Staying in the Background
Clash of Ideals – False Images
Chazz stood steadfast with his arms crossed in the dark alleyway, listening to the hollers and cheers of the American Academy students who filled the overly large arena. It was good, considering the number of cameras that his brothers had stuffed into it.
This duel was being broadcast worldwide. A media stunt to show the superiority of the Princeton name. Months ago, Chazz would have relished the chance to show himself off. But now, he was focused on his objective. He knew that this opportunity would pass him by if he didn't keep his head clear. And he had far more riding on this duel now than any match he had before.
His brothers were undoubtedly in the audience, waiting for him to show his "worthiness". While he was aware of how much money both had sunk into this spectacle. They wanted the world to know the Princeton's stood above the rest of the duelling world. But Chazz knew better. This duel was but a mere stepping stone to the real goal.
As the cheering grew, he cast his mind back all those months to when he had first left Duel Academy.
Chazz looked out the helicopter's window as Duel Academy became a distant speck on the horizon. Even though it was his choice to leave, he still felt a pang of regret. This decision had not been easy, but ultimately, he knew he could not progress in the way he wanted if he stayed in an environment so obsessed with the colour of your jacket. And if he wanted to proceed further, he would need their resources.
"Are you listening, Chazz? We're talking to you."
Of course, given his current predicament, it may have been better to go out on his own. He turned his attention back to the screen in front of him. His brothers glared back at him. Slade was particularly angry, having been the one to command Chazz's attention. Slade was the oldest and demanded the attention he thought he deserved.
At a young age, he had taken the stage in the political world and was now at the forefront. Despite this, in recent years, Slade had become impatient and eager to show his superior status as the oldest of the siblings, especially due to Jagger's rapid success and rise in the financial world. Jagger was widely regarded as a prodigy. Despite being three years younger than Slade, Jagger quickly caught him up. While still arrogant, he was far more level-headed than Slade, which served him well but made him unsettling.
Even now, as Slade lashed out at Chazz about how he had failed the family and their mission, Jagger remained silent, watching his younger brother with impassionate intrigue, his hand raised to his chin.
"I'm listening," Chazz said, holding back his distaste for both of his brothers.
"Good," Slade growled. "Then maybe you can tell us what you were thinking. Duel Academy is at the forefront of the duelling world. Any Obelisk graduate is guaranteed a place in the pro circuit. From there, you could take your place at the top of the duelling world."
"It would have meant nothing," Chazz suddenly interjected, momentarily stunning Slade. He had never interrupted his brother before. But in light of recent events, Chazz felt as if the chains that previously held him were broken. His brothers knew nothing about Duel Monsters besides the power they could give. That was why they needed him. "Duel Academy may have been prestigious once, but it's been tainted by those willing to buy their way in for the right to use its name. It's pathetic."
Slade's eyes narrowed. "So, what would you suggest then, little bro?"
"Start anew," Chazz said simply. "Central Academy has many rivals. Take one and raise it and knock the academy off its high horse. Don't be the person who graduated top of the world's best duel academy. Be the one who beat them. On every level."
Slade looked like he was about to argue, but for the first time since the conversation began, Jagger interjected. "Now, that idea certainly has merit."
"What?" Slade growled.
"Chazz has come up with an uncharacteristic, interesting proposition. Perhaps we have been thinking too small," he said with a calculating grin. "Tell us, Chazz, where exactly would be the best place to put your plan in motion?"
Chazz merely smiled. Everyone knew that of all the duel academies, one was looked down upon by all.
The roar of the crowd brought Chazz back to reality. The rest was history, as they say. He landed at North Academy and rebuilt himself from the ground up. Upon arriving, he had met a man who told him of the rich history of the frozen tundra and how former pupils had gone out to build their deck.
Inspired and wanting to earn his place, Chazz did the same. He traversed the ice, finding cards he had assumed had been lost or thrown away. He took them and built the best deck he could. And he won. And he kept winning, earning the moniker of the Black Thunderbolt. He became North Academy's number one student and worked to bring everyone up to his level.
About a month in, his brothers came, bringing their money and resources—and, as such, better opportunities. They had arranged this little showcase to prove that in a few weeks, with Princeton backing, any school could ascend to beat the best of the best.
It was his brothers who had arranged this duel. A one-on-one against American Academy's finest. Of course, they had hand-selected him to lead the charge. But that only meant that the slot for the annual school duel was left open. Yuri had wanted it, but the chancellor had hand-selected Jesse Anderson to duel in preparation for his upcoming tournament.
Chazz already knew that Jaden would be duelling. He wasn't surprised. Knowing that a first-year would be competing, he had a few suspicions about who would be competing. Jaden's name had been right at the top of that list. He was reluctant to admit it, but Jaden had unnatural skill and more luck than was humanly possible. It made sense that he would be representing Central Academy.
However, Jesse was equally as tenacious. Out of everyone at the school, Jesse had come the closest to dethroning him. They had had an intense back and forth, but in the end, his dragons claimed victory over Jesse's insects. While Chazz was unsure how a match between Jaden and Jesse would end, he knew neither would go down easily. And with Jesse's tournament coming up, he would be even trickier to defeat. He was sure that Jesse would bring North Academy Victory.
Admittedly, he was slightly annoyed that it was not him who brought sweet retribution to all those who had wronged him at that school, but his victory would not be complete. He may be North Academy's top student, but that wasn't enough. When he returned to Central Academy, he would return a champion. And no one, not Jaden, not Cambell, not that girl from the shop, would ever look down on him again.
"Welcome, students! It is good to see so many of you here!"
The sound of the American Academy chancellor brought Chazz out of his musing. He had a deep, friendly voice, much like Chancellor Sheppard, but there was something different in his tone that immediately made him more respectable in Chazz's mind.
"Momentarily, the strongest of two schools will compete, bringing a start to what I hope will be a long-standing tradition. But I know that you don't want to hear me talk. Shall we meet our competitors?"
The applause was tremendous. Taking that as his cue, Chazz walked out and took a moment to admire the size of American Academy's duel arena. Its size was quite spectacular, like a soccer stadium. The American students hollered in intrigue as they watched him emerge and approach the duel field, where his opponent was already waiting.
He was tall, much like his other cohorts; his uniform was militaristic and white. Unlike the other students Chazz had seen, his coat was long, much like his own. He also wore black boots and a white military cap, completing the ensemble. Attached to his arm was an academy-style duel disk. He stood there waiting with his arms crossed. As the crowd's cheer grew, the teen cocked his head in intrigue.
"So, this is the mighty 'Black Thunderbolt' of North Academy?" he asked without properly greeting him. "You are much smaller than I expected."
Chazz's eye twitched, but he took a calming breath. Once, he would have snapped, but he had risen far from the boy who had left Central Academy. "I hope your duelling skills are more interesting than your quips. I didn't come for cheap talk."
His opponent cocked his head in intrigue as his smile grew. "Ah, so you do have some bark. I look forward to seeing your bite. My name is David Rabb."
"Chazz Princeton," he said simply. "Let's get this done."
"Not much of a talker? I like that. Let our monsters convey our words," David said, raising his duel disk.
Chazz nodded, raising his disk. The American Academy chancellor said a few more words of cooperation before finally giving the okay for the game to begin. As one, their duel disks activated, and they cried out:
"DUEL!"
"I'll start!" Chazz declared, drawing the game's first card before admiring his hand. It was okay, but it could have been better.
Turn 1: Chazz - 4000LP - 6 Cards in hand - 0 cards on the field
"I activate the spell, Graceful Charity, allowing me to draw three cards and discard two." Taking his new cards, he quickly discarded both Ojamas Green and Black, who would not have been useful with his current hand. He heard the spirits give quick yelps before they were unceremoniously sent to the grave. "I then summon Armed Dragon, the Armoured Dragon (1900/1400)!"
The monster swooped onto the field. It was a mid-sized western dragon wearing red armour. Wisps of steam escaped its maw as it looked hungrily towards David.
"I'll then set a card and call it a turn." Chazz declared, lowering his disk. A single card appeared before him, serving as his only defence. He was fully aware of American Academy's reputation for creating strong duellists. He'd have to be prepared for whatever David might throw at him.
Turn 2: David - 4000LP - 6 Cards in hand - 0 cards on the field
Dismissively, David drew his first card and looked at Chazz's dragon blankly. "Is that the best you can do?" he asked. "Must say, I am quite disappointed. I was promised something interesting. And you give me an overgrown lizard and a couple of face-downs. How pedestrian."
Chazz growled, finding it very hard to keep his emotions in check. When he looked at David, he saw every single prick at Central Academy who was obsessed with their status because they bought their way into "elite" status. Scalped the best cards the moment they came on the market and claimed it was skill when they beat players with cards that could never stack up to an evolving meta. And he was ashamed to say he had been among them. For now, though, he would hold his tongue.
"I'll show you a true move. I normal summon the Cannon Soldier (1400/1300)," David declared. A bolt of electricity hit the field before a humanoid purple machine rose. True to its name, it sported a large cannon on its back.
"I then activate the spell, Magnet Circle LV2, allowing me to special summon the Mighty Guard (500/1200)" Another humanoid machine rose, this time green and sporting cogs over its body that served as armour. David continued before Chazz even had a moment to process the new monster. "I now activate the spell, Machine Duplication. This allows me to summon two additional Might Guards to join their friend.
Immediately, two more of the green machines rose next to their compatriot, giving David a fighting force of four. Of course, they were weak, but Chazz was more than aware that they were just ammo.
"I can see from that look on your face you know of my Soldier's power. Your dragon may be strong, but there is more than one way to inflict damage. I activate my Soldier's effect. By tributing one of my Guards, I can deal you 500 points of damage!"
At once, the first of the green soldiers disappeared in a shimmer of blue light, coalescing within the barrel of Cannon Soldier's weapon. Finally, it unleashed a blast of blue energy. It catapulted across the field, striking the ground at Chazz's feet and kicking up an explosion. (Chazz: 3500LP)
David didn't wait for a second. Through the smoke, Chazz could hear him call out. "And what can be done once can be done again! I tribute my remaining Guards to strike you two more times!"
Chazz didn't see it coming. Through the smoke, two more blasts came. However, this time, they came straight for him. Chazz braced himself, but nothing could have prepared him for what happened next. Almost as if a warning, he heard a primal cry come from his deck, the spirit of his Light and Darkness Dragon reaching out, and he felt a presence wrap around him.
"What are you-?" Before Chazz could finish his thought, the first blast struck. Even with his Dragon's protection, he could still feel the aftershocks. His Dragon let out a pained cry as its presence faded. And then the second blast struck. It hit Chazz in the chest with such force that it knocked him down.
When the smoke cleared, everyone could see him on the ground, winded. He could hear the crowd laughing, but Chazz was too busy trying to process what happened. "That-that hurt…" he gasped. All solid vision holograms had an element of impact, but they didn't hurt. Most people reacted simply due to the shock of seeing a monster come at them. But that attack not only had more force than any standard monster attack, but it also hurt.
As his vision cleared, he looked across at his opponent only to see him grinning back. "My my… what a surprise."
"What the hell was that?" Chazz growled as he pushed himself back to his feet.
"I don't know what you mean," David said. "But I must say you are not looking your most regal right now."
"Screw you…" Had it been a fluke with the Solid Vision System? But then why would Light and Darkness Dragon react? And how the blasts had struck, first creating a smokescreen and then going for a direct assault when no one else could see. That was too deliberate.
He could feel his spirit within him. It was in pain, and that angered him.
"Oh? How rude. I thought you to be a representative of your school. You shouldn't act in such a way that puts your school's name into disrepute, hmm?"
Chazz was able to hold his tongue but kept his guard up. Looking down, there was no physical damage. If he said anything, he may look crazy. David seemed to be waiting for him to speak, but he merely shrugged when no words were said. "Your monster is stronger than mine, so I'll set a card and end my turn for now."
Reggie MacKenzie watched from the VIP box as her adopted brother finished his move. Letting out a sigh, she ran one of her freshly manicured hands through her golden hair. "Now, that is interesting," she remarked, her gaze settling on Chazz. She had to say she was disappointed in her brother. He was taking an unnecessary risk egging on his opponent. However, even from her position, she sensed the power of the spirit that had protected the Princeton heir.
"Has something caught your interest?" her companion asked as he walked to her side.
"Not really. I must say it is rather unsporting of my father to pitch my brother against this little boy," she said.
"I'm sure he has his reasons," he continued, peering out the window. Reggie smiled, happy that the two could speak openly as they were using her father's private booth to view the duel field. "I must say, though, I'm rather surprised to see Chazz Princeton here of all places," he remarked.
"Oh? You know of him, Pierce?" Reggie asked curiously. She looked over at the compatriot. He wore the long coat of the academy but had forgone the hat, showing his sandy hair and handsome features. Pierce was a first-year and relative newcomer to America, having transferred to their school from West Academy. He quickly made a name for himself with a ferocious yet skilled duel style that rivalled herself and her brother, earning third place among the school's ranks. She wouldn't have called them friends, but she believed there to be some level of respect between them. He didn't talk much about himself, which Reggie appreciated as she couldn't stand small talk. However, he did seem rather insightful about certain issues.
Pierce took another look at Chazz before scoffing. "Only through reputation," he said simply.
Reggie cocked a brow, but knowing she would not receive more information, she turned her attention to where she knew her father would be sitting with his special guest. He was tall and broad with a rugged face and harsh demeanour. His hair was drawn forward, styled into a point. He didn't look too impressed by the duel either.
"I suppose this is a bit pedestrian for the great Thelonious Viper," she remarked before turning her attention back to the duel.
Turn 3: Chazz - 2500LP - 5 Cards in hand - 1 monster on the field, 1 set card
Chazz managed to calm himself as he took his next card. He could still hear the pained roar of his dragon, and it made his hand ball in anger. He wanted retribution, but his current hand was unsatisfactory. Thankfully, his draw may rectify that.
"I activate Magical Mallet. I shuffle three cards back into the deck and draw three additional cards." He took the new cards and smiled. "I'll return the favour of knocking me on the ass by taking away that precious face down of yours. I activate Mystical Space Typhoon." Immediately, blue-tinted winds blew across the field, blowing away David's face down, revealing it to have been Negate Attack.
Chazz took pleasure in the small look of annoyance that flickered across David's face. Not having another monster in his hand, Chazz immediately went into the battle phase. "Armed Dragon, break down that soldier!"
Chazz's dragon took to the air with a shrill roar, swooping across the field and tackling David's soldier to the ground. The automaton was powerless as, with many powerful strikes, it tore the machine limb from limb. (David: 3500LP)
"Lucky shot," David said.
"Maybe," Chazz said with a sly grin. "But since my dragon destroyed your soldier, his effect activates, allowing me to summon a level five or higher monster wind dragon monster from my deck. So, meet Armed Dragon LV 5 (2400/1700)." There was a gust of wind as a portly red dragon rose on to the field. It had small wings and was covered in spikes. As it settled, it pumped its fists together. "Of course, he can't attack you directly this turn, but he'll be ready during the next round."
"You assume you'll last that long," David said with a smile.
"Just go," Chazz said, not wanting to waste any time. David merely shrugged and drew his next card.
Turn 4: David - 3500LP - 2 Cards in hand - 0 cards on the field
"Hmm, perhaps a reset. I activate Trade-In. So, I'll discard The Big Saturn to draw two cards." That declaration gave Chazz pause. He had heard of The Big Saturn. It was a part of the Planet series, a one-of-a-kind archetype developed by a famous card designer who had unfortunately passed away many years ago. The planets were some of the last cards he worked on. He knew that Jesse had just come into possession of The Tripper Mercury. Through the information provided by his research, he was fully aware that The Big Saturn was at American Academy, along with another planet card, The Splendid Venus. And he knew of one other. Terra Firma.
For a moment, a memory flashed through Chazz's mind. A man in a long red coat, a white armoured warrior standing above him with flaming swords.
Chazz was brought out of his reminiscing as David laughed. "How interesting," he said. "I activate Premature Burial! At the cost of 800 life points, I can revive the monster I just discarded!" (David: 2700LP)
Behind David, a huge blue portal opened with a loud hiss. From it emerged a huge, spherical machine that could float in the air via the huge rockets on its back. Large arms floated next to the main body, orbiting it, ready to strike. A large energy ring was lit around its main body. While it was hard to see, the ring was spinning at a very high speed, undoubtedly functioning as an advanced saw blade.
"Meet The Big Saturn (2800/2200)!" David declared proudly. "I activate his effect! By discarding a card and paying a thousand life points, I can increase my monster's attack points!" (David: 1700LP)
The ring around The Big Saturn glowed brighter as it let out a mechanical roar (2800 – 3800 ATK). As its attack rose, the monster stared down upon Chazz's tiny dragons.
"Let's do some real damage. Saturn, crush his Armed Dragon!"
The titanic machine lumbered forward, rearing back its arm, ready to strike Chazz's smaller dragon. "I activate the trap, Staunch Defender!" Before Saturn could bring down its fist, Armed Dragon, the Armoured Dragon pushed the stronger dragon out of the way, taking the full brunt of the assault. It tried to fight, but the blow was far too powerful, pounding it into the ground. (Chazz:600LP)
This time, Chazz prepared himself, steeling himself for damage. But nothing came. Had he imagined the earlier pain? No, he still remembered his dragon's cry and felt its pain. So, what had changed? A glitch?
"So, you traded one monster for another, taking even more damage," David remarked, snapping Chazz out of his thoughts.
"No," Chazz said simply. "Not traded. These cards are more precious to me than that."
"I didn't take you for a bleeding heart," David remarked, rolling his eyes. As he spoke, Big Saturn deflated, its attack points returning to 2800. "I end my turn. Best pray you can turn this around. You certainly haven't impressed me yet."
"Just shut up…" Chazz growled, drawing his next card.
Turn 5: Chazz - 600 LP – 4 Cards in hand - 1 monster on the field
Chazz hadn't decided to take that damage lightly, but he needed his Armed Dragon with him. Next to Light and Darkness Dragon, the Armed Dragons were his strongest cards. He also appreciated how they grew with time. He could relate to that. Of course, sometimes evolution needed a push.
"I activate the spell, Level Up! It evolves my level five dragon into a stronger creature!" he cried. The level-five dragon let out a roar as it was covered in a golden glow. Its body doubled in size, its neck growing out, and jagged blades and spikes appeared along its body. "Meet the Armed Dragon LV7 (2800/1000)!" As its transformation finished, the now stronger dragon unleashed a titanic roar. Those of the audience who were from North Academy let out a cheer. However, David still looked bored.
"Still not impressed," he said simply.
Chazz managed to maintain his composure as he took his next card. "It's a good thing I'm not done then. Because I'm tributing my dragon to bring out its full potential. I summon Armed Dragon Lv10 (3000/2000)!"
Unlike the previous transformation that had a stunning golden aura, this time Chazz's dragon exploded, becoming obscured in dark smoke. From it, like a kaiju, emerged Chazz's upgraded dragon. It had lost all the bulk of its previous forms, having a leaner body. Its head and neck were encased in silver metal armour, and its wings had grown larger. It truly looked like a dragon made for destruction.
"Well, that is certainly more impressive," David remarked, although he didn't sound sincere.
"Then you should see it attack," Chazz remarked. "Armed Dragon, scrap that tin can!"
With his Armed Dragon's effect, he could easily have destroyed The Big Saturn, but he had done through his research, and he was fully aware that if he destroyed it through an effect, both he and David would take damage equal to Saturn's attack points. And he refused to allow this to end in a draw.
His dragon gladly listened, letting out a threatening roar before charging forward. Rearing back its fist, the Armed Dragon plunged its arm right into the core of the planet monster, its armour crumpling like paper under its superior might. The machine let out one last groan before it exploded like a spectacular firework. (David: 1500LP)
"How do you like that?" Chazz asked as another moment of cockiness overtook him.
David dusted off his white jacket as the field cleared, rolling his neck. "All of that for a drop of blood?" he asked, amused. "Do not think you have won this duel just yet. Saturn will finish you sooner or later, but it is inevitable."
"You're too dramatic," Chazz growled before taking the next card in his hand. "I'll continue by activating Future Fusion. I'll show you my Five-Headed Dragon and send five dragons from my deck to the graveyard."
"And in two turns, your dragon will come out. I know what the card does," David said. "Do you think you'll last that long?"
"No, I think this duel will be long over before then," Chazz replied with a smirk. "In the meantime, I'll set a card and end my turn."
Turn 6: David - 1500LP - 1 Cards in hand - 0 cards on the field
David drew his card and looked upon Chazz's dragon with intrigue before letting out a sad sigh. "I am still disappointed. I would have thought that with all I'd seen of you, you'd have something more impressive than a large wall."
"For a duel, you seem too preoccupied with lectures," Chazz shot back.
David merely shook his head. "Then my actions shall speak for me. I activate Pot of Greed!" David drew his next two cards without any fanfare, smiling at his draws. "I'm ending this here. I activate, Monster Reborn!"
Once again, there was a hiss of steam as The Big Saturn rose into the air, its mere presence overshadowing the arena lights shining on Chazz.
"Oh shit…" Chazz growled.
"It seems you've realised that your end draws near. Because what I did before can be done again. I discard my last card to activate Saturn's effect and boost its power!"
Once again, the ring around Saturn's body glowed brighter, spinning much faster as its strength grew. (2800 – 3800 ATK)
"Attack Saturn! Strike that dragon down!"
The metallic beast lumbered forward, striking out at the blade-covered dragon. Chazz's dragon tried to put up a fight, meeting its blow with its fist, sending out a shockwave that nearly knocked Chazz off his feet. The rest of the audience felt it too, letting out a cheer of excitement. However, they were sheep, bewitched by the excitement of the duel. But Chazz knew that solid vision could not create a blast like that.
This attack could wipe out his life points, and if he felt the damage like before… he didn't have time to think.
"I activate my trap, Defence Draw! My dragon may be destroyed, but I'll take no damage."
Armed Dragon LV10's strength finally faltered, crumbling under the weight of Saturn's fist. Thankfully, due to his trap, Chazz was saved, but he still felt the shock as his monster hit the ground. As his monster burst into pixels, Chazz was left standing alone.
"So, you survived," David remarked.
"Surprised? And because I took no damage from your attack, I get to draw a card." As he drew, David merely smirked.
"Go ahead; you have nothing. Your strongest monster is gone. You have nothing on your field. You are alone. Now take your turn so that I may end this farce." (3800-2800 ATK)
Turn 7: Chazz - 600 LP - 2 cards in hand, 0 cards on field
As Chazz drew, he saw the now familiar but annoying countenance of Ojama Yellow. A small smile tugged at his lips as he looked back to David. "I am never alone."
As if to make his point, the spirit of the Ojama appeared next to him. "Be careful, Boss. There's something not right about that guy. He's scary."
"It's fine," he said simply, unwilling to give the spirit more attention than he needed. "I've got this. I summon the Wish Dragon (700/100)"
Chazz's new monster was a pot-bellied purple dragon with golden horns and a long neck. It gave a small roar as it took the field. "Of course, it won't be here long," Chazz continued. "By tributing it, I can summon two Dragon Tokens (0/0)."
Two baby versions of Wish Dragon rose, possessing the same colour as their older counterpart but lacking wings. Expecting a snide comment, Chazz continued swiftly. "I activate the effect of Samsara Dragon in the grave!" he declared. He'd sent it there with Future Fusion and was happy to have done so. "I can banish it to target a level 5 or higher dragon from my grave and return it to my hand. Then, I can immediately tribute summon it."
"There's nothing in your graveyard that you can summon to rival Saturn," David said snidely.
Chazz merely smiled as his tokens dissolved into particles of light and dark energy that swirled around him. "Wanna bet?"
The split energies grew larger until they became a torrent that could not be held back. The particles of light and dark coalescing around Chazz took on a physical shape, becoming a western dragon with two tails. The dragon was one of spectacular duality. One half of its body was pure white with a large, feathered wing like that of an angel. The other half was obsidian black with a demonic, leathery wing reminiscent of a demon. As it took to the field, it let out a screeching roar that was impossibly both utterly calming and downright terrifying.
"Rise, Light and Darkness Dragon (2800/2400)!" Chazz said, his confidence restored.
"Now, that's more like it," David said with a smile. "Although your monster isn't strong enough to overpower Saturn."
"He doesn't have to be," Chazz smirked. "Light and Darkness Dragon, attack The Big Saturn!"
Light and Darkness Dragon took to the air, energy gathering within its maw. The Big Saturn tried to interrupt, reaching out for the dragon before it could complete its attack. However, it was too late. Light and Darkness Dragon unleashed a powerful blast that eclipsed the machine. Unfortunately, its armour was just too strong and before it melted, the planet monster was able to reach out and grab the majestic dragon, crushing it in its strong embrace.
As both monsters faded, David and Chazz were left staring at each other amid the leftover particles of light and dark energy left over from Chazz's dragon. "That was your big play? A suicide attack. What? Are you hoping I won't draw a monster?"
"No, this is over. Light and Darkness dragon has one last gift. When it is destroyed, I can revive a dragon from my graveyard." Around them, the leftover light particles turned dark as they formed together to create a demonic back dragon with large, tattered wings. On its chest was a demonic face, complete with a fanged maw that served as a second mouth
David looked legitimately surprised for the first time since the match started, gazing up at the dark dragon with a slack jaw. "Now that… is surprising…" Chazz heard him say. It felt good to finally wipe that smug eating grin off his face.
"Meet, Dark End Evaporation Dragon (2600/2100)," he said proudly. After collecting Light and Darkness Dragon, Chazz had made it a mission to collect all cards relating to it. Chazz's new dragon was one of two that represented one of the sides of Light and Darkness Dragon, specifically its darker side.
"You have nothing left!" Chazz cried, pointing forward. "Dark End, finish this!"
The dark dragon flew higher into the air. Unlike its stronger counterpart, who moved gracefully, its movements were far more savage. Dark energy gathered in its mouth before it unleashed a large and chaotic blast. It crossed the field in an instant. The attack was so large that it completely enveloped David, wiping out the last of his life points.
(David: 0LP – Chazz Wins)
The American Academy Students were silent. Having watched their appointed champion fall was something none of them expected. But then, like a clap of thunder, those from North Academy began to cheer.
"CHAZZ IT UP! CHAZZ IT UP!" they chanted.
Chazz looked back to his classmates and raised his fist victoriously. He took them all in, those who supported him and smiled. Among the faces, he tried to look for his brothers. When he noticed they were not sat next to the North Academy Student, he looked around the stadium, finally spotting them sat next to the American Academy chancellor. They weren't even looking at him. They were too engrossed in whatever conversation they were having on their phones.
Chazz lowered his arm, his good mood faltering. And as Chancellor MacKenzie stood up to congratulate both duellists, Chazz turned to his opponent only to see that he was walking away.
"Hey, where do you think you're going?" Chazz demanded, giving chase. "What the hell was that back there?"
For his part, David turned around, staring Chazz right in the eyes. "I assure you, I don't know what you mean," he smirked. "Congratulations on your victory." He didn't say anymore. He only turned and continued his retreat.
Chazz would have chased him again, but his brother's reporters swarmed the field, cutting him off from David. He tried to go past them, but the reporters were persistent. He was left helpless as his opponent walked away, taking any answers Chazz demanded with him.
Chancellor MacKenzie sat back down, ignoring the rather loud conversation about trade deals on his right coming from the Princeton brothers, and instead turned his attention to his guest. "How did you find the duel, Professor Viper?" he asked good-naturedly.
The larger man huffed, crossing his large arms and lowering his head. "The Princeton boy seemed to be giving it his all, but your stepson was rather lacking."
"Oh?" Chancellor MacKenzie asked curiously. "And why is that?"
"A skilled duelist does not play with their opponent as your son did," Viper answered immediately. "He lacked discipline, and it cost him the game."
"I would agree. However, my school had nothing to prove this day. I am satisfied with his performance."
Viper smirked. "Sentimentality does not suit you, my friend," he said simply.
"Stating a fact is not sentiment. But if you did not enjoy the duel, perhaps you would indulge my curiosity. I hear you will be going back to South America soon. Will you be taking Pierce with you?" The Chancellor asked, looking up towards his office overlook where he knew Reggie and Pierce were watching.
"Yes, it will only be a brief trip during the next break," Viper said. "It is an opportunity to build character."
"Build character? Pierce seems quite well adjusted."
"He wasn't always like that," Viper said somberly.
"I know… I did not mean to-"
"It is fine. Every day from that moment has been a miracle. Scars do not hurt. They are the memories of hardship," Viper said before shaking his head. "Would David care to join us on the journey? I am aware he and Pierce have become friends."
"That is something you would have to ask him yourself," the Chancellor said. "I am sure that he may be willing, though. I have heard him speak of travelling recently."
"Excellent." With that topic over, Viper reached into his coat and produced a picture. "My contacts have found what you were searching for."
"Oh?" Chancellor MacKenzie reached out and took the photo upon looking at the image showing part of a stone effigy. The photo was blurry, but Mackenzie could clearly distinguish the face of a scowling demon carved into the stone. "This is fantastic. My friend, you have done me a service."
"I'd be careful. Ambition is often the folly of many men," Viper said.
"And sentiment can cause others to fall," the Chancellor replied. The two men shared a laugh before the conversation turned to other matters, both old friends speaking of more pedestrian matters.
It was late when Alexis returned to her room. She'd walked back with Sadie, the two having a friendly catch-up after all the festivities had come to a close. She had fun that night, and it was a welcome distraction. She could tell throughout the night there was something that Sadie had wanted to say to her, but even when they were alone, she didn't say anything.
Oh well, if she had something to say, she'd say it. In the meantime, she had something else that she wanted to do. Taking out the journal she'd recovered from the Abandoned Dorm, she sat at her desk and turned on the lamp. Before opening the book, she ran a thumb across the spine. This was the second piece of hope she'd been able to find since coming to the academy. He just hoped it would hold the answers she needed.
If there was going to be anything about her brother's disappearance, it would be the last entry. Carefully, she thumbed through the pages until she came to the last few pages. But as she found the section she was looking for, a sense of dread overtook her.
"No…"
"I'm sorry, Alexis," I said as I looked down at the pages I had torn out of Atticus's journal. They explained in intricate detail how Professor Banner had invited several students from the Abandoned Dorm to attend a special class. While not explicitly damning, it would be easy to take to Chancellor Sheppard and check if Banner had arranged such a session for his students.
All of that would mean Banner would have to leave; whether running away or forcefully removed, he would be unable to complete his work. I fully planned to return these to Alexis and give her the closure she wanted, but first, Banner needed to complete his part.
I was back in my dorm room now. The festival has been a great distraction and hanging out with my closest friends had allowed me to distance myself from this horrible thing I had done. But now, on my own, I was faced with the horrible reality that I had betrayed my friend. My phone buzzed.
A goodnight message from Sadie. I smiled, wishing her pleasant dreams that I knew would be denied to me. Too much had changed today, and I was so tired of trying to predict next steps and possible futures. I decided instead to focus on the direct path in front of me. The Shadow Riders were coming.
And as I looked down and read through Atticus's journal pages, I noticed something of interest. It was a small passage, seemingly just an afterthought from Atticus, but it sparked my interest.
There, written at the bottom of the page was, "Eve begged me not to go."
Hello everyone! It's been... uh... four months. Honestly, that's still faster than I thought this would take. I've been trying to play a bit more of the game recently and even played at YCS Birmingham. It did not go well, but with the exception of a match against Ryzeal, I had a lot of fun.
This serves as more of an epilogue chapter before the next arc. It took way longer than expected as I realised halfway through my duel planning I gave someone an extra card, which meant Chazz would have lost in turn five, so I had to go back and rewrite half a chapter. Haha, comedy...
I will say though, a fair few important plot elements were dropped in this chapter despite its shorter length. A lot of people are making correct assumptions that I have noticed on the Discord server and in the reviews so I'm looking forward to seeing the predictions here.
I hope you all have been doing okay and that life is treating you well. Things are about to get spooky as we move into the next arc that I have dubbed War of Shadows.
Anyway, I'm going to go and get some sleep. I'll see you all next time.