Long time guys. Writer's block got to me trying to figure out new moves and cards. I was really torn with Blair's deck since wiki changed how it acts. But it's going to be fine. Only one Chapter Left until the main show stars where I can move faster! Please Enjoy!
Disclaimer: I do not own Yu-Gi-Oh! GX or the rest of the franchise or any music in this story, I own Claudio Osbourne and the Jukebox Hero Archetype, aside from a select few made by all the authors/readers who submitted them. And all other OCs and cards submitted © original creators.
Chapter 7: By Your Hand
We open the day with first year Blair Flannigan, recreating her deck with a smile on her face. She remembered the message she got from the Vice-Chancellor stating that she was being promoted should she win her duel against Jeremy Roswell. However, she had to do so by winning with a Monster that's not an evolution. Her deck, being Mystics, relied on her cards being evolved through being destroyed or card effects that sped up the process. With this, she had to recalibrate her deck.
The knowledge of having to win with her challenge in place, did not stop her determination. Ever since she snuck in to Duel Academy at the young age of 8, Blair always had the mind of a great duelist. She even finished the proper schooling it took to be at Duel Academy when she entered the GX Tournament. She smiled fondly at the first duel she had with Jaden. Back then, her focus was on her infatuation with Zane Truesdale and shifted to Jaden by the time she had to be sent back home. But that's where she gotten sad. She noticed that Jaden was distant ever since he returned to Duel Academy. She looked to his approval for a lot of things dueling but was always vague in his answers.
Soon, a knock on the door was heard, snapping her out of her thoughts.
"It's open!" Blair called out. Once the door opened, it was her former roommate, Reyna. Despite her joining Obelisk, the E-Hero duelist still came around the Slifer Dorm, mainly for Jaden and Blair. She noticed that they hung out a lot more... "Hey Reina..."
Seeing the minor sadness on her friend's face, Reyna walked up to her and sat down on the nearby bed. "I figured you'd be psyched about that promotion duel coming up."
"I was," the Mystic Duelist replied. "But then, I started thinking about Jaden again."
Reyna sighed, "Yeah, I'm still worried about him, too. I even heard about his late-night test with the Vice-Chancellor from Allyson."
"Was that why he and Claudio left after Alexis' duel with her friends?" The Slifer girl wondered.
"Yeah, but there was more to it..." The Obelisk girl replied. "You remembered what happened earlier this year in the Alternate Dimensions?" Blair winced at this as she looked to her left arm, remembering how Yubel and Trageodia infected her and Mikoto while possessing Marcel and Xiu Zhen. "Sorry to bring it up..."
"It's fine, it's over and done," Blair stated, trying to perk up. "But what about them?"
"It turns out Yubel and Trageodia are still around... in card form," Reyna said in a grim tone. "Jaden and Claudio are wielding them in their decks."
"What!?" the Mystic Duelist gasped. "After everything those Monsters done to us... to them!? Why would they have those cards?"
"I can probably think about why Jaden kept Yubel after defeating them," the E-Hero duelist sighed. "It was the card our dad given him, and our connection as kids since Jaden could only hear Yubel while could see her as well. And there was something about Yubel that I noticed, making her obsessed with him. Even with the problems around our childhood, it mostly when Jaden was sad that everyone was knocked unconscious and it revolved around his opponents stopping Yubel from being summoned. But for Claudio, who had grown to hate and fear Tragoedia for what he done and what he tried to do... I'm at a loss..."
"Yeah, it doesn't make sense that they would fight and then keep the cards that house dangerous spirits," Blair noted. "I'd be skeptical about it if I hadn't experienced it with you and the others filling in the blanks..." She remembered asking around about how those monsters could be real, getting answers about how some backgrounds on the stories of Duel Monsters have some truth to it.
"Well, Allyson and Melody are rounding up our friends to confront them about their actions," Reyna noted. "We figure we can get them to talk about why they're so distant, and we only think that having Yubel and Tragoedia around is just the start."
"Count me in," Blair stated, stepping away from her desk. "I missed having the old Jaden around, not only he was a lot more fun when I first met him, he helped me when I was struck down with that weird illness."
Reyna sighed, seeing the admiration in Blair's eyes, "You know Jaden has a girlfriend... Allyson still doesn't like how you keep looking at my brother..."
Blair pouted, "Fine..."
"Not to mention, you need to get to the arena for your test." The Obelisk continued. "You're the first one going up. And I've heard about Jeremy, he's a tough opponent who's come a long way."
The Mystic Duelist nodded as she gathered her deck and duel disk. "Then, I'd better get to it. Just tell me when we're going to help out Jaden afterwards..."
"I will," Reyna nodded.
At the Ra Dorm, another duelist was prepping for his duel. He had black hair with orange-red highlights and had the look of determination on his face. This was Dmitri, a third-year Ra Yellow duelist who was known for making Cookie Cutter decks and even going the extra mile in impersonating the duelist who originally wielded the deck. He was hard at work finishing his deck but kept eyeing the message on his Duel Pilot. He was slated for expulsion and had to duel to in order keep himself in the school. The last part of the statement struck home when he first heard from the Vice-Chancellor...
He remembered being at the Vice-Chancellor's office after being called up by Professor Sartyr to go there. It was all unpleasant from then on...
(Flashback)
"Dmitri Kagurazaka," Etna started as she gave him a stern look, "You are being slated for expulsion from Duel Academy."
The Ra was shocked to hear such a statement. He knew people were getting called on for being promoted or demoted since the Vice-Chancellor came to Duel Academy. But expulsion!?
"From your time here at Duel Academy, you are one with great academics here and have never let up," the Vice-Chancellor continued. "I admire that your grades are up to snuff. But your approach to dueling is very shameful..."
"S-Shameful," Dmitri stuttered.
"In all your duels, you're always netdecking; a practice that involves zero creativity and is usually done by players who are only interested in a cheap, effortless win, believing they can only achieve such a victory by copying an established winning Deck. For this reason, it is a practice that is shunned upon by many players. Not once, in your file, have I seen you battle with a deck that's not something you made with your own hands and your brain wracking which cards to choose. And since your supposed to be a duelist, it's a wonder why you are here..."
Dmitri felt disheartened hearing all of this, he couldn't even make a comeback. He was told time and time again to put himself out there in his dueling since he used a replica of Yugi's deck and failed to defeat Jaden. Even with the lecture from Jaden and Zane, he continued to battle with his netdecking ways. He started winning as he used some strategies and other cards he found that the originators haven't done yet to catch people off guard. But now, here was someone who harshly threw down everything he knew.
Seeing this, Etna finally threw down the gauntlet, "Which is why in your duel, you had better create a deck that you and only you have used. That is my challenge... I want to see YOU duel, Dmitri! I don't want to see another duelist out there when you face Alex Jacobs. If I see one strategy that in that duel that was copied by another and trust me when I say I know a lot of them, I will pull the plug on the duel and have you carted off the island. Is that clear?"
"Yes, ma'am..." Dmitri sighed.
(End Flashback)
He was now working on that deck he needed to stand out. He remembered hitting up the card shack for new cards and found some that were new to him. Once he took them to his dorm room and combined with the spare cards he had, he saw similarities he never noticed it because he only looked for the cards that would fit into his Cookie Cutter decks. By doing this, he shook off the despair that was put into him and set to work. After agonizing hours, spending all his free time to calibrate the new deck, he was finished. He looked down at the finished deck with an exhausted yet satisfied look on his face.
"Finally," Dmitri said as he noticed it was time to complete his test. "It's time to go out there and be me..."
Soon, the arena was filling up with students and faculty alike. Standing in the arena with Etna in the middle, Blair and her opponent, the Alien Duelist, Jeremy Roswell shuffling each other's decks.
"Man, you third-years are really jumping up the ranks," Jeremy said with praise. "First Reyna, now you?"
"I really think it's my record in the GX Tournament that did it," Blair stated. "They said I should have been in Obelisk Blue, since I was only one of young outsiders that made it to the finals."
"Right, you held your own against Kenji and beat him down to 50 Life Points," the Alien duelist said. "Against someone who is highly ranked here, I agree with all of them."
"But I must defeat you to get there," the Mystic Duelist noted. "And I heard you vastly improved yourself from Slifer Red, I can't wait to see your skill."
"You'll get that and more!" He said as they both returned their decks to their owners and went to their side of the arena.
"Blair Flannigan," Etna said into the microphone, "You are being tested to join Obelisk Blue. If you defeat Jeremy Roswell with your challenge, you shall be promoted. Are both duelists ready?" Both duelist nodded as they activated their duel disks. "Begin!"
Etna left to her seat while the duelists drew their opening hands.
DUEL!
Blair: 8000
Jeremy: 8000
"I'll start this off," Blair announced, drawing her sixth card. "I'll set one monster to end my turn." The Slifer Girl placed a Monster Card on her field, leaving a Set card on the field.
Jeremy raised an eyebrow, "Yeah, I remember her deck from her duels with Kenji and that Tag Duel with Marcel, Jachin, and Xiu Zhen. She wants her monsters destroyed, unless she has Mystic Revolution on board. But it looks like she hasn't done so yet..."
Etna smirked at the field, "Already, Blair has him thinking. From someone who turned out to be a great duelist after figuring out his deck, Blair's a perfect opponent."
"My turn," Jeremy announced, drawing his sixth card. "I'll start with Alien Kid in attack mode!" A light flashed from the ceiling, letting a child-like alien appear with a yellow ray gun in its hand. (4/1600/700) "I then place two cards facedown and end my turn."
"Alien Kid places an A-Counter on any of Blair's Special Summoned Monsters," Lily noted.
"Not only that, but Kid is one of those monsters that drain 300 ATK on monsters with them," Alex stated. "He's ready for anything Blair throws out now..."
"My turn," Blair announced, drawing her next card. "Good move, but not good enough! I Flip Summon my Mystic Baby Dragon!" The Set Monster turned over, bringing out a small, green dragon with bright blue eyes. (4/1200/800) "And then, I'll use Mystic Revolution to evolve my little dragon into a big dragon! Mystic Dragon, I summon you!"
The Baby Dragon squealed as it gained a white aura that made it grow more than twice its size. One done, it was giant, elder dragon with large scales running down its back. (8/3600/2400)
'Just because I have to win without an evolved monster, doesn't mean I can't use them,' Blair thought with a smirk.
"Alien Kid activates its effect," Jeremy countered as the monster fired its laser, causing a white blob to latch onto the dragon. (MD: 1AC) "When you Special Summon a Monster, it gains an A-Counter!"
"But that's not going to help you much," Blair smirked, "Because my monster's going to attack yours! Mystic Dragon, attack with Mystic Flame!"
"Reveal my facedown card," the Alien duelist countered, revealing his Set card. "I play the Quick-Play Spell, "A" Cell Recombination Device! I can send one Alien Monster from my deck to the graveyard and give a Monster you control A Counters equal to the sent Monster's level!" He then took a card, revealing the Monster. "I select Alien Overlord, giving your Monsters six A-Counters!" He then sent the card to the graveyard, letting his Spell cover the dragon in blobs. (MD: 1AC-7ACs) "And since you know that my monster's one of them, Alien Kid will now drain 300 ATK from your Monsters for each A-Counter on it!"
Alien Kid giggled as it raised his free hand, making the blobs glow and drain the energy from Mystic Dragon. (8/3600-1500/2400) Then, the Kid fired its laser into a beam that eradicated the dragon into pixels.
Blair: 7900
Jeremy: 8000
Everyone gasped at how easy Jeremy took out a heavy hitter of Blair's deck.
"Jeremy's really stepped up from that duel," Claudio noted softly.
"I place one card facedown to end my turn," Blair concluded.
"My turn," Jeremy announced, drawing his next card. "I summon Alien Shocktrooper!" He stated as a centaur-like alien wielding a scimitar appeared. (4/1900/800) "Time for some direct attacks! Go my monsters!"
Shocktrooper rushed the field and slashed at the Slifer girl. But she wasn't given much time to recover as the Kid fired another beam at her.
Blair: 6500-4600
Jeremy: 8000
"Alright, I'm looking great," Jeremy said to himself.
"But now it's time I made a comeback!" Blair announced, revealing a card from her hand. "Since I have taken two direct attacks, I reveal my Mystic Aura Trap Card in my hand. This allows me either to regain all my Life Points or Special Summon two Monsters to my field from my deck. And since I'm in need of Monsters, I'll take the latter!" She then discarded her Trap and took out two Monster Cards from her deck. "Mystic Baby Knight and Mystic Baby Magician will now come out!"
In two flashes of light, two young kids, a boy in knight's armor and a girl in magician's robes appeared. (4/1400/100), (4/1100/900)
"But then, Alien Kid will place A-Counter's on your Monsters!" Jeremy countered as two white blobs latched onto the kids. (MBK/MBM: 1AC each)
Blair smirked, "But now that you've done that, I can reveal my facedown card! The Trap Mystic Enlightenment!" She stated as the Trap Card revealed itself. "I remove Mystic Revolution from my graveyard, and that lets me evolve two of my Monsters!"
"What!?" Jeremy gasped as two portals erupted from both side of Blair.
"Mystic Knight and Mystic Magician! I summon you both!"
Emerging from the portal, a knight in bronze armor with a shield on his left arm and a sword in his right hand. His eyes were a fierce blue. With him, a woman in silver robes with gold stars adorned on it, and a wizarding hat atop her golden hair. She carried a scepter that had the same color scheme as her robes. (8/3300/2000), (8/3500/2500)
"But Alien Kid still activates its effect, placing an A-Counter on your monsters!" The Ra duelist noted as his Alien Kid fired two more A-Counters that latched onto the Mystic Monsters. (MK/MM: 1AC each) "I then end with a facedown card."
"My turn," Blair announced, drawing her next card. "Time to earn my Life Points back! Magician, attack his Alien Kid!"
Mystic Magician fired her spell at the small Alien, completely shrugging off the power loss of the A-Counter. (8/3500-3200/2500) The Spell vaporized the Alien into nothing.
Blair: 4600
Jeremy: 6400
"Like I said earlier, Mystic Magician's effect lets me regain Life Points equal to your destroyed monster's ATK!" Blair stated as a white aura surrounded her to restore some of her energy.
Blair: 6200
Jeremy: 6400
"Now I reveal my Continuous Trap card, Damage = Reptile!" Jeremy announced, revealing the Trap. "As long as this Trap Card is in play, I can Special Summon a Reptile-Type Monster from my deck equal to or less than the damage I received! Meaning I can summon one with up to 1600 ATK! But, I won't summon so much as your Knight's on the field, so I'll settle for my 200 ATK Alien Psychic in defense mode!"
A flash from the Continuous Trap brought out a small, worm-like Alien appeared with crystal-like scales on its head. (1/200/100)
"As for why I chose this one, while this card is on the field, your monsters with A-Counters cannot declare attacks!" He grinned as Psychic's scales brightened, reacting to the A-Counters, caused both Mystic Monsters to freeze in place.
"That's the same move he used during his match with Lorenzo," Melody smiled. "Now he's avoiding a huge loss!"
Blair sighed, "At least I did the smart thing in padding my Life Points. I'll end my turn with a facedown card."
Etna smiled, "I remember from Jeremy's file that he used Aliens because he liked Science Fiction. But ever since using cards that take advantage of the Reptile-Types, Jeremy has been a more competent duelist. There's no telling how much he's improved with his deck..."
"My move," Jeremy announced, drawing his next card. "I play Pot of Greed!" He stated as the grinning pot appeared, allowing the Ra to draw two cards. Looking at his cards, he grinned with a flash going through his glasses.
"Oh boy," Alex smirked. "He's got that look in his eye..."
"Blair's in trouble," Atticus noted.
"It's time!" Jeremy shouted as he played his next card, "I summon my Tuner Monster, Alien Ammonite!" He announced, bringing out a small Alien-like mollusk with its grey tentacles flailing. (1/500/200) "When summoned, I can Special Summon 1 Level 4 or lower Alien Monster from the Graveyard! And I pick my Alien Kid!"
Soon, the small child Alien appeared. (4/1600/700)
"But since I Normal Summoned a Monster, I can Special Summon my Alien Dog as well!" He continued as a small, alien puppy appeared. (3/1500/1000) "With this, I can place 2 A-Counters on your monsters. I choose to place one each on your Monsters!"
The Dog threw its bone in the air, causing to break into two more blobs that latched onto the armor and robes of the Mystic Monsters. (MK/MM: 2ACs each)
"A full field of monsters!" Allen gasped.
"And his options are unlimited in what he can do with it." Lyra added.
"Now I tune together my Level 3 Alien Dog with Level 1 Ammonite!"
"Huh?" Alex, Lily, and Atticus wondered as the small Alien puppy was wrapped around by the Tuner Monster, becoming three glowing stars surrounded by one Tuning Ring. Jeremy then chanted:
"The deity of a forgotten void! Unleash the madness and terror upon the hapless victims! Synchro Summon! Descend unto this world! Old Entity Hastorr!"
Erupting from the light pillar came a monster no one expected from a duelist like Jeremy. It was a human dress in a regal, yellow cloak and wearing a white mask. (4/2300/1000)
"A Level 4 Synchro Monster and he used his Aliens to do so?" Spencer wondered. "It must be something that he can use with his Aliens' effects."
"Next, I'll activate my facedown card, Brainwashing Beam!" Jeremy continued, revealing his facedown card. "With this card, I can take control of a Monster you have with A-Counters! So, come to me, Mystic Magician!"
The Trap created a starry light that caused the pupils in the Magician to go blank. Then, she walked over to Jeremy in a trance before turning around to face her former mistress.
"There's the variety of the A-Counters at work," Etna mused. "Not only with select Aliens to drain ATK times the number of Counters, he can also take control of opponent's monsters. With the knowledge of ones he controls, Jeremy's a smart opponent."
"But your Alien Psychic still prevents her from attacking!" Blair pointed out.
"Which is why I have a different move to use," The Alien duelist smirked as he flipped over his last card. Polymerization!
"He's going to use Fusion!?" Kurogasa gasped. "I've never seen the Aliens with a Fusion Monster!"
"With all the upgrades everyone's done to their deck, I wouldn't be surprised," Vincent added, as much surprised.
"This Monster I'm bringing out can have a Monster with A-Counters be used as a substitute for another Alien Monster!" Jeremy announced as he activated the Polymerization card. "So now I fuse together Alien Psychic and your Mystic Magician!"
A fusion vortex appeared above the Ra's field, absorbing the worm alien and the brainwashed Magician.
"The Alien who controls the brain! A Monster unwillingly controlled! Join as one and call the next Alien vessel to control this world! Fusion Summon! Descend unto this world! Cosmic Spacecraft Dest'udo!"
An alarming noise was heard as the ceiling turned into starry sky. Soon, a rippling effect was moving through the sky and illuminated itself into a giant space saucer. But unlike the stereotypical once, it had several tentacles attached to the bottom and even a dark red eye sitting on top, staring at Blair's side of the field. (9/3000/2100)
Etna smiled, "Jeremy continues to impress as well... He's able to use his opponent's monsters for materials for his Special Summonings in ways the normal routes could not. Fascinating...
"Now I use its Special Ability!" Jeremy grinned. "When Fusion Summoned, I can Special Summon a Monster from my Graveyard! Come back, Alien Ammonite!" From the spacecraft, the Alien Tuner Monster descended to the field. (1/500/200) "Now I tune together my Level 4 Alien Kid with Level 1 Ammonite!" Once again, the Ammonite gripped its partner with its tentacles before starting the Synchro Summoning...
"Time for the Alien Race to bring the invasion to the next level! Synchro Summon! Invade, Cosmic Fortress Gol'gar!"
From the process, another green machine appeared that was fused with an Alien substance. Numerous tentacles and bulging stalks lined its body with its face at the very top with glowing green eyes. (5/2600/1800)
"And there's the Synchro Monster," Claudio noted. "Along with his new Fusion, Jeremy will be even stronger."
"First, Gol'gar will activate its effect," The Alien Duelist declared, "I can return any number of face-up Spell and Trap Cards to the players' hands and place A-Counters on your Monsters! So, I return my Brainwashing Beam and Damage = Reptile to my hand and place two more A-Counters on your Knight!"
Two of Gol'gar's tentacles pierced through the two Continuous Trap Cards, causing them to vanish from the field. It then spat out two more blobs on Mystic Knight, who was continuing to be disgusted with the now four blobs onto his armor. Jeremy then added his Continuous Traps into his hand.
"Next, I place two cards facedown," Jeremy stated. "Then, I'll use Gol'gar's second effect! I can take two A-Counters off the field and destroy a card you control! I choose your Mystic Knight!" Gol'gar then fired a laser from its tentacles, vaporizing the Knight into nothing. "Now I'll attack!"
"Now I use my facedown card," Blair announced, revealing her facedown card. "Negate Attack!"
A spiral vortex appeared, making Shocktrooper's attack useless against its force.
"I'll end my turn here." Jeremy stated, inserting a facedown card. "And this will activate Dest'udo's effect! I can remove an Alien Monster from my Graveyard and hit your Life Points with its ATK! I remove Alien Overlord with 2200 ATK!"
The eye of Dest'udo brightened up and fired a laser that struck Blair's stomach, making her cringe at the impact.
Blair: 4000
Jeremy: 6400
Etna smiled, "Jeremy, you are a clever one. Thanks to your combo, you can control your opponent's monster and use it to fuel your monster line-up, and possibly create monsters from your Extra Deck. And you can continue this with Gol'gar's effect. Also, with Dest'udo, you can damage her life points as you fuel your graveyard with Aliens until you reduce it to 0. How will you escape, Miss Flannigan?"
Blair was trying to figure that out herself, seeing three of her best Monsters shut down by Jeremy's strategy. Her four-card hand looked promising, but it could only stall him. She needed to win this turn, but she needed her new card along with her cards to clinch it. She then steeled herself and drew her next card. Once she saw it, she smiled.
"It ends here, Jeremy!" She announced as she began. "First, I'll activate Mystic Blast! I'll remove a Mystic Monster from MY Graveyard and deal damage equal to its DEF! I'll choose my Mystic Magician with 2500 DEF!"
Blair: 4000
Jeremy: 3900
"Then, I'll summon Mystical Donator!" She continued as a small boy in red and white cleric robes appeared on the field. (2/800/800)
"Finally, you got to show off your Fusion Summon! I'm going for mine!" Blair held up a Spell Card that had a Fusion Vortex absorbing blue flames. "I activate Mystic Fusion! I can fuse Monsters with Mystic in its name and create a new one. And since you have Special Summoned monsters from the graveyard, I can use my monsters from my Graveyard! I fuse Mystic Dragon and Mystic Knight!"
Everyone braced themselves as the souls of Mystic Dragon and Mystic Knight were absorbed into a blue fusion vortex. Once done, the blue flames spilled out as Blair chanted.
"Dragon flying in the skies! Knight who defends his kingdom! Join as one under the starry skies and be bathed in the blue flames! Fusion Summon! Come forth, Mystic Dracoknight!"
The blue flames erupted to bring out a large, humanoid dragon wearing golden armor around its green scaled body. Instead of a sword, it wielded a lance and spread its large wings to let out a massive roar. (10/4000/3500)
"Blair's been improving, too." Jaden noted.
"Yeah, she's really trying to show you how much she's gone," Allyson stated, with a worrying look to him. 'Just hope you're willing to hear us out when your intervention comes along...'
"Then I use Mystical Donator's effect to drain his ATK to 0 and give 800 ATK to my Dracoknight!" Blair called out, as the Donator started a prayer that gave his strength to its ally in a golden aura. (2/800-0/800), (10/4000-4800/3500) "When this Monster attacks and destroys a monster in battle, I can destroy all monsters that you control and deal 500 points of damage!" She explained with a grin. "By that, it's all over! I attack your Shocktrooper!"
"Sorry, but the last effect of Dest'udo causes all attacks to be forced to him," Jeremy stated as his Cosmic Spaceship descended to the ground to protect Shocktrooper. Dracoknight was still determined to attack as his lance pierced through the eye of Dest'udo, making it explode seconds later.
Blair: 4000
Jeremy: 2100
"Fine, but I can destroy your three monsters and deal the damage that way!" Blair stated as Dracoknight's armor emitted green electricity that shocked the remaining three monsters into pixels, causing the Ra to block with his disk.
Blair: 4000
Jeremy: 600
'At least I didn't win yet,' Blair thought with a sigh of relief, 'I would have screwed it all up.' She then looked up and said. "I then end my..."
Suddenly, Hastorr came back from a dark portal and walked over to the Mystic monster.
"Hey, why is your monster back?" Blair wondered. "Does its Special Ability resurrect itself?"
"Not in the 'traditional sense'," Jeremy smirked.
But before anyone could question his statement, Hastorr shed his cloak and...
"AAAHHHH!" Blair and many people in the audience freaked out at seeing the true form of Old Entity Hastorr. A black, shriveled-up, flying monstrosity with flailing tentacles and sharp claws, roaring at the opposition.
"What is that thing!?" Crowler shrieked.
"Oh my God," Ray and Fonda shuddered.
"Well... that's surprising..." Etna muttered.
"When Old Entity Hastorr is sent to the graveyard, it can attach itself to one of your monsters as an Equip card." Jeremy explained. "And while its equipped your monster cannot attack, and its effects are negated."
"Oh no, I can't do anything with it!" Blair cried as she saw the monstrosity grab Dracoknight from behind, never letting go of the human-dragon.
"And since it's my turn," He continued, drawing his next card. "It's time for my master plan! I activate Mystical Space Typhoon to destroy it!"
"Huh!?" Everyone gasped as the cyclone appeared and shattered Hastorr into pixels.
"Blair couldn't do anything with that monster, so why did he destroy his card!?" Jethro gasped.
"He's lost it, Private!" Hassleberry shouted.
Jeremy grinned, "When Old Entity Hastorr is destroyed by an opponent's card effect, I can take control of that monster!"
Blair then noticed that some of the tentacles had pierced through the Mystic Monster's armor when Hastorr was destroyed. She then gasped as her monster jumped to the other side with Jeremy. Mystic Dracoknight was now sporting pitch-black eyes, symbolizing its brainwashing.
"Now to try out its power!" Jeremy announced, "I attack your Mystical Donator with Dracoknight!"
The brainwashed monster unleashed a torrent of flames from its mouth, incinerating the small cleric.
Blair: 800
Jeremy: 600
"I end my turn." Jeremy declared. "Let's see you get out of this one! ATK may not be everything, but you'll be hard pressed to stop your monster."
"My move," Blair announced, drawing her next card. "Yes! I got it!"
"Huh?" Jeremy wondered.
"I activate the effect of Mystic Witch in my hand! When there is a Mystic Monster on the field, I can discard two cards to Special Summon her!" the Mystic Duelist announced.
A bright star shined on the ground, releasing a tall, dark-haired woman with brown eyes, clad in a red dress with yellow stars that showed off her shoulders, a witch's hat, and carried a black broom. She made a loud cackle and smirked at Jeremy. (8/2900/2000)
"Talk about luck of the draw," Jethro whistled. "Some skill for having a monster that's not like the others."
"She must have a good reason," Mikoto figured. "A 2900 ATK monster and she has nothing left to use."
"When she's Special Summoned, I can activate a Spell or Trap Card from Graveyard!" Blair stated as she removed a Trap Card. "And I choose the Half Straight Trap Card I discarded! Now, I can cut my Witch's ATK in half!"
The Witch sat sidesaddle on her broom, letting her float in mid-air. (8/2900-1450/2000)
"And then, since you have a Monster with ATK higher than my selected monster, I can attack you directly with her!" She grinned as Jeremy paled. "Mystic Witch, take out the rest of Jeremy's Life Points!"
Mystic Witch cackled once more as she zoomed full-speed ahead, past the brainwashed Fusion Monster, and into Jeremy's body, knocking him on his backside.
Blair: 800, Winner
Jeremy: 0
The crowd cheered as the holograms vanished. Blair then ran over to Jeremy and offered him a hand up.
"Sorry about that," the Mystic duelist said as she pulled up her opponent.
"No big," Jeremy replied. "I guess when I know about how I can use an opponent's monsters, they can still have the advantage. Never expected one like your Witch to take the stage."
"Given what Miss Belmonte said I needed to do in order to win, I almost botched it," the young girl said sheepishly. "Good thing you took my monster when you did; I would have went for the win."
"Well, it was still great to find a strategy on the fly like that," the Alien duelist praised.
"Indeed," Etna said as she walked up to the duelists. "I enjoyed that duel you two gave me and the audience. Jeremy, I've seen you've upgraded your deck to fit your strengths. The new Fusion and the additional Synchro Monster you have was quite the surprise as well."
Jeremy couldn't help but blush, seeing all the freaked out looks on people's faces. "Sorry about that..."
"It's quite alright," Etna noted. "Given the effects, you knew what you were planning when you played it." She then turned to Blair. "And Miss Flannigan, you certainly passed your challenge. Mystic Witch isn't a monster that you can evolve. I can honestly say, I never thought a monster existed given its core strategy. Well done, you are hereby promoted to Obelisk Blue."
The crowd cheered once again as Jeremy patted his fellow duelist on the back for praise. Blair looked up to see Reyna gave her a thumbs up and a wink. Once she saw Jaden, she saw that he nodded right to her. Although she accepted it, Blair still felt a little disheartened at his lack of enthusiasm.
"Miss Flannigan, Mr. Roswell, please return to your seats." Etna said, having the students return to the audience. "Now, we reach a critical duel for this duelist. Instead of demotion, this duelist will fight to keep his place in Duel Academy." Many gasped were heard, except for the faculty. When this challenge was reviewed by the Chancellor, Sheppard knew this had to be done. "Dmitri Kagurazaka, please come to the arena floor."
Everyone from the Ra Yellow section saw Dmitri stand up and walk down the stairs.
"So, Dmitri was getting demoted," Claudio noted. "I'm surprised his copycat ways didn't get him demoted earlier..."
"Claudio!" Melody hissed.
"Think about it," the J-Hero duelist continued. "He's had many times told him to put himself out there, but he continues to copy other decks. Even after he used Yugi's deck when he couldn't take losing anymore."
The Magician duelist sighed, remembering she faced the copycat duelist that fateful night. She didn't want her idol's deck disrespected, so she faced Dmitri and defeated him. But the next day, she heard that Dmitri tried to imitate Jaden next after hearing his near-endless victory streak. Claudio had a point, but she hated how blunt he sounded. The old Claudio would have been worried and even encouraged that someone to rise to the challenge.
Once Dmitri reached Etna, the Vice-Chancellor stated. "As you all know, Dmitri as smart as he is, hasn't used one deck that was unfamiliar to one duelist here. He will duel with his own deck, or else he leaves Duel Academy. One strategy that would be copying someone else's, this duel will be null and void." She then turned to Dmitri, "Do you understand these terms?"
Dmitri just stared at his deck and said, "Yes..."
"Very well," Etna nodded. "Alex Jacobs, please come down. You'll be his opponent." Everyone then saw the Gemini Duelist stand up from his seat and walk down the stairs. "As someone who is an Obelisk Blue grade duelist, despite your status in Ra Yellow, you can bring out Dmitri's hidden strength. Do not let up in your dueling."
"Gotcha," Alex nodded as he turned to Dmitri. "I hope you don't hold back against me, bro. And trust me, I really don't want to see you fail this."
"I have a feeling that I'll be okay," Dmitri stated. "It's a harsh reality I have to confront, and I plan on getting rid of that today."
"Good for you," the Gemini duelist grinned. "Let's do it!"
Both players shuffled each other's decks and returned them before going to their sides.
"Gentlemen, begin the duel!" Etna shouted as both players activated their duel disks and drew their opening hands.
DUEL!
Dmitri: 8000
Alex: 8000
"I'll begin," Dmitri announced, drawing his sixth card. "I start with Homunculus the Alchemic Being in attack mode!" The Ra Yellow duelist announced as he played a humanoid monster that had patches of red and blue around its body. (4/1800/1600) "I'll then end with a facedown card."
"So far, nothing he's done could be considered copying," Jeremy wondered.
"That's only the first turn, though," Lily noted.
"My move," Alex announced, drawing his sixth card. "I activate Graceful Charity! I draw three cards and then discard two of them!" He drew out his three cards and then discarded his choices. He then grinned. "Let's see you handle this! I activate Polymerization in my hand! I fuse together Evocator Chevailer and Duck Dummy in my hand!" A crimson armored warrior and a white, mother duck appeared in the sky before being absorbed by the vortex.
"Monsters that carry the inner power! Unite and unlock the power of Gemini! Fusion Summon! Appear! Superalloy Beast Raptinus!"
Soon, a giant dragon that appeared to be stitched up by various parts of other dragons appeared and landed on the field. (8/2200/2200)
"With this on the field, any Gemini Monster I summoned will have his effect," Alex explained. "But then, they also are Normal Monsters in the graveyard! So, I can Special Summon Woodland Archer!" Then, an ancient-looking satyr appeared with a large bow and arrow appeared. (3/1400/1300) "I'll then add his effect to tribute him and gain a Gemini Monster from my deck! I'll pick Gemini Soldier!
The satyr vanished into the light, letting Alex pick his choice card from the deck.
"Next, I summon Gemini Scorpion!" He continued as a white-haired soldier and a red-haired soldier, clad in dark red and blue armor appeared (4/1600/400) "And when Normal or Special Summoned, I can bring out Level 4 or lower Gemini Monster from my hand, so Gemini Soldier come on out in defense mode!"
Soon, a small warrior in light-green and silver armor appeared. (2/500/300)
"Three Monsters and one of them a Fusion," Spencer noted. "Not bad since anything he does can get a Gemini Monster with an effect active."
"I'll set one card facedown and attack your Homunculus with Raptinus!" Alex commanded. "Burning Twist!" Raptinus unleashed a black and red flame from its mouth, heading for the Alchemic Being..."
"I'll activate Negate Attack!" Dmitri countered, revealing his facedown card. "Your Battle Phase is over!" A spiral portal appeared and absorbed the flames.
"Wouldn't be much of a duel if I kicked ya down so easily," Alex shrugged. "I'll end my turn."
Etna smiled a little. "I can see that Alex could have been Obelisk Material. He did a smart thing leaving a monster in Defense Mode while having others in attack mode."
"My move," Dmitri announced, drawing his next card. Seeing his current hand, the copycat duelist smiled. "From now on, I control the field! I activate the Field Spell Magical Meltdown!" He then placed a card into the side slot of his disk. Once closed, a burning red circle surrounded the two duelists on the field and caused small flames on the edges.
"A Field Spell?" Alex wondered, seeing the magic circle.
"When activated, I can add the Monster known as Aleister the Invoker from my deck to my hand!" Dmitri stated as he collected his choice card. "Also, when this card is active, you cannot activate any cards in response to my Fusion Summonings or negate any card that would allow me to Fusion Summon!"
"A card that can protect Fusion Summoning?" Reyna gasped. "Whoa, that sounds like something Jaden and I should have in case..."
"I think that's why Jaden has Contact Fusion and Transformation Summon," Allyson noted.
"So, he takes on a Fusion Summoning Deck then?" Etna noted. "Let's see how you take to this aspect..."
"I now summon Aleister the Invoker!" Dmitri announced, bringing out a magician dressed in a white robe and carried long, ornate wand. (4/1000/1800) "When Normal Summoned, I can add the Spell Invocation from my deck to my hand!" He stated, taking out a card from his deck. "Next, I activate Homunculus' effect! I can change its effect to another attribute. I switch it from LIGHT to FIRE!" Homunculus' body then turned bright red. "Now's the time to use my own Polymerization to fuse my two monsters on the field!"
Alex braced himself as a fusion vortex appeared and absorbed Dmitri's monsters.
"The summoner who contains the divine power, combine with the flames to invoke new strength! Fusion Summon! Appear before me! Invoked Purgatrio!"
A savage laughter was heard as the vortex was set ablaze by violet flames. It then unleashed a monster that resembled three demonic beings joined together by the flames. (7/2300/2000)
"Invoked?" Jaden mused. "I never heard of them..."
"A Fusion Summoning that involves attributes?" Etna mused. "Sounds like Reyna's Elemental Hero Fusion... But what's the difference...? I can tell he's not thinking about the Elemental Heroes since there are different Fusion-Based Decks..."
"Invoked Purgatrio's effect," Dmitri announced to Alex, "For each card you control, it gains 200 ATK. You now have four cards, so my Fiend gains 800 ATK!" Purgatrio's flames started to grow, seeing the opponents they faced. (7/2300-3100/2000) "But now I activate my second card, Invocation! This time, I can Banish the same two monsters in my graveyard for another Fusion Summon!"
"From the Graveyard!?" Alex gasped as he saw the ghosts of Aleister and Homunculus appear on the field. Then, the Invoker caused the magic circle to absorb them both into a white fusion vortex.
"The summoner who contains the divine power, combine with the light to invoke the power above! Fusion Summon! Appear before me! Invoked Mechaba!"
Rising from the vortex came an armored warrior riding a chariot merged with an armored beast. (9/2500/2100)
"Two Fusion Summons," Chazz stated. "Not bad..."
"Especially if he can pull off combos with an Archetype-based Fusion card," Sam noted.
"Alex better be careful..." Jachin noted.
"Now my Battle Phase," Dmitri announced, "I attack with Purgatrio on your Gemini Soldier! Demon Blaze!"
"Then Gemini Soldier's effect will shield him from the battle!" Alex countered. "Once per turn, he can't be destroyed by battle!"
Purgatrio laughed as they unleashed a stream of fire at the small soldier. Seeing this, Gemini Soldier blocked with his cape causing it to bypass him. Alex them gasped as the flames washed over him and damaged his life points.
Dmitri: 8000
Alex: 6200
"What!?" Alex gasped. "Piercing Damage!?"
"That's right, Purgatrio has that ability," The Invoked Duelist smiled.
"Then, I'll settle for part two of Gemini Soldier's effect!" Alex countered. "After damage calculation, I can Special Summon a Level 4 or lower Gemini Monster from my deck! I'll choose my Phantom Dragonray Bronto in attack mode! And with its effect active, it'll have 2300 ATK!"
From the Soldier's cape, a giant manta ray appeared with a large, dragon-like neck and head appearing out of its mouth. (4/1500-2300/1000)
"At least he's got another powerful monster on board," Melody noted.
"But I don't think Dmitri's done," Claudio mused, causing the Magician Duelist to gasp.
The Invoked Duelist smirked, "I was counting on that! Purgatrio's ATK increases by another 200 ATK for another card on your field!" (7/3100-3300/2000)
"Okay?" Alex scoffed. "Purgatrio can't attack again..." He then trailed off as he saw Dmitri's smirk grew wide. "Oh crap..."
"Purgatrio has the power to attack every monster on your side of the field," Dmitri announced. "And now that you've increased your field, I can now stop Raptinus! Purgatrio, destroy his dragon!"
"I activate my facedown card," Alex countered, revealing his facedown card. "Storming Mirror Force! This will force all your monsters to return to your hand… or should I say your Extra Deck since they won't be back for long!"
"I activate Mechaba's effect," Dmitri's effect as he flipped over a Trap Card in his hand. "I can discard a card of the same Type as the one you activated. I can then negate the activation and banish it from the game! So, I discard the Trap Skill Successor to negate your Storming Mirror Force! This will weaken Purgatrio's ATK, but it'll have enough power to stop your monsters afterwards!"
Mechaba's staff unleashed a white light that broke apart the glass barrier. (7/3300-3100/2000) This left Purgatrio's flames to engulf Alex's Fusion Monster to ashes.
Dmitri: 8000
Alex: 5300
"With Raptinus gone, your monsters lose their powers and Purgatrio's ATK is lowered." Dmitri announced as Purgatrio's power weakened and Phantom Dragonray Bronto lost it's dragon head. (7/3100-2900/2000), (4/2300-1500/1000)
"Now, I attack your Gemini Scorpion!" He continued as Purgatrio's flames destroyed the two warriors.
Dmitri: 8000
Alex: 4000
Purgatrio: (7/2900-2700/2000)
"Finally, your Phantom Dragonray Bronto!" Purgatrio's blaze finally engulfed the sea monster, burning it to ashes.
Dmitri: 8000
Alex: 2800
Purgatrio: (7/2700-2500/2000)
"And finally, Mechaba attack your Gemini Soldier!" Dmitri announced. "Destroy with Holy Charge!" Mechaba's chariot rushed across the field and tackled the Soldier, shattering him to pixels. (7/2500-2300/2000)
Alex gasped how easily he lost the advantage, even the audience was stunned at how Dmitri's single move shut down a powerful Ra Yellow duelist.
"I end my turn here," Dmitri declared with a deep breath. "I finally completed this deck! I wanted to create my own deck for years but could never get all the cards necessary to make them work. But just yesterday, I was able to find the final cards! Until then, I made cookie cutter decks of other duelists since I've studied up on them!" He then felt depressed. "And yet, I never bothered to put myself out there and was obsessed with tactics..."
"Sounds like everyone are proud of you for making this change," Alex grinned. "So am I! I understand how hard it is to change."
Dmitri looked around and saw the admiration of everyone, including Etna who gave a stern smile and nodded to him.
"Looks like this duel's playing to the end! Nice," the Gemini Duelist announced, drawing his lone card. "Hey, I can do this too! One thing about your Field Spell is that I can use it, too! I activate Dragon's Mirror! I can use this to Fusion Summon another Dragon type monster!"
"But what do you have to fuse?" Dmitri wondered.
"I have two Normal Monsters in my graveyard!" Alex noted. "I remove Duck Dummy and Phantom Dragonray Bronto by Banishing them!" The phantoms of the two Gemini Monsters appeared over his head and absorbed into the mirror.
"The two souls born from the origin! Combine into one and give way to the ancestor dragon! Fusion Summon! The Number One! First of the Dragons!"
Shattering out of the mirror, a large, purple dragon appeared. The body was lined with many spikes and stayed aloft above its master. (9/2700/2000), Purgatrio (7/2300-2500/2000)
"Talk about luck of the draw," Jeremy gasped. "He took advantage of Dmitri's Field Spell and called on another Fusion Monster!"
"Now, we can't have you keeping my life points low without some compensation!" Alex grinned, wagging his index finger. "First of the Dragons attacks Mechaba! Flames of the First One!"
The Fusion Dragon breathed a dark purple flame at the chariot-like Invoked, incinerating it to pixels.
Dmitri: 7800
Alex: 2800
"Now I won't have any problems with you negating anything else," Alex stated. "I end my turn right here..."
"My turn," Dmitri announced, drawing his next card. "I activate the effect of Invocation in my graveyard! I can shuffle this Spell back into my deck and add Aleister the Invoker into my hand from the Banish Zone!" He stated as he took the Monster card from his blazer pocket into his hand while shuffling his Fusion Card into his deck. "Then, I'll summon him to the field again."
The Invoker appeared by Dmitri once again. (4/1000/1800)
"Then, I can add Invocation into my hand with his effect and activate it once more!" He continued as Aleister created another Fusion Gate. "This time, I can Banish Aleister and your Gemini Soldier in your Graveyard! Since I'm fusing for an Invoked Monster, I can do this!"
"You can fuse with Monsters in my Graveyard!?" Alex gasped as the ghost of his Gemini Soldier appeared in front of him and then absorbed into the Fusion Gate with the Invoker.
Dmitri then chanted, "The summoner of the divine power! Combine with the fiercest wind to create a new power! Fusion Summon! Appear to me! Invoked Raidjin!"
Appearing from the Fusion Gate, an armored warrior wielding a sword with lightning surrounding it. (5/2200/2400)
Seeing this, Etna raised an eyebrow, "He can recycle the origin of his Fusion Summoning and bring it out every turn without fail thanks to his Field Spell. Not only that, he can use Materials from the opponent's Graveyard." She then smirked. "Now Alex has to be wary of what he puts into his Graveyard or have ways to get his Monsters out of there before Dmitri can use them for his own power."
"Now I use Raidjin's effect," Dmitri announced. "Once during either player's turn, I can choose one Monster on the field and switch it face-down Defense Position!" Raidjin pointed its sword at First of the Dragons and then fired lightning at it. "It's over!"
"No, it's not..." Jaden noted, causing Allyson and Reyna to look at him.
To everyone's surprise, First of the Dragons shook off the lightning!
"Huh?" Dmitri gasped.
"First of the Dragons is unaffected by other Monsters' effects," Alex stated. "So, you'll have to do better than that!"
"I will," the Invoked duelist announced as he revealed one of his cards in his hand. Another Aleister the Invoker! "Aleister the Invoker has another effect! By discarding it, I can give a Fusion Monster on my side of the field 1000 ATK and DEF until the end of the turn!"
Purgatrio's flames intensified, causing Alex and his dragon to back away. (7/2500-3500/2000-3000)
"Purgatrio, attack and destroy his First of the Dragons!" The Invoked Duelist called out as the demons breathed fire at First of the Dragons. The Dragon hissed in pain while Alex braced himself from the flames that touched him.
Dmitri: 7800
Alex: 2000
But once the flames were fading away, everyone gasped that First of the Dragons was still alive!
"What!?" Dmitri shouted.
Alex grinned, "Sorry, buddy! First of the Dragons cannot be destroyed by Monsters that aren't Normal Monsters!"
"Then, I'll set these two cards and end my turn," the Invoked Duelist stated as Purgatrio's stats returned. (7/3500-2500/3000-2000)
"My turn," Alex announced, drawing his next card. "Since Mechaba's not around to bum my joy, I can play Card of Demise!" He then drew out his five cards. "Then, I'll bust out Pot of Greed!" He stated as he drew two more cards. "I activate Monster Reborn to revive my Phoenix Gearfried that I discarded with Graceful Charity!" He announced as the holy ankh of the Spell appeared and brought out a tall, armored warrior appeared with flames emblazoned on them. He brandished his sword and pointed it at Dmitri's monsters. (8/2800/2200)
"His best monster that's not an Extra Deck Monster!"
"Then, I play Supervise on my Gearfried so he becomes a Gemini Monster!" the Gemini Duelist continued, having a blazing aura surround his monster. "Now, I also bring out Gemini Summoner!" He announced as he brought out a robed mage with a clawed hood and orange staff. (4/1500/0) "Now, it's time for some payback from my monsters! First of the Dragons, attack Purgatrio!"
"I activate Raidjin's effect!" Dmitri announced, "I may not be able to able to destroy it without a Normal Monster, but I can stop you by changing his battle position!"
"You can't," Alex countered, "He's also unaffected by all Monster effects, including mine."
Dmitri sighed, 'If I use it on Gearfried, Supervise can bring out another Gemini Monster from his graveyard. Gemini Summoner can bring out another one from his hand or Gemini Summon one on his field by paying 500 Life Points during my End Phase... I'm losing my monsters either way, so...' He then shouted, "I'll use his effect on himself!"
The soldier flashed with lightning, replacing him with a set card. Everyone then watched as First of the Dragons blasted the burning demon, making it combust from the opposing flames.
Dmitiri: 7600
Alex: 2000
"Then, I'll use Gearfried to destroy your Raidjin! Armed Phoenix Blade!" Alex continued as the armored Gemini slashed away Raidjin's sword and struck the warrior down from his attached chariot. "Finally, Gemini Summoner attacks directly!"
Dmitiri: 6100
Alex: 2000
"It's your move after a facedown card," The Gemini duelist concluded.
"Then, it's my move," Dmitri announced, drawing his next card. "Let's go! I'll activate Invocation's effect!" He took the fusion card back into his deck, adding one of his Aleister cards from his pocket. "Next, I'll activate Instant Fusion! By paying 1000 Life Points, I can bring out a Level 5 or below Fusion Monster from my Extra Deck, and it will count as a Fusion Summon! Come out, my Beast of Darkness! Invoked Caliga!"
A Dark portal erupted from the magic circle, bringing out a demonic figure with torn robes covering its body. (4/1000/1800)
Dmitri: 5100
Alex: 2000
"Phoenix Gearfried's effect activates!" Alex announced, "I can't stop your activation, but I can benefit from it! You activate a Spell Card, I can Special Summon a Gemini Monster from my Graveyard! Meet my Cthnonian Emperor Dragon!"
A blaze of fire erupted from the ground, bringing out a dark green dragon, roaring loudly. (6/2400/1500)
"Then, I'll activate my facedown card, the Book of Law!" He continued, "This lets me tribute an Invoked Monster and Special Summon another Invoked Monster from my Extra Deck, treating it as a Fusion Summon!" Caliga vanished into a light portal. "Now I call upon the construct of the Earth! Fusion Summon! Invoked Magellanica!"
Now digging itself out the Field Spell was a giant, purple, rock titan, staring down at Alex and the Gemini Monsters. (8/3000/3300)
"I use Gearfried's effect once more and bring out Evocater Chevailer!" Alex interjected, bringing out another warrior of crimson red armor. (4/1900/0)
"Alex's field is now full," Lily noted.
"Now's the time," Dmitri announced as he flipped over one of his two cards. Invocation!
"You already have it!?" Alex gasped. He then chuckled, "Of course, if you're running a Fusion-based deck, you would have multiple copies of a Fusion card."
"And this time, I'll use it on Mechaba and Caliga in my graveyard for the Fusion I'm using!" the Invoked Duelist announced as the Fusion Vortex engulfed the spirits of the warrior and chariot along with the dark demon beast.
But the Fusion Vortex that was created was massive, causing everyone to brace themselves as Dmitri chanted.
"Two souls called down by the Invoker! Combine yourselves and unleash the first Paradise of the World! Fusion Summon! Come out! The avatar of Eden! Invoked Elysium!"
From the massive vortex came a large, spherical orb of water that was cut in half by a pristine, marble water. Behind it were portals of many lands with various signs of life. (10/3200/4000)
"Whoa..." Alex gasped. "That's a big monster..."
"A big monster with 3200 ATK," Atticus gasped.
"And it took two Fusion Monsters to create it," Alexis noted. "It has to be powerful!"
"Elysium's effect treats itself as all Attributes," Dmitri explained. "But then it also has a powerful second effect! I can Banish an Invoked Monster from my Graveyard, and it will Banish all monsters you control with the same Attribute!" He then removed Purgatrio from his graveyard. "Now I remove Invoked Purgatrio to banish all FIRE Monsters from your field!"
Elysium's form shined brightly, causing everyone to avert their eyes to prevent blindness. Once done, Phoenix Gearfried, Chthonian Emperor Dragon, and Evocater Chevailer were nowhere to be seen.
"Nice lightshow but Supervise still activates!" Alex stated. "I can now Special Summon a Gemini Monster from my graveyard! I choose my Tuned Magician!" Soon, a young man in green robes appeared with an inactive Tuning Ring around his waist appeared. (4/1800/1600)
"It's over now!" Dmitri announced, "Gemini Summoner may prevent being destroyed in battle once per turn, but the damage will defeat you!" He then discarded Aleister the Invoker. "I'll discard my Invoker to increase Elysium's ATK and DEF by 1000!"
Elysium's form glowed faintly, receiving power from the summoner. (10/3200-4200/4000-5000)
"Attack Gemini Summoner! Spiritual Blast Cannon!" Dmitri called out as the center of Elysium discharged a massive beam that slammed into Gemini Summoner and spread towards Alex...
"I activate my Dimension Wall Trap Card," Alex countered, revealing his face down card. "The damage I would have taken, is now your problem!"
A portal opened in front of Alex, absorbing the blow. Then another portal opened in front of the Invoked Duelist, sending the blast towards him. Elysium quickly used one of its portals to absorb the blow, saving its master from harm.
Dmitri: 2400
Alex: 2000
"Whoa, that blast could've done the job if it wasn't for that Trap Card." Jethro gasped.
"Yeah, but Dmitri's not letting up as well." Hassleberry noted.
"I activate the Trap Card in my Graveyard!" the Invoked Duelist shouted as he removed the card from his disk. "I activate Breakthrough Skill! I Banish this card negate the effects of your First of the Dragons!"
"WHAT!?" Alex gasped as his dragon roared in pain from the Trap effects.
"Thanks for showing me what it can do," Dmitri grinned. "Now, I'll attack First of the Dragons! Go Magellanca! Earthen Fist!"
The Rock Titan unleashed a massive punch to the weakened Dragon, shattering it to pixels.
Dmitri: 2400
Alex: 1700
"It's your move," Dmitri announced as Elysium's stats returned to 3200.
"During the End Phase, I can activate Gemini Summoner's effect!" Alex countered. "I pay 500 Life Points to Gemini Summon my Tuned Magician!" He declared as the young mage gained a bright aura, activating his Tuning Ring.
Dmitri: 2400
Alex: 1200
"My move," Alex announced, drawing his next card. "Now's the time for my evolved strength! First, I summon another Tuned Magician!" He stated as another Magician appeared onto the field. (4/1800/1600) "Next,
"I activate the Spell Gemini Fusion! I can only activate this card while I have a Gemini Summoned Monster on the field. I Fuse my two Tuned Magicians and my Gemini Summoner!"
"You're going to use another Fusion Summon!" Dmitri gasped. "I never thought of a Fusion with them!"
"Well, I knew it would be a matter of time for you to stop my wall," Alex smiled as his three Monsters were being enveloped into a Fusion Vortex. "In this duel, you've shown me how smart you are when you have a deck put together to combat a deck that you know about." But then he made a wide grin. "Which is why I have to end this now!"
"Two Magicians of the Synchro! Become one with the Summoner of dual nature and call down the wizard who conquers all! Fusion Summon! Twin Gemini Summoner!"
Escaping the Fusion Vortex came two men clad in the same robes as Gemini Summoner. But once they raised their faces, they've shown that they are wearing masks that cover the left or right side of their heads. They carried scepters that had the symbol of the Gemini Constellation. (9/3000/3500)
"I would banish Elysuim itself for the effect, I have a better idea!" He then revealed his facedown card. "I activate Omega Summon! Bring back all of my Banished Invoked Monsters in Defense Mode! Come on back Calgia, Mechaba and Purgatrio!"
Instead of a new portal opening, Elysium's portals all glowed, and each brought out all three of the Invoked Monsters back from Banishment. (4/1000/1800), (9/2500/2100), (7/2300-2500/2000)
"He's going to use Elysium's effect to stop Alex before it starts!" Sam noted.
"And he waited for Monsters with a shared attribute to do it," Chazz added.
"Yeah, otherwise he just could have just stopped the Tuned Magicians," Jachin figured.
"Then, I remove Calgia to Banish your Twin Gemini Summoner from the duel!" the Invoked Duelist called out as Elysuim's form glowed once more...
"Not this time!" Alex stated. "On the turn a Monster is Fusion Summoned by Gemini Fusion, it's unaffected by card effects until the end of the turn!"
Dmitri gasped as Elysuim's form stopped glowing.
"And now, I can activate Twin Gemini Summoner's effect!" the Gemini Duelist continued. "I can either Gemini Summon a Gemini Monster from my Deck or remove one from play to decrease a Monster's ATK by the amount of the Banished's ATK! I'll choose to bring out Magical Reflect Slime!" The Fusion Gemini used his scepters to bring out a portal that summoned a blue slime with a reflective surface. (3/700/1200) "And this Monster will make you take all the damage in battles involving it!"
Dmitri knew this was the end, however he kept his head held high knowing one thing… It was him out there dueling.
He saw that Magical Reflect Slime morph into a bird and fly at Elysium. The Invoked Monster only had to brighten its aura to deflect the monster away and destroy it. But the pixels rained down on Dmitri, translating the damage.
Dmitri: 0
Alex: 1200, Winner
The holograms couldn't disappear fast enough as the audience praised the duel once the duel was done. Dmitri shockingly looked around the arena and saw that it was all directed at him. The students, the Instructors and Chancellor Sheppard were truly impressed. Even Vice-Chancellor Belmonte gave applause to the once copycat duelist.
He was surprised when Alex patted him on the back.
"Man, that was too good," the Gemini duelist laughed. "I had to bring out a new face and couldn't even fight with him. Luck of the draw is what beat ya, but that shows how powerful you are. I can tell you have more in that deck to use, but that small portion of power is impressive."
Dmitri couldn't help but smile at the praise, "Thank you, Alex. Despite all the declarations and the dueling, I was really scared that it would end too soon."
"You thought that, too!" Alex grinned. "I bet everyone thought that after you smacked me around on your second turn! I had to get out moves I wanted to hold until near the end of the year."
"And that is why Dmitri's stays at Duel Academy." Etna announced into the microphone.
The Invoked Duelist looked to her, seeing that stern smile on the Vice-Chancellor's face.
"You've really impressed me, the both of you," She stated. "I'm starting to see potential first-hand in you two duelists. I could promote the both of you for your skill and determination."
Alex and Dmitri looked to each other and smiled.
"Dmitri, all I have left to say is well done. You've certainly belong at the elite." She declared as the crowd cheered once again.
Amidst the cheers, Jaden and Claudio were about to leave out the arena…
If they weren't stopped by the hands of Allyson and Melody respectively, grabbing them by the wrists. The boys saw the looks of the girls, knowing that they weren't going to take silence no longer...
Stop it right here! Expect to see some major drama unfold in the last chapter before the main thing starts!
The toughest part of this duel was Blair's deck, because the effects changing since the last time I used her, and Dmitri's deck choice. With Blair, I needed to start from the first monster (Mystic Egg, Mystic Helmet, etc.) But I decided to leave out the initial forms to be summoned and start with the Baby forms since I still have cards like Mystic Revolution to speed up the process of evolution. Otherwise, I'd use her season 4 deck, which is a Token Deck. So, with that moment, I kept being torn. With Dmitri, I needed a deck that would take advantage of the opponent's deck, hence why I chose the deck you saw, Invoked.
Also, I've been impressed with VRAINS. I had trouble getting Link Monsters down, but now I understand it with watching many duels on YouTube.
Next Time: A secret comes out as an Obelisk Blue finds out how Etna's choosing the students for her promotions and demotions. She challenges Kenji to a duel to alienate him and Alexis from the elite. How will our Ninja Duelist fare against another elite?
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