A Hassleberry Hounding

Jaden and Syrus walked through the woods, carrying a load of Duel Disks.

"This is so unchill. I fall asleep during one of Crowler's boring lectures and he makes us lug fourteen replacement duel disks across campus. Why's everyone keep losing theirs anyway?"

Syrus walked forward slightly.

"You know something, don't you?"

"Well I heard this rumor. You know the west river by the main bridge, right?"

"What about it?" Jaden asked.

"Oh yeah." Tyson said. "Jaden, pay attention. This could be important."

"Well, there's this Ra Yellow student that challenges anyone who tries to cross the bridge, and when people lose to him, his gang takes the loser's Duel Disk."

"Wait, is that why you're not wearing your Duel Disk? Because he beat you?"

"Most of the students have stopped carrying their Duel Disks with them because of the guy. I would've told you, but with the way word's been spreading, I thought you would've already known."

"Oh boy, if this guy is a bully then either Jaden or I will have to take him down." Tyson said.

"Well, it's time someone put a stop to him."

"Then let's go."

Jaden and Tyson ran off.

Syrus followed.

They came to the bridge and found the duelist, the one that called Crowler and Bonaparte ladies on the first day.

"Stop right there civilians." A Ra Yellow student said.

"Guys, maybe we should go."

"You're joking right?" Tyson asked.

"My name's Tyranno Hassleberry. And this is my platoon."

"Nice to meet you. I'm Jaden. Now let's throw down."

"First let me lay down the rules of battle. If you lose, I get those duel disks you're carryin'."

"Okay, but if I win you give me the ones you stole."

"I accept those terms, you're just another wimp anyway."

"You take that back! Nobody insults my best friend!"

"Control your subordinate, will ya?"

*'When I'm done with this runt, they'll have to scrape him off the ground with a squeegee.'*

Jaden and Hassleberry moved to opposite ends of the river to duel.

"You ready for boot camp son?" Hassleberry asked.

"Stop calling him son. He's in his second year."

"Then he's number two. And who's number one?"

"Troop Tyranno!" The other Yellows exclaimed.

"Will you give it up?! You're not in the army!"

"Who's the best? Troop Tyranno! And who's gonna win?"

"Troop Jaden!"

"I'd say you and me both Sy." Tyson said.

"Am I the only one who hasn't gone insane?"

"Rally up! All hands on deck!" Hassleberry hollered.

"He just answered that question loud and clear. Fine, if you can't beat em, join em. Game on, general."

"You mockin me? I'm a sergeant junior, and this ain't no game, this is combat."

Jaden: 4000

Hassleberry: 4000

"Alright, get your combat on. Ready chief? I declare war and summon Elemental Hero Wildheart in defense mode."

Elemental Hero Wildheart: 1500/1600

"I'll call it a turn."

"Trench warfare time. Here goes. Gilasaurus, front and center."

Gilasaurus: 1400/400

"It could be worse."

"Don't speak too soon." Tyson said.

"See that was a special summon and I'm allowed to bring out another monster. Gilasaurus is dismissed so I can summon Dark Driceratops in attack mode."

Dark Driceratops: 2400/1500

"Not bad. You played a monster with 2400 attack points on your first turn."

"This is war! Don't give the enemy any props!"

"It's time to go commando. Dark Driceratops attack Wildheart with Flying Phantom Nosedive."

Driceratops dive bombed Wildheart, it's tail striking Jaden as it passed.

"I've seen better." Tyson said. "If I were Tyranno I would use Big Evolution Pill to be able to normal summon any dinosaur monster without a tribute for 3 turns."

"You're not helping." Syrus commented.

"Sorry, but I faced a dino duelist once and that's what they used." Tyson said.

"Due to Driceratops' ability, you take damage when it attacks a defense position monster."

Jaden: 3200

"You okay Jay?" Syrus asked.

"Get up son. My prehistoric patrol isn't through with you yet. But since I'm nice, I'll give you a chance to recoup and end my turn."

"At least he can make a counter attack." Kaoru said.

"Hassleberry, Hassleberry, he's our man."

"If he can't win."

"We will. Now take it down a decibel."

"Sorry little man, but the sarge needs support. If it's too loud, then get lost."

"Jaden, beat the khaki pants off this guy so we can shut them up!"

"What do you think I'm trying to do, let him win? Okay lieutenant, my move." Jaden drew.

"For the last time, it's sergeant. Now play something!" Hassleberry hollered.

"Okay then, I play Monster Reincarnation! I discard a card to add Wildheart back to my hand. How do you like that?"

"You want that wimp in your platoon?" Hassleberry asked.

"Affirmative. But what I really wanted was this in my graveyard."

The ghostly image of a monster appeared behind Jaden.

"Good decision. Now Jaden can bring out a high level Hero Monster without a sacrifice." Syrus said.

"Yep and there's only one Hero that fits the bill." Tyson said, having heard of this from Kaoru.

"Sam Hill, that's Necroshade."

"10-4. And I'm guessing you know what that means. I can summon a high level Elemental Hero without a sacrifice, so come on out Elemental Hero Bladedge."

Elemental Hero Bladedge: 2600/1800

"Attack Dark Driceratops with Power Edge Assault!"

Bladedge extended his blades and rushed at Dark Driceratops, cleaving the dinosaur in two.

Hassleberry: 3800

"That should do for now."

"Awesome! Way to play Jay!"

"Well done." Kaoru added.

"Thanks guys."

"You guys speechless?"

*'This civilian ain't half bad, but the sergeant still has a few tactics up his sleeve.'* Hassleberry thought.

"Uh, rah, rah, go sarge."

*'They try so hard, them boys. That's why I gotta show em that even though we're not the top ranked dorm, we're winners.'*

"When I first tried out for Duel Academy, I had my eyes on the Obelisk Blues and when I aced my entrance exam, I thought I was a shoe in, so when they stuck me in the yellow barracks, I thought they made a tactical error. Turns out you have to go to a fancy prep school to be a blue, so I made do, and just like ma daddy told me I would, I emerged as a true commanding officer. He also taught me that the uniform doesn't make the soldier and before long, I formed a squadron and we let it be known that Sergeant Tyranno Hassleberry, son of the great General Hassleberry, is a giant among men, and I guard this bridge to prove that no matter what, I will not stand down."

"Alright, enough with the monologue, get back to the duel already.

"Was I thinkin out loud again?" Hassleberry asked.

"Yep." The other Yellows nodded.

"You're a pretty funny guy Bumbleberry."

"It's Hassleberry! Sergeant Hassleberry! I draw! Excellent, terrain advantage. I activate the field spell Jurassic World!"

The ground rumbled and they were surrounded by a prehistoric forest.

"Sweet move." Jaden said.

"You ain't seen nothing soldier, now get this: every one of my dinosaurs and winged beasts gain 300 attack and defense points and they can't be affected by any of your trap cards. And not only that, but if they're attacked while in attack mode, then they have the right to dig into the trenches and switch themselves into defense mode."

"Now that's what I call a major advantage."

"It's battle time. Archeonys, report for duty."

Archeonys: 300/1300

"With only 600 attack points, Bladedge can beat that no problem." Syrus said.

"He's not my target. You see, Archeoyns can attack directly. Now, debilitate the enemy with Screaming Eagle Attack!"

Archeonys soared up in the air and unleashed a barrage of sound waves at Jaden.

Jaden: 2600

"I'll place one card face down and defer to you. Face it son, it's over. Before long, you'll be extinct, wouldn't you agree squadron?"

He turned to the side and saw his men sitting on the ground.

"What? You men were supposed to cheer just now."

"Sorry, we were moved internally, but we'll be sure to have an outward display next time sir."

"What am I gonna with you boys?" Hassleberry asked, sighing.

"Hey major, better keep your eyes on the prize. My move. And I summon Elemental Hero Wildheart in attack mode. Now Bladedge, attack Archeonys with Power Edge Assault!"

"Not so fast soldier. I activate Amber Pitfall. With this trap active, every time you attack with a monster, it's switched to defense mode and it can't change battle positions while this is active."

A wave of amber flowed from his trap, forcing Bladedge into defense position.

"Nice move, but you forgot something."

"What's that?" Hassleberry asked.

"Wildheart is immune to the effects of trap cards, which means Amber Pitfall won't switch him to defense position. Attack Archeonys with Wild Slash!"

Wildheart raised his sword and charged at Archeonys, but it landed and crossed it's wings, blocking Wildheart's attack.

"What just happened?" Jaden asked.

"Looks like you forgot something too. Since my Jurassic World is active, I can switch Archeonys to defense position when you attack it and thanks to the extra 300 defense points, it's defense is higher than your monster's attack."

Jaden: 2500

"I'll throw down two face downs and call it a turn. That'll teach me. Oh well, live and learn."

"That's weird."

"He's smilin'."

"Jaden always has a good time when he duels, unlike the sarge."

The squadron began to laugh, much to Hassleberry's dismay.

*'My battalion's desertin' me. This always happens. I find a group of soldiers I can trust and they wind up sidin' with the enemy. Grr, no more Mr. Nice Sarge.'*

"I draw! And I activate the Earthquake spell, which switches your Wildheart to defense position. And now I activate New Ultra Evolution. This card lets me reverse the whole evolutionary process, meaning I can sacrifice a winged beast on my field to summon a dino from my hand. You see they say some birds evolved from dinosaurs."

"Really?" Jaden asked.

"It does make some sense in a way since the egg helped free animals from being so close to the water and allowed them to move inland." Tyson said.

"And when Archeonys undergoes reverse evolution, it becomes a dinosaur. So I sacrifice Archeonys to bring out Black Tyranno!"

Black Tyranno: 2600/1800

"And thanks to his special ability, when they're are no attack position monsters on your side of the field, it can attack you directly. Now Black Tyranno, attack directly with Rex Bomber!"

Black Tyranno ran towards Jaden and slammed his tail on the ground in front of him, kicking up a massive dust cloud.

"Mission accomplished."

"Not quite."

Jaden: 100

"Nice save." Tyson said.

"How is it you still have life points boy?" Hassleberry asked.

"The Insurance trap card. I can return a face down spell or trap to my hand. And when Insurance is returned to my hand, I gain 500 life points."

"But it returned one of your set cards, not itself."

"My second face down was another copy of Insurance." Jaden explained.

"Nice one Jay!" Syrus exclaimed.

"Way to play your cards well." Tyson said.

"Sergeant Jaden is the best!"

"Deserted again. It's nothing new. Guess the only person I can trust is me. Time and time again, it's always the same. I gather a battalion of supporters and when I need em the most, they just up and desert me. But why? I'm a great leader, and I always win. Take this duel for example: I'm beating you just like how I beat my last 12 rivals and no one's cheering."

"Well colonel, maybe they're just bored."

"Come on, bored with my dueling? Now that's just crazy talk."

"Think about it though. You said it yourself that you've used the same moves the last 12 duels. Don't you think it's time you evolved?"

"Huh?" Hassleberry was confused.

"Nice dinosaur reference Jay."

"Very impressive." Tyson said.

"Ditto."

"I get it now." Hassleberry nodded.

"I'm glad. Now it's my move. And I use Pot of Greed." Jaden drew two cards. "Now getting back into the whole evolution thing, I play my own field spell."

The whole field was covered in ice before skyscrapers sprung up from the ground, surrounding them in a bright city.

"This is the Skyscraper field spell and it's gonna change this duel."

Tyson knew how this duel would end.

"I hate change!"

*'Wait, that's the problem. I've been stuck in the past, relying on the same tactics instead of learning from my mistakes and evolving.'*

"Exactly. Don't worry corporal, you won't be thinking out loud this time, but I assume by the look on your face that you figured it out. And now that your field spell is gone, Black Tyranno's attack and defense return to normal. It's time for a little fusion action. I play Polymerization to fuse Wildheart and Avian to summon Elemental Hero Wild Wingman in attack mode."

Elemental Hero Wild Wingman: 1900/2300

"And now I activate it's special ability. By discarding a card, your trap is destroyed and Bladedge can change it's battle position. Now Wild Wingman, attack Black Tyranno!"

"But he's weaker than Black Tyranno."

"For now, but Skyscraper is about to change that." Tyson said.

"My Field Spell gives my Elemental Heroes 1000 attack points if they battle a stronger monster."

"Now destroy Black Tyranno with Wing Impulse!"

Wild Wingman flew up into the air and unleashed powerful sonic waves from his wings that tore right through Black Tyranno.

Hassleberry: 3500

"Bladedge, attack directly!"

Bladedge dashed towards Hassleberry and gave him a swift punch to the chest.

Hassleberry: 900

"I've still got life points left. Close, but no Medal of Honor for you."

"I'm not finished yet. Go, De-Fusion. Wild Wingman separates back into Wildheart and Avian. Now Avian can attack you directly and end this duel. Go, Feather Storm!"

Avian flew up into the air before proceeding to fire a volley of feathers from his wings at Hassleberry.

Hassleberry: 0

"That's how you do it." Tyson said.

"I gotta hand it to you son, that was one of the most intense - woah!"

He forgot about the river and stepped off the edge into the water as the holograms faded.

"You okay?" Jaden asked.

"I'm alright. But I do owe you some duel disks."

"Oh yeah. I was having such a good time, it slipped my mind. Thanks admiral."

"It's sergeant. Oh never mind."

Sometime later, Jaden and Syrus were sitting in their room when someone knocked on the door.

"I'll get it." Syrus got up and went over to the door.

Tyson and Hassleberry were present.

"Hey." Tyson said.

Hassleberry passed him and put a bag on the floor, then began to empty it.

"Uh sarge, not to sound rude, but is there a reason you dumped your gear all over the floor, because I know you don't think you're shacking up with us right?"

"This place is cramped enough. We don't need any freeloaders."

"This coming from the guy who's staying in Jaden's room until his room is finished." Tyson said sarcastically.

"He's got a point." Syrus said.

"I meant to say we don't need any more freeloaders." Chazz replied.

"I've made a decision. I'm giving Troop Tyranno some time off. Jaden showed me there's still a lot I have to learn."

"I don't think so. Jaden's already got a wingman."

"Besides, if you want to learn from someone, you should really be following me around."

Tyranno ignored him and continued unpacking.

"Hello, anyone home?" Chazz tried to get his attention.

"Chazz, listen real closely." Tyson said. "Do you hear that? It's the sound that nobody cares."

"Hassleberry reporting for duty. It's truly an honor Sergeant Jaden."

"Just call me Jaden."

"Sir, yes sir."