Femme Fatale Flannigan

Episode 5: The Armageddon Factor

Duel in Progress: Zane LP:6000 (Cyberdark Dragon, Atk:5400; Cyberdark Inferno; one face-down Spell/Trap vs. Yubel LP:6000 (one face-down Spell/Trap)

The suffering continued for minute after minute, as Jaden watched on. Eventually Blair stopped struggling, and, with hope in his heart, he walked over to her body slowly. 'Blair, it's me, it's Jaden. Let's get you out of here.' 'J… Jaden… I'm not strong enough… on my own' she wheezed in response, before an amber light from the devil arm engulfed her, and she cackled manically.

'Oh Jaden, did you really think it would be that simple? So easy to "free" her? She made a pact with me, that pact is for life! Of course, you wouldn't understand that, would you? Because you showed no loyalty to anybody but yourself! Now how about we solve our issues once and for all?' 'I accept your challeng'

The shout then came from behind. 'I'm not done!' As he looked around, Zane had got back to his feet, wrecked jacket gaping in the breeze. 'Zane, there's no way I can let you continue like this.' He responded with scorn. 'What, and just wait for the inevitable? I came here to help Blair, and I'm not leaving until I've done that or died trying! Now move out of the way.'

Hearing the sternness in his old rival's voice was enough to scare Jaden out of the way. Meanwhile, Zane stared down his foe. 'If I'm going to hell then I'll take you with me Yubel.' The malevolent spirit laughed in incredulity at the very thought. 'At this rate you're not even not going to be able to take yourself to hell!'

Yubel: 'I draw. I'll summon Chaos Summoning Beast (Atk:0), and activate it's effect to tribute it for Raviel, Lord of Phantasms (Atk:4000). Then I'll activate the graveyard effect of Chaos Summoning Beast to get a copy of my own Field spell from my deck – Fallen Paradise. Now I'll activate it.' A single dead tree appeared on Yubel's field, soon followed by a necrotic field, life clearly a distant memory.

'I still have one card left in hand. And if you didn't guess, it's going to tear you apart. I activate Monster Reborn, to revive El Shaddoll Construct (Atk:2800). But by tributing it, Raviel gains all it's Attack points for the rest of my turn (Atk:4000-6800). Attack Cyberdark Dragon with Shimmering Scrape!' Raviel lifted it's deadly claw, plunging it down into the Dragon and through into Zane, causing unimaginable pain (Zane LP:6000-4600).'

'By detaching the Cyber End Dragon equipped, Cyberdark Dragon survives the battle (Atk:5400-1500).' 'You're still holding on to a futile hope, that you could save your little friend. But you can't. You never could. Because there's nothing left to save.' Zane however, disagreed. 'I saw her. Just for a moment, she was there. And she can be again. I'll beat you out of her.' 'I end my turn (Atk:6800-4000). You're all doomed to be consumed by the darkness!'

Zane then shared his cautionary tale. 'I've been there. I let myself be consumed by my own bitterness once. Because I was never satisfied with how good I was. I let the darkness inside of me consume me. And I paid the price for my arrogance. I won't let the same happen here.' Jaden then shouted over to him. 'Hey Zane, don't give up on yourself. Just wait until we get outta here.'

He smiled. 'You always were the optimist Jaden. Always wanted to see the best in every situation. But there is no positive in this situation. This is my last act in this world before I visit the great beyond. I'm going to leave with no regrets.' He then drew his next card.

Zane: 'I'll activate De-Fusion, to disassemble my Dragon into Cyberdark Horn, Keel, and Edge (Atk:800)x3.' 'You got rid of your only hope.' Zane though, wasn't as convinced. 'Overconfidence will be your worst enemy. I activate Power Bond. This allows me to fuse together my three Cyberdark monsters into Cyberdark Dragon (Atk:1000-2000).'

'And because I summoned my Cyberdark Dragon, I can equip it with the Cyber End Dragon in my graveyard (Atk:2000-6400). Then I'll activate Pot of Greed to draw two new cards. One of which is Cyber Dragon Core (Atk:400).' 'Because you just Normal summoned a monster, I get a Phantasm Token (Def.:1000).'

'Well my Core does more than meats the eye. When it's summoned, I can add Cyberload Fusion to my hand. Now I activate my face-down Attack Reflector Unit. I'll tribute Cyber Dragon Core in order to summon Cyber Barrier Dragon (Atk:800, Cyberdark Dragon Atk:6400-6500).'

'That thing could barely harm an incey little spider, never mind me.' 'We'll put that to the test shall we?' He then started grinning. 'I'm sensing I might enjoy this. Cyberdark Dragon, attack her Raviel withDark Cyber Stream.' Even the mighty Raviel could only bow down to the sheer power of Cyberdark Dragon, which ripped the Sacred Beast asunder (Yubel LP:6000-3500).

'Don't forget, you're going to lose points during the End phase.' 'I am, but I have more than enough. My turn is over.' As his turn ended, electricity crackled on Cyberdark Dragon, before pulsating through Zane's body, causing a pained yell (Zane LP:4600-3600).

Yubel: 'I draw. I activate Card of Sanctity, so we both draw until our hands contain six cards. One of which is Opening of the Spirit Gates.' The seven spirit gates then rumbled in the background as Yubel harnessed their infinite power. 'When this is activated, I can add Uria to my hand. Then I'll set four and pass turn.'

Zane: 'I draw.' 'I activate my face-down Hyper Blaze. With this, I can discard one card to revive Raviel, Lord of Phantasms (Atk:4000).' 'Good for you. I activate Pot of Avarice. This cycles five cards back into my deck so I can then draw two. I'll set three and then attack with Cyberdark Dragon.' 'Hehe. You're never going to beat me that easily Zane. In fact, you've just doomed yourself! I activate Magic Cylinder. So now, the only person taking any damage is you! Your monster's Attack to be exact.'

As the Cylinder shot the powerful burst back at it's originator, Zane could only stand there and take an enormous hit. But Yubel was only bothered about one fact – he'd survived (Zane LP:3600-350). As Zane lay crumpled on the ground, fury erupted from his enemy. 'How dare you survive! How… how did you survive?' From the ground, Zane just laughed. 'When you activated Magic Cylinder, I activated Shrink.'

'How does that help you – Magic Cylinder stops the attack.' 'I know. But I targeted my own monster with it (Cyberdark Dragon Atk:6500-3250). As a result, I took half the damage. Desperate times.' 'Very good. I suppose you'll want a medal now.'

'No, I know what I do want but you're not giving it to me.' 'Let me guess, is it your little friend?' The reply was stern once more. 'No. You're not giving me the perfect duel. So I suppose I'll have to force you to next turn (Atk:6500).' 'That's it?' 'It is. Now make your move.'

Yubel: 'Why, what's the rush?' 'Very funny.' 'During my Draw phase, the effect of Fallen Paradise gives me an extra card. I draw. I activate the effect of Opening of the Spirit Gates, to discard Ordeal of a Traveller and revive Chaos Summoning Beast (Atk:0). But I only want IT so I can tribute it for Dark Summoning Beast (Atk:0).'

'I'm sensing you're a fan of dark beasts.' 'Why wouldn't I? Especially when this one allows me to tribute it to summon Hamon, Lord of Striking Thunder (Atk:4000).' 'I see you're trying to build something scary.' He then smiled. 'Good job I like a challenge.' The constant rebuffs had made Yubel furious by this time, and she started to get more deranged.

'If you don't curl up and die soon, then the body gets it!' Zane though, had her logic cornered. 'If you can do that and achieve your goals, why are you still here?' 'What do you mean?' 'You'd be wasting your time still challenging me. More to the point, why did you need her in the first place?' Struggling to find an answer, Yubel went on the offensive.

'Enough! I'll flip up three copies of Fairy Box, then send them all to my graveyard and summon the final Sacred Beast. Hail Uria, Lord of Searing Flames. As I have seven Continuous Traps in my graveyard, it gains 7000 Attack (Atk:?-7000). Uria, attack his Cyberdark Dragon with Hyper Blaze.' As Yubel lined up his doom, Zane had a surprise.

'I activate my face-down Endless Rift! This banishes every card which went to the graveyard this turn. Now that doesn't bother me, because none of my cards have gone there this turn. You on the other hand, sent four Trap cards. And we know what Uria is without them (Atk:7000-3000). Or would you like Cyberdark Dragon to show you? Destroy everything!'

In total desperation, his opponent had to pull out a trump card. 'From my hand I'll discard D.D. Crow. This allows me to banish a single card from your graveyard. I choose Cyberdark Keel.' Zane groaned, knowing that while Yubel would be ripped into, they would survive the attack. It didn't, however, stop his Dragon from pummelling Uria and causing a gigantic explosion of fire, and a hell of a lot of screaming (Yubel LP:3500-100).

As Yubel stayed down, Zane slumped again. 'I… can't last much longer. But I'm starting to feel it. So alive. Even when I'm almost dead. I end my turn with a face-down. If things go south, that will have to keep me alive.' The malevolent fiend then stood again, laughing. 'Oh Zane, you're so much fun. It's just a pity I'll have to KILL YOU!'

Jaden then started shouting in Yubel's direction. 'Blair, if you can hear me, wake up!' 'She can't hear you! And she never will! I'll make sure of that.' But Jaden could see that beyond the facade, the grip was weakening. Suddenly, it was Yubel who had the urgency.

Yubel: 'I draw! I'll start with Monster Reborn, which brings back Uria (Atk:3000) Now I activate Megamorph, because my points are lower than your measly total. Now Hamon gains 4000 Attack (Atk:4000-8000). Attack him and eliminate our enemy my mighty Beast. Cerulean Skyfire.' Hamon summoned lightning bolts which poured down from the sky, only for Zane to produce an answer.

'I activate Power Wall. With this, I can send cards from my deck to the graveyard to reduce the damage I take. It's 100 points per card. So I think I'll throw out twelve.' 'That won't help you!' That was, until Yubel did the calculations. 'You...' 'I only had to do enough to survive.' Zane then got blasted by the fierce electricity from Hamon, causing his Dragon to drop it's load (Zane LP:350-50).

At this point, Zane smirked. 'Come on then. Finish me off.' Jaden ran over to try and save his old rival, only to be repulsed by a mysterious force, while Yubel laughed. 'So near and yet so far. Uria, obliteraaaaaaaaaaaaa' A bout of screaming then occurred, and suddenly, a total u-turn was made. 'I activate El Shaddoll Fusion, to fuse together Uria with Shaddoll Dragon in my hand and summon El Shaddoll Grysta (Def.:1950).'

Zane then looked up, expecting to see a bright light. What he didn't expect was a burning fire. And then he looked over, and saw the battle. Internally, Blair was fighting back for control, and had somehow garnered power over one arm. 'Zane!' 'Blair, hold on.' 'I can't… I can't hold it off for long. The darkness… it keeps overpowering. I didn't want any of this. I was scared and alone.'

'I know. It isn't your fault.' Jaden then shouted over. 'Blair, put your hand on your deck.' 'I… I can't. It… won't let me.' Zane then had an idea. 'Blair, declare your end step.' 'Before I do, I use Dragon's effect in the grave to destroy Cyberdark Inferno.' As the flames faded, the Cyber-style duellist understood. 'When Inferno is destroyed, I can search out a card with Fusion in it's name. I choose Cybernetic Fusion Support.' 'I end my turn!' Zane then prepared for one last go, as Yubel still jostled for supremacy.

In the shell

Blair was still battling valiantly against the fiend. 'Leave them alone!' 'Never! Do you really think they care about you?' 'Of course they do' 'You don't actually believe that do you?' 'Well… of course I believe. I have to believe.' 'Or you could just lay down for me.' 'Never! I won't let you do this.'

Infuriated at this resistance from despair, Yubel placed their clawed hand over Blair's face as she screamed. 'You will fall into total despair! They don't care about you at all! I am all that you have, and all you could ever need.' Blair slumped, totally incapacitated as Yubel took full control of her body again.

Zane: 'I draw. I activate Cybernetic Fusion Support. If this is the way it has to be then so be it.' Another piercing then went straight through Zane's heart, crippling him to his last breaths (Zane LP:50-25). Then I'll activate Mystical Space Typhoon to destroy my own Samsara Dogma, and trigger Power Bond! Thanks to Cybernetic Fusion Support, I don't care where my monsters are. I'll fuse together every monster in my graveyard with the Cyberdark Dragon on my field.'

The entire ground then shook, as a many-headed monster loomed above him, frightening Jaden. 'What… what is that Zane? It's enormous.' 'Meet the REAL boss. The ferocious Chimeratech Overdragon (Atk:?). It gains 800 Attack for every monster it fused with. I used 24 monsters to summon it. Which makes it's Attack points'

Jaden then tried counting, which went well. 'So you've got 800 and 24 and 1 and… oh I don't know!' He then saw the stats and rubbed his eyes in disbelief. 'You've got to be kidding me right? (Atk:?-19,200).' The effect of Power Bond then escalated the stakes yet further (Atk:19,200-38,400). 'But at the end phase… you'll take 19,000 points of damage.'

He just looked at Jaden. 'Well pray there ISN'T an end phase then. Chimeratech Overdragon can attack everything on the field. So even if you switch Hamon to Defence mode, you're still going to get marmalised. Call this your end Yubel.' The multi-headed Dragon shot fizzing balls of electricity out of every head, to fry Hamon and Grysta, while Yubel looked terrified.

As the dust cleared however, the end had not arrived. 'When you attacked I activated Negate Attack. It put your onslaught to an early end… a bit like your life.' As the possessed Blair grinned again, Zane's emotions were still concealed. 'Since the battle is over, I'll summon Cyber Kirin (Atk:300).' 'What's that going to do – nibble me?'

'No, it's going to tribute itself to negate the damage from Power Bond. I end my turn.' Zane protecting himself made Yubel angrier still. 'Just DIE already!' 'You'll have to make me. You'll have to beat me. Because I'm not going anywhere.'

Yubel: 'I draw! I activate Dimension Fusion Destruction! This will allow me to fuse together the three Sacred Beasts!' Jaden was stunned by this. 'You can do that?' 'Oh yes. I can combine them to create the strongest monster in the history of the world! Meet Armityle the Chaos Phantasm! (Atk:0).' 'Your monster appears to be a little bit lacking in attack power.'

'Oh don't worry, that won't last very long. During my turn, Armityle gains 10,000 Attack points (Atk:0-10,000). And don't forget, Fallen Paradise prevents it being destroyed by card effects. Now attack his Dragon!' Seeing that Yubel was clearly up to something, Zane fired off his plan. 'I refuse to go alone. I activate Final Fusion.'

The pained scream then came from the sidelines. 'Don't do it Zane!' 'It's fine Jaden.' But it wasn't fine, as there was one last twist. 'I activate Super Polymerisation! This allows me to Fusion summon using your monsters as well as my own. So I'll fuse your Overdragon with El Shaddoll Grysta to Fusion summon El Shaddoll Winda (Atk:2200). Armityle, attack!'

As the fierce attack rumbled towards him, Zane just looked at Jaden, and smiled. 'It's up to you now.' Before the onslaught could hit however, he gasped for air, and then collapsed to the ground without further movement (Zane LP:25-0).

As the moon darkened further, Blair dashed off into the night like a phantom, while Jaden checked on Zane. 'Zane, can you hear me?' 'Jaden… she's there.' 'She's not, she's run off.' 'No… she's in there. And she… gave me' He then started coughing severely and wheezing. 'She gave me the perfect duel. Now go and save her.' He smiled, and gently closed his eyes as Jaden cried over his body. 'Zane, no! Hold on!' The slifer then stood up, gaze hardened. 'I'm coming Blair. That's the last person Yubel takes from me.'

At the very top of the mountain

Yubel reached the shrine, but was thoroughly exhausted from the intense strain of the previous duel and fighting for control. 'I'm so close. All I need to do is place the card in the shrine and it can begin again!' She then held her head tight, feeling more resistance. 'Stay quiet you! You can have your stupid body back as soon as this is done. Not that you'll have much use for it!'

Just as the Super Polymerisation card was going to be placed into the ancient shrine, it got ripped from her hand by a flying backpack which narrowly missed her shell's head. 'You again...' 'Game's over Yubel. Give Blair her body back and leave.' 'Never!' He then responded with his duel disk. 'Well you're going to have to go through me then.'

Yubel laughed at this thought. 'You always were persistant. But it's too late. All I have to do is place the Super Polymerisation card into the altar and it will begin to fuse the dimensions!' She then looked around, and realised that in her monologue, she had missed Jaden sneaking up and grabbing the card. 'Give that back to me!'

'I'll cut you a deal. We duel, and either way you give Blair her body back. If you win, I'll give you the card back.' 'And if you win?' 'Then I keep it and no messing around with dimensions.' Seeing that they had little other choice to achieve their goals, Yubel obliged. 'You have a deal.' 'You're going to regret ever messing with my friends!'

Jaden Yuki LP:4000 vs. Yubel/Blair LP:4000

Turn 1: Jaden: 'I'll start. Sweet - I activate Pot of Greed for two more cards. Then I activate the Field spell Fusion Gate.' A dark purple portal immediately opened above them, providing Jaden opportunity to get his deck working. 'I'll use Fusion Gate to fuse together Clayman and Burstinatrix to create the Elemental Hero Rampart Blaster (Def.:2500). Then I'll set a monster and end my turn with a face-down.'

Yubel: 'It won't help you. I know every bit of your deck now. I draw. I activate Graceful Charity, to draw three cards. Then I have to discard two. Now I'll activate Opening of the Spirit Gates. This searches out Raviel, Lord of Phantasms from my deck. Then I'll use the second effect of Opening, to summon back from my graveyard Chaos Summoning Beast (Atk:0).'

'Then I'll tribute it for it's effect to summon Raviel, Lord of Phantasms (Atk:4000). Now attack Rampart Blaster!' The Blaster stood little chance of survival as it was easily pierced and crushed by the mighty lord of phantasms. But Jaden had a plan nevertheless.

'I activate my face-down Hero Counterattack. I can only activate this when an Elemental Hero I control is destroyed by battle, and it forces you to pick a card in my hand. If it's an Elemental Hero, I can destroy Raviel and summon it.' 'You only have one card in your hand.'

'Oh so I do. It's a monster – Elemental Hero Neos.' Without Fallen Paradise to provide sanctuary, Raviel found itself being destroyed unexpectedly. 'Well that's an inconvenience. I'll summon Chaos Core and end my turn with a face-down.'

Jaden: 'What on earth is that thing? I draw. I'll flip up my Neo-Spacian Aqua Dolphin, and activate it's effect. Sonar Strike.' The aquatic mammal shot out a piercing sonar screech, nearly rupturing eardrums. 'What is this!' 'I get to see a random card in your hand. If it's a monster and I control a stronger one, you take 500 damage. If not, I take 500.' Yubel then revealed the card.

'Too bad – it's Dimension Fusion Destruction (Jaden LP:4000-3500). 'I'll just activate NEX then. I'll tribute my Aqua Dolphin to summon Neo-Spacian Marine Dolphin (Atk:900). And I'll use it's effect. Sonar Storm. With Marine Dolphin, I take no damage if I'm wrong. I also get to look at your hand and choose which card.' Jaden then got to see what he was facing.

'Dimension Fusion Destruction, Uria and Needlebug Nest. This is an easy decision – I'll destroy Uria (Yubel LP:4000-3500). 'Now I'll contact fuse Neos and Marine Dolphin.' 'You can't do that!' 'I sure can! Meet the Elemental Hero Marine Neos (Atk:2800).'

'And you know what Marine Neos can do? It can destroy a random card in your hand.' The Fusion monster shot another card from the fiend's hand, and Jaden celebrated. 'I got rid of it! Now I activate H – Heated Heart to give Marine Neos 500 more Attack (Atk:2800-3300). Attack Chaos Core with Hyper-Rapid Storm!'

'Not so fast. My Chaos Core has an effect. When my Core is attacked, I can send Hamon from my deck to the graveyard to give Core a Phantasm Counter (Counters:0-1). By detaching that counter (Counters:1-0), I can avoid damage this turn and Core isn't destroyed.' 'That sucks. I end my turn (Atk:3300-2800).'

Yubel: 'I draw. I activate Pot of Greed, for two more cards.' In a massive flex, Yubel refused to even look at the cards drawn before the next move. 'I'll now discard them both for Magical Stone Excavation. It allows me to add Dimension Fusion Destruction back to my hand. By using it, I can fuse the three Sacred Beasts from my graveyard and summon Armityle the Chaos Phantom (Atk:0-10,000).'

'And now, as the prophecy foretold, the dimensions will be reunited once and for all! Armityle, attack Marine Neos!' The attack from Armityle nearly ripped through the shrine, causing earthquakes as it waylaid Marine Neos. Then, Yubel saw Jaden stood still.

'Why are you still there?' 'Because I activated Hero Spirit. Because you destroyed an Elemental Hero in battle, the damage this turn became 0.' 'You won't be so lucky again!' Inside though, Yubel was losing grip, as Blair's spirit fought back courageously. 'I end my turn.' Suddenly, Jaden noticed something important, as Armityle groaned (Atk:10,000-0).

Jaden: 'So that's it's weakness… I draw. You like Field spells? Here's one for you – I activate Skyscraper 2 – Hero City.' The shrine remained, but instead of cold stone around them, there stood now a sprawling metropolis. 'With this, once per turn I can summon from my graveyard a monster which was destroyed in battle. I summon Marine Neos (Atk:2800).'

'Marine Neos, attack Armityle.' 'I won't even entertain this. I activate Spirit Barrier. Now I will take no Battle damage as long as I still control a monster. And it just so happens that Armityle can't be destroyed in battle.' 'I end my turn with a face-down.'

Yubel: 'I draw (Armityle Atk:10,000). I'll use Opening of the Spirit Gates to revive Chaos Summoning Beast (Atk:0). Then I'll activate Dimension Twister. By paying 1000 of my Life points (Yubel LP:3500-2500), I can add Hamon back to my hand. Now my Summoning Beast will lay down it's life for Hamon, Lord of Striking Thunder (Def.:4000).'

'Armityle, eviscerate his Marine Neos.' As his Fusion monster got obliterated again, Jaden was struggling to see a way out. 'I end my turn. Soon enough this will all be mine!' Jaden then steeled himself. 'I'm not giving up on you Blair.' 'Why not? She's already given up on herself, given into despair.' This made Jaden very angry. 'I'm not giving up because she's my friend! And I care about her! And I'm not going to give up on her!'

Inside the shell

Blair (who had largely been dormant since being pushed back by Yubel) suddenly awoke hearing this. 'Did he just say...'

In the shrine

Jaden: I draw. I activate Pot of Greed, to draw two cards. Then I'll use Skyscraper 2 to bring Marine Neos back again (Atk:2800). Then I'll activate R – Righteous Justice, to destroy your Spirit Barrier. With that gone, I'll attack your monster Armityle with Marine Neos. This is the only way I know.'

'Well it's too bad that it's the way you'll DIE then. When Hamon is in Defence mode, you can only target IT for an attack.' Marine Neos shot out powerful sonar, but it wasn't enough as Hamon deflected a portion of the attack back, slamming Jaden's points as he suffered the effects of the piercing waves (Jaden LP:3500-2100).

'If that's the case I'm toast. Unless...' He then looked at the cards left in his hand. 'I'll summon Neo Space Connector (Atk:800).' 'A little spaceman? What could that possibly do to my Sacred Beasts?' 'They aren't yours, you stole them. And what Connector can do is summon Elemental Hero Neos directly from my deck (Atk:2500). And now I activate the Spell card Fusion Substitute. This can fuse monsters together so long as they are on my field. I'll choose Neos and Marine Neos, then fuse them together!'

A fierce blizzard then entered the war-zone. 'I hope you don't get cold easily. I summon the Elemental Hero Absolute Zero (Def.:2000).' 'And you call that a threat?' Focusing on his game, Jaden continued. 'Then I'll use the other effect of Connector to tribute itself and bring back Neos in Defence mode (Def.:2000). I end my turn.'

Yubel: 'My turn again.' By now Yubel was having incredible difficulty even drawing cards as a result of the repeated resistance from Blair, the young slifer fighting with the heart of a lion. 'I'll just attack with Armityle. Destroy Neos.' Jaden's signature hero couldn't hold out as the Chaos Phantasm tore it to shreds. 'Sorry Neos.' 'I end my turn.'

Jaden: 'My turn.' As he drew the card, he was stunned. 'No way… that's what I'm supposed to do? I end my turn.' 'Not what you were hoping for?' No answer was garnered, but the look on his face was plenty enough.

Yubel: 'I draw. I'll switch Hamon to Attack mode (Atk:4000). Hamon, conduct Absolute Zero to an absolute grave! Cerulean Skyfire.' Absolute Zero fried the HERO with fierce lighting, destroying it. But it stayed on the field, and started shimmering blue, glowing brighter and brighter.

'I activate Absolute Zero's effect. It may be going down for the count, but not alone – it's taking both your monsters with it!' Eventually the monster exploded into a fierce blizzard, causing a pair of massive explosions as Yubel's field was cleared. 'How dare you! This is not how it's meant to be. Fall to your knees and pray!' 'No, I won't. Blair, listen to me, if you're still in there, you can do this!' 'She can't. Your turn.'

Jaden: 'I draw. It's worth a go – I activate the Spell card Reasoning.' 'What are you planning?' 'To win. With this interactive card you can declare a Level between 1 and 12. Then I take cards from the top of my deck until I find a monster I can summon. If it's the same Level you picked, I can summon it. If not then it goes to the graveyard with all the other cards I found. Now pick your poison!'

Spitefully, Yubel spat out '12.' Jaden then started to excavate through his deck (Miracle Fusion, Miracle Kids, O – Oversoul, Hero Counterattack, Hero Signal, Fifth Hope, Pot of Greed, Fifth Hope, Miracle Kids, Kid Guard, Skyscraper, Fusion Gate, Hero Kid). 'Hero Kid's a Level 3, so I send all the cards to the grave.' 'Your deck isn't looking so healthy anymore.' 'I know. I'll set a card and end my turn.'

Yubel: 'I draw. I'll use the effect of Opening to discard one card and summon back Chaos Summoning Beast (Atk:0). Then I'll use it's effect and tribute for Raviel, Lord of Phantasms (Atk:4000). Then I'll use my face-down Trap Stun to stop any… interference.' Facing down the barrel at this point, Jaden looked doomed. 'Raviel, attack! Shimmering Scraper!'

Raviel's claw plunged towards Jaden, and all hope was lost. Until at the last second, he shouted one last thing. 'Blair! If you're in there, I need you!' And then, a flash of light, a piercing scream, and a sudden reprieve where all seemed doomed. 'Go – El Shaddoll Fusion. Fuse together Shaddoll Beast from my hand with Raviel to summon El Shaddoll Winda (Atk:2200).'

Jaden then looked up to see Raviel was no more. 'Jaden...' 'Blair!' 'I don't know how long I have control of my body for. I end my turn. Please, finish this off. I forgive you.' Jaden then firmed up, and looked at his deck. 'Now would be a great time for a wicked draw. And you've never let me down before.'

Jaden: 'I draw.' He looked at the card, and smiled. 'That will do. I activate E – Emergency Call. This allows me to add Elemental Hero Avian to my hand. But he'll see no play here. Because I activate the Spell card HERO Flash!' Yubel then took back just enough control to see what was happening. 'NO!' 'Yes! HERO Flash allows me to banish H – Heated Heart, E – Emergency Call, R – Righteous Justice and O – Oversoul from my graveyard. Now I can summon from my deck Elemental Hero Neos (Atk:2500), and it can attack directly!' Neos rushed straight past Winda, and chopped Yubel down, defeating her once and for all (Yubel LP:2500-0).

As Blair lay recovering from her ordeal, Jaden didn't have his usual winning bluster. Or any rage. Instead he walked over to Yubel (now in their own physical form), as calm as you like. 'This was all because you were angry with me.' 'All I ever wanted to do was to protect you. All those times that people got hurt, I just wanted to save you from harm. It was my duty.'

'Your duty?' The now repentful spirit lowered their head. 'In a past life, you were a great prince. And I was your faithful servant. We worked together to bring peace and prosperity. But then the Light of Destruction came, and it took everything. We battled against it, but it was too strong. It was foretold that one day he would be reincarnated and do battle with the light once more. I swore I would never leave your side.'

'But then you sent me away and the light corrupted me. I saw a reality when you had forgotten your promise to me.' 'My promise?' 'The promise to never forget me, to always be loyal.' 'But instead I sent you away.' 'It made me believe that you had forgotten that I existed.' 'How could I ever? I would look up at the stars every night and remember you and wish you were still here.'

'So I came back, and I was just so bitter and alone. I wanted you to see.' 'And then you met Blair.' 'She was just so empty inside, so lonely. I just latched on to those emotions. I had to get your attention somehow, and I felt like if I could unite the dimensions, we'd always be together.'

Understanding, he then reached his hand out, shocking the spirit. 'You'd… forgive me?' Jaden looked over at Blair, and then nodded to Yubel. 'Nobody deserves to be alone. Everybody deserves a friend, no matter how many mistakes they've made.' As Blair scooted back and watched on all fours, Yubel touched Jaden, and their souls merged together, shouting 'We are one.'

The young Slifer could only observe in terror, but was soon relieved to see Jaden turn and smile at her. 'It's ok Blair. Everything's ok now. Everyone deserves someone.' He then pulled her up to her feet. 'Especially you. Let's get going.' 'Right.' As the dimensions were saved, they left for home.

Six Months Later

Months after the incidents involving Yubel, much had changed. Jaden and Blair had mended fences, and were now close to inseparable. They enjoy their time together, although they have drastically different attitudes to working. Blair also has a new dorm-mate. He's called Pharaoh, and he spends most of the day sleeping. She says he reminds her of Jaden in many ways, but chose not to elaborate.

Marcel still hasn't plucked up the courage to ask Blair out on a date, but secretly, she knows how he feels about her and is thinking of asking him herself. His duelling skills have improved significantly, and he recently defeated Chazz, who insists that he threw the match.

Hassleberry recovered from his injuries sustained against Yubel, and was invited to stay at the academy after completing his studies, becoming Duel Academy's first ever strength and conditioning coach. His students regulary complain that he's convinced he's in the army still.

Jesse's good heart and gentle touch came in very useful when he was asked to train as a mental health nurse for the academy. He originally had an open-door policy, but was forced to change it when he realised he hadn't had any lunch for three weeks. Rumour has it he'll soon be offered the job full-time.

Alexis admitted grade-tampering at a disciplinary hearing, and was given an official warning. As part of her punishment, she was given work experience teaching first-years part-time at the academy. She isn't happy about the lack of pay, and still hasn't forgiven Atticus for grassing her up.

He left the academy shortly after the incident, and his current whereabouts are unknown, aside from the constant postcards he sends of an unidentified beach. His dress sense has gotten even worse since. The police are refusing to investigate his "crimes against fashion" sadly.

And finally, Zane survived his ordeal, although he did spend a month in hospital. He has retired from duelling altogether on health grounds, and now regularly coaches final year students on joining the pro circuit. He's also become a mentor to Blair, after approaching her following his release. He insists she's going to be a pro one day, but she isn't sure.

In the corridors of the academy

Blair was visiting where she had been attacked six months earlier. 'I can't believe how much has changed. Everything feels like it's gotten so much better now.' Just then, her thoughts were interrupted by Alexis. After an awkward stare-down, the Obelisk Queen smiled. 'I want you to know I'm sorry for messing with your grades.'

Blair responded with a shrug. 'You really don't need to apologise to me. Everything's worked out in the end. How's the teaching going?' 'It's fine. I'm still pretty new to it all. Oh yeah, I meant to tell you, Chancellor Crowler wanted to see you in the duel arena immediately.' 'Me?' 'Yeah, didn't say why.' 'Ok.' She then looked around again, and made her way to the arena.

When she got in there, the stands were packed with students, and Zane was stood, smiling at the side of the field. 'What is this?' She then saw Chancellor Crowler, along with Ex-Chancellor Sheppard stood in the centre of the duel field. 'So erm… why did you want to see me? Have I done something wrong?' Sheppard laughed hearing this.

'Honestly, we wouldn't be talking to you here if you'd done something wrong. No, you've done something very very right.' Crowler then took a microphone. 'Blair Flannigan, as a result of your excellent grades throughout the year and your marked improvement as a duellist, we have decided that you can graduate straight to Ra Yellow.'

She seemed rather overcome by this. 'Thank you.' 'No need, no need. You will make a fine Ra student. All you need to do is to take the Duel Academy Pledge.' Vice-Chancellor Bonaparte went to provide the pledge on a slip of paper, but she rejected it. 'I've already memorised it thank you. I solemnly pledge to always attempt to represent Duel Academy in an honourable and respectable manner. I accept that off campus, I am a representative of the Academy and that any actions I take will reflect upon the academy, for better or for worse.'

As everyone applauded, Blair welled up in pride. She then looked around and saw Jaden stood in the rafters giving her a thumbs up (he'd missed out on a seat due to being 20 minutes late). She stood, straight and stout, and finally, she was satisfied with what she'd achieved.

Outside

Jaden was returning to the Slifer dorm when he noticed Blair stood on the beach, just staring at the sea, her dirty red uniform still on with a beige shirt underneath it. He quietly wandered over, and stood next to her, also staring out to the ocean deep.

'Hey.' 'Hey.' 'So, when you moving out?' She looked at him and smiled. 'I'm not.' 'Really?' 'Yeah. I heard the Ra dorm has a strict no pets policy. Besides, I like the colour Red.' 'You know, I'm proud of you.' 'Jaden Yuki being grown up. Never thought it would happen.'

'Yeah, me neither. I am though. Listen, I just want to apolo' 'No need I promise.' 'Thanks.' 'You saved me back there.' 'I'm the one who got you into the mess in the first place.' 'No, it was just a combination of stuff.' 'How are you now anyway?' 'Yeah, not too bad. I think this is going to be with me forever, but I'll deal with it. As long as I've got people like you in my corner, I'll be fine.' Jaden then dragged Blair in for a hug as they both laughed. 'Come here you.' 'Get off! You're squishing me!'

Fini