"So, you're sure this will work?" asked Hitch.

"Just do as I told you, bud, and everything will go smoothly," said Mario, just finishing helping his friend set up his first date with Sunny. The only thing left was for the boy to work up the courage to ask his girlfriend out.

"Right. Thanks again, bud. I really appreciate you helping me."

"Hey, what are friends for, right?" responded Mario as he raised his fist.

Hitch exchanged gestures as the two left. Mario was walking toward his room when Zipp approached him. Zipp had been watching the boy for the past few days, observing his behavior.

"Hey, lover boy! Hold up!"

"What do you need, rich girl?"

"So, uh, listen. I kinda got something I need to do later. You'd mind giving me a hand with it?" asked the heiress.

"Um, yeah," answered the boy.

"Great! So, uh, what are you doing right now?"

"Nothing. Just helped Hitch with some things."

"Cool, cool. So you up for a duel? I know we have to be prepared to take on these Shadow Duelists, so I figured we should stay in top form."

"Um, maybe some other time."

"You said that last time," barked Zipp with a bit of a glare in her stare.

"Just… I'm not up for it right now, okay? Maybe next time," said Mario as he declined Zipp's offer and left.

The heiress didn't like the response at all, as she had her fists balled up by her side. She replayed Mario's answer to her challenge. The girl began to growl as she finally had enough and went to confront the boy. Sunny was in the gardens when she spotted Mario and gave him a wave. The girl had wanted to meet with the boy to go over some strategies for her deck, as behind him was Zipp, who was closing in on him. Sunny was caught off guard by Zipp trailing their friend and even moreso by what followed. The heiress looked angrily as she reached an arm out to grab Mario by the shoulder and forcefully yank him around to face her. At that moment, before he could respond, the girl bawled her fist and threw a punch as it hit him in the face.

Mario's head turned from the force and impact of Zipp's punch as he fell to the ground. Sunny, who had been watching what went down, gasped loudly as she covered her mouth. Zipp stood over her friend as she maintained her growling and intensity.

"Zipp! What are you doing?!" shouted Sunny.

"Something I should've done," responded the heiress. "Listen up, Mario. We need you. We need you to be strong!"

"Zipp… look, I don't know if I have it in me anymore. You saw what happened. I made Rose into one of the bad guys. I used to know her, and now I'm supposed to call her one of the bad guys. I may have been the one to cause all this, but I don't know if I can do this."

"You don't have a choice! That isn't how this works!" yelled Zipp.

She grabbed Mario's shirt to pull him up, only for her to throw another punch; this time, she got him right in the gut. Mario felt the punch from the girl as he grunted and winced in pain.

"Zipp! Stop it!" shouted Sunny.

"What was that more?" said Mario in pain as he fell to the ground.

"What does it look like I'm doing? I'm trying to knock some sense into you!" shouted the girl as she delivered another punch to the boy's gut as he was knocked on his stomach.

"Zipp!" yelled Sunny as she couldn't take any more of her friends fighting each other.

"Sunny, it's for his own good!" said the heiress to her friend before she turned back to Mario, who turned his head to look at her. "Look at you, Mario! You look like some sad little puppy left in the park. No wonder you lost to Rose when you dueled her. I'm going to say something, lover boy. All the times you wiped the floor with your opponents, including me, you did so because you had no fear. You were sure of yourself! You had the drive and the courage not to back down! What happened to that boy? What happened to the boy that gave me the thrill of a lifetime whenever we threw down? What happened to my friend who I care about? What happened to the person who didn't call himself the Young Prince but was named Main Event Mario? Where did he run off to!"

Mario's look intensified as he stared at Zipp while Sunny stood beside him.

"Look, whatever happened between you and Rose is in the past. That was then, and this is now, and yes, it's that simple! I don't care what she says! I don't care if she says you were the one that turned her evil because I know you wouldn't do that! I know you won't betray your friends! I know because you care about us just as much as we care about you! I know someone who I've come to admire wouldn't turn his back on us for his own selfish needs."

"Zipp…"

"But I did this to her… You don't know…"

"You didn't betray her. She turned her back on you, alright!" said Zipp, grabbing the boy to pull him up and get him to look her in the eyes. "I told you you would never betray your friends! Now pull yourself together!"

"Zipp, just stop! You don't know the full truth!" said Sunny.

"I don't need to. I know Mario wouldn't hurt his friends. I know he wouldn't!" said the heiress as she was firm in her belief about the boy.

She then shoved him back as Mario stumbled. The heiress then pulled out her duel disk and strapped it on.

"Now, get ready to duel!" stated the heiress.

"Zipp…" spoke Sunny.

"You need to regain your confidence; the only way to do that is if you beat me. You need to prove you're strong enough to return to the game. Get your cards out, lover boy, because we're dueling now!" stated the heiress.

Mario looked at the girl as he looked at Sunny. The girl was still distraught at seeing her best friends fight and wanted things resolved peacefully instead of violently. The boy sighed as he hesitantly pulled out his duel disk and strapped it on.

"Opponent detected. Streaming data. Duel mode set. Initiating. Commencing duel." said their duel disks.

Mario's Life Points: 8000-

Zipp's Life Points: 8000-

"I'm not holding anything back, Mario!" stated Zipp.

Turn 1: Zipp (Hand 5)

"And I'll start with this-" said the heiress as she drew her card and looked at her hand before picking a card. "Speedroid Terrortop(1200/600)! I can special summon this card when I have no monsters. Next, I'll use Terrortop's ability to add a 'Speedroid' from my deck to my hand."

The girl's duel disk ejected the card she wanted as she grabbed it and showed it off.

"I'm adding my Speedroid Red-Eyed Dice(100/100). But he won't stay in my hand for long, because I'm gonna summon it!"

A small, red, robotic creature appeared with distinct dice-like features. It had visible "pip" markings on its side, representing a number on each of its six faces.

"Now I activate my Red-Dice's ability. When summoned, I can target one 'Speedroid' monster I control and change its level from 1 to 6. So I'll change Terrortop's level from 3 to 2. Then… I'll tune my Red-Eyed Dice with my Terrortop!"

Zipp's dice turned into a single solid giant green ring that circled its comrade who turned into two white stars lined up with a yellow light surging through.

"I Synchro Summon! Hi-Speedroid Cork Shooter(500/1000)!"

Out came a weaponized pop gun with several corks attached to strings hanging from it with a cork loaded in the barrel.

"I activate Cork Shooter's special ability. Since it was Synchro Summoned, if the monsters I used to summon it were all 'Speedroid' monsters and in my graveyard, I can bring them back to the field!" Zipp's pop gun pulled the trigger as the cork was shot out, followed by another. The two landed as the girl's monsters appeared. "So, I'll tune my monsters again!"

Zipp's dice monster turned into a single giant green ring that circled her other monster, who turned into three white stars lined up with a yellow light surging through.

"Get lost in a madness that's impossible to solve! I Synchro Summon! Hi-Speedroid Puzzle(1300/1600)!"

A robotic/cybernetic humanoid monster dressed as a ninja appeared. It had only one eye, the rest of its face covered, and a cannon as its right hand.

"With that, I set a card facedown and end my turn! You're up!"

Turn 2: Mario (Hand 5)

"Oh, if I have to," said the boy, unconfidently. "I draw."

All right, I can do this. Now, which…

"Aah!" said Mario to himself. He noticed his Polymerization card, which gave him flashbacks to his duel with Rose.

No, I can't…

"Well!" barked Zipp as she waited for Mario to make a move.

"I'll just summon Clayman(800/2000) in attack mode."

"Attack mode?!" barked the heiress.

"Huh?" responded the boy.

"What are you doing, Mario? You know that monster's better in defense mode! What were you thinking?!"

"I… uh…" stuttered the boy as he looked at his monster.

I knew it. His duel with Rose still terrorizes him. He's too confused and afraid to duel like he should!

"I'll, um… place three facedowns," said Mario as he nervously grabbed the cards in his hand and set them before ending his turn.

"But what about fusion monsters?" wondered Sunny, as that was Mario's go-to move. "Something's not right. I hate to say it, but Zipp may be right. Mario is scared."

Turn 3: Zipp (Hand 4)

"It's my move. I play… Windwitch - Snow Bell(100/100). I can summon this monster when I control two or more WIND monsters. Then, because I have a 'Windwitch' monster out, I can summon Windwitch - Freeze Bell(1200/1200) from my hand! Next, I'll activate the ability of my Freeze Bell to increase its level by 1."

"But that would make it Level 4, and since she has a tuner out…" stated Sunny.

"I tune my Level 3 Cork Shooter with my Level 4 Windwitch - Freeze Bell!"

Zipp's pop gun turned into three giant green rings that circled its comrade, who turned into four white stars lined up with a yellow light surging through.

"I'm Summoning a Monster that will hit you with all the power of a wicked wintertime blizzard! I Synchro Summon! Windwitch - Winter Bell(2400/2000)!"

A flurry of cold air blew over the field as Mario had to cover up from the intense wind.

"I'm activating Winter Bell's special ability! I can target a 'Windwitch' monster in my graveyard and inflict damage equal to its level by 200. So I choose my Freeze Bell!" stated Zipp as another blast of cold air was fired at Mario as he covered up.

Mario's Life Points: 7400-

"Are you just gonna stand there? Come on!" shouted Zipp. "Aren't you gonna do anything to try and stop me?!"

Mario just looked on, frozen in fear, as Zipp growled.

"Fine, then, if you're not going to do anything… I will!" stated the heiress. "I activate my facedown, Against the Wind. With this card, I can really do some damage. Now for every Wind monster I remove from my graveyard, I can destroy one card on your field. This might wake you up! I remove Cork Shooter to destroy your Clayman!"

A wind blew over the field as Mario's monster didn't stand a chance and exploded.

"No!" said Mario, raising an arm to cover his face.

"And I'll do it over and over again! Unless you stop me. I remove Freeze Bell to destroy your middle facedown!" stated Zipp aggressively.

Another wind blew over the field as Mario's card was raised and shown before being blown away.

"This is exactly what I thought would happen. You could've countered my attack, but you were too afraid to fuse your Sparkman and Spark Blaster last turn," said Zipp as the final two cards in Mario's hand that he was holding were his Elemental HERO Sparkman and Polymerization.

"Yeah…" admitted Mario dejectedly as he looked at his cards.

"So tell me… what else are you holding back? Let's take a quick peek! I banish Terrortop!" said Zipp as she used her facedown again to blow away another facedown of the boy's. "Hero Barrier? Why wouldn't you play that? It could've stopped my monster. And why are you playing so afraid? Where's the Mario that I used to know and duel?"

The boy didn't answer as he kept quiet.

"Let's see, what else are you hiding?" said the heiress as she banished her Red-Eyed Dice to make another wind blow over and reveal the last of Mario's cards.

"Ah…" said Mario, his final card on the field gone, leaving him nothing.

"That was E - Emergency Call! Which means you could've summoned Sparkman! And if you throw in Spark Blaster and Hero Barrier, you would've stopped my monster's attack and destroyed them!"

"Huh? Argh! Ah…" exclaimed Mario as he couldn't take it anymore, dropping to his knees in defeat.

"Do you know what you are, Mario? A shadow of the duelist you once were!" yelled Zipp.

"I'm sorry, but you were right, Zipp. I'm not ready…" said the boy, struggling to accept that he wasn't the same person he had been.

The heiress couldn't take it anymore as she was ready to explode. Just as she was about to send her monsters in, Sunny rushed onto the field and stood before Mario with her arms out.

"That's enough, Zipp!" yelled the girl.

"Sunny…"

"I said that's enough! Just stop it, please!" shouted the girl with tears in her eyes.

The heiress looked at her friend, sighed, and released her anger. The duel ended abruptly as her monster vanished. Sunny turned and bent down to Mario's level, hugging the boy, who was like a big brother to her. The boy whimpered a bit as Sunny hugged him tightly, offering him support regarding his lack of confidence and fear. Mario's cards fell out of his grip and onto the ground. Zipp looked at her friends before she turned around and walked away.

"Wake up, Mario. We need you! But we can't save the world if you're scared. Wake up!" muttered the girl to herself as the boy needed to snap out of it fast if they were going to defeat the coming darkness.

Sunny hugged Mario as she refused to let go of him, given his current state of mind. Twilight watched all that went down as she saw the whole thing from a few meters away. The woman could see how distraught her son was, as it was clear it would take quite a lot of work to get his confidence back if he was going to save the world. Twilight sighed as seeing her son in such a state brought back a horrible memory of when her husband went through a similar, if not a more painful, experience when they were their kids' age.

"Here."

Sunny was shown having a teacup in her hand as she offered it to Mario. After the boy's intense duel with Zipp, Sunny led him away so they could be alone. The girl had made some tea that Izzy showed her, which was said to help lift one's spirits, as she hoped it would make Mario feel better. The boy sat on the windowsill, with one arm resting on his knee as he looked out of it.

"Please, Sunny-"

"Mario, please. Just take it."

The girl pleaded softly with her friend as she gave him a set of eyes, which he couldn't ignore, and just took the teacup. He blew on it before taking a sip, and the hot liquid affected his feelings. A bit of his depression was gone by the taste of the delicious tea.

"Thanks," said the boy to his friend as she smiled.

He soon returned to looking out the window as the events of his duel with Zipp weighed on his mind, especially with all she said.

"She's right."

"Hmm?"

"Zipp's right-"

"Mario-"

"I am afraid," said the boy as Sunny sat before him and looked at her friend. "I'm afraid of what I've done to turn Rose against me. I used to see her as a best friend, more than that. And the sight when I first saw her and how all she wanted to do was get revenge on me… I just couldn't believe it."

"Zipp's not entirely right. She doesn't know what happened to you and Rose in full. Neither of us does. Even if she claims you betrayed you, Zipp was right about another thing. You wouldn't intentionally hurt your friends!" said Sunny.

"Haven't I already?" asked Mario, looking at the girl. "The Friendship Games with Flurry."

"No! Mario, I told you back then, and I stand by what I said. You didn't do it to hurt me. You did it because you were saving me. You did what you could to spare me from your cousin's wrath. And for that, I don't blame you. You were just looking out for me. I would never hold any hate towards you. I'm not that type of person!"

Sunny began to cry as she spoke from the heart. She instinctively grabbed one of Mario's hands and looked at her friend, trying to suppress her tears.

"You matter too much to me. You and everybody else. I couldn't bear the thought of losing any of you. Mario, I've told you, you're like a brother to me. And family always sticks by each other through and through. No matter how dark things get, the special bond I share with my friends will always find a way to shine through. No matter what you do, I'll always be by your side."

Hearing Sunny say those words, Mario recalled his mother's words in the hospital.

Mario, you have friends who support you to the bitter end. They would give you the shirts off their backs if you asked. They will stand by you no matter what.

The boy sighed as his mother's words rang in his head. He returned to looking out the window as Sunny squeezed his hand before she let go and got up. She kissed the boy on his cheek before she left to give him some alone time. The teen just watched the window as he took another sip of his tea. As Sunny left, she bumped into Pipp, who had heard what had happened between her sister and their friend.

"How is he?" asked the pop star.

"He's lost his confidence," said the girl as she left.

"Lost his confidence?" Pipp responded in shock before she gave a determined look. "Not on my watch." she declared.

After an hour of being alone with his thoughts, Mario looked to retreat to his guest room. However, Pipp yanked him to the side before he could reach it, pulling him into a hallway.

"Pipp?"

"Listen, I need your help with something. Urgent."

"Aw, o-"

The boy couldn't respond as Pipp grabbed his hand and led him away.

"So, what do you think?" asked the girl, standing in a changing booth with a mirror and showing off the latest attire she was considering buying.

"It's nice," said Mario as he'd been stuck with the girl the past hour shopping at the mall.

"Okay, what about this one?"

The girl closed the curtain of the changing booth and began to try her next outfit she had picked out. Mario let out a sigh as he took a seat. His mind was still plagued with this morning's events and how his fear of dueling was still at large. At that moment, the sound of the curtain being pulled back was heard as Pipp stepped out.

"Well…"

The boy lifted his head, and he was immediately blown away. His senses locked up as his brain shut down. The girl was sporting bright pink highlights as she did her hair into a pigtail style. She wore a long red crop top sweater that exposed her midriff and navel, red fingerless gloves, fishnet stockings, and red sneakers. She had a pair of silver headphones around her neck, a black basketball hat on her head, light-blue nail polish, golden hoops earrings, a spike bracelet on her left wrist, two matching gold bracelets on each wrist, and a pink bracelet on her right wrist.

"Do you like?" asked Pipp as she struck a pose and bent over with a hand on her hip, acting sexy.

"Holy shit!" said Mario as he let that slip out from how awestruck he was by Pipp's appearance.

"I'll take it," winked the popstar diva as she closed the curtain and giggled to herself as her plan worked.

Mario had to calm his beating heart, as seeing Pipp's appearance made his pulse race. Once the girl made her purchase, the pair continued on their mall journey as they passed by an arcade. To the boy's surprise, the girl pulled him into the establishment. He was amazed that the popstar diva wanted to challenge him, as her excitement was contagious. Eventually, the two began to enjoy themselves.

The pair came to the center courtyard, and they noticed a huge rock climbing wall that was set up. Several people were in line as they attempted to climb the thing and set the record.

"What's this?" asked Pipp.

"It's a rock climbing wall," answered Mario.

"What's the point of this thing?"

"It's to practice rock climbing."

"You've been rock climbing before," asked the pop star.

"It's been a few years. But based on the height, I could easily get to the top in no time," said the boy.

"Show me," said Pipp.

"Huh?"

"Come on. If you're confident, show me you can reach the top."

"Uh, m-maybe some other time."

"Aw, come on. Please… for me," said Pipp, putting on a set of flirty eyes and leaning on Mario's arm.

The boy looked at the girl as her plan worked; he sighed before he got in line as Pipp pulled out her phone to record her friend's climb. Once the latest person finished, Mario was strapped in as he began to ascend. Pipp was off to the side as she was videoing Mario's climb to post on her social media feeds; at one point, Mario began to feel the exhaustion of the huge rock climbing wall take its toll on him as he let out a deep sigh. He looked at where he was, as he still had a fair way to reach the top; he continued to climb as he misplaced his foot and slipped, which caused his other limbs to slip. The boy was now dangling with one hand as he couldn't get his other hand into the proper footing to pull himself back up.

"Don't give up! Remember, the only real mistake you can make is giving up!" shouted Pipp.

Mario heard the girl's words of encouragement as he tried again to get into position. This time, instead of using his arm, he extended his leg and got it onto one of the footings. Once he had secured his hold, Mario could use his other arm to grab another hold and pull himself up. He took a moment to catch his breath as he glanced at Pipp down below, who had a smile on her face. The boy then continued to climb with a newfound determination as everyone else watching began to pay him attention. While Mario was so focused on not giving up, he didn't notice how close he was to the top of the wall until he reached the end and pulled himself up.

The teen was now on his knees, panting heavily. A roar broke out below him as he turned and saw Pipp and other people around him cheering him on. Mario then realized he was at the top of the wall. He looked at his hands, stood up, held his arms high, and shouted victory. As he soaked in the moment, the boy rode a wave of momentum. Pipp smiled at seeing her friend overcome the task below without fear.

The shopping trip soon ended as the pair returned to the estate.

"Look at all these likes," said Pipp as the video of Mario's rock climbing wall blew up her social feeds. "Great work, my little social media clicker."

"Don't call me that, chica," said the boy.

"Hey, you got me 500 new followers due to your rock climbing," said the pop star as she leaned in and kissed his cheek. "So… how are you feeling?"

"Hungry, I guess."

"No, I meant, how are you feeling about dueling?" asked the girl as the boy looked at her with a look. "Mario… I know what happened this morning with my sister. I know you're afraid. But you don't have to be. You have us."

"I appreciate the support, Pipp. But I'm just… I don't think I have it in me anymore," said Mario as he looked at his hands.

"Do you remember what you said to me? The only real mistake you can make is giving up. Mario… it's okay to be scared. I understand it more than you think," said the girl, reaching over and putting her hand on his. "You know, sometimes I still feel nervous before I go on stage."

"Really?"

"Ah, of course!" Pipp said with a smile. "But if you never try, you'll never know how amazing you can be. And I think you can be seriously amazing, Mario." She encouraged with a smile. "I know you have the confidence not to be afraid if you just try; you'll never know you'll be better if you don't try. I learned that I always try my best whenever I go on stage."

"It's not just simply that, Pipp… I'm worried… worried that if I duel again, I won't have what it takes to win. To protect the people that I love. What do you do when the person you're trying to stop is someone you'd give your life to? What then?"

Pipp sat silently, as she could tell that Rose still weighed heavily on Mario's mind, not just because she was his ex.

"She was my first friend… and I'm supposed to throw all those years we spent together away now that she's a bad guy. I just can't do that."

"But if you don't stop her, what about everyone else? What about the fate of the world? What about Sunny, Izzy, Zipp… me- what do you think happens to us if you give up and don't stop her?"

The boy just took in the girl's words as he wrestled with his thoughts. Pipp grabbed his hand, and her touch got him to look at her. The pop star diva then began to lead the boy to the gardens, where they now had a moment of privacy. She let go of Mario, who remained in place while she walked forward until she was facing him. The girl pulled out her duel disk as Mario realized what she was doing.

"Duel me," spoke the girl softly.

"Pipp…"

"It's the only way, Mario," said the stylish as she strapped on her duel disk.

The boy sighed as he pulled out his duel disk and strapped it on. Both devices came online and projected their respective color card trays.

"Opponent detected. Streaming data. Duel mode set. Initiating. Commencing duel," said their devices.

Pipp's Life Points: 8000-

Mario's Life Points: 8000-

"Let's duel!" said both teens as they drew their opening hands.

Turn 1: Mario (Hand 5)

Mario was hesitant about going first as he took a deep breath.

"I… draw. I summon Elemental HERO Blazeman(1200/1800) in defense mode!"

"A monster in defense mode? It takes more than that to win, Mario."

"There's nothing wrong with playing it safe."

"But that's not your style, isn't it?" countered Pipp softly with a smile that made Mario hesitant. The boy shook his head not to let the girl distract him, and he continued with his move.

"I activate my monster's ability. When he's summoned, I can add a 'Polymerization' to my hand from my deck," stated the boy as his duel disk ejected the card for him to grab. "With that, I end my turn."

Turn 2: Pipp (Hand 5)

"I guess it's up to me," said Pipp as she drew. "I activate the spell card, First Movement Solo. Thanks to this, since I have no monsters, I can special summon one Level 4 or below 'Melodious' monster from my hand or deck. So, I present Aria the Melodious Diva(1600/1200). And with a 'Melodious' monster on stage, this seriously talented little songstress can make it a duet. Introducing Sonata the Melodious Diva(1200/1000)!"

Pipp's two divas began to sing harmoniously as they appeared.

"Now, I'll tribute this duet and combine their melodies to summon a whole new monster. She'll blow you away with her musical talent. Mozarta the Melodious Maestra(2600/2000)!"

A beautiful woman with long, flowing hair in shades of light pink. She wore an elegant, flowing gown in pastel colors. Her arms were outstretched as if conducting an orchestra. She held a conductor's baton while musical notes appeared behind her momentarily.

"And that's just the opening act. Once per turn, Mozarta lets me summon a 'Melodious' monster that's Level 4 or below from my hand. Give it up for the chart-topping melody maker, Canon the Melodious Diva(1400/2000)!"

Mario gritted his teeth as he stared down Pipp's two monsters.

"Let's do this. Mozarta, take out his Elemental HERO Blazeman! Graceful Waves!" commanded Pipp as her monster made her fairy wings appear and waved her conductor wand about. It made an infinity symbol that caused a wind to blow over the field, blowing away the boy's monster.

"Hope you liked that performance, Mario. 'Cause he's an encore! Canon, you're in the spotlight now. Attack him directly with Singing Strike!" said the stylish as her diva opened her mouth, and a soundwave was shot forward at the boy. Mario covered up as he raised his arm.

Mario's Life Points: 6600-

"Due to Canon's ability, I'll switch her to defense mode. I end my turn. So… is this duel too much for you?" asked Pipp.

Turn 3: Mario (Hand 6)

"No… it's not," responded Mario as he drew his card.

I have to take on two monsters, but since my only monster is gone, I have to start from scratch.

"Don't be afraid. Face your fears, Mario. That's the only way you can be the duelist I know you to be. He's in there somewhere. Along with the friend that I know! Find him, Mario!" shouted Pipp as she encouraged her friend not to let his fears rule him.

"Don't be afraid…" muttered the boy, reaching for a card. "I… I play Polymerization to fuse my Elemental HERO Avian and Sparkman… to create Elemental HERO Grandmerge(0/0)."

A fusion of Mario's two monsters appeared, and the new monster had Sparkman's body and Avian's wings.

"Zero attack points? Mario…"

"I activate my monster's ability. It gets attack points based on the combined levels of the monsters used to summon it by 300. So since Sparkman was Level 4 and Avian was Level 3, their total is 7, meaning my Grandmerge has 2100 attack and defense points!"

"It still doesn't have enough attack points to take out my Mozarta."

"But it can take out your Canon!" stated the boy as he thrust his arm out. His monster raced forward as he aimed his blaster and fired as a course of electricity shot out and condensed into a ball that took out Pipp's diva. "Now, I activate my Grandmerge's other ability. When it destroys a monster in battle, I can tribute it to special summon one 'Elemental HERO' fusion monster from my Extra Deck. So I'll bring out my Elemental HERO Mudballman(1900/3000) in defense mode!"

A humanoid figure made of mud appeared with a large, round head and bulky body.

"I then set a card facedown."

He's still hesitant. But… I can feel him coming back. He just needs a little more of a push.

Turn 4: Pipp (Hand 2)

"My move. Here goes!" said the stylish as she drew. "I play the spell card, Fortissimo. Now, once per turn, I can give a 'Melodious' monster 800 extra attack points until my next Standby Phase. So now Mozarta has enough attack to take down your Mudballman."

Musical notes appeared beside the girl's monster as they gave her strength.

"Mozarta, take it out!" commanded Pipp as her monster waved her conductor wand as heavy winds began to blow.

"I activate my facedown, Hero's Barrier!" said Mario, touching his duel screen as his facedown flipped up. "Thanks to this trap, I can negate your monster's attack!"

"Heh, well, well," muttered Pipp with a smile.

I know this feeling… I've felt it before… am I-

"I end my turn," said Pipp, snapping Mario out of his thoughts.

Turn 5: Mario (Hand 3)

"My move, I draw. I summon Wroughtweiler(800/1200) in defense mode. That's all."

Turn 6: Pipp (Hand 2)

"That's all?" asked Pipp, to which she didn't get a response. "My move. And first, I'll activate Fortissimo to give Mozarta 800 attack points until my next Standby Phase. Next, I activate Mozarta's ability to special summon a 'Melodious' monster from my hand. So I'm bringing out Soprano the Melodious Songstress(1400/1400). And when she's summoned, I can add a 'Melodious' monster from my graveyard to my hand. So I'm taking back my Canon, but thanks to her ability, since I have a 'Melodious' monster out, I can summon her to the field!"

"Three monsters," said Mario as he stared down Pipp's field of divas.

"Now, Mozarta, let's try this again. Take out his Mudballman!"

Pipp's Mozarta waved her conductor baton about to create more massive, heavy winds as, this time, it took out Mario's large mud man.

"Now, Canon, take out his Wroughtweiler!"

Pipp's second diva opened her mouth and belted one out as it took out the robotic dog and exploded.

"Thanks to Wroughweiler's effect, I can add a 'Polymerization' and an 'Elemental HERO' from my graveyard to my hand. So I'm taking back Avian!" stated Mario as his two cards were ejected from his graveyard slot, and he grabbed them.

"Well, those two cards can't help you now. Soprano, take aim at him!"

Mario looked up as Pipp's last monster sang her heart out and pelted the boy with musical notes as he skidded back. The attack died down, and he took a moment to collect himself.

Mario's Life Points: 5200-

"Now, I activate Soprano's special ability. It allows me to fusion summon without Polymerization. So I'll fuse my Canon and Soprano!" said Pipp, thrusting her arm upward as her monster entered a swirling vortex that emitted purple and orange lights. "I Fusion Summon! Schuberta the Melodious Maestra(2400/2000)!"

A beautiful woman with long, flowing pink hair appeared. She wore a white and pink dress with musical notes and other decorative elements. In her right hand, she held a conductor's baton.

"I end my turn."

Turn 7: Mario (Hand 5)

"My move…" said the boy as he prepared to draw his card.

He looked at Pipp before he gasped. He saw Rose and her shadow beast staring him down for a moment. His mind was playing tricks on him, and his fear shook him. Even though she wasn't there, it felt like she was. The boy felt his arm shaking as he grabbed it and tried to get it to stop while gritting his teeth.

"Be strong, Mario."

Pipp's voice rang out to the boy as he struggled to fight his fears.

"Remember your confidence. It's what made you powerful."

"I… I… I Draw!" yelled the boy as his nightmare was shattered and slashed in two while drawing his card.

"Mario…" spoke Pipp, concerned for the boy as he stood there with his arm out and head lowered.

Moments passed as Mario remained in his pose. Pipp got worried, feared the boy's hallucinogens might have affected his mind. The teen then began to move, lifting his head to reveal his eyes; within them, a burning fire was seen.

"I activate the spell card, Fake Hero. This allows me to special summon an 'Elemental HERO' from my hand, but it can't attack and it returns to my hand at the end of the turn. So I'm bringing out Elemental HERO Neos(2500/2000)!"

A tall, muscular humanoid figure with a predominantly red and silver color scheme appeared. It had a streamlined, almost futuristic design. Its body had glowing blue energy lines, and its head was encased in a helmet with a distinctive visor. Its arms ended in sharp points.

"Next, I'm activating Skyscraper!"

The field around them began to change as both teens found themselves in a city full of tall buildings.

"Then I play the spell card, Instant Contact! By paying 1000 Life Points, I can special summon any Level 7 or lower 'Elemental HERO' or 'Neo-Spacian' monster from my Extra Deck. So I'm gonna call on one of my favorites… Come down, Elemental HERO Flame Wingman(2100/1200)!"

Mario's Life Points: 4200-

"I now activate this: Skydive Scorcher! Thanks to this spell, I can target one 'Elemental HERO' Fusion monster and destroy as many monsters on your field that have higher attack points than it. So since my Flame Wingman has 2100 attack points, both of your monsters bite the dust!"

Mario's monster flew up and stood on the tip of the tallest building. He then dove off and encased himself in fire as he crashed into Pipp's field, as both of her divas winced in pain before being engulfed by the fire.

"Normally my spell would allow me only to deal you damage equal to the highest attack points, but since I have a 'Skyscraper' field spell out, you get hit with the combined total of your monsters!" stated Mario.

His monster aimed his winged arm as the claw opened, releasing a torrent of fire that engulfed Pipp, who covered up.

Pipp's Life Points: 3000-

"Next, I'm going to equip my Wingman with the Favorite Hero spell card. Now, as long as there's a card in my field zone, this equip spell increases Elemental HERO Flame Wingman's attack points by its defense points, giving it a total of 3300 attack points! Now… finish it!"

Mario's monster opened its claw arm again, and this time, the fire increased as Pipp covered up. The girl felt the monster's flames as she fell to her knees, and eventually, they died down.

Pipp's Life Points: 0-

Winner: Mario

The field began to change back to normal as Mario's monsters disappeared. The boy was left panting heavily as he took a moment to look at his hand. He saw that it was no longer shaking as it was clear what that meant. Pipp remained on the ground as she felt Mario approaching her; the boy grabbed her hand and lifted her to her feet. Before she could say anything, Mario grabbed both sides of her face and pulled her in for a kiss. The kiss took aback the popstar before she fell into it and threw her arms around Mario's neck. The teens remained in their position as they closed their eyes and relished the kiss they shared. Eventually, they broke apart as they stared into each other's eyes.

"Thanks," said Mario before he pulled the girl in for another heated kiss as Pipp leaned into the boy.

Zipp was in her room, seated at her desk. As she got up and approached, she heard a knock on her door. The heiress opened the door, and there stood Mario.

"Hey," greeted the boy.

"Hey," responded the girl.

"You got a minute?"

Zipp allowed the boy to enter, closing the door behind him and leaning against it. The girl stood with her arms crossed, waiting for him to speak.

"Thanks."

"Huh?"

"I wanted to say, thanks."

"For what?"

"Well, for attempting to knock some sense into me earlier. Your words hit harder than your punches do. You were right about Rose, and… you were right about me. I lost my focus and my confidence. I know that I can't hang on to any doubts to beat Opaline and her forces and protect my friends."

"Heh, well… exactly. I was just doing what works for me, you know, tough love and all," responded Zipp as she rubbed her neck before gaining her composure from Mario's sudden behavior. "Forget about Rose. Think about Sunny, your sister, the others… me."

The heiress blushed a bit after mentioning herself as Mario just smiled at her.

"I'm glad you're back, Mario. I really missed you."

"So… you still need my help?"

"Hmm?"

"You know, you mentioned before that you need my help? I'm here."

"Heh, right. Well, if you're down…"

The girl reached under her bed as she held a hefty bag. The boy raised an eyebrow before she dumped the contents onto her bed. Inside the bag was a mountain of letters that the heiress had been keeping.

"I need help going through these letters of love and invitations. Mostly to reject all of them," smiled the girl.

"All of that?" repeated Mario as he looked at the stack on her bed.

"Hey, thanks for being a trooper." Zipp nudged the boy in the bicep with her elbow. "I'll treat you to dinner for the trouble, okay?"

"Appreciate it," Mario mumbled. "So, those are really all letters?"

"Eeyup," she chuckled as she grabbed some chairs. "Now, let's laugh at some poor guy's expense."

The boy gave the heiress an incredulous smile as she whipped out a letter opener and grabbed the first of what was sure to be many, many letters.

"Hah! I picked a great first letter! Check this out!"

The heiress looked at her friend with an expression that could only mean mischief before clearing her throat. In a deep, mocking voice she began to read.

Dearest Zephyrina, I am pleased to accompany you to this year's Zephyr Heights Masquerade Ball. As you know, the Wellington estate carries much influence, and my family has been eager to meet your own. Surely you would agree that our union would bring about a new era of prosperity for both families, no?

I look forward to hearing back from you post haste. Charmed, Duke Rich Wellington."

"...Wow. That guy has his head shoved so far up his own ass I think it's right back where it started."

"RIGHT?! Half of them are like this! Seriously, who in the hell are the Wellingtons?! 'A new era of prosperity for both 'families' my ass!" said the heiress.

"Yeesh, I can only imagine how insufferable that guy must be in person," responded Mario.

Zipp laughed as she whipped out a sheet of paper. With shockingly delicate handwriting and insane speed, she jotted down an entire response letter that boiled down to the wordiest, most polite way of telling Mr. Wellington never to speak to her again. Mario read what the girl wrote, impressed by how well she made it sound professional. The boy imagined the girl would be a middle manager's worst nightmare.

"Alright, you try one, lover boy!"

"Uh, let's see here," said the teen as he picked out a letter.

Princess Zephyrina, it would be an honor and a pleasure to make your acquaintance at the Zephyr Heights Masquerade Ball this year. While I am sure you've received plenty of invitations already, I assure you that none of your other potential suitors could hold a candle to what I offer. Have you ever considered taking up the company of another female? This duchess believes we can turn all of Zephyr Heights on its head with the sparks that will fly! Waiting with bated breath, Duchess Dynamo."

"...Wow."

"Looks like you've captured the hearts of guys and girls!"

She tried to stifle a laugh, but failed miserably. She snorted loudly before banging on the table with one hand, tears in her eyes like the boy had just said the funniest thing she'd ever heard.

"Yeah, I have!" It took her a few moments to calm herself down, but her amused smile was still plastered on her face when she finally managed to wipe the tears from her eyes. "I'm gonna blame it on royalty more than anything else."

"Oh, come on, Zipp. Setting aside the heiress thing, you're super athletic, pretty without even trying, and the smartest girl I know. You don't need to sell yourself short when you're the greatest catch in Zephyr Heights!"

Her smile ran from her face faster than she could run, replaced by quickly reddening cheeks that stuck out like a sore thumb on her white skin. However, one awkward cough and a forced laugh was enough for her to regain her composure. Or, at least, to pretend she has.

"I-I appreciate that, but all these fops don't know anything about me." She shook her head as if to rid herself of any unwanted thoughts. "Speaking of… we should probably get moving. If you find another funny one, don't hesitate to read it aloud. Otherwise, I trust you to make the responses official and polite. If you're not sure, just let me know, alright?"

"What if they notice that our handwriting doesn't match?"

"Then they'll probably assume I had an aide help me write them. Congrats, dude! You've been promoted!"

The two teens laughed as Mario reached for a piece of paper, quickly drafting a response. For a brief moment, the boy wondered if this was worth it. He glanced over at the heiress, seeing her striking blue eyes getting lost in a furrowed brow of frustrations as she read another one of her many letters, the boy felt his heart beat just a bit faster in his chest. At that point, he knew it was worth it.

"Aaaaaaand done!"

Zipp leaned back in her chair as her pen fell off her lap haphazardly. Next to her were two burlap sacks, now filled with just as many responses as letters when the boy entered the room. He looked at his exhausted partner-in-crime, watching as she slumped her shoulders over the back of her chair.

"That wasn't as bad as I thought it'd be!" Mario lied.

"Hey, from my perspective, it was way easier than it normally is." She smirked at the boy as she leaned forward. "This is the first time since I was ten that I didn't have to do it all alone. Thanks for that. Really."

"Ten?!"

"Some people are gross. It's nothing new," she sighed as she stretched out her arms, taking great satisfaction in the relief. "Anyway, we made good time! If we hurry, we can grab dinner tonight before the restaurants close. Your pick, of course."

Mario hesitated momentarily, his voice caught in his throat as he stammered a response.

"A-are you sure about that? I mean, if we go out to dinner together, people might assume… we're… you know…"

"Oh… Oh! R-right!" Zipp cleared her throat again, her eyes darted away from her friend and towards the sacks. "W-well, I wouldn't… that is to say, I…" Her entire face grew beet red, and even though Mario couldn't see himself, he could tell from the sudden increase in temperature that he was doing the same. "I'm okay with that." Her voice cracked. Hard. Panicked, she cleared her throat for a third time, managing to force out some more normal-sounding words. "I-it would show any would-be suitors that I'm not interested in them! Yeah!"

While her words were obviously forced, the fact that she'd said them at all had butterflies filling the boy's stomach.

"W-well, I would love to," Mario squeaked out, his voice following her lead and cracked against his will. "If you'll have me, I mean."

"There's no one I'd rather dine with."

She gave him an anxious smile before getting up. Mario did the same as they approached the door, but before he could open it, Zipp grabbed his arm to turn him around, and then she threw her arms around his neck and planted her lips on him. The boy leaned against the door as he held the heiress, passionately kissing him. Mario's hands were wrapped around the girl before they began to move downward and trace her figure. The heiress felt her friend feeling her body as she let out a moan in their mouths as she let him continue his actions. The boy took a bold risk as he felt the girl's butt through her tight jeans which made her release a moan even more. They soon broke apart to catch some air as they continued to stare at one another; they felt the other's hot breath as they would've stayed there had they not come to their senses.

Zipp removed her arms from the boy's neck as she exited the door. She opened the door as they looked to leave, but not before she turned to give one last peck to the boy's cheek and stepped out. Mario placed a hand over his chest, feeling his heart beat so hard that it made his ears ring. He swallowed a lump he didn't realize he had before a smile appeared on his face as he closed the door and went after the heiress for their dinner together.