A/N: Hello! This is my first fanfic for Quotev. I previously wrote for the website Fanfiction but accidentally lost my Password and Username. I guess that's what happens when you hit writer's block for a year and a half. Any who, my muse is directed to Yu-Gi-Oh which is why I wrote this in the first place. I hope you all enjoy my writing, feel free to give me ideas to improve the story. And of course, none of the art is mine, nor the characters; only my OC Esme. Comment, like, do whatever you please.
Chapter 1: Daily Routines!
It was just your ordinary day at Duel Academy. The bullies, friends, teachers, food—you name it! Whatever you could think of was there. There were times where things got rough and other days it was peaches and cream. The story begins with a character of course, her name being, Esme Vanchester. Her height hits about 5'5, black hair and these set of grayish blue eyes no one has ever seen before! Esme is 16 years of age and ranks as an Obelisk blue. With hard work and dedication she had scored an above average grade, thus the reasoning of how she got into Duel Academy. Just like her friend, Jaden, she too has dreamed to become the next King of games!—Or queen of games that is. Though she has much to learn in the remaining years at Duel Academy she will prove herself as one of the best.
Esme rose each day with the same routine. Alarm, rise, shower, waste some time standing there then breakfast and a book. Wherever Esme was, a book followed her always. Call her a book worm if you please but that was her main hobby. Besides dueling that is! The student was headed to class. With Alexis by her side the two made great friends. Her circle consisted of Jaden, Syrus, Alexis, Chumley, Bastion, Zane and believe it or not Chazz too. After all, what's the good without the bad?
"Hey Esme!" Jaden called running down the hall, waving.
"Oh Jaden." Esme responded, her lips pursed to resume speaking. "You're early today. Usually you walk in late. What's got your gears going?"
The Slifer laughed rubbing the back of his neck. She did have a point; usually he was late to class. "Well, you know, finals are coming up and I thought I would try a little harder to score big! My grade depends on it."
Following behind Jaden was of course Syrus too. "Hey Jay! Wait up!"
Esme stood there baffled, Jaden actually trying? I guess that was a first. Not that she hated the guy but at times he slacked. Despise that, she was proud he was taking the initiative to try something new. Getting to class early was a start, and then perhaps he could learn how to stay awake whenever Crowler or Banner were giving a lecture.
"One step at a time I guess, but, hey, it's good to see you bright and early. If you ever need help you know where to find me." Esme said to both Syrus and Jaden before she headed up to her seat.
Class had shortly begun and Esme took notes alongside Alexis who was to her right. For just two hours felt like a whole day. Crowler had really prepared a long lesson. With the remaining thirty minutes of class the students were allowed to gather in groups and study. Out of kindness Esme headed down to sit with Jaden and Syrus to give them a helping hand.
"Hey guys thought I would team up with you two."
"Great! I was hoping you would come down here. Hope you took some notes, err, cos' I sure didn't!" Jaden said looking to Esme with a pleading grin.
"You're in luck." Esme chuckled handing over her notes and just as she goes to speak, Chazz walks over to their group plopping right down beside Esme; an arm around her waist.
"Tch! Why're you with these slackers?! Even if you did help them they're still gonna fail, Esme. Quit wasting your time, instead why not help yourself and study with The Chazz?!" He grinned tightening his grip around the female.
"I rather not." Esme retorts and removes his grip from her frame. "These slackers are my friends. I rather devote my time to someone who is actually worth it."
"Heh! You heard her Chazz!" Jaden laughed along with Syrus who blushed out of embarrassment.
"Would you shut it Slacker! You don't deserve the help of Esme! She's way too good for the both of you dweebs! I would reconsider who you're spending time with Esme, you're better than the both of those brainless scums!" He folds his arms, gritting his teeth.
"Cool it Chazz, It's not like it's a big deal. We're just studying is all. If you want to join us you're more than welcome too." Jaden said to Chazz and Syrus nodded, "There's plenty of room."
"With you fools?! Ha! That'll be the day!" Chazz waves his hand laughing as he returns to his friends.
The trio continues to study for the remaining of the class then head out for some lunch. Still together are Esme, Jaden, Syrus and Bastion. They sit together at a table reminiscing on the past events they spent together. All the trouble they had gotten into never added up to all the good they did. For some reason it was just like that but, they always seemed to bounce back.
"Man! This is great!" Jaden scarfs down the leftovers on his plate. Food flies all over the place as Bastion and Esme cover their face.
"Ah! Jaden, we're trying to enjoy our meal too." Both Bastion and Esme retort at the same time.
"Jay is just a huge pig when it comes to sandwiches—" Syrus mumbles taking a bite of his food.
"That makes two of us!" Chumley shouts as he joins the group, shoving a whole sandwich in his mouth.
Finally the day was over. The sun was finally setting and Esme decided to spend the last few minutes of daylight from the shore. Something about the ocean had always calmed her. Perhaps it was the sound of the waves crashing down on one another. Or maybe it was just how peaceful it looked? There was one thing she knew; it wasn't just her own go-to place. Not too far away was Zane who stood beside the lighthouse looking over the view as well. The ocean always has its ways of easing everyone's tension. Slipping one foot after the other, the female soaked her toes into the sand watching as the water caressed each and every toe. What a breeze. .
"You too huh?" Alexis walked beside her friend. "Zane and Jaden are also drawn by the water." She walks closer to Esme and does just the same: soaking her feet into the water. "Ahhh~ that feels good."
Esme nods and looks down at both her and Alexis' reflection. "It is peaceful. There are times I hate how the academy is an island, but days like today I can appreciate it."
"That's true; I only wish we were closer to the city! It wouldn't hurt to have a mall or maybe even a café near. Living on campus can get boring you know?" The blonde spoke, "I think that would make the campus feel more like home. But I guess that's why we have summer break and the rest, so we can go see our families."
Family was a big thing on Esme's plate. She never had that figure or group in her life. She never knew her father and as for her mother, she was a heavy drinker. There was emptiness in this woman's heart. Which is why at such a young age Esme tried her very best to get into Duel academy. There was nothing left for her at home. Coming to the academy only gave her hope that one day the emptiness would go away. Maybe she would find something to fill the void. To this day the hole was somewhat filled, but something was missing.
Sure enough it wasn't just Esme who felt this way. Each and every student had something missing they wish they had, an internal battle they fought each day. That's life for sure, but as the days pass it gets easier.
"So any plans for fall break?" Alexis asks.
"Not really. I'm staying on campus. Plus, I have a few books I would like to finish."
"What's up with you and books Esme? You should try to get out more. I mean, you can always come home with me you know? My family would love you." She leans against her friend grabbing her hand. "You're such a nerd but hey, that makes you, you. I just don't want you to be alone. You see ever since my brother disappeared I've felt lonely too but, since I met you, I feel a lot better."
Esme's pale cheek turned into a dark shade of red hearing Alexis words of affection. Over the year the two of them had grown a strong bond. Esme truly cherished their friendship, it was like no other. In return she squeezes her hand back and smiles, "Yeah I know, Thanks Alexis. You're always watching over me huh?"
"Of course! That is what friends are for right? You do the same exact thing, it's mutual." The sun had slowly disappeared behind the waves and the blonde let go of her friends' hand. "Come on let's get inside before it gets chilly."
Both girls collected their shoes and walk to their dorms side by side. Esme deeply appreciated the company of Alexis. At times she could be a pain in the arse but she was her pain in the arse. Alexis was just that type of girl; she was straightforward and easy going meanwhile Esme was down to earth and quiet. They both oddly fit perfectly together.
Behind closed doors Esme would strip herself rid of her clothing. Each garment falling off bit by bit. With the bathroom connected to her room she easily strolled into the shower without the thought of intrusion. The welcoming strands of water caressed her silky pale skin along with the soap that she pressed against her frame. Once Esme finished she returned to her room with a towel on her head. She Tosses an oversized shirt on and heads for the bed. A cooing awe came from her succulent lips, closing her eyes and falling into a deep sleep.
The day is here once more! The alarm goes off and Esme wakes ready to start her morning routine.
Knock Knock!
Two knocks rid the door as Esme completes her attire, now just combing her hair she opens the door to see Chazz standing there with his gaze on the door.
"Er, Chazz? What're you—" Esme asks as she is cut off by Chazz.
He takes a step in, welcoming himself into her room. "Nice room you got here, heh, I'm sure you're excited to see The Chazz show up at your door. No need to say." He grinned eyeing Esme's figure.
"Actually no—I'm just curious to know why you're here in the first place, and second, who said you could come in?"
"You haven't heard? Class is cancelled; something came up with the Chancellor. Thought you would need someone to tutor you. So I, the Chazz came to save the day. What do ya say? How about we play as a teacher and student? And for your sake, let's hope you don't get any questions wrong because if you do—well, I'm sure you know." His signature grin growing across his lips.
Three words: "Chazz, get out." Esme opens the door pulling the boy by the ear and dragging him out.
"Hey! Ow! Not so hard woman! What gives?!" He growled, "Let go!"
Esme wouldn't ease up until they were out of the dormitory. Once they're outside she lets loose of his ear, rolling her eyes. "No, I will not need your help. And stay out of my room too. I don't need any trouble."
From only a couple feet away is Zane, he approaches both his classmates with an arched brow. "What's going on here?"
"Mind your business Truesdale! It's nothing!" Chazz yelled dusting himself off and headed into the opposite direction.
Esme however turned to face Zane and fill him into all of the information. By the time she is done speaking both the duos wear an unimpressed expression. "How unfortunate, however, he is right about class being canceled."
"So I've noticed." Esme replies noticing all the students who roamed freely around campus. "It just gives me more time to study and help Jaden and the gang. They need all the help they can get you know?"
Zane simply nods in return; the dueler wasn't much of a talker. He was calm, cool and quiet. The best of the school was a simple one worded man, though those words he spoke held power. If anything, it brought more attention to the male. He had fangirls all over the place, at the academy and overseas. Every girl had a soft spot when it came to Zane.
"Just don't forget to help yourself at the end." He added before he walks away.
"Thanks Zane." Esme waved before she too walked into the other direction.
Like all days, she carried a book and today was the same. Esme headed over to the main courtyard in front of the school where they would usually meet up. She studied over her notes as she waited for her two friends.
"Heyah, Esme!" Jaden shouts
"Sorry we're late, Esme. Jaden had a hard time getting out of bed. I was surprised you even made it out." Syrus said speaking truthfully. "Thanks for helping us, you have no idea how much I – or we really appreciate it! If it weren't for you, I'm sure we would have failed the last few tests."
"Not a problem, you guys are my friends, and I don't mind helping out here and there."
Together they all settled on the grassy field and listened to the lesson Esme taught. She would ask Jaden and Syrus questions that had to do with dueling. If they got 10 questions right Esme promised to fix up a nice meal.
"Ten questions huh?! That's a piece of cake!"
"Yes ten questions Jaden, and I mean 10 questions in a row."
"What?! In a row?! Ugh, that makes it harder!"
Esme grinned and said, "Question one! What is a Field Spell?"
"Oh that's easy, I've got one in my deck, a Field Spell is a card that can allow you to change your environment during your match. Like when I use Skyscraper! It also boosts up your monsters attack points." With pride Jaden smiled showing his pearly whites.
"Correct. On to the next.."
It wasn't all that easy for the boys to get 10 questions correct but eventually they had. A promise being a promise Esme made something for dinner. She followed the boys to their dorm and made a nice bowl of homemade Ramen.
"Wow, that smells good." Syrus said inhaling the rich scent. "It looks even better."
Syrus walked behind Esme who was still cooking. He watched her in awe; she had all these abilities and such a beautiful persona. How did he get so lucky to befriend her? He rests his head on the counter watching as she stirred the broth, pushing his glasses up.
"Whatcha looking at Sy?!" Jaden yelled as he made his way into the kitchen, a towel behind his head. Guessing by his appearance Jaden had just came from the shower.
"N-Nothing!" Syrus blushed shaking his head.
"You sure? Haha! It's not everyday we have a girl to cook for us, let alone make something as great as what Esme is making!" Jaden sits down as Esme pours small portions into 3 bowls.
All 3 students gather at the table breaking their chopsticks and dig in. It sure did smell as good as it looked, neither one of the boys could drop their bowls. Surprised to even see that both Jaden and Syrus moaning by the taste, Esme snickers through the whole meal. They must be exaggerating!
"I'm really happy you two like it. You deserve it. Good work today, I'm really proud of you guys. I know you two will pass the test, just study more and go over the notes we went over."
"Aw, do ya have to leave, Es?" Jaden asks as she walked to the front door of their dorm. "Why not stay the night? I don't want you walking to your room at this time of day." The brunette looks to the clock; it read exactly 1AM. "We got extra blankets."
Esme looks over to Syrus and Chumley who were already asleep. Jaden and Esme stayed up a little longer talking about their decks and duels. As each day passed the duo would learn something new about one another. It always made their friendship more exciting. The female rubbed her elbow and shrugged.
"I dunno Jay, I don't want to be a—"
Jaden grabbed her hand and pulled her across the room. "Hush hush, you're not a burden and hey, I could use a cuddle buddy!" He jumps into his twin-sized bed along with Esme. Her back pressed against his chest and his arms around her. He snuggled his chin against her shoulder, just enough so he could look at her.
"You're so stubborn Jay." She whispered to Jaden as she reached over to turn off the lamp. "It is comfy though. You always make Duel Academy feel more like home when you're around. I just don't want to get you or myself into trouble."
"You won't, don't worry. Just try to get some rest alright?" He yawns and tightens his grip around his dear friend. "I promise nothing is going to happen to you. Not as long as I'm here. ."
"I know, I always feel safe and secure with you around. . Goodnight Jay."
"And goodnight to you Esme, sweet dreams."