It's official, winter is my most hated season! Because of the Holiday season, my job comes first and exhausts me! Also, it didn't help the fact that some sweet games came out around the time and had to get a new computer after trying to squeeze out this chapter and failing. Also, before Christmas, my Great Grandfather passed away. But at age 97... He did his life and did it big! RIP to Louis Robinson, showed me a lot of thing, took care of us when my parents went out, and the man who introduced me to Batman! He earned his place among the Gods! It was a time where I went in a funeral sad, but came out happy after hearing the many stories I heard from the friends and family he made over the years.

Disclaimer: I do not own Yu-Gi-Oh! GX or the rest of the franchise or any music used in the story. I own Claudio Osbourne and the Jukebox Hero Archetype, aside from a select number made by all the authors/readers who submitted them. And all other OCS and cards submitted copyrighted by the original creators.

Chapter 18: Friendly Exhibition

A week had past by at Duel Academy and night fell. It was time for the party in honor of the Senior Students. Inside the Gymnasium, decorations and food were set up. Majority of the students were enjoying the food and festivities. People dressed in Duel Monster costumes, talking among one another, and despite Claudio not being there, they did set up a band to play music as well. Since the Photo Committee were hosting the event, there was even time to get some pictures in for the upcoming photo album.

After taking their photos, Melody and Allyson went to enjoy the food. But their minds also wandered towards the entire room and saw that two certain people didn't show up.

"Do you think they would show up?" Allyson asked.

Melody sighed, "I figured with them finally opening up and smiling after our duels last week, they would."

The Spirit Duelist frowned, "It's too complicated; even after classes they hung out with us occasionally."

"It isn't time for the Duel Tournament, yet."

The girls turned to see Reyna and Alexis walk up to them.

"Reyna?" Allyson asked.

"They were re-calibrating their decks, last time I saw them." The girl E-Hero Duelist stated. "And seeing as this is the Tag Team Tournament, they must be thinking about how they can sync with your decks. Especially after your last duels against them."

"Considering how much different your decks are, I can't blame them," Alexis added with a smile. "Kenji and I had to duel and give each other some details about our team strategies. And then, maybe having to get back into dueling for fun. To them, it's either win or die since they dueled Trueman and Amelie mostly. Add in the duels back in the other dimensions..."

"It'd better not lead them thinking against this," Melody hoped.

In the hallway leading to the gym, Jaden and Claudio walked towards the party but stopped in the middle of them.

"Are we ready to do this again?" Claudio asked as he looked towards the room.

Jaden silently took out his deck and looked at his cards. "To think... A team that's fought together... Heroes should symbolize that. We've been doing that, right?"

"In our own way..." The J-Hero duelist sighed, "Yet it hasn't benefit anyone but us… or so we thought..." He then took out his own deck. "But let's see if we can bring it all together."

The E-Hero Duelist nodded.

Back in the party room, the lights went out and a spotlight was placed on Hassleberry. Everyone looked to the stage where the Jurrac Duelist spoke.

"Thank you all for coming!" He announced, "But now it's time for the main attraction. Our Pair Duel Tournament!" Pretty soon, the crowd started to get into the thought of dueling as they continued to listen on. "For this, we encourage to have boy-girl pairs! And we get to use the special duel tables from our tag duel classes!"

"Oh right," Syrus smiled. "It's like that duel where we teamed up, Chazz."

The Black Coat Obelisk shrugged, "Yeah, but you heard the rules. We have to team up with girls."

"They never said that in the message or the invitations," Sam stated as she looked at her letter, looking cynical, "Whose idea was this?"

"Alright now," Hassleberry shouted, "Choose your partners and move to the duel arena!"

Crazy enough, majority of the guys were trying to move in on Alexis. But before anyone could ask...

Alexis had blushed as she saw her left hand being taken by Kenji. Everyone was shocked at how no guy was near the Cyber Angel Duelist five seconds after the announcement, yet the Ninja Duelist was by Alexis' side in the blink of an eye.

"Well... someone's possessive..." Jasmine said, chuckling at her friend's expression.

"Seems like he was waiting for this moment," Mindy stated, gushing at the sight of two of her friends.

Kenji gave a smug look to the girls saying, "Problem with that? After all, we decided on being a tag team even if it weren't a boy-girl thing."

"It's true," Alexis admitted, she then smirked at Kenji, "Were you that jealous that most of the guys were trying to choose me?"

"Very," the Ninja duelist replied, "Now let's get to the arena, shall we?"

Alexis giggled at her boyfriend's response as they left toward the duel arena, leaving male student body in shock.

"Well, that happened..." Jachin shrugged. He then turned to see Chazz, "So, are you going to..."

"What?" Chazz asked.

The Persona duelist sighed, "Come on, this is your chance to ask Sam..."

The Ojama duelist blushed, "Wait, how did you know about..."

"It's obvious..." Jachin smiled, "After everything you guys been doing to help me after last year, also how you've been close… Sam's been the same way..."

"She... has..." Chazz asked, cautiously, "But what about you? Are you going to be okay?"

"Of course," Jachin stated as he turned Chazz around and pushed him towards where Sam was. "Now, go and ask her..."

It was then the Ojamas appeared around Jachin.

"You really are a good friend, Jachin!" Yellow praised.

"Chazz needs some after all he does," Blue scoffed.

"Well, we had it rough since his brothers did everything to force us into being nothing but winners," the Persona duelist sighed. "And after the business with my Shadow self... He's pretty much the only silver lining I got right now. Practically the brother I never had since my mother's the only parent I have." He then sees Chazz walking slowly towards the Obelisk girl. "Also, I know Chazz is still moving on from his heartbreak and Sam's basically a good choice. All they had was a bad first impression..."

"I get it!" Green realized. "It's because she didn't see Chazz as another Princeton!"

"And then after hearing about his backstory," Black added. "She knows that Chazz's family is not exactly a good one..."

"Quiet, bros!" Red shushed, "Chazz's making his move!"

Sam was too busy getting a second helping of her food while conversing with her Duel Spirit, Gusto Windaar...

"You're not going to participate?" Windaar asked.

"It's cool," Sam said, after fixing her plate. "Besides, you saw how all those dumb boys were going after Alexis. They wouldn't want someone like me, someone trying to assert the way she feels. Even with learning to be free as being a girl and a duelist, they still don't look at me that way."

Windaar smiled as he looked behind his partner. "Maybe someone does... And I should leave you alone to see..."

"Huh?" the Gusto Duelist asked as the spirit vanished. "Where are you going?"

"Sam..."

The Obelisk Girl turned around to see Chazz, looking at her.

"Chazz, what's going on?" She greeted. "Did you get shot down when Alexis didn't choose you?"

"Actually..." Chazz then rubbed the back of his head, "I was coming to ask for you... to be my tag partner, that is..."

Hearing this caused Sam to blush, "Oh..."

Jachin and the Ojamas were smiling at the exchange.

"Well, it was more Jachin's idea," the black coat Obelisk blurted out, "It's not like I was asking you our or anything... Just seeing as you are a good duelist, we can win this no problem!"

Then, Jachin and the Ojamas groaned at how Chazz was quickly losing his nerve.

Seeing this, Sam shook her head, 'Idiot...' She then smirked, "Alright, you're on! Then again, you finally seeing me as the superior duelist despite me being the junior to your senior..."

"Hey!" Chazz growled, "You should be happy that I'm your partner! My skills alone are great enough..."

The Gusto duelist grinned at the rant her new partner was giving.

Seeing these events were Jeremy, Lily, and Alex all finishing their food.

"Looks like some people still didn't stomach the fact that Alexis and Kenji are going steady," Alex sighed, shaking his head. "I still kinda blame Atticus for his part in getting the guys' hopes in trying to date her."

"Yeah," Lily shrugged, then smiled, "But let's stop grilling him for a change and have some fun. Who's for teaming with me?"

"Actually," Jeremy stated with a blush, "I... have someone in mind..."

"Really?" Alex and Lily asked. "Who?"

Before he could respond...

"Hey Jeremy!"

The Alien Duelist smiled as he turned around to see an Obelisk Blue girl with short, red hair. She wore the standard Academy blouse but opted to wear tan pants and boots. This was Ripley Tannis, another third-year duelist.

"Up for being my partner in this tournament?" She asked with a smile.

"Sure!" Jeremy said as he walked towards his newly appointed partner. He then turned to his friends. "I'll see you guys later!"

Shaking off the shock at seeing their friend with his partner, they smiled genuinely.

"Well, there's Jeremy for ya," Alex stated, he then turned to Lily, "I'll team with ya. Besides, you're not the only ones with some powerful Dragons."

"And I'll be sure we go far with them as well," Lily replied as they shook hands.

Allyson and Melody were starting to frown as they saw more pairs being formed. Kurogasa and Mikoto was a no brainer with how they clicked. Syrus and Reyna were teaming up, the former getting flustered over the latter's enthusiasm. Jethro was teaming up with Mindy as the Desperado duelist asked politely. They even had a surprise seeing Wheeler the Monkey taking part, teaming with Jasmine! Of course, the Obelisk was embarrassed that her partner was once her captor, thanks to the voice modulator she knew he was sorry about that and wanted to make amends by this tag team tournament.

"Well, I guess they weren't coming," the Magician Duelist said.

"Yeah, maybe we should just go," the Spirit Duelist added.

But as they reached the hallway, they both saw two boys walk into the room.

"Jaden..."

"Claudio..."

"Sorry we're late..." Jaden said. "Just trying to get ready for this."

"In more ways than one," Claudio added. "Hope I don't weigh you down, Mel..."

The girls beamed seeing their boyfriends making the tournament.

Suddenly, the spotlight was placed the two couples, causing them to be shocked.

"And we have our final pairs!" Hassleberry announced, "And what better teams to be formed!" On the inside, he was excited to see Jaden and Claudio make it to the party. A thought shared by all their friends. "With that settled, let's move on to the arena for a special exhibition match!"

"Exhibition match?" Jaden asked.

Claudio checked his invitation over and raised an eyebrow. "That wasn't in the event..."

"But it sounds like something to get the crowd worked up," Allyson interrupted as she wrapped her arms around one of Jaden's and pulled him towards the arena, "Come one, let's go check it out!"

Melody giggled seeing Allyson drag Jaden. She then smirked as started to push Claudio from the back. "Mel?" He gasped.

"Come on, we're going to miss it!" the Magician Duelist exclaimed.

Pretty soon, the students were crowded around the arena.

"Okay!" Hassleberry announced, "For our exhibition matches, our teachers have decided to duel in front of the students! They wanted enjoy the duels as well!" The crowd cheered as they heard with Jaden and Claudio being surprised as well. "For our first pair, it's the Slifer Headmaster Professor Sojourner and the Gym Instructor Miss Fontaine!"

Stepping on the arena were the two teachers in question, waving to the crowd.

"It's been awhile since we dueled in front of the audience," Spencer shrugged. "Last time was against each other..."

"And considering who we are facing," Fonda said with a smile, "We have time to enjoy ourselves…"

"And facing them is a newly appointed team with a first-time player!" the Jurrac Duelist grinned. "It's Chancellor Sheppard and Miss Dorothy!"

Everyone was now shocked as they saw the Chancellor and Miss Dorothy taking their place at the arena floor.

"Okay," Jethro said, feeling intrigued, "Being the Chancellor, I figured he was a duelist. But Miss Dorothy was never one to the best of my knowledge."

"Hopefully, she'll be okay," Mindy said with a sad smile, "I mean, she's got the Chancellor with her."

"But she's facing two experienced Duelists in the Professor and Miss Fontaine," Jasmine frowned. "If she makes even one mistake, it'll cost her."

[Maybe she got training from her partner] Wheeler mused. [She may be better than anyone thought]

Dorothy was indeed nervous as she looked at her duel disk and deck, "Can I do this? Maybe Miss Belmonte was better suited to be the tag partner."

"Don't worry," Sheppard said, patting her on the shoulder. "In a tag duel, two duelists support each other. I'll be able to cover your tracks. You also may learn something you didn't when Miss Belmonte and I were teaching you the game. Also, we're here to have fun! Just like the kids!"

Dorothy smiled, "Right! Then we'll give it all we got!"

"That's the spirit!" Spencer shouted from the other side.

"It'll be okay," Fonda added, "You must know about the cards in your deck, so I know you can play!"

Seeing this, Hassleberry announced, "Alright! It's time to start the duel! Ready!? And..."

"DUEL!" the four participants shouted as they activated their duel disks, and the tag simulators was activated.

Sheppard/Dorothy: 8000

Spencer/Fonda: 8000

"I'll start it first," Sheppard announced, as he stepped forward and drew his sixth card. He then played three cards, "I'll start with Polymerization and fuse my two Cyber Ogres together!"

"A Fusion on the first turn, eh?" Spencer wondered.

Two giant, mechanical ogres appeared in the air before being absorbed into the Fusion Vortex. With Sheppard chanting…

"Two ogres of mechanical might! Merge and become a stronger force! Fusion Summon! Rend my foes! Cyber Ogre 2!"

Emerging from the vortex, came a full, metal-armored ogre with two stalks from its back, and supported itself with its massive arms and hands. (7/2600/1900)

"I then end with two facedown cards," Sheppard concluded.

"Wow, who knew the Chancellor had a monster like that?" Fonda wondered.

In the audience...

"Then again, he is from the same place as Zane," Lily figured.

"Yeah, the Cyber Art Dojo," Alex added.

"Alright, I'll step up for my team," Spencer announced, drawing his next card, "I summon Draconis Warrior Ryu!" He announced as he brought out a humanoid dragon with green armor around its chest, arms, and legs. He brandished his bow and arrow, ready to strike. (4/1200/1200) "And since you have a stronger monster out, he's free to attack directly!"

Ryu launched an arrow, striking the opposing team's simulator.

Sheppard/Dorothy: 6800

Spencer/Fonda: 8000

"Not bad, Sojourner," Sheppard praised. "But don't think that this early lead will keep you ahead!

"Never crossed my mind," Spencer smiled as he placed two cards on the field, "I'll then end with two facedown cards of my own," He concluded. "Miss Dorothy, you're up!"

"Okay!" the old woman said enthusiastically, stepping up to the simulator. She then drew her sixth card. 'Alright, let's see if I can put into practice all the moves they taught me!' She then checked for Sheppard's facedown cards. She saw a Quick-Play Spell and a Trap Card. She couldn't understand the Trap, but the Spell was simple enough to use. She then made her move.

"I summon Marshmallon in attack mode!"

"WHAT!?" Everyone shouted as they saw a small, pink blob appear with an upside-down face. (3/300/500)

"You won't be able to beat this little one in battle," She announced proudly, "It can't be destroyed in battle!"

Sheepishly, Spencer responded, "Yeah, but it was better in defense mode. Plus, in attack mode means your life points are in danger!"

"But not if I get your monster first," Dorothy smiled, "I'll use Sheppard's monster to attack yours!"

Cyber Ogre 2 then charged up its attack. (7/2600-3200/1900)

"It got stronger!?" She shouted in surprise.

"When Cyber Ogre 2 battles a monster," Sheppard explained to his partner, "It gains half the ATK from the target monster it battles."

"But the attack has to go through," Spencer announced as he revealed his facedown card, "Negate Attack will stop the attack and end the Battle Phase!"

The Ogre's attack suddenly stopped charging.

"Aw," Dorothy pouted. "But at least I can stop you from hurting his monster with this Spell, Marshmallon Glasses! Now, you can only attack my monster!"

The audience cringed at the Spell played.

"Oh man," Hassleberry sighed.

"Dorothy's going to get hurt," Jethro moaned as he hid his face with his hat.

"My turn," Fonda announced, drawing her sixth card. "I'll summon Darklord Nurse Reficule!" In a dark flash, a purple-haired woman, styled in scythes appeared covered in bandages. (4/1400/800)

"Now, I attack your Marshmallon with my Witch! Unholy Blaze!" The Witch chanted as her claws unleashed a black flame, heading towards the scared blob.

Dorothy smiled, shocking Fonda, as she reached for one of the facedown cards. "I have a Quick Play Spell of my own! I play Book of Moon to switch my Marshmallon face down in Defense mode!"

"She understands Quick-Play Spells!?" Everyone gasped.

Marshmallon was replaced by a Set Card. However, it was quickly revealed once more. (3/300/500) A barrier appeared in front of it as the flames reached it.

"And since it was attacked while facedown," Spencer realized as a red aura surrounded Fonda and himself. "We lose 1000 Life Points."

Sheppard/Dorothy: 8000

Spencer/Fonda: 7000

The crowd was silent for that duration, thinking that Dorothy had messed up on her move. But seeing how it came together...

"Dorothy! Dorothy! Dorothy!" The crowd went wild for the card shop.

"I'm impressed," Fonda said with a proud smile. "I didn't think you'd make a move like that for a beginner."

"Well, it was because of practice duel I had with Sheppard and Etna that I found out," Dorothy admitted, lightly scratching her cheek, "Although... I admit... I did goof under pressure when I summoned it!"

"That explains it..." the Nurse realized, as she set two cards facedown. "I end my turn with two Set Cards."

Sheppard stepped up and patted Dorothy on the shoulder.

"You've done well for your first turn," He praised. "I'll take over from here."

Dorothy blushed and nodded as she stepped back.

"My turn," the Chancellor announced, drawing his next card. "I'll set another card facedown and then attack Draconis Warrior Ryu with my Cyber Ogre!"

"I'll activate Spencer's facedown card," Fonda countered, "Durability! Since a Dragon Monster is under attack, I can halve its ATK to prevent it from being destroyed and no battle damage is done to it this turn." Ryu gained a golden aura and blocked with its bow, repelling the Fusion Monster's ATK. (4/1200-600/1200)

"I'll activate this Quick-Play Spell, De-Fusion!" Sheppard announced, "I'll send Cyber Ogre 2 to the Extra Deck and return both Cyber Ogres in my Graveyard to the field!"

The giant metal behemoth flashed and split into its two original forms. (5/1900/1200) x2

"Now he has two monsters!" the Slifer Headmaster realized.

Sheppard chuckled, "After seeing Jaden do this so much, I thought I may give it a try!"

Jaden looked intrigued prompting Allyson and Reyna to look at him with a small smile.

"However," Fonda smirked as she revealed her facedown card, "I activate Dark Cure! Whenever you Summon Monsters, you'll Life Points equal to half of your Summoned Monster's ATK!"

"Oh, that's nice of her!" Dorothy smiled kindly.

"Oh no," Alexis frowned.

"Yeah, Miss Fontaine's Anti-Cure at work," Kenji stated.

"Sorry, Dorothy!" Fonda interjected. "Since my Nurse is on the field, any time you two would gain Life Points, I'll deal it as damage instead."

"WHAT!?" the card shop owner gasped as Reficule grinned, poisoning the Chancellor's healing aura.

Sheppard/Dorothy: 7050

Spencer/Fonda: 7000

"Still," Sheppard smiled, "I have two monsters to attack with! I strike with the first Ogre!"

"Thanks to Spencer's next card, I'll survive!" Fonda countered, revealing the next card. "The Trap Card, Adversity! This negates your attack and damage while giving my Nurse 1000 ATK!" Using her hair, Reficule pushed back the Ogre and hissed back, feeling stronger. (4/1400-2400/800)

"I activate my Trap Card," Sheppard announced as he reached for the card he set first turn, "Metalmorph! I'll equip it to my second Ogre, giving it 300 ATK!" The Cyber Ogre gained a new metallic armor. (5/1900-2200/1200) "And that's not all! When it attacks, it gains half of its target's ATK! Meaning more ATK from your Trap!"

The second Ogre charged at Reficule, who was now shocked at the turn around. (5/2200-3400/1200) The Ogre slashed her to pixels.

Sheppard/Dorothy: 7050

Spencer/Fonda: 6000

"And now my turn is over," Sheppard nodded.

"My turn," Spencer announced, drawing his next card. "Good! Because of the card in my hand, I can sacrifice my Draconis Warrior Ryu to Tribute Summon Draconis Warrior Shenron to the field!" Ryu vanished letting the chain-mailed dragon appeared on the field. (8/2500/2200) "Next, I activate the Spell Draconis Alike! This allows me to Special Summon a Draconis Warrior from my deck equal to the Level of one of my monsters! I select Shenron and Special Summon Draconis Warrior Porunga!"

A muscular humanoid dragon appeared, looking alien-like in appearance. It had four wings and clad in steel armor. (8/2700/2500)

"While Shenron's on the field, I can deal piercing damage with my Warriors." Spencer stated. "Meaning Marshmallon's now a big target!"

"Oh no!" Dorothy gasped.

"Now, I attack with both monsters!" Spencer announced as his Dragon Warriors stormed the field.

"I activate the effect of Cyber Goblin in my hand!" Sheppard countered, "Thanks to this, I discard it and send another Cyber Goblin in my Deck to the graveyard to decrease all damage to zero!"

"Nice move," Spencer nodded, he then turned to Dorothy. "Let's see what else you've learned." He smiled before ending his turn.

Dorothy walked to the podium with cheers from the audience, surprising her.

"It's my turn," Dorothy announced, drawing her next card. "I activate Magic Cauldron to send Marshmallon Glasses to the Graveyard and draw two cards."

"Good thinking," Ray nodded, "Marshmallon's a sitting duck if it keeps getting attacked."

"Next, I'll set another Monster facedown and another card facedown." The card shop owner concluded.

"Wonder what kind of Trap she set," Spencer said as Fonda stepped up.

"Not knowing's gonna be half the fun when it comes to her," the Nurse smiled as she drew her next card. "She's actually been a lot of fun, despite only knowing what she's put in her deck. And also the reason the students are enjoying the duel."

Claudio looked thoughtful at the duel.

"My move," Fonda announced. "I activate Graceful Charity! I draw three cards and discard two!" Once she did that, she activated her last facedown. "Now, I play Disgraceful Charity! It allows me to regain the cards I discarded this turn!" She collected her two discarded cards. "Now I summon Vice Berserker!" A large, winged demon appeared clad in red armor appeared. (4/1000/1000) "Next, I'll play Double Summon to play Counselor Lily!" In a white flash, a female angel appeared wearing a red and white dress with a hat. (3/400/1500)

"A Tuner Monster!" Sheppard gasped.

"Tuner Monster?" Dorothy wondered. "Are those some of the new cards introduced this year?"

"Yes, but we didn't want to complicate things with your deck so we never covered it." The Chancellor admitted. "But apparently our fellow faculty members have improved their decks with them."

"I Tune my Level 4 Berserker with my Level 3 Lily!" Fonda announced as the Counselor transformed into three Tuning Rings, surrounding the demon and making it four stars.

"Fallen from the grace of healers! Return and ravage the land with newfound poison! Synchro Summon! Appear now, Reficule, the Devil Doctor!"

Emerging from the summoning, came a tall, demonic woman that was revealed as Reficule. Her appearance lost all humanity and was now in a tattered nurse's outfit with claws on her hands and feet. Her crimson eyes stared maliciously at team across from her. (7/2400/1600)

"The effects of Counselor Lily and Vice Berserker go off!" Fonda announced, "Lily lets me pay 500 Life Points to increase the Synchro Monster's ATK by 1000!"

A brown aura surrounded the Synchro Monster, empowering her. (7/2400-3400/1600)

Sheppard/Dorothy: 7050

Spencer/Fonda: 5500

"Then, Vice Berseker deals 2000 points of damage to me since it was used in a Synchro Summon while also giving my Doctor 2000 ATK!" She continued as the spirit of Vice Berserker appeared behind her.

"Why would you damage yourself?" Dorothy wondered.

"Because I don't plan on taking the damage," Fonda smiled. "Thanks to my Reficule, you'll take all effect damage that I would have!"

Dorothy gasped as Vice Berserker turned into a violent wind that blew into her, dropping her life points.

Sheppard/Dorothy: 5050

Spencer/Fonda: 5500

Also, Reficule gained more power. (7/3400-5400/1600)

"Now, I'll have Shenron attack your Marshmallon!" Fonda commanded as Shenron flew towards the pink blob...

"I activate my Trap Card, Spirit Barrier!" Dorothy countered, "This won't let me take battle damage!" She stated as Marshmallon was struck, but withstood the strike.

"Good, that means Marshmallon is now keeping them alive," Blair smiled.

"Then I'll attack with Porunga on your Cyber Ogre with Metalmorph!" Porunga charged at the named Cyber Ogre and smashed it to pixels. "Next, Reficule attacks your facedown Monster!" the demonic nurse chopped down the set card, revealing a dark pink blob being chopped in half by the claws. (1/200/200)

"It looks like Marshmallon..." Spencer wondered.

"That was Marshmacaron!" Dorothy cheered, "It's effect activates, letting me play two more from my deck."

Then, everyone was surprised as the blob halves were now regenerating and formed into two separate monsters. (1/200/200) x2

"Good move, and that effect will let her recycle them as long as she and Sheppard can find a way to play it right." Hassleberry praised.

"I end my turn, meaning Reficule's ATK go back to normal." Fonda concluded as her monster powered down, (7/5400-2400/1600) "I'm impressed, Dorothy! You must have worked hard in order to catch up!"

"Why, thank you," Dorothy blushed, "It wasn't easy and I'm technically using cards that l liked."

"In a way, we all are," the Nurse continued, "But you're making it mesh well in that deck. Not to mention how the Chancellor's been helping you with his cards."

Sheppard stepped up to the floor, "And it couldn't have happened to a better person." He then patted Dorothy on the shoulder, making her beam with the praise she was getting. "Now it's my move!" He announced, drawing his next card, "It's time to continue! I activate Card of Demise!" The Chancellor drew his five cards. He then beamed at his current hand and gave a smirk, "Next, I attack your Reficule with my Cyber Ogre!"

"Huh!?" Everyone shouted.

"But his Monster's weaker than Fonda's!" Sartyr exclaimed.

Sheppard then revealed another card from his hand, showing off another Cyber Ogre! "By sending the Cyber Ogre in my hand to the graveyard, I can negate the attack!" A white flash interrupted the Ogre's attack, stopping it before it clashed with Reficule. "By doing this, it gains 2000 ATK until the end of its next battle." Ogre's body gained a bright sheen. (5/1900-3900/1200)

"Yeah, but he could've done that when Professor Sojourner attacked on his turn," Chazz muttered, "Sheppard just made a hurdle that can be overcome..."

However, the Chancellor never lost his smirk as he activated the next card from his hand, "Then, I activate the Quick-Play Spell, Double or Nothing! Since my monster's attack was negated, Cyber Ogre can attack again with double the ATK!"

"No way!" the audience shouted as Cyber Ogre roared loudly, shaking the entire room. (5/3900-7800/1200)

"Attack Shenron!" the Chancellor commanded as his Cyber Monster turned to the Draconis Warrior and slashed it to ribbons.

Sheppard/Dorothy: 5050

Spencer/Fonda: 200

Everyone was in shock as the Cyber Ogre powered down. (5/7800-1900/1200)

"I end my turn with two cards facedown." The Chancellor continued. "Not bad for the duelist running the school!" He then gave a proud laugh.

"It's my turn." Spencer announced, drawing his next card. "I'll admit that was a pretty good move, sir. But for the sake of my partner and myself, I'll have to return the favor! I summon the Tuner Monster Dread Dragon!" A red dragon, rivaling Spencer's height appeared with a large crest on its head. (2/1100/400) "I tune the Level 8 Porunga with the Level 2 Dread Dragon!"

"A Level 10 Monster is about to be Synchro Summoned!" Lily gasped while Spencer chanted...

"Ascending to your higher level! Embrace your strength and become the next eternal warrior! Synchro Summon! The God Dragon Warrior of Dreams! Draconis Warrior God Porunga!"

Porunga returned to the field, not as a bipedal warrior... but as a muscular dragon with large wings. It's legs were lost, leaving it with a long tail that coiled around its body similar to Slifer the Sky Dragon. Staring down Sheppard, it gave a loud roar. (10/3100/2500)

"3100 ATK!?" Sheppard gasped.

"That's the least of your worries," Spencer announced, "Using the Draconis Warrior Porunga as material grants the effect being immune to card effects and battle destruction while it is on the field! Plus, he can attack all monsters on your side of the field!"

"Oh no," Dorothy gasped. "That means Marshmacaron won't be able to save itself!"

"But first, the Spell Stamping Destruction to destroy your Spirit Barrier!" The Slifer Headmaster announced, playing his Spell Card. Porunga used its tail, slamming down on the Continuous Trap Card, damaging Sheppard's points.

Sheppard/Dorothy: 4550

Spencer/Fonda: 200

"Now to take control!" Spencer exclaimed. "I attack your Cyber Ogre first!" Porunga breathed a green flame that melted the metal ogre into a silver puddle.

Sheppard/Dorothy: 3450

Spencer/Fonda: 200

"Also, when my God destroys a monster in its first battle, I can deal damage equal to a Draconis Warrior Monster in my Graveyard!" Spencer explained, "And I pick my Porunga, of course!"

The spirit of the Warrior Porunga appeared and dealt a hard punch to the Chancellor.

Sheppard/Dorothy: 750

Spencer/Fonda: 200

"Now, destroy the Marshmacarons!" He continued as the flames extended to the blobs, making sure they did not regenerate.

"Reficule, attack their life points directly!" The fallen angel prepared to strike…

"I activate my facedown card, the Quick-Play Spell, Scrap Fusion!" Sheppard countered. "I can remove Fusion Materials from my opponent's Graveyard and Special Summon a Fusion Monster from either player's Extra Deck!" He then smirked, "And I know you have five dragons in the Graveyard, at present!"

Spencer gasped, "He baited me!"

He was then forced to watch as the souls of five dragons left his graveyard were absorbed into a fusion vortex.

"Fusion Summon!" Sheppard cried out, "Be Born! Five-Headed Dragon!"

And from the vortex, the giant multi-headed dragon appeared at Duel Academy once again to defend Sheppard and Dorothy. (12/5000/5000)

"I'll hand it to you, sir," Fonda sighed. "You've really shown your prowess."

"But now, my Main Phase 2!" Spencer grinned. "I'll set this card and end my turn."

Sheppard smiled to Dorothy, "It's your turn! You can win this!"

Dorothy looked around at the cheers she was receiving, and was delighted. Plus, she saw the victory in sight. All she had to do to attack with the Five-Headed Dragon.

She nodded as she drew her next card...

"Sorry, I'm not letting my Monster being used against me so easily!" Spencer interrupted as he revealed his facedown, "I play this Special Trap Monster! Dragon Sealing Pot!"

A fierce growl was heard as a giant, bronze pot appeared in front of Spencer's and Fonda's field. It had the face of a dragon carved in the front. (1/100/200)

"Oh no," Lily gasped, "That's an extremely rare card! A lot of Dragon-Type users have problems with that card. The last time it was used was in Duelist Kingdom!"

"When activated, I can take one Dragon Monster that my opponent controls and equip it to this Monster! Also, it gains its DEF!" the Slifer Headmaster replied as a violet storm erupted from the top of the pot, causing everyone to look in awe. Then it happened…

Try as it might, not even the Five-Headed Dragon could escape the sealing pot's force and was absorbed inside, with the dragon's face on the pot glowing with a crimson aura. (1/100/200-5200)

Dorothy gasped as she saw the victory snatched away from her.

"What's Dorothy going to do now?" Jaden found himself asking.

"Don't know," Claudio muttered with a frown. "I can't think of anything that might get her out between her cards and the Chancellor's..."

"But isn't it exciting to see what may happen," Allyson smiled.

"Yeah, Dorothy has to see the cards that Chancellor Sheppard left," Melody added with a smile of her own.

She then remembered her cards in her hand and the ones Sheppard left for her.

She checked the facedown cards. She gasped as she saw Polymerization and Call of the Haunted. She then looked in her hand and saw an Inferno Reckless Summon. Dorothy smiled as she knew what to do...

"I activate the facedown card, Call of the Haunted to revive Marshmallon!" (3/300/500) "Then, I use Inferno Reckless Summon to bring out the other ones in my Deck!" (3/300/500) x2

"Next, Polymerization! I fuse the three Marshmallons on my field!" She continued as the white blobs were absorbed into the fusion vortex.

"Three children of sweets! Stand together as one and become the wonder candy! Fusion Summon! Come out and play! Marshmender, the Shield of Sweets!"

Jumping out of the fusion vortex came a young, child-like white blob carrying a large shield, twice its size. (9/900/1500)

"I did my first Fusion Summon!" She cheered.

"But what's that going to do with low stats?" Fonda wondered with a smile.

Dorothy read the card and explained, "It can attack in defense mode, using its ATK when having three Marshmallon used as the Fusion. But while there are three Marshmacaron in the Graveyard, all battle damage involving this monster on my turn goes to my opponents!"

Everyone gasped at what that meant, seeing Marshmender holding the shield over its head with a smile.

"Marshmender attacks Dragon Sealing Pot!" Dorothy shouted as the blob child ran shield first into the Jar and tackled it as hard as it could.

Then, the shield glowed white and launched a orb of light over to the instructors, blasting their life points to nothing.

Sheppard/Dorothy: 750, Winner

Spencer/Fonda: 0

The gym erupted into cheers as the holograms vanished. Dorothy was elated to receive the praise as Sheppard walked up and patted her on her shoulder. Still happy, she hugged her partner.

"Your winners… Chancellor Sheppard and Miss Dorothy!" Hassleberry announced amongst the cheers.

Spencer and Fonda walked to the winners, applauding their opponents.

"That was amazing, Dorothy," Fonda said as she hugged the older woman.

"Looks like training with the Chancellor's did you some good," Spencer praised. "You held your own well, despite your first official duel."

"Thank you, both of you," Dorothy nodded, "But if Sheppard didn't have some of the cards I needed to make the Fusion, I should have lost."

"And yet you had it figured out when you played the cards," Fonda smiled. "So, you shouldn't sell yourself short."

"And Chancellor Sheppard," Spencer said, shaking his superior's hand, "You have amazing skills yourself! Negating your own attack to increase Cyber Ogre's power, even having a surprising Fusion card to summon my monster! I'd say you still got in you if you retired from pros."

Sheppard laughed heartily, "I say the youngsters lit a fire in me, wanting to do this exhibition match. After all," He then looked to all the third-year students in the audience, "We'll be seeing more people go out into the world."

In the audience, Jaden and Claudio were applauding the duel's conclusion with satisfied smiles.

"Hey, go Miss Dorothy," Claudio said, "I don't how much training she did in the short time, but wow…"

"Keeping up with three duelists with years of experience," Jaden added. "That was cool."

"Especially with how she forgot about messing up and had fun," Reyna noted with a smile.

"And that's what we're all going to do," Syrus noted.

"Yes, we are," Kenji grinned. "Just hope we can continue the fun after seeing this performance."

"A hard act to follow, I know," Alexis replied. "But as long as we just enjoy ourselves, it won't be too hard."

Jaden and Claudio looked around towards their friends, seeing that everyone had the same mindset. And then felt Allyson and Melody respectively wrapped their arms around one arm of their respective boyfriends with a smile on their face.

"Let's get out there and have some fun," Allyson cheered.

"And continue to play our best," Melody smiled.

Hearing this, the Hero duelists looked to each other, smiled and nodded.

Alright, the new laptop is banging baby! The chapter is short to check out the qualities and how I can upload my chapter. Now I can continue without having to wait a while to boot up! Let's continue the fun!

Reficule, the Devil Doctor

DARK

Level 7

Fairy/Synchro/Effect

2400/1700

1 DARK Tuner + 1 or more DARK non-Tuner Monsters

While this card is face-up on the field: All effect damage you would take is dealt to your opponent instead.

Draconis Warrior God Porunga

EARTH

Level 10

Dragon/Synchro/Effect

1 Dragon-Type Tuner + Draconis Warrior Porunga

Must first be Synchro Summoned. This card can attack all of your opponents' monsters. When it destroys a Monster in its first attack: Inflict effect damage equal to the ATK of a Dragon-Type Monster in your Graveyard. While you have a Draconis Warrior Porunga in your Graveyard, apply the following effect:

This card cannot be destroyed by battle or card effects.

Marshmender, Defender of Sweets

LIGHT

Level 9

900/1500

Fairy/Fusion/Effect

Marshmallon + Marshmallon + Marshmallon

Can only be Fusion Summoned. This card can attack while in defense mode (Apply its ATK for damage calculation). While there are three Marshmacron cards in the Graveyard: All battle damage involving this card is dealt to your opponent.

Next Time: Jaden and Allyson start off the fun against the connecting opposites of Lyra and Allen! Then, Jasmine and Wheeler will face the Cosmic Duo of Jeremy and Ripley.

Please Review! Later!