While Bastion and Jaden's duel continued, both Michael and Gerard were close to getting the information they were after.
Gerard: If I can crack this password, I'll have access to all of Duel Academy's student files.
Michael: Just a bit more and I'll have access to the proof to uncover Maxwell's lies.
Both: Got it.
Gerard: Atticus Rhodes. Studying abroad on special sabbatical. That's what it says about all these students, except there's no forwarding address for any of them. I don't buy it. These must be the missing students, and the academy is trying to cover it up. I smell a front-page scandal, plus a major payday for the reporter who breaks the scandal. Thanks for the scoop Duel Academy, and good luck surviving the bad publicity.
Michael: Alright, I'm through. Now to find what I came for. Lily, what's Maxwell doing?
Lily: He's still watching the duel.
Michael: How's the duel faring? I might need some more time to find what I'm after.
Lily: Get this: Bastion used Cursed Seal of the Forbidden Spell to stop Jaden from using Polymerization, so now he can't use any of his fusion monsters.
Michael: I wouldn't count Jaden out yet.
Lily: What do you mean?
Michael: From what I've seen of Jaden, even losing his fusion monsters won't be enough to stop him. Bastion may have crippled him, but I doubt Jaden is even close to being done.
Lily: I hope you're right.
Bastion: Face it Jaden, with your fusion monsters neutralized and my Water Dragon waiting to strike, you and your monsters are about to be all washed up.
Syrus: I can't watch.
Chumley: It's not all bad. Jaden still has the lead in life points.
Alexis: Come on Jaden. Fight back.
Zane: Well, perhaps we've underestimated Bastion. He's been playing this like a pro. After all, with a single card, he's all but disarmed Jaden's deck.
Alexis: Come on, all he's done is take away Jaden's ability to use his fusion monsters.
Zane: But that might be enough. Fusion monsters are how Jaden wins all his duels.
Banner: My my Pharaoh, this does not look good.
Jaden: I'll switch Sparkman to defense and summon Avian in defense mode.
Level 3/Wind/Warrior
ATK & DEF 1000
Jaden: I end my turn.
Bastion: Not much to do when you've been stripped of your ability to use your best monsters is there?
Jaden: Wrong. There's loads to do, like figuring out a new plan. It'll be tough, but I'm up for it. After all, that'll make it all the sweeter when I win.
Bastion: Truth be told, I was hoping you would say that. You are the most determined duelist I've ever met, but you'll need more than that to win. I draw. And I summon the Mathematician in attack mode.
Level 3/Earth/Spellcaster
ATK 1500/DEF 500
Bastion: Due to my monster's effect, when he's summoned, I have to send the top card of my deck to the graveyard, but in exchange, I get to draw a card if he's destroyed in battle. Now Water Dragon, attack Sparkman!
His monster fired a stream of water from its mouth, destroying Sparkman.
Bastion: Next, I'll have Mathematician wage an attack on Avian. Go, Number Cruncher!
Syrus: Just when we thought things couldn't get worse for Jaden, Bastion has destroyed all his monsters.
Meanwhile, Gerard had collected the information on the missing students and was walking through the hallway.
Gerard: Now that I have everything I need, I'll be able to sell this story for a fortune. Sure, the scandal will probably ruin Duel Academy, but oh well. But why can't I stop thinking about Jaden?
He heard students cheering and found himself outside the duel arena. He walked inside and saw Jaden and Bastion were still dueling.
Gerard: How about that? It's the duel those Slifers wanted me to see. The one that's supposed to change my life, and it seems Jaden is losing.
Bastion: I end my turn. I've done all the calculations, Jaden. You won't win.
Jaden: Things like that don't matter. In a duel, it's your heart that's important. As long as I don't admit defeat in my heart, I'll keep fighting!
Syrus: You tell him Jay!
Chumley: Being persistent is what Jaden is best at.
Bastion: Though sometimes you have to wonder, is it persistence, or foolishness?
Jaden: I guess we'll find out. I draw! And I summon Elemental Hero Bubbleman in attack mode!
Level 4/Water/Warrior
ATK 800/DEF 1200
Jaden: And due to his special ability, since he's the only card on my field, I can draw 2 cards from my deck. Next, I play the equip spell Bubble Shot, which will raise Bubbleman's attack points by 800.
Bubbleman: 800-1600 ATK
Jaden: And I'll have him put those points to use by attacking your Mathematician.
Bastion: 1500 LP
Bastion: Due to Mathematician's special ability, since he was destroyed in battle, I draw 1 card from my deck.
Jaden: In that case, I'll place 2 cards face-down and activate the Mirage of Nightmare continuous spell. Your big mistake was thinking the Elemental Heroes are only about fusions, Bastion. The true power of my heroes is combining monsters, spells, and traps! You may have blocked my fusions, but I still have plenty to fight with.
Bastion: Indeed, since I focused solely on stopping your fusion monsters, I may have slightly misread my other calculations. But, it's a fact that I've barred off the majority of your power! My turn, I draw!
Jaden: Wait one minute Bastion. During your standby phase, the effect of my Mirage of Nightmare activates, allowing me to draw until I have four cards in my hand, as long as I discard the same number of cards from my hand randomly come my next standby phase. But now that I've drawn my cards, I play my Emergency Provisions spell card, which will let me send Mirage of Nightmare to the graveyard to gain 1000 life points.
Jaden: 3800 LP
Gerard: Not a bad move. He played Mirage to refill his hand, and then got rid of it before he had to discard while also regaining some of his life points. Not that I care about this duel or anything.
Zane: Quite impressive. He switched his strategy and is still playing well.
Alexis: Yeah, but the question is: can he keep it up?
Bastion: Impressive. But if you think my calculations were finished with that, you're also being naïve!
Jaden: What?!
Bastion: I activate Pot of Greed from my hand, so I'll draw 2 more cards from my deck. And now that Pot of Greed has entered the graveyard, there are now 10 cards stacked on top of Carboneddon, which means I can activate his special ability. By banishing him from my graveyard, I can now summon Hyozanryu from my deck!
Level 7/Light/Dragon
ATK 2100/DEF 2800
Bastion: Now Hyozanryu, attack Bubbleman with Diamond Devastator!
Jaden: Not so fast Bastion. Since Bubble Blaster is equipped to Bubbleman, I can destroy it instead of Bubbleman, which will also reduce the damage from your attack to zero.
Bastion: Maybe so, but now there's nothing to save him from my Water Dragon. Attack with Aqua Punisher!
Jaden: 1800 LP
Syrus: Jaden!
Jaden: I play the trap card Hero Signal! Since one of my monsters was destroyed in battle, I can summon a level 4 or lower Elemental Hero from my hand or deck, and I choose Elemental Hero Clayman in defense mode.
Level 4/Earth/Warrior
ATK 800/DEF 2000
Bastion: You just won't give up will you Jaden? You certainly are one stubborn duelist.
Jaden: Thanks Bastion. At least I think that was a compliment.
Bastion: I'll place one card face-down and end my turn.
Gerard: This is getting good. I forgot how much fun dueling could be.
Meanwhile, Michael was still combing through Maxwell's laptop.
Michael: It's gotta be here somewhere. Wait, here it is! Now we have everything we need.
He uploaded the information to a computer drive and called his father.
Jonathan: Michael?
Michael: I've found out who's been stealing the donation money from the school, and I have all the evidence we need to charge him.
Jonathan: Excellent work son. I'll send the police to Duel Academy.
Michael: Understoood. I'll get the Disciplinary Action Squad to hold him until they get here.
He hung up and called the DAS before pulling out a device that would change his voice.
DAS: This is the Disciplinary Action Squad, state your business.
Michael: This is a member of the Duel Academy staff. I've just discovered that Dr. Maxwell has been stealing funds from Duel Academy for years.
DAS: That is a serious accusation. Do you have proof?
Michael: I'm sending the data right now.
He pressed a key on the computer and sent an email to the DAS inbox.
DAS: Data received. Thank you for the information.
Michael hung up and let out a breath of relief.
Lily: Michael, how's it coming?
Michael: Everything is set.
Lily: Lucky you. The duel is still going. Hurry up so you don't miss it.
Michael: Okay, I'm coming.
He ran to the arena and arrived just in time for Jaden to start his turn.
Jaden: Here goes! I activate the spell card The Warrior Returning Alive. Thanks to this, I can pick a warrior type monster that's in my graveyard and add it to my hand, and I choose Elemental Hero Bubbleman, who I'm gonna summon to the field. Next I play the Bubble Shuffle spell card, which will let me switch Bubbleman and your Water Dragon to defense mode, and then by sacrificing Bubbleman, I can summon an Elemental Hero from my hand, so I sacrifice Bubbleman in order to summon Elemental Hero Bladedge!
Level 7/Earth/Warrior
ATK 2600/DEF 1800
Zane: Jaden's fusion monsters may be his best, but that Bladedge is a close second.
Alexis: And this is gonna be a close match.
Syrus: But Bladedge only has 2600 attack points. Sure, he can beat Hyozanryu, but he can't beat Water Dragon.
Chumley: I don't think Jaden is done yet Sy.
Jaden: You better believe it. I play the field spell Skyscraper! Now when an Elemental Hero battles a monster stronger than they are, the hero gains an extra thousand attack points. So Bladedge, attack Water Dragon with Power Edge!
His monster rushed Water Dragon and slashed it with the blades on his arms, destroying it.
Jaden: And due to Bladedge's special ability, when he attacks your monster in defense mode and is still stronger, the extra damage goes to you.
Bastion: 500 LP
Bastion: I activate Water Dragon's special ability, along with the trap Last Magnet. So not only can I bring back my Oxygeddon and two Hydrogeddons, but Last Magnet equips itself onto Bladedge, causing it to lose 800 attack points.
Bladedge:2600-1800 ATK
Jaden: You may have lowered Bladedge's points, but Clayman is still ready to go. Attack Oxygeddon with Clay Knuckle!
Clayman ran up to Oxygeddon and delivered a swift uppercut, destroying it.
Chumley: Man, this duel hasn't let up for even a single turn.
Syrus: No kidding. I'm on the edge of my seat.
Bastion: Good show Jaden.
Jaden: I do what I can. But you certainly haven't made it easy for me.
Gerard: Skyscraper. The card that ruined my dueling career. The card that made me put down my deck for good.
Bastion: Alright, it's my turn. From my hand, I activate the Litmus Doom Ritual spell card. I sacrifice my two level 4 Hydrogeddons in order to ritual summon the level 8 Litmus Doom Swordsman!
Level 8/Dark/Warrior
ATK & DEF 0
Syrus: All that for a monster with no attack points?
Bastion: Litmus Doom Swordsman is unaffected by trap cards and cannot be destroyed by battle. Additionally, while a trap card is face-up on the field, his attack and defense become 3000. So now Doom Swordsman, give Bladedge a taste of your steel!
Jaden: 1600 LP
Bastion: Now Hyozanryu, attack Clayman with Diamond Devastator!
Jaden: 1300 LP
Bastion: Next I play the spell A Wingbeat of Giant Dragon. To activate, I must return Hyozanryu to my hand, but in exchange, this spell destroys all spells and traps on the field, which means Skyscraper is demolished! Lastly, I'll place one card face-down and end my turn.
Syrus: Not good. Jaden lost both his monsters and his field spell. And to make matters worse, he only has one card in his hand. How's he gonna get out of this one?
Jaden: I gotta tell ya Bastion, I don't think I've ever had more fun in a duel.
Syrus: Say what?!
Bastion: I've enjoyed our duel as well Jaden. Now hit me with everything you're got!
Jaden: Hey, it you insist. I draw! Sweetness. I'm summoning a new Elemental Hero, and his name is Elemental Hero Wildheart!
Level 4/Earth/Warrior
ATK 1500/DEF 1600
Jaden: Like your Swordsman, Wildheart isn't affected by trap cards.
Bastion: Impressive monster, but not as impressive as this. I activate the Spirit Barrier continuous trap, and due to its effect, as long as I control a monster, I take no damage in battle. And of course, since there is now a trap card face-up on the field, Litmus Doom Swordsman gains 3000 attack points. Sorry Jaden, but it looks like you lose.
Jaden: I wouldn't be so sure of that Bastion. I equip Wildheart with the spell card Cyclone Boomerang, which will give him an extra 500 attack points.
Wildheart: 1500-2000 ATK
Bastion: I praise your last effort, but sadly your monster's attack points don't come close to mine.
Jaden: They don't need to. Wildheart, attack Doom Swordsman!
Wildheart threw his boomerang at Doom Swordsman, but he deflected it, causing Wildheart to be destroyed.
Jaden: 300 LP
Syrus: Why would Jaden do that? Now all Bastion has to do to win is attack him next turn.
Jaden: Except there won't be a next turn. Due to Cyclone Boomerang's effect, since Wildheart was destroyed, all spells and traps on the field are destroyed as well. And to top it off, for every card destroyed by this effect, you take 500 points of damage Bastion.
Bastion: But wait, I only have 500 life points left!
Jaden: Which means this duel is over.
Bastion's barrier shattered and rained down on him, forcing him to cover his eyes.
Bastion: 0 LP
Winner: Jaden
Zane: I guess when it came to Jaden Yuki, Bastion miscalculated.
Alexis: There are some things in life that are impossible to predict.
Gerard: He did it! Way to go Jaden! Oh, what a duel! Thanks Jaden.
Bastion: Well done Jaden. Good luck against Michael.
Jaden: Thanks Bastion.
Suddenly the DAS burst into the arena and surrounded Dr. Maxwell.
Maxwell: What's the meaning of this?
DAS Leader: Dr. Maxwell, you are under arrest for embezzling money from Duel Academy.
Maxwell: What?! How could you accuse me of such a thing?
DAS Leader: We got a tip from an anonymous staff member, along with the offshore account you've been keeping the money in. Come along with us quietly.
Sheppard: And to think I trusted you for years. Dr. Maxwell, you are officially fired.
Maxwell: You can't do this to me! I've worked at this academy for years!
He continued to protest as the DAS dragged him away to wait for the authorities. Alexis and Michael saw Gerard leaving and ran after him.
Alexis: Hey, you! You're the guy that was asking me questions at the abandoned dorm. What are you doing here?
Gerard: Not what I thought.
Alexis: What does that mean?
Gerard: You see, I came here looking for a story, but what I found was something very different. I found the duelist inside me, the duelist I thought was long gone. I'm a reporter. A sleazy one, I'll admit. I make a living off digging up dirt. But I didn't always do this for a living. I took on monsters and spells before I took tabloid pictures. Except I wasn't any good. I lost all the time. But after seeing today's match, I was reminded what dueling is really about. I had a great lead that I was gonna sell. One that would've probably ruined Duel Academy. But I don't wanna ruin this place. Now I just wanna help you find the missing students, including your brother Alexis.
Michael: Well then, I guess I can trust you with this.
Gerard: What's this?
Michael: It's a drive that contains all the information on Maxwell's criminal activities here at Duel Academy. I can only imagine how much people will want to hear about a greedy professor stealing money from the school, as well as how well the reporter how found him out would be paid for the story.
Gerard: Are you sure about this?
Michael: Consider it a gesture of good faith.
Gerard: Thanks. And I meant what I said. I'll help you find the missing students any way I can.
He took the drive and walked off.
Alexis: Are you sure that was smart Michael?
Michael: I have a good feeling about it. That and I saved an additional copy of the data. After all, Jaden seems to have a way of bringing out the good in people, don't you think?
Alexis: I guess so. Speaking of Jaden, looks like it'll be the two of you battling to see who gets to represent us in the School Duel.
Michael: Yeah, and I certainly look forward to the challenge.
Hey everyone. So, my schedule is mostly going to be whenever I can upload, but I am leaning more towards the weekend. Also, I plan on switching between my two current stories for which I upload each week. I hope you all are doing okay.