First off, I would like to say that I'm sorry that it took so long to get this out. Over the months some things went down with my family, ending with my Grandmother being diagnosed with breast cancer. I had to be there for my father, since I know he was really affected by it. But I know she would want me to continue, and especially after checking out some other fanfics plus watching some GX to get me motivated.

Before that, I got Persona 5 and was hooked!

Speaking of, I have seen Season 4, to who may be concerned about the future of this fanfiction. But since it was short, expect this story to be longer before I reach when it actually started.

So now, let's get right to it! The start of Season 4 of Duel Academy Stories!

Disclaimer: I do not own Yu-Gi-Oh! GX or the rest of the franchise or any music in this story, I own Claudio Osbourne and the Jukebox Hero Archetype, aside from a select few made by all the authors/readers who submitted them. And all other OCs and cards submitted © original creators.


Chapter 1: Looking towards the Future

Duel Academy Island, somewhere in the Pacific, the typical Pacific island, trees, cliffs, stunning beaches, a dazzling sea and the towering volcano rising proud over the domed building which was Duel Academy, its four dorms scattered further around the island. Perched at a cliff top by the sea, the once, long-suffering Slifer Red dorm, now little more than a two-story house divided into dorm-rooms. A larger, and conservative Ra Yellow dorm with some better accommodations, yet somewhat still equal to the Slifer Dorm, and that was just down path from the main building with all the classrooms, activity rooms and the main dueling arena. And finally, both Obelisk Blue's male and female castle-like dorms which was taller and a better than the other two, and sitting beside a stunning lake which sparkled in the dazzling sun.

It's been a month after the events involving Yubel and Tragoedia, and things were running along smoothly around Duel Academy. During the first week of the month, the Overseas Students returned to their respective schools. Axel Brodie and Fidel Rodriguez to West Academy, Jim Crocodile Cook, Yuri Grahmm, and their teacher Kaleb Wilde to South Academy, the teacher Kai Mason and Tetsu Ecada to East Academy, and finally Jesse Anderson, Crystal Rose, and their teacher Valencia Valtona back to North Academy.

After the second week, Jean-Louis Bonaparte and his son, Marcel left Duel Academy to go back home and bond together as family should.

Pretty much, everything was just as it should be for those planning to come here to become better duelists, especially those who were about to graduate this year...


"A new Vice-Chancellor!?" Sheppard gasped.

[That's correct.] Kaiba replied with a stern look. [As we all know, Jean-Louis Bonaparte resigned from the position after the return of Jaden Yuki and Claudio Osbourne. The events prior due to his son's condition at the time. However, we were also amid a project of our own.]

"Yes," the Chancellor nodded. "The joint venture of Duel Academy and the four sister Academies in order to cultivate our Duelists and find out which ones need improvement and which ones deserve to stand at the top."

[For this, we need a strong duelist who understands the depth of how this will happen.] Kaiba continued. [Which is why I selected the person who will take the reins.]

It was then that Kaiba's image was replaced by a full body picture of a slim, young-looking woman. She had long, silky smooth, red hair that went down to her hips. She was clad in a fluffy red dress that went to her knees, an orange jacket, and wore white sneakers.

[This is Etna Belmonte. She will be your new Vice-Chancellor and will help in demoting and promoting the students as chosen by the visiting professors]

In the corner of her photo, Sheppard could see the list of accomplishments she had as a student well as Dueling History.

"Impressive," the Chancellor acknowledged. "I hope you don't mind me asking, but will we run the risk of having another 'Viper' on our hands? Although we mourn his death, he brought the student body to its knees with his Bio-Bands and Survival Dueling."

At that point, Kaiba's face returned to the screen.

[We've made sure to do an extensive background check, thanks to my Security Expert, Seth Scrapper.] He explained as he stood back to show the man in question. A tall man with brown hair and eyes, dressed in a black jacket and jeans. He had a security badge over his left shoulder. The man nodded as he spoke up.

[We have had others with nearly the same credentials as Miss Etna,] Seth explained, [However, all of them had questionable records in the field of office. Most of them had ties to rivals of Kaiba Corporation and by extension, found that they wanted to rise within the ranks in order to take control of Kaiba Corp.'s stocks. Etna has no motives relating to that or any record of communicating with our company until signing up for the position. She will be fair.]

Sheppard took a deep breath and exhaled, "Very well. How soon shall she arrive?"

[She'll be there first thing tomorrow morning.] Kaiba replied. [You and the other faculty heads will meet with her before the students do. Be ready.]

"Yes sir," the Chancellor stated as the video feed cut. He then turned to look outside his office. "I just hope now that Jaden and Claudio have returned, the school can rest easy for them and their friends' graduation later this year..."


Later that afternoon, a duel was to take place. Perched at a cliff top by the sea, the once, long-suffering Slifer Red dorm, now little more than a two-story house divided into dorm-rooms, although during the first year underneath its new headmaster, it got an upgrade in looks, better accommodations like better food, a recreational room, and the fact that's it's not looking like a rundown outhouse with a deck.

Speaking of the new headmaster, a tall man with neat, brown hair and brown eyes stood at the front of the dorm with an Academy issued Duel Disk. But the newest thing about it was that it had a red color outlining the duel tray. He dressed in a Slifer Red uniform that had a coat that with a red tie and white collared shirt underneath. He was Spencer Sojourner, the Headmaster of the Slifer Red Dorm.

Across from him stood a brown-haired boy, wearing an open red jacket with a black shirt underneath, grey pants. After some time, the bangs of his hair grew a little longer and his expression was a little fierce than normal. He also had the new red-outline Duel Disk as his headmaster.

"So Jaden," Spencer addressed his student. "I know you're ready for this test. In fact, you're the only one who has to."

"Yeah," Jaden nodded. "Reyna told me she's been through this with you. However, since it is a duel, I plan on passing it."

The Headmaster noticed Jaden's lack of enthusiastic for a duel, or any duel, lately. This was brought to his attention by Jaden's sister, Reyna as she's the closest to him aside from the rest of the third years, namely his friends and girlfriend, Allyson Anderson. Still, he filed that for later and activated his duel disk. Jaden did the same. Both Duel Disks now had red outlines.

"Let's see how far you've been in the past month!" the Slifer Headmaster shouted.

DUEL!

Jaden: 8000

Spencer: 8000

"I'll begin," Spencer announced, drawing his sixth card. "I'll begin with Draconis Warrior Long in attack mode!" In a flash of fire, a red humanoid dragon carrying bombs in its hand and around its waist appeared. It was clad in white armor with flames emblazoned on it. (4/1600/1300) "I'll also add the Equip Spell Dragon Shield to it!"

Long growled lowly as a shield made of white and gold dragon scales appeared on his arm.

"I'll also set one card facedown to end my turn." He concluded as he inserted a card next to his Dragon Shield.

"It's my move, draw!" Jaden announced, drawing his sixth card.

"During your Standby Phase, Long's effect activates!" the Slifer Headmaster interjected. "He deals 500 points of damage to you!"

Jaden braced himself as Long breathed a small flame on one of his bombs, letting him ignite the fuse. Then he lobbed over to Jaden's side with a light bounce and...

*BOOM!*

The Senior Slifer grunted as the smoke from the blast covered him.

Jaden: 7500

Spencer: 8000

However, Jaden smirked. "Nice move, Mr. Sojourner... But here comes something bigger! First up, Elemental Hero Bubbleman! I summon you!" In a wave of water, short man dressed in a blue suit with a water tank strapped to his back and a water cannon on his right arm appeared. (4/800/1200) "With this card, I can draw two more since he's the only one on my field!"

He drew his two cards and then set to work...

"I set one card facedown and then activate the Spell Card Charge Fusion! I fuse the Elemental Heroes Bubbleman on the field and Avian in my hand!"

Looking up, Spencer smiled seeing the signature move of his star pupil being made. Fusion... He then saw in the sky as the Hero of Water appeared with another man wearing a green, winged bodysuit before a fusion vortex.

"Hero of the Water, Hero of Wind! Become one and combine your elements to form a greater Hero! Fusion Summon! Appear! Elemental Hero Mariner!"

Emerging from the vortex came another Hero with long black hair and a blue mask covering his eyes. He was dressed in a small tunic and grey shorts, carrying silver anchor on his arms. (5/1400/1000)

"So you're going for me," Spencer stated. "Thought you would be the type to go after my monster..."

"After what happened so far, my previous skills won't be enough," the E-Hero user stated. "Not to mention, I'm always trying to improve my deck."

"As you should," the Headmaster nodded. "Now, what's next?"

"I'll activate his effect!" Jaden announced. "While I have a Set Spell/Trap Card on my field, I can attack you directly with him!" He then turned to his Fusion Monster. "Go Anchors Aweigh!"

Mariner jumped into the sky and launched one of his anchors, blasting the teacher's life points.

Jaden: 7500

Spencer: 6600

The Red Headmaster groaned as Mariner pulled the anchor back with the chain, but couldn't help but smirk. He knew that Jaden knew about the Equip Spell, and that's why he went for a direct attack. 'You have been studying up on the Dragon-Types... Pretty good!'

"But we're not done yet," Jaden announced as he played another card. "Next up, I activate Mask Change! With this I can send a Hero Monster to the graveyard to Fusion Summon a Masked Hero from the Extra Deck!"

Mariner looked at his right hand and saw a glowing mask appear in it. He then placed the masked over his face, brightening his body.

"Hero of Water! Don the mask and ascend to the next level! Transformation Summon! Now reveal yourself! Masked Hero Acid!"

In place of Mariner was now a Masked Man clad in an outfit with a darker shade of blue, with a red center that had a golden star over it. In his right hand, he carried a silver gun. (8/2600/2100)

Spencer braced himself for what was about to come...

"Acid's effect activates!" Jaden announced. "When Special Summoned, I destroy all Spell and Trap Cards on your field and your monster loses 300 ATK! Go Acid Rain!"

Acid aimed his gun to the sky and fired a dark blue laser into the clouds. Seconds later, it rained dark blue droplets that shattered Spencer's Dragon Shield and his set card, while making Long feel the sting of the burning rain. (4/1600-1300/1300)

"Now I attack Long with Acid! Go Acid Bullets!"

Acid then fired the gun directly at the weakened Draconis Warrior, blasting it with many bullets that shot it into pixels.

Jaden: 7500

Spencer: 5300

"I end my turn," Jaden concluded.

The Silfer Headmaster laughed. "Impressive, Jaden! I haven't been hit that hard since battling the other teachers! This one turn proves you've improved immensely! Now let's see you take to the defensive! My turn!" He drew his next card. "Let's counter your Fusion with mine, shall we?" He then revealed three cards. "I activate Polymerization! I fuse my Draconis Warriors Drago and Draco from my hand!"

Another Fusion Vortex appeared in the skies with two humanoid dragons appearing in the skies. Draco wore a black vest and pants over his dark green scaled body, wielding two red chakrams. (4/1600/1400) Drago was light green scaled wearing a dark red vest and pants, wielding a short sword. (4/1400/1600) Both were fused within the vortex. Emerging from it was a giant, silver armored, three-headed humanoid dragon that had dark green scales. He carried a red shield and sword. (8/3000/3000)

"3000 ATK, eh?" Jaden muttered. "I won't lose much in Life Points..."

"Think again," Spencer interjected. "Being a Fusion User, you should well about its weaknesses! Even though Masked Heroes are technically a Fusion of a Hero and a Mask Spell Card, they are still Fusion Monsters." He then revealed his next card. "I play the Quick-Play Spell De-Fusion!"

Jaden gasped as Acid screamed while vanishing. "That's right... Since he played it and there's no Fusion Materials in his graveyard, the Fusion Monster is just sent to the Extra Deck..."

"Also Jaden," Spencer continued. "I also get to use a Trap Card from my graveyard. Remember when you used Acid's effect to destroy it? I can now banish it and the Spell Card Dragon Shield to activate its effect!"

The E-Hero User braced himself as the Trap Card and Spell Card ejected from his Headmaster's Graveyard. He then revealed the Trap Card in front of the Spell Card. "I activate the effect of Draconis Appearance! Since a Fusion Monster has left the field, I can remove this card and a Spell Card from my graveyard to Special Summon a Draconis Warrior from my deck equal to the level the monster that left!" He then removed the card from his deck and played it. "Come forth, Draconis Warrior Shenron!"

A flash appeared next to Quetzel, bringing out a large humanoid dragon that had wood-like horns on top his head and was clad in only chain mail and black armored pants. He wielded gauntlets over his arms, making Jaden know that this was his choice of weapon. (8/2500/2200)

"Expect the unexpected, Jaden Yuki!" Spencer smirked. "Attack my Draconis Warriors! Triple Breath and Blade! Fists of the Dragon God!"

Quetzel charged first, unleashing flames from its three mouths that surrounded Jaden's side of the field. Then, together with Shenron, they both unleashed a massive slash and strike to the flames, exploding around Jaden's field. This left the Senior Slifer on one knee from the shock.

Jaden: 4500-2000

Spencer: 5300

"And there's something you should know about my Shenron," the Slifer Headmaster explained. "I can deal piercing damage with him on the field, so this will be the last turn for you..."

Jaden nodded as he stood up, "Then I'd best do something about it." He then drew his next card, surveying his four cards hand and then his facedown card. He then smiled at his teacher. "This is going to be the last move!"

'What do you have, Jaden Yuki?' Spencer thought as his student prepared to make his move.

"I summon Elemental Hero Burstinatrix!" Jaden announced, playing his next Monster. It was black-haired, grey-skinned female wearing a form-fitting red bodysuit who appeared in a veil of flames. (3/1200/800)

The Slifer Headmaster raised an eyebrow, knowing Jaden well enough that he wouldn't play a weaker monster against his strongest.

"Next, I activate Miracle Fusion to fuse my Burstinatrix on the field with my Avian in the graveyard!"

Soon the spirit of Avian appeared from the graveyard and flew into the air along with the fiery heroine and went into a multicolored vortex.

"Hero of Wind! Heroine of Fire! Become one and combine your elements into a new Hero! Fusion Summon! My favorite Monster! Elemental Hero Flame Wingman!"

Appearing from the vortex was Jaden's Signature Fusion Monster; a tall monster with a muscular physique. It was mostly green with large, white wings keeping it aloft. But the right arm was red with a dragon's head attached. (6/2100/1200)

"Of course, you wouldn't be discouraged," Spencer smirked. "And I bet it's not over yet, is it!?"

"Right," Jaden nodded as he opened his Field Spell slot, "Now I activate Skyscraper!"

Soon, the outside of the Slifer Red Dorm was replaced with a nighttime sky among many tall buildings. And on the topmost one, stood Flame Wingman over the Draconis Warriors.

"Thanks to this, Flame Wingman will gain 1000 ATK since he'll battle a monster with more ATK than him." The Slifer student explained.

"That it will," Spencer nodded. "But that won't end the duel with just 3100 points of damage dealt to me..."

"Which is why I'll end with this," Jaden then activated his final card, "I activate the Spell, Skydive Scorcher! With this in play, if I have an Elemental Hero whose ATK are lower than my opponent's monsters, I can destroy all your monster and you take damage equal to the strongest destroyed monster's ATK!" He then smirked. "But there's more!"

"Huh?"

Soon, Flame Wingman took to the skies and engulfed himself in a fiery aura. Once at the peak of his jump, he dove straight for the two dragons, whom failed to get any defense and were both tackled into the ground. That's when Jaden continued with...

"If Skyscraper's on the field when I do this, it'll deal damage equal to the combined ATK of both destroyed monsters!"

Spencer gasped as Flame Wingman appeared in front of him with his dragon arm stretched out. The Headmaster braced himself and shielded with his duel disk as the E-Hero launched the flames around him, deal the damage of the Spell and ended the game.

Jaden: 2000, Winner

Spencer: 0

Spencer grinned as he deactivated his duel disk, causing all the holograms to fade.

"Well done, Jaden Yuki," He praised. "You've certainly come a long way since your second year here. Wouldn't have expected better from one of the best duelists on the island." He then smiled. "To think you'll be graduating in half a year. Despite you being of the 'lower-ranks', I think you're ready for the Pro Circuit."

Jaden deactivated his duel disk as well and nodded, "Thank you, sir. I'll keep on improving." He then bowed to his Headmaster and left the Slifer Campus.

Seeing the sudden departure, Spencer couldn't help but frown. He may have seen the occasional smile and smirk from Jaden during the duel, but there was none of the fun-loving duelist he came to know. It was disheartening to see as he thought about what could have happened when Jaden and his friends departed to the 12 Dimensions to save Jesse and Allyson Anderson. The last time he genuinely smiled was when he returned to Duel Academy, to let everyone know he returned, along with another friend of his. But after that, he just lived each day at the Slifer Dorm with Spencer and Reyna making sure he did his homework, just so he could stay on top of his academics.

The Headmaster sighed, "Jaden, what happened to you?"

"You see what I mean?"

Spencer turned around to see a young, slim woman staring down at him from the second floor of the dorm. She had brown hair that goes a little past her waist which is highlighted by a streak of red and has side bangs, and has red eyes. She wore a black sleeveless turtle neck shirt underneath her vest, white denim shorts that cut off a few inches above her knees, knee-length stockings, a black belt that slacks a little off her right hip, a black deck box with a red dragon on the cover, a pair of red shoulder-length fingerless gloves with silver knuckles, and a pair of red and black running shoes. This was Reyna Yuki, twin sister to Jaden, and another user of Elemental Heroes.

She was just as sad as her Headmaster was, hearing his response.

"Yeah, he's lost that spark that everyone saw that dueled him," Spencer nodded. "Also, it seems like he used his head more than his heart. I mean, it's great that he's gotten smarter..."

"But at the cost of who he truly is," Reyna added. "I get that Zane told him he had to grow up, but it didn't mean to give up everything he loves..."

"So, something did happen at the other dimensions?" Spencer wondered. He and the other faculty members were aware that Jaden, Reyna, and many others ventured into the other dimensions due to Seth Scrapper's report to Chancellor Sheppard and Seto Kaiba.

The young Yuki sighed, "Yeah, Mr. Scrapper left some parts out since mostly everyone came back. Jaden and Claudio both had to fight some demons of their past, using the others to get to him. It pretty much broke them down to the point that they may have quit. But thanks to Aster's and Zane's sacrifice, Jaden and Claudio found their resolve and fought the ones responsible for everything happening the first half of the year."

"'Sacrifice?'" Spencer wondered.

"Almost everyone that came back were trapped in another dimension due to Jaden's and Claudio's actions, but everyone was under the influence that they died. It broke the group apart for a while until we understood what really happened."

The Slifer Headmaster sadly sighed, "So I guess he's training himself to become strong enough to bear the burdens." He then shrugged. "But that madness is over, right? He took care of it?"

"That's what I kept asking him," Reyna replied. "He's said that Yubel and Trageodia are no longer a threat, so I wonder why he won't take it easy. It can't be because of exams. He's no longer flinching at the mention of those, Allyson pretty much confirmed it. Heck, he even did alright in midterms."

"Speaking of her, has she really spent time with him?" Spencer asked.

"Not as much as one would hope," Reyna sighed, "Studying, duel tests... That's it. Otherwise, he's hanging around the dorm or going to..." She then widened her eyes as she realized where Jaden's going now. Spencer nodded.

"Yeah, Jaden was walking towards the beach." Spencer said. "Come to think of it, Claudio's had it rough as well... Maybe he's gone to see him..."

"Maybe I can learn something if they talk it out!" Reyna stated as she ran after her brother.


Meanwhile, in front of the Yellow Dorm, a building the size of a library, another duel was taking place between Headmaster and student.

The first was a man of Spanish decent with black hair down to his neck, clad in a Ra Yellow Uniform that had coattails, black pants and shoes. However, he was lacking in notability as no one could remember him despite him being in plain sight. This was Sartyr Kabayama, the Headmaster of the Ra Dorm.

Across from him was a young man who was very well known. He had black hair, styled in dreadlocks, wearing the student version of the Ra Yellow Dorm, khaki pants, and black shoes. This was Claudio Osbourne, one of the top duelists of Ra Yellow.

Both of them activated their duel disks, now sporting yellow outlines.

"Well then, Señor Osbourne!" Sartyr announced. "It's time for your test! Let's see if your Jukebox Heroes can match up against my Monsters!"

Claudio shrugged, "Don't worry, I plan on passing. Also, it's finally a pleasure of battling you. Let's see what you got..."

The Ra Headmaster noted that the Jukebox Hero duelist was not enthusiastic as normal. However, he wanted to focus on giving the test.

DUEL!

Claudio: 8000

Sartyr: 8000

"Let me serve the first dish," Sartyr announced, drawing his sixth card. "I summon Carrotman in defense mode!"

In a flash, a carrot with cartoon arms and legs appeared. (2/800/900)

"Cooking again, sir?" Claudio wondered.

"But of course," the Ra Headmaster smirked, "You truly haven't sampled my dueling enough..." He then played another two cards. "I then end my turn."

Claudio was now confused, 'Okay... I know how his cards work. He needs his monsters to be removed from play with that Curry Pot card in order for him to summon Curry Fiend Roux. Why just one of the materials?'

"What's wrong, my student?" Sartyr asked, keeping his smirk. "Has my one monster frightened you to submission?"

"No," Claudio replied, drawing his sixth card. "Just really need to see your angle. But for now, I bring the music to your kitchen. I summon Jukebox Hero Slash in attack mode!"

In tower of flame, came a man with long brown hair, clad in a black vest that exposed his upper body and black jeans. Over his eyes were black shades and a custom top hat on his head. (4/1300/1500)

"Next, I play Graceful Charity! I draw three cards and discard two!" He continued as he played the named Spell card, drawing his cards and discarding his choices. "Now let's bring the heat; I discard a monster known as Jukebox Hero Rush the Beat!"

A faint image of a drummer wearing a beanie appeared in front of him.

"By discarding him, I can Special Summon any Jukebox Hero in my graveyard." He stated. "Catch is, I have to return him to my hand during the End Phase. And I'll choose, Jukebox Hero Master of Puppets!"

The drummer's image was replaced with two giant hands with guitar strings attached to its fingertips. (6/400/2000)

"A high-level monster and you cannot destroy my Carrotman with it?" Sartyr wondered. "What do you plan on doing with it?"

"First, I must resolve Slash's effect," Claudio interjected. "By bringing out a Jukebox Hero, he deals 500 points of damage to you! Taste the November Rain!"

Slash played a quick solo, summoning acid rain to pelt the Ra Headmaster, draining him of his Life Points.

Claudio: 8000

Sartyr: 7500

"Now to activate Master of Puppets' effect," Claudio stated. "By sacrificing him, I summon two Level 4 or below Jukebox Hero Monsters from my graveyard! And I'll choose to return Rush the Beat, and Jukebox Hero Bon-Fire!"

Master of Puppets dug its hands into the ground before pulling up, bringing back Rush the Beat and another brown-haired guitarist that had black, leather jeans with no shirt. In his hands, he carried a microphone by its cord, swinging it like a ball and chain. (4/1100/1800), (4/1800/500)

"And with two more J-Heroes summoned, Slash deals 500 points of damage for the two of them!"

Sartyr screamed in surprise as the acid rain answered Slash's music.

Claudio: 8000

Sartyr: 6500

"Now to rock you!" Claudio grinned. "Rush, take down the Carrotman!"

The drummer jammed on his instrument before chucking one of his drums at the living vegetable, smashing it to pixels.

"I activate my Trap card," Sartyr announced. "Counter Spice Cumin! With this Trap, I can summon another a Level 4 or below Monster from my hand!" He then took out his choice card and summoned to the field. "Potato Man, come out!"

Soon, a potato with the same arms and legs as Carrot Man appeared. (3/900/800)

"But your trap summons it in attack mode," Claudio pointed out. "Meaning I get to do more damage! Attack it, Slash!"

Slash ran across the field and struck it with his guitar, shattering the potato to pixels.

Claudio: 8000

Sartyr: 6100

"My next Trap activates," the Ra Headmaster noted. "Counter Spice Cumin! I can now summon Onion Man from my hand!"

Then, the onion with arms and legs appeared. (3/1200/1200)

"Still won't change a thing," Claudio continued, "Bon-Fire, you're on! Attack that onion!"

The lead singer threw his microphone at the onion, smashing it to pieces before pulling it back.

Claudio: 8000

Sartyr: 5500

"I then end my turn, activating Bon-Fire's effect! For every J-Hero on the field, you lose 300 Life Points!"

Bon-Fire started to swing his microphone again, but unleashing fireballs from the momentum which pelted the Headmaster.

Claudio: 8000

Sartyr: 4600

However, even taking the damage, the Ra Headmaster laughed.

"Impressive, Señor!" He announced. "You've become quite the powerful duelist. No doubt from everything you've endured in almost three years."

"And you're strong for a guy who can smile while taking a beating like that," Claudio replied. "In fact, I'd say we all owe you an apology for overlooking you."

"Don't worry," Sartyr waved off, "I've come to terms with that; all I can say is that I must continue my work for the sake of the students that come to this school." He then gained a serious look. "And the first step, is seeing how my top Ra Yellow student has surpassed his head teacher!"

"Let's see what you've got," Claudio stated. "Although, I don't know what you have since you have nothing to bring out your Ace Monster."

Sartyr chuckled, "But if I were to say, I have another?"

"Hmm?"

"Let me show you what I mean! I draw!" Sartyr announced, drawing his next card. "First, I activate my Card of Demise! I can draw until I have five cards into my hand!" He then drew out four more cards in order to get to five. "Now all the ingredients are in place! I activate the Continuous Spell Curry Pot!" On the left of the Headmaster, a giant Curry Pot appeared. "You know the rules of this card, no? Any Monster sent to the graveyard will be Banished!"

"But not if they're already in the graveyard..." Claudio muttered. He then gasped and widened his eyes.

"Looks like you've figured out what I am planning!" the Ra Headmaster grinned as he played his next card. "I activate Harvest Produce! I can add three Normal-Type Plant Monsters from the graveyard into my hand! But I cannot not summon them this turn!" He then added Carrot Man, Potato Man, and Onion Man from his discard slot and into his hand. "Now to add them to the Curry Pot as I play Polymerization!"

"A Fusion Monster!?" Claudio gasped as the vortex appeared in the sky, sucking in the three plant men.

"Now watch as I fuse my three Monsters into my one of my favored assistants," Sartyr announced. "Fusion Summon! Appear Curry Fiend Montezuma!"

Jumping out of the vortex was a giant, red-skinned monster dressed in a chef's hat and apron, He carried a giant knife and fork with a bowl of curry on top of the hat. (8/2800/2350)

"And then since my three Monsters were sent into Curry Pot, I can activate its effect!" the Ra Headmaster grinned. "All three of your monsters are Banished!"

Claudio felt sickened as his three Jukebox Heroes became hunks of meat that were added to the Curry Pot, with the ladle stirring it. "Okay, as delicious as your food is, sir... The imagery is way too much."

Sartyr sighed. "I understand... But then, you have worst problems than indigestion! Because now I can summon my Curry Fiend Roux!"

Bursting from the Curry Pot, another giant chef appeared. It carried a large spoon staff and a rice cooking pot in its oven-mitted hands, a large chef's hat fashioned out of a curry bowl on its head, a red flowing cape on its back, plate shoulder pads, fork feet, a carrot goatee, onion belt, and a white metallic body. (8/?/0)

"Curry Fiend Roux's ATK are determined by the number of monsters removed from play x 300, plus the number of spices x 200!" Sartyr stated.

"Which means with 6 monsters that's 1800, and with 2 spices that's 400." Claudio stated. "Meaning 2200." (8/?-2200/0)

"Next, I activate the Spell Mixed Spice Garamasela!" the Headmaster stated, playing his next card. "With this, I add two Spell Spice Red Peppers and once Spell Spice Caraway! Plus, with another Spice card in the graveyard my Roux's ATK increases by 200!" (8/2200-2400/0)

"Now, even after these other three cards, I have another Spell Spice Caraway in my hand."

"And four Spell Spices mean 800 more ATK," Claudio stated.

"I activate my Caraway Spells, first," Sartyr announced, activating the two cards. "Each of them takes 200 Life Points from you and gives them to me!"

Claudio felt drained from the Spice's raining flakes as Sartyr smiled at the rejuvenating feeling.

Claudio: 7800-7600

Sartyr: 4800-5000

Also, Roux got stronger! (8/2400-2800/0)

"Next, Red Pepper Spices!" Sartyr continued, "I give 300 ATK to both monsters!"

A cloud of Red Pepper blanketed the field, increasing the ATK of the Curry Fiends (8/2800-3100/2350), (8/2800-3100-3500/0)

"This is going to hurt..." Claudio muttered while bracing himself.

"Curry Fiend Roux, attack with Hot Curry Launch!" the Ra Headmaster shouted. "Montezuma, attack with Poisonous Feast!"

Roux scooped some of the curry in its hat with the spoon and then flung it at Claudio, making him feel the heat of the attack. But then Montezuma rushed across the field and struck Claudio in the stomach with both weapons.

Claudio: 4500-1000

Sartyr: 5000

"Then, I activate Montezuma's effect!" Sartyr continued. "On your next turn, you must summon two Monsters or else risk losing 2000 Life Points! I shall end my turn, causing the effects of Red Pepper Spice to end." (8/3100-2800/2350), (8/3500-3200/0)

Claudio sighed, "I'm in a tough spot, in my condition, I can't bring out two Monsters." He then placed his fingertips on his next card. "However, my next draw could change everything..."

"Then let's see you prevail, Señor Osbourne..." the Ra Headmaster stated.

"I draw!" Claudio announced, drawing his next card. Looking at his five-card hand, he nodded. "Alright, let's go! I summon Jukebox Hero Modest Mouse!" First, he brought out a two-foot mouse wearing a black-tie suit, with a banjo in his hands. (3/800/1200) "Since I have no other cards in my hand, I can draw two cards!" He drew out his two cards. "Time to go! I activate my Ritual Spell Cowboys from Hell! I can use monsters whose Levels add up to 8 or more!"

"Ritual Summoning!?"

"I sacrifice my Level 8 Jukebox Hero ZP!" Claudio announced as an image of a tall singer in green/red dragon armor vanished into red smoke. "Singers from the Underworld, accept this offering and return to the stage for your fans! Ritual Summon! Take the stage! Jukebox Hero Pantera!"

Suddenly, pyro erupted from the ground and unleashed four men dressed in black vests with white shirts that had flaming skulls, Also, they wore blue jeans with black boots. Each of them had a microphone, bass guitar, and drumsticks. (8/3000/1200)

"However, you've increased Roux's ATK by 300!" Sartyr announced as Roux's power increased. (8/3200-3500/0) Sartyr then noticed all of them had skull heads. "But your monsters' faces have... uh..."

"I'll activate Pantera's effect to clear that up," Claudio smiled. "When Ritual Summoned, I can destroy all Monsters on your side of the field and they'll gain 200 ATK for each one!"

(Pantera – 10's)

The band started playing their music, suddenly sounding dark and ominous. But once it revved up, both Curry Fiend Monsters were huddled close together as flame pillars surrounded them, threatening to burn them.

"However, I activate Montezuma's effect," Sartyr countered. "Once per turn, I can negate the destruction of my Curry Fiends by sending another card on my field to the graveyard. I select Curry Pot!"

Soon, the Curry Pot was incinerated to take the blow for their monsters.

"Oh well, guess they have to stay like Ghost Rider for the moment," Claudio shrugged. "But next, I set two cards facedown and activate the Spell Card Duel! This lets us draw until we have six cards in our hands!" Both players drew their full six. Once Claudio saw his, he grinned. "This is what I wanted! Now I activate my Spell Card Double Summon to play my Symphonic Warrior Piaano!"

In a flash, a small, keyboard-like machine appeared. (3/900/1300)

"Now I tune Level 4 Modest Mouse with Level 3 Piaano for a Synchro Summon!"

Piaano played three keys on its board before transforming into three rings that surrounded Modest Mouse, reducing him to four stars.

"Always in focus, trace with lasers. Become the metal spy to reveal my foe! Synchro Summon! Electric Eye! Jukebox Hero Hellion!"

Erupting from the silver energy that sprouted from the Synchro Summoning, a giant mechanical bird flew behind the Ra Headmaster, armed with red lasers on its wings and red eyes that zoned in on its opponent. (7/2300/1500)

"Since you've Synchro Summoned, you added two more monsters to the Curry Pot!" Sartyr stated, "Increasing Curry Fiend Roux's ATK!" Roux's aura heightened from the boiling pot. (8/3500-4100/0)

"Yeah, but I'll add Hellion's effect into the mix," Claudio countered, "I can look at your hand and find a monster, increasing its ATK by 300 times the level!"

The Hellion's eyes scanned Sartyr's six-card hand, it found only one Monster. Another Onion Man, its Level 3. Using the data, Hellion became stronger. (7/2300-3200/1500)

"And now, I'll add my facedown card, Polymerization!" He continued, revealing the known Fusion card. He then fanned out three Jukebox Heroes. "I'll fuse Jukebox Heroes Smooth Criminal, JB, and KG to Fusion Summon!"

Sartyr gasped as he realized what was going on, "Ritual, Synchro, and Fusion Summoning... In the same turn!?"

The three mentioned J-Heroes appeared in the sky before being absorbed into the Fusion Vortex.

(The Ring in Return – Coheed and Cambria)

"Three masters of music! Combine your arts and call upon the God's music! Fusion Summon! Descend, Jukebox Hero Apollo, the Deity of Sound!"

Emerging from the vortex came a tall man in Roman armor. Strapped to his back were a bow and a quiver of arrows. (10/3500/2500)

However, Curry Fiend Roux's power increased from the three monsters that were removed. (8/4100-5000/0)

"You may have pulled off an impressive maneuver," Sartyr praised, "But Curry Fiend Roux stands at the top of the food chain!"

"Then let me knock him off the pedestal by activating Apollo's effect," Claudio stated. "I can return all Monsters in my Graveyard and Banished Zone to my deck, increasing the ATK by 400 for each Jukebox Hero returned! And there will be 8 over them for another 3200 ATK! But that would mean your Curry Fiend Roux losing 2700 ATK!"

Curry Pot started to shine brightly, causing it to bubble over and released the souls of the Jukebox Heroes, returning them to Claudio's deck as he added their cards. Apollo then reached for his bow and arrow, pulling back the string and ready to fire. (10/3500-6700/2500)

However, Curry Fiend Roux's power waned from the loss of ingredients. (8/5000-2300/0)

"Oh no," Sartyr gasped.

"Pantera, attack Curry Fiend Roux!" Claudio called out. "Pyro Metal!"

Pantera started to play very wildly, also adding flames to their soundwaves. Roux couldn't handle the flames and exploding into pixels.

Claudio: 1000

Sartyr: 4300

"Hellion, attack Montezuma with Laser Sight!"

The metal bird screeched as it charged up its eyes as a blue color, firing lasers from its wings and vaporized the second Curry Fiend.

Claudio: 1000

Sartyr: 3900

"Now Apollo, attack Professor Sartyr directly with Solar Light Arrows!"

Apollo let go of the string, sending the arrow flying as a flashing weapon that pierced through the Headmaster's disk. Sartyr was left kneeling on the ground in defeat.

Claudio: 1000, Winner

Sartyr: 0

The holograms disappeared as Claudio walked over to his Headmaster to lend him a hand.

"You okay, sir?" He asked.

Sartyr looked up at his student and smiled as he took the hand and stood up on his feet.

"Better than ever," the Headmaster stated. "You have truly surpassed my expectations and those of the Chancellor. Not only did you beat one of my new strategies, but you've used every Special Summon in a single turn."

"Well, after a half a year just using Synchro Summoning, I figured trying to combine them with the other Summonings would be the next step." Claudio shrugged. "So, I had help from Jaden to get back into the Fusion Summoning, and then retaught myself Ritual Summoning. Pretty soon, I was able to all Summonings in a single turn."

"Impressive," Sartyr stated as he gave a slight bow. "Although... I figured you'd play a musical number as a sign of victory when your monsters dealt the finishing blow."

Claudio gave an oblong smile, "Couldn't find the right song in the middle of a test... I'll do it another time. Right now, I got somewhere I have to be."

With that, the J-Hero duelist walked away from the dorm.

Seeing this, Sartyr started to look a little sad as well.

"Has your travels in the other dimensions caused you to lose your spark?" He wondered.

"It's bad isn't it..."

The Headmaster turned around to see a young woman with black hair walk up to him, wearing the standard Ra Yellow uniform for girls: a white, sleeveless shirt with yellow outlines, yellow miniskirt, and yellow boots. This was Melody Hikarii, a Magician Duelist and Claudio's girlfriend.

"Despite handling the fight with his old monster, Trageodia," She explained, "He's only smiled in the two days he returned. After that, he's all business... Even the time we've spent alone, it's like he's just making sure I'm okay." She sighed. "Not that I really blame him; we almost lost each other in the other dimensions... Now he tries to isolate himself for long periods of time when we're not in class or at the dorm."

"Maybe you should see what's going on with him," Sartyr explained. "He was moving in the direction of the beach."

Melody gasped, "Jaden, of course! He's had the same problem as Claudio! He must be going to see him"

With that Melody took off after the J-Hero duelist...


Jaden was sitting at the beach shack, checking out his cards and smiling fondly at them. The Elemental Heroes, the Neo-Spacians, and just recently, Yubel. After the events of 12 Dimensions, he had finally reconciled with his old favorite when realizing the spirit was possessed by the Light of Destruction and coerced by Twilight into finding him. Thankfully, he saved her by fusing their souls together to ensure that she'd be free of its influence and that Yubel would be there to protect and care for him.

"Yo, Jaden..."

The Senior Slifer looked up from his cards and saw Claudio walking up to the table and sit across from him.

"So, I won against Professor Sartyr..." the J-Hero duelist stated. "Gotta say, that Fusion he pulled out of nowhere was impressive. He really is great and overlooked..."

"Spencer's still a force," the E-Hero duelist added. "If I didn't pull out that Skydive Scorcher combo, I would've lost." He then looked down at his cards. "But we really do need to get stronger if that's happening."

"True," Claudio nodded. "We don't know when Nightshroud and Brightveil are coming back, so we need to keep on improving. We have to make sure we can counter anything they throw at us."

"And until then, we gotta keep the others out of this," Jaden sighed. "After what we've put them through..."

Claudio frowned and nodded as he pulled out his deck, fanning out his cards. He saw the cards he started with, the Jukebox Heroes, the Ironheade Crew, and of course, Trageodia. He remembered the devastation he felt having to kill the soul of his old favorite card. However, due to its history, it was inevitable that it would happen but after realizing that both he and Tragoedia were destined to fight each other for Claudio to gain his rightful power.

"Don't worry," Claudio stated. "No one will have to suffer again..."

Unknowingly to both men, Reyna and Melody were peering around the shack, overhearing the conversation. They both looked to each other with concerned expressions.


At sunset, a boat was approaching Academy Island. Looking over from the front were two young people.

A young, teenage girl with brown-green eyes, brown hair that went down to her waist, style like into a pony tail. She was wearing a white blouse with black shorts and brown shoes. This was Roxanne Terrador Jones, a Pro League Duelist who specialized in Knight and Swordsman Monsters.

The other, a young 13-year-old with tanned-colored skin, spiky blue hair on his head. He only wore a white muscle shirt, ocean blue shorts and brown sandals, along with his duel disk and deck. He was the sea-themed duelist Matthias Tsunami, son of Mako Tsunami.

"Never thought we'd come to Duel Academy like this," Roxanne stated. "Not that I don't welcome it as well..."

Matthais nodded, "Hey, remember how it did great for the student duelists who participated in the GX Tournament. But then again, I was defeated by you in the first-round due to matchup draws."

"Still, we needed to get stronger." Roxanne noted. "And Kaiba's Academy is truly the perfect place to get our skill to improve."

"That's not all you're doing."

Both teens looked behind to see another person walk up to them, dressed in a blue business woman suit. She stared at the two teens and continued with.

"You're the perfect reason to show that will not play favorites at Duel Academy after they hear the plans I have for you and the rest of the students." She said in a serious tone. "And we'll make sure that the school continues to thrive for the future."

Etna Belmonte was now arriving to Duel Academy.


I know a lot of the characters haven't show up, but I really needed to focus on Jaden and Claudio's state of mind considering what's going on in the future. But don't worry, I will get to them all next chapter!

Curry Fiend Montezuma

EARTH

Level 8

Plant/Fusion/Effect

2800/2350

Carrotman + Potatoman + Onionman

This card can only be Fusion Summoned with the above Fusion Materials and cannot be Summoned any other way.

When this card is Fusion Summoned: Your opponent must Summon the same number of Monsters you control or lose 2000 points.


Next Time: Etna has now arrived at Duel Academy to be the new Vice-Chancellor. Of course, this will raise some problems when the students think it'll be repeat of Viper when she puts her plans into motion. However, she plans to show her worth in a duel with one of the protesters.

Please Review! Later!