Chapter 12: The Duel Off

Wednesday

Time 19:30

It had already been a week since Blair had decided to stay at the Slifer red. And even though Red Hat was getting tired of being close to her to protect her secret, he was beginning to like having Blair close to him. Though it wasn't easy to protect Blair's secret. Today for example, Jaden and Chumley wanted the two of them to come with them to the Academy pool, but they refused or else it would have been revealed that Blair is a girl. Needless to say, it ended in a tag duel between Red Hat and Blair against Jaden and Chumley, with the latter two losing.

Now, Red Hat was lying on his bed utterly exhausted. Blair entered the room seconds later.

"Ugh… It's really hard to live while hiding the fact you're actually a girl… Especially when it comes to showering." Blair complained.

"By the way, I was thinking of something. How did you not get caught in the shower until now?" Red Hat asked.

"Hm? I'd always slip in right after everyone else was done." Blair explained.

"Oh, actually that explains everything."

"Wha… Hey! Don't even think abot it! I'm never talking to you again if you sneak a peak! " Blair accused him.

"H… Hey! What?! " Stammered Red Hat caught off guard by her accusations. "I may be aggressive but I'm not that kind of person! I don't disrespect girls like you in that way!"

"Oh? So you see me as a girl huh?" Blair teased him.

"Do not joke with me!" Red Hat answered angrily.

"Come on man, I was just kidding." She said laughing.

"Listen, forget it. I'm going for a walk." Red Hat said still angry as he walked out of the room.

Time 20:00

After that scene, Red Hat went to the parts of the port, near the lighthouse where he could be quiet. "But look. I help her and she teases me." He was still muttering angrily from before. "But maybe, I was too hard on her." He thought back to the behavior he had earlier with her friend, not noticing someone approaching.

"Have you come for a walk?" Zane asked.

"Oh, Zane, is that you?" Red Hat was surprised by his presence. "I guess you could say that."

Zane moved beside him. "During the duels that you, and that friend of yours had during the field trial you look different than before." He said in his usual flat tone.

"You say?" Red Hat asked.

"Yes, because after you won the duel you didn't make fun of your opponent, in your own way you showed some respect." Zane pointed out. "Who knows, maybe the new guy at Slifer red has a positive effect on you."

"If you think so."

Zane just stared at him before asking a question. "Remember the announcement about the Duel Academy representative for the school duel?"

"Yeah, what do you have to say about that?" Red Hat asked.

"Chancellor Sheppard has received a message from North Academy, saying they would be selecting a first-year representative. So Chancellor Sheppard has decided to do the same thing for sportsmanship, but has yet to pick a representative." Zane explained to Red Hat. "What I'm trying to tell you is whether you want to be Duel Academy's representative."

Red Hat was not expecting this question at all. He had been taken aback. But he already knew what to answer. "I appreciate you considering me, to be chosen as a Duel Academy representative, Zane, I'm honored, but I have to decline. I'm not the type to be the center of attention." Red Hat replied. As they spoke, Red Hat heard noises from a bush near them. He turned to see what it was, and he thought he saw the silhouette of someone. "But it was..." He decided not to notice it for now.

Zane sighed at this. "I expected a response like that from you. Patience, it means that tomorrow when I meet with Sheppard and the other teachers we should find someone else as a rep for Duel Academy." Zane closed his eyes before reopening them and asking Red Hat one last question. "Since you don't want to be, do you have someone in mind who could be the rep?"

At that question, Red Hat knew only one name to tell him. "I think Jaden should be picked as rep. He's the best freshman, for me the best pick is him."

"I figured you would mention his name. But I have to agree with you on this choice. Jaden is a great duelist and will honor Duel Academy." Zane agreed with this. "Fine, see you then." Zane said he was about to leave before stopping. "One more thing first. I look forward to our next duel."

"Me too. And next time I'll win." Red Hat replied with a smile.

"We'll see about that." Zane said with his eyes closed and with a smile before walking away.

After Zane had gone, Red Hat turned to the side of the bushes where he'd heard noises earlier. "Blair come out, I know it's you."

"How did you know it was me?" Blair asked coming out of her hiding place.

"Because you made too much noise and I noticed you earlier." Red Hat replied. Blair was embarrassed at this point and her cheeks turned red. "So, can you tell me what you were doing?"

"Well, you see, I..." Blair was stammering. "The truth is that I was looking for you, but then I saw you talking to someone and I preferred not to interrupt."

Red Hat seemed unconvinced by her words, but thinking that Blair had heard who he was talking to reminded him of something. "You saw that the person I was talking to was Zane and decided to spy on us."

Blair's face turned even more red with embarrassment.

Red Hat sighed at his reaction, realizing that he was right. "I can not believe it."

"Okay, you caught me. Yes, I was spying on you." Blair confessed.

"May I know why you were looking for me?"

At those words Blair lowered her head before answering. "Because I wanted to apologize, for making you angry earlier."

Hearing her explanation, Red Hat thought again that he had been too harsh on her earlier. "No, it's me who made a mistake, I exaggerated before, sorry."

Hearing Red Hat apologizing and not having it with her made Blair feel a little happy. "Really, well sorry anyway." Blair said. "One more thing. Why didn't you agree to be the Duel Academy rep?! You're crazy! No one would refuse this opportunity!"

Red Hat shrugged at his question. "I've said it before, I don't like being the center of attention."

Blair sighed at his answer. "Sometimes I really struggle to understand you."

"Come on let's go back to the dorm."

The two walked together back to the Slifer red dorm.

Thursday

Time 7:00

"ARE YOU OUT OF YOUR MIND!" Shouted Crowler slamming his hands on the table. With him were Chancellor Sheppard, Banner, Sartyr, Fontaine, and Zane who stood to one side. "The school duel between Duel Academy and North Academy is the biggest match of the year! We can take no chances. So, it's clear that Zane must be our rep." He shouted aloud.

"Zane is our best, but he's a third year student. North Academy is using a first year." Sheppard explained.

"Why would they do that? " Crowler asked.

"Who knows? But in the spirit of competition, I think we should use a first year student as well." Sheppard answered before turning to Zane. "You understand, don't you Zane? "

"Of course, Chancellor." Zane agreed.

He laughed a little at the answer. "Well then, the only questioni s who this first year will be."

"Why not choose Red Hat as our rep?" Proposed Banner.

Needless to say, Crowler didn't like the idea, he was already shaking at the very thought of the Slifer with the red hat being chosen as rep of Duel Academy.

"Red Hat is a duelist with moderate skills and excellent grades, there is no consideration of his rank, also because the only reason why he does not go up from dorm is by his choice." Banner explained.

"I have to agree with you about this Professor Banner." Sheppard said agreeing.

"He won't accept." Zane interrupted them. "I also had the idea of asking Red Hat to be the rep for the school duel, so yesterday I went to talk to him to ask him, but he refused." Zane explained.

Hearing these words Crowler breathed a sigh of relief.

"Oh, well that's a shame. Among the first year students Red Hat is one of the strongest. It's his choice anyway whether he wants to participate or not." Said Sheppard a little disappointed. "So have you considered anyone Zane? "

"Actually, yes. Red Hat and I have agreed on someone who might be the right choice." Zane said closing his eyes before answering. "Jaden Yuki."

Crowler shivered while Sheppard seemed intrigued by this choice.

"I agree. Jaden is our best student. Considering that Red Hat also suggested Jade nit seem like the right choice to me." Banner answered before looking at Pharaoh. "Don't you think? " Pharaoh responded with a meow.

"Oh well, if the cat say so." Crowler said not happy.

"Chancellor, Jaden will make the Duel Academy proud, trust me." Zane told Sheppard.

"Hmm, well then, that's that… unless someone had a better idea." Sheppard asked the staff members in the room.

Crowler sitting in his seat was getting furious at the very thought of Jaden being chosen as Duel Academy's rep. "Jaden Yuki! That Slifer Slacker! Everytime he does well, he make me look bad! And as if that weren't enough, he will be chosen rep of the Duel Academy for the suggestion of that delinquent with the red hat! There has go to be someone else…" It was then that Crowler thought of the right person for his problem. "Wait, I have it. Bastion Misawa! He should represent us! "

"From Ra yellow? " Sheppard asked.

"Yes." Crowler by climbing onto the table and making his way to Sheppard. "He's far more qualified and he tested higher then any other first year. Besides him aniway, It's only fair, Chancellor."

"Well then, how about a duell off then." Sheppard proposed receiving a nod of agreement from Zane.

Time 8:00

In class, Banner explained the situation to Jaden.

"For real? " Jaden asked confused.

"That's right. Tomorrow you will duel Bastion and the victor will represent Duel Academy in the school duel against North Academy." Banner said.

Jaden turned to Bastion smiling at him, the Ra yellow returned the gesture.

"I look forward to exciting match." Banner wished them both.

"All right Jaden, you might actually be in the school duel." Syrus congratulated him.

"No Slifers ever been there. You will make Duel Academy history." Chumley said.

Bastion then approached the trio. "Well Bastion, I guess the best man win huh." Jaden said.

"Best deck. And I assure you Jadenthat deck will be mine." Bastion answered. "You see, I've been formulating a new set of cards to defeat you and your monsters, ever since my duel with Chazz."

"You said, you would. So it's finished? " Jaden asked.

"Not yet, but it will be Jaden, it will be soon."

"Well, till then." Jaden replied extending his fist, Bastion return the gesture.

"Bastion designed a whole deck just to duel you with." Syrus said.

"I don't know if you should be really honored or really scared." added Chumley.

"Well guys, guess will find out when we throw down." Jaden assured friends.

Red Hat and Blair had also overheard the whole conversation.

"Apparently everything will be decided in a duel." Blair told Red Hat, but it didn't seem to be paying attention. "Hey, what are you thinking about? "

"It's just that something doesn't convince me." Red Hat answered leaving her friend confused. "When I spoke to Zane yesterday he seemed sure Jaden would be the chosen rep. Now Bastion's name comes up out of the blue, and it seems suspicious to me."

"Do you think anyone wants to stop Jaden from being the rep at the school duel? " Blair asked, getting only a nod from Red Hat. "But who could it be? "

Red Hat already had a hunch as to who the person in question was. "Dr Crowler." He answered.

"Do you think Crowler set this up? "

"Believe me, I'm more than sure. From what Syrus once told me, Crowler is only mad at him because Jaden beat him in the Duel Academy entrance exams in front of everyone. He's been trying to humiliate and kick Jaden out of here ever since, and it's also very possible that he's the one who choose those Obelisk blues against us in the field test. He defends his precious Obelisks, and he is also the main source in which they believe that everything is allowed to him just because they are in the highest rank. He tries to humiliate any student in the lower grades, especially the Slifers, by seeing him do, most peple in his dorm do the same. I really can't stand people like that! " Red Hat said now angrily.

Blair looked a little scared by her partner's outburst of anger. "Blimey, it's scary when it's like this." She thought. "H... Hey, how about we go to the card shop to pass the time? " Blair asked hoping that was enough to calm him down.

"Yes, good idea." Red Hat replied that he was going to the card shop, with Blair breathing a sigh of relief.

Time 19:00

After they finished with the day's lessons, Red Hat and Blair spent the rest of their time at the card shop. When evening came they returned to the dorm to have dinner. When they finished eating they decided to go to Jaden's room to talk to him. They knocked on the door and it was Jaden who opened it. "Hey, Red Hat, Blair, it's good to see you." Jaden said greeting them.

"Hey Jaden, we stopped by to wish you luck in tomorrow's duel with Bastion." Red Hat said.

"Thanks man, but I won't need luck because I know I'll win tomorrow with Bastion. Why don't you come in? "

Upon entering the room Red Hat saw that Syrus and Chumley were also there, but noticed that one other person was there as well. He was a person with black hair tied in a ponytail, gray eyes, and even a little beard. From the beginning he seemed to be an adult, rather than someone who was the same age as the kids who came to Duel Academy. He wondered who it was but decided not to pay attention to it.

Red Hat saw papers on the floor that she recognized immediately as Jaden's. "Are you working on your deck? " He asked, getting a nod in response.

"Whow, your deck looking good Jaden, still I wonder what kind of deck Bastion gonna have? " Syrus wondered.

"Don't know, what sounds like, I'll put some major time and brain juice into it." Chumley added.

"Nervous?" Syrus asked Jaden.

"Hmm, no way. I'm excited there." Jaden answered excitedly.

"Excited ? "

"Yeah, for a sweet challenge. My cards are up for it."

"You never worry." Syrus said.

"This is Jaden for us, you shouldn't be surprised anymore by now." Red Hat said a little amused by his friend's behavior.

At that point the man in the Slifer jacket picked up a card from the ground, and his eyes seemed to show anger at seeing the card. Which Red Hat seemed to notice.

"Hey. Your cool old-timer." Jaden said approaching him.

"Stop it with that! My name is Gerard! " Said the stranger in an annoyed tone of voice now identified as Gerard.

"Hey, I've been wondering since before, who is he? I've never seen him until now? " Blair asked.

"Apparently he's new here. It took him so long to get accepted into Duel Academy. But he has nothing to be ashamed of." Jaden replied.

Red Hat seemed suspicious of this story.

Jaden noticed that he had one of his cards in hand. "Hey, Skyscraper, you like that card too? "

"Huh, no way. You'd have to like dueling first." Gerard replied.

"If you don't like dueling, what are you ding here? " Syrus asked confused.

"Oh, well, uhm, I just mean I don't like it cuz I'm not good at it." Gerard replied that it sounded like he was starting to worry.

"Same here, I mean it's not that I don't like dueling, it's just I'm not really all that good at, but that's changing." Chumley said.

"Sure is."

"Yeah, see, once I started hanging out with these guys, I saw how they dueled and it totally changed my life." Chumley added.

Red Hat smiled at that, he could tell he partly understood what Chumley was saying. Because since he dueled against Jaden and Zane, a part of enthusiasm that he seemed to have lost for some time had returned. Blair noticed his smile, which confused her to see the expression on her partner's face.

"That's it Gerard. Maybe if you watch Jaden duel, you'll start to like duels more like Chumley. The perfect match is comin up, his duel with Bastion." Syrus explained.

"Sure, we'll see." Gerad answered even though he didn't seem really interested. But then, he decided to ask them a question. "So, you guys, I was wondering, do yo know anything about a rumor floating around where kids here go missing? "

"Does he mean the abandoned dorm? " Jaden wondered. This caught the attention of Gerard, and also of Red Hat. "We kind of wandered inside at once, very strange place."

"What is Jaden talking about? " Red Hat asked.

Syrus came over to explain. "You see, on the island there is an abandoned dorm, entering there is forbidden, when they discovered us Jaden and I had to do a tag duel to stay otherwise if we lost they would have expelled us."

Hearing this story, Red Hat realized that Alexis had already told him about this story once, now he understood why they were almost expelled from the academy.

"Well, I think it's time for me to go. See you tomorrow." Red Hat said as he walked out of Jaden and his friends' room followed by Blair.

As soon as they entered their room, Red Hat lay down on his bed.

"So how do you think tomorrow's duel will go? " Blair asked.

"Bastion is a duelist who plans his strategies in advance thinks carefully analyzing his opponent, but other than that I'm sure Jaden will win the duel." stated Red Hat sure.

"Wow, You seem to have a lot of expectations for Jaden." Blair said.

"It's only natural. Because I know Jaden's abilities firsthand, the duels I've had with him have been the best I've had in a long time. Jaden is one of the best duelists I've ever known." Explained Red Hat who seemed excited.

In the time she met him, Blair had never seen Red Hat so excited, and one thing that surprised her. "So tomorrow you will come to class to watch the duel? "

"I wish I could avoid going to class, but since there's a duel I absolutely don't want to lose, I'll have to go." Red Hat said bored at the thought of having to go to class.

"You know, you shouldn't think about skipping lessons, things like that aren't good for you. Besides, it's just a duel, nothing different than usual."

"Believe me, Jaden's duels change you completely, I'm sure you'll see it tomorrow." Red Hat said.

"If you say so." Blair responded skeptically.

Friday

Time 7:00

Red Hat and Blair left their room to go to the cafeteria to have breakfast, as soon as they entered they saw Jaden, Syrus and Chumley sitting at the table, with Jaden eating like crazy.

"Hey Jaden, are you ready for today's duel with Bastion? " Red Hat asked.

"Hey, Red Hat, Blair. Of course I am, I'm always up for a duel, you know." Jaden answered as he continued to eat.

"How are you not worried Jaden? Bastion has been training for this match up, you trained what, an hour? " Syrus said.

"More like half." Jaden replied.

"Haha, minus the time we took for that food run." Chumley added.

"I have to agree with Syrus on this Jaden. Bastion is not one you should underestimate, you've already seen that from his duel with Chazz." Red Hat explained.

"Look guys, Bastion has his way of training, and I have mine." Jaden said still continuing to eat.

"If you say you're ready then I believe it, also because I want to see you win." Red Hat said.

"Yeah, I guess you're right. By the way, where that guy, Gerard go? " Syrus asked noting that he wasn't there. "I haven't seen him."

"I don't know, but his lunch is mine." Jaden said causing everyone to drop a drop of sweat.

In between, Red Hat and Blair had sat down next to Jaden and the others for breakfast. "Do you really think Jaden will win? " Blair asked.

"I'm sure. Jaden may not be an ace in studies, but when it comes to a duel, even when it looks like he's about to lose he doesn't lose heart and finds a way to turn the situation around." Red Hat replied.

"Though, it still amazes me that you have so much faith in him. While I don't understand what you see in Jaden, Zane is so much better." Blair stated.

"As I told you, you will understand it with today's duel."

Time 16:00

After a day of class with Crowler's last one that seemed endless, the entire class went to the Duel arena which was completely packed with spectators. Red Hat and Blair sat away from the others.

Crowler meanwhile, made his announcement. "It's time, duelists! To find out who will represent our illustrious Academy in the annual school duel! " He continued by introducing the two duelists who would face each other. "Introducing first, from Ra yellow dorm, Bastion Misawa! " Bastion was already in the arena with a calm and confident expression. "And from Slifer, some kid." Crowler said in a low voice without wanting to say it introducing Jaden that he was ready.

"Here we go. Good luck pal." Jaden wished his friend.

"I appreciate the sentiment, but with the deck I prepared I don't need luck." Bastion answered.

"Yeah, will see about that."

"Go Jaden! " Syrus exulted. "This is what you trained for or didn't."

"Now, without any further do! " cried Crowler.

"Get your game on Bastion! " Jaden said as they both activated their duel disks, Crowler leapt off the arena as they did so.

"Let's duel! "

Jaden: 8000 LP

Bastion: 8000 LP

"I'll start this duel. I draw! " Bastion draws.

Hand 6

"I set a monster facedown. I end my turn." Bastion ends his turn.

Hand 5

"What? You build a new deck and you can only do that." Jaden said in surprise. "Hey, whateverever work for you. I draw! " Jaden draws.

Hand 6

"I summon Elemental HERO Wildheart in attack mode! (Atk: 1500 – Def: 1600) Now Wildhearth attack! Wild slash! " Jaden's monster attacks Bastion's monster, which is revealed to have the appearance of a starfish. It was a card known as Star Boy (Atk: 550 – Def: 500) I set a card facedown and end my turn." Jaden ends his turn.

Hand 4

"You didn't waste anytime. I like that. I draw! " Bastion draws.

Hand 6

"I'll set a monster facedown and end my turn." Bastion ends his turn.

Hand 5

"It must be said that Bastion is playing defensively. Who knows, maybe he has a bad hand? " Blair wondered.

"No, I would rule it out." Red Hat replied, leaving Blair confused by his words. "When Bastion duels it's a person who plays according to a strategy planned in advance of the duel, if he plays like this and because it is part of his plan." He explained.

"This again? Well, I certainly won't back down. I draw! " Jaden draws.

Hand 5

"I activate Pot of Greed to draw two cards. Sweet, now I play Shield crush! Now your facedown monster is destroyed." A ray of green light came out of the spell card hitting Bastion's facedown monster, which was Penguin Soldier.

"Not a bad move." Blair admitted. While Red Hat carefully watched the duel.

"Now I summon Elemental HERO Burstinatrix in attack mode! (Atk: 1200 – Def: 800) Now that your field is empty Burstinatrix attack you directly! Magma Comet! " Burstinatrix spawned a fireball in her hands which she launched at Bastion.

Bastion: 8000 – 6800 LP

"And now it's Wildheart's turn to attack! " At that command, Wildheart rushed at Bastion striking him with his sword.

Bastion: 6800 – 5300 LP

"Now I end my turn." Jaden ends his turn.

Hand 4

"Zane was right about that boy. He's a quite duelist." Chancellor Sheppard told Banner that they were sitting on the sidelines watching the duel.

"It's true. We teach those Slifers well, when they don't ditch class." Banner replied, to which Sheppard nodded in agreement.

Meanwhile Crowler was freaking out about how the duel was going. "Why did I opened my big mouth and nominated Bastion for this match! He's gonna annihilated, I'm gonna humiliated! And most of all, Jaden is looking better than ever! " He thought.

"Now it's my turn. I draw! " Bastion draws.

Hand 6

"I activate Pot of Greed to draw two cards. Now I play, the field spell Umiiruka!" The field changed to an area with only water. "With this card, the water attribute monsters gain 500 attack points, but thei defense points decrease of 400. But first I'll deal with your facedown card. I activate Mystical Space Typhoon!" Strong gusts of wind blew destroying Jaden's facedown card which was Sakuretsu Armor. "Now I summon Hydrogeddon in attack mode! (Atk: 1600 – Def: 1000) Don't forget the bonus he gets from my field spell. (Atk: 1600 – 2100 – Def: 1000 – 600) Now Hydrogeddon attack Burstinatrix! Hydro gust! " Bastion's monster hurled a jet of water at the fire Elemental HERO.

Jaden: 8000 – 7100 LP

"And there's more. You see, When Hydrogeddon destroys an opponent monster by battle and sends it to the graveyard, I can special summon one Hydrogeddon from my deck. (Atk: 1600 – 2100 – Def: 1000 – 600)" Bastion explained as a second Hydrogeddon appeared on his side of the field. "And now the second Hydrogeddon attack Wildheart! " The tribal hero was hit by a jet of water.

Jaden: 7100 – 6500 LP

"And I will still use its effect to summon a third Hydroggedon from the deck. Now you have no monster to protect you, so my monster is free to attack you directly! " The monster launched a jet of water that hit Jaden.

Jaden: 6500 – 4400 LP

"That's no good." Jaden said.

"Incredible." Syrus said from his seat.

"Where's the bathroom." Chumley added.

"That's an impressive move." Sheppard said.

"Yes, and this will be tough." Banner agreed.

Crowler meanwhile was more than happy with how things were going now, as he grinned as he clung to the arena. "Oh, I knew it was a good idea for me to nominate Bastion for this match! He's looking magnificent, I'm looking brilliant and best of all, Jaden looks life a complete fool! "

"I can't watch." Syrus said worried.

"It's not all bad. Jaden have still, life points." Chumley said.

"Come on Jaden, fight back! " Thought Alexis.

"Well, perhaps we've underestimated Bastion." Zane said surprised himself by this turn of events. "He's been playing this like a pro. After all, with just a few cards he's all but disarmed Jaden."

"Come on, he's just take away Jaden monsters on the field, that's all." Alexis said.

Crowler grew happier to think that Jaden would lose the duel. "That's it Bastion! Show this Slifer Slacking Sludge who's the boss! Show him he doesn't belong in the school duel! "

"My Pharaoh, this doesn't look good." Banner said stroking the cat as Sheppard continued to watch the duel intently.

Red Hat and Blair also watched the duel closely.

"Looks like Jaden is having the worst of it now." Blair said.

"I wouldn't say it too quickly. Even if it seems impossible, it is in these moments that Jaden manages to turn the tables." Red Hat replied not taking his eyes off the duel for a second.

Blair watched Red Hat, still amazed that Red Hat's trust in Jaden didn't change even at such a moment, wondering if what her partner had said was possible as she returned to watching the duel.

"I end my turn. It's your move Jaden." Bastion ends his turn.

Hand 4

"You may have put me in trouble, Bastion but that just makes the duel more fun for me. I Draw! " Jaden draws.

Hand 5

"I play Graceful Charity. I draw three cards then discards two." Jaden discards two cards from his hand after draw. "I summon Elemental HERO Avian in attack mode! (Atk: 1000 – Def: 1000)"

"He's gone crazy! Why did he put him in attack mode! " Blair cried out in shock. "He's not strong enough to defeat any of Bastion's monsters! " She pointed out.

"Wait and see." It was Red Hat's only response. After a few seconds, he noticed that Gerard was standing next to the arena, watching the duel. "I don't know why, but something about him doesn't convince me." It was his thought.

"Now is the time for a change of scenery. I activate the field spell, Skyscraper! " As soon as Jaden inserted the card into the duel disk slot, the field began to change, from a watery area they were now in what looked like a large metropolis.

"Since Umiiruka is now gone, Bastion's monsters lose the attack points they gained. (Atk: 2100 – 1600 – Def: 600 – 1000)" Red Hat explained to Blair.

"Yes I understand that, but his monster is still weak to defeat one of the Hydrogeddon. How will he do it? " Blair asked.

"Now, if an Elemental HERO monster attacks a monster that has higher attack points, the attacking monster gains 1000 attack points during damage calculation only." Jaden explained. " So, Avian attack Hydrogeddon! Quill Cascade! (Atk: 1000 – 2000 – Def: 1000)" The winged hero would flap his wings, shooting his feathers like projectiles, destroying the opposing monster.

Bastion: 5300 – 4900 LP

"I'll throwdown two facedown cards, then activate the continuous spell, Mirage of Nightmare and end my turn." Jaden ends his turn.

Hand 0

"Oh wow, this is one very licious duel." Chumley said.

"And it's not slowing down." Syrus added.

"But isn't it risky to run out of cards? " Blair asked.

"Mirage of Nightmare will make him draw four cards on Bastion's turn, but if that card remains on the field, when his turn comes Jaden will have to discard the same number of cards he draw. But if one of the cards facedown and that which I think then there will be nothing to worry about." Red Hat said.

"Good chill, Jaden." Bastion complimented.

"I do what I can." Jaden replied.

"All right, it's my turn. I draw! " Bastion draws.

Hand 5

"First of all, Mirage of Nightmares effect activates." Jaden interrupted. "During your Standby phase, I can draw until I have four cards in my hand." Jaden draw four cards.

"A good move, but it won't be enough. I've calculated every variant for this duel, I know how to counter your deck and I'll show you now. I play Graceful Charity, now I draw three cards and then discards two. I summon Oxygeddon in attack mode! (Atk: 1800 – Def: 800) And then activate the spell card Bonding – H2O! Like putting two molecules of hydrogen and one molecule of oxygen together creates water, this card allows me to tribute 2 Hydrogeddon and 1 Oxygeddon to special summon Water Dragon from my deck! (Atk: 2800 – Def: 2600)" Bastion's three monsters united in swirling vortex from which they created a serpentine dragon made of water.

"How's Jaden gonna take down that thing? Avian doesn't have nearly enough attack points." Syrus said worried.

"I normal summon Abyss Soldier in attack mode! (Atk: 1800 – Def: 1300)" A humanoid-looking whale armed with a trident had appeared on Bastion's side of the field. "I play the spell card, Nobleman of Extermination. I destroy and remove from the field one facedown card and if the card is a trap, we both must remove from our decks all the copies of that card. I choose the last card on my left."

"Sorry to disappoint Bastion, but things won't go your way. I activate the card you targeted. The quick-play spell Emergency Provisions! By sending one spell or trap card on my field to the graveyard, I gain 1000 life points. So, adios Mirage of Nightmare." A green aura was around Jaden.

Jaden: 4400 – 5400 LP

"You'll need those life points you earned. Because now Abyss Soldier attacks Avian! " The humanoid whale hit Avian with his trident causing it to explode.

Jaden: 5400 – 4600 LP

"You will now be attacked by the Water Dragon! Go Tidal Blast! " Water Dragon fired a powerful jet of water from its mouth at Jaden making him fall on his back to the ground.

Jaden: 4600 – 1800 LP

"Quite impressive." Zane mumbled about Jaden.

"Well, yeah. But, can he keep it up? " Alexis wondered.

"You're simply postponing the inevitable. Your deck is a problem I've already solved." Bastion affirmed.

"You're wrong." Jaden answered getting back on his feet.

"I end my turn." Bastion ends his turn.

Hand 2

"Well I have to say it Bastion. I don't think I've ever had a more fun duel." Jaden admitted amused.

"Glad you think so! " shouted Syrus from his seat.

"Okay, I knew Jaden isn't normal, but this beats them all. How can he enjoy himself in a situation like this? " Blair said.

"I've enjoyed it as well Jaden. And we'll continue. Especially when I beat you."

"We'll see about that. I draw! " Jaden draws.

Hand 5

"Sweetness." Jaden said smiling seeing the card. "I play The Warrior Returning Alive. With this card, Wildheart in my graveyard return in my hand." Jaden said, as the card was ejected from the graveyard slot and returned to his hand. "I play Polymerization! I use to fuse Wildheart and Bladedge to create Elemental HERO Wildedge! (Atk: 2600 – Def: 2300) And I don't stop there. Next I play Miracle Fusion! I banish Avian and Burstinatrix from my graveyard to fusion summon Elemental HERO Flame Wingman! (Atk: 2100 – Def: 1200)"

"Sure his monsters are strong, but not strong enough to take down Bastion's Water Dragon." Blair pointed out.

"You're forgetting Jaden's field spell which is still on the field." Red Hat said.

"Now Flame Wingman Attacks Water Dragon! Skydive Scorcher! " Jaden's Elemental hero was on the roof of one of the buildings before jumping high. "And thanks to Skyscraper its attack points increase by 1000. (Atk: 2100 – 3100 – Def: 1200)" Flame Wingman had covered himself in a flaming aura before flying towards Water Dragon causing him to explode.

Bastion: 4900 – 4600 LP

"My Water Dragon has a special effect, which activates now. When is destroyed and sent to the graveyard, I can special summon 2 Hydrogeddon and 1 Oxygeddon from my graveyard. (Atk: 1800 – Def: 800) (Atk: 1600 – Def: 1000)"

"And now the effect of Flame Wingman kicks in. When he sends a monster to the graveyard in battle, you take a damage equal to the attack points of the destroyed monster! " Flame Wingman stepped in front of Bastion, shooting a jet of fire from his dragon-shaped right arm, Bastion protected himself by crossing his arms.

Bastion: 4600 – 1800 LP

"And now things get interesting. And you know why? Because I still have Wildedge. Thanks to his effect, he can attack every monster you control." Jaden said, while Bastion was shocked by this. "Now Wildedge, attack! " Jaden's hero drew his sword hitting the monsters of Bastion one by one which ended up exploding creating a smoke screen.

Bastion: 1800 – 1000 LP

"Really not bad Jaden, but I still have some life points." Bastion pointed out.

"Then I'm lucky to have this card." Jaden said showing the last card in his hand. "The quick-play spell De-Fusion! I return Wildedge in my extra deck and special summon the fusion material from my graveyard. So say hello to Wildedge, and welcome back Wildheart and Bladedge! (Atk: 1500 – Def: 1600) (Atk: 2600 – Def: 1800)" The fusion monster split into the two monsters that formed it, the tribal hero and the hero in the golden armor with the blades. "Now Wildheart let's close the duel. Wild Slash! " Wildheart leapt towards Bastion slashing at him with his sword taking away the last remaining life points.

Bastion: 1000 – 0 LP

When the holograms cleared, everyone in the arena started cheering as loud as possible.

Even though Red Hat knew from the start that his friend would win, he couldn't help but smile. "You were amazing Jaden! "

"He enjoyed the whole duel, I can't believe it." Blair said as she watched Jaden. "Really wonderful." At the mere thought of these words Blair's cheeks flushed before she roused herself from her thoughts. "Aaaah! What's on my mind! "

"Hey Blair, are you all right? " Red Hat asked, noting that he was behaving strangely.

"What?! Yes, yes, I'm fine."

"If you say so. Let's go to Jaden's." Red Hat said as he left followed by Blair.

"I guess when it comes to Jaden Yuki, Bastion miscalculated." Zane said as he walked away.

"I guess, or maybe some strategies you just can't solve." Alexis answered as she was about to leave before noticing someone shouting loudly near the arena.

"He did it! Way to go Jaden! Oh, What a duel! " That person was Gerard. As soon as he realized what he had just said he composed himself. "Thanks Jaden." It was the last thing he said before leaving.

"Hey! " It was the only thing Alexis said before following him, this scene had also been noticed by Red Hat, but he preferred not to notice it and went to his friend.

Meanwhile Crowler was not at all happy with Jaden's victory. "Does the slacker ever lose? " He murmured before falling to the floor.

Sheppard then rose from his seat to speak. "So, the winner is Jaden Yuki! Well done! You will be the Duel Academy's rep at the school duel! "

"Way to play, Jaden! " Syrus praised his friend as everyone approached him.

"Good job." Chumley said.

"Indeed." Bastion said as he approached them. "You beat me fair and square Jaden. Rather, you beat this deck. But you can be assured there will be another."

"And another duel I hope. Till then." Jaden said doing his usual pose.

Bastion smiled and held out his hand. "Yes, until then Jaden." Jaden looked at him before smiling, slapping his hand before shaking it and accepting the gesture.

"You were amazing, Jaden." Red Hat complimented Jaden after joining him followed by Blair.

"Ha ha! Thanks for the compliment and for rooting for me."

"You were amazing." Blair complimented him too before turning to her partner. "Hey Red Hat, you know what? You were absolutely right."

"On what? " He asked confused.

"When you said watching his duels changes you. You were absolutely right. I've never felt like this before. It's pretty awesome, like you said." Blair excitedly explained.

"I told you, didn't I? In whatever situation he finds himself, he still enjoys himself more than anyone else, even managing to win. Jaden is really fantastic." Red Hat said.

"Unlike someone I know." Blair said under her breath playfully.

"What do you mean by that? " Red Hat asked hearing her anyway.

"Oh, absolutely nothing." Blair replied humming pretending she didn't notice.

Everyone saw this scene and laughed.

"I can't believe it. That's Slifer slacker has representing us. Representing me." Crowler murmured at the foot of the arena.

"All right! School duel get your game on, cause here I come! " Jaden said raising his fist to the air.

Here is the new chapter. Sorry it took so long, but I still have computer problems and it took longer than I expected. For this chapter, I had Bastion use the water attribute deck he had in Tag Force 1 instead of the earth attribute one, because I thought it was more ideal for dueling against Jaden. At first he was hesitant whether or not to include Gerard in this chapter, I put it as an excuse to let Red Hat know about the abandoned dorm thing and the tag duel he had to do with Syrus, to know more about Jaden, before Red Hat came to Duel Academy. Let's move on to the comments to the comments of the last chapter. LoliSupremeKing, thanks for what you said in the comments. I know that Blair event where Shen and Red Hat duel Pablo and Bivin is not canon, as I said it was to point out to Blair that her usual strategy could not always work and she had to use another deck if she wanted to get stronger. As for the deck profiles of Pablo and Bivin, it was to give them decks like the other Obelisk blues, that are a little more offensive. When Red Hat's field test duel came around I gave Pablo his stall deck with a few cards that I decided to add, to push Red Hat even better while using the Elemental HERO deck. That's it for this chapter, let me know what you think in the comments below.

P.S. Can anyone tell me how old Blair was. Because in episode 20 they say she's 8 years old, while in episode 50 of the second season she seems to be 14, if anyone can tell me it's a pleasure.