I made it once more! Something must have happened either on my internet or the site, because for a while I couldn't upload. It's a shorter chapter, but just a little filler. But I will say that two more chapters after this will get to the main part!
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 6: Trial by Fire
Another class with Etna at the helm was soon to start. With everything that has happened lately, the students were getting into their seating arrangements. Everyone noticed that three notable faces were now getting situated at the bottom rows of the classroom. The rows associated with the Slifer Red Dorm. Shawn, Taiyou, and Raizou, now clad in Red Blazers were sitting next to each other and grumbled. They never got over their defeats that sent them to the 'bottom of the barrel' as they always put it. Now, THEY, were the 'Slifer Slackers' that they loved to haze.
While that happened, Chazz and Syrus were now seated near the top of the classroom. Syrus was outfitted again in the Blue Blazer, but Chazz kept his trademark black coat. But he still had his duel disk that now had blue outlines, as did Syrus.
However, the focus became on Melody and Allyson who were now talking to each other before class started and before Jaden and Claudio were present.
"Yubel and Tragoedia are back and they didn't tell anyone," Melody sighed. "Not to mention they're still distant after everything that happened."
"Everyone still apologized for telling them that they were at fault," Allyson noted. "They still act as if it was... All because Jesse and I was kidnapped."
"No more, though," the Magician Duelist stated. "We're going to bring everyone together and get them in a place where they can't walk away from us."
"How soon do we do this?" the Spirit Duelist wondered.
"After classes we talk to some of our friends and they'll spread the word," Melody stated.
Allyson nodded as she went to her seat. As if on cue, Jaden and Claudio came into the classroom and was followed by Etna not long after.
'Also, Miss Belmonte knew they had those cards,' Melody thought. 'Maybe the faculty knows more...'
Once the boys took their seats and Etna took her place at the front of the room.
"Good morning, class," She greeted. "Today I would I like to discuss the previous day involving the first Tag Duel."
Everyone quickly looked interested, including Syrus and Chazz.
"As we all know, a Tag Duel involves complete trust in your partner's ability and knowledge of what's left on their field." She stated. "And as you saw in yesterday's duel, not every Tag Duel involves compatible decks or partners. With how Syrus and Chazz dueled, they knew what cards their own deck had they could prove useful to their partner. In fact, noting Mr. Princeton's deck, he made his deck to support Syrus. Also, they didn't use their cards right away, knowing their partner could use it better on their next turn."
Chazz and Syrus felt pleased at the comments made.
"And that duel did serve as another reminder," Etna continued. "Never use all of your resources just for personal gain. It only hurts you as a duelist and as a person. A tunnel vision in duels is never good as it blinds you to the opponent's traps that could be easily dealt with."
Taiyou and Raizou flinched, remembering how it landed them in Slifer. Even Shawn sighed as he remembered how not understanding Etna's position and her skill, thinking she was another Viper, having goals that would harm the students.
"Remember that even if you're trying to win the duel, don't always expect to win the duel through straightforwardness," Etna stated. "It may be good against amateurs but remember your position in this school. Despite your rank, you got in via your skill and now learning to become better. Even Slifer Red has the capacity to improve given the chance to learn and the drive to see it through. Never take your skill for granted as there is always someone better than you."
Many students felt thoughtful at the words, few would be able to capitalize on it in spades.
"Now let's continue with a quiz and see how you adapt..." the Vice-Chancellor stated as she grabbed some sheets of paper and began to pass them out, due to the chagrin of the students.
After some time, the bell rung to signal the end of class. The students began to file out as Etna called out to them.
"Make sure to continue your studies; there will be another promotion/demotion duel down the week." She stated.
Once the class was done, she then used her Duel Pilot to contact some people. 'Now for my personal training of the students I've had my eye on...'
During the afternoon, two Ra Yellow students were walking towards the Vice-Chancellor's office and chatted amongst themselves. Both were nervous to be called up by the Vice-Chancellor ever since the promotion/demotion selections started. All they knew was to bring their decks and duel disks with them.
"You got called up, too?" Hassleberry asked his classmate.
"Yeah, I thought she wasn't doing any those duels today," Mikoto replied with worry. "I've been trying to improve since coming back from the 12 Dimensions, and it's tough..."
"You ain't lying," the Jurrac Duelist sighed. "Not to mention I haven't seen Claudio or the Sarge, despite seeing them in classes... After that, they go AWOL! They don't even hang out with their girlfriends much."
The Flamvell Duelist nodded, "Kurogasa and I wondered that ever since he was with Melody after Claudio was transformed into the Drowning Emperor. Kurogasa always told me how he admired Claudio's performances in duels and concerts. This place hasn't been lively even with the recent events..."
"Maybe what Private Mel and Private Allyson were talking about is something to read into," Hassleberry wondered. "They've got something big to share about Jaden and Claudio. They're gathering up folks about an intervention."
"It's the only way I can see it," Mikoto agreed. "If they are avoiding everyone after classes, we'll just stop them then and there."
While they talked, both duelists reached the Vice-Chancellor's office. They sighed as Hassleberry knocked on the door.
"Come in," Etna's voice was heard, giving them the okay to enter her office. The room was just as spacious as the Chancellor's office, but she didn't decorate much aside from her desk, guest chairs, and her degrees and diplomas in various teaching methods.
Once inside, Etna looked up from her paperwork and smiled up at the students. "Ah, just the two I need to see. I bet you're wondering why I've called you up here."
"Yes, ma'am," the Ra Yellows replied.
"I wanted to talk to you about my opening duel against Shawn," Etna stated. "I noticed that the two of you were privy as to what my deck could do from my first card."
"Well, yes," Mikoto nodded. "Many FIRE decks revolve around burn damage."
"Not to mention, you did have lots of ways to swarm the field for Synchro Summoning," Hassleberry added.
"Meaning that we are kindred spirits in the form of FIRE Attributes," Etna smiled. "It shows how a person can 'see' the mind of their opponent or partner without having to check their decks. The fact that you two caught on faster than anyone impressed me."
The Ra Yellows were shocked hearing that.
"However, I am getting ahead of myself," the Vice-Chancellor stated. "I've called you here for a proposition. I don't play favorites, but if I see the opportunity to help a student improve due to similar affinity, I can take that chance. The real question is, will you both take it?"
The Ra Yellows pondered this before Mikoto asked, "Are you saying you want to train us?"
"Exactly!" Etna nodded with a smile. "We're all FIRE users; I could help you out in bringing out that untapped potential. I can see you both have more ability that you both realize..." She stood up. "I wish to show you both through a duel."
Hassleberry grinned, "You know what? I'll take on that challenge! I don't duel with the teachers much, but I want to show how much I rank up to those who teach us."
"Um, Hassleberry..." Mikoto muttered. "You've see how badly she defeated Shawn..."
"Eager..." Etna mused as she reached for her duel disk, strapping it on her left wrist. "But can you show that eagerness as well as strength against me?"
The Flamvell duelist's eyes bugged out hearing the Vice-Chancellor's statement, never though the woman could be fired up for a duel. 'So, she can have some fun?'
She then watched as Hassleberry moved back towards the door while Etna walked to the front of her desk. Both players activated their duel disks and drew their opening hands.
DUEL!
Etna: 8000
Hassleberry: 8000
"You may have the honor, Hassleberry." Etna offered.
"Don't mind if I do," the Jurrac Duelist grinned as he drew his sixth card. "I'll start by setting a Monster in defense and set one card facedown." He announced as a Set Monster and a facedown card appeared behind it. "Your move."
"Taking a wait and see approach," the Vice-Chancellor noted as she drew her sixth card. "Alright, let's see what you have planned. First, I'll start with the Spell Molten Conduction Field to send two Laval Monsters from my deck to my Graveyard."
Mikoto flinched at hearing this, "That means she already has the advantage..."
Etna took two Monsters and fanned them out for her opponent to see, "I send Laval Lakeside Lady and Laval Volcano Handmaiden to the Graveyard." She stated as she discarded her cards. "But that means the effect of my Handmaiden goes off and sends another Laval Monster to join her. I'll choose Forest Sprite." She stated as she took another card from her deck and placed it into her graveyard.
"Three Monsters already in her graveyard," Hassleberry said to himself. "What's going on?"
Etna then smirked, "Let's see you handle this! With three different Laval Monsters in my graveyard, I can Special Summon Laval Burner!"
A burst of flame erupted and unleashed a giant golem made of molten rock. It had a firey mane of hair running down its back and metal gauntlets attached to its fists. (5/2100/1000)
"A Level 5 without a sacrifice," the dino duelist grunted.
"Next, I'll banish my Volcano Maiden from my Graveyard to Special Summon Spirit of Flames!" Etna continued as she pocketed her chosen card and brought out a devilish spirit covered in flames. (4/1700/1000) "Now, I Normal Summon Laval Cannon." Next to the spirit, another golem-like monster appeared with a greyish color and a cannon strapped it its left arm. (4/1600/900) "When Normal or Flip Summoned, I can Special Summon a Banished Laval Monster, like my Volcano Handmaiden!"
Soon, the dark-skinned handmaiden appeared, surrounded by the three FIRE monsters. (1/100/200)
"Four Monsters already!?" the students cried.
"And it's time for a Synchro Summon," Etna stated as the Handmaiden became one Tuning ring, surrounding Burner and reduced it to four glowing stars.
"Warrior of great pride! Rise from the lava and fight! Synchro Summon! Burn on! Laval the Greater!"
From the Summoning came another rocky monster, but this time he looked as human as Handmaiden and was surrounded by blue flames rather than red. (6/2400/800)
"2400 ATK," Hassleberry muttered.
"When Synchro Summoned, I can send a card from my hand to the graveyard," the Laval Duelist stated as she revealed the card she chose.
"Another Handmaiden!" Mikoto gasped as her teacher sent the card into her disk.
"And that will cause another Laval Monster to join her from my deck with her effect," Etna reminded as she chose Laval Magma Cannoneer and discarded it. "But it's time for battle! With this, Spirit of Flames will gain 300 ATK during my Battle Phase!" the spirit burned hotter as it growled. (4/1700-2000/1000) "And I'll use him to attack your facedown monster!"
The spirit flew across the field and grabbed the Set Monster, revealing it to be a chicken-like dinosaur with a burning aura. (2/1200/0) The spirit then headbutted the weak dino, shattering it to pixels.
"The effect of Gallim activates and I'll chain it with Jurrac Herra in my hand," Hassleberry announced as he revealed his monster card in his hand. "First, Jurrac Herra will Special Summon itself since a defending Jurrac was destroyed!"
Soon, a massive Herrerasaurus appeared with twin cannons strapped to its back. (6/2300/1500)
"And then with Gallim, you either destroy the monster that destroyed it or discard a card to negate its effect!" the dino duelist continued.
"I'll have him destroyed then," Etna stated as Spirit of Flames burst to cinders. "And then I'll attack your Herra with my Laval the Greater!" The humanoid Laval charged for the Jurrac, creating a sword of flames.
"I'll use my facedown card," Hassleberry countered, revealing his facedown card, "Continuous Trap: Amber Pitfall! This negates your attack and then switches it to defense mode! And as long as this card is on the field, you can't switch its mode!"
Etna watched as Laval the Greater was covered in orange amber slime, making it stumble to its knees. "I'll end it here."
"My turn," Hassleberry announced, drawing his next card. "I activate Magic Planter to send Amber Pitfall to the graveyard and draw two cards." The Continuous Trap melted into the ground, letting the dino duelist draw cards. "Now I sacrifice Herra to activate the Continuous Spell Big Evolution Pill!"
Herra vanished into sparkles as the Continuous Spell made its presence.
"Now I can Normal Summon Dinosaur Type Monsters without sacrifices for the next three turns," the Ra continued. "But I'll also add in Double Summon for twice the Monsters."
"Wow, now he can summon two High-Level Dinosaurs!" Mikoto gasped. Etna even was impressed as she showed a small smile.
"I now bring out Jurrac Spinos and Jurrac Tyrannus!" Hassleberry announced as two giant dinos appeared onto the field. The first was Spinosaurus with its spine on fire. (7/2600/1700) The second was the famed Tyrannosaurus Rex with a burning aura. (7/2500/1400)
"Impressive," Etna praised.
"And then, I'll activate my Spell Tail Swipe!" Hassleberry grinned, causing Etna to gasp. "By having a High-Level Dinosaur on my field, I can send up to two Monsters on your side of the field back to your hand as long as they have a lower level."
The girls watched as Spinos charged in and then turned on its heels to smack Laval the Greater off the field, prompting Etna to take Laval the Greater back to her Extra Deck.
"Huh?" Mikoto wondered. "Why didn't he send Cannon back for two direct attacks?"
"Tyrannus, attack Cannon with King's Lizard Bite!" Hassleberry commanded as the T-Rex charged the field and crushed Cannon with its teeth, swallowing some of the magma. "And when he destroys a Monster in battle and sends it to the graveyard, it gains 300 ATK. (7/2500-2800/1400)
Etna: 7100
Hassleberry: 8000
"Now I attack directly with my Spinos! Charge!"
Spinos roared as it ran across the field, stomping down on the Vice-Chancellor who covered herself from the holographic attack.
Etna: 4600
Hassleberry: 8000
"Wow, already down to less than 5000!" Mikoto gasped.
"Pretty good," Etna stated as she regained her composure. "You can sure use the quickness of the Jurracs very well, you even prevented me from using Cannon's effect later."
"Thank you kindly, ma'am," Hassleberry smiled.
"But you could be faster," the Vice-Chancellor stated, prompting the dino duelist to look puzzled, "I know you can Synchro Summon, and I plan on seeing that side of your deck after my next turn."
"I got it," the dino duelist stated. "I'll end my turn here."
"Then, I'll go," Etna announced, drawing her next card, "First, I activate Card of Demise and then chain it with Searing Fire Wall!"
"Whoa!" the students gasped as the two Spells appeared on their teacher's field.
"Right, because I was able to get rid of the last card before Card of Demise, I can make my five-card hand," Etna noted. "But first, I must resolve my Quick-Play Spell. Searing Flame Wall causes me to banish any number Laval Monsters from my graveyard and Special Summon an Equal number Laval Tokens in their place!" She then removed Volcano Handmaiden, Lakeside Lady and Magma Cannoneer. "Now come out Lavals!"
Soon, three small fire sprites appeared and giggled. (1/0/0) x3
"Now I resolve Card of Demise!" She continued, drawing five cards. "Next, I play Burial from a Different Dimension to play those monsters back into my Graveyard. She then placed the same monsters back into the discard slot. "Then, I'll use Earthquake to switch your Monsters to defense mode!"
A rumble on the field caused Hassleberry's monsters to crouch down to withstand the force.
"Now, I'll summon another Laval Forest Sprite!" Etna announced as the small sprite from Etna's first duel appeared. (2/300/200) "And then I tune my 3 Level 1 Tokens with my Level 2 Forest Sprite!" The sprite flew around the three Tokens, causing everything to become 2 Tuning Rings and 3 glowing stars that combined into a towering inferno.
"Spirits of sleeping magma! Call forth the twin blades of fire! Synchro Summon! Fight on! Laval Duel Slasher!"
Another humanoid Laval appeared and was armed with two sharp blades on its arms. (5/2400/200)
"Aw man," Hassleberry grumbled. "With their low DEF, this guy can take out one of my Dinos."
"With this, Forest Sprite's effect activates!" Etna announced, "Until the End Phase, my Lavals on the field gain 200 ATK for each Laval monsters in my graveyard! Including her, there are seven! Meaning 1400 ATK!"
The Forest Sprite returned as a spirit along with the other dead Lavals in the graveyard, all empowering the Duel Slasher with a burning aura. (5/2400-3800/1100)
"And the Duel Slasher has some effects of his own," Etna stated. "With at least 3 Lavals in my Graveyard he can deal piercing damage!" Hassleberry and Mikoto gasped. "Duel Slasher attacks your Spinos!" The hardened magma soldier rushed the field and quickly slashed Spinos to oblivion.
Etna: 4600
Hassleberry: 5900
"And it doesn't stop there," She continued. "With at least two, I can attack you again!"
"No way!" the dino duelist gasped.
"Attack Tyrannus!" Etna commanded as Duel Slasher cut apart to pixels, leaving the Dino Duelist defenseless.
Etna: 4600
Hassleberry: 3500
"Then, I place two cards facedown." Etna concluded. "Your move and my Forest Sprite's effect ends." (5/3800-2400/1100)
Looking on, Mikoto felt bad for her fellow Ra, 'Miss Belmonte completely shut down Hassleberry's Jurracs in a flash! She's powerful! The way she took down Shawn was terrifying, but to see it up close against Hassleberry's another thing!'
Hassleberry felt the same way as he regained composure, "Well, that was some amazing display of power... You shut down two of my strongest Jurracs with one Monster and cut through their defenses. Now I really have to step up my tactics."
"You should," Etna nodded. "After all, I have to see your best if I know where to work to increase your skill."
"Then let's see what happens now! My move," Hassleberry announced, drawing his next card. "Alright, I activate Double Spell! I discard the Field Spell Molten Destruction to copy a Spell Card in your Graveyard and use it as my own. "And I'll choose your Card of Demise!" The Double Spell image was replaced with Card of Demise's, letting the Ra draw out his five cards. Once he saw his new hand, he grinned as he knew what he could do. "This is where it gets interesting! I'll use a new Field Spell, Lost World!"
The room was now transformed into a prehistoric forest, filled with many fern trees, a lake nearby, a large mountain in the background.
"With this in play, all Non-Dinosaur Type Monsters lose 500 ATK and DEF!" Hassleberry explained. "Which means your Dual Slasher and any other cards you play, will become weaker." A red aura drained the Synchro Monster of his power, becoming wary of his surroundings. (5/2400-1900/1100-600) "Next, I summon Jurrac Compso!" He continued as a small, red Compsonagthus appeared from forest with a small roar. (2/100/100) "When Summoned, I can Special Summon another one from my deck for every Jurrac in my Graveyard! Meaning, the last two come out!" Soon, two more small Jurracs appeared next to its brethren. (2/100/100) x2
"Also, since a Dino was summoned, you get a Jurraegg Token in defense mode!"
A flash appeared in front of Etna, causing a small, green egg to appear by her feet. (1/0/0) "What will this do?" The Vice-Chancellor asked her student.
"While you have that Token, you can't target my Monsters with card effects except Tokens!" Hassleberry stated and then smirked, "Meaning they're untouchable."
Mikoto smiled, "Wow, meaning they can't be subjected to anything that will try to hurt his monsters!"
Etna smiled as well, "Impressive. It means you're not done..."
"Right," the dino duelist replied, "Since I have a Jurrac on the field, I can Special Summon the Tuner Monster Jurrac Microraptor from my hand!" Jumping out of the forest came a small velociraptor that caused the Compsos to scatter. (3/1000/200) "Next, I play Double Summon to add the Tuner Jurrac Dino to the field!" He continued as small red Deinonychus appeared. (3/1700/800)
"Five Monsters!" Mikoto gasped.
Etna gasped as well, seeing two Tuners on the field.
"Now, I'll Tune 2 of my Level 2 Compsos with my Level 3 Dino!" He announced as Dino turned into 3 Tuning Rings to surround two of the smaller dinosaurs, reducing them to four stars.
"The burning soul of the prehistoric rage! Flow through the boundaries of time to create a great force! Synchro Summon! Rampage, Jurrac Giganto!"
The light vanished and released a giant dinosaur that was like a T-Rex. It had a blue, muscular body with hot yellow claws and a head brightening up in flames. It roared as it set foot on the field. (7/2100/1800)
"While on the field, all Jurrac Monsters gain 200 ATK! Right now, there's 7!" Hassleberry stated as his three Jurracs roared as the fallen souls appeared around them. (7/2100-3500/1800), (2/100-1500/100), (3/1000-2400/200) "But next, I'll tune 2 Compso with Level 3 Jurrac Microraptor!"
Microraptor and Compso charged into each other, combing their auras into five glowing stars.
"The fiery speed of the vicious hunter! Let loose and find your prey! Synchro Summon! Come out! Jurrac Velphito!"
From the Summoning came a larger Velociraptor with a blue head, flaming red body, and green feet which had curved claws on the toes. (5/?/?)
"It has the ATK and DEF total of the ATK of the monsters ATK used to Summon him!" He stated as his monster's power was set. (5/1100/1100) "But with nine Jurracs in the graveyard, my monsters gain 1800 ATK!" The aura intensified as the Jurracs grew fierce. (5/1100-2900/1100), (7/3500-3900/1800)
"But from the current stats, you won't be able to defeat me," Etna stated.
"Because I'm not done," the Jurrac duelist smirked. "I have Microraptor's effect's second effect. When used to Synchro Summon for a Jurrac, it can be Special Summoned!" The small raptor appeared from the graveyard. (3/1000-2600/200), (5/2900-2700/1100), (7/3900-3700/1800)
Etna braced herself as she realized what was going to happen.
"I'll tune Level 5 Velphito with Level 3 Microraptor! But this time, the latter will be banished because of how it was summoned!" Hassleberry stated as Microraptor surrounded Velphito, becoming eight glowing stars.
"The burning shield that defends! Now become the piercing spear and strike! Synchro Summon! Burn on! Jurrac Titantops!
A massive roar appeared from the summoning, bringing out a giant Triceratops with a red and orange aura surrounding its body. Yet the three horns on its crest were glowing with black flames. (8/2700-4500/1900), (7/3700-3900/1800)
"With Giganto's effect, it has so much power," Etna muttered with a smile. "I wonder what power it has itself..."
"Finally, I'll add Dinosaur Wing to Giganto!" Hassleberry continued, inserting a Spell Card into his disk, "Allowing him to attack directly since you'll have a Defending Monster after Titantops destroys your Duel Slasher!"
Mikoto gasped as Titantops charged across the field and broke the Laval Monsters to rubble, pelting Etna as she blocked with her disk.
Etna: 2000
Hassleberry: 3500
"I activate Titantops' effect!" He continued, "You take damage equal to that Monsters' original DEF!"
Etna continued to defend has the black flames on the horns blazed towards her, weakening her score further.
Etna: 900
Hassleberry: 3500
'Good...' Etna thought, 'A lot of power and using it effectively. Still...'
"Then, I'll attack with Giganto!" He announced. "Use Dinosaur Wing's effect to attack Miss Belmonte directly!" Giganto sprouted white wings and flew towards the Laval Duelist...
"This is where it stops!" Etna shouted.
"But my Field Spell!" Hassleberry gasped.
"Cannot stop me!" Etna interrupted as she reveals her facedown cards. "I activate the Trap Dustflame Blast! I can Banish Laval Monsters to destroy cards on the field! So, I'll remove two to destroy your Field Spell and Equip Spell!"
Soon a burning dust storm erupted from the field, burning the forest down and tearing the wings off Giganto. The giant Synchro Monster stumbled to stay on its feet and crushed the Jurraegg Token in the process.
"Now I can use my last facedown card, Compulsory Evacuation Device to remove your Giganto!" Etna continued as the Trap blasted the targeted Jurrac, making him vanish from the field and weakening the other. (8/4500-2700/1900)
Hassleberry took a huge breath and said, "I end my turn."
"My turn," Etna announced, drawing her next card. "This is where it ends! I activate the Spell Necro Synchro! I can Synchro Summon using the Monsters in my Graveyard and paying half my Life Points!"
Etna: 450
Hassleberry: 3500
"What could you be Synchro Summoning?" Hassleberry wondered.
"I'll show you in a moment, but next I'll chain Burial of Different Dimension to return three of my Banished Monsters back!" Etna countered, placing Laval Duel Slasher, Laval Forest Sprite, and Laval Volcano Handmaiden. "Now Hassleberry, witness an evolution that your Jurracs can muster with the right cards!"
The Dino Duelist braced himself for the coming move.
"I tune the Level 5 Duel Slasher and Level 1 Volcano Handmaiden with my Level 2 Forest Sprite!" She announced as the spirits of the three mentioned Monsters appeared in the sky and became eight glowing stars.
"The intense passion of the warrior! Rival the flames of the sun and erupt from the earth! Synchro Summon! Rise up! Laval Infinite Slasher!"
Rising from a pillar of flames, a new warrior appeared. It was another humanoid Laval but this time it was completely made of diamond, increasing the blades' sharpness.(8/2900/1500)
"2900 ATK!?" Hassleberry gasped.
"And it rises again since there are once again seven Lavals in the graveyard, utilizing my Forest Sprite's effect!" Etna reminded him as diamond Laval boosted its strength. (8/2900-4300/1500) "Now I attack your Titantops! Blitz Burn Slash!"
The Infinite Slasher suddenly disappeared without a trace, causing the Ra Yellows to gasp and look around the room for any sign of the evolved Synchro Monster.
*SLASH!*
Everyone quickly saw that the flaming Triceratops was now cut in two before exploding to pixels.
Etna: 450
Hassleberry: 1900
"And now I can activate Infinite Slasher's effect! After it destroys a Monster, if I have at least six or more Lavals in my Graveyard, I can deal damage equal to the destroyed monster's ATK!"
Hassleberry gasped as the Infinite Slasher got in front of him. It then brightened up the room, and only the sounds of the Jurrac Duelist's scream pierced through the light. Once done, he was left on his knees in defeat.
Etna: 450, Winner
Hassleberry: 0
Mikoto stood in awe seeing the duel conclude between the two duelists, feeling the power between them. 'Wow, despite knowing he could lose, Hassleberry did the best he could, and he still felt like he could take her on.' With a deep breath, she knew what she had to do.
Once the holograms vanished, Etna clapped her hands.
"Impressive, Mr. Hassleberry," Etna praised. "I can see you would have made Obelisk Blue if it weren't for the lack of credentials from another school. You've shown that you can use power, but be not as reckless with it. An accomplishment for a Dinosaur-Type Duelist. But like I said, you could be faster in Synchro Summoning. With all the Special Summonings you've done, you can save them for Tuners that can bring out the proper Synchro Monsters. Even though the Synchros you've played were impressive, you just need to know when to be flexible."
Hassleberry stood up to his feet and nodded, "I got it..."
Etna then looked to Mikoto, "Well then, Miss Kazehana... Shall I evaluate you next?"
"After seeing that duel, I can see that you're stronger than you let on," Mikoto stated. "I would have turned you down months ago." She then put on a determined look. "But going though what happened in the 12 Dimensions, I need to become stronger." She then activated her duel disk.
Hassleberry saw this and thought, 'She really suffered through that dimension Yubel and Tragoedia put us in.
Etna looked at Mikoto, seeing the spark in the young girl's eyes, "You've been through a lot." She mused. She then reshuffled her deck and activated her duel disk. "Let's see how much determination you carry."
Both players drew their opening hands.
DUEL
Etna: 8000
Mikoto: 8000
"I'll begin this time," Etna announced, drawing her sixth card. "Here's a move you may remember!" She then placed a monster card on her disk. In a tower of flames, Laval Magma Cannoneer appeared. (4/1700/200)
"Uh oh, burn damage already?" Hassleberry gasped as Mikoto began to brace herself.
"Twice per turn, I can send a FIRE Monster from my hand to the graveyard to deal 500 points of damage," the Vice-Chancellor stated as she fanned out two cards. "I'll choose to send these cards! Kayenn, the Master Magma Blacksmith! By sending these two, I deal 1000 points of damage!"
Soon enough, two stone men wielding hammers appeared in front of the Cannoneer. Both went into the Cannons, melting into magma orbs.
"FIRE!" Etna shouted as Cannoneer fired both shots at the Ra Girl who braced for impact as she was blasted twice.
Etna: 8000
Mikoto: 7500-7000
"I'll end my turn here." Etna concluded.
'No defense, meaning she wants me to put it in the graveyard,' Mikoto thought. 'But after seeing her duels, I have to continue my way and not worry too much about her moves.' She then drew her next card "and looked it over. "I'll summon Flamvell Gurnika in attack mode!"
A purple-scaled dragon man wearing brown pants appeared. (4/1700/200)
"Next, since you have only 2 cards in your graveyard and I have a Flamvell on my field, I can Special Summon Neo Flamvell Origin!" She continued as a small blue spirit surrounded by flames appeared. (2/500/200) "And then I'll tune them together!"
Origin became two Tuning Rings and surrounded Gurnika, reducing it to four stars.
"Burning flames gives birth to a great warrior! Ignite the soul within to battle! Synchro Summon! Flame on, Flamvell Uruquizas!"
From the flames came a tall, bronze man clad in blue armor with flames surrounding him. He stared down Etna and her monster with a stern expression. (6/2100/400)
"Next, I play Book of Moon!" She continued, playing her Quick-Play Spell.
Etna raised an eyebrow as her Cannoneer was replaced by a Set Monster, "Clever..."
"Uruquizas, attacks your Set Cannoneer!" Mikoto announced, "And when he fights a Monster in Defense mode, I can deal piercing damage! Go Piercing Blaze!"
The Synchro Flamvell roared as he ignited his fist and punched through the Set Monster, revealing the Laval monster. (4/1700/200) It shattered to rubble from the impact.
Etna: 6100
Mikoto: 7000
"And when he deals battle damage, Uruquizas gains 300 ATK." Mikoto explained as a burning red aura surrounded her monster. (6/2100-2400/400) "And then I set card to end my turn."
"Nice opening move," Etna praised. "You're already taking advantage of my monsters' low DEF."
"Thank you," Mikoto stated.
"Let's see how your defense holds," Etna stated as she drew her next card. "I'll set this monster defense mode and set another card."
"Again?" Hassleberry noted. "This is totally different from when she was dueling me!"
Mikoto looked at Etna, who kept her calm demeanor. The Vice-Chancellor signaled the end of her turn. "Alright, I'll draw." Mikoto stated as she drew her next card. "I won't let this opportunity pass me by! Uruquizas, attack!"
The Synchro Monster charged in once more and smashed the Set card, revealing another stone man dressed in white shorts. (3/300/400)
Etna: 4100
Mikoto: 7000
Uruquizas gained more power from the battle. (6/2400-2700/400)
"Now I activate Laval Miller's effect," Etna announced. "Once sent to the graveyard, I can send two Laval Monsters from my deck to the graveyard!"
Mikoto frowned, "It was a trap all along."
"True, but I must admit I never expected the first move," Etna admitted as she fanned out her deck and picked out two cards. "So, you do have a power game to you. You just need to find a perfect time to unleash it. Otherwise, these types of counter-moves will happen. Now I choose my two Handmaidens!" She sent those cards into her discard slot. "Then, I'll activate their effects to send Laval Lakeside Lady and Laval Warrior to my Graveyard as well."
"I'll set this Monster card facedown and another card to end my turn," Mikoto announced.
"My move then," Etna announced, drawing her next card. "Since I have at least three different Laval Monsters, I can Special Summon Laval Burner since it has the same summoning requirements!" She continued as a bigger pillar of flame erupted, unleashing a golem with a fiery mane of hair and equipped with burning metal gauntlets. (5/2100/1000) "Finally, I'll bring out the Soaring Eagle Above the Searing Land!"
A shrill cry was heard as an eagle made of fire appeared over the two Laval Monsters. (1/0/0)
"Here we go..." the Flamvell duelist muttered, bracing herself.
"First, I'll tune Level 5 Burner with my Level 1 Soaring Eagle!" Etna announced as the Eagle became a Tuning Ring, surrounding Burner who became five glowing stars.
"Monsters sleeping inside the lava. Become the dragon flying above the volcano! Synchro Summon! Take Flight! Lavalval Dragun!"
Soon, the pterodactyl-like dragon that defeated Shawn appeared in the sky. (6/2500/1200)
"Also, my Soaring Eagle can Special Summon itself from the graveyard if I have three different Laval Monsters," Etna smiled as the flames from Dragun created the eagle once more. (1/0/0)
"And you can Synchro Summon again!" Mikoto gasped.
"Let's see you handle this next one," Etna announced. "First, I'll activate Dragun's effect and add a Laval Monster into my hand and then send from my hand into the graveyard! I'll take Laval Phlogis from my deck and bring him to the graveyard!" The Vice-Chancellor took her choice card from her deck, adding it to her hand and then discarded it. "Phlogis' effect will let my Laval monster gain 300 ATK!" (6/2500-2800/1200)
"It's stronger than Uruquizas!"
"Dragun, attack!" Etna commanded.
"I'll activate my facedown card," Mikoto announced, revealing her Trap Card. "Half Unbreak! This prevents my monster from being destroyed, and all battle damage is halved involving him!"
A destructive flame breath from Dragun was unleashed, but Uruquizas was able to withstand the blow. Mikoto then blocked with her duel disk, disrupting the small damage.
Etna: 4100
Mikoto: 6950
"Good move," Etna praised. "But let me up the ante by evolving this Synchro Monster as well!"
Mikoto and Hassleberry gasped as they spied one of Etna's facedown cards, revealing itself to be a known Trap. "Urgent Tuning!"
"Correct!" the Vice-Chancellor stated as the Eagle became another Tuning Ring, surrounding Dragun and reducing it to six stars.
"From the ancient flames of a dragon! Bathe yourself in the volcano depths and fight again! Synchro Summon! Erupt proudly! Lavalval Dragun Bane!"
The Synchro Summoning created another fiery explosion, unleashing a giant version of Dragun. This time coming back with blackened coal around its body and half its face. It roared loudly with soundwaves blowing across the field. (7/2700/1800)
"Another evolved Synchro!?" Hassleberry gasped.
"And when this Monster is Synchro Summoned with Lavalval Dragun as material, I can remove a Laval Monster from my graveyard and a monster on your side of the field loses ATK equal to my removed monsters ATK!" Etna explained, showing that she removed Lavalval Dragun for the effect. Another cry from Dragun Bane caused most of the flames from Uruquizas to fizzle out, leaving him kneeling from weakness. (6/2700-200/400)
"Oh no!" Mikoto gasped.
"You'll halve the damage with your monster, but with Lavalval Dragun Bane's other ability, you'll lose another 200 Life Points multiplied by your monster's level since it will win the fight!" Etna continued. "Now Dragun Bane! Attack Uruquizas with Poison Magma Corrosion!"
The Evolved Synchro unleashed liquid blaze from its mouth, drenching the weakened Flamvell and making him cry out from the pain.
Etna: 4100
Mikoto: 5700
Then the fumes from the attack caused Mikoto to cough, losing more Life Points.
Etna: 4100
Mikoto: 4500
"She closed the score by 400!" Hassleberry gasped. "And Private Kazehana's still hanging on!"
Mikoto stood up, breathing heavily as the fumes dissipated from the field. She looked up at her Vice-Chancellor with determined eyes. "I can still go..."
Etna signaled the end of her turn. "You impress me, Mikoto. Protecting your monster for further strategy, reducing damage... I could have crippled you to the point of making you surrender. But just like Hassleberry before you, you'll continue. On with the duel!"
Mikoto nodded as she drew her next card. "Now, my monster may be weakened, but I have another way of getting around your Lavals!"
"Oh?" Etna mused.
"By using them against you!" the Flamvell duelist cried out as she revealed her facedown monster. "I Flip Summon my Hiita the Fire Charmer!"
Etna gasped as she saw a young woman with short, red hair and dressed in a brown cloak and black miniskirt appear before her. (3/500/1500) "A Charmer!?"
"Yes, and she will let me control a FIRE Monster on your side of the field!" Mikoto announced. "I'll take your Lavalval Dragun Bane!" Hiita chanted while waving her staff, causing the flames to entrance Etna's Synchro Monster and join the Ra Girl.
"She's got the Vice-Chancellor's Monster," Hassleberry cheered, "Nice one!"
"But it's not over yet!" Mikoto stated as she played another card. "I'll Tribute Uruquizas to summon Flamvell Commando!" The Synchro Warrior vanished into light motes and brought out a tall, fiery-haired man dressed in military garb and wielding a giant rifle. (6/2200/200) "Now, I'll attack you directly!"
"I'll activate my facedown card, Firewall to block your direct attacks!" Etna countered, revealing her Continuous Trap Card. Once Commando charged at the Vice-Chancellor, he was blocked by a sudden wall of fire. "Another benefit of having many monsters in my graveyard."
"Meaning attacking with Dragun Bane wouldn't affect her," the Dino Duelist mused.
"But you cannot dodge effect damage!" Mikoto continued. "I activate Commando's effect! I remove Uruquizas to deal its ATK as damage!"
Etna raised an eyebrow as Flamvell Commando aimed his rifle at her, blasting her duel disk with a red laser.
Etna: 2000
Mikoto: 4500
"And now the final move," Mikoto announced, revealing her last card. "I activate my facedown card, the Trap called Spiritual Fire Art – Kurenai! I'll tribute the FIRE Monster Commando to deal you 2200 points of damage!"
Hassleberry gasped, "She's got her! There's no other cards on the Vice-Chancellor's field!"
Hiita chanted in a mystic language, turning Flamvell Commando into an embodiment of fire. Commando then ran through the Firewall Trap, preparing to charge at Etna...
"Not good enough," Etna announced, revealing a Trap Card from her hand. "I discard my last card, Laval Eruption! When there is a Laval Monster on the field and at least three Laval Monster in my graveyard, I can reverse the damage!"
"But you don't have a Laval Monster on the field..." Mikoto gasped as she turned to Lavalval Dragun Bane who then flashed red and spread fire across the field, damaging Mikoto in the process.
Etna: 2000
Mikoto: 2300
Clearing her mind, Mikoto inserted a card into her disk and said, "I end my turn with a facedown card."
"My move," Etna announced, drawing her next card. Once she looked at it, she smiled. "You've played well, but it ends here. I won't pay for Firewall..." the Continuous Trap vanished. "I summon Laval Lancelord!" In prominence of flame, a stone golem wearing a steel chainmail kilt and wielded a molten spear. (6/2100/200) "I can Normal Summon this card without Tribute but destroyed during the End Phase. But we won't reach that Phase..."
"Huh?" Mikoto wondered.
"Laval Lancelord will attack your Hiita!" Etna commanded.
'She didn't destroy my facedown card!?' Mikoto gasped as Lancelord struck the Fire Charmer, shattering her to pixels.
Etna: 2000
Mikoto: 700
"By destroying Hiita, I regain control of Dragun Bane!" the Laval Duelist stated as the Synchro Dragon flew back to its Mistress' side. "And then a direct attack with my Dragun Bane will end this duel!"
The Synchro Monster unleashed its flame breath onto Mikoto, who screamed as the fire breath covered her form and ended the duel.
Etna: 2000, Winner
Mikoto: 0
Once the holograms vanished, Etna walked over to Mikoto and with a stern smile. "You tried to get me with that Trap Card."
Mikoto sighed as she took out the trap card and revealed it. It revealed to be Flamvell Commando running through a battlefield, dodging land mines being set off by Jigen Bakudan.
"Had I destroyed your Flamvell Landmine, you would have destroyed the card in front of it," The Vice-Chancellor stated. "Losing Lavalval Dragun Bane would have cost me the duel. I can see you being crafty with your deck, but your problem lies with being too cautious. After seeing my duels, you probably wanted to defeat me at effect damage since battle damage landed you in big trouble."
"Yeah, knowing how strong you are when you're holding back," Mikoto admitted. "And after seeing you against Hassleberry, I saw how much."
"But remember," Etna noted, "This is why I was gauging your strengths and finding your weaknesses." She then turned to Hassleberry. "Hassleberry has a lot of potential to be faster with Synchro Summoning, but sometimes cannot find the right combination. He ends up using his high-level Tribute Summons to cover him."
She then returned to her desk and sat down, "But it's something I can work with. The both of you have potential, and since both of you are not third-years, we have much time to improve. I can take you on as my protégés, but I will work you to the bone should you choose to accept."
Mikoto and Hassleberry started mulling it over in their heads.
"I know you two came back from the 12 Dimensions with your resolves shaken," Etna continued, sensing their doubt. "I can say that others are suffering as much and training to regain their fighting spirit or finding their place in life. The same for Jaden and Claudio..."
The Ra Yellows gasped.
"They're just like everyone else," the Vice-Chancellor stated. "They have their own way of fighting past their problems. You two can have that same chance; I'm more than just an authority here, I'm also a fellow duelist who's struggled in her own way."
Hearing that the Ra Yellows nodded.
"We'll train with you," They said as they bowed respectfully.
Etna gave a small smile, "Good. Now, it's been a while since classes ended. You two should be on your way with homework and free time. However, I will expect you to stay after classes from now on." She then walked up to them both. She reached in her pockets and handed them a few cards each. "You'll start by learning to control these cards. You have until the end of the year. Impress me, and they are yours. Otherwise, I'll be expecting them back."
Seeing the cards, the Ra Yellows were in awe of the cards' abilities.
"We'll get to work then," Hassleberry grinned.
"We won't let you down, Vice-Chancellor." Mikoto added with a smile.
"You are dismissed then," Etna stated as she sent them on their way. And once the door closed, she walked back to her desk and pulled out a white cell phone. "And if anything, that Jaden and Claudio have told me about their problems, they're going to need all the help they can get. I'll help Miss Kazehana and Mr. Hassleberry improve..."
She then dialed a number...
And that will do it! Just a little chapter involving the start of Hassleberry's and Mikoto's improving. Seeing that all three characters using FIRE cards, and some FIRE support cards can be used in all three decks. Plus, Etna's creator D.J. Scales wanted more improvement with the Jurracs since I changed Hassleberry's deck and then extended towards FIRE in general.
Still, I think I still got one or two chapters to go before I really start speeding up with the main story.
Jurrac Microraptor
Level 3
FIRE
Dinosaur/Tuner/Effect
1000/200
If there is a FIRE Monster on your side of the field: You can Special Summon this card from your hand. If this card is used for the Synchro Summon of a Jurrac Monster: You can Special Summon this card from your Graveyard. (This card is banished if it leaves the field.)
Jurrac Titantops
Level 8
FIRE
Dinosaur/Synchro/Effect
2700/1900
1 FIRE + 1 or more non-Tuner Jurrac Monsters
This card cannot be Special Summoned except by Synchro Summon. When this card destroys a monster in battle: Deal damage to your opponent equal to the destroyed Monster's original DEF.
Laval Infinite Slasher
Level 8
FIRE
Warrior/Synchro/Effect
2900/1500
1 FIRE Tuner + Laval Dual Slasher + 1 Laval non-Tuner Monster
This can only be Synchro Summoned with the above Synchro Materials. If there is at least 6 or more Laval Monsters in your graveyard: Deal effect damage to your opponent equal to the destroyed Monster's ATK.
Lavalval Dragun Bane
Level 7
FIRE
Dragon/Synchro/Effect
2700/1800
1 FIRE Tuner + Lavalval Dragun or Lavalval Dragon
This can only be Synchro Summoned with the above Synchro Materials. If this card is Synchro Summoned using Lavalval Dragun as material: Banish 1 Laval Monster from your graveyard and target 1 monster on your opponent's side of the field. It loses ATK equal to the Banished Monster's ATK.
Laval Eruption
Normal Trap
You can activate this card in your hand if there are 6 or more Laval Monsters in your graveyard. If there is a Laval Monster on the field and at least four Laval Monster in your graveyard: Negate the damage and deal damage to your opponent equal to the amount you would have lost.
Flamvell Landmine
Normal Trap
If this card is destroyed by an opponent's card effect: Destroy 1 Monster in the same column as this card. Deal damage to the original owner of the destroyed monster equal to its ATK.
Next Time: Blair finally gets her promotional duel and her friends would be proud. But with Dmitri, he finds that it's time for him to break out of his copycat phase and become his own duelist. Or else...
Please Review! Later!