Chapter 23: Eyes on the Prize! The School Duel Prelims Begin!

"Well today's the day" Haru yawned as he and Syrus watched the clouds go by above them. The two were currently laying in the grass behind the Slifer dorm basking in the final few moments of peace before the so called "biggest event of the year'.

"It damn well took long enough. Wasn't it like two months ago when they first announced the duel for the tag rep position?" The roid duelist sighed.

"Yeah and after that our group ran into nothing but weirdos" Haru nodded.

"Well I wouldn't exactly call us normal" Syrus snorted.

"Thats fair"

The two slifer students were jolted to attention as the sound of a boat's horn blared off in the distance followed by an annoying beep on Haru's duel pilot. The Kaiju duelist sighed as he picked the rectangular item out of his jacket and flipped through a few things.

"Whats up?" Syrus asked.

"Eiji's wondering why I'm not at the docks to meet the Academy reps. Apparently Crowler's having a field day with this one," he chuckled pushing himself to his feet. "Shall we go then?"

"I suppose it would be rather fun to watch Crowler stressed out of his gourd" Syrus snickered.


It took the duo a good twenty minutes to arrive at the the docks, Of course by Haru's calculation they could have taken longer due to the boat in question only being a speck in the distance when they left. But hey, there are some times even he had to push his general assholery away and be a good samaritan.

As the docks came into view the two noticed the large crowds of intermingling student from all three of the dorms. In the center of the group stood Crowler, Chancellor Sheppard and the two tag reps Eiji and Sarah. The crowd parted as Haru neared, allowing him to pass through with little resistance. As they entered the middle of the crowd, Syrus moved off to the side, and Haru's eyes locked with Crowlers. The Obelisk headmaster gave him an exasperated look, that Haru responded to with a toothy grin. Crowler rolled his eyes and motioned over to an open spot beside Eiji.

"What the hell took you so long? They made it clear during classes yesterday that the representatives needed to be here bright and early to greet the students from the other academies" Sarah hissed from the other side of Eiji.

"Haven't you learned yet that I pick and choose when I pay attention in class" Haru smirked, "Yesterday I was really tired so I probably slept through that whole discussion."

Sarah let out an exasperated tone but before she could say anything Eiji placed a hand on her shoulder and shook his head telling her it still wasn't worth it.

"So who's pulling into port?" Haru asked looking out over the water as a green and silver ferrie was backing in towards them.

"East Academy" Sarah answered.

"Where is that exactly?" Haru frowned.

"East Academy is the European branch of Duel Academy. When they built it they wanted to make sure that it was in a convenient spot for the rest of the continent, so they placed it just off the coast of the the center most part of Italy," Sarah recited earning confused looks from her two companions.

"What? My parents are French so before I got the funding to enroll here I was looking at the possibility of going there instead." She explained.

'You have any idea what I might be up against?" Haru asked.

"No clue" she shook her head.

"I guess we will see soon enough then" Eiji added as the crewman for the docks began to run back and forth moving the pieces of the gang plank into place, while a stern looking black haired woman appeared near the railing overlooking the docks. She wore a blue button up blouse with silver buttons and a matching skirt that went down to her knees. When the platform was finished she made her way down and over to Chancellor Sheppard and outstretched her hand. Sheppard smiled before taking the hand and kissing it. "Hello Chancellor Linette I'm glad you decided to participate in our annual competition."

"Well I can't have you being lulled into a false sense of security, after that blowout you pulled off last year against Foster and his students." Chancellor Linette smirked as she observed the trio of students then Crowler, her eyes lingering on the latter "Hello Velian."

"Hello Charlotte" Crowler replied.

"I think I like her" Haru whispered.

"Only because it looks like she has some kind of beef with Crowler" Eiji whispered back.

"So who do we have here?" Linette asked stopping in front of the trio.

"On your left we have our tag representatives for the duel with North Academy, Sarah Oeuvre and Eiji Hayata, and on your right is Haru Yoshida the singles representative" Sheppard said motioning to each student as he said their name.

"A pity we couldn't enter into the Tag Duel competition." She shook her head. "But I'm sure our representative will have no problem sweeping the competition"

"Speaking of which when do we get to meet your representative?" Shepard asked cocking his head slightly.

"Don't worry she's on her way" Chancellor Linette said crossing her arms and turning towards the gang plank. Almost on cue there was the clanking of metal as a young silver haired girl accompanied by a german shepard started to walk down. On closer inspection Haru noticed that the dog was wearing a harness that the girl was lightly clinging on to.

"I would like to present the East Academy representative, Carrie Guinness" Chancellor linette introduced as the silver haired girls stopped at her side.

Haru blinked for a minute as his eyes met Carrie's, noticing the fact that her pupils were murky.

"Guinness? That name sounds familiar," Sheppard pondered, rubbing his chin in thought.

"As it should. Carrie here is the protege of the world famous Mai Valentine." Linette told him,

Carrie moved forward with her dog guiding her, stopping directly in front of Haru. "Charles here seems to think that your one of my three opponents in the upcoming duels, is that correct?" She asked with a slight hint of an english accent.

Haru looked down at the dog then back up at Carrie's blank stare, "I suppose he's right. Haru Yoshida pleased to meet you" He extended a hand in greeting. His two companions sighed at the act but still remained silent.

Carrie giggled and raised her own. "I can tell you dont care about cultural norms" she smiled as she touched his hand and grasped it in a friendly handshake before taking a position beside the Kaiju duelist.

Haru looked over at Eiji and Sarah who at the moment seemed to be staring daggers in his direction. "What?

"You offered a handshake to a blind girl" Sarah growled. "What the hell?"

"I expected a bit of common decency from you but it seems like i was mistaken" Eiji rolled his eyes.

"Oh shove it you two. If she's here then she must be the best their academy has to offer, so Ill treat her with the same respect I give everyone else" Haru said sticking out his tongue.

"Thank you for that," Carrie said turning towards them. "Oh and by the way I can hear everything you just said"

Sarah seemed like she was about to say something but was interrupted by the sound of a stereo blaring Another One Bites the Dust at a super high volume, as a rather fancy looking yacht sped past the docks at top speed.

"Oh god. He's here," Chancellor Linette sighed rubbing her eyes, as the group watched the small boat pull into port. Again the docks crew mobilized this time to tie the boat to the docks, moving quickly. A short stubby balding man wearing what little of his blonde hair he had left in a ponytail stepped off the boat followed by a figure in a blue hoodie. The man took a moment to bark a few orders as a crew of men and women carrying large briefcases filed off the boat after them.

"Looks like they came overly prepared" Haru said raising an eyebrow at the goings on.

"Ah Sheppard!" The smaller man called as he and his companions made their way towards the group. "And Linette! How good it is to see you! I can't remember when the last time our academies decided to parlay was." Lanette rolled her eyes but extended her hand as the two came face to face.

"Chancellor Magnum it's a pleasure," she replied with a hint of disgust in her voice. The smaller man grinned and took her hand before planting a kiss on the back.

"To long in my opinion," Magnum said flirtatiously.

"Magnum, Magnum? Why does that name sound so familiar?" Sarah pondered out loud.

"His full name is Jean Claude Magnum, Ms. Valentine spoke of him to me many time. He was a movie star at one point and attempted to duel her for her hand in marriage during the Battle City tournament, and when that didn't work he tried to kidnap her using his Hollywood tricks," Carrie explained. "I'm going to assume he's the reason why the surrounding area reeks of cologne".

"That butterball is Jean Claude Magnum?" Eiji whispered. "He really let himself go"

"What's with all the equipment ?" Sheppard asked observing all the workers standing behind the chancellor of west academy.

"As you probably know, our Academy likes to put a firm emphasis on the idea of entertainment.. So we figured you wouldn't mind if we tricked out your duel arena to be a little more suited for the scope of the coming event."

"How nice of you to go through all that trouble" Lanette said dryly.

"Well we are from the American academy" the hooded boy said holding up three fingers. "And there are three things that the good old U.S of a can call its' own: Comic books, Rock and Roll and PRO WRESTLING!" As he pulled off his hood the boy revealed a spiky main of crimson hair. He laughed."And Jake Savage is here to prove that Wrestling can be done on and off the dueling field!'

"That's the spirit my boy," Magnum laughed as he gestured for his tech team to move past him and toward the main campus building.

"So who will be my challengers?" Jake asked looking between the four students currently standing across from him.

"That would be me" Haru said stepping forward and giving the new boy a mock salute.

"And I as well" Carrie bowed slightly placing her hand on Haru's shoulder and using her guide dog to step forward.

"Nice! I can feel the power emanating off of the two of you already!" Jake grinned "May I know the names of my opponents?"

"Haru Yoshida representing Duel Academy," he said cracking his neck, a grin forming on his face "I hope you give me a duel to remember."

"And I'm Carrie Guinness from East Academy" She nodded. "I do believe as Ms. Valentine's protege I have even more of a reason to beat you now knowing you were chosen by Jean Claude Magnum. No hard feelings though." She gave a confident smile.

"Damn you're blunt" Jake said looking somewhat offended, ut that was quickly replaced by his signature grin. "I'm not going to take it easy on you either."

As the three began to talk Eiji and Sarah watched the horizon for the fourth and final arrival. Cupping her hands over her eyes to reduce the glare of the sun Sarah noticed something slip up above the waves then back down as it seemed to be coming their way. "Did you see that? she asked turning to Eiji. "It sorta looked like a dorsal fin."

Eiji frowned. "Generally the dolphins steer clear of this side of the island with all the boat traffic coming to and from the docks. Maybe it's an Orca?"

Sarah shook her head. "It wasn't nearly pointy enough to be an Orca Fin, Plus it had two large knobs on the side kinda like a…."

As if on cue in the final unused spot at the docks a submarine emerged from the murky depths a short distance away, letting out three short bursts from its horn before pulling in to dock. "Looks like everyone's here" Sheppard smiled not at all phased by the arrival of the undersea vessel. A minute passed then a hatch opened on the dorsal fin of the craft as a balding man peeked his head out. "Hiya Sheppard ready to lose this year? I've got quite the batch of students to take you down" He called as he climbed all the way out and jumped onto the dock.

"Isn't that what you say every year?" Sheppard asked a grin forming on his face as he walked to meet the newest arrival.

"I suppose that's true. I'll keep that in mind for next year" Foster laughed. "I do mean it though, I've got three freshmen students that put our representatives last year to shame".

As they joined the two other Chancellors they all began to exchange greetings and reminiscing about times long past. "I'm sorta shocked by how well the four of them get along" Haru said raising an eyebrow. " Especially Foster. All those years of losing must have formed at least a small bit of resentment."

"From what I hear from Mr. Magnum Chancellors Foster and Sheppard are old college buddies," Jake told him as he cracked his neck in anticipation for his fourth and final opponent.

"I think among the four of them, the idea that they each have to make sure their own Academy runs smoothly may make them empathize with each other" Sarah pondered.

"I guess that makes sense" Eiji agreed.

"Well lets meet these students of yours" Sheppard said as the four Chancellors finished their current line of dialogue. "I think everyone wants to see what the best of North Academy look like.

"I suppose i've kept you all in suspense long enough" Foster agreed. Cupping his hands over his mouth he let out a sharp whistle. A second later a duffle bag flew out of the open hatch and onto the the docks. Soon after a tan skinned boy with silver hair emerged, wearing a white undershirt and black pants, his hair tied up into a ponytail to keep it out of the way. "This is Luke, he aced our entrance exam and gauntlet on the day he arrived on the island," Foster explained. Luke jumped down from the submarine and picked up his bag before turning to look back at the hatch.

"Come on Biggs we have to go greet the reps from the other schools" he yelled as a second head popped out soon after. Another boy with shoulder length green hair and a white tuft in the front climbed out of the submarine and yawned before adjusting his glasses. When he climbed down to stand beside his companion Haru noticed that he was about Syrus's height if not a little bigger.

Biggs sighed as he glanced at the large crowd of people waiting for the two of them to approach. "I was hoping I could avoid dueling in front of so many people, but I guess since it's a once a year thing it can't be helped". The duo made their way over and stopped beside Chancellor Foster. Haru noticed that Luke seemed to be sizing him up.

"Can I help you with something?" He asked as their eyes met.

"Not at all, I've just heard quite a lot about you" Luke told him, "You're not exactly what I expected from the description."

"Oh please do tell" Haru responded.

"Now boys, save the aggression for the upcoming duels it will make for a better show that way" Magnum said from the side.

"Alright, I assume he's one of my opponents?" Haru grinned.

"You would be wrong on that account slacker" a familiar voice said from behind them. There was an audible gasp from the crowd as Haru moved to the side to see where the voice had come from.

"Hold on, Chazz?" Haru raised an eyebrow. "Did North Academy pick you up out of pity on their way here?"

"No Dumbass! I'm the singles representative" Chazz shook his head as Luke and Biggs parted to let him come face to face with his rival. Chazz had discarded his Obelisk uniform and now wore a purple shirt and black pants underneath a black coat similar to Haru's. "I bet you thought you wouldn't see me again huh?" the former Obelisk grinned as he crossed his arms.

"Well Chazz to be honest when someone throws a bitch fit after losing a couple times and leaves, I'm more obligated to not care about what happens to that person" Haru snarked. He frowned for a moment and cocked his head slightly. "Did something change about you?"

"Yeah I discarded this lame place and found a new home that can truly nourish my natural talents" Chazz said cockily.

Haru shook his head. "That's not it." Chazz watched as a miniature version of Godzilla appeared on Haru's shoulder. 'I'm pretty sure it's because he has a spirit now too,' it growled causing Chazz to flinch.

'He sure does!' The high pitched voice of Ojama Yellow screeched with glee as it appeared and struck a pose.

"What the hell is that?" Haru asked giving Godzilla a look of confusion, that the duel spirit returned.

"An unfortunate hitchhiker" Chazz growled grabbing the small monster and stuffing it into his coat.

"As much as I'd love to see you discuss your newfound abilities to see duel spirits, perhaps we shouldn't do it in front of this many people" Luke said obscuring the view of the crowd from the two people who were seemingly talking nonsense.

"Fine" Chazz huffed after turning away from the prying eyes, "I suppose my former peers thinking I'm crazy is not the best impression for my comeback tour."

"Please, everyone already thinks you're a boob for leaving because you lost to Bastion, is it so hard to believe you have a couple screws loose to?" Haru jabbed.

"Alright that's enough of that" Chancellor Linette scolded as she appeared behind them and grabbed a hold of each of their ears. "You two are about to compete in one of the most prestigious events in Duel Academy and you should act like it, not like bickering children!"

"Now now Charlotte," Magnum interrupted as he walked over to her. "We shouldn't try to dampen their fiery spirits before such a momentous occasion. After all, we want them to be in top spirits when they perform in front of millions!"

"Millions?!" All the students except Jake exclaimed in shock. Jake's eyes widened and he turned to the others.

"You guys didn't know?" he asked. "The tournament's gonna be aired on live TV."

"Indeed!" Magnum exclaimed. "Thanks to my many contacts in the movie and TV industries, I managed to acquire a deal to get this occasion aired on international television! Why do you think I'm going to all this trouble? That reminds me, Jake, if you could get everyone's entrance music requests within the next," he looked at his watch. "Oh about half an hour, that'd be wonderful." Jake rolled his eyes but gave him a thumbs up.

"Entrance music?" Haru asked, cocking an eyebrow.

"I think this would be best to discuss in a less crowded venue. We don't want to ruin the surprise" Jake grinned pulling out a tablet from the contents of his hoodie.

"I believe that can be arranged" Sheppard said stroking his beard as he pondered the situation. His eyes lit up for a moment "You can have the card shop for the time being. Ms. Dorothy would love the company." Haru noticed out of the corner of his eye Foster glaring at Sheppard as he mentioned Ms. Dorothy. "Follow me." Sheppard said as he, along with the other chancellors, walked towards campus. As the participants began to follow, Chazz tried to shoulder check Haru, but he barely moved a centimeter. The two glared at each other before Haru turned to Syrus.

"Sy, go get some good seats for you and the others. I want everyone to have a good view when I beat this clown for the second time."

"You got lucky last time slacker. This time, I'm gonna make sure you know just where you belong: At my feet."

"Big talk for a coward," Haru stated. Before he could continue, Eiji grabbed his shoulder and started dragging him towards the school. "Hey! Let me go dammit!"

"No." Eiji stated bluntly. "You're not getting into a fist fight with a visiting student, even if it is Chazz."

"I wasn't gonna punch him!"

"Don't lie to me."

"Ok fine I was gonna punch him, but it's Chazz!"

"Don't care."

"You are the worst brother ever."

"Keep telling yourself that. It might just come true."

"Asshole."

"Prick."

While this was happening, all the participants stared in bemusement and shock, except for Sarah who was facepalming.

"Of course." she muttered.

"Does this happen often?" Jake said, turning towards her.

"Yup." Sarah said before walking off. Jake shrugged and turned to Carrie.

"I'm starting to like it here."

"Is everyone here so…. eccentric?" Carrie wondered aloud.

"Yes!" Sarah exclaimed, having heard her. Jake and Carrie laughed lightly before following her, Carrie allowing Charles to lead the way. While this was going on, Chazz glared daggers at Haru's shrinking form. Luke placed a hand on Chazz's shoulder.

"C'mon man, let's just get going. You'll kick his ass later." Chazz's glare barely lessened, but he complied, and the three North Academy students walked up to the school.


Once they all made their way into the card shop, the chancellor left to finish up preparations. For some reason, Magnum began talking on a 1980's-era cellphone as he left. The tension in shop was palpable, with Haru and Chazz glaring at each other from across the room.

"Well this is awkward." Jake said trying to relieve some of the tension. It didn't work. Nonetheless he pressed forward. "So does anyone want to pick out their music?"

"I guess I'll go first." Carrie said, trying to help move things along. Jake walked over and placed a pair of earbuds in her hand. "Just put those in and we can go through different themes till you find a good one." Carrie complied and the two began searching for a theme. Biggs looked between Haru and Chazz, who were still glaring at each other, before speaking up.

"So…. why do you guys hate each other?"

"Because he's a pathetic slacker who walks around acting like he's hot shit when he's not." Chazz declared.

"Because he's an arrogant rich boy who thinks his last name and bank account makes him better than literally anyone else." Haru snarked back.

"Degenerate trash."

"Elitist snob."

"I'm surprised you even know how to pronounce the word elitist, you savage."

"I'm surprised you managed to get Crowler's brown off your nose."

"Worthless delinquent."

"Egomaniac."

"Loser."

"Spoiled brat."

"Slifer scum."

"Rip-off artist."

"What did you call me?"

"You heard me. Tell me Chazzy, did you decide to copy my jacket before or after you ran off?"

"That's it! No one calls Chazz Princeton a rip-off! I was hoping to humiliate you in front of everyone, but I guess beating you down here will suffice." At that declaration, Chazz pulled out his duel disk.

"Fine, I'll just beat you into the ground a second time!" Haru replied, giving a shark-like grin as he pulled out his duel disk. The two stood apart from each other when-

"ENOUGH!" Sarah shouted as she walked between the two of them. They both glared at her, Haru's being less venomous than Chazz's, but she was undeterred. "If you two want to duel each other, do so later. I will not have you embarrass Duel Academy with your petty squabbles." Just like that, the tension evaporated. Chazz scoffed and turned away, while Haru grumbled, but complied. "Now, you two are the only ones who haven't selected an entrance theme so please do so."

"I don't care what music you pick for me," Chazz said, turning to face Jake. "Just make sure it's as glorious as I am."

"Glorious huh?" Jake said contemplatively. "I know just the theme. Haru, you wanna come here and pick out yours?"

"Yeah sure" Haru said, walking over to Jake. The next few minutes were spent in relative quiet as they finished up the entrance music selection. Once they were done Jake put his tablet away and he faced the others.

"So," he started, a wide grin on his face. "You guys ready for an awesome spectacle? Today is gonna be epic!"

"Please," Carrie said, snorting derisively. "I don't see what's so 'epic' about being used in a dog and pony show for our chancellors to work out their own petty issues."

"You too huh?" Jake said, his smile dipping slightly. "Chancellor Magnum keeps going on and on about how 'Foster and Sheppard need to be taken down a peg, and the spotlight taken off them for once.' I've never seen a middle-aged man act so childish." He chuckled. "It's honestly kind of funny."

"You should hear Chancellor Linette," Carrie replied. "She just loves to talk about Foster and Sheppard squabbling, Magnum being a quote-unquote "barbaric pig","

"A fair assessment of Chancellor Magnum," Jake interjected.

"And some teacher here named Crowler who is a, in her words, 'pompous buffoon who acts like he has class when he has none'." she continued. At that, Haru burst into uproarious laughter.

"I knew there was something I liked about her." Haru said.

"I wouldn't say that so fast" Carrie stated. "No offense, but from the uncouth way you acted earlier, Chancellor Linette probably has a rather low opinion on you as well Haru. She loves to emphasize 'proper manners and etiquette' and all that crap."

"Damn," Haru said. "You are blunt."

"Yeah well," Carrie began. "When just about everyone you meet treats you like you're made of glass, you tend to tire of bullshit easily." There was an awkward pause in the conversation at that.

"Well then," Jake said, grinning. "That just means today you get the chance to prove to everyone that eyesight or no eyesight, you can duel with the best of them!"

"Are you always so chipper?" Carrie asked, smiling slightly.

"Yup!" Jake declared. "It's my job as a performer to entertain and bring smiles to the audience! Which is why I want the 3 of you to go full force in our duels today! The same goes you guys in the tag duel as well. The audience won't be satisfied, and neither will I if you guys don't fight with everything you've got!"

"As if I ever do anything less!" Haru said, grinning. The enthusiasm of the most boisterous competitors was infectious.

"It would be disrespectful of me if I didn't go all out, so I hope you can back up your spirit with your skills boys." Carrie declared with confidence. Charles barked in agreement.

"You three better bring your best" Chazz warned. "Or else my absolute victory won't be as sweet."

"Wow, they are fired up" Eiji commented.

"You two better be as well," Luke stated. "Me and Biggs only get one duel, so we don't want it to be boring."

"I can assure you," Sarah stated, smiling. "Our duel will be anything but boring."


Not long after the students made their declarations, the chancellors returned and moved them to a waiting room.

"Now," Chancellor Magnum began. "We've decided the order in which the duels will go. We'll have the preliminaries first, followed by our tag duel, and finished off with our main event!"

"We've already decided who everyone's opponent for the first round is." Chancellor Sheppard declared.

"I'm gonna enjoy grinding you into the dirt Slacker," Chazz growled.

"And I'm gonna enjoy you getting knocked off your high-horse for a 5th time rich-boy" Haru bit back.

"BOYS!" Chancellor Linette interrupted. "Refrain from speaking when your teachers are talking!" Chazz and Haru rolled their eyes discreetly.

"Thank you Charlotte," Sheppard continued. "Now, our first match will be Mr. Princeton," Chazz and Haru leaned in. "Facing off against Ms. Guinness."

"WHAT?!" Chazz and Haru exclaimed at the same time.

"We decided," Foster stated. "That it would be better if North Academy and Duel Academy didn't face each other in the first round, in order to shake things up. Which means that Mr. Gotch"

"Mr. Savage" Jake interrupted. "I go by my stage name."

"Whatever," Foster pressed onward. "Mr. Savage will be facing Mr. Yoshida, followed by Mr. Matranga and Mr. Highwind vs. Mr. Hayata and Ms. Oeuvre, and finishing with the winners of the first two matches facing off. Understood?" Everyone nodded. "Good."

"Ms. Guinness, Mr. Princeton, please follow us." Sheppard requested. "You two will be on standby for your match." The two got up and followed the chancellor's out of the room. The others turned on the TV and waited for the fun to begin.


Meanwhile, Syrus, Chumley, Blair, Bastion, Will and Alexis all managed to get front row seats in the arena.

"Man I can't wait!" Syrus exclaimed. "This is gonna be awesome!"

"I know right!" Blair exclaimed, holding up a sign with 'Go Haru!' written on it, and wearing a shirt with a chibi Godzilla on it. "And Haru's gonna win it all!"

"Did she come in with that sign?" Will whispered to Bastion.

"I don't think so." He replied.

"And where did she get that shirt?" Alexis questioned.

"Well if you must know," Blair replied. "I made it! After all, a number one fan has to have her idol's merchandise, even if they have to make it!"

"Excuse me?" Syrus asked. "Who said you were Haru's number one fan? Clearly it's me!"

"Are not!" Blair shot back.

"Are so!"

"Are not!"

"Are so!"

"Holy grilled cheese do you two ever shut up." Chumley groaned, rubbing his temples.

"Do they do this often?" Alexis asked.

"Every goddamn day when Haru isn't around." Chumley sighed.

"Uh, guys?" Will said, interrupting Blair and Syrus's argument. "It's starting." The two stopped arguing, but continued to glare as Crowler walked out, a microphone in his hands.

"Hello everyone, and welcome to the annual Duel Academy School Duel!" Crowler exclaimed into the mic. "Let's get things started with our first preliminary round!"

(Play Celtic Invasion- Becky Lynch)

A hard rock song began to play as Carrie walked out, waving to the crowd.

"Introducing first, representing East Academy: Carrie Guinness!"

Once Carrie made her way to her side of the dueling field, she threw up the devil horns as people began to sing in time with her theme. After a minute or two of playing, the theme faded as another one started. This time, it was a piano riff that played for a few seconds before stopping.

GLORIOUS!

(Play Glorious Domination- Bobby Roode)

This time, a different rock song began to play as Chazz strutted arrogantly into the arena.

"And her opponent, representing North Academy: Chazz Princeton!"

Once he reached the center, he spread his arms wide and basked in the cheers of the North Academy students.

"Chazz it Up! Chazz it Up!"

"That is the stupidest cheer I've ever heard." Alexis muttered with disdain.

Soon Chazz's music faded as well, and Crowler spoke again.

"Now, would our competitors activate their duel disks!"

"Don't you dare go easy on me Princeton." Carrie stated as her duel disk turned on.

"Wasn't planning on it." Chazz replied.

"Now then, let the first match of the School Duel begin!"

DUEL!

Chazz: 4000

Carrie: 4000

"I'll go first" Chazz declared as he drew his first card. "First I'll get the ball rolling by activating the spell Allure of Darkness! As you probably know by now I can now draw two cards and as long as I banish a dark attribute monster I can keep said cards." He drew cards from his deck, then took a card out of his hand and placed it in his deck box. Chazz let out a small chuckle as he looked over his hand.

"Must have drawn something good" Carrie cocked her head to the side.

"I guess you could say that" Chazz laughed, "I summon Masked Dragon in attack position!" There was a flash of light before a large white and red dragon appeared in front of the North Academy rep. The dragon had white wings and scales with a red underbelly, and a white mask like face that was covered in a toothy grin.

Masked Dragon level 3 (1400/1100)

"I'll set a card and that will conclude my turn" Chazz ended as he slid the reverse card into the compartment under his duel disk.

"Very well, if memory serves me correctly Masked Dragon has a floating ability to compensate for its lower attack" Carrie said as she drew for her turn "It seems you plan to bring something out next turn should I destroy it correct?".

"You sure do ask a lot of questions," Chazz deadpanned. "And what if I am?"

'Oh I just like to make conversation when I duel" The East Academy rep shrugged as she ran her hand underneath her nose. "Arise Kozmo Farmgirl!" She commanded as her field flashed with light and a young brunette woman wearing a white cape and blue skirt appeared before her, twirling a futuristic blaster around her left finger. She wore a pair of goggles around her head, a brown belt, and brown hiking boots.

Kozmo Farmgirl level 3 (1500/1000)

"I am rather curious if I may be so blunt" Chazz began.

"Go ahead I don't mind answering" Carrie nodded.

"How do you know what card is what in your hand?" Chazz asked.

"Ah…. I do get asked that quite a lot" Carrie giggled. "Each one of my cards is coated with a special perfume, much like how Ms. Valentine did during her time in the Duelist kingdom tournament. Being blind my other senses are heightened slightly to compensate, so I can tell even the slightest difference in fragrance."

"Thats…. sorta cool actually" Chazz admitted.

"Thank you" Carrie bowed slightly. "But I must return to the task at hand. Kozmo Farmgirl will attack Masked Dragon!" She commanded as the young woman aimed her laser pistol and let loose a shot that disintegrated masked dragon on impact.

Chazz: 4000-3900

"Masked Dragons effect activates!" Chazz declared raising his arm with his hand wide open, "Now Im allowed to special summon a dragon type monster from my deck provided it has 1500 or less attack. Luckily I have just the one in mind!" Pulling a card from his deck he slapped it onto the tray of his disk. "Arise Armed Dragon level 3".

Where the red and white dragon once sat, a smaller orange dragon with silver armor appeared. It let out a small screech before floating downward onto its masters field.

Armed Dragon level 3 (1200/900)

"Chazz uses level monsters now?" Bastion pondered. "Perhaps something changed while he was away".

"Really? He seemed like the same old jerk off to me." Syrus commented.

"Chazz may very well have picked up a firm strategy while he was off the island. Something I couldn't say he had while he was still a student here" Alexis admitted.

"Now that you're done I think I'll activate my Farmgirl's effect!" Carrie declared as her monster closed her eyes and extended a hand outwards. "When Farmgirl inflicts battle damage to my opponent I can pay 500 life points and add a Kozmo card to my hand! In this case I'll choose the field spell Kozmotown" She grinned as she picked the card out of her deck. "That will conclude my turn".

Carrie: 4000-3500

"Odd" Bastion said, "She left her 1500 attack point monster out on the field without any back row to protect it."

"If I had to guess she has something planned for Chazz's turn" Will nodded.

"My draw then," Chazz said pulling out his next card. "Now watch as Armed Dragon Level 3 gets to take its power up a notch!" He pointed at the tiny silver and orange dragon and it began to glow and change .As the glow dispersed the dragon was much larger and now had a red and black color scheme with a few other enhancements. Its stomach now was outstretched with three rows of long metal blades running down it. Its shoulders were now covered in spikes and its knees now sported two drill like weapons. "Say hello to Armed Dragon level 5!"

Armed Dragon Lv5 (2400/1700)

"Impressive" Carrie nodded.

"Oh you're about to see how impressive it is," Chazz called. "I activate Armed Dragon's effect! I can now discard a monster from my hand, target a monster you control with less attack than the discarded monster, and destroy it! I discard Luster Dragon and target your Farmgirl for destruction!"

"That would be a great move if I had not predicted it," Carrie grinned. "I activate my Farmgirl's effect! I can now banish it and special summon a level 4 or higher Kozmo monster from my hand." Farmgirl flipped open a hatch on her gauntlet and a whirring sound could be heard overhead as a silver spaceship appeared above her and she jumped inside. This ship had four wing like appendages ending in torpedo like engines on opposite sides of its bulky frame, along with two cockpits on either side of the front of the hull.

"The hell is that?" Chazz muttered looking up at it in amazement.

"Say hello to Kozmo Forerunner" Carrie explained, "One of Farmgirl's two personal spaceships."

Kozmo Forerunner level 7 (2800/1400)

"Interesting," Blair muttered. "Her lower level monsters are there to special summon the higher ones, even on her opponent's turn"

"So she had a way to defend herself even without setting backrow" Syrus added. "Her deck must be full of really powerful monsters."

"Well shit" Chazz growled. "You're not giving me much of a choice here". He looked over his cards before pulling out a pair and setting one facedown in the monster zone and one in the spell and trap zone. "I end my turn then."

"Very well. It seems it's my turn again." The Kozmo duelist nodded as she drew her next card and took a moment to determine what it was. "First things first, Forerunner's effect activates giving me a 1000 lifepoint replenishment!" As soon as she said this her form was engulfed in a green sparkly light as her life was restored.

Carrie: 3500-4500

"Second I'll play the field spell I added to my hand last turn Kozmotown" She continued as the scenery shifted to that of a futuristic city flowing with space vehicles. "Now for its effect! Once per turn I can target a Kozmo monster that I banished and add it to my hand provided that I pay life points equal to its level time 100. As you know there's only one monster currently banished so I'm sure you know what's coming."

Carrie: 4500-4200

"Yeah and I'm not particularly fond of what it entails" Chazz flinched.

Carrie shrugged. "I'm the representative of my school, did you think I would be a pushover?"

"No," Chazz said shifty eyed. "I just didn't know there were cards like these that were out there".

Carrie giggled, "Fair enough. Anyway I normal Summon Kozmo Farmgirl once again in attack position!" The young girl from before jumped out of her spaceship and spun her blaster around her finger before striking a fighting pose. "And now I think I'll activate her effect during my turn to special summon her other spaceship" Once again Farmgirl inputted commands on her gauntlet and a whirring noise could be heard overhead as a red ship appeared. This ship had a slender red frame with a fighter jet like look about it save for the two blasters on either side of the cockpit "Kozmo Sliprider summoned!"

Kozmo Sliprider level 5 (2300/1800)

"Sliprider's summoning effect activates, I can now choose a spell or trap on the field and destroy it, I'll choose the one on the right " Sliprider let loose a volley of laser blasts that pummeled the facedown and shattered it.

"Battle time! Forerunner attacks Armed Dragon!" The silver spaceship began charging its cannons before unleashing a barrage of fire on the armored dragon, whipping up a cloud of dust around Chazz.

"I activate my set card! Armor Impenetrable!" Chazz declared as the dust storm parted and his Armed Dragon came out unscathed, its arms raised in defense. "When an Armed Dragon monster is targeted for an attack I can negate its destruction by halving my life points".

Chazz:3900-1950

"You managed to keep your monster in tact for the turn, excellent" Carrie said in a congratulatory tone. "Unfortunately for you and your set monster my battle phase isn't over". She raised her hand as Sliprider charged up its lasers. "Fire!" She commanded causing the monster to let loose its attack and destroy the set card.

"Good!" Chazz called, "You just activated my set monster Exploder Dragon's effect! When it's destroyed by battle and sent to the graveyard your Sliprider goes with it!" A blue and white dragon appeared above the cockpit of Sliprider and exploded taking it to the graveyard with it.

"You managed to destroy one of my ship monsters" Carrie said surprised before her expression shifted back to that of concentration, "Unfortunately when my ships are sent to the graveyard I can banish them and special summon lower level Kozmo monsters from my deck, in this case level 5 or lower."

"I'm no fan of Chazz from our few interactions, but this seems super unfair" Will said leaning forward in his seat.

"Tell me about it, not only is she unrelenting, so is her deck" Chumley agreed.

"Come forth Kozmo Goodwitch!" Carrie commanded as a figure appeared and drew a hilt like item. There was a snap and a hiss as the hilt became a fully formed laser sword and a green skinned woman with pointy ears emerged from the shadows. She wore a tan robe and skirt with a brown jacket over it. Another notable feature was the pair of fairy wings protruding from her back.

Kozmo Goodwitch level 4 (1800/1000)

"And I think that will do for the time being," she concluded. "I end my turn."

"My turn again so let's get down to it shall we?" Chazz said looking at his new card. "I think now is as good a time as any for my Dragon to evolve a little more, and with the help of this card I'm going to make it happen. I activate the spell Level Up!" He inserted the card into his disk and his monster was surrounded in a newfound power. "This card does just what you would expect, I tribute my Armed Dragon level 5 and then summon its next form" Armed Dragon began to shift and change. Its wings were engulfed in the metal alloy that coated the rest of its body, hardening into spikes. Its tail that was formerly just a flail like weapon sharpened into a spear and the alloy engulfed its head forming a helmet-like piece of armor. The new form of the dragon let out a roar as the aura dissipated around it.

Armed Dragon level 7 (2800/1000)

"Clearly your lower level monsters are the ones with the lifepoint cost effects" Chazz began, "And if I attack them you're just going to switch out for a heavy hitter. So I've decided exactly what I need to do to get myself out of this predicament"

"Oh?" Carrie cosked her head in suprise.

"Watch and see!" Chazz called. "I activate the equip spell Rage of the Armed Dragon." His monster let loose another roar. "When equipped to a Armed dragon that is level 7 or higher that monster gains 500 attack and inflicts double damage!"

"I understand now," Carrie smiled.

"You should, because the monster that replenishes your life points is about to go to the scrap heap! Go Armed Dragon, Metallic Rage!" He laughed as the crimson and chrome dragon jumped into the air and slashed at Forerunner sending it plummeting into the field.

Armed Dragon level 7 (2800-3300)

Carrie:4200-3200

"Forerunners graveyard effect activates allowing me to special summon another Farmgirl from my deck by banishing it" Carrie said slapping the newly retrieved card down onto her disk, while the familiar monster appeared for the third time twirling her blaster around her finger.

Kozmo Farmgirl level 3 (1500/1000)

"I think that's the most I can do for the time being, besides setting these two cards of course." Chazz grinned, proud of what he had accomplished.

"My turn then," Carrie nodded drawing again for turn. "I activate Kozmotown's effect to add my banished Forerunner to hand" She retrieved the banished card from her disk and added it to hand.

Carrie: 3200-2500

"Now I activate Farmgirl's effect!" Carrie continued.

"I'll stop you right there," Chazz called. "I activate my continuous trap Armed Dragon's Roar! While I control an Armed Dragon monster that is level 7 or higher I can negate the effects of all other monsters you control!" Armed Dragon's aura pulsed causing Goodwitch and Farmgirl to flinch.

"You were prepared this time?" Carrie asked confused.

"Did you think I would continue to let you dominate?" Chazz raised an eyebrow, "I have to make it to the finals to payback that slacker"

"I guess that's fair" Carrie laughed. "But even though my turn is over for the time being, I'm not going to let you win so easily."

"I would be disappointed if you did," Chazz grinned.

"This is weird" Syrus frowned. "It looks like Chazz is actually enjoying this duel. I dont think I've ever seen that before".

"Perhaps his time off the island changed his outlook on the game for the better, as hard to believe as that may be," Alexis shrugged.

"Draw! I'll start by activating Armed Dragon's effect! By discarding a monster from my hand now all monster you control with less attack than it are destroyed. I just so happen to have a second copy of Armed dragon level 5 in my hand and with its 2400 attack neither of your monsters can stand up to its onslaught! Let them have it Armed Dragon!" Chazz's dragon let loose a beam of energy that destroyed his opponent's monsters.

"And now you're open for a direct attack!" Armed Dragon once again let loose a beam of energy from its mouth and sent it hurtling towards the now defenseless East Academy rep.

"Looks like Chazz still doesn't understand the concept of overkill," Syrus sighed. "I sorta feel bad for her honestly."

"I'm not sure it's over quite yet, look!" Blair pointed down at the field as the attack whipped up a cloud of smoke.

"Not sure what you mean," Syrus muttered looking confused.

"Armed Dragon is still on the field" Chumley gasped. "Shouldn't the holograms disappear when the duel ends?"

"What gives?" Chazz yelled. "Is the hologram system broken?" he tapped his duel disk.

"Not quite" Carries voice answered as the smoke cleared. "I just managed to prevent the damage you were going to inflict." She pointed downward at a now face up spell card "As you can see I activated Emergency Teleport allowing for my third copy of Farmgirl to take the hit instead of my life points."

"Well damn i thought I had you there" Chazz groaned.

"You came close" she chuckled. "But I like to take precautions should things tip in my opponents favor."

'Well you got me this turn," Chazz sighed. "I'll set a card, and pass."

Carrie drew again and took a moment to go over what she had to work with. "I'll start my turn by activating my field spell once again, this time to add Goodwitch to hand,"

"And due to its effect pay 400 life," Chazz added.

"Indeed" Carrie nodded as her life points went down.

Carrie:2500-2100

"And as I did before with Farmgirl I'll bring Goodwitch out immediately" The green skinned fairy appeared, wielding her laser sword in an attacking stance.

Kozmo Goodwitch level 4 (1800/1000)

"I've effectively sealed your monsters abilities, but you're still going ahead with this?"Chazz seemed confused at the girls tenacity.

"You could say that I have a plan," she called. "But let me show you rather than tell. First i'll deal with your continuous spell by playing Mystical Space Typhoon" A tempest whipped up beside Chazz and destroyed Armed Dragon's Roar.

"And now with that out of the way I can activate my monster's effects again" Carrie grinned. "Goodwitch will activate her effect! I'll pay 500 life to flip your Armed Dragon into face-down defense position."

Carrie:2100-1600

"And with that my equip spell is destroyed," Chazz finished as he placed the card in the graveyard.

"Precisely" she nodded. "But my turn won't stop there, because I'm going to activate a little equip spell of my own." She inserted a spell card into the slot below Goodwitch as the fairy gained another beam weapon. "This card is called Kozmo lightsword and it gives my monster several useful effects. First she gains 500 attack and on top of that she gets to attack twice in a row".

Kozmo Goodwitch level 4 (1800-2300)

"And with Chazz's heavy hitter sleeping on the job that second attack could prove fatal for his life points," Alexis realized.

"Oh yeah, and she can inflict piercing battle damage as well" Carrie added, stretching her hand forward. "Go for it Goodwitch claim this victory for East Academy!" Her monster nodded flipping her swords back and forth as she jumped and attempted to pierce the facedown monster card with her blades. However the instant the swords would have made contact with the hologram they shattered along with their wielder. Carrie gasped as she heard her monster shatter into pieces."What?"

"You got a little ahead of yourself there" Chazz told her as his set card flipped face up to reveal- "So I activated Mirror force to prevent you from destroying my monster."

"Damn it" Carrie growled.

"I'm going to guess thats all you can do," Chazz grinned.

"Unfortunately, you're right." Carrie stated.

"Which means," Chazz declared. "It's time for me to seal my spot in the finals!" He drew and raised his hand towards his set monster ."Armed Dragon return to your position!" The set card flipped upward and the red and chrome dragon reappeared. "Let's end this! Go Armed Blast!" His monster nodded before its mouth began to shine and it let loose a beam of light that engulfed the East Academy rep. The light faded and the crowd gasped as Carrie dropped to her knees in defeat.

Carrie:1600-0

"I can see your students are as savage as always" Chancellor Linette growled looking over at Foster with great contempt.

Foster just smiled and shrugged, "If that's what it takes to go all the way. Besides you knew the risks when you decided to enter."

Their conversation was concluded by the sound of boos from the Duel Academy students as a referee walked onto the stage and raised Chazz's hand in victory. "The winner is Chazz Princeton from North Academy!"

"Shut it losers you're next!" One of the observing North academy students yelled, starting a string of insults thrown between the two. Soon an odd sound cut the two sides short however as what seemed to be a laugh sounded over the speakers. Chazz who had turned away and gave his fellow students the thumbs up turned around to see Carrie climbing to her feet.

"Are you ok?" He asked raising an eyebrow.

"I've never felt better" she said brushing a stray strand of silver hair from her face. "This is the first time I feel someone didn't hold back on me because they thought I was fragile."

"Well I'll have you know that the Chazz doesn't hold back for anything, especially dueling." he crossed his arms and the North academy students began a resounding chant of "CHAZZ IT UP"

"Oh for fuck sake they couldn't have come up with anything better?" Will grumbled.

"I'll be sure to push my deck to even higher limits next time we meet," she grinned. I'm not going to lose again."

"We'll see," Chazz laughed. "I'd hate to admit it but I had some fun."

"And made a new friend! I'm so proud of you boss!" Ojama yellow cheered as it did a little dance in front of Chazz's face. Chazz snarled and grabbed the spirit shoving him into his jacket once again.

"Now if you'll excuse me I have to rub my victory in the face of a certain someone." He gave the Kozmo duelist a wave of his hand before walking back towards the locker room.

"What an odd boy," Carrie remarked to herself as she stood up and followed Chazz, using his footsteps as a guide.


"WOOHOO GO CHAZZ!" Luke exclaimed while punching into the air. Biggs cheered as well, but much less boisterously than his partner. The Duel Academy students were not nearly as enthused by Chazz's victory.

"Dang it," Sarah groused. "I was hoping he'd get his ass beat." She pouted and folded her arms while Eiji began to chuckle at her display.

"It would be a nice slice of karma for Chazz to lose on national TV after all the stunts he pulled." Eiji mused. "But it was an entertaining match at least."

"I'm glad he won." Haru said, deadpan. The two Obelisks looked at him like he'd just grown another head, but he continued. "Today wouldn't be nearly as fun if I didn't get to beat him a second time." At that he began to grin a shark-like grin.

"Don't get ahead of yourself Haru," Jake said. "You still have to beat me if you want to face Chazz. And I don't plan on losing this title match." At that moment, Chancellor Magnum walked in.

"Haru, Jake, you boys are up. Let's get this show on the road!" The two took one last look at each other, challenge and defiance in their eyes, before walking out of the room. As they left, they passed Chazz and Carrie.

"You better not lose Yoshida." Chazz remarked as the two walked by each other.


Crowler had retaken his position and began to announce once more.

"Students, please put your hands together for 2nd and final preliminary round!"

(Play Flight of the Valkyries- Daniel Bryan)

As his music began to play Jake came out, his hoodie down and unzipped, revealing a white t-shirt with the words American Savage written in red on it. He pointed both hands into the air, pointer fingers outstretched, and began to chant.

"YES! YES! YES!" The West Academy students chanted alongside him as he walked down to the ring.

"Introducing first, representing West Academy: Jake Savage!"

Jake continued to chant once he made it to the center of the arena, with students from other academies beginning to chant as well. After a minute or so, he stopped, and Haru's music began to play.

(Play Destroyer- Samoa Joe)

Music began to play for a few seconds as Haru walked out, before reaching a crescendo. Once it stopped, both the music and Haru let out a large roar that echoed throughout the arena.

"RAAAAAGH!"

The music continued while Haru walked towards his spot.

"And his opponent, representing Duel Academy: Haru Yoshida!" Somehow, Crowler was able to keep his hatred of Haru out of his voice when announcing him.

"I hope you're ready Haru" Jake said once Haru's music stopped. "Because you're about to go down for the 3-count."

"Sorry Jake," Haru said. "But there won't be any three count, because I'm going on a rampage."

"Now, would our competitors activate their duel disks!" Haru and Jake complied, staring at each other with resolve.

DUEL!

"Since you have home court advantage, I think it's only fair I take the first turn" Jake called as he drew his hand plus another and looked them over. "I'll set a card and pass my turn," he announced as he slid the card into the underhand compartment on his tray.

"Taking it slow eh?" Haru raised an eyebrow. "You may regret that later on."

"Oh come on man, it's all about the suspense. You gotta build to the climax." Jake laughed. "Show me your power Haru!"

"Alright you asked for it" Haru said flashing his signature shark like grin as he drew his first card. "Let's get the ball rolling then! I summon Kaiju Legend Baby Godzilla in defense position" placing the card sideways on the field a small godzilla like creature appeared before him. Unlike its bigger counterpart this Kaiju was more dinosaur like, and was angled like that of a T-rex. It let out a small squeak as it took a defensive stance.

Kaiju Legend Baby Godzilla level 1 (500/500)

"So you're going to make me regret it with that?" Jake asked seeming amused.

"I assure you what Baby lacks in power he makes up for with his effect," Haru shot back. "As you're about to see! When Baby is the only monster on my side of the field I can special summon a level six or lower monster from my hand! Arise Kaiju Legend Rodan in attack position!" He commanded as a loud shriek was heard overhead and the pteranodon Kaiju swooped in and landed next to Baby.

Kaiju Legend Rodan level 6 (2300/2300)

"Time to see what you have in store for me," Haru grinned. "Battle time! Rodan attacks you directly with Tyrant Gale!" The giant winged Kaiju began to flap its wings attempting to Blow Jake off the field, but the West Academy rep stood tall as he pressed the button below the card he had set.

"I'll activate my trap then! It's called Tag -Team Ambush and you're about to see what it can do!" The card seemed to absorb the wind currents like a drain sucking up water, imbuing it with a green light. "First as you can see my trap negates your direct attack, and in addition I can special summon up to two Savage Superstar monsters from my hand as long as their total levels don't exceed your highest level monster."

"So you baited me," Haru grinned. "Excellent"

"I thought you would see it that way" Jake chuckled as he picked two cards from his hand and placed them in attack position, "The audience awaits boys! So come on out Savage Superstar Strong-Style Scorpion and Savage Superstar Luchador Lanius!" In a flash of light two beast like warriors appeared and raised their hands for a standing ovation from the west academy students, who had been flown in shortly after Jake and Magnum had arrived. The first one was modeled after a scorpion, with a large black stinger poking out behind it, and wore a pair of black leather pants with red stripes going down the sides. The second had wings instead of arms, purple skin, a blue bird-themed lucha mask, and a blue singlet.

Savage Superstar Strong-Style Scorpion level 3 (1500/1300)

Savage Superstar Luchador Lanius level 3 (1600/1200)

"Strong-Style Scorpion's effect activates! When he's summoned I can add a field spell with Savage Superstar in its name from my deck to my hand" He pulled out a card from his deck and revealed it. "In this case I think I'll choose Savage Superstar Battlegrounds."

Haru smirked. "Well can't say I'm not intrigued. I'll set a card and pass my turn then."

"Allright draw!" Jake called adding the new card to hand. "I'll start by activating Battlegrounds from my hand!"He inserted the field spell into the slot at the end of the disk and closed it at the two competitors were surrounded by a wrestling ring surrounded by tropical trees and animals.

"So you're making this a wrestling match eh? Sounds fun," Haru said cracking his neck in anticipation.

"It's sorta my thing you know" Jake laughed. "Savage Superstar Battlegrounds gives all Savage Superstars 300 attack for every Savage Superstar I control and since I control two that's 600 additional attack if my math is correct."

Savage Superstar Strong-Style Scorpion level 3 (1500-2100)

Savage Superstar Luchador Lanius level 3 (1600-2200)

"But wait, the fun doesn't stop there because I can now activate Luchador Lanius's effect! When I control a spell or trap card with Savage Superstar in its name all monsters that share the archetype name gain 500 attack"

Savage Superstar Strong-Style Scorpion level 3 (2100-2600)

Savage Superstar Luchador Lanius level 3 (2200-2700)

"Alright everything's in order for me to lay the smackdown on you," Jake declared. "Strong-Style Scorpion attacks Baby Godzilla with the Stinger Elbow!" The scorpion themed wrestler leaped towards baby godzilla and pulled back its elbow to deliver a strike but was deflected as Rodan extended a wing to defend it. As Strong-Style Scorpion returned to his side of the field Jake blinked in confusion "What gives?"

"When Baby is on the field with another Kaiju monster it can't be destroyed by battle" Haru informed him. "And all battle damage I would take from his battles are halved."

Haru:4000-2950

"Well that's rather annoying" Jake grumbled. "Fine, Luchador Lanius will attack your rodan then. Go, Falcon Frankensteiner!" The avian wrestler leapt into the air, and wrapped it's legs around the Dino Kaiju's neck and flipped back, using the momentum to send Rodan into the ring canvas and destroy it.

Haru:2950-2850

"That's it for me," Jake concluded.

"Draw!" Haru grinned seemingly having fun despite getting smacked around during his opponents turn pretty handily. "I'll activate Baby's effect! Since it survived a turn on the field I can special summon Kaiju Legend Little Godzilla from my deck in defense position!" He placed Baby in the graveyard before placing a new card on the field. With a slightly louder cry, what seemed to be a tiny green cartoonish Godzilla appeared in Baby's position.

Kaiju Legend Little Godzilla level 4 (500/1900)

"And since I control a Kaiju monster I can special summon Kaiju Prophet Hirotoshi in defense position as well," Haru continued as his new monster appeared in the form of an old Japanese man in a brown jacket and hat along with a pair of tan pants.

Kaiju Prophet Hirotoshi level 1(100/100)

"Hard to believe you're going to stage a comeback with those two monsters. I'm guessing you have something else up your sleeve?" Jake asked.

"That's right" Haru answered. "Because Hirotoshi has a second effect in addition to being able to special summon himself, he can be treated as two tributes for the summon of a Kaiju monster, And I think I have just the monster for this occasion, namely Kaiju Legend Gaira!" The old man disappeared as the familiar green furred goliath rose upwards beating its chest.

Kaiju Legend Gaira level 7 (2600/1900)

"NOW THAT'S MORE LIKE IT" Jake yelled excitedly. "SHOW ME WHAT YOU CAN DO!"

"Glad I could impress" Haru grinned. "But I'm not quite done yet, you see my deck revolves around the concept of token tributing to activate my monsters effects, and it seems I don't have any tokens to tribute. Let's change that shall we? I activate the spell card Matango Pollination! When activated I can target one monster you control and special summon two Mushroom Tokens with half its original attack."

Mushroom Token x2 (800/800)

"Now let's get down to business. I activate Little Godzilla's effect. By tributing a token on my side of the field I can flip a face up spell or trap facedown. And I think your field spell is the best target in this instance." The surrounding wrestling ring disappeared from around them as it was deactivated.

"Well damn, kill the mood why don't you?" Jake groaned clearly disappointed by the change in scenery.

"Can't let you have the advantage if I intend to win can I?" Haru grinned

"Fair enough."

"And if I recall correctly since its no longer activated your monsters lose their 600 point attack boost."

Savage Superstar Strong-Style Scorpion level 3 (2600-2000)

Savage Superstar Luchador Lanius level 3 (2700-2100)

"And with that it's time for me to layeth the smackdown!" Haru pumped his fist. "But first Gaira will activate its effect, by tributing a token monster it gains that attack until the endphase!" Gaira grabbed the remaining mushroom and shoved it into its maw before flaring with an orange aura.

Kaiju Legend Gaira level 7 (2600-3400)

"Do what you do best Gaira, pummel Luchador Lanius!" Haru commanded as the Green gargantua grinned pounded its chest and slammed its outstretched palm down onto the avian luchador, shattering it instantly.

Jake: 4000-2700

"Hows that for a comeback? I managed to destroy your monster and reduce your remaining one back to its original attack." Haru asked.

Savage Superstar Strong-Style Scorpion (2000-1500)

"That was sweet dude," Jake grinned. "Quite the combo you pulled off if I do say so myself.".

"These two are almost exactly the same in terms of personality. I didn't think it was physically possible." Bastion sighed.

"Yeah the only difference is I think that Jake actually applies himself in school" Alexis chuckled.

"Whose side are you on?" Blair said shooting her a glare."Haru is the best duelist, besides Zane, that I've ever seen".

"Yeah when he applies himself nobody can stop him" Syrus agreed.

"Shhh" Will hissed, "It's just getting good".

"And that's my turn. Your go, Savage" Haru called.

"As a showman I can't let you show me up" Jake laughed drawing for turn. "I'll start by flipping my field spell face up so I can get that attack bonus once again." The field returned to its tropical wrestling theme. "For my first move I'll activate a continuous spell called, Hit My Music!" A card depicting a large titantron with the words savage superstar on it, with a bulky cloaked figure standing below it with its arms raised. "Now once per turn during my main phase one I can reveal the top card of my deck. If it's a Savage Superstar monster I can special summon it, if it's anything else it goes to the graveyard."

"Playing the chance game? Alright show me what your deck can do" Haru nodded.

"I intend to," Jake stated. "So here goes!". He drew and looked at his card with a grin "Looks like my deck answered my call, I special summon Savage Superstar Submission sabertooth" slamming the card onto his disk. A humanoid sabertooth wearing a pair of red tights jumped out of the ground in front of jake and took up a fighting stance.

Savage Superstar Submission Sabertooth level 3 (1500/1600)

"And now that I control two superstars they gain 600 attack due to my field spells activation" Jake continued.

Savage Superstar Submission Sabertooth (1500-2100)

Savage Superstar Strong-Style Scorpion (1500-2100)

"Now to activate Sabertooths effect. I can now equip him to a monster you control and it loses attack equal to Sabertooths original attack" Sabertooth let out a snarl as it maneuvered itself behind Gaira, locking in a rear naked choke, binding Gaira in place..

Kaiju Legend Gaira (2600-1100)

"And now I have an out to your stronger monster" Jake laughed, "Let's Battle! Strong-Style Scorpion attacks Gaira with Stinger Knee Strike!" The scorpion-themed wrestler ran towards Gaira, and leaped into the air before driving its knee into the Gargantua's face, shattering it into pieces.

Haru: 2850-1850

Haru covered his eyes as a wild tempest whipped past him at his monsters destruction. "Thats the two count Haru, I'll say this now next turn you're going to get pinned!' Jake called.

"We'll see about that" Haru growled placing his hand on his deck before drawing. "Since Little Godzilla survived till my next main phase he gets to evolve a little more! Arise Kaiju Legend Godzilla Jr!" The little green Kaiju began to glow and shift until it changed into the form of a smaller version of Godzilla with shorter dorsel plaits.

Kaiju Legend Godzilla Jr level 6 (2200/900)

"I'll banish Matango Pollination from my graveyard to special summon a singular Mushroom Token. Then I'll activate Jr.'s effect. By tributing that very same token I can destroy a monster you control with less attack than it. Go for it Jr. take out Strong-Style Scorpion!" Jr.'s smaller dorsel plaits began to glow as it let loose its breath weapon destroying it."

"And now for the direct attack!" Haru continued. "Jr. take aim at his life points!" The smaller Kaiju let loose its atomic breath once again engulfing Jake completely.

Jake: 2700-500

"I'm not going down without a fight Savage! I have to put someone in his place in the finals" Haru grinned. "You're welcome to try to finish me off though."

"Oh I will," Jake said as his turn began. He turned to the students of West Academy in the crowd and raised the card he had drawn up high for them to see. "It's here folks, the card that will bring West Academy into the finals!"

There was a loud roar from the West Academy stands as they began to chant, "Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes!" Jake pointed to the ceiling with his duel disk hand and nodded. "I hope you're ready for this Haru!"

"Well you've piqued my interest at least," Haru stated, excited at Jake's pronouncement.

"The King of the ring and the food chain will dine on Kaiju today!" Jake declared. "I banish both Savage Superstar Submission Sabertooth and Savage Superstar Luchador Lanius in my graveyard to special summon Savage Superstar Mane Eventer!" Jake's side of the field began to light up and fire erupted from outside of the ring as a shadowy figure climbed into the ring. It wore a pair of blue tights and a red hoodie. It raised a claw hand to the sky before discarding its hoodie with a loud howl. Standing before Haru was a humanoid lion with red face paint.

Savage Superstar Mane Eventer level 8 (?/?)

"I can tell your confused by its lack of attack points, but don't be. There's a good reason," Jake explained. "You see Mane Eventer gains attack equal to that of the two monsters I banished to summon him, and if you recall Sabertooth had 1500 attack and Lanius had 1600 attack. That means,"

Haru whistled, "That's 3100 attack."

"Damn right it is!" Jake said striking a pose. "Remember when I said you would be pinned by the end of this turn? I wasn't lying because for my normal summon I'm going to bring out Savage Superstar Hardcore Hellhound! And due to my field spell both my monsters gain 600 attack now."

Savage Superstar Mane Eventer level 8 (3100-3700)

Savage Superstar Hardcore Hellhound level 3 (1500-2100)

"And now for the three count!" Jake said pointing towards Godzilla Jr, "Take him out Mane Eventer with Powerbomb of the Pride!" Mane Eventer ran towards Godzilla Jr and lifted the Kaiju into the air, before driving it back-first into the ground..

Haru reached for the the button above his set card, but noticed Jake shaking his head."That won't work my friend! When Mane Eventer attacks you cant activate spells or traps so unfortunately this attack is about to go through!" Haru watched as Mane Eventer destroyed Jr and the remaining damage was directed at him, knocking him completely off his feet.

Haru: 1850 -350

Jake watched his opponent fly backward, his expression changing to that of disappointment. "I told you Haru this was your last turn and I've never been wrong on that prediction before"

"He's going to lose," Crowler whined from behind the four Chancellors as he chewed on his handkerchief. "I knew we should have let Zane represent us this year."

"Might as well end this now" Jake shrugged. " Hardcore Hellhound, finish him off!"As his monster attacked he turned towards the West Academy students and raised his right arm in victory. But he was not met by the cheers he expected, but with silence. There was a flash of light behind him and he turned to see his monster return to his side of the field. He frowned and looked over to see Haru now on his feet as shit eating grin on his face. Beside him call of the haunted had revealed itself and in front of that the giant brown Pteranodon Kaiju that he had destroyed earlier.

Kaiju Legend Rodan level 6 (2300/2300)

"There's a first time for everything buddy," Haru retorted. "and I intend to be the one to break that streak. So would you like to redeclare your attack or not?".

Jakes grin returned as he shook his head, "Nah I think i'll pass."

"So let's see if I can pull off the comeback?" Haru said looking down and taking a deep breath. He felt a hand on his right shoulder that sent shivers down his spine.

"You alright there partner?" Godzilla asked.

'Yeah I'm fine,' He thought. 'Took you long enough to show up.'

Godzilla yawned 'Yeah the old lady told me to quote "Get off my ass", so I came out so she would stop bitching.'

"Glad you value our partnership so much" Haru snorted.

'Don't get me wrong kid I do. I just figured you would have this one in the bag like the other times' the spirit grinned. 'But I can tell this duel has got your blood pumping, I know because it's getting me pumped. I haven't felt this way since the duel with Zane.'

Haru grinned as he placed his hand on his deck. "I'm relying on you partner, and all the other spirits in my deck."

"And we will answer," Godzilla growled as the blue aura that had only shown itself a few times before engulfed the Kaiju duelist.

"Whoa" Blair gasped. 'Do you guys see this?"

"What? From the way it looks to me Haru's just taking a minute to get himself together," Syrus said looking at her like she was crazy.

"Dude! Thats so sick" Jake's eyes widened. "How did you do that?"

"Just a trick I picked up while training," Haru grinned as he drew and all of the blue aura funneled into the card. He looked at it and laughed. "Would you look at that they pulled through."

"Show me!" Jake said giving him a bring it on gesture.

"If you insist. I play the spell card Kaiju Evolution: Laval Imbuement! In order to activate this card it requires either Godzilla or Rodan on my field. Since I control Rodan I can tribute it then special summon Fire Rodan from my deck in attack position!" Taking the card from his deck he replaced Rodan with it. "Imbue yourself with the flames that lie dormant within the volcano and arise with a new power, Come forth Fire Rodan! Rodan was engulfed in a black rocklike substance as it began to shift and change into something new. The rocks shattered and a new Rodan emerged from within. Now it had pinkish crimson skin, its horns were now sharper and it glowed with a new fiery power.

Kaiju Legend Fire Rodan level 8 (2800/2000)

"As much as I appreciate the effort, your monster still doesn't compare to Mane Eventer's attack and due to it's second effect you can't attack anything but it," Jake pointed out.

Haru shrugged, "Who said I was going to try to take your monster head on?"

"What?"

"When Fire Rodan is summoned it destroys all spell and trap cards you control and inflicts 500 points of direct damage for each, and due to the fact I managed to lower you to exactly 500 the previous turn..."

"Well played," Jake laughed clapping his hands.

Fire rodans head spikes began to glow before it let loose a reddish beam that diminished Jakes life points completely.

Jake:500-0

Haru raised his fist in victory as the holograms disappeared. Crowler fell back in his chair out of shock, and the Arena erupted in cheers. Jake walked across the arena and stretched out his fist, "Nice duel Guardian Kaiju."

Haru looked at him and raised and cocked his head slightly. "How did you know that was my nickname?"

"To be honest Chancellor Magnum collected info about the people I might face during this competition to try to get a leg up. Honestly it doesn't play along with my dueling style to be aware of my opponents strategies, but it was kinda fun reading about the shenanigans you and your friends have gotten into" Jake explained.

"Ah," Haru nodded. "Well if it makes you feel any better you're the first person since our schools Ace were I've gotten this pumped for a duel." He bumped fists with his opponent.

"Would you mind explaining what the blue Aura thing you did was? It was really cool," Jake asked inquisitively.

"Well…."

"Would the Contestants please clear the dueling field so we can set up for the tag duel title match please?" The announcer called over the microphone.

"I'll tell you while we walk. I think we're holding up the proceedings."

"And when we get to the waiting room we can make fun of Chazz for how serious he is," Jake added.

Haru grinned at the prospect, "You know Jake, I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship"

Hey Guys thanks for waiting for the new chapter. I decided to take a couple weeks off to dedicate myself to studying for my finals. Anyway, Azure Dragon of the East had the Ideas for both Biggs and Carrie and I really appreciate his help with them. As for a question posted rather recently in the comments, I'm not sure when i'll use super Godzilla but I can assure you i will at some point. As for Jake, Silver and I have been planning on having a character who uses wrestling themed cards for a while now and while I'm not the most well informed about the sport, Silver is and he helped out a lot. Thanks for the support and I'm hoping to have the next chapter up within the next two weeks. As always Keep it Showy

-Red