Zack: The day has come. Also, I hate Chazz's brothers.
Quillion9000: Yep. I don't think there's anyone that doubts you will.
Zack: I know. That's why I figure4d it was okay to say it up here.
Quillion9000:We should get started. Not sense in putting off any longer. Zack, hit that disclaimer.
Zack:Quillion9000 and Unknown entity328 do not own Naruto or Yugioh Gx. They only own their original characters and any plot points they may come up with.
Coauthor:Unknown entity328
Harbor, Morning…
Zack was staring up at a docked ship as Gerard sprung over the railing landing directly in front of him. "Not the coolest way to come to any location, but I can still dismount in fairly great fashion."
Zack smiled and shook his head. "Good to see you again Gerard."
Gerard patted Zack's back. "It's good to see you to. Especially now that your free of your parents. Speaking of which, you're going to have to give me the full story. People back home are going to want to hear about you besting your mother."
Zack nodded. "I have no problems with that."
Gerard became series. "Now we should talk about the abandoned dorm."
"You were able to find more information?" Zack asked.
Gerard sighed. "Not as much as you might think. I took information on every student as well as anything I could get on the dorm. Most of it, you already know or is information on the student's that vanished. There is one more piece of information I do have though.
This piece was buried deep within the academy's systems. It states that Professor Lyman Banner informed Atticus Rhoades and several more Obelisk of a Duel Exam. From what I can gather, the next event in that story would be the research trip which we know is false."
Zack was shocked. "Professor Banner!? You're sure this is correct?"
Gerard rubbed his chin. "Not entirely. Fact and fiction. Truth and lie. They're all so intertwined that it's hard to determine which documents are real, which were created so they could investigate this matter privately, and which are combinations of both."
Zack was thoughtful. "Professor Banner… He's such a good guy."
Gerard smiled. "I'm sure he is, and I'm not saying he did this. I'm just saying, that you may want to keep an eye on him."
"You've never steered me wrong before." Zack nodded. "I'll be sure to look for anything strange he may do or say."
Gerard began to walk off. "Well, I have to inform Sheppard that I've arrived. Afterwards, I'm going to go have a look around to see if there are any other stories to be found. I'll be cheering for you and your team today."
"You better man. Don't go getting into trouble." Zack warned.
Gerard chuckled. "When have I ever?"
Midday…
Alexis, Zack and Jaden stood behind Chancellor Sheppard as Seto Kaiba stepped off his yacht. One space over stood all the other students, and Crowler, awaiting the arrival of North Academy, but this didn't stop them from looking over at Kaiba in awe. Jaden tried to move past the teachers to talk with the man himself, but Zack was able to hold him back.
Sheppard held out his hand. "Mr. Kaiba, welcome back to Duel Academy."
Kaiba shook the man's hand. "Yes, I can see that at least the academy looks in tact from the outside." He turned his attention to the children. "So, these are the… freshmen… that will be representing Central Academy?"
Sheppard chuckled nervously. "I know why you are hesitant sir, but rest assured that Zack, despite his height, is a freshman."
Zack nodded. "It is true sir. My full name is Zack Henderson, and I am Duel Academy's captain. I am also its resident Obelisk-Slifer."
Kaiba nodded before turning his attention to the other members. "What are your names?"
"I'm Alexis' Rhoades. Duel Academy's top female student." Alexis replied.
Zack sighed and released Jaden.
He bolted forward coming to stand before Kaiba. "I'm Jaden Yuki and it is an honor to meet you."
Kaiba looked at each member, at length, before looking over Jaden at Sheppard. "I did trust in you to put together your team, so I'm sure they'll perform well."
Their attention was drawn to the docking sub.
Jaden tried to rush over, but Zack, once again, caught him. "I love the enthusiasm Jaden, but we should follow some form of protocol."
Seto and Sheppard walked over to stand with Crowler.
"I just can't help it! I have to know who I'm dueling!" Jaden exclaimed.
Zack walked Jaden over with Alexis walking with them. "I'm aware, but you'll see soon enough."
Some Time Later…
Zack and Alexis both had to keep Jaden from jumping the gun as the Chancellors, and Kaiba, exchanged pleasantries.
When they were done, Sheppard gestured to the team. "This is Team Central Academy consisting of our captain, Zack Henderson Jaden Yuki, and Alexis Rhoades."
"If it isn't the Slacker and Disgrace." Chazz stated as he, Jesse, and Mist walked past their fellow student and off the ship to the shock of everyone gathered. "I look forward to beating you both."
"That kid reminds me of myself when I was younger." Kaiba thought.
"Chazz! You're apart of North Academy's team!?" Jaden shouted in shock. "Since when did you transfer!?"
"Well, he has been gone for a few weeks Jaden, so it's possible for him to do it." Alexis chimed in.
Zack noticed that the girl, Mist, was staring at him intently. It kind of reminded him of Blair except it wasn't exactly like that.
He turned his attention to Chazz and smiled. "I must say, I'm glad to see you're doing well Chazz."
At this point, Jesse stepped forward smiling happily. "So, you're Zack Henderson" He held out his hand. "Name's Jesse Anderson and that there is Chazz, who you know, and Mist. It's a pleasure to meet you."
Zack shook the hand. "It's a pleasure to meet you as well." They let go. "I'd introduce my team, but that would be redundant given the fact that our Chancellor already did instead I'll say welcome to Duel Academy."
Before anymore words could be exchanged, wind whipped up around the area. Chazz's blood ran cold as he recognized his brother's helicopters.
"Hi Chazz." Jagger stated.
"What's going on little brother?" Slade asked. "Mind if we drop in?"
"Why are you here?" Chazz demanded.
"Why else? To celebrate your big dueling victory!" They said as they exited the helicopter. "You are gong to win, right Chazz?"
Cameramen exited the copters and began filming the brothers. The head cameraman directed his crew and explained, to the Chancellors and teams, that the event would be broadcasted to the entire world.
Kaiba glared at the Princeton's. "Hold everything. You may be able to afford your camera crews, but this is a private institute. That means you can't broadcast any duels unless I've given my consent. The only way that's happening is if all the duelists agree to it."
He looked between all six duelists waiting for a response.
Jaden exclaimed. "Are you kidding? I'm all for it!"
"I agree!" Jesse exclaimed with the same level of enthusiasm.
Jaden and Jesse shared a smile.
"I see no problem with this." Alexis stated.
"Quite." Mist agreed.
Zack nodded. "I'm used to filmed."
Chazz was the only hold out. He wished with all his heart that he could say no. It wasn't because he was afraid of the camera's. No, he wanted to say it to piss his brother's off. That was the problem. If he said no, then Jagger and Slade would never let him hear the end of it.
"I'll allow it." Chazz stated while looking away.
Zack glared at the older brothers. A picture was beginning to form in his mind of what they must have done to Chazz.
The older, Princeton brothers smirked thinking they'd gotten something over on Kaiba.
Kaiba smiled. "There you have it." He pointed at the head camera man. "These two want the duels broadcasted, so from here on out you broadcast the entire event. Do not stop until the final duel is played. Money is no object if these two try to shut things down."
The head cameraman nodded. "Y-Yes sir."
The two brothers glared at Kaiba, but he ignored them. "Both teams are free to do as they please until the event officially starts. Just remember to arrive on time.
With Team North Academy
"You two head on into the arena. I'm going to take this time to go over my deck once more." Chazz stated.
"Are you sure you don't want some company?" Jesse asked sensing that something seemed off with Chazz.
"The Chazz doesn't need any company." Chazz replied summoning his smugness from deep within.
Jesse seemed like he wanted to argue the point, but Mist placed a hand on his shoulder before addressing Chazz. "Alright, we'll see you in there when your ready."
Jesse sighed and nodded. "Yeah, we'll see you in there."
They left him, and Chazz walked to his team's locker room where he found Jagger and Slade waiting for him. "Hey."
"Is that all you have to say for yourself?" Slade asked.
"You abandoned Duel Academy Chazz and put our hard work at risk. For what? So, you could get away from us?" Jagger questioned.
"I-I-I…" Chazz tried to form a sentence.
"The fact is, you've always been the slacker of the family." Slade stated. "Right now, you have the chance to turn that around. You will go out there and win."
Jagger placed a briefcase before Chazz. "Don't say we aren't doing our part because this briefcase contains the most expensive cards we could get our hands on. Now, you have no excuse to lose." Jagger stated.
They moved for the exit with Slade saying, "Don't let us down Chazz."
Chazz clenched his fist before taking out his deck. The deck that contained cards given to and found by him. Crowler who gave him his union cards. Sure, he wasn't the good Doctor's biggest fan anymore, but the fact is that he'd once believed in Chazz.
Then there were the cards he found on the ice. That taught him that money couldn't solve all your problems. Sometimes, you had to work hard if you wanted something bad enough. Then the Armed Dragon cards given to him as a sign of believe from North Academy.
His gaze shifted from his deck to the brief case his brother's left him. He was torn between dueling for his brothers or dueling as himself. In this moment, alone in the locker room, he let out his frustration at the situation.
With Zack and Jaden
Alexis had gone onto the arena while Zack and Jaden ran to the school store picking up a comb and cologne. They were now walking back to the arena.
"I just want to point out that you wouldn't need those things if you'd just showered last night." Zack commented.
Jaden was about to answer when they heard Chazz's voice coming from the locker room ahead. "Man up Chazz. Show them that you're not a slacker!" Zack and Jaden snuck past the door and stopped to listen in. "Show then that your worthy of the Princeton name.
That you… you can win and keep winning." Chazz fell to his knees. "Over and over! That you're the best. You've got to do your part Chazz. Show them that your supreme. It's your duty! It's the plan!"
Zack gestured for Jaden to follow him, and they walked away from the locker room. "Poor Chazz."
"The guy is under a lot of pressure." Jaden smiled. "That's why we'll just have to show him how much fun dueling can be." He held out his fist. "Let's do our best."
Zack nodded and bumped the fist. "Right." He then turned back to the locker room. "Jaden go on ahead. I'm going to speak with Chazz."
Jaden patted his friend on the back before taking off.
Zack walked into the locker room finding Chazz still on the floor. "Chazz." Chazz turned around shocked that someone was there. "Look, you can yell at me all you want, but just hear me out. Dueling is supposed to fun, yet you can't have that if you worry about what your brother's think.
You may not believe me, but I've been in your shoes. My parents only cared if I could win, but I never could until I got my Konoha Shinobi. I felt so alone. Like I was trapped in cold, unfeeling darkness with nowhere to go. That all changed when my sister shined her light.
She pulled me out and gave me a better life. She gave me love. It's because of her that I stand here now. Look, I don't care if I help you or if you help yourself, but you need to break away from your brothers.
Be your own man and get out of the darkness because to them you are nothing more than an item. An item they would hesitate to throw away." He turned away from Chazz. "Also, I was serious back then. I've always wanted a brother."
With that, Zack left a silent, shaking Chazz behind. All he could do was hope that Chazz could rise from this, and if couldn't, then Zack would be right there to prop him up weather the Princeton wanted it or not.
Arena, Some Time Later…
Zack stood in between Jaden and Alexis waiting for the event to start. Chazz soon entered the arena, with his head hung, and made his way to his team. Shortly after Chazz appeared, The Chancellors commenced the event.
Crowler stepped up to the stage to address the gathered students. "The rules for this school duel are as follows. A team must secure three victories to win this even for their school. Team captains will decide who duels with North Academy choosing their duelist first.
After that, we the first duelist sent out will switch between the teams. So, North Academy, Central Academy, and so on. Each member of a team must compete once. If there are more than three duels, then that rule will now longer apply. Now, will the team captains come onto the stage and shake hands."
Zack and Jesse made there way to the center of the stage coming to stand across from one another.
"Before we shake hands, I have a request." Jesse stated.
Zack asked. "What is it?"
"Mist, our Shinobi duelist, wishes to test her deck against yours." Jesse pointed at his female teammate. "I'll be sending her out during the third duel."
Zack nodded. "I see no problem with that."
Jesse smiled. "Thanks pal."
They shook hands, parted, and walked back to their teams.
With Team North Academy
"We're up first, so Chazz you want to start us off?" Jesse asked.
Chazz shook his head. "The Chazz needs a minute."
"Alright, I'll start us off." He rested a hand on Chazz's shoulder. "Take this time to collect yourself.
Chazz solemnly nodded as Jesse climbed onto the stage.
With Team Central Academy
Zack watched as Jesse climbed onto the stage.
He then turned to Alexis. "Alexis, give us a strong start."
Alexis was surprised. "You want me to go first?"
"I could send Jaden, but I trust you can get us that first win." Zack stated.
Alexis nodded. "Alright, I will."
With Bastion, Syrus, Chumley, and Zane
Surprisingly, Zane had decided to sit amongst the crowd instead of standing in the back.
With Gerard
He stood at the entrance ready to recount the duel in his notes. "Alexis Rhoades is up first and she's facing Jesse Anderson. This should be interesting."
Stage
Jesse smiled. "So, you're my opponent? Alright, I'm excited to see what your deck can do."
"I'll show you exactly what it can do." Alexis stated with a smirk.
"Duel!"
(Alexis 4000/Jesse 4000)
"I'll start by playing the field spell Ritual Sanctuary." A church appeared around them. "I can now activate one of its effect to send a spell card from my hand to the grave and add Machine Angel Ritual to my hand.
I'll then activate it sending Cyber Prima to the grave so I can ritual summon Cyber Angel Benten(1800/1500)." A woman in a blue, sleeves out fit with long black hair and fan for a weapon appeared. "I end my turn."
"Nice combo." Jesse drew. "I have some of my own. I'll start by playing Crystal Beast Amethyst Cat(1200/400)." A pink cat with an Amethyst on its neck appeared. "I'll then activate the spell M Force granting my cat and extra 500 ATK points for the turn."
"I'll admit, that's a beautiful monster, but it's not strong enough to destroy my Benten." Alexis stated.
"Maybe not, but my cat has an effect. She can attack you directly at the cost of halve the damage she'd have done (Alexis 3150/Jesse 4000). I'll set two cards before ending my turns." Jesse declared.
Alexis drew.
With Zane's Group
"So, this is a small taste of what the Crystal Beast deck has to offer." Zane stated.
Bastion nodded. "Quite."
"Uh, I'm lost. What are those monster's that Jesse guy is using?" Syrus asked.
"There legend goes back to the time of Julius Caesar. He gathered seven rare jewels from around the world, but during their transport home, the ship they were on was caught in a storm. The jewels were lost until Maximillion Pegasus himself found them. He took a fragment from each one creating seven new monsters before going onto creating a deck around them." Bastion explained.
"That doesn't sound like a very luscious deck to face." Chumley commented.
Zane nodded. "It's not. The deck may not have the most powerful monster, but their effects are where they shine. Alexis will need to stay on her toes if she hopes to win."
Stage
"Alexis, you got this!" Jaden cheered.
Zack nodded. "All of Central Academy is behind you!"
Alexis smiled. "I activate Pot of Greed to add two cards to my hand. I activate Ritual Weapon giving my Cyber Angel Benten(3300/3000) some real kick. I'll then have her attack your Crystal Beast Amethyst Cat."
"I activate the trap G Force. Thanks to your attack, I'm allowed to summon a monster, in attack mode, from my hand and change the attack to him. Come on out Crystal Beast Amber Mammoth(1700/1600)."
The attack shifted to the blue mammoth (Alexis 3150/Jesse 2400). "Now my buddy becomes a crystal in my spell and trap card zones." An orange crystal appeared. "He won't be staying there for long because I activate my E Force quick play bringing him to my cat's side."
"A very impressive play, but my Cyber Angel has its own effect. You see, your monster was still destroyed even if it didn't go to the grave, so you now take its DEF as life point damage (Alexis 3150/Jesse 800). I'll set one card and end my turn.
With Sheppard and Foster
"Quite impressive." Foster commented.
Sheppard smiled and nodded. "Isn't she. Duel Academy's Alexis wasn't given the 'Queen of Obelisk' tittle for nothing."
Stage
Jesse drew. "I activate Pot of Greed adding two cards to my hand. I'll then activate GEM Burst. This spell has a great effect. By removing G, E, and M Force from my grave, I can place as many Crystal Beast as possible from my hand to the spell and trap zones. You then take 500 points of damage for each one. I got four."
"That means I take 2000 life points worth of damage (Alexis 1150/Jesse 800)." Alexis finished.
Jesse smiled. "Not exactly a win, but it's better than going out when your life points are high. I end my turn."
Alexis smiled as well. "You played well Jesse." She drew. "Cyber Angel Benten, attack Amber Mammoth (Alexis 1150/Jesse 0)."
The holograms vanished, and the duelist walked to the center shaking hands as the Central Academy students cheered. The North Academy students lamented their team's first loss.
With Team North Academy
Jesse walked back down to his team. He noticed that Chazz was now glancing from North Academy, to the Central Academy team, and finally to his brothers before repeating the process.
"Chazz, you sure you're okay pal?" Jesse asked. "You seemed a little freaked out."
Chazz shook his head and assumed his usual demeanor finally snapping himself out of his thoughts. "The Chazz is fine. I'd be better if you'd gotten us a win. Looks like I'll have to pick up the slack."
Jesse laughed. "Sorry about that. Alexis was a tough opponent."
"It doesn't matter. Just you watch, I'll get all the wins." Chazz crossed his arms. "I'll finally beat Jaden. Then I finish this by beating Zack."
Mist sighed. "You have the skills Chazz, but no duelist should count their wins until they get them."
Chazz turned away from her. "Whatever."
With Team Central Academy
Alexis joined her team.
"Nice duel Alexis!" Jaden complimented while also extremely excited to get his duel underway.
Zack gave a warm smile. "Indeed. You've set the tone for the following matches quite well. I knew you could do it."
Alexis smiled back at them. "Thanks, you two."
Zack turned to Jaden. "Alright Jaden, I can see your raring to go, so let's not waste any more time."
Stage
Jaden sprinted onto the stage and pointed at Chazz. "Come on Chazz. Get up here and let's duel."
Chazz walked onto the stage. "You're just as loud and annoying as I remember you Slifer Slacker." He turned to his new school. "You all know what to do! Let me hear you!"
Chazz's words seemed to break the melancholy that had fallen over the North Academy students as they began to chant. "Chazz it up! Chazz it up! Chazz it up!"
Chazz turned to face his former school. "That's right Duel Academy. The Chazz Princeton you all know has changed. What you see before you is the new and improved Chazz." He looked at Jaden. "That's right Slacker. I'm winning today, so show me what you got."
Jaden smiled determined. "With pleasure."
"Duel!"
(Jaden 4000/Chazz 4000)
"I'll start things off with Masked Dragon(1100/1400) in defense mode." A beige and red dragon appeared. "That'll do for now."
"Not after you see what I got for you." Jaden drew. "I play Elemental Hero Sparkman(1600/1400) in attack mode." The blue and gold hero appeared. "I'll have him attack your Masked Dragon."
Chazz smirked. "When Masked Dragon is destroyed by battle, I can bring out a dragon, from my deck, with 1500 or less attack points. I choose Armed Dragon LV 3(1200/900)."
The small, orange dragon with armor appeared to the cheering of North Academy.
With Sheppard and Foster
Sheppard was shocked. "Isn't that one of your school's top cards?"
Foster smirked. "Yes, it is. My school is here to win, so I've done what I needed to ensure that happens."
Stage
Sheppard began cheering for, but he was drowned out by the North Academy students cheering for Chazz.
Jaden smiled. "That's a sweet card Chazz, so I'm throwing down a face down. Now, show me what it can do."
"You asked for it slacker." He drew. "Since it's my Standby Phase, I can tribute this guy to summon Armed Dragon LV 5(2400/1700) from my deck." The dragon grew to medium size, turned red, and gained black armor with small spikes.
"I still have my normal summon, so I'll use it to bring out X-Head Cannon(1800/1500)." A Yellow and blue machine with two shoulder mounted guns appeared. "Now, I'll activate my Armed Dragon's ability.
You see, by sending a monster from my hand to the grave I can destroy one of your monsters so long as it's attack is less than that of the monster sent. I'm sending Infernal Incinerator to the grave."
Jaden looked at Sparkman. "That means…"
Chazz smirked. "That's right. Sparkman is destroyed leaving you open for a direct attack from my Cannon and Armed Dragon."
"Not so fast. I activate my Negate Attack. Halting your attacks and ending the battle phase." Jaden declared.
"You're only delaying the inevitable." Chazz declared. "I set one card and end my turn."
Jaden drew and smiled. "Just what I needed. I'll start by summoning Elemental Hero Burstinatrix(1200/800)." A gray skinned woman in a red outfit appeared. "I then activate Burst impact.
Since Burstinatrix is on the field, I can destroy all your monster and deal you damage equal to 300 times the number of monsters destroyed (Jaden 4000/Chazz 3400). Wait, there's more, I activate Polymerization.
Now I combine my Elemental Hero Burstinatrix on the field with the Avian in my hand to bring out Elemental Hero Flame Wingman(2100/1200)!" The green monster with a red dragon arm and white wing appeared. "I'll then play H-Heated Heart giving my Wingman a 500 ATK increase until the end of the turn. Now attack Chazz directly (Jaden 4000/Chazz 700). I end my turn."
Chazz drew and smirked. "This duel is over Jaden because I have everything I need to take you down. I start by activating Call of the Haunted allowing me to bring Armed Dragon Lv 5(2400/1700) back to the field.
He won't be staying because I just drew Level Up. This spell allows me to take my Armed Dragon up to it its next level without having to worry about its effect. Say hello to Armed Dragon LV 7(2800/1000)."
A large, red dragon with black metal armor appeared.
"That's not good." Jaden declared though he was still smiling.
"It's about to get a whole lot worse Slacker. I activate his effect. By sending Armed Dragon LV 10 to my grave, I'm allowed to destroy all monsters with less attack. His ATK is 3000 by the way." Wingman was destroyed. "Lastly, I summon V-Tiger Jet(1500/1800). Now Armed Dragon and Tiger Jet, wipe out Jaden's life points (Jaden 0/Chazz 700)."
Jaden had his head down as his life points hit zero.
With Team Central Academy
Zack and Alexis were stunned just like every other student of duel academy.
"I didn't think he'd lose." Zack stated.
Alexis nodded in agreement.
With Gerard
"Well, can't be expected to win all their matches, but now the score is tied between the two schools." He stated as he wrote down the last few events.
Stage
Jaden looked up and laughed. "Oh man, that was a great Duel Chazz. Let's duel again before this event is over."
Chazz scoffed at him. "I'm not interested Slacker." He pointed at Zack. "You and I will duel once your done with Mist, so don't even think of chickening out."
He walked off stage as the crowd cheered for him.
Quillion9000:put your pitch fork and torches away everyone. Yes Jaden lost his duel, but Unknown and I have our reasons for doing this. One you'll see next chapter and the other being that Jaden never once lost to Chazz even though the two of them dueled seven times in the anime. As such, we decided it would be good to at least have Chazz win once. just trust us okay.
Savoxgut:ok, I'm going to say it now, Zack's parents are even worse than I thought, I'll really hate to see them. Interesting new information about Zack helping the police, although I guess not unexpected. That Vector ... I wonder what is his secret?
Quillion9000:I honestly thought I gave more than enough hints, but I guess I won't go revealing it to soon. You'll learn more about him a little later.
Dark Green Demon:eh ... I think, for a moment I thought like Zack with respect to his parents, but uh ... just for a moment. What is Vector/Cero?
Quillion9000:Vector was the proctor Zack faced in the first couple of chapters. Cero is is old name.