Alright, it's been a while since the last chapter. It's hard making these chapters, but I keep watching some material from GX to know what to look for. And, having only two days of the week does not make it easy for putting in the work.

Also, I'll say this. I'm not accepting OCs at this moment. I have what I need for the moment, so please no more reviews or PMs asking me about them. If I need them, I'll let you know in the intros. Also, let's not make the PMs that long. As I said, I have work and I can't reply most of the week. Not to mention, I try to keep them short and sweet until I have the time. And even then, I've got a life outside of this to attend to. Please understand, I'm not snubbing people off, I just need time outside of the site at times.

But I digress, I have made the second chapter! Read On!

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 2: Vice-Chancellor Etna Belmonte


The next day at Duel Academy there was a meeting for the faculty as soon as they got the word that the new Vice-Chancellor Etna Belmonte was on the island.

Already, Spencer and Sartyr were present at the table and sat down on both sides.

At the front of the table was the Chancellor himself was a middle-aged man with a bald head and gray hair on his eyebrows and small goatee. He wore a magenta uniform that was styled like the Obelisk Blue boys' uniform over a yellow collared shirt and red tie. He was called Sheppard.

Sitting next to Sartyr was an effeminate man with lime green eyes, and blonde hair tied in a ponytail, and looked as if he used makeup with the purple colored lips. His outfit consisted of a regale variation on the standard Obelisk Blue uniform, complete with gold trimmings and ruffled pink collar, shoulders, upper chest, and sleeves. He also wears crescent-shaped earrings. He was Dr. Vellian Crowler, Headmaster of the Obelisk Blue Boys' Dorm.

To the left of Spencer, a beautiful woman with grey eyes, and red hair that had a long bang going down her face. Her outfit consisted of a white blazer with blue trimmings over a pink, short dress and red heels. She also wore blue and white earrings. She was Fonda Fontaine, the Gym Instructor and Head Nurse of Duel Academy.

To the right of Spencer, a young, tan-skinned woman with light pink eyes, wavy, jet-black hair and currently wore a white t-shirt and the same blazer as Fonda's. She was Rachel Mason-Wilde, the new Headmistress of the Obelisk Blue Girls' Dorm.

Standing next to Sheppard was Etna herself, gauging everyone in the room with calculating eyes.

"Alright then," Sheppard announced, breaking the silence. "I've called on this meeting regarding the results of the venture between our Duel Academy and the four Sister Academies. Also about the resignation of Bonaparte."

"Right," Spencer nodded. "Bonaparte went back home with his son, Marcel. Can't say that I blame him after what happened weeks prior."

"And then the cleanup of Viper's exploits of the Bio-Band and the Survival Duels took more time to clear." Fonda added, remembering the overhaul of work she had during those weeks.

"But there's also the manner of the third-years getting ready to graduate," Crowler noted as he looked at the new person in the room. "Is she here to be a career adviser?" But as soon as those words left his lips, Etna narrowed her eyes at him and caused him to shudder.

Rachel sighed, "You don't remember what I've explained to you that since Bonaparte had resigned, the Vice-Chancellor position was open?" She asked.

"I thought I was taking that position..." the Obelisk Headmaster sulked.

"After what happened earlier this year, Seto Kaiba has sent us our new Vice-Chancellor to help us recover plus settle the results of the venture." The Chancellor stated as he turned to the new woman. "This is Etna Belmonte, the new Vice-Chancellor of Duel Academy. Etna, I'll introduce you to our headmasters and..."

"There will be no need, sir," Etna suddenly spoke up, still staring at her new colleagues. "I've read the files given to me by Kaiba Corporation's faculty, and I know who everyone is..."

Everyone in the room was shocked that their new Vice-Chancellor was well-informed before getting here. As such, she turned to Slifer Red Headmaster.

"Spencer Sojourner," She stated, "Already in the one and a half years, you've made a great impression on all the Slifer Red Students and helped them improve their studies and skills, taking some time from your leisure activities. You're already surpassing Lyman Banner; I'm sure he'd praise you as well in showing off the hidden gems of Duel Academy."

Spencer raised his eyebrows in wonder before smiling and nodding, "Thank you... the Slifers were well due in getting the recognition and graduation they deserve."

"As well as they should," Etna nodded back. She then turned to Sartyr, "Sartyr Kabayama... You really need to stand out more; just because you're a teacher, you need to reach out to your students outside of classes and just promotions and demotions. Maybe that's why you're not that recognizable..."

"Oh... uh..." the Ra Headmaster stuttered, feeling embarrassed about his situation with the new Vice-Chancellor.

"Don't worry so much about it," She stated. "Just know it's not all about what you do best..." Next, she looked to both Rachel and Fonda. "Now, I hear that Mrs. Wilde has been Headmistress for the Girls' Blue Dorm for such a short time, but hearing your credentials has me intrigued that you are what's best when you do your job. And Miss Fontaine prior to the change has been most competent since she first signed on. Given her skills in knowing the human biology, I approve the change. I'll just say you two should be in a mentor relationship since Mrs. Wilde knows little at this point. But know that the future of the Blue Girls Dorm will be changed to see their development."

Both women smiled and acknowledged what they've heard. Rachel knew it was tough getting into the swing of things, especially since the venture happened and was just managing the girls at that point. But thanks to Fonda, she could teach in the classroom as well.

But then it came to a head as Etna glared at Crowler, who shuddered once again.

"And then there's you, Vellian Crowler," She stated. "As Headmaster of the Blue Dorm, you should have cultivated the best duelists on campus. But hearing of your time three years ago to now, I am very disappointed. Most of the Obelisk Blue students would rather use rare cards and harass the lower-ranked students without taking time to train themselves against one another. In fact, I blame your incompetence since you've always looked down on the lower ranks yourself; namely the one who defeated you to get into this Academy..."

Crowler was now as pale as anyone could get. He couldn't remember the last time someone criticized him about his actions from strangers. Seeing this, the other faculty members were shocked again. Not 30 minutes on the island, and Etna had talked down on Crowler... HARD! And knowing how bad Crowler could be, despite his efforts of making change, no one could forget the amount of stress he put on the school in the past two years.

Sheppard cleared his throat, causing all tension to loosen a little.

"Now, since we've all introduced ourselves, let's talk about the results of our venture." He stated. "With this, we can re-lay all information to Etna here and get to work in placing our students in the right dorms until graduation day."

"Actually..." Etna interrupted. "I have a better idea... Sure, you can still talk about the students' progression... But I think the high-ranking students themselves can tell me who's most deserving of promotion and demotions."

"How so?" Sartyr wondered.

"Simple... They know most about the mannerisms of the students because they themselves are students. We'll know why some are deserving and why others need to improve. As teachers, we only look to data and that is always not enough to gauge a duelist's strength..."

Spencer chuckled a bit, "I hear you... If you're well-informed as you are, you'll know who personifies that in spades."

"Jaden Yuki and Claudio Osbourne, yes?" Etna asked. "Two duelists who are in lower-ranked dorms, but are leaps and bounds ahead of the Obelisk Blue Students. Of course, they still must finish their time here to truly show how much they've grown. But since I know they are deserving, we'll learn about the other students. I ask that you bring the best male and female duelists of both Ra Yellow and Obelisk Blue to the faculty room after the opening announcement so I can compare input."

"I have no problem with that," Sartyr stated.

"Nor I," Rachel nodded.

Sheppard turned to Obelisk Blue Headmaster, "Crowler?"

Crowler snapped out of his shock and sighed sadly, "I'll go call him..."


Sitting outside the faculty room, Roxanne and Matthias heard everything that went on between the higher-ups.

"Whoa," Matthias gasped. "So, this is what Etna was all about, huh? No wonder Kaiba hired her..."

"She can make that much impression on colleagues, who knows what the students are going to think of her..." Roxanne noted.


Later that morning, the students were now filling up the main classroom after hearing an announcement made by Chancellor Sheppard regarding new faces. All the students were sitting by their dorm arrangements.

Among the Slifer Students were Jaden and Reyna, the latter looking at her brother with a troubled expression after hearing about Jaden's and Claudio's revelation yesterday.

Near them sat a spiky black-haired teen wearing a tattered and dirty looking black jacket with a dark purple shirt underneath and black pants were shouting out a bunch of orders to the Obelisk students. He was Chazz Princeton, now in his third year, a user of the Ojamas, a Slifer student but refuses to wear the dorm colors.

But he was currently looking to his right at a young, Chinese teen with short, black hair and his name was Jachin Chong, a user of Persona Monsters and what was called a Psychic Duelist, one that can bring Monsters and Card effects to life. Yet, he wasn't one to abuse that power...

"I almost forgot about how much this place has changed since we got back from the other dimensions," Chazz noted. Jachin just sighed as he continued to look straight ahead. Still, the black coat Slifer continued, "You think with all training we had to go through since the Overseas Teachers and Students left, we'd get some down time because of the upcoming graduation event." He then groaned seeing his friend's sad expression. "You're still broken up about her?"

Unbeknownst to him, Jachin was fighting his inner demon... or in his case, shadow. Lurking in the dark recesses of his mind, was Jacinth, an incarnation of Jachin's inner desires. He wanted nothing to destroy all people that threatened his host. So far, several people fell at his power and many more injured when he was first unleashed as a child.

"Jachin..." the Shadow growled in his mind. "She's right there... Go and kill her... Destroy her for denying you!"

"No... Stop it..." Jachin muttered. "I'm not going to hurt her... No matter how many times you tell me!"

The shadow chuckled darkly, "You really try to keep your morals, but to deny your true feelings... So sinful, boy... You tried so many times to keep me in check, but all it takes is that one event to question your morality. That one person who will continue to hate your existence. You want this, no matter how much you deny it!"

Jachin turned to young girl in question, sitting far away from him and Jachin as possible. Another girl of Chinese nationality, with long, black hair down mid-back and brown eyes. She was wearing Slifer red jacket with a white shirt underneath, black shorts and boots. Her name was Xiu Zhen Teo, a new Slifer Student for the year. She was sitting as far as she could from Jachin, still blaming herself for causing their friendship to tear apart. But she was unaware about the danger that would befall her.

'I should just apologize for everything I've done,' She thought somberly. 'I probably hurt him after being possessed by that demon...'

Next, a tall, young man wearing a longer version of the Slifer Red jacket. His dark brown hair is arranged sporadically in a fashion like that of his sister, with a large portion trailing the upper part of the nape of his neck. This was Atticus Rhodes, a user of the Red-Eyes Black Dragon. He was placed in Slifer by the late Viper, wanting to build up the Bio-Bands after viciously defeating him in a duel.

The third main girl of Slifer had dark purple hair down to mid-back, wearing a yellow collared shirt underneath the red vest, black leather shorts with a brown deck belt on the side of her hip, and knee-length stockings with red boots. This was Blair Flannigan, a first-year Slifer Student.

Finally, a tall blond-haired boy with stunning sapphire eyes, long unruly hair reaching mid back, and dresses in a black coat with red flame patterns, a blue t-shirt, and blue jeans. He also sports a pair of triangular shades which he called the coolest in existence. This was Masaki Oda, a second year Slifer Red, and a user of Shonen Heroes.

"So, how's Aster been doing since he's back at the Pro Circuit?" Blair asked the Shonen Hero duelist.

"It's been rough being a Pro, but he's really stepped up his game since that duel with Yubel," Masaki replied. "Not to mention, the new group who's sponsoring Aster has been treating him well."

"The Senrigan Group, right?" Atticus asked. "Aren't they the group that rivals Chazz's brothers' organization?"

"The very same," the Shonen Hero Duelist noted. "But, how can you not back someone like Aster? I'm happy for him and Sartorius for that matter, he and his sisters are getting their lives on track."

In the Ra Yellow section sat Claudio and Melody, the latter also worried about her boyfriend's state of mind after the events of the dimensional travels.

Around them were three boys, two of them wearing Ra Yellow uniforms, consisting of Yellow Jackets, gray pants and shoes, yet the third stood out wearing a coat like the Obelisk, except colored white and crimson. One of them was brown-haired, wavy styled and wore glasses over his dark brown eyes. He was Jeremy Roswell, another third year Ra Yellow student who was the resident Sci-Fi expert/fanatic, right down to the Alien Archetype deck he had.

The other was white haired, with orange eyes. He was Vincent Merchet, a second year Ra Yellow student using Dragons and Rider styled cards, proficient in Union Monsters as well. He's lately been using the Dragunities to advertise the use of Synchro Monsters due to his many dreams about them.

And the one that stood out had long, shaggy black hair and dark brown eyes, plus a scar over his cheek due to his time of taunting arrogant Obelisks. He was Alex Jacobs, a third-year Ra Yellow and user of Gemini Monsters.

"I hope Mrs. Crowler is not trying to get into the good graces of the new Vice-Chancellor," Alex yawned and stretched. "I wonder what Chancellor Sheppard saw in that guy?"

"You guys really need to stop this rivalry," Jeremy stated, "He's changed since the events after Duel Academy was pulled into that desert. He really changed his view of the students."

"Thanks to Kaiba putting the fear in him," the Gemini Duelist grinned. "I saw how he was sweating from when he had to talk about that Sub-Space Dueling Arena he borrowed when he was Chancellor."

"But how did you know about the new Vice-Chancellor?" Vincent wondered.

"The wonders of staying up late to see new people walking around the campus," Alex replied. "Plus, with Bonaparte gone... Someone should fill the position, and Mrs. Crowler better keep his day job..."

"Still, gotta hand it to Sheppard to get a new person to fill the position." The Union Duelist noted.

Another was a young girl, pale-skinned, green-eyed, and very dark brunette teen wore a long, black coat over her shirt, knee-length skirt and shoes. She was Lyra Raines, a second year Ra Yellow, and a user of the Infernity Archetype.

Next, a girl that had long red hair tied up with a white ribbon in a ponytail that goes down all the way to the bottom of her back, side bangs that fall to just the bottom of her face and blue eyes. This was Mikoto Kazehana, a first-year Ra Yellow that uses Flamvells.

"This must be pretty big to ask for all the students in one classroom," Mikoto wondered.

"It'll affect the whole school, that's for sure." Lyra noted in her usual monotone voice. "Hopefully a change for the better..."

Finally, two boys sat together. The first was a short, light-blue haired, grey-eyed boy wearing. This was Syrus Truesdale, a third-year Ra Yellow due to Viper's actions. The second was a more feral-looking dark-skinned boy in a Ra uniform, with a bandana styled like a dinosaur's face tied up over his dreadlocks, a green shirt and beige camo pants worn under his jacket that had its sleeves torn off. This was Tyranno Hassleberry, a second-year Ra Yellow and a Dinosaur duelist that uses Jurracs.

"You really have been a good role model for the younger Ra students, Hassleberry." Syrus said to his junior classmate. "I'm impressed on how they've taken to you."

"More like try to copy me," Hassleberry sighed, "Those poor boys should know it takes more than copying another great duelist to be a great duelist."

"I've seen what you mean," Syrus replied. "Dmitri's been good academically, but he still tries to copy strategies now and then."

Up top sat the Obelisk Blues with one that had long, messy blond hair and light green eyes. He was Allen 'Seung Joon' Kamakawiwo'ole, a second year Obelisk Blue of Korean/Hawaiian nationality, user of Fairy-Type monsters, specifically Vylons.

Another boy sat with him had long, sandy blond hair underneath a black Cowboy hat and brown boots, making him Jethro Cartwright who earned his spot in the dorm last year, even waiting patiently from the first year with his use of Desperadoes and Tribal Warriors.

"You changed your deck around?" Jethro wondered.

"Yeah," Allen sighed. "I mean, I still have my father's deck... But it's time I became my own duelist using cards that I've chosen. Still, I do keep a part of them since I know they can help out my Vylons."

"My new cards were tough to work with," Jethro noted. "I remember that tough battle from Fidel; West Academy has some hardcore duelists. But I became better than I was before."

Near them sat a stunningly beautiful blonde-haired girl wearing a blue and white top, a blue miniskirt and royal blue boots. This was Alexis Rhodes, a third year Obelisk Blue and a user of Cyber Girls and Angels.

Next to her sat a jet-black haired teen, styled in a wolfcut, and staring at him with silver eyes, while wearing the Obelisk Blue uniform for boys consisting of a large blue, long-tailed jacket, grey pants and black shoes. This was Kenji Yuuyami, another third year Obelisk Blue Ninja duelist, who's also a skilled ninja, and as of last year, Alexis' boyfriend.

"It's hard to believe we're close to graduating," Alexis said with a soft smile on her face. "We're almost done..."

"It's really happening," Kenji chuckled a bit. "Meaning a lot of doors are going to open for us." He then turned to his girlfriend. "Still, being a teacher's quite the ambition. But knowing how much of a brain you can be, you can pull it off."

"Thanks," She nodded. "But what about you and your clan? You've always said you're going to succeed your father as Clan Leader. Any idea how you plan for that? I'm still out of the loop of how that works."

"Let's just say, I'll literally have to battle my own Sensei to be acknowledged," the Ninja Duelist noted. "And he's not to be trifled with, whether in a duel or in combat. And he's an old man..."

"And I know you can surpass him, if your father could," She assured him.

"Thank you," Kenji said, smiling at her.

A moss green-haired person with emerald green eyes, dressed in the guys' version of the Obelisk Blue uniform. This was Sam Warrington, a first year Obelisk Blue and a user of Gusto Monsters. She was staring down at a Chazz and Jachin, just as worried about the latter as Chazz was.

"I guess Jachin's still sore about Xiu Zhen," She said to herself. "But, he hasn't made a move in a month. Chazz still has the Ojamas and I've got Windaar watching him from afar." She then frowned. "I may want to keep an eye on Xiu Zhen as well..."

The next girl had white/blonde hair, green eyes, and went by the name of Lily Rose Lee, a great Dragon duelist and proficient in the high-level Monsters.

Another girl had long, golden blonde hair, blue eyes, and went by the name of Allyson Anderson, a Spirit Monster user.

"I've heard that Jaden hasn't been hanging out with you for a little while," Lily asked the girl next to her. "Is everything alright?"

"I think he's still a little freaked from what happened when I was captured by Yubel," Allyson replied. "Every time we do get together, he always has this sad smile whenever I smile at him. Reyna's been telling me he's been serious on his duel training, aside from preparing against Professor Sojourner as some of the other Senior Slifers were."

"I heard from Reyna and the other girls who went with him," the Dragon duelist sighed. "I kind of see why Jaden's doing this... but..."

"He shouldn't be too hard on himself," the Spirit Duelist noted. "He helped me and Jesse, plus he was deceived the whole time. No one that he cared for actually died."

"But it was the fact that he and Claudio led the rift between others that messed them up," Lily stated.

The next Obelisk was wearing a gold t-shirt with silverish-white trench coat over it. On the back of the coat was a gold circle with a 5-pointed star on it. The rider was also wearing a light-blue denim jeans, black shoes, and black fingerless gloves. His hair was brown in the style that looks like Shu Ouma's hair from the anime Guilty Crown and has blue eyes. This was Kurogasa Kururugi, a user of the Haos Archetype.

Finally, two people sat next to each other. The guy had long, dark brown hair tied in a ponytail and currently wore a dark blue t-shirt, blue jean shorts with white and black sneakers. The girl had long, wavy light brown hair that she let out and wore a red tank top, tan jean shorts with white and blue shoes. This was Bradshaw and Kairi Hawkins, the former user of Gladiator Beasts and the latter user of the Allies of Justice.

"Well, this has been cool," Bradshaw sighed. "We've literally been taking it easy compared to what happened earlier this year."

"Don't remind me," Kairi added. "I felt bad for what happened with Claudio, and we said all those things..."

"They set things right," Kurogasa stated. "And it was because we saw things in the middle of the match..." He then looked sad, "Still, I know where you are coming from..."

"Did you ever hook up with Mikoto yet?" the Gladiator Beast Duelist asked.

"Um..."

"You should really start doing that..." the Ally of Justice duelist muttered.

All the students were talking amongst themselves, wondering what the announcement was since all dorms and years were present. That was until the faculty decided to come to the front of the class with Sheppard taking point.

"Good morning, students!" the Chancellor greeted with a stern smile. "I've called this assembly to address the changes that are coming to Duel Academy from here on." That got the students looking puzzled for a minute until Sheppard continued, "As you well know, the results of the venture came in from the first half of the year. Thanks to the visiting professors, we can now implement the plan of improving you all."

"The plan of improving us?" Chazz wondered. "Isn't that what they were doing then?"

"I guess those were tests?" Blair shrugged.

"However, this will be taken care of by our new Vice-Chancellor chosen by the owner," Sheppard continued.

"Called it!" Alex grinned, while everyone else just gasped.

"I like for you all to meet Ms. Etna Belmonte." The Chancellor announced.

It was then the named woman made her way towards the front of the stage with a stoic expression. She shook the Chancellor's hand when offered before looking towards the crowd of students. When she looked at all of them, she saw the look of indifferences on their faces.

"Also, I know what Viper has done during that time," Sheppard sighed, noting the anger on some of the students. "But I assure you..."

He was suddenly stopped when Etna looked at him with a face that said, "I'll handle this." Seeing it Sheppard stopped, preparing to see what she would do.

"Now, I know what all of you are thinking," She announced, "I'll be just another Thelonious Viper; working you all hard with the impression that I have my own agenda. Well, let's clear the air... You're right."

"HUH!?" the students and faculty shouted.

"I plan on turning this school around so that the REAL duelists can shine when graduating from this Academy." Etna stated. "I won't need any fake items such as the Bio-Bands seeing that I'm a skilled duelist in my own right. As of this day, I will not tolerate any favoritism when it comes to Dorm status. After all, your test scores from when you applied placed you in that dorm... But you could easily slip like any human being at school. Also, no amount of money will save you when the time comes to make it in the real world. I'll make sure that everyone who comes here will make it by their own merit."

She then started pacing around the stage, still staring at the students.

"This means that any of you can be promoted OR demoted without question once I gather the necessary data on you all," She continued. "After that, we can see if you can improve and stay on top. That's my agenda: stopping this status quo and show if truly Obelisk Blue is the best, Slifer Red is the worst, and if Ra Yellow carry the intermediate status."

Pretty soon, the students started talking loudly to each other about the new Vice-Chancellor's declaration.

"Well, that's something," Sam muttered.

"Not to mention it's crazy that she strolls up and makes the rules over us," Bradshaw noted.

"However, this Academy is owned by Kaiba," Kairi pointed out. "And if he's the one on the hiring slip, I can tell this is his vision of what he wants to do. Remember, he's on speaking terms with Alister and Erika."

"What exactly is she doing!?" Crowler gasped. "She's riling them up!"

"But you must admit there is some truth to this," Spencer stated. "When I first came, the Obelisks stood at the top of the food chain... But I can tell that they've never dueled to improve... Just to hoard their status over the other students in the lower ranks. Hell, they even set things up so that they have an unfair advantage."

"I must admit," Sartyr sighed. "There were a handful of students in my dorm that did the same to the Slifers. And yet you've seen some of them being promoted into Ra Yellow and eventually into Obelisk Blue. They truly deserved their current statuses."

"Also, hearing from Fonda... Majority of the girls are only in Obelisk Blue was due to the fact of living arrangements," Ray noted. "But I can tell that there's not a lot of skill there."

"True," Fonda nodded. "Also, there's the fact that most of the Obelisk Blue dormitory and most of the Ra Yellow Dorm were taken over by one person; who, by the way, is only in Slifer because he dropped out."

"Yes, Chazz has grown." The Slifer Headmaster noted. "I just hope with whatever she has in mind, Etna can truly include those deserving students as she says."

"THIS IS STUPID!"

The entire classroom when silent one Obelisk Blue student spoke up. Claudio frowned as he remembered this person from his first year of school. A tall boy with messy black hair and black brown eyes, wearing the Obelisk Blue Blazer. This was Shawn Masters, a duelist he defeated for the School Duel Tag Team Representative. The J-Hero duelist sighed seeing that this guy was just as arrogant. "Well, here it goes... Running his mouth..."

Melody looked up at the Obelisk as well and frowned, "I can't believe someone has the nerve mouth off in front of the teachers."

"Mr. Masters!" Sheppard shouted back. "This is uncalled for."

"Chancellor," Shawn protested. "Think about it, this is just like Viper all over again! She's even stated that! I for one think you shouldn't even let her onto your school and sent her back home."

Surprisingly, most of the students were in favor of Shawn's protest. This shocked the faculty and some of the students who were going to give it some thought.

"Whoa," Reyna gasped. "Can you believe this, Jaden? Viper really hurt this school that new people aren't going to be welcome here!"

"I wouldn't worry so much about it," Jaden shrugged as he leaned back in his seat. Before his sister could protest him, he and Reyna saw that Etna was still as stoic as ever. Truly the only thing changed was the Vice-Chancellor was looking up at Shawn.

"So, Mr. Masters, was it?" Etna asked politely. "Let's see if you have the resolve to back up your claim. I will bet my existence as this Academy's Vice Chancellor in a duel. You win, I resign. I win, you will be demoted to Slifer Red. Do you accept?"

Shawn smirked, "Of course; as if I could lose with stakes like this. You're telling me to go to the bottom of the barrel; I'll shoot back up to where I belong in no time!"

"Then meet at the arena with your deck," Etna noted. "You have 30 Minutes." She then turned to Chancellor Sheppard. "Chancellor, I do request that any classes within that time be cancelled. This is the fate of how things work at this Academy at stake."

Sheppard nodded, "Mr. Kaiba does have faith in your abilities, so I'll agree to your terms. But I must say, this will be the only time I allow this."

"Understood," Etna smiled, "One time is all I need."


The thirty minutes have passed as both Etna and Shawn met at the dueling arena, shuffling each other's decks. The students and faculty were also present, waiting to see what kind of duel would be in store.

"Shawn really has a death wish," Claudio muttered. "I know some of us have defeated faculty members. But from what Sheppard's talking about, a duelist chosen by Seto Kaiba is someone you shouldn't take lightly."

"Tetsu even said that he faced Kaiba before," Melody noted. "It wasn't completely one-sided, but still Kaiba dominated the duel since his first turn." She then gave a worried look to Claudio, "Anyway, how have you been?"

The J-Hero duelist looked puzzled as he turned to his girlfriend, "Hmm? What are you talking about? I'm fine."

"Even after the things in the dimensional worlds?" She pried. "I know all of us were not the same coming back from that, but you and Jaden have changed. You're not as lively as normal."

Claudio shrugged, "After fighting off Yubel and Trageodia, who set the whole thing up to get to us, Jaden and I just decided we really needed to be better people. We won't just look at the fun and thrill of dueling, and stop being selfish is all... In one way, Viper and the other deceased teachers were right about us. We looked to our own ends and never looked around us."

"And have you talked to Jaden a lot?" She continued.

"Yeah, considering we're the same..." the J-Hero duelist sighed. "It's not easy after giving into the darkness and terrorizing people. We can't let that happen again."

Melody frowned as Claudio turned back to the duel, 'Are you still that troubled? There must be more to it. You even said something about not trying to make people suffer...'

It was then Shawn and Etna returned each other's decks and walked to both sides of the arena.

"Let's see what Kaiba sees in you," Crowler frowned, looking at his new Vice-Chancellor.

"Duelists begin!" Sheppard shouted.

Both players activated their duel disk and drew their opening hands!

Shawn: 8000

Etna: 8000

"You may have the first move, Mr. Masters," Etna announced.

"Then this will be a short duel," Shawn laughed as he drew his sixth card. "I summon Giant Germ in attack mode!" Once he placed the card on his disk, a giant, disease-ridden ball appeared in front of him. (2/1000/100). "Next, I set two cards and end my turn." He concluded

Etna narrowed her eyes as she drew her sixth card. 'An obvious trap, but one I will gladly pay... Not now however...' She then grabbed one card from her hand to activate. "I play Distrain Card, targeting your first Set Card!"

Soon, a purple spike jammed into the Set Card behind Giant Germ, piercing it lock.

"You can't activate the card I just targeted, and if you were to activate the other one, you'd lose 800 Life Points." The Vice-Chancellor announced.

Shawn growled, 'I can't activate Crush Card after Giant Germ's destroyed!'

"Now I summon Laval Magma Cannoneer!" She declared playing her Monster Card. The card released a humanoid monster made of purple and gray stone. Attached to its back were twin cannons that were pulsating with magma on the inside. (4/1700/200)

"A FIRE user..." Mikoto stated.

"That means she may use effect damage..." Hassleberry added.

Etna spared a glancing look at the two Ras, 'Someone's caught on to what my deck can do... I may have more... personal training for them..."

"So, are you going to move?" Shawn stated, getting impatient.

Etna sighed, "So, you like to rush? Very well, I use my next card. Dark Room of Nightmare!" She inserted her card, prompting the Continuous Spell to appear. "Now for every effect damage I deal, you lose 300 additional points of damage. Next, I use Bonfire to add a low-level FIRE Monster from my deck to my hand." The disk pushed out one card from her deck, letting her take it. "I choose Volcanic Scattershot!"

"One of Axel's Monsters?" Claudio wondered. "She really is going to rack up the effect damage this time."

"Now I use the effect of my Cannoneer!" Etna announced, taking two Monster cards out of her hand and show them to her opponent. Both were Volcanic Scattershots "Twice per turn, I can send a FIRE Monster from my hand to the graveyard to deal 500 points of damage. I'll choose to send these Scattershots to the graveyard. Furthermore, when Scattershot is sent to the graveyard, I can deal an additional 500 points to the graveyard!"

"And with damage four times, he'll take damage from Dark Room of Nightmare four times as well," Kurogasa gasped while the other students around him were also shocked as well. "Meaning 1200 points of damage!"

Soon enough, two three-headed lizards that looked like bullets appeared in front of the Cannoneer. Both went into the Cannons, melting into magma orbs.

"FIRE!" Etna shouted as Cannoneer fired both shots at the Obelisk who braced for impact as he was blasted twice. Then, he was blasted by the ghost flames of Dark Room of Nightmare.

Shawn: 7500-7200-6700-6400

Etna: 8000

Finally, the ghost images of Volcanic Scattershots appeared and blasted Shawn again with small flames, amplified by the Continuous Spell.

Shawn: 5900-5600-5100-4800

Etna: 8000

Seeing this, Shawn was at a loss for words taking so much damage on the first turn.

"Now," Etna continued. "I attack your Giant Germ with Laval Magma Cannoneer! Magma Force!"

The Laval Monster unleashed small molten rocks from its cannons this time, landing near the Germ. With so much heat near it, the Giant Germ melted into a puddle that quickly evaporated.

Shawn: 4100

Etna: 8000

"I activate Giant Germ's effect!" Shawn countered. "I deal 500 points of damage plus Special Summon the two Giant Germs from my deck!"

A purple aura surrounded Etna, translated the damage. She merely just closed her eyes to endure it.

Shawn: 4100

Etna: 7500

Then two copies of his destroyed Monster appeared. (2/1000/100) x2

"Next, I activate the Spell Bait Doll!" Etna continued, playing another Spell Card. "This will force you to activate your Set Card!"

"That will activate Distrain Card's side effect," Spencer whistled.

"Meaning Dark Room of Nightmare will activate once more." Sartyr noted.

"Wow, in one turn she's managed to cripple an Obelisk-Grade student." Ray stated. "And to think, I read his file and he's one of the few that earned it."

"But you can see he still caught on to the arrogance," Fonda added. "Meaning it wouldn't be long for someone to capitalize on that."

Sheppard carried a stern look at the dueling field, 'So Etna has more strength than she lets on.' He then sighed. 'Truly this must be done, whether Shawn can stage a comeback or not.'

Soon, the Bait Doll was placed on Shawn's remaining Set card, forcing it to reveal itself.

"The Trap Card, Underground Trap." Etna stated, reading the card. "This allows you to Set a Trap Card from your deck. So, this will help you immensely. However, two problems: I know what you're going to plan since both players must check the card. Also, you lose 800 Life Points due to Distrain Card for the activation of that card and another 300 for my Dark Room of Nightmare."

The purple bolt then shocked the Obelisk, also amplified by the ghosts from Etna's Continuous Spell.

Shawn: 3300-3000

Etna: 7500

Shawn growled at all the damage he's taken, before having to resolve his Trap card. "I use the effect of Underground Trap, and use it to Set Full Force Virus!" Soon, his disk pushed out the selected card, forcing both players to look at it before it was set on the field.

"She's stopped the Virus Combos so far," Claudio noted. "But now he can do it... if that other card's what I think it is..."

"Yeah, he once stopped you playing your monsters in the first year," Melody stated. "If she has something that can stop it now, Shawn doesn't have a chance."

"I end my turn with a facedown card," Etna concluded.

"It's my turn for some payback," Shawn announced, drawing his next card. "I activate the Spell Card Duel! This makes draw until we have six cards!" Both players drew until they had their full six. "Next, I summon D.D. Trainer!"

Soon, a portal opened and brought out a fiendish snake ridden by a small goblin. (4/100/2000)

"Then, I activate my Full Force Virus Trap Card!" He continued, activating the Trap. "I sacrifice a DARK Monster that has at least 2000 DEF! So, my Trainer goes bye-bye!" Soon, the Different Dimension Monster turned into dark smoke and spread across to Etna's field. "This Trap Card destroys all your monster cards in your hand and field with 1500 DEF or less!" He then grinned. "From what I've seen, that's the types of Monster's your running with! And for the next three turns, you will lose all of them when you draw!"

The smoke consumed Cannoneer and broke him down to rubble.

"Now let's check your hand!" He grinned.

Etna wordlessly turned over her hand. There were more Laval Cards to see, about four of them. And just as Shawn deduced, they had low DEF for the Virus to work.

"Now, I destroy them!" He said as Etna was forced to discard them.

"However, one of the monsters you forced me to discard, activates its effect," Etna countered as she revealed the last card she placed into her graveyard. "Laval Volcano Handmaiden!" Soon, an image of a fiery-maned woman made of hot coals and dressed in a blue and silver dress. "When she's sent to the graveyard, I can send another Laval Monster from my deck to the graveyard that's another Handmaiden." She then took another Laval Monster from her deck and discarded to her graveyard.

"She's willingly discarding her cards?" Allen wondered.

"Then, she'll definitely have Boss Monsters that can work with that mechanic." Jethro noticed.

Mikoto gasped, "That must mean..."

"Mikoto?" Kurogasa wondered.

Etna smiled, 'She's caught on... Then, she'll be easier to train then...'

"Next, I activate Double Summon and Sacrifice one of my Giant Germs to summon Dark Ruler Ha Des!" He announced as the second germ vanished and unleashed a giant fiend that had a demonic robe and a glass filled with blood red wine. (6/2450/1600) "Then, I remove the three Fiends I have in my graveyard to Special Summon Dark Necrofear!"

A ghostly wisp erupted from the ground and unleashed a blue skinned, bald woman in silver armor around her body and purple armor around her limbs. She held on to a broken baby doll that cackled. (8/2200/2800)

"Now I attack with everything I have!" Shawn announced as Dark Ruler unleashed a black beam from one of the heads on his robes, Dark Necrofear fired twin beams from her eyes, and Giant Germ tackled through her.

Shawn: 3000

Etna: 6050-3850-2850

However, once the attacks were done, Etna still stared directly into his eyes.

"Whoa, she hasn't budged an inch!" Reyna gasped.

"She's a tough duelist, that's for sure," Jaden noted.

Looking uneasy at what he just saw, he frowned as he inserted one of his last cards. "I place one card facedown." 'All I need to do is use my last card to take out all she's got! Not to mention, my Full Force Virus is still in effect!'

Etna sighed as she drew her next card, once she looked at it she looked back to her opponent. "Looks like I was right... You are a weak duelist."

"WHAT!?" Shawn shouted.

"Even with a Virus Deck, I figured you'd do much more." Etna stated. "After all, the more Virus cards you use, you can truly limit your opponent's strategies. Plus, you could have had cards to force me to draw and stop. There's no doubt many skilled duelists that could use more moves out of them, but you're just purely using power behind it. But as you noticed, my deck benefits from your Virus!" She then revealed the card she drew. "I've drawn Rekindling! This lets me Special Summon all my FIRE Monsters with 200 DEF or less from the graveyard!"

"I was right!" Mikoto gasped. "Her deck is nearly like mine, the monsters she discarded and destroyed so far had low DEF. Her deck can benefit from the graveyard and even burn an opponent."

"However, before I play it... I can activate a monster effect from my Graveyard!" the Laval Duelist continued. "Since I have at least three Laval monsters, I can use the effect of Laval Lakeside Lady!" A ghostly form appeared as a woman like the Handmaiden, wearing a black dress. "I can remove her and my Handmaiden from the graveyard to destroy your Set card!"

The Virus Duelist gasped as he saw his last card burst into flames.

"Next, I activate Molten Conduction Field!" Etna announced. "I can send two more Laval Monsters from my deck to my Graveyard!" She then took out her two choice cards. "Not only I send a Handmaiden, but I also send Laval Phlogis!" The two cards were sent to the graveyard. "Then, I send another Laval Monster to the graveyard due to my Handmaiden's effect." She then sent another Monster.

"Third, I play another Bonfire to add Flamvell Firedog and summon it!" She stated as a dog made of burning magma appeared. (4/1900/200) "Finally, I activate Rekindling to Special Summon my Monsters!"

Soon, magma erupted from the ground and unleashed four monsters from the dead.

"I Special Summon Laval Volcano Handmaiden, Laval Forest Sprite, Laval Magma Cannoneer, and Volcanic Scattershot!"

Along with Handmaiden, Cannoneer, Scattershot, another young woman made of coals wearing a dark blue bodysuit and hood over her hand. (1/100/200), (2/300/200), (4/1700/200), (2/500/0)

"Now, I tune my level 4 Cannoneer with my level 1 Handmaiden," Etna announced as the Handmaiden became a Tuning Ring surrounding Cannoneer and reducing it to four stars.

"Monsters sleeping inside the lava. Unleash the fury of the dragon! Synchro Summon! Erupt! Lavalval Dragon!"

From the eruption came a black coal, serpent like dragon with volcano-like horns on its head. (5/2000/1100)

"All that for this weakling," Shawn scoffed.

"I'm not done yet," Etna stated, shutting her opponent up. "First, Handmaiden's effect activates placing another Phlogis from my deck to the graveyard." She took another card into her deck and into her graveyard. "Next, I activate my Dragon's effect! I can shuffle two Lavals like my Cannoneer and my Handmaiden back into my deck, letting me return your Dark Ruler to your hand."

After shuffling her cards, the Dragon beat its wings causing a whirlwind that blew the Dark Ruler off the field.

"Also, I with my two Phlogis in the graveyard after being sent there from the deck, they let all my Lavals gain 300 ATK!" She continued as her Dragon and Forest Sprite gained power. (5/2000-2600/1100), (2/300-900/200)

"He's done," Kairi muttered.

"No kidding," Bradshaw noted.

"First, Flamvell Firedog attacks your last Giant Germ!" Etna announced. The burning dog rushed the field and pounced the germ into the ground with a splat. A purple aura damaged Etna with Giant Germ's effect.

Shawn: 2100

Etna: 2850

"Next, Flamvell Firedog's effect activates and brings out a FIRE Monster with 200 DEF or less!" She continued, taking out another monster from her deck. "I bring out Laval Lancelord!" Erupting from the ground, a stone-bodied warrior appeared wearing flaming kilt and wielding a magma spear. (6/2100-2700/200) "For my final move, I activate my facedown card... Urgent Tuning!"

"Urgent Tuning?" Kurogasa stated as he saw the card activated. "So, she's that fast-paced..."

"This card lets me Synchro Summon during the Battle Phase!" Etna stated. "So, I tune Level 2 Forest Sprite with Level 4 Firedog!" She announced as the Forest Sprite turned to two Rings and reduced the Firedog to four stars.

"Monsters sleeping inside the lava. Become the dragon flying above the volcano! Synchro Summon! Take Flight! Lavalval Dragun!"

Soon, another dragon burst from eruption. It was bigger than the first one and it looked it was crossed with a pterodactyl. It let out a mighty roar. (6/2500-3100/1200)

"Finally, the effect of my Forest Sprite activates," She continued. "All Laval Monsters gain 200 ATK for each Laval Monster in my graveyard. At last count, it was three!"

The Dragons and Lancelord roared as their powers increased even further. (5/2600-3200/1100), (6/3100-3700/1200), (6/2700-3300/200)

Shawn gasped as he saw the three powerful monsters.

"I'll let my dragons attack to end this duel!" Etna announced. "Take out his Necrofear and the rest of his Life Points!"

The Obelisk screamed as both dragons unleashed a fiery beam that vaporized his last monster and shut him down to his knees.

Shawn: 1100-0

Etna: 2850, Winner

The audience all gasped at how much an Obelisk had loss against an unknown duelist, mostly at this point. The faculty were impressed at the skills Etna displayed and showed no signs of holding back her power. Most even caught on that she didn't use her full strength.

Majority of the students couldn't even fathom at how much strength she truly had if it only took a little to put Shawn to his knees.

Shawn was at a loss for words as he saw his deck backfire on itself and aided the enemy. He may have had dealt the damage, but after that it was a complete shut out. He was so in shock that he didn't notice Etna walk towards him and looked down on him.

"I believe we had a deal, Mr. Masters," Etna stated. "I hope that being in the Slifer Red status can change that attitude of yours. Working your way back up can do wonders for your character as well. Report to Headmaster Sojourner for further details."

The Virus duelist wordlessly got back to his unsteady feet and walked out of the arena. The people were in shock at seeing the defeated face of the demoted student.

"This isn't the same as what Viper did to me," Atticus noted. "She really was teaching him a lesson..."

"Looks like the Slifer Red Dorm won't be as empty as anyone thinks, eh Jaden?" Reyna asked her brother.

"Guess not?" Jaden shrugged. "But I can tell that Shawn needed to improve... It'll make him a better person, like our new Vice-Chancellor says."

The younger twin frowned, 'You've never been this analytical... What's going on with you?'

Even Allyson looked down from her seat and heard Jaden's comment, "Jaden..."

"Wow, Jaden sure has changed..." Kenji noted. "He was never this... aloof."

"No kidding," Alexis frowned. "It also looked like he didn't enjoy seeing that duel; just trying to take it all in and think it over."

As soon as Shawn left the room, Etna addressed the students.

"Now that this is done, I'll tell you what will happen in the coming month," She announced. "After the results that the Overseas faculty has given and combined with the stats given by this Academy, there are a certain number of students that are subject to promotion and demotion. But be advised that it won't be immediate... You will be tested in duels to see if that happens, just like how Shawn Masters was tested against me."

Everyone looked at each other puzzled.

"I will defer to certain people about who will be tested and once I found them, I'll contact you via Duel Pilot." She continued. "This will all take place tomorrow. You are all dismissed." She then turned around and left the arena.

"So that's what's going on," Syrus wondered.

"You shouldn't worry so much, Private," Hassleberry noted. "After what happened this year, you shouldn't be worried about being demoted. Viper placed you back in Ra for the same reason he got Alexis' brother in Slifer: to stir pot for his Bio-Bands."

"He's right," Mikoto smiled. "I can tell you're a Senior Duelist who can be on the level of Zane, if not better."

The small Ra sighed and smiled, "Thanks guys."

"I wonder who she will talk to about the duelists who will get the honor," Jeremy wondered. "From the sounds of it, it may not be our teachers."

"Maybe because Mrs. Crowler will have some of his Obelisks keep their status," Alex figured.

"Not likely," Lily said, shaking her head. "Remember, most of the Obelisk students were easily defeated by Chazz during the Society of Light siege last year. If anything, there may be a complete overhaul. And Chazz is technically a Slifer Red, which majority of Obelisk Blue still looks down on."

"Well, it's not going down again," Jethro stated. "If it comes down to it, I'll earn my keep."

"I heard that, dude," Allen smiled

Pretty soon, the group of friends had renewed vigor about what's to come.


Outside the arena, Etna met up with Roxanne and Matthias, who stood just outside the locker room.

"Ouch, a little overkill, don't you think?" Roxanne noted.

"It's only necessary to get the point across about not playing favoritism among ranks," Etna stated.

"So, when do we get to show ourselves," Matthias wondered. "Hiding in the shadows to observe is not my thing."

"Your first classes are tomorrow, where you'll be introduced into Slifer Red." The Laval Duelist replied. "Since you're entering late into the year. Meaning, you have a chance to showcase your skills to those that may look down on you. You're also looking for those duelists that the tests may have missed. You both may need work, which is why you've enrolled in Duel Academy in the first place, but you still have the discipline of a Master Duelist to know who's deserving. In fact, I may have a job before you do that... Testing the strongest duelists."

"You mean Jaden and Claudio?" the former Pros asked.

"The very same," Etna noted. "I heard from Chancellor Sheppard that they've defeated their respective Headmasters yesterday. But we need to know how strong they've become because the joint venture had their strengths come to mind since they are the top 2 Duelists. Until then, we'll stick to plan A in testing the others."

"Yes ma'am..." they said and bowed.


Alrighty! We're done! Thanks for reading.

Next Time: Time now to see who's getting promoted and demoted. We start with Atticus Rhodes, who was unjustly dropped to Slifer by Viper and his dark motives. But does he still have the skill and determination to return to Obelisk Blue? Also, we see Reyna get her chance to be promoted as well. But with how Jaden is, will she take the promotion and leave her brother behind?

Please Review! Later!