AN: Takes place towards the end of the first season. If I got the Japanese name of the Shadow Riders wrong feel free to correct me. I'm mostly a dub watcher and am still getting used to the Japanese names.
Sho glared angrily up at the sky. Why did Duel Academy's weather never seem cooperate with its student's circumstances?
"Aw C'mon Sho, it doesn't really matter does it?" Judai said, suppressing a yawn. His desire to be supportive was competing with that to get dinner, and at the moment his stomach was winning.
"Of course it does, Aniki!" Sho replied, his cheeks flushing, "We're almost done with our freshman year." He fiddled with his glasses, trying to avoid the sun's gaze.
"Yeah, but we just fought off the Seven Stars Assassins. Give yourself a break."
"But Aniki…" Sho's voice trailed away as he decided not to remind Judai that he hadn't really done much in the way of fighting.
"Is this about your brother?" Judai asked, concern finding its way into his casual tone.
Sho shook his head, "I don't think so. I just don't like doing badly. It sets me back."
"Back? From what?"
"Advancing," Sho said shyly, "I don't want to be in Osiris forever."
"Oh…" Something seemed to dawn on Judai and he inched a little closer to his best friend, "Well, is that about your brother?"
"No!" Sho said, unintentionally shouting. Even Judai felt the need to bring Ryo into every serious conversation they ever had. "It's about me. I'm not like you Aniki; my dueling isn't good enough to give me a reputation. I have to get into Ra!" He frowned, picking apart some of the grass at his feet.
"Alright," Judai said calmly, "I'll miss you when you leave."
This startled Sho and he looked up, catching the bright rays right in his eyes. "Huh?"
"You just said it, your goal is to get into Ra," Judai said, feigning confusion.
"Yes, my goal, " Sho bleated, "But it's not going to happen, not when I can't even pass a simple exam."
"Sure it will!" Judai said, his confidence so sincere that Sho nearly smiled. "Grades aren't everything, you know. Just look at Fubuki. I doubt he's passing a single class, and he's in Obelisk Blue and has dated every girl in the school."
Sho shrugged and lamely reminded Judai that Fubuki had been gone for most of the year.
"Even so," Judai said, "What about Manjoume then? He does well in classes, but he's in Osiris."
"That's because he dropped out, " Sho said, stubbornly wading in his self-deprecation. He paused, and then softly said, "My brother does the best in the school and he's in Obelisk. And he beat you."
"If you have to rub it in," Judai said with a light laugh. "He's graduating though."
"So?"
"So now he's not the best anymore. You know, you could be, if you were as determined about that as you are about feeling bad about yourself." As usual, Judai's best advice was intended as nothing more than a vote of support, but it worked its magic anyway.
"Really?" Sho said.
Judai nodded, "Definitely. And if it makes you feel any better, you did better on the test than I did."
Sho smiled. "Thank you Aniki."
"Anytime. Want to go to dinner now?"
Sho obliged, and they headed inside just as the sun was preparing to set. And Ryo made his way onto the docks, silently worrying about the world that was to come for him.
AN: I guess I was just feeling reminiscent. Hope you enjoyed!