AN: Hello, I have the next chapter here. This is the last chapter of this arc of the series, and it was fun. It took me a while to get the duel made, but I had lot of fun with the cards that got used. As well, I did give almost every character a card cosplay for this chapter. If you want, you can tell me which one you liked the most or thought was cool. As for which one was my favorite, I would say the one that gets revealed at the end makes me smile. Hope you enjoy this chapter, leave a review with your comments and questions, and have a nice day.
Cover Art By 203wolves on Twitter
Chapter 37 – The Dark Magicians
On the last day of the Duel Spirits Festival, multiple tents were set up severing all sorts of theme food. From Kuriboh Dumplings to Jerry Bean Burritos. While some students remained in their uniforms, most had dawned on their cosplay of duel monsters. One Slifer Red maiden was garbed in a yellow dress with white fillings. Her hair was adorned with pink ribbons tied in bows. She walked with a clipboard in hand, looking around at the other costumes before someone called out to her, "Blair!?"
Blair turned to see a young woman wearing a stone-like dress with a metal-framed skirt. Her hands and forearms were covered by red sleeves. She was accessorized with a stone bracelet on her arms and neck but also had a metal-plated tiara in her hair. While the red dye in the hair looked still wet, the blond parts that showed added to the layers of flames. The symbol of fire was seen throughout her dress, but on the emblem on her chest, a personalized one of a blazing heart was seen, "I thought it was you. The Maiden in Love looks adorable!"
"Thank you, Yang" Blair said with a bow, "And you're Laval Volcano Handmaiden?"
"In the burning flesh but could not get the tan exactly right." Yang said with a smile, "I guess the Sun has trouble burning something hotter than itself." She said before noticing the clipboard in Blair's hands, "What's that for?"
"Oh, Professor Goodwitch asked me to help pick out the good pairs to determine the winner of the contest." Blair answered, "She said she had more tests to make for when school resumes."
Yang sighed, "She needs to learn to take a break every now and then." The volcano maiden then smiled, "How does mine rank among what you have seen so far?"
"Well, you do look amazing." Blair said, "But I was told to judge on how well to pairs' monsters complement each other."
"Don't worry, we got that covered," Yang said before whistling.
Blair had a look of confusion, then heard a slight rumbling. At a nearby table, a cup of water was rippling in sequence to the set of stomping. Approaching an individual in a red dinosaur suit that had a large green expanded spine and a striped tail. While the head and neck looked like a mold, the jaw lowered to open, "RRRRRRRRRRAAAAAA!" a roar was heard from the human inside. At the chest, a black meshes spot was seen, where on the other side of the costume, the dino Ra Yellow was looking through, "How's that Sarge?"
"Nice." Yang said with a thumbs up, "You really are a Giant Rex." She said before turning back to Blair, "So? How do you like our combo?"
"Uh," Blair responded, "I don't get it."
"What?" Yang exclaimed, "I'm the volcano and he's the dinosaur. I burn, and he burns."
"Yeah," Tyranno added on, "There's even an eruption in my card art."
"So, your theme is the extinction of your partner?" Blair asked the volcano maiden.
"Well…" Yang responded, "It's not on purpose." She said with Blair looked back with half-open eyes, "Fine, you tell me who has on a better cosplay duo than us?"
"How about us?" Suddenly, another voice was heard, followed by a drumroll. The trio turned to see the electric Ra yellow dressed in an orange leopard attire with matching gloves and boots. Her now redder hair had what looked like horns placed in it. Attacked around her wrist was a drum set, which she played upon her introduction, "Introducing the sparking Thunder Nyan Nora." She said before the other person walked up. It was the posh Ra yellow, who wore an orange tiger-suit with a scar over his right eye, "And her Bastioness Tiger!" she declared before striking the crash cymbal to her right.
"…Rawr..." Bastion regretfully roared, "Nora, this is humiliating for me."
"Awe, you look great," Yang commented.
"Come on soldier," Tyranno added on, "Where's your pride?"
"I left it back with my dignity." Bastion responded in a monotone voice.
"Cheer up, we're about to win because we have the best pair." Nora said, then looked back to Blair, "Right?"
"Yours is even weirder?" Blair responded, pointing to Nora's attire, "Nyan Nyan is wearing the skin of what could have been his cousin." She said before pointing back to Bastion's tiger suit.
"But… I'm cute!" Nora responded, then turn back to Bastion, "Back me up here."
"..." Bastion responded, no emotion in his soulless eyes.
"Come on, who has a better costume than us?" Nora said before another rumbling was heard
The group turned to a new duo approaching. One what the affluent Obelisk Blue, where all but his face was covered in a makeshift metal tank of his union fusion monster. Next to him was a massive knight adorn in metal-plated armor with gems across the chest. "Well, how about our costumes?" Chazz spoke.
"Our connection is obvious." An echoed female voice was heard through the knight's helmet. When the face-plate was removed, the heiress Obelisk Blue was seen, "We are both powerful fusions that require three monsters to become one."
"Yes, I am the mighty XYZ – Dragon Cannon," Chazz answered.
"And I am the ultimate Gem-Knight Master Diamond," Weiss added on.
"Wow, you two went all out." Yang commented, looking to the knight, "But, I would have thought you would have picked your Lady Brilliant Diamond."
"…They sent me the wrong costume in the mail." Weiss responded, taking a proud stance, "But I make this work as well."
"Indeed," Bastion commented, "But is that real metal?"
"Yes," Weiss responded, "For authenticity sake."
"Wouldn't that be heavy?" Nora asked.
"Yes…" Weiss confirmed.
"And wouldn't it also be like a sauna in there with this sunlight?" Tyranno asked.
"…Yes…" Weiss confirmed again, sweat forming on her forehead, "…I need water."
"Well, your connection is noted," Blair commented, "But I don't think you two are going to win with this set."
"Well, who has better than our cos-" Chazz was saying until he saw something in the corner of his eyes.
Approaching was another duo from Obelisk Blue. Approaching was another duo from Obelisk Blue, both are a set of ballerina attire. Alexis wore a red and grey set with white ribbon slippers. She wore a near-transparent light-blue skirt and googles, her hair died a pink. Blake wore one that was blue and white, her skirt being yellow and slippers being orange. Her right arm had a puffy sleeve, while her left had a yellow bracelet. The shadowy obelisk blue wore a crescent-shaped orange emblem on her left shoulder, as well as a matching mask over her left eye. Her hair was now blue and tied in the back to look shorter, "Uh hey." Blake spoke.
"How about us?" Alexis added on.
"Wow!" Chazz spoke in glee, his face red.
"Yeah, those are great costumes!" Tyranno added on, turning to Blake, seeing a set of cat ears atop her head, "And those seem to really fit you."
"Thanks," Blake said as she while pivoting, "Though, it is kind of hard to walk with this tail."
"Still, what a remarkable cosplay." Bastion commented, "Cyber Tutu and Lunalight Blue Cat. The connection is perfect."
"Don't you mean, Purrfect?" Yang said, causing Nora to beat her drum twice before striking the symbol.
However, nobody laughed.
"…You'll have no taste in comedy," Yang said before crossing her arms.
"Regardless, that is the best cosplay duo I have seen so far." Blair said, "You two will definitely win the con-"
Suddenly, a flash was heard. The group turned to see Atticus standing with a camera. While not in cosplay, he wore the same announcer attire from the last school event. "Yep, I can't wait to send this to our family members."
"What?" Alexis spoke with a slight glare.
"Oh, I should send one to Zane as well." The endearing Obelisk Blue added on.
"Eh!?" Blake said with her face turning red.
"I'll just add him to text and-" Atticus said before barely dogging a kick from the Cyber Tutu. "Hey!" He said before avoiding a slash from the Blue Cat, "Yikes!"
"Give me that camera!" Alexis and Blake demanded before Atticus started to run away, causing them to give chase.
"Uh…" Blair responded, "Will they be back in time for the duel?"
"Don't know," Yang commented, "But hey, those two already had their time in front of the school with that dancing thing. Let someone else takes the stage."
"But who are you thinking?" Blair asked before the group heard another pair approaching.
A few hours later.
At the makeshift duel arena at the Slifer Red dorm, students gathered around with Blair and the others sitting in the front row. Addressing the group was Sienna with a mic in hand, "Alright, it is time for our main event for this Duel Spirits Festival." She said with a smile, "That's right, we have a special duel for our winners of the Tag Team Costume Contest." She said before gesturing to her left, "Say hello to Guardian Eatos and Winged Kuriboh!"
On the right side of the arena, Ruby waved while wearing a tribal shirt and leather armor top. Light blue makeup under her silver eyes. Her hood was replaced with a massive bird headdress. While they could not move, the white wings on her back were expanded as if she were ready to take flight. The crowd cheer in glee at her attire, none louder than her big sister. Next to Ruby stood Jaden, but most of his body was not seen. He was dressed as a brown ball of fur one with tiny white wings and four green appendages with yellow claws. While one eye was closed in a wink, the other yellow and black. As it was made mesh, the spirited Slifer Red could see the people as well.
"Well, they do not look very similar." Bastion pointed out. "But those duel spirits are known for protecting others."
"I guess," Chazz responded, turning back to Weiss, who was now out of her suit of armor, "I think we should have won."
"Even if we did get picked, neither of us could duel with what we had on." Weiss said taking a drink from a water bottle, "I would have died before it got to my turn."
"Speaking of which," Tyranno pointed out, "I don't know how he plans to duel dressed like that?" He said before having a look of confusion. The zipper on the back of the Winged Kuriboh opened as the spirited Slifer Red emerged in his uniform. Upon stepping out with his back to the crowd, Jaden showed a set of white wings taped to his hair. As well as a set of familiar eyes and claws. The crowd had a look of straight confusion, while others started to giggle.
"Huh, look at that." Nora commented at Jaden's secondary costume, "It does sort of look like a Kuriboh." She said with him smiling back at his friends.
However, in the back of the crowd, Dr. Crowler had a look of rage in his eyes, "How can that slacker win with such an idiotic custom!?" He said while biting his handkerchief, "I can't wait to watch whoever it is beat that little brat." He thought before hearing someone walking by. In turning around, the headmaster of Obelisk Blue saw it was his star student, "Oh, Yuri. You did show up to watch this event?"
"I'm just passing by," Yuri said while in his normal attire, a smirk on his face, "Trying to find the one in the best costume."
"Well, you can stay to watch this duel." Dr. Crowler said before turning to the match, a grin on his face, "You can take note of these duelists for future reference."
"Hm, I suppose," Yuri said before looking over to Ruby and Jaden, seeing both equipping their duel disk.
Sienna then cleared her throat, "Now, for the victories, a special exhibition duel will be held." The headmaster of Slifer Red then gestured to the other side of the arena, "Your opponent will be the captivating card from the King of Games himself." She said as everyone turned to some approaching from the shadows. She was a young girl with long blond hair, one wearing a blue magical attire with a pink skirt and lining, "The Dark Magician Girl!" Sienna said as the magical girl lifted her hat, showing her green eyes and ever charming smile.
"Hi everyone," the Dark Magician Girl spoke to the crowd, her bubbly voice filled with cheer, "It's so good to meet all of you." She with a slight giggle afterward.
At that moment, the crowd went silent in shock before a sudden eruption of cheers, "Holy cow!" Nora responded in shock, "That is an amazing cosplay!"
"It's a near-identical match." Bastion commented, "The attention to detail is astounding."
"Who is she?" Yang asked.
"That couldn't be-" Tyranno was saying.
"It's the real Dark Magician Girl!" Dr. Crowler said in glee, a large smile on his face. The magical girl then looked directly towards him, giving him to gasp. Suddenly, she winked at him with another slight laugh. At that moment, Dr. Crowler felt his heart fill with affection, causing him to clench his chest before falling backwards, fainting from love.
"…" Yuri looked down at his dorm's headteacher with half-open eyes, "It is just a costume." He said before looking back to the Slifer Red dorm, his gaze focusing, "Hmm."
The Dark Magician Girl then turned to the duo of Slifer Reds, "I hope you two are ready to have some fun." She said with a focused gaze as she revealed her duel disk, "I will take both of you on at the same time."
"Two-against-one?" Weiss commented, "Is she that confident?"
"I guess," Chazz added on, "We'll see how well she does."
"Alright Dark Magician Girl," Jaden said as he readied his duel disk, "I hope you're ready to get your-"
Suddenly, a new voice was heard, "Hold on a minute," everyone had a look of confusion, turning to the origin of the voice. Atop the Slifer Red dorm roof, a man stood in a purple robe, his hat matching the same style as that of the magical girl's, "This is an unfair matchup." He said with his arms crossed, then jumped off the roof, landing to the right of the Dark Magician Girl. As he looked forward, his face was no longer in the shadows, "Therefore, I will be joining in this duel."
"M-mentor?" The Dark Magician Girl responded to the new combatant.
"Mentor?" Jaden asked before remembering, "Wait. Is that-?"
"The Dark Magician!" Ruby said, her eyes filling with glee, "Oh my Gosh! I'm your Biggest Fan!"
"Oh boy," Blair commented.
"What?" Bastion asked.
"Well, you know how everyone has a card crush?" Blair said before sighing, seeing her friend bouncing in happiness, "I'll give you one guess at who her's is?"
"Oh, I get it." Nora responded, looking back to the ultimate wizard's head, "But, does he look a little off?"
"Yeah, why is he blond." Yang commented, "And…green?"
The Dark Magician then took out a duel disk from behind his rob, but then turned to the magical apprentice, "Mentor, this was supposed to be my duel." She said, "Why did you have to show up like this?"
"I taught you modesty as well as magic, my Young Apprentice." The Dark Magician responded, causing the Dark Magician Girl to pout. "And you should let these two decide if they will have me join." He said before turning to the Slifer Reds. "Well?"
"Y-yes! That would be so cool!" Ruby said with her face slightly red. "And…. can I get your autograph?"
However, the Dark Magician stuck out his left hand in an open palm, "Not now, as well have a duel to commence." He said before crossing his arms, put a smile on his face, "But maybe afterward."
"Oh right, of course!" Ruby responded with a nod, then turned to her tag partner, "Jaden, get ready!"
"Always am." Jaden responded with a nod, turning back to their opponents, "Okay Dark Magicians, time to get your game on!"
"Alright then, with this small adjustment." Sienna declared, "Let the final battle for Duel Spirit's Festival begin!"
"Duel!" all four combatants said as the tag team match started.
Jaden and Ruby: 4000 Life Points
The Dark Magicians: 4000 Life Points
"I'll go first." Dark Magician Girl said as she drew, smiling at the result, "I summon Apple Magician Girl in attack mode." She announced before a large red apple formed on the field, then glowed in a pink light. Emerging from the light was a magical girl in a red outfit with navy blue hair, who winked to her opponents, (1200 ATK / 800 DEF). "Then I'll end with the continuous spell Magician's Right Hand."
"Okay, my move!" Jaden said as he drew, "Sweet, I play Polymerization. Which allows me to fuse my-" suddenly, Jaden saw his spell card get blasted by a yellow beam of energy. "Huh?"
"My continuous spell lets me negate your first spell card every turn." Dark Magician Girl responded, "That is so long as I have a spellcaster on the field." She said with most of the crowd cheering for her counterplay.
"Well, that's a problem." Jaden then looked at his hand, taking out a different card, "I summon Elemental Hero Solid Soldier in attack mode." He said as a sliver-armored fighter was summoned to the field, his arms equip with dome-like shields, (1300 ATK / 1100 DEF). "And when he's out, I can special summon another Hero from my hand to join the battlefield. So, say hello to Elemental Hero Sparkman." Jaden said as a bolt of lightning struck the field. Emerging from it was the electrifying hero with his arms crossed, (1600 ATK / 1400 DEF). Jaden then pointed at the Apple Magician Girl, "Go, static shockwave." He said before his monster unleashed electricity from his hands at this target.
"I don't think so," Dark Magician Girl countered, "When Apple Magician Girl is targeted for an attack, I can special summon a level five or lower spellcaster from my hand." She said before examining her options, "Let's see…Ah! I'll pick Magicians' Valkyria in attack mode." The magical apprentice said before a stern magician appeared on the field, one with a focused gaze on her opponents, (1600 ATK / 1800 DEF). "Not only does Apple change your attack to Valkyria, but your monster's attack is cut in half." She said with Jaden gasping, watching the static shockwave start to dwindle, (1600 / 2 = 800 ATK). The lightning then redirected to the stern magician girl, how countered by unleashed a massive green orb from her wand. The orb broke through the static and collided with Sparkman's body in a massive explosion.
Jaden and Ruby: 4000 – 800 = 3200 Life Points
"While Apple's effect is only once per turn, Valkyria protects my other spellcasters from being selected as an attack target." Dark Magician Girl said with the crowd cheering again.
"Wow, she is really good." Jaden commented before looking at this hand, "I guess I'll throw down a face down and call it a turn."
"Then is my draw," Dark Magician said as he drew, a slight grin at the result, "First, I play Magician's Left Hand." He said as a second continuous spell was on the field.
"Think of it like the right hand, only with trap cards." Dark Magician Girl clarified.
"Now, I tribute both our monsters," Dark Magician said as the two spellcasters merged in a ball of light, "To summon the Dark Magician." The ultimate wizard spoke as a copy of himself was summoned to the field from the orb. (2500 ATK / 2100 DEF).
"That's strange," Bastion commented, "I thought only the King of Games possessed that monster."
"No, I heard a few copies exited out there." Yang responded, "One where the guy has tanner skin and dressed in red too."
"Wow!" Ruby said in glee, a smile on her face as her hands were on her chin "So cool!"
"I would be starstruck too," Jaden responded, "But I've already fought this card before."
"In that case, this should sound familiar." The ultimate wizard ordered his card counterpart, "Dark Magician, Dark Magic Attack!" he said as a bolt of black lightning was shot out of the staff.
In the back of the crowd, Yuri yawned, "My, what a boring duel." He said before turning around and walking away, "I'll just take my leave."
Jaden watched as the attack was about to eliminate his Solid Soldier, but a grin formed on his face as his eyes turned a pale golden, "How about this, I activate Super Polymerization!"
Suddenly, Yuri stopped, "Super, you say?" he said before turning his head around to look back at the duel. With a sight gasp, he saw a storm forming overhead with lighting.
"By discarding one card, I can fusion summon with any monsters on the field," Jaden said as he sent his Clayman to the graveyard.
"But Magician's right hand should negate your spell card?" Dark Magician Girl asked.
"Too bad Super Polymerization cannot be negated after activation," Jaden responded.
"Oh?" Yuri said with a grin forming, then fully turned back to the duel, "Interesting."
"I fuse my Elemental Hero Solid Soldier with your Dark Magician." Jaden said as the two monsters were sucked into the vortex, "To summon Elemental Hero Escuridao!" he said before a bolt of black lighting stuck on his side of the field. Emerging from the smoke was a humanoid creature made of dark matter, radiating a flaming blue aura, (2500 ATK / 2000 DEF).
"Now, since Solid Soldier was sent to the grave by a spell card, I can special summon one elemental hero from my grave in defense mode. And I think I'll pick Clayman." Jaden said as the clay hero was reformed in a kneeling stance, (800 ATK / 2000 DEF). "As for Escuridao, he gains 100 attack points for every Elemental Hero in my graveyard." The Spirited Slifer Red said as Sparkman and Solid Soldier's silhouette formed behind the dark elemental hero, (2500 + 200 = 2700 ATK).
"I see, a rather astonishing play." The Dark Magician said before glancing back to his young apprentice, "You could learn a thing or two from this boy." He said with Dark Magician Girl pouting again. He then sighed before looking at his hand, "I'll set these two cards and end my turn."
"My move," Ruby said as she drew, "I summon Lonefire Blossom in attack mode." The guardian Slifer Red said as burning bud bloomed onto the battlefield, (500 ATK / 1400 DEF). "And now, I tribute it to special summon Talaya, Princess of Cherry Blossoms in attack mode." As the Lonefire exploded, a large pink flower bloomed in its place. At the center of the flower was a beautiful pale-skinned woman with silky black hair. She was dressed in a kimono and waved a hand fan towards her face, (2800 ATK / 1200 DEF). "And like Jaden's fusion, my monster gains an attack boost. 100 for every plant on the field, including herself." She said as Talaya gained a pink aura, (2800 + 100 = 2900 ATK). "Sorry about this." Ruby said under her breath before pointing, "Go Talaya, attack Dark Magician directly with Cherry Blossom Barrage!" she said as her monster waved its hand fan in the air, quickly creating a cyclone of pink petals.
"Impressive, but her is my counterattack!" Dark Magician responded, "I activate Eternal Soul, allowing me to resurrect my Dark Magician from the graveyard." He said as a stone tablet with the ultimate wizard was seen.
"That's a giant rock," Nora commented before the stone cracked, causing the card form of the ultimate wizard to remerge, (2500 ATK / 2100 DEF).
"Now, I'll use my other facedown, Magical Dimension." He said as his card counterpart was now trapped in a metal casket, "By tributing my Dark Magician, I can destroy one monster you control." He said before a beam was shot of the casket and pierced the chest of Elemental Hero Escuridao, causing it to explode. "Now, I can special summon a different spellcaster from my hand. But as I don't have one." The Dark Magician said before looking to his young apprentice, "I will call upon your help."
"Right," Dark Magician Girl said with a nod, taking a card out of her hand, "I special summon Lemon Magician Girl in attack mode." She said as the yellow magical girl emerged, giving a wink with her tongue sticking slightly out, (800 ATK / 600 DEF).
"Fine, I can just attack that one," Ruby ordered as her monster adjusted its aim, then unleashing a storm of petals. But then looked over to Dark Magician wagging his right index finger.
"You were not paying attention from the last time." Dark Magician commented.
"Like Apple, Lemon can special summon a spellcaster from my hand, but its effect is negated." Dark Magician Girl said while smiling at the card she picked from her hand, "Now, I summon the Dark Magician Girl in attack mode!" she said as her card counterpart formed with a flash of pink light, (2000 ATK / 1700 DEF). The crowd erupted into cheer upon seeing two of the magical apprentices at once.
"I thought the King of Games was the only one to have a copy of that card." Bastion commented, "But I guess more could exist in the world as well."
"Not all is your target now her, but your attack is cut in half." Dark Magician Girl said as her monster countered with a pink stream of energy from her short staff. It overwhelmed the blizzard of petals, which shrunk in size, (2900 / 2 = 1450 ATK). The magical beam collided with Talaya, setting her ablaze before she wilted away.
Jaden and Ruby: 3200 – 550 = 2650 Life Points
"How do you like that?" Dark Magician Girl said with her hands on her hips.
"Well, I was expecting that," Ruby responded.
"Eh?" Dark Magician Girl responded.
"I was planning to fight fruit with flowers." Ruby said as she took a card out of her hand, "When a plant monster is destroyed by battle, I can special summon Aromage Marjoram in attack mode." She said as a woman with purplish-black hair was summon, wearing a black attire with a blue center. She wielded a dark-wood staff that had a yellow light at the center, (2000 ATK / 1600 DEF). "When she is summoned this way, we gain 500 life points. And now, I can attack Lemon Magician Girl again." The guardian Slifer Red said as her monster unleashed a beam of energy from the dark-wood staff, obliterating the yellow magical girl.
Jaden and Ruby: 2650 + 500 = 3150 Life Points
The Dark Magicians: 4000 – 1200 = 2800 Life Points
"Nice one partner," Jaden commented.
"Thanks, but it's not over yet." Ruby responded, "Since we gained life points, I can banish one of your monsters in the graveyard. So, no Dark Magician coming back from the grave again." She said, but with slight remorse in her voice at the comment. The guardian Slifer Red then took three of the four cards in her hand, "I set three cards and then end my turn."
"Wow, you're good!" Dark Magician Girl said before drawing, "I play Magic Formula, equipping it to my Dark Magician Girl to give her 700 more attack points." She said as a large book appeared in front of her card counterpart. With the new wealth of knowledge, she gained a powerful yellow aura, (2000 + 700 = 2700 ATK). "Now, attack Aromage Marjoram. Go, Dark Burning Attack." The magical apprentice said before her card counterpart unleashed a massive beam of pink energy from her wand.
"Try reading this one, I reveal Book of Moon." Ruby responded, showing one of her face-down cards, "I can now flip your monster facedown."
"Did you forget about Magician's Right Hand," Dark Magician Girl asked, "Your first spell is negated."
"The first, but not the second." Ruby countered, "I reveal Double Cyclone. I can target one spell or trap we each control and destroy them." She said before pointing at one of the hands, "So, I'll destroy my Book of Moon and your Magician's Right Hand." She said as a yellow and a red cyclone emerged, each taking out a face-up spell in their wake.
"Even though you destroyed my spell card, it still negated your Book's effect." Dark Magician Girl commented, "Which means your monster is still in trouble." She said as her card counterpart obliterated the Aromage on the field.
Jaden and Ruby: 3150 – 700 = 2450 Life Points
"That will do for my battle phase," Dark Magician Girl said before taking the soul card out of her hand, "I'll set this and end my turn."
"I don't get it," Blair commented, "Ruby could have destroyed the Magic Formula to make their attack equal."
"But she wanted to set up Jaden for his next turn," Yang said as the spirited Slifer Red drew his card, a smile on his face. "Let's see what he has in store."
"I activate Skyscraper," Jaden said as his field slot ejected, allowing him to play the spell. Suddenly, the arena was filled with tall buildings that towered over the nearby dorms. "Next, I summon Elemental Hero Stratos in attack mode." He said as a blue and white clade hero swopped in from the skyline with a propeller-like jetpack on his back, (1800 ATK / 300 DEF). "And with his effect, I can destroy a spell or trap of yours for every other Hero on my field. And since Clayman is still chilling in defense mode, that is one more spell to be destroyed." He said before pointing to the other continuous spell. "So, say goodbye to the Left Hand now too." She said before Stratos dashed in, crashing through the continuous spell before landing atop one of the tall buildings. "Now, with my field spell, when an Elemental Hero attacks when the opponent has more attacks. The Hero gains 1000 attack points." He said as Stratos blasted a double cyclone with a green wind, (1800 + 1000 = 2800 ATK). The gust of wind overwhelmed the card Dark Magician Girl, tearing the pages off Magic Formula before the hat was blown off, causing her to explode, "Nice!" Jaden said before the crowd booed him, causing him to flinch.
However, they calmed as the magical apprentice turned to them, "Don't worry everyone. When Magic Formula is destroyed, 1000 life points are recovered."
The Dark Magicians: 3200 – 100 + 1000 = 3700 Life Points
"Fine then." Jaden said as he looked at the last card in his hand, "I'll end with this face down." With that, Stratos landed off the skyscraper with his attack normal again, (2800 – 1000 = 1800 ATK).
"Then it's my turn again." Dark Magician said before drawing, smiling at the result, "First, I reveal the face-down card my partner set the last turn. Dark Magic Veil." He said as a purple glyph appeared on the arena, "For 1000 life points, I can bring back the Dark Magician Girl." The ultimate wizard said as the card counterpart of his magical apprentice, (2000 ATK / 1700 DEF).
The Dark Magicians: 3700 – 1000 = 2700 Life Points
"Now, I play the spell card Sage's Stone." Dark Magician said, "With it, by having Dark Magician Girl on the field, I can special summon a Dark Magician from my deck."
"But I removed him from play?" Ruby asked.
"You should know, there is always more than one Dark Magician." The ultimate wizard said before his second card counterpart was summoned to the field, causing his card counterpart's magical apprentice to look up to him with a smile, (2500 ATK / 2100 DEF).
"Wow, I think I'm seeing double," Jaden commented.
"You're about to see a lot more." Dark Magician said before taking a card out of his hand, "I Dark Magic Inheritance, allowing me to banish both Magician's Hand spells to add a new spell to my hand that lists one of our Magicians by name." he said before a card ejected, "I pick Thousand Knives, which will allow me to destroy Clayman." The ultimate wizard said as multiple sliver daggers formed around his card counterpart, with the aim of his wand, the daggers rushed into Clayman, causing him to explode.
"And now, time for a little payback." Dark Magician Girl commented, "My monster attacks Stratos, which means you do not get the boost." She said as her card counterpart unleash a beam of energy from her wand, incinerating Stratos.
Jaden and Ruby: 2450 – 200 = 2250 Life Points
"And now, the final blow!" Dark Magician said before point, causing his card counterpart to ready the wand, "Attack them directly with Dark-"
"Hold on." Jaden interrupted, "I play my trap card, A Hero Emerges!" he said with a grin, "You now pick a card out of our hand, and if it's a monster, it's summoned."
"Yet your hand is empty?" Dark Magician responded.
"Which means you have to use my hand," Ruby interjected, "But since I only have one card, this is what you get." She said before slamming the card on her duel disk, "I summon Guardian Eatos!" the guardian Slifer Red said as the card she was cosplaying as appeared, one with a more confident smile on her face than normal. She stared down the Dark Magician, who lowered his wand at the foe of equal power, (2500 ATK / 2000 DEF). "How do you that?"
"I see, so that is why you choose to destroy the Left Hand when you did." Dark Magician said as he looked to Jaden, "Your trust in one another is admirable." He said with both Slifer Reds smiling, "Still, you must never underestimate your opponents." The ultimate wizards said before showing the last card in his hand, "I play Secrets of Dark Magic, allowing me to fusion summon using Dark Magician and Dark Magician Girl."
"What!?" Jaden and Ruby responded at the same time, seeing a black spiral form in the sky as the two magicians leaped into it.
"See the bond between teacher and student, forming the ultimate wizards in terms of attack and defense," Dark Magician and Dark Magician Girl chanted before a purple lighting stuck in the middle of the field, "Behold, The Dark Magicians!" from the lightning, two magicians stood. The robs now were more jagged, and the staffs were sharper. They radiated a purple aura before posing as one monster now, (2800 ATK / 2300 DEF). "Now go, attack Guardian Eatos!" they declared as their combined card counterparts aimed their staffs, unleashing a merged stream blast of magic.
"Ruby, you got a backup plan?" Jaden asked in slight worry.
"Actually, yes." Ruby responded, "These two aren't the only ones with tricks up their sleeves. I reveal my final facedown, Armory Call." She said as Guardian Eatos reached into a green void that appeared in front of her. "With it, I can add and equip spell from my deck to my hand. Then equip it to my Eatos. And I pick her Celestial Sword." The guardian Slifer Red said before playing the card, allowing her Eatos to pull the sword out of the void, (2500 + 500 = 3000 ATK). The angelic guardian then leaped towards the magic beam, cutting through it with her sword before reaching the ultimate wizards. With one slash, she cut them down with a massive explosion.
The Dark Magicians: 2700 – 200 = 2500 Life Points
"How's that?" Jaden called out. However, as the smoke cleared, the card form of the ultimate wizard was seen, (2500 ATK / 2100 DEF). Next to him was the magical apprentice, (2000 ATK / 1700 DEF). "Uh, am I still supposed to be seeing double?"
"When The Dark Magicians are destroyed, the two before you are resummoned in the fusion's place." Dark Magician commented.
"I see," Ruby responded, but grinned, "Still, you left them in attack mode, which means I will be able to wipe out the rest of your life points win my combo next turn." She said while looking at Eatos and the equip spell.
"There is one problem," Dark Magician responded, "The duel will end this turn,"
"Eh? What do you-?" Ruby said as she looked back, but cut herself off upon seeing something that was not there before, "What? Why do you still have a facedown?"
Dark Magician then waged his index finger, "The effect I just explained of The Dark Magicians is its second one. The first activates once a spell or trap is play." He said as the moments that just happened in the duel replayed in everyone's mind, starting when Ruby revealed her trap card. "I get to draw, and if it is a spell or trap, I can set it." The ultimate wizard said before everyone turned to the present time, "And if it is a quick play or a trap, I can activate it now."
"Uh oh," Ruby responded.
"Indeed," Dark Magician said before the card revealed itself, "Go, Dark Burning Magic!" he said as both card counterparts crossed their staffs, causing a merger of magical energy, "You see, with both me and my young apprentice on the field. All your cards are destroyed."
"All of them!?" Ruby responded.
"Yep, all of them. And since our cards were resummoned, they can attack again." Dark Magician Girl responded, "There is a time and a place to make a counterattack. And ours is right now!"
"Uh Ruby," Jaden said with more worry than before, "Do you have a backup to your backup plan?"
"Nope." Ruby responded with an uneasy smile, "We're doomed."
"Here goes!" Dark Magician spoke.
"Yes, Mentor!" Dark Magician girl added on.
Through their card counterparts, the magical energy reached its apex, "Dark Burning Magic!" The Dark Magicians declared at the same time as the sphere was launched, destroying Eatos and her sword. The blast continued to expand, shattering the skyscrapers before encompassing Ruby and Jaden in the full force of the magical assault. When the smoke from the explosion cleared, both Slifer Reds were laying on their backs.
Jaden and Ruby: 2250 – 2000 – 2500 = 0 Life Points
"There you have," Sienna declared, "Our winners of the costume contest are The Dark Magicians!" she said with most of the crowd running over, picking up the two wizards before tossing them into the air with cheers. While the Dark Magician had a closed-eye grin with his arms crossed, his magical apprentice was laughing with a gleeful smile on her face.
In the back of the crowd, Yuri sighed, "Well, that was about the outcome I was expecting." He then turned around, "I'll let this one slide, since I am in a good mood right now." The sadistic Obelisk Blue spoke, a grin forming on his face, "Super Polymerization, what a fitting name." he said before chuckling to himself, all while Dr, Crowler was still fainted on the ground.
On the other side of the arena, a few of the students walked over to the Slifer Reds, "You did well out there." Yang said to the duo, offering a hand to her little sister.
"Thanks," Ruby said as she accepted it. "Those two were tough."
"I know," Jaden said as Tyranno helped him up, "I didn't even know a fusion like that existed."
"If those two spellcasters are rare, that fusion monster must be one of a kind." Bastion commented.
"Yeah," Nora responded, "But, who are they?"
"Well, I think I figured out one of them," Weiss said to Chazz.
"Yeah, me too." Chazz added on, "But let's just keep that between us." He said with her nodding back.
"Sorry you lost Jaden," Blair spoke with sadness in her voice.
"Nah, it's cool." Jaden responded, "I can't complain about a great duel like that." He then turned to see Sienna walking towards him, "What do you think?"
"You are improving," Sienna said with a smile, "But I think we need to step up your training a bit now."
"Whatever you say, Teach." Jaden said, then had a slight chuckle, "Or should I call you Mentor too?"
"Just go and have fun for the rest of day," Sienna responded with a sigh, then walked away. Jaden then looked back to his friends, who were all walking away find Alexis and Blake and make sure they did not beat Atticus up over the photos.
Hours later.
Night had fallen over Duel Academy. In the academy building, two women were inside the card shop, "Here you are." Glynda said as she gave Dorothy the Dark Magician Girl attire, "Thank you for letting me borrow this."
"No problem." Dorothy said with a wink, "You wore it better than I ever did." She said before putting the outfit away, "Who was that guy that was dressed as the Dark Magician?"
"I am not sure," Glynda responded with a sigh, "I had to adlib a lot of what I had planned for the event." She said before smiling, "Still I thank him for showing up, as the students seem to like the duel more."
"I'll say, this was a Duel Spirits Festival to remember." Dorothy said before having look of confusion, "Also how did you get a copy of the Dark Magician Girl?"
"It's a long story," Glynda responded, "One I do not have the time to tell."
"Okay, suit yourself." Dorothy said with a shrug, then a smirk, "Still, you should have asked for that guy's number. He seemed cute."
"I-" Glynda said before adjusting her glasses, "I have to go grade some tests." She said before quickly leaving the card shop, causing Dorothy to chuckle.
Meanwhile.
Walking down a path in the forest, Ruby, Weiss, Blake, Yang made their way back to the Slifer Red dorms. "Oh no," Blake said with her hands on her face, "He already sent the pictures to Zane."
"You worry too much," Yang said as she patted Blake on the back, "I'm sure he'll think you look great." She said with a smirk as Blake pouted back at her.
Blake then signed before looking back to Ruby, "I'm sorry I missed your duel."
"It's fine, all is good." Ruby responded before sighing herself, "I wish I got that autograph though." She said before hearing an explosion in the sky, "Oh, fireworks!"
"I told you they were about to start!" Weiss said with a look of annoyance, "We're going to miss them if we don't hurry." She said before running off through the woods.
"Hey, wait up," Blake responded as she ran after.
"Come on Ruby," Yang said as she followed them, "It would be awkward if you got last."
"I'm on my way," Ruby said before she was about to sprint, but saw something in corner of her eye.
In walking over to a tree, she saw a poster of the ultimate wizard. She gasped upon seeing a message written in sharpie, "To an incredible duelist, one full of great promise. Thank you for a fantastic Duel Spirits Festival. – Dark Magician." The message read, causing Ruby to bounce in excitement as she held the poster close. She then remembered her friends seeing the fireworks, then sprinted to go and see them. However, unbeknownst to her, the ultimate wizard was standing on a nearby tree branch. A smile was on the Dark Magician's face before his body transformed into a small orb of light. The orb then flew off into the distance, fading back into the duel spirits' world it came from.
AN: There you go, a little bit of a remix from the cannon. Rather than Dark Magician Girl coming in to play, it is the Dark Magician that crashes the party. As it may be obvious, this version of him is a little more energetic that the other counterparts, but that is part to me using the blond card-art version of him. However, Glynda cosplaying DMG and being in character the whole time was a blast to write. With the two of them, they managed to defeat even the protagonists, giving a duel spirit a win for this arc. This was all in good fun, and no harm this time around. Jaden does need to start fixing his win record, which we will see if he can do that for the next arc. That is all for now, thanks for reading, and hope to see you in the next chapter.
Now, some quick answers to some questions. Regarding the Tyler Sister, I would say I want to put them in this series in the future. They are simply perfect, and I really want to write their dialogue. I have some ideas, but you probably will not see them for a while here but note that they are coming. Regarding Guardian Dreadscythe, it is not in Ruby's deck, but I have plans for that card. Hassleberry and Nora will learn about what happened last year soon, but they will not have a dramatic reaction. It will be kind of lukewarm like it was for Blair. Regarding Vison Heroes, I am not going to use them in this series because I do not know who I would give them to. And to close, I will preempt this question in case it is asked. Have I ever cosplayed? Yes. It was back when I could go to conventions. I was Subaru from Re: Zero, and it was super fun. However, my friend who wore a P5 Morgana hat he bought that day got twice as many people talking to him about that than I did about my cosplay… So, yeah. I still wear the jacket whenever I go to convention, and it still makes me feel cool. That's all for now, I will answer more questions that come up in this section on the next chapter.