A/N: HI READER
It's time for part two of the duel of judgment. Jaden and Syrus VS their mystery enemies.
I'm glad everyone enjoyed the duel last chapter, and I just want to say stay tuned for the end for a special announcement regarding you all.
But now let's continue.
LET'S RIDE!
CHAPTER 9: DUEL OF JUDGEMENT! TAG TEAM TRIAL!
Last time, on Kamen Duellist GX!
Zeke was the first of the expulsion duels, duelling against the infamous Bandit Keith. All went well, until the mysterious Shadow Duellist Enigma possessed Bandit Keith. The game quickly became a Shadow Game, in which the two duellists fought with their hardest with Zeke becoming the victor in the end. But at a cost, Zeke fell unconscious, and Enigma got away.
At the infirmary, Chancellor Sheppard stood at the bed where Zeke was currently resting. "How is he Ms Fountain?"
"Well…" She began, but was interrupted when the door burst open. Jaden, Syrus, Alexis, Jean, Bastion and Chumley poured in. The group of kids had worried faces when they saw the state of their friend.
"Zeke!" They said in distress.
"Kids?" Sheppard acknowledged. "What are you doing here?"
"What else? We're here to check up on Zeke." Jaden explained. "Is he okay Ms Fountain?"
"Well, he's stabilized, so he's in no danger." She explained.
"Thank goodness." Bastion sighed.
"Although, we did have to put him on painkillers, that's why he's asleep right now."
"When will he wake up?" Alexis asked.
"My best guess is maybe a day or so."
"That's good." Jean sighed. "Still, to think he had to go through that again."
"Again?" Sheppard asked.
"Zeke told us that a few years ago, he had an encounter with a group known as the Neo-Rare Hunters." Jaden said.
"He told me about it before we went to the Abandoned Dorm." Bastion said. "He said it was bad, but not as bad as this."
"How did he get out of it safely?" Sheppard seemed curious.
"He said there was this stranger in green that was with him in a tag duel." Syrus answered.
"And…" Bastion spoke up, making everyone look to him. "The evidence points to Crowler somehow knew of his history of a Shadow Game. That's probably why he chose Keith since he was once a Rare Hunter."
"I may have a word with Vellian after this. If you would excuse me." He walked out of the infirmary.
It was quiet for a moment, before Jean spoke up. "Alexis, you seem quiet."
"I'm worried about him." She said, sitting down next to the bed. "I lost my brother in a so called Shadow Game, and now Zeke's hurt because of one."
"Zeke's a tough dude, he'll be alright." Jaden assured. "Something like this won't hold him down, he'll come back stronger than ever!"
"You think so?"
"I know so!"
This place? Why is it that I keep coming here?
"Hello? Anyone there?"
"Behind you." That voice, Tsukasa? "Welcome to your mind." My mind?
"How can this be my mind?"
"I dunno, it just is. From what I've discovered, this place is sort of a recovery realm for you. You can even talk to us here."
"All of you?"
"Every single one of us my PRODIGY!" Of course they're all here. Why wouldn't they be?
"So what do I do here?" This place is very bland, maybe I can decorate.
"You could decorate this place, who knew your mind was this blank?" WOW! Just wow!
One day later!
Jaden and the gang visited Zeke before the tag duel. They were about to leave again, before a light groan caught their attention. Zeke groggily opened his eyes, the first thing he sees being to bundle of blonde hair.
"Al…exis?" He muttered.
"Zeke?!" Alexis gasped, snapping to attention. Everyone immediately ran up to Zeke's bed.
The downed Ra grumbled before sitting up. "What I miss?"
"You…..you…" Alexis held back a happy cry.
"Welcome back buddy!" Jaden cheered.
"Glad you're recovering." Bastion smiled. "You had us worried."
"You idiot! Acting all tough and cool." Jean sniffled, relieved to see her friend ok. Syrus and Chumley just openly weeping happily.
"Guys….I'm fine. Honestly." Zeke chuckled.
"I'll go get Chancellor Sheppard and Ms Fountain." Chumley ran out the infirmary.
"Are you sure you're okay?" Bastion asked.
"Yeah…" Zeke went to move upwards, but he cringed in pain. "Ow, never mind! On second thought it still hurts!" He slid back down to a laying down position. "A little help please…" Jean and Alexis helped move Zeke to a comfortable upright position. "Thanks."
"Still seems like it hit you hard." Jean said. "I can't believe you got roped into another Shadow Game."
"It shouldn't have happened in the first place." Bastion said. "Bandit Keith went clean and left the Rare Hunters when his mind control broke. So how did a Shadow Game start?"
"Enigma did say Keith had a small amount of time in the shadows so he was able to possess him." Jaden remembered.
"We should get Crowler in here." Alexis figured. "After all, he was the one who picked Bandit Keith for Zeke's duel so there's no way knowing who he's picked for Jaden and Syrus."
"I say bring em on!" Jaden grinned. "We can take whoever Crowler sends at us, right Sy?"
"Yeah….sure." Syrus said uncertainly.
"Still, we can't exactly blame Crowler for this." Zeke said, causing the others to look at him confused. "He didn't know that some crazy duellist would possess him."
"If anything Crowler somehow found out about you Shadow Game a few years back." Jean guessed, in which the others nodded in agreement.
The doors opened and Chancellor Sheppard and Ms Fountain entered. "I see you're up now Zeke." Chancellor Sheppard said.
"How are you feeling?" Ms Fountain asked.
"Seething in pain, but overall, I'm good."
"Don't worry; you're in good hands." She assured.
"And I'm happy to inform that Crowler has explained himself for what he's done." Sheppard said. "He said he found out about your Shadow Duel years ago, so he found an available duellist who was once in the Rare Hunters. He also says sorry for what he's done."
"You didn't fire him?" Jean asked him.
"Normally we would, but since what happened was not what he planned we only put him on probation. Even Seto Kaiba gave him a bit of a lecture."
"At least he learned his lesson." Zeke then got serious. "Wait, what happened to Keith?"
"He was sent back to the mainland to recover." Sheppard then turned to Jaden and Syrus. "Now you boys better prepare for your duel."
"Alright then. C'mon Sy!" A loud grumble then came from their stomachs. "But first, how about some breakfast?"
"Something's never change." Zeke smiled. "Breakfast does sound good though. I could go for some pancakes."
"Sorry to say but you can't eat any solids while recovering." Ms Fountain said, making the injured Ra a little sad.
"Oh."
"Not to worry Zeke, I can ask the cafeteria to make a special shake for you to drink." Bastion left the infirmary, and Zeke had a bit of a 'oh no' face.
"I should be worried." He said, in which everyone laughed a bit. "Ha-ha, OW-OW! It hurts to laugh!"
"Take it easy Zeke." Jean said. "If it's that bad, I'll make a fruit smoothie for you."
"Orange, banana, grape and melon please." Zeke said, feeling a little relieved.
"Gaim special, got it."
"Alright kids, better get going. Classes start soon and the tag duel will be this afternoon." Ms Fountain told them, she then turned to Zeke. "I'll be at the back to get some painkillers."
"Hey Jaden, Syrus, good luck out there guys. I know you'll win." Zeke weekly gave a thumbs up.
"Thanks bud, get well soon." Jaden returned the thumbs up.
Soon enough, everyone left besides Alexis. "Aren't you going?" The blonde shook her head.
"Nope. I have permission to stay to see you get better."
"But your classes."
"I can ask Mindy and Jasmine for notes."
"You sure, I don't want you to fall behind just for me."
"I'm sure."
"Okay then." The two sat in silence for a while. "Can you do me a favour?"
"Sure." She walked to the door, but stopped and looked over her shoulder. "And Zeke."
"Yeah?"
"I'm glad you're okay. I thought that Shadow Game would…"
"Yeah, me too. But all's well ends well, and I'm okay now. Thanks though." Alexis smiled and left the infirmary, and Zeke sighed in relaxation.
"Real smooth buckaroo." Daiki said, leaning against the wall. "You really know how to steal a woman's heart." He joked.
"Can we not right now? I'm trying to recover here."
"If you ever want some advice that's not from a perverted turtle, you could always ask me and Wataru." Ryu said, the bike themed Rider taking a seat.
"Seriously, guys, I don't need advice on how to ask out my crush."
"Nonsense! We must push this further. Every God must have their Goddess!" Kuroto said, before being sucked into a green and silver device on Kiriya's arm.
"Thank you. But really, I can handle my love life by myself. I don't need Ryu, I don't need Wataru, and I certainly don't need Urataros."
"I mean, Shinji had a girlfriend at some point…" Daiki suggested.
"No~~~~!" Zeke whined.
Later on!
Classes were over, and the arena was once again filled with students.
Bastion, Chumley and Jean were in their seat, and noticed the tense atmosphere. "This is worse than I thought. Even after the duel, everyone is still uneasy." Bastion noticed.
"Maybe Jaden and Syrus will get a pass because of what Crowler did?" Chumley hoped.
"We know that ain't happening." Jean responded. "Jaden and Syrus will have to pull through this on their own."
Meanwhile…
After finally getting the Riders to shut up, Zeke was lying down again. "I'm back." Alexis said, walking in with a big glass.
"Hey…" Zeke grunted, pushing himself up. "Is that….Bastion's remedy?"
"Nope, the chefs were disgusted with it so Jean asked for the smoothie." She gave it to Zeke, who happily drank through the straw.
"Well it's better than anything." Ms Fountain walked into the infirmary.
"Hey Ms Fountain, am I clear to go?" Zeke asked hopefully.
"Not quite." She said as she handed Zeke some painkillers. "We have to keep you here for a few more days so you can recover physically."
"Oh…ok."
"Here." Ms Fountain gave Zeke a laptop. "The duel is gonna begin soon so you can watch it from here on my laptop."
"Thanks." Ms Fountain left and Zeke turned to Alexis. "Wanna watch?"
"Sure."
At the Duel Arena!
"Will the participants of the disciplinary duel step forward?" Crowler announced, Jaden and Syrus walking atop the platform.
"Alright Syrus, it's now or never." Jaden said.
"Right." Syrus nodded.
"And without further ado, allow me to introduce our special guests!" Two men started flipping all around the arena before flipping on stage. They were both bald wearing Chinese robes, one green one orange. They have strange markings on their foreheads. Bastion, Jean, Chumley and Zane, who still had his stoic face, watched in amazement as then perfectly landed on the arena.
"Who are they?" Jaden and Syrus asked.
"The Paradox Brothers!"
Back at the infirmary!
"The Paradox Brothers?" Alexis gasped.
"Oh jeez. Joey told me all about these two, they're no pushovers when it comes to tag teaming. They also rhyme and it's annoying."
Back at the Arena!
"Salutations you fools." The orange one greeted.
"Hope you're ready to duel." The green one added.
"Uh, never heard of these guys." Jaden said, amused by the rhyming.
"Me neither." Syrus said. "Maybe this won't be so bad."
"Perhaps, since they haven't duelled in so long." Crowler stepped in. "But these two have only lost one game, and that was against Joey Wheeler and the King of Games himself."
"No way. They fought Yugi Moto?" Syrus gasped, the Paradox grinned at Syrus' reaction.
"These two are rumoured to be the best tag team duellists in the world. It's not fair." Jean complained.
"I think that's Crowler's plot." Bastion said. "Statistically speaking, I put Syrus and Jaden's odds of winning are one in fifty.
"Hey Chumley." Chazz called to the big Slifer. "Looks like there's gonna be a lot more room in your dorm, cause they're toast."
"Not lishus…" Chumley groaned. Zane just kept his stoic face.
"Duellists, prepare for battle!" Crowler said over a microphone. "The rules of this duel are simple, each team will have 8000 life points, rather than each player having 4000. There will be no strategy sharing, no sharing advice, and no sharing of cards that aren't in play. You CAN however use cards that are on the field. Understand?"
"Yeah." They all replied.
"Alright then…ready?"
"DUEL!"
Jaden/Syrus: 8000
Paradox Brothers: 8000
"Get your game on!" Jaden said as everyone drew their starting hand, he looked to Syrus and nodded.
"Here I come! First I'm going to summon Gyroid in ATK mode!" The cartoonish helicopter appeared on his field.
(Attribute: Wind
Level: 3
ATK: 1000
DEF: 1000
Type: Machine)
"You must be joking!" Para said. "I'm surprised that thing even has an ATK mode. This on the other hand…Jirai Gumo!" On Para's side was a giant brown spider.
(Attribute: Earth
Level: 4
ATK: 2200
DEF: 100
Type: Insect)
"An overgrown bug?" Jaden asked. "That's nothing my deck can't squash! I summon Elemental Hero Burstinatrix in DEF mode!"
(Attribute: Fire
Level: 3
ATK: 1200
DEF: 800
Type: Warrior)
"A best defence is a good offense!" Dox said. "I summon Kaiser Seahorse in ATK mode!" On Dox's field is an armoured seahorse humanoid creature carrying a spear.
(Attribute: Light
Level: 4
ATK: 1700
DEF: 1650
Type: Sea Serpent)
'Okay, if I know duelling like I think I know duelling, these guys are going to attack next.' Syrus thought to himself.
"I choose to play a spell in my hand!" Dox announced. "Tribute Doll! To activate it, I must sacrifice a monster on the field, thankfully my brother is so generous." The two brothers shared a look. "Farewell Jirai Gumo!" Black vines erupted and consumed the giant spider. "Now I can summon a level seven monster, come forth Kazejin!" A gust of wind blew through the arena, and a huge green ball with arms and Japanese kanji appeared.
(Attribute: Wind
Level: 7
ATK: 2200
DEF: 2000
Type: Spell Caster)
"That's not good." Zeke groaned.
"Why is that?" Alexis asked him.
"When Joey told me about their tag duel against these two, he said that the Paradox Brothers have an ace monster which requires three separate pieces to summon. That green ball is one of them."
"Kazejin?" Chumley asked confused.
"One of three special monsters that the Paradox Brothers use to summon their secret weapon." Bastion said. "And if that's summoned, they may as well lose."
Jean was having none of this, and slammed a rolled up piece of paper atop his head. "You should stop being a Negative Nancy if you know what's good for you." She deadpanned.
"Noted…" He cringed.
"Do you actually thinks you know this game?" Para asked.
"You're losers, you're jokes, and in fact you're lame." Dox added.
"And if they think this is starting to get gruelling."
"Just wait until I give them a true schooling!" Dox took another card from his hand. "I play the spell Dark Designator! This powerful spell lets me to call out the name of any monster I can think of. And if it's in my brother's deck, he can add it to his hand. Now let me see….Sanga of Thunder!" He pointed to Para.
Para put on an innocent face before smirking deviously. "What do you know, it's here ready to tear them asunder."
'You've gotta be kidding me!' Jaden thought. 'Two level seven monsters in one turn?'
"This duel is just starting…"
"Yet it is almost done…" The two then pointed at the boys.
"For your demise has already begun!" They said at the same time, making Syrus gasp.
"Don't worry Sy, they're just saying that because it rhymes." Jaden assured.
"What do you think Jaden?" Syrus asked him. "If we quite now we'll get more time to pack."
"The only thing we're packing is some serious duelling punch!" Jaden grinned. "I'm telling you, we'll beat these guys Sy."
Syrus smiled. "You know what Jay, we are packing some serious duelling punch!" He took a side glance to Zane in the stands. 'Not only will I show the Paradox Brothers, but I'm going to show my brother as well. I want to remain in this Academy and that's what I'm going to do!' He put on his game face and drew his card. "All aboard! I summon Steamroid in ATK mode!"
Steamroid appeared next to Gyroid, letting out a train whistle.
(Attribute: Earth
Level: 4
ATK: 1800
DEF: 1800
Type: Machine)
"Next I play Polymerization!" The two cartoonish machines fused together in a vortex. "Check it out, I fuse Steamroid and Gyroid to summon the ultimate engine, Steam Gyroid!" Steam Gyroid flew out of the vortex, landing on Syrus' field.
(Attribute: Earth
Level: 6
ATK: 2200
DEF: 1600
Type: Machine)
"Now that's locomotion!" Syrus said. "You see, you made a mistake with all that teamwork. By sacrificing Jirai Gumo, you left your brother open wide!"
"Uh Sy…" Jaden tried to get his attention.
But Syrus was too pumped up to hear him. "And I'm coming in! Attack Para!" The propellers on Steam Gyroid started to spin, and he flew over to Para.
"An attack?!" Para seemed shocked
"Got that right!" Steam Gyroid came closer and closer to Para.
"Brother, if you would please." He lost the shocked look and was replaced with a smirk.
"It would be my pleasure." Dox also smirked and motioned to his monster. "Kazejin, defend with Squall Barricade!" Kazejin hovered in front of Para, blowing gusts of wind which stopped Steam Gyroid's attack. "Our monster's effect, do you like?"
"It reduces the damage to zero without a fight!" Para rhymed.
"So I goofed?" Syrus asked, stunned by his mistake.
"It's no biggie Sy." Jaden assured.
"Yeah….right…"
"I'm serious pal, just keep going."
"Alright, I place a card face down and end my turn."
"A smart move at last." Para mocked. "I play Monster Reborn to revive the frightful Jirai Gumo!" The giant spider reappeared on the field.
(Attribute: Earth
Level: 4
ATK: 2200
DEF: 100
Type: Insect)
"And I play the spell Tribute Doll!"
"Not again!" Syrus whined.
"Yes again! I choose the sacrifice Jirai Gumo to summon Suijin!" The spider was once again wrapped in black vines. A torrent of water flooded the arena, and a pair of legs with a mouth in the crotch area appeared.
(Attribute: Water
Level: 7
ATK: 2500
DEF: 2400
Type: Aqua)
"Is that…"
"The second piece? Yes, they only need one more, and I'm pretty sure they're gonna summon it right about now."
"But I'm not done yet. Mind if I borrow a monster brother?" Para asked him.
"Please, that's why it's there." Dox nodded.
"I sacrifice Kaiser Seahorse!" The monster seemed to split into two, and was covered in lightning. "You see, when Kaiser Seahorse is sacrifice to summon a light attribute monster, he counts as two monsters! I summon Sanga of the Thunder!" Lightning struck the two Kaiser Seahorses, and a bronze floating monster emerged from it, it was only the top body with two arms.
(Attribute: Light
Level: 7
ATK: 2600
DEF: 2200
Type: Thunder)
"That's it! That's the one they need!" Zeke shot up, but immediately fell back down. "Ow."
"So are Jaden and Syrus in trouble?" Alexis asked.
"Maybe. But if they play their cards right they can beat it."
"Now I place their odds at one in five hundred." Bastion analysed.
"What are the odds of you shutting up? And what did I say about being negative?" Jean threatened, making the Ra slump down.
"Three monsters on our side, what could be better?" Para asked sarcastically.
"I know brother, when they come together." Dox answered, also sarcastically.
"Prepare yourselves!" Para announced. "I sacrifice Kazejin, Suijin, and Sanga of the Thunder in order to summon Gate Guardian!" In a flash of light, the three monsters combined. Sanga was on top, Kazejin was in the middle, and Suijin was at the bottom.
(Attribute: Dark
Level: 11
ATK: 3750
DEF: 3400
Type: Warrior)
"Gate Guardian?!" Jaden asked in shock.
"He's enormous!" Syrus gasped.
"Wait until you see his attack. Go, attack Steam Gyroid with Tidal Surge!" Water, air and lightning flowed from Gate Guardian towards Steam Gyroid, destroying it.
Jaden/Syrus: 8000-6750
"Now we can see why these guys are tough." Bastion sighed. "This isn't a duel anymore, this is target practice for the Paradox Brothers, and Syrus is the bullseye."
"He just made a few mistakes." Chumley said. "I'm sure he can make a comeback…at least I hope he can. Jaden's good, but not good enough to win on his own."
This time Jean took two pieces of rolled up paper, and slammed both of them on the head. "No….negative….NANCYS!"
"I know it hurts…" Para said.
"But it's about to get worse." Dox added.
"If this gets as bad as their rhyming then we're in serious trouble." Syrus groaned.
"Then we better kick things up by double. Hey look at that, I'm starting to rhyme." Jaden laughed. "Well the bigger they are, the harder they fall, so let's take this thing down!"
"I'd like to see you try." Para said, laying down a face down.
"Then it's time to go to work!" Jaden said, drawing his card. "Sweet. You're about to get called out. First I'll summon Elemental Hero Clayman!" Clayman appeared next to Burstinatrix.
(Attribute: Earth
Level: 4
ATK: 800
DEF: 2000
Type: Warrior)
"And next I'll play Polymerization! With it I fuse together Burstinatrix and Clayman in order to summon Elemental Hero Rampart Blaster!" The Hero that emerged was an armoured female, with the same skin as Burstinatrix and wore a red helmet. She carried a small red shield on her left arm while her right arm was a cannon.
(Attribute: Earth
Level: 6
ATK: 2000
DEF: 2500
Type: Warrior)
Rampart Blaster took a defensive position. "Oh yeah, she's bad!"
"Yeah she's bad." Syrus agreed. "But not as bad as that Gate Guardian. He's got 3750 ATK points. Blaster will get blasted."
"No sweat Sy. That's what her ability is for." Jaden assured. "You see when she's in DEF mode, she can attack directly with her ATK cut in half."
"Our life points!" The Paradox Brothers panicked.
"Now go Rampart Blaster! Rampart Barrage!"
Rampart Blaster (ATK: 2000-1000)
Rampart Blaster put her cannon on top her shield, and fired a barrage of missiles at the brothers. "Sure it's only half, but hey it's a special effect, what are ya going to do?"
Paradox Brothers: 8000-7000
"A lucky move!" Dox sneered.
"All right! We're back in the game!" Syrus cheered.
"We were never out of it Sy." Jaden said.
'Jaden's right, we can win this!' Syrus thought to himself.
"It's my draw!" Dox drew his card. "I play the card Fairy Meteor Crush! And I'm equipping it to Gate Guardian. When Gate Guardian attacks a monster in DEF mode, the difference between ATK and DEF points are dealt as damage!"
"Not so fast!" Syrus interrupted. "You forgot I had a face down! I play Mystical Space Typhoon! And I use it to destroy your Fairy Meteor Crush!" A tornado blew into Gate Guardian.
"Right into my trap!" Para declares. "I play Judgment of Anubis! Foolish boy, this card lets me stop your spell by discarding one card. Your typhoon has become a mere tropical breeze." The Space Typhoon died down. "But wait, it does more. It also destroys one of your monsters!" Rampart Blaster exploded. "And then it deals the ATK back to you!"
Jaden/Syrus: 6450-4450
"I know it seems your back is against a wall." Dox stated. "But in fact the wall is right in front of you! I summon Defence Wall to end my turn!" In front of Dox stood a brick grey wall with arms.
(Attribute: Earth
Level: 4
ATK: 0
DEF: 2100
Type: Rock)
"As long as this card is on the field in DEF mode you can only attack it."
"The Gate Guardian on offence and Defence Wall on defe-" He stopped when he realised Jean was glaring daggers at him. "Never mind."
"It's your move!" Dox stated. "What are you waiting for?"
"Honestly, a miracle." Syrus sighed. He drew his card, and frowned in disappointment. "I…..summon Cycroid…..in DEF mode." On Syrus' field was an orange bike an eye and two arms.
(Attribute: Earth
Level: 3
ATK: 800
DEF: 1000
Type: Machine)
'Oh no Jaden's looking at me.' Syrus groaned in his mind. 'I know it's a weak monster, but it's all I got.'
"You summon a bike, well It's about to get flat." Para taunted, drawing his card. "Gate Guardian Tidal Surge Attack!" Gate Guardian blasted Cycroid with its blast.
Jaden/Syrus: 4450-1700
Bastion, Chumley and Jean gasped all at once. "Your life points are falling…"
"Your game is appalling…"
"There's nothing to do except give up and start bawling!" Everyone looked at Jaden, whose head was down and not moving an inch.
"What's wrong with Jaden?" Jean asked sadly. "Is he giving up?"
"It wouldn't surprise me. Just look at the field, two monsters to none." Bastion sighed.
'Please let them win.' Chumley begged in his thoughts. 'I'll give up on grilled cheese for a week! I'll fry them instead!'
"So Crowler, enjoying the students' punishment?" Sheppard asked the blue headmaster.
"Strangely, no I'm not. I still feel bad about what happened to that Ra. Tell me, is he okay after all that?" Crowler looked genuinely concerned, which surprised the chancellor.
Sheppard gave him a reassuring smile. "He's fine, and in fact, he said all is forgiven. Besides, Jaden and Syrus don't look weary. In fact Jaden looks like he's getting his second wind." Crowler snapped his gaze at the arena, and saw Jaden's face full of confidence.
The Paradox Brothers noticed this to. "Well, well, the Slifer Red forges ahead." Para smirked.
"When a smarter duellist would have fled instead." Dox taunted.
Jaden only scratched his head with a laugh. "Oh man, I'm starting to wish the Academy named us Slifer Orange. Then we wouldn't have to put up with these awful rhymes!"
The Paradox Brothers actually seemed insulted by this. The spirit of Winged Kuriboh appeared on Jaden's shoulder. "Yeah I don't think they got it."
"Forget about our rhyming…"
"Just focus on your card playing…"
"For the partner you have…"
"To win you have a long way." Dox finished.
"Don't listen to 'em Sy." Jaden assured Syrus, who looked ever so hurt.
"But Jay, they're right." Syrus looked down at the ground.
"No Syrus! They're wrong!" A voice called out. Jaden and Syrus looked to the entrance of the arena, and saw Zeke being held up by Alexis. "You gotta believe in yourself like we all believe in you! Remember one thing Sy, only you can change fate with your own hands!"
"He's right Sy!" Chumley said from the stands.
"We're all here for you!" Jean added.
"Here, here!" Bastion cheered.
"You know how to encourage people, don't you?" Alexis smiled.
"Well, he needed to hear it." Zeke replied.
Earlier!
"This isn't good for Jaden and Syrus." Alexis cringed.
"I know…" Zeke grimaced. "At this rate, they'll lose and be kicked out." Zeke then got an idea and turned to Alexis. "Alexis, I need you to do something for me."
"Yes, what is it?"
"I need you to take me to the Duel Arena."
"What?! You can't be serious!"
"Syrus needs words of encouragement. I need you to trust me." Zeke begged.
Alexis had to think a moment, before sighing and giving in. "Fine, I guess there's no stopping you." Alexis grabbed Zeke by the arms, and despite the pain, helped him walk to the arena.
Now!
"I still don't think you're in any shape to be out of bed." Alexis said to the Ra.
"Sometimes, the consequences are worth it." Zeke smiled.
"See Syrus, everyone is here for. And now to show I'll be with you all the way! I summon Sparkman in ATK mode!" Lightning struck the arena's floor, and the static hero emerged.
(Attribute: Light
Level: 4
ATK: 1600
DEF: 1400
Type: Warrior)
"Next I'll equip him with Spark Blaster!" A silver gun appeared in Sparkman's hand, wires attaching to his arm. "Now here's the kicker, with each blast of Spark Blaster I can change the position on one monster on the field. So your Gate Guardian takes a knee!" Blue static charged at the barrel of the Spark Blaster. He fired at Gate Guardian, who struggled before going to DEF mode.
"An odd choice by Jaden." Bastion said. "I hope he has something planned, otherwise he's wasted a turn."
"Do you want me to get something harder than a piece of paper?!" Jean snapped.
"You must be a fool, when Gate Guardian's in DEF mode he never tires." Para mocked.
"And thought I hate to feed the fire, Defence Wall is yet to retire." Dox added.
"Gee thanks." Jaden groaned. "I'm just gonna throw down a face down and end my turn."
"Fine then!" Dox drew his card. "I shall place this face down, it's up to you brother to do the rest."
"Excellent decision, I think it's for the best. For next turn, I will win this contest." Para sneered.
"Sy, you feel like you can do this?" Jaden looked to the smaller Slifer.
Syrus started to feel more confident, his face showing determination. "I know I can win this! Alright…here goes!" Syrus drew his card. "I play Pot of Greed! This lets me draw two cards!" Syrus drew his two cards, and grinned at his luck. "Jaden!"
"You got it?"
"Yeah!"
"Alright! Then show 'em the drill!"
Syrus looked at the two brothers. "Alright, I summon Drillroid in ATK mode!" The ground beneath shook, and a cartoon robot burst out. It had a drill on its nose and hands.
(Attribute: Earth
Level: 4
ATK: 1600
DEF: 1600
Type: Machine)
"Go for it Sy!" Jaden cheered.
"Open wide!" Syrus pointed at Gate Guardian. "Attack!" Drillroid revved it engines, and rushed to the huge monster. Just as it was about to penetrate, Defence Wall came sliding, taking the hit and shattering into hundreds of pieces.
Jaden/Syrus: 1700-1200
"Guess those idiots forgot Defence Wall's ability." Chazz cackled.
"A nice try…" Para commented.
"But not nice enough." Dox added.
"Gate Guardian still stands."
"Despite your best stuff!"
Jaden only grinned. "But that wasn't the best, right Sy?"
"What?" The brothers asked in confusion.
Syrus nodded. "Now that your Defence Wall is out of the picture, you're in for it now! Well a certain monster is anyway." Syrus activated a button on his Duel Disk. "I play Shield Crush! Like the name suggests, it destroys any monster hiding in DEF mode! Just like that Gate Guardian of yours!" A blast of green energy shot out of the card, and right through Gate Guardian.
"Gate Guardian is cooked!" Para exclaimed.
"I can barely look!" Dox cried.
Jaden grinned. "Way to go Sy! The bigger they brawl, the harder they fall!"
Throughout the arena, students clapped and cheered.
"Yeah!" Chumley cheered. "Fried cheese here I come!"
"Did you see that? Tell me you saw that! Did you see that?!" Bastion asked.
"Yes I saw it!" Jean glared. I'm sitting right next to you!"
"Hey, thanks for that great move Sy!" Jaden gave a thumbs up. "Told ya we'd beat him!"
"Mind if we join the praise you two?" Para asked, interrupting the moment.
"Because for destroying that monster…" Dox grinned.
"We should really thank you!" They both yelled.
Syrus stared at the two. "W-what?"
Para smiled evilly. "They say what does not kill you makes you stronger." He drew his next card. "That's true, after all, we're not beaten yet and we're about to become more powerful than ever before! I play the spell Dark Element! This spell can only be activated when Gate Guardian is destroyed. We pay half our life points…"
Paradox Brothers: 7000-3500
"We can summon a monster that can't be destroyed in battle." The two then said at the same time…"Dark Guardian!"
A dark, swirling vortex ripped open above the arena, a furious wind blowing around as a huge monster emerged from it. It's much taller than Gate Guardian, its bottom half it a mechanized spider, its top half looks like Vorse Raider, and it carries an axe.
(Attribute: Dark
Level: 12
ATK: 3800
DEF: 3800
Type: Warrior)
"Invincible and nearly 4000 ATK points?!" Bastion was losing his mind.
"This is bad!" Syrus whimpered.
"Guardian, attack Drillroid! Axe Slash Bash!" Dark Guardian's axe was covered in dark energy as he swung it down.
"Jaden!" Jean cried.
"Syrus!" Chumley cried as well.
"Not yet!" Jaden interjected. "I play my face down Hero Barrier! Sorry fellas, but this lets me stop one of your attacks so long as there's an Elemental Hero is on the field. And as you can see, Sparkman's still on the field!" Sparkman got in front of Drillroid, and sent out a shield of lightning.
"An impressive trap card." Para commented.
"I'd never thought they would be hard." Dox added.
'And just when I step up my game.' Syrus sunk to his knees.
"Chin up Sy." Jaden comforted his friend. "This match isn't over yet."
"But Jay…"
"But nothing pal, stand up." Jaden told him. 'Because you're going to get a good view for what I'm about pull.'
"Looks like the boy still wants to proceed." Para said.
"Really I thought for surely mercy he would plead."
"No, he would need smarts to want to concede."
"Don't you guys ever cool it with the rhyming?" Jaden asked, getting a bit annoyed. "It's my turn!" He drew his card. "Sweet! I play Legacy of the Hero! Since I have two or more Heroes with level 4 in my graveyard, I can draw three cards." Jaden drew three cards. "Next I play Fusion Recovery! This lets me bring back Elemental Hero Clayman and Polymerization." He took said cards from his graveyard. "Next I play Polymerization to fuse Elemental Heroes Avian, Bubbleman…and why don't we throw Sparkman into the mix!" All three Heroes flew into the vortex together. "All to create...wait for it…" In a flash of light, a new hero emerged. "And there he is, the Elemental Hero Tempest!" The Hero wore blue armour and had wild green hair, a glass visor covering his eyes, a pair of green metallic wings, and a cannon on his arm.
(Attribute: Wind
Level: 8
ATK: 2800
DEF: 2800
Type: Warrior)
"Fine creature." Bastion commented. "But still too weak to defeat Dark Guardian."
"Just whose side are you on?!" Jean shrieked at him.
"I'm sorry…" He whimpered an apology.
"An impressive move."
"Have you forgotten about Dark Guardian's effect? He's still deployed. And since in battle he can't be destroyed…
"Their beast is null and void."
"Void this. I'll normal summon Elemental Hero Clayman in DEF mode, and play Skyscraper!" The earth hero appeared, and multiple skyscrapers burst from the ground.
(Attribute: Earth
Level: 4
ATK: 800
DEF: 2000
Type: Warrior)
"Ever hear, you shouldn't play in construction zones? Well it's true, because my Elemental Hero gains an extra 1000 ATK points because he's weaker than your Guardian!"
Elemental Hero Tempest (ATK: 2800-3800)
"Now Tempest, attack Dark Guardian with Tornado Blast!" Tempest took to the air towards Dark Guardian and fired his cannon at point blank range.
"Didn't I warn you?! In battle he cannot be beat! So you Tempest's attack was wasted so…"
"Accept your defeat!" Dox finished for his brother.
"Sorry, but I use Tempest's effect!" Clayman disappeared. "Sorry you guys, but as long as I banish one of our cards to the graveyard, Tempest isn't destroyed." As the wind died down, and both monsters still stood.
"I don't get it, was he hoping for a tie?" Alexis asked.
"Don't know, but whatever Jaden's planning, hopefully will work." Zeke said.
"Clever." Zane said, the first thing he'd said during the entire duel. "Just so long as Syrus knows what to do next."
"Jaden…"
"Hey it's cool." Jaden assured his partner. "Syrus, everything will work our way if the right card is played when it's your turn."
"If he has a turn!" Dox said, drawing his card. "I play the trap One on One Fight! Though I'm sure you'd rather run and hide, this forces both our strongest monsters to do battle. So I hope Tempest is up for a rematch!"
"But it'll be a tie again, why do it?" Chumley asked.
"In order to keep Tempest on the field, Jaden will have to get rid of Skyscraper to keep him alive." Bastion grimaced.
"Well I don't wanna do it…" Jaden sighed. "But I sacrifice Skyscraper to keep Tempest on the field." The buildings were destroyed, and Tempest lost his boost.
Elemental Hero Tempest (ATK: 3800-2800)
"Your monster may be safe, but not your life points!" Dox said, as a shockwave ripped through towards the reds.
Jaden/Syrus: 1200-200
"That's all for me."
"But I can guarantee."
"Next turn the duel will be ours."
"Just wait and see!"
"All right Syrus, it's all up to you. If you really want to stay at the Academy, then concentrate and your deck will pull through." Jaden said. "Just be ready to play this card right!"
Syrus nodded and looked at his deck. 'Play…that's what my brother was saying. About the difference between using a card, and playing a card…but do I know the difference?'
Then it was like everything disappeared around him and he was face to face with Zane, wearing a blue middle school uniform while Zane still wore his Obelisk uniform. Zane stood with his back to Syrus, while the smaller red had his head.
"Hey Zane, what's the difference between using a card and playing it? Aren't they the same?" He asked his brother.
"That's something that can't be taught, only learned. It takes a special moment of pure clarity, when you duelling on a whole new level. A higher level, all the angles, all the moves. You won't think, just act…"
Syrus snapped back to reality. He placed his hand on his deck, ready to draw. 'No more thinking. Time to act!' "Here we go!" He drew his card. "Yes! First I sacrifice Drillroid, to summon UFOroid in ATK mode!" Drillroid disappeared, and was replaced with a cartoon UFO.
(Attribute: Light
Level: 6
ATK: 1200
DEF: 1200
Type: Machine)
"Also, I activate PowerBond!"
"What's that?" Both the brothers asked.
"A fusion spell to create a powered up Machine Type monster! And I know just the monsters to use…" He looked at Jaden. "Jaden, you mind?"
"Hey, what's mine is yours."
"Then I fuse UFOroid with Tempest, to summon UFOroid Fighter!" UFOroid turned into a hover platform with Tempest riding atop.
(Attribute: Light
Level: 10
ATK: ?
DEF: ?
Type: Machine)
"And it gets better, his ATK are the total sum of the combined monsters' ATK points!"
UFOroid Fighter (ATK: ?-4000)
"It matters not!" Para protested. "Cease your useless battle!"
"You know Dark Guardian cannot be destroyed in battle."
"I know, but it doesn't matter!" Syrus grinned. "Because PowerBond has an effect which lets me double the ATK of the Machine Type monster summoned." UFOroid Fighter glowed, his ATK doubling.
UFOroid Fighter (4000-8000)
"8000 ATK points?!" The Paradox Brothers gasped.
"Sure, Dark Guardian can't be destroyed in battle, but you still take damage." Syrus then pointed at Dark Guardian. "Attack, Cosmic Flux Blast!" UFOroid blasted a massive laser at Dark Guardian, and though it didn't destroy it, the blast still dealt damage.
Paradox Brothers: 3500-0000
Everyone cheered at the outcome, Jaden and Syrus had won! They beat the best tag duellists in the world.
"They won." Bastion said with a smile. "I must say I'm getting more impressed by them every day."
"I'm just glad Jaden gets to stay." Jean said gratefully.
"Don't you mean Jaden AND Syrus?" Bastion asked.
"You know what I mean! C'mon, let's go congratulate them." The three left to the arena. Chazz angrily kicked the back of the seat in front him, and left.
"No, it can't be…" Crowler said, falling to the ground. "How could this be?"
"Obviously because of your splendid teaching." Banner said, kneeling next to Crowler. "Oh wait, they're in my dorm." Pharaoh licked Crowler's face.
"That fur ball licked me!" Crowler panicked. "Does he have rabies?! Let me see his papers! CALL THE POUND!"
"We did it Sy, we won." Jaden said.
"Syrus was holding back tears of joy. "Yeah, we did."
"Nice job guys." Zeke said, as he was being helped over by Alexis as the others walked over as well.
"Thanks…" Syrus sniffled, regaining his composure.
"Well done all three of you." Sheppard said as he walked to the group. "The three of you have proved yourself to stay within the academy." Everyone cheered.
"Oh yeah…" Jaden said, remembering something. He pointed to the Paradox Brothers. "It was a real honour duelling you two, so if you ever want a rematch, just holler.
"Well said Jaden, but I'm sure it'll be even better written." Sheppard said, making the two reds and one yellow look at him. "I'd like a five page report of what you've learned, and single spaced." Sheppard walking away, and the three slumped.
"Oh come on! That's torture!" Jaden whined.
"Don't worry Jaden, I'm in the same boat." Zeke groaned. "If you want we can work together on it while I recover."
"Yeah I guess…"
As they were talking, Syrus was looking at Zane in the stands. 'I like to think I've impressed you Zane, that I proved myself as a great duellist like you. But I know I still have a lot to learn. But at least I can do it at the Academy.'
Ah there we go. We're done with the expulsion duels. And now for that announcement I talked about.
With the School Duel on the horizon, I need some opponents for it. So I'm reaching out to YOU! Now here's the thing, I already have an idea for a student from East Academy to duel Jaden, but I need more.
So here are the rules! They must be PM. And you can only submit ONE!
Single Division:
Name:
Age:
Gender:
Academy: (Must be south sorry)
Appearance:
Personality:
Deck:
Tag Team Divisions:
Tag team member one:
Name:
Age:
Gender:
Academy: North, East or South
Appearance:
Personality:
Deck:
Tag team member two:
Name:
Age:
Gender:
Academy: Same as tag one
Appearance:
Personality:
Deck:
Remember, you can only submit one, either single or tag team. You can make up your own deck, or pick an already existing deck. And they MUST, I repeat, MUST be PM to me.
That's all for now.
BYE, BYE.
