Yuuna looks up at the TV in awe.

She turns around. "Yubel, are you a dragon?"

Yubel blinks at her. "Sort of. I have the heart of a dragon in my chest and the wings of one. I suppose most of my body has dragonic properties though."

"Can you turn invisible then?" Yuuna gasps, excitedly staring at them with stars in her eyes.

Yubel blinks at her, slowly pointing at themself.

"Me? Invisible?" Yubel tilts her head.

Yuuna nods. "Yeah, Eliot can turn invisible and he's a dragon! An-and he uses his dragon powers to help Pete get away from his bad family. Could…" She lowers her arms, staring at her lap. "Could you use yours to help us get away?"

Yubel stares at her and sighs softly. They reach out a clawed hand and run it through Yuuna's hair.

"Some day, Yuuna. I'll take you somewhere safe." Yubel promises.

Yuuna smiles a little sadly. "Okay."

She wishes she could leave though, like Pete gets to.

Yuuna hasn't had many perfect moments in her life, but this is one.

Last night, Chumley, Syrus, Blair and Yuuna made a blanket fort in the boy's dorm room, dragging all their mattresses to the floor and hanging a blanket or two from Blair's bed and their shared desk. Between pillow fights, hunts for midnight snacks, games between the four of them and movie marathons, Yuuna had the time of her life last night. But this morning is an equally good moment.

She's laying on their blanket fort from last night, Syrus on her left snuggled into her side, Blair on her right using her arm as a cuddly stuffie. Chumley is snoring above them on the bottom bunk, snuggling with Blair's pillow.

Yuuna hasn't felt this at peace in a long time. She's not sure if she's ever felt this happy.

"Good morning sleepy head." Yubel smiles, poking their head through the blankets above. "Have a fun night?"

Yuuna smiles at them and nods, then closes her eyes.

"I'm happy to hear that. You've got a while until class starts, so you can keep sleeping if you want." Yubel's voice is soothing. "I promise I'll protect you."

"Thank you." Yuuna murmurs, settling in more.

She's so warm. It's dark and safe, the shadows wrapping around her, her friends (no, her family), her cards and her home. If this is peace, then she knows she'd do anything to keep it.

So of course it starts to crumble.

Knock, knock, knock.

Yuuna blinks, waking up a little more properly.

"I'll see who it is." Yubel flies towards the door, pokes their head through and then turns around. "It's your homeroom teacher."

Yuuna thought that sounded like Banner's knock.

But why would he be getting them up this early before class? He usually checks to make sure everyone's had breakfast by 8am and it's only 6:16am if the clock is right.

Yuuna gently pulls herself out of Blair's hold and rests Syrus's head on a pillow. She crawls out from under the blanket and over to the door, opening it as Yubel flies to her side.

Sure enough, Banner is outside. "Oh, good morning Miss Yuki. Why are you in Chumley and Syrus's dorm."

Yuuna stiffens. Oh no. She didn't think about the trouble the boys would be in with having a girl in their room over night.

"We were having a sleepover, I promise nothing inappropriate happened Professor, please don't give the boys detention or anything." Yuuna begs, hand over her heart.

Banner waves her off. "It's fine Yuuna, though I'd prefer to know if you guys plan anything like this in the future." He smiles. "Though, could you wake Chumley for me please? He has a very important visitor."

Yuuna nods. "Yeah, sure. Thanks teach."

With that, Yuuna closes the door and turns around.

"I don't understand why you have to make boys and girls sleep in different spaces." Yubel rolls their eyes.

Yunna shrugs, she doesn't get it either, but hey ho.

Blair shuffles out of the tent, yawning and rubbing her eyes. "Are we in more trouble?"

"No, luckily." Yuuna walks over, smiling. "We just need to wake up Chumley, someone's here to see him apparently."

Blair raises an eyebrow. "Seriously? This I gotta see."

Yubel snickers. "That's my girl."

"Oh hush." Yuuna hushes, then slides under the blanket fort.

Yubel takes the more direct route of just sticking their head through the roof.

She crawls over to Chumley, gently grabbing his arm and shaking him. "Hey Chumley. Chum~ley~. Chumley!"

He groans and pulls his blanket over his head. "Five more minutes, Dad."

Yuuna stiffens.

Then shakes it off and starts shaking him. "Chumley you gotta wake up, Banner says someone important is here to see you!"

"Tell them they can see me in five minutes." Chumley groans, rolling over.

Yubel scoffs. "Rude."

Okay this isn't working.

Time for Plan B.

Yuuna grins. "I'll make you a grilled cheese sandwich if you wake up."

Chumley sits up instantly. "I'm up!"

Yubel rolls their eyes. "Geez. You humans will do anything for food."

Yuuna laughs. "Great. Banner didn't tell me who was here to see you, but if you give us girls a minute to freshen up, we'll join you and Syrus in seeing whoever this important person is."

"And a grilled cheese after we see this guy?" Chumley narrows his eyes.

Yuuna smiles and holds up her pinkie. "It's a promise."

Chumley grins and links his pinkie with her. "Good."

Five minutes later, the four Slifers are in fresh clothes and walking down the stairs without any spirits, with Yubel having decided to catch some more beauty rest before the day begins.

"Who do you think would want to see you so early in the morning, Chum?" Syrus yawns, rubbing his eyes.

Blair shrugs. "Who knows. They likely sailed here all night though, so it's probably urgent."

Yuuna chuckles as they all climb down the stairs. "Well, only way to find out is by talking to Banner about it."

So the four Slifers walk down the stairs and knock on Banner's office door.

"Professor Banner, it's me." Chumley calls. "Who's here?"

Banner calls. "Oh come in Chumley, it's y-"

"Chumley!" A voice barks.

Yuuna stiffens on reflex.

"Judai!"

She shakes herself off and glances to the side. Blair is stiff too, so Yuuna gently takes her hand. Blair jumps, but loosens up, squeezing Yuuna's hand back.

"Oh crap." Chumley mutters, barely loud enough to hear, then opens the door with a sigh. "Hi Dad."

Yuuna, Blair and Syrus follow him inside and 'oh crap' is an understatement.

The man who could be none other than Chumley's dad is the most muscled man Yuuna's ever seen, like a body builder or someone on too many steroids. He has a big nose and koala hair like his son, but a much less friendlier face with a goatee, hair on his arms, wearing a wife beater shirt and jeans.

He's not at all what Yuuna would have expected her friend's father to look like.

"About time you got up, you lazy slug." The man drawls, then frowns. "Who are those clowns behind you?"

Syrus whimpers, taking a step back. "Uh, I'm well…"

Blair scowls, taking a step forward. "I'm Blair Flannigan. I'm Chumley's friend."

Yuuna smiles and gently pushes Syrus forward. "I'm Yuuna Yuki, I'm also one of Chumley's friends. And this is Syrus, he and Chumley are roommates."

Syrus anxiously waves. "H-hi sir. Uhh, who are you?"

The man shrugs. "Kumazo Huffington, I'm Chumley's dad, in case you didn't know. Now we're going to talk some private family business, if you kids don't mind getting lost."

Chumley gulps.

Yuuna notices and walks over to him. "Chumley, do you want us to stay?"

Chumley blinks, turning to her. "You would?"

Yuuna nods.

"Absolutely." Blair steps up, taking Chumley's other side. "If you want us here, we'll stay."

"What she said." Syrus nods, standing next to Blair.

As a united front, the four of them stare down Kumazo, Chumley's own resolve strengthening. Banner looks nervously between the two forces while Pharaoh meows in his lap.

Kumazo huffs and looks to the side. "Well I'll make it short and simple." He looks them in the eye. "Chumley, it's time to quit Duel Academy and come home to join me in the sake business!"

"WHAT?!" The Slifers yell.

Chumley gasps. "But Dad, why?!"

"Don't back talk to me, young man!" Kumazo barks.

Chumley winces and backs down. But Yuuna grabs his hand and holds it tight.

"That's a valid question, actually." Syrus speaks up, looking to Blair.

Blair narrows her eyes. "It's his third year here, why should he give up when he's so close to the finish line?"

Chumley turns to her. "Blair…"

Banner holds up his hands. "Now, now children, you shouldn't interfere. This is family business."

"Well it matters to us." Yuuna turns to Chumley, smiling at him. "You're our friend Chumley and I don't want you to go."

She hasn't had a lot of people in her life stay before. She hasn't had a lot of people in her life, period. But she doesn't want to lose the few she has.

Not Chumley.

He has to know how important he is to her.

"Well it's not up to you, girly." Kumazo huffs. "It's between me and Chumley if he stays at school or goes, now shut up."

Blair growls. "What did you say to h-"

"What she means is!" Syrus interrupts. "As Chumley's friends, don't we…" He shakes himself off and firms up his voice. "Don't we deserve to know why we're about to lose him?"

Kumazo glares at him. "Quiet, shortie!"

Syrus squeaks and jumps back.

"But if you nosy kids must know, it's because Chumley's wasting his time here!" Kumazo folds his arms. "If he were any good at Duelling and getting decent grades, he could stay. But clearly he's not, since he started in Slifer Red as a First Year and hasn't progressed so much as once, not even passing one test to get closer to Ra Yellow even if it's for a month!"

Chumley winces and takes a step back, looking down.

Yuuna's heart cracks just a little.

"It's time for him to give up Duelling, come back home and join the family business." Kumazo then pulls a bottle of sake out of thin air and slams it on the table in front of Banner. "Consider this a parting gift from Chumley and me."

Chumley looks down further, his hair hiding his eyes.

Blair growls.

"I can see your point, Mr. Huffington, Chumley has been my student for…" Banner attempts to placate. "...a long time."

Chumley's fist shakes a little.

Syrus scowls.

"He's a bit dense! You can say it!" Kazumo shouts and slams the table. "That's why I want him to come home!"

Chumley starts to turn-

"He's not dense!" Yuuna, Blair and Syrus shout.

Banner, Chumley and Kumazo stare at the three of them, varying degrees of shock on their faces.

Pharaoh meows, licking his paws.

Syrus speaks up first. "Chumley's the best roommate I've ever had and he knows so much cool stuff, like about Uluru and koalas and Australia, he's smart!"

"He's kind and caring, he always picks us up when one of us is feeling down." Blair nods. "He's the first one to notice if someone needs a hug or a movie night."

"Chumley is a great guy. He might not be the best duelist I've ever seen or the best student here, but he's got a heart the size of Australia!" Yuuna pounds her chest once.

There's silence after their outburst, Banner staring at them with his mouth in an 'o' shape, Kazumo gaping at them, Chumley staring with speaks of moisture in his eyes.

Pharaoh continues to clean himself, licking his inner legs.

"You guys..."

The three first years turn to their senior.

"You guys mean all of that?" Chumley murmurs, shock still on his face.

Yuuna nods, smiling. "Of course we mean it Chumley." Then a memory flashes. "Hey." She leans over and whispers in his ear. "Does your dad know about your ability to hear spirits?"

She leans back, watching Chumley shake his head.

"You should tell him." Yuuna smiles.

The ability to hear Duel Monster spirits is a valuable gift and there's no way his dad could kick him out after learning he has it.

Chumley gapes at her.

Then he steals himself and turns to Kamuzo.

"Dad!" He says loud and clear. "I can't quit Duel Academy because I have a power I never told you about. I can hear Duel Monster spirits! I want to stay at Duel Academy with my friends and to graduate!" He holds up his fists. "I wanna put every ounce of effort into this last year to make sure it counts!"

"Yeah!" Blair whoops, jumping in the air.

"You tell him Chumley!" Syrus cheers.

Yuuna smiles and turns to Banner. "You see, Professor? Chumley can't afford to drop out, he's got a gift."

Kazumo huffs. "Oh sure, a gift for eating grilled cheese."

Chumley winces, then takes a step forward. "And you have a gift for getting drunk!"

Blair laughs and holds up her hand. "Call him out, bro!"

Chumley grins and high-fives her.

Banner sighs. "Please children, it's sweet that you're standing up for your friend, but you should stop. This really isn't any of your business."

"That's right, it's family business." Kamuzo grins, then puts a hand to his chest. "Which is why I purpose a Duel!"

The Slifer students stiffen, staring at him in shock. "A Duel?"

Pharaoh meows, tilting his head.

"That's right, father VS son." Kamuzo points at Chumley. "If you have this special gift you say you have, you should beat me easy and you'll get to stay at the Academy. But, if you lose..."

The first years turn to Chumley, who's shock hardens to resolve.

"It's a deal." Chumley nods.

"Good! I wanna Duel you at 8am tomorrow morning!" Kamuzo smirks.

Yuuna smiles, turning to Blair and Syrus and offering them her fist, which each of them bump with their fists.

"Very well then, but you all still have classes you must attend." Banner claps his hands. "I suggest you each get ready for class quickly."

"We will Professor, thank you!" Yuuna bows, then grabs Chumley's arm. "Come on, we gotta work on your Deck!"

With that, she pulls him out of the room, Syrus and Blair following behind.

"Hey wait, breakfast first!" Chumley calls. "You pinkie promised me a grilled cheese!"

"Oh, right." Yuuna laughs.

They change course for the kitchen.

After their classes get out for the day, the four Slifers walk from school to their dorm.

"I can't believe it." Yuuna laughs as she walks, arms behind her head. "It sure was easy to convince your dad to let you stay. He ain't nearly as tough as he looks."

Syrus runs to her side. "Uhh, Yuuna, we just got him to agree to a Duel, Chumley still has to win."

Yuuna snorts and waves her hand. "Come on, Sy, guys like him may look tough, but he's a meat head when it comes to Duelling, Chumley's got this in the bag."

Chumley's not the greatest Duelist, but even he can beat his old man.

"I'm not so sure, Yuuna." Blair murmurs, looking at her PDA.

Yuuna and Syrus stop, looking at the girl, who has Chumley walking behind her.

"If the internet isn't lying, Kamuzo Huffington has been a Duelling State Champion three times in a row." Blair murmurs.

Syrus and Yuuna gape, then look at Chumley.

"You're kidding me." Yuuna gapes.

Chumley shakes his head. "No. Dad sent me to Duel Academy at first because he wanted me to be just like him. But I really didn't like the game and I didn't care about winning, so I just… didn't put in the effort."

Yuuna can… sort of understand that. Trying to live up to a legacy and fearing you won't.

"But!" Chumley lifts his head. "After meeting you guys and seeing you fight so hard to get so much better, it inspired me! I wanna stay at Duel Academy! And if I have to fight my old man to do it, then so be it!"

Blair looks up at him, hand over her heart. "Chumley…"

"You really wanna stay then, huh?" Syrus murmurs.

Chumley nods.

Yuuna laughs, grabs Syrus, grabs Blair and pulls them into a hug with Chumley. "Then we're gonna make it happen! Whatever it takes to make sure Chumley gets to stay!"

With that, the four Slifers run as fast as they can and head into the girls' room.

"Where do I keep the spare cards?" Yuuna murmurs aloud to herself.

As she digs around her room, making it even messier than before, Blair coughs into her hand.

"So Chumley, what's your Deck made of?" Blair pulls open a draw and pulls out a card tin.

"Oh, that's right!" Chumley pulls out his Deck. "You've never seen it before, well, it's all Koalas. They're my favourite!"

He spreads them out on the table, while Yuuna triumphantly bursts out of her mess, her card tin over her head. "Found them!"

Syrus looks at them. "Wow, they're really cool, Chumley."

"Hehe, thanks." Chumley smiles, rubbing the back of his head.

"Koalas are cool, but can you win with them? Especially against a state champion." Yuuna sets her card tin next to Chumley's spread out Deck.

"Oh!" Syrus jumps. "I'll get my spare cards too, I think I know just the thing that would go really well with your Deck!"

He races out of the room.

Then he races back in, his own card tin in hand. "Got 'em!"

Everyone watches Syrus set his card tin next to Yuuna's open it up, reach in and pull out a card.

"Here, try this out." Syrus offers it to Chumley, a green kangaroo. "I got it a while back, but never use it. Maybe you can."

Chumley gently takes the card, looking it over. "Oh wow, this… this is really cool Syrus. You'd really just let me have it?"

"Yeah!" Syrus nods, smiling. "You could combine it with one of your Koalas and have a deck from Down Under."

Chumley tears up.

"Here." Blair sits on the desk and opens up her tin in her lap. "Speaking of combing, I've got a Polymerisation you can have."

She pulls a copy of the Fusion Spell card out and passes it to Chumley, who smiles shakiley. "Gee, thanks Blair."

"Hey, hey, don't forget about me, I've got something too!" Yuuna grins.

She digs around her card tin and pulls out the Fusion Monster.

"It could really come in handy, considering it's got 4200 ATK points to spare." Yuuna offers it.

Chumley gapes at it, as do Syrus and Blair.

"You…" Chumley murmurs. "You'd really just give me such a powerful card, Yuuna?"

Yuuna smiles.

"You and Syrus worked hard these past few days to help Blair and me get our Decks up to snuff for our Tag Team Trial. I don't think I'd feel as confident about it if you weren't there helping us out." Yuuna smiles and offers him the card. "This is the least I could do after everything, plus I want you to stay."

Chumley sniffles.

"I meant it yesterday when I said Blair and Syrus were like my sister and brother. I kinda think of you in the same way." Yuuna giggles. "You belong here, Chum."

Chumley cries. "You…."

"Aww, come here big guy." Blair smiles, opening her arms.

Another group hug commences and there's one thing Yuuna knows for sure.

Chumley's going to win.

Chumley lost.

But he got to stay anyway and that's what matters most.

Between increased practice with Mindy and Jasmine, continued work with Bastion to refine their Decks, down time with Chumley and Syrus and training with Yubel, what remains of the time before their Tag Team Trial disappears into thin air.

Until all that's left is the night before.

Neither of the girls are sleeping.

Yubel is awake, watching over them.

Yuuna is staring at the ceiling, trying not to let her fear show.

Blair is laying on her side, hiding as much as she can under her covers.

"We're going to win tomorrow?" Blair says it like a question. "Right?"

"We will." Yuuna says it like a conviction.

"I promise, Yuuna." Yubel says it like a vow.

Slowly the girls fall asleep.

The next morning, they've overlooking their Decks in the lunch room before everyone else arrives.

"Morning girls." Syrus calls.

Yuuna and Blair wave, Yuuna saying. "Chumley, Sy, hey. Sleep okay?"

"Yeah, sorta." Chumley sits in front of the two of them. "You guys seem weirdly calm for how serious of a Duel this is going to be."

"Another Duel, another day, really." Blair smiles, but she knows it doesn't reach her eyes.

She's not sure how often she tossed and turned last night until she finally fell into a dream. One where her opponent took control of House Dragonmaid and used her to attack Yuuna. This ended in Yuuna taking back everything they ever shared and denouncing their bond as sisters before leaving Blair behind. It scared the heck out of Blair and she's still scared now.

But she can't afford to be afraid anymore.

Fear stopped her from escaping her mother, Syrus saved her then.

Fear stopped her from helping Yuuna in the Shadow Realm, Yuuna saved her then.

This time, Blair's going to save herself and Yuuna.

Yuuna smiles and puts a hand on her shoulder. "You're right. All we can do is do our best today. We got this no problem."

Blair nods to her.

"You can do this, Little Love."

Blair blinks, looking around. There's that voice again.

She's been hearing it more and more lately, ever since their disastrous trip to the Abandoned Dorm. She thinks it might be House Dragonmaid, but Blair's never heard her voice before.

Why is she hearing it now?

"I really hope you guys win." Syrus whimpers. "Otherwise you'll be on the next bus outta here."

"Well, that's why they're not gonna lose, Sy!" Chumley says, making two fists.

Blair smiles at them, shaking her head fondly.

But the boys are right.

They can't lose.

"He's right." Syrus shakes his head, as if shaking off the negative thoughts. "I believe in you, Blair! I believe in you Yuuna!" Then he punches the air. "Blair Flannigan is a capable Duelist! Yuuna Yuki is a capable Duelist!"

Yuuna gapes at him, as does Blair.

Then Yuuna smiles, blushing. "Oh wow. Thanks Sy, I… I'm glad that you believe in me. I didn't know those words would mean so much to you."

Blair didn't either. But Yuuna often doesn't seem to realise how powerful her words can be to most people. She may have a few weird powers from her title as the Herald of the Gentle Darkness, but really, it's her words and her actions that stick with people.

Blair nods to herself.

She won't lose. Yuuna won't lose. They're a team and they're going to come out on top, no matter what.

Blair won't hesitate for anything.

"It's almost time." Blair stands up. "Let's get to the arena."

With that, the Slifer Girls walk out of their dorm and towards their deciding match.

All across campus, there's a buzz going about. The rumours have flown, from what Blair and Yuuna did to get themselves in such big trouble, to who they're going to be Duelling for their right to remain at Duel Academy. Every student who can has made their way to the Slifer Arena, where the battle will be taking place.

"The Tag Team Trial will begin in a moment! Remember these are Test Conditions and a sudden expulsion match!"

Groups mingle in the stands, talking among themselves, including Yuuna's other friends.

Mindy and Jasmine sit together, worrying huddling close together.

"It feels so unfair that Yuuna and Blair have to go through this." Jasmine murmurs.

Mindy nods. "Yeah, no joke."

"It's harsh."

The girls turn their heads to see. "Oh hey, Bastion."

"Ladies." He nods and sits next to them. "Does anyone know why the two of them were even at the Abandoned Dorm last week?"

Mindy shakes her head. "No, they didn't tell us."

"But Chumley and Syrus told us that they went to the Abandoned Dorm too and even when they told Chancellor Shepard this, they got off scott free." Jasmine scowls. "Either he didn't believe them or he's not being fair."

"I agree." Bastion narrows his eyes. "According to the rumours, Dr. Crowler hired professional tag team Duelists who worked with Maxamillion Pegasus himself."

Mindy gasps. "As in the creator of Duel Monsters?!"

Jasmine grinds her teeth. "This is crazy."

On the other side of the stadium, Zane leans against the railing while Alexis stands next to him.

"What were you able to learn from your Duel with the Supreme King?" Alexis glances at Zane out of the corner of her eye.

"Either he really doesn't know anything…" Zane further narrows his eyes. "Or he's a complete actor who doesn't easily give up the charade."

Alexis stares out at the Arena. "White Night Queen always said that those of the darkness are good at hiding."

"We don't want any trouble, okay?"

Alexis groans and digs her nails into her arms. Stop it.

"We don't have to fight."

Stop haunting her.

"Will you let me help you, Alexis?"

Stop lying to her face.

"Or maybe she's wrong and this isn't the Supreme King." Zane shrugs. "This match should prove if he belongs here and who he really is."

Alexis gapes at him.

Is Zane questioning White Night Queen?

Near the entrance to the Slifer Arena, Chazz sits in a seat above Taiyou and Raizou, scowling as he glares at the entrance.

He can't believe the only Duelist who's ever defeated him is going to go out like such a fucking chicken. It should be him destroying that Slifer Slacker and sending her packing, crying home to her Mommy and Daddy!

Chazz punches the seat next to him, ignoring the looks from Taiyou and Raizou.

Once she's out of here, he can go back to doing what actually matters, being the best Duelist on campus, rising to the top of the Duelling World and standing with his brothers as a man.

Chazz digs his nails into his palm.

It's all he ever wanted.

Across from Chazz, two people run into the stands, gasping and heaving.

"Come on Chumley, we can't miss this!" Syrus yells. "We gotta support Yuuna and Blair in this!"

"I'm coming, I…" Chumley groans. "I thought running was supposed to be healthy for you."

The two of them lean on the railings, looking for a place to sit and for their dormmates.

"Send in the accused! Blair Flannigan and Yuuna Yuki!"

Blair and Yuuna walk out of the entrance near Chazz, looking around the stands nervously.

"It's like half the school is here." Blair murmurs.

Yuuna whistles. "Yeah. It's kinda hard to believe." She smiles and continues onwards. "Let's show them what we're really made of!"

With that, the two of them climb onto the stage, where Crowler is waiting for them.

"Now, without further ado-" Crowler raises his hand into the sky. "Allow me to introduce our guest tag team duo!"

Appearing out of thin air, two men back flip onto the stage!

The audience gasps in shock, Yuuna and Blair shouting. "What is this?!"

The men backflip over Yuuna and Blair-

"The Paradox brothers!"

They stand up, back to back, fists bumped together. They're two bald men, dressed in Chinese robes with different kanji on their foreheads. The one in orange robes has the character for 迷 (mei) on his forehead while the one in green has 宮 (kyū) on his forehead.

"Salutations, you fools." The one in orange says.

The one in green continues. "Hope you're ready to Duel."

Yuuna admits it.

"I'm a little underwhelmed." Yuuna tilts her head. "I've never seen these guys before." She turns to Crowler. "The rumours said you'd hired professional legends, not whatever these guys are."

"Yuuna." Blair whines. "The Paradox Brothers worked with Pegasus himself and in all their records have only lost one Duel, to Yugi Moto and Joey Wheeler!"

Crowler grumbles. "It's good to see at least one of you is paying attention to your history classes."

Yuuna narrows her eyes.

Up in the stands, people break out into murmurs and whispers.

"I studied these guys for one of our class projects." Bastion crosses his arms. "They're Duelling mercenaries, taking out other Duelists and dismantling their reputation for the highest bidder. They're also the best tag team Duelists in the world." He sighs and shakes his head. "I'd put Yuuna and Blair's odds of winning this as one in fifty."

Mindy gasps, hands covering her mouth. "Oh no."

Jasmine scowls. "Hey, ever heard of if you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all?"

Bastion blinks, uncrossing his arms. "Sorry ladies."

Near the entrance to the arena, Chazz chuckles.

"Looks like the other Slifer Slackers are going to have a lot more room in their dorm after today with those freaks gone." Chazz leans back, putting his arms behind him.

He doesn't have to worry about a thing. The Paradox brother will take her out and that Slifer Slacker will be lost to history while he becomes the King of Games.

Across from Chazz though, Syrus and Chumley are far less gleeful about this situation.

"This is totally not licious!" Chumley groans, putting a fist to his chin.

"You can say that again." Syrus whimpers, tugging at his hair. "This isn't fair!"

Zane and Alexis watch the arena silently, waiting for the match to start.

"Enough with the pleasantries." The orange brother raises his hand to his mouth.

The green brother mimics him. "And now on with the Duel."

"We didn't come here to talk." The orange brother sticks out his hand, palm up.

The green other sticks out his hand, covering his brother's. "We came-"

"To destroy you!" They shout together, their other hands on their hips.

Yuuna winces. God, these guys' rhymes are awful. She hopes she doesn't have to listen to this all Duel.

Blair blinks at them, wondering if they're being serious.

Vellian laughs behind his hand.

He's a genius, he's an absolute genius! First he got that Titan fellow to scare them at the Abandoned Dorm, then he arranged this Tag Duel Trial and then he got the best tag Duelists in the world to face mere students!

He's a genius, his plan is foolproof and that'll be two fewer Slifer Slackers on his illustrious campus.

"Crowler?"

Of course, that old goat Shepard has to ruin his fun.

"Don't you think this is a bit much?" Shepard says, kneeling next to the arena. "These are Duelling mercenaries after all."

NO, no, no, he will not let this fury-chinned wind bag ruin his plans!

"No, not at all!" Vellian puts his hands on his hips. "Signora Yuki and Signora Flannigan broke a big time rule, so it's only fair that they face big time opponents." He kneels on the field, smiling. "Besides we can't send the Paradox brothers home after they've come such a long way, it would just be rude."

Shepard smirks. "Oh what's that matter? You're paying for their travel costs after all."

Vellian freezes.

Oh for fu-

"Yuuna, Blair." Shepard smiles at them. "I'll leave it up to you girls. Do you think you can rise to the occasion?"

Yuuna hums, looking at the Paradox brothers while holding her chin, then turns to Blair.

"What do you think sis?" Yuuna grins, punching her hand into her fist. "Do you think we can take 'em?"

Blair nods, glaring at them. "We can and we will. We're not leaving Duel Academy, not for anything."

Crowler frowns and stands up. "Oh how touching."

Yuuna and Blair walk to their side of the arena, while the brothers go to theirs, directly opposite them. Crowler walks to the middle of the stage.

"Duelists!" Crowler raises his hand. "Prepare to battle!"

The whole arena explodes with excitement, whispers and murmurs breaking out even though test conditions demand silence from the audience.

Yuuna glares the brothers down, then glances at Blair.

She's shaking slightly. She's tense. She's scared.

"Blair." Yuuna calls.

Blair turns to her.

"Breathe." Yuuna inhales deeply, then exhales slowly. "Remember to slow down. It's okay."

Blair blinks at her, then nods, inhaling and exhaling.

"We can do this." Yuuna gives her a thumbs up, smiling.

Blair nods, straightening. "You're right."

"Here are the rules." Crowler calls to them. "They're really quite simple."

Yuuna rolls her eyes. Oh boy, another lecture.

"There will be no sharing of strategy, no sharing of advice and no sharing of any card that is not yet in play, which means you can only use what's on your field and you will share a Graveyard." Crowler continues. "Each team has 8000 life points and if one member of the team doesn't have a monster, they can be attacked directly even if their partner has a monster and teammates can not make their partner's monsters attack."

Yuuna nods to herself, getting in gear.

"We will go in the order of Signora Flannigan, Para, Signora Yuki and finally Dox." Crowler finally lowers his fingers. "And no one will attack on their first turn. Are you ready?"

"Yeah!" The four Duelists yell.

Crowler races off the Field. "Then let the games begin!"

"DUEL!"