Watching Hassleberry and Jim Dueling one another, Jaden could see the pair were giving it their all, both using all the skill, strategy and strength they could as their match played out.
With Hassleberry's Dinosaurs against Jim's Fossil Deck, it was quite a show.
Currently, it was Jim's turn, and though his Field was empty, he was clinging onto a mere 1000 Life Points and he was up against Ultimate Tyranno, one of Hassleberry's stronger Dino Monsters, Jim just smiled.
Jim: Here we go. (Draws) I'll start off this round with the Dowsing Burn Spell Card. This lets me dig up that Super Conductor Tyranno in your Graveyard, which I then use to take down Ultimate Tyranno!
Reacting to his Spell, the fossilized remains of Hassleberry's Super Conductor Tyranno emerged, bursting from the ground, where it sunk its fangs into Ultimate Tyranno, dragging down the Dinosaur, while banishing itself.
Jim: Now that Ultimate Tyranno's in the Graveyard, I think I'll use it to pave way for a new Monster. I play Fossil Fusion. I combine my Shell Knight with your Ultimate Tyranno to call out Fossil Dragon Skullgios! (ATK: 3500)
Activating his Fusion Card, a set of giant stone slabs rose between the Duelists, showing everyone watching the fossilized remains of Jim and Hassleberry's Monsters, before the bones within the rocks broke free and combined into one form, transforming into a skeletal tyranno, which, despite lacking lungs, gave a fearsome roar.
Jim: And with Skullgios out and no other Monsters to stop him, it's time for a direct Attack!
Obeying Jim's call, Skullgios swung itself around as it spun its tail at Hassleberry, ready to wipe out the remaining 600 of the Dino Duelist's Life Points.
However, bracing himself for the Attack, Hassleberry gave a small smile as he activated his Duel Disc.
Hassleberry: I play my Trap: Survival Instinct. Now for each of my Dinosaur soldiers I discharge from the Duel, I get back 500 Life Points.
Reacting to the effects of his Trap Card, seven of Hassleberry's Dinosaur Monsters slid out from his Duel Disc, which he banished, stashing them away in his combat pants pocket, increasing his Life Points by 3500, just before Skullgios' tail smashed into him, sending Hassleberry crashing down and dropping his Life Points back to 600.
Upon seeing Hassleberry on the ground and slightly bruised up, some concern filled Jim.
Jim: You alright there, Hassleberry? Skullgios didn't hit you too hard now?
Hassleberry: This soldier isn't giving up the battle just yet.
Jim: That's what I like to hear. I'll throw a face-down and call it a turn.
With no Cards in his hand, no Monsters or face-downs on the Field, and against a Monster supporting over 3000 Attack Points, many within the crowd believed the Duel to be over.
But grinning, Hassleberry drew, knowing that if Jaden was in this position, he wouldn't give up.
Hassleberry: Alright, here we go! (Draws)
Hassleberry: I play Card of Variation. This Spell lets me draw two more Cards. Of course doing so means I must discard one or pay 3000 Life Points at the end of my turn. But looking at what I just drew, well I'm thinking there isn't going to be a next turn.
Jim: Come again?
Hassleberry: Check this out. I'm bringing Tyranno Infinity to the front lines. And as for its Attack, it gains 1000 for each of my banished Dinosaurs.
With that said, the spirit forms of Ultimate Tyranno, Super Conductor Tyranno and the other Dinos banished from the Duel appeared around Tyranno Infinity, causing it to give a great roar as they entered its being, while its Attack rose drastically.
Jim: 8000 Points? But that's enough to...
Hassleberry: Demolish your Skullgios and the rest of your Life Points. Tyranno Infinity, set your sights on Skullgios and Attack!
Following Hassleberry's command, Tyranno Infinity began to charge at Jim, who looked upon his Field, about to activate his face-down.
Hassleberry: In case you think you can save yourself with that face-down, I have a surprise.
Turning the final Card in his hand to Jim, revealing it to be a Spell Card: Dino Stomp, Hassleberry gave a confident grin as he set the Card in his Duel Disc and explained its effects.
Hassleberry: See, I can only play this Spell when my Dinos are on the offensive, so your face-down is history.
Unable to stop Hassleberry's Spell, Jim's face-down was revealed to be Sakuretsu Armour, only to shatter to bits, leaving him with no way to defend himself or his Skullgios.
Hassleberry: Now, Tyranno Infinity, smash that Fossil Dragon to bits!
Leaping up into the air, Tyranno Infinity came crashing down, smashing itself through the bony structure of Skullgios and causing the fossil Monster to give an agonizing cry, before shattering to bits, costing Jim 4500 Life Points and ending the Duel.
As the holograms form their match faded, Hassleberry walked towards Jim, holding out his hand in a gesture of friendship, one causing Jim to grin back and take Hassleberry's hand.
Jim: That was some A rank dueling.
Hassleberry: Right back at ya, pal.
Roland: With Tyranno Hassleberry our latest victor, he will be the fourth Duelist to advance to the quarter finals. After our next four matches, the quarter finalists will compete against one another to show their worth.
With that, Hassleberry and Jim started to head back to the preparation room, walking through the hallway and passing a large figure, a man clad in a black coat, bearing the letters 'P' and 'K' on the front of his jacket, finding the larger figure give a dark and sinister smile, sending a sense of uneasiness between the Duelists.
Thinking the dark figure was next to partake in the tournament, neither knew something bad was going to happen.
With the tournament continuing to play out, with Chazz taking on Mako, Jesse facing off against Weevil, Aster and Axel matched up against one another and Alexis up against Mai, though they each found themselves up against some tough Monsters and tricky strategies, Chazz, Jesse, Aster and Alexis managed to come out as the victors, officially marking them as the Duelists to complete the quarter finals and progress to the semi finals.
And while Jaden was proud to see his friends showing their potential, seeing their heightened skills, he knew that whoever he wound up facing, he would have to give it his all if he were to stay in the competition.
Currently, Alexis and Mai were returning from their Duel, the Harpie Duelist expressing nothing but praise and positivity toward Alexis.
Mai: You really showed your skills out there. Keep that up and they'll have to change the title to the Queen of Games.
Though supportive of Alexis, Mai then gave a sly smile as a question came to her mind.
Mai: So what's the deal with you and Jaden? Are you honestly going to tell me there's nothing between you two?
From Mai's change of topic, the question threw Alexis off, causing her to blush and stare at Mai, unsure how to reply.
Mai: Listen, I know exactly how you are feeling, hon. Before I met Joey, all I had were my Harpies. I used to think being close to others made you weak, but spending time with Joey and his friends helped me see I was wrong. And after listening to my heart, I'm now with somebody who's always there for me, someone who always makes me smile and would do anything for me.
Surprised a little at Mai opening up and expressing such feelings, Alexis then rested her right hand on her chest, having a lot to process.
Mai: Just do what you think is right. But don't take too long. A handsome guy like Jaden won't be around forever.
-Back to the preparation room-
Jaden couldn't help but keep the big and supporting smile on his face after watching Alexis' Duel, while showing his support to the others, proud to how strong they seemed to have gotten since Duel Academy.
But looking over, Jaden turned to see Alexis and Mai enter the room, where the brunette walked toward the pair, wanting to be the first to congratulate Alexis in her latest victory.
Jaden: Way to go lex. That was a seriously sweet Duel.
Smiling at Jaden's continued support and the smile he gave, Alexis was about to speak, but found her words never came to her, for the playout of the tournament cut in.
Roland: Now that we have our quarter finalists, we can proceed to those who will advance to the semi finals. The first match will be Jaden Yuki, who will be facing... Hey what are doing here!?
From the sudden disruption upon the monitor, Jaden and the others looked on, shocked to see a tall and dark figure walking towards Roland snatch the mic from him shocking Yugi, Téa, Joey and Mai when they saw the figure now occupying the screens of the monitor.
?: I am PaniK the Eliminator, and as such, I have decided to take part in this tournament so I can crush out any hopes for a new King of games. You better believe that none of you can stand up against me, but I welcome you to try.
Upon seeing PaniK, confusion filled Yugi and his friends.
Yugi: It can't be. The last time we saw Panik was back at Duelist Kingdom.
Jaden: You know that guy?
Téa: That's PaniK, he's a brute and a creep who picks on other Duelists, forcing them into matches, where he humiliates them for fun.
Joey: I don't get what he's doing. Yug', I thought after you and Atem beat him at his own game, Atem banished PaniK's dark side to the Shadow Realm.
Yugi: I thought so too, but it seems PaniK is back to his bullying ways.
PaniK: So which of you are foolish enough to face me? I'll meet any of you down at the arena where I'll make you fear me.
Ending the broadcast, the Duelists remaining looked upon one another, uncertain as to what their next move was.
Chazz: So what do we do about this blowhard?
Aster: I suppose we play along and face him in a Duel. If one of us can beat him, then we can get back to the tournament.
Though the Duelists were divided in their choices, some wanting to take down PaniK themselves, others awaiting for Kaiba to just disqualify PaniK for his intrusion, Syrus then spoke up, expressing a confusion in his voice.
Syrus: Guys, where's Jaden?
The question Syrus pondered caused the others to look around, noticing that the brunette was gone, before looking upon the monitor and finding the HERO Duelist taking a battle ready stance within the arena, facing off against PaniK.
Jaden: I'm here to stop you, PaniK. (Activates Duel Disc) No matter what, I won't let a creep like you ruin the tournament.
PaniK: I admire you for challenging me. (Activates Duel Disc) But you will come to regret and fear this choice.
Jaden/PaniK: Let's Duel!
PaniK: I'll begin. (Draws) And I'll start off by Summoning the Castle of Dark Illusions. (DEF: 1930) With my Castle now on the Field, I can play my Eternal Midnight Field Spell.
Placing the aforementioned Field Spell in his Duel Disc, a sudden black fog began to pour from the Castle of Dark Illusions, consuming PaniK's side, where Jaden could barely see him.
PaniK: With the powerful magics of my Field Spell, not only is my Castle impervious to the negative effects of your Cards, but it can no longer be Attacked. Furthermore, the power of Eternal Midnight blankets my side of the Field in shadow, making it impossible to see the creatures I Summon.
Jaden: He's right. I can't see a thing.
Panik: So are you scared yet, knowing that my big scary Monsters could leap out at you at any moment?
Jaden: I'm not scared of the dark.
PaniK: You would be if you could only see the dark terrors awaiting you. (Thinking) As well as the other nasty surprises my Eternal Midnight hides. I'll place one Card face-down and end my turn.
Jaden: I mightn't be able to Attack the Castle of Dark Illusions, but you and your Life Points are a different story. (Draws) I summon elemental HERO Wildheart in attack mode (ATK: 1500)
Jaden: Attack PainK directly with Wild Slash!
Doing as per Jaden's call, Wildheart drew his blade, charging into the dark veil, where the sound of clashing was heard.
However, noticing the Life Point counter upon PaniK's side, Jaden found PaniK hadn't taken as much Damage as expected, finding his Life Points lowered to 7350.
And upon Jaden's confusion, he then heard PaniK's tormenting laugh from the shadows.
PaniK: Nice try, but any Monsters who tend to stay out of the darkness automatically lose half their Attack power when battling. And as a bonus, my fiendish servants get an Attack bonus.
Groaning at the information, knowing Wildheart's Earth attribute would place him in a disadvantage, Jaden looked at the Cards in his hand, preparing a protection against PaniK's next move.
Jaden: I throw two Cards face-down and end my turn.
PaniK: (Draws) I play Double Summon, and as the name implies, its magics allow me to Summon two Monsters this round.
PaniK: I now reveal my face-down: Sinister Yoshiro, and so long as this Trap remains in play, any fiendish Monsters that would require sacrifices to Summon can now be called to the playing Field.
Placing two Cards on his Duel Disc, Jaden could barely make out the shadowed forms of the two Monsters that now hid in the darkness, concerning those watching his Duel.
Yugi: This bad for Jaden. Not only won't he be able to see the monsters PaniK Summon, but Sinister Yoshiro will allow PaniK to Summon high Level Monsters.
While the first of PaniK's Monsters remained a mystery, a ghastly call echoed from PaniK's side as the second revealed itself.
PaniK: Behold, Reaper of the Cards. (ATK: 1380 → 1880) When the Reaper is Summoned, it brings despair to all Spell and Trap Cards, allowing me to Destroy one hiding face-down.
Pointing to the face-down on Jaden's right, PaniK gave his command.
PaniK: Reaper, send that one to the Graveyard!
Emerging fully from the sanctity of the darkness, Reaper of the Cards cut through Jaden's face-down with its scythe, revealing the remains to be HERO Barrier.
PaniK: And now for Wildheart to join in the misery. Reaper, strike him down! Call of the Graveyard!
Reeling the scythe back, the Reaper of the Cards cut clean through Wildheart, Destroying him and dealing 380 Damage to Jaden.
PaniK: I'm not done in seeing you squirm. It's time for second beast to Attack. Go!
Reacting to PaniK's call, the second Monster gave a fearsome hiss, before striking, releasing a stream of green flames, which shot from out the darkness and struck into Jaden's chest, lowering his Life Points to 5510.
PaniK: How does it feel, to know that no matter what you do, the darkness is closing in around you? It's grip only tightening with every move you make.
From the preparation room, Jaden's friends could only watch the Duel, concern filling them at the state of the brunette.
Mai: Dueling can be a mental game at times, and if Jaden allows PaniK's intimidation to get to him, then he won't stand a chance.
Jesse: Jaden's a lot of things, but a coward is not one of those. One way or another, he'll break though that darkness and teach PaniK a lesson he'll never forget.
PaniK: I see this Duel is too much for you to say a single word, so I'll say a few more. I'll place this face-down. Then I'll activate Aroua Draw. When this is the final Card in my hand, I'm allowed to draw two new Cards. (Draws 2, grinning at the outcome)
PaniK: Perfect. I activate Field Barrier. So long as this Spell remains in effect, you cannot Destroy Eternal Midnight. In other words your hopes for victory are thinning. It's your move, but what will you do to stop me?
Jaden: (Draws) To start off, I'll activate Pot of Greed. (Draws 2) Next up, I play my Spell: Miracle Contact. With this, I'll not only bring out another HERO, I'll not only shine some light on this Duel. I fuse Neos with with Grand Mole, Dark Panther and Air Hummingbird to summon Elemental HERO Cosmo Neos! (ATK: 3500)
Through Jaden's Spell, Neos and the Neo Spacians all combined into one form, returning to Cosmo Neos, his body radiating with energy, to the point it tor through PaniK's darkness, revealing his Monster, Dark Chimera. (ATK: 2110)
Jaden: I activate Cosmo Neos' superpower, negating all the effects of all your Spells, Traps and Monsters, that includes your face-downs.
Drawing his left arm up, Cosmo Neos shone with a greater light, its power not only deactivating the effects of PaniK's Castle of Dark Illusions and Eternal Midnight Field Spell, but it also caused PaniK to shield himself.
PaniK: It's too bright, make it stop!
(Dark Chimera ATK: 2110→ 1610)
(Reaper of the Cards ATK: 1880 → 1380)
Jaden: Then I activate my face-down: Card of Sanctity, which means we get to draw until we each have six Cards.
With no Cards in his hand, Jaden drews six new Cards, while PaniK, holding onto one Card, drew five.
PaniK: You'll regret making that move, (Jaden/Yuki/brat/kid). On my next turn I'll use the Cards I just drew to wipe you out.
Jaden: That won't happen because I play Contact Out. Playing this returns Cosmo Neos back to my Extra Deck, but it brings back the monsters I used summon him, so welcome back Elemental HERO Neos, Neo-Spacian Grand Mole, Dark Panther and Air Hummingbird.
Jaden: And now that the team's back together, it's time to bring out a new HERO into the spotlight through Contact Fusion. I combine Neos with Grand Mole and Dark Panther to Summon Elemental HERO Nebula Neos! (ATK: 3000)
Following the lead of Neos, Grand Mole and Dark Panther leapt up and alongside Neos, the three transforming into three orbs of dark purple light, which combined into one, forming Nebula Neos, another variant of Elemental HERO Neos, which held the same skin tone as Dark Neos, alongside the familiar armour of Grand Neos.
Syrus: A... amazing... that's the fourth new HERO Jaden has brought out. He never stops to surprise us.
Hassleberry: Copy that, Private.
Alongside Syrus, Jaden's friends were all surprised at seeing another new HERO Monster now on the Field, watching as Jaden continued to give a confident grin.
Jaden: I activate Nebula Neos' ability. For every Card on your field, I get to draw the same number of Cards.
Placing his hand atop his Deck, Jaden drew a total of seven Cards.
Jaden: It's time to show you the light. I play Polymerization, so now I fuse Neos with Rainbow Dragon. Oh, and if you're confused as to how I redrew Neos, Contact Fusion returns the Monsters I used to fuse back to my Deck instead of sending them to the Graveyard.
With Polymerization in effect, Neos and Rainbow Dragon appeared before Jaden, swirling into one another as they combined their beings and their powers, creating a more familiar HERO.
Jaden: I summon Elemental HERO Rainbow Neos! (ATK: 4500)
Jaden: With Rainbow Neos on the Field, it's time to pave the path for victory because I activate his ability. By sending Air Hummingbird to the Graveyard, all your Monsters are returned back to your Deck.
Willing to help Jaden, Air Hucooljabird accepted its fate, vanishing from the Field, forcing Dark Chimera, Reaper of the Cards and Castle of Dark Illusions to also vanish, returning to PaniK's Deck, which then shuffled.
And returning the Castle of Dark Illusions, PaniK found himself sweating, his Field Spell Destroying itself due to the lack of the supporting Monster.
Jaden: It's time to end this Duel, but first, let's take all little trip. I active my field Spell: Neo Space!
With Neo Space activated, throughout the arena, an array of colours spread, amazing all around as they witnessed the liveliness of Jaden's Field Spell.
Jaden: Here in Neo Space, not only does Neos and my Neo-Spacian pals get a 500 Point bonus, but they get to hang around instead of returning to my Deck at the end of my move.
(Elemental Hero Nebula Neos ATK: 3000 → 3500)
(Rainbow Neos ATK: 4500 → 5000)
With the two HERO Monsters powered up and nothing to stop them, PaniK backed away in fear.
Jaden: Looks like your the one panicking now, and for good reason. Nebula Neos, Rainbow Neos, Attack PaniK directly!
Following Jaden's command, Rainbow Neos gathered multi-cloured light in his hands, where as Nebula Neos gathered a dark purple light from the cosmos itself, before both threw their fists forward, devastating PaniK in one tremendous blast, throwing him back from the intense power Jaden's Monsters held, costing him the Duel.
Ending Scores:
PaniK: 0
Jaden: 5510
Jaden: That's game, and the end of your torment in the tournament.
Though PaniK seemed out cold, still recovering from the impacting force of Jaden's Monster, he then gave a weak groan.
And from the side, curious, Roland looked upon Seto Kaiba, curious as to how to proceed.
Kaiba: Move Jaden to the semi finals.
Roland: Sir?
Kaiba: That was an order, or do I have to get somebody professional to do your job?
Clearing his throat and calming himself, Roland refocused.
Roland: Let's hear it for (any ideas to a title? EG: our HERO,) Jaden Yuki! His latest victory has earned him a spot in the semi finals. Now let us continue and see which of our remaining Duelists will be the seven to join Jaden.
After allowing the applause for Jaden to die down, looking upon the clipboard listing the Duels, Roland resumed, progressing in the tournament.
Roland: We were scheduled to have Jaden face Zane Truesdale, however, Zane's new opponent will be Axel Brodie, so get ready to Duel, gentlemen.
With their names called, while Jaden headed on back, the brunette passed Zane and Axel, both giving Jaden a small smile and respectful looks as they passed their friend, both eager to take him on and inspired to give it their all against one another.
And after Zane and Axel took to the stadium, activating their Duel Discs, there was only one thing left to say.
Zane/Axel: Let's Duel!
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Author's Note: If anyone is confused about how I Fusion Summoned three times, I am not cheating if that is what you believe. When you Fusion Summon from your hand you can still Summon a Monster or fusion Summon again
