Chapter 21: The Stakeout

Kit hastily made his way back to the city, picking up Dipper on his way. They found Julia sitting at a table in a far away corner of the LDS café, looking rather worried. Though when she saw her friends approaching, her mood did improve.

"Thanks for coming, guys."

"What's wrong, Julia? Your call seemed urgent."

"You guys know Advanced Fusion Techniques professor, Professor Marco, right?"

Her companions nodded, not quite sure what this had to do with them.

"He...he hasn't been showing up to class lately. I'm beginning to think something bad has happened to him."

"Are you sure he isn't just sick? Or on vacation?"

"Yeah Julia, I'm sure he'll be back soon."

"At first I thought so too, but no one's seen him in two weeks. No calls, no emails, nothing! I wanted to go to the police, but I don't have any concrete poof. You guys are the only ones that I could think of to help me."

Kit and Dipper nodded. It was clear that this would eat up Julia until she got answers.

"Now that I think about it, several of my classmates have gone missing too. Do you think it could be The Rare Hunters again?"

"I doubt it. This doesn't seem like their handy work."

"Dipper's right. Besides, they've never made any big moves on us before. Whoever's doing this must have serious beef Leo Corporation."

"So what do you suggest we do?"

Julia was quiet for a minute before looking back up.

"We take matters into our own hands."

Later that night, the three of them were on the streets of Paradise City, keeping an eye out for anyone suspicious. Julia was on main street, nerves wound tight.

"You see anything yet, Julia?"

"Not yet, Dipper. You?"

"Nothing. Any luck, Kit?"

"Nada. Maybe they're just- AAAH!"

"Kit! Hold on, I'm coming!"

"Where do you think you're going?"

From on high, a tall figure leapt down, blocking her way. Julia glared at him, she could tell he was the one they were looking for.

"Get out of the way, my friend is in danger!"

"Worry about yourself, Duel Academy Scum! You're my prey now."

Just then, Dipper contacted Julia again.

"Julia, I've got Kit. You take care of that creep!"

"Right! Bring it on, ugly."

"You three will regret ever crossing us!"

DUEL!

Julia: 4000

?: 4000

"I'll let you go first. Consider it the only mercy you'll be shown!"

"Gee, thanks. First, I summon Gem Knight Alexandrite (1800/1000) in attack mode, but I'll tribute him to summon Gem Knight Crystal (2450/1950) in attack mode! Next, I activate Fusion Conscription. By revealing Gem Knight Lady Lapis Lazuli, I can add Gem Knight Lapis to my hand from my deck. Next, I activate Polymerization, fusing Gem Knight Lapis with Gem Knight Garnett to sumon Gem Knight Lady Lapis Lazuli (2400/1000)! And with her effect, by sending Gem Knight Zirconia from my Extra Deck to the graveyard, you take 500 points of damage for every Special Summoned monster on the field!"

The mystery duelist raised his duel disk to shield himself, cringing slightly from the blizzard the fusion monster had created.

"Fusion..."

?: 3000

"Since I took damage, I can special summon Raidraptor- Avenge Vulture (1700/100) from my hand!"

"Summoning a monster during my own turn? Not bad. I set one card face down and end my turn."

"Its my turn. I draw!"

"Not so fast, I activate my trap card, Fragment Fusion! By banishing Zirconia, Alexandrite, and Lapis, I can Fusion Summon a Gem Knight Monster, so say hello to Gem Knight Master Diamond (2900-3000)! How's that, three monsters to your one."

"Pathetic. All you did was give me the tools I need for your defeat."

"What? Don't be stupid, there's no way you can beat my board right now."

"I'll start by summoning Raidraptor- Vanishing Lanius (1300/1600) in attack mode. And since I summoned it, I can special summon another Raidraptor from my hand, like another Vanishing Lanius! Now with my three monsters I build the overlay network and Xyz Summon! Rise forth, Raidraptor- Rise Falcon (100/2000)!"

When Julia saw how pathetic the monster's attack was, she burst out laughing.

"Okay, I'll admit you had me worried for a second? But that thing? It only has 100 attack points, nothing to worry about."

"I'll use Rise Falcon's special ability. By using one overlay unit, I can add the attack of one of your Special Summoned monsters and add it to its own, and your Master Diamond fits the bill perfectly (100-3100). Next, I'll equip him with Junk Barrage. Rise Falcon, attack her Lapis Lazuli!"

The armored falcon flew high up, flames growing surrounding its body before swooping down and ramming the weakest monster, burning it down to ash as Julia shielded herself.

Julia: 3400

"That attack felt so real...but how?"

"The effect of Junk Barrage now activates! When the equipped monster destroys an opponent's monster, you take damage equal to half of your monster's attack points!"

Julia barely dodged in time to avoid the falling debris, starting to get a little shaken up.

Julia: 2200

"I'm still in this!"

"No, you're not. My Rise Falcon can attack all of your Special Summoned monsters."

"What?!"

"Rise Falcon, end this duel!"

Julia could only watch as her monsters burned in agony before exploding, the blowback and debris taking her life points away with them.

Julia: 0000

Julia's unknown assailant raised his duel disk, ready to push a button before a spotlight flooded his backside. Turning around, he found a whole swarm of LDS security blocking his escape. Pushing his way to the front was Declan.

"I knew monitoring those three would be a wise decision. Now, unless you want to be beaten senselessly, I suggest you come with me. We have a lot to talk about. And don't worry about your accomplice, he'll be joining us soon."