind of friendship with Chumley (and failing), all while trying not to let too much hate flow into his deck. If the cards get too angry, if Yubel gets too angry, she might turn his next duel into a Shadow Game without even trying.

Syrus’s confidence is already super low, I can’t subject him to this! Jaden thinks to himself. But I can’t risk the power growing any more. Who am I supposed to duel this late at night?

As if on cue, Jaden’s PDA alerts him that he’s had a message left for him.

“Hey, Slifer Slacker,” the recording of Chazz taunts, “Don't think you're off the hook. Tonight at midnight, it's on. Oh, and why don't we make it interesting? Whoever wins gets the other guy's best card.”

Jaden frowns to himself…

~=~

In the Obelisk Arena, Jaden steps in with Syrus. Chazz is waiting with his two goons.

“Well, well, well,” Chazz smiles. “He shows.”

“Figured I’d tell you in person, Chazz,” Jaden says. “I can’t accept your terms.”

“Excuse me?” Chazz scowls.

“I don’t play by ante rules,” Jaden says resolutely. “I’m not putting any of my cards on the line for a duel.”

Especially not Yubel.

Yes, yes, I’m dangerous in the wrong hands…

I don’t care about that. I couldn’t stand it if I lost you to anyone, even if they could control you. I’d miss you too much.

“You’ve gotta be kidding me…” Chazz grits his teeth. “You’re really gonna forfeit after coming all the way here?!”

“Well, it doesn’t have to be a forfeit,” Jaden smiles. “What do you say, Chazz? Just a simple duel, no stakes?”

Chazz glares at Jaden. There’s a fire in Chazz’s eyes, a burning need to fight Jaden, to prove he’s stronger.

“...fine,” Chazz walks to one end of the arena. “We’ll have a normal duel.”

“And now we get to see which of us will have the best chance of being the next King of Games!” Jaden smiles and walks to the other end. “Game on!”

The pair activate their duel disks and declare “Duel!” in unison as they draw their cards, activating the duel system.

Jaden: 4000 LP (Hand: 5)

Chazz: 4000 LP (Hand: 5)

“Alright, slacker, I’m first!” Chazz draws a card. “For my first move, I’ll summon Reborn Zombie in defense mode.” He places the card down, and the zombie manifests.

Reborn Zombie: 1600 DEF

“I’ll set one card face-down and end my turn,” Chazz says.

“Not a bad start, Chazz,” Jaden says as he draws. “But I’m gonna start a little bigger!” Not that I have a choice… Jaden purses his lips when he sees his cards. Geez, Yubel, you really fueled everything you got into this round, didn’t you?

Show him precisely why you belong in his place.

Alright, I get the idea, Jaden shrugs and takes one of the six cards in his hand.

“I activate one of my best cards, Dark Fusion!” Jaden holds up the embodiment of the Supreme King’s power, and the Gentle Darkness flows from the card and wraps around two cards in his hand. “And I’ll use it to fuse two monsters in my hand together.”

“So, you have fusion cards that aren’t polymerization…” Chazz grins. “Not that it’ll matter.”

“Winds of Change and Righteous Flames, join in darkness and endless strife to carve yourselves a renewed name and usher my foes to the afterlife! Fusion Summon!” Jaden chants. “I summon Evil Hero Inferno Wing!” He orders, and his antiheroine returns to the field!

Inferno Wing: 2100 ATK

“Duel Academy…it seems we’ve made it, my King,” Inferno Wing smiles. “Is this the first true foe in our path?”

“Something like that,” Jaden chuckles softly. “I told you I’d start big, Chazz!”

“I was hoping you would,” Chazz grins. “I activate my trap card, Chthonian Polymer!”

“What’s Chthonian Polymer…?” Syrus mutters meekly.

Jaden hears Alexis walk up, but he can’t exactly hear what she says, because all he can hear is Yubel’s maniacal laughter.

Something tells me Cthonian Polymer isn’t gonna work the way Chazz wants it to… Jaden thinks to himself. And by something, I mean Yubel’s hauntingly beautiful laughter.

“I sacrifice Reborn Zombie to gain control of Inferno Wing!” Chazz declares, and Reborn Zombie is sacrificed. The energy lunges for Inferno Wing, and…is repelled by the Gentle Darkness. “What?!”

“Aw, geez, Chazz, this is a little awkward…” Jaden chuckles. “The turn that I summon a monster with Dark Fusion, that summoned monster can’t be targeted by any card effects.”

“What?!” Chazz takes a step back in horror.

“And by the looks of things, you just left your field wipe open before I’ve even normal summoned,” Jaden smiles wider. “So say hello to Elemental Hero Sparkman!”

Sparkman: 1600 ATK

“Sparkman, Inferno Wing, join forces and strike!” Jaden orders. “Direct Attack!”

Chazz’s eyes widen in terror as infernal fire and righteous lightning trail toward him and impact him directly!

Chazz: 4000 LP -> 1900 LP -> 300 LP (Hand: 4)

Chazz stumbles back, stunned by the onslaught he couldn’t stop. Everyone outside of the arena is shocked speechless, too.

“Man, you’re lucky I didn’t draw De-Fusion, or you’d be toast!” Jaden laughs goodheartedly. “That’s it for me this turn. And just in case you feel like defending again, don’t forget Inferno Wing’s superpower! She can blast the power of your own destroyed monsters right at you.”

“I haven’t forgotten!” Chazz snaps and draws a card. “I can get out of this, I can…” Chazz mutters to himself. “I place one card face-down and activate Card Destruction! Now we both discard our hands and draw the same number of cards we discarded.”

Chazz discards three and draws three, and Jaden discards two and draws two…and Jaden smiles.

“I activate the effect of Darkuriboh,” Jaden declares confidently.

“Excuse me?” Chazz’s eye twitches, annoyed.

“See, he was in my hand just now,” Jaden explains. “And when he’s sent to the graveyard, I can add Polymerization from my deck to my hand.” He says and does just that.

“Whatever…” Chazz smiles. “It won’t help you. I…set three more cards and end my turn!”

“Just face-downs?!” Syrus exclaims, and even Chazz’s cronies look surprised.

“What are you planning…?” Alexis narrows her eyes.

“Well, this is gonna get interesting!” Jaden smiles and draws. Let’s see…I can’t use Polymerization to fuse an Evil Hero unless the castle’s on the field. So until I draw it, it’s a little useless.

“Hey, slacker!” Chazz interrupts his train of thought. “I activate my first set card, the card I set before the others: Call of the Haunted! This lets me resurrect the Cthonian Soldier I sent to the graveyard!” Chazz explains, and the soldier rises above the gravestone.

Cthonian Soldier: 1200 ATK

“Next, I activate my second set card: Inferno Reckless Summon!” Chazz declares as his second card rises. “This lets me summon two more Cthonian Soldiers from my deck!”

Cthonian Soldier 2: 1200 ATK

Cthonian Soldier 3: 1200 ATK

“Unfortunately, it also lets you summon any copies of monsters you have in your deck…” Chazz frowns.

“Copies?” Jaden blinks. “I don’t have copies. Each of my monsters are one-of-a-kind to me!”

Chazz just smirks. “Well, you’re gonna regret that.”

“Your monsters may outnumber me, but they don’t hold a candle to mine. And it’s my turn!” Jaden declares.

“All the more reason you should be embarrassed about what’s about to happen,” Chazz grins. “I activate the trap card, Armory Call! This trap lets me add one equip spell from my deck to my hand and immediately equip it to one monster I control. I take the spell Cthonian Alliance and equip it to my first Soldier! This equip spell increases the equipped monster’s attack points by 800 for each monster on the field it shares a name with.”

Cthonian Soldier 1: 1200 ATK -> 2000 ATK -> 2800 ATK

It’s stronger than Inferno Wing… Jaden frowns. But I can still attack either of the other ones and win!

He does have one final face-down, though. Yubel advises, and Jaden looks down at his hand.

Card Destruction sent Clayman and Darkuriboh to the graveyard, and all I’ve got in my hand right now is Monster Reborn, Fall From Grace, Polymerization, and Yubel’s Mirror.

If we enter the battle phase, he may have a way to force us to attack the strongest one. It’s the only thing that makes sense.

You’re right, Yubel, Jaiden smiles. Good thing that won’t matter in a second.

Show him what we’ve got, Jaden, Yubel smiles.

“I activate the spell card Fall From Grace to revive Elemental Hero Clayman in defense mode!” Jaden declares.

Clayman: 2000 DEF

Clayman: Warrior-type > Fiend-type

“Big whoop!” Chazz snickers. “You really think one little card will save you?”

“Well, I think its second effect will throw you for a loop,” Jaden smiles, and a dark glow emanates from his graveyard…”

“Guys, we’ve got company!” Alexis interrupts the duel. “Campus security. If they find us here, we’ll get seriously busted!”

“Why? I mean…we’re all students here.” Jaden blinks.

Alexis sighs and pulls out a rulebook. “The rules say no off-hour arena duels. Chazz knows that, but let me guess, he didn’t tell you?”

“Come on, let’s go!” one of Chazz’s peons say.

“Fine,” Chazz steps away. “And just so you know…you weren’t gonna win that duel, despite your lucky start. My set card was Staunch Defender. It was gonna make your monsters attack by strongest soldier and wipe them out.”

We were right… Yubel growls. We could finish this, if you’d let me-

No. We’ve done enough.

“You’ve lucked out this time…” Chazz says as he and his cronies escape. Jaden rushes out with Syrus and Alexis, and Jaden sighs.

~=~

“Well, that stunk…just as I was about to win!” Jaden frowns.

“You shouldn’t get cocky,” Alexis frowns. “You had a strong start, but you heard Chazz. You wouldn’t be able to stop his counterattack.”

“Sure I could,” Jaden holds up his Fall From Grace card, “with this.”

Alexis takes the card and reads it…

(The card art for “Fall From Grace” depicts Bubbleman in a dark lair with Inferno wing looming over him. His bubbleman armor has been cast to the ground, and he’s donning the armor of Evil Hero Toxic Bubble)

“You can target one “Elemental Hero” monster in your graveyard: special summon it to your side of the field, and it is now considered a Fiend-type monster so long as it is on the field. Furthermore, all battle damage involving this monster is halved.

If you control an “Evil Hero” monster when you activate this effect, you may also add one “Dark Fusion” from your deck or graveyard to your hand.

You can only use each effect of “Fall From Grace” once per turn.”

“You were going to get Dark Fusion back…?” Alexis’s eyes widen. “What were you going to summon?”

“I guess you’ll have to find out some other time,” Jaden smiles and takes the card back. “But trust me, it woulda been a doozy!” he grins.

This was a good way to blow off steam, Yubel admits. Perhaps you were right, Jaden. This place will be good for both of us.

Chapter Text

…how did Jaden get into this mess? He was having a totally normal day doing well in class (okay, with a little help from Yubel), and chatting with Yubel when he’s away from Syrus.

Defending your friend from Doctor Crowler was the fine mark of a leader, Yubel says, but you should not be so quick to make enemies. I can feel darkness in this island, darkness you could use…but it won’t be easy if your teachers are plotting your downfall.

Relax, Yubel! Jaden chuckles. No one’s “plotting my downfall.”

Your friend Syrus is gone, is he not? Leaving with uncharacteristic joy? It’s possible he’s being puppeteered… Yubel theorizes.

Yubel, Duel Academy is safe, Jaden insists. If the power you sense was anything dangerous, people would know.

You should not doubt the extent people will go for secrets. Yubel warns.

As day turned to night, their conversation was interrupted by Jaden’s PDA. A message came from an unknown messenger, with a distorted voice.

“We have your roommate. If you want him back, come to the girl’s dorms now. Alone.”

…don’t-

I told you so.

And that is how Jaden found himself gearing up for a Shadow Game. Who else would really try targeting his new best friend like this if they didn’t know what he was? He’s wearing the black leather jacket he had on during his exam, and some brown pants. No point in ripping up his uniform if this thing turns violent. Furthermore, he can’t use the school duel disk…that thing’s probably not made for games of this caliber. So, he’s just bringing his deck, and together, he and Yubel will conjure up his real duel disk when the Shadow Game begins and the veil thins…

But as Jaden steps off the rowboat at the girl’s dorms, he finds himself staring at Alexis, two girls he hasn’t officially met yet, and Syrus with his wrists tied together.

“Hi, Jaden,” Syrus says shamefully.

…this isn’t quite the standoff I thought it’d be. Jaden frowns. None of these girls have any substantial duel energy coming off of them. Maybe we overreacted a little.

“...what exactly is going on here?” Jaden asks.

“Well, to put a long story short, I’m basically a big loser…” Syrus hangs his head.

“Could we make it long so I know how much comforting you need?” Jaden asks with a small smile. “I mean, is this bullying or a rejection?”

“Your friend here trespassed onto the girls’ campus!” the first girl, Jasmine, declares.

“That doesn’t sound like you, Syrus,” Jaden frowns.

“I-it’s not like that, Jaden, I swear!” Syrus tries to defend himself.

“And now that you’re here, Jaden,” the other girl, Mindy, adds, “you’re trespassing, too!”

“That’s right,” Alexis smiles, “so if you don’t want to get expelled, you’ll have to win your freedom by beating me in a duel right now!”

Oh, is that how we’re going to play this?! Yubel’s darkness pools unseen. Or maybe I could just wipe the memory of you three harlots for daring to interfere with my dear Jaden…

Easy, Yubel, easy! Jaden sighs.

“Look, I’m not agreeing to anything until I get the full story!” Jaden frowns. “So what happened?”

Alexis holds up a letter between two fingers. “Someone pretending to be me placed this in Syrus’s locker, thinking it was yours. He thought it was for him. It’s a declaration of love.”

…WHAT.

Jaden flinches, feeling the darkness pooling so much that if he doesn’t defuse things, Yubel’s sheer rage might start a Shadow Game before a card is drawn!

“Aw, geez…that’s kinda a pain,” Jaden sighs. “And on me. I still don’t have my own locker, Crowler’s been dragging his feet about it.”

(Nearby, Crowler shrieks to himself as he realizes his own pettiness has screwed his plan to fail)

“Well, it’d be the same result anyway, wouldn’t it?” Alexis questions. “You here, and us threatening to expel you.”

“I mean…probably not?” Jaden says. “I’ve got enough tact to reject a girl in daylight, I probably would have gone to you way earlier.”

“...reject?” Alexis’s eyes widen a little.

“Don’t kid yourself, Alexis is perfect!” Mindy says.

“What, you think you’re too good for her or something?!” Jasmine shrieks.

“It’s not like that, girls!” Jaden waves his hands wildly. “I’m just taken!”

Silence reigns for a few seconds. You could hear a pin drop.

“...excuse me?” Alexis asks doubtfully.

“Yeah, I’ve got a girlfriend!” Jaden smiles. “She’s hauntingly beautiful, taught me everything I know about dueling, she makes me wanna be my best self…” as Jaden lists off compliments, he can feel Yubel blushing as her darkness recedes. Jaden puts a hand over his heart. “Sorry about all this, Alexis, but I’m spoken for.”

“You expect us to believe you have some dueling girlfriend that didn’t make it to the academy with you?” Mindy asks.

“The answer to that question is, er… complicated,” Jaden says.

“Please! You’re just making stuff up to try and get out of trouble!” Jasmine scoffs. “Some fake girlfriend, she sounds totally bogus.”

“Please don’t say things like that,” Jaden sighs as he feels Yubel’s anger slowly start to build again.

“Enough!” Alexis says. “I don’t care if your girlfriend is real or not. The deal is still the same. Beat me in a duel, or else you’re getting expelled.”

“I guess I don’t have a choice…” Jaden smiles. “But I’ll only do it if I can duel those two at the same time.”

“Excuse me?!” Mindy exclaims.

“You two are insulting my girlfriend. What kind of boyfriend would I be if I let that stand?” Jaden grins. “So, three on one! You already lured me out here, don’t tell me you’re against giving yourself another advantage?”

Alexis smiles. “We accept.”

~=~

In the middle of the lake, Jaden puts on a duel disk the girls provided for him and shuffles his deck before sliding it into the disk. Syrus is in Jaden’s boat, and the three girls each have their own boat across from Jaden.

Say Yubel, how do you feel about a nonlethal Shadow Game? Jaden asks mentally.

I’m listening.

I know you’re angry at these girls, so how about this? The lower their life points yet, the more damaged their boats become. When they hit 0, they fall into the water. They’ll probably think it’s dumb luck, but you get to take your frustration out on them. Jaden suggests.

My Dear Jaden, you find such beautiful ways for me to use my abilities. This is why I love you~

“So, girls,” Jaden smiles. “Are we using Boss Duel rules or Tag Duel rules?”

“Boss Duel? Tag Duel?” Syrus blinks blankly.

“A Tag Duel is where we three would share life points,” Alexis explains, “but a Boss Duel would have each of us with our own life points, and Jaden would have triple the life points as a handicap.”

“I’m partial to a Boss Duel, myself,” Jaden chuckles.

“You really think you can beat us all that easily?” Mindy scoffs.

“Let’s teach this guy a lesson!” Jasmine adds.

“Fine by me,” Alexis nods. “Boss Duel rules. Jaden will have his turn after each of us girl’s, but we three girls share a field, which means the second duelist onward can still attack.”

“Then let’s do this,” Jaden smiles. Beneath the waves, shadows flow across their battlefield.

“Jaden, this will be three times as hard, especially with these rules!” Syrus whimpers. “I hope you know what you’re doing.”

“Duel!” the four duelists declare.

Alexis: 4000 LP (Hand: 5)

Jasmine: 4000 LP (Hand: 5)

Mindy: 4000 LP (Hand: 5)

Jaden: 12,000 LP (Hand: 5)

Alexis draws. “I’m going first!” she observes her hand for a moment. “Etoile Cyber, rise!” she declares and summons her monster.

Etoile Cyber: 1200 ATK

“Then, I place two cards face-down and end by turn,” Alexis says.

“Then it’s my turn!” Jaden draws. “Perfect. I’ll summon the Elemental Hero Sparkman!”

Sparkman: 1600 ATK

“Sparkman, destroy Etoile Cyber!” Jaden orders, and Sparkman unleashes his attack on the monster.

“Hold it right there!” Alexis throws her arm forward. “I activate the trap Doble Passe! This turns your attack into a direct attack!” She shields herself as the lightning impacts her boat.

Alexis: 4000 LP -> 2400 LP (Hand: 3)

“What…?” Jaden’s eyes widen.

“In exchange, you take damage equal to my monster’s attack points, and on my next turn, it can attack you directly!” Alexis declares as Etoile Cyber impacts Jaden.

Jaden: 12,000 LP -> 10,800 LP (Hand: 5)

“Sacrificing your life points for easy access to mine…you’re really something else, Alexis,” Jaden chuckles.

“Impressed?” Alexis smirks.

“Well, I’d hate to make my girlfriend jealous,” Jaden grins.

“How sweet,” Alexis chuckles. “Too bad I’ll have to crush you.”

“You can certainly try. That’s all for now, I end my turn,” Jaden says.

“Then I’m up!” Mindy draws a card and smiles. “You don’t stand a chance against my hunky monsters. I summon Sky Scout, in attack mode!” she declares as the winged beast rises.

Sky Scout: 1800 ATK

“Now for my battle phase! First, I’ll use Doble Passe’s effect to let Etoile Cyber attack you directly!” Mindy orders.

“And that’s not all,” Alexis smiles. “When Etoile Cyber attacks you directly, she gains 500 attack points during the damage step only.”

Etoile: 1200 ATK -> 1700 ATK

Etoile impacts Jaden directly, and he winces.

Jaden: 10,800 LP -> 9100 LP (Hand: 5)

Etoile: 1700 ATK -> 1200 ATK

“Sky Scout, destroy Sparkman!” Mindy orders, and her monster tears through Sparkman in an instant.

Jaden: 9100 LP -> 8900 LP (Hand: 5)

“And now, I activate a trap card!” Alexis decrees. “Fusion Gamble!”

===

Fusion Gamble (Normal Trap)

Your opponent targets one Fusion Monster in your Extra Deck. If you have the materials listen on the card in your hand or on your side of the field, you may Fusion Summon that monster. If you do not, the targeted monster is banished, as is one copy of each materials from your hand, deck, graveyard, and/or your side of the field.

===

“Pretty risky card…” Jaden notes.

“Usually, yes. But not in a duel like this,” Alexis smiles. “The player I target is…Jasmine.”

“Wait, what?!” Jaden grits his teeth.

“Knowing you, Alexis, I’ll choose Cyber Blader!” Jasmine smiles.

“And what do you know?” Alexis smiles. “I have Blade Skater in my hand and Cyber Blader on my field. So the time has come to Fusion Summon!”

“Mechanical marvel of beauty and sharpest warrior of the ice, come together to form this elegant killing machine! Fusion Summon!” Alexis chants. “Rise now, Cyber Blader!” Alexis orders, and her ace monster takes the field.

Cyber Blader: 2100 ATK

“And it’s still our battle phase,” Alexis smiles.

“That’s right!” Mindy grins. “Cyber Blader, attack this punk directly!” she orders, and Jaden grunts when the monster hits him dead-on.

Jaden: 8900 LP -> 6800 LP (Hand: 5)

Jaden grins. “Not bad. Now this is a battle!”

“We’ve got this guy on the ropes!” Mindy grins. “I set one card and end my turn.”

“Yeah, I knew when this kid beat Doctor Crowler, it was just luck!” Jasmine adds.

Are you really going east on them? Yubel scoffs.

Just having a little fun, Yubel, Jaden smiles. Don’t worry, though, I’ll take it seriously.

“It’s my draw!” Jaden says. “And girls…you’re probably not gonna like what’s gonna happen next. This turn’s gonna be a doozy for all three of you.”

“Huh? But it’s not even my turn yet!” Jasmine huffs.

“Yeah, well at this rate, I can’t exactly wait,” Jaden shrugs. “I activate my field spell, Supreme King’s Castle!”

The immense mountain bursts out of the water behind him, and storm clouds gather overhead.

“This is the card that beat Crowler…” Alexis narrows her eyes.

“I activate Dark Fusion!” Jaden declares. “With this card, I fuse Elemental Heroes Avian and Burstinatrix in my hand to summon a more powerful monster!”

“Here it comes…” Alexis braces herself as Jaden’s Inferno Wing is summoned.

“Winds of Change and Righteous Flames, join in darkness and endless strife to carve yourselves a renewed name and usher my foes to the afterlife! Fusion Summon!” Jaden chants. “I summon Evil Hero Inferno Wing!”

Inferno Wing: 2100 ATK

“Next, I’m gonna activate a card I showed you the other day,” Jaden smiles. “Fall From Grace!”

“Oh, no…” Alexis’s eyes widen.

“With this card, I resurrect Sparkman from the graveyard,” Jaden says with a smile.

Sparkman: 1600 ATK

“And since you control an Evil Hero, you can return Dark Fusion to your hand,” Alexis recites.

“That’s right!” Jaden smiles and returns the card to his hand. “Now, class, why don’t you all guess what happens next?” he taunts as he activates Dark Fusion again. “I fuse Elemental Hero Sparkman on the field with Elemental Hero Clayman in my hand!”

Jaden’s hand is emptied as a second fusion monster is summoned to the field, and the storms above the castle crash downward.

“Stalwart Earth and Purest Light, find the good in methods dark, find your soul and join the fight, destroy my foes on your King’s mark! Fusion Summon!” Jaden declares. “Evil Hero Lightning Golem!”

Lightning Golem: 2400 ATK

“Not a bad move, Jaden,” Alexis smiles. “But Cyber Blader has an effect. It becomes stronger for each monster you have on your field. If you have only one monster, Cyber Blader can’t be destroyed in battle…but with two, then on top of that, her attack points are doubled!”

Cyber Blader: 2100 ATK -> 4200 ATK

“And unless you have a level 10 or higher monster in that deck somewhere, Supreme King’s Castle can’t make your monsters stronger than my Cyber Blader,” Alexis says.

“You’re right, I don’t have that high level a monster to sacrifice…not willingly anyway…” Jaden mutters. “But attacks aren’t everything. Lightning Golem’s ability activates! Once per turn, I can destroy any monster on the field!”

“What?!” Alexis’s eyes widen as Lightning Golem crashes the indigo lightning of the castle down on Cyber Blader, and she’s completely wiped out.

“Battle time!” Jaden grins. “Inferno Wing, attack Sky Scout! And I’ll activate the effect of Supreme King’s Castle to increase her attack until the end of the turn. I send Evil Hero Sinister Necrom from my deck to the graveyard.”

Inferno Wing: 2100 ATK -> 3100 ATK

“Uh-oh…” Mindy eeps as Inferno Wing’s fire engulfs Sky Scout.

Mindy: 4000 LP -> 2700 LP (Hand: 4)

“And Inferno Wing’s ability takes Sky Scout’s attack right out of your life points!” Jaden adds.

Mindy: 2700 LP -> 900 LP (Hand: 4)

Jaden smiles, and Alexis grits her teeth. If Lightning Golem attacks her directly, she’ll be out of the fight…

Oh, go on then.

What?

I know you want to save her for last. It’s fine…she hasn’t irked me.

You’re the best, Yubel!

“Lightning Golem, let’s avenge my darling first. Attack Mindy directly!” Jaden orders, and Mindy Shrieks as Lightning Golem strikes Mindy, and she falls out of her boat!

Mindy: 900 LP -> 0 LP (Hand: 4)

Mindy sputters and grabs onto her overturned boat, huffing to herself.

“We can still come back from this,” Alexis says. “Just play it carefully, Jasmine.”

“Hey, my turn’s not quite over yet!” Jaden smiles. “In my second main phase, I activate Necrom’s effect in the graveyard.”

“A graveyard effect?” Alexis arches her eyebrow.

“By banishing Sinister Necrom from my graveyard, I can summon any Evil Hero from my deck.” Jaden explains. “And I summon my most powerful non-fusion monster, Evil Hero Malicious Edge!” he orders, and the malevolent antihero rises to the field.

Malicious Edge: 2600 ATK

“What kind of deck is this?!” Jasmine exclaims.

“I end my turn, and Inferno Wing’s attack returns to normal,” Jaden says.

Inferno Wing: 3100 ATK -> 2100 ATK

Jaden smiles. He has three powerful monsters on the field! He’s excited to see how the girls will try to counter this.

“My turn!” Jasmine draws. “I’m gonna make you pay for this.”

“Avenge me, Jasmine!” Mindy calls.

“My ladies unite to take on any threat!” Jasmine says. “I activate Banner of Courage!” she says, and a banner appears on her boat. “Now, all my monsters will get stronger during my battle phase. Next, I summon the Beautiful Headhuntress!”

Beautiful Headhuntress: 1600 ATK

“And I follow it up with the spell card, Reinforcement of the Army! This adds one warrior of my choice from my deck to my hand, and I choose Penumbral Soldier Lady.” Jasmine explains and adds the card to her hand. “Next, I activate Graceful Charity! This lets me draw 3 cards so long as I discard two.” Jasmine explains, and Yubel whispers in Jaden’s mind.

She’s discarded Penumbral Soldier Lady…

“Now, I activate the effect of Tricky Squire in my graveyard,” Jasmine says.

===

Tricky Squire (Lv2 Warrior / Effect Monster, DARK)

ATK: 0 / DEF: 500

You can banish this card from the graveyard: special summon any Warrior-type monster sent to your graveyard this turn.

===

“I revive Penumbral Soldier Lady!” Jasmine orders, and the warrior bursts out of the water.

Penumbral Soldier Lady: 2100 ATK

“I activate the equip spells Lightning Blade and Legendary Sword! My Headhuntress gets the Lightning blade, my Penumbral Soldier Lady gets the Legendary Sword.” Jasmine explains.

Headhuntress: 1600 ATK -> 2400 ATK

Penumbral Soldier Lady: 2100 ATK -> 2400 ATK

“And check it, loser! You’re not the only one with a field spell! I play Sogen,” Jasmine activates her field spell, empowering her warriors further.

Headhuntress: 2400 ATK -> 2600 ATK

Penumbral Soldier Lady: 2400 ATK -> 2600 ATK

“Wow, impressive!” Jaden smiles. “You’re really trying to put me on the ropes, huh?”

“More than trying!” Jasmine huffs. “Remember, when I enter the battle phase, my Banner makes my monsters stronger!”

Headhuntress: 2600 ATK -> 2800 ATK

Penumbral Soldier Lady: 2600 ATK -> 2800 ATK

“Penumbral Soldier Lady, attack Lightning Golem!” Jasmine says confidently. “And whenever she battles a Light attribute monster, my Penumbral Soldier Lady gets even stronger!”

Penumbral Soldier Lady: 2800 ATK -> 3800 ATK

“What are you gonna do against that?” Jasmine smirks.

“Uh…I guess I’ll activate Supreme King’s Castle,” Jaden says matter-of-factly.

“Wha-!” Jasmine flinches. “You can do that during my turn, too?!”

“It should just be to avoid as much damage,” Alexis says. “He can’t have enough monster high level as Malicious Edge in his deck. He doesn’t have duplicates of his monsters.”

“Well, you’re right about that,” Jaden smiles. “But I’m not sacrificing from my main deck, I’m going for my extra deck.”

“He can target the extra deck with that, too?” Mindy gasps.

“I send Evil Hero Darkest Knight from my extra deck to the graveyard, who’s level eight!” Jaden grins. “Lightning Golem, counterattack!”

Lightning Golem: 2400 ATK -> 4000 ATK

Lightning Golem counters Penumbral Soldier Lady, and she’s destroyed.

Jasmine: 4000 LP -> 3800 LP (Hand: 1)

“Of course, I can only use the castle’s effect once per turn,” Jaden says.

“Rrgh…Headhuntress attacks Inferno Wing!” Jasmine orders, and this time, the attack goes through and destroys the monster.

Jaden: 6800 LP -> 6100 LP (Hand: 0)

“I set my last card face down and end my turn,” Jasmine says with a huff.

Lightning Golem: 4000 ATK -> 2400 ATK

Beautiful Headhuntress: 2800 ATK -> 2600 ATK

“Then it’s my move!” Jaden draws, and he smiles. “Lightning Golem’s effect activates and destroys the Beautiful Headhuntress!” Jaden orders, and the dark lightning destroys the monster immediately. “Supreme King’s Castle can only activate when my monster battles another monster…so for now, my Evil Heroes will both attack Jasmine directly!”

Jasmine: 3800 LP -> 1400 LP -> 0 LP (Hand: 0)

“Alexis, use my set card!” Jasmine sputters as she’s knocked into the water next.

Alexis nods. “I activate the set Call of the Haunted to resurrect Cyber Blader! And since you have two monsters, she gets stronger,” She explains as Cyber Blader rises up.

Cyber Blader: 2100 ATK -> 4200 ATK

“And she gets stronger from the field spell,” Alexis adds.

Cyber Blader: 4200 ATK -> 4400 ATK

“I’ll lay down a face down and end my turn,” Jaden says.

“It’s my turn!” Alexis draws. “I have to admit, Jaden, you’ve impressed me. Doing as much as you have to us is very impressive…but this ends now. I activate the equip spell Fusion Weapon! It makes Cyber Blader even stronger.”

Cyber Blader: 4400 ATK -> 5900 ATK

“Jasmine, can I use more of your cards?” Alexis asks.

“Go for it, Alexis!” Jasmine smiles.

“I activate the spell card Fallen Arms!” Alexis declares.

===

Fallen Arms (Normal Spell)

You can banish any number of warrior-type monsters from your graveyard. For each monster you banish, you can add one equip spell in your graveyard to your hand.

===

“I banish Beautiful Headhuntress and Penumbra Soldier Lady to add Lightning Blade and Legendary Sword to my hand!” Alexis says. “And then I’ll activate them. I equip Cyber Blader with these weapons!”

Cyber Blader’s new weapon grows even bigger and surges with power.

Cyber Blader: 5900 ATK -> 6700 ATK -> 7000 ATK

“Time to show you the real power of Obelisk Blue!” Alexis smiles. Let’s see if you can beat it, Jaden. I activate the trap card Mindy set on her turn! Foolish Revival! This trap lets me summon a monster from your graveyard onto your field in defense mode.”

“You’re bringing back one of my monsters?” Jaden blinks.

“I revive Elemental Hero Burstinatrix!” Alexis orders.

Burstinatrix: 800 DEF

“When you have at least three monsters on your field, Cyber Blader’s true power finally unleashes itself,” Alexis smiles. “Any card effects you activate will be negated! No more Castle for you.”

Cyber Blade flourishes and charges into battle at high speed.

“As we enter the Battle Phase, Banner of Courage makes Cyber Blader stronger!” Alexis says.

Cyber Blader: 7000 ATK -> 7200 ATK

“Attack Evil Hero Lightning Golem!” Alexis orders, and Jaden smiles. As Cyber Blader charges, the entire field begins to crumble and the castle falls into the water behind him.

“What the…?” Alexis’s eyes widen. “What’s happening?”

“My trap card,” Jaden smiles, and his trap card rises. “I activate Yubel’s Mirror!”

The card art depicts a human girl with bluish-purple hair holding a mirror over one side of her face with a frown. The reflection is a monstrous creature (Yubel) as the other half of her face with a wicked grin.

===

Yubel’s Mirror (Normal Trap)

When you activate this card, you can tribute any card on your field: if you do, this card’s activation and effects cannot be negated.

When an opponent’s monster declares an attack targeting a face-up Fiend-type monster you control: this turn, that monster you control cannot be destroyed by battle, and all battle damage you would take involving it is instead inflicted onto the opponent. At the end of the damage step, all battle damage your opponent took is subtracted out of your creature’s ATK and DEF.

(Quick Effect) You can banish this card from your graveyard to destroy one Fiend-type monster you control.

===

“I’ve tributed Supreme King’s Castle so this card can’t be negated. And now, all that battle damage…goes right to you, Alexis,” Jaden explains.

Alexis: 2400 -> 0 LP

“You…actually did it,” Alexis gawks and shrieks as the boat crumbles beneath her.

Yeah, and he did it with MY CARD, you wretched little temptress!

Yubel, please… Jaden sighs and chuckles.

“What is with these crappy boats?” Mindy complains.

“You girls need a lift?” Jaden offers the girls.

~=~

“A deal’s a deal,” Alexis says when they return to shore. “I won’t turn either of you in.”

“It was a close match, Alexis,” Jaden smiles. “Hope to duel again sometime! Maybe with normal rules, next time.”

“You can count on it, Jaden,” Alexis smiles, and Jaden walks off with Syrus.

You know you’re the only girl for me, right? Jaden smiles to Yubel.

Obviously, Yubel huffs. And don’t you forget it.

Chapter Text

Yubel hovers invisibly in Jaden’s room. While Jaden gets his rest, Chumley sleeps away, and little Syrus has set up a shrine of sorts in front of a poster of Slifer the Sky Dragon. He’s made a little prayer, too, trying to pray to the Egyptian God.

Oh, please. Those three have no domain here, Yubel scoffs. Prayer will do nothing.

“Please, please, please!” Syrus pathetically begs, not able to see or hear the mocking fiend. “Please help me ace my exams today, or I’ll be stuck wearing this red blazer forever. N-not that there’s anything wrong with red, of course! It’s great on you, Slifer, but I wanna be in Ra Yellow.”

He can’t even pray right…

“Please give me a sign that you’ll help!” Syrus begs, and Yubel smiles. Her eyes trail to the sleeping Jaden.

He won’t be awake for a while.

Yubel raises her hand, and the candles Syrus has go out, and in the smoke, the shape of Yubel hisses! Syrus shrieks and falls back, and the smoke returns to normal with no sign of shapes while Yubel cackles maniacally at Syrus’s childish panic.

“Hm…?” Jaden sleepily opens his eyes and sits up. “What’s so funny…?”

“I was screaming, not laughing!” Syrus pouts. “I thought I saw something…these tests have me too on edge.”

Did you scare him? Jaden mentally asks.

Well, I need to entertain myself somehow, Yubel rolls her eyes.

Give him a break, he’s already stressing enough, Jaden stretches. “You gotta try relaxing, Sy,” Jaden smiles.

“Relax?!” Syrus sputters. “How can I relax where there’s so much at stake?! If we fail these tests, we might never advance to the next dorm!”

He has a point, Jaden, Yubel remarks. Advancing further up will give you access to everything you deserve as the Supreme King. Ra will be the first step, and Obelisk will be the next. With your power, you’ll be able to accomplish this by the end of the year.

“Yeah, yeah, I get it,” Jaden gets up, talking to both Yubel and Syrus. “Moving up’s important, and we’re all gonna score!”

“Yeah, that’s wishful thinking…” Chumley huffs. “The field test portion pits classmates against each other, and only the winners get the chance to advance!”

“I…didn’t know that,” Jaden frowns.

Don’t let your feelings cloud your judgment, Jaden, Yubel puts a clawed hand on his shoulder. You can make it look good if you want…but do not forget our purpose here. If you want to get strong, you will have to win.

Jaden doesn’t answer audibly or mentally, and he sighs.

“We need to hurry,” Syrus gets up. “You’re not even dressed, Jaden!”

“You go on ahead, Sy,” Jaden smiles. “Save me a seat, won’t ya?”

“Alright, just don’t be too late!” Syrus rushes out, and Jaden takes a deep breath.

I don’t wanna have to fight Syrus… Jaden frowns. The spirits in our deck crave the fear of our opponents. I’m worried they’ll all get a little too excited against him.

~=~

Once he’s dressed, Jaden rushes toward the Main Campus…but he’s stopped when he notices a heavyset woman struggling to push a neutral van uphill. Now, he chivalrously decides to help her.

What are you doing? Yubel frowns. You’re going to be late!

Being a King should be about more than power, Jaden points out. A good King should help anyone he can. And right now, this lady needs help.

Yubel sighs, but says nothing.

~=~

Jaden sighs as he turns in his test at the last minute. He was late, and even with Yubel coaching him, they had to hurry through everything. The written exam clearly isn’t going to be where they shine, at least not this time…but at least now, Jaden can check out the new rare packs with Syrus before the field test! With any luck, he’ll find a few new spirits eager to join the Supreme King’s deck…or at least, that was the plan.

“Where is everyone?” Jaden’s eyes widen when he sees the card shop completely empty. “‘Scuse me, counter girl?” Jaden walks up to the girl at the counter. “You still have some cards left, right?”

“Of course we have some left,” the girl looks annoyed, “just regular packs, though. Here you go.” She slides a single pack across the counter.

“Just one?!” Jaden and Syrus exclaim.

“I’m done for…” Syrus frowns. “I slept through my written test, and now I’m going to flunk my duel test cuz I can’t upgrade my deck!”

“You should take the pack, Syrus,” Jaden says.

“Really?” Syrus asks. “But…what about you, Jaden? You were late, what if…what if you fail?”

“No way, Sy,” Jaden smiles. “I may flunk now and then, but never fail.”

You are far too kind for your own good.

What goes around comes around, Yubel.

“Yoo-hoo, young man!” the woman Jaden helped before comes up.

“Oh, hey!” Jaden smiles. “You work here, too?”

“Oh, no, I don’t work here, I own here!” the woman smiles. “Cool, huh? Here, I have something for you, as a thank you for helping me before.” She hands over a rare pack.

“A rare pack…?” Jaden’s eyes widen. “But I thought…”

“Oh, I always make sure to put one or two aside!” the woman winks. “Just in case.”

Jaden smiles. You see, Yubel?

Well…perhaps there is some credence to be given to your way of doing things.

Jaden slowly opens the pack and skims the cards over. No spirits in most of these, or at least meek ones…none good for us…wait. He holds up two cards. These ones. His eyes flare for a moment. They’re perfect.

~=~

In the field test, Jaden’s eyes widen when he sees who’s across from him, and a grinning Crowler organizing the fight.

“I’m dueling Chazz?!” Jaden exclaims.

“That’s right, Jaden,” Crowler chuckles. “Since you always talk such a big game, I pulled some strings for you, so you got the challenge you deserve! So congratulations. You’ll be dueling one of the top-ranked students in the school.”

No matter how kind you are, Yubel appears behind Jaden, there will be those plotting your downfall. That is the curse of royalty, Jaden.

Look, Chazz might be a jerk, but I’m not convinced about Crowler. He’s just a little rough around the edges… Jaden responds.

Think what you’d like, Jaden… Yubel narrows her eyes. But Chazz’s deck contains the scalped rare cards.

What? You’re sure? Jaden’s eyes widen.

His cards give off fading duel energy: duel spirits that recently left. His old deck didn’t feel like this. Being scalped like that is an immense insult to duel spirits, they likely all left when it happened to seek other copies of their cards as hosts.

So Chazz could be the scalper! Jaden frowns.

Or he’s working with them.

Either way, it’s up to me to avenge the honor of the spirits who were insulted.

Jaden walks forward with a look of determination on his face. “Let’s do this, Chazz! It’s time to finish what we started.”

“I couldn’t agree more,” Chazz smirks.

The two students give their decks to a proctor to shuffle, and then they slide them into their disks.

“Duel!” the two declare, and eyes are drawn to them as they draw their cards.

Jaden: 4000 LP (Hand: 5)

Chazz: 4000 LP (Hand: 5)

“No excuses this time, Chazz,” Jaden looks down at his hand, and his eyes widen.

This hand, it’s…Yubel, did you…?”

I had no part in this. Fate has a funny way of doing things, sometimes.

Jaden smiles. “Well, Chazz, can’t wait to see your new deck,” he smirks.

“Wait, how did you…?” Chazz’s eyes widen.

“But I’m about to start this duel the same way our last one did!” Jaden holds up his favored card. “I activate Dark Fusion!”

Chazz’s eyes widen. “The same way…you don’t mean?!”

“Winds of Change and Righteous Flames, join in darkness and endless strife to carve yourselves a renewed name and usher my foes to the afterlife! Fusion Summon! I summon Evil Hero Inferno Wing!” Jaden declares as he fuses Avian and Burstinatrix in his hand.

Inferno Wing: 2100 ATK

“Next, I summon Elemental Hero Sparkman!” Jaden announces.

Sparkman: 1600 ATK

“The same cards?!” Chazz grits his teeth. “But the proctor shuffled your deck…how is this possible?”

Jaden looks down at his hand. The last two cards in his hand are Darkuriboh and Clayman…which Chazz probably remembers.

“It’s my draw!” Chazz looks frustrated…but he just chuckles. “You know, I’m actually glad you’ve got these eyesores out. Now I get to tear them down before everything else! So fresh off the presses, I’m gonna start with Magical Mallet!” Chazz casts the spell card. “It lets me shuffle any cards I don’t want back into the deck and draw again.” Chazz explains and redraws three cards.

“Perfect,” Chazz smirks. “I summon V-Tiger Jet! Sharpen your claws for attack mode!” He orders, and the machine monster rises.

V-Tiger Jet: 1600 ATK

“And there’s more where that came from. I activate the continuous spell, Frontline Base!” Chazz plays his next card. “This lets me summon a level 4 or lower Union monster from my hand, once per turn. And I have just the one…W-Wing Catapult!”

W-Wing Catapult: 1300 ATK

“And now it’s time for them to merge! Union monsters, unite into a whole new animal. Union Fusion! I summon VW-Tiger Catapult!” Chazz announces while his two monsters shift and combine.

VW-Tiger Catapult: 2000 ATK

“Your little pest only protects your fiends and fusions. Tiger Catapult, attack Sparkman!” Chazz orders, and the Catapult fires upon the elemental hero, destroying it.

Jaden: 4000 LP -> 3600 LP (Hand: 2)

“Next, I activate Tiger Catapult’s ability, discarding one of my cards to change the battle mode of Inferno Wing,” Chazz discards.

Inferno Wing: 1200 DEF

“I set two cards face-down and end my turn,” Chazz says.

“Then I’m up,” Jaden draws.

Why would he change Inferno Wing to defense mode? I can just change it back, Jaden frowns. 

“I change Evil Hero Inferno Wing back to attack mode!” Jaden declares.

Inferno Wing: 2100 ATK

“Inferno Wing, attack Tiger Catapult!” Jaden orders, and Inferno Wing charges at the monster.

“I activate a trap card, Negate Attack!” Chazz announces. “This stops your attack and ends the battle phase.”

“Then I’ll play Elemental Hero Clayman in defense mode,” Jaden says next.

Clayman: 2000 DEF

“I’ll throw down a face-down and end my turn,” Jaden concludes.

“My turn!” Chazz draws. “And now, I activate Pot of Greed!” Chazz says and draws two cards. “Perfect,” he smirks. “This is the end for you, Jaden!”

Hang on, Jaden, I…feel something. Yubel warns.

A duel spirit? Jaden’s eyes widen. I thought they all left.

It looks like one of them was drawn back by the battle…one monster who craves this level of combat.

“I normal summon X-Head Cannon, and Frontline’s magic lets me summon Z-Metal Tank! Follow that up with my Call of the Haunted trap targeting Y-Dragon Head in the graveyard, and it’s about to be a party.”

“X, Y, and Z…” Jaden frowns. “That’s not good.”

X-Head Cannon: 1800 ATK

Y-Dragon Head: 1500 ATK

Z-Metal Tank: 1500 ATK

“Conjoin now, X, Y, and Z! Union Fusion! I summon XYZ-Dragon Cannon!”

XYZ-Dragon Cannon: 2800 ATK

“But wait, Jaden. There’s more.” Chazz grins wider. “Combine, my monsters, and become the ultimate machine!”

This is it…the spirit I feel.

“I summon V-to-Z Dragon Catapult Cannon!” Chazz announces as his new most powerful monster looms over the battlefield.

Dragon Catapult Cannon: 3000 ATK

“Once per turn, Dragon Catapult Cannon can banish one card my opponent controls,” Chazz explains condescendingly. “And your Darkuriboh can only protect against destruction effects! Now go, eradicate Evil Hero Inferno Wing!”

Dragon Catapult Cannon fires down upon Inferno Wing, wiping it out of existence.

“Inferno Wing!” Jaden’s eyes widen.

“Oh, but I’m not done yet. It’s time for an attack!” Chazz points at Clayman. “When Dragon Catapult Cannon battles a monster, it can change the battle position of that monster. Your life points aren’t safe!”

Clayman: 800 ATK

Dragon Catapult Cannon fires upon Clayman next, and Jaden winces as the damage from the conflict impacts him.

Jaden: 3600 LP -> 1400 LP (Hand: 1)

“I activate my trap card!” Jaden declares. “Evil Signal!”

===

Evil Signal (Normal Trap)

When a monster you control is destroyed by battle and sent to the GY: Special Summon 1 Level 4 or lower Warrior-type monster from your hand or Deck. When you activate this trap, you can choose to reveal one “Dark Fusion” in your hand. If you do, you can instead summon a level five or higher Fiend-type monster from your hand or deck.

===

“I summon Elemental Hero Burstinatrix!” Jaden announces.

Burstinatrix: 1200 ATK

“Doesn’t matter!” Chazz smirks. “Next turn, you’re done for, slacker.”

“Don’t be so sure,” Jaden smiles. “I have a whole army of vicious monsters in my deck that have been waiting to get a taste of you! All I need to do is draw the right card.” He draws, and smiles. “It’s been an honor to fight the real V-to-Z Dragon Catapult Cannon…”

“The honor is mine, Little King,” the Dragon Catapult Cannon’s spirit drones ethereally. “I apologize, but I cannot hold back. You will not be able to defeat me.”

“I wouldn’t be so sure about that,” Jaden holds up the card he drew. “I activate the spell card Nightmare Wings!”

(The card art depicts Darkuriboh with Yubel’s wings)

~=~

Nightmare Wings (Quick-Play Spell)

(This card’s name is always treated as “Dark Fusion”)

Fusion Summon 1 Fiend-type Fusion Monster from your Extra Deck by sending the Fusion Materials listed on it to the graveyard from your hand or your side of the field.

When an attack is declared on a Fiend-type monster on your side of the field or an effect targets it, you can banish this card from the graveyard; negate that target or effect.

~=~

“I fuse Darkuriboh in my hand with Elemental Hero Burstinatrix on my field!” Jaden smiles. “You’re not the only one with a brand-new monster, Chazz! Elemental forces, align yourselves and split apart, bringing a chain reaction of order and chaos! Fusion Summon!” Jaden chants. “I summon Gentle Nightmuriboh!”

The resulting monster is a Kuriboh-like monster with three eyes, demonic wings and a dragon-like body around its Kuriboh form (like if Winged Kuriboh Lv10 had an actual Dragon Body and not armor).

Gentle Nightmuriboh: ? ATK

“Undefined attack points…?” Chazz narrows his eyes. “What are you up to?”

“Well, I’ll tell ya!” Jaden smirks.

===

Gentle Nightmuriboh (Lv10 Fiend / Fusion / Effect, DARK)

Materials: 1 DARK Fiend-type monster + 1+ non-DARK monsters with different attributes

ATK: ? / DEF: ?

This card can only be Fusion Summoned, and cannot be Special Summoned by other ways. This card’s Original ATK and DEF are the number of fusion materials used to summon it x1000. When this card is Fusion summoned, it gains the attributes of all its fusion materials, as well as its original attribute.

This card gains additional abilities dependent on its attributes:

• LIGHT: (Quick Effect) Once per turn, when your opponent draws a card(s), you can choose to look at them.

• DARK: This monster can declare one additional attack each Battle Phase.

• EARTH: During your standby phase, you can target one monster on the field: change its battle position.

• WATER: During your end phase: Draw one card.

• FIRE: During your end phase: Inflict 1000 damage to your opponent.

• WIND: You gain 500 Life Points whenever you activate a Spell Card.

Once per turn, you can discard one “Polymerization” or “Fusion” card, and if you do, this card gains ATK equal to its Original ATK until the end phase.

===

Gentle Nightmuriboh: ? ATK -> 2000 ATK

“So what?” Chazz smirks. “My Dragon Catapult Cannon is still stronger!”

“Looks like you didn’t remember all of Darkuriboh’s abilities,” Jaden smiles. “When Darkuriboh is sent to the graveyard by a card effect, I can add Polymerization to my hand.” he smirks and discards the spell. “And now, I activate Gentle Nightburiboh’s ability!”

Gentle Nightmuriboh: 2000 ATK -> 4000 ATK

“No…this can’t be happening!” Chazz shakes in frustration.

“Gentle Nightmuriboh, attack!” Jaden orders.

“Well done, Jaden Yuki…” Dragon Catapult Cannon says. “I am sure we will meet again.”

Chazz: 4000 LP -> 3000 LP (Hand: 0)

“And now for Nightmuriboh’s second attack! Attack Chazz directly!” Jaden orders, and Nightmuriboh unleashes its full power upon Chazz.

Chazz: 3000 LP -> 0 LP (Hand: 0)

Chazz falls to his knees and clenches his fists. “You…lucky…punk…” Chazz growls.

“Lucky, huh?” Jaden smiles. “Nah. I’ve just got faith in my deck, and I’m a decent guy. What goes around, comes around. Till next duel, Chazz!”

“Yeah…till next duel.” Chazz growls.

“Hey, Jaden!” Syrus runs up alongside an acquaintance of Jaden, Bastion Misawa. Jaden doesn’t know him too well yet, but the guy seems decent enough.

“That was well-played, Jaden,” Chancellor Shepherd announces over the intercom. “Not in the history of our revered academy has a slifer ever dueled an obelisk during these exams. Jaden, not only did you hold your own, but you won! Your courage against overwhelming odds is inspiring. It is with great pride that I grant you promotion to Ra Yellow. Good job!”

All around them, people cheer.

You did it, Jaden, Yubel smiles as Syrus hugs Jaden, and Jaden laughs triumphantly.

“Good show, Jaden.” Bastion smiles. “Allow me to be the first to welcome you to the Ra Dorm.” He holds out his hand.

“Thanks!” Jaden smiles and shakes his hand.

The time has come. The first step to your destiny, my dear Jaden…

~=~

Hours after the exams, Syrus is back in his dorm and sighs.

“Hey, Sy, are you just gonna be moping around all day?” Chumley asks.

“I just thought Jaden would say goodbye to us…that’s all I wanted…” Syrus frowns.

Suddenly, the door to the dorm is pulled open, and Jaden grins.

“Hey, guys!” he walks in, wearing the Ra Yellow uniform in his open-jacket style. “How do I look? I’m thinking of dirtying it a little to give it more of a gold look…what do you guys think?”

“Jaden…” Syrus blinks. “Why are you back here?”

“Well, I wanted to say congrats on passing your field test,” Jaden chuckles. “And in case you forgot, we did have plans to hang out tonight!”

“But…but you’re in Ra Yellow now!” Syrus gawks.

“That doesn’t change the fact that you guys are my friends,” Jaden says with a smile. “That’s why you guys are invited to dinner tonight! Bastion’s gonna show me around the Ra dorms tomorrow, but I figured it’d only be nice to give you guys a taste of the good life.”

“Jaden…are you sure?” Syrus asks.

“Sure, he’s sure!” Chumley grins. “That sounds ‘licious, Jaden! Literally!”

“Just ‘cause I’m moving up in the world doesn’t mean I’m gonna forget about you guys.” Jaden assures them.

~=~

Inspiring loyalty in everyone, even as he becomes stronger… Yubel sighs. He knows how to be a King. He knows more than I ever taught him…it’s in his blood. She smiles. And this is only the beginning.

Chapter Text

The Ra Yellow Dorm is holding a banquet to welcome the few Slifer Reds who earned the right to join them…and the somewhat more plentiful number of Obelisk Blues who failed so miserably that they had to be demoted. Of course, among the many people wearing yellow blazers, Syrus and Chumley still wear their red blazers and sit with Jaden while feasting on the good food with him.

“Duel Academy is among the most prestigious institutions in the world,” Bastion says as he sits across from Jaden, “you’re truly telling me that the divide between our two dorms is so great?”

“Oh, yeah, totally,” Jaden nods. “No clue why, though. I get it’s supposed to be some kind of system about encouraging the students to get stronger, but they’ve kind of gone overboard when it comes to the Slifer Dorm…that’s part of the reason why I’m still gonna hang out with my friends from there!” he smiles. “I gotta show Syrus here that the divide isn’t as big as he thinks.” he ruffles Syrus’s hair.

“Jaden…” Syrus complains like he’s getting babied by a big brother, and Bastion smiles.

“That’s quite honorable of you, Jaden,” Bastion compliments, and notices the scrutiny that some of the other Ra students give to Syrus from afar. Even his former peers from Slifer leer at him in jealousy for being brought here without promotion.

I always presumed these foolish rivalries were a consequence of spoiled children getting into Obelisk Blue… Bastion thinks to himself. This goes deeper than I believed. And yet, while Syrus is clearly trying to ignore it, it means absolutely nothing to Jaden. His ability to enjoy life no matter the ugly truth of it around him is astounding.

“Perhaps I should join you sometime. Everyone is always saying I should step out of my lab more often, and what better way than to join my new roommate?” Bastion shrugs.

“Wait, you’re serious?” Jaden smiles. “We’re roommates? Bastion, that’s awesome!”

“Actually, I requested it,” Bastion nods. “From what I can tell, rooming with others in the Slifer dorms is mandatory due to their limited rooms, all Obelisk students get their own rooms, and the Ra Yellow dorms can fit pairs. However, our rooms are plentiful, so there’s rarely a need for pairing up…yet I want to room with you, Jaden. I wish to understand your dueling strategies.”

“Well, good luck, Bastion, he’s a snorer,” Syrus complains.

“I’m sure I’ll be able to manage,” Bastion chuckles.

~=~

“Whoa…” Jaden and Syrus marvel at the writing on the walls in Basion’s dorm.

“Apologies, Jaden,” Bastion says. “I’ve been planning to paint these over, they’re quite old. Once they’re gone, we can discuss how to divide the dorm space amongst ourselves.”

“This dorm’s great!” Syrus gawks. “Separate bedrooms, a shared space? We all basically get a utility closet with bunk beds.”

“What’s with the equations, Bastion?” Jaden asks.

“Well, you see, I’ve always believed that the aspects of mathematics could apply to our everyday lives…even dueling,” Bastion explains. “I build my decks with all factors in mind. Not just the various combinations of cards, but the probability of drawing certain cards, and even their uses against the opponents they may face.”

“That’s pretty cool!” Jaden smiles. “I love seeing how everyone here duels differently. It’s the perfect challenge!”

Bastion smiles. Jaden Yuki is an interesting one…it’s not unusual for students to come here simply for the duels, but Jaden’s love of dueling and drive to go on makes it seem like this place is training. Using Duel Academy as a means to simply test yourselves against other duelists and nothing more…it’s fascinating. What plans could Jaden Yuki have for his future where his academic growth comes second? Bastion hopes to find out.

“Tomorrow is the weekend, so I plan to paint the walls then,” Bastion explains. “That way, you and I will have all day out of the dorms while the fumes escape and the paint dries.”

“Hey, why wait? We could do it tonight,” Jaden suggests. “I’ve been planning to hang out with my friends tonight, we could turn it into a last hurrah and a sleepover at the Slifer Dorm while it fumes out overnight. And you could come with us, Bastion!”

“An intriguing offer,” Bastion smiles. “I would hate to impose on your time with your friends…”

“Bastion, we’re about to be roommates!” Jaden puts a hand on Bastion’s shoulder and grins. “That means you’re my friend, too!”

Bastion chuckles. “Very well, then. I would be honored. But for now, I should get to painting…”

“We can help you,” Syrus smiles.

“You truly wish to?” Bastion asks.

“Hey, the sooner we get it done, the sooner we can all get back to hanging out!” Jaden grins.

As they paint and have their fun with it, Bastion feels a sense of elation he hasn’t felt in many years. Just doing something as simple as painting turns into a game that makes Bastion feel like a child again. Perhaps this is what he’s been missing…usually, when he needs to take a break from his studying and equations, he simply sorts his cards and decks or goes for a walk. Maybe instead, he can do something more active with his breaks.

“So,” Bastion cleans himself up after the painting is finished, “which way to the Slifer Dorms?”

~=~

It’s getting late by this point, and Bastion is truly shocked by the way the Slifer Students live. Professor Banner clearly does his best with what he has, but…it’s more than even Bastion believed. And yet, this humble change of scenery is beautifully quaint. Bastion finds himself enjoying the isolation this far from the campus and dorms…perhaps he should come by more often, so the silence can clear his head.

As it gets late, Jaden and his friends sit at a table with a deck of monster cards and a lit candle and the lights turned off. Jaden provided the deck from his own collection…Jaden has a lot of cards beyond his deck, and yet, he uses none of them to duel.

“Here’s the way the game works,” Jaden says as he shuffles the deck without looking, “we all take turns drawing cards. Then, we try to tell a story. The higher level it is, the scarier the story has to be.”

“Ugh, I hate scary stories…” Chumley groans.

“An intriguing challenge, Jaden,” Bastion smiles.

They go through a few stories…and after Syrus scares himself almost as much as anyone else with a level 4 card, Jaden reaches to draw.

“I’ve got a pretty good feeling about this one…” he draws and pouts, looking back at the deck. “Geez, you just had to overshadow the little guy, didn’t ya?” he mutters and reveals that the card is a Level 1 Sinister Serpent.

“Oh, you lucked out…” Syrus huffs. “No one needs to expect anything scary from that kinda story.”

“You’re not wrong,” Jaden smiles. “Let’s see, a not-scary story…” His smile becomes fond. “Oh, I’ve got it! I could tell you how I met my girlfriend.”

“Girlfriend?” Bastion questions.

“Yeah, Jaden’s got a fake girlfriend he talks about,” Chumley says, and the candle flickers.

“She’s not fake!” Jaden sighs. “She’s one of the best duelists I know.”

“While I don’t strictly believe you’re the type to lie, Jaden,” Bastion smiles a little, “the probability of you having a dueling partner who didn’t also make it to Duel Academy seems quite slim.”

“Why does everyone say that?” Jaden sighs. “Anyway, the story. I met her when I was a kid.”

Jaden smiles as he tells his story. “When I was young, people always thought I was weird. At night, I would hear strange noises coming from nearby. They didn’t sound human…and whenever I chose to follow them, all I ever found was my cards. But everything changed when I met her. This one time, I found a card, and with it was a girl my age. She told me the card was hers, but that she wanted me to have it. After that, we were joined at the hip! She taught me everything she knew about dueling, and together we got pretty strong. We had our rough patches growing up…but over time, we both grew stronger. She told me that I was destined for greatness, and she always encouraged me to come to Duel Academy. She wants me to be the King…King of Games, you know, and I always told her that she’d be my Queen. Whenever I play my deck, I can feel my connection with her. The cards we picked out together…”

“That was scary for a different reason…” Chumley shudders. “

“Jaden, your ‘girlfriend’ sounds a little obsessed with you,” Syrus points out.

“I’m comfortable with that,” Jaden smiles innocently.

“You said she helped you make your deck,” Bastion says, “so is her playstyle similar to yours?”

“Kinda!” Jaden says. “She loves the dark and creepy cards. It’s all about the Dark attribute and Fiend-types with her! A few Plant-types, too, but only the scary ones.”

“That feels like it should be a red flag,” Chumley says, and then whimpers in fear when the candle suddenly goes out.

“Well, don’t say that…” Jaden sighs and lights a match and smiles ominously in the limited light. “Because sometimes, I feel like she’s still watching.”

“W-what do you mean?” Syrus asks.

“I never met her parents, or any of her friends. When I was a kid, I worried I was the only one who saw her…” Jaden says spookily. “It’s like simply talking about her reaches her ears. So be careful…she doesn’t like people thinking she isn’t real.” he lights the candle, and as light fills the room, Professor Banner is suddenly behind them.

Professor Banner chuckles spookily. “Oh, I want to join in on the fright fest!” he says, scaring everyone at once.

“I think you just did…” Jaden mutters.

“Uh…sure, you can join us,” Syrus smiles. “You just have to draw a card and tell a story which is as scary as its level.”

“Oh, well, that certainly sounds easy enough,” Banner smiles and draws a card. “Let’s see here…” He flips over the Five-Headed Dragon.

Five-Headed Dragon?! Bastion’s eyes widen. That card is extremely rare…where did Jaden get it? And why wouldn’t be run a dragon-type deck with such a powerful creature at his disposal?

Jaden just pouts. “I was wondering where you ran off to…” he sighs and takes the card, stuffing it into his blazer. “Didn’t mean to shuffle that one in, guys. You don’t have to tell a story if you can’t think of one, Professor!”

“Oh, on the contrary, I think I know the perfect story,” Banner smiles politely. “The story of the Abandoned Slifer Dorm.”

“Abandoned Dorm…?” Bastion’s eyes widen. “You mean there was a dorm before this one?”

“That’s right,” Banner nods. “No one talks about it anymore, but the Slifer Red Dorm was originally situated at the far edge of the forest. It was shut down after several students mysteriously went missing. The Slifer Red students were relocated here as a temporary measure…but as the number of disappearing students grew, it was decided that the dorm would be abandoned forever. Some believe the most recent disappearances happened as recently as only a year ago…”

This would explain why the Slifer Dorm has become so decayed…this was only supposed to be a temporary relocation. And if the move was only in the past few years, they’re probably still awaiting funding. Bastion realizes.

“W-where did the disappeared students go?” Syrus asks.

“Well, that’s the mystery of it,” Banner says, “but they say it had something to do with Shadow Games.”

Bastion has never found himself buying into the rumors of “Shadow Games.” Marik Ishtar was a duelist with a weird gimmick, and his opponents in the Battle City Finals decided to play into it to give the viewers an entertaining duel. Of course, Jaden looks enraptured by the story as it unfolds.

“You see, kids, Shadow Games are duels played using powerful mystical items to put a player’s soul on the line,” Banner explains.

“Yeah, well…I-I guess it’s a good thing the Millennium Items are all in a museum somewhere!” Syrus laughs nervously.

“Oh, children, more than the Egyptians played Shadow Games,” Banner says ominously. “They were simply the first. There is evidence of strange games and dark forces in many ancient societies. Some believe there are more items to create shadow games…others believe that there are places or even creatures with the ability to turn a duel into a shadow game by their own dark will.”

“Professor, there is no scientific evidence to support the claims of Shadow Games,” Bastion points out.

Banner just laughs. “Yes, that’s what most people say. But I tend to find that most stories come from somewhere.” He says, and his cat, Pharaoh, meows from his arms. He stands up. “Well, I think that’s my cue to head to bed. Little Pharaoh needs his rest.”

As he leaves, Syrus shifts uncomfortably in his seat. “You know, there is this creepy building I saw in the forest once…”

Bastion sighs. Knowing Jaden and his impulsiveness, he will likely want to see the dorm as soon as possible…but when he looks at Jaden, he’s concentrating silently, like he’s deep in thought. He looks more serious than Bastion has ever seen him before.

“Jaden, are you alright?” Bastion asks, snapping Jaden out of his trance.

“Huh? Oh, yeah, totally!” Jaden smiles. “Just a little tired. I think it’s time we all head to bed, you know? We need our rest for some weekend fun!”

~=~

As Jaden and his friends head to bed, Yubel sighs. She and Jaden have a plan now…Yubel looks back and narrows her eyes. Doctor Crowler has been spying on them…

Just you wait, Doctor Crowler. Yubel’s eyes flare. If you do anything to harm my precious Jaden, no one will ever find you. But if there is unchecked darkness in the abandoned dorm…then the King will have to return.

~=~

Jaden was right about sleeping in the dorm. Bastion finds that he’s gotten quite a good night’s rest, despite the unusual conditions, and now he can work on moving things back into the dorm today. His day has been quite simple beyond that: a day spent theorizing and making new equations. Jaden says he doesn’t mind if Bastion writes on the walls of the shared space, so Bastion continues as he pleases.

When the sun begins to set, Jaden is wearing casual clothes with a black leather jacket and without his duel disk. “Hey, Bastion, I’m gonna go see my other buds. I’ll catch up with you later!” he grins and salutes.

“Yes, have a good time,” Bastion nods and continues writing.

As the hours pass, Bastion stretches when he sees how dark out it’s become already. He stands up from his desk and sighs. I’ve been in here all day…perhaps I deserve a break. I should see what Jaden and his friends are up to.

Bastion takes the leisurely walk to the Slifer dorms, and he knocks on Syrus’s door. Syrus opens the door and yawns.

“Bastion…?” Syrus asks, clearly having just been sleeping. “Everything okay?”

“Oh, I apologize, Syrus,” Bastion says. “I was looking for Jaden. Perhaps I just missed him…”

“What do you mean?” Syrus asks. “I haven’t seen Jaden all day.”

“What?” Bastion blinks. “But he told me some time ago that he was going to be with you and Chumley tonight!”

“He told me he was gonna be hanging out with you tonight.” Syrus’s eyes widen in worry. “Oh, no…is it another duel…?”

“I doubt it,” Bastion crosses his arms. “Jaden didn’t take his duel disk.”

“Wait, what?” Syrus’s eyes widen. “What was he wearing?”

“Casual clothing. Why?” Bastion asks.

‘Oh…I got in trouble a while back, and he came to help me, but he didn’t bring his duel disk! I think he was expecting an actual fight or something.” Syrus explains.

“Which means the Obelisk Dorm may be involved.” Bastion frowns. “Grab Chumley and meet me at my dorm. I’m going to grab my Duel Disk and his. There’s no telling what kind of trouble he could be getting into…”

~=~

Jaden looks up at the abandoned dorm as he approaches it. He and Yubel had followed the dark energy coming from inside.

This place… Yubel says, has been the source of the darkness I’ve been feeling.

So there really have been Shadow Games here, Jaden frowns. We’ll have to put an end to it.

Agreed, my darling Jaden.

Jaden walks to enter the dorm, but he sees something that catches his eye…it’s Alexis. She’s leaving a rose on the edge of the old dorm.

“Alexis?” Jaden asks, and her eyes widen. She looks at him.

“What are you doing here?” Alexis asks.

“I was gonna ask you the same thing,” Jaden frowns. “I heard about the Old Slifer Dorm and wanted to check it out.”

“Well, that’s not very smart,” Alexis scolds. “Don’t you know that people have disappeared here?”

“I have,” Jaden nods. “I’m not afraid.”

“Then you’re a fool…” Alexis frowns. “These aren’t just stories, Jaden! The academy has even gone so far as to make this place completely forbidden. Being caught here will get you expelled.”

Good to know. Yubel?

I’ll keep an eye out. No one will spy on you if I can help it.

“I’m not afraid,” Jaden says. “So, why are you here?”

“I have my reasons!” Alexis snaps with hostility.

“Alright…” Jaden frowns. “Look, I’ll stay out of your way. Don’t worry about it.”

Alexis takes a deep breath. “I’m sorry, I just…one of the people who disappeared here was my brother.” she frowns. “He would tell me that the Slifer Dorm was where the best parties were held. And even when it was shut down, some people would keep trying to have fun here…I don’t know if he was trying to throw another party or get to the bottom of whatever’s going on here. All I know is that he never came home from school last year.” She walks away morosely.

Jaden frowns, and once she’s gone, he enters the dorm. He and Yubel look around the inside of the dorm…aside from the age, it looks great! It looks closer to the other two levels of dorms. This place truly was meant to be a life of comfort despite being at the bottom…and now, disaster has completely redefined what it means to be a Slifer.

These displays on the walls look like Banner’s lessons, Jaden thinks to himself. Stuff about the mystical legends of Duel Monsters…and things about the Shadow Games.

Jaden, Yubel reports. I feel that the darkness is strongest below us.

Suddenly, they hear what sounds like shrieking!

“What was that?!” Jaden exclaims.

It came from this way! Follow me! Yubel soars, and Jaden follows her.

~=~

Bastion, Syrus, and Chumley find themselves outside of the Obelisk Dorm gates. They tried the Boy’s dorm first, and have headed to the Girl’s dorm.

“The estate gates are still locked tight, both here and at the other dorm,” Bastion frowns. “Jaden wouldn’t be able to get in, and even among the Obelisk students, none of them would have the key.” He puts a hand on his chin. “It would give me peace of mind to check, though…”

“How are we supposed to check?!” Syrus excliams. “The curfew is in effect, no one can come in or out.”

“Maybe you could message your brother on your PDA?” Chumley asks.

“I, uh, don’t have his contact info on it…” Syrus says sheepishly.

“Hey, you three!” a voice says, and two Obelisk Girls- Jasmine and Mindy, walk up to the gate from the other side. “What are you doing here?”

“Ugh, it’s that little guy who had the fake note…” Mindy crosses her arms.

“We’re looking for Jaden Yuki,” Bastion says. “We’re not sure where he is.”

“Well, he’s not here!” Jasmine huffs. “Go check the boy’s dorm.”

“As far as we can tell, he’s not there, either,” Bastion frowns.

“Could you ask Alexis if she saw him around today?” Syrus asks sheepishly. “We’re just trying to cover our bases.”

“Even if we wanted to, we can’t. Alexis isn’t here,” Jasmine says, and Mindy elbows her.

“We’re not supposed to tell people that!” Mindy says through gritted teeth.

“Wait, where’s she going at this time of night?” Chumley asks.

“None of your business!” Mindy says.

“Yeah, and you’re gonna forget we mentioned anything, got it?!” Jasmine orders.

“Though, she is a little late getting back…” Mindy mutters worriedly.

“It stands to reason that those two may be together…” Bastion strokes his chin.

“Ugh…” Chumley shudders. “This reminds me of that creepy story Banner said about the abandoned dorm.”

“Abandoned Dorm? Ha, what happened dorm?” Jasmine laughs unconvincingly. “You guys sound crazy!”

“You are terrible at lying,” Mindy scowls.

“Don’t tell me Alexis actually went there!” Syrus exclaims.

“Look, this whole thing’s none of your business!” Mindy frowns. “But yeah…Alexis goes there sometimes. It’s no big deal. She always comes back.”

“Except this time…” Bastion frowns. “Syrus, you said you saw the building in the forest once, yes? Could you lead us there?”

“What?!” Syrus’s eyes widen. “Are you serious?”

“While I may not believe in shadow games, I do believe in the evidence before me,” Bastion says. “Alexis and Jaden both are possibly going to a place where disappearances occurred, and they not yet being back could be a sign that something has happened to them. So, can you lead us there?”

Syrus gulps and nods. “Yeah, I can.”

~=~

Jaden finds himself in a large cavern below the dorm, through subterranean tunnels that look like they belong in a mineshaft. The immense cave has strange statues surrounding it and carvings on the floor. Across the way, Alexis is about to be sealed in a monstrous coffin, and a masked titan of a man stands next to her.

“Alexis!” Jaden gasps.

“She can’t hear you,” the man laughs. “She’s far away…locked in the Shadow Realm.”

I can feel so much darkness down here…this guy must be the source! Jaden scowls.

“Your worst nightmare come true,” the man smiles. “Allow me to prove it to you in a Shadow Game.”

“I’m gonna give you one chance to let her go,” Jaden says, “before I make you regret crossing me.”

“She will only be freed if you defeat me in a Shadow Game,” the Shadow Duelist declares. “And if you lose…you will pay with your soul.”

So this is the guy behind the disappearances… Jaden clenches his fists.

“Fine then. You want a Shadow Game. I’ll show you a Shadow Game,” Jaden declares, and his eyes flare gold for a second. In the dark and the fog, the shadows respond to his power, and Jaden’s true duel disk- the Supreme King’s Duel Disk- appears on his arm. He slides his deck into it, the disk automatically shuffles it, and then the spinning monsters zones separate into a true duel disk for him.

“You think you know the shadows?” the Shadow Duelist chuckles. “Allow me to prove you wrong.”

No more holding back… Yubel chuckles in the dark. Finally, my time to play has come!

Chapter Text

Jaden: 4000 LP (Hand: 5)

Shadow Duelist: 4000 LP (Hand: 5)

“Prepare you fool to enter into the shadows,” the Shadow Duelist draws first. “I summon Infernalqueen Archfiend in attack mode!” The fiend shrieks as she’s summoned.

Infernalqueen: 900 ATK

“An Archfiend…!” Jaden’s eyes widen. That’s one of the archetypes Yubel and I were considering for my deck!

“And with this monster on my field, each and every Archfiend I control gains 1000 attack points!” the Shadow Duelist explains.

Infernalqueen: 900 ATK -> 1900 ATK

“It comes with a cost, though,” Jaden smiles. “To keep her on your field, you need to pay life points each turn!”

The Shadow Duelist smirks. “No, I don’t. Not with the field spell Pandemonium!” the Shadow Duelist activates his field spell, and the twisted field changes around them. “This spell doesn’t just change the scenery, but the rules! Not only does it prevent me from paying life points for my archfiends, but it also allows me to add a new fiend to my hand if any of them are destroyed out of battle, so long as it’s a lower level than what was destroyed.” He grins wickedly. “I know what you’re thinking. Your little friend’s fate is all but sealed…and you’re right.” he declares, and Alexis’s coffin closes up and sinks into the ground.

“Alexis, no!” Jaden’s eyes widen.

“She’ll be freed if you win…and if you lose, you will simply join her!” the Shadow Duelist laughs.

Don’t worry, Jaden. This creature before us is paltry…you know what to do.

“It’s my move!” Jaden draws and observes his hand. His starting hand consists of Elemental Hero Avian, Draining Shield, Emergency Provisions, Dark Fusion, and Yubel’s Mirror. The card he’s drawn is Evil Signal.

Most people would consider a hand of mostly spells and traps pretty bad, but… Jaden smiles. I think it’s just what I need!

“I summon Elemental Hero Avian in attack mode!” Jaden orders, and his Avian lands on the field.

Avian: 1000 ATK

“Then, I set four cards face down and end my turn!” Jaden smiles. The only card left in his hand is Dark Fusion…

“What a pathetic turn,” the Shadow Duelist draws. “A weak monster, and four cards you won’t have a chance to use. I summon Terrorking Archfiend in attack mode!” he orders, and another vicious archfiend rises.

Terrorking: 2000 ATK -> 3000 ATK

“With the King and Queen together, the King is unstoppable. I’ll show you that now! Terrorking Archfiend, attack with locust storm barrage!” the Shadow Duelist orders, and Terrorking’s chest opens up to release a cloud of locusts upon Avian.

I can’t use Yubel’s Mirror on Avian since he isn’t a fiend, Jaden smiles, but I can use another card!

“I activate the trap card Draining Shield!” Jaden says with a smirk. “This will negate your attack and give me life points equal to Terrorking Archfiend’s attack points. Thanks for the boost!”

“Don’t thank me so soon,” the Shadow Duelist says ominously. “When Terrorking is targeted by a card effect, it activates his special ability! An ability that will determine our monsters’ fate by way of chance.” As he speaks, roulette balls emerge from the lava and hover next to the Shadow Duelist. “I have a gambling chance to negate and destroy your foolish card, which will happen on a 2 or a 5.” He explains, and the roulette spins…then lands on 2. “It seems as though that chance has favored my Terrorking Archfiend today. Locust storm barrage, finish him!”

Jaden: 4000 LP -> 2000 LP (Hand: 1)

Darn it…if Avian was a fiend, I could have chained Yubel’s Mirror and sacrificed Draining Shield so it wouldn’t be negated. Jaden laments. Luckily, though, I’m not done quite yet.

“You haven’t beaten me yet! I activate the trap card Evil Signal!” Jaden says and plays his traps. “With Avian destroyed, I can summon a level 4 or lower warrior monster from my deck…but by revealing the Dark Fusion in my hand, I can summon a level 5 or higher fiend instead!”

Yes! Yubel becomes excited. Do it, Jaden! Summon me!

“Do you believe that summoning a new monster will save you?” the Shadow Duelist smiles. “You aren’t safe…not from this!” he holds up a strange shadow pendant that resembles a millenium item, and Jaden’s body starts to vanish into shadows…yet…

Jaden’s eyes flare. Yubel’s abilities protect him from hypnosis. He can feel when it happens.

“Wait a second…” Jaden blinks, and his body returns. “This is all some scam, isn’t it?!”

“What?!” the Shadow Duelist exclaims. “How is this possible? You should be under my spell!”

Jaden grits his teeth. “You’re not the source of the darkness at all…you’re just a hypnotist! And all this nonsense you’re spouting. The Shadow Realm is just a conspiracy people came up with to deny the fact that a Shadow Game kills people! A real Shadow Duelist would know that. This has been a waste of my time…”

He still kidnapped Alexis. He still wishes to harm you. Let me out, Jaden!

Did you know he wasn’t a real Shadow Duelist?!

Jaden, please, we had a deal!

They do have a deal. A deal they made years ago that was quite simple…Yubel could come out against people who truly mean Jaden harm. No one else.

“I need more information before I send you against him…I need to know why.” Jaden says. “I summon Evil Hero Malicious Edge from my deck in attack mode!”

Malicious Edge: 2600 ATK

You would give mercy to a man that wishes to take you?!

Yubel, we can talk about this later, I promise.

“It’s my turn!” Jaden draws, trying to ignore Yubel’s anger and anguish. “You may not be a real Shadow Duelist, but you’re still gonna regret facing me in the dark! I activate the spell card Pot of Greed.” Jaden draws two more cards. “You should feel lucky I’m sparing you by only subjecting you to this level of power. I activate the spell card Dark Fusion! I fuse the two elemental heroes I just drew…a pair that wants to avenge their fallen friend!”

“Stalwart Earth and Purest Light, find the good in methods dark, find your soul and join the fight, destroy my foes on your King’s mark! Fusion Summon!” Jaden declares. “Evil Hero Lightning Golem!”

Clayman and Sparkman fuse, and their new form lands on the field.

Lightning Golem: 2400 ATK

“So, is this truly the only way you two will join us?” Malicious Edge spiritually asks the Lightning Golem.

“You may be comfortable casting Bladedge aside, old friend,” Lightning Golem responds, “but we, like Inferno Wing, find pride in our roots.”

“Once per turn, Lightning Golem can destroy one monster on the field. I destroy Terrorking Archfiend!” Jaden orders.

“You fool!” the Shadow Duelist grins. “Once more, Terrorking’s effect activates!”

Dark Fusion won’t be able to protect Lightning Golem from this effect…I need to rely on luck.

Unfortunately, luck is not in Jaden’s favor, and Terrorking Archfiend destroys Lightning Golem.

“Fate is not on your side, boy,” the Shadow Duelist chuckles. “However will you win?”

“Don’t forget that I still have Malicious Edge on the field!” Jaden points out. “Malicious Edge, attack Infernalqueen Archfiend!”

Malicious Edge rushes forward and impales the Archfiend on his claws.

Shadow Duelist: 4000 LP -> 3300 LP (Hand: 4)

“And without Infernalqueen, Terrorking is weaker!” Jaden says.

Terrorking: 3000 ATK -> 2000 ATK

“He’ll be next. But for now, my turn ends!” Jaden says.

“You’re a fool to think this will be enough to survive,” the Shadow Duelist draws. “I equip the Axe of Despair to Terrorking Archfiend!” He says, and his archfiend takes hold of an axe.

Terrorking: 2000 ATK -> 3000 ATK

“I don’t need my Infernalqueen to wipe you out! Terrorking, attack!” the Shadow Duelist orders.

“Not so fast! I activate the trap card Yubel’s Mirror!” Jaden declares. “Since you attacked a fiend, I can use this card to protect it. And since this doesn’t affect your monster, there’s no way for you to negate it! All battle damage is reflected right back at you.”

Shadow Duelist: 3300 LP -> 2900 LP (Hand: 4)

“Persistent little brat…” the Shadow Duelist growls.

“The only downside is that my monster loses attack points equal to the damage you took when the battle’s over,” Jade explains.

Malicious Edge: 2600 ATK -> 2200 ATK

“A small price to pay for our victory,” Malicious Edge assures Jaden.

“I end my turn,” the Shadow Duelist says.

“Then I’m up!” Jaden draws. “I’m switching Malicious Edge into defense mode.”

Malicious Edge: 1800 DEF

“What a pathetic play,” the Shadow Duelist mocks.

“Listen not to him,” Malicious Edge says. “I will shield you, my King.”

I’d rather listen to Yubel… Jaden frowns. I guess I really made her upset this time.

Jaden sighs and plays his card. “I activate the spell card Mirage of Nightmare and end my turn.” The Shadow Duelist draws, and Jaden holds up his hand. “Before you go on, Mirage of Nightmare activates! It lets me draw until I have four cards in my hand.” Jaden says and draws four cards into his empty hand. “Usually, I’d have to discard the same number of cards next turn…but not this time. I activate my set Emergency Provisions to sacrifice this spell and gain life points!”

Jaden: 2000 LP -> 3000 LP (Hand: 4)

“Not that it will matter,” the Shadow Duelist says. “You’re running desperately now! You can’t defend against the power of my monster. Especially not when I do this! I play Monster Reborn!”

“Uh-oh…” Jaden frowns.

“Yes, you’ve figured it out, haven’t you?” the Shadow Duelist grins. “I resurrect Infernalqueen Archfiend from the graveyard! And she brings her special ability with her.”

Infernalqueen: 900 ATK -> 1900 ATK

Terrorking: 3000 ATK -> 4000 ATK

“Your chances of survival have just run out, boy! Infernalqueen Archfiend, attack Malicious Edge! And once it’s destroyed, Terrorking will wipe out your life points in an instant!” the Shadow Duelist says as the Infernalqueen rushes at Malicious Edge.

She impacts him…but Malicious Edge defends, not destroyed.

“What is this?!” the Shadow Duelist grits his teeth.

“The effect of Darkuriboh in my hand,” Jaden holds up the card. “By discarding him, a fiend you target with an attack can’t be destroyed by battle. And you can’t negate that since, again, it doesn’t target your creatures.” Jaden discards his little buddy. “And since he was sent to the graveyard by a card effect, I can add Polymerization to my hand!” He shows the card. “Oh, and just so you know, Darkuriboh’s protection lasts the full turn, so Terrorking can’t destroy him either!”

“Damn brat…” the Shadow Duelist frowns. “You’re just forestalling the inevitable!”

“Let’s agree to disagree. It’s my turn!” Jaden says, and he looks down at his hand.

On top of the Polymerization Darkuriboh just gave me, I have A Hero Emerges, Fall From Grace, and Elemental Hero Burstinatrix in my hand. If I draw the castle, I might just be able to turn the tide of this fight in a major way… Jaden draws…and his eyes widen when he sees that he’s just drawn Yubel. Yubel?!

You can’t ignore our agreement, Jaden, Yubel pleads. This man means you harm, you can’t deny this! Let me protect you.

You’re going to do more than protect me… Jaden frowns. This guy’s just a scammer. I don’t even know if he’s related to the disappearances…and I can’t find out if you get rid of him.

…very well. Yubel hangs her head low. But I shall remain in your hand, just in case.

“You’re just staring at your cards,” the Shadow Duelist smirks. “Have you realized that there’s no way out?”

“Not quite!” Jaden smiles. “I activate the spell card Fall From Grace! Come on back, Elemental Hero Avian!”

Avian: 1000 ATK

Avian: Warrior -> Fiend

“And since I control an Evil Hero, I can also get Dark Fusion back,” Jaden grins. “Which I now activate! I fuse Elemental Hero Avian on my field with Elemental Hero Burstinatrix in my hand!”

“Winds of Change and Righteous Flames, join in darkness and endless strife to carve yourselves a renewed name and usher my foes to the afterlife! Fusion Summon!” Jaden chants. “I summon Evil Hero Inferno Wing!”

Inferno Wing: 2100 ATK

“All that talk, and it was another weak little monster?” the Shadow Duelist smirks.

“None of my monsters are weak, and I’ll prove it! Inferno Wing, attack Infernalqueen Archfiend!” Jaden orders, and Inferno Wing eradicates her. “Her special ability also hits you with damage equal to your monster’s original attack or defense points, whichiever is higher…” Jaden smiles. “And if I remember right, Infernalqueen has 1500 defense points.”

Shadow Duelist: 2900 LP -> 2700 LP -> 1200 LP (Hand: 4)

“And Terrorking grows weaker!” Jaden adds.

Terrorking: 4000 ATK -> 3000 ATK

“What’s the point of all this?” the Shadow Duelist smirks. “Your monsters will still be eradicated.”

“Maybe…” Jaden narrows his eyes. “But they’re never gonna give up. I have enough monsters in my deck to back me up forever! I set two cards face down and end my turn.”

If I set A Hero Emerges and Polymerization, I might be able to keep him guessing about how much defense I really have. Jaden thinks to himself.

 “You will not be able to escape my Terrorking,” the Shadow Duelist draws. “Of course…perhaps you should instead worry about a different creature. I sacrifice my Terrorking Archfiend to tribute summon the Skull Archfiend of Lightning!” Terrorking falls, and a new, vicious monster takes his place.

Skull Archfiend: 2500 ATK

“It may not seem as strong…but I have another equip spell,” the Shadow Duelist smiles. “The Archfiend’s Staff of Despair!” he equips his Skull Archfiend with this new card. “Once per turn, your monsters lose attack points equal to half the attack points of Skull Archfiend until the end phase.”

Skull Archfiend holds up the staff, and it unleashes its power on Inferno Wing and Malicious Edge.

Inferno Wing: 2100 ATK -> 850 ATK

Malicious Edge: (2200 ATK -> 950 ATK)

“Skull Archfiend, destroy Inferno Wing!” the Shadow Duelists orders, and the malevolent power destroys Inferno Wing!

Jaden: 3000 LP -> 1350 LP (Hand: 1)

“You are nothing…your life points are almost gone!” the Shadow Duelist says. As his turn ends, Malicious Edge’s attack points return to normal.

Malicious Edge: (950 ATK -> 2200 ATK)

“Don’t be so sure,” Jaden draws. “You’re not the only one with equip spells! I activate the spell Evil Arsenal!”

(The card art depicts a locker room containing the Evil Heroes’ weapons)

===

Evil Arsenal (Equip Spell)

Equip this card to a “Hero” monster you control. Once per turn, you may perform one of the following effects depending on its attribute:

• LIGHT: You can target one face-up monster; change the battle position of that target.

• DARK: You can target one “Evil Hero” fusion monster on your field or in your graveyard: for the rest of this turn, the equipped monster’s effect is replaced with the monster’s effect. If the equipped monster is not a fusion monster, the targeted fusion monster is banished during the end phase of this turn.

• EARTH: You can target one face-up spell or trap card on the field: destroy it.

• WATER: You can target one monster you control: until the start of your next turn, that creature cannot be destroyed by battle, and any battle damage you take this turn in battles involving it becomes 0.

• FIRE: You can shuffle any number of monsters you control into your deck, and then you can draw one card for each monster you shuffled into the deck.

• WIND: You can tribute any number of monsters you control; the equipped monster can attack an additional number of times this turn equal to the number of monsters tributed.

If the equipped monster is a Warrior-type monster, it is now considered a Fiend-type monster. You can only control one face-up “Evil Arsenal” on your field.

===

“I equip it to the Earth Attribute Evil Hero Malicious Edge!” Jaden declares, and an earthen energy surrounds Malicious Edge. “Which means that once per turn, I can destroy any spell or trap on the field!”

“No…you can’t do this!” the Shadow Duelist gapes.

“I can and I will. Malicious Edge, destroy the Pandemonium field spell!” Jaden orders.

“With pleasure!” Malicious Edge extends his claws and flies across the battlefield, tearing the field spell apart and returning their battle to the cavern.

“You may think I’m just holding out…but now you’re on a race against the clock,” Jaden smiles. “Every turn, your Archfiends will eat away at your life points. So tell me, do you think you can last longer than me?”

The Shadow Duelist growls. “This wasn’t part of the job…I didn’t think you could see through my illusions…”

“Draw your next card, you!” Jaden orders. “Once I defeat you, you’re gonna free Alexis and everyone else you’ve snatched!”

“Everyone else?” The Shadow Duelist questions. “I don’t know what you’re talking about. But it’s clear this job is a bust…you can find the girl on your own!” He throws down a smoke bomb, trying to cut the duel off early.

“Oh, no, you don’t!” Jaden’s eyes flare with his true power, and darkness pools around him. “Malicious Edge, don’t let him escape!”

“As you wish, master!” Malicious Edge switches to attack mode and rushes forward.

Malicious Edge: 2200 ATK

As the darkness of Jaden’s power gives form to the Evil Hero and Jaden runs forward, the darkness of the arena begins to pool higher. The statues around glow with power, and an immense glyph appears on the ground.

“What the…?!” Jaden’s eyes widen as he feels the darkness from below pool upward. Everything he felt beofre…it’s real now. A dark sphere surrounds Jaden and the Shadow Duelist.

“What is this place?! Where are we?!” The Shadow Duelist exclaims.

“Okay, just… try to calm down!” Jaden says. It’s clear this guy doesn’t know anything about real Shadow Games…

Suddenly, dark creatures begin to flow toward them. They swarm the Shadow Duelist, and Yubel’s influence keeps them at bay.

Stay away from him! Yubel hisses, and she looms over Jaden in the front of a shadow with mass.

“What is that thing?!” the Shadow Duelist gasps, and the monsters flow into his body through his mouth, viscerally possessing him.

“Oh, no…” Jaden’s eyes widen as the duelist’s eyes turn red.

“Jaden Yuki…” the possessed duelist speaks, “You hold the soul of our Supreme King. But you are weak.”

“Excuse me?” Jaden’s eyes narrow.

“You took your time reincarnating, boy. The darkness has grown tired of there being no rule. So now, there are those who will rise to take your place.” the entity in the duelist grins. “My name is Nightshroud, and you may consider me your replacement.”

“Like hell you are!” Yubel hisses, her voice entering the physical plane.

“It matters not,” Nightshroud says. “We will finish this duel, and you will die here, forgotten with a guardian that can’t protect you.”

“Just you wait, Nightshroud!” Jaden frowns. “I’ll beat you and free this guy from your influence, and then I’ll get my answers!”

“Oh, I’m afraid that’s not an option,” Nightshroud grins cruelly. “You see, Jaden, the loser will lose their soul to these shadows. So if you defeat this husk…you will only be delivering him to me.”

“No…no, I won’t!” Jaden gasps.

“You don’t have a choice. You will either deliver him to me…or die here.” Nightshroud draws. “The duel continues!”

Jaden: 1350 LP (Hand: 1)

Nightshroud: 1200 LP (Hand: 5)

“I pay 500 life points for Skull Archfiend,” Nightshroud declares monotonously.

Nightshroud: 1200 LP -> 700 LP (Hand: 5)

“And now, I activate the spell card Magical Stone Excavation,” Nightshroud declares. “I discard two cards and return Axe of Despair to my hand, which I now activate and equip to my Archfiend!”

Skull Archfiend: 2500 ATK -> 3500 ATK

The Skull Archfiend dual wields the axe and staff.

“And now, the staff’s effect will weaken your monster, who you foolishly put into attack mode!” Nightshroud grins.

Malicious Edge: 2200 ATK -> 450 ATK

“Skull Archfiend, attack!” Nightshroud laughs. “Goodbye, Supreme King!”

“You can stop this, Jaden! End this now!” Yubel urges.

“But…if I do…” Jaden takes a step back as the attack approaches. “I’ll be killing him. I-I can’t…”

“Then I will,” Yubel looms over Jaden.

“Wait, Yubel, don’t-!” Jaden’s eyes widen.

“It’s him or you, Jaden, and I will always choose you. Forgive me,” Yubel points her arm outward. “In a Shadow Game, I am in control as much as my beloved! I activate the effect of Yubel’s Mirror in our graveyard! By banishing it, I destroy one fiend we control…I choose Malicious Edge!”

Yubel’s Mirror rises and destroys Malicious Edge, but Nightshroud chuckles.

“Do you believe that will save you? I simply turn this into a direct attack!” Nightshroud grins.

“I now activate the trap card A Hero Emerges! You must choose a random card in our hand to summon to our field…but we only have one.” Yubel says. “I summon myself to the field!” The shadows around Yubel part, and she appears in all her glory.

Yubel: 0 ATK

“Yubel, wait! Stop!” Jaden pleads.

“If you wished to shield him with your life, you should have done it in defense mode!” Nightshroud laughs.

“No, stop!” Jaden calls to Nightshroud. “Don’t do this!”

“Your bluffs won’t work on me, boy,” Nightshroud declares. “Skull Archfiend, destroy that interfering fool!”

Skull Archfiend rushes at Yubel, but her eyes glow. The fiend stops in its tracks.

“Kill your master.” Yubel orders, and Skull Archfiend slowly turns to the Shadow duelist.

“What are you doing? Not me, you fool…no!” Nightshroud cries out as Skull Archfiend sends the attack upon him instead.

Nightshroud: 700 LP -> 0 LP (Hand: 2)

The shadows take the Shadow Duelist, and Nightshroud growls in frustration. “We will meet again…” He relinquishes control, and the Shadow Duelist screams in contorting agony as he’s pulled out of this world.

As the shadows recede, Jaden falls to his knees, dropping his cards.

“You…killed him…” tears fill Jaden’s eyes. “Yubel, we…”

I will not apologize. Yubel says. Please understand, Jaden…I will protect you, no matter what. This was the nature of our agreement. He not only wished to do you harm, but at the end, your life was truly in danger.

“I know!” Jaden snaps. “I know, I just…there’s a difference between knowing it will happen and seeing it happen.” Jaden sighs, and his duel disk fades away.

Jaden hears footsteps above. “Jaden!” Syrus calls, and he and all his friends come in.

“Guys…?” Jaden looks up at them with tears drying on his face.

“What happened here?!” Bastion questions when he sees Jaden on his knees, cards below him, and Alexis in some kind of coffin.

“I…” Jaden trails off. “I saved Alexis. And I hurt someone to do it.”

“Hurt someone?” Chumley asks.

“Jaden, you’re not making any sense,” Syrus runs up to him. “What happened? Were you in a duel? Where’s your duel disk? Where’s your opponent?”

“I…” Jaden trails off. His head feels heavy. He feels himself falling down.

“Jaden!” Syrus exclaims as Jaden passes out.

~=~

Bastion stands outside of the Slifer dorm. They were able to get Jaden and Alexis here faster than they could get them to any other dorm, and now they’re getting some rest. Bastion’s not sure exactly what happened, but he’s fairly certain that Jaden must have just prevented himself and Alexis from becoming the next two students to go missing at the abandoned dorm.

Something more is going on at this school…what did Jaden mean that he hurt someone? Bastion frowns. Despite vicious cards and a vicious strategy, I’ve seen firsthand that the man himself is quite docile. Whatever kind of duel he was just subjected to, I wish to get to the bottom of it. Best case scenario, there’s a kidnapper hiding out at Duel Academy creating a twisted masquerade of the Shadow Game rumors…and the worst case scenario defies logic itself.

Chapter Text

After his friends managed to get him back to his own dorm, Jaden hasn’t left. Throughout the entire Sunday, he hasn’t even left his bedroom. People have come individually to try and get him out all day, to no avail. Bastion fears that he hasn’t even eaten anything. Though he does hear Jaden talking sometimes, speaking just as dismissively as he is with everyone else. Perhaps he’s on his PDA.

Either way, Bastion cannot deny that he’s worried for his new roommate. After what little Jaden said, and how little Alexis understands what happened…all they’ve been able to figure out is that someone kidnapped Alexis, and Jaden somehow stopped him. By hurting him, apparently. Bastion even went so far as to sneak back into the Abandoned Dorm to look for any sign of their struggle…but there wasn’t so much as a bloodstain. Of course, admittedly, the feeling that he was being watched made Bastion leave that place fairly quickly. But even so, that cavern had no signs of a struggle, no drops of blood, no body, and so there’s no evidence to describe what exactly happened. Jaden’s state when they found him suggested a duel might have been involved, but he had no duel disk, and there was no setup for a duel arena present there. Could his assailant have fled with the duel disk? Impossible, Jaden still had his deck intact. At the moment, Bastion finds himself worrying about what that young man has gone through more than he’s worrying about any of his equations…

Bastion’s going over the facts again on Monday morning. It’s still several hours before class starts, and he’s decided to get an early start to get some breakfast for himself and Jaden. Bastion puts the food on a tray outside of Jaden’s door and collects the cold, uneaten dinner he placed there last night to throw away.

Missing meals, and if he doesn’t get up soon, he may just miss class… Bastion frowns, and his train of thought is interrupted by a hostile knocking on his dorm’s door.

“Open up!” a woman’s voice says. “Open this door right now or we’ll bust it down!”

Bastion walks over and throws the door open. “What is the meaning of this?” he questions, and a woman in a uniform pushes past him.

“We’re looking for Jaden Yuki,” the woman declares as she moves in with several men in similar uniforms.

“Excuse me? Who do you think you are?” Bastion frowns.

“We are the Disciplinary Action Squad,” the woman glares at him, “We’re here to bring him in.”

The Disciplinary Action Squad?! Bastion internally scowls. If they’re here for Jaden, they must have discovered he went to the dorm…this isn’t good.

They break down Jaden’s door to drag him out, and Bastion is helpless to watch.

~=~

Jaden, admittedly, hadn’t fully realized he was sleeping in his uniform. Or that he had completely slept through Sunday. Or that he still had his deck shoved in his pocket. Even when he was being dragged, he wasn’t totally sure what was happening until halfway through being presented in front of the school faculty.

“...which is why I suggest suspension for Jaden Yuki,” the officer who arrest Jaden declares.

“Is that not harsh?” Banner asks. “What proof do we even have that this transpired?”

“An anonymous letter from a faculty member confirms his presence there,” the officer declares. “Jaden Yuki must be punished so an example is set for all students.”

“But suspension? Perhaps a simple demotion, at worst,” Banner suggests. “Jaden’s friends in Slifer would be glad to welcome him back.”

“So soon after his promotion?” Crowler questions. “Why, Banner, even I find that cruel!” he smiles with faux kindness. “What kind of example would that give? That we are a bunch of hard-hearted tyrants? I say we arrange something more…sporting.”

“What did you have in mind, Doctor?” Chancellor Shepherd asks.

“Well, sir, off the top of my head, how about…a duel?” Crowler asks, and Jaden stiffens up. “If Jaden wins, he’s cleared of all suspicion and charges. If he loses, he’ll be expelled. All or nothing!”

Can I even be trusted to duel? What if something happens again…? Jaden thinks to himself.

Jaden, don’t blame yourself. Yubel ethereally hugs him. Blame me if you want, despise me if you choose…but I did what I had to so I could protect you.

I could never blame you, Yubel, Jaden says. I just wish I could control my power better. What if it was me who drew us into that Shadow Game? Maybe I should just accept whatever punishment they want…

That place was the domain of a wretched soul trying to take your place. Yubel declares. Jaden, you can’t leave this place. If this usurper is allowed to consolidate more power, he may truly become stronger than you. You must remain here, combat him, and take that power back. She holds his hands. Duel on, my love. You can master your power on your own terms.

Yubel’s words soothe Jaden, and he takes a deep breath. He bows his head to the teachers.

“Thank you, Doctor Crowler, for this opportunity,” Jaden stands up straight, more determined than he’s felt for over 24 hours. “I won’t waste it.”

“I believe he’s accepted the conditions,” Crowler says.

“Alright then, I’ll arrange an opponent-” Shepherd begins.

“Oh, now, Chancellor!” Crowler smiles. “Don't you fret about that. I'll take care of all the particulars for the event!” he insists.

I’m still not sure we can trust him. Yubel warns.

I’ve got bigger things to worry about than Doctor Crowler not liking me, Jaden thinks. I have a duel to prepare for.

~=~

Well, the news about Jaden’s duel has spread like wildfire. It’s occuring at the end of the week, and just by the end of Monday, Chancellor Shepherd has learned that the entire school is talking about it. This is made evident when Bastion Misawa, Syrus Truesdale, and Chumley Huffington barge into his office. Granted, they did organize to meet with him, but they certainly have stormed in.

“Hello, you three,” Shepherd greets them. “You wanted to see me?”

“Right, uh…we just wanted to tell you that…that…” Syrus mumbles.

“We were also at the Abandoned Dorm,” Bastion steps in. “We demand to take the same punishment as Jaden, aiding him if necessary!”

Shepherd frowns. “Now, boys-”

“Me, too,” Alexis suddenly steps into his office. “I had just been coming to say the same thing.”

“All of you?” Shepherd’s eyes widen.

“Don’t worry about these three,” Alexis walks in. “They came after Jaden, and he came after me. I had been kidnapped, and he saved me. I demand to take Jaden’s punishment in his place.”

“Now, now, everyone calm down!” Shepherd sighs. “Alexis, what do you mean kidnapped?”

“I’ve been going to the Abandoned Dorm regularly,” Alexis confesses. “Never inside, not until now. I leave roses just outside the gate as a memorial to Atticus.”

Shepherd frowns. “Your brother…I see.”

“When I was leaving, I was taken by a man in a trenchcoat,” Alexis explains. “Jaden must have seen it and come in after me.”

Well, it’s most of the truth… Shepherd frowns to himself. I get the idea Jaden might have wanted to investigate the dorm anyway, but Alexis is trying to cover it up.

“What happened to your attacker?” Shepherd asks.

“I…don’t know,” Alexis admits. “I only woke up when the others brought me back to the Slifer Dorms.”

“And did you three see anything?” Chancellor asks. Syrus and Chumley sheepishly stammer a bit.

“Er, well…no, sir.” Syrus frowns. “We never saw the attacker.”

“But Jaden looked pretty shaken up!” Chumley says. “He was crying and shaking, with his cards all around him, so there had to be someone! Alexis was in this weird coffin-thing, too.”

“His cards?” Shepherd’s eyes widen. “...did he say anything?”

“No,” Bastion answers too quickly, “nothing of note.”

It can’t be…could Jaden have been involved in a Shadow Game? Shepherd clenches his hangs tightly together.

“I will admit, Jaden seemed rather uncharacterisitc earlier today. He seemed determined to duel rather than excited. It doesn’t seem to be like him,” Shepherd says, “However, he’s already accepted the challenge, and I refuse to put any more people through this show Crowler wants to put on. As far as I’m concerned, Alexis was dragged onto the premesis and you all went after Jaden. However, I find no evidence to suggest that Jaden himself wasn’t already on the property when he learned Alexis was taken. The punishment, and the duel, stands.”

Bastion takes a deep breath and respectfully bows his head. “Thank you for your time, sir.” The others bow similarly and step out.

It’s good to know that Jaden has made such good friends… Chancellor Shepherd sighs. But if Jaden won a Shadow Game…perhaps the issue we find ourselves faced with is guilt.

~=~

Jaden is on his own in the Ra Cafeteria. He hadn’t exactly realized how long he’d been without food, and about six empty plates are stacked on each other next to him after he ate his fill. Now, he looks through his deck.

I know a lot of you are eager to come out…I’m just worried. Jaden sighs. What if…I’m not ready for this? I couldn’t bring myself to hurt him, even when my life actually depended on it. I actually feel guilty about what happened to him, even though he probably wouldn’t have hesitated to save his own life in my place.

Don’t fret, my love, Yubel says. I will fight to protect you, no matter what happens.

But…if I’m the King, shouldn’t I be able to fight? Jaden wonders.

Even if you can never bring yourself to harm those who would harm you… Yubel invisibly embraces him. Know that I will always be here to fight for you. I will do anything for you.

I know, Yubel… Jaden brings a hand to his shoulder, invisibly clutching her hand. And despite it all, I do appreciate it. I promise, I…I’ll try not to hesitate next time there’s danger.

I love you, my dear Jaden.

I love you too, Yubel…

“Jaden!” The young man is knocked out of this romantic moment by Syrus running up to him, joined by Bastion.

“There you are!” Bastion says. “We’ve been looking for you since today’s classes ended.”

“Oh, sorry, guys…” Jaden says and puts his deck back in its case. “My mind’s kinda been…all over the place.”

“We’ve noticed,” Bastion frowns. “Jaden, we heard about the duel.”

“Ah, really?” Jaden chuckles nervously. “I was kinda hoping I could tell you guys on my own terms.”

“Jaden, everyone’s talking about it!” Syrus exclaims. “One duel, and if you lose, you’re expelled?! It’s crazy!”

“I guess in hindsight, it kinda is,” Jaden nods, “but come on, Sy, I got this.” He grins.

“Your deck is impressive, Jaden,” Bastion crosses his arms. “But you’ve utilized the same combination of cards to win all of your duels, as far as I’ve seen. Do you have more aces than Inferno Wing and Lightning Golem?”

“I mean…yeah,” Jaden nods. “I just haven’t gotten the chance to show them off, is all!”

“Well, I believe it’s time you got that chance,” Bastion says. “I’ve spoken with Alexis, Jaden, and we are all going to help you train.”

“Chumley and me, too!” Syrus says. “Though I don’t think I’ll be much of a challenge…”

“Challenge? What do you mean?” Jaden asks.

“Alexis has booked the entire after-school block on Wednesday for you to duel in the Obelisk Arena,” Bastion explains. “She, Syrus, Chumley, and myself will duel you in a gauntlet, as well as anyone else who desires to challenge you.”

“Anyone?!” Jaden exclaims.

“There’s no info about who Crowler’s getting to duel you!” Syrus says. “So you need to be ready for anything!”

“A whole gauntlet of duelists in two days…?” Jaden questions, and then breaks into a grin. “Man…that sounds awesome!” He says, instantly snapped out of his funk. “You guys are the best! I can’t wait to see what you’ve got, Bastion.”

“Well, you may have to wait longer,” Bastion says. “The deck I’m building isn’t meant to defeat you, Jaden.”

“What do you mean?” Jaden asks.

“I’m augmenting my test deck.” Basion explains. “I’m going to fill it with some of the most dangerous card combinations in the game. My goal will not be to defeat you, Jaden, but to test how you will handle these cards should your opponent use any of them.”

“Good to know,” Jaden smirks. “I’m looking forward to it, Bastion.”

~=~

Wednesday after school, plenty of students have come to see the gauntlet that’s been prepared. Some have come to challenge Jaden as well, but before any of it, Jaden’s about to go through a gauntlet of his friends. They’re all a variety of excited and nervous, and Jaden shuffles his deck before putting it in his duel disk and preparing it.

“Alright…” Jaden grins excitedly. “Who’s first?”

Chapter Text

“Alright, come on, don’t be shy, who’s first?” Jaden smiles.

“Let’s just get this over with,” Chumley sighs and steps up.

“Alright, Chumley! Let’s do this!” Jaden gets his disk ready. “I’ll even give you the first move!”

“Duel!” Jaden and Chumley start their duel.

Jaden: 4000 LP (Hand: 5)

Chumley: 4000 LP (Hand: 5)

“Well, I’ll take the first move if you’re giving it,” Chumley draws. “Uh…I summon Des Koala in attack mode!” He says, and the koala rises.

Des Koala: 1100 ATK

“Attack mode?” Jaden blinks. “Chumley, Des Koala’s better in defense mode, especially since he has a flip effect!”

“Wha…oh, dangit! I keep forgetting that!” Chumley complains, and Jaden chuckles.

“Hey, it’s cool. Got anything else?” Jaden asks.

“Yeah, yeah…” Chumley looks through his hand. “Uh…I’ll set these two cards face down and end my turn.”

“Then it looks like I’m up!” Jaden draws. Hmm…just drew Dark Fusion. But Chumley looks like he’s already dreading this fight. And the only monster I could fusion summon right now would have to be Malicious Bane… Jaden grimaces thinking of that particularly zealous duel spirit. I’ll save Dark Fusion for later.

“I summon Evil Hero Adjusted Gold in attack mode!” Jaden declares, and the golden-armored antihero rises to the field.

Adjusted Gold: 2100 ATK

“Over 2000 attack points?!” Chumley exclaims. “Ah, man, my Koala is toast…”

“Hey, don’t sweat it, Chum!” Jaden smiles. “Adjusted Gold can only attack if I control a fusion monster. For now, I’ll throw down three face downs and end my turn.”

I’ve got Malicious Edge in my hand and three powerful set cards…if Adjusted Gold survives this turn and Chumley still has a monster, I can summon Malicious Edge with only one sacrifice! Jaden smirks.

“My draw!” Chumley says. “Hang on, I think…” Chumley’s eyes light up. “I think I’ve got a combo!”

“Really? Well, throw it at me!” Jaden challenges.

“I summon Sea Koala in attack mode!” Chumley says and summons the monster. “On purpose this time!”

Sea Koala: 100 ATK

“He may look small, but once per turn, I can change one monster’s attack points to zero!” Chumley explains. “Sea Koala, go for Adjusted Gold!”

Adjusted Gold: 2100 ATK -> 0 ATK

“Now I activate the spell card Wild Nature’s Release!” Chumley holds out the card. “This will increase Des Koala’s attack points by its defense points.”

Des Koala turns red and becomes more aggressive.

Des Koala: 1100 ATK -> 2900 ATK

“Des Koala, attack Evil Hero Adjusted Gold!” Chumley says with a smile, and the rabid koala charges!

“Nice move, Chumley!” Jaden smiles.

“Aw, thanks, Jay!” Chumley smiles.

“Too bad it’s not enough, though,” Jaden smirks.

“Wha…?” Chumley’s eyes widen.

“I activate the trap card Draining Shield!” Jaden says, and the barrier that appears halts the attack! “It negates your attack and gives me life points equal to your monster’s attack points.”

Jaden: 4000 LP -> 6900 LP (Hand: 2)

“You came out of that fight with more life points?!” Chumley gawks. “Well…I still have my Sea Koala! Attack!” He says, and the Sea Koala destroys Adjusted Gold.

Jaden: 6900 LP -> 6800 LP (Hand: 2)

“Hey, it was still a good move!” Jaden smiles. “I was just ready for it.”

Chumley smiles a little. “Well, I guess that’s what we’re here for. I’ll set one card face down and end my turn. And thanks to Wild Nature’s Release, Des Koala is destroyed.” He says sadly, and Des Koala combusts.

He’s got three set cards now… Jaden draws his next card. Maybe soon, I’ll see what they are. I can’t summon Malicious Edge yet…but luckily, I drew a monster I can summon!

“I summon Elemental Hero Burstinatrix!” Jaden explains.

Burstinatrix: 1200 ATK

“Burstinatrix, attack Sea Koala!” Jaden orders, and Burstinatrix destrots the little koala.

Chumley: 4000 LP -> 2900 LP (Hand: 1)

“Could none of your traps help you there?” Jaden asks.

“Uh…not really,” Chumley chuckles nervously.

“Well, don’t make it too east for me,” Jaden smiles.

“Yeah, I don’t think that’s up to me…” Chumley draws his next card. “Oh! I know what to do here! I set a monster in face-down defense mode!” He says.

Set Monster: ? DEF

“Your move, Jaden!” Chumley says.

Could be Des Koala, could be something else… Jaden draws his next card. Either way, I know my next move!

“Since you control a monster, Chumley, I get to summon this next monster in my hand using just one tribute,” Jaden smiles. “I tribute Elemental Hero Burstinatrix to summon one of my most powerful main deck monsters: Evil Hero Malicious Edge!”

Malicious Edge: 2600 ATK

“I set one card face down…and then Malicious Edge, attack Chumley’s set monster!” Jaden says.

“Aw man, that thing’s too powerful for my Destruction Punch trap…” Chumley quietly complains as the set monster is revealed as Des Koala.

Des Koala: 1800 DEF

“When Des Koala is flipped over, you take 400 damage for each card in your hand!” Chumley says.

“And since I set one of those cards, the damage is lessened,” Jaden smiles as Des Koala damages him.

Jaden: 6800 LP -> 6400 LP (Hand: 1)

“Malicious Edge has an ability of its own! His blades are so sharp that they inflict piercing damage!” Jaden smiles as Malicious Edge destroys Des Koala.

Chumley: 2900 LP -> 2100 LP

“Defense mode won’t even protect me anymore…?” Chumley gawks.

“‘Fraid not, bud! That’s the end of my turn.” Jaden says.

“Alright…” Chumley draws. “I activate Pot of Greed! It lets me draw two cards,” he says and draws. “I activate the spell Dian Keto the Cure Master. It gives me a boost to my life points.”

Chumley: 2100 LP -> 3100 LP (Hand: 2)

“Next, I summon Tree Otter in attack mode!” Chumley declares.

Tree Otter: 1200 ATK

“It’s only in attack mode since it’s defense points are real low…I’m done.” Chumley sighs.

Jaden draws. “Well then, my next move is to summon Elemental Hero Sparkman!”

Sparkman: 1600 ATK

“Sparkman, destroy Tree Otter!” Jaden orders, and Sparkman unleashes the burst of electricity, destroying the beast!

Chumley: 3100 LP -> 2700 LP (Hand: 1)

“Malicious Edge, attack him directly!” Jaden says, and Malicious Edge cuts through him.

Chumley: 2700 LP -> 100 LP (Hand: 1)

“That Dian Keto move was great. You would’ve lost if it weren’t for that.” Jaden smiles, and Chumley draws.

Chumley sighs. “Man…I surrender.”

“What? Why?” Jaden asks.

“My traps are useless, and my defense strategy won’t work if you deal battle damage anyway! I just drew Eucalyptus Mole, and it’s ability will just give me more defense mode monsters. I can’t win…” Chumley sighs and steps out, and Jaden frowns.

Well…I didn’t want my first victory to be by surrender. Now I kinda feel bad… Jaden grimaces.

“Well, if that’s over,” Alexis steps forward. “I believe I’m next up.”

“Oh, sure thing!” Jaden pushes down his funk and brings his cards back together to reshuffle his deck.

“Duel!”

Jaden: 4000 LP (Hand: 5)

Alexis: 4000 LP (Hand: 5)

“You can take the first move this time, Jaden,” Alexis smiles.

“Don’t mind if I do!” Jaden draws. “Now, you’re all gonna see a familiar sight. I activate the spell card Dark Fusion! Winds of Change and Righteous Flames, join in darkness and endless strife to carve yourselves a renewed name and usher my foes to the afterlife! Fusion Summon! I summon Evil Hero Inferno Wing!” With the chant completed, Jaden’s primary antiheroine takes the stage.

Inferno Wing: 2100 ATK

“A strong start, Jaden,” Alexis nods.

“And it’s about to get even stronger,” Jaden smiles. “I activate the spell card Pot of Greed!” he declares and draws two cards. I’ve got Evil Arsenal, Sinister Necrom, Evil Assault, and Polymerization in my hand. He smirks. Let’s keep going big.

“I activate the spell card Evil Assault!” Jaden declares.

“That’s a new one,” Alexis blinks.

“It lets me special summon a level 4 or lower Evil Hero right from my deck by discarding a card. So I’ll debut another new hero! Say hello to Evil Hero Toxic Bubble!” Jaden discards a card and summons his new villainous hero in defense mode.

Toxic Bubble: 1200 DEF

“When Toxic Bubble is summoned and I control a Fusion monster that has to be summoned using Dark Fusion, his effect activates,” Jaden explains, “and I get to draw two more cards.”

“More drawing?” Bastion’s eyes raise on the sidelines, and Jaden draws his cards.

“Sweet draw! And I can normal summon one of them. Say hello to Elemental Hero Wildheart!” Jaden summons his next monster.

Wildheart: 1500 ATK

“And I’m not even close to done!” Jaden grins. “The card I discarded for Evil Assault was Sinister Necrom! So I banish him from my graveyard to summon Evil Hero Malicious Edge to the field!”

Malicious Edge: 2600 ATK

“And now, I activate Evil Arsenal and equip it to Toxic Bubble!” Jaden says as his Evil Hero gets armed. “By targeting Inferno Wing with the Water attribute ability, she can’t be destroyed by battle until my next turn, and I take no damage from battles involving her. Just in case you’ve got something up your sleeve.” Jade smiles. “And with that, I end my turn.”

“Four monsters in one turn…” Alexis gawks at the powerful scene before her, and she smirks. “Very impressive. But you have no traps defending you this time.”

“I guess not,” Jaden smiles. “So don’t hold back! Give me all you’ve got!”

“Careful what you wish for,” Alexis draws. “I activate the spell card Polymerization! I fuse Blade Skater and Etoile Cyber in my hand to summon a monster you’re quite familiar with: Cyber Blader!”

Cyber Blader: 2100 ATK

“And as you recall, the more monsters you have, the stronger she becomes,” Alexis smiles. “She can’t be destroyed in battle, her original attack points are doubled, and any activated card effects you try to use will get negated.”

Cyber Blader: 2100 ATK -> 4200 ATK

“Cyber Blader, destroy Elemental Hero Wildheart!” Alexis orders, and Cyber Blader rushes forward to cut through the monster.

Jaden: 4000 LP -> 1300 LP (Hand: 2)

“I won’t be able to survive another hit like that…” Jaden mutters.

“I place two cards face down and end my turn,” Alexis says.

“Then it’s my move!” Jaden draws and smiles. “I set two cards face down and end my turn after I change my monsters to defense mode!”

Inferno Wing: 1200 DEF

Malicious Edge: 1800 DEF

Alexis draws. “My move, Jaden! And you’re not gonna like what happens next,” she smiles. “I activate the trap card Meteorain! This turn, my monsters deal piercing damage. Cyber Blader, attack Evil Hero Inferno Wing!”

“I sacrifice my face down Polymerization to activate my other face down!” Jaden declares.

“Sacrifice…? No!” Alexis’s eyes widen.

“Alexis, I’m sure you remember Yubel’s Mirror,” Jaden smiles. Cyber Blader impacts the mirror as it appears in front of her, and the damage is reflected back at Alexis!

Alexis: 4000 LP -> 1000 LP (Hand: 2)

Inferno Wing: (2100 ATK -> 0 ATK)

“Ugh…” Alexis sighs. “I end my turn there, Jaden. But I still have my Cyber Blader! You can only stall for so long.”

“Well, she’s got that right,” Jaden mutters and draws his next card. “Hmm…I set one card and end my turn!” he smiles innocently.

Alexis draws. “You’re up to something…but it doesn’t matter. Cyber Blader will attack Inferno Wing again!” Alexis declares. This time, Cyber Blader wipes out Inferno Wing, but no piercing damage leaves Jaden undamaged.

“And now that I only have two monsters, you can’t negate my cards!” Jaden draws. “Evil Armor’s Water effect targets Malicious Edge! Until my next turn, it can’t be destroyed in battle.”

“Your Toxic Bubble isn’t protected, though,” Alexis draws and looks at her card. “I summon Cyber Tutu!” She says, and the little ballerina rises.

Cyber Tutu: 1000 ATK

“Cyber Blader, destroy Toxic Bubble!” Alexis orders, and Toxic Bubble is destroyed. “With only one monster on your field, Cyber Blader’s attack points lower.”

Cyber Blader: 4200 ATK -> 2100 ATK

“But since Malicious Edge has more attack points than Cyber Tutu, she can attack you directly!” Alexis declares, and Cyber Tutu rushes forward and kicks Jaden.

Jaden: 1300 LP -> 300 LP (Hand: 2)

“Well, now it’s my turn!” Jaden draws. “Malicious Edge to attack mode!”

Malicious Edge: 2600 ATK

“I’ll attack Cyber Tutu!” Jaden declares. “Time to end this.”

“Couldn’t agree more!” Alexis smiles. “I activate the trap Doble Passe!”

“That card…!” Jaden’s eyes widen. “That’ll make you take a direct attack while Cyber Tutu’s attack points come out of my life points. You’re aiming for a draw!”

“That’s right, Jaden,” Alexis nods. “Your opponents aren’t always gonna play fair. There’s no telling what your fate here at the school would be if this happened to you. So, are you gonna take it sitting down?”

“Not a chance,” Jaden grits his teeth. “I activate Evil Signature! This trap has a different effect depending on the attribute of the monster I use it with. And when it’s an Earth attribute, they get sacrificed!” Jaden says, and Malicious Edge is destroyed. “No attack, no Doble Passe. And that’s not all; my monster’s original attack points go right to you as damage.” Jaden smiles, and Malicious Edge’s soul bursts from the card and slices through Alexis!

Alexis: 1000 LP -> 0 LP (Hand: 3)

“Well done, Jaden,” Bastion steps onto the stage. “You had a strong start, and even when you were faced with a hard counter, you found a way around it. Now…do you think you can do that for my deck?”

“Only one way to find out,” Jaden smiles and reshuffles his deck.

“Duel!”

Jaden: 4000 LP (Hand: 5)

Bastion: 4000 LP (Hand: 5)

“I’ll go first!” Bastion draws. “Since I control no monsters, I can special summon this monster right from my hand: Kaiser Vorse Raider!” he declares, and the vicious monster rises.

Kaiser Vorse Raider: 1900 ATK

“Next, I normal summon the Enraged Battle Ox,” Bastion places down another powerful monster.

Enraged Battle Ox: 1700 ATK

“Kaiser Vorse Raider becomes stronger with every monster it destroys, and Enraged Battle Ox allows all of my Beasts, Beast Warriors, and Winged Beasts to inflict piercing damage. You’ll of course notice that both of my monsters are Beast Warriors.” Bastion explains. “Here’s where things get interesting, Jaden. I pay 2000 life points to activate Lullaby of Obedience!”

Bastion: 4000 LP -> 2000 LP (Hand: 3)

“First, I declare the name of a monster I believe is in your deck, and if I’m right, you reveal it.” Basion smiles. “I declare the card you’ve used in both gauntlet duels so far: Evil Hero Malicious Edge!”

“Yeah, I’ve got it,” Jaden pulls the card from his deck and reveals it.

“Wonderful,” Bastion smiles. “Now, you have a choice to make.”

“Me?” Jaden blinks.

“That’s right. You can either summon that card to my side of the field or add it to my hand. Either way, Malicious Edge will be coming to me.” Bastion explains, and Jaden frowns.

“Well…I guess I’d prefer him in your hand than your field,” Jaden sighs and tosses the card over, and Bastion catches it.

“Much appreciated, Jaden…but we’re only getting started,” Bastion smirks. “I set two cards face down and activate the spell card Card Destruction! Now, we must both discard our hands and draw the same number of cards.”

“Wait, but that means-” Jaiden’s eyes widen.

“I activate the set Monster Reborn!” Bastion declares. “To resurrect the Evil Hero Malicious Edge that I just discarded!” He smiles, and the evil hero rises to his side of the field.

Malicious Edge: 2600 ATK

“I will set the other card I drew and end my turn,” Bastion smiles. “Your move, Jaden.”

THIS is only a test deck?! Jaden sighs as he draws. He’s already taken control of one of my best monsters, threw away some good cards, and defense mode won’t work against any of them! He sighs. Thanks to Card Destruction, the cards Evil Assault, Fall From Grace, De-Fusion, Elemental Hero Clayman, and Evil Signature are all in my graveyard. And my hand’s pretty subpar…Battle Fusion, Emergency Provisions, Evil Hero Infernal Prodigy, Draining Shield, Dark Supremacy…well, at least I drew Wildheart. I’ll have to play as defensive as I can.

“I activate Evil Hero Infernal Prodigy’s effect in my hand. When I control no monsters, I can special summon him to the field.” Jaden explains.

Infernal Prodigy: 300 ATK

“Next, I summon Elemental Hero Wildheart in defense mode,” Jaden builds his defenses.

Wildheart: 1600 DEF

“I set four cards face down and end my turn!” Jaden declares.

“Interesting move,” Bastion draws. “But I believe I told you before that defending wouldn’t work. I summon Blade Knight to the field!”

Blade Knight: 1600 ATK

“Since I have less than two cards in my hand, Blade Knight becomes stronger,” Bastion adds.

Blade Knight: 1600 ATK -> 2000 ATK

“Let’s see if you can stop this, Jaden!” Bastion challenges. “Kaiser Vorse Raider, attack Elemental Hero Wildheart!” He orders, and the hero is destroyed as the damage goes through.

Jaden: 4000 LP -> 3700 LP (Hand: 0)

Kaiser Vorse Raider: 1900 ATK -> 2400 ATK

“Blade Knight, attack Infernal Prodigy!” Bastion declares next, and the attack cuts right through the fiend.

Jaden: 3700 LP -> 2000 LP (Hand: 0)

“Enraged Battle Ox, direct attack!”

Jaden: 2000 LP -> 300 LP (Hand: 0)

“Malicious Edge, bring an end to this!” Bastion says, and Malicious Edge’s attack is stopped by a barrier.

“I use the trap card Draining Shield,” Jaden declares, and it almost seems like Malicious Edge simply stops short and bows to Jaden to halt the attack.

“Oh, no, you don’t!” Bastion activates both of his set cards. “I activate Ring of Destruction and Ring of Defense! I will destroy Malicious Edge before it can complete it’s attack, inflicting damage to both of us…but Ring of Defense protects me from damage.”

“Then I respond with my set card, Emergency Provisions! I sacrifice Dark Supremacy, Battle Fusion, and the chained Draining Shield!” Jaden orders, and the chain reaction goes off.

Jaden: 300 LP -> 3300 LP -> 700 LP (Hand: 0)

“You’ve emptied your field in the process,” Bastion declares. “It was an impressive play, but you have no cards on your field and none in your hand. So, Jaden…can you succeed?”

Jaden draws his last card and smiles. “You know, I think I can. I activate a fusion card, Dark Calling!”

“A new fusion card?” Bastion blinks.

“This lets me summon one of my fiends by banishing the materials from my hand or graveyard!” Jaden explains. “So I banish Malicious Edge and Infernal Prodigy!” he smiles. “Thanks for returning my monster to me, Bastion,” Jaden says as his new monster’s card glows brightly.

“Heart of evil and soul of power, conjoin your forces to bring the end! Bring these monsters’ final hour, rip their bodies, tear and rend! Fusion Summon!” Jaden chants to summon his most vicious servant. “Evil Hero Malicious Bane!”

Malicious Bane: 3000 ATK

The monster cackles maniacally across the aether. “Freedom at last! Please, master, tell me there are foes I can annihilate!”

“Once per turn, Malicious Bane can destroy all monsters you control with less attack points than him,” Jaden says, and Malicious Bane eagerly speeds forward, destroying Basion’s three monsters in an instant.

“All of them?!” Bastion’s eyes widen.

“And I become stronger for each one,” Malicious Bane looms over Bastion ominously.

“He can’t hear-” Jaden sighs and smiles. “And he gains 200 attack points for each one!”

Malicious Bane: 3000 ATK -> 3600 ATK

“Well done, Jaden,” Bastion smiles. “You’ve yet to disappoint.”

“Malicious Bane, direct attack!” Jaden orders.

Bastion: 2000 LP -> 0 LP (Hand: 0)

“Alright, I’m feeling stoked!” Jaden smiles. “What do you say, Syrus, you want in on this?”

“Oh, uh…gee, Jaden, I dunno,” Syrus frowns. “I can’t do all the stuff Bastion and Alexis can do. I don’t think I can keep up with all of that.”

“Come on, Sy. I wanna see what you’ve got!” Jaden smiles.

“Well…alright,” Syrus says nervously, and the two stand across from each other.

“Duel!”

Chapter Text

Jaden: 4000 LP (Hand: 5)

Syrus: 4000 LP (Hand: 5)

“Alright, Syrus, let’s have some fun with this!” Jaden smiles and draws. “I’ll take the first move.” Jaden smiles down at his hand. No fusion cards, but…A Hero Emerges, Fall From Grace, Draining Shield, and he’s got Burstinatrix, Sparkman, and Avian together. He’ll start by baiting Syrus into an attack.

“I summon Elemental Hero Avian in attack mode,” Jaden declares, summoning the monster.

Avian: 1000 ATK

“Then I’ll throw down two face downs,” Jaden says. “You’re up, Syrus.”

“Alright…let’s see…” Syrus draws and mulls over his cards. He smiles a little.

“You got something there?” Jaden encourages.

“Yeah, I think so…Patroid in attack mode!” Syrus says, and the living car rises up.

Patroid: 1200 ATK

“Attack Elemental Hero Avian!” Syrus orders, and Jaden smiles.

“Sorry, Syrus, but it won’t be that easy,” Jaden says as he activates one of his traps. “Draining Shield!” Patroid slams into it, and his attack points flow to fuel Jaden’s life points.

Jaden: 4000 LP -> 5200 LP (Hand: 3)

“Aw, man…” Syrus frowns. “I walked right into that one.”

“Anyone would, Sy!” Jaden smiles. “Come on, don’t be so down on yourself. You just triggered a trap.”

“Yeah, I’m no good…” Syrus hangs his head. “I don’t belong here…”

“Whoa, Syrus!” Jaden blinks. “I didn’t mean anything like that.”

“Ah…I-I know you didn’t, Jaden,” Syrus stammers. “I know you’re just trying to help, but…”

“Ah, I get it. You don’t want me to butt in!” Jaden smiles. “We’re opponents right now…so let’s act like it.” He draws his next card. “It’s my move, and I’m gonna summon Elemental Hero Sparkman!”

Sparkman: 1600 ATK

“Sparkman, attack Patroid!” Jaden orders, and Sparkman eliminates the machine. “Avian, follow it up with a direct attack!”

Syrus: 4000 LP -> 3600 LP -> 2600 LP (Hand: 5)

“Can I give up now?” Syrus huffs. “I can’t win like this! Chumley gave up…”

“Doesn’t Syrus see this is a good chance for him?” Bastion asks from the sidelines. “Jaiden hasn’t used fusion or any of his Evil cards, the strongest cards in his deck. If he has yet to draw him, it’s the perfect opportunity to try taking the lead.”

“You hear that, Syrus? Don’t give up!” Chumley calls. “I had a bunch of cards useless to me, you’ve still got a full hand!”

“They’re right…” Syrus slowly stands up. “Alright…let’s do this! My turn!” he draws. “I’ll give you a challenge, Jaden, I promise!”

“Wouldn’t have it any other way,” Jaden smiles confidently. “Give me all you got, Sy!” Syrus skims his cards, and Jaden coughs. “If you need a second to read them, I don’t mind, you know.”

“Uh…right!” Syrus nods and starts reading his cards intently.

~=~

Syrus looks his cards over. Okay. Let’s take a closer look…I’ve got Shield Crush, Weapon Change, Limiter Removal, Steamroid, and Gyroid. And now I’ve got Pot of Greed!

“I’ll start by playing Pot of Greed!” Syrus says and draws two cards from his deck. The two cards he draws are Polymerization and… Power Bond?! Syrus freezes up, staring at the card quietly. Jaden arches an eyebrow.

I’m not good enough for this card… Syrus stows Power Bond in his hand. Jaden’s face down would probably turn my monster against me.

“Hey, you alright there, Sy?” Jaden calls from the other side of the field.

“Y-yeah!” Syrus lies. “I play Polymerization! I’m fusing the Steamroid and Gyroid I have in my hand to fusion summon Steam Gyroid!” Syrus announces and fuses his monsters, and the big machne rises to the field.

Steam Gyroid: 2200 ATK

“Attack Elemental Hero Avian!” Syrus orders, and his Steam Gyroid creates a cyclone that destroys the hero.

Jaden: 5200 LP -> 4000 LP (Hand: 3)

“Got ya!” Syrus smiles, and Jaden laughs.

“Alright, that’s what I’m talking about!” Jaden smiles and draws his next card. “You may be one of my best pals…but now, it’s time to get serious. I activate the spell card Dark Fusion! I fuse Sparkman on the field and Clayman in my hand. Stalwart Earth and Purest Light, find the good in methods dark, find your soul and join the fight, destroy my foes on your King’s mark! Fusion Summon!” Jaden declares. “Evil Hero Lightning Golem!”

Lightning Golem: 2400 ATK

“And now, it’s time for one of my favorite combos,” Jaden smiles wider. “I activate the spell card Fall From Grace! I resurrect Elemental Hero Avian and return the Dark Fusion in my graveyard to my hand.”

“Uh-oh…” Syrus’s eyes widen.

Avian: 1000 ATK

Avian: Warrior -> Fiend

“I activate Dark Fusion again to fuse Elemental Hero Avian on my field and Elemental Hero Burstinatrix in my hand.” Jaden says.

“This is the combo he used in our first duel…” Alexis mutters.

“Winds of Change and Righteous Flames, join in darkness and endless strife to carve yourselves a renewed name and usher my foes to the afterlife! Fusion Summon!” Jaden chants. “I summon Evil Hero Inferno Wing!”

Inferno Wing: 2100 ATK

“Lightning Golem’s ability lets him destroy any monster once per turn,” Jaden says. “Destroy Steam Gyroid!” He orders, and Lighting Golem unleashes a burst of lightning that destroys the fusion.

“Lightning Golem, Inferno Wing, united front! Attack directly!” Syrus orders, and both of his malicious heroes launch their strikes on Syrus.

Syrus: 2600 LP -> 200 LP -> 0 LP (Hand: 4)

~=~

Syrus falls back and sighs. “Aw, man…”

“That was a good duel there, Syrus!” Jaden smiles.

“I don’t know about that…” Syrus hangs his head. “I didn’t put up too much of a fight.”

“What are you talking about?” Jaden blinks. “You did great, Sy! You had some great moves in that duel, you should be proud of yourself.”

“Yeah, maybe…” Syrus seems unconvinced.

“Though, I am curious,” Jaden takes the cards in Syrus’s hand from him. “What was that one card you were staring at but didn’t play?” Syrus stiffens up as Jaden’s eyes widen when he sees the hand. “Power Bond?! And you had Limiter Removal? Why didn’t you play these cards? You would have won with a combo like that, Syrus.”

“You don’t have to lie,” Syrus looks away. “I know you probably woulda stopped it with your face down.”

“Syrus, my face down card was A Hero Emerges,” Jaden smiles and pulls the card from his duel disk to prove it. “I could only stop a direct attack with it.”

“Aw, man…I can’t even figure out when a trap won’t stop me!” Syrus sighs. “He was right…I’m not good enough to use that card.”

Jaden frowns. “Who said that to you?”

“My brother…” Syrus mutters. “It doesn’t matter. You have bigger things to worry about right now,” he takes his cards back. “I wish Power Bond worked on fiends…then maybe you’d get some use out of it. Better you than me…”

“Syrus, don’t say that about your own cards!” Jaden says. “Look, I don’t know who your brother is, but you can’t anyone dictate your life, especially not your dueling. Don’t let some guy tell you which of your cards you can or can’t use! What does he know?”

There are gasps and mutters in the audience around them.

“What? Is it something I said?” Jaden asks blankly.

“Syrus’s brother isn’t just anyone,” Alexis steps forward. “He’s the big man on campus, Zane Truesdale. An Obelisk Third Year and the number one duelist in the school.”

“And he can speak for himself,” a new voice says, and a new figure steps into the room. As he walks in, the whispers only increase as they’re in awe of Zane Truesdale’s arrival. “And while I knew I’d be late, I didn’t think I’d catch such an anticlimactic end to my own brother’s duel.”

Jaden, do you feel that?

Yeah, Jaden confirms. He and Yubel had seen this guy around campus…he gives off strong duel energy. The kind that comes from someone who has a strong bond with his cards and knows it.

“So…you’re Syrus’s brother,” Jaden says. The aura this man gives off makes him intimidating even if you can’t see duel energy, but Jaden is unmoved. The cards from his deck and Zane’s deck loom against each other, as their mere proimity urges their respective masters to duel. That doesn’t, however, dissuade Jaden to give Zane a piece of his mind.

“Where do you get off making Syrus think he’s a lost cause?” Jaden frowns. “What kind of brother are you?” There are whispers and gasps at his insolence, but Jaden doesn’t care.

“A pragmatic one,” Zane says, “and I say what I say because I know him. Duel Academy isn’t suited for Syrus. It’d be better for everyone, him especially, if he left.”

“You absolute…” Jaden growls.

“Jaden, wait,” Alexis pulls Jaden aside and whispers to him. “Listen, Zane can be cold, but he’s just overprotective.”

“What are you talking about?” Jaden asks.

“Zane was my brother’s best friend,” Alexis says, and Jaden’s eyes widen. “And he’s not the only person Zane lost to the disappearances. I don’t like how he’s doing it, but Zane doesn’t want Syrus around because he doesn’t think he’s strong enough to…well… not disappear.”

“That’s crazy!” Jaden says. “And you just let him?”

“What am I supposed to do?” Alexis asks. “It’s none of my business…”

“What if it was your brother?” Jaden challenges, and Alexis flinches. “What if Zane had gone missing, and your brother was the one trying to urge you to leave duel academy like this? Your own brother telling you that you aren’t good enough. That you’re weak.”

“I…” Alexis holds her tongue.

“Whatever. I’m not putting up with this,” Jaden storms back toward Zane, who’s turned around and is about to leave.

“Seems like it was a waste of time to come here…” Zane mutters.

“Hey, Zane!” Jaden calls after him, and Zane stops walking. “If you think you’re so strong, why not put your cards where your mouth is? Be my next opponent in the gauntlet.”

The gasps that ring out in the arena are eclipsed only by the exclamations that Jaden’s crazy.

~=~

Zane always wanted to be strong. Early in Duel Academy, he and his friends attented Professor Banner’s classes and lectures in the Old Slifer Dorm, before it was abandoned. It was there that they learned about the theories of Duel Spirits. Out of curiosity, Zane and Atticus took extra special care of their ace monsters, to see if they could attract the duel spirits to them and become stronger as a result…the crazy thing is, it worked. And ever since Zane formed a bond with Cyber End Dragon, he’d become stronger than ever before. He became the strongest student on campus halfway through his second year…and then, Atticus went missing. No one knew what happened. Even Cyber End Dragon had no real clues, for it couldn’t feel the Red-Eyes Black Dragon anywhere. Even the mystic abilities of duel spirits were no match for whatever took Atticus and the others.

Zane has always been cold, and he will admit he’s grown colder since that day. Cyber End Dragon’s gentle embrace, a mourning hope for Zane to feel better, has only chilled Zane’s own heart with its metallic cold. At first, Zane thought he’d be fine with leaving Syrus be while he just ignored him, letting him go through school without him, and Zane continued his search for answers…but then, Syrus was placed in the Slifer Dorms. Banner is the headmaster, which means that Syrus would be exposed to the concept of duel spirits. Zane would not let history repeat itself. The only answer would be to drive Syrus out of Duel Academy for his own safety. Zane would gladly sacrifice any positive relationship he has with his brother if it meant he was safe.

And then, Jaden Yuki happened. From the moment he arrived, Zane could feel something about him. Cyber End Dragon, too. Zane never had a talent to sense duel spirits or the energy they gave off, and yet, just knowing one duel spirit opened Zane’s eyes to something more. The wellspring of power within Jaden is so overwhelming, so powerful, that anyone with even a little understanding of Duel Spirits could probably see it. Jaden has a power hidden latent in his deck, an entire collection of duel spirits that obey him, and yet Zane can feel that there’s something powerful hidden in that deck like it’s an ancient seal. Combine that with Jaden’s vicious monsters and paradoxically kind personality, and Jaden Yuki is a mystery that Zane can’t figure out. A mystery that has, evidently, bonded with his brother.

It’s possible that he got in trouble because he stopped Alexis from disappearing… Zane thinks to himself. And now, with that ire of his pointed against me, I feel that darkness in him stronger than ever before. Now that I’m close, I can feel that his deck craves battle and destruction. And yet, I can’t deny that my own deck desires to face off against him, to see what he’s got.

“Duel you?” Zane wonders aloud and smiles. “Sure, why not?”

The people in the audience gawk, but neither Zane nor Jaden cares. The time has come to see, once and for all, how Jaden’s power stands against Zane’s.

“Oh, there’s no way this could turn out good…” Syrus mutters.

“Duel!” the two say as they stand across from each other.

Jaden: 4000 LP (Hand: 5)

Zane: 4000 LP (Hand: 5)

“I’m taking the first move!” Jaden draws. “I summon Elemental Hero Avian and set two cards!”

Avian: 1000 ATK

The same opening move he used against Syrus… Zane thinks to himself and draws a card. “Because I control no monsters, I can special summon Cyber Dragon in attack mode,” he declares, and the monster rises to the field.

Cyber Dragon: 2100 ATK

“Next, I activate the spell card Heavy Storm! This will destroy both of your set cards,” Zane explains, and both Draining Shield and A Hero Emerges are sent to the graveyard. “Cyber Dragon, attack Elemental Hero Avian! Strident Blast!” he orders, and Cyber Dragon blasts through Avian.

Jaden: 4000 LP -> 2900 LP (Hand: 3)

“That was fast…” Jaden mutters.

“I’ll try to take it slower, then,” Zane says condescendingly. “I activate the spell card Different Dimension Capsule. It allows me to pick any card from my deck, I place it in the capsule, and in two turns I can add it to my hand.”

“Well, I can’t wait to see what comes out of that capsule,” Jaden smirks.

“Your move, Jaden,” Zane nods.

“Gladly,” Jaden draws and smiles. “I activate the spell card Dark Fusion!”

Here comes one of the Evil Heroes… Zane braces himself as the duel energy across the field intensifies.

“Stalwart Earth and Purest Light, find the good in methods dark, find your soul and join the fight, destroy my foes on your King’s mark! Fusion Summon!” Jaden chants as the Clayman and Sparkman in his hand fuse. “Evil Hero Lightning Golem!”

Lightning Golem: 2400 ATK

“Lightning Golem’s ability lets me destroy your Cyber Dragon instantly,” Jaden declares, and Lightning Golem destroys the Cyber Dragon.

This card is strong, and I can feel his connection to it… Zane frowns. But it’s not the energy I feel. Is he simply unable to summon it, or is he holding back?

“Next, I summon Wreckweiler in attack mode,” Jaden says, and the vicious-looking mechanical hound takes to the field.

Wreckweiler: 1200 ATK

===

Wreckweiler (Lv3 Machine / Effect Monster, EARTH)

ATK: 1200 / DEF: 800

When this card is destroyed by battle, you may add one Fiend or Warrior-type monster from your deck to your hand whose ATK is less than or equal to this card’s ATK.

You may banish this card from your graveyard: add one “Dark Fusion” or a Spell or Trap card that lists “Dark Fusion” in its description from your deck to your hand.

You can only use each effect of Wreckweiler once per turn.

===

“Your field’s wide open now, Zane!” Jaden smiles wider. “Thunder Giant, Wreckweiler, attack him directly!” He orders, and the two monsters join forces to take Zane on.

Zane: 4000 LP -> 1600 -> 400 LP (Hand: 3)

“Not even a flinch, huh?” Jaden chuckles.

“I can’t believe it…he’s actually taking the lead!” Bastion gawks from the crowd.

“Whoo, go Jaden!” Chumley cheers, and Syrus is speechless next to him.

“My turn’s over, Zane. You’re up.” Jaden smiles.

Zane draws and smiles. Polymerization…perfect. “I special summon a new Cyber Dragon from my hand.”

Cyber Dragon: 2100 ATK

The dragon rises, and Zane remains stalwart as he holds out Monster Reborn. “Now, I activate Monster Reborn to resurrect my original Cyber Dragon from the graveyard.” he declares, and his original dragon rises.

Cyber Dragon 2: 2100 ATK

“Now, I activate the spell Polymerization!” Zane holds the card up. “To fuse my Cyber Dragons together.” Duel energy crosses the field.

“Dragons of metallic splendor, join your forces and wipe out twice as many foes with the light of infinity! Fusion Summon!” Zane chants. “I summon Cyber Twin Dragon!”

Cyber Twin Dragon: 2800 ATK

“His attack points aren’t the only thing impressive about him,” Zane explains. “My Cyber Twin Dragon can attack twice each battle phase. Cyber Twin Dragon, wipe out both of his monsters!” His twin dragon unleashes a pair of streams that destroy Lightning Golem and Wreckweiler.

Jaden: 2900 LP -> 2500 LP -> 1600 LP (Hand: 0)

Jaden grunts. “Pretty good move…but I’ve got Wreckweiler’s special ability. It lets me add Evil Hero Toxic Bubble from my deck to my hand,” Jaden explains.

What are you planning…? Zane wonders. “I end my turn.”

“Then I’m up!” Jaden draws. “I activate the spell card Pot of Greed!” he declares and draws two cards, and he smirks.

Looks like he thinks he has something… Zane narrows his eyes.

“I activate the effect of Wreckweiler in my graveyard!” Jaden says. “I banish it to add the spell card Fall From Grace to my hand.” He smiles. “And now, I summon Evil Hero Toxic Bubble from my hand using his own effect.”

Toxic Bubble: 800 ATK

“And now, I activate the spell card Fall From Grace. I resurrect Elemental Hero Clayman and add Dark Fusion from my graveyard to my hand!” Jaden explains. “And now, I’m gonna activate it!” Jaden plays his signature fusion card again. “I fuse Clayman and Toxic Bubble together!”

A new monster. Zane’s eyes widen.

Dauntless hero of starkest stones, see the evils that set you free. Find your future in vicious bones, and protect the world for eternity! Fusion Summon!” Jaden chants. “I summon Evil Hero Dreadwall!”

The hero that rises is a being made of bricks and stone with a smaller body in the center of it all, as though the power of the elements were grafted onto them.

Dreadwall: 3000 DEF

“I activate Dreadwall’s first effect. When he’s Fusion Summoned, I can summon one of his fusion materials from the graveyard in defense mode,” Jaden explains. “I summon Toxic Bubble!”

Toxic Bubble: 1200 DEF

“Now, I’ll bet you’re wondering why I chose Toxic Bubble when Clayman has more defense,” Jaden smiles.

“I presume it’s due to a special ability,” Zane says monotonously.

“You presume right!” Jaden grins. “When Toxic Bubble is summoned and I control a Fusion monster summoned by Dark Fusion, I can draw two cards.” He explains and draws.

Jaden’s deck is impressive, Zane internally admits. His hand was empty at the end of his last turn, and now he’s almost completely refreshed it. It’s designed to remain in full control of the board. The question is, can he do anything more than defend against what I have planned?

“I set two cards and end my turn,” Jaden smiles. “You’re good, Zane…I can’t wait to see how you handle this one!”

Zane smiles. “You’re not so bad yourself, Jaden. Your strategies are impressive.”

“Give me your best shot!” Jaden smirks.

“Gladly,” Zane draws, and his Different Dimension Capsule glows. “It’s been two turns, so now I’ve gotten my card. And now, this duel is over.”

“Show me what you’ve got! I’m ready for anything.” Jaden challenges.

“I’m sure you are,” Zane nods. “A good duelist is ready for anything. You know not only how to use your cards…but how to play them, too. You play your cards well, Jaden.” He prepares for his final combo. “I activate the spell card De-Fusion, to return by Cyber Twin Dragon into two Cyber Dragons.” Zane says, and the Cyber Dragons return to the field. “And since I have a third Cyber Dragon in my hand, I can activate the card that was in my capsule- Power Bond!”

“So, he got that card from you…” Jaden realizes.

“That’s right. And here’s how to really play it!” Zane holds up his arm as his three Cyber Dragons fuse. “Stalwart dragons of infinity, join your forces to attain your ultimate form and destroy all in your path! Fusion Summon!” Zane chants, and the true ace of his deck rises. “Cyber End Dragon!”

Cyber End Dragon: 4000 ATK -> 8000 ATK

There’s no telling what his set card could be… Zane thinks to himself. And I haven’t the slightest idea what Dreadwall’s ability could be. So there’s only one thing I can do.

“My Cyber End Dragon inflicts piercing damage. So now-” Zane begins.

“Just a second!” Jaden says. “Before your battle phase begins, I activate one of my face downs! I activate the quick-play spell Lover’s Malice!”

“Lover’s Malice?” Zane questions. The card looks quite disturbing…it shows a winged, dragon or demonic-looking woman behind a man in demonic, black armor. She has her hand over his visor, covering his eyes, and she has a devilish smirk on her face.

“I summon a fiend from my hand and take damage equal to its attack and defense points combined,” Jaden says. “I summon Darkuriboh in attack mode.”

Darkuriboh: 300 ATK (200 DEF)

Jaden: 1200 LP -> 700 LP (Hand: 0)

“This turn, you have to attack that monster, and this turn can’t be ended until we enter the battle phase,” Jaden explains.

Zane narrows his eyes. “Fine, then. Cyber End Dragon, attack Darkuriboh!”

“If Jaden survives this turn, Power Bond will wipe Zane out!” Chumley says.

“But can he?” Syrus asks.

“Cyber End Dragon, end this with Super Strident Blaze!” Zane orders, and his dragon attacks.

“I activate Dreadwall’s second special effect!” Jaden declares.

===

Evil Hero Dreadwall (Lv6 Fiend / Fusion / Effect, EARTH)

Materials: Elemental Hero Clayman + 1 “Evil Hero” Monster

ATK: 1900 / DEF: 3000

Must be Fusion Summoned with “Dark Fusion” and cannot be Special Summoned by other ways. When this card is Fusion Summoned, you can target one monster in your graveyard used as this monster’s Fusion Material: you can special summon that monster to your field in Defense Position. While this card is in face-up defense position, you can choose the targets of the attacks your opponent’s monsters make.

When an opponent’s monster declares an attack, you can activate this effect: that monster loses ATK equal to its DEF until the end of the Battle Phase.

===

“Cyber End Dragon loses 2800 Attack Points!” Jaden declares.

Cyber End Dragon: 8000 ATK -> 5200 ATK

“But even if Jaden redirects the attack to Dreadwall, 2200 damage will still beat him,” Alexis points out. “What’s the point?”

“Here’s the point! I activate the quick-play spell Nightmare Wings!” Jaden smiles.

“The card he used to beat Chazz!” Syrus gasps.

“I fuse the Earth Attribute Dreadwall, Water Attribute Toxic Bubble, and Dark Attribute Darkuriboh on the field with the Fire Attribute Burstinatrix in my hand!” Jaden explains, and the power of Nightmare wings fuses them together. “Elemental forces, align yourselves and split apart, bringing a chain reaction of order and chaos! Fusion Summon!” Jaden chants. “I summon Gentle Nightmuriboh!”

Gentle Nightmuriboh: ? ATK -> 4000 ATK

“Darkuriboh adds Polymerization to my hand,” Jaden says, “but Gentle Nightmuriboh’s effect isn’t a quick effect. I can’t double his attack this turn.”

“Well, the attack isn’t halted!” Zane declares, and his Cyber End Dragon fires upon Nightmuriboh.

“No, but Lover’s Malice has another effect!” Jaden smiles, and the damage explodes outward. “I could have ended this duel by letting you attack Darkuriboh…but where’s the fun in that?”

===

Lover’s Malice (Quick Play Spell)

You can only activate this card during the Main Phase One. When you activate this card, you can special summon one Fiend-type monster from your hand, and you take damage equal to its Attack and Defense Points combined. It cannot attack this turn, and this turn cannot be ended without entering the Battle Phase. An additional effect occurs during the battle phase, depending on the turn this card was activated on:

• If this card was activated during your turn, then when the Battle Phase is enters, all Fiend and Warrior-type monsters on the field with a level lower than the summoned monster’s level are destroyed. Then, you can summon any number of those monsters to your side of the field in attack mode. These creatures must attack this turn, if able, and they cannot change their battle positions.

• If this card was activated during your opponent’s turn, then when the Battle Phase is entered, all of their monsters are changed to attack mode and are forced to attack the monster you summoned. All battle damage inflicted this turn is inflicted to both players. If the damage is reduced against one player, the other player still takes full damage.

At the end phase of this turn, the monster you summoned is destroyed. You can only activate one “Lover’s Malice” per duel.

===

Jaden: 700 LP -> 0 LP (Hand: 1)

Zane: 400 LP -> 0 LP (Hand: 0)

Silence reigns over the arena. Zane can feel it…that card may not be the dark power Zane feels, but that power gave it to Jaden. It’s a direct link to the entity within Jaden, a creature who will do all it can to prevent him from losing.

Jaden smiles. “Thanks for the great duel, Zane.”

Zane gives him a nod and watches as Syrus runs up to Jaden, both worried and impressed. He silently turns and walks out of the arena without another word.

“So, Zane…” Alexis catches up with him as he walks. “What do you think?”

“I think Syrus has chosen good friends,” Zane smiles.

Yes…that kind of power, the power to never give up and with such powerful energy protecting him…it’s so overwhelming, that just maybe it will be able to protect Syrus, too. Zane thinks to himself. Jaden will no doubt defeat whoever Crowler sends his way. But that will only be the beginning, I’m sure of it…

Chapter Text

Kumazo Huffington would call himself a realistic man. When he was younger, he was the champion duelist in his local tournaments, but he hung up his duel disk when he got into the Sake business. His taste for alcohol made him suited to start his company as the CEO, taste tester, and brewer all at once! As his company grew, so did his taste, and now he distributes some of the finest Sake in the country. Despite his love of alcohol, Kumazo would never keep bottles within reach of his son, and always loved his son dearly…even if he may seem a bit rude on occasion, but that’s tough love!

Speaking of Chumley, Kumazo was flattered when Chumley decided to attend Duel Academy. He was following in his old man’s early footsteps, and maybe Chumley could stick with it where Kumazo couldn’t…but unfortunately, Chumley stinks at dueling. After Chumley flunked his third year at Duel Academy and had to be held back without graduating, Kumazo took Chumley to Australia. The two went on a father-son camping trip, and Kumazo made Chumley promise to leave Duel Academy behind…yet lo and behold, Chumley couldn’t keep his promise. He’s back, and by the looks of things, his grades aren’t improving. Not by much, anyway. So it’s time for Kumazo to put his foot down! He’s going to Duel Academy by rowboat to find Chumley and demand that he leave the academy. Chumley is just wasting his youth doing this…so now, Kumazo is going to bring Chumley home so they can figure out what Chumley should be doing with his life together.

When Kumazo reached Duel Academy’s shore, he marched right to the Slifer Red Dorms. He wouldn’t bother going to the Main Campus until he needed the release forms- no point in making two trips, after all! Kumazo always despised these dorms. He saw them once before, when Chumley had to be moved here a few years ago after the other Red Dorms were deemed “unsafe” for reasons he still hasn’t been informed of. A “temporary relocation,” Duel Academy had called it. Bullshit. Now, his own son is slumming it because he can’t rise in the ranks. Kumazo barges in and searches for the red headmaster, Professor Banner. Sure enough, he finds the man about to leave.

“Oh, hello there!” Banner smiles politely, carrying his cat. “You’re Mister Kumazo Huffington, aren’t you? Chumley’s Father.”

“Yeah, that’s right!” Kumazo says and smiles. “And we need to talk. I need Chumley called down from his room this moment!”

“Oh, I’m afraid that’s not possible. Chumley is not here at the moment,” Banner says.

“What do you mean he’s not here?” Kumazo questions. “It’s a Saturday and before noon! What could possibly get Chumley out of bed this early?”

Banner smiles gently. “A duel.”

~=~

Jaden takes a deep breath. It feels like the entire school showed up to this thing. And his friends are all in the crowd…it’s comforting to see the people who are cheering for him. Less comforting to see the people cheering for his failure, like Chazz.

“The Trial Duel is about to begin!” the announcer blares. “Remember: these are test conditions! This is a sudden-expulsion match!”

“Were you able to get anything?” Jaden asks no one aloud.

Nothing specific, Yubel informs him. All I’ve heard are the rumors. The most prevalent is that Crowler has hired a professional duelist for this trial, someone who worked with the creator of Duel Monsters…the modern, non-Shadow Game version, anyway.

Jeez, Crowler, really pulling out all the stops with this one, huh? Jaden sighs to himself.

“Send in the accused, Jaden Yuki!” the announcer blares, and Jaden takes a deep breath.

Alright, showtime… Jaden grins as he steps out into the arena.

“Wow, the acoustics in here are great!” Jaden laughs. He’s putting on a brave face, though he is nervous. Sure, he may have done great in his gauntlet duels…but this is the real thing. Even if he plans to have fun in this duel, there’s no telling what kind of difficulties he might face.

“Now, without further ado,” Doctor Crowler smiles, taking the stance of the announcer. “Allow me to introduce his opponent!”

As Jaden steps onto the field, someone steps up to stand across from him. The man has long hair, an overcoat with the letters “P” and “K” emblazoned on either side, and a sadistic smirk on his face. His duel disk is more like a gauntlet.

“PaniK!” Crowler grins.

Who the heck is this guy? Jaden wonders.

Hmm…this man… Yubel frowns. You feel it, don’t you, Jaden?

Of course Jaden feels it. This guy, he has no bond with his cards, but he’s bathed in duel energy, down to his soul. It’s all so dark, so twisted, so desperate.

This man lost a Shadow Game in the past, and somehow survived. Yubel tells Jaden. And while he has no bond with his cards, I can feel their desire for mindless destruction. These cards, while they may not have any true control over him, will be playing this game far more than he is. Be very careful, Jaden.

“Who the heck is this guy?” Jaden frowns.

~=~

“A dueling mercenary,” Bastion frowns from the stands, sitting next to Alexis. “He used to work for Maximillian Pegasus, but now he is simply a card for hire. His reputation isn’t exactly reputable, though.”

“Sounds like a real piece of work…” Alexis huffs.

~=~

“Oh, he hasn’t dueled in a while,” Crowler chuckles, “but he has an impressive win/loss record! I believe he’s only lost in one official duel…I believe his opponent in that one was a young man, a Yugi something.”

Jaden’s eyes widen. This guy dueled Yugi Muto? He frowns. So that must mean Yugi’s the one who beat him in a Shadow Game.

“It’s time for the duel to begin!” Crowler hops off of the arena, leaving the two duelists on it.

“I’ve wielded darkness and known greater darkness…” PaniK says ominously and stares Jaden down. “But you. You’re something special, aren’t you?” he asks, and Jaden flinches. PaniK grins wider. “I’m right, aren’t I? I can feel it. I’ve been able to feel it ever since I clawed my way out of that Punishment Game. People are scared of me, as they should be…let’s show them all that we’re both monsters, Jaden Yuki.”

“I’m not a monster,” Jaden says.

PaniK snickers. “I know a liar when I hear one. Something happened, didn’t it? Oh, did you not like the taste of the truth?”

I am going to hurt this wretched human… Yubel’s influence invisibly grows behind Jaden.

“I…” Jaden shakes in place.

“So afraid…” PaniK smirks and activates her Duel Disk. “Look at yourself, boy. You’re all alone up here. And that’s how it will remain…the darkness is a lonely place. Let me show you just how alone you are.”

~=~

Professor Banner led Kumazo to the duel arena. There, a Ra Yellow Duelist is about to face off against some other duelist in an expulsion duel.

“Why would Chumley get up to watch this?” Kumazo asks.

“The student is Jaden Yuki,” Banner smiles. “He began as a Slifer, but was promoted to Ra Yellow after his first exam. He made friends with your son and stayed friends after his advance.”

“Is that a fact?” Kumazo wonders, and crosses his arms. “So my boy’s come to support a friend…well…” he smiles. He was worried Chumley was all alone in this school…he’s never had any real friends here before. “I suppose it’d be rude to interrupt. My talk with him can wait ‘till after the duel.”

“How wonderful,” Banner smiles. “Though, it looks as though things are about to get interesting.”

“What do you…?” Kumazo’s eyes drift back to the arena, and his eyes open in shock.

In the crowd, during the introduction, a few other students had slipped on duel disks. As the student stands alone, he’s just as surprised as anyone else when four students wordlessly step onto the arena next to him with their duel disks: an obelisk girl, a ra boy, and two slifer boys, one of which is Chumley!

“W-what’s the meaning of this?! Get off the stage, you four!” the announcer man(?) orders.

“No!” the littlest one, a slifer with blue hair, says. “This isn’t fair!”

“Jaden is being punished for going into the Old Slifer Dorm,” the obelisk girl declares, “but we were all there that night!”

“It’s not fair for Jaden to be the only one punished for this,” the ra boy says. “So we refuse to stand idly by!”

“This is preposterous!” the announcer sputters. “Get off right now, or you’ll all be expelled!”

“Then so be it,” the ra yellow boy retorts.

“What?!” the announcer exclaims.

“We’re not leaving Jaden alone!” Chumley insists. “If he loses, we’re all leaving Duel Academy together, and if you expel us all, we’re going together! You’re not tearing us apart when we’re all to blame!”

Kumazo gawks at his son’s words. For so long, Chumley had been insistent on coming to Duel Academy, to stay in Duel Academy, even forsaking Kumazo for it…but now, Chumley has found friends that he’s willing to give it all up for. Kumazo smiles to himself.

Well…maybe I misjudged you, son. Kumazo chuckles.

~=~

Jaden’s eyes widen as he sees his friends all around him. Slifer and Chumley are to his right, Bastion and Alexis are to his left. He knew they were his friends, of course, but…he had no idea they were planning anything like this.

“T-this is preposterous!” Crowler sputters. “Chancellor, please, talk some sense into them!” He pleads to Chancellor Shepherd, who smiles gently.

“It’s quite touching to see how close our students have gotten. What daring risks they’re willing to take…” Shepherd smiles. “Well, let the punishment fit the crime, I suppose! What do you say, Mister PaniK? Are you willing to welcome a few more duelists?”

“Fine by me,” PaniK smirks.

“What?!” Crowler exclaims. “Losing five students at once- I didn’t- this isn’t- this can’t be-” he sputters nonsensically.

Jaden smiles. “Let’s do this, guys! And as you can see, PaniK, I’m not alone.”

“You will be,” PaniK smirks. “When you show them all just what you are.”

Jaden stiffens up, but activates his duel disk.

“We’ll duel with the Boss Duel rules!” PaniK declares. “Now let’s bring an end to this.” He laughs maniacally as everyone activates their duel disks.

“Duel!” they all declare.

Jaden: 4000 LP (Hand: 5)

Syrus: 4000 LP (Hand: 5)

Chumley: 4000 LP (Hand: 5)

Alexis: 4000 LP (Hand: 5)

Bastion: 4000 LP (Hand: 5)

PaniK: 20,000 LP (Hand: 5)

“I’ll make the first move!” PaniK draws and grins. “What a perfect draw. I begin by activating the field spell Malevolent Castle of Dark Illusions!”

“Isn’t the Castle of Dark Illusions a monster card?” Syrus questions.

“It is, but this isn’t quite like that,” Bastion says. “This field spell was inspired by some of the older rules. And it’s a vicious card…”

An immense castle hovers over the duel field, and dark energy courses the battlefield, bathing them all in shadows. The crowd can see everything, but it’s difficult for the duelists to even see each other. Only PaniK’s reflective contacts glow in the dark.

===

Malevolent Castle of Dark Illusions (Field Spell)

Both players can choose to set monsters in Attack Position as well as Defense Position. A monster cannot attack on the turn it is set.

All DARK Monsters gain 200 ATK/DEF, and all LIGHT Monsters lose 200 ATK/DEF.

During each of your standby phases, place one “Illusion Counter” on all monsters you control (even face-down ones). DARK Monsters gain 200 ATK/DEF for every Illusion Counter on them.

When this card is destroyed, destroy all monsters on the field with Illusion Counters.

===

“From here on out, this duel will occur…in the darkness.” PaniK snickers maliciously. “I place one monster in face-down attack position and end my turn.”

A monster lurks in the darkness that surrounds them, one they can’t see…not until they attack. This battle is about to test their bonds as friends, and everything is on the line.

Chapter Text

Jaden: 4000 LP (Hand: 5)

Syrus: 4000 LP (Hand: 5)

Chumley: 4000 LP (Hand: 5)

Alexis: 4000 LP (Hand: 5)

Bastion: 4000 LP (Hand: 5)

PaniK: 20,000 LP (Hand: 5)

“I’m next!” Jaden draws. He looks his hand over.

Burstinatrix, Avian, Sparkman, Clayman…dang, you all wanted to come out, huh? Jaden smiles. Combine that with Evil Arsenal and the card I just drew…and we’re about to start off with a bang.

“I activate the card I’ve drawn: Supreme King’s Castle!” Jaden orders. Jaden’s own dark battlefield melds with PaniK’s, and they find themselves on a bridge. The lava below the bridge beings an ominous illusion to the battlefield.

“Now, I summon Elemental Hero Sparkman!” Jaden places the hero onto the field.

Sparkman: 1600 ATK

“Foolish boy…” PaniK chuckles malevolently. “All Light attribute monsters are weakened!” 

Sparkman: 1600 ATK -> 1400 ATK (1400 DEF -> 1200 DEF)

“Well, let me show you why. I activate the equip spell, Evil Arsenal! Let’s get you powered up, Sparkman.” Jaden says, and Sparkman gains a new blaster while his attire changes to a darker hue.

Sparkman: Warrior-type -> Fiend-type

“Sparkman, attack his set monster!” Jaden orders, and Sparkman sends the lightning out of his gun toward the monster.

“I reveal my monster…Diabound Kernel!” PaniK grins.

What?! Yubel exclaims. The monster that rises is a pale white creature with a snake bottom half that ends in a snake head, a musclebound fiendish body and head, and small angelic wings.

Diabound Kernel: 1800 ATK -> 2000 ATK

“Hello, Supreme King,” Diabound Kernel’s spirit chuckles ominously.

Uh…Yubel, who’s this? Jaden internally asks.

Diabound Kernel, Yubel sneers. A tulpa spirit created by a human in the ancient past. He is a powerful servant of the Malevolent Darkness, back when Zorc was in control of it.

Darkness has two sides to it…the Light may be Order and we may be Chaos, but that doesn’t mean the Gentle Darkness is entirely evil. Jaden thinks to himself. But the Malevolent Darkness is everything that people think darkness is, all those evils exaggerated…

This man shouldn’t have this card. Where did he get it?!

“The fear in your eyes…” PaniK chuckles. “Is that recognition, boy?” He questions, and Jaden stiffens up. “Many of the cards you will face today have come from a poor young man who fought in Battle City. Some years ago, he got rid of his entire collection of occult cards…and they all wound up in my hands.”

Oh, that’s not good. Oh, that’s not good. Jaden and Yubel think in unison.

“A Battle City participant with an occult deck…could he mean Bakura Ryou?” Bastion’s eyes widen.

“B-But Yugi Muto needed Slifer the Sky Dragon to win against that deck!” Syrus panics.

“Yes, he did.” PaniK grins. “Afraid yet?”

Jaden clenches his fists. “Not a chance. Sparkman, continue the attack, and I’ll activate Supreme King Castle’s effect!” Jaden declares. “I send Sinister Necrom from my deck to the graveyard, giving Sparkman 1000 more attack points!”

Sparkman: 1400 ATK -> 2400 ATK

“Don’t think you can defeat me so easily,” PaniK smirks. “I activate Diabound Kernel’s effect. He is removed from play, and your monster’s attack lowers by a value equal to his own.”

“You are no match for me!” Diabound Kernel laughs and attaches itself to Sparkman.

Sparkman: 2400 ATK -> 400 ATK

“Well, now, you’re unprotected. Sparkman, direct attack!” Jaden orders, and Sparkman blasts a fraction of power at PaniK.

PaniK: 20,000 LP -> 19,600 LP (Hand: 4)

“Once per turn, since Sparkman is Light attribute, Evil Arsenal lets me change the battle position of one monster. The monster I choose is Sparkman!” Jaden orders.

Sparkman: 1200 DEF

“And now, I banish Evil Hero Sinister Necrom from my graveyard to summon Evil Hero Malicious Edge right from my deck,” Jaden says, and the Evil Hero emerges from the deck.

Malicious Edge: 2600 ATK

“With that, I end my turn,” Jaden smiles, and Sparkman’s attack points return to normal.

“Great turn, Jay!” Syrus says.

“Quite right,” Bastion nods. “You have a strong defense and offense.”

“And yet…” PaniK draws. “It won’t be enough. Diabound Kernel returns to my field!”

Diabound Kernel: 1800 ATK -> 2000 ATK

“Now, my field spell places an Illusion Counter on Diabound Kernel,” PaniK says with a smile.

Diabound’s Illusion Counters: 0 -> 1

Diabound: 2000 ATK -> 2200 ATK

“I set another monster and activate the spell card, Tribute Doll,” PaniK says. “By tributing my set monster, I can special summon the level 7 Greed Quasar in my hand!” He orders, and the strange bonelike demon hovers on the field.

Greed Quasar: ? ATK

“Greed Quasar’s attack and defense points become equal to his level multiplied by 300…combine that with my field spell, and he is quite powerful.” PaniK chuckles ominously as the monster looms in the dark.

Greed Quasar: ? ATK -> 2100 ATK -> 2300 ATK

“The monster summoned by Tribute Doll cannot attack this turn…but Diabound Kernel can. Attack Malicious Edge!” PaniK orders.

“What? But it’s weaker!” Jaden’s eyes widen.

PaniK smiles, and after the activation window for Supreme King’s Castle passes, Diabound Kernel’s ability activates.

“Foolish boy,” Diabound Kernel laughs, “With every attack, I become stronger!”

Diabound Kernel: 2200 ATK -> 2800 ATK

Diabound Kernel destroys Malicious Edge, and Jaden winces at the damage.

Jaden: 4000 LP -> 3800 LP (Hand: 3)

“I end my turn,” PaniK smirks.

“I’m taking the next move!” Alexis draws. “And I’ll start by changing Sparkman to attack mode.”

Sparkman: 1400 ATK

“Now, I activate the spell card Polymerization,” Alexis holds the card up. “I fuse Blade Skater and Etoile Cyber in my hand to fusion summons Cyber Blader!” She says, and her ace monster takes to the field. “And since you control two monsters, PaniK, my Cyber Blader becomes stronger.”

Cyber Blader: 2100 ATK -> 4200 ATK

“Oh, I’m well aware of the effects of your Cyber Blader,” PaniK chuckles ominously. “And I know it’s weakness. I use Diabound Kernel’s effect! By banishing it, I lower Cyber Blader’s attack by 2800! But first, since I now only control one monster, Cyber Blader’s attack points are halved.”

Cyber Blader: 4200 ATK -> 2100 ATK -> 0 ATK

“Foolish little warriors,” Diabound Kernel laughs as he grabs Cyber Blader. “Do you think you are anything compared to the threats I faced in the distant past?”

While Diabound taunts Jaden, Alexis huffs. “Evil Arsenal changes Sparkman back to defense mode,” she says bitterly.

Sparkman: 1200 DEF

I have Mystical Space Typhoon in my hand, Alexis thinks to herself, but this field spell has a weakness. When destroyed, it also destroys everything with an illusion counter. I need to wait until later to use it, when I can completely wipe out his field and let everyone attack directly. Plus, with this other card, it could give Jaden some backup.

“I set two cards face down and end my turn,” Alexis declares.

Cyber Blader: 2100 ATK

Panik draws. “On my turn, Diabound Kernel returns!”

Diabound Kernel: 1800 ATK -> 2000 ATK

Cyber Blader: 2100 ATK -> 4200 ATK

“Now, both Diabound Kernel and Greed Quasar gain an Illusion Counter!” PaniK adds.

Diabound’s Counters: 0 -> 1

Greed Quasar’s Counters: 0 -> 1

Diabound Kernel: 2000 ATK -> 2200 ATK

Greed Quasar: 2300 ATK -> 2500 ATK

“Hang on, didn’t Diabound already have a counter?” Syrus asks.

“When Diabound Kernel banishes itself, all counters also leave it. If we play our cards right, we can almost guarantee it only ever has one,” Bastion frowns, “but that’s still a minimum of 2200 attack points.”

“Which will be more than enough to make you all suffer!” PaniK grins. “I activate Pot of Greed,” he says, and the spell lets him draw two cards. “And now…I activate Diabound Kernel again!”

“On his turn?” Alexis’s eyes widen.

“I know Cyber Blader’s abilities, little girl,” PaniK snickers. “If I control three monsters, you can negate my cards. I won’t be letting that happen. Diabound Kernel, weaken that foolish monster all over again!”

Cyber Blader: 4200 ATK -> 2100 ATK -> 0 ATK

“And since its attack points are now zero, if I summon a second monster, its attack points will remain at zero!” PaniK laughs triumphantly. “I activate the ritual spell card, Contract with the Dark Master!”

Brace yourself, Jaden! Yubel warns her partner.

“I tribute a level eight monster in my hand and send it to the graveyard,” PaniK explains, “to Ritual Summon Dark Master Zorc!”

As PaniK speaks, a horrific figure looms in the darkness.

Dark Master Zorc: 2800 ATK -> 3000 ATK

This new monster laughs maliciously within the spirit plane. “So…this is what’s become of you, Haou. How…appropriately underwhelming.”

Zorc… Yubel sneers. The former ruler of the Malevolent Dark.

“The once and future King of All Darkness!” Zorc snaps. “I overtook your Kingdom when you left…but now, since my defeat, each of other Kingdoms has entered a power vacuum. This may not be a Shadow Game, but when I defeat you, all neutral parties in the Dark will flock to me, your enforcers be damned! I will prove that I am still powerful, that I am greater than the Supreme King’s second coming!”

Looks like there’s more riding on this than just my time here at Duel Academy… Jaden grits his teeth. I didn’t expect to have a non-Shadow Game spiritual duel…certainly not surrounded by a crowd!

“I activate Dark Master Zorc’s ability!” PaniK says. “I spin the Archfiend’s Roulette.” He snickers, and a familiar roulette appears in the air, and Jaden feels himself stiffen up.

It’s okay, Jaden. I’m here. This isn’t a Shadow Game. Yubel assures him.

The roulette spins…and lands on five. “With a five, I can destroy one monster on the field. And I choose Cyber Blader, since it can’t be destroyed in battle!”

The monstrous Zorc releases a pulse of darkness that destroys Cyber Blader, and PaniK laughs.

“I activate Monster Reborn!” PaniK says next. “Revive to my field, the card I sacrificed to summon the Dark Master: Despair from the Dark!”

An immense boogeyman on shadows rises behind PaniK, and now several powerful monsters loom in the smoke of the Malevolent Castle’s darkness.

Despair from the Dark: 2800 ATK -> 3000 ATK

“Behold the terror of the dark!” PaniK points at Sparkman. “Greed Quasar, destroy that useless hero!” He orders, and Greed Quasar rips the monster apart. “When Greed Quasar destroys a monster in battle, it’s level increases by that monster’s level. And I think we both know what that means…”

Greed Quasar: Level 7 -> Level 11

Greed Quasar: 2500 ATK -> 3700 ATK

“Dark Master Zorc, Despair from the Dark, attack the two duelists that have foolishly stepped to you directly!” PaniK orders, and their attacks knock Jaden and Alexis back!

Jaden: 3800 LP -> 800 LP (Hand: 3)

Alexis: 4000 LP -> 1000 LP (Hand: 1)

“Oh, I don’t know who to root for!” Crowler grumbles impatiently to himself, sitting on the sidelines outside of the arena and watching the duel closer than anyone else. “On the one hand, Jaden is so close to defeat…but if Alexis is defeated, too, will I have to expel her? She’s the finest duelist in the girls’ dorm!” He hums. “Perhaps I can call the duel when Jaden is defeated, and that would let me let Bastion and Alexis go! Yes, yes, that would work…”

“I place one card face down and end my turn,” PaniK continues the duel while Crowler schemes.

“I’ll go next,” Bastion draws and stares down the intimidating field before him.

Fear of the dark is illogical, Bastion thinks to himself. I know my deck is not mighty. It was not made with strength in mind…I made this entire deck with our plan to join Jaden in mind. It is a support deck. He looks down at the card he just drew: Polymerization. And this card is the key.

“I begin by activating the spell card Dark Designator, and target Jaden with it,” Bastion explains. “Now, if I name a monster card and Jaden has it in his deck, he can add it right to his hand.” He didn’t use it to protect Malicious Edge, which means it probably isn’t in his hand yet. “Jaden, the card I name is Darkuriboh!”

Jaden smiles. “Thanks, Bastion,” he says and adds the little fiend to his hand.

“That’s your plan?” PaniK laughs. “You cannot defeat me with little fuzzballs like that!”

“Oh, there’s more where that came from, PaniK,” Bastion declares. “I activate the spell card Monster Reborn! This revives one monster from any graveyard. And from Alexis’s graveyard, I summon Cyber Blader!” He orders, and the monster returns to the field.

Cyber Blader: 2100 ATK -> 4200 ATK

“And since you control three monsters, any effects you activate will be negated,” Bastion smiles. “So sorry about your set card.” he says condescendingly, and PaniK growls. “Before entering battle, I summon White Magician Pikeru in defense mode.”

White Magician Pikeru: 0 DEF

Pikeru will give us life points during each of our standby phases, Bastion thinks to himself. This could give Alexis and Jaden the boost they need after those heavy hits.

“Cyber Blader, attack Dark Master Zorc!” Bastion orders, and Jaden watches the monster hiss at Cyber Blader cuts through it!

“This means nothing…” Zorc says. “So long as my servants attain victory, your domain will be mine, Supreme King.” He says before his destruction.

PaniK: 19,600 LP -> 18,400 LP (Hand: 0)

“I set three cards and end my turn,” Bastion says. One of my set cards is Polymerization…and the other two will ensure that I can keep everyone safe for a little longer while they set up their own combos.

“My turn!” PaniK draws. “Diabound, return to me!”

Diabound: 1800 ATK -> 2000 ATK

“And now, my monsters gain illusion counters!” PaniK continues.

Diabound’s Counters: 0 -> 1

Greed Quasar’s Counters: 1 -> 2

Despair from the Dark’s Counters: 0 -> 1

Diabound: 2000 ATK -> 2200 ATK

Greed Quasar: 3700 ATK -> 3900 ATK

Despair from the Dark: 3000 ATK -> 3200 ATK

“You control three monsters, PaniK,” Alexis smiles. “And with all your monsters having Illusion Counters and just one card in your hand, this is just what I’ve been waiting for. I activate my set quick-play spell, Mystical Space Typhoon!”

“What?!” PaniK exclaims.

“It destroys one spell or trap on the field, and thanks to Cyber Blader’s effect, not even your Diabound Kernel can escape,” Alexis explains. “Go, wipe out that eyesore!” She orders, and Mystical Space Typhoon destroys the castle out of the sky.

As the field spell is destroyed, the castle crashes down on PaniK’s side of the field, destroying each and every one of his monsters. His field is now clear of monsters, and he growls.

Cyber Blader: 4200 ATK -> 2100 ATK

“Uh…shouldn’t all the shadows be gone?” Chumley asks nervously. “This is still freaking me out…”

PaniK chuckles ominously. “Oh, don’t you see, children? The shadows aren’t coming from my field spell anymore,” Panik points behind them, to the Supreme King’s Castle. Jaden bristles in nervousness and guilt as the storms of the castle creates a dark haze across the battlefield.

“Darkness will always be strongest in places…you never expect,” PaniK holds up the one card he drew. “I banish Diabound Kernel, Despair from the Dark, and Dark Master Zorc from my graveyard!”

Bastion’s eyes widen. “Oh, no…it’s this monster!”

“I summon Dark Necrofear!” PaniK says, and the creepy bald figure looms in the darkness, peering out with a small smile.

Dark Necrofear: 2200 ATK

“I activate the trap card Spirit Barrier!” Bastion declares. “So long as we have at least one monster on our field, none of us take battle damage! The same can’t be said for you, though, PaniK.”

“And since you control a monster, Cyber Blader can’t be destroyed in battle,” Alexis says.

“No matter,” PaniK smirks. “I’ll simply destroy that little Magician!” he says, and Necrofear tears through White Magician Pikeru. “I end my turn.”

“Then I’ll go next!” Chumley draws.

Up in the stands, Kumazo is enraptured by the duel. And now that his son has drawn, he bristles up nervously. My boy can’t go up against a professional duelist…he can’t even graduate from this academy! Play defensive, Chumley…

“I set one monster in face down defense mode,” Chumley starts and smiles. “And then, I’ll play a card that Bastion gave me. Ancient Rules!”

“I don’t have much use for it,” Bastion smiles. “I figured it’d be better suited with your ace monster in mind.”

“Yeah, well, you figured right!” Chumley nods. “Ancient Rules lets me summon a powerful normal monster from my hand. And the monster I summon is Big Koala!” He says, and the massive Koala looms over Necrofear in the dark.

Big Koala: 2700 ATK

Kumazo’s eyes widen, and he grins. That’s the stuff, Chumley! He chuckles to himself.

“And I’m not done yet,” Chumley says. “I activate the spell card, Wild Nature’s Release! This increases one beast-type monster’s attack points equal to its defense points! Only issue is, it’s destroyed when my turn’s over…but that’s a price I’m willing to pay to take you down.” Chumley explains while Big Koala is surrounded in red energy and goes berserk.

Big Koala: 2700 ATK -> 4700 ATK

“That wretched creature has over 4000 attack points?!” PaniK exclaims with frustration.

“And they’re all coming right at your Dark Necrofear!” Chumley says. “Big Koala, attack!” He orders, and the Koala destroys the fiend!

PaniK: 18,400 LP -> 15,900 LP (Hand: 0)

“That’s how you do it!” Kumazo cheers with the rest of the crowd. “Come on, you’ve got him on the ropes!”

Kumazo’s shouts aren’t heard over the rest of the crowd, but Chumley continues his assault. “Cyber Blader, attack PaniK directly!” He orders, and Cyber Blader slams her fist into the duelist, who stands his ground.

PaniK: 15,900 LP -> 13,800 LP (Hand: 0)

“You did good, Big Koala,” Chumley smiles and ends his turn, sending his ace to the graveyard.

“Did you think it would be that easy?” PaniK laughs, and it echoes across the battlefield. “In the end phase in which Dark Necrofear is destroyed, it becomes an equip spell onto a monster I choose! And then, the monster I choose is under my control.”

“But…the only monster on the field is…!” Jaden’s eyes widen.

“That’s right. Cyber Blader is mine!” PaniK says, and the Blader is brought to his side as Necrofear’s dark energy surrounds it.

Cyber Blader: 2100 ATK

“That damn coward!” Kumazo growls from the stands. “Use your own cards to beat your opponent!”

“Now, I draw!” PaniK begins his turn. “Cyber Blader, destroy that set monster!”

Des Koala: 1800 DEF

Cyber Blader destroys Des Koala, but Chumley grits his teeth.

“My Des Koala has a flip effect! You take 400 damage for every card in your hand.” Chumley explains.

PaniK: 13,800 LP -> 13,400 LP (Hand: 1)

“Is that really the best you can do?” PaniK mocks.

“Come on, Chumley…” Kumazo mutters from the stands. “Don’t let this guy treat you like that.”

“I end my turn. Which brings us to the little one…your weakest link, I presume,” PaniK chuckles, and Syrus shudders. “Don’t think I haven’t noticed, boy. While the others have been eager to fight, you’ve been in the back. You’ve been shaking when my monsters rise, terrified when your friends are hit. Your friends may be able to pretend that they aren’t afraid of the dark…but not you.”

“I…I may be afraid…” Syrus shakes. “B-but Jaden needs me! So I’ll duel as best I can!” He draws. “I activate Polymerization!” He uses his own copy of the spell card. “Now, I can fuse the Gyroid and Steamroid in my hand into the fusion monster Steam Gyroid!” Syrus declares, and his machine rises to the field.

Steam Gyroid: 2200 ATK

“Cyber Blader may not be able to be destroyed by battle, but that doesn’t mean you won’t feel this damage!” Syrus says, gaining some confidence. “But first, I’m gonna be mindful of that set card of yours. I play my copy of the spell Mystical Space Typhoon, to destroy your set card!”

PaniK grins. “Foolish boy…you should have attacked! I discard one card to play the trap card Judgment of Anubis! It negates and destroys your typhoon!”

“But…why?!” Syrus exclaims. “I was already targeting your trap, so it’s going to the graveyard anyway. What’s the point in negating it?”

“The point, foolish child, is my trap’s second effect,” PaniK leers. “After it negates the effect, I destroy one of your monsters, and you take damage equal to its attack points!”

“What?!” Syrus exclaims, and the shadows slice through his Steam Gyroid, making it crash down on top of him.

Syrus: 4000 LP > 1800 LP (Hand: 2)

“And to think…if you had played your spell card first, your monster would have been spared,” PaniK mocks, and Syrus hangs his head in shame.

Crowler cackles at the sidelines. “Oh, now the field is empty! All PaniK has to do now is attack Jaden, and I can stop the duel and call it his failure. Sure, I’ll be keeping those other Slifer Slackers to make sure I can keep Alexis and Bastion…but that’s a price I’m willing to pay~”

“It’s my draw!” Panik begins his next turn.

“Sy, try not to let this guy in your head,” Jaden tells his best friend. “Anyone would have made the same mistake you did. Even Zane would have! In my fight with him, he used Mystical Space Typhoon after summoning his monster too, remember?”

“I guess…” Syrus hangs his head. “It still doesn’t feel good.”

“And it’s about to feel worse,” PaniK grins. “Cyber Blader, attack Jaden Yuki directly!”

Syrus’s eyes widen. “If this attack lands…you’ll be expelled, and it’d be my fault!” He gasps as the Cyber Blader rushes at Jaden.

“The power of your own friends will be your demise!” PaniK laughs.

“Goodbye, Jaden~!” Crowler sing-songs.

“Not so fast!” Bastion interjects. “I activate the trap card Gift Card!” Bastion activates his other trap. “This gives another player 3000 life points!” He says, and the energy wraps around Jaden at the point of impact.

Jaden: 800 LP -> 3800 LP -> 1700 LP (Hand: 4)

“Oof…thanks for the save, Bastion,” Jaden smiles.

“Anytime,” Bastion nods.

“Oh, how touching…” PaniK chuckles. “It’s a shame that your friends won’t be able to save you from this card,” PaniK places a new field spell in his duel disk. “It’s time that you all feel prey to true darkness. Behold the power of Dark Sanctuary!”

Behind PaniK, a dark castle rises, and a creepy sky with leering eyes looks down at the group, sending shivers down their spines. Even more shadowy fog comes down, once more shrouding PaniK and his field. Only the silhouettes of PaniK and his cards can be seen, save for his eyes glaring through.

“Jaden, it’s your move,” Bastion says. “And I encourage you to use my set card.”

“Mine, too.” Alexis nods.

“Guys…thanks,” Jaden smiles and draws. “It’s my turn, PaniK! And I’m gonna start by activating Bastion’s face-down card!”

“The spell Polymerization!” Jaden and Bastion announce in unison.

“Now I fuse Elemental Heroes Clayman and Burstinatrix in my hand to summon an Evil Hero,” Jaden smiles.

“That’s a new combo,” Alexis smiles.

“Stalwart earth and righteous flames, take this role upon the dark, shield my soul all in my name, and fire upon my enemy’s heart! Fusion Summon!” Jaden chants. “Evil Hero Infernal Sniper! In defense mode.”

Infernal Sniper: 2500 DEF

PaniK laughs. “All that talk, and you are merely defending? Pathetic!”

“Next, I activate Alexis’s set card,” Jaden says.

“Fallen Arms!” Jaden and Alexis say together.

“I banish Sparkman from the graveyard to return Evil Arsenal to my hand,” Jaden says. The Fire Attribute power won’t come in handy, though, so I’ll save it for later and set the trap I drew. “I’ll throw down a face-down and end my turn.”

PaniK draws. “You may be able to defend for now…but not forever,” he sets the card he drew. “You’re running scared from the dark, all too aware that there’s nothing you can do against it! It will not last.”

“Oh, shut up!” Alexis draws. “It’s my move.”

“And with that,” Jaden smiles, “Infernal Sniper’s effect activates.”

Infernal Sniper smiles across the spiritual plane. “So, he thinks we’re hiding? Doesn’t he know the best defense is a good offense? And that truly skilled…can do both!” Infernal Sniper raises their cannon arm and fires a burning bullet through the fog that impacts PaniK!

PaniK: 13,400 LP -> 12,400 LP (Hand: 0)

“During each of my friends and I’s standby phases, you’ll take 1000 points of damage so long as Infernal Sniper is in defense mode!” Jaden explains.

Alexis smiles. “And I can add to that. I summon Cyber Tutu!” She declares, and her next monster twirls as she rises.

Cyber Tutu: 1000 ATK

“Because you have two monsters, Cyber Blader becomes stronger.” PaniK grins.

Cyber Blader: 2100 ATK -> 4200 ATK

“Since the only monsters you control have higher attack than Cyber Tutu, she can attack directly,” Alexis decrees. “Go, Cyber Tutu! Direct attack!”

Cyber Tutu leaps into the fog, and vanishes into the smoke as the fog grows thicker.

“Cyber Tutu?” Alexis questions, and the fog starts to surround her. “What’s going on?”

“The Dark Sanctuary’s fog is thick, and hard to navigate…” PaniK chuckles evilly. “Whenever my opponent declares an attack, there’s a 50% chance that the attack is negated, and half its power turned back on them!”

On cue, Alexis grunts as Cyber Tutu’s own attack comes back at her. It’s as though Cyber Tutu sees her at the last second and tries to pull her punch.

Alexis: 1000 LP -> 500 LP (Hand: 1)

“Oh, my gosh, I’m sorry!” Cyber Tutu’s spirit whimpers.

“You know she can’t hear you,” Infernal Sniper remarks.

“That doesn’t mean I can’t be sorry!” Cyber Tutu whines.

“And now that you know how untouchable I truly am,” PaniK grins as the fog continues to crawl across the arena, obscuring everyone’s vision, “I activate my trap card: Destiny Board!” The trap summons a ouija board, and an ethereal “D” hovers over the board.

“I’ve heard of this card…” Alexis frowns. “I set one card face down and change Infernal Sniper to attack mode!”

Infernal Sniper: 2000 ATK

“What?! I can’t shoot like this!” Infernal Sniper growls. “Master, stop her!”

“I trust her to have a plan,” Jaden says softly and shrugs.

“When you end your turn, Destiny Board activates,” PaniK says, and the ouija board conjures an ethereal “E.”

“When the message completes, Destiny Board will reduce all of our life points to zero,” Bastion frowns.

“A-all of ours?!” Chumley exclaims.

“We only have a few turns to get this done!” Alexis says. “Throw everything you’ve got at him.”

“It won’t be enough!” PaniK draws. “You can’t fight back against me! I merely have to wait. I could simply outlast Infernal Sniper…but where’s the fun in that?!” he laughs maliciously. “I’ll doom your little friend and make him watch as you all fall! Cyber Blader, attack Infernal Sniper!”

“I actviate the trap Doble Passe!” Alexis interjects. “This turns Cyber Blader’s attack into a direct attack on Jaden.”

“And combined with Spirit Barrier,” Bastion smiles, “no damage is done to Jaden!”

Cyber Blader is forced up to Jaden and misses, falling into the fog.

“And then, you take damage equal to Infernal Sniper’s attack points!” Alexis says.

“I change my mind,” Infernal Sniper grins and points her weapon at PaniK. “I like her.”

She’s not THAT great… Yubel huffs and crosses her arms.

Infernal Sniper fires on PaniK, who growls in annoyance.

PaniK: 12,400 LP > 10,400 LP (Hand: 1)

“It’s my move, PaniK!” Bastion draws. “Well. I don’t tend to believe in luck over statistics, but perhaps this card is the exception. You see, PaniK, Doble Passe has a secondary effect. This turn, the monster it affected may attack you directly! And because Cyber Tutu’s effect is still active, she can make the attack as well. Both of these monsters are coming right for your life points!”

“How soon we forget,” PaniK grins. “None can find their way through my Dark Sanctuary!”

“There’s only a 50% chance of the damage reflecting back at me, and luck can only favor you so many times.” Bastion remarks.

Sure enough, Cyber Tutu’s attack goes through, but Infernal Sniper’s attack is reflected onto Bastion!

PaniK: 10,400 LP -> 9400 LP (Hand: 1)

Bastion: 4000 LP -> 3000 LP (Hand 1)

“Now, let’s find out if luck will favor you this time, PaniK! I activate the quick-play spell Double or Nothing!” Bastion remarks. “When an attack is negated, I can allow that monster to attack again, and it’s attack points double!”

Infernal Sniper: 2000 ATK -> 4000 ATK

“Attack again, Infernal Sniper!” Bastion demands, and Infernal Sniper’s power streaks through the fog, and Dark Sanctuary doesn’t protect PaniK as he’s impacted directly!

PaniK: 9400 LP -> 5400 LP (Hand: 1)

Panik is knocked back and cries out in rage! He slowly gets up and growls.

“You…would dare?!” PaniK exclaims.

“As a matter of fact, I would,” Bastion smiles. “I end my turn.” he says.

Infernal Sniper: 4000 ATK -> 2000 ATK

PaniK growls, but breaks into a grin. “Destiny Board activates,” he says, and an “A” appears next. PaniK draws. “And for my turn, I’ll activate my copy of Mystical Space Typhoon. Say goodbye to your precious Spirit Barrier!” PaniK declares, and the trap is destroyed.

“Now, Cyber Blader, attack Infernal Sniper!” PaniK orders, and as the creatures rushes forward, Jaden activates his trap card.

“Draining Shield!” Jaden declares, and the barrier protects Infernal Sniper from Cyber Blader’s attack! “Your attack is negated, and I gain life points equal to your monster’s attack points.”

Cyber Blader: 4200 ATK

Jaden: 1700 LP -> 5900 LP (Hand: 3)

“Jaden’s taken the lead in life points!” Syrus smiles.

“Oh, yeah! Totally licious!” Chumley smiles.

“A shame you won’t get another turn, Jaden, before my Destiny Board completes,” PaniK mocks.

“Well, I will!” Chumley draws.

Back in the stands, Kumazo taps his foot impatiently, glaring down at the field. This is a bad situation. Dark Sanctuary may not always work in the user’s favor, but it can be done at will. Plus, he still has an indestructible monster with over 4000 attack points on his field! These others guys have been able to start doing some serious damage, but…can Chumley really do anything like that?

“I can’t believe it…” Chumley smiles. “I just drew the perfect card!”

What? Kumazo’s eyes widen. Does he really have something…?

“I activate the spell card De-Fusion!” Chumley says.

“No!” PaniK’s eyes widen as Cyber Blader begins to glow.

“I return Cyber Blader to Alexis’s extra deck, and she can summon it’s components from the graveyard,” Chumley explains, and Alexis smiles.

“Much obliged, Chumley,” Alexis nods. “I summon Blade Skater and Etoile Cyber!” She says, and the two monsters dance around each other as they rise to the field.

Etoile Cyber: 1200 ATK

Blade Skater: 1400 ATK

“Hey, uh…is it cool if I use your monsters for something?” Chumley asks.

“Feel free,” Alexis nods.

“Licious!” Chumley smiles. “I sacrifice Blade Skater and Cyber Tutu to tribute summon my second copy of Big Koala!” He says, and the massive Koala rises, just as before.

Big Koala: 2700 ATK

“Another of those eyesores?” PaniK grits his teeth.

“Hm…” Chumley thinks for a moment. “I’m gonna change Infernal Sniper to defense mode.”

Infernal Sniper: 2500 DEF

“Much obliged, good duelist,” Infernal Sniper nods.

“Aw, you don’t gotta thank me, Jaden!” Chumley smiles.

“Huh? I didn’t say anything…” Jaden trails off, and his eyes widen.

“Huh? Then who…?” Chumley shakes his head. “Well, anyway, I remember that Etoile Cyber gets extra attack when it attacks directly. And your field’s empty now, PaniK! Big Koala, Etoile Cyber, direct attack!”

Etoile Cyber: 1200 ATK -> 1700 ATK

“Do not forget the fog!” PaniK says, and the fog rises higher across the battlefield to engulf even Big Koala in it. In a few moments, Chumley winces when Big Koala is turned on him.

Chumley: 4000 LP -> 2650 LP (Hand: 1)

“Now where that that other one go…URK!” PaniK growls when Etoile Cyber’s attack lands on him.

PaniK: 5400 LP -> 3700 LP (Hand: 1)

“THAT is for Cyber Blader,” Etoile spiritually spits.

“I’ve got nothing else…” Chumley sighs. “It’s all up to you, Syrus.” He says, and the “T” appears over the Destiny Board. Syrus gulps nervously.

PaniK draws and laughs. “You may have done some damage to me…but there is nothing you can do! Dark Sanctuary has protected me more than enough, and in just one turn, Destiny Board will win this duel! I end my turn, and there is nothing you can do to take victory from me!” His eyes glare through the darkness right at Syrus. “All your hopes are on the little one, the one too petrified to do anything substantial! It will be my pleasure to watch such good friends crumble together.”

Meanwhile, Crowler growls on the sidelines. “I can’t feasibly excuse any of them if all of them lose at once!” he shrieks. “This little slacker better have something up his sleeve from all his time spent with Yuki, or else I’ll make him regret it!”

Syrus is surrounded by darkness, and he shakes silently. It’s all so dark, and even with no monsters on PaniK’s field, how could Syrus possibly do 3700 damage in one turn?! The only cards in his hand are UFORoid and Stealthroid. Syrus draws his last card…

Power Bond.

Syrus’s eyes widen. The card that’s the root of all of his problems…he keeps forgetting to take it out of his deck. What’s he supposed to do with it?! Well, there is one monster that could work…it was a gift from Jaden. But if he fails, Power Bond’s feedback will take Syrus out, and then Destiny Board will wipe everyone else out…

While Syrus thinks, Infernal Sniper charges up and fires on PaniK!

PaniK: 3700 LP -> 2700 LP (Hand: 2)

Oh, that’s right, Infernal Sniper’s ability… Syrus thinks to himself, and his eyes widen. Wait, that’s it! Abilities! He looks his cards over. Maybe I don’t need to beat him this turn. I’ve got a risky play, and it could just wind up in my loss either way, but… His grip on his cards tightens. It’s time to show Zane that I know how to play my cards, not just use them.

“I summon Stealthroid in attack mode!” Syrus declares, and the miniature stealth jet rises up.

Stealthroid: 1200 ATK

“And then, I activate Power Bond!” Syrus activates the spell. “This card lets me fusion summon a machine monster. And the monster I have in mind will use UFORoid in my hand and Etoile Cyber on the field! I-if that’s okay, Alexis…”

“Got for it, Syrus!” Alexis nods.

“R-right! I fuse Etoile Cyber and UFORoid to fusion summon UFORoid Fighter!” Syrus announces, and his fusion monster appears! It resembles Etoile Cyber standing on top of a ufo-like platform.

UFORoid Fighter: ? ATK

“UFORoid Fighter’s attack points are the sum total of its components! And that’s not all: Power Bond doubles the attack points of the monster used to summon it! But it comes at a cost: I take damage equal to its attack points during the end phase.” Syrus explains.

UFORoid Fighter: ? ATK -> 2400 ATK -> 4800 ATK

“4800 attack points?!” PaniK exclaims, then composes himself and chuckles. “So, this is your big plan, little boy? You’ll only fall prey to my Dark Sanctuary! Or perhaps you just want to run out your life points so you don’t have to personally face the devastating effect of my Destiny Board, so you’re doing all you can to run away like the sniveling coward you are?”

Crowler grimaces. While he may not particularly like any of the Slifer Slackers, even he can admit when the trash-talking gets a little excessive.

Syrus, however, is undeterred. “Why don’t I just show you my plan? Stealthroid, attack PaniK directly!”

Stealthroid flies into Dark Sanctuary’s fog…but as luck would have it, the attack is directed back on Syrus, and he takes some damage from his Stealthroid’s dropped bombs.

Syrus: 1800 LP > 1200 LP (Hand: 0)

“You see, boy? I am untouchable!” PaniK grins.

“I wasn’t aiming for your life points,” Syrus says.

“Oh, is that right?” PaniK asks mockingly.

“My Stealthroid has a special ability! After it battles, I can destroy one spell or trap card that you control.” Syrus explains.

“Wait…what?!” PaniK exclaims.

“Awesome! Now you can destroy Dark Sanctuary and finish this duel!” Jaden smiles.

“No,” Syrus frowns. “I’m not aiming for Dark Sanctuary.”

“Huh? Why?” Chumley asks.

“PaniK still has cards in his hand, and he discarded a card to activate Judgment of Anubis earlier,” Syrus explains. “If there’s one thing watching Jaden duel has taught me, it’s that a comeback can happen from anywhere. So, I’m going to make sure you can all fight on! I destroy Destiny Board!”

“No!” PaniK cries out as Stealthroid’s bombs destroy Destiny Board, and each conjured letter is destroyed with it in a chain reaction.

“Well played, Syrus,” Bastion nods in approval.

“Now, UFORoid Fighter, attack PaniK directly!” Syrus orders.

“You…you really think you can win?” PaniK grins. “Dark Sanctuary will just reflect the damage back on you! You’ll be finished!”

“I’m finished either way,” Syrus says. “At the end of this turn, Power Bond will take me out of the duel. If Dark Sanctuary reflects this attack on me, I’m out of the duel. So I’m going to attack, and leave it all up to chance! I’m leaving this duel on my terms, and taking the chance to take you out with me!” Syrus stares down PaniK through the darkness, unafraid, and PaniK takes a step back. His face contorts into frustration.

UFORoid Fighter gets closer. It’s all about to come down to a 50/50 chance…

“Rrgh…I activate Necro Gardna in the graveyard!” PaniK snaps. “I negate your attack!” He declares, and Necro Gardna’s ghostly form appears to block UFORoid.

“The card he discarded!” Chumley gasps.

“Syrus was right!” Jaden grins. “If he’d have destroyed Dark Sanctuary, PaniK would negate his attack, and Destiny Board would win him the duel. Great job, Sy!”

“Thanks, Jay,” Syrus smiles. “And now, I end my turn.” he says, and Power Bond’s effect turns on him.

Syrus: 1200 LP -> 0 LP (Hand: 0)

Syrus takes a deep breath. Honestly, part of him is glad this horrifying duel is over for him…he doesn’t know if losing means he’s expelled, but it’ll be worth it if it means the others can keep going here. Jaden especially deserves to be here more than Syrus does. As he steps back, he looks through the smog to the crowd outside the arena, and his eyes land on Zane. He’s standing in the back, not at a seat, simply observing the duel from afar. Syrus’s eyes meet with his brother, and Zane gives him a single nod. It’s the first real sign of approval Syrus has seen from Zane in…well… years. It’s the first indication he’s had in a while that his dueling is on the right track. Syrus smiles and turns his eyes back on the duel.

“One of you is gone…” PaniK draws. “And soon, the rest will follow into the dark!”

“Oh, cut the fearmongering schtick!” Jaden snaps.

“Excuse me?!” PaniK scowls.

“You’re not some fear-bringing avatar of terror, you’re just a guy with a deck that isn’t even originally yours!” Jaden says. “Syrus just showed us all that you’re a bigger coward than any of us! So cut the act and duel, won’t ya?” he smirks.

“You insolent brats!” PaniK snarls, then grins again. “Your hopes of coming out of this intact were foolish. My Destiny Board may be gone, but Dark Sanctuary remains intact! And now, I have a monster that can ensure you are all wiped out!” PaniK plays the card. “By shuffling my banished Diabound Kernel, Dark Master Zorc, and Despair from the Dark into the deck, I can summon this card right from my hand! Rise now, Curse Necrofear!”

The summoned monster resembles Dark Necrofear, except parts of it are fading away in ethereal, burning wisps, as though the creature isn’t fully present.

Curse Necrofear: 2800 ATK

“Curse Necrofear, destroy Infernal Sniper!” PaniK orders, and his monster charges at Jaden’s Evil Hero.

“I activate the effect of Darkuriboh in my hand!” Jaden declares. Darkuriboh appears and protects Infernal Sniper from the attack. “By discarding him, Infernal Sniper can’t be destroyed this turn. And when he’s discarded, I can add Polymerization to my hand.” He smiles softly. “Thanks for the assist, little buddy,” he thanks his creature, and Darkuriboh waves as it enters the graveyard.

“Rrgh…I set one card and end my turn,” PaniK says.

“Ready to bring an end to this, Infernal Sniper?” Jaden smiles.

“I thought you’d never ask,” Infernal Sniper smirks.

“It’s my move!” Jaden draws. “Infernal Sniper, fire!” he orders, and Infernal Sniper fires on PaniK again.

PaniK: 2700 LP -> 1700 LP (Hand: 1)

“And it’s my lucky draw! I activate Fall From Grace! With this, I can resurrect Burstinatrix from the graveyard!” Jaden announces, and Burstinatrix rises up in darker attire.

Burstinatrix: 1200 ATK

Burstinatrix: Warrior-type -> Fiend-type

“Now, I activate Polymerization!” Jaden announces. “I fuse Burstinatrix on my field with Avian in my hand to summon one of my favorite monsters.” Avian and Burstinatrix fuse, and Inferno Wing takes to the field.

“Winds of Change and Righteous Flames, join in darkness and endless strife to carve yourselves a renewed name and usher my foes to the afterlife! Fusion Summon!” Jaden chants. “I summon Evil Hero Inferno Wing!”

Inferno Wing: 2100 ATK

“Inferno Wing inflicts damage to you equal to the attack or defense points of the monster he destroys, whichever is higher,” Jaden smirks. “Inferno Wing, attack Curse Necrofear! With Supreme King’s Castle, I send the level 4 Evil Hero Toxic Bubble from my deck to the graveyard, so Inferno Wing gets an 800-point boost!”

Inferno Wing: 2100 ATK -> 2900 ATK

“Syrus was fine with ending everything for us, and now we’ve got a field full of threats!” Jaden smiles. “Inferno Wing, Big Koala, Infernal Sniper, Stealthroid, UFORoid Fighter…let’s take this guy down together! Inferno Wing, lead the charge and destroy Curse Necrofear!”

The five monsters approach the Dark Sanctuary, ready to break through it all…but PaniK just grins wider.

“I activate the trap card Dark Spirit of the Silent!” PaniK declares, and a spirit possesses Inferno Wing. “It allows me to redirect your attack…and I redirect it to Big Koala!”

“Wait…no!” Jaden gasps, and Inferno Wing destroys Big Koala!

Chumley: 2650 LP -> 2450 LP

“And don’t forget Inferno Wing’s ability,” PaniK grins wickedly as Chumley is engulfed in fire!

Chumley: 2450 LP -> 0 LP (Hand: 1)

“Urgh…” Chumley falls to one knee.

“Chumley…” Jaden’s eyes widen. His monster was turned on Chumley. His power brought Chumley down.

“Don’t sweat it, Jay!” Chumley gives a thumbs-up. “I’m good!” He smiles, and from above, Kumazo takes a deep breath.

Jaden nods and keeps his focus on the fight. “UFORoid Fighter, attack!” Jaden orders.

“I activate Dark Spirit of Banishment in my hand!” PaniK smiles. “By discarding it, I summon a level 8 fiend from my graveyard and force your monster to redirect it’s attack to it. Rise again, Dark Necrofear!”

Dark Necrofear: 2800 DEF

“Oh, no…” Jaden’s expression pales in realization as UFORoid Fighter breaks through Dark Sanctuary’s defenses and destroys Dark Necrofear.

“I’m sure you remember what will happen at the end of this turn,” PaniK grins.

“He’ll take control of UFORoid Fighter…” Jaden clenches a fist and takes a deep breath.

Are you alright, Jaden? Yubel asks.

I’ll be fine, Jaden responds. “I change Stealthroid to defense mode and end my turn.”

Stealthroid: 0 DEF

Dark Necrofear’s power rises from the graveyard.

“The monster I take control of is…” PaniK grins maliciously. “Evil Hero Inferno Wing.”

“What?” Jaden gawks as his monster is taken over and pulled to PaniK’s field.

“Master…it…hurts…GRAH!” Inferno Wing gasps for air before being put under the control of the malevolent force of Dark Necrofear. “Your little enforcer is gone, Supreme King. And now, I will use her body to destroy everything you hold dear.”

PaniK draws and grins. “How lucky to have drawn this card again. I summon Diabound Kernel!”

Diabound Kernel: 1800 ATK

“Ah, how the tables seem to have turned…” Diabound Kernel smirks. “And soon, they will turn back in our favor. I share this one’s glee in bringing about utter devastation to you and your precious friends, Supreme King!”

“Attack UFORoid Fighter!” PaniK orders, and as Diabound attacks, it gets stronger.

Diabound: 1800 ATK -> 2400 ATK

“Before the attack hits, I banish Diabound Kernel for it’s power,” PaniK says, and Diabound Kernel wraps itself around UFORoid Fighter.

UFORoid Fighter: 4800 ATK -> 2400 ATK

“No…Syrus’s monster!” Jaden’s eyes widen.

“Curse Necrofear, destroy it!” PaniK grins, and Curse Necrofear wipes out the monster without issue.

“UFORoid Fighter was made using my monster, so I take the damage!” Alexis declares.

Alexis: 500 LP -> 100 LP (Hand: 0)

“Inferno Wing, attack Stealthroid!” PaniK grins. “And by the looks of things, this monster inflicts piercing damage.”

“I take ownership of Syrus’s monster!” Bastion declares and takes the hit.

Bastion: 3000 LP -> 900 LP (Hand: 0)

“And now, Inferno Wing’s ability.” Panik grins wickedly, and Jaden feels a headache as a second friend is wiped out by Inferno Wing’s ability.

Bastion: 900 LP -> 0 LP (Hand: 0)

“I set one card and end my turn,” PaniK chuckles. “Just two children left.”

“My move,” Alexis draws. “Infernal Sniper attacks you.” She says, and Infernal Sniper takes another shot.

PaniK: 1700 LP -> 700 LP (Hand: 0)

Alexis looks at her card and glares at PaniK. This card…it could be just the thing to turn the tide. “I set one card and end my turn.”

“Then it’s my turn!” PaniK grins and draws. “Diabound Kernel returns to me!”

Diabound Kernel: 1800 ATK

“Curse Necrofear, destroy Infernal Sniper!” PaniK says, and Curse Necrofear tears through the sniper. “Inferno Wing, wipe out that girl!”

Jaden feels his headache get worse as Inferno Wing’s fire burns across Alexis.

Alexis: 100 LP -> 0 (Hand: 0)

“Diabound, attack Jaden Yuki directly!” PaniK grins.

“With pleasure!” Diabound laughs across the spiritual plane.

Diabound Kernel: 1800 ATK -> 2400 ATK

Jaden: 5900 LP -> 3500 LP (Hand: 1)

“Oh, how do I feel about all this?” Crowler mutters to himself. “On the one hand, Jaden’s certainly going to lose…but I might be forced to let them all go! Urgh, why did those pesky children have to get involved in things that aren’t their business?!”

“Your next turn will be your last,” PaniK grins maliciously. “This is the end for you, Jaden Yuki. You and your friends are all leaving this academy. This is what happens when foolish children mettle with darkness they don’t understand.”

Don’t understand. Don’t understand?! He thinks I don’t understand darkness?! Jaden feels a heavy weight behind his eyes, but he keeps himself composed.

“It’s my move!” Jaden draws. “I activate the spell Pot of Greed.”

“You could draw ten cards and not be able to do anything!” PaniK grins. “What’s two more? You’re helpless to the darkness.”

Jaden looks at the cards he drew. Monster Reborn and…

This card?! Jaden’s eyes widen. Yubel, I can’t…

You called this card yourself, Jaden, Yubel tells him. It’s up to you if you use it.

“I…” Jaden hesitates and puts the second card in his hand. “It’s time to dispel the darkness in this duel. I activate Monster Reborn! With it, I revive Elemental Hero Clayman!” He says, and Clayman returns.

Clayman: 800 ATK

“And now, I activate the final card left by my friends! Alexis’s card.” Jaden remarks.

“The spell card Prima Light!” Jaden and Alexis say together.

“By sacrificing an Earth attribute monster, Jaden can summon a monster right from my deck!” Alexis declares. “The monster that will turn the tide: Cyber Prima!” She announces, and the dancing warrior arrives on the field.

Cyber Prima: 2300 ATK

“Cyber Prima, dispel the dark!” Jaden orders, and Prima glows with resplendent light, casting away the fog.

“What is this?!” PaniK exclaims.

“Cyber Prima destroys all face-up spells on the field!” Jaden says. “Our field spells are both destroyed…” Jaden explains as Dark Sanctuary and Supreme King’s Castle both crumble. “And so does the equip spell that Dark Necrofear has turned into! I’m taking my hero back, and I’m taking back control of this duel!”

“That’s what you think,” PaniK grins. “The darkness will always return! I activate my set card: the quick-play spell Mystic Wok! I sacrifice Inferno Wing and gain life points equal to its attack points.”

PaniK: 700 LP -> 2800 LP (Hand: 2)

“And now, by discarding Dark Spirit of Malice…” PaniK discards the card in question, “I can resurrect Dark Necrofear.”

Dark Necrofear: 2200 ATK

Jaden’s eyes widen in shock.

“My monsters are too powerful for you, Jaden,” PaniK grins. “Your friends were destroyed with your own power! Darkness will always return, you might as well accept that you don’t belong in the light. After all, your monster served me so well as an agent of the dark’s terror.”

“You…you…” Jaden grits his teeth.

Well…here’s a side of you I haven’t seen in a while. Yubel crosses her arms.

Everything is running through Jaden’s mind. The very idea that PaniK not only stole all agency from his first and most loyal enforcer, but used it to beat three of Jaden’s friends…it’s enough to make him enraged. There’s no more room for fun. Jaden’s back is to his friends, and only PaniK sees how his eyes turn an ominous gold hue.

“What the…?” PaniK frowns.

“So, the Supreme King shows his power. Too little too late,” Diabound mocks as Jaden picks up the second card he drew with Pot of Greed. “You cannot win!”

“I activate the spell card Evil Mind,” Jaden declares. As the spell is cast and glows, the edges of the arena burst into glowing walls of blue fire. Crowler yipes and falls back from his perch on the edge of the arena, and in the fire, there are images of screaming figures…monsters.

“Are those… our monsters?” Chumley wonders aloud.

“All the monsters in every graveyard…” Alexis mutters.

“Every graveyard but Jaden’s. I don’t see any of his monsters,” Bastion observes.

“Evil Mind does three things depending on the number of monsters in graveyards that aren’t my own,” Jaden explains calmly. “If there is at least one monster, I draw a card,” Jaden draws. “If there are at least four monsters, I add one Hero monster or Dark Fusion to my hand,” he continues and reveals that he’s added Dark Fusion. “If there are at least ten monsters, I add one Polymerization or Fusion spell to my hand.” he says and adds Battle Fusion.

“Now, I activate the card I drew first with Evil Mind, Supreme King’s Decree.” Jaden says.

(Card art: the Evil Hero fusion monsters standing at attention in a hall. Evil Hero Infernal Prodigy is kneeling before the viewer and holding out a scroll. A black clawed gauntlet from an unseen figure reaches into frame and signs it.)

===

Supreme King’s Decree (Continuous Spell)

You may activate each of this card’s effects once per turn:

• You can discard one “Dark Fusion,” and if you do, add one card that mentions “Dark Fusion” from your deck to your hand.
• When you fusion summon using “Dark Fusion” or a card that mentions it, you can use monsters from your hand or field, or banish monsters from your graveyard, to use as components, regardless of what the card says.
• When you Fusion Summon a monster that must be Fusion Summoned using “Dark Fusion,” you can target one “Evil Hero” monster in your graveyard: special summon it, treating it as though you've summoned it using "Dark Fusion."

During your end phase, you must tribute one monster you control or destroy this card. You may ignore this cost if you control at least one “Yubel” monster.

===

“I discard Dark Fusion to add Dark Calling to my hand,” Jaden continues calmly.

“I’ve never seen Jaden duel so…softly before,” Syrus says. “It’s…kinda freaking me out.”

“I can sense what you’re going to do…” Cyber Prima looks toward Jaden. “Please…spare me…”

“I am sorry…” Jaden says. “I activate Dark Calling. The requirements are one warrior and one fiend.” he explains, and Inferno Wing rises from behind him.

“Feel grateful, girl!” Inferno Wing hisses. “You will bear component to another of us.”

“I banish Cyber Prima on my field and Evil Hero Inferno Wing from my graveyard.” Jaden says. The two monsters fuse, and he takes a deep breath and closes his eyes.

“Spilled blood of the demon, corrupt the body of the hero. Darkness crawls from the setting sun, and reduces the light in their eyes to zero.” his eyes shoot open. “Fusion Summon!”
 

The fire all goes out as a new monster rises, and shadows peel across the field, creating a typhoon of darkness with this creature in the eye.

“I summon Evil Hero Darkest Knight.” Jaden says, and the hovering knight looms with an immense sword.

Darkest Knight: 1700 ATK

“All of that, for a monster that weak?” PaniK laughs. “You’re a poor bluffer, Jaden Yuki.”

“You have a real misconception about darkness, PaniK,” Jaden says, ignoring his words.

“Excuse me?” PaniK sneers.

“You think darkness is something to fear. You think it’s where monsters hide. Just look at you…this whole duel, you’ve been using the shadows to hide from us in this fight.” Jaden’s eyes flare gold. “But darkness is a safety. A place where the light can’t burn you, a place where you can be swaddled in shadow and find comfort in dreams. Yes, dangerous things lurk there…but monsters don’t go to darkness to hide, PaniK. Monsters go to shadows to wait.”

“Kneel to your rightful King.” Darkest Knight points his sword at the monsters across from him, and they all grunt as they’re forced on their hands and knees.

Diabound Kernel: 2400 ATK -> 0 ATK

Curse Necrofear: 2800 ATK -> 0 ATK

Dark Necrofear: 2200 ATK -> 0 ATK

“What is this…pressure?!” Diabound winces. “How could you have been hiding such power from me…?”

“W-what is this?!” PaniK exclaims.

“All monsters my opponent controls lose attack points equal to the sum total attack of Darkest Knight’s components,” Jaden explains.

“It works inversely to UFORoid fighter…fascinating,” Bastion mutters.

“Attack,” Jaden orders.

“N-not so fast!” PaniK laughs nervously. “I activate Diabound’s effect. It may not be able to reduce your monster’s attack, but by banishing itself, it’s safe!” PaniK says, and Diabound’s spirit now looms behind PaniK. “I’ll survive this round, and you’ll have to destroy one of the Necrofears! If you destroy Dark Necrofear, I’ll gain control of Darkest Knight at the end phase, and if you destroy Curse Necrofear, it’s effect will destroy Darkest Knight at the end phase!”

“You cannot destroy my forces so easily, Supreme King!” Diabound hisses.

“What a foolishly incorrect proclamation,” Darkest Knight says.

“Excuse me?” Diabound leers.

“Shall you inform them, your majesty, or shall I?” Darkest Knight asks.

“Darkest Knight can attack twice each battle phase,” Jaden says. “You’re not getting another end phase, PaniK.”

“What? No…no, it can’t be!” PaniK’s eyes widen as Darkest Knight swings it’s blade.

With just two slashes, the Necrofears fall, and Darkest Knight’s spirit lurches forward and impales Diabound.

“What…?!” Diabound’s eyes widen.

“You were never a threat,” Darkest Knight severs Diabound’s connection to this realm, banishing the spirits in PaniK’s deck to the spirit world.

PaniK: 2800 LP -> 1100 LP -> 0 LP (Hand: 1)

PaniK is thrown off of the arena, and Darkest Knight lowers. As the holograms fade, Darkest Knight’s spirit takes a knee before returning to the deck, and Jaden’s eyes return to normal. He takes a deep breath, and once he’s sure his eyes are normal…

He turns back to his friends and grins wide. “Hey, I won!”

~=~

After a few beats, the entire stadium erupts into applause. In the stands, a silent Chazz Princeton storms out, and Crowler gawks.

“How did he possibly win after all of that?!” Crowler shrieks.

“Well done, all of you!” Chancellor Shepherd walks up. “You all fought admirably, and worked well together! As promised, all charges are dropped. For all of you. It was so well done that I think we may need to reconsider Jaden’s status yet again!”

“What?!” Crowler exclaims and composes himself. “Ch-chancellor, what exactly are you saying?”

“I’m saying that we’ll need to consider getting Jaden fitted for a blue jacket. Of course, the possibility of that happening won’t be around for a while, but you never know!” Shepherd laughs, and Crowler seems to be having a nervous breakdown. “Even so, that was one of the finest duels I’ve seen in this stadium.”

“I’ll say!” a voice cuts in and puts an arm around Chumley, and the young man gawks at the man who’s just showed up.

“Wha- dad?!” Chumley exclaims. “What are you doing here?”

“Son, I’ll be honest,” Kumazo sighs. “I came here to tell you to quit wasting your time and drop out.” he admits, and Chumley hangs his head. “But! After seeing you duel just now, and the way you put your enrollment on the line for your friend? That took guts, Chumley.” he grins. “Guts that you seem to have learned here.”

“So…you mean…?” Chumley’s eyes widen.

“Of course you can stay, ya knucklehead!” Kumazo laughs. “Now, come on! Introduce me to your friends!”

“Come, everyone, let’s head to the Ra Dorms for some food,” Bastion suggests, “and we’ll head to the Slifer Dorms to celebrate. Something tells me Jaden may have more fans there.” he chuckles.

“Alright, sounds good to me!” Jaden grins.

Are you alright, Jaden? Yubel asks.

I’ll be fine, just…kinda stopped having fun for a second there. I just wanted the duel to end, Jaden tells her. I didn’t hurt him, did I?

Your control over your abilities remains perfect as always, my love.

Okay…good.

They head off to celebrate, and by the end of the night, Jaden’s uncharacteristic dueling is nothing more than a memory…

Chapter Text

Crowler cannot believe his rotten luck. Chazz couldn’t beat Jaden, PaniK couldn’t beat Jaden, even that Shadow Duelist fellow disappeared after presumably losing to Jaden! If Crowler wants to get rid of that Slifer Slacker, he needs to find someone who can beat-

WHACK

Crowler yelps in pain as a baseball hits him in the eye, and he falls onto the ground!

“Uh…head up?” a sheepish voice calls as a pair of people come looking for the ball.

That voice… Crowler growls, recognizing Jaden Yuki’s voice and he sees both Jaden and his little slacker friend, Syrus, come up.

“You!” Crowler snarls, and the two boys flinch. “Well, of course, who else could cause me such intense pain?!”

“Uh, n-now hang on, we weren’t even-” Jaden holds his hands up defensively.

“Doctor Crowler!” Bastion runs up. “Please, it was my fault. I’m the one who hit the ball.”

“Bastion?” Crowler wonders aloud, and then a scheme begins to brew in his mind. “Yes… Bastion. Of course!” Here I was, struggling to find a new accomplice, and here it smacks me right in the face. Bastion Misawa, Jaden’s roommate…he knows Jaden’s deck better than anybody else! He would be perfect to fight against it. And if I play this right…

“Doctor Crowler, accept my apologies,” Bastion humbly requests.

“No, no, no, no!” Crowler chuckles. “I’ve been meaning to get my contacts refitted for ages, now I have the perfect excuse! And the perfect new protégé.” He waves Jaden and Syrus away. “Alright, you two have caused enough trouble for one day, now shoo! Shoo!”

“Uh…alright,” Jaden backs off. “Seeya later, Bastion!”

“Yes, Jaden, see you back at the dorm,” Bastion nods.

“Never mind those two, Bastion,” Crowler grins once those two boys walk away. “Personally, that Jaden Yuki fellow strikes me as a Slifer Slacker, even now.”

“Well, he does spend quite a bit of time at the red dorms,” Bastion answers noncomitally.

“Exactly! It’s like he was never even promoted,” Crowler chuckles. “So I think it’s time you started consorting with those more your class, don’t you? It’s time you starting consorting…with me.”

~=~

Later that day, Bastion shows up at the Slifer Red dorms with some food from the Ra Yellow kitchens to share with Jaden, Syrus, and Chumley. It’s become a bit of a ritual between them by now. This time, Jaden has walked down with him.

“You two are staying down here again?” Syrus asks during their meal.

“Yep!” Jaden nods. “Bastion’s painted over his old formulas again.”

“I’m going to be starting some new projects soon,” Bastion says.

“Speaking of new projects,” Jaden says and sighs, “what did Crowler want to talk to you about?” He asks without much curiosity, as though someone has asked him to ask about it.

“Actually, he wants me to test to be an Obelisk,” Bastion says.

“Are you serious?” Jaden gawks.

“I guess that’s another reason to clean up the dorm, right?” Syrus asks.

“Well, you deserve it. Congrats, Bastion!” Jaden smiles.

“I’m surprised you’re being tested before Jaden,” Chumley says. “Didn’t Shepherd say something about that back at the duel?”

“Yes, I’ve been wondering about that too,” Bastion says. “I believe that perhaps Jaden and I might be tied for the position in different ways.”

“What do you mean?” Jaden asks.

“Well, Jaden, my academic scores are undoubtedly higher than yours, but your win/loss record here at the academy is staggering. The only time you haven’t won a duel was a draw against Zane, of all people. Even with average grades, that makes you more than qualified to be an Obelisk. However, while I am still a skilled duelist, I have still lost while on campus, even with my impressive grade point average.” Bastion explains.

“Yeah, that’s all a pretty good point. So, when’s your test?” Jaden asks.

“Tomorrow,” Bastion says. “My duel will occur in the Obelisk Arena.”

“Well, we’ll be there to give you our support!” Jaden grins.

~=~

Bastion has a lot on his mind. Jaden may think Crowler is just a tough teacher, but Bastion’s interactions with the Doctor yesterday proved his suspicions: the man has a vendetta against Jaden. It seems to be a rather simple hatred; Crowler was defeated by Jaden in the entrance exams, and the higher up the ranks Jaden goods, the more Crowler looks bad. The man’s thirst for Jaden’s downfall is truly staggering.

Tomorrow, Bastion is expected to duel Chazz, and if he wins, the two of them will switch dorms. Never mind that Jaden has defeated Chazz before, no, it’s Bastion that’s being considered. Crowler’s hatred for Jaden adds up after a certain point…but that doesn’t make this any easier. Jaden is Bastion’s friend, no matter what Doctor Crowler says, and he can’t help but feel like accepting this chance is stealing from Jaden, even if his fellow Ra would never see it that way.

Bastion’s not sure when he drifted off to sleep on the floor in the Slifer dorm, but he knows when he wakes up. The sound of banging on the door awakens him, and Bastion groans when he hears an vaguely familiar voice.

“Jaden! Jaden, are you up here?” a woman’s voice asks, and Jaden’s wakes up.

“Huh? Who’s…?” he looks up at nothing. “Who is it…Miss Dorothy?” he gets up and opens the door.

“Oh, Jaden!” Miss Dorothy, the woman who runs the campus card shop, sighs in relief. “Professor Banner said you’d be here, I’m so glad I found you!”

“Did something happen?” Jaden asks.

“I was at the docks unloading some goods near the shore, then I saw them… cards, tossed everywhere!” Dorothy remarks.

“Tossed?!” Jaden exclaims, suddenly looking more agitated and awake.

“I wasn’t sure who else to come to. Come on, I’ll show you!” Dorothy says, and Bastion stands up.

Jaden seems to truly know everyone, Bastion thinks to himself. This might be worth investigating.

~=~

At the docks, everyone is gawking at the sight of the cards in the water, having been tossed to be washed amid the waves.

“Ring of Destruction, White Magician Pikeru, Kaiser Vorse Raider…” Syrus observes. “Bastion, aren’t those your cards?”

“It’s my own fault,” Bastion laments. “This deck was in the desk I moved to the hallway yesterday while Jaden and I were painting.”

“Who would do something like…” Chumley stops in his tracks. “Jaden, what are you doing?!”

Jaden has taken off his jacket and tied it to one of the dock’s moors before repelling down, hanging off of it, and barely not falling into the water! “Come on, I’ve got ya,” he holds his free hand out, as if trying to coax an animal out of the water. To his credit, he manages to rescue a surprising number of cards from the sea, as though the waves themselves deliver the cards to him, before Syrus and Chumley work together to yank him back up.

“Jaden, don’t do that!” Syrus says.

“Seriously, dude, the waves are kinda rough today,” Chumley adds worriedly.

“Aw, I was fine!” Jaden smiles and stands up. He approaches Bastion. “A lot of the cards sank…but I was able to save this guy!” he sounds relieved as he holds up Kaiser Vorse Raider, as though the card were the most valuable card in Bastion’s collection.

“I appreciate the effort, Jaden,” Bastion takes the cards, “but while Kaiba Corp made these cards to be water resistant, they are not water retardant. The cards will survive, but…they will likely never work on a duel disk again.”

“Aw, man…sorry,” Jaden says while staring at the Kaiser Vorse Raider card in Bastion’s hand, as though he’s apologizing to the card rather than to Bastion.

“It’s quite alright, Jaden,” Bastion puts the card away in his vest’s pocket.

“But…what are you gonna do now, Bastion?” Syrus asks.

“Yeah, your exam’s in less than an hour!” Jaden exclaims.

“I’ll be fine,” Bastion says. “Let’s just go.”

~=~

Within the Obelisk Arena, Jaden walks into the arena beside Bastion, Syrus, and Chumley.

“Bastion, you’ve made it!” Crowler smiles and barely conceals a sneer when he sees the others. “Oh, and I see you’ve brought some… friends.”

“I hope you duel better than the company you keep,” Chazz smirks next to Crowler.

“Wait a sec… Chazz is your test opponent?” Jaden gawks. “Bastion, that means he must have been the one that tossed your cards!”

“Pardon?” Crowler gawks at the accusation.

“I don’t know what he’s talking about, Doctor Crowler, I didn’t do a thing.” Chazz smirks.

“The boy lies,” the spirit of Kaiser Vorse Raider stands beside Bastion. “It was he that has damned me…I will take great pleasure in witnessing Bastion defeat him before I leave the young man to seek a new card host. A life unable to duel is no life at all for a spirit such as myself.”

“You’re really gonna deny it, Chazz?” Alexis questions as she walks in with Zane.

“Zane? Alexis?” Jaden blinks in surprise.

“I saw you, Chazz,” Alexis says. “This morning by the water, before the sun rose. You threw a bunch of cards into the water and then ran off.”

“I’m usually fine with leaving well enough alone,” Zane says, “but you messed with someone’s cards. That is not something I can simply abide by.” As Zane speaks, Jaden can see the spirit of Cyber End Dragon flickering above Zane, barely fitting in the room. It snarls softly at Chazz, a mechanical sound like a generator.

“This is low…even for you.” Jaden frowns.

“Aw, come on, who’s to say I wasn’t throwing away my own cards?” Chazz scoffs.

“Almost believable,” Jaden puts a hand on his hip. “I mean, I’m pretty sure you’re not using your union monsters today.”

“Wha…how do you know that?” Chazz scowls.

“Lucky guess,” Jaden shrugs. And the fact that I don’t see Dragon Catapult Cannon anywhere.

“Alright, enough!” Chazz scowls. “No one calls me a liar, and no one calls me a thief!”

“Fine, then you’re not,” Bastion steps forward. “Let’s just have our duel, shall we?”

“But Bastion, how?” Chumley questions.

“In my experience, a good duelist must always have a spare deck…or several.” Bastion throws off his vest, revealing six deck cases strapped to his chest, each labeled with a different attribute. Jaden sees hints of duel energy in each deck.

“Impressive, is it not?” Kaiser Vorse Raider smiles.

“The deck that was destroyed was simply a test deck,” Bastion explains. “Used for the proctor exam and later augmented into my gauntlet deck, then support deck. These are my real decks, each corresponding to a different attribute!”

“And each with a single duel spirit attracted to the power he wields with them,” Kaiser Vorse Raider explains.

Impressive indeed, Yubel smiles.

“Yeah, well, you can go ahead and have your six stinking decks!” Chazz scowls. “‘Cause all I need is this one!”

“That one and your union deck, right?” Jaden smiles.

“Shut up!” Chazz snaps. “Enough out of the peanut gallery, let’s just duel!”

“I thought you would never ask, Chazz,” Bastion smiles. The two equip their duel disks and stand on opposite ends of the arena. “You’re just a problem to be solved, Chazz. A theorem to be cracked. You’re finished, so bring it on!”

“Duel!” the two duelists declare.

~=~

“I summon Water Dragon!” Bastion soon declares using the spell card Bonding H2O, and the serpent appears from a geyser.

Water Dragon: 2800 ATK

“So long as Water Dragon is on the field, all Fire Attribute and Pyro-type monsters have their attack points reduced to zero.” Bastion declares, and the battlefield floods, engulfing Chazz’s Infernal Incinerator!

Infernal Incinerator: 3000 ATK -> 0 ATK

“Now, Water Dragon, attack! Tidal Blast!” Bastion orders, and his dragon’s attack floods the field once again, destroying Infernal Incinerator and ending the duel.

Chazz: 1000 LP -> 0 LP

“A well-played duel, Chazz,” Bastion walks forward as the holograms fade, “but not well enough.”

“Pure luck!” Chazz spits. “You drew a lucky card and stumbled into the win, that's all!”

“Perhaps,” Bastion dismisses, “but luck favors the prepared. And I was prepared to beat you with a half dozen other cards, as well. Sorry, but you would have lost the duel one way or another. You can deny it if you want, just like you denied throwing my deck into the ocean, even though we all know the truth.”

“Yeah? Prove it!” Chazz challenges.

“Well, if you insist,” Bastion pulls out the Kaiser Vorse Raider card. It has some writing on it. “This card has a formula I wrote on it. I suppose you could've written it, but then the math would've probably been wrong, and it's not.” He points accusingly at Chazz. “Chazz: you stole, you lied, you cheated, you lost. You deserve demotion. I’d almost go so far as to suggest demotion to Slifer Red, but I happen to respect Syrus and Chumley too much to subject them to you on a daily basis.”

This Ra Yellow poser… Chazz grits his teeth. Is he trying to suggest that the Slifer Slackers are too good for me?!

“Bastion Misawa!” Crowler smiles. “Congratulations and welcome to Obelisk Blue!”

“No,” Bastion insists. “I must decline that invitation.”

“What?! But…what for?” Crowler asks.

“When I first arrived at Duel Academy, I decided I would only enter Obelisk Blue when I became the number one student in the freshman class,” Bastion explains and turns to Jaden. “Jaden, of all the new freshman...I think that student is you.”

“Hey, thanks!” Jaden smiles while Crowler and Chazz are equally flustered. “Does that mean you wanna settle this right here? I mean, seeing you guys duel really made me want to get my game on!”

“Sorry, but not now,” Bastion holds up his hand. “Doctor Crowler, I have a request.”

“Oh? And what would that be?” Crowler questions.

“I’d like you to organize my match with Jaden, at a time of your choosing. I only ask you give us both time to prepare,” Bastion says. “And then, the winner will be given the rank of Obelisk Blue.”

“What?!” Crowler exclaims. “Why would I agree to that?” he asks through a whisper of gritted teeth.

“Because,” Bastion mutters back to him, “when I win, I won’t only be one of your obelisk blues, but I will also ensure that Chancellor Shepherd will be placated in his hope to give Jaden a chance of promotion.”

Crowler ponders this, and smiles. “Yes, of course!” he says with faux kindness toward Jaden. “Bastion has a fine idea. Yes, I’ll find an opportunity for you two to duel sometime in the future. A fine bit of friendly competition!”

“Alright, I’m in!” Jaden gins.

I can’t believe this… Chazz clenches his fists. Crowler and I were supposed to work together on this. But one lost game, and I’m thrown to the curb?!

“Don’t let us down, Chazz,” the voices of Chazz’s brothers echo in his mind. 

“The plan is for the Princeton brothers to control the world.”

“We already have full control of the country’s political reach and finances with connections that span the globe. If you become the King of Games, we’ll also have the world’s most popular sport at our command! We will have the world in our shared grasp.”

“You know the deal. You can only continue as you are if you prove that you’re more useful to us like this.”

“So don’t let us down.”

Chazz storms out of the stadium without another word.

~=~

Bastion is glad that Crowler accepted his proposal for a competition between himself and Jaden. This way, the truly worthy between the two of them will make it to Obelisk Blue. But Bastion won’t make it easy for him. Of course, Crowler’s continued belief that he and Bastion are some kind of accomplices working against Jaden makes things…awkward.

“Of course, I’ll let you tell me when you’re ready for Jaden!” Crowler snickers as the two walk through the halls. “I’m looking forward to your attendance in the Obelisk dorms. In the meantime, if you need anything for your research, anything at all, just ask! Oh! I know, I’ll dig up our records on Jaden Yuki. I haven’t looked at it myself, but I’m sure you could find something in there that would be of use.”

“Erm…of course, Doctor,” Bastion nods. Bastion would never want to dig into Jaden’s personal life, but it seems it can’t be helped if he wants to continue pretending to be Crowler’s accomplice.

“And I’ll ensure Jaden duels a lot in the meantime,” Crowler snickers. “I will personally deliver to you any new data on Jaden’s deck that I find.”

“Much appreciated, Doctor Crowler,” Bastion nods and holds his tongue from saying anything else. If Crowler was responsible for getting Chazz those rare cards like Bastion suspects, then that means Crowler is prone to throw away his assets when they prove that they aren’t useful. Crowler has deluded himself into thinking that Bastion is a willing ally, even despite what happened at the Expulsion Duel, so Bastion isn’t going to do anything to risk breaking that delusion.

Once in the dorm, Bastion locks himself in his room. It’s time to start doing research not only on Jaden’s deck, but Jaden himself. After all, you can tell a lot about a person by the way they duel, and vice versa…or at least, that would be one’s assumption.

Here’s the basic information Bastion knows of Jaden before even looking at his file, just by his personal experiences:

• Runs a Warrior / Fiend deck

• Uses Fusion, but also has a powerful main deck monster in the form of Malicious Edge

• Strategy: Control. Cards can control the hand, field, graveyard, and deck

• Deck has no clear blind spot

• Vicious-looking cards with ominous abilities, paradoxically kind personality

• When pushed to his limits, Jaden becomes calm and plays in a calculated manner that rivals my own (I have only seen this happen once; I must attempt not to bring this out of him)

• Loves dueling, never turns down a challenge

• Heroic ideals, rescued Alexis from a kidnapper (possibly hurt the kidnapper?)

• Strong morals gives him intense guilt from hurting innocent people, visibly troubled when his monsters are used against friends

• Fiercely protective of Duel Monsters cards

• Talks to himself; I have noticed him often spacing out when people are around or muttering to himself when he thinks no one is watching

• Ace Monster: N/A, too many powerful monsters, assigning any one as his ace would be inaccurate and unhelpful in devising a strategy

• Skilled Duelist Girlfriend (existence questionable)

This data is… not helpful. Despite how much Bastion knows about Jaden, putting it together like this has proved to Bastion that he actually knows very little about his roommate. It’s not that Bastion would normally try to uncover information on someone besides their deck, but the realization is bizarre for three reasons:

1: Jaden is an open book. He is so kind to everyone and unfiltered that it’s statistically bizarre that he’s never mentioned anything about his life outside Duel Academy (outside of a theoretical girlfriend)

2: Jaden’s skills are unparalleled. If he were simply a local duel tournament champion, that would make sense why Bastion has never heard of him, but Jaden is treated like a normal student by the teachers, especially when the school year began. This would imply that despite his great power, Jaden never dueled in tournaments in his hometown (again, statistically bizarre, the man seeks out duels like roots seek water).

3: Jaden’s cards themselves. Jaden has a large collection of rare cards, most of which don’t fit his deck theme in the slightest. Things like that Five-Headed Dragon, a card whose production is rare simply out of spite from Seto Kaiba, as it’s rumored the card was created by his former board of directors. Jaden’s card collection rivals Bastion’s own, but unlike Bastion, Jaden doesn’t use these cards. He does not have multiple decks, and he rarely makes modifications to his own deck! These two truths separately are bizarre enough, but combine them into the truth that Jaden has countless rare and powerful cards that he never uses, and a lack of story behind them or reputation before Duel Academy is all the stranger.

Bastion is well aware that his investigation into Jaden’s deck is swiftly turning into an investigation of Jaden himself, but Bastion’s curiosity has been piqued. And Crowler has given him Jaden’s file…he doubts Jaden would mind too much at a peek, the man is as bubbly as a brook. He opens the file on his desk, and the first thing he notices is how thin it is. It simply consists of his student profile and the application he filled out…an application which is very barebones. Jaden seems to have done the bare minimum and filled everything in by himself. Bastion skims Jaden’s student profile.

===

Name: Yuki, Jaden

Student ID: ########

DoB: 08/31/19XX

Sex: Male

Rarest Card: [REDACTED]

Current Rank: Ra Yellow (Originally Slifer Red; Marked as candidate for Obelisk Blue)

Off-Campus Residence: None

Family Relations: None

Emergency Contact: None

Notable Duel Accomplishments: None

Extra Notes:

• “Yuki” is a surname legally changed before admission. The previous surname cannot be found. 
• This student is highly DE-Sensitive. All faculty are to inform Chancellor Shepherd immediately if this student is showing symptoms similar to B.
• This student’s deck consists of dangerous monsters. If symptoms are present, attempt to quarantine immediately.
• Student has been to the Old Slifer Dorm. Charges for punishment have been dropped after Expulsion Duel.
• Student is believed to have engaged in at least one SG. Whether this was intentional or not is unknown.
• UPDATE: Do not antagonize the student. The student’s DE increased substantially during his Expulsion Duel.

===

“What is all of this…?” Bastion mutters aloud. He’s never heard of “DE” or “SG” before. “DE” is phrased like it’s…some kind of condition? Jaden doesn’t carry himself as someone who’s sick. The man is far too athletic. Choosing to ignore whatever these “symptoms” could be, Bastion instead focuses on the rest of Jaden’s profile.

No off-campus residence, no family relations, no emergency contact? And by the looks of it, he might have had no surname at all before he got one for himself… Bastion crosses his arms. I see now. Jaden is an orphan.

Of course, that still doesn’t explain one thing: his rarest card.

The “Rarest Card” section is left over from Battle City, since the Duel Academy database was piggybacked off that system. Kaiba didn’t get where he is by wasting his money on making new programs every time (though he does waste his money on plenty of other things). Bastion’s rarest card would probably be his Water Dragon…but even with Doctor Crowler’s clearance for this profile, Jaden’s is redacted? Bastion would have thought it would be Malicious Bane, or perhaps Darkest Knight…maybe it’s Five-Headed Dragon? Despite Jaden not using it, it’s still a very rare card. That’s no reason to redact it, though…

“How peculiar…” Bastion can’t help but chuckle. “I have come out of this with far more questions than answers.”

~=~

Bastion has realized that the best chance he has to find more information on Jaden would be to talk to some of the other students at Duel Academy. Best case scenario, he gains some further insight into Jaden himself. Of course, this has led to plenty of dead ends…Jaden is a mystery to everyone, even to the other members of Slifer and Ra. He doesn’t talk to Chumley or Syrus, since he doesn’t want Jaden to know he’s looking into him, and Bastion’s investigation leads him to look for Chazz after a few days. He wants to know where Chazz and Jaden’s animosity toward each other began…but all he’s found are dead ends there, too. Evidently, Chazz hasn’t been seen since his duel with Bastion…another disappeared student, perhaps? Bastion would hate to think so. Chazz may not have been a kind person, but he certainly doesn’t deserve to become another rumored statistic of vanishing students.

“So, you haven’t seen him?” Bastion asks one of Chazz’s former lackeys, Topher. “I always thought you were close.”

“Please,” Topher scoffs, “that all changed when he lost in the Exam Duel. No self-respecting duelist associated with that loser after that.”

In the end, the company Chazz kept only led to his further isolation… Bastion frowns.

“Do you at least know a bit about his rivalry with Jaden Yuki?” Bastion asks. “Perhaps how it started?”

“Yeah, sure I know,” Topher shrugs. “Chazz challenged Jaden to an ante duel after curfew, to see if he was really as good as he seemed in his match against Crowler. Somehow, Jaden drew the same hand he had against Chazz in the exam duel, and he nearly beat Chazz on his first turn.”

“The same hand?” Bastion arches an eyebrow. “Statistically improbably, but not impossible, I suppose, to draw those copies.”

“Yeah, forget copies,” Topher scoffs. “When Chazz used Inferno Reckless Summon, Jaden said he’s only got one copy of each of his monsters in his deck.”

“Just one of each?” Bastion’s eyes widen. What a strange philosophy for deck building…though not entirely unheard of, I suppose. Jaden puts great pride into his cards…with how versatile his deck is, he can afford to do that.

“Who won the duel?” Bastion asks.

“Had to call it early when we heard security coming,” Topher shrugs. “Chazz was taking a comeback, though the slacker looked confident. Coulda gone either way.”

Somehow, I doubt that, Bastion thinks to himself and goes on his way.

“Even off-record, Jaden duels impressively…but if he’s not afraid to duel off the record, there could be facets of his strategy I’ve never seen. Cards I’ve never seen him play…cards I can’t account for.” Bastion mutters to himself as he walks. “And on top of that, Chazz is now missing…”

“Did you say Chazz?” a voice asks nearby, and Bastion sees two obelisk girls approach him. He recognizes them as Alexis’s friends, though he doesn’t know their names by heart. “Have you seen him around?”

“No, I’ve only just learned he’s missing,” Bastion says. “You’re Alexis’s friends, aren’t you?”

“That’s right!” one of them smiles. “I’m Jasmine, this is Mindy. Sorry for bothering you, then…Alexis has been looking for Chazz.”

“Alexis?” Bastion arches an eyebrow. “I didn’t think they were friends.”

“They’re not, not really,” Mindy crosses her arms. “Alexis thinks that if Chazz disappeared, maybe he can be rescued like she was. That’s why the two of us, Alexis, and Jaden went looking yesterday.”

It makes sense that Jaden would help. Despite his rivalry, he has a profound sense of justice. Bastion nods. “Did you find anything?”

“Well…nothing about Chazz,” Mindy says, and Jasmine grimaces.

“Ugh, I do not wanna think about that monkey…” Jasmine shudders.

“Monkey?” Bastion questions.

“It’s a long story…” Jasmine huffs.

“Well, I have the time,” Bastion says, his interest piqued.

~=~

“It began in class,” Jasmine tells Bastion when they all sit down together. “Syrus came in to tell Jaden that Chazz was missing. We overheard some obelisks saying that Chazz was packing his stuff, like he was gonna run away! None of them seemed very worried…”

Packing his things? Then he probably didn’t simply disappear…but where would he possibly go? Bastion wonders to himself.

“Jaden and Syrus decided to sneak out of class to look for him, and we joined them.” Mindy continues. “Chazz may be a jerk, but he’s an Obelisk Blue. And we take care of our own! Alexis said so.”

“We went looking through the woods for him,” Jasmine sighs. “We looked for a while, but well…we didn’t find anything. Though something else found us.”

“You say it like it was a monster,” Mindy huffs.

“That thing was a monster!” Jasmine snaps. “It kidnapped me! This freaky little monkey with a duel disk and tech on it.”

“Excuse me?” Bastion asks, truly lost.

“Apparently, there’s some lab here on the island,” Jasmine huffs. “These scientist guys said they wanted to test how animals responded to some kind of…energy, and their experiments made this monkey that they called Wheeler.”

“We chased it all the way to a cliff. It used Jasmine as a human shield against the tranquilizers these scientists were using…” Mindy frowns. “And then, when we caught up to corner it, the thing… freaked out all over again, like when we first saw it.”

“And then Jaden did his Jaden thing…” Jasmine sighs.

“...he challenged the monkey to a duel, didn’t he?” Bastion asks.

“He challenged the monkey to a duel.” Jasmine and Mindy groan in unison.

~=~

Jasmine was clinging onto the tree for dear life, trying not to fall off the cliff whilst being held hostage by a monkey with a duel disk and wearing strange technology.

“I’ll duel him!” Jaden said to the scientists with a grin.

“Duel him? Can’t you see we have a situation here?” the man in charge, a short man with a thick beard, huffs.

“Yeah, that’s why I wanna duel him!” Jaden walks past them. “Hey, Wheeler! You seem pretty strong. Can you understand me?” He asks, and Wheeler turns toward Jaden. “If I beat you in a duel, will you give us back Jasmine?”

The monkey growls as it stares at Jaden. “DANGER. DANGER. HIGH D.E. DETECTED.” A voice comes from the monkey’s helmet.

“Is that monkey talking?!” Alexis exclaims.

“Don’t be ridiculous,” the short man scoffs, “the helmet takes hold of the D.E. we’ve put into his system to translate his thoughts into words,” he explains, and no one can get answers before one of his guards reminds him that this is supposed to be top secret information.

~=~

“Hold on,” Bastion interrupts the story, “did you say D.E.?”

“Yeah, why? You know what it is?” Jasmine asks.

“I’ve…come across the term before,” Bastion evades, “I’m not sure what it means, though.”

“Yeah, us either,” Mindy shrugs.

“Now can we tell the story or what?” Jasmine asks.

“Proceed,” Bastion nods.

~=~

Wheeler throws Jasmine to the side, no longer in danger, and gets ready to duel.

“I have a shot!” one of the guards says, but the scientist lowers his arm.

“Don’t!” the man orders. “This could be just the field test we’re looking for. And if Wheeler was right with what he said about reading high D.E. from this duelist…his victory could secure all the funding we need.”

“Duel!” Jaden and Wheeler declare.

Jaden: 4000 LP (Hand: 5)

Wheeler: 4000 LP (Hand: 5)

Jasmine gulps as Jaden draws, claiming the first move. “I summon Elemental Hero Sparkman!” he proclaims, and the hero rises to the field.

Sparkman: 1600 ATK

“Monkey see, monkey do. You saw my turn, so now do yours!” Jaden quips.

“I could do without the jokes while you’re trying to save me!” Jasmine complains.