North Academy
Chazz was taking a stroll through North Academy. Not long after his 50-man duel gauntlet, he'd discarded his Obelisk Blue attire for something more fitting. A heavy black shirt, dark jeans, sturdy pair of brown boots, and a black trench coat.
That last bit of clothing had been gifted to him from his subjects. As he awaited the arrival of the 2nd and 3rd ranked duelist, Chazz had learned the ins and outs of this academy. Once you were part of it, each student of North Academy was ranked on a master list.
Regardless of year, your win/loss percentage determined your rank. The only person exempt from this, to an extent, was the person at the top. If that person dueled because of the curriculum, their rank was protected. The only way to be removed was through a direct challenge.
In preparation for the top 2's return, as well as to understand his deck, Chazz dueled constantly. In every duel, he defeated everyone far more soundly than he had with that deck he found out on the icy wasteland. He'd learned, definitively, the duelists here were lacking in skill.
As such, his first goal upon becoming the top ranked student, would be to bring the average level of the other students up to the point of bringing at minimum the Ra's of Central Academy to shame. His head rose upon hearing the bells that signified that the gates were being opened.
That was a rare event since students rarely traveled to and from campus during the semester. Idly, Chazz noticed the spirits of the annoying Ojama duel spirits were hanging around him again, although they were blessedly quiet right now. Then, they walked through the gate.
Foster accompanied by two teens his age, Charlotte Everett Knox and Jesse Anderson, the 2nd and 1st ranked duelist of North Academy. Charlotte had a little muscle on her with faux hawk Viking braided brown hair, which was accentuated by red, and blue eyes.
Jessie had messy teal hair and sea green eyes which were filled with a familiar mirth he'd seen within Jaden Yuki. Chazz could already feel a tinge of frustration enter his being as the more he looked at Jesse, the more of that Jaden Yuki he was reminded off.
"It is good to hear you've concluded your business with Mr. Pegasus." Foster stated.
"Charlie and Pegasus took up a majority of the time coming to a conclusion on those new Iron Chain cards of hers." Jessie informed. "Comparatively, the new cards for my Crystal Beasts took no time at all."
"I needed to ensure the new cards properly adhered to the Iron Chain style." Charlie voiced. "The ones that existed were all over the place, and you can't even easily summon Iron Chain Dragon fast enough. As they stood, I don't think I could duel with cards I don't think are right."
"Oh, don't say that." Foster stated. "You'll give this old man a heart attack. Alongside Jessie, you're one of our best and brightest North Academy has. We can't afford to lose you."
"Then, it's a good thing we managed to finish my deck." Charlie stated.
"Anyways, what's this we've been hearing about some new 3rd rank?" Jessie asked. "To have completed the 50-man gauntlet, the guy must be an amazing duelist."
"Why, there he is!" Foster pointed out said 3rd rank. "Chazz, over here!" Said duelist approached. "This is the new 3rd rank of North Academy, Chazz."
Charlie raised an eyebrow as she looked him over. "This is the third brother of the Princeton family?"
"I'm no Princeton." Chazz scoffed.
Charlie didn't know what she expected exactly upon hearing of this guy, and he had a long way to go if he wanted to be in her good books, but this was a welcome surprise. After said comment to her, Chazz met Jessie's gaze.
"It's good to meet ya." Jessie greeted.
"The jury's out my end." Chazz stated stiffly.
"I'll leave you to get further acquainted since I have some pressing work to attend to." Foster stated. "Remember, if you three need anything, my door is always open to you. Now, good day."
As soon as the headmaster was out of earshot, Chazz turned to the two who sat above him. "You can have time to settle back in; however, expect my challenges soon. I have every intention of being number 1 around here and getting that solo spot for the school duel."
"I'll love to duel you for my spot if you get through Charlie." Jesse then shrugged. "That said, getting to rank 2 will be more than enough to secure your place as our solo representative." He laughed. "Unlike Charlie, I've missed a little too many classes."
"If you want to take that right from me, you best come at me with everything you got." Charlie decided to walk away on that note. "I'm not about to simply give up my rank or the right to represent North Academy that easily."
Chazz stared firmly after Charlie.
"Hey Chazz." Jessie spoke up with a low voice, catching his attention. "Are you aware I can see them?"
Chazz's eyes widened, and he heard the sharp gasps of the three Ojamas behind him as he immediately knew what Jesse was referring to. "What?"
"It's alright, you're not going crazy." Jessie assured. "I can see duel spirits as well. They're my closest friends and partners."
As Jesse spoke, Chazz saw them appear. The crystal beasts stood loyally behind Jesse, and Chazz gaped at their breathtaking, fantastical beauty. Frankly, he couldn't help but feel a little jealous since his duel spirits were the ugly Ojamas.
"How did you get those cards, and how can you see them?" Chazz asked.
"I don't know." Jessie answered. "I've always been able to see duel spirits as long as I can remember. Personally, I haven't met many who can see spirits before, so I don't have much of a frame of reference. I can tell you the crystal beasts chose me."
"I had no idea I could see duel spirits until the yellow irritant showed up." Chazz jerked his thumb to Ojama Yellow. "Then, I get the rest of the Ojama cards, and it turns out the black and green ones are just as irritating. Though, I suppose you could say they choose me to."
The Ojama Brothers seemed undeterred by Chazz's vitriol.
"Hey there!" Ojama Yellow greeted. "We're the brothers Ojama, faithful friends of Chazz!"
"Nice to meetcha!" Jessie greeted, as Ojamas Black and Green mingled with the crystal beasts.
"So, how did you get those cards in the first place?" Chazz asked.
"I'd just won my first regional back in Texas." Jessie explained. "Maximillion Pegasus was there, and he presented them to me personally, three copies of each crystal beast. He told me they called out to me. It sounded crazy at the time, but who was I to question the creator of this game? Since then, they've been my closest friends."
"This one could prove a valuable ally." Chazz noted. "Perhaps he isn't as much like Jaden as I initially thought."
Central Academy: The Arena
Once Yugi left the arena, Jaden retook his seat feeling rather satisfied.
Sheppard retook his place on the stage. "With three duels having been concluded, I'd like to take a moment to say I hope you've all, first years to third years, seen just how far you must go to reach the top. Having said that, these duels aren't meant to discourage anyone.
They've been arranged as inspiration in hopes you will take your dueling to the next level. Not only should you reflect on these duels today, reflect on the all the pros you've seen duel this year and carry it forward into whatever time you have left at this academy."
This year has brought the largest number of pro duelists to Duel Academy than any prior year. Sheppard wanted to drive home what this could mean in hopes the impact would last.
"Of course, this is by no means the end of today's duels." Sheppard continued after a moment's silence. "The three set duels have come to an end which means it is now our raffle winner, Alexis Rhodes, opportunity to have a duel with Joey Wheeler. Please, do step forward now."
Kai, Jaden, and Bastion gave the female Obelisk encouraging smiles as she made her way onto the stage. Alexis was glad she had this opportunity to duel Joey. While it wouldn't make good on the promise the pro and Atticus had made years ago, she hoped it'd suffice for now.
"With Ms. Rhodes now on stage, I would like to call for Joey Wheeler to come on out." Sheppard declared.
For the second time that day, Joey emerged to the cheers and applause of the students. While he had enjoyed his duel with Kai and was glad to have helped the guy, this was the duel he had been looking forward to.
While meeting with Alexis had been short, especially compared to the time he'd spent with Atticus that day, he couldn't deny a soft spot in his heart for the sibling pair. While they had their differences, the bond between the Rhodes siblings reminded him of his own bond.
"I've been kind of busy lately." Joey thought. "I should carve out more time for Serenity."
That was beside the point in the moment. Hearing how Atticus spoke of his 'Sissy' back then and seeing how the siblings interacted had only cemented Joey's decision in leaving Red-Eyes with the kid. He just wished Red-Eyes could have somehow protected him.
Considering some of the things he's seen with duel monsters, it wasn't out of the realm of possibility. Perhaps Red-Eyes couldn't have done anything. Maybe it lacked that magic Yugs seemed to have back then, or perhaps it was his failure in some regard.
He'd like to think Red-Eyes had been his ace monster, but looking back on it, Red-Eyes had more often than not been a last resort. Where his luck and other monsters failed, Red-Eyes almost always pulled through. Maybe that's where he messed up.
In all honesty, there were a lot of what ifs; however, none of it could change what happened. Blaming anyone not directly responsible was a useless endeavor. That said, Joey would certainly like to get his hands on the jerk who made Atticus and all those kids vanish.
"Alexis Rhodes." Joey nodded. "With how my first match went, I'm a little excited to see what you got."
"After seeing the last three duels, I'll try not to disappoint." Alexis returned.
It was a simple exchange, both wanting to focus on the diel at hand rather than the brief history between them.
Sheppard took his place in the middle of the stage. "Alright, let the match begin!"
"Let's duel!"
(Alexis 4000/Joey 4000)
"Since my last opponent took the first turn, I'll take this one!" Joey drew. "Ah, this is always a good starter. I'll summon Sublimation Knight(LV 3/1300/200)." An armored warrior with a steampunk aesthetic appeared.
"Upon being summoned, I can take any fire attributed warrior or Gemini monster I wish from my hand or deck." He popped just the card he wanted from his deck. "Then, I can equip whichever I've chosen to my knight and grant him 500 extra ATK.
I'll equip Sublimation Knight(LV 3/1800/200 effect) with Evocator Eveque." A warrior in crimson red armor appeared behind the knight, who was imbued with a fire red aura that empowered him. "I'll then conclude my turn with one set card."
"Considering how quickly each of the top three overwhelmed arguably the top three duelists of the first year, I'll need to play this carefully." Alexis drew. "Alright, I'll start with the continuous spell Ascending Soul. Rather than explain it, I'll conduct a Ritual summon and showcase it.
I activate Machine Angel Absolute Ritual. For the Ritual summon of a Cyber Angel monster, I must tribute monsters from my hand or field. I could also shuffle cards into my deck from the grave. Though I obviously have nothing in there.
Regardless, the materials must equal the level of whatever I intend to Ritual summon. On that note, I'm sending the level 8 Archlord Kyrsta. Ritual summon Cyber Angel Izana(LV 8/2500/2600)." A light blue female with four arms, which carried four weapons, appeared.
"Now, Ascending Soul activates. Once per turn, whenever a Ritual summon occurs, I can add back any 1 monster tributed for a Ritual summon to my hand." She retrieved Krysta. "That's not all. Izana was Ritual summoned, so you must now send 1 spell/trap your control to the grave."
"I'll chain my set The Continuing Epic of Charles." Joey countered. "By revealing one Noble Arms equip spell in my hand, I can special summon any Infernoble I wish from my hand or deck. Here's Infernoble Arms – Durendal." The equip appeared, and a card came from his deck.
"The monster I now special summon is Infernoble Knight – Roland(LV 1/500/500)." A warrior in black and white dress attire appeared. "Now, I must either equip the spell I revealed to the monster or send it to the grave. I'll equip Roland with Infernoble Arms – Durendal.
With the primary effect of my trap used, I'll send it to the grave as the required card for your Izana. That's not all. As Durendal is equipped to a monster, I can search out any level 5 or lower fire attributed warrior-type monster I wish from my deck."
Another card popped out of his deck. "Now, it gets added to my hand while Durendal is destroyed. To conclude this interruption, Roland can equip himself to any of my monsters and become an equip spell that grants 500 extra ATK. I'll give him to my only other monster."
Sublimation Knight(LV 3/2300/200 effect)
"It appears these Infernoble cards have quite the slew of effects, and Joey is utilizing them to peak efficiency in minimalizing Alexis' advantage." Bastion noted.
"They alone are quite the versatile archetype, to the point I can see how his Flame Swordsmen found a home here." Kai agreed.
"The turn isn't over yet." Jaden grinned. "I bet that ritual monster of Alexis' has something else she can do."
"He played off what I did flawlessly." Alexis nodded. "Izana will now destroy your Sublimation Knight."
Izana cut down the knight with one, fell swoop (Alexis 4000/Joey 3800).
"Whenever Sublimation Knight is destroyed while equipped with a Gemini monster, I can special summon as many of those monsters equipped to it as effect monsters which gain their effects. Welcome back Evocator Eveque(LV 4/1500/1000) in defense mode.
His Gemini effect, which I can now use, is to special summon any fire attributed warrior-type monster or Gemini I wish from my grave. Welcome back Sublimation Knight(LV 3/1300/200). Once again, his on summon effect activates."
He popped just the card he wanted from his deck. "I'll equip Sublimation Knight(LV 3/1800/200 effect) with Evocator Chevalier." A warrior in flaming red armor appeared behind Sublimation Knight, which once again empowered him with a flaming red aura.
"Whenever Izana destroys a monster by battle and sends it to the grave, she can launch a second attack on one other monster you control." Alexis stated. "I'll bank on the fact effects like Sublimations Knight's are once per turn and attack it again!"
Izana rushed forward and cut Sublimation down a second time Alexis 4000/Joey 3100).
"You'd be right." Joey nodded. "Sublimation Knight's two effects can only be activated once per turn each, and I've already used them up."
"Something's not right here." Greg voiced.
"What do you mean?" Mindy asked. "Sure, Joey's field isn't empty, but Alexis still has a strong monster on the field."
"He's mentioned nothing about that Roland monster he equipped to Sublimation Knight and given the sheer number of effects his cards seem to have, that monster only lending 500 extra ATK seems unlikely."
"I know what you mean." Sadie nodded. "If Alexis let's her guard down, I don't think she's going to like what comes next."
"Is this just the unshakable nerves of one of the top 3, or is Joey leading me into a false sense of security?" Alexis looked at her hand. "I still have my normal summon, so I'll set this one monster before then adding a set card to conclude my turn."
"Upon your End Phase, as Roland was sent to the grave this turn, I can add any fire attributed warrior type monster or equip spell I wish from my deck to the hand." Another card popped out of his deck. "Now, my turn!"
He drew. "I'll be summoning Infernoble Knight Ricciardetto(LV 1/500/0)." A blond warrior in red armor and wielding a flaming sword appeared.
"A level 1 tuner." Alexis noted. "That means you can go into a level 5 Synchro."
"I could, as I do have plenty of those, but I'd prefer to go into a level 9 instead." Joey smiled. "Thanks to you destroying Sublimation, the level four monster I equipped to him was destroyed as well.
Ricciardetto, upon being summoned, lets me special summon any other level 4 or lower fire attributed warrior-type monster from my grave. The only monster that will give me a total of 9 levels is Evocator Chevalier(LV 4/1900/900)."
"No way!" Syrus suddenly exclaimed, stunned. "Every move he made was planned to bring him to this point."
"I don't think we've seen the end of his strategy since Joey added plenty of cards straight from his deck to his hand." Topher voiced. "If anything, this may very well be merely the start."
"Ricciardetto will tune my two level 4 Evocators to synchro for 9." Joey declared. "The sovereign supreme of all Infernobles, grace this field. Synchro summon Infernoble Knight Emperor Charles(LV 9/3000/200)." A man in black and red noble attire appeared.
"That monster is quite devastating." Bastion noted.
"Is that monster really that strong?" Jaden asked.
"I'll put it this way." Bastion stated. "While it doesn't deal burn damage, I'd say what effects that monster does have still represent the fire attribute well."
"I now equip Megamorph and Archfiend's Staff of Despair to my only monster on the field. Since my life points are lower than yours, Megamorph makes Infernoble Knight Emperor Charles(LV 9/6000/200 effect)'s ATK double its original ATK.
Whenever Charles receives an equip spell, once per turn, I can destroy any 1 card on the field, and I'm choosing that set card of yours." Alexis grunted as her set card was revealed to be Sakuretsu Armor before it shattered.
"As for the second equip, Archfiend's Staff of Despair can make all monsters you control loose ATK equal to half the equipped monster's current ATK until the end of this turn. As Charles is presently at 6000, your Izana loses 3000."
Cyber Angel Izana(LV 8/0/2600 effect)
"Er, he can wipe me out with one attack now!" Alexis realized, having nothing she could do.
Emperor Chales, destroy Izana with Burn Blade!" Joey declared.
Charles rushed forward, his sword cloaked in flames, and slashed through the Ritual, destroying her (Alexis 0/Joey 3100). The students broke out into cheers over the amazing turn that ended the duel."
"It's really no surprise he's managed to maintain his place, even against the encroaching new blood." Bastion noted.
"No kidding." Kai nodded. "I've never seen someone utilize equip spells as efficiently as he does."
"Not to mention his monsters can act as equip spells to boot." Jaden declared joyfully. "Man, I can't wait to get into the pros and face these guys on equal footing."
Zane had stood alone through every duel, observing the four 1st years as they dueled it out with the top 3 pros. While it was almost a forgone conclusion they'd lose, each gave impressive showings. Even Jaden, who failed to take even one life point, still showcased something.
That was more than could be said for some lower end pros Zane had caught the matches of. "This is a good reminder of just what I'll be entering out of the academy."
"Those three are the top three for a reason." Chumley noted. "I'm not even sure how those four held in there as well as they did."
"Those four are some of the strongest in our grade." Dimitri admitted openly. "Heck, they might just be the strongest under Zane."
"You might be right, as things stand now." Topher stated.
As the cards on the field faded, Joey and Alexis met in the middle of the stage where they shook hands amongst the cheering.
"Alexis, your brother would be proud of how you dueled today." Joey stated.
Alexis was a bit surprised before transitioning into a small smile. "Thank you, Joey."
"Four duels have come and gone, leaving one duel." Sheppard spoke into his microphone. "While I'm certain you're excited to see it, I'd like to announce a thirty-minute break. Stretch your legs, get some snacks and drinks from vending, and/or hit the bathrooms. Dismissed."
There was a sense of excitement throughout the student body as not only had they witnessed the top 3 duel, but they were also now about to see the top 2 go at it. That said, plenty of students began to file out in a bid to take advantage of this break.
Entrance Hall
There was little doubt things would soon go back to the status quo, in how certain people were seen by the student body. For now, Kai, Jaden, Bastion, and Alexis were praised by their fellow students for their efforts in each respective duel.
Even the good mood of the student body wasn't enough to see people approach the whole group of twelve once they met up in the entrance hall. Students surely milled about; however, the whole group was still a rather intimidating, strange affair even months into it being a thing.
The one Ra, five Slifers, and six Obelisks still didn't care how they were viewed on your average day. Today, four of their members had just dueled it out with the best in the world. Despite their being no victory, what they did achieve still merited celebration in their eyes.
"You guys were all great out there!" Dimitri exclaimed.
"No kidding." Syrus nodded. "I don't think I'd have been able to do a thing against any of them."
"It's not like I really managed anything myself." Jaden grinned as he patted the vehicroid user's back. "That Yugi is truly something else."
"I don't know if I'd call stopping such a built-up fusion nothing." Syrus remarked.
"Two Xyz monsters in one turn Delmar." Topher noted. "You've been holding out on us."
"Maybe I have." Kai gave a mischievous smirk. "After all, can't go having our group's stray dragon plodding off like he'd have done months prior."
Topher grunted at that stupid moniker the war challenger user liked to through around at times.
"In all seriousness, that was impressive Kai." Jasmine stated.
"Eh, it's just how the cards panned out." Kai shrugged. "Even then, they only achieved so much against those Flame Swordmen of Joey's."
"You were fantastic Alexis." Mindy cheered.
"Not sure I'd go that far myself." Alexis smiled. "Thanks for the vote of confidence Mindy."
"Bastion, from what I hear, Seto Kaiba doesn't go handing out compliments easily." Sadie noted.
"I imagine not." Bastion stated. "At least, not in public."
The group would continue to chat with some going off to fetch snacks or use the restroom; however, they were generally fine with conversating about the duels.
Waiting Room
Seto, Yugi, and Joey stood in the waiting room together.
"Well Rich Boy, I still question the school's placement, but I will say those students can duel." Joey noted.
"Of course they can duel, Wheeler." Seto brushed past the comment on his school's placement. "I'm cultivating the next generation of duelists. If they couldn't duel, there'd be a problem."
"Still, if that's the strength of your first years, I'm looking forward to this Zane Truesdale entering the pro duelist scene." Yugi stated.
"Yeah, maybe he'll be the third new generation duelists who can break the top 10 like that Aster Pheonix and Alcor Caelum." Joey stated.
Based on what he's heard, the cyber dragon user sounded like he'd be a better opponent than them. Not that it bothered Joey, he was used to dueling all sorts, but the 4th and 5th ranked duelists were something else. Aster Pheonix liked to talk about destiny and was rather arrogant.
Sure, Seto was/is arrogant himself; however, something seems different about Aster's arrogance. As for Alcor, there are times he seemed detached, distant. It was like the guy was missing something, though at other times he seemed normal.
Not to mention the guy looked sleep deprived, even if it didn't hinder his dueling. None of that even mentioned their manager Sartorius. Now that guy, he was even bigger on destiny than Aster. Not to mention something seemed off about him, something Joey couldn't quite place.
Arena
Once the time for their duel drew close, Yugi and Seto left the waiting room. Outside it, the pair held idle conversation to run down the remaining time. While there were certainly days that added to the pages of their history, none were as notable as the times they dueled.
"All said, I'm surprised you agreed to a duel with me Yugi." Seto remarked. "It's been a while since we last went at it after all."
"I figured I could use a good challenge, that's not Joey." Yugi commented.
Dueling his best friend was always welcome; however, Yugi sometimes longed for something different. While in theory Aster and Alcor could provide that, something always seemed to be missing when he dueled them to the point they couldn't scratch that itch.
"Well, the kids will enjoy this immensely." Seto smirked. "It might even overshadow the exhibit we have here completely."
Seto's azure eyes glimmered with heat, unable to resist the challenge that lay before him. Soon enough, as both separated to take their own entrances in, that challenge would begin. The student body of Central Academy had made sure to be seated. No one would miss this duel.
As Sheppard announced their arrival, the amphitheater roared with cheers and applause that eclipsed anything either man had gotten entering alone. As their duels were over, the four who had dueled previously were now sitting with their friends.
"Students of Central Academy, it is time for the final duel of today!" Sheppard announced. "I am proud to announce an exhibition match between Seto Kaiba and Yugi Muto!"
"This is going to be the perfect end to today." Jaden declared.
"Seeing how those two dueled before, just imagine all the duels it took to make them that skilled." Dimitri commented.
"One day, any of us could very well be where they're standing now." Topher noted.
"It could very well be the case, though we're still students in our first years." Kai stated, now more content with his place in life as it stood. "I say we don't put too much pressure on it."
The rest of the group certainly had noted how much more relaxed the war challenger user was. It's not that they disliked who he had been before his duel with Joey, far from it. That said, this seemed to be a turn for the positive they were fine with letting ride.
A Yugi and Seto duel is something deserving of respect, in my opinion. There can be other story content before or after such a duel; however, I feel such a duel should be the only one in a chapter. On that note, I decided to fill out this chapter by giving a snippet of what Chazz has been up to over in North Academy. As I was doing that, I figured I might as well bring in Jessie and the OC which is another one belonging to Vital Info.
The Duelist of Dawn (Ch. 27): I know right. It also seemed like Joey leaned more toward warriors and beast-warriors over the dragon. As for the King of Copycats. this whole little arch is essentially the replacement for that content. When it comes to Atticus, I could just totally see the guy looking up to Joey. That's even if he weren't the Red-Eyes player.
The Duelist of Dawn (Ch. 28): Yeah, Bastion could certainly hit back. This is essentially season 1 Jaden vs a Yugi whose ten years beyond his season finale. There's a gap in experiance that I don't feel the HERO user could close smack dab in the middle of his season 1.
Vital Info: Here's a little North Academy for you. As for Bastion, he figured he should use the deck Seto gave him in this duel against the man. As for Kuriboh countering Kuriboh, well I did give Winged Kuriboh its anime effects, I might as well give the og the same treatment. Ultimately, that is what allowed for the counter since the real work Kuriboh only block Battle damage alone. In regard to Bastion going cookoo, I pin that down to what the duel with Tania did to him. Bastion never was the same after that experiance in canon, and it didn't help that the writers started to play around with their characters forgetting about the Ra.
Threebranch: Thank you.
Update on moving: I am now told we will be moving on the first week of July, and the destination has been chosen to something a little closer. We'll see how that pans out. If I don't make another update before that time, then just assume the move has happened, and I'll give another update on a chapter posted after that even. In between now and the potential move date, I'm not going to have a specific goal this time. I'll merely see how far I get into season 1 now.