It's been awhile, readers. Job transitioning has started again, meaning no time for leisure until I got it down. It's all done! Also, some great video games had come out, but usually I can schedule them around doing the stories. And finally, helping my younger siblings get settled into their new homes. Tough being the big brother, I'll tell you what...
Also, Happy Birthday to my little sis!
But now, I'm finished with this chapter. And I'm glad I had time away since I had Jaden and Claudio come out straight assholes in the beginning, making it hard for redemption. Would've said this at the end but wanted to get that out.
Now on with the chapter!
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 17: Waking Up
A week after Trueman's and Amelie's last encounter, Academy Island had gotten peaceful. Right now, everyone was enjoying their lives to the fullest. Of course, there were problems involving those who were hating Etna's method, but some didn't let it deter how they wanted to live.
Right now, Jaden and Claudio were sitting at the docks. The former fishing and the latter strumming his guitar. Sitting alongside them were Pharaoh and Wheeler enjoying their company. On cue, the spirit of Banner had escaped from his cat's mouth and materialized into his human likeness.
"It's unnatural seeing you two sitting around taking it easy," Banner greeted. "I thought you both would continue to look into the war between Nightshroud and Brightveil. You never know when another incident will occur."
"Pegasus and Kagemaru are doing things on their side, alongside Miss Belmonte," Jaden said, "Also, Axel and Fidel said they're looking for new information. Seth is also monitoring duels via the Duel Disks just in case Duelists face someone that's not registered."
Claudio sighed, "Nothing to do but just hang out. Classes are over..." He then nudged Jaden, "At least, Jaden's becoming a model student. Though with all the classes he's missed, it'll be surprising if he does graduate."
"And you're practicing your guitar again, not managing to get rusty after weeks," The E-Hero duelist said and then frowned, "Whatever, man. But what are we going to do about the others? They know everything now and became targets."
"Yeah, it's beating me up inside as well," the J-Hero Duelist mused. "And from how they're going to be, they need to get ready. Those duels against Trueman and Amelie... They're not for the faint of heart. They'll say they'll fight..."
"I remember," Jaden said looking over the water, "They can pretty much drag whoever they want into a deadly situation like what they tried to do with Kagemaru and Sartorius. And in our last duel, our friends and girlfriends..."
It was hard to see as everyone could have died in the tag duel. For them, it brought back to how they were possessed by the Supreme King and Drowned Emperor. The sole reason they wanted to fight away from them.
Wheeler jumped on top of the boys' shoulders, [Then we fight! No other way around it] The monkey said with a grin. [We all protect the island together!] Pharaoh mewled happily as well before Banner went back inside.
Jaden and Claudio gave each other sad smiles before nodding.
"And speaking of together..." Claudio said as he turned around to the forest, "Kenji, you can come out now!"
In a swift wind, the mentioned Ninja Duelist jumped from his hiding spot and into the light behind the boys. With a stern look on his face, Kenji asked, "You knew the whole time?"
"Of course," Jaden said as he returned to fishing, "We got these powers now, and we can sense other powers like yours are around. Meaning your dark power is giving you away."
"So, Ninja Dude," Claudio shrugged, "We knew about you telling our friends everything. We just knew you weren't hostile like Trueman and Amelie when they chased away Honest and Paragon."
Kenji frowned, "So, ahead of the curve and yet you still want to be alone? I thought when everyone said they would help, you two would start being with us again. It's disheartening."
"And Claudio and I can't talk to each other without anyone's input?" Jaden asked with a frown of his own. "There are some things we can't share... Aren't you like that with you being a ninja?"
"What!?" Kenji shouted. "What does that have to do with what you're going through."
"I mean, we don't pry unless you're ready to talk certain things about your background," the E-Hero Duelist continued, "And that's when you feel comfortable to tell us. Like your relationship Kenshin, that rival Samurai Duelist."
"This is different," Kenji countered, "You two are not alone anymore, we know everything and want to help you. Especially, since you guys are different than what you used to be. You may have corrected some glaring negatives in your classes, but you two are anti-social!"
"Of course, we are," Claudio replied. "Before then, we still be those kids that just liked the fun. And while I took things more seriously, I found that it wasn't enough. The one time I let my emotions get the best of me, everyone's world went to Hell. People died while others were just being used. All because I wasn't strong enough. I need to toughen up and I need to do it myself, since I'm the only one who could harness the powers of the Drowned Emperor. Despite gaining everything from Tragoedia, I need to stand on my own two feet."
"And it was all to get to us," Jaden added as the Hero Duelists stood up, "And because I ran headfirst to everything, I thought when I did that before it was all okay. The world was saved, we still enjoyed dueling. But not anymore... if we don't stay ahead while continuing to stop this war, then there will be no Duel Academy, no families, no Allyson... Nothing!"
Hearing that, Kenji stepped back in shock. 'So Syrus was right about what Zane said to him. They were having another problem... Being people with souls fused with monsters... They're not like us. However, it's different from what Jethro went through. His Monster Spirits were used to save his life, protecting him from negative forces. The same can be said with Hassleberry and his Dinosaur DNA fused with his being. These two... it's generations going back, and they're forced to take it all in instead of welcoming it the first day!'
"So, we don't have the luxury of enjoying anything if it all ended in a second," Claudio added as he started to walk away. "So, go tell everyone that."
Jaden nodded as he ran after Claudio alongside Pharaoh and Wheeler.
It was then Kenji smirked, "Exactly." He then pulled out his Duel Pilot and hit the stop button. "Now, it's time to bring them back to their happier selves... the world is bigger than that... And we need to help them cope..."
The Hero Duelists walked through the forest, making their way back to the dorms and thought about what transpired with Kenji.
"It's not easy for us," Jaden sighed, "Why don't they understand?"
"It's likely they won't get it," Claudio replied. "But if the world's safe, why dwell on it?"
"Because it's not worth it if you two are sad!"
Many voices shouted at once.
Jaden and Claudio gasped as they looked around the forest. They saw many of their friends surrounding them. Melody and Allyson were in front of them while Kenji was behind them with a smirk on his face.
"It was too simple, guys," Kenji grinned. "And nice of you to reveal some insight to us."
The Hero Duelists sighed as they realized what happened when the Ninja Duelist pulled out his Duel Pilot and played back the recording.
"And when did you plan on telling us?" Allyson frowned. "When you're almost dead from non-stop dueling against evil?"
"Not to mention with how you're acting during dueling matches nowadays." Melody added. "You two are not enjoying it like you used to."
"Yeah," Alex stepped up, "Claudio, the last time you had a duel against Brier, you dealt a one-turn kill on him during the mid-term exams. He was clearly upset as you walked away to accept your scores."
Claudio did remember the duelist Brier... Another Senior who used have stage fright when dueling around big crowds. He now had the confidence to so, but now Claudio figured that he crushed it in one turn when using his Ritual Monster Jukebox Hero Painkiller to eliminate his Goblin Monsters. All without blinking an eye.
"And Jaden," Syrus added. "When we had Tag Duel Classes, you did everything on your own without consulting my cards on the field. You ignored my Set Cards and sacrificed my cards without my input."
Jaden then remembered how having to partner with Syrus against some freshman, chosen to help them get used to with the new Tag Rules introduced by the Overseas Instructor. It was fine when Syrus did his one turn, as he didn't make it easy but planned to show them how the cards in one deck could help another's. He planned to help Jaden Fusion Summon in combination with his own monster. However, Jaden made his move without checking the set cards. He then proceeded to take out the opposing team's field and Life Points with his Fusion tactics.
"It's more than you guys having Duel Spirits inside your souls," Jethro noted, "Because I feel even, they wouldn't like how your acting. Especially since you reconciled with them and showed them the error of their ways."
"And it's like you're not accepting anyone's feelings from how we talked about your duels," Alexis said sadly. "From how Alex and Syrus spoke, you're just looking to get in and get out. Rushing through life!"
"We're thankful for how you two help us out in dueling and in life," Reyna said, "But it doesn't mean you two have to be jerks to everyone around you!"
"And it's going to stop as well," Atticus frowned. "Now it's our turn to help you two."
"Through dueling!" Allyson and Melody shouted.
Both girls raised their duel disk arms and activated their machines.
"And you won't have a choice in this," Lily noted. "You two are not leaving here until we get to the heart of the matter."
"So, think of this as abducting you both until we know everything," Jeremy finished, but not even laughing at his sci-fi pun. "And we want to hear everything from your mouths!"
The Hero Duelist nodded as they activated their duel disks as well.
"So, a tag duel?" Jaden asked.
"Nope," Allyson said as she moved away from Melody and walked towards a clearing in the forest. "I think you two should duel without each other's 'support'."
"Fine with me," Jaden nodded as he followed his girlfriend with Syrus, Reyna, Hassleberry, Blair, Jethro, Lily and Jeremy came with.
Claudio lightly chuckled, "So, you're saying I can't win without Jaden backing me up?"
"No," Melody noted as she took her position across from her opponent, "I want to hear your words and your dueling. Jaden also needs to do that with Allyson." She then smiled. "Plus, I want to enjoy us dueling. Like we used to! I remember the first duel we had to train you from getting expelled. Other than that, we had tabletop duels that we didn't finished due to all the things we helped others. Now we're going back..."
Both players drew their opening hands.
DUEL!
Claudio: 8000
Melody: 8000
"You may have the first turn, Mel," Claudio offered.
"At least you're still polite," Melody replied, drawing her sixth card. "I'll summon Magician's Robe in defense mode!" In a flash, the dark purple robes of the fabled Dark Magician appeared in front of her. (2/700/2000) "I then set one card facedown." A set card appeared on the field. "Your turn."
"Alright," Claudio said as he drew his sixth card. He looked at his overall hand and nodded.
"He just nodded?" Lyra wondered.
"What's he got planned?" Alex added.
The J-Hero duelist then announced, "I end my turn."
"WHAT!?" Everyone except Jaden gasped.
"He didn't play anything!?" Blair shouted.
"Now I'm really confused..." Alexis stated. "Why would he leave himself wide open?"
Kenji gasped, "Maybe it's because of what he has in his hand..."
Melody frowned, "Tragoedia..."
"It's your turn, Mel," Claudio said, "Let's see what you've got!"
Melody clicked her tongue as she drew her next card, "Alright, then I'll show you the big mistake you just made! I summon Magician's Rod!" In a flash, the dark purple scepter of the Dark Magician appeared. (3/1600/100) "When Normal Summoned, I can add a Spell or Trap Card from my deck to my hand. But it has to have "Dark Magician" in its text." She then took her choice card. "Now I'll attack you directly with Magician's Rod!"
The Rod cast a dark lightning spell that went straight for Claudio...
"I activate Roadie of the Jukebox Heroes' effect from my hand!" the J-Hero duelist announced, revealing a card from his hand.
"A Monster Effect from the hand!" Melody gasped. The audience was equally surprised.
"When an opponent's Monster attacks, I can discard this card from my hand and activate a Live Stage Field Spell from my Deck!" Claudio explained as he discarded his Monster card and then took his choice Field Spell and opened the side of his disk. "I activate Live Stage – A Favor House Atlantic!"
"Oh boy," Kenji muttered as the forest was replaced by an ocean setting with a factory behind Claudio. It was brown colored with two smokestacks and one window at the roof. "Now I can see what Claudio was doing... This Field Spell can bounce a Monster back to the player's hand! It's been a while since he played it."
"And since there's no Monster on Claudio's field, he can't call a replay and the attack goes through," Alexis added as Claudio was struck by the dark magic, who wasn't showing any discomfort.
Claudio: 6400
Melody: 8000
"A Favor House Atlantic activates," Claudio announced, "Since you went through your Battle Phase, you have to send a monster back to your hand."
"I'll take my Magician's Rod back," Melody replied as she took her Monster Card off her disk, making the hologram vanish. "I end my turn."
Claudio drew his next card, "I guess you're not scared of Trageodia since you're willing to attack directly." Melody gasped. "That's good, because we're trying to have a friendly match as you say..."
The Magician duelist growled, "If you weren't so neglecting even after we said we'd fight with you..."
The J-Hero duelist then stated, "You'll find out soon... For now, I'll set a Monster facedown and another two Set cards to end my turn."
Melody frowned, "Okay, what's your problem?"
"What do you mean?" Claudio asked.
"Why are you holding back?" She growled.
"Why are you?" the J-Hero duelist countered. "I thought we wanted to enjoy our time together... I know you're stronger than this. Especially since you are helping me and Jaden to fight Trueman and Amelie."
Kenji and Alexis looked on worriedly.
"This isn't going the way I thought it would be," Alexis said, "I figured they be happy to get the chance to spend some time together."
"Yeah, but Claudio still wants to be all business," Kenji added. "He's only focusing on a battle... not fun."
"You want to play that way, fine!" Melody shouted, drawing her next card. "I know a way around your Field Spell! First, I'll summon Magician's Rod again!" The scepter of Dark Magician returned. (3/1600/100) "And I get to add another Spell or Trap card with Dark Magician in its text again." She picked out her choice card. "Now, I'll play Polymerization to fuse Magician's Robe and Magician's Rod!"
The robe and rod of the Dark Magician were pulled into a fusion vortex.
"Instruments of the ultimate wizard! Join in dark magic and create the soul before him! Fusion Summon! Appear, the wizard of yesteryear! Sage of Dark Magic!"
Descending from the vortex, an old man with a grey beard clad in a purple robe and carrying a scepter appeared. (9/2800/3200)
"Hey that's the Dark Sage!" Alexis gasped.
"But better," Alex noted. "The original Dark Sage needed a Time Wizard's effect to go right with Dark Magician on the field. Too risky for even my blood."
"Yet, Melody found a way to create him without resorting to the risk," Atticus praised. "Nice one!"
"When Dark Sage is Fusion Summoned, I can send a Spell Card from the field to the graveyard and then add another Spell card from my deck!" Melody announced as the old mage raised his scepter, causing the factory to vanish back into the forest. She then added her choice card from her deck. "Next, I'll activate on my Field Spell! Secret Village of the Spellcasters!"
Now the docks transformed into a bright forest with houses made of large tree trunks outlined with jewels.
"If I'm the only person to control a Spellcaster Monster, you cannot activate Spells!" Melody stated. "I've locked you out of using a third of your deck!"
"But it also means that if your Spellcaster Monsters are gone, you won't be able to and I can," Claudio countered without worry. "Better hope you got a backup plan..."
The Spellcaster duelist looked distraught, 'Normally, he'd just see it as a challenge to overcome and praise me... Now's he trying to lecture me...' She then sighed and looked angry, "Well, you don't have to worry about me! Remember; I've also gotten better and the one who was able to get YOU out of the darkness! Sure, it wasn't the same deck, but it was a part of you! And, while you were neglecting us, we've also improved to take care of ourselves when you and Jaden were missing after Yubel and Tragoedia had fought you two! We're not helpless!"
"Then let's duel!" Claudio countered back. "I want to see how much you've improved! Otherwise, we're not going to have another chance like this!"
"And stop talking about Trueman and Amelie!" Melody shouted. "I wanted to be a duel between us! Not as something to use to battle your enemies!"
Claudio stayed silent and frowned, 'Alright then...'
"Now to continue my turn, I'll also play Dark Magic Fusion!" Melody continued, playing another Fusion card.
"Another Fusion effect card!?" Kenji gasped.
"This lets me use materials from the deck if I have a DARK Spellcaster on the field!" She continued. "And I choose the fitting pair for this Fusion! Dark Magician and Dark Magician Knight! The cards I've obtained with your help!" She took the two choice cards from her deck and sent them into the graveyard, prompting a dark colored fusion vortex to absorb pale-blue faced magician and the knight in purple armor.
"The ultimate wizard of battle! Merge with your magic knight counterpart and become the battlemage of today! Fusion Summon! Ride out to the darkness! Dark Calvary!"
Jumping out of the vortex was a purple horse with red armor around its head and neck. Riding on it was the Dark Magician himself, now in armor like his robes and armed with twin lances. (8/2800/2300)
"And with this card, I have gain 100 ATK for each Spell and Trap card in our graveyards!" Melody stated. "And with one on my field and the three in our graveyards combined, that's 400!" (8/2800-3200/3200) "And then, I'll also activate Dark Magic Veil! I pay 1000 Life Points to Special Summon a DARK Spellcaster Monster in my hand or graveyard. I choose my Dark Magician!"
Claudio: 6400
Melody: 7000
A dark shroud enveloped the field, conjuring the ultimate wizard to appear. (7/2500/2100) (8/3200-3300/3200)
"Now to battle," She called out, "I attack your Set Monster with Dark Calvary!"
"I activate my Trap Card, Negate Attack!" Claudio countered, revealing the Counter Trap, "The Battle Phase ends!" Dark Calvary's lances tried to pierce Claudio's set Monster, only to be blocked by a spiral shield.
"I end my turn," Melody concluded. "Let's go!"
"Alright," Claudio said as he drew his next card. "Now I summon the Tuner Monster Symphonic Warrior Drumss!" In a flash, the mechanical drum warrior appeared. (2/700/700) "Then, I tune the level 4 KG with level 2 Drums!"
Soon, Drumss transformed into two Tuning Rings and surrounded KG and reduced him to four stars.
The Dreams of Rock start with the unknown! Time to stand in the spotlight! Synchro Summon! The Bassist! Jukebox Hero Pilgrim!
From the power of the Synchro Summon, a shadow of a person appeared. Jumping out was a young man with dark green eyes and shaggy brown hair. He wore a green t-shirt, blue jeans and black sneakers. He had a big grin on his face as he pulled out his bass guitar. (6/2200/2000)
"Next, I remove Roadie of the Jukebox Heroes to activate another effect! I can Special Summon a Level 4 or below Jukebox Hero Monster from my deck! I'll bring out Jukebox Hero JB!" JB jumped out on to the field. (4/1400/1200) "Then, I can Special Summon KG to the field when JB is summoned!" KG then reappeared and bumped fists with JB. (4/1200/1400)
"Three monsters?" Lyra wondered.
"Not yet," Claudio continued as he played another card. "Now, I can sacrifice KG to Special Summon Jukebox Hero Black Angus!" KG vanished into light motes bringing out a British man wearing a black school uniform with shorts and a hat, playing on a black guitar. (6/2400/1500) "Next, I can use Black Angus' effect to Special Summon a Jukebox Hero Monster from the graveyard," He continued, "Come back, KG!" With a riveting solo, KG returned once again. (4/1200/1400)
"Where's he going with this?" Jeremy wondered. "With Pilgrim's effect, he can take out the Dark Magician since he gains 500 ATK during Damage Step. None of his other monsters can do anything."
"Unless he performed another Special Summon," Alexis figured, "But then I would've seen him perform a Synchro Summon for a Level 10 Monsters using both JB and KG!"
"I reveal my next facedown card," Claudio stated, activating his Set Card, "Limit Reverse! This lets me Special Summon a monster with 1000 ATK or below from the Graveyard and place it in attack mode! Come back, Drumss!""
Everyone gasped and realized what was happening as the drum Tuner reappeared. (2/700/700)
"Now tune together with Level 4 KG once more!" Claudio announced as the two monsters synchronized into six stars once more.
"The drummer that lacked enthusiasm! Now regain it and create a new destiny! Synchro Summon! Be born! Jukebox Hero Pine!"
From the fusion vortex came a young woman with short red hair, dark eyes and freckles and a dull expression wearing a white and black jacket, blue skirt, and black shoes. In front of her was a drum set that along with the drumsticks. (6/2200/2700) Seeing the woman, Pilgrim waved to her only to be snubbed off.
"Don't get comfortable yet!" the J-Hero duelist continued, "I'll activate an effect of a Monster in my Extra Deck! When Jukebox Heroes Pine and Pilgrim are on the field, I can Special Summon Jukebox Hero Stills from the Extra Deck and count it as a Synchro Summon! Come forth, The Talent!"
With a strum of Pilgrim's guitar and a bash of Pine's drums, another portal opened and brought out a brown-haired man with a slight stubble on the chin. He wore a tan jacket with blue jeans and black boots. He carried a tan guitar. (6/2500/1200)
"Three Synchro Monsters!" Kairi gasped.
"But without using a Tuner Monster," Bradshaw noted. "He just needed those two other Synchro monsters."
Melody then gasped, "You were planning on showing us this?"
"Actually, I was going to wait for the graduation duels near the end of the year," Claudio shrugged, "But someone else had other plans and spoiled it for the rest of the competition..." Everyone gasped as he continued, "Of course, I want to unwind but I can't ignore my growth as a duelist. Just like the rest of you, I wanted to grow stronger. But I had to do it without everyone else..."
"Claudio..."
"But back to business!" Claudio continued, "First, Pine's effect activates! Since I control one other Synchro Monster named Stills or Pilgrim, I can give up her attack to destroy a Special Summoned Monster and you take damage equal its current ATK! And I'll choose your Dark Calvary!"
Melody gasped but quickly sprang into action, "I activate Dark Sage's effect! When you activate a card effect, I can allow him to copy a Monster's effect for this turn! I choose Dark Cavalry!"
The Sage chanted an incantation that combined his magic with Dark Cavalry's, boosting his strength. (9/2800-3400/3200)
Then, the drummer girl shouted as she started a loud drum solo that made the horse-riding magician scream out loud and shattered to pixels.
Claudio: 6400
Melody: 3700
"Now to business! Pilgrim, attack Dark Magician with Bass Threshold!" Claudio announced, "And when he attacks, he gains 500 ATK during Damage Step!"
Pilgrim played a quick solo, increasing his power. (6/2200-2700/2000) He then smashed the guitar into the magician's chest, shattering him to pixels.
Claudio: 6400
Melody: 3500
"Now then, Stills comes in for the next move!" Claudio continued, "Since there's a monster on my side of the field that's in Defense Mode, he gains half the ATK of that monster. Meaning, he gains 1100 ATK from Pine!" Stills gave a smirk as Pine gave a drum solo, boosting his spirit. (6/2500-3600/1200) "Attack, Sage of Dark Magic!"
Claudio: 6400
Melody: 3300
"Now, Black Angus attack directly!" Claudio shouted as the Bass Player duck-walked across the field, jamming his guitar and dashed through the Magician Duelist.
Claudio: 6400
Melody: 900
"I play this card facedown." Claudio concluded, "Now since you don't have Spellcaster Monsters on the field, your Field Spell backfires. It's your turn."
"Damn, he shut down her field in one turn," Kenji mused, "And made so that Melody can't activate her Spells."
"If one of her cards isn't a Spellcaster by the time she draws, she's lost," Alexis sighed.
Melody sighed and smiled, "You're still a strong duelist. I just hate that you have to hide yourself."
"Thanks," Claudio nodded. "But you're missing the point..."
"No, I see it," Melody noted. "You wanted to hide your strengths among us so that you can give your opponents the element of surprise." She then frowned, "Problem is, you're directing it all wrong; you never had to walk away from us... I want to be here for you in your time of need. In fact... It's like when I clammed up outside of duels!"
Claudio frowned as everyone looked shocked.
"As much of a good duelist I was to be enrolled, I still had problems opening up to people," Melody continued. "I was kind of like Brier instead I held on to the dream of one day facing Yugi, knowing that all eyes would be on me when it happened. One day, I had to show my heart and soul to others as I battled. And to think, the moment I want to open up was to someone who had no problem standing up to authority!"
Melody remembered the day she wanted to come out of stage fright was to go against the 'elite' of Obelisk Blue. Only to realize the Obelisk she faced was not a competent one and being thanked by the one person she wanted to help.
"And now I see you hiding away," Melody said, fighting to hold back her tears. "It may not involve some dark forces keeping me from opening up, but I know you're in pain! I want to be there for you! And this is my selfish wish! Because after everything that happened... I still love you, Claudio Osbourne!"
Everyone felt their heart wrench as the Magician Duelist poured her heart out to the person she loved, not at all looking away nor realizing the others around her. Even Claudio felt shaken as he stared back at his girlfriend's resolve in her eyes.
"Fine, I'll talk," Claudio sighed as he closed his eyes. "I hate this..."
"Huh?" Everyone asked except Melody, who waited for him to finish.
"I hate all of this!" the J-Hero Duelist shouted, "The fact that every time I want to relax, some power-hungry maniac wants to destroy this world. The truly messed up part is that they use Duel Monsters to do this." He then shouted, "Finally, it ends up being me and/or Jaden having to solve the problems!"
Everyone jumped back at the outburst.
"Kagemaru... Sartorius..." Claudio growled as he looked at the ground in anger. "They can't handle the stress of it all, so they put it all on us... What's worse, they wanted to keep it quiet with us, but they failed to do even that! When Jaden and I tried to do it, everyone got mad at us for trying to run or force it out from the ones! I'm sick of it! I want to go back and have fun, but I can't do it! Who else is going to try and kill us all next!?"
"Claudio..." Melody whispered.
"And then there's you guys," Claudio said, looking around the area at his friends, "For once, can you guys stop trying to come to us for help? In fact, the whole reason the Obelisks and the demoted Slifers hate us is because people like Jaden and I didn't want to move up to Obelisk Blue. We'd just complicate the narrative..."
"Just like Miss Belmonte said..." Alexis realized.
"You guys are smart enough and strong enough," Claudio continued. He then looked at Melody, "Especially you... You always said I helped you out of your shell, so that means you can solve problems on your own without fear! And here's something else: the GX Tournament! You guys stayed there while Jaden and I took down the Light of Destruction! What's wrong with what I was doing now?"
"You had us helping out, partner!" Jethro shouted, causing Claudio to turn to him. "Hassleberry, Syrus, Kenji, Shion... We were there, too! You don't have to place the burdens on just your shoulders! Or Jaden's! Even with the problems our first year!"
"And it doesn't mean pushing away everyone who cares about you," Kenji added with a glare. "Because trust me, I understand the feeling better than you know. Being a ninja, there's a lot of dangerous things out there and I know my family. It scares us every day, but at least there's something to look forward to. My family, Alexis, my friends... including you and Jaden. I wouldn't abandon you in your time of need."
"And we also are beginning to understand that you have to do what you have to do," Melody continued, leaking tears from her eyes, "You're hurt from everything that happened with us and everyone in the other world, wanting to take care of things and keep us safe... And right now, you're hurting thinking you need to continue fighting away from us. It also means we're fighting to help you. Sure, we may go down fighting but at least we know we took down those who would delay you from saving us and the world!"
Claudio gasped as he looked down at the ground, now in shame.
'There!' Melody nodded as she shouted, "It's my turn!" She drew her next card. She then smiled, "Let's go! First, I summon Magician's Valkyria!" The young mage woman appeared, brandishing her scepter. (4/1600/1800) "Now, with a Spellcaster on the field, I'm safe from my Field Spell! Next, I activate the Spell Magicalized Fusion!"
Everyone looked up at Melody, holding another card.
"This lets me Fusion Summon another Spellcaster Fusion Monster by banishing cards from the field and Graveyard!" Melody continued as she fanned out the monsters needed, "Dark Magician, Magician's Robe, Magician's Rod, Dark Calvary, and Magician's Valkyria!"
"Five Magicians of the Dark Magic! Form as one and show them your combined might! Fusion Summon! Power of Five! Quintet Magician!"
Emerging from the fusion vortex came a tall, imposing magician clad in blue and green extravagant robes. An ornate staff was in his right hand and was surrounded by five magic sigils. (12/4500/4500)
"Level 12!?"
"4500 ATK!?"
The murmurs from the spectators were said. Claudio looked up at his next challenge.
"And that's just for starters!" Melody smirked, "When I Fusion Summon this card using 5 Spellcasters with different names, all other cards on the field are destroyed!"
"WHAT!?" Everyone shouted.
Soon, five large blast emerged from the sigils and rained down upon Claudio's field, eradicating all the cards. He grunted from the shockwave that nearly blew him back.
"Now, Quintet Magician attack him directly!" Melody shouted from the smoke. "Magic of the Five Pillars!" Now the mage launched another magic blast from his staff, creating a pentagram that sent Claudio on his back.
Claudio: 1900
Melody: 900
Claudio then got back up, raised his hand and shouted, "I activate Trageodia's effect! Come to me!" With a massive roar, the demonic avatar of the Black Tears appeared. (10/0/0)
Seeing the monster made everyone tense up a bit.
"Whoa," Jethro whistled, "Is this the monster that tormented Claudio when he was a tyke?"
"And he's wielding it now," Lyra stated. "How does he use it with his Jukebox Hero and Ironheade monsters?"
"And it has no ATK or DEF for a level 10 Monster," Allen noted.
Melody looked up at her boyfriend's new monster with conviction and shouted, "I end my turn! Now bring it on!"
Claudio chuckled a bit, "You really want to take this monster out, don't you? You say you want to have fun, but you dread this monster... I gotten over my fear, and I know you can, too."
The Magician Duelist sighed, "Yeah, I'm still afraid... but I'm willing to cope if it means we'll still be around each other." She then looked at him square in his eyes. "It doesn't mean you have to carry all this alone. We proved it once Trueman and Amelie tried to take us all out! Remember that!"
"Yeah, I'll remember that..." Claudio stated. He then looked up at her and smiled.
"He's... smiling..."
"Now's my time for surprises!" Claudio shouted. "I also activate the effect of a card you destroyed, Avenged Sevenfold!"
"Avenged Sevenfold!?" Melody gasped as a Trap Card emerged showing a hand with a spike-studded wristband, placing seven Duel Monster Cards on the table. Looking at the hand, the person attached to it had a rough moment from how battered it was.
"When this card is destroyed by a card effect and taking damage, I can Banish it from the graveyard at End Phase to draw holding seven cards." The J-Hero duelist announced, drawing seven cards into his hand.
"So... you're using them to power up Tragoedia?" Melody asked as the Fiend-Type Monster gained ATK. (10/0-4200/0-4200) She then gasped. "But that means you have to draw for your turn, and you'll beat my Magician!"
Claudio chuckled as he shook his head, "Using Avenged Sevenfold locks out my Draw Phase until every card drawn is used. And if I don't use them all, I'll take 1000 damage for each card left in my hand during the end of my turn. But I won't need them all. I plan on winning now!"
"But you can't use Spells thanks to my Field Spell!" Melody protested.
Claudio shrugged and played one card, "Then, I'll summon Symphonic Warrior Piaano!" The living keyboard Tuner appeared. (3/900/1300), (10/4200-3600/4200-3600) "And with his ability, I can change the type of a Symphonic Warrior once per Turn! So, I'll make it a Spellcaster!"
"Now he can use Spells!" Allen realized as he saw the keyboard now had a mage's hat and the keys turned purple.
"And here's another evolved power!" Claudio shouted, "I activate the Spell Miracle Synchro Fusion! This lets me Fusion Summon a Fusion Monster that needs at least one Synchro Monster as material!"
"Synchro for Fusion!?" Everyone shouted.
"And I can banish the materials, so I'll use Pilgrim, Pine, and Stills from the Graveyard!" Claudio shouted as the spirits of his three Synchro Monsters appeared into a blinding fusion vortex.
"Three indie rockers of the North! Combine your talents and rock the world! Fusion Summon! 1-2-3-4!"
Soon, the three Synchro Monsters returned now carrying brand new instruments and now sporting uplifting looks. Pine shouted to the skies...
"WE ARE SEX BOB-OMB!" (12/4500/4500)
"While this card on the field, Jukebox Heroes are immune to the opponent's card effects that would make them leave the field!" Claudio grinned.
"Well, if you're trying to destroy mine," Melody smirked. "Quintet Magician cannot be destroyed by card effects! So, if your monsters can't beat mine in battle what's the point?"
"I said I was going to end it here," Claudio replied, he then showed another card in his hand, "Remember, I still have a Spellcaster on the field! So, I can activate the Spell Power Slide!" Claudio grinned as he played the card, "This lets one Jukebox Hero attack directly for half the ATK! Meaning, 2250 is all she wrote for you... Mel!"
(Play We Are Sex Bob-Omb! By Sex Bob-Omb)
Soon, the band played its music. The crazy thing about it was that it only had a few lyrics to it, however the music in it was enough for everyone to feel the emotion through it. But what they did notice was that Claudio wasn't playing his guitar, leaving the full performance to his monsters.
Still, Melody was smiling that she saw Claudio was enjoying the music, giving a soft smile and jamming his head. She didn't even notice the soundwaves, sent her way that would have sent her flying had Claudio kept his mind on the duel.
Claudio: 1900, Winner
Melody: 0
The holograms vanished as Melody walked towards Claudio and looked up at him.
"You still didn't play?" She asked.
"Like I said, I don't have to be involved in everything," Claudio shrugged with a small smile. "Sometimes it's good to hang back and enjoy... Even when you're out of the picture." He then looked at everyone. "I'll say it again... I hate the fact that this game is being used to wage war... I don't want everyone to get dragged into something that I had a hand in causing. It's why I don't enjoy dueling as much. That's why I wanted to stay away..."
"But why now?" Melody asked. "We said we'd help, but you're still staying away. Even after the stuff planned for the third years until graduation... for people like you! It's not the same! Sure, I can do things on my own but there're some things I want to share with you!"
"Something that people like Jaden, Kagemaru and Sartorius experienced," Claudio replied as he looked down at his disk, particularly Trageodia, "I'm not sure if I can call myself human at this point, and Jaden could tell you the same thing. And as I'm away from you guys, I must train to keep this power to my standards. Hell, even in our duel I had to keep myself from harming you and everyone around the area."
Everyone frowned as it sounded like Claudio was going back to his brooding ways.
"But..." Claudio lingered with a small smile. "I did enjoy dueling my girlfriend again. After all, despite fighting other powerful duelists, I've always liked to duel you whether on the duel disks or on a mat someplace. Just the thought that if something happened to you, made me want to get stronger as well. I want to use this power, dark or not, to protect everyone. And I will say this to everyone..."
He then bowed as said.
"I'm sorry..."
Afterwards, he walked off into the forest and left everyone with satisfied smiles.
With Jaden...
Once Allyson stopped at a clearing, she turned around and drew her opening hand.
"Let's go, Jaden!" She announced. "I'll show you how much I've changed for the better!"
"Got it," Jaden nodded as he drew his opening hand.
DUEL!
Jaden: 8000
Allyson: 8000
"Here we go," Reyna nodded.
"I'll go first," Allyson stated as she drew her sixth card. "I'll start with setting a monster in defense mode to end my turn."
"A set Monster?" Lily wondered.
"Well, she is Spirit Duelist," Jeremy pointed out, "She has so few cards that don't go back to her hand when summoned."
"Meaning Setting her Monster is the best she can do without being left wide open," Jethro finished.
"Let's see what you're hiding! My turn," Jaden announced, drawing his sixth card. "I activate the Spell Card Charge Fusion! I'll fuse both Elemental Heroes Bladedge and Sparkman!"
Both the armored and bladed hero jumped into a fusion vortex alongside Sparkman
"The armored Hero with the sharpest blades! The hero of thunder! Unite and become the righteous and shocking blade! Fusion Summon! Arrive! Elemental Hero Plasma Vice!"
Soon, the fusion hero with electricity surging through his segmented armored body appeared in front of Jaden. (8/2600/2300)
"Next, I activate the Spell Legacy of a Hero and combine it with Serial Spell!" the Slifer continued as he showed off two cards while I discard my last card and then use Legacy of a Hero's effect twice! I can now draw six cards instead of three!"
"He refueled his hand so quickly," Allyson gasped.
"I'll then attack your monster!" Jaden announced, "And this monster can inflict piercing damage!" Plasma Vice created an electrical blade from his right hand and charged at Allyson's monster, revealing to be a humanoid bird wearing black and dark blue clothes, wielding a small fan. (4/0/0)
"She'll lose almost 3000 ATK!" Syrus gasped.
"I activate Shinobird Crow's effect at Damage Step!" Allyson quickly announced, "I can discard a Spirit Monster from my hand to give Crow the discarded Monster's ATK and DEF!" She then revealed her monster, "I pick Hino-Kagu-Tsuchi!"
Crow's dark aura rose into the likeness of the giant, flaming spirit. (4/0-2800/0-2900) Then, the aura blocked Plasma Vice's attack and punched it back to Jaden's side.
Jaden: 7700
Allyson: 8000
"Whoa, she even got a card that can use her strongest Spirit Monsters without summoning them." Reyna smiled. "Bro's in trouble now!"
"Don't take me too lightly," the Spirit Duelist warned, "I won't be done in so quickly!"
"Noted," Jaden announced as he activated another card, "I activate the Spell Frontline Fusion! This allows me to Fusion Summon during the Battle Phase from my hand or field! I choose to fuse Elemental Heroes Neos and Clayman!"
"Another fusion!?" Everyone gasped as another fusion vortex appeared absorbing Neos and Clayman.
"Heroes of Light and Earth! Combine and call down the Hero that shapes them both! Fusion Summon! Come forth Elemental Hero Grandmerge!"
Appearing from the vortex, a tall, winged warrior with gold armor over its red and blue suit and wielding a laser on its right arm descended upon Jaden's field. (6/0/0)
"He has Elemental Hero Fusions that can come from any combinations?" Reyna gasped.
"Actually, this one had to be two Normal Monsters," Jaden explained. "
"But what's the effect if it has 0 ATK/DEF like mine did," Allyson wondered.
"My monster gains 300 ATK/DEF for the combined level of my two Fusion Materials!" the E-Hero Duelist continued.
"Neos had seven and Clayman had four, meaning eleven." Jethro calculated.
"3300 ATK/DEF!?" Blair gasped as Grandmerge powered up. (6/0-3300/0-3300)
"And now I attack your Crow!" Jaden announced as Grandmerge opened fire on the Spirit Monster, blasting it to pixels.
"Ouch," Syrus muttered.
"Next, Grandmerge's effect activates!" Jaden continued, "After destroying a Monster in battle, I can Tribute this monster and Special summon another Elemental Hero Fusion Monster from the Extra Deck, ignoring its Summoning Conditions."
"WHAT!?" Everyone gasped.
Grandmerge vanished into a bright light while Jaden continued his move.
"Come forth, Shining Flare Wingman!"
Now the evolved Flame Wingman had made its appearance with an illuminating light. (8/2500/2100)
"This monster gains 300 ATK for each monster in the graveyard! I have 5, meaning 1500!" The spirits of Bladedge, Sparkman, Neos, Clayman, and Grandmerge appeared behind the new monster. (8/2500-4-00/2100) "Attack Allyson directly!"
"I activate Battle Fader from my hand! When attack directly, I Special Summon this card and end the Battle Phase!"
Before Flare Wingman could make a move, a small bat with a pendulum tail appeared and blocked the attack. (1/0/0)
"I place one card facedown to end my turn," Jaden concluded. "Now, let's see what you've got!"
"My turn!" Allyson announced, drawing her next card. "I activate the Spell Pot of Greed!" She drew two cards underneath the grinning pot that appeared. "Next, Mystical Space Typhoon!" A cyclone appeared from the card and destroyed Jaden's facedown card. "Now, I activate the Spell Pre-Preparation of Rites! This allows me to add a Ritual Spell plus a Ritual Monster whose name is listed on the Spell!"
"I still remember how you almost beat me with Shinato in your deck," Jaden stated.
"He won't be facing you now," The Spirit Duelist noted as she revealed the two cards, "I add Shinobird's Calling and Shinobaron Peacock!"
"She's really getting into using Ritual Monsters," Lily wondered.
Reyna grinned, "It's not the reason she has these particular monsters."
"Now I activate the Ritual Spell," Allyson announced as a giant shrine with a Japanese-style mansion appeared behind her, "This allows me to Tribute Monsters in my hand or field and banish Spirit Monsters from the Graveyard! I choose to banish the Level 8 Hino-Kagu-Tsuchi!"
As the flaming spirit's soul disappeared into the shrine, the Obelisk Girl chanted.
"Winds of the world! I grant you this offering and let you praise the world with your clarity! Ritual Summon! Come forth, Shinobaron Peacock!"
The mansion opened and revealed the transparent image of a young man wearing a blue and white feathered kimono, wielding an ancient sword appeared. (8/3000/2500)
"Shinobaron Peacock..." Jaden mused.
"Peacock's effect can return up to 3 of your monsters back to your hand!" Allyson announced as she pointed to Jaden's monsters, "Meaning your Fusion Monsters go back to the Extra Deck!"
Jaden gasped as Peacock's aura brightened up, illuminating the field and caused everyone to cover their eyes. Once the light was gone, so were the Fusion Monsters.
"And that's not all," the Spirit Duelist grinned, "Now I can Special Summon a low-level Spirit Monster without its conditions!"
"No way!" Jeremy gasped.
"Way!" Allyson giggled as she played another card, "Come out, Shinobird Crane!" A white wisp materialized into a white-winged, female spirit wearing a white dress and wielding a bow and arrow appeared. (4/1500/1500)
"She has more cards to Special Summon Spirits without restrictions!" Jethro gasped. "This girl's gotten amazing!"
"And it doesn't stop there!" the Spirit Duelist grinned, "Next, the Continuous Spell Shinobird Power Spot! This adds 500 ATK and DEF to all Spirit Monsters I control!"
A smaller shrine appeared and created white energy that powered up the Spirits. (4/1500-2000/1500-2000), (8/3000-3500/2500-3000)
"So much power!" Reyna gasped.
"Wait, her Ritual Monster's a Spirit Monster, too!" Lily gasped.
Jaden gasped as he looked up at the Ritual/Spirit Monster.
"I attack with both monsters directly!" Allyson announced.
Crane fired her arrow, piercing through the side of Jaden. And before he could recover, Peacock was upon him and slashed him with a quickdraw of his sword.
Jaden: 5700-2200
Allyson: 8000
"He's almost down," Blair gasped, "Jaden!"
"I then place two cards facedown and then end my turn," Allyson concluded as two Set cards appeared near her feet. "Now, my Peacock is a Spirit Monster so he then returns to my hand at End Phase!"
Everyone looked flabbergasted as Peacock turned to a blue spirit ball and returned to Allyson's hand.
"What's the point of using a Ritual/Spirit Monster if you're just going to lose it in one turn?" Jaden wondered.
Allyson smirked, "Because when he does, he leaves behind two Shinobird Tokens!" With two bird cries, two small bird spirits appeared. (4/1500/1500) x2 "He also triggers Power Spot's second effect to add another Spirit Monster or Ritual Spell from my deck! And I'll add another Shinobird's Calling Ritual Spell!"
"She can recycle her Ritual Monsters!" Everyone shouted, except Reyna who smirked.
"Yup, she's really gotten better," the younger Yuki replied. She then looked to Jaden, "And I hope my brother sees this."
"My turn," Jaden announced, drawing his next card. "I activate the Spell Convert Contact! Since I control no Monsters, I can send a Neo Spacian from my hand and deck each to draw two cards! I'll send Dark Panther from my hand and Grand Mole from my deck." After sending his cards to the graveyard and shuffling his deck, Jaden drew his two cards.
Allyson frowned, 'He's just focusing on the duel. Come on, Jaden...'
"Now, with no other cards on my field, I activate the Trap card NEXT from my hand!" Jaden continued as he revealed his next card.
"From the Hand!?" Allyson gasped.
"NEXT?" Reyna wondered. "Is it like NEX?"
"With this card, I can Special Summon any Elemental Hero Neos and Neo-Spacians from my hand and Graveyard in Defense Mode." Jaden explained as he retrieved three cards from his discard slot. "However, all their effects are negated. Now return! Neos, Dark Panther, and Grand Mole!"
The three monsters appeared with Dark Panther sitting and the other two kneeling and guarding. (7/2500/2000), (3/1000/500), (3/900/300)
"It's probably Grand Neos coming next," Allyson thought, "He can then take out Battle Fader with its effect and destroy it with the other one. And then use Contact Out to attack directly and have his Grand Mole's effect again." She then eyed her facedown cards. "But when he attacks me, he'll be stopped..."
"I now shuffle these three Monsters to perform a Contact Fusion!" Jaden suddenly announced as all three of his monsters flew to the skies and merged into a galaxy.
"Those three can Contact Fuse!?" Everyone shouted.
"Hero of Neo Space! Join with the earth and darkness and create a new hope! Contact Fusion! Emerge, Elemental Hero Nebula Neos!"
Neos returned but now with an outfit that was a fusion of his own outfit and Dark Neos while wearing Grand Neos armor, gauntlets and weapon. (9/3000/2500)
The Spirit Duelist looked up at the new Fusion Monster in awe, "You still have some cool Monsters, Jaden," Allyson smiled. "It's sad that I don't see you duel more because of this whole 'lone wolf' thing you and Claudio are doing."
Jaden sighed as he continued, "I activate Nebula Neos' effect. When Special Summoned from the Extra Deck, I draw cards equal to the number of cards you control. Meaning six!" He drew six cards, "I can then negate the effect of one card on your field until the end of the turn. I choose Shinobird Power Spot!"
Allyson frowned as her monster lost her power. (4/2000-1500/2000-1500)
"Allyson going to lose a lot if he attacks Battle Fader," Jethro mused, "She forgot to switch it in attack mode."
"I then end my turn." Jaden continued, "Meaning Nebula Neos returns to my Extra Deck."
"WHAT!?" Everyone gasped as Neos vanished. But instead of immediately going back to the disk, it turned into a cloud of gas.
"By doing this, I can now Banish all cards on the field facedown." Jaden announced.
"NO WAY!" Everyone shouted as the cloud surrounded Allyson's field and absorbed everything she had on the field. It was then Neos returned to Jaden's disk.
"And because of this, I have 8 cards in my hand, I must discard two." The E-Hero duelist noted as he discarded the two cards. "I figured you have some cards that would stop me, and I'd lose quickly. You really gotten stronger... Good for you." He said with a smile.
Allyson smiled back, "Thank you. Now it's my turn!" She drew her next card, "Shocking that you'd have something to Banish my cards. How about I add on to that? I activate Pot of Extravagance! This lets me Banish 6 cards from my Extra Deck face-down in order to draw 1 card for every 3 cards Banished this way!"
Jaden looked shocked as she took out six Fusion and Synchro Monsters from her Extra Deck and pocketed them. She then drew her two cards.
"Now, I activate Shinobird's Calling!" She continued as she revealed a Spirit Monster from her hand, "I send Amateratsu from the hand to the graveyard to bring back my Baron!"
With Amateratsu's offering, Baron returned to the field and drew his sword. (8/3000/2500)
"Without anything on the field, it's end of the line!" Allyson announced, "Attack!"
The Baron charged in and prepared to slash...
"I activate Necro Guardna from the graveyard!" Jaden countered as the dark protector appeared from the grave and blocked the hit with his gauntlets before vanishing. "It's not over yet!"
"Whoa, she almost had him!" Jeremy exclaimed.
"I know," Lily added, "With how Allyson's display of Ritual Monsters alongside her normal Spirits, it looked like she won!"
"But once again, Jaden shows he can keep himself in the game," Reyna said. "I'm loving this sweet duel!"
"Good, because I'm enjoying this duel!" Allyson grinned as she played another card. "I'll keep my monster on the field with my Equip Spell Mirror of Yata!" A large, full-body mirror appeared behind the Ritual Monster. "And if you do attack him, he can protect himself by giving up the mirror."
"It's my turn," Jaden announced, drawing his next card. "Enjoying a duel... Sweet... Almost forgot how that felt..."
Everyone gasped.
"Did he...?"
"I think he did..."
"But now I have to end this," Jaden announced with a smirk, "I set four cards facedown and activate the Field Spell Neo Space!" The forest area transformed into the multicolored field.
"I'm not falling for an obvious trap," Allyson smirked back.
"It's not one..." Jaden stated as he played another card to the confusion of his girlfriend. "Then, I activate the Continuous Spell Common Soul! I can Special Summon a Neo-Spacian Monster on the field by choosing another Monster."
"But there's no monsters on the field," Syrus protested. "How can you play a monster if you have no target?"
"Because I can target Allyson's Shinobaron Peacock and Special Summon Flare Scarab onto your field!"
In a blast of flames, the Neo-Spacian of Fire appeared next to Peacock. (3/500/500)
"You're putting her on my field?" Allyson gasped.
"What's he planning?" Reyna asked, now at a loss.
"With Common Soul, your Peacock's power will combine with Flare Scarab's," Jaden stated. "Who, by the way, gains 400 ATK for each Spell/Trap I control since I'm her opponent!"
Everyone then gasped as Flare Scarab's power boosted. (3/500-2900/500)
Then, Common Soul unleashed small comets that struck Allyson's Ritual Monster, causing his power to overflow. (8/3500-6400/3000)
"Finally, I activate a card that you placed into my graveyard when you used Mystical Space Typhoon," Jaden continued as he took out the card in question. "I banish it from the graveyard! Guardian of the Supreme King! This Special Summon Yubel from my hand or Deck!"
Allyson looked up at the dark aura forming and saw Jaden's protector Spirit appear. (10/0/0) "You played her?"
"I can't let us take all the fun out of this duel," Jaden protested with a smile. "I want two of my favorite girls to enjoy this!"
Allyson and Reyna smiled back at what they were hearing.
"This turn, Yubel summoned by Guardian of the Supreme King can attack all monsters you control." Jaden continued as he revealed one of his facedown cards, "Next, I activate the Equip Spell Nightmare Battle. With this, when Yubel attacks a monster, it will gain 400 ATK and Yubel's damage effect can be applied on my turn!"
"Hey that's one of the cards Yubel used on him," Syrus pointed out.
"And if that's correct..." Jethro mused.
"A One-Turn Kill!" Jeremy and Lily shouted.
"Yubel, attack them both!" Jaden commanded as the demoness smirked and flew across the field.
"Wait, she's not using her eye?" Allyson asked.
"I want all the monsters to enjoy this!" Jaden exclaimed as Yubel and Flare Scarab met in mid-air, the latter powering up. (3/2900-3300/500) Scarab tackled Yubel, but it didn't affect her while Allyson gasped when she saw her Life Point meter go down.
Jaden: 2200
Allyson: 8000-5700
Yubel then escaped her first opponent and then went towards the Shinobaron. The Ritual Monster tried to slash Yubel's body but couldn't make a dent. (8/6400-6800/3000) It was then Yubel did a swift kick to Shinobaron's chest, sending him to the ground. Allyson smiled as her Life Points went down.
Jaden: 2200, Winner
Allyson: 0
After the holograms vanished, Allyson fell to her knees in relief while everyone looked on at the ending.
To everyone's surprise, Allyson was laughing.
"Wow, you're really something these days!" She shouted. "Not only your grades are going up, you really made the Neo-Spacians, even Yubel, a force to be reckoned with!" She exclaimed as she ran up to him. Even Jaden was shocked at how she was.
She then glared at him, "Which is why you shouldn't be hiding away from us and the world!" She shouted. "You have a job to do, I understand that! We all understand that! But you can share that same pain with us! You don't want us to carry the burden, but I'm your girlfriend! I'm willing to carry that burden because I want to help!"
She then walked to the spot where Yubel was standing in spirit and spoke.
"What happened between us, I understand it all now," She continued. "I was weak and that's how you were able to possess me. You didn't accept that many others can love a person, you felt that I took that away from you. But if I had heard your story, I was honored that Jaden has someone who cares for him and protects him."
Yubel was shocked yet but then gave a soft smile in gratitude.
She then turned back to Jaden with hardened eyes and tears leaking down her cheeks, "And that's why I trained harder! I don't want to be looked after like a delicate flower! I want to fight with you, alongside you! I'm happy that you're worried, but you need to let me help you! Otherwise, I'll lose you forever, Jaden Yuki!"
"We all want to protect the world," Reyna continued, "Sure, you can take down the big bad with Claudio. But think about everyone else trying to stop you! We want to be the heroes that protects you while you're the hero that protects us! If we go down, you can pick us back up when it's all over."
"Not to mention, we've all changed thanks to you," Syrus stated. "We can't be like you, but you helped us continue to strive no matter what the hardships and enjoy the duel."
"That's why the First and Second Years want to put on this party," Blair added, "Not only to send off the Third-Years, but to show appreciation for all you've done for us."
"Let us give back, Sarge!" Hassleberry pleaded. "It's tough thinking your MIA all the time!"
Jaden sighed as he turned around and walked away.
"Jaden!" Allyson and Reyna shouted.
Jaden turned around with a sad smile, "Just let me talk to Claudio about this one last time. Let it all sink in... You'll have my answer soon."
He then walked off, leaving everyone in the forest with concerned looks.
As night fell, Jaden and Claudio met up at the beach. They each spoke about the duels they were in and how hurt Allyson and Melody were about their actions, showing how much, they've grown as duelists. Each one cringed at how they spoke about the events that took place.
"I guess we though too much on how hurt they were," Jaden sighed as he sat down on the sand. "But that wasn't what expected."
"That was the problem," Claudio frowned, staring out at the sea. "We didn't know the pain. We couldn't have known since we did neglect them. It's not going to be easy."
"Nothing ever is," the E-Hero Duelist added. "I guess this is what we're learning... understanding both the love and the pain and not take it for granted. Now it's all settling in."
"Yup," The J-Hero Duelist shrugged. "I just hope I CAN get back into the true game."
*BEEP!* *BEEP!*
Both boys reached out to the Duel Pilots in their pockets and saw the messages.
It was from Hassleberry. And it read:
Graduation Party for the Senior Class Duelists
Hosted by the Junior Class Photography Committee
Music, Food, and Photos
Pair Duel Tournament as Main Event
Starts Next Wednesday at 7 PM
Hope to see you there!
Seeing that had the same invitation, the Hero Duelists looked to each other before staring down the invitation again.
"This may be our redemption then..." They realized.
Whew! I made it finally!
You saw it all, the duels with the Girlfriends! Introduced some Fusions for Melody and new Synchros for Claudio along with a Fusion for them. Wanted to make it a Contact Fusion by sending them to the Graveyard, but thought about staying away from Jaden's abilities in that regard.
Then Allyson got to use the new Ritual/Spirit Monster and got to make some support for Yubel. (And I saw the new Fusion for Yubel and Neos, so expect that to be used alongside Neos Wiseman!)
Again, sorry for the delay even when I had it down to the week, I wanted it on.
Sage of Dark Magic
DARK
Level 9
Spellcaster/Fusion/Effect
2800/3200
2 Magician's Monsters
When this card is Fusion Summoned: Send 1 Spell Card on the field to the Graveyard and activate one Spell Card from your deck. (Quick Effect) When an opponent's effect is activated: Target 1 Spellcaster Monster you control: This card gains the targeted Monster's effect until the end of the turn.
Dark Magic Fusion
Spell Card
Fusion Summon 1 Spellcaster from your Extra Deck using Spellcaster Monsters from your hand or Deck. If a DARK Spellcaster Monster is on the field, you may use Monsters from the Deck as Fusion Materials instead.
Jukebox Hero Pine
EARTH
Level 6
2200/2700
Warrior/Synchro/Effect
1 Tuner + 1 or more Jukebox Hero Monsters
Once per Turn: You can destroy 1 Monster your Opponent Controls and inflict damage equal to its ATK. This card cannot attack the turn it uses its effect. This card can attack while in Defense Position. (Apply the ATK of this card when attacking)
Jukebox Hero Stills
EARTH
Level 6
2500/1200
Warrior/Synchro/Effect
1 Tuner + 1 or more Jukebox Hero Monsters
If Jukebox Hero Pilgrim and Jukebox Hero Pine are on the field: You can Special Summon this card from the Extra Deck. (This counts as a Synchro Summon) When this card attacks, this card gains half the ATK of a Jukebox Hero Monster you control in Defense Position.
Avenged Sevenfold
Normal Trap
If this card is destroyed by an Opponent's Card Effect: Draw until you have 7 cards in your hand. If you have cards drawn by this card's effect in your hand: Skip your Draw Phase. During each End Phase: Take 1000 Effect Damage for each card in your hand.
Jukebox Hero Sex Bob-Omb
EARTH
Level 12
4500/4500
Warrior/Fusion/Effect
Jukebox Hero Pilgrim + Jukebox Hero Pine + Jukebox Hero Stills
Can only be Fusion Summoned. While this card is on the field: Jukebox Hero Monsters cannot leave the field by opponent's card effects. If this card is destroyed: Special Summon 1 Jukebox Hero Pilgrim, Jukebox Hero Pine, and 1 Jukebox Hero Stills from your Graveyard and/or Banished Zone.
Guardian of the Supreme King
Normal Trap
You can Banish this card from your Graveyard: Special Summon 1 Yubel from your Hand or Deck. When summoned by this effect: 1 Yubel can attack all opponent's monsters once each.
(The above cards are created by me and creative rights go to me. Inspiration goes to Avenged Sevenfold for the Trap, and the creators of the Scott Pilgrim series for Jukebox Heroes Pine, Stills, and Sex Bob-Omb.)
Next Time: The Pair Duel Tournament begins with an Exhibition Match with Professor Sojourner and Miss Fontaine taking on Chancellor Sheppard and... Miss Dorothy!?
Please Read and Review! Later!