"Alright, look at the camera!"

Flashes and lights went off as Isaac stood before a white background. The World Champion was doing some photo shoots, and the crew instructed him on how to pose.

"Alright, big smile. Sell the product!"

"Give us a smile!"

Isaac did as instructed as the crew began to enjoy the money shots they were getting. Watching from outside the photo shoot room, Haven eyed her sponsorship partner as she could see he was working hard, making her company money. The biggest decision and gamble of her life was starting to pay off. Since deciding to invest in the world of Duel Monsters and having to land the signing of the World Champion, her business had put out 200% of its expected outcome. Haven could pay the rest of the initial money she had promised him and then some; yet, with everything that had happened regarding Isaac's complicated life, she began to understand him.

The constant expectations put on him by his line of work. The intense and rigorous schedule and work life, not to mention his passionate love for his family. And then… there was the pressing and looming issue of something evil around the corner. While Haven was still skeptical about the whole 'saving the world' cliche, she couldn't deny that from her observations, this wasn't the World Champion's first instance. From how he talked about it and spoke of it, along with his wife, it seemed they had their fair share of this situation from their earlier years.

"Alright, we done?" asked Isaac.

"All set!"

"Alright, gentlemen, ladies. It's been a pleasure working with you," stated Isaac as he shook the hand of each of the crew members before grabbing his hoodie to sling over his shoulder.

He exited the room and began to walk down the hall with Haven following him. The two exited the building as they entered the woman's limo and went off to take care of the next item on the World Champion's itinerary. As they drove, Isaac pulled his phone out and saw he got a text from Twilight. The World Champion responded to the message sent by his wife before sending one back, ending it with a kiss emoji. He then opened something and pulled up an old photo: it was that of him and his wife, along with their children from when they were younger, on a family vacation. Seeing the memory made Isaac smile as he wished he could return to that time and relish the happiness they experienced.


"I can't believe we're in the finals!" Sunny said, her nerves still had not calmed down.

"Even I'm surprised," said Hitch as he looked at his girlfriend, pacing back and forth.

"I mean, I didn't think we were gonna beat Roll and Izzy, but we did.. And now… We have to deal with… Mario and Dahlia," said the girl.

The boy noticed his friend's sudden pause in pacing as he stood up. He approached her from behind and placed a hand on her shoulder.

"Hey, you okay?"

"Yeah," Sunny responded, turning to cusp her boyfriend's cheek. "I'm ready this time. It's like you said, Hitch. No matter what, we're all still gonna be friends."

"That's the spirit," smiled the boy as he brought a hand up to stroke his girlfriend's hair before cusping her left cheek and pulling her in to share a passionate kiss.

Meanwhile, their opponents were having their own quality time. Mario and Dahlia were in the library and had used their one-hour break to prepare.

"So, you sure I shouldn't change anything?" asked the girl.

"Look, you did good with what you had last round. Just stick to the basics, and you're golden," stated Mario, who didn't want to offer suggestions to his partner's deck.

The girl nodded before looking at her partner. She recalled how she noticed him and witnessed some tears. Dahlia didn't quite know what or why, nor should she have asked Mario about it. Instead, she wanted to think of something to lighten the boy's mood.

"Hey, Mario! I think I've worked out what your lyrics mean! Care to hear me out?"

"Huh? Sure! So, you managed to work through the labyrinth of my melodic poetry, then?"

"I did. You were writing about yourself, right? About how you keep moving forward, no matter your difficulties. We've got this, we did it, now let's win. That kind of thing. Am I right?"

Mario looked at Dahlia after hearing the girl's interpretation of the little song he had written and presented it to her to transcribe. The boy chuckled as he almost burst into laughter, making Dahlia raise an eyebrow.

"That's pretty close for being completely wrong. It's actually not about me."

"It's… not?"

"Nope. In fact… it's about you, Dahlia."

"M-Me?!" said the girl, as her face went a bit red.

"It's a song about your single-minded march through life."

"It's about… me?" repeated the girl as her redness grew.

"Of course. You know, about how you sometimes mess up and make a big fuss over stuff, but you're always looking ahead and striving. I just wanted to capture your pleasant, fidgety, fussy nature in a song."

"Haha, I see!" said Dahlia, now smiling while the red remained on her face. "I'm flattered… I think. Actually, I can't really tell if you're saying something nice or not…"

"Of course, I'm saying something nice! Everyone's really uplifted by your cheerful attitude, your refusal to give up, and that boisterous nature of yours."

"Boisterous… That's definitely not a compliment. Still… Thank you, Mario. I'm really pleased that you thought so hard about me and wrote a neat song like that."

The two teammates smiled before they heard the notification sound on their duel disks. That was a clear sign; it was time. The two got up as they prepared for what could be their toughest duel to date in this tournament. However, Dahlia, after hearing her partner's confession, was more determined to give her all.


In the Duel Arena building, everyone was gathered to watch the final duel of this entertaining tournament. Principal Celestia stood before the crowd as she addressed them.

"After a fun-filled tournament, we now have our two final teams. So… who will win these covert prizes?" stated Celestia as Luna showcased the pair of trophies. "Will it be the team of Hitch and Sunny?"

On cue, the pair were shown entering the arena as they walked in and got on the field.

"Or… will the unusual pairing of Mario and Dahlia somehow surprise everyone once again?"

The two were shown entering as they received praise. Roll eyed her brother, who made his way onto the field, smiling and showing her support to her older sibling. The four teens now stood off, face to face, as they prepared to do battle. Each pulled out and strapped on their duel disks as the final round commenced.

"The turn order has been decided. Sunny will take the first turn, followed by Dahlia, then Hitch, and Mario will be last and allowed to attack if he chooses. With that done… let the final round of the tag tournament… begin!" shouted Luna.

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

Sunny and Hitch's Life Points: 8000-

Dahlia and Mario's Life Points: 8000-

"Let's duel!" shouted all four as they drew their opening hands.

Turn 1: Sunny (Hand 5)

"You ready to throw down, Sunny?" asked Hitch.

"Oh, yeah!" responded the girl.

"Then get your game on, and let's duel!" shouted Mario.

"Alright… I draw! No hard feelings, Mario. Now… I summon Silent Paladin(500/1500) in defense mode." A female blonde knight appeared wearing a hairpin to shape her hair into a ponytail. She was donned in blue armor, exposing her thighs and upper arms while wearing white boots and a cape. She also wielded a sword and shield before bending down to a knee.

"When I normal summon my Silent Paladin, I get to add my Silent Swordsman LV3 to my hand," stated Sunny as her duel disk ejected her card for her to grab. "Next, I play the continuous spell card, Trismagstus. Then I'll use its effect to special summon one Level 4 Spellcaster from my hand. So I summon the Royal Magical Library(0/2000) in defense mode."

Wooden shelves burst from the field, encasing the duelists in comfortable confines. The library was wide enough to stretch from one end of the field to the other and transparent so that the others could still watch everything.

"She has two Level 4 monsters; you think she's gonna Xyz summon off the bat?" asked Jazz.

"I end my turn," stated Sunny.

Turn 2: Dahlia (Hand 5)

"My turn. And I'll begin by playing Violet Witch(1100/1200). Then, I'll play the field spell, Black Garden!" stated Dahlia as the entire field changed. The four duelists found themselves in a groove of thorns with some black roses sprouting about. Hitch and Sunny took a moment to look at their surroundings, but the vibe they got from Dahlia's field spell wasn't good.

"By activating a spell card, you produced a Spell Counter for my Royal Magical Library!" stated Sunny as a pair of green orbs floated lazily around the girl's library at her back.

"Stay sharp, Sunny. I got a bad feeling about Dahlia's field spell," stated Hitch.

"Right."

"I'll place one card facedown and end my turn."

Turn 3: Hitch (Hand 5)

"Then it's my move. Here goes!" stated Hitch as he drew. "Since you have a monster out and I don't, I can summon this monster as a Level 4 monster; I summon Level Warrior(300/600)!"

At that moment, some of the thorns from Dahlia's field spell began to act. They wrapped around Hitch's newly summoned monster and squeezed it while some of its strength was zapped.

"What's going on?" exclaimed the boy.

"That's the power of my Black Garden, Hitch. As long we're inside this greenhouse, your monster's attack points are cut in half when you summon them. And a Rose Token blossoms onto our field. However, the same goes for us. Sorry." apologized Dahlia as despite putting a huge obstacle in her friends' way, she still felt sorry for them.

"Guess that changes our plan," remarked Sunny as they now had to account for Dahlia's power card while a Rose Token bloomed onto their field.

"I then activate the continuous spell card, Synchro Chase. Then, I'll summon my Steam Synchron(600/800) in defense mode!"

"And with another spell, my library gains another Spell Counter!" retorted Sunny, making another pair of orbs appear.

"With that, I'll set one card facedown."

Turn 4: Mario (Hand 5)

"Then it's my turn. I draw!" said the boy.

"Now… I activate my Steam Synchron's special ability!" stated Hitch as he cut in during his friend's turn. "During your Main Phase, I can synchro summon. So I'll tune my Steam Synchron with my Level Warrior!" Hitch's locomotive let out some steam before turning into three giant green rings that circled its comrade, who turned into four white stars lined up with a yellow light surging through.

"I Synchro Summon! Signal Warrior(2400/1000)!"

"Well, as impressive as your monster is, remember my field spell is still in play, so his attack points are cut in half. And another Rose Token blooms onto our side of the field!" stated Dahlia as another rose sprouted and took up a monster zone for her and Mario, leaving only two zones unoccupied.

"Well, it's time for my Synchro Chase to kick in. Since I synchro summoned a 'Warrior,' 'Synchron,' or 'Stardust' Synchro Monster, I can target one monster in my graveyard that I used to summon it and bring it back in defense mode. So, I'm bringing back my Level Warrior!" Hitch's traffic signal transformer put its hand out as a portal opened, and his former monster appeared before bending to a knee.

"Well, if you wanna start strong, so will I, sheriff. I play Polymerization. So I'll combine Bubbleman and Avian in my hand!" stated Mario as he held out his two cards while his monsters appeared behind him. The two entered a swirling vortex that emitted purple and orange lights.

"I Fusion Summon! Elemental HERO Mariner(1400/1000)!"

As Mario's monster appeared, the vines and thorns of Dahlia's field spell kicked in and wrapped around his monster. A Rose Token appeared on Hitch and Sunny's field as they looked at it.

"Since you played Polymerization, that's another Spell Counter for my Royal Library!" stated Sunny.

"Next, I summon Elemental HERO Knospe(600/1000)!"

"Looks like you forgot your own partner's card affects yours," stated Hitch.

"Oh, I didn't forget, bud. In fact, I have a different strategy. Watch! I activate Elemental HERO Mariner's special ability. Since we have a set card in our spell and trap card zone, it can attack you directly!"

Mario's monster leaped into the air, aiming its fist with an anchor attached. It fired its anchor and landed before Hitch and Sunny, who covered up.

Hitch and Sunny's Life Points: 7300-

"And there's not all. Now for my Knospe's ability. Since I control another 'Elemental HERO,' not only can't you target my Knospe for attacks, but it can also attack you directly!" Mario's tiny plant sprung forward as it let a barrage of seeds bombard both teens.

Hitch and Sunny's Life Points: 7000-

"And when my Knospe deals battle damage, it gains 100 attack points and loses 100 defense points. Next, I'll set one card facedown. And then finish off by playing Mirage of Nightmares!"

Turn 5: Sunny (Hand 4)

"My move."

"And now, my spell kicks in. So, due to Mirage of Nightmares, I get to draw four cards, and during my turn, I have to discard four cards!" stated Mario as he drew from his deck. "Next, I'm gonna activate my facedown, Emergency Provisions. So I'll get rid of my Mirage of Nightmares to gain 1000 Life Points!"

Mario and Dahlia's Life Points: 9000-

"Sunny!" stated Hitch as he looked at his girlfriend.

"Right. Now to activate the effect of Hitch's Signal Warrior!" stated the girl as the whole field lit up.

A flashing light loomed over Mario's two monsters, Dahlia's sole monster, Rose Token, and field spell, Hitch's two monsters, and her two monsters and the single Rose Token they had.

"During the Standby Phase, Signal Warrior places a Signal Counter on every card face-up, including itself. The total number of cards is 10. So, there are 10 Signal Counters, and Signal Warrior can't be destroyed when it has a Signal Counter!" stated Hitch.

"Now for my Draw Phase!" said Sunny as she drew her top card. "I then activate the effect of my Royal Magical Library. By getting rid of three Spell Counters, I get to draw a card. And then… I'll activate the effect of Hitch's Signal Warrior. By removing all 10 Signal Counters, I can destroy one card on the field. And I choose… Black Garden!"

A flash of light occurred as Dahlia's entire field of thorny vines began to wilt away, as did some of the black roses that sprouted on the buds.

"Now that your field spell is gone, all our monsters that lost their attack points, regain them!" stated Hitch.

"The same goes for us!" responded Mario.

"Now, I overlay my Silent Paladin and Royal Magical Library to build the Overlay Network!" stated Sunny as her two monsters turned into orbs that hovered in the air. A portal opened before the girl as the orbs were sucked in, and a pillar of light emerged. "I Xyz Summon! Ninaruru, the Magical Glass Goddess(1800/2400, OLU: 2), in defense mode!" stated Sunny as her glass-like figurine of a model appeared.

"Now… Signal Warrior, attack Mario's Knospe!" commanded the girl as the monster put its hand out to fire a signal beam at Mario's tiny plant that stood no chance. The boy covered up as he stood his ground.

Mario and Dahlia's Life Points: 7300-

"Next, I'll activate the effect of my Trismagistus to summon a Level 4 Spellcaster from my hand. So I summon my Magical Exemplar(1700/1400)! Then, I activate this spell card, Magical Blast! Now I deal 200 points of damage for every 'Spellcaster' I have out. So, since I have two, that's 400 points of damage. But that's not all… because my Exemplar's ability when a spell card is activated produces two Spell Counters on it." stated Sunny as a magic blast fired toward Mario and Dahlia.

Mario and Dahlia's Life Points: 6900-

"Next, I reveal my facedown, Pitch-Black Power Stone. This trap instantly generates three Spell Counters, one of which I'll move onto my Magical Exemplar. Then I'll play Spell Power Grasp so that it produces two Spell Counters that I'll place on my Exemplar as well. Also, my card's second effect produces a Spell Counter that I can place on my monster, allowing me to add a copy from my hand to my deck."

"What a turn. Sunny managed to turn things around and get ahead," stated Rocky.

"I then set one card facedown and end my turn."

Turn 6: Dahlia (Hand 3)

"My move. First, I'll switch the Rose Token into defense mode. Then, I'll summon the tuner monster, Red Rose Dragon(1000/1800)! With that… I now tune my Violet Witch with my Red Rose Dragon!" Dahlia's small dragon, covered in red roses, turned into three giant green rings that circled its comrade, who turned into four white stars lined up with a yellow light surging through.

"The pure rose blossoms under the quiet moonlight! I Synchro Summon! Black Rose Moonlight Dragon(2400/1800)!"

Hitch and Sunny looked on as they took in the sight of Dahlia's monster.

"Since I sent my Red Rose Dragon to the graveyard as synchro material, I can now summon a 'Rose Dragon' from my deck. I summon White Rose Dragon(1200/1000)! Now… I activate Black Rose Moonlight Dragon's special ability! When summoned, it returns a special summoned monster to your hand. So say goodbye to Signal Warrior! Sing Black Rose, Rose Requiem!"

Dahlia's dragon opened its mouth and let out a barrage of a rose petal blizzard that swept over Hitch and Sunny's field. The two teens covered up as the petals surrounded Hitch's monster before being whisked away.

"Since your monster is a Synchro monster, it goes to your Extra Deck instead of your hand. If you want it back, you have to resummon it again!" smiled Dahlia. "Now, Black Rose Moonlight Dragon, attack Sunny's Magical Exemplar!"

"I activate my facedown, Gravity Bind!" shouted Sunny as a massive forcefield was produced. "Thanks to this trap, any Level 4 or higher monsters can't attack!"

"Not gonna work, Sunny. From my hand, I'm activating the effect of my Rose Archer(1000/100). Since you activated a trap while I control a Plant-type monster, I can send this card from my hand to the graveyard to negate and destroy it!" stated Dahlia. Her rose monster appeared before it pulled back on its bow and shot out a rose arrow that pierced Sunny's card.

"Without your trap, my attack continues! Rose Ballet!"

Sunny looked on as she couldn't do anything.

"I activate my facedown! Scrap-Iron Scarecrow!" stated Hitch as he touched his duel screen.

A makeshift scarecrow made of junk pieces appeared before Sunny's monster and took the blow. The boy's trap withheld the attack as it died down.

"Now it sets again for me to use later," said Hitch as he smiled at his girlfriend, which Sunny returned.

"Nice one," said Dahlia to the boy. "I end my turn."

Turn 7: Hitch (Hand 2)

"My move. I summon Quick-Span Knight(1000/800). Then, I'll tune my Quick-Span Knight with my Level Warrior!"

Hitch's tiny wrench-shaped monster turned into three giant green rings that circled its comrade, turning into three white stars lined up with a yellow light surging through.

"Arrive from beyond the event horizon! I Synchro Summon! Gravity Warrior(2100/1000)!"

With an earth-shaking boom, a new warrior dropped from the sky. The warrior looked closer to a beast than a human, with a white, distinctly lupine face framed by a blue helmet that splayed into what looked like metallic dreadlocks at the back. Its body was encased in a hefty blue and silvery suit of armor, with spikes jutting from its ball-jointed shoulders. It possessed an almost slithering segmented tail. Its arms ended in hands possessing vicious-looking, sharp-tipped fingers.

"When I synchro summon my Gravity Warrior, it gains 300 attack points for every monster on your side of the field! Since there are three monsters, Gravity Warriors gains 900 extra attack points! Power Gravitation!"

With a beastly growl, Gravity Warrior's 'dreadlocks' splayed out, a faint hum emanating from its form, and the ground around it seemed to tremble faintly.

"Now activate the effect of my Synchro Chase, so I'll bring back my Quick-Span Knight."

"And with the activation of Hitch's spell, Magical Exemplar gets two more Spell Counters. It now has nine Spell Counters!" stated Sunny.

"Now… Gravity Warrior, attack Black Rose Moonlight Dragon! Grand Cross!"

With a beastly roar, Gravity Warrior's dreadlocks splayed out again, unleashing another metallic hum. Dahlia's dragon began to shudder, the beast looking distraught as its whole body shot forth, against all control, right into the waiting claws of Gravity Warrior. The dragon's form shattered with one swipe, leaving a shower of rose petals.

Mario and Dahlia's Life Points: 6300-

"I end my turn. And with one fewer monster, Gravity loses 300 attack points," stated Hitch.

Turn 8: Mario (Hand 5)

"My move. I summon Wroughtweiler(800/1200). Then I play the spell card, E - Emergency Call. So I add an 'Elemental HERO' from my deck to my hand."

Mario touched his duel screen and began to cycle through all his options. Once he chose, he clicked confirm as the option slid out for him to grab.

"Since you activate a spell card, my Magical Exemplar produces two more Spell Counters!" stated Sunny.

"Then I'll send my Cross Keeper to the graveyard so that I can summon my Elemental HERO Neos(2500/2000) from my hand!" stated the boy as he called upon his top superhero. "Now… Neos, take out Magical Exemplar!"

"Not gonna happen. Remember, I have my Scrap-Iron Scarecrow!" stated Hitch as his trap revealed itself and took the hit.

"Yeah, and you get to set it again to use later. But… you can't activate it twice in a row. And remember my Mariner's ability: as long as there's a set card in our spell and trap zone, it can attack you two directly."

"You tricked me," remarked Hitch as Mario managed to get him to waste his trap.

Mario's other monster leaped into the air and fired the anchor on its wrist as it landed before the pair, who covered up.

Hitch and Sunny's Life Points: 5600-

"I set one card facedown."

Turn 9: Sunny (Hand 3)

"My move. First, I'm gonna use Hitch's Quick-Span Knight to tune the Rose Token on our field!" stated Sunny as the small wrench-like monster turned into three giant green rings that circled its comrade, who turned into two white stars that lined up with yellow light surging through.

"I Synchro Summon! T.G. Hyper Librarian(2400/1800)!"

A tall, slim, humanoid figure in a white and black robe stood before Sunny, a white cloak trailing down its back. It raised its head, concealed by a military cap and glasses, and snapped an arm out, a book tracing out in green light and then popping into existence in its hand.

"By synchro summoning it, T.G. Hyper Librarian lets me draw a card. Next, I'll remove eight Spell Counters from my Magical Exemplar to summon Blizzard Princess(2800/2000)!"

Eight orbs shined before they vanished as cold air blew over the field. Emerging from the blizzard was a girl wearing a crown and white garments. She had a staff with an ice chain at the end, which held a giant ice ball.

"Now, Hyper Librarian, attack Elemental HERO Mariner!" commanded Sunny as her monster fired a beam from its book that made contact with Mario's monster.

Mario and Dahlia's Life Points: 5300-

"Blizzard Princess, attack Elemental HERO Neos!"

"I reveal my facedown, Hero Barrier. So now your attack is negated!" stated Mario as a barrier came over his monster and shielded it from Sunny's attack.

"Now, Gravity Warrior, attack Wroughtweiler!" stated the girl as she used her boyfriend's monster to take out Mario's robotic dog.

"Thanks, Sunny. When Wroughtweiler is destroyed, it allows me to bring back a Polymerization and an 'Elemental HERO' from my graveyard!" stated Mario as two cards ejected from his graveyard slot as he grabbed them to add to his hand.

"Next, I'll move one of the Spell Counters on my Pitch-Black Stone onto my Magicial Exemplar," stated Sunny. "I end my turn."

Turn 10: Dahlia (Hand 3)

"My move!" said Dahlia as she drew.

"It's going to take a miracle for them to turn things around. Sunny and Hitch had amassed an army of monsters," said Thunder.

"You want combos, watch!" stated Dahlia. "I summon Roxrose Dragon(1600/1200), and when I summon this monster, I can one card that lists 'Black Rose Dragon' in its text from my deck to my hand. Next, I'll tune my Roxrose Dragon with my White Rose Dragon!"

Dahlia's monster turned into three giant green rings that circled its comrade. Then, it turned into four white stars lined up with a yellow light surging through.

"A cold flame envelopes the world! I Synchro Summon! Black Rose Dragon(2400/1800)!"

A black dragon covered in red roses and sharp thorns appeared and let out a roar.

"Get ready to feel its fury because as soon as it's synchro summoned, it destroys all cards on the field!"

"What?!" said Sunny and Hitch.

A giant wind swept over the field as rose petals went everywhere. Everyone held on and covered up as Dahlia's dragon let out a huge roar before everything vanished, including itself. Once the petals finished blowing in the wind, everyone was left stunned as nothing remained.

"Wow! She actually did it!" said Izzy, amazed that Dahlia had cleared the board.

"Now, to activate the effect of my White Rose Dragon in my graveyard. Since I used it as synchro material, I can send one Level 4 or lower Plant-type monster from my deck to the grave," stated the girl as she used her duel screen to make her choice. The card slid out for her to grab, and she sent it away.

"But if you thought I was gonna end my turn, think again. I activate the spell card, Rose Bell of Revelation. This allows me to add a Plant monster with 2400 or more attack points from my deck to my hand. So I'll add my Rosaria, the Stately Fallen Angel(2900/2400)! Then, by banishing my spell, I can summon it!"

A large angelic warrior appeared with four wings, half red and the other half blue.

"Now, Rosaria, attack!"

Dahlia's monster raised its arms to fire a wind tunnel made of petals, pelting Hitch and Sunny, who covered up.

Hitch and Sunny's Life Points: 2700-

"I end my turn with two facedowns!"

Turn 11: Hitch (Hand 2)

"I can't believe Dahlia turned it around," said Jazz.

"My move! I play Pot of Greed to draw two more cards." As Hitch drew his cards, he looked at them as his eyes slightly widened upon what he drew.

Nice. Cosmic Blast could come in handy.

"I then play the spell card, Tuning. This allows me to send the top card of my deck to the graveyard to add any 'Synchron' monster I want from my deck!" Hitch touched his duel screen as he looked at his options before he clicked confirm, and the card slid out for him to grab. "I now play the monster I got. Junk Synchron(1300/500)! And when I summon Junk Synchron, he can bring back a Level 2 or lower monster from my graveyard in defense mode, like my Speed Warrior(900/400). Next, I tune Junk Synchron with my Speed Warrior!"

Hitch's yellow monster pulled the chord on its back as its engines revved. It then turned into three giant green rings that circled its comrade, who turned into two white stars lined up with a yellow light surging through.

"Beaten and broken, courage still lives on. Combine your power and empower others through your valor! I Synchro Summon! Junk Speeder (1800/1000)!"

A sleek, slivery humanoid emerged from the bursting pillar of light. The sheen came from the silvery, aerodynamic armoring covering much of its body and limbs, with some purple decorative embossments and linings, save for its biceps and hip joints, which were covered in black, form-fitting fabric. A finned goggled helmet obscured its head while a pair of long metallic wings jutted from its upper back. Junk Synchron's scarf was around its neck, billowing as if an updraft surged from beneath its feet.

"When Junk Speeder is synchro summoned, it lets me summon as many 'Synchron' tuner monsters from my deck as possible, as long as they have different levels. So, I'm bringing out my Revolution Synchron(900/1400)."

"Another tuner? You think he's…" started Rocky.

"Now, Junk Speeder, attack! And due to its other effect, its attack points double this turn when battling a monster!" Hitch's monster zoomed forward as it leaped high into the air and thrusted a fist out to take out Dahlia's monster, leaving behind a shower of rose petals.

Mario and Dahlia's Life Points: 4600-

"I activate my facedown! Wicked Reborn! For the low price of 800 Life Points, I can summon any Synchro monster from my graveyard. I'm bringing back Black Rose Dragon!" stated Dahlia as her beast from a pillar of light.

Mario and Dahlia's Life Points: 3800-

"But I'm not done yet. Next, I can equip Wicked Reborn with my dragon. Now, as long as she's equipped with this card, Black Rose Dragon can be resummoned at the end of every round. So for those of you in the back of the class, that means if it's ever destroyed in battle or by some special spell, it comes back good as new at the end of our turn." explained Dahlia.

"This is getting pretty close," commented Zipp.

"Well, I'm not done just yet. Because now… I tune my Revolution Synchron with my Junk Speeder!" proclaimed Hitch. His monster turned into three giant green rings circling its comrade as it turned into five white stars lined up with a yellow light surging through.

"The hopes of the world coalesce into a single star! I Synchro Summon! Take flight, Stardust Dragon(2500/2000)!"

A pair of pristine white wings extended from the erupting pillar of light. As the light faded, the form they connected to unveiled itself. A dragon appeared as its body was as pristine white as its magnificent wings, with a long, slender neck ending in an angular head with three backward curving 'fins,' complemented by an equally long, slender, tall ending in a four-part crest at the tip. Noticeable purple, gem-like protrusions covered its chest, and all four limbs, composed of arms and legs, exhibited sharp extremities. It let loose a call somewhere between a roar and an avian shriek.

"Next, I'll activate the other effect of my Revolution Synchron from my graveyard. Since I control a Level 7 or higher Synchro Monster, I can send the top card from my deck to the graveyard to revive it as a Level 1 monster. So, I'll bring it back in defense mode. I then place two cards facedown! Your move!" stated Hitch.

Turn 12: Mario (Hand 2)

"It's my move! I activate the spell card Instant Contact. By paying 1000 Life Points, I can special summon a Level 7 or lower 'Elemental HERO' or 'Neo-Spacian' from my Extra Deck. So I'm summoning my Elemental HERO Glow Neos(2500/2000)!"

Mario and Dahlia's Life Points: 2800-

Emerging from a portal was a variant of Mario's top hero as he glowed, wielding a glowing spear and having wavy alien hair.

"Next, I'll equip my Glow Neos with the equip spell card, Instant Neo Space. Now my monster doesn't have to return to my Extra Deck when my turns ends. Then… I'll activate Glow Neos' special ability; once per turn, I can target one card on the field and destroy it, so say goodbye to your dragon, Hitch!" stated Mario as he pointed at the beast.

The boy's hero began to charge its glowing spear with power as it looked to throw it at the beast.

"Not gonna happen! I activate Stardust Dragon's special ability. By removing it from play until the end of the turn, I can negate your monster's effect and destroy it. It's a monster for a monster!" stated Hitch as his dragon spread its wings out to shower stardust particles. It fell over the field, making his and Mario's hero vanish.

"Since you made my Glow Neos vanish while it had Instant Neo Space, I can trigger my spell's second effect. Now I can summon my Elemental HERO Neos back from my graveyard!"

"Well, I activate my facedown! Cosmic Blast! Because Stardust Dragon left the field, you lost Life Points equal to its attack points!" stated Hitch.

The spirit of Hitch's dragon appeared before it let loose a giant attack that hit Mario and Dahlia. The girl was taken off her feet and fell back while the boy stood his ground and gritted his teeth. He fell to a knee while continuing his move through Hitch's effect.

Mario and Dahlia's Life Points: 300-

"I activate H - Heated Heart to give my Neos 500 more attack points and to deal piercing damage! Now go… attack Hitch's Revolution Synchron!" yelled Mario.

The hero heard the call of its master as it rushed forward and smashed Hitch's remaining monster, sending a powerful wave toward the boy's friends. Sunny and Hitch covered up as they were taken off their feet and fell to the floor, suffering some bruise marks upon impact.

Hitch and Sunny's Life Points: 1100-

"Black Rose Dragon… finish this!" shouted Mario as he looked to deliver the killing blow.

Sunny lay on the ground as she couldn't do anything but watch. Hitch got in front of his girlfriend while on a knee as he quickly touched his duel screen.

"No! I activate… Return Damage!" yelled the boy in defiance as his final facedown flipped up. "I can activate this card when I take Battle Damage. Now, not only do I not take the damage from your attack, but instead… you take it!"

Mario gasped, stunned. The attack headed toward the pair and made a U-turn as it approached them. The boy could do nothing, helpless.

I… I lost…

At that moment, a sound was heard as Hitch's trap, which he had activated, began to fizzle out before exploding. The two boys were shocked, and Mario turned his head behind to see Dahlia. The girl was on her stomach and was shown touching her duel screen. He then turned forward and saw the card she had activated, as she had one final card hidden.

"I activate Solemn Judgment. So, by paying half our Life Points, your trap is negated and destroyed. Which means… Mario's attack continues!" shouted Dahlia.

Mario and Dahlia's Life Points: 150-

"Dahlia…" said Mario as the girl shocked him while flashing a smile.

The attack did another U-turn as it headed back toward Hitch and Sunny, as there was nothing to stop it. Hitch clutched his side momentarily before putting his arms out as if to shield Sunny from the attack and take the brunt of it. Just as the attack was about to reach him, he felt a pair of arms wrap around him from behind as he turned to see Sunny. The girl was also willing to protect her boyfriend as she looked to keep him safe, just as he'd done for her. The attack made contact as both were hit. A flash of light occurred as nearly everyone covered their eyes.

Once the attack died down, Mario fell to a knee while clutching his arm. Dahlia remained on the floor as she watched. They soon saw Hitch and Sunny's outlines through the smoke before it died. The two were shown on their knees, with Sunny's arm over Hitch's shoulder. The pair looked at their opponents before flashing a smile as they both fell to their hands and knees.

Sunny and Hitch's Life Points: 0-

Winners: Mario and Dahlia

"Students… your winners of the Tag Team Tournament… the team of Mario and Dahlia!" announced Principal Celestia.

"No way…" said Zipp, stunned to say anything.

"He… won?... With Dahlia…?" said Pipp, almost flabbergasted.

Applause began as the students showed appreciation to the winning duo. For Mario, he was still in disbelief at the result. He was snapped out of his thoughts when he heard Dahlia trying her best to stand up. The girl managed to sit up but couldn't stand. It wasn't until she saw a hand before her that she blinked and looked up. She saw her partner, all beaten up and bruised just like her, standing over her with a smile. She didn't hesitate to grab his hand as he pulled her up and, with one yank, got her to her feet, and she fell into his arms. She took a moment to collect herself before stepping back to look at her partner as he held his smile.

The two then turned toward their classmates, and Dahlia waved her arms up high in celebration. Sunny and Hitch watched the pair take their victory lap, and the boy held onto his girlfriend as they slowly stood up.

"I'll be damned… they actually won the whole thing," said Hitch as both Mario and Dahlia made believers out of him since he had his doubts about the pair.

Luna then approached the pair as she held the trophies in her hand. The two teens turned to look at their Vice-Principal, who her sister accompanied.

"Congrats, you two. You definitely earned these," said Luna as she handed a trophy to Dahlia.

"Thank you, Vice-Principal Luna," said the girl as she shook Luna's hand and couldn't hold back a happy squeal while looking at her prize.

Luna handed Mario the other trophy, and he respectfully shook his vice principal's hand before looking at it. Compared to Dahlia, he didn't have much of a reaction. While on the outside, he had his poker face… inside, Mario was smiling as he held something he did on his own merit. While he had his initial objections when this all started, the boy came to grips with it, and in the end, the risk was worth the reward.

"Well done, you two," said Celestia as he came in between her students and raised their unoccupied arms before the student body.

The clapping continued, and both couldn't help but flash a smile while streamers and confetti rained down. Roll was watching her brother from her seat, and the sight of him put a smile on her face. To think that this past year had been full of challenges and obstacles was an understatement, but in the end… the girl had managed to see traces of her brother's former self returning. Undoubtedly, it was still a long way off before Mario would ever be his old self, but it was a start at this moment.

As Mario took in the moment, his mother's words rang.

Shine like the Superstar you are, Mario.

"I hope I did that, Mom," mumbled the boy as he looked at his prize.


It was late at night, and nearly everyone on campus had gone to sleep. However, the lights were still on in one dorm, where two individuals were doing some late-night packing.

"Mario, where's my shark plushie?" asked Roll, looking for the toy she's had since she was little.

"I don't know, check your room, sis!" stated the boy as he was too busy with his own packing to worry about some stupid stuffed animal.

The girl just mumbled at her brother's response and went upstairs to her room to find her plushie. The pair were getting their stuff ready to leave for the airport tomorrow with their friends. They would all travel to Zephyr Heights to meet up with their father and mother to prepare for the coming darkness. Safe to say, their quest to save the world was about to embark. Just as Mario finished sealing his suitcase, he heard a knock at the door. The boy wondered who could be out since almost everybody had left earlier in the afternoon. He opened it, and to his surprise, the person standing there was none other than his tag partner.

"Dahlia?"

"Hi,"

"What are you doing here? I thought you'd been gone after we won," asked Mario as he stepped out and shut the door behind him.

"Well, my parents are picking me up tomorrow. I actually wanted to speak with you before you left, " the girl said.

The duo walked toward a nearby tree, and Mario leaned against one side with his hands in his blazer while Dahlia leaned against the other half.

"I just wanted to say thanks again. For not only teaming up with me but also putting up with me."

"I think I should be saying that," remarked Mario. "I might not have been the easiest person to approach to ask to be your teammate, but we made it work. We made magic, and we won. Now you got a shining trophy to celebrate your accomplishment."

"Yeah, I still can't believe me; out of everyone, I won. Still hasn't sunk in yet."

"Give it time."

"So… you're leaving with the others to Zephyr Heights?"

"It's… for something important," said the boy, who didn't want to involve the girl in his business.

"Saving the world," remarked Dahlia. "I kinda got the jist from Sunny."

"Look… I'm not totally on board with being chosen to save the world. Much less being given this mark and what it represents!" said Mario as he pulled his blazer sleeve to expose his right arm as the girl viewed the pegasus wing-like mark. "I don't see why I have to be roped in all this. I never asked to be a part of this. Protector of Love, give me a fucking break!"

"Well, I'm not trying to convince your mind or anything, but… if you decide to help the others. I'll be cheering you on. I'll root for you from the sidelines because I know one thing, Mario. You have a big heart, whether you see it or not. And as for being the guardian of love… that doesn't make you any less cool in my eyes. If anything, it makes you more awesome."

"Dahlia, I appreciate what you're trying to do, but please don't try to blow smoke up my ass."

"Why not?"

"'Cause… you're… I don't know. You're the kind of person who doesn't need to concern herself with these types of things. You should be doing your own thing, enjoying your own life, having friends, finding someone you love, having a good career, all that stuff. What I'm saying is, you're the type of person who I don't want bad things to happen to."

"So you care about me then, huh?" smiled the girl.

"Y-Yeah," responded Mario.

"Then that should be your reason."

"Huh?"

"You just said you don't want bad things to happen to me. Well, that means you care about me. When you show care, you're expressing love. And love doesn't have to be romantic. As long as they're special, you'll always express love. You care about the others, right? What about Roll?"

Mario took a deep breath as he processed what Dahlia said. His conflicted views were now battling in his head, and he didn't know what to do. The boy then felt the girl grab his hand as he looked at her.

"Whatever happens, Mario. Just know you got me by your side. And if you do decide to save the world and fight evil… then I hope you win. Besides, if you fail, where else will the flowers bloom?"

The boy chuckled slightly at the girl's joke as he stood up. He then stood before Dahlia and put his arms around her, hugging her as she did him.

"Have a good summer, Dahlia. I hope to see you again when school starts."

"I hope to see you again soon. Thanks for everything."

The girl broke apart as she leaned in to kiss the boy's cheek and walked away.

"You know… we never did that outing you promised during Earth Day," remarked the boy with a smile.

"Well, then you have something else to look forward to when you save the world," smiled the girl. "Good luck, Mario. I hope you guys win. Me and everyone else are going to be counting on you."

With that, Dahlia left, leaving the boy alone. Mario looked up at the night sky, seeing some shining stars. A shooting star zoomed by in the blink of an eye as the boy sighed.

"Do I really need to be involved in all this?" asked the boy as he continued to look up at the night sky.

Author's Note: What a moment! The last-minute and unlikely pairing of Mario and Dahlia have won not only the duel but have won the whole entire tournament. Who would have ever thought that this dynamic duo would end up being the last ones standing? Whether Mario admits it or not, being the so-called protector/guardian of love does come with a big heart towards others. And so, with this tournament now ending, we come to the end of our cast's first year at CHS. Now... summer vacation starts and unfortunately for them, it won't be the relaxing, fun, energizing vacation they were hoping for as now their focus shifts on trying to save the world, for everyone. And with people like Dahlia cheering them on from the sidelines, it's clear they got a lot riding on their shoulders. So in the new year, the next story arc that will be tackled will be the group taking on Opaline and her shadow army. Until then... take care everyone.