Alright, got this out! And man, I do have a lot of characters to remember. If it weren't for constant reading and saving profiles, I don't know how I'd get this far. Anyway, it's time!
Also, freaking nostalgia! FF9 on PS4 and the return of Gold and Silver on 3DS Virtual Console! As if I didn't have much distractions! WHY MY PAST!?
Disclaimer: I do not own Yu-Gi-Oh! GX or the rest of the franchise or any music in this story, I own Claudio Osbourne and the Jukebox Hero Archetype, aside from a select few made by all the authors/readers who submitted them. And all other OCs and cards submitted © original creators.
Chapter 3: The Challenge
After witnessing Etna's first duel, everyone was now wary of getting on her bad side and not make presumptions like Shawn did. The next day, the Virus Duelist was now a part of Slifer Red and wearing the red blazer. Majority of the Obelisk Blues treated him as an outcast for being 'bottom of the barrel' material, while others felt he deserved to be demoted for speaking out of turn.
It was then Etna was gathering the top students from what she read from Chancellor Sheppard's files. She was now in her office talking with Tyranno Hassleberry, Melody Hikari, Kenji Yuuyami, and Alexis Rhodes.
"I've called you four here today to discuss the students of this Academy being promoted and demoted," Etna began, gauging the looks and thoughts of the students. "I would have used the results given to me by the visiting professors, but I believe I need a student's input in this as well. You four are the best and brightest in terms of overall dueling skill and academics."
"So, what exactly do you need from us?" Kenji asked.
"I'd like for you to discuss which students, from any dorm, deserves to be promoted or demoted, and give me your reasons." The Vice-Chancellor replied. "I trust you all to not make any personal reasons. I do know about some of your interactions with various students." Seeing the students' understanding looks, she continued. "So, who is first?"
"I'll start with Reyna Yuki," Alexis announced. "She may have been here only months, but her skills in dueling rivals Jaden's not to mention she's smart when it comes to her schoolwork. If she didn't choose to be in Slifer, she would have been in Ra or Obelisk."
Etna nodded, "I agree. She's been on top of her schoolwork and then she refines her dueling in ways a normal Fusion specialist has not."
"I'll add in Blair Flannigan," Kenji stated. "She's another duelist who chose to be in Slifer Red, but she nearly defeated me in a duel during the GX Tournament, last year. Not to mention, I can see her battling tougher opponents and walking out a strong winner or someone who's lost, but made her mark."
"I heard from Mr. Pegasus about that duel," the Laval duelist smiled. "I was surprised as well about her not being in Obelisk Blue. No wonder Slifer Red seems promising for working the higher class. I approve."
"Okay, I'll talk about Syrus Truesdale," Hassleberry noted, causing everyone to look at him. "He's truly grown as a duelist and started off as an Obelisk Blue, only demoted for Viper's plan..."
Etna raised her hand, "Don't worry, I know about the events that has transpired in the last few months. I've also been confided about the dimensional battles from Chancellor Sheppard and Seto Kaiba. So, if they play a part in all of this, I can reach an understanding."
The four students suddenly became relaxed, knowing that another person who can understand something outrageous. With that, the Jurrac duelist continued.
"Alright then, during that war he was able to defeat Jaden," he stated. "Not to mention his skill has improved from what everyone's told me, even with the duels I had against him. What's mostly improved is his confidence."
Etna chuckled, "I'd like to see that for myself. I've heard of his infamous duel against the famed Hell Kaiser, his own brother. To be able to hold his own against a revered opponent at this school and even hold his own against another who's been his better... Any other promotions?"
"I'll say Chazz Princeton." Melody spoke up.
"I've heard of him," Etna sighed. "His skill as a duelist is worthy, but his attitude was the problem. He could end up like another Shawn."
The Magician duelist nodded while Kenji, Alexis, and Hassleberry also voiced their agreement.
"However, he's grown as a duelist and a person," Melody noted. "He no longer cares about the rarity or the power of cards like he did in the first year. Not only that, in his own way, he's shown the younger duelists from his own prep school that he's evolved beyond their valedictorian to get into Obelisk Blue."
"Also, he's shown respect for the other dorms," Alexis smiled. "Showing that one's status at this school doesn't reflect their ability."
"And he's has defeated all the Obelisks as a Slifer duelist," Hassleberry stated. "Since you know about the Society of Light as well."
"He stayed on top of academics after the first year," Kenji noted. "Can't go wrong with someone who skill in two categories."
Etna raised an eyebrow before smiling, "So we're all in agreement here? Okay, I'll see here."
"And..." Kenji interjected. "Atticus Rhodes... and excuse me if I do get personal on this one. The only reason he was demoted was BECAUSE of Viper's Plans. And if you read the file about him, he can't use some forms of Red-Eyes Black Dragon because of Nightshroud."
Etna now had a stern look on her face, "So, this is what the name of a problem area of this school." She then looked to Alexis, who had a troubled look on her face. "Has he improved beyond using the Darkness Dragons for the Red-Eyes?"
"Yes," Alexis nodded. "He wants to make sure he can stand out on his own in case the worst happens."
"He has resolve," the Vice-Chancellor noted. "I'll see it through and give him a chance..."
(Minutes Later...)
"Now let's talk about demotions," Etna continued. "Now, I know from your testimony for Chazz is to be believed, a lot of them should be demoted, but I know some still hold promise. So, I'd like to know who could be demoted now."
"I'd actually have two," Kenji noted. "Raizou and Torimaki. Two students from the same prep school when they transitioned into Duel Academy. In fact, I was a student at the same school."
"I can vouch for him," Melody added. "They're old friends of Chazz who always hazed anyone of the lower dorms. However, their skills have never improved despite the new cards and the introduction of Synchro Summoning. The only time they've dueled Obelisks were during field tests."
"And they even have the nerve to talk down on people like Chazz to think they're weaker." Kenji added. "However, they've been defeated by those of lower dorms in their first year."
"Ah yes, the bullying type," Etna sighed. "And I've seen their files, so I shouldn't be surprised to hear their names. Anyone else?"
"There is this one kid in Ra Yellow named Dmitri," Hassleberry noted. "After dueling him once..."
"Oh wait," Alexis interjected. "Does he copy other duelists' deck?"
"Yeah," the Jurrac duelist noted.
Alexis, Melody, and Kenji groaned.
"I'd say we have enough of this," Etna sighed, finding the copy duelist's file. "I can see he's a smart kid from his grades, but he really needs to be his own duelist for this year."
Alexis then sighed, "Two more duelists... Jasmine and Mindy..."
Kenji and Melody looked at the Cyber Angel duelist in shock, "Your best friends?"
"But they haven't done anything productive as duelists," Alexis continued her case. "In fact, in the GX Tournament last year, I had to bail them out against a Pro Duelist. They even had him outnumbered two to one and they were still pushed to their breaking point. They once earned that spot, but they haven't done much since then."
Etna looked over the girls' files, "Yes, it is a shame... Looks like they have to prove if they can improve, otherwise they'll have to do it from the ground up." She then looked up to her students. "Now, how I do things is simply different from looking for winners and losers. Sure, the outcome of the duel affects the result, but I like for duelists to see everything they have in their decks. I fancy giving challenges to my students. I'll tell them via Duel Pilots." She then stood up from her desk, "But for now, I believe we should go to class and I'll be teaching the third years for today. The duels will take place afterwards."
In the classroom, the third-year students were already assembled and awaiting the Vice-Chancellor to start her class. For once, Jaden had come to class and was talking with Claudio.
"Anything unusual happen today?" Claudio asked the Senior Slifer.
"None," Jaden replied, "I even have Winged Kuriboh searching for clues."
"The Ironheade Crew is still at it," the J-Hero duelist mused. "I even checked the ruins and the Abandoned Dorm, since they had more sources of the Shadow Games."
"And the only one with dark powers, aside from us, are Kenji, Atticus, Alex, Jeremy, and Lily." The E-Hero duelists noted. "Kenji is just like us, dark but uses it for good. Alex, Jeremy, and Lily are free from their bonds when they were possessed. However, with the threat of Brightveil returning, we need to keep an eye on her."
"And Atticus can't use the Darkness Dragons," Claudio stated. "Otherwise, Nightshroud can come back through him. We should do something about that as well, taking out all the sources of Nightshroud."
The bell rung, signaling the start of class, prompting Claudio returning to the Ra Yellow section of class. Melody greeted him, but was still wary of what Claudio was hiding from her.
'There he goes again,' Melody thought. 'He's talking with Jaden discreetly, but treats it as nothing when he's around me and the others.' She then noticed Kenji, Alexis, Atticus, Jeremy, Lily, Alex, Jethro, Syrus and Chazz over at the two individuals at question. 'And I know the Reyna, Allyson, and the others are still worried. I think we should discuss this...'
Pretty soon, Etna came through the bottom doors of the class...
Followed by two familiar faces to majority of the schools.
"Roxanne and Matthias?" Syrus gasped.
"They're at this school again?" Kenji wondered.
The whole class then started to talk loudly about the situation, until Etna intervened...
"Quiet down, everyone!" She shouted, making everyone do just that. "Now, it looks like I won't have to make introductions about these two duelists coming to Duel Academy. But I still have another announcement to make. As of now, Roxanne Terrador Jones and Matthias Tsunami are now Third-Year Students of Duel Academy of the Slifer Red Dorm, due to their late entry."
"EHHHH!?" the whole class gasped.
"You all knew the rules, did you not?" Etna continued. "As such, they'll earn their status to Ra Yellow and Obelisk Blue once promotions begin. Not to mention, I won't give them special treatment because they are Pro Duelists."
"Hello everyone," Roxanne announced, bowing to the class.
"Hey there," Matthias smiled, waving to everyone.
"Please take your seats at the bottom row, you two," Etna instructed. "We're about to begin classes." Pretty soon, the two former Pro Duelists took their places together at the Slifer Red section. "Then, we'll begin classes with Archetypes. You may know that Archetypes of cards nearly follow the same criteria of abilities, looks, etc. But sometimes, you know that several Archetypes can work together. After all, I'm a first-hand experience."
She then turned on the screen showing Rekindling and multiple Flamvell Monsters.
"Now, Flamvells mostly have monsters with 200 DEF that coincide with Rekindling's effect." She explained. "However..."
She then clicked on the screen to show many FIRE Monsters, mostly Lavals, some Volcanics, and many other FIRE Monsters of other archetypes.
"You can also see that this card can benefit others of different Archetypes." She stated. "A better explanation would be all Hero Monsters."
Some people looked discreetly at Jaden and Claudio when they heard 'Hero'. The screen then showed cards like Elemental Hero Stratos, Vision Hero Adoration, Legacy of a Hero to name a few...
"While there are many sub-archetypes of the Hero Archetype, there are still cards that can benefit them all if one were to run multiple Heroes across different sub-archetypes..."
'Just like what happened with Aster...' Jaden thought, remembering his duels with the Pro Duelist and watching him in other duels.
"To those who simply run with one Archetype," Etna continued. "Do not be afraid to expand to others that can help your deck immensely. The same goes for cards that can also play off what the Archetypes can do."
Later that day...
Jaden laid on his bed, mulling over today's events. He thought about Etna's teachings, knowing his deck is diverse with all the possibilities a Hero deck can do. He used Reyna's monsters along with Masked Heroes, and of course the Neo-Spacians. He would soon put into practice all the skills he obtained.
Soon, his door burst open and in came a happy Reyna Yuki standing in front of him.
"Jaden, I'm in line for a promotion to Obelisk Blue!" She exclaimed, showing off her Duel Pilot.
The elder Yuki sat up on his bed, and read his sister's Duel Pilot, "Reyna Yuki, you have been selected for a Promotion Duel against Lyra Raines. Your victory will move you into the Obelisk Blue Dorm." He then smiled a little, "Hey, that's great. You've been here half the year and now you're moving up."
"Yeah, but it also says I have to make sure I win with a Fusion Monster that needs definite materials." Reyna stated, reading her message again. "Meaning, despite using monsters that need an Elemental Hero plus a certain attribute, I have to use the ones that need specific materials. And I only have so few that fits the bill." She then gave a wry smile. "I guess that's the difference between you and I, you mainly use specifics, while I have free reign to fuse."
"You'll figure it out," Jaden stated as he laid back on his bed, "You always have."
Reyna frowned as she crossed her arms, "Also, I've been wondering something... Although I'm happy that you're taking your classes seriously, I'm surprised you're not in line for a promotion duel. In fact, I've heard from the Ra Yellows that you should have been in there."
"Well, I like the color Red..."
"Sure, but you really should think about it," She continued. "Especially since we've came back from the other dimensions. We really haven't talked much since you got back..."
"After what I've been through, it's not easy to go back to the way things were." Jaden sighed. "Having to sacrifice so much to defeat Yubel and Tragoedia... Sacrifices that should have never happened..."
"Jaden, you shouldn't be down like this," Reyna interjected. "You said everything with Yubel has been resolved, but what do you mean by that?"
"It means you won't have to worry about her hurting anyone to get to me," the Senior Slifer noted as he got off the bed. "Thanks to that, we don't have to worry about any threats that will come after me and use anybody to do it. What matters is that you, Allyson, and our friends are safe and we get to finish off this year the way it was meant to be."
"Jaden..."
"Don't we have to see your Promotion Duel," Jaden interrupted as he turned to his sister with a little smile. "Come on, this is your big chance and you won't make it if you're late."
Seeing that look hurt Reyna deeply, making her frown. "Why are you hiding from us? In fact, what are you hiding from us?"
Soon, the whole student body and faculty turned out for the first Promotion Duel of the semester. Many comments were made about Reyna getting the opportunity to Duel for a higher rank.
"Reyna's getting the first battle!?"
"She's only been here half a year!"
"But you've seen how good Jaden is; maybe that's why she's getting this chance."
Allyson sat next to her boyfriend with a smile on her face. "I knew Reyna wouldn't stay a Slifer for long! You must be proud of her."
"I am," Jaden nodded. "She deserves it. At least everyone will see how great she is, despite her dorm status."
"Kind of like you," the Spirit Duelist smiled, nudging him with her elbow. "You may be a Slifer, but you're so much more than that! Especially being a hero of this Academy."
The E-Hero duelist couldn't help but feel somber at the word 'hero'. "Yeah... a real hero..."
At the arena floor, Reyna and Lyra met each other in the middle and exchanged decks for shuffling.
"I'm being selected to test you," the Infernity duelist stated with her normal tone. "Must be an honor..."
"It'll be a sweet duel, that's for sure," the young Yuki replied. However, she didn't seem that much enthusiastic than normal.
"Problem?" Lyra asked.
Reyna sighed, "Jaden hasn't been himself lately after what happened a week ago."
"Oh yeah... You guys had more problems adding on to the ones me, Allen, and several others had to face." The Goth stated.
Reyna remembered the fact that the tabloid group Venom, once run by Ileana Viper, were trying to take advantage of the Academy-less island and many students being absent without reason. Lyra was one of the people fighting them, but lost to its leader.
"Then again, he loves a good duel, right?" Lyra continued. "Show him your skills and determination to getting in to Obelisk."
Reyna smiled, "Right, thanks Lyra..."
Lyra then gave one of her rare smiles, "No thanks needed, I just don't want to defeat a weak opponent. But I plan on showing you my skills in kind."
"Now I know I'm in for it," the E-Hero duelist smirked. "I'm ready for you!"
The girls returned their respective decks and took their places on both sides of the arena. Etna then stood up and spoke into the microphone.
"Ladies, this is duel with Reyna Yuki's promotion at stake." She announced. "As such, I wish to see a fair duel between the two of you." She then turned to Reyna. "And Miss Yuki, remember your stipulation..." The audience suddenly looked confused as they wondered what their new Vice-Chancellor was talking about. "During these Duels, if I call on you, you will have a challenge to complete as well as winning your duel. Even if it results in a loss, if your determination and resolve is true as a Duelist, I'll give you another chance along the year." She then looked to the competitors. "Now girls, begin the duel!"
Both players activated their duel disks and drew their opening hands.
DUEL!
Reyna: 8000
Lyra: 8000
"I'll go first," Reyna announced, drawing her sixth card. "I summon Elemental Hero Stratos!" She declared, playing her Monster Card. A man in blue and silver armor appeared, equipped with metal wings. (4/1800/300) "When I summon it, I can add a Hero Monster from my deck into my hand, and I choose Lady Heat!" She took out her choice card. "Then, I'll play Hero's Bond! Using this, I can Special Summon 2 more Heroes from my hand! I choose Lady Heat and Blazeman!" She announced, playing her 2 Monster Cards. In a blaze of flames, a woman in a white and red bodysuit and a man in a red helmet surrounded the field clad in dark red armor and black tights appeared. (4/1300/1000), (4/1200/1600)
"I see you're no slouch when preparing defenses," Lyra noted.
"And that's not all I have for you," the Hero duelist smirked, "When summoned, Blazeman adds a Polymerization card from my hand!" Her disk pushed out the Fusion card from her deck. However, it was a different kind of card. "Fusion Substitute! This card will always be treated as Polymerization!"
"Wow, three Monsters at once," Masaki noted. "And she even got a Fusion Card ready to go! I wonder what's different about this one..."
"Then, I choose to play Blazeman's other effect, sending an Elemental Hero from my deck to the graveyard and he'll take on its stats until the end of the turn." Reyna continued as she took out one card. "I choose Sparkman!" (4/1200-1600/1600-1400) "I then place one card facedown to end my turn." Reyna concluded. "During the End Phase, Lady Heat's effect activates. It deals 200 points of damage for each Hero I have on the field!"
Lady Heat conjured up three small fireballs in her hands. She then tossed them at Lyra, who casually blocked with her disk. Blazeman's stats returned to normal.
Reyna: 8000
Lyra: 7400
"She has Sparkman?" Kurogasa wondered. "Most of her Heroes are effect monsters, and I guess she'll need another choice of LIGHT Monsters for fusing the Shining."
"My move," Lyra announced, drawing her sixth card.
"Leave it to Lyra to stay cool in the face of attacks," Jethro smirked.
"Just be sure to watch out for her counterattacks," Allen stated.
"I summon Infernity Archfiend in attack mode!" the Infernity Duelist called. From a dark portal, an orange-haired demon wearing purple robes appeared with low chuckled. (4/1800/1200) "I attack your Lady Heat. Demon Pressure!"
The Archfiend chanted loudly, causing a seal to appear above Reyna and her Heroes. Soon, a black flame hand smashed through and lunged for the heroine...
"I activate my Trap, Hero Barrier! I can negate an attack on an Elemental Hero!" Reyna countered, revealing her facedown card. Lady Heat then generated a flaming barrier above her. Once the black hand hit, the two forces exploded and left the Heroes unharmed.
"So, I won't have deal with that again," Lyra shrugged. "I place two cards facedown to end my turn."
"She's not being rattled," Etna mused. "Even at a disadvantage, she's stays calm. What will Reyna do at this point?"
"It's my turn," Reyna announced, drawing her next card. "Next, I activate Blazeman's effect to send Necroshade to the graveyard as well for Blazeman to take on its stats and attributes!" Blazeman's aura took on a faint darkness. (4-5/1200-1600/1600-1800) "Now here we go! I activate Fusion Substitute! Just like the original Polymerization, I can fuse Lady Heat and Blazeman as a DARK Monster!"
Both Monsters appeared in the fusion vortex, swirling together.
"Heroes of the flames! Take in the darkness and use it for justice! Fusion Summon! Appear! Elemental Hero Escuridao!"
Flying out of the fusion, came a shadowy figure. It was a thin monster with silver armor around the chest and its whole body made moved like a living fire. (8/2500/2000)
"A DARK Hero Fusion," Lyra said, looking intrigued. "What do you have planned?"
"When this card is on the field, it gains 100 ATK for each Elemental Hero Monster in the graveyard, and I've got four!" Reyna declared as her Hero powered up. (8/2500-2900/2000) "Then, I activate Fusion Recovery to bring back Blazeman and Fusion Substitute from the graveyard!"
"That means she can use another Fusion Monster!" Allyson cheered.
"But that means Escuridao loses 100 ATK," Kenji noted. (8/2900-2800/2000)
"Now it's time I do it all over again, summoning Blazeman!" Reyna announced, bringing back the flame-based hero. (4/1200/1600) "Then, I add another Fusion Substitute from the deck!"
"There must be something special about the name," Alexis wondered. "Aside from being treated as the original card."
"Still, the downside is the Monsters to fuse must be on the field," Claudio interjected. "That card only uses Materials you control. But there is an upside..."
"Now I use Fusion Substitute again," Reyna continued as another Fusion vortex appeared, absorbing Stratos and Blazeman.
"Heroes of the Elements! Become one and embrace the flames! Fusion Summon! Appear! Elemental Hero Nova Master!"
Flying out of the vortex came a taller warrior clad in crimson red armor like a knight's, red cape blowing in the wind. (8/2600/2100)
"And thanks to this Fusion, I have two more E-Heroes in the graveyard, meaning Escuridao's power increases again!" (8/2800-3000/2000)
"Two fusions in the turn," Lyra smirked. "Alright, show me what you've got..."
Reyna smirked back, "Someone's eager... But I'll come at you with all powers! First, Nova Master will attack your Archfiend! Burning Fist Strike!"
The FIRE Fusion Monster roared as he charged in and punched the fiend in the stomach with a fist of flames, shattering it to pixels.
Reyna: 8000
Lyra: 6600
"And when Nova Master defeats a Monster, I can draw a card," Reyna continued, drawing her card.
"But destroying my monster, activates my Trap Card. Rope of Life!" Lyra countered, revealing one of her cards. "I discard my entire hand to revive my Archfiend, but with 800 ATK extra!" After sending her hand to the graveyard, the Archfiend reappeared after being hoisted by a dark rope around its waist. (4/1800-2600/1200) "And since it's Special Summoned while I have no hand, I can add an Infernity Card from my deck to my hand. I choose Infernity Launcher."
"That's great, but you still have my other Monster to contend with," the Slifer girl continued. "Attack with Darkness Blitz!" Escuridao rushed across the field, morphing its right arm into a spear...
"Not so fast, I activate the effect of Necro Guardna in my graveyard!" Lyra countered, causing a ghost of a white haired, dark-silver armored man to appear behind her and catch the Hero's spear in his hands. "I remove it from play to negate your Monster's attack!"
"Whoa, she used Rope of Life to put it in her graveyard to block the stronger attack," Alex stated.
"Reyna may have knocked down her Life Points, but it's like Lyra's controlling the field," Jeremy noted.
"I end my turn with this card," Reyna concluded as a Set card appeared behind her Heroes.
"My draw," Lyra announced, drawing her next card. "I activate the Continuous Spell Infernity Launcher." She stated, letting the Spell take form. "Once per turn, I can discard an Infernity Monster like my Beetle!" She discarded her last card, causing the Continuous Spell to glow darker. "Then, it activates it's final effect. By sending this to the graveyard, I can Special Summon 2 Infernity Monsters from my Graveyard. So, not only my Beetle will come out to play, I'll also bring out my Infernity Destroyer!"
Reyna braced herself as the Continuous Spell burst into dark flames, unleashing two Monsters from its embrace. The first was a dark colored beetle (2/1200/0) and the next was a demon wearing a dark blue vest, flexing its claws. (6/2300/1000)
"Then, I activate my Beetle's effect." She continued, "I sacrifice it to Special Summon two more of them from my deck!" The beetle glowed purple before splitting off into two. (2/1200/0) x2 "I now tune my Level 6 Destroyer with my Level 2 Beetle!"
Everyone watched as the insect became two Tuning Rings, surrounding the larger fiend and reduced it to six stars.
"From these dark souls combined, I create the dragon of death. Synchro Summon! Rise from the dead, Infernity Death Dragon!"
The darkness spread from the Synchro Summoning process and unleashed a pitch-black dragon that stood on two legs and spread out its wings that looked torn and tattered. It had four arms, two smaller, dinosaur-like arms and two larger ones with clamps for hands. Its head was topped off with a grey crown made of prongs with what seemed to be a portion of its brains being shown. (8/3000/2400)
"I thought I'd see one of your dragons come out," Reyna grinned. "Time for some fun!"
"But first, I reveal my facedown card, Call of the Haunted," The Infernity Duelist continued, "I can Special Summon a Monster from my Graveyard. But, it won't be any of my Infernity Monsters."
"No?" the E-Hero duelist wondered.
Lyra smirked, "I reveal a new Monster, Mechanical Hound!"
A loud howl was heard as a large, bronze armored dog machine appeared. (7/2800/1500)
"Another non-Infernity Monster?" Allen wondered.
"Now I can dominate the field," the Goth continued. "For I activate my Death Dragon's effect! I can destroy one monster on your side of the field and then deal damage equal to half of its ATK. And I select your Escuridao! Flames of Death, now!"
"I hate to break up the act, but I activate my Quick-Play Spell!" the Slifer girl countered, revealing her facedown card.
...Or if could lift, as it froze up before the card was revealed.
"What!?" Reyna gasped. She then looked at the last Monster, who was now glowing golden. "That thing!?"
"While I have no hand, Mechanical Hound prevents your Spells from activating," Lyra stated. "Meaning, your facedown card will not play. Death Dragon's effect continues!" Infernity Doom Dragon roared and unleashed black flames from its mouth to burn up the shadow Hero and make it explode.
Reyna: 6500
Lyra: 6600
"Now to battle," Lyra said, "Mechanical Hound, destroy Nova Master! Power Pounce!" The giant metal dog leapt into the air and landed on the last Hero, crushing it to pixels.
Reyna: 6300
Lyra: 6600
"Now, I attack directly with my Archfiend and my Beetle!" the Infernity duelist continued. Both the insect and fiend rushed the field, causing Reyna to block with her disk.
Reyna: 5100-2500
Lyra: 6600
Allyson gasped, "Reyna!"
"Lyra's really stepped up her game, she's used a Monster that we didn't expect," Ray stated. "She's come a long way since our last duel. I'd be proud if she did make it to Obelisk Blue. Both do have the potential like Etna said..."
"I end my turn," Lyra concluded. "Let's see you overcome my monsters."
"And it will be a fun challenge!" Reyna stated as she moved her disk away from her face, showing a smile. "You really shown you'd belong in Obelisk Blue! And I can see you really don't think I'm done."
"I'm not ignorant of the power of the Hero Monsters," the Infernity duelist stated. "I've faced Claudio in battle earlier this year, and I can attest that if I faced Aster, Masaki, and even your brother... I could have them on the ropes and they'd bounce back with a stronger fight. I'd like to see that."
"Then, let's get to it!" Reyna said, drawing her next card. "Now, you've stopped me from activating Spell Cards. But that's on the field..."
"Hmm?"
"You think about the name change yet?" She continued. "Sure, it can play like Polymerization, but now I use its other ability. One that Mechanical Hound can't touch! By removing Fusion Substitute from my Graveyard, I can return a Fusion Monster back to my Extra Deck and draw a card!"
Lyra watched as her opponent removed the Spell and pocketed it, remove the Nova Master and putting it back where it belongs. Finally, Reyna drew another. Looking over her choices, minus her other Fusion card, she nodded. "Alright, here's my move! I'll set one monster facedown and two cards facedown."
"That's it," Hassleberry wondered.
"Well, with Spells being locked out," Syrus trailed off.
"Don't worry, she has a plan," Jaden shrugged. "She won't let something like that give her trouble."
"My draw," Lyra announced, drawing her next card. "I summon Infernity Dwarf!" Her next card brought out a dark purple dwarf wearing orange overalls and a feathered hat, wielding a flaming axe. (2/800/600) "Thanks to this Monster, my Monsters can deal piercing damages as long as I'm handless."
"Oh great," Reyna muttered.
"Now I send in my Mechanical Hound to destroy your facedown monster," Lyra declared. "Power Pounce!" The metal dog once again jumped onto Reyna's Monster, smashing it to pixels. But then it reformed into another Monster. A clay jar with a grinning face. (2/700/600) "Morphing Jar!?"
"That's right," the E-Hero duelist grinned. "Using Fusions takes up a lot of hand power, so I need more than just Spells and Traps. But this also puts a damper on your plan to win! Right now, you got the piercing damage..."
Reyna: 300
Lyra: 6600
"But now, Morphing Jar's Flip Effect activates!" Reyna continued. "We discard our hands and draw five new cards! I'll discard my last Fusion Substitute and then we both draw!"
Lyra frowned as both her and her opponent drew their five card hands.
"Then, Morphing Jar's destruction causes my Trap to activate, Hero Signal!" the E-Hero duelist continued, letting the trap emit the searchlight. "I Special Summon Elemental Hero Knospe in defense mode!"
Answering the call, a small living flower bud with a red jewel around its neck appeared. (3/600/1000)
"But I'll take it down with my Archfiend," Lyra announced as her fiend began to chant...
"Which causes my last card to activate," Reyna countered, revealing her last card. "I play Super Junior Confrontation! This causes both our weakest Monsters to do battle and end the Battle Phase! Meaning your Dwarf has to fight my defending Knospe!"
The Dwarf growled as he used his axe to stroke at the plant hero, only to be blocked by a seed to the face.
Reyna: 300
Lyra: 6400
"And since she did Battle Damage, she gains 100 ATK and loses 100 DEF!" Knopse glowed a green aura. (3/600-700/1000-900)
Lyra looked at her hand and saw that she couldn't empty it quickly, opting only to set two cards to end her turn. "You got me there, but it's not over yet..."
"Now that Lyra has a hand, Reyna still has a chance." Sam stated. "But I think we still can't count out Lyra..."
"She's got ways to discard her hand, but will it happen soon?" Jachin wondered.
"My turn," Reyna announced, drawing her next card. 'But if I know Lyra, I have to be careful! If she can discard her hand again, Mechanical Hound will stop me. Just hope I can get this going... Let's go!' "I use the Fusion Substitute in my graveyard, to return Escuridao to my Extra Deck and draw a card!" She removed her Spell to return her Fusion Monster and took her next card. "Now, I play another Polymerization to fuse Elemental Hero Avian and Burstinatrix in my hand!"
"Huh!?" Jaden gasped. "She has those Heroes!?"
"Hero flying in the sky! Heroine of the flames! Become one and become the undying enforcer! Fusion Summon! Appear! Elemental Hero Phoenix Enforcer!"
In a flash, another hero appeared. He had a tanned, human face with a green helmet obscuring the eyes. His outfit consisted of black with fire emblazoned on it, white wings, red legs and a tail. (6/2100/1200)
"That's the monster Aster had last year," Chazz stated. "How did she get that one?"
"Simple, Aster gave it to her," Masaki replied with a shrug.
"You're kidding me?" Hassleberry said.
"Nope, Aster wanted to let go of his past," The S-Hero duelist smiled. "So, he passed it on to another Hero Duelist who could use it the right way."
"But that's not all, I'm going to do!" Reyna smirked. "I play Miracle Fusion next, fusing Phoenix Enforcer with my Sparkman in the graveyard!"
"Hero symbolizing the Phoenix! Hero of Light! Become one and illuminate the evildoers! Fusion Summon! Appear! Elemental Hero Shining Phoenix Enforcer!"
Combining with the Sparkman, Phoenix Enforcer got metallic upgrade as his wings were encased in steel and wore a new green suit. (8/2500/2100)
"Well done," Etna mused. "But can you win with this card? If not, do you have another?"
"With this Monster, he gains 300 ATK for the Elemental Heroes in the graveyard! Right now, I got five!" Reyna stated as her Fusion Monster powered up. (8/2500-4000/2100) "But it doesn't stop there! I haven't Normal Summoned yet, and I should bring out a new friend of mine! I summon Elemental Hero Ocean!" In a wave of water, a fish-headed hero appeared wearing a blue bodysuit and wielding a trident. (4/1500/1200)
Lyra braced herself.
"Now, it's time to bring the pain! Since I have another Elemental Hero on the field, I can allow Knopse to attack directly!" Reyna announced, letting the plant fire the seeds into Lyra's disk.
Reyna: 300
Lyra: 5700
Once again, Knopse got more powerful. (3/700-800/900-800)
"Then, I attack your Mechanical Hound with my Phoenix Enforcer!" She continued as her illuminated Hero charged in.
"I have you now," Lyra announced, discarding one card from her hand. "I play my Trap, Rising Energy! I discard once to increase my monster's ATK by 1500!" The metal dog roared loudly as its powers went overdrive. (7/2800-4300/1500) "I win this duel!"
"Not yet, you don't!" the E-Hero duelist smirked. "I play a new card in my hand, I activate Flash Fusion! I fuse Knopse and Ocean on my field!"
Lyra gasped, "With two more Elemental Heroes in the graveyard, you'll surpass me again!" Shining Phoenix Enforcer power increased once more. (8/4000-4600/2100)
"But first..."
"Flower that has yet to bloom! Hero that commands water! Combine your energies and encase your enemies in ice! Fusion Summon! Descend! Elemental Hero Absolute Zero!"
Soon, a warrior encased in white armor appeared with a cold blizzard. (8/2500/2100)
"Now Shining Phoenix Enforcer, continue your attack!"
Soon, the Mechanical Hound's power met the Fusion Monster's in mid attack. However, the Hound was soon overpowered and broken down to pieces.
Reyna: 300
Lyra: 5400
"Absolute Zero now attacks your Infernity Dwarf!" The ice clad hero charged in and knocked down the dwarf with a massive right hand.
Reyna: 300
Lyra: 3700
"And it's not over yet," Reyna stated.
Lyra gasped as she realized the card she stopped earlier was still on the field. She watched in shock as it flipped over. "Construct Element!?"
"Yup, meaning I can switch out these two for two more E-Heroes in my Extra Deck! The best part is that it counts as a Fusion Summon!" Reyna cheered before she turned to her Heroes. "Thanks, boys!"
The LIGHT and WATER Heroes nodded and vanished into her Extra Deck, prompting her to bring out two more.
"Now come forth, Elemental Heroes Tempest and Terra Firma!"
Soon, two more Heroes took their place. One was tall hero wearing a blue and golden armor and armed with blaster on his right arm, the other was a pure white creature with jewels embedded in its shoulders, head and chest. (8/2800/2800), (8/2500/2000)
"So, you have more Fusion Monsters with specifics like Jaden?" Lyra mused. "I was only aware of Terra Firma, but I should have known since you did pull the alternate fusions of the Avian/Burstinatrix combination."
"Normally, I wouldn't have brought him out, but I have my challenge and I can win it with Absolute Zero's effect," Reyna stated. "Since he left the field, all your Monsters are destroyed!" Lyra cringed at seeing her Doom Dragon destroyed by a sudden blizzard, causing it to be encased in ice before shattering to pieces. "Sorry to break up the time, but let's see you dodge this!"
Both Heroes charged in, ready strike down the Infernity Duelist...
"I activate Infernity Inferno!" Lyra countered, revealing her trap card. "By discarding my two cards, I can send two Infernities from my deck to my graveyard!" She then discarded her last two cards, while taking out her choice cards. "I select Infernity Guardian and Infernity Demiurge!"
Everyone was confused as that did nothing, causing both Heroes' attacks to hit home and made a giant explosion that covered up Lyra's side of the field.
"Lyra!" Allen cried out.
"Is it over!?" Sheppard wondered.
Reyna smiled as she said, "No it isn't... Right, Lyra!"
Soon, a black light illuminated the cloud and let the Goth's form be seen.
"You're right..." She stated. "True, you've sent my Life Points to 0..."
Reyna: 300
Lyra: 0
"But now, I can bring out a new Dragon to take you down!" the smoke cleared up and everyone saw that a Trap Card was what made the black light. "When you sent my Life Points to zero, I could remove Zero Gate of the Void from my graveyard."
"Which you discarded with one of your Traps?" Reyna asked.
"Correct," Lyra replied. "And like I said, thanks to it I can summon my next Monster. You beat it, you win... But with these circumstances, you're done!"
Soon, the Trap Card erupted into a pillar of darkness.
"The unrelenting void! Release the power deep inside and answer the purge! Synchro Summon! Arise! Void Ogre Dragon!"
A massive roar erupted from the pillar, releasing the giant dragon within. It was as big as Infernity Death Dragon, but had demonic armor around its torso and piercing black eyes that stared at the Heroes. (8/3000/3000)
"And this dragon can stop one Spell or Trap Card from being activated and destroyed as I don't have a hand," Lyra added. "So that one card won't do anything, if it's something that activates while I battle with him."
"I end my turn." Reyna concluded.
"She tried her best..." Allyson sighed. "But with 3000 ATK, all Lyra has to do is attack Terra Firma!"
"Looks like we've seen her limits..." Etna stated, looking at the young Yuki. "And yet, she has her brother's strength. She may pull off a miracle move..."
"My move," Lyra announced. "Also, one of the cards discarded was Infernity Pawn. Thanks to this monster, I cannot draw cards. Meaning, Void Ogre Dragon can now attack unhindered." She then pointed at the Legendary Planet monster. "Destroy Terra Firma and the rest of Reyna's life Points!"
Void Ogre Dragon unleashed as black flame from its mouth, rushing towards the weaker Hero and incinerating it, and continued towards Reyna...
But it was blocked by a mass of furry fiends all taking the hit for Hero Duelist.
"Kuriboh!?" Lyra gasped.
Reyna smirked. "His effect reduces that battle damage to zero! How could I NOT use him?"
The Goth smirked, "Surprises... However, I wonder how you can get out this. Just like me, you're handless. And any Spell or Trap Card you activate, Void Ogre Dragon will negate it. Unless it's something that can stop my monster by a Monster effect, you've lost."
"But it's not over until the last card is played," the Hero duelist pointed out. "And you're not playing anymore cards, so it relies on me!" She then raised her duel disk. "I DRAW!" She drew her lone card, causing everyone to wait with bated breath. Once Reyna looked at the card, she smiled. "I summon Gauntlet Warrior!"
In a flash of light, a small man with blue armor and a large right gauntlet appeared. (3/400/1600)
"What does he do?" Lyra wondered.
"By sacrificing him, my Warrior Monsters gain 500 ATK!" Reyna explained, "That makes it higher than your Dragon!"
Gauntlet Warrior threw off his large gauntlet and gave it to Tempest, who donned it on his own right fist. (8/2800-3300/2800)
Lyra smirked once more, "I lose..."
"Been a thrill!" Reyna praised. "Great Tornado, attack!"
Using his new weapon, the E-Hero fought off the black flames of Void Ogre Dragon and dealt a massive wind cutter to it. The Dragon weakly roared as it fell to the ground, shattering to pixels and ending the game.
Reyna: 300, Winner
Lyra: 0
The crowd cheered for the competitors as the holograms turned off. The girls met in the middle of the ring and shook hands.
"I completely had you, and you turned it around with a single draw." Lyra smiled. "One card, I never thought you'd have..."
"Hey, you used a Monster that took advantage of your handless combo." Reyna praised. "That Mechanical Hound had me if I didn't bust out Morphing Jar. I was truly looking for draw power, like I said earlier."
"The Deck answered your call," the Goth nodded. "At least I can see that you truly belong as an elite. One that can truly be called one..."
"And if it's any consolation, you'll get there soon," Reyna smiled. "You have ways of cheating death as a duelist! You can keep people on edge with the ways you can keep yourself going with 0 Life Points."
"Thanks," Lyra nodded as she took her leave.
Soon, Etna stood up and spoke into the microphone.
"You really pulled out a surprising victory," She stated. "You even took advantage of my challenge. Win with a Fusion Monster that uses specific materials, and you used one without the normal ways of Fusion. I'm impressed that you can do this." She then smiled. "For that, I hereby promote you to Obelisk Blue!"
Soon as that was said, the crowd cheered for the first-year's victory and promotion. Reyna was delighted to hear that and even turned to see Jaden and Allyson. She saw that Allyson was ecstatic for her and Jaden just gave her a small smile and nod. Reyna smiled at the approval she got before leaving the arena...
"Now..." Etna interjected, causing the cheers to die out. "Time now for another duel for a Slifer to see if he can return to Obelisk." She then turned to the duelist in question. "Atticus Rhodes, are you feeling ready?"
The Senior Duelist gasped, "Me?"
"I've heard from many duelists' gossip stating that you shouldn't be in the situation you are now due to Professor Viper's plot," Etna stated, causing Atticus to sigh in remembrance of the worst time of his life, "So, I offer you this chance to see if you can rise up from that misfortune. I also heard you've progressed with your Red-Eyes deck and made it into your own; I want to see that considering the strength of the Red-Eyes Black Dragon itself. Show me your mastery as well."
Atticus took a deep breath and even looked at the many people around him, especially his sister Alexis, Kenji, and even looking down to see Claudio's expression. Once he saw the nod, Atticus stood up and took out the Red-Eyes deck. He remembered the misfortune he had of being Nightshroud's proxy and how it tainted that deck by using the Darkness Dragons. He knew without them, Nightshroud couldn't come back through him, and even battled with the deck in the 12 Dimensions, so he'd have to improve himself by training with the Red-Eyes. Luckily for him, it was if a higher power answered his prayers of becoming stronger thanks to him going to Ms. Dorothy's Card Shack. He was able to find new cards that would improve the Red-Eyes' potential and move him further away from Nightshroud. Now was his time...
"And your opponent..." Etna wanted to continue, but turned to a section of the Obelisk Blues and nodded. This prompted the duelist in question to stand. Atticus turned and widened his eyes when he realized it was Lily Rose Lee, a kindred spirit when it came to be possessed by another being... Namely Brightveil. "Both of you have a history, but never truly dueled it each other. Considering Dragons are theme of both your decks, I would like to see that clash. Not to mention, Lily is highly skilled in bringing out high-level dragons without having to Tribute many. My challenge is this: Atticus, prove that you can control the Red-Eyes through your cards and hold on to all your ideals.
"You got it," Atticus nodded.
"Just don't hold back," Lily said as a challenge and as a concern for her friend, knowing his past with Red-Eyes. 'Meaning, I'll need to battle with Light and Darkness Dragon from now on.'
Soon, both players shuffled each other decks, walked to their respective sides, activated their duel disks, and drew their opening hands.
DUEL!
Atticus: 8000
Lily: 8000
"Ladies first," Atticus offered.
"Don't mind if I do," Lily announced, drawing her sixth card. She then frowned, "You really need to lay off the flirting with many girls; only going to hurt you in the end."
The Senior Slifer flinched, "You wound me."
"Very well," the Obelisk girl stated. "First, I use the Spell Dragon Shrine!" She smirked as she played her Normal Spell. "I can send 1 Dragon-Type monster from my deck to my Graveyard." She then fanned out her deck and chose one of them. "And I choose to send Rabidragon!" Once she sent the card, the Spell still shined. "But by sending a Normal Monster to the graveyard first, Dragon Shrine lets me send another one to the graveyard!" She then took another Monster from her deck and sent it off to the graveyard, before shuffling the deck and placing it back to the disk.
"She already has a high-level Monster that she could bring out," Alex grinned. "Atticus better watch out..."
"No kidding," Jeremy added.
Soon, a faint image of a small, orange baby dragon appeared next to Lily.
"I just sent this cutie called Kidmodo Dragon to the graveyard!" She announced. "And it's effect Special Summons a Dragon-Type Monster from my hand!" She then revealed another Monster in her hand. "I choose this one, Armed Protector Dragon!"
In a pillar of light, a glowing, otherworldy dragon appeared glowing dark blue and roared with power. (8/2000/2800)
"Then, I use the Equip Spell Dragon Shield and set one card facedown to end my turn." She concluded. "While my Dragon's on the field, Equip Cards can't be destroyed and he gains 500 ATK for each one Equipped."
The glowing dragon roared once more, increasing its strength. (8/2000-2500/2800)
"Wow, she's good," Roxanne stated. "If Seto Kaiba were here, he might be impressed seeing the way she brought out a high-level dragon."
"A Monster with 2500 ATK on the first turn," Etna mused. "Not only that, she has more threats in the graveyard. Let's see if Atticus can battle back."
"I draw," Atticus announced, drawing his next card. "Time for a new move! I summon the Black Stone of Legend!"
Lily raised an eyebrow as she saw a black stone shining red appear on her opponent's field. (1/0/0) "Black Stone of Legend? Is it related to your Red-Eyes?"
"Right you are," the Slifer smiled. "However, it's just like Red-Eyes Black Chick, but better! By sacrificing this card, I can Special Summon a Red-Eyes Monster from my deck that's up to Level 7!"
"Wait a sec..." The Dragon duelist gasped. "There's more than just Red-Eyes Black Dragon that fits the requirements?"
"Yup, let's get you acquainted with one!" Atticus stated, as the disk pushed out the chosen card. "Come out, Red-Eyes Baby Dragon!"
The stone cracked open and unleashed a small dragon. But unlike the chick, the dragon had some ferocious look to it. (3/1200/700)
"Looks like the Red-Eyes Monsters have gotten some upgrades," Alexis stated. "That's good, otherwise he'd be suffering from the Darkness Dragons."
"Yeah, he's really trying to make that deck his own without Nightshroud's power," Kenji nodded. "And if anything, he'd become better than all the duelists who made Red-Eyes famous."
"I end my turn with a set card." He concluded.
'Okay, that monster must have some effects since he hasn't summoned the original Red-Eyes.' Lily thought as she drew her next card. 'But I have to take a chance if I want to gain the field advantage back.' She then played another card. "I'll summon Twin-Headed Behemoth!"
A loud roar was heard and from a portal emerged a two-headed purple dragon appeared. (4/1500/1200)
"Now attack Red-Eyes Baby Dragon!" She announced as both heads unleashed two streams of flames towards the small dragon, incinerating it to pixels.
Atticus smiled, "Now I activate the Baby Dragon's effect! When destroyed in battle, I can Special Summon a Level 7 or lower Red Eyes Monster from my deck and equip the Baby Dragon to it with 300 ATK more!" He then revealed his choice monster. "Now it's time for the original Red-Eyes Black Dragon!"
Soon enough, the original dragon appeared. A tall, thin monster with black scales covering its body and red eyes piercing at the monsters who threatened the baby. (7/2400-2700/2000)
"Now it's stronger than the Armed Protector Dragon," Lily muttered. "I'll end my turn here."
"Now it's my turn," Atticus announced, drawing his next card. "I activate the Spell Dragon Heart! By sending three Dragon Type Monsters from my deck to the graveyard, my Red-Eyes gains 1000 ATK until the End Phase!"
He then revealed another Red-Eyes Black Dragon, Red-Eyes Wvyern, and Red-Eyes Black Flare Dragon from his deck and placed it into his graveyard. Their spirits powered up the Dragon on the field and its baby. (7/2700-3700/2000)
"And I'm not allowed to Normal Summon this turn, but it works out as I attack your Twin-Headed Behemoth!"
"I activate my facedown card, Staunch Defender!" Lily countered, revealing her facedown card. "Now you face my Protector, and as you were trying to avoid it, any Monster that's equipped to Dragon Shield can't be destroyed by anything, plus no damage is done by any players."
The Inferno Fire Blast was launched by Red-Eyes, hitting the otherworldy defender, only fizzle out in the end.
"I end my turn with a facedown card and activate the effect of Red-Eyes Wyvern in my graveyard, bringing out my Red-Eyes Black Flare Dragon from my Graveyard!" Atticus stated as the Wyvern was banished into another dimension, letting loose another black-scaled dragon, but much bigger. (7/2400/2000), (7/3700-2700/2000)
"I draw," Lily announced, drawing her next card. "I summon the Tuner Monster Delta Flyer!" From a portal, a small, brown wyvern appeared with its wings flapping like a dragonfly. (3/1500/1200) "Now, I'll bring out a heavy hitter! I tune Level 4 Behemoth with Level 3 Delta Flyer!"
Delta Flyer flew around Behemoth, creating three tuning rings and four glowing stars.
"The dragons that soar through the sky! Bring out the one who can shatter the earth! Synchro Summon! Flap your wings! Exploder Dragonwing!"
A massive roar broke through the summoning, unleashing a giant, purple dragon standing upright and spread its red wings. (7/2400/2000)
"Now she brought out a Synchro Monster that could destroy any variant of Red-Eyes," Spencer figured. "Most of them have 2400 ATK, which Exploder Dragonwing can destroy with ease."
"Then, I'll add the Equip Spell Fighting Spirit and equip it to my Synchro Monster!" Lily continued, inserting another card into her disk. "Thanks to this, my Dragon gains 300 ATK for each Monster on your side of the field! Meaning 600 ATK for your two monsters, and it'll be tough for you to stop since every time you bring out a monster, he'll destroy you with its effect."
Exploder Dragonwing developed a bright red aura, increasing its power. (7/2400-3000/2000)
"Not only that, Armed Protector Dragon protects that Equip Spell as well," Alexis noted. "Meaning, it'll be safe from being destroyed as well."
"Now, let's take care of your Red-Eyes!" Lily shouted. "Exploder Dragonwing will attack him!"
The Synchro Dragon charged up flames in its mouth.
"I'll stop it with this card," Atticus countered, revealing one of his facedown cards. "Quaking Mirror Force!"
"A Mirror Force card!?" the Dragon duelist gasped.
"Unlike the original, this will cause all your monsters in Attack mode to be switched facedown," the Red-Eyes Duelist smirked. "Meaning, your dragons are taking a nap! Plus, your Equip Spells are gone!"
Lily was helpless as her monster's attack hit a dusty barrier that imploded and spread towards her side of the field, immediately replacing her monsters with Set cards.
She sighed, "I end my turn."
"Now Lily cannot protect her monsters," Kairi stated. "All Atticus needs is to surpass the DEF of Armed Protector Dragon or force it back into attack mode."
"And this would be easy if plays something like Black Skull Dragon or Meteor Black Dragon," Bradshaw noted.
"It's my turn," Atticus announced, drawing his next card. "Now it's my time for surprises with Polymerization!" He stated, raising the known Fusion card before playing it. "I fuse my Red-Eyes Black Dragon on the field and the Summoned Skull in my hand!"
Everyone watched as a fusion vortex appeared, absorbing the original dragon and the legendary fiend monster.
"The Dragon with Unlimited Potential! The fiend that controls lightning! Become one and unleash your combined power! Fusion Summon! Arise! Archfiend Black Skull Dragon!"
Flying out of the vortex was the famed Black Skull Dragon, only emblazoned in flames and looking darker than the original counterpart. (9/3200/2500)
"A new fusion with the Red-Eyes?" Matthias whistled, "This should be interesting."
"Archfiend Black Skull Dragon?" Lily wondered.
"Yup," Atticus smiled. "It may have needed an Archfiend Monster to fit the fusion, but after using something like the original Black Skull Dragon, bringing out this guy was a breeze! But now I can take control of this match! Before I do that, I'll activate my Red-Eyes Baby Dragon's effect! Since it was sent to the graveyard while equipped to a monster, I can add a Level 1 Dragon Monster to my hand!" He then took out his choice card. "I choose Black Metal Dragon!
"Lily better brace herself," Kenji stated. "It may not be Nightshroud tainting the cards, but remembering how I fought him, I can see what's coming."
"No joke," Alexis noted. "Remembering that volcano Shadow Game was too intense..."
"Finally, I'll Gemini Summon my Red-Eyes Black Flare Dragon!"
"Gemini Summon!?" Everyone gasped.
Suddenly, the dragon roared as it surrounded itself on fire.
"Whoa, a Gemini Monster I didn't know about!?" Alex gasped. "These must be brand new from Industrial Illusions!"
"Whoa, there's a fire thing going on!" Jethro whistled.
"And it's not letting up!" Allen noted.
"First, I'll attack with Black Flare Dragon and target your Exploder Dragonwing!" the Senior Slifer announced. "Go Dark Flare Blast!"
The Gemini Dragon unleashed a dark red fireball and fired it at the facedown Synchro Monster. (7/2400/2000) It was then engulfed in the flames, shattering to pixels.
"Then, I'll attack your Protector Dragon with my Archfiend Black Skull Dragon! Volcanic Fireball Attack!" Atticus smirked as his new Fusion Monster unleashed its attack from its wings and mouth, fanning the flames towards the otheworldy dragon as it appeared. (8/2000/2800) It exploded into flaming pixels.
"Now you deal with both of their effects," He suddenly announced.
"I figured that was coming," Lily muttered.
"After damage calculation, my Archfiend Dragon can take a Red-Eyes Normal Monster in my Graveyard and deal its ATK to your Life Points. Not only that I can shuffle it back into my deck!" Atticus noted as he raised Red-Eyes Black Dragon. Soon, the dragon appeared as a ghost before becoming real. It then unleashed an Inferno Fire Blast, dealing damage to Lily.
Atticus: 8000
Lily: 6600
"Then, I can also do the same with Black Flare Dragon!" Atticus continued. "After the Battle Phase in which this guy battles, you lose Life Points equal to its original ATK!"
Then another Inferno Fire Blast was launched by the Gemini Dragon, blasting Lily once more.
Atticus: 8000
Lily: 4200
"Whoa, that deck is fully charged with effect damage!" Melody gasped.
"And with Atticus finally working with it, he can become a force to be reckoned with." Claudio added.
"It's your turn," Atticus concluded.
Lily smiled, "I'll admit, you were scaring me with how well you used that deck. But now how about I get down to bringing out my dragons?" She then drew her next card. "Now let's go! Since you have monsters while I don't, I can Special Summon Vice Dragon with half its stats!"
In a bright flash, a dark purple dragon flew onto the field, taking a knee. (5/2000-1000/2400-1200)
She then smirked, "Because of this Special Summon, I can play Inferno Reckless Summon to bring out two more of my Vice Dragons since he does have less than 1500 ATK!"
Soon, two more Vice Dragons appeared next to the weaker one. (5/2000/2400) x2
"However, I can take advantage of your secondary effect!" Atticus countered, taking out a card from his deck, "I do have a copy of Red-Eyes Black Flare Dragon! And I can bring it out!"
Then, another large black dragon appeared next to the burning one! (7/2400/2000)
"I wonder what's Lily's plan," Allyson mused. "She's got defense, but as long as those Black Flare Dragons are out, she'll lose due to their burn effects!"
"That next card she has will turn it around," Sam noted.
"Perfect!" Lily announced, surveying the field. She then played a Spell Card. "I activate the Spell Card, Blessings of the Dragon God! For each Dragon Monster on the field, I can draw a card! And between the two of us, six cards for me!"
"Whoa!" Atticus gasped as his opponent drew her full hand. "I did you a favor bringing out one of my copies!"
"Right you are!" the Dragon duelist grinned, playing three new cards. "Now I activate Double Summon and bring out the Tuner Monsters! Influence Dragon and another Delta Flyer!"
Not only the dragonfly-like Tuner appeared, a small, blue bipedal dragon appeared and stretched out its wings. (3/300/900), (3/1500/1200)
The Red-Eyes Duelist braced himself as his opponent made her move.
"I tune the Level 5 DARK Vice Dragon with Level 3 Influence Dragon!" Lily announced as Influence Dragon becoming three Tuning Rings, surrounding the weaker Vice Dragon and becoming five glowing stars.
"Darkness guides these monsters into the hidden goodness of our hearts. Synchro Summon, my dark half! Dark End Dragon!"
The portal turned dark, letting out a large, pitch black-scaled, western-styled dragon with three-fingered claws, large, bat-like wings, and a long head with horns that pointed outwards. The characteristic that stood out the most was a second face on its body, grinning and leering at its opponents. (8/2600/2100)
While everyone stared down the dark Synchro Dragon, Lily continued her move.
"Then, Scroll of Bewitchment which makes one of my Vice Dragons to LIGHT!" She stated as the second Vice Dragon gained a faint, light aura. "Now I tune Level 5 LIGHT Vice Dragon with Level 3 Delta Flyer!"
Delta Flyer then became three Tuning Rings, surrounding the brighter Vice Dragon and becoming five glowing stars.
"Let the light envelop these monsters and bring forth the angel of Dragons! Synchro Summon, my Light Half! Light End Dragon!"
The power of the Synchro Summon, brought forth a portal of light and released another dragon. This was an eastern styled dragon as its body was long and serpentine, but possessed four angelic wings. Around its torso, it wore a golden armor chest-plate with an emerald within. And on its head, a golden crown, shaped-like a halo, which possessed another emerald inside. (8/2600/2100)
"She brought out both versions of her Light and Darkness Dragon." Jaden noted. "Pretty good..."
"I'll say," Reyna added, "I remember when you told us about her past as Brightveil's vessel."
'Well, she certainly has gotten better,' the Elder Rhodes thought. 'I have to get ready for this...'
"I use Dark End Dragon's effect," Lily announced, "I can send one of your Monsters straight to the graveyard, at the cost of 500 of its ATK and DEF! Dark Evaporation!"
The face on Dark End Dragon's body flashed its red eyes and opened its mouth. It then unleashed a dark mist that surrounded Archfiend Black Skull Dragon, causing it to evaporate inside. (8/2600-2100/2100-1600)
"Well, you have taken away one of my dragons," Atticus stated, "But you'll take away another dragon since my Vice Dragon is in attack mode!"
"Then, let me change your tune with De-Synchro!" Lily smirked, showing off the spell card. "I take my Dark End Dragon back into my Extra Deck, and bring back the two who originated it!" The dark dragon vanished in a bright light, back into its mistress' deck. Then from her graveyard, Vice Dragon and Influence Dragon reappeared. (5/2000/2400), (3/300/900) "And then, I Sync them again!"
The process returned as both Vice and Influence Dragon synchronized once more.
"Synchro Summon! Return! Dark End Dragon!"
On cue, the dark Synchro Dragon returned. (8/2600/2100)
"You can use that ability again!" Atticus gasped.
Once again, the face on Dark End Dragon's body flashed its red eyes and opened its mouth. Dark mist that surrounded the Gemini Summoned Black Flare Dragon, causing it to evaporate. (8/2600-2100/2100-1600)
"Looks like I have a chance to destroy all your monsters," Lily stated. "Light End Dragon, attack Red-Eyes Dark Flare Dragon! Shining Sublimation!"
The angelic dragon unleashed a light beam that vaporized the dark Gemini monster into nothing.
Atticus: 7800
Lily: 4200
"Now Vice Dragon and Dark End Dragon, direct attack on Atticus! Vice Breath and Dark Fog!"
Atticus covered his face when both dragons unleashed dark smoke from their mouth, surrounding his body.
Atticus: 5700-3700
Lily: 4200
"I end my turn with a facedown card." Lily concluded.
Etna smiled, "Clever, having the foresight to Synchro Summon and De-Synchro Dark End Dragon to use its effect twice to get rid of the main threats. Atticus, respond in kind to her moves."
"My move!" Atticus announced, drawing his next card. He looked over his cards, and then remembered a move he didn't make earlier. "I activate Black Stone of Legend's effect in my graveyard! I place one of my Red-Eyes Black Flare Dragon back into my deck and add this card back into my hand!"
He then shuffled one of the Gemini Monsters into his deck while adding his stone card.
"Then, I activate Graceful Charity!" He continued, "I'll draw three cards and discard another two." After drawing his three cards, he discarded his two choices. "Next, I play the Spell Red-Eyes Insight! I send the Black Stone of Legend back to the graveyard and add this new piece! Red-Eyes Fusion!"
"Red-Eyes Fusion!?" Jaden and Claudio found themselves shouting.
"The Red-Eyes is still evolving!" Lily gasped.
"And let me show you how much," Atticus grinned as he activated the Fusion card. "This Spell card allows me to Fuse Monsters not only from my hand and field, but also from the Deck! Downside is that I can't Normal or Special Summon anything else after this."
"From the deck!?" the Hero Duelists found themselves shouting again.
"I fuse Red-Eyes Black Dragon along with Meteor Dragon Red-Eyes Impact in my deck!" Atticus announced as the original Red-Eyes fused with a small dragon inside of a burning meteor.
"The Dragon with Unlimited Potential! The Dragon descending from space! Combine into one and unleash your newfound power! Fusion Summon! Come out! Meteor Black Comet Dragon!"
Soon, an eruption occurred and unleashed a massive burning dragon. It was like Meteor Black Dragon in a way, but having darkened meteorite as its body with the lava flowing through. (8/3500/2000)
"Now it's a new version of Meteor Black Dragon," Alexis stated. "Where did he get these cards?" She then smiled. "Not that I don't mind, he really has gotten better."
"Yeah," Kenji added with a smile of his own. "He certainly came a long way since being possessed by Nightsthroud. But that's a given since he had to grow outside of the Darkness Dragons. As powerful as they are, there's only a few of us can stop him."
Lily was now bracing herself for the new monster's power.
"Since it was Fusion Summoned, I activate its effect!" Atticus smirked, as he held up a new version of a Red-Eyes. "I send Red-Eyes Archfiend of Lightning from my deck to the graveyard and deal damage equal to half its ATK! Since this had 2500 ATK, I'll deal 1250 damage!"
A burning version of the Summoned Skull likeness appeared, it then crashed itself in front of the Obelisk Girl, causing her to cry out from the damage.
Atticus: 3700
Lily: 2950
"And if you remembered that I had Black Metal Dragon still in my hand," Atticus continued as he held up the card he had from Red-Eyes Baby Dragon's effect. "I can now use his effect! I can use this as an Equip Card, giving him 600 ATK!"
The small dragon perched itself onto the larger dragon, becoming a part of it. (8/3500-4100/2000)
"4100!?"
"Yup, and I'll attack your Light End Dragon! Meteoritic Rush!" Soon, the fusion monster ignited itself and charged at the angelic dragon.
Lily steeled herself as she announced, "Light End Dragon's effect activates! I can reduce its stats by 500 each, to reduce the battling monster by 1500 each! Light Expansion!"
Soon, Light End Dragon's radiance blinded everyone in the audience, creating a dome of light that surrounded the playing field. (8/2600-2100/2100-1600) Meteor Black Comet Dragon felt its power weakened. (8/4100-2600/2000-500) However, it persevered and caused an explosion that destroyed the light dome and Light End Dragon with it.
Atticus: 3700
Lily: 2450
"She had no choice," Jeremy noted. "Lily had to reduce the damage."
"Yeah, otherwise Atticus would have had an overwhelming advantage," Alex added. "But with the threat of Dark End Dragon, I wonder why he didn't attack that one."
"I end my turn with a facedown card." Atticus concluded.
"My turn," Lily announced, drawing her next card. "I activate Dark End Dragon's effect! Dark Evaporation, send Meteor Black Comet Dragon to the graveyard!"
Just like the previous incarnations before it, the large Fusion Red-Eyes was absorbed into a dark fog and removed from the field. (8/2100-1600/1600-1100)
"You activate its second effect," Atticus countered, "I can summon a Normal Monster back from the graveyard! Welcome back, Red-Eyes Black Dragon!"
Once again, the original dragon reappeared. (7/2400/2000)
"Also, with Black Metal Dragon's effect while equipped to another monster, I can add a Red-Eyes card into my hand!" He continued as he added a card. "I choose Red-Eyes Retro Dragon!"
"I'll counter with the Continuous Spell, Burden of the Mighty!" Lily announced, playing her Spell. "It reduces your monster's power by 100 times their level!"
Red-Eyes felt a pressure on its body, losing power. (7/2400-1700/2000)
"I'll then sacrifice my two Dragons! And summon one of my best, Light and Darkness Dragon!"
Jaden gasped as Vice Dragon and Dark End Dragon vanished into a portal. Once done, a massive roar was heard and unleashed a new dragon, but with a familiar look. It's left half was the same as Dark End Dragon and the right half was the same as Light End Dragon. It let off a light and dark aura. (8/2800/2400)
Etna nodded, "Good, you're letting go of your fear. You may have played it away from this Academy, but you've never used it at the place that caused you to lose who you are..."
"That dragon..." Bradshaw noted.
"Yeah, it's like Light End and Dark End in the same body," Kairi gasped.
Atticus took a deep breath as he prepared for the assault.
"I'll attack your Red-Eyes with Light and Darkness Dragon!" Lily announced, "Shining Breath!" On cue, the dual type dragon unleashed a breath of white fire and blasted the legendary dragon into pixels.
Atticus: 2600
Lily: 2450
"I activate the effect of Red-Eyes Retro Dragon!" Atticus stated, "I can Special Summon this card in Defense Mode and bring out Red-Eyes Monsters that were destroyed this turn!"
"Light and Darkness Dragon's Effect activates!" the Dragon duelist interrupted, shocking Atticus, "Once per Chain, it negates your card effect at the cost of 500 ATK and DEF!"
Light and Darkness Dragon let loose a black lightning bolt from its head and zapped the ghost dragon, stunning it. (8/2800-2300/2400-1900)
"I end my turn." Lily stated.
"Whoa, now I know how she was a powerful duelist," Alexis noted. "But if Atticus had some Counter Traps, he could stop it..."
"Yet, he didn't activate any of his facedown cards..." Kenji added.
"I draw," Atticus announced, drawing his next card. 'Alright, I have to time this right. Otherwise, I'll lose my chance to return to Obelisk Blue.'
'I know you can overcome this Atticus,' Lily thought. 'But once you do, I'll be ready...'
"I activate Monster Reborn!" Atticus announced.
"Light and Darkness's effect activates!" Lily countered as her dragon zapped the spell card, nullifying it (8/2300-1800/1900-1400)
"I chain it with my next facedown, Call of the Haunted!"
"What!?" Lily gasped as she saw one of his facedown cards, reveal itself.
"You said it was once per Chain," Atticus smirked. "Meaning, you can't stop this! I return my Archfiend Black Skull Dragon to the field!"
In a flash of dark fire, the Archfiend Dragon returned to the field. (8/3200-2400/2500)
"It can beat my dragon," Lily gasped.
"Now Archfiend Black Skull Dragon, attack Light and Darkness Dragon!" Atticus announced.
The fiendish dragon unleashed its magma balls at the dragon of light and dark, torching it to ashes.
Atticus: 2600
Lily: 1850
"I activate Light and Darkness Dragon's last effect!" Lily noted. "I destroy all cards on my field and Special Summon a Dragon on my field! I pick Light End Dragon!" Burden of the Mighty and her facedown card was destroyed in a light pillar, letting Light End Dragon emerge from it. (8/2600/2100), (8/2400-3200/2500) She then smirked, "But not only I have this dragon back, the facedown card destroyed was Dark Coffin!"
"Uh oh," Melody gasped. "She planned this out perfectly! Without any cards in Atticus' hand, she can get him to destroy a Monster on his side of the field!"
The Dragon duelist smiled, "Sorry Atticus, but you have no choice but to send that dragon to the graveyard. Without him present at the End of the Battle Phase, you can't deal damage to me to win."
"I disagree!" Atticus smiled, shocking everyone once more as his last facedown card revealed itself, "I reveal the Continuous Trap Birthright! It lets me Special Summon a Normal Monster from my graveyard!" Soon enough, Red-Eyes Black Dragon was on the field. (7/2400/2000) "And I can destroy him to resolve your Trap!"
Soon, the Dark Coffin appeared on the field and absorbed the original dragon inside before going underground.
Despite all this, Lily smiled and was ready for the end.
"Now my Dragon's effect activates since I end my Battle Phase!" Atticus continued, holding up Red-Eyes Black Dragon once more. "I deal its ATK as damage while sending him back to the deck."
Soon, Red-Eyes returned and unleashed its Inferno Fire Blast and surrounded Lily to end the game.
Atticus: 2600, Winner
Lily: 0
Once again, the crowd exploded into cheers, mostly from the girls, as they saw Atticus' strength return as if it he never lost it against Viper. Atticus gave a huge smile himself, looking at the Red-Eyes Black Dragon in his deck once more.
Etna even smiled once more as she announced, "I applaud you both. You two are worthy of the Obelisk Blue Brand, including you, Atticus Rhodes. You've shown me that you could bring out the potential of a Red-Eyes Black Dragon with all your skill. This is the Atticus Rhodes I've heard so much about alongside Zane Truesdale. I can still see much in that deck, but today is enough to place you back in Obelisk. Well done."
The crowd cheered once more collectively, seeing Atticus return to Obelisk.
He even got a surprise when Alexis ran down the crowd and hugged him in congrats, alongside Kenji giving him a pat on the back with Jeremy, Alex, and Lily giving him praise as well. Once the Red-Eyes Duelist turned to Claudio, he saw the applause he gave him as well. He smiled, but still it nagged him about how the J-Hero duelist was still aloof in his mannerisms...
It was night as a group of friends gathered at the Slifer common room, having a small party for Reyna and Atticus becoming Obelisk Blue. Atticus was now back in the long, white with blue trimming blazer he was introduced in. Reyna kept her original clothing, stating that she liked this look, plus knowing that the dress code was that strict when it came to originality.
"TO REYNA AND ATTICUS!" Everyone at the party shouted as they clinked their glasses together as a toast.
"Finally, got you back in those colors!" Jeremy grinned.
"Yeah, and those Red-Eyes monsters you pulled out really made you stand out," Kenji praised.
"Thanks guys," Atticus stated, drinking in the praise and his glass.
"Just need you to hang on to a single girl, and you'll be okay in the coming years," Alex smirked, causing Atticus to do a spit-take.
"That's true," Lily said, crossing her arms.
"And after he still had the nerve to have me hunting for boys..." Alexis said, giving a sly look to her brother.
"OH, COME ON!" the Red-Eyes duelist whined. "This is supposed to be a good occasion for me, and you guys are talking about me and girls!?"
"Welcome to my world," his sister replied.
Elsewhere, Reyna was receiving similar praise from other friends.
"Wow, already an Obelisk Blue," Sam grinned, patting the Hero Duelist on the back. "As long as you're showing how great you are!"
"Oh man, I really need to show how much I've grown," Blair pouted.
"You shouldn't worry so much," Reyna replied. "After all, you've taken so many skilled duelists down and to the limit that they couldn't overlook you."
"Still, it's great that you're an Obelisk in your first year," Syrus praised.
"Took half-pint here two years!" Hassleberry grinned.
"And what have you done in one?" Syrus smirked at his junior, causing the Jurrac Duelist to stop and look flustered.
"Whoa," Reyna smirked, wrapping her arm around small Ra's shoulder's, "When did you get this witty?"
"Uh..."
"Reyna, you broke him..." Kairi giggled.
"At least they can't accuse Syrus being a slacker when it comes to the ladies," Bradshaw laughed.
"Speaking of..." Chazz stated, looking around the room for people. "Where's Jaden and Claudio? They were here during the toast..."
"Huh!?" Allyson and Melody gasped, looking frantically around for their boyfriends.
Spencer sighed, "Why do they do this to their friends?"
Matthias and Roxanne were now frowning about Jaden and Claudio. This were the people that everyone held in such high regard and they don't even give praise to their closest friends and siblings?
Standing near the Abandoned Dorm, Jaden and Claudio having their private talks.
"Looks like we don't need to worry about Atticus and Lily being possessed by Nightshroud and Brightveil," Jaden stated.
"So, back to square one on how we find them," Claudio shrugged. "Twilight's crafty making this a lose-lose situation."
"Still, we can't wait for them to just jump in and take this world and then all of the dimensions." The E-Hero duelist sighed. "There must be something we can do..."
"However, one silver lining," the J-Hero duelist smiled. "Atticus and your sister moving up in the dueling world."
Jaden smiled as well, "Yeah... Good for them after what they've been through in the other dimensions."
"Reason why we're doing this... And if we do cross paths with those Nightshroud and Brightveil, we destroy them once more." Claudio stated. "Meaning if this training duel we got set up with the Vice-Chancellor tomorrow, then we're going to use it to get stronger."
"No other ways about it..." Jaden nodded as both boys pulled out their Duel Pilots and both read a message from Etna.
[Meet at the volcano tomorrow after classes, for your Duels.]
And at the end! Met with our first batch of promotions with more on the way along with some demotions. The next two chapters will be in the span of one day with a class duel and then the duels with Jaden and Claudio.
Next Chapter: Time now for some duels with dorm changes on the line. Chazz and Syrus will have to work together if they want to get back into Obelisk Blue, against the ones who always looked down on the Slifer Slacker since day one. Also, Jasmine and Mindy will also place their status of Obelisk Blue on the line against an opponent they'd never suspect to test them.
Please Review! Later!