Chapter 1: Something I Won't Forget
The new day was brimming with energy and promise as the yellow sun rose once more over the cerulean sea. The temperature was at comfortable warmth, and the waves were spotted with zealous early-morning surfers.
Even as regimes rose and fell, Duel Academy remained a tropical paradise. The island was isolated from the goings-on of the world at large. It truly was a private school for those young dreamers that would become duelists.
Naturally, such a perfect thing could not remain so for long. Less than a month ago, the safety of not only the academy, but the entire planet was threatened by the Light of Ruin. The Light was a malevolent cosmic horror that desired nothing less than the destruction of all life in the universe. After possessing the mind of Sartorius, the Light systematically recruited the strongest duelists of the academy and nearly succeeded in destroying the planet. It was only through the utmost efforts of a certain few students that the malignant entity was defeated. Even then, it was only driven back, not truly destroyed.
After such calamity, final exams didn't seem like such a huge deal.
Chazz Princeton had just finished his final semester exam, and he was glad to leave the accursed classroom. It would be nearly three months before he would have to sit through more menial academic work. In the meantime, he would do…something.
He ran his pale hands through his black hair and sighed. Despite mostly living on a sunny island, his skin remained pasty white and his hair a dark charcoal. He really couldn't get a tan to save his life. As usual, he was alone on his walk from class.
His black trenchcoat ruffled as he walked, a way of rebelling against the school uniforms. When he returned from North Academy, they tried to make him wear a Slifer Red coat, but he would rather apologize to his scumbag brothers than wear such a hideous crimson.
It had been a few weeks since Chazz had been freed from the Society of Light's control by his rival and friend, Jaden Yuki. While he usually didn't see eye-to-eye with the blithe Slifer, he would always be grateful to him for returning his free will.
From there, Chazz had swiftly defeated the rest of the freakish cult by himself, turning his anger and indignation upon them. Incidentally, he won the Genex Tournament as a result, although no one really cared about the competition at that point.
Truth be told, Chazz hadn't given it much thought either. The last few weeks had been so crazy, he had a hard time keeping it all straight. So when he entered his dorm room and saw a letter from Kaibacorp on his desk, he was bewildered.
He dropped his bookbag on his small bunk bed and tore open the envelope. He let out a deep breath before beginning to read.
Dear Mr. Chazz Princeton,
Greetings and salutations, Mr. Princeton. I hope that your semester went well, and congratulations for winning the Genex Tournament! It is a prestigious honor to win it, and you should be very proud!
As a reward for winning your school's competition, you have been personally invited, along with two other students from your school of your own selection, to compete in the 11th annual KC Grand Championship! This will place the three of you among the top 64 duelists in the nation!
We sincerely hope you take up this opportunity. The grand prize for winning the tournament is an enormous cash prize of one million yen, as well as the chance to design your very own Duel Monsters card!
Players will be treated to two nights at the Imperial Hotel on the evenings of June 11th and June 12th. The tournament will begin at 10:00 AM sharp the next day at the Silver Dragon's Coliseum in Domino City.
We hope to see you at the tournament!
- Kaiba Corp
Chazz smirked. He always enjoyed having his talents recognized. Having someone like Seto Kaiba send out an invitation like this was truly a great honor. "Now I can show the whole world just how strong I am!" He said to himself.
In his excitement, he read the letter again. "Two other students from my school, huh…I wonder who I should bring with. I shouldn't bring anyone I can't beat. That leaves everyone, though…I wonder if Alexis would like to go?"
Chazz held a not-so-secret attraction towards his beautiful blonde classmate. Unfortunately for him, however, she seemed to view his affections as comical, and generally was dismissive and cold towards him.
"I guess it can't hurt to ask her…" He murmured. Inwardly, he knew it was a vain effort, but he was never one to give up. He picked up the letter and made his way towards the door.
He strode across the patio of the Slifer Red Dorm. Although the place amounted to little more than a dusty tool shed with beds, it had a certain homey charm to it that grew on him over time.
"Hiya, Chazz! What's up?" A happy voice chirped from across the balcony. The black-haired boy inwardly cringed before turning around.
Facing him with a wide grin was Jaden Yuki, accompanied by his best friends Syrus Truesdale and Tyranno Hasselberry. Jaden was one of the academy's premier duelists, although one wouldn't know that from his demeanor. He wore the red coat of the academy's lowest tier, the Slifer Reds. His ginger-brown mop of hair was casually windswept over his playful chocolate eyes.
"Jaden." Chazz acknowledged stiffly, nodding in his direction while ignoring Syrus and Hasselberry. He then turned to walk away not having much to say to his rival.
"What's that you have in your hand?" Syrus squeaked, curious. "What? It's nothing!" Chazz practically yelled in surprise.
"Want me to grab it from him, sarge?" Hasselberry requested, cracking his knuckles with a leer.
"Um, that's alright, man. If he wanted us to know what it was, he would've said something. Now come on, let's go to the beach for a bit." Jaden, ever relaxed, calmly defused the situation. "See you later, Chazz."
As they walked away, Chazz felt a pervading sense of guilt. He definitely owed Jaden after the way he saved Chazz from the Society, and yet he still treated the Slifer like a second-rate duelist. The opposite had been proven enough. Jaden probably would've won the Genex Tournament if not for Sartorius.
"Jaden, just a minute!" He called after his rival. Jaden turned around, a slightly annoyed look on his face now. "I'd like to talk to you, if that's alright."
Jaden shrugged. "Sure, man." He glanced towards Syrus and Hasselberry, and they stayed where they were while Jaden followed Chazz over to a limestone cliff by the sea.
The wind picked up slightly as the two boys walked. Chazz, making sure they were well out of earshot, turned to face Jaden. The Elemental Hero duelist was slightly surprised at how secretive the usually ostentatious Chazz was being.
"Here, read this. It was delivered to my dorm room this morning." Chazz said quickly, passing the letter to Jaden. Jaden did so, one eyebrow cocking as he folded it up and returned it to Chazz.
"Wow, awesome! You're gonna be able to duel with the best, and I'm gonna be stuck doing nothing over the summer! Ah well, try to send me some pictures." Jaden said nonchalantly.
Chazz was shocked at how unassuming Jaden was being. "Actually, I was thinking of bringing you with me. If you'd like, that is." He forced out, hardly believing he was really inviting Jaden on a trip with him.
Jaden was similarly disbelieving. "Wow, no kidding? I'd love to go! I can't believe you'd pick me though, I figured you'd want to go with someone else. Aw, I'm getting excited already!"
Chazz bristled. "Well, I owe you one for that business with the Society of Light. If it weren't for you, I'd still be Sartorius' lapdog. This is the least I could do."
Jaden clapped his friend on the back and looked again towards the ocean. "Hey, no problem! Now who else do you want to bring with? I bet Syrus or Hasselberry would love to come." He asked.
Chazz fought a shudder. The thought of spending extended periods of time with either of those two nearly made him retch. "I was thinking Alexis." He said cautiously. He wasn't sure of Jaden's feelings towards the Obelisk Queen; sometimes, it seemed the Slifer had no concept of romance.
"Ok, I'm down for that! Do you want to ask her right now?" Jaden said. "I would, but I don't know where she is." Chazz mumbled.
"Whatevs, she'll probably show up at the bonfire tonight." Jaden whistled, throwing his arms behind his head. "Bonfire?" Chazz repeated.
"Yeah man, you need to get in the loop! Atticus and I are holding it near the lake. He told me there's going to be plenty of "smoking babes", whatever that means. You should totally come! There might be some dueling, so bring your cards." Jaden laughed.
Chazz smirked, crossing his arms. "Heh, it's always about dueling with you…sure, I'll be there." "Man, I've gotten soft…" He thought inwardly.
Later that day, Chazz was walking by the administrative wing of the school on his way to get some dinner. He usually ate alone, sometimes bringing a book with to alleviate boredom. Oftentimes he would try to read only to be pestered by a certain group of duel monster spirits.
Chazz had met the Ojama Brothers during his brief exodus to North Academy during his freshman year. After humiliating defeats at the hands of Jaden Yuki and Bastion Misawa, Chazz left Duel Academy to grow stronger. For nearly a month, he survived, living partially off of the land and partially off of his burning need for revenge. He could not recall another time in his life when his hatred had burned for so long and for so hot.
Meeting the Ojamas had probably helped him far more than he would care to admit. Three annoying, disgusting, and lewd creatures so weak as to be useless helped him in his darkest hour. The irony was never lost on him. Although they vexed him endlessly with their inane chatter, he harbored a small affection for the little gremlins.
"Soooo, when are you gonna ask that cute blondie to the tournament?" Ojama Yellow said in a sing-song tone.
"You know, back in my day, we asked girls to dances!" Ojama Green piped in.
"Our Chazz; such a romantic!" Ojama Black cackled.
"If you three mess up my chances with Alexis, I'll wring your little necks!" Chazz threatened, at the end of his rope. Grumbling, he went up to the cafeteria to grab an iced coffee for the road. Distracted by the Ojama's antics, he didn't notice bumping into someone.
Dr. Vellian Crowler stumbled backwards, taken by surprise. "Sorry, professor. I didn't watch where I was going." Chazz stammered, embarrassed.
"Quite alright, dear boy." Crowler huffed, smoothing out his frilly blue overcoat as he grabbed a bottled water. "So, have you received your message from Kaiba Corp about winning the Genex Tournament. Will you be attending the tournament on the 12th?"
Chazz nodded. "Yeah, I think I have a decent shot. Besides, it's a good way to make connections for when I go pro."
Crowler smiled genially. "I figured you would. Which students are you going to bring with you? Of course, you don't have to bring any if you don't want."
"I was thinking about bringing Jaden and Alexis." Chazz said slowly. Predictably, Crowler's expression soured when he heard Jaden's name. "Ugh, are you sure about bringing that Slifer slacker? There are so many other students in this academy, and you had to pick him?"
Chazz shrugged. "Why do you even care? Are you competing in the tournament as well?" He said cheekily.
Crowler huffed again. "For your information, I happen to have an academic conference on the 12th, so there! Now who's laughing?"
"Haha! I'd rather duel than be stuck in some boring office meeting all day. This does work out well though. It would be good if you could supply us with transportation to the coliseum and back, since you'll be in the city as well. I don't have a car, and I'm pretty sure Jaden and Alexis don't either." Chazz asked.
Crowler sighed theatrically. "Very well. I can take you there. In return, I want typed essays on what you learned from your matches!" At Chazz's incredulous reaction, Crowler added with a smile, "Just kidding. I swear, you teenagers have no senses of humor."
In a few hours, the sun dipped below the horizon, and the orange dusk was soon replaced by a deep blue night. Chazz made his way over to the Obelisk Blue dorm for the first time since his stint in the Society of Light.
The building was being repainted, the roofs and siding being returned to their original blue hue through the efforts of students. One of those students was Atticus Rhodes, Alexis' older brother. Although the two siblings were close, their personalities could not have been more different.
Atticus was a goofy man with a love for the ukulele and the ladies. His jokey exterior hid a deceptively keen mind for strategy and for the game of Duel Monsters. Alexis, however, was by far the better duelist. She was kind, but oftentimes aloof, and she had a wicked sharp sense of humor.
The party was by the lake, a campfire sending red sparks up as a signal to newcomers. Chazz uncomfortably made his way through the various throngs of students in attendance; this was definitely not his scene.
Around the campfire was Atticus. He was strumming a tune Chazz couldn't recognize on his ukulele for a group of smitten girls, who seemed to think he was quite the talented musician. Atticus finished his song, and the girls clapped appreciatively for him.
"Ladies, ladies, you're took kind! There's plenty more where that came from!" He winked, causing a few nearby Obelisk girls to swoon. Chazz awkwardly waved to get the popular boy's attention.
Atticus waved back. "Well well, if it isn't Casanova himself!" He smirked. Atticus, strangely, fancied himself Chazz's mentor on all things relating to love and romance. Chazz, as any desperate man would, took any advice that was offered to him. Atticus had no problem with Chazz's romantic feelings towards his sister Alexis; in fact, he actively encouraged them.
"I bet you're looking for my sister, huh?" The older boy asked perceptively. "I can't see any other reason why you'd be here."
"Right." Chazz said tersely.
"She's getting some food, I think. You should get some too, you look thin as a rail."
"It's been a stressful year."
"That it has. All the more reason to celebrate, right? Now go get em, tiger!" Atticus smiled before waving Chazz off.
The black-haired duelist scanned around for a few seconds, unfamiliar with the territory. Then, he saw a black grill, sizzling with hot dogs and burgers. Weaving his way through yet another crowd of people, Chazz took care to hold onto his letter from Kaiba Corp.
Eventually, he saw her. Dirty blonde hair, ratty jeans, and a sky blue sweatshirt. Sharp hazel eyes that gleamed with what could be amusement. She was taller than him, and it amazed him how she could be so regal and intimidating on the battlefield and so welcoming to everyone but him outside of it.
She was talking to Jaden about something inconsequential. As usual, the Hero duelist wore red, although he had discarded his uniform for a t-shirt and sweatpants.
Chazz gulped and took a moment to collect himself before walking up to them. "Confidence! Remember, you're the Chazz!"
"Yeah, boss! Be confident!" Ojama Yellow chimed in out of nowhere. "Shut up!" Chazz yelled. Instantly, he realized that he had just said that aloud.
Jaden and Alexis were stunned in silence for a moment. Alexis glared at him, while Jaden was visibly amused. Faintly, Chazz remembered that Jaden could see Duel Monster spirits as well, and that he had probably just witnessed the exchange between him and Ojama Yellow.
"Is something wrong, Chazz?" Alexis questioned coldly. "Why do I always look like such an idiot in front of her?" Chazz thought hopelessly.
"Are you going to be OK, man? You look like you're about to be sick." Jaden asked in concern. "I feel fine! In fact, I'm more than fine! Here, check out this letter!
In one swift and unbroken motion, she grabbed the letter from his hand and unfolded it. Keenly, she read the message in ten seconds before returning the crumpled and slightly sweaty paper to its original recipient. She waited silently, expectant.
"I was wondering if you'd like to come with. You and Jaden would dueling in this tournament for the possibility of the same prizes as me. If you're interested, you won't have to pay for the hotel or anything, just the contest entry fee." He said in one continuous breath.
Alexis' eyes widened, considering the offer. Ever since she had been freed from the Society, she felt unsteady to the point of being uncomfortable with dueling. A competition like this in a low-risk environment might be what she needed to get back in the game.
Jaden was coming too; she relished any opportunity to get closer to him. He was so warm and kind, but she wondered if he ever noticed the way she would look at him an instant longer than what was perhaps appropriate, the way her eyes would drift towards his own. If being around Chazz was the price to pay for traveling with Jaden, it was a price she would gladly pay.
"Sure…just hope you don't end up facing me in the final round." She teased lightly with a demure smile. Chazz was so happy that his knees nearly wobbled. "Awesome! You won't regret this!"
"I'm sure." She replied drily. Yet even still, Chazz swore he saw a glint of joy in her eyes.
Later that evening, Chazz reported his success to Atticus, who got him a drink as a reward. Slowly, the arrogant duelist felt himself coming out of his shell, even making some conversation with the other people around the bonfire. He scarcely remembered leaving the party to go back to his empty dorm room. Two days later, it was already the end of term.
Chazz did not get very excited about the summertime normally; it meant spending a long amount of time on his own with only his cards to keep him company. But this time, things were different. A new goal was in front of him, and it was one far greater than mere power or the accumulation of wealth. By the end of the summer, he vowed, he would win Alexis' heart and surpass Jaden.
"What do you think, boss? You ready for this?" Ojama Black asked him as they departed the island via airplane.
Chazz felt a heady sense of excitement and determination swell in his chest. Today was a new day.
"You bet I am."
End Chapter 1
Featured Card: Ojama Yellow (Level 2 Earth-Attribute Normal Beast. ATK 0/DEF 1000)
"He's one of the Ojama Trio. It's said that he butts in by any means necessary. It's also said that when the three are together, something happens."
A/N
Hello all, and thanks for reading the first chapter of Coliseum!
I've always enjoyed GX and its characters, and the idea for this story comes form an aspect of the story that was basically ignored; the consequences of the Genex Tournament. I hope you all don't mind my use of the dub names, they are simply what I am more familiar with.
As for this story, I'm trying to craft a fun, character-driven story, similar in mood to the average Yugioh filler saga. Chazz will take the role of protagonist here; I've always loved his character arc and how's unique he is. In this story, his perspective on the events of the plot as well as his evolving relationships with the other characters will take a huge role. It's not that I don't like Jaden; he is an excellently written character and I plan to give him and Alexis some spotlight as well.
I don't anticipate this story to be incredibly long, but we'll see. I'm excited to keep writing this and updates will hopefully be frequent. Please leave a review if you like!