At Samejima's Office
In Samejima's office, Judai was explaining his story of a potential threat from Yubel to Asuka, Chronos, Ryo and Samejima. They all had different reactions.
Asuka pale, distrusting and terrified due to her own last experience with Yubel and the pain she has caused to her and her friends, especially Judai.
Chronos disbelieving and ignorant. "So your demon girlfriend whom once put the entire school in a desert dimension says danger is coming, and you expect us to turn the place into a fortress of battlefield again?"
Ryo seems to believe what Judai said and he even trust Yubel but maintain a neutral expression and was glad when he mentioned about Yubel since he considered her as a worthy opponent and even today his duel with her was one of the greatest duel's he ever had in his life. Yubel is also glad to see the Kaiser is doing well and no longer suffering from heart attack. Since Ryo is a part time teacher he wore a coat which resembles his Obelisk Blue uniform but the blue lines are replaced with green and his coat is styled similar to a labcoat instead of a trench one and that uniform is only reserved for part-timers. He kept his coat open and inside he wore a black undershirt and plain black pants instead of his usual casual outfit Judai saw him wore before.
And Samejima, grave and silent. He never had reason to doubt Judai, Yubel perhaps but if Judai trusted her now, then he so would he.
"We need to then prepare ourselves for any darkness or any type of threat that comes our way." He said to Judai.
"Yes, Principal". Judai said grimly.
Chronos was a bit affronted that Samejima could easily take Judai's words, on the grounds of such an unlikely story, but then he thought that when it comes to Judai Yuki, a lot of unlikely things become certain realities.
"Very well". He said, "I, Signore Asuka, and Signore Ryo will do as you command Principal na no nae".
Ryo nodd firmly
"Um, yes indeed". Asuka agreed reluctantly. Unlike Ryo and to some extent Chronos, she was still nervy on the idea of allying with Yubel, and she sometimes wondering just how close Judai was with Yubel. Could it be that Judai was in love with a Duel Monster? She didn't know that Yubel loved Judai as a Haou but Judai only let Haou roam when there was danger and he really needed him. Yubel would vailianty work alongside her true love Haou and because of that love, she would always be with Judai to protect his alter ego She was eager when any dark threat to come, as it would likely mean Judai will become Haou again and she could be happy with him in the dark battlefield.
"Okay". Said Samejima, "I wish to conclude the meeting we had prior to Judai's arrival and it may be useful now in case of emergency".
Judai, Asuka, Ryo, and Chronos had their eyes on Samejima now with interest.
"I was planning to retire at the end of this year". Samejima said, "But it seems I will also be heading to Academy for this imminent danger. But I wish to say now, that should anything happen to me in battles to come or if we're all lucky enough to either not have to face any threats or we do and we all pull through, then I wish to announce to you now, my chosen sucessor as Chancellor of the Duel Academy".
Judai was wondering who this would be. He knew it couldn't be Ayukawa, Professor Sartyr, Tome-san, and Professor Daigo Sorano since they weren't in the meeting, It can't be Kaiser since he is a full-time Pro Duelist and he only works as a part time teacher whenever Professor Nakayama leaves the island for his chemotherapy treatment. So that means it could be Chronos or Asuka. Asuka seemed a very likely candidate due to her youth, hence the free will to make her own ideas for the Academy and her affection for honourable dueling , giving her similarities with Samejima himself. Chronos was also a suitable candidate as he had taken the role of Chancellor before when Judai was in 2nd year, he had authority over others and is more experience than Asuka. If Ryo choose to become a full time teacher after he graduated like Asuka and Sorano instead of going to Pro, then he would also be a suitable candidate since like Asuka he is still young, matured, and a honorable Duelist. He even treats every students fairly regardless of which dorm they live similar to Samejima despite being a bit stern towards them.
Samejima cleared his throat. "I wish for my sucessor, in either circumstances to be Tenjoin Asuka-kun".
Judai looked at Asuka. She was absolutely red with surprise and emotion. She had never felt so honoured and proud of any of her achievements before. She Asuka Tenjoin, Principal of Duel Academy... Chancellor Tenjoin or Principal Tenjoin.
She looked over to Judai whom grinned at her in encouragement, then she turned to Ryo who smiled proudly at her achievement and finally to Samejima, whom was smiling kindly and supportively like she was one of his students again.
"What do you say Asuka-kun?" He asked, "You feel ready to take on such a responsibility?".
"...Yes! Oh yes! Thank you, Principal!" Asuka cried and embraced him with strong gratitude.
"Congratulations for becoming a new Principal Asuka, Fubuki would definitely be proud of you". Ryo congratulated her as he offered to give her a handshake, which she accept gracefully.
After Ryo shook hands with her, Judai walked up too and congratulated her. "Well done, Asuka!"
Asuka blushed. Banner appeared too, only visible to Judai, Pharaoh who was in Judai's bag sleeping and Yubel.
"Your friends have all progressed so much Judai". He said proudly.
Judai said nothing. He knew that too well.
"No!" Cried Chronos.
Everyone turned to him. He was always pale, but he was paler than ever, his eyes aflame with fury and jealousy and his fists were clenched and shaking.
"Why would you chose Signore Asuka, mere Head of Office, who has barely left her training and has little experience in leadership over me, Principal? It makes no sense!"
"Now look here Chronos-kun". Samejima said with strong solemnity. " I chose Asuka-kun because she is youthful, very reasonable and reliable for the Academy and might not be experience as you, but she is also passionate, not just for dueling, but also the Duelist's themselves! Not just Obelisk Blues like I have seen you favour for the last few decades, but for the lower ranked Ra Yellow and Slifer Reds too. If I had chosen you Chronos-kun, I'd feel like I was giving the Academy a bad hand in the requirements of leadership. It needs someone who isn't prejudiced, and you are the very definition of prejudice".
Chronos couldn't speak. He had been so sure that he'd be the sucessor of Samejima, but now his dream to be full-time Principal was gone.
Asuka avoided his gaze though he was darting his eyes from Samejima to her in revulsion and hatred.
Both Judai and Ryo looked at Chronos and although they were happy for Asuka, they couldn't help feeling sorry for Chronos. They also felt Samejima's words were a bit harsh. It was true Chronos was prejudiced with poorly skilled Duelist's but when it came down to it, he did his very best to protect all the students at Duel Academy. He fought one of the Shadow Riders, he helped look after Judai during the aftermath of his ordeal of becoming the Supreme King, he took care of Ryo while he was suffering from fever and heart attack before his duel with Yubel and even sobbed when he thought his favorite student died at the Dark World and even found it hard to let go of his students near graduation time. But both Judai and Ryo knows Samejima had made the right choice.
Before Chronos could speak up again, there was another interruption, but more serious than Judai's. The window of the Samejima's office which held the view of the grounds outside was smashed and soaring through it was a dark streak of shadows. It writhed and swirled around in front of Judai, the shocked Asuka, the disturbed Ryo, the horrified Chronos and the rageful Samejima and suddenly morphed itself into a humanoid shape, and the darkness subsided to show a familiar face that Judai recalled from his 3rd year at the Academy; it was Trueman.
"Darkness has returned". Trueman said in an evil tone.
Everyone was shocked. If Trueman was back then the dark threat must be...
"Darkness?" Judai cried aloud. "Is Darkness behind this Trueman? Did he bring you back?".
"Darkness has returned and has ordered me to attack the Duel Academy". Trueman replied with a broad, continuous grin on his face.
"Why?" Judai asked, "Why here?"
"For revenge for his previous defeat, and he shall make Duel Academy his palace of Darkness as he overwhelms this world into the World of Darkness".
At those last words, Asuka, Chronos, Ryo, and Samejima stepped back in horrar.
"This can't be". Ryo said.
"I can't go back there". Asuka moaned
"That was a nightmare". Chronos added.
Samejima stood forward again, "It won't happen".
"He's right". Judai said firmly, "I defeat Mr Darkness before, I can do it again!"
"He is stronger". Trueman said, "And he aims to destroy your world and go to all dimensions and take them over".
Judai was furious. "I won't allow it".
"Then my first victim of my attack shall be you". Trueman said wickedly and he pinned a Duel Disk made of Shadows.
"No, he will not". Said a voice behind Judai.
Judai looked around. Chronos was raising and preparing his own Duel Disk, sloting his deck into place .
"Chronos-sensei, what are you doing?" Judai and Ryo asked in unison.
"You two will stay out of this. This Mr.T bloke is mine for the taking". Chronos replied, not looking at either of them, his eyes poised on Trueman.
"If you wish to duel or harm my boss, colleague, students or visitors, you will have to get through me. I am their protector". Chronos said with a determined look.
"I forbid you to take such a risk, Chronos-kun!" Samejima yelled.
"And I forbid you to stop me, Principal Samejima". Chronos said contemptuously, "I have always tried to protect this Academy and the people in it. I will not stop now".
Judai, Asuka, and Ryo looked from Chronos to Samejima. The bald man was unsure of what to do. He couldn't afford for Chronos to lose this duel, but he also couldn't let Judai risk himself either, he and Yubel were likely their best hope of defeating Darkness and the World of Darkness again. So he made a decision.
"Very well, Chronos-kun, but be careful!". He warned.
"Always sir". Chronos replied, still not taking his eyes from Trueman and ready to duel.
"Carefulness will not help you". Trueman said darkly, "Prepare to be the first to fade into World of Darkness again and forever"
Duel with Chronos and Trueman
Truman's deck was formed from the shadows. "Let's begin"
Chronos nodd in agreement setting their LP 4000
Chronos 4000
Trueman 4000
"Duel"
Turn 1 Chronos
As the Duel began Judai, Ryo, Asuka and Samejima could do was stand back and and watch hoping for a positive outcome.
"Professionals first, Mr.T!" Chronos announced, "I draw and I summon Torjan Horse in Attack mode".
Judai smiled. He recognised Trojan Horse as one of Chronos easy ways of summoning one of his ace Ancient Gear Golems. Chronos was not wasting time; he intended to use his power card to make clean work of Trueman.
"Next I will set three cards face down and end t turn". Chronos said confidently, laying his cards down with a flourish of his hand.
Turn 2 Trueman
"My turn", Trueman replied darkly, "I activate Card Destruction. We each send the cards in our hand to the graveyard and we drew the same number of cards we went away".
Chronos did so, but didn't look distraught.
"Next I activate Dragon's Mirror". Trueman said, "It allows me to banish the monsters needed to Fusion Summon and then I can summon that monster. I banish Meteor Dragon and the supreme Red Eyes Black Dragon, both of which I discard just now. I now summon Meteor Black Dragon!"
Meteor Black Dragon appeared with 3500 ATK
"Not good". Judai said to himself
"Its attack may be strong, but brute strength isn't everything". Asuka said
"Trojan Horse may have 1900 ATK points weaker than Meteor Dragon, but it was being backed by Chronos-sensei's 3 face down cards." Ryo said.
Samejima agreed. He was paying close attention to Chronos field. Then he looked over to Chronos who was silent and calm, as though unconcerned by Trueman's damage,
"I shall attack your wooden toy!" Trueman declared.
"Nothing but a idiot blinded by his darkness". Chronos scoffed, "I activate Zero Gravity!"
His middle face down card was revealed.
"With this trap, the battle position of all monsters currently on the field change, so both of our monsters switch to Defense mode."
Trueman was a bit annoyed but not concerned. " I will end my turn then, with a face down, but beware the Darkness is waiting for you all and you are first".
Chronos was eager to defeat Trueman and make him tremble in fear.
Turn 3 Chronos
"I draw" Chronos said, "And I activate Heavy Storm!"
"Yes!" Judai and Asuka cheered in unison while Ryo smiled proudly.
"Heavy Storm destroys all Spell and Traps on the field!" Chronos announced.
"Not quite, fool". Trueman muttered.
"What?!" Chronos spluttered worriedly.
"My trap activates! Negate Destruction! I pay 1000 LP and if I do, this Trap cannot be destroyed. Furthermore my Trap prevents you from attacking with more than one monster this turn!".
Trueman's LP dropped to 3000, but he knew he had put off Chronos's victory.
Chronos was boiling with fury and rage, but he quickly calmed down. "If you thought that trap would save the rest of your LP, you were wrong! My own traps that I destroyed were two Statues of the Wicked! When they are destroyed, I can Special Summon Two Wicked Tokens to my field!"
As he spoke, the two Wicked Tokens took his two trap's places on the field.
"Next, I activate two Premature Burial cards from my hand! By paying 1600 LP in total, I can revive two monsters in my graveyard! And with your Card Destruction, you forced me to discard two Ancient Gear Golems! I Special summon them!" Chronos cried as his LP dropped to 2400.
"Good Show Chronos-kun!" Samejima called appraisingly.
"Two Ancient Gear Golems appeared. "Next, I Tribute my two Wicked Tokens, for a third Ancient Gear Golem!". Chronos shouted.
"It won't make a difference...only one attack my Meteor Black Dragon". Trueman said in a bored voice.
This uninterested and cynical remark did not sit well with Chronos at all.
"You have no idea of my true plan!" He roared loudly, "I have one card left in my hand...Polymerization!"
"HUH?" Judai and Trueman said in unison but Asuka, Ryo, and Samejima weren't surprised. Evidently they've seen this signature new move of their co-worker.
"I Fusion Summon my all-powerful Ultimate Ancient Gear Golem!". Chronos shrieked as his newest, ultimate Golem appeared on the field with 4400 ATK.
Trueman smirked in disdain, but still no fear.
"I attack and activate my Golem's ability! You can't activate Spells and Traps in reaction to his attack and you take damage equel to the difference in their Attack and Defense strengths!" Chronos yelled.
Meteor Black Dragon was pulverized by Ultimate Ancient Gear Golem and Trueman's LP dropped to 600
"Fear me now, Trueman!" Chronos demanded, "Your powers were no match for mine and in one turn, I shall win in protecting my co-workers and students!"
Trueman cackled. "What a joke! Nothing can ever truly diminish Darkness!"
Chronos gritted his teeth in anger at Trueman's arrogance.
"You dare mock me! I end my turn!" He seeted viciously.
Trun 4 Trueman
"And that was your final move". Trueman smiled, "I draw and I activate Shortcut Fusion!"
"What is that!" Judai asked worriedly
"This handy Spell card allows me to Fusion Summon a monster from my Extra Deck by banishing the required monsters from my Deck, hand or graveyard! Trueman explained.
Chronos flinched nervously
"I banish my Meteor Black Dragon in my graveyard and four more Dragon monsters from my deck to Fusion Summon Five-Headed Dragon!" Trueman yelled.
Judai, Ryo, and Asuka looked on in horror as Trueman's ace monster appeared on the field with 5000 ATK
"And it doesn't end here!" Trueman added, "I activate the last card in my hand! Darkness's Dark Matter!"
"What?!" Everyone who are observing the duel shout in unison.
"With this ultimate card created by my master himself, my Dragon gains ATK equal to that of the monster used to Fusion Summon it with the most ATk!"
"NOOO!" Judai cried.
Chronos lowered his arm that held up his Duel Disk. He stared at the floor in horrar and shellshock that he was defeated by Trueman, whose Five-Headed Dragon absorbed Meteor Black Dragon's ATK of 3500 to his own, giving him 8500 ATK.
"Chronos-Kun get out of the way". Samejima yelled.
But it was no good. It was too late.
"Five-Headed Dragon annihilate!" Trueman said quietly and dangerously
Five-Headed Dragon attack its five way onslaught and reduced Ultimate Ancient Gear Golem to rubble dust and Chronos LP dropped to 0
Trueman 600 Winner
Chronos 0
Chronos was blasted back with such a strong force that it was a wonder he didn't smash through window.
"CHRONOS-SENSEI!" Judai cried in mingled horror and despair at what would inevitably come next.
Trueman then started to approach Judai, but he sensed something...Darkness wanted him to retreat...he had a plan.
"We shall meet in battle very soon Judai!" He said maliciously and with a devious grin scattered into his Darkness form and dissapeared.
"You bastard!" Judai shouted, but it was no use shouting at mid-air.
Yubel could feel Judai's anger and despair...She sensed that something bad was going to happen with these emotions.
Judai resigned himself to look back. Asuka, Ryo and Samejima were at Chronos's side. He was badly bruised and crippled and unable to move. He was weak, pale and defeated, realizing his fate.
"Hang in there, Chronos-kun." Samejima said hastily, "We can help you. Just wait for medical aid we will ask Ayukawa-kun to send a stretcher and take you to infamary".
"No.. Principal Samejima...I won't be here for medical aid...I have something worse awaiting me... na no naye"... Chronos murmured weakly
"No Chronos-sensei ! What are you talking about?! Just don't say like that." Ryo cried hastily and worriedly while taking his hand.
"Signore Ryo". Chronos whispered and he still remembered Ryo's supposed final moments after his defeat against Yubel at Dark World 5 years ago, when he said similar thing before vanishing Chronos and everyone pleaded him to stop talking about his death, and now when he start to talk about his death his former pupil is saying the similar thing to him 5 years later.
" I don't have time left. As long as you're here please protect my students and the school, everyone needs a strong fighter like you during this tough time and make sure you never scumb into Darkness and never use those shock collars or anything that can harm your life my precious student"
Ryo nodd sadly.
"Chronos-sensei" Asuka moaned while taking his other hand gently with tears in her eyes.
"Signore Asuka". Chronos whispered, "You do your best as the Principal wished... protect the students here...They will be looking up to you more than ever very soon..."
Asuka nodded and she and everyone started to see shadows surrounding Chrono's limp body.
Samejima quickly pulled Ryo away, while Judai quickly pulled Asuka away. They know Chronos was being absorbed into the World of Darkness... and they couldn't bear losing another person who are dear to them.
"Signore Judai, defeat the Darkness, my dear boy..." Chronos smiled at him encouragingly, then the shadows enveloped him entirely, and he was gone, the first of many to fall to Darkness's second world domination scheme, trapped into a world where he could see no one to smile at anymore.
Notes
What did you all think? Chronos is the first to fall, who will be next? And Judai sees now that a new war with Darkness is imminent!
So what comes next? Who will be the next to go to the World of Darkness? And who will return to fight? Find out soon.