Ok, so here's the chapter involving the Tag Team Duel! Heads up, I kinda didn't like the whole Chumley/fatherly relationship episode. I mean, it was kinda cool and all, and I know it's supposed to value the meaning of doing things on your own and giving Chumley some character development.
Seriously though, there were some...awfully stupid things in that episode. First off, hot sauce? When I first watched that episode, I could immediantly tell it was originally supposed to be beer. That, and the whole red color change in the dub version. Other than that, the episode was fine.
So, enough of my ranting, let's get on with the duel!
Disclaimer: Mage of Hope doesn't own Yu-Gi-Oh series, only the OCs!
Crowler was NOT having a good day, that's for sure.
He was lost in his frustrated thoughts, grumbling to himself as he walked down the hallways of Duel Academy. Most of the Slifer Reds chatting about in the hallways made room for him, somewhat afraid of his presence due to the fact that Crowler was famous for hating "Slifer slackers."
'Just look at them! Pathetic Slifer littering the campus like vermin! Why must Duel Academy accept vermin like the Slifer slackers?!' pondered Crowler. 'Especially Jaden Yuki! Gah! That boy makes me want to kick kitties and puppies!'
"That Slifer slacker's made a fool out of me long ENOUGH!"
Meanwhile, in the Slifer Red dorms...
"One, two, three! One, two, three!" Jaden was chanting to herself as she was playing with a stuffed Watapon Duel Monster toy, tossing it up and down as she was giggling.
"Jaden, aren't you going to organize your deck yet?" asked Syrus, who was sitting on the ground with his cards scattered all over the floor. Chumley nodded, yawning as he read a book.
Jaden caught her stuffed animal before cuddling it. "Aww, come on, Syrus! We still got a couple of hours left! I just wanna play with my-"
"-ENOUGH! ENOUGH! ENOUGH! Enough...enough...enough..."
The trio reacted in different ways; Syrus yelping and throwing his cards in the air, Chumley accidentally dropping his book which landed on Jaden's head and caused her to drop her Watapon toy.
"Owie!" Jaden cringed, kneeling on the floor and clutching her head.
"Jaden! You alright?" Chumley asked, looking down from his top bunk bed.
"Yeah...What was that?"
"Oh, that was Crowler going off again," said Syrus, extending a hand for Jaden to reach. "He does that sometimes. Lately, he's been doing that a lot."
"Huh, wonder why."
Startled by Crowler's outburst, several students rushed to their scheduled classes, mostly out of fear for Crowler and not wanting detention. Nobody could blame them, considering that the whole campus pretty much heard Crowler's cries.
Satisfied with the students fleeing in sight of him, Crowler snickered to himself. He already had the Tag Team duel plan unfolded, so it was only a matter of time before the whole Tag Team Duel event occured later in the afternoon.
"Dr. Crowler!"
Turning around, Crowler spotted one of his...average Obelisk Blue students, Chazz Princeton, walking towards him. Knowing that the boy wanted to talk to him about something, Crowler would oblige and listen.
"Ah, Chazz! How may I be of service?"
"Look, I'm just gonna go straight to the point," spoke Chazz gruffly. "I want you to put me in that Tag Team Duel against Jaden and Syrus?"
"You mean the one scheduled for this afternoon?"
"That's right! This time, I know I can beat him and send him packing!"
It didn't take Crowler even a mere five seconds to refuse the boy's request. "No."
"Huh? Why not?!" Chazz gritted his teeth, demanding an explanation.
Crowler closed his eyes and smirked. "Don't get me wrong, your skills are admirable. However, I'm not taking any chances on this one. If Jaden loses here, he'll be expelled from Duel Academy once and for all! Which is why I hired and invited the greatest Tag Team duelists in the world!"
"What?! I can beat those so-called 'greatest Tag Team duelists!' Just let me duel with those two, and if I win, I'll definitely beat Jaden for sure!"
"Sorry Chazz, but that won't happen," said Crowler, refusing the boy once more. "For one, they're not even here yet. And two, you? Pfft. You couldn't even beat Jaden. Twice. The duelists I'm talking about are on a whole different level. Moreover, you should be worried about yourself. At the losing rate you're in, you'll definitely be demoted to Ra Yellow! I suggest you hone your skills some more and try not to humilate yourself anymore than you already have, you peon. Hahahahahaha!"
Chazz watched as Crowler left while laughing at his insult; his laughter filling the hallways even as he was walking away.
"...Douchebag."
In the Slifer Red dorm...
Jaden and Syrus were currently shuffling and going over their decks to make sure they had everything in order. They needed a clean order of Spell, Trap, and Monster cards as well as organized strategies if they were going to win this!
Chumley was watching his two friends from up on his bunk bed, curious to see how the outcome of the duel would go. "Today's the day, huh? I hope you guys do good in that Tag Team Duel."
"Of course! We're gonna win!" wondered Jaden confidently. "It's just another duel, another day! Right, Sy?"
'If only that were true,' thought Syrus, giving Jaden a nervous smile. Today meant that they were going to have to duel for their lives in the academy! If not, they get kicked out! Anyone, except Jaden, would feel nervous about the risks!
"Yeah...but it's not another duel," reminded Chumley, trying to stay positive as ever. 'It's a Tag Duel! And if you lose, you'll be kicked out! I'm surprised you're still all cheerful and happy about enjoying the duel when your lives are in stake."
"Well, duels are fun and happy to enjoy about. What's not to like?" said Jaden.
"Man, you are just as stubborn as stone, Jaden, you know that? I kinda wish I had your strength sometimes."
As the two talked things through, Syrus stared at his hand, most preferably his Power Bond card. 'Chumley's right. The last time I dueled, I was awful! Just like my big brother always told me I was! If we're going to win, I have to try and not let anything get to my head! Especially Zane! All I have to do is believe in myself! Believe in myself! Believe in myself!'
"I believe in myself, Jaden!" blurted out Syrus, surprising his two roommates.
"Huh? Yeah, that's great, Sy!"
"Well, good luck, guys! I'll go to the Duel Arena in just a bit! I have to clean up some stuff first!" said Chumley, giving his two friends a smile.
"See ya soon!" Both Syrus and Jaden walked out the door, leaving Chumley alone with the hope that they might succeed.
Later, in the Duel Arena...
"The Tag Duel will begin in a few moments! And remember, these are tense conditions! This is a sudden exposition match!"
'Tense, huh? I sure hope Syrus and Jaden know what they're doing,' thought Bastion, looking stern as he waited for the match to begin.
"Hey, I know you!"
"Huh?"
Looking up, Bastion saw Alexis Rhodes standing near him. Instantly, he recognized her as the most powerful female Obelisk Blue member, as well as one of the popular and beautiful duelists in the academy.
"You're Bastion Misawa, right? A friend of Jaden and Syrus, right?" Alexis took a seat next to him, seeing how all the other seats were occupied.
"I...suppose you could say that. And you're Alexis Rhodes, yes?"
"Yeah, I'm also why they're in this mess. They were helping me in that Abandoned Dorm."
"I see!"
Ever since it was announced that Jaden and Syrus would be risking their dueling lives in Duel Academy in a Tag Duel, Bastion pondered why, until he heard that they entered the forbidden Abandoned Dorm. He didn't have the time to ask why they would enter such a place, but now that Alexis admitted why, it all made sense to him.
Alexis sighed. "But now, if there's anyone in need of help, it's them. Have you heard? Rumors spread that Crowler arranged professional duelists to duel them! Tag Team legends! Duelists that worked with the creator of Duel Monsters himself!"
"Send in the accused! Syrus Truesdale and Jaden Yuki!"
Hearing their cue, both of them entered the Duel Arena. Syrus was holding onto Jaden's hand, squeezing it to ease his anxiety while Jaden was happily waving to the crowd, having no other care in the world.
Even though only a couple of hands applauded for the Slifer Red Tag Team, Jaden accepted them and kept smiling and waving. When she saw Chazz, she grinned and waved harder for him. "Hiya, Chazzy!"
Chazz stamped his foot against the seat in front of him, anger written all over his face. 'You Slifer slackers! It should be me taking you out! But, as long as someone else does it, I guess that's fine! And look the other way, idiot! Stop waving at me!'
Sensing malevolence coming from the enraged Obelisk Blue, Syrus clinged onto Jaden's arm. "U-Um...Jaden? Maybe you should stop waving at him! I think he's really mad now..."
Jaden lowered her arm and started ruffling Syrus's hair childishly. "But, Sy! I couldn't help it!"
"Gah! J-Jay? C-could you stop ruffling my hair?"
"But it's sooooo soft!~"
Once on top of the dueling platform, Jaden saw Chumley among the audience, waving at them. "Hey, look! Chumley made it! Nice!"
Zane stood all calm and cool from afar, watching from the railings area. He was intent to seeing this duel through, how well Syrus's skills are, and how this duel will resolve. If Syrus doesn't prove himself and does lose, then he truly doesn't deserve to fit in Duel Academy.
Noticing Zane staring at him with the stone-like eyes, Syrus quickly started walking faster towards his partner's side. 'Gotta believe in myself! Gotta believe in myself! Gotta believe in myself! Gotta believe in myself!'
Raising his arm to signal the audience to quiet down, Crowler announced, "Now, let us introduce our guest Tag Team duelists! The Paradox Brothers!"
Gasps filled the entire area once the infamous name was heard throughout. The Paradox Brothers?! They were a Tag Team legend! Most of the individuals knew it was over for Syrus and Jaden.
Suddenly, two martial artists made their appearance onstage by performing a few cartwheels simulataneously. They landed gracefully on opposite sides at the same time, crossing their arms in a sort of pose.
"Salutations, you fools," spoke the light-toned, orange robed martial artist. He was known as Para, the oldest of the twins and was awfully similar to his other brother.
"Hope you're ready to duel," said a deeper-toned, green robed martial artist. This one was Dox, the youngest twin and he was as skilled at his twin brother.
Jaden only lightly laughed at the Paradox Brothers. "Haha! They're wearing dresses!"
"Actually, I think they're kimonos," corrected Syrus.
"How dare you insult us? You ungrateful children!" shouted Para, bringing up a fist and losing his composure.
"Yes, for these are tunics, and we have ten of them!"
"Didn't need to know that, thanks," Jaden said, pondering about something. "Hey, Sy? You know anything about these guys? I feel like I've heard of the Paradox Brothers somewhere."
"No, I'm lost too," said Syrus. "But, maybe this Tag Duel won't be so bad after all."
Crowler walked up to the two from behind, saying, "Perhaps. But, they haven't dueled in ages, and their last opponent happened to be Yugi Moto!"
Syrus gaped at the fact that their opponents happened to face off against the King of Games himself! If they did, they must be extremely powerful, as well as much more skilled than him or Jaden. This was turning out worst for the both of them!
"I've studied these guys," murmured Alexis. "They're some kind of dueling mercenaries. Not to mention, the best Tag duelists in the world! This is hardly fair!"
"I think that was Crowler's intent from the beginning," agreed Bastion. "Statisically speaking, I'd say Jaden and Syrus's chances of winning are below 50 at best. Plus, I heard they gave even the King of Games a hard time. If that were the case, then Syrus and Jaden don't stand a chance against them!"
Chazz smirked, satisfied with Crowler's choice for opponents. Not only are the Paradox Brothers skilled in dueling, but they're supposed to be the best Tag Team duelists in the world! He imagined that it wouldn't take the brothers a mere five turns to finish the Slifer slackers off.
"Enough with the pleasantries..." started Para.
"And now, on with the duel!" stated Dox.
"We didn't come here to talk!"
"We came..."
"To destroy you!" both twin brothers finish in unison, fully confident that they could defeat their opponents.
Syrus gulped and was practically seen shaking in his boots, while Jaden awed at the Paradox Brothers. Despite their weird sense in rhyming, they made a total, completely unexpected and amazing entrance with the cartwheels, and their outfits looked cool!
"Whoaaaa! So cool!" cheered Jaden, jumping up and down in excitement.
"Not cool! Not cool!" said Syrus, who was trying his best to calm himself down.
"Crowler! Don't you think this is a bit much?" called out Sheppard, staring up at the dueling platform.
"No, not at all!" defended Crowler, wanting to change the Chancellor's mind. "Jaden and Syrus broke a big time rule, so they should face big time opponents! Besides, we can't send the brothers back now! They've come so far!"
"Hmm...very well! I will allow it!" decided Sheppard happily with a childish grin. "Besides, at least one of our students are excited."
"Huh?"
Looking back, Crowler saw Jaden still ranting on about how if she beats the Paradox Brothers, she'll be even stronger than Yugi, or how she wonders how the duel will go. She even bragged about finishing off the Paradox Brothers with her Flame Wingman. Syrus was clearly embarrassed by how much attention his partner was receiving and hid his face with his hands.
"Ugh...Duelists! Prepare to battle!"
The students cheered and started chatting nonstop about how the dueling was going to result as. Even some students started placing bets, mostly on the Paradox Brothers. Either way, everyone was excited and wondered how the duel will end.
Jaden glanced at her Tag Team partner, and noticed how stiff his small body was. She walked over and placed her hands on his shoulders, giving him a reassuring smile. "Just breath in, Sy. We can do this!"
"Y-yeah..." Syrus blushed at how close Jaden was, especially with the physical contact she was giving him. No girl other than Jaden has touched him like this before. And...was that squealing from the audience?
"The rules for this Tag Team duel are really quite simple!" announced Crowler loudly. "There are no sharing of strategies, no sharing of advice, and no sharing of cards that are not yet in play! But you may use what's on your partner's field! And no-"
"Just get the duel on with already!" hollered a student from the sidelines rather rudely and impatiently.
"...Tch. Fine. Duel!"
- DUEL -
Jaden and Syrus - 8000 LP
VS
Paradox Brothers - 8000 LP
After getting out five cards, Jaden gave a nod to Syrus, who nodded back. "My turn! Draw! Now I'll summon Gyroid in Attack Mode!"
A animated blue helicopter Monster took flight onto the field, ready for anything that could be thrown right at him.
Gyroid - (WIND/Machine) - LV3 - (1000/1000)
"You must be joking! I'm surprised that thing even has an Attack Mode!" said Para as he drew a card."I summon Jurai Gumo in Attack Mode!"
A large spider-like Monster appeared on the field, its jaws snapping together as it wanted to feast on something. Its current target happened to be Gyroid, staring intently at him.
Gurai Gumo - (EARTH/Insect) - LV4 - (2200/100)
"Me next! Me next! Me next!" said Jaden, overjoyed before quickly drawing a card. "I summon my cute White Magician Pikeru in Attack Mode! Then, I'll set a card and end!"
Popping out from white smoke, the small Spellcaster plopped on her bottom before standing up and sweeping any dust off her white robes. She struggled to keep her staff up as she blushed from all the girls squeals and awes.
White Magician Pikeru - (LIGHT/Spellcaster) - LV2 - (1200/0)
"Please, that Monster is nothing!" said Dox. "Kaiser Sea Horse, in Attack Mode!"
The knight of the waters sprang up from the projectile waters, wielding his sharp spear boldly and preparing for battle.
Kaiser Sea Horse - (LIGHT/Sea Serpent) - LV4 - (1700/1650)
With four Monsters, two on each side, it was clear about the difference of their strengths. Both the Paradox Brothers had Monsters that surpassed Jaden and Syrus's by strength levels. Who knows what'll happen next turn?
'Me and Jay sure are lucky that nobody can attack on their first turns,' thought Syrus, glaring at his opponents seriously. 'Alright, with their Monsters, I'm sure they'll attack next.'
"I choose to play a Spell card from my hand! Tribute Doll!" announced Dox. "To activate it, I must choose to sacrifice a Monster from our side of the field! Good thing my brother is so generous with his!" Receiving a nod of approval from his brother, Dox continued, "Farewell, Gurai Gumo!"
After the Tribute Doll card was activate, the card itself started to sprout out tentacles which slowly wrapped themselves around the spider Monsters before pulling on its limbs and ripping it apart.
"Now I am able to summon a Level 7 Monster this turn! And I choose to summon Kazejin!"
Swirling, rapid winds blew all over the field, causing all to cover their eyes and brace themselves for the wind. Once the wind dispersed and died, all that was left was a gigantic green Monster with some ancient writings in the front.
Kazejin - (WIND/Spellcaster) - LV7 - (2400/2200)
"He sacrificed his brother's Monster to summon a better one for the team," muttered Bastion, impressed. "Now that's a perfect combination in a Tag Duel!"
"Do you actually think you know anything of this game?" questioned Para.
"You're losers, you're jokes! In other words, you're lame!" finished Dox.
"And if they think this is starting to get crueling..."
"Wait till I give them a true schooling!" Dox picked a card from his hand. "I play Dark Designator! This powerful Spell card allows me to call out any card that I can think of! And if it's anywhere in my brother's deck, it's added immediantly to his hand! Now, let me see here...Sanga of the Thunder!"
Para chuckled. "Well, what do you know? It's right here, ready to tear them asunder!" The eldest brother took his deck out and quickly found his card before shuffling his deck and placing it back to his duel disk.
After Para placed the chosen card in his hand, he raised his arm. "The duel's just started..."
"And yet, it is almost done!" Dox also raised his other arm.
"For your demise has already begun!" chanted the Paradox Brothers, throwing down their arms together.
Syrus was taken aback; fear shown in his eyes. Things were looking more and more bad for him and Jaden! If one of the Paradox Brothers manage to summon that Sanga Monster, that'll be three wicked Monsters they'll be facing against! They were just lucky that they didn't get an OTK!
"W-what should we do, Jaden?" asked Syrus, quivering. "These guys just summoned a Level 7 Monster on their first turns! With our Monsters, there's no way we can stop them!"
"Chill out, Sy! These guys may be legends for going up against Yugi, but with you as my partner, I know we can beat these so-called legends!" encouraged Jaden, nudging her friend on the arm. "Besides, you're the only partner for me, so there's no way we can lose!"
"R-right! Of course!"
Syrus focused his attention on the field, showing his serious look. 'That's right. This isn't just for me, but for all my friends rooting for me, including Jaden, who's worked so hard to encourage me! And, I'm gonna show my brother just how strong I've become!'
"My turn! Draw! And I summon Steamroid in Attack Mode!"
The train Machine-type blew some steam out before standing up straight for his owner, all pumped up for his turn to shine.
Steamroid - (EARTH/Machine) - LV4 - (1800/1800)
"And next, I play Polymerization! Check it out! I fuse my Gyroid and Steamroid to Fusion Summon Steam Gyroid!"
Once the two Machine-types fused together, a brand new Monster took their place, grinning madly from its gained strength from its Fusion-Material Monsters.
Steam Gyroid - (EARTH/Machine/Fusion) - LV6 - (2200/1600)
"Oh yeah, and I haven't overlooked one single fact!" shouted Syrus, confident in his next upcoming move. "See, you guys made a mistake with your teamwork! When you sacrificed Gurai Gumo, you left your brother's side completely defenceless, leaving the door wide open for an attack!"
"U-Uh Sy...?"
Right before Jaden could stop him, Syrus declared, "And now, I declare an attack on Para!"
"Gah! Damnit!"
"Attack!"
"Heh!" Para smirked, no fear and anguish shown anywhere. "If you please, brother!"
Dox nodded. "It would be my pleasure, brother! Kazejin, defend!"
Syrus gasped in surprise when he saw Kazejin appearing in front of Para, defending the eldest brother with a sort of wind barrier and sending Steam Gyroid back to Syrus's field.
"Our Monster's special ability, do you like?" Dox tried explaining.
"It reduces the damage to 0, not even a might!" said Para. "Too bad it only reduces to 0 once a duel, so shameful, so sad."
"At least it has stopped the lad!"
"S-so I goofed..?" Syrus seemed down than ever, mentally hitting himself for being an idiot.
He had forgotten that in a Tag Duel, if your partner doesn't have a Monster on his or her side of field, but their other partner does, they can defend their partner with their chosen Monster, so long as that Monster was in Attack Mode.
Crowler snickered rather evilly to himself as he watched the duel up close. "As expected, Syrus's is nothing but an idiotic Slifer slacker who forgot his studies on Tag dueling! Oh well, it's only a matter of time before he and Jaden pack their bags! Hehehe!"
"Nice job, Syrus! You almost made it!" cheered Jaden.
"...Yeah right," sighed Syrus lowly.
"Hey, I'm serious! They could have used that ability later in the duel, but since they already did it, they can't do it again! Let's go crazy, Sy!"
Syrus nodded, feeling a bit better. "I'll just set a card and end my turn."
"And that's a smart move! My draw!" Para drew his card before placing it in his hand. "I play Monster Reborn and bring back the frightful Gurai Gumo!"
Gurai Gumo - (EARTH/Insect) - LV4 - (2200/100)
"And I'll also activate another Spell card! Tribute Doll!"
"Not again!" cried out Syrus, fearing for the worst.
"Yes, again! And again! I will use it to sacrifice Gurai and summon yet another Level 7 Monster, Suijin!"
This time, a monstrous water Monster appeared with a strange, Chinese symbol on its forehead. It seemed as fearful as the other Monsters on the Paradox Brothers' field.
Suijin - (WATER/Aqua) - LV7 - (2500/2400)
Syrus gasped while Jaden awed at the sight of the third Monster. Even Chumley, Bastion, and Alexis were starting to get worried while a certain few Obelisk Blues were enjoying the duel. Two powerful Level 7 Monsters plus a Level 4 Monster on the opponent's side? That was going to be a tough order for both Syrus and Jaden.
"And, I am not done yet!" said Para before turning to his young brother. "Mind if I borrow a Monster, brother?"
"Please, that's why he's there!" agreed Dox without hesitation.
"I sacrifice Kaiser Sea Horse!"
"In case you did not know, if you are summoning a LIGHT Attribute Monster, Kaiser Sea Horse's sacrifice counts as two instead of one," revealed Dox. "Which means, on my side of the field, my brother will now able to summon Sanga of the Thunder!"
Bolts of lightning crackled before a Monster crashed down onto the field like thunder normally would.
Sanga of the Thunder - (LIGHT/Thunder) - LV7 - (2600/2200)
"What a combination...Truly, they deserve to be very respectful duelists!" gaped Bastion.
"Wait...it's not over yet," said Alexis, worried.
"Three Monsters on our side, what would be better?" wondered Para.
"I know what, brother! When they come together!" said Dox.
Para nodded before loudly proclaiming, "Prepare yourselves! I sacrifice Suijin, Kazejin, and Sanga of the Thunder so that I can summon the ultimate Monster! Gate Guardian!"
The Chinese symbols on all three powerful Monsters shined brightly before they all vanished, forming together into a much bigger, stronger, Monster which consisted of all three Monsters on top of one another like a fortress.
Gate Guardian - (DARK/Warrior) - LV11 - (3750/3400)
"Gate Guardian?!" gasped Syrus, his eyes widen at the size of the Monster.
"He's big!" commented Jaden.
"Just wait until you see his attack!" shouted Para. "Go! Destroy Steam Gyroid! Tidal Surge Attack!"
Lightning crackled in the front of Gate Guardian before a geyser of water shot out, combining the lightning with the water to create an electrical current of water. The blast hit Steam Gyroid head on and even splashed on Syrus. Even though the blast wouldn't affect Syrus, he screamed when the holographic blast hit him.
Jaden and Syrus - 6450 LP
Paradox Brothers - 8000 LP
"I know it hurts!"
"And the bad news is, it only gets worst!"
"As expected, they are good. No flaws whatsoever in their Tag Team dueling," mumbled Bastion.
Alexis nodded. "Yeah, and since they've practiced a lot, they're in total sync together! Jaden and Syrus are good, but can they stand up against the Gate Guardian?"
Syrus was shaking, not only out of fear, but also due to the after effects of the shockwave that was blasted upon him, even if it didn't do any harm to his body. His body was tingly, but other than that, his physical body should be alright.
'T-they are good...' he thought. 'My Fusion Monster was beaten so easily...Can we really beat them?'
Crowler quietly snickered to himself as the favors of the Tag Duel were easily going to the Paradox Brothers, who were masters of Tag Dueling. 'This plan of mine is working perfectly!' he thought. 'As long as Syrus is Jaden's partner, they're both going to lose! Yes...Poor little Syrus! He would be the weakest link in a plate of sausages! ...Wait, what?'
Syrus sighed, glancing at Jaden with the corner of his eye. 'Ugh! I'm only going to make things worse for Jaden! I wonder how she's holding up?'
"Squeeeee! Oh my God! That is one wicked Monster!" squealed Jaden so loudly, it nearly broke half of the students' ears. "And to think, this Monster's fought with the King of Games himself! Isn't this so cool, Sy?!"
"H-huh? I...guess...?"
"If you think that's cool, then just wait! I will end my turn with a facedown card!" said Para, confident that nobody would defeat his and his brother's best Monster, especially the opponents they were up against.
"Alright, here goes!" Jaden drew her card, then grinned. "It's here! Polymerization!"
"Jaden! You can't just blurt out every card you draw!" complained Syrus, panicking.
"Don't sweat, Sy! I was planning on using this card anyways! But first, I activate my cute White Magician Pikeru's special ability! During my Standby Phase, my Life Points increase by 400 for each Monster on my side of the field! Since my Pikeru's the only one on the field, mine and Syrus's Life Points increase by 400!"
Pikeru turned around and started to wave her staff over and over, though it was proving a bit difficult to maintain due to concentration of magic and the heavy weight of her staff. Just seeing her trying made not only Jaden, but most of the female population of the students awe and squeal at the cute sight. Pikeru's white magic appeared in the form of small stars which sprinkled onto Jaden and Syrus, slowly working its magic.
Jaden and Syrus - 6850 LP
Paradox Brothers - 8000 LP
"Not only is Jaden's Monster extremely cute, but she's also useful in restoring some of Jaden and Syrus's Life Points!" complimented Alexis, still staring at the Monster. "I am so getting that Monster when I get the chance!"
Bastion coughed; a faint, pink blush in his cheeks as he looked away, trying hard not to show his blush. "Y-yes, quite."
"I switch Pikeru into Defense Mode! Now, I use Polymerization and fuse together the Clayman and Burstinatrix from my hand! Come on out, Elemental Hero Rampart Blaster!"
After the two Elemental Heroes merged together, a sort of heavily armored soldier-like Monster appeared, wielding a plated shield in one hand, and the other a sort of rocket blaster weapon. Clearly, this Monster was meant for defensive purposes, firing at far-ranged as she stood by in Defense Mode.
Elemental Hero Rampart Blaster - (EARTH/Warrior/Fusion) - LV6 - (2000/2500)
"She's strong alright, but she'll be completely wiped out next turn!" reminded Syrus. "She's no match against Gate Guardian in combat terms!"
"Right, but we don't have to attack Gate Guardian. At least, not yet," said Jaden, perfectly calm. "See, when she's in Defense Mode, she can attack the two Paradox Brothers directly!"
"What?! Our Life Points!" cried out both the Paradox Brother, obviously not expecting the defensive Monster's special ability.
"Now! Ready...Aim...Rampart Barrage!"
Though unseen by others, Rampart Blaster closed one eye to focus her accuracy on two of her targets. Once she had a clear shot, she fired two small missiles, one for each of the Paradox Brothers.
"Oh yeah! And, you'll only get hit with only half of her Attack Points, so lucky you!"
Jaden and Syrus - 6850 LP
Paradox Brothers - 7000 LP
"Wow! Way to play, Jay!" cheered Syrus, gaining some of his confidence back.
"Of course! Oh, and I end my turn!"
Syrus prepared himself mentally for the next turn, looking serious. With the combination of Jaden's two Monsters, they could win for sure! However, he couldn't tell which Monster the Paradox Brothers will be targeting next. If they destroy Rampart Blaster, they could use Pikeru's healing support to gain some more Life Points. But if Pikeru's destroyed, then they can always rely on Rampart's Blaster's direct attack ability.
"It's my draw now!" said Dox. "I'm activating the Equip Spell card, Fairy Meteor Crush! And I'm equipping it to the Gate Guardian! Now, when the Guardian attacks a Monster in Defense Mode, the difference between his Attack Points and another Monster's Defense Points are dealted straight through your Life Points!"
"Not so fast! I won't let that happen! You're forgetting that I have a facedown card!" shouted Syrus, determined to aid his partner. "I'm activating Mystical Space Typhoon! It destroys one Spell or Trap card! And I'm gonna use it on the one you juse played! Fairy Meteor Crush!"
Once the card revealed itself, a tornado whirled around and aimed straight towards Gate Guardian, trying to blow away the Equip Spell card that was just equipped upon.
However, Para decided to stop the tornado in its tracks. "Right into my Trap! I activate Judgment of Anubis! Foolish boy! This lets me stop your little Spell simply by discarding one card! Observe!"
The strong almighty tornado from before was reduced to a simple small gust of wind which hardly affected the Gate Guardian in any way.
"But wait! That's not all it does! Anubis also destroys one of your creatures!"
"And it's Attack Points are dealted straight back to you!" added in Dox. "Did you like its special feature?"
At that moment, Rampart Blaster shrieked before being blasted away from the effect, and the winds from the holograms forced both Jaden and Syrus to cover their faces with their arms as they both took damage.
Jaden and Syrus - 4850 LP
Paradox Brothers - 7000 LP
"I will summon Defense Wall in Defense and end my turn!" said Dox. "As long as Defense Wall is on the field in Defense Mode, all the Monsters you have can only attack him!"
Looking like the part of his name, a wall-like Monster kneeled down and protected himself with his own arms and hard body.
Defense Wall - (EARTH/Rock) - LV4 - (0/2100)
"It's your turn. What are you waiting for?" asked Dox, smirking like his brother.
"A high Level Monster with the strongest Attack, and a high defensive Monster..." muttered Bastion, trying to think about calculations. "Clearly, they've left no gaps in their strategy!"
"I know. Let's just hope Syrus and Jaden can make it out of this one yet," said Alexis, silently praying.
"M-my draw...I-I mean turn! D-draw..." Syrus's legs were shaking again, and his tone was a slight tremble. "I-I'll just place Cycroid in Defense Mode and end my turn..."
A bicycle-like Monster showed up, eyes glaring at his two Monster opponents.
Cycroid - (EARTH/Machine) - LV3 - (800/1000)
Noticing Jaden's glance at him, Syrus bit his lip and looked down as sweat trailed down his forehead. 'I knew it! I am a terrible partner! I knew that summoning Cycroid was a bad call, but it was the best defense I had at the moment!'
"Ha! What a weak Monster!" laughed Para, drawing a card. "Gate Guardian! Tidal Surge Attack on White Magician Pikeru!"
"No! Not my cutie!" cried out Jaden, looking at her Spellcaster Monster, who was panicking like she was. "I activate Damage Diet! I can't stop Pikeru's destruction, but I can reduce any Battle Damage in half!"
"But you'll still take some damage due to Fairy Meteor Crush!" reminded Para.
The electrifying wave engulfed Pikeru, causing her to cry out as she was being washed away before scattering into many pieces. Many of Pikeru's newfound fangirls started crying out of despair for Pikeru; complaints filling the entire Duel Arena.
Jaden and Syrus - 2975 LP
Paradox Brothers - 7000 LP
"Your Life Points are falling!" spoke Para, posing.
"Your gameplay's are falling!" said Dox, also posing.
"There is nothing to do but give up and start bawling!" both finished before laughing together arrogantly.
"Uh...Um..." Syrus tried to think of anything in his deck, hand, or Graveyard that could help them now. Jaden was, shockingly, silent for once; her bangs hiding her eyes, making it unknown if she was mad or had just given up.
Bastion shook his head. "...It's over, huh? From the moment this duel started, Syrus and Jaden were already at a disadvantage..."
Though Alexis hated to admit it, she knew Bastion was right. "Yeah...In a Tag Duel, not only does a duelist and their partner have to be skilled, but the power of their combination also is effective as well. Even though Jaden and Syrus were pretty good making it this far, but...this really is it for them."
Chumley gripped the metal railings so tightly, he didn't notice his knuckles turning white, nor did he care about the pain. 'Jaden...Sy...You gotta hang on some more! Just keep it going!'
Chazz was practically pleased when he saw how awful Jaden and Syrus's Tag Dueling was. He barely paid any attention to anything but the duel, as evident from his wicked grin. 'Heh! Those Slifer slackers are finally getting what they deserve! I can't wait to see the looks on their faces when they lose! Especially Jaden! He's been giving me nothing but trouble ever since he arrived!'
"Ooooh! I'm definitely a genius!" snickered Crowler, talking to himself. "The Paradox Brothers aren't showing any mercy to these twerps, Jaden has Syrus as the worst Tag Duel partner ever, and the best part; if they lose, they get expelled! Hahahahahaha!"
A few students nearby sweatdropped when they heard him proclaiming loudly. 'We can hear you, you know. How Crowler became our teacher is still a mystery.'
"Enjoying yourself a bit too much there, Crowler?" called out Sheppard with a smile. "Then again, you shouldn't underestimate our students. After all, you never know the outcome of a duel until it's over!"
"Y-yes! I know that, Chancellor!" agreed Crowler, trying not to afford to get in any trouble. "But, wouldn't it be better to clal off the duel and expel them right here and now? That way, they might still have more time to pack up!"
"Nope! No disqualifications! Besides, it seems Jaden's just getting started!"
Jaden raised her head, though instead of any anger or fear in her eyes, they were eyes of a true duelist's determination. That, and the fact that that she couldn't stop grinning adds to her being happy.
"Well, well! The Slifer Red forges ahead, when a smart duelist..." said Para.
"Would have fled!" said Dox.
"No way! I never give up on a duel!" replied Jaden. "Especially as something as good as this! Me and Sy are gonna win this!"
The Paradox Brother laughed at the mere wills of the two Slifer Red students. "While you may be good..."
"Your partner is as good as wood!"
"He will be your downfall!"
"How you two will win, it will be doubtful!"
Syrus whimpered, covering his ears and wanting the insults to go away, even if they were in rhymes. With him, there's no way he and Jaden will win! It was all over!
"Hey!" snapped Jaden loudly. "I don't know about any of your accomplishments or how strong your Tag Dueling is, but don't you dare insult and look down on Syrus like that!"
A gasp escaped from Syrus as he looked up and saw Jaden quite furious at the Paradox Brothers. He knew that if he tried to say anything to Jaden right now, it would immediantly be dismissed. And...was it just him, or was that a golden flicker in her eyes for a second?
"He's just trying his best in this duel, yet all you guys keep doing is making up stupid rhymes that get in everyone's nerves and insult one of my best friends! In a duel, you're supposed to be respecting your opponent, no matter who they are! You're not respectful duelists! You're just bullies picking on someone that seems weak to you!"
The crowd went silent for a moment, taking in Jaden's words carefully before responding to her statements with cries of their own. However, these were not cries against Jaden.
"Yeah! You tell them!"
"Down with Crowler!"
"Go Jaden and Syrus!"
"You can do this!"
"Go, Team Slifer Red!"
'W-what's this?! The audience, even some of my Obelisk Blue students, are cheering for the Slifer slackers?! This, I cannot accept!' thought Crowler with frustration as he bit down on his handkerchief.
"And besides," continued Jaden, taking pleasure in the surprised looks of the Paradox Brothers before pointing to the large Gate Guardian. "Syrus will be the one taking down that Guardian!"
"M-me? But how?" wondered Syrus.
"You'll see! My move!" Jaden drew a card and loudly proclaimed, "I summon Elemental Hero Sparkman in Attack Mode!"
The Hero of LIGHT from the Elemental Heroes team arrived in a bold position, ready to heed any of his owner's commands.
Elemental Hero Sparkman - (LIGHT/Warrior) - LV4 - (1600/1400)
"Next, I equip him with Spark Blaster! Now, when his blast fires, I can change the battle mode of one of your Monsters! I choose both of your Monsters! Sparky, blast them!"
Underneath his helmet, Sparkman felt a blush forming across his face. Great, so Jaden still kept his nickname ever since she was a kid. No matter, he had a job to do. He fired two shots of electrifying blasts at Gate Guardian and Defense Wall, switching the Guardian to defense, and the Defense Wall to offense.
"Wait, I understand why Jaden ordered the shot to be on Defense Wall, but why Gate Guardian? That's Monster's going back to Attack Mode anyways," said Bastion, confused.
"You must be a fool!" said Para, who was just as confused as his brother. "When Gate Guardian's in Defense, he never tires! Your situation's just as dire!"
"And though, I hate to fuel the fire, with Defense Wall in play, you have yet to retire!" reminded Dox.
"I'm not done yet! Sparkman! Attack Defense Wall!" commanded Jaden.
Sparkman sprung to the air and from his palm, shot a blast of lightning at Defense Wall, easily taking the crippled wall Monster and breaking it down.
Jaden and Syrus - 2975 LP
Paradox Brothers - 5400 LP
"Now, I set a card facedown and end!~"
"Fine then. My draw!" said Dox, looking at his card. "I'll just place one card facedown. No more, no less! Brother, you do the rest!"
Para nodded. "Excellent decision! I think it's for the best! For in my next turn, I'll be sure to win this contest!"
Syrus knew it was time for him to draw, but he didn't have the courage to do it. Any card he draws now will be useless, so what was the point? Even if he drew a Monster and placed it in Defense Wall, the Gate Guardian will only dealt piercing damage due to Fairy Meteor Crush. Right now, it was going to take a miracle to get back up.
Jaden noticed Syrus wasn't drawing and was lost in thought. "Hey, Sy! Hello! It's your turn!"
Syrus shook his head. "Jay...You heard them. They're gonna take us out next turn, so what's the point? Besides, why did you choose me, out of all people, to be your partner? I was only dragging you down from the start."
"Sy! It's okay! Just one draw! I'm sure with your next draw, you can turn the tides!" assured Jaden. "Besides, remember the last time you and I dueled?"
Flashback...
"Winged Kuriboh! Attack Syrus directly!"
With no Monsters on Syrus's side of the field, Winged Kuriboh flew over to Syrus and lightly bonked him on the head, which reduced his Life Points to 0.
Jaden - 2900 LP
Syrus - 0 LP
Winner: Jaden
"Aww man! I lost!" complained Syrus, falling to his knees.
"Yay! Yay! Yay!" Jaden was happily jumping up and down while holding the spiritual form of Winged Kuriboh, who was also satisfied with his small victory as well.
"..." Syrus simply glared at Jaden at the somewhat horrible memory.
Jaden noticed his glare and nervously laughed. "Uh...Okay, that was a bad example. But, remember that time when you had that really good draw?"
Another flashback...
"Gotcha! I activate Bottomless Trap Hole!" cheered Jaden as she and Syrus were playing regular Duel Monsters on the floor of their dorm room.
"No! Not that card! Anything but that!" complained Syrus. "But, if that Monster's removed from play, I get to draw one card! Ooh! I summon this Monster and attack your Life Points directly!"
"No way! I activate a Trap! Mirror Force!"
"Oh no! My Monster's destroyed!"
"Oh yeah...But that just a lucky shot!" said Syrus.
"No way! You totally deserved that win back there! And we're definitely going to win! But you need to trust your deck more! Just draw a card, and that will decide everything!" said Jaden.
Syrus turned his head and blinked away some small tears. 'I know...But I pledged to myself before that I wouldn't run away! But, she said I would be the one destroying Gate Guardian...But how?'
Realizing an important fact he had forgotten, Syrus glanced at his deck. He vaguely remembered the first and last time he dueled Jaden, and he learned how persistent she can really be at times.
Flashback...
Back in their dorm room, Syrus was dueling off against Chumley on the ground. After Chumley set a card, it was Syrus's turn to draw. Jaden was sitting by, not participating in the duel whatsoever.
Eyeing at Syrus's hand, Jaden's eyes went wide. "Whoa! Cool card! This can really help boost my combos! So, can we trade?"
"Eh?! No! I wanna use this card to help my combos too!"
"Please?"
"No."
"Please?"
"No!"
"Please?"
"No!"
"B-but Sy...!"
Syrus's jaw dropped when he saw what Jaden was doing. Oh no...Those quivering lips! Those puffed up cheeks! And...and those huge eyes that almost seem like they were about to cry.
It was Jaden's puppy dog eye technique, and once again, it was working effectively.
If Jaden kept up with her antics, Syrus was afraid that he'll be sent to the infirmary due to a nosebleed and overheating from his already blood red face. He quickly took his deck and got a random card out. "A-ah...Here! Borrow this card! Sorry, Chumley! I forfeit! Bye!"
Syrus took a box of tissues with him and ran out of the door, leaving Jaden and Chumley all alone.
"How come Syrus left like that? I hope he's okay," said Jaden, showing worry all over her face.
Chumley sweatdropped. 'Jaden, you have no idea how much of an effect you have on Syrus.'
'That's it! That one card is the only chance we have!' thought Syrus, placing his fingers on the top card on his deck. 'Please let it be there! PLEASE! I...I want to spend more time with Jaden and the others! Especially Jaden! I want to be good at dueling and...and confess my crush for her!'
"My turn! Draw!" Seeing the card as the right one he needed, Syrus's eyes lit up before looking at Jaden. "Jay!"
Knowing what that meant, Jaden threw a fist pump in the air. "Whoo! Yeah! Go get them, Syrus! Show them what you're made of!"
Syrus nodded. "Alright! I summon Drilloid in Attack Mode!"
Erupting from the ground, a drilling-sort of Monster showed up, all aggressive and angry looking.
Drillroid - (EARTH/Machine) - LV4 - (1600/1600)
"And now, I activate the Spell card, Shield Crush! And just like the name says, it destroys one Monster in Defense! Like...that Gate Guardian!"
After his declaration, the card shot a large beam of green light at the defensive tower Monster. Not even its highest defense could protect the Gate Guardian from being overwhelmed by the power of the Spell card.
"Gate Guardian is cooked!" cried out Para, shocked.
"I can hardly look!" agreed Dox, also shocked.
"Obviously, any Monster can be destroyed, given the circumstances!" said Jaden, grinning. "Nice, Sy! We're back in the game thanks to you!"
The audience cheered loudly, impressed that the two Slifer Reds managed to defeat a powerful beast such as the Gate Guardian. Their cheers echoed throughout the hallways and left even Crowler stunned.
"I can't believe it! This was supposed to be punishment for the two of them!" exclaimed Crowler, his hands shaking from anger. "Chancellor, please tell me you're watching this!"
"Yes, well done, Crowler!" called out Sheppard, waving his hand. "The duel you set up has improved teamwork and fortitude! Fine job!"
Even after all that's happened, Alexis and Bastion were still stunned, especially when Syrus was the one who defeasted Gate Guardian. Sure, they had expected Jaden to finish off the Monster, but Syrus? Boy, was that a turn of events!
"I still can't believe Syrus, out of all people, was able to destroy Gate Guardian!" gasped Bastion.
"Yeah, but you know what amazes me even more than taking down that Gate Guardian?" questioned Alexis, bringing up Bastion's attention. "The teamwork that they used to do it with! That's what it's going to take to win this!"
"Yeah...Let's just hope nothing bad happens from here on."
"Alright, I'll just set a card facedown!" said Syrus. "Drillroid! Attack!"
Drillroid dug downwards, then soon emerged and delivered both the Paradox Brothers some heavy blows with his piercing drill horn.
Jaden and Syrus - 2975 LP
Paradox Brothers - 3800 LP
"Now, I'll end my turn!" Syrus looked at Jaden and smiled. "Thanks for the pep talk, Jay."
"Hey, no need to thank me! You're the one who finished that Monster up! I oughta be thanking you!"
"Sure!"
"Mind if we join in the praise, you two?" asked Para, still agitated about the fact that his and his brother's ace Monster was destroyed.
"For destroying that Monster, we should really..."
"Thank you!"
"Huh?" Syrus wondered what other tricks they had up their sleeves. They had no more Monsters in their field, and Gate Guardian is only one of its kind, so they couldn't possibly have a second Gate Guardian in their decks.
"They say that what makes you weak, makes you stronger!" started Para, drawing his card to start his turn. "After all, we haven't been destroyed and we're about to become more powerful than ever! Dark Element! This Spell card can activate whenever Gate Guardian is in the Graveyard! Now, by paying half our Life Points, we can summon a Monster that can't be beaten in battle! Dark Guardian!"
Jaden and Syrus - 2975 LP
Paradox Brothers - 1900 LP
A dark vortex formed from beneath the ground, and crawling out of it was a strong-looking warrior with dark armor and a malicious aura so horrible, anyone could tell that it was a Monster not to be reckoned with.
Dark Guardian - (DARK/Warrior) - LV12 - (3800/3800)
"Invincible in battle and has 3800 Attack Points?!" cried out Bastion.
"This is bad!" shouted Syrus, wide-eyed.
"Now, Guardian! Attack Drillroid Axe Slash Bash!" ordered Para.
Standing firmly in front of Drilloid and Syrus, the giant new Guardian raised his axe weapon above his weapon, ready to swing down and end this duel.
"This isn't good! If this attack actually succeeds, Jaden and Syrus will be in trouble!" gasped Bastion, standing up from his seat. Every single persons' hearts were filled with either worry or excitement, wondering if there was actually a chance that Jaden and Syrus could survive.
"Farewell!" said Para gleefully as the Dark Guardian swung a powerful shockwave that was heading towards Syrus's direction.
"Not yet! I play my Trap, Hero Barrier!" yelled Jaden right on the nick of time. "As long as I have an Elemental Hero on my side of the field, this card helps negate one of your attacks!"
Syrus braced for himself as he withstand the strong winds coming from the shockwave. The shockwave had collided with the barrier shielding both him and Drilloid, so his team's Life Points were safe, for now. In fact, the barrier was so impenetrable, that the shockwave took out the rest of its power by summoning winds and crackling lightning around, startling the audience.
"An impressive Trap card!" admitted Para.
"I never thought they'd play so hard!" said Dox.
"I know. Oh well. At least our precious Dark Guardian..."
"Has kept up his guard!"
"Quite right, brother! He won't be blasted to shards!"
"He'll finish them off next turn!"
"And this duel will be ours!" both finished in unison.
Syrus fell to his knees, still taken aback about the whole unexpected turn of events the Paradox Brothers had provided. He never expected them to have another ace Monster up their sleeves! And it was all his fault since he destroyed Gate Guardian.
Crowler's shocked expression changed into an overjoyed one. "Hehehehe! Here it comes! The moment I've been waiting for! Finally...! Finally, those two twerps will be expelled!"
"Hey, Syrus! Stand up! We're not done!" called out Jaden, catching her best friend's attention. "We're not gonna give up! Especially since we managed to defeat Gate Guardian!"
Still a bit discouraged, Syrus managed to muster up the courage to stand up and face the odds, though he was still a bit frightened.
"It looks like the boy still wants to persist," Para told Dox.
"Really? I thought, surely for mercy, he would plead."
"No, he would know smart and know to concede."
"Now, it's my turn!" said Jaden, starting her turn with a draw before presenting her drawn card. "I activate Pot of Greed, letting me draw two cards! Next, I play the Field Spell card, Fusion Gate! With this card, I don't need Polymerization! Both players can Fusion Summon whatever Fusion-Material Monsters are in their hands or field! I choose my Avian, Bubbleman, and my Sparkman to create...Elemental Hero Tempest!"
Born from the combined powers of WIND, WATER, and LIGHT, the three Heroes merged together in a hurricane-like spiral sphere before it burst. Coming out came a man with a strong will and a passionate heart, armed and prepared to fight with the three combination powers of his allies.
Elemental Hero Tempest - (WIND/Warrior/Fusion) - LV8 - (2800/2800)
"He may be strong, but he doesn't have enough power to defeat Dark Guardian!" said Bastion.
"Jaden...What are you planning to do?" wondered Alexis.
"An impressive Monster! But it is useless!" reminded Para.
"Have you forgotten about Dark Guardian?" said Dox."He's still deployed! And since in battle, he can't be destroyed!"
"Their beast is null and void!"
"Then check this out! SKYSCAPER!" Jaden hollered at the top of her lungs, presenting the magic of a new Field Spell, Skyscraper.
The dueling field suddenly went dark from the night skies as buildings popped up from beneath the ground, surrounding the four duelists. They were in a city-like battlefield, which is specifically an Elemental Hero's home base advantage field.
"And now, this Field Spell increases my Tempest's attack by 1000 because he's weaker than your Dark Guardian!"
Elemental HERO Tempest - (WIND/Warrior/Fusion) - LV8 - (3800/2800)
"Now, Tempest! Attack with Surging Aerial Slash!"
Tempest spreaded his wings wider, filled with power from the Skyscraper effect, before swooping down and delivering a punch at Dark Guardian. Dark Guardian roared in pain, but wasn't defeated, due to the fact that both of them had the same Attack Points. The blow actually produced so much power, heavy winds exploded from the punch, producing a storm-like situation going on with the duelists.
"Didn't I tell you? In battle, he can't be beat!" reminded Para. "Your Elemental Hero Tempest has been wasted! So just accept..."
"Your defeat!"
"Sy! Can I use your facedown card?!" shouted Jaden, trying to get to her partner through the winds.
"S-sure!"
"I use Tempest's special ability! So long as I send a card to the Graveyard, Tempest isn't destroyed!" Having said that, Jaden used Syrus's facedown card to protect Tempest, who had flown away from Dark Guardian for safe distance.
"Nice job wasting your attack there, dork," taunted Chazz.
Bastion and Alexis looked at each other before they paid attention back to the duel. What was that? Why did Jaden do that? There was no point in attacking if Dark Guardian wasn't going to be destroyed.
Zane seemed to be the only one who perfectly understood Jaden's intent. "I see...Not bad of a message...But will Syrus understand it?"
Syrus glanced at his partner, confused. "Um...Jaden? Why did-"
"Hey, Sy! You paid attention, right?" Jaden gave a cheeky grin at her partner after she saw him giving a nod to her. "Okay! I end my turn now!"
"It ends here!" Dox quickly drew his card, not bothering to look at it. "I activate my Trap, One-on-One Fight! Though, I know you'd perfer to run and hide, this card forces both our strongest Monsters to battle! So, I hope your Elemental Hero Tempest is up for a rematch!"
Jaden gritted her teeth as Dark Guardian engaged in battle with her Fusion Monster. She definitely wasn't up for another rematch with the heavy hitter, and she needed to protect her Monster, so he options were very limited.
"But why? It'll be a tie again! What's the point of attacking?" asked Syrus.
"I know why," said Alexis. "Jaden doesn't have any cards on his field that he can send to the Graveyard to activate Tempest's special ability!"
"If this barrage continues, Jaden won't have anymore cards left!" pointed out Bastion.
"Gh! You leave me no choice!" said Jaden. "Guess I gotta get rid of Skyscraper!"
Syrus watched as the buildings around them vanished into thin air. Without Skyscraper, Tempest won't get a power boost! On the other hand, he won't be destroyed thanks to his special ability! But he's weaker than Dark Guardian now!
"So you saved your Monster!" roared Dox. "But battle calculations will still run through!"
Jaden and Syrus - 1975 LP
Paradox Brothers - 1900 LP
Syrus and Jaden cried out together as they tried to brace themselves from the winds that came from Dark Guardian's all-mighty slash attack. The winds were so overwhelming that it knocked both Slifer Reds off the ground and nearly off the dueling platform.
"Jaden!" Tempest glanced over his shoulder, concern for the girl. At least she seemed okay, but he needed some backup assistance fast!
"That's all for me!" decided Dox, ending his turn.
"And next turn, I give you my guarantee!" said Para.
"This duel will be ours, just wait and see!"
"Jaden! Here, take my hand!" Syrus was the first to stand up as well as the first to offer a hand. Jaden smiled and gratefully accepted it, allowing Syrus to pick her up from the ground.
"Alright, Sy! Thanks! Oh, and keep what happened in mind!" said Jaden, winking at him to give him a hint.
"H-huh? O-okay!" Syrus blushed from the wink, thinking that she was somewhat flirting with him when that wasn't her intention at all. 'Jay's trying to tell me something...but...Oh! Is it...?'
"Got it, Sy?"
"Um...I think?"
Syrus placed his fingers on his deck, preparing himself to draw a card. 'Play...That goes back to what my brother was saying! About the difference of knowing how to use a card,and knowing how to play it! But do I truly know the difference?'
Glaring up, Syrus saw Zane glaring back at the duel, expecting him to do what needs to be done. Syrus then recalled that he did asked Zane one thing before wanting to enter Duel Academy...
Flashback...
"Hey, Zane? What's the difference between knowing how to play a card, and knowing how to use one? Aren't they the same?" asked Syrus a bit timidly.
"...That's something that can never be taught. Only learned," answered Zane, both calmly and wisely. "It takes a moment of pure clarity when you see dueling on a different level. The higher levels, all the angles, all the moves. You won't think; just act."
Having said that, Zane took his leave.
'If so...then...I want that card to appear! Right here and now!' thought Syrus. "My turn! Draw!"
Syrus had never had such a happier expression in his face right now than ever. The card he had drawn...was the same card he had respected and discarded long before. Power Bond.
"First off, I sacrifice Drillroid to summon UFOroid!"
A minature UFO Monster floated up on the air, ready to win against his enemies.
UFOroid - (LIGHT/Machine) - LV6 - (1200/1200)
"So cute!~" squealed Jaden. "Syrus, after this duel's over, wanna trade with me that UFOroid?!"
"Uh...Maybe later! For now, I activate POWER BOND! It's a Fusion card, and I have the two Monsters to fuse!" Syrus turned to Jaden with such a determined look. "Jaden! Let's do this!"
"Gotcha, partner!"
"Okay! I merge together UFOroid and Tempest to create...UFOroid Fighter!"
With a quick fusion from the Power Bond card, UFOroid transformed into a portable flying saucer for Tempest to use and take flight onto the field.
UFOroid Fighter - (LIGHT/Machine/Fusion) - LV10 - (?/?)
"Also, his Attack Points are the total Attack of the two Fusion-Material Monsters!"
UFOroid Fighter - (LIGHT/Machine/Fusion) - LV10 - (4000/?)
"It matters not!" said Para, unimpressed. "So, stop your ceaseless prattle!"
"You know Dark Guardian can't be destroyed in battle!" Dox said.
Syrus smirked with confidence. "That may be true, but Power Bond has another effect! It can help double my UFOroid Fighter's Attack Points!"
UFOroid Fighter - (LIGHT/Machine/Fusion) - LV10 - (8000/?)
"8000?!"
"Yeah! It was all thanks to Jaden that I finally realized what to do!" explained Syrus, giving his partner praise. "That's why she attack Tempest with Dark Guardian, knowing that it wouldn't have any effect! Even if a Monster can't be destroyed, the damage can still pass through! Go, UFOroid Fighter! Cosmic Echo Wave!"
Tempest fired his gauntlet launcher, releasing an enormous surge of power towards Dark Guardian, blasting a hole through his chest which managed to hit both the Paradox Brothers.
Jaden and Syrus - 1975 LP
Paradox Brothers - 0 LP
Winners: Jaden and Syrus
Once the attack deducted the rest of their Life Points, the Paradox Brothers collapsed to their knees in shame as the rest of the cards during the duel disappeared.
The entire room was silent...until someone started clapping. Afterwards, it didn't take long for the entire audience to start cheering loudly and applauding for the two young winners; Syrus and Jaden.
"Yes! They won! They did it!" sighed Bastion in relief before laying against his chair.
"I'm just happy that Jaden gets to stay here!" revealed Alexis.
"Oh? Don't you mean Jaden and Syrus?"
"W-well, yes! Syrus too! Of course! I just said Jaden because I...Uh...Never mind!"
Chazz hissed in annoyance. 'Damnit!' thought the Obelisk Blue. 'Not even pros like them could defeat two shirmps like them?! Tch, what a waste of effort!' He stood up and started to leave with his so-called friends following after him.
"It can't be! T-T-they actually won?! A-against legends like them?! HOW?!" Crowler stumbled back and fell on his bottom, still shocked as Banner, carrying Pharaoh, went up to him.
"Well, because of your superior teaching, of course!" said Banner before Pharaoh licked Crowler's cheek.
"EEEK! A CAT! I HATE CATS! DOES IT HAVE RABIES?! CALL THE POUND! IEEEEK!"
Jaden turned to Syrus, petting him on the head. "Yay! We did it, Sy! All thanks to you!"
"I-I did...? I mean...I..." Syrus started sniffling before bursting into tears of happiness. He was so happy, he rushed towards Jaden, hugging her around the waist and burying his face into her chest, crying uncontrollably.
Meanwhile, around the crowd somewhere, a group of girls squealed at the lovely sight, making a mental note to propose a Yaoi fanclub later.
"So, we won! That means we get to stay, right?" asked Jaden, turning to Sheppard.
The Chancellor nodded as Crowler hid behind him, terrified of the feline named Pharoah. "Yes. As of now, you will no longer be expelled."
"Alright! Oh! I almost forgot!" Jaden winked and pointed her signature victory finger sign at the Paradox Brothers. "Great duel, you guys! If you ever want a rematch, just holler!~"
"Excellent words, Jaden!" praised Sheppard. "In fact, if you have that much energy, surely you can do a bit of homework."
"...Eh?"
"You'll be turning in a full report on all sorts of dueling strategies and what you learned from dueling the Paradox Brothers. Oh, and put in how trespassing in the Abandoned Dorm was wrong!"
"Don't worry, Chancellor!" assured Banner as Sheppard started to leave. "I'll make sure they'll get it done!"
Syrus took out his Power Bond card from his deck, then glared up at Zane, who was staring him back.
'I want to say that I impressed you Zane. That I know how to play this card more effectively now, that I've gain a lot of experience from this. But...I know I'm not up to your level yet, so I'll grow stronger and stronger!'
Zane, though barely unnoticeable, gave a small smile before walking off.
"Hey, Sy! I heard girls show this as a sign of appreciation to guys, so let me give it to ya!~" Jaden went over to the blue-haired boy and lightly pecked him on the cheek before pulling away with a grin on her face.
Three things occured right after that moment. The squealing of the newborn Yaoi fanclub girls, the shocked expressions on everyone's faces, and the screeching of Crowler right before he fainted.
"J-J-J-Jaden?! Why did you do that?!" exclaimed Syrus, touching the spot where she had kissed him. He was sure his face was red now; he didn't even need to look at a mirror to find out.
Jaden tilted her head, oblivious. "Hmm? What's wrong? I...I thought that you would like that if I did that."
"N-NO! I mean, kinda! I-I..."
At that moment, Syrus fainted and fell right into Jaden's arms.
"H-hey! Sy! What's wrong?!" Jaden panicked and sat right now, allowing her lap to be Syrus's pillow. Syrus was sighing blissfully as the Yaoi fangirls squealed loudly at the scene, even taking a few photos and recording.
Chumley rushed over to the dueling platform, placing a hand on Syrus's forehead before sighing. "It's okay. He just fainted."
"Why?"
"I...I um...I don't know."
Meanwhile, Bastion and Alexis were as shocked as the other students, as shown on their faces.
"...Well...that was quite unexpected...And weird," admitted Bastion. "N-not that I'm against that sort of thing or anything! Of course, I'm not into that, either!"
"O-of course! I'm...happy for them. I just...didn't expect their relationship to be like...that," said Alexis, feeling a bit eerie and heartbroken. Oh well, at least Jaden and Syrus are happy together...in a way.
In the Spirit World...
"Thank God that Jaden's staying!" spoke Bubbleman, satisfied with the duel's outcome. A lot of Jaden's Monsters were gathered in a large TV room that they kept in their HQ to watch over Jaden's duels.
"Hey, hey! Tempest! Tempest! Can you do that whole Fusion UFO thing again?! Can ya? Can ya?! Can ya?!" all the Hero Kids chattered, driving up the Fusion Warrior Monster up the wall.
"Hey, that was just a one time thing! I can't do that again!"
"Uh-oh...Guys...?" The rest turned to Avian, who was pointing to the TV screen. He took the remote and pressed the reverse button before stopping and playing. The TV showed Jaden clearly kissing Syrus on the cheek before pulling away.
Luckily, Flame Wingman wasn't here. However, judging from the dark aura emitting from Tempest, everyone indicated that was bad news.
"Um...Tempest? Where are you heading?"
"...To the bathroom."
"Oh, oka-EVERYONE, DOG PILE HIM!"
"Gh-! No choice!"
"He's getting away! Split up!"
"He's heading to the rooftop! I repeat, he is head-Ahh! He shot me!"
"I got his leg!"
"I have his other leg! Don't let go!"
"Unhand me! I have to protect Jaden! It's my duty as an Elemental Hero!"
"Guys! A bit of help here!"
'Got it!"
"Well, at least he's not as violent as Flame Wingman."
"Don't jinx it, Burstinatrix!"
Later that day...
"Sy, I'm gonna buy another pack! You just find us a seat, okay?" called out Jaden, who stood in front of the cashier with a new card pack in her hands.
Syrus nodded and turned away, the thought of the kiss still lingering in his mind. He couldn't believe it! Well, it wasn't really a first kiss since it was just to the cheek, but it was a start!
After Syrus sat down, he started to rip off the small bag containing his cards. Before he could begin to examine what sort of cards he got, he saw Zane walking towards him and straightened up.
"...Syrus."
"Y-yes?" He honestly wanted to hit himself for sounding so nervous.
"...Good job on the Tag Duel today."
"T-thanks!"
"But...I heard a little something of Jaden kissing you in the cheek."
'Oh God!' thought Syrus, his face flustering. A number of things crossed his mind, making him wonder several things. Is Zane going to avoid him from here on? What is he doing here? Why must fate be so cruel to him?!
"...Jaden's a good kid, and a good duelist, I can tell," began Zane. "I'm sure that Jaden will be a good boyfriend to you. I approve of your relationship."
"...Eh?"
"Well then, I'll be leaving. Enjoy your date with Jaden."
Right as Zane left, Jaden returned with some new card packs, only to discover that Syrus was out cold once more.
"Syrus!"
Finished at long last! Special thanks to Thunder Crush for some ideas here!
So, yeah. I changed some parts during the duel since you all don't want the same thing happening over and over. Also, lots of lines had to be changed, and I tried my best with the Paradox Brothers rhyming, which was stupid in the dub. Look, I appreciate the english dub, and I like it, but the lines were so...cheesy! Especially the part where Crowler says something about Syrus and sausages.
And with that, I am finished for now! Read and review!