#jackson corvus

Chancellor Sheppard had announced that tonight's broadcast of Adrenaline would feature a special guest, but when Big E's voice blared through the speakers of Duel Academy's Kaiba Arena, not even WWE's Duelist Division Trios Champions could believe how big the reaction was. The cheers for the three proponents of the Power of Positivity as they danced their way onto the stage were deafening, almost drowning out their own theme.

Chants of "New... Day Rocks! New... Day Rocks! New... Day Rocks!" Picked up among the more hardcore contingent in the crowd, the three WWE superstars clapping along with the rhythm of the chant from the crowd. Even in what's supposed to be enemy territory, the Power of Positivity truly knows no boundaries.

Kofi Kingston, Xavier Woods, and Big E all stood in the center of Duel Academy's dueling arena, the masters of the Unicorn series of Synchro Monsters, earning the team the nickname of Team Unicorn in certain circles. They soaked in the adulation of the crowd, Xavier Woods especially enjoying the chorus as he started blasting his trumpet in time with the chants.

A couple minutes passed and Kofi Kingston now had a microphone in his hand and a brilliant smile on his face. "This isn't my character saying this, this is me saying it, so HOT DAMN IT'S GOOD TO BE HERE!" The cheers erupted once again as Kofi grinned broadly. "See, I'd like to say that our bosses sent us here to scout out some talent, but we all know why the three of us are really here. There's one team here that we wanted to test ourselves against. See, there's only so much we can do as a team in an organization that just doesn't see a future in tag team duels."

"Even when we were WWE Tag Champions," Xavier cut in, holding his microphone backwards as he looked at the arena's hard camera, "The only decent team we had fun fighting with is currently a pair of brainwashed goons for their cousin. No offense, Roman, but Dwayne is what's best for your family, not you. Stop munching the dog food."

Big E grinned and grabbed a mic of his own, smiling as he turned toward the entrance ramp of Kaiba Arena.

"Like my Kofi just said, we're here to test ourselves against the best, and there's really only team Elite enough to test ourselves against. So, we all know how this goes. Jackson Corvus, Yuki Hyoudou, Kai Murasame! WE! WANT! YOU!"

The crowd once again went wild in anticipation, the fans in attendance knowing exactly what was about to happen.

"SIERRA. HOTEL. INDIA. ECHO. LIMA. DELTA. SHIELD."

The Dragons of Justice, decked out in their full tactical regalia, appeared in the crowd and slowly made their way down into the arena, each man carrying one of the Duel Academy Trios Championship titles over their shoulders.

Jackson, Yuki, and Kai made their way to the dueling platform, standing across the ring from the ones who'd called them out. there was no animosity, only silent respect. The two Elite Trios faced off, ready, willing, and able for the all-out war to come.

Jackson: This my friend, is a pint!

Yuki: *realization hitting* It comes in pints!?

Jackson: *drinking* Mhm!

Perhaps the end is drawing near.

You never hear the shot that takes you down.

Jackson stood in Duel Academy's Kaiba Arena, patiently waiting the entrance of his mystery opponent. There had been a string of competitors popping in seemingly at random as of late, and Jackson had to assume that the primary reason was the upcoming School Duel. He'd gone through this song and dance once before, ending with him defecting to his current home of Duel Academy.

This time, the challenge came from Duel Academy United Kingdom, which would have explained the large number of accents from the British Isles. Jackson had a feeling when he was told to head out for the main event on Duel Academy's Adrenaline broadcast that his opponent would be representing their sister school, but he couldn't have expected what he heard over the arena's speakers next...

A slow guitar started strumming as the arena's lights dimmed, the voice of Shaman's Harvest slowly coming through like a whisper on the winds. "What's that metronome I hear? Perhaps the end is coming near. You never hear the shot that takes you down..."

The crowd erupted in cheers as Drew Galloway, reining Intercontinental Champion of Duel Academy UK, began making his way down the ramp toward Jackson. The Scottish Warrior carried his Duel Disk in one hand and a massive Highland Claymore sword in the other, pausing in the middle of his march to slash in the air in a flawless display of swordsmanship and showmanship.

"Ladies and Gentlemen!" Justin Roberts began as Drew stepped up to the duel platform and handed his claymore to a ringside attendant. "The following contest is your Main Event, and is a Best of Three Falls match! Introducing first, representing Duel Academy United Kingdom, The Scottish Warrior! Drew Galloway!"

A chorus of cheers erupted from around the arena, chants of "Drew! Drew! Drew!" soon followed as the Scotsman stepped up to the raised table and placed his deck upon it.

"And his opponent, representing Duel Academy Japan, he is the Undefeated Dragon Lord! Jackson! Corvus!" Jackson grinned as the cheers echoed around the arena, wincing slightly from the sheer volume of the chants of "Dragon Lord! Dragon Lord!" began as he set his deck next to Drew's.

"Seems your friends have come out in droves, lad." Drew smiled as he started shuffling Jackson's cards, smirking softly as he looked around the arena. "Good thing they did. This is going to be one devil of a war."

Jackson couldn't help but agree as he shuffled Drew's cards at the same time. "I have to admit, I wasn't expecting an Intercontinental Champion. Fighting you will be an honor."

"Don't get too caught up in the title scene, lad." Drew smirked, setting down Jackson's deck as he took his own back from his opponent. "I wouldn't want to beat you too easily..."

Jackson grinned and slotted his deck back into his disk, the table retracting into the duel platform as the chants of "Let's go Galloway!!" battled with the cheers of "Dragon Lord!!".

"I could say the same thing to you, Drew. You may be a champion, but even gods bleed in this arena. Show me your warrior's spirit, Drew!"

"DUEL!!"

XxXxX

The contest had gone on for a full fourty-five minutes, Drew seizing an early lead against Jackson, his Gilford the Legend being brought out at full strength with two Mage Powers and a Sword of Dragon's Souls catching the Undefeated Dragon Lord by surprise. But Jackson quickly showed Drew that you can only surprise him once, and he'd just used up that freebee.

Jackson quickly rallied in the next round, overpowering Drew's Gilford the Lightning with a powered up Felgrand Dragon using Red-Eyes Darkness Metal Dragon as support. Now, in the middle of the third round, Jackson found himself in much the same position as his first round against Drew.

Drew Galloway: 4000 LP

Jackson Corvus: 2000 LP

Drew smirked, eyeing his Gilford the Legend. This was his Claymore Kick, his finishing move. He'd summoned Gilford the Legend, the warrior's effect equipping Wicked-Breaking Flamberge - Baou, Mage Power, and Axe of Despair onto the Legend himself, resulting in Gilford boasting a massive 5800 ATK. With Jackson having only a single defensive monster, this game was over.

"Time to end this!" Drew roared as he entered his Battle Phase. "Gilford, Attack Decoy Dragon!"

The massive warrior sprinted forward, raising his broadsword and bringing it down on Decoy Dragon as Jackson merely smirked. The second before Gilford's blade connected on the small spirit, a massive gold and silver wing materialized in front of Decoy to shield the small creature from the attack.

"Decoy Dragon has many friends, and those friends aren't very fond of seeing him come to harm. When Decoy's in danger, he can ask his friends for help!" Jackson grinned, pulling a card from the graveyard as the golden wing before Decoy Dragon slowly misted into the form of a massive four-winged Drake. "Arkbrave Dragon! Return to rescue our friend!"

Arkbrave roared to life as he rose from Jackson's Graveyard, his wings beating and kicking up an absolute maelstrom.

Arkbrave Dragon: LIGHT / LEVEL 7 / DRAGON / 2400 ATK / 2000 DEF

"Now Arkbrave's effect activates! When he's Special Summoned from the Graveyard, he banishes every face-up Spell and Trap you control, and gets a lovely 200-point boost to his attack strength for each one!"

Drew paled as Jackson's Dragon roared proudly, the beast beating his wings as his three equip spells shattered, returning Gilford back to his original power, and giving Arkbrave Dragon a subsequent boost.

Gilford the Legend: 5800 ATK ==> 2600 ATK

Arkbrave Dragon: 2400 ATK + (200 x 3) = 3000 ATK

"Arkbrave, counterattack!" Jackson cried out as his Dragon roared and charged a beam of golden light in its maw. "GO! ARKLIGHT BARRAGE!" Jackson's dragon unleashed a beam of pure light into his foe, piercing through the warrior and blasting Drew.

Drew Galloway: 4000LP - (3000-2600) = 3600 LP

Jackson smiled, drawing a card to start his turn. He nodded at Drew, smiling as he slotted a Spell Card into his disk.

"I activate Return of the Dragon Lords! With this, I can resurrect one level 7 or 8 Dragon from my Graveyard!" Jackson smiled even more brightly as the sudden cheers from the crowd faded from his mind. The world only existed in this moment, the climax of a duel, the result of a glorious clash of two warriors' souls. Slowly, Jackson pulled a singular card from his Graveyard and held it to his forehead, smiling as he heard a soft, distant roar in his mind.

His eyes opened, the sounds of the arena returning to him as cheers echoed throughout the building. Raising his hand high and holding the card to the heavens, Jackson spoke.

"Let the light of the heavens shine down on those that seek your mercy. The rays of judgement smite those who oppose your law!!" Jackson's voice grew in power and fervor as he placed the card on his disk, a golden glow surrounding it as a familiar roar echoed throughout the stadium, the eyes of all in attendance turning skyward to catch a glimpse of the divine presence soon to arrive.

"ROAR!! ROAR AND TAKE FLIGHT!!! DIVINE DRAGON LORD FELGRAND!!!!" Jackson's battle cry was echoed by a number of fans in attendance, the arena's windows shaking from the force of the cheers as the first glint of a golden form shone in the sky above.

A massive goddess in dragon form swept down from the heavens, spreading her wings wide as she landed behind Jackson, announcing her presence with an epic, prideful roar.

Divine Dragon Lord Felgrand: LIGHT / LEVEL 8 / DRAGON / 2800 ATK / 2800 DEF

Drew Galloway was absolutely in awe of what he was seeing. Jackson had held back from summoning her in the first two rounds of their match, and now he was witnessing her glory firsthand. As a warrior, he couldn't have asked for a more glorious end.

"Now, Lord Felgrand's effect activates! She can banish one monster on your field or Graveyard, and gain power based on the level of that monster! GO! DIVINE LAW!!" Jackson roared skyward, Drew's Graveyard glowing as a spectral image of Gilford the Legend appeared in Drew's field, only to be slowly evaporated into a golden mist and absorbed into Lord Felgrand's outstretched wings, the Queen of all Dragons roaring proudly with her newfound might.

Divine Dragon Lord Felgrand: 2800 ATK + (100 x 8) = 3600 ATK

"Now, Battle Phase!" Jackson's cry sparked a slowly building rumble from the crowd as Jackson's grin only grew with each second. "Lord Felgrand! Attack Drew directly! DIVINE FELGRAND CANON!"

Lord Felgrand reared back, charging up a blast of pure divine light before unleashing on Drew Galloway and blasting the Scotsman with her full might, Drew himself collapsing to his knees as he took the full brunt of the attack.

Drew Galloway: 3600 LP - 3600 = 0LP

The crowd roared in cheers as Drew's LP gauge hit zero, applauding as Jackson walked over toward Drew and held out his hand.

"A champion should never be on his knees. Stand proud, warrior." Jackson smiled, grinning more as Drew took his hand. Jackson pulled Drew to his feet, raising his hand as the crowd cheered for both duelists.

Backstage, Chancellor Sheppard grinned ear to ear at the sight of both duelists soaking in the cheers of the crowd. A voice piping up from behind him making him turn around to see the other two members of the most dominant stable in Duel Academy history.

Kai Murasame smiled as he watched his partner and friend in Jackson Corvus soaking in the adulation of the crowd. The inheritor of the Blue-Eyes Legacy could only smile and remark "Now that was one hell of a duel."

Yuki Hyoudou, Jackson's regular tag-partner and one of his closest friends he'd made since coming to Duel Academy, nodded in agreement. As usual, Yuki couldn't resist wearing a Dragons of Justice merch shirt and plug the merch every chance he got.

"This match was a great idea, Chancellor." Yuki smiled as he saw Drew and Jackson shake hands once more before Jackson started heading toward the entrance tunnel. "This will certainly generate a ton of hype for the upcoming School Duel against our United Kingdom counterpart."

"I agree with you fully, my boy." Sheppard chuckled as he turned to Yuki, scratching his bald head as he did so. "However, this wasn't my idea."

"Oh?" Jackson spoke, slipping through the curtain and giving both his friends a strong fistbump. "If not yours, then who's?"

Sheppard glanced across the room to a rather portly woman in a very fine suit. A woman Jackson recognized immediately. A woman who had taken over North Academy after Chancellor Foster was ousted following his shadier business practices coming to light. The new Headmistress of North Academy who'd taken the once-great school and turned it into North America's most must-see dueling institutions.

The woman smiled as she locked eyes on Jackson, chuckling as she nodded at him.

Jackson simply waved back, knowing that if Pauline Heyman had a hand in the DA vs DA-UK show coming up, things would only be getting more exciting...

North Academy's biggest defector and Duel Academy's biggest name. As both duelists wait for their cue for their team to be revealed, thoughts turn to their now-entwined futures...

"Then it's settled!" Chancellor Shepard exclaimed jovially. He clapped both boys on the shoulders with his large shovel-like hands, making their knees buckle, before walking off.

The moment that the headmaster of the academy was put of earshot, both Yuki and Jackson burst out in hysterical laughter.

"Can you believe they're putting us together!?" Yuki howled, having to use a supply box to keep himself upright.

Jackson was on his knees. His whole body shaking in laughter. "Oh my god...! We're both gonna be expelled in four weeks!"

"Is that a real harmonica, or are you just imitating one...?" It really was hard to tell from where Yuki stood in the doorway of Jackson dorm, if the former North Academy student really was playing an instrument synonymous with the blues genre of music.

"Yeah, why?" Jackson held up the rectangular instrument in his right hand. "Wanna give it a try?"

That scent was noticed by one of the much younger attendees of the party. One who was dressed as a half-elf ranger. Her ears perked straight up, as she took the apple out of her mouth. Belle had just finished bobbing for an apple that she had just retrieved, when that delicious smell reached her.

The kitten Faunus peeked around the corner, the apple clutched in her small hands. A very floofy puggle wuggle following behind her, dressed in costume armor. Apollo once again reprising his costume as Trinket, as Belle was dressed as Vex'hallia De Rollo.

"Jack...?" She tilted her head, curiously. Only remembering his name from last year. And that was because he was dressed as Captain Jack Sparrow.

There wasn’t a single unoccupied seat in the Mercades Benz Superdome. The rumor had spread throughout New Orleans, and soon all of Louisiana that The American Dragon, El Mega Champion de Increbleale was going to return and make his debut on Duel Academy’s Adrenaline broadcast. Tickets had sold out faster than any Wrestlemania event in history, as people from all across the state wanted to see their young hometown hero. 

Finally on the night in question, after all proper setup, the crowd was so loud, the intro to Adrenaline could barely be heard over the cheering of the crowd. The chants of “Dragon Lord” were so loud, that not only did all the voices threaten to shatter whatever glass was in the building, but also blow out the microphones the production crew needed to keep everything running smoothly. 

The head of production held off on giving the cue for the music to start just for a full minute. Like many, he too was just as excited for what was coming next. But at the one minute mark of the start of the show, he gave the green light. The arena was bathed in a bright gold light, and the cheers of the crowd reached such a level, that the music blaring over the speakers could barely be heard. It seemed like the entire state of Louisiana had been packed into the Superdome, they were treating this event like the Saints had not just gone to the Superbowl, but had won it. 

Those cheers became louder still when the rumors had been proven true. Jackson Corvus had made his way to the entrance tunnel. Wearing the white and gold of the New Orleans Saints. Behind him appeared the hologram of his ace monster. Divine Dragon Lord Felgrand roared, causing the crowd to respond in kind. Shaking the arena to its very foundations. As the camera’s zoomed in on Jackson’s face, it was clear that he was trying to remain composed in similar fashion to how Edge had been when returning after those nine years of retirement. This was all for him? Shepard had arranged all of this just for him? It was so surreal, that for a moment, he thought it was some wonderful dream.

Short of pinching himself, Jackson did the next best thing. He dove into the crowd, much to their delight. No, this was real, he was back home in his home state, in his home city! And one stage dive deserved another, which is exactly what Jackson did! He dove into the other side of the crowd that was divided by the ramp. This was only a month removed from the School Duel between Duel Academy North, and Seto Kaiba’s Duel Academy, yet here Jackson was getting treated like he was coming out of retirement!

Finally, he was pulled out of the crowd, and had made his way to the raised platform in the center of the arena. He hadn’t even registered the fact that someone had placed a mic in his hand, as there was a little more on his mind right now. He hadn’t planned on what he was going to say ... which was why he was so silent after his music faded from the speakers. Though the crowd simply believed that he was amping them up, wanting to hear their cheers for longer, before he said whatever it was he had come out to say. 

it was only a minute, but it felt far longer for Jackson. Finally, he raised the mic in his hand and... “Who said, you can’t come back ho...me...?” His voice slightly broke at that last word, as Jackson wasn’t quite as composed as he’d liked. However, the crowd was eating it all up. “Sorry, but I’m winging this. Now, two months ago... I got an email asking me if I was good enough to be All Elite. Mais, don’t beat me to this...” For the New Orleans crowd had gone crazy thinking that Tony Khan may have sent that email in question. “That email was sent to me, by the head of Duel Academy. It was an invitation I was sent before the School Duel, and I thought about it long and hard. Am I good enough to be All Elite?”

From the crowds reaction, they clearly thought that Jackson clearly was good enough. There was a long chant of “All Elite”, that went on for another minute, before Jackson spoke again. His New Orleans accent now beginning to come out. “August thirty first, 2003 I had my last duel in AAA. I walked into this very arena as the Triple-Ah World Champion, and walked out victoriously, but without that belt. I walked out without it, because I knew in my heart of hearts, that where I was going, that belt, it’s legacy, and all it stood for would only get tarnished. I famously came out here with tears in my eyes, and I knew why I was crying. Because I had made a place where people like me could come, ply their craft, get paid, and love pro dueling. And I cried because, I knew I was leaving a place I loved. I knew where I was going, and I knew it wasn’t gonna be easy for a guy like me.”

“So I look at it like this. August thirty first, 2003 I left pro dueling ... May seventeenth, 2005... I’m back!” There was another happy cheer from the crowd. Much hollering and stamping of feet at that declaration. “Am I good enough to be All Elite? You’re goddamn right! I’m back, and I’m All Elite!” As the crowd began to chant “Dragon Lord, Jackson started to leave, but stopped himself, and raised his microphone. “Hang on, one last thing! I appreciate every one of you here who’s waited for this moment. So on your way outta the Superdome tonight, please grab yourself a free ice cream bar on me!”

Fresh. Grated. Nutmeg.

Jackson always keeps some whole nutmegs in his pocket when he's cooking. You never know when you need them...

"I can't believe you..." Jackson was shocked by this utter betrayal. "You held out on me this whole time. You didn't tell me you could cook!"

"Two things." Came Yuki’s reply, as he pressed a glass of Eggnog into the hands of his adopted brother. "You never asked. And I don't cook, I bake."

"Is that why I smell apple pie...?" Jackson would grumble before drinking from the glass. Like Tali before him, his eyes widened. This was the best glass of eggnog he had ever tasted. Still he felt like something was missing. Had Yuki forgotten to add ground nutmeg?

"Yuki." Turning in Jacksons direction, Yuki caught something rather deftly out of the air. Shaking his head, the other dragon duelist reached into his pocket, and pulled out his own container of ground nutmeg.