Hey everyone!
Sorry for not getting this chapter out as quick as the rest. To be honest, working on two different stories that take place in 2 completely separate universes (or anime, if you want to use that word) can be a little bit on the stressful side.
But, no worries! Things are going well! As a small side-note, during the course of this story, I will be making up cards of my own that will be used in duels between the characters. So, bare with me and accept the new cards.
Now, without anymore of my flapping my yap, here is Chapter 4!
Enjoy!
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Chapter 4 – And the Winner is...
"And now, I activate Polymerization! This allows me to fuse my Steamroid on the field with the Gyroid in my hand in order to Fusion Summon my Steam Gyroid!"
Syrus placed the spell card in a Spell and Trap card slot on his Duel Disk, activating the effect of his Polymerization. The effect of the card was soon presented to the rest of the spectators watching the duel. A swirling vortex was displayed on the field thanks to the holographic projectors built into the arena floor. Both of Syrus' monster went into the vortex, combining together and forming the finished monster.
The bluenette smiled with satisfaction. However, his opponent, another student from Ra Yellow, was not all that impressed. "So, you summoned up a fusion monster. Big deal. My Cyber-Tech Alligator's 2500 attack points is still higher than your monster's attack points!"
"True, but not for long!"
"You have got to be bluffing!"
"That's what you think! From my hand, I play the magic card, Limiter Removal! This doubles the attack points of a machine-type monster on my side of the field. So now, Steam Gyroid's attack points double from 2200 to 4400!"
The other Ra Yellow looked at the attack points of his opponent's monster. He didn't believe that one of the seemingly weakest duelists in all of the Ra Yellow dorm was about to defeat him. He thought for sure dueling the bluenette was going to be an easy win for him. However, it proved to be a more difficult duel than he had envisioned.
Unfortunately, Syrus was not done with him turn. "Now, Steam Gyroid! Attack his Cyber-Tech Alligator!" On command, the machine-type monster went up against the mechanical reptilian. But, the other Ra Yellow student still had one trick up his sleeve.
"Sorry, but you just fell right into my trap."
"A Trap?"
"That's right! I was hoping for you to use something to power-up your monster. So, I waited. And now, it is time. Reveal trap card, Effect Replication!"
"So, what does that trap card do, Scotty?"
"I'm glad you asked, Syrus. By discarding a card from my hand, this trap card allows me to copy the effect of a magic or trap card my opponent played during their Battle Phase. And so, I will copy the effect of your Limiter Removal, applying it's power to my Cyber-Tech Alligator!"
The bluenette's face went from triumph to frustration in an instant. He thought for sure that his combo was going to seal the duel in his favor. But, as luck would have it, even if was bad luck, it was not meant to be, at least not this turn. All of his hanging out with Jaden, Bastion, and Alexis helped Syrus to grow and plan ahead in a duel.
He looked on as the Cyber-Tech Alligator's attack points doubled from 2500 to 5000. The power boost was enough to not only destroy his Steam Gyroid, but also finish off the rest of his 500 Life Points.
The effect took hold, and Scotty was ready to launch his counter attack. "Go, Cyber-Tech Alligator! Reptilian Slash!" The reptilian charged forward with even more vigor than Syrus' Steam Gyroid. But, The bluenette had planned for this, just in case his combo hadn't been pulled off like he had hoped.
"I don't think so, Scotty! I activate my face-down card, Withdraw! By paying 200 Life Points, I can recall the attack of one of my monsters. Steam Gyroid! Stop your attack and return to my side of the field!" With the attack canceled, Syrus' Steam Gyroid stopped mid-field, before making contact with Scotty's Cyber-Tech Alligator. Like a train, the Steam Gyroid backed up as thought it were on railroad tracks, positioning itself back on Syrus' side of the field.
However, the Steam Gyroid was not safe much longer, and Syrus knew that. "I'll set one card face down, and end my turn. And, due to the effect of Limiter Removal, my Steam Gyroid is destroyed and sent to the Graveyard."
"And, due to my Effect Replication copying the effect of your Limiter Removal Spell card, I also have to destroy my monster." At that moment, both monsters on the field exploded. And, naturally, both Syrus and Scotty discarded their monsters to the Graveyard.
"Now, it's my turn. I draw!" Scotty drew a card from his deck, looked at it for a moment, and smiled. He then turned his attention to the rest of the cards in his hand, figuring out a plan that would help him to win this duel. Syrus, on the other hand, was not as excited about the draw as his opponent was. 'Uh oh. I don't like that look on his face,' the bluenette thought to himself, shaking a little bit at the though of losing his duel against the boy across the playing field.
'Well, I still have one shot. I just hope my next draw will be what I need.' He tried to calm himself down, hoping that he would not show his opponent just how nervous he was. After all, his last duel against his own brother, Zane, was an experience that wasn't easy to just shake off.
But, now that it was Scotty's turn, Syrus needed to focus on what he was going to do. "First, I am going to summon my Alien Shocktrooper in Attack Mode!" The holographic system kicked in, materializing the image of a reptilian with a large sword in it's hand. But, it seemed that Scotty was not done yet. "And now, I have to get rid of that annoying face down card of yours. So, from my hand, I activate Mystical Space Typhoon!" Soon, a large gust of wind came over the field, destroying Syrus' face down card.
"Now your field is completely empty! Attack, Alien Shocktrooper! Extra-terrestrial Attack!" The monster charged forward, ready to take out the rest of the bluenette's Life Points. The audience let out several oohs and ahh, knowing that this was going to end the duel for the pair.
However...
"You fell into my trap, Scotty! My face down card was Wonder Garage. When it is still face down on my field and sent to the Graveyard, I am allowed to Special Summon a level 4 or lower "roid" monster from my hand. So, I will summon my Jetroid in attack mode!"
The other duelist simply smirked. "You made the mistake of summoning him in Attack mode. My Alien Shocktrooper will turn him into scrap! Go, Alien Shocktrooper! Attack his Jetroid!"
"You still have good deal to learn about my Vehicroid monsters, Scotty!"
"There is nothing to learn, Syrus! Your Life Points are as good as gone!"
"Sorry Scotty, but that is where you are wrong?"
"What?"
Syrus smiled, knowing that this duel was now his. "You see, when Jetroid is the target of an attack, I am allowed to activate a trap card from my hand! And, the card I choose is Magic Cylinder!" Scotty's eyes widened. He knew what the card did, and he also knew that it meant that this was the end of the duel for him. And, it was at that moment that he realized that the bluenette was correct. He had not known about the effect of Jetroid. If he did, he would have recalled his attack and waited it out.
Pulled from his thoughts, Scotty noticed Syrus was talking again. "With Magic Cylinder, I can negate your attack, and send it right back at you as direct damage!" The cylinders appeared on the field, one taking in the attack of the Alien Shocktrooper and the other send it right back at Scotty.
With an attack of 1900, and his Life points lower than that, the duel ended.
The equipment in the arena deactivated, shutting off all of the holographic projectors that were used in the duel which had just concluded. Syrus wanted to breath a sigh of relief, but kept his composer, trying not to let his now defeated opponent know that he felt the pressure of the duel. That was the one thing that the bluenette wanted to work on since his duel with Zane.
Scotty slowly walked over to Syrus, slightly hanging his head in defeat. "Well, Syrus. That was a really good duel." He stuck his hand out as a sign of good sportsmanship. And Syrus, being the person he was, accepted the invitation. They both shook hands, causing the spectators to stand up and give a round of applause. There were numerous comments from them, ranging from "Great duel," to "Awesome win," and even "Duel again!" The bluenette was happy that he was able to give it what he had and win the duel.
"Yeah. It sure was, Scotty."
"You are a strong duelist. I don't know why I thought you weren't."
"Hey! Just because I am short, doesn't mean I can't duel, you know."
"Hehe. I never said that, Syrus. Anyway, I better get going. Crowler gave me an essay to do."
"Alright. See you later, Scotty!"
The two Ra Yellows parted ways. The spectators also decided that it was time to leave the arena, as there were no other duels that were suppose to happen. Luckily for Syrus and Scotty, their duel was just an exhibition duel. There was nothing riding on it for either of the two.
As Syrus was exiting the arena, he was stopped by Jaden. "Hey, Sy! That was a sweet duel! You did awesome!"
"Thanks, Jay. I knew that I would win."
"And, that's because you have been working hard."
"It's nice that you noticed, because one day, I want to take you down in a real duel!"
Jaden laughed at the comment. "I'll be looking forward to that day. You sure have gotten a lot of confidence since your duel with Zane." The mere mention of the Obelisk Blue graduate turned bad made Syrus' face change from a face of victory to a face of depression. He knew he had tried as hard as he could to beat his brother in that duel. But, his brother's deck was just too powerful for his own Vehicroid deck to handle.
The bluenette lowered his head, which caught Jaden's attention rather quickly. "What's wrong, Sy? I thought you were happy that you won the duel against Scotty." True, Syrus was happy that he won a duel against one of his dorm mates, but the defeat he suffered at the hands of his own brother was something that still lingered.
"Well, I am. But...Zane..."
"Your brother? Are you still thinking about your duel against him?"
"Yeah. He was just a totally different person than the one I knew. It was like...dueling started changing him."
"Sy, it wasn't his dueling that changed him. It was how he was dueling."
The bluenette looked up at the brunette with an inquisitive look. "What do you mean by that, Jay?" Syrus was waiting for an explanation from the Slifer Red. He himself couldn't figure out what his friend was talking about. So, the only thing he could do was wait.
"Well, Sy. Remember when you were dueling with Zane?" How could he not? It was the most intense duel that he had ever been in throughout his entire light. His tag duel with Jaden against the Paradox Brothers seemed so small compared to the duel he had against his own brother. "Yeah. I remember it. What about it?"
"During the duel, Zane mentioned that during his duels in the Underground, he discovered the pleasure in pain. I think his dueling in the Underground circuit was what warped him into the duelist he is now. I haven't heard much, but I remember hearing that Underground duels are things that can really change the way a person thinks. I guess it did just that to Zane."
For the life of him, Syrus couldn't remember that last time that Jaden had talked that much. But, at the time like this, it was something that he could appreciate. It was just the explanation that he needed to feel better about the whole situation, even if it still was on his mind most of the time. "Thanks, Jay. I really helps."
"No prob, Sy. Just let know if you want to talk again."
"I'll remember that. Well, we better...Oh, man! We're late!"
"Huh? Late for what, Sy?"
"Vice-chancellor Bonaparte was going to hold another lecture today, and all Slifer Reds and Ra Yellows were obligated to attend!"
"Really? I guess I must not have gotten that message."
"Jaden!"
"Alright, alright, Sy. Let's go."
Without another moment to spare, the pair ran out of the duel arena towards the lecture hall.
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"Wow. I gotta say, that was one long lecture."
Jaden, Syrus, and Hassleberry all left the Lecture Hall. The lecture that Vice-chancellor Bonaparte gave was long, even for him. It had lasted almost 2 hours, and most of the students would have agreed that the lecture was extremely repetitive, covering the same material over and over and over again. Many of the students were not even sure why it was mandatory for them to even listen to it.
The three boys had spotted Alexis in the Lecture Hall, as well. But, they were confused as to why an Obelisk Blue was there for it. In fact, Alexis was the ONLY Obelisk Blue that was at Bonaparte's lecture. It really struck them all as out of place, to say the least.
So, Jaden, being the most outspoken of the group, approached her when he walked out of the Lecture hall. "Hey, Alexis!"
"Hey there, Jaden. What's up?"
"I was just about to ask you the same thing. Why were you listening to Bonaparte's lecture?"
"I thought it would be something interesting. That's all."
"Really? There wasn't much that was interesting about it."
Both Syrus and Hassleberry nodded their heads in agreement. Like Jaden, they also felt as though the lecture was repetitive and boring, going over the same things each time something was brought up. "I have to agree with Jay. It was really boring, not to mention Obelisk Blues were not even forced to attend it."
"Private Truesdale hit the nail on the head. The Obelisk Blues weren't obligated to attend." Hassleberry gave his input on why Alexis was there, or rather, why she could have not been there. However, both Syrus and Hassleberry's comments just got a shake of the girl's head, signaling that they were wrong. What they were wrong about, they were not sure. But, they knew that the Queen of the Obelisk Blue dorm would let them know.
"I know I wasn't forced to attend it, but I am planning ahead for the future. I may need to know this stuff if I decide to...oh...become a professor myself. Kind of a silly idea, I know. But, then again, you never know what will happen. So, it's best to prepare and wait for things to pan out."
Both Syrus and Hassleberry looked at each other and nodded their heads. Even though they pointed something out to Alexis, to which she proved them wrong, they had to agree with her, since there was rarely a time when she was wrong. Jaden, however, didn't nod his head in agreement. Instead, he simply smiled and walked a little closer to the girl.
"It's not a silly idea at all, Alexis. I think you would be a great teacher some day. I mean, you know a lot about Duel Monsters. So, it would be pretty sweet to see you as a teacher some day."
Alexis blushed a little bit at the comment. True, she had dreamed of becoming a great Duel Monsters professor when she grew up, but she had figured that she didn't know enough to be able to become a professor. Of course, she knew that she would learn more as she advanced in her field of study, but even now, she felt as though there was so much that she didn't know. However, Jaden's words warmed her heart, knowing that there was someone in this world that believed in her ability to achieve her dream.
"Thanks, Jaden."
"No prob, Alexis. We all know that you can do it. Right, guys?"
The brunette looked at the other two boys who were still standing around. Both of them looked at the Obelisk blue, with smiles on their faces, and nodded their heads in sincere agreement with Jaden. Like Alexis, Jaden was also right about this kind of stuff. It seemed the both of them had some kind of sixth sense for being rights about something that had yet to be determined.
"Jaden's right, Alexis. You would be a great teacher!"
"As my commanding officer, I have to concur with the Sergeant!"
Their moment was soon interrupted by a familiar voice coming over the P.A. System , and that voice happened to belong to Crowler. "Attention, Students. All of you are hereby mandated to gather in the main concourse of the building. The staff have tallied the votes for the Graduation Duel prize...erm...person who will get a date with the winner of the tournament."
All with shocked expressions on their faces, Alexis, Jaden, Syrus, and Hassleberry all looked at each other. They were all thinking the exact same thing, but it was Jaden, sometimes called the mouth of the group, who spoke fire. "Aw, man! I totally forgot about that. I didn't vote." The other 2 just looked at him and simply nodded their heads.
"Well, at least I know I won't be the 'prize.' I withdrew myself from the drawing." Alexis spoke up after a somewhat awkward, but short, silence between them all. The three boys looked at each other, then back to Alexis, who had a look of confusion on her face, as though she was confused as to why she thought they knew, but obviously did not.
"You guys did hear the announcement a few days ago after the initial one, right? Chancellor Sheppard said that anyone that felt that they were not comfortable in being the 'prize' for the tournament, they could visit him and withdraw their name from the drawing. I did that the first chance I got."
Jaden, once again, was the first to speak up before Hassleberry and Syrus. "I guess I missed that memo. Wouldn't it be funny if I was the 'winner?" Jaden let out a half-hearted laugh, put a sarcastic emphasis on "winner." His comment got a bit of a chuckle out of Syrus and Alexis, but Hassleberry wasn't all that amused, though he decided not to let it
Before he could voice any comment on the situation, Professor Crowler came walking down the hall, apparently trying to get the rest of the students to make their way to the designated meeting area. "No time to dilly dally. Get down to the main concourse at once!" The Professors voice was rather commanding, even for him. But, it was a voice that seemed to get the job done. All of the students that were within hearing distance from the elder duelist stopped what they were doing, making their way to the concourse.
The only group that didn't seem to move much was Jaden and company.
"When I said all students were to report to the main concourse, that meant you four, as well."
"Sorry, teach. We'll get down there now."
"You had better. This is something that you don't want to miss."
"By the way, Professor. Do you know who the chosen student is?" Syrus had spoken out of the blue. And, it was somewhat out of character of him. He normally wasn't the one that would just speaking up like that. That was normally something that Jaden would do. Syrus, on the other hand, was the one person in the group that normally kept quiet until someone spoke to him...or he needed to bug Jaden for something.
However, Crowler just scoffed a little bit. "I don't know myself. However, I DO have the envelop in my hand. But, no one is to see it until I make the announcement! Now, all of you! Be on your way. Don't just stand around and waste your time.
With a nod of their heads, the four duelists turned around and made their way to the concourse.
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"Attention, Madams and Messieurs!"
Vice-Chancellor Bonaparte was at the front of the throng of students, attempting to get their attention and quiet them down. Professor Crowler had taken a detour in getting to the main concourse. He told Bonaparte and Sheppard it would be great for building suspense amongst the students. But, in actuality, he just wanted to get a peak the winner more than anything. But, Chancellor Sheppard knew the Professor all too well, and followed him. So, he was forced to just take a long walk to the concourse.
The short French-man spoke again. "Vice-Chancellor Crowler will be here shortly with the chosen student. My only hope is that he doesn't turn this into a fashionably late faux pas." Of course, the short Vice-Chancellor did not mean for the last part of his comment to be said aloud, but it happened nonetheless.
Jaden and company had just arrived in the main concourse, which was packed fulled of students. The group could only guess that every single student in the school was gathered there.
"Well, well. Look who it is. The Slacker..." Chazz was going to finish his comment off by saying that Jaden was with his club, but quickly noticed that Alexis was with the group. So, he was forced to abandon his insult and amend his thinking. "...and of course Alexis, the only person in the group that doesn't belong there."
"And, just what do you mean by that, Chazz?"
"Oh, give me a break, Alexis. You don't belong with a group of slackers. You should be with me."
"You are impossible, Chazz. Not only did you try and setup this ridiculous tournament just so that you can get to me, but you also belittle your own friends at times."
"Look, just because they may be my 'friends' doesn't mean that I can't point out their flaws."
Alexis simply sighed, knowing that there wasn't anything that she could do to change the boy's mind. Whenever Chazz made up his mind, that was it. There was no changing it. To this day, there hasn't been a force on the planet that has been able to change Chazz's when he makes his decision.
Many of the students in the area started talking quietly amongst themselves. They didn't want to interrupt Crowler when he finally arrived with the announcement of who the chosen student was going to be. Not a lot of students decided to withdraw from candidacy, but there were several that did not feel comfortable with being the "prize" of some tournament, even if it did mean that the person that they had a crush one might actually be the student that wins the entire competition.
However, of all the students that were talking, Jaden and company were the ones that seemed to have remained silent...that is, until Chazz once again spoke up. "So, Alexis. What do you think we should do on our date?"
"What are you talking about now, Chazz?"
"I mean, when Crowler comes in here, calls out your name, and then I win the entire tournament. When I win, it means I get a date with you."
"Chazz, you obviously didn't get my message the first time."
"But, Alexis! My love for you is burning brighter than the sun, and is stronger than even Exodia himself!"
The other three boys in the area all snickered to themselves. They had never seen Chazz turn into such a romantic, especially since he rarely, if ever, showed any kind of emotion, except for anger and sometimes frustration.
And, this time, it seemed his feelings for Alexis were going to cause him heartache. "Chazz, get the picture here. I took myself out of the drawing. I won't be the chosen student." At that moment, Chazz's mouth almost dropped to the floor. 'My plan...It's ruined!'
That was the only thought that ran through the former Obelisk Blue's head.
"But...but...Alexis! We were destined to be together!"
"Chazz, if we were destined to be together, it would have happened by now."
"It was going to happen, if you didn't pull out of the drawing!"
"Look. Chazz. It's never going to happen. Now, just drop it, ok?"
The former Obelisk Blue hung his head in defeat. The one person that he had actual feelings for had just shot him down. Then again, this wasn't the first time that Alexis had done so. There were other times prior when Chazz had confessed his love for the Queen of the Obelisk Blue dorm. The year before this one, right before Kagemaru awoke the Sacred Beasts, Chazz had dueled against Alexis in order to get her to see his love. But, that did not end well, resulting in Chazz getting defeated, right before Kagemaru's attack.
There wasn't much for the rest of the group to say. Most of what was going to be said ended up being spoken in thoughts only. Sure, they all wanted to add in their sarcastic remarks and funny comments, but the time just didn't seem right to any of them.
However, the silence in the group did not last long. The suspense was starting to become too much for Jaden to handle. He had to say what was on his mind. "So, who do you think the student will be?"
"I'll tell you who it ISN'T." Chazz spoke while looking sadly at Alexis.
"I know it isn't me." Alexis turned her head away from Chazz, looking at Syrus.
"Don't look at me! There's no way I could have been voted in." Syrus then looked at Hassleberry.
"Private, I hope you don't think that I could be made into a prize of some kind!" Hassleberry felt insulted by the notion.
Then, everyone looked at the only person who had initially asked the question; Jaden. They were all waiting for the brunette's answer to his own inquiry. He slowly looked around at his group of friends, all of them waiting for his response.
"Of course it won't be Jaden."
The sudden appearance of the voice threw the students off-balance. They all turned around to see a familiar face, dressed in a Hawaiian shirt and shorts, all the while quietly strumming his ukulele. Of course, it goes without saying that only one person on the island would even remotely fit the description. And that person was, naturally, Atticus Rhodes.
Jaden, who really didn't want to be the chosen student in the first place, actually got a little upset by the statement. "What do you mean it won't be me? Why do you think I wouldn't?"
"Because, Jaden. I will be the one that wins."
"Come again?"
"You're a great duelist, Jaden. So, it's only natural that you are NOT picked as the prize. If you were, then you wouldn't be able to enjoy the duels in the tournament."
"Well, I guess you have a point. But, then again. If I win...doesn't that mean I go on a date with you?"
A flush of red appeared across Atticus' face. He hadn't thought that far ahead in the conversation. He had no idea that Jaden would even think about winning the tournament. He thought that the Slifer Red would just focus on enjoying the duels, like he always did.
Thinking quickly on his feet, Atticus tried to sidestep his previous comment. "Well..umm...I said you are a great duelist, but that doesn't mean you will win the tournament. I'm sure someone else win it. So, no worries, right?"
Before Jaden could respond to the comment, a loud sound was heard from somewhere in the concourse. All of the students looked around for the source of the sound, finding that it came from the door that had been closed quickly, almost in a slamming manner. Upon looking in the direction of the sound, the students observed Professor Crowler emerging from a hallway and making his way to the front of the concourse. In his left hand, he was holding an envelop, which contained the student who had been voted in as the "prize" for the tournament.
There was dead silence in the lobby-type area. All eyes were following Crowler as he made his way to his destination, which did not take long. However, he didn't let that stop him from addressing the students waiting in anticipation. "Now, now. Don't everyone get excited at once. Yes. I do have the news you have been wanting. Now, just be patient."
Bonaparte was standing on the spot where Crowler was heading. He, too, decided to say something. "There you are! You're late, Crowler."
"Oh, pipe down, little man."
"Excusez-moi?"
"Now now, you two. There's no need to argue. Remember, we are here for the students." The arrival of Chancellor Sheppard's voice stopped the inevitable fight that was going to have erupted. Instead, it appears that it was postponed for the moment. Knowing Crowler and Bonaparte, they would seen start arguing with each other once all of the students were gone.
In unison, both Crowler and Bonaparte apologized. "Sorry, Chancellor." Both of them, in unison as well, bowed their heads in forgiveness, a custom that Sheppard had become accustomed to since Bonaparte and Crowler would often do something wrong.
"Well, then Since that is out of the way, Crowler, would you care to make the announcement to the students gathered here?" Sheppard looked at one of his Vice-chancellors with a smile on his face, as a pleasant sound in his voice. It was easy to tell that Chancellor Sheppard was both eager and excited to hear which students the rest of the student had voted him. After all, a tournament like this one wasn't something that came around that much.
With a nod of his head, Crowler walked back to the front of the throng of students. They all had finally quieted down after the initial arrival of the Vice-Chancellor to the concourse. "Very well, then."
"Attention, students! As you know, over the past few days, you came to this building and casted your votes for which student would be the one that goes on a...date with the winner of the Graduation Duel tournament." Crowler knew that if dragged this on too long, it would more than likely turn into one of his lecture that could last almost an hour, which wouldn't necessarily be a bad thing, but even the suspense was starting to get to him, as well.
He continued on, trying to wrap this up so he could get back to what he was doing. "A select group of faculty members have counted the votes, and the results are in this envelop." The Vice-Chancellor held up the white envelop for everyone to see. In actuality, he was holding it up in hope that he would be able to see the name of the student if just enough light past through the folder paper. To his disappointment, this was not the case. The paper used to fold into the envelop was thicker than he thought. The name did not show through.
Quietly sighing to himself, Crowler pulled the envelop down to chest-level and proceeded to talk again. "Now, the moment that you have all been waiting for. I will now open the envelop and announce who you, the students, voted for."
Taking out what seemed like a knife, Crowler placed the pointy end of it against the side of the envelop, forcing the letter opener between two sections. After getting it all the way through, in one swift move, he jerked the letter opener upward, effectively cutting the folded portion of the envelop apart, exposing the folded paper inside. He looked down at the white envelop, seeing if he could make out a name. Once again, to his disappointment, Crowler was unable to see the name of the student. He quietly sighed to himself again.
"Students, faculty, Chancellor Sheppard. I present to you the student who has been voted on. And, the lucky pupil is..." Crowler pulled the paper out of the envelop. In his mind, at least he knew that he was still going to be the first person to know. While he had wanted to know all along, still being the first, even in front of his boss, peers, and students, meant something to the man.
He unfolded the paper...and his eyes widened upon seeing the name. He couldn't help himself in what happened next. "WHAT! THAT is who it is? This can't be right!" His reaction got a lot of confused looks from the students, as well as the dorm leaders and Chancellor Sheppard.
"Is there a problem, Crowler?" Chancellor Sheppard walked up behind Crowler, making his presence immediately known to the other man. Crowler turned around, handing the paper to his boss. Sheppard happily accepted, looking over the writing on the paper and studying everything on it.
"Chancellor, do you think there could have been a mistake?"
"I don't think this is a mistake at all, Crowler. I think the students have spoken."
"But, Chancellor! Surely there was a mix-up during the voting."
"Now, Crowler. Just because the student you were hoping to win didn't get the nomination, it doesn't mean something went wrong. Now, please announce this to the rest of the student body."
Still not believing that the students, HIS students, had voted for the one named on the paper, Crowler reluctantly took the paper back from Sheppard, almost scoffing as the white parchment was in his hands. "Alright, then. I guess there isn't much that can be changed now." Crowler turned around, with Sheppard giving him a positive nod.
"While it is hard to believe, the nominated student is..."
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"What do you mean it can't be changed?"
Jaden was almost shouting. The brunette, Syrus, Alexis, Hassleberry, Atticus, and even Chazz, had all gone to the Chancellor's office, in hopes that the nomination could be changed from it's current outcome.
"I'm sorry, everyone. However, your fellow student's have spoken. In addition, the announcement that student's could withdraw themselves from the nomination process was made right after we stated that the Graduation Duel event would be this tournament Chazz suggested. I'm sorry, but it cannot be changed.
All of the students in his office were still shocked. They had hope that, since most of them had been at the school for almost a full two years, they would have been able to pull some strings and get the nomination changed. But, it seemed as though Chancellor Sheppard was not going to budge on the subject. He knew that he had to remain adamant on the decision. It wasn't in his character to go back on things like this, and he wasn't going to start now.
But, Crowler, in a rare instance, agreed with Jaden. "I have to agree with Jaden, Chancellor. There must have been some kind of way that we can change the nomination. After all, the tournament hasn't even started yet. So, it can't be that much trouble to just change the name."
"Please, Chancellor Sheppard. Can't you do us this one favor?" Alexis spoke up.
"Alexis is right. It just doesn't feel right. It needs to be changed." Hassleberry commented afterwards.
"Please, Chancellor. Isn't there anyway that it can change?" Syrus' voice quivered slightly.
"Yeah, and don't forget who risked everything last year to protect those Sacred Beast cards. You kinda owe us." Chazz spoke in a rather arrogant tone.
"Look, everyone. I know you may not like the outcome of the nomination, but I will not back down from this. When the tournament starts, he is going to be the one that other students may potentially win a 'date' with. That is my final decision."
All of the students, as well as Crowler, all hung their heads in dejection. They knew that Sheppard was a kind-hearted person, but they did not know that he would stick to his guns like this. Surely, there must have been a way to change it. He was in charge of Duel Academy, after all. It was well within his power to make an announcement to the rest of the student body that there was a change in the nominations and that a new student was now the nominee. However, the older man didn't move one bit in his decision.
Seeing that there was no reason to say in the office, Jaden and company left. First it was Jaden, then Syrus, followed closely by Hassleberry and Chazz, with Alexis leaving last. As the door closed, a slight gust of wind came into the room, knocking a few pieces of paper off of Sheppard's deck and onto the carpeted floor. One of them was the same piece of paper that had the student nominated by his peers. As it fell to the floor, Crowler and Sheppard caught sight of the student's name one more time.
"Syrus Truesdale"
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There we go! Chapter 4 is now complete!
Things are starting to shape up for the second year students of Duel Academy! Chazz's idea of a Tournament of Love? Syrus being the student nominee? Crowler AGREEING with Jaden? It is as though the end of the world is coming! Ok, not really, but it is still quite dramatic (ok...not really...again...).
Anyway, time to wrap this, and I will see you all in Chapter 5 – Love-struck Duels!