Arena
Kai and Chazz were ready to duel…
"Alright Chazz, show me just how much you've improved." Kai declared.
"With pleasure!" Chazz shot back.
"DUEL!" They both yelled as their duel disks whirred to life.
(Kai 4000/Chazz 4000)
"I'll kick things off!" Kai drew. "I summon Heroic Challenger – Spartan(LV 4/1600/1000)." A beige and gold spartan appeared. "Whenever an Earth Warrior-type monster is normal summoned to my field, I can special summon War Rock Gactos(LV 4/1900/1900)."
A man with two stone clubs appeared. "By controlling a minimum of 2 warrior monsters, I can special summon Heroic Challenger - Morning Star(LV 4/1500/1300)." A blue and brown armored warrior, wielding a morning star, appeared.
"That boy just summoned three level 4 monsters on his first turn." Foster remarked.
"If I'm right, as it's far too soon for him to go into what you might be thinking he will, Kai may very well not be done." Sheppard stated, with a chuckle.
Of course, Foster didn't know Kai's deck; however, it wasn't out of the realm of possibility that one would think he'd go into a rank 4 monster that took more than two materials. Given Kai's only one was Star Cestus, better served later, it was safe to expect something else.
"No matter how he's summoned, I can add 1 Heroic spell/trap from my deck to my hand." Kai continued. "The card I'll add is Heroic Envoy, which I'll activate now to add any heroic monster from my deck to the hand.
I chose Heroic Challenger – Knuckle Sword(LV 1/600/200). Since I control a Heroic monster, who's not level 1, I can special summon him." A gold and silver armored warrior, wielding a knuckle sword, appeared.
"No matter how Knuckle Sword is summoned, he can target another Warrior monster I control. Then it or that monster becomes the other's level. I'll target Morning Star and grant Knuckle Sword his level."
Heroic Challenger – Knuckle Sword(LV 4/600/200 effect)
"Four level four monsters." Chazz recognized, knowing more than enough, what could be coming. "You think it's wise to use up so much on the first turn?"
"I know what I'm doing." Kai assured. "Observe as I first build the overlay network with my level 4 Morning Star and Spartan. Xyz summon Gagaga Cowboy(R 4/O 2/1500/2400) in defense mode." A cowboy with twin guns appeared kneeling.
I then build the overlay network once more with the level 4 Gactos and Morning Star to call forth the king of wishes. Xyz summon Number 39: Utopia(R 4/O 2/2500/2000)." A gold and white warrior appeared.
Next, I'll detach one overlay unit from Gagaga Cowboy(R 4/O 1/1500/2400), and since he's in defense position, you take eight hundred life points of damage." Cowboy fired on the North's rep (Kai 4000/Chazz 3200). "I'll end my turn with one set card."
"He managed to pull off a near identical turn to his first against Joey Wheeler." Syrus noted.
"This time, I can't imagine his opponent will be able to deal with it that well." Alexis declared.
"Don't underestimate Chazz." Greg noted, drawing the group's attention. "He's a different duelist from who any of us remember."
"Evans is right." Topher nodded. "Chazz was a dull blade while now he's been sharpened to a fine edge."
"My move!" Chazz drew. "I'll start by activating Ojamatch, allowing me to send any 1 Ojama card from my hand or face-up on the field to the grave. In exchange, I can add 1 other Ojama and 1 Armed Dragon monster from my deck and or grave to the hand."
"Ojama!" Sheppard was stunned. "Aren't those your school's top cards?" He looked to his fellow chancellor. "Oh Foster, you didn't."
"I did what I had to." Foster grinned. "Between my school's top cards, Chazz's own cards, and cards from a very important third party, I will be claiming the prize this year."
"Not if I have anything to say about it." Sheppard had gotten to his feet. "Let's go Kai, come on and bring our academy the win!"
It was still Chazz's turn, as he went about discarding Ojamuscle to then have two new cards pop out of his deck.
"Adding these cards to my hand then sees Ojamatch granting me an extra normal summon this turn, so I'll use my first one to introduce Ojama Pink(LV 2/0/1000)." A five eyed, small pink and rotund monster in a speedo appeared.
"Ugh, that's not an attractive monster at all." Mindy voiced. "Where's Chazzy's union monsters? Those were far more appealing and stronger."
"While you may think that monster unappealing and weak, it's a rather effective piece to someone who knows what they're doing with it." Zane crossed his arms. "Given how Chazz carries himself, this duel will be tougher for Kai than any of you may have thought."
"With my second normal summon, I'll tribute Ojama Pink to summon Armed Dragon Thunder LV5(LV 5/2400/1700)." A moderately sized, bipedal red dragon appeared with lighting surging around him.
"One thing is for certain." Kai thought. "The Chazz I remember never would have looked at a card like Ojama Pink, let alone utilize it in any capacity. The fact it was part of his strategy to get a more in line monster out…"
"As Pink was sent from the field to the grave, we both now draw one card before then discarding one card." Chazz called out, with both following through. "That's not the only draw I'll be getting as I now activate the effect of Thunder LV5.
By sending 1 monster from my hand to the grave, I can send Thunder LV5 from my field to the grave to special summon any Level 7 or lower Armed Dragon Monster from my hand or deck." He discarded. "The card I sent was Armed Dragon Thunder LV3.
Since it's sent to activate the effect of a dragon-type monster, I get that draw I mentioned." A card popped out of his deck, via LV 5, and he took it before drawing. "I'll now send Thunder LV5 to the grave.
With his effect, I'll go about leveling him up into the original Armed Dragon LV 7(LV 7/2800/1000)." A large, red dragon with metal scales appeared before unleashing a devastating roar. "Now, let's see just how good that field of yours is."
"Chazz it up! Chazz it up! Chazz it Up!"
"No matter what you summon this turn, I can handle it." Kai declared.
"Let's see how you handle my dragon's special ability." Chazz returned. "By discarding a monster from my hand, I can destroy all monsters you control with equal or fewer ATK."
"Oh no, that'll leave Kai wide open." Jasmine voiced, as the rest of the group worried alongside her.
"I now discard Armed Dragon Thunder LV7 to the grave." Chazz declared. "As he share's LV7's original ATK, no monster on your field will survive." He discarded. "Go, Serrated Sonic Disc!"
Two saw blades were fired and tore through Kai's Xyz monsters in one, fell swoop.
"Kai!" Dimitri exclaimed from the side.
"Now, LV 7 will attack you directly with Dragon Talon Terror!" Chazz declared.
"Since you're declaring a direct attack, I'll activate the graveyard effect of a card your Ojama Pink helped me send." Kai declared, as multiple glowing swords appeared around LV7 to keep him in place.
"What!?" Chazz asked.
" Spiritual Swords of Revealing Light is a trap which can be banished from the grave to prevent you from making a direct attack this turn." Kai declared.
"Figures, you'd be someone who could weather that." Chazz declared. "I'll set one card of my own before ending my turn."
"With my field nearly clear, it's time to get to work." Kai drew. "First, I'll activate Pot of Avarice to return 5 monsters from my grave back to my deck, or extra deck in such cases as they apply, before then drawing two more cards."
He returned Utopia to the extra deck, along with Spartan, Gactos, Knuckle Sword, and Morning Star to the deck, before shuffling and drawing two. "Next, I'll activate my face down Xyz Reborn to target and revive any Xyz monster within my grave.
I'll revive Gagaga Cowboy(R 4/O 1/1500/2400), in attack mode, who'll then gain this very trap as one of his overlay units. Now, I equip him with Magnum Shield which grants any warrior-type monster ATK equal to their DEF and vice versa depending on position."
Gagaga Cowboy(R 4/O 1/3900/2400 effect)
"Big deal." Chazz shook his head. "Your cowboy just got some fancy shield."
"It is when I couple this increase with his attack position ability." Kai declared. "Speaking of, I detach my Cowboy's overlay unit before engaging that dragon of yours in battle. During the damage step of a turn I detach a unit, Cowboy gains 1000 ATK while your monsters loses 500.
Gagaga Cowboy(R 4/O 0/4900/2400 effect) gunned down Armed Dragon LV 7(LV 7/2300/1000 effect), which shattered; however, the results of this battle were not what was expected (Kai 4000/Chazz 5800).
Gagaga Cowboy(R 4/O 0/3900/2400 effect)
"Chazz's life points went up!?" Chumley exclaimed.
"How is that possible?" Mindy asked.
"Look, Chazz activated a trap card." Raynos pointed out.
"You walked right into my Rainbow Life trap card." Chazz declared. "Thanks to someone who had to stay back at North Academy letting me keep this, this trap lets me discard one card to turn any damage I would take into extra life points instead."
"Er, I could still normal summon; however, that LV7 dragon may not be all Chazz has in waiting." Kai nodded. "I end my turn."
"Kind of seems like this is going the way of Chazz's last duels with Jaden and Greg." Syrus noted.
"Now that you mention it, he's all out of cards again." Jasmine noted.
"If that is the case, then it's time to see if he's learned how to overcome such a disadvantage." Zane noted.
"My move!" Chazz drew. "I'll now activate Card of Demise to draw until I have five cards in my hand; however, I'll have to discard whatever is in my hand come my fifth Standby Phase after using this card.
Now, you're not the only one with graveyard effects." Chazz continued. "I banish Ojama Duo, allowing me to special summon any two Ojama I want from my deck. I choose Ojama Red(LV 2/0/1000) and Ojama Blue(LV 2/0/1000)."
A blue and red version of Ojama Pink appeared. "Now, I activate Ojamassimilation, seeing me reveal to you any Light attributed machine-type fusion I wish from my extra deck. Here, you can have a look at my XYZ-Dragon Cannon."
The fusion's card was revealed. "Now, I banish Ojama monsters from my hand, field, or grave. Then, I can special summon differently named materials listed on the fusion I revealed from my hand, deck, or grave. I'll banish Ojamas Red and Blue from my field with Pink from my grave.
Special summon X-Head Canon(LV 4/1800/1500)," A yellow and blue machine appeared. " Y-Dragon Head(LV 4/1500/1600)," A red machine dragon appeared. "and Z-Metal Tank from my deck." A yellow tank machine appeared.
"Another card that lets him access his union monsters!?" Alexis exclaimed.
"This isn't lichious at all." Chumley declared.
"Start your engines!" Chazz declared, resulting in X-Head Cannon, Y-Dragon Head, and Z-Metal Tank moving up before combining. "Fusion summon XYZ-Dragon Cannon(LV 8/2800/2600)." They became a mobile tank with large cannons.
"Well, I'll admit that's unexpected." Kai voiced.
"Just wait because I'm not done." Chazz declared. "I normal summon V-Tiger Jet(LV 4/1600/1800)." A blue and yellow machine tiger appeared. "With it now on the field, I'll activate Unauthorized Reactivation and target V-Tiger Jet.
Now, I equip the appropriate monster from my hand or deck." A card popped out of his deck. "Go, W-Wing Catapult." The blue winged machine appeared behind V-Tiger Jet. "Start your engines once more. Fusion summon VW-Tiger Catapult(LV 6/2000/2100)."
"I know what comes next." Kai remarked.
"Then, I won't keep you waiting." He pointed up as Dragon Cannon and Tiger Catapult flew up before splitting apart and merging as one. "Fusion summon VWXYZ-Dragon Catapult Cannon(LV 8/3000/2800)." Five monsters merged into one mech.
"Chazz it up! Chazz it up! Chazz it up!"
"In one turn, without a monster or card on the field to start with, Chazz managed to summon one of his best monsters…" Alexis voiced, stunned.
"Just how far has he gone?" Greg asked.
"One per turn, this monster can banish any one card you control free of charge!" Chazz declared. "While you control two, banishing Gagaga Cowboy alone will remove both from the field." A wormhole opened and consumed the Xyz while Magnum Shield shattered.
"Kai's field is empty again, and I don't think what's left in his grave has an effect like last time." Sadie noted.
"Now, I launch a direct attack." Chazz declared, resulting in VWXYZ pointing its cannons at Kai before unleashing a bombardment (Kai 1000/Chazz 5800). "With that, I end my turn. You've pushed me into a lot of my powerful summons yet have only touched my life points once."
"I'll fix that now, Chazz." Kai drew. "I now control no monster, so I can special summon Heroic Challenger – Assault Halberd(LV 4/1800/300)." A purple armored warrior, wielding a halberd, appeared. "I'll then normal summon Heroic Challenger – Extra Sword(LV 4/1000/1000)."
A green and white armored warrior, wielding two blades, appeared. "Now, I construct the overlay network with my two monsters to once again call forth the king of wishes. Xyz summon Number 39: Utopia(R 4/O 2/2500/2000)." A gold and white warrior appeared.
"Any Xyz monster created using Extra Sword gains 1000 ATK upon being Xyz summoned." Chazz remarked. "He's going for the combo from our last duel last time, only now he can't end the duel in one turn with it."
Number 39: Utopia(R 4/O 2/3500/2000 effect)
"You remember." Kai declared. "Utopia attack VWXYZ-Dragon Catapult Cannon; however, I'll negate that attack through his effect by detaching one overlay unit." Number 39: Utopia(R 4/O 1/3500/2000 effect) had drawn his blade, only to cease his attack as he used up an overlay unit.
Now, I activate the quick-play spell Double or Nothing. Whenever a monster's attack is negated, they get to attack again at double their strength." Number 39: Utopia(R 4/O 1/7000/2000 effect).
Those unaware of this combo were caught off guard.
"Does Central Academy just mass produce duelists capable of spitting out such high ATK values?" Charlie questioned.
"I do not know." Sergi responded.
"Utopia, destroy VWXYZ with Rising Sun Slash!" Kai declared, resulting in Utopia drawing two blades and lunging forward to slash through the fusion (Kai 1000/Chazz 1800). "With that, I'll be turning things over to you."
Number 39: Utopia(R 4/O 1/3500/2000 effect)
Foster was stunned while Sheppard was elated. "That prize is as good as mine!"
"Don't give in Chazz!" Foster stood. "All of North Academy is behind you, my boy!"
"Chazz, we're behind you all the way!" North Academy resounded as one.
"Chazz Princeton was a quitter, but The Chazz doesn't quit until the very end!" Chazz drew before turning to his people. "Now, I'm going all out, so let me hear it!"
"CHAZZ IT UP! CHAZZ IT UP! CHAZZ IT UP!"
With their encouragement, Chazz turned back to his duel. "Get ready Kai because I owe my capability to summon one of my ultimate monsters to you!"
"What are you talking about?" Kai asked.
"During this duel, I've special summoned Armed Dragon LV7 and VWXYZ-Dragon Catapult Cannon." Chazz replied. "While having both on the field is one way I can bust this out, like some of my union monsters, I can bust this monster out by banishing these two from the grave.
A wormhole opened as the transparent images of Armed Dragon LV7 and XWXYZ-Dragon Catapult Cannon appeared. "I call upon the ultimate merger of dragon and machine. Combine and lay waste! Fusion Summon Armed Dragon Catapult Cannon(LV 10/3500/3000)."
The two transparent monsters shattered before their particles collected and formed one monster. What appeared was the ultimate collaboration between dragon and machine.
"Now, I'll end this by attacking Utopia!" Chazz declared. "Go, Dragonic Devastation!"
"I don't know what your aim is, but I won't let this attack through." Kai declared.
"You don't have a choice." Chazz declared, as his monster roared and leveled its cannons at Utopia. "One of the last two cards in my hand is Forbidden Chalice. By targeting your monster, I shut down his effects this turn in exchange for 400 extra ATK."
Number 39: Utopia(R 4/O 1/3900/2000 effect)
"All you've done is make my monster stronger than yours." Kai voiced.
Armed Catapult Cannon roared as he let loose powerful lasers at Utopia, who was grayed out now as he withdrew both blades to defend with.
"That's where this last card in my hand comes in." Chazz retorted. "I activate the quick-play Limiter Removal which doubles the ATK of every machine-type monster I control, in return for any monster who receives this boost being destroyed this End Phase."
"Except, the duel ends now…" Kai thought, staring down the lasers as they doubled in intensity before reaching his monster.
Armed Dragon Catapult Cannon(LV 10/7000/3000 effect)
Utopia and Kai were consumed by the brilliance of the lasers (Kai 0/Chazz 1800). When they died down, the single rep of Central Academy stood there alone while Chazz's Armed Dragon Catapult Cannon faded away. This resulted in all North Academy standing before hollering.
"King of the North! King of the North! King of the North!"
The day was not won, but after two years of losing both duels, they were finally on the board. As for the students of Central Academy, there was an air of disbelief. While Kai's record wasn't squeaky clean, Zane Truesdale had a similar enough record his first year.
Back in his first year, Duel Academy swept both duels. The only real exceptions to the defeat now in the air were Jaden and Dimitri, unsurprisingly, as well as Kai himself. Said war challenger user approached the King of the North.
"Well, you've grown more than I think anyone here could have imagined." Kai remarked.
In line with who he was growing into, Chazz didn't gloat or revel in his victory. After all, he wasn't done here. Even if this were the end, he was no Seto Kaiba. Something he resolved was in walking his own path.
"The score has been settled between us, Kai." Chazz voiced. "We're even now, and I'll be evening the score with Jaden soon enough."
Given their schools were now tied, today would be decided by a duel between the single and tag rep. It would come down to Jaden vs Chazz; however, the chancellors were not about to announce it until things settled down.
"Until our eventual rematch, whether that be at next year's School Duel, some other time, or in the pros." Kai returned.
Chazz gave a small smile in return. "We'll see." As the cheering died down, he walked to the edge where Mokuba stood. "I would like the microphone."
"Sure, have at it." Mokuba agreed.
"Alright, listen up!" Chazz called out, his voice commanding silence. "Before the chancellors announce what's next, I got a little something to say now that my actions have done some talking. As I've said, I'm no longer a Princeton. I am The Chazz, which came from a choice.
I could have stayed at Central Academy, as a Ra Yellow, living a life of mediocrity, or I could have called Seto Kaiba without knowing what the future entailed. I chose the latter, which saw me having to strike out with nothing more than my deck and a dishonored Obelisk Blue uniform.
From there, I made a name for myself up north. They taught me honor and respect as I worked my way up to being their king. In return, I've brought them the first victory they've had here in two years, and I intend to bring home the full victory today.
I want to show life is about building your own legacy, and that where I stand now is the start of mine. A legacy built on loyalty to the academy I call home. A legacy built on never doubting one's self again. A legacy free of being someone else's puppet!"
The North didn't break into a cheer for their king, as his words left everyone to do their own introspections. Chazz merely returned the mic to Mokuba before moving to join his fellow North Academy representatives. Eventually, the chancellors stood.
"With those words, comes an announcement which hasn't been said in two years." Foster declared.
"With the score tied at one to one, the winning representatives will now duel it out to determine which academy wins the School Duel." Sheppard voiced.
"The Chazz shall duel Jaden Yuki!" Both chancellors declared as one.
"We are so close to obtaining total victory." Sergi declared, pleased.
"Despite the words I spoke up there, don't get excited." Chazz turned back to the arena, having his duel disk shuffle his deck, ready for his next duel. "The School Duel isn't over until the last duelist loses the last of their life points."
"Considering the victory you have brought and the words you've said, know that North Academy is behind you all the way." Charlie's voice softened as she spoke next. "We'll be there, win or lose."
Chazz understood why it happened and nodded in confirmation. North Academy wasn't family to him on the condition he win. They were family because even at his lowest; despite busting his chops, they accepted him. Without another word, he walked back onto the arena.
Kai had walked back down to join his fellow representatives. "I can't say Chazz is anywhere on the level of the top duelists, but he's on a whole other level regardless."
"Even then, you put up one impressive fight." Dimitri smiled good naturedly. "Hey, take it from me." He patted his best friend's back. "Losing only carries as much weight as you give it."
"Thanks." Kai smiled back. "Though, don't worry about it because I'm fine."
"Personally, I'm excited to see how skilled Chazz has become personally." Jaden was naturally giddy as he now started up onto the arena. "This is going to be great!"
Kai and Dimitri shared a look before grinning at how the excitable Slifer was acting. Soon enough, Chazz and Jaden were across from each other, ready to determine just which academy won the School Duel.
The Duelist of Dawn (Ch. 38): I really enjoyed writing out Chazz standing up to his brothers myself, and just to give those two a total defeat, I had to bring Seto Kaiba in.
The Duelist of Dawn (Ch. 39): Yeah, I'd say last chapter was a true showcase of just how far Dimitri has come while also showcasing a good bit of how Chazz has already impacted North Academy. Unlike whom he was prior, Chazz here has matured a great deal into a true king of his people.
Vital Info: With Jaden and Dimitri, being cautious is the last thing you want to do. After all, Jaden duels with his heart over his head while the Masked HERO/Vision HERO deck generates great card advantage. while they both do display some thought, generally these two are going to push you. Don't worry, North Academy will still have its place in the story, and I'm talking before season 3.