Chapter 8: Booze or Hot Sauce? The Koala takes a stand

In the dark of the night, the sound of paddle strokes could be heard approaching the island as a small rowboat neared land.

"Row faster!" One of the occupants, a muscular man, barked from the back of the boat. "I want to make it to the island by daybreak"

"I don't understand why we had to row here sir, there were plenty of motorboats back at the marina" The person rowing the boat whined.

"Are you questioning my methods boy?" The muscular man asked looking down at him. "With that attitude when we get back to the factory I'm going to make you polish all the the unused bottles by hand!'

"No sir, I wasn't questioning you" The rower said frantically picking up his pace " we will be there soon i promise"

"Damn straight, And be prepared for another passenger when we leave, my son will be leaving with us. Can't have him wasting another day slacking off on this here island when he has more productive things he could be doing" The Muscular man wore a white tank top and black pants and his face was incredibly similar to a certain Koala duelist.


It was only a few days before the expulsion duels, and Haru and Syrus had been busily rearranging each others decks to suit them best for the upcoming trial. Syrus had left for the card shop about an hour before leaving haru to his own devices. So the Kaiju duelist elected to do one of the things he does best, take a nap outside.

"Ah…" Haru sighed laying beneath the tree that bordered the Slifer dorm "This is the life, a nice shady spot, peace and quiet and privacy for a good nap" He closed his eyes.

"Haru!"

"And there goes the last three benefits" Haru muttered before turning to see Syrus running towards him "Whats up short stuff?"

" Haru, you have to come quickly something terrible has happened!" Syrus told him.

"Did you fall asleep during your trap test?" Haru asked

"I'll have you know that not only did i stay awake, But I got a B on the test too." Syrus said proudly before his face turned serious again. "But seriously, something bad is happening, Chumley's Dad is here."

"So what?" Haru shrugged "As long as my food stash is intact I don't see what the problem is."

"No, you lunkhead. He came to make Chumley drop out"

"Not my second in command" Haru gasped, jumping to his feet.

Haru and Syrus made a beeline to Professor Banners room that was conveniently located right next to theirs. As the finished climbing the steps they noticed a cluster of Red students peeking into the professor's office. As Haru approached the group made a little room for him to peek in.

"That's Chumley's dad?" Haru asked raising an eyebrow

"He seems more like a bodybuilder in my opinion" Syrus commented moving in beside his companion. Haru nodded in agreement. "But if you were carrying Chumley as a child you would probably be pretty buff to"

Inside Professor Banner and sat at a round table one across from the other, currently in mid conversation.

"Don't get me wrong" Mr. Huffington was saying "If the boy was any good at the game, that would be one thing, but from what i've seen that's not the case. I think that he's wasting both my time and yours being here, and it's time for him to come home and do something constructive."

"I see where you're coming from" Banner said choosing his words carefully "Chumley is rather odd". The teacher laughed awkwardly watching the other man's expression to make sure no offense was taken.

"I believe the word you were looking for is dunce" The larger man said, showing no hint of offence in his face. "That's why I think he should come home and join the family business"

"And what exactly does your family do?" Banner asked

"The hot sauce making business of course" He said banging his hand on the table, causing Pharaoh who had taken up position in the middle to screech and jump into banners lap.

"You know I kinda like the guy" Haru grinned

"Only because you hate that cat" Syrus deadpanned

"You do like hot sauce don't you?" grinned.

"Of course, I can't get enough if the stuff" Banner said, attempting to keep himself on the bigger mans good side.

"Well then" said pulling out a long bottle wrapped in red tissue paper with a picture of red chili peppers on the front.

"Oh no, I couldn't….." Banner said nervously.

"Oh yes you can….." glared at the teacher. "Just think of it as a parting gift from the family"

"So he's really dropping out?" Syrus asked

"Not if we have anything to say about it" Haru said pushing his way to their room "We have to talk some sense into him". The two opened the door to their room and found Chumley in the middle of packing his bags.

"Chumley what are you doing?" Haru asked.

"What does it look like I'm doing?" Chumley asked sharply.

"It looks like you're giving up, taking everything you ever worked for and throwing it away! Like you're abandoning your dreams and all the friends you've made trying to achieve them" Haru put his hand on the older slifers shoulder and the boy turned revealing tears rolling down his face. "Chumley!"

"He does care" Syrus realized

"No i just have something in my eyes that's all" Chumley shook his head before turning away again. "Would you guys leave me be? You're just wasting your time anyway, at least that's what my dad thinks"

"Bullshit, your dad sent you here in the first place Chum, why drop out. You have to remember why you decided to become a duelist in the first place"

"I have a unique gift" Chumley said looking his companion dead in the eyes "I can convene with the monster in my deck every so often".

Haru nodded "They appear over your shoulder and point things out or tell you things right?"

"Yeah, but how did you know?" Chumley asked confused.

"Lets just say my ace monster has shown up to me a few times when I needed him" Haru told him. "Anyway did you tell your father about your gift?"

"Of course not, every time I tried to bring it up he always would get into some long winded spiel about the family business" Chumley rolled his eyes.

"Well then come on" Haru grabbed the older boy by the shoulder "It's about time you made him listen"


The three Slifer's made their way to Chancellor Sheppard's office where they found both Banner and Mr. Huffington waiting inside. "And that's why Chumley can't leave Chancellor he has a unique gift" Haru explained after telling them about Chumley's ability.

"Yeah he's gifted at stuffing his gut full of grilled cheese" smirked.

Haru glared at the man before returning his gaze to the chancellor "I can vouch for Chumley, as his roommate and friend we have been through a lot together in the last couple weeks"

"Yeah I can second that" Syrus nodded

"As much as I appreciate your comradery boys there's not much I can do" Sheppard told them. "This is a personal issue that needs to be settled by Chumley and his father without outside interference"

"Thats right it's family business" the bigger man added. "I've known Chumley for longer than any of you, and I know his self worth. It just so happens that what little he has would be better suited working in the bottle factory with me. But if you insist this 'Gift' of yours will make you a better duelist, I think we should settle this dispute with a duel"

"Pardon?" Haru and Syrus asked.

"If you win you can stay on the island and do whatever you please, But if I win you're packing your bags and heading back with me" He glanced at the chancellor with a questioning look "are these acceptable terms Sheppard?"

"Quite…." Sheppard nodded "the duel will take place first thing tomorrow morning"


"That went surprisingly well" Haru said as the three boys exited the building "i'm glad i could convince Mr. Huffington to see reason"

"You just convinced him to duel you lunkhead, now Chumley has to win to actual stay on the island" Syrus reminded him.

Haru shrugged "Did you see the guy? He probably never picked up a duel disk in his life much less a deck"

"He's probably been hitting the bottles to long to actually try to learn the game" Syrus agreed

"Actually he has a record of being the three time state dueling champion" Banner interrupted them, carrying a long bottle with a red label under one arm and Pharaoh in the other.

"Really?" Haru asked

"Why do you think he was so insistent on sending Chumley to this island in the first place?" Banner replied. "He wanted his son to be more like him. Just wait till you see his deck, as you probably figured out he makes a living off of his special hot sauce. His deck reflects the power of hot sauce. Just as the sauce can take you out in one sip, so can his deck in one turn"

"You're making it sound less like hot sauce and more like alcohol teach" Haru said concerned. He turned towards Chumley and gave him a nod "You accepted your fathers challenge even knowing that? You must really want to stay here with us"

"You had better get ready then" Syrus said pulling a half opened card pack from his jacket. "I was hoping to keep these to trade, but it looks like you need them more than me" The smaller boy handed the pack to chumley.

Chumley raised an eyebrow before looking at the contents "Polymerization? How am I going to use that?"

"You'll find a way" Syrus sighed

"Oh, this might actually work" Chumley said a smile creeping across his face "let's go organize my deck guys I have some preparation I need to attend to". Syrus and Haru nodded and the trio headed of towards the slifer dorm.

"Looks like it's just you, me and this bottle of stuff gifted us with" Banner smiled as he slowly walked back to the dorm after them "looks like we have something to do tonight Pharaoh"


Later that night Banner and Mr. Huffington were back at the professor's room, sharing a bottle of the latters hot sauce. Mr. Huffington showed no worries about the upcoming duel.

"Another sip Professor?" Mr. Huffington offered pouring himself another cup.

"You're too kind, you have my appreciation" Banner nodded.

"Looks like our feline friend shares your sentiment" Mr. Huffington looked at Pharaoh who was lapping up the liquid from his bowl.

"It's a good thing i ordered another shipment of kitty litter"


Back in Harus room…

"Chumley? Why are there so many Koalas in your deck?" Haru asked combing through each pile.

"Koalas are my favorite. Duh!" Chumley snapped

"No offense Chumley" Syrus began "Koalas are cool and all, but…"

"Can you achieve a winning strategy with them?" Haru asked. "After all isn't the point of the game to win?"

"Here I found this in my stash" Syrus said handing him a card with the image of a kangaroo in boxer shorts and gloves on it.

"Really Sy?"

"Yeah if you combine the power of this kangaroo and your koalas you'll have a deck from down under"

"And i found this for you too" Haru said pulling a card from beneath his pillow and handing it to the boy "with this I think you're all set"

Outside, Mr. Huffington was listening to the boys talk, contemplating what he had just heard"


The next day the slifer boys met both Professor Banner and the Huffingtons inside the dorm's practice room. The room looked like something out of an old samurai movie complete with mats and training dummies. The slifer headmaster also wore a pair of thick sunglasses, but the boys paid it no mind at that moment.

"Allright Chumley, Mr. Huffington you both know what's at stake in this duel correct?" Banner asked. "If Chumley wins he gets to stay at the academy, but if he loses then he has to return home"

"That's right" Mr. Huffington nodded.

Banner turned towards chumley "Are you sure you want to go through with this, working in your father's factory?"

"I can handle anything right now" Chumley said narrowing his eyes.

"Alright without further ado let's get this duel underwa…"

Eiji burst through the door out of breath "Am I to late?" He breathed looking around the room.

"Why are you here?" Chumley asked

"I figured you could use a larger cheering section" Haru explained as he took a seat on the sidelines.

"Oh"

"Knock em dead Koala Boy" Eiji said taking a seat between Haru and Syrus.

"I wish he would stop calling me that" Chumley grumbled.

"Anyway" Banner said watching the door for another interruption "let's get this duel underway"

Both sides activated their duel disks and drew their opening hands.

Duel!

C: 4000

Mr. H: 4000

"Here I Come" Chumley said drawing his first card. "Totally luscious, I'm going to play Des Koala." A koala with light grey fur appeared munching on some leaves appeared.

Des Koala level 3 (1100/1800)

"Not exactly a good start" Eiji said puzzled

"In attack mode?" Chumley's dad asked recognizing the mistake as well. "Don't you know if you set him this turn, and he gets flipped face up later he can deal 400 damage to me for each card in my hand?"

"Well I do now" Chumley's shoulders slumped.

"Well it's too late for that now, Perhaps you should have took your studies more seriously" Mr. huffington commented as he drew his sixth card.

"Watch closely children" Banner told Syrus,Haru and Eiji "You may learn something"

Haru looked at the man and noticed the sunglasses concealing his eyes. "Are you alright professor? Where's Pharaoh?"

"Pharaoh and I had a long night last night, he should be along as soon as he awakes from his catnap" Banner smiled.

"If he's state champion I wouldn't expect him to go easy" Eiji said still watching the duel, "And if I did my research right he's known for a particularly nasty one turn K.O"

"We better hope that Chumley can get out of it then" Haru commented

"Or this duel will be over before it starts" Syrus gulped.

"Ready son? Because i'm coming at you full force! I summon Dizzy Tiger in attack mode!" A humanoid tiger wearing a white beater, Khaki slacks, and a girdle appeared holding a bottle in its hand. Immediately it began to wobble back and forth uncontrollably.

Dizzy tiger level 4 (1800/600)

"That's odd" Eiji said

"So what's it dizzy from?" Syrus asked.

"I really don't think hot sauce can make you dizzy" Haru said skeptically "And that bottle in its hand doesn't look like hot sauce to me."

"Whatever it is, it doesn't mean the beast is any less deadly" Eiji pointed out.

"Dizzy tiger attacks, with Hot Sauce Slash!" The humanoid tiger threw a paw directly at the koala sending it directly to the graveyard, before making a second attack directly at Chumley, a strange smell emanating from it.

C: 4000-3300

"That stinks" Haru muttered

"But that attack sure didn't" Syrus added.

After concluding its attack the tiger seemed to have a hard time keeping its balance before stumbling back to its owner's field.

"At this rate we will be home in time for dinner" declared " And there will be plenty of hot sauce to go with it"

"I'll tell you what you can do with your hot sauce" Chumley growled.

"Hey there Chumley calm down" Eiji called.

"At least he's standing up to his dad now" Syrus commented. flashed him a dirty look making the slifer duck behind Haru.

"Allright Chumley show him your not playing around" Haru cheered

"You've still got life points, and cards to play" Eiji said.

"Yeah i know" Chumley said drawing his card "i guess this will do, I activate koala march from my hand. This card allows me to resurrect a koala monster as long as its level four or below, welcome back Des Koala"

Des Koala level 3 (1100/1800)

"Check it out Haru, Des Koala is back" Syrus pointed out

"Let's hope he can do something with it this turn" Haru nodded

"Well it's in attack position again so its effect is useless" Eiji pointe out.

"Actually Koala March has a second ability when it's activated" Banner informed them "As long as there's another copy of the same card he brought back in his hand he can special summon it"

"I summon a second Des Koala in attack position" A second Koala appeared on Chumley's field. "And now since I have two tributes, I can sacrifice my two monsters to summon Big Koala" A giant blue Koala appeared as the two smaller ones disappeared.

Big Koala level 7 (2700/2000)

"That's a really big Koala" Syrus commented as the three boys observed the new monster. The giant blue Koala almost touched the ceiling of the room.

"Not bad" Mr. Huffington nodded.

"No duh, Not bad. GO Giant Koala attack Dizzy Tiger!" The giant koala began running at the humanoid tiger on all fours. "Take down from down under!" The giant creature lifted the tiger into the air before tossing it to the ground shattering it into pixels.

Mr. H: 4000-3100

"And with that Dizzy Tiger is Gonzo" Chumley Declared

Chumley's friends cheered.

There was a scratching at the door as Pharaoh pushed his way inside. The cat took a look around and yawned before making its way towards Banner. Banner reached out his hand but was shocked when the tabby bypassed him and settled into Haru's lap much to the twos amazement.

"Alright now I know something's up" Haru said looking at the professor "Did Mr. Huffington give you anything after your meeting yesterday?"

Banner shrugged "He may have given me a sample bottle of his hot sauce to try."

"Do you still have the bottle?" Haru asked.

"No but I can go get it" Banner smiled getting up from his sitting position "I don't know what this is about but if it will put your mind at ease"

Haru nodded turning to watch the duel once again.

"Alright so you want to fight? Mr. Huffington said as he drew his next card. "Then let's fight I call Dizzy Angel to my field" A man in a white suit with long blonde hair and wings appeared, this monster also had a hard time keeping its balanced.

Dizzy Angel Level 4 (1800/400)

"Looks like your monster has been hitting the bottle to much" Chummley commented "he reeks"

'Why don't you come over here and say that' Chumley heard a drunken voice say coming from Dizzy Angel's direction.

'Weird i'm hearing those voices again' Chumley thought.

"I activate the spell Hot Sauce bottle" A large green bottle appeared in front of dizzy angel, causing it to look at it longingly. "I'm not done there however, because I'm activating the spell Flipping the Table as well" The ground below the two monsters became a red wooden table with small legs. Mr. Huffington smiled before kicking the table upward sending both of their monsters flying. Big koala fell backward onto its head cracking the monster in two. Chumley's dad laughed "When I activate Flipping the Table it destroys all cards on my field except itself of course, then it destroys an equal amount on your field. Leaving you defenseless son"

"I guess this is what Eiji was talking about when he said one turn K.o." Haru said "I guess there's a reason why he's a three year champ"

"It's not exactly fair" Syrus commented. "Resetting the field and all"

"That's just like you" Chumley growled. "If you don't like something you trash it"

"I didn't earn my title as champ by being nice son" His dad returned.

Suddenly in a flash of light Dizzy Angel appeared once again swaying back and forth in front of them.

"Wait what is Dizzy Angel doing back?" Chumley asked "Shouldn't it have been destroyed due to Flipping the Table's effect?"

"Wishful thinking, Dizzy Angel can't be destroyed by the effect of flipping the table"

"Yay, that monsters going to continue to weird me out" Chumley watched as the monster began to disco dance in front of him.

"Oh it gets worse son, Because when the spell Hot Sauce Bottle is destroyed you take 500 damage" A red smoke floated upward and around chumley reducing his life points.

"So that's what that foul stench is" Chumley covered his nose

C:3300-2800

"But I'm not done quite yet" Mr. Huffington continued "Dizzy Angel hasn't attacked yet so let's rectify that shall we?" The Angel uncorked its bottle and let loose a beam of light at chumley leaving the boy dazed.

C:2800-1000

"I just can't win" Chumley whined.

"Stop talking like that Koala boy, if you don't believe in yourself you've already lost" Haru shouted.

'Dont worry son this will all be over soon' thought. 'Why don't you make your move?"

"Focus Chumley, think about what you can do before you play them" Syrus consulted him.

"Duh I know that," Chumley muttered drawing his next card. It was polymerization the card Syrus had given him the day before. 'I guess now is as good a time as any'. "First I play the spell card silent doom allowing me to resurrect one normal monster from my graveyard in defense position, I choose Big Koala" Appearing beside him was the giant blue koala once again.

Big Koala level 7 (2700/2000)

'I'm not leaving without a fight' "Next I activate the spell polymerization to fuse the Big Koala on my field with the Des Kangaroo in my hand" a green kangaroo wearing boxer shorts and gloves appeared before being combined with the giant koala.

"I fusion summon Master of Oz!" the monster that appeared was slightly taller than Big Koala! It was green and tan in some spots with the head of a koala and the body of a kangaroo. Like Des Kangaroo it had a pair of boxing gloves, along with a title belt and some weights sticking out of its pouch.

Master of Oz level 9 (4200/3700)

"About time Chumley" Haru Cheered

'Like I didn't see that coming' thought as he recalled when he was spying on the boys.

"Now go, Oz" Chumley Commanded "Outback Attack!" Oz let loose a mighty punch that knocked Dizzy Angel clear off the field.

Mr. H: 3100-700

"Looks like I'm still here" Mr.H said

"The bring it then" Chumley challenged

"Chumley almost had him" Syrus sighed

"This one is definitely close" Haru nodded

"Looks like it's coming right down to the wire" Eiji added

"You fought well son, but unfortunately you're about to lose"

"How do you figure, My Oz has 4200 attack there isn't much that can get over that" Chumley demanded.

"You forget, with one flip of the table they'll all be gone"

"Your threat doesn't scare me dad, because i know Flipping the Table's one weakness"

"Flipping the table has a weakness?" Eiji asked

"Thats right" Chumley nodded "after you use it you cannot normal or special summon monsters for the next turn, leaving your life points defenseless dad!'

"Very clever, you figured out the weakness of my card" said with an eerie calmness. "Im very impressed. But it won't change things! You see it doesn't matter if i'm defenseless because i drew these two Hot sauce bottles" two more red sauce bottles appeared on his side of the field.

"Wait if one Hot sauce bottle deals 500 damage, then two will…" Syrus said ,

"Spell bad news for Chumley" Haru finished for him .

"I activate Flipping the Table to destroy your Oz and my two hot sauce bottles"

C:1000-0

"Oh my I can't believe I missed the rest of the duel" Banner said staggering into the room with the bottle Haru requested. Handing it to him before sitting down again.

"Haru what is this about?" Chumley asked somewhat depressed from his loss.

"I have a sneaking suspicion that your dad did not bring hot sauce to the island but something else" Haru said uncorking the bottle and giving it a sniff. He shook his head "This doesn't smell like any hot sauce i've ever encountered. In fact it smell more like sake to me"

"Hold on how do you know what sake smell like?" Syrus asked looking up at him.

"Please Syrus, my adopted father fancied himself a connoisseur of most alcohols, and though he usually partook in glasses of wine, I do remember him having some kind of sake at least a couple times.

"So what you're saying is, you were sniffing Pegasus' drinks" Eiji smirked "weirdo"

"First i didn't go out of my way to do it, he had a habit of going on long drawn out monologues and leaving a glass half full before pouring himself another one. Second that's not the point" He pulled off the label on the front of the bottle to reveal a label with sake printed on it "Someone is trying to pull something and I don't like it".

"Dad I didn't know you manufactured sake" Chumley said

"Well while you've been gone for the last year i was able to acquire a license to make and distribute it." Mr. Huffington explained "then I got an order about a week ago requesting me to bring it to the island for one of the faculty members. Professor Banner to be exact, but keep it disguised so I could get it through security. And since I wanted to bring Chumley home, this seemed like a two birds one stone scenario."

"That's odd I never ordered anything" Banner said confused.

"Well I guess that means security is only good for hauling me out of bed at ungodly hours of the morning" Haru sighed "Did you perhaps keep the letter that the person sent you?"

"No I left it back at the factory for proof of purchase" He shook his head.

"Would you recognize the writing if you saw it?"

"Probably" Mr. Huffington nodded

Haru handed him the love letter he kept on hand and the older man nodded "Yeah that's it"

"Looks like someone is trying to get Banner and Pharaoh drunk" Haru said putting the paper back in his pocket. "The same one who is trying to get me and Syrus expelled"

"But why would they do that?" Syrus asked

"It doesn't really matter at this point" Mr Huffington interrupted "Chumley lost our duel and he has to keep his end of the bargain"

Chumley sighed "Ok dad" The two Slifers and one obelisk watched as they exited the room.


Eiji stood outside the red dorm awaiting his three slifer companions. He Syrus and Haru had tried to convince him to stay despite his loss, but ultimately gave up as they realized Chumley was dead set on keeping his end of the deal.

"Man if only Chumley had set Des Koala first turn then this duel would have gone differently" Eiji said playing the duel over and over again in his head.

"Hey …"

The ultra Hero Duelist turned to see the three Slifers walking out of their room, Chumley's eyes puffy from all the goodbyes.

"Well I guess this is it" Eiji said shaking Chumley's hand "I know the two of us didn't get along to well, but just know I did think of you as a friend"

Chumley nodded giving him a smile "Same"

The four boys began walking towards the designated meeting place, but when they got there they were only met by Professor Banner and Pharaoh.

"Hey professor where's my dad?" Chumley asked.

"Oh I'm sorry Chumley, he had to leave something about the machines malfunctioning back at the factory" Professor banner said before pulling out an envelope and handing it to him. "He left this for you though"

Chumley opened the envelope and began to read it aloud " Dear son, there is more to school than just your studies. Though your grades seem to be less than pleasant I have taken notice of the friends you keep and how loyal they are, for that reason I'm going to allow you to stay at the academy" Chumley crumpled the paper tears beginning to fall from his eyes.

He turned to see a rowboat disappearing over the horizon, cupping his hands to his mouth he began to yell "Dad! I promise not to let you down" his voice echoed off the rocks. "From here on out I'm going to make you, and my friends proud of me!"

"He left me with some really nice presents" Banner said holding up a rather large bottle of sake "I think I like that man"

Haru glared at him "I think you and Pharaoh should lay off the booze professor, for your sake and mine"

"I don't know what you mean" Banner said innocently

"Whatever" haru rolled his eyes before turning to Syrus "You and I have a hard day of training ahead of us short stuff, the Expulsion duel is tomorrow and we are pulling out all the stops"

Syrus gulped Are we doing the obstacle course again?"

"You bet we are" Haru smiled "I'm not positive who's trying to get us expelled but I do know i'm going to make sure that their plan doesn't come true"

Chapter 8 is done, and starting tomorrow I get to start on the Expulsion duel I'm really excited that i can move ahead with the plans Silver and I have dreamt up for Haru and co. There weren't any Kaiju in this chapter but i promise there will be more to come. As always keep it showy and keep those comments, reviews, and ideas coming. I look forward to introducing new characters in future chapters.

-Red