Why do we take breath in the world we've taken for granted. Why. We created and destroyed inside the sphere which is named Earth, it's truly something dreadful. Countless battles, exact same results, lives shorten over something that could've been prevented. Welcoming peace at a time like this where many still mourn for their lost. I do not blame them for being human, we all have our flaws and weakness.

"Tch."

The thought of it sickens my stomach, even though I haven't lost anything in my life before. Maybe because I was born with a wealthy family, that is truly some I am grateful for. Parents that love me unconditionally, classmates that adored me, I do receive gifts and gazes from time to time, which means I am a looker for the human eye. Sigh, looking at the sky can put my mind at ease, the air fresh, as I noticed sakura petals riding the wind. Truly beautiful, enough for my smile to resurface once again.

My name is Shizuka Eve Saijo, I am 16 years old, enrolled into one of the prestigious academies called Seijuro Academy. I was told by many of my former classmates from Iwasaki High, sure it was a standard high school not meant to pursuit a career path toward the famous card game... Duel Monsters. It truly fascinated me that one simple card game can change many outcomes in our generation. I was never invested in the card game one bit, until I took an exam in our high school which was related to the game, just basic math in my opinion.

"Sigh. Why did it become a big deal over this stupid card game..?"

I gently pouted, walking by the sidewalk towards my destination, passing by children and teenagers around my age being cheerful with their buddies. Not a care in the world I might say, but it can't be helped, after all.

"It is a time of peace, so I can let it slide for the meantime."

Without noticing my thoughts were spoken out, as someone behind me overheard my words, a female student walked passed me, giving me a cold gaze. Which sent chills inside me, causing me to halt as the stranger did as well, in front of me. Which cause some unwanted attention around the area, it was very uncomfortable to receive this much before school, her eyes were locked onto me, causing me to look away. Gripping the handle of my bag, as my heart feels a little fast pace, waiting for the person to spoke, just to end this awkward moment. But to my surprise, she tilted her head a bit to the side with a gentle smile as her arm raised, giving me a proper greeting, I acknowledged and shook her hand after she let her's out for a few seconds. A soft voice has spoken, which fit her character, for a fragile looking person in my book.

"Hello there, my name Yurika V'on Forthe, a pleasure to meet you.~"

She greeted kindly towards me, which was weird in my book, didn't she overheard me one minute ago? Before I had a chance to spoke, she interrupted me, probably to give me her thoughts for saying something negative this early of the day.

"Sorry for being rude ma'am, I was curious of what you spoken towards the "Peace." If I am not mistaken.~"

Damnit! I guess I have to spill the beans to her before things go south between her and I, this is truly an awkward time for me.

"O-Oh..? I am sorry, its just at times like these, it's scary to me that we achieved peace after a dreadful past.."

I hope my words are enough to set the woman loose off my hook, the stares are really making it super uncomfortable at the moment. As I saw Yurika give me another smile, it's like she knew how uncomfortable the crowd was making it for me to talk properly.

"It is true, peace can truly be scary once achieved for a while. It's understandable for you feel uneasy. But you shouldn't dread over the past anymore, after all we will become classmates soon.~"

I just realized her and I have the same uniform, which made me feel dumbfounded as she slowly turned her back at me, walking away with a small giggle.

"We better hurry, school is about to start soon after all. I hope we meet again!~"

I watches her walk out of my life, as well as her followers that were watching our encounter. I finally began to walk once again, heading towards my destination. I sighed a bit in relief, as I glanced down noticed my deck attached to my waist. Instantly deciding to take a seat onto the empty bench under a tree, feeling the nice cool shade engulfing my body as the breeze was a nice addition. Having a moment of peace, I decided to take a look at my deck just to take out one card in particular, staring at it for a while, it does look pretty mean and powerful, it's name..

"Red.. Dragon.. Archfiend..?"

What a weird name to have, but who am I to judge, quickly slid the card back into the deck and clipped it onto my waist once again, kicking my feet in the air, not wanting to go to a new school and meet new people. I still have plenty of time to get to school, so relaxing here won't be a big issue, besides it's just one more block away.

I decided to rest my eyes for once, still too early to be up in my book. Feeling a instant burning pain for a few seconds as it went away, what I get for being to anxious to get some early sleep last night. I knew the moment I did well on that exam, and succeeded with high value scores I felt glares from the people that didn't make it along with me. Only I passed the exam, with little to no knowledge to the game, just a standard math with surprised me seeing how many people were truly bad at math as a whole. Making me question the education system we had, but I won't dig to deep into it, unpleasant memories tend to flood my mind like a ocean.

Forcing myself off the bench to continue my walk towards Seijuro Academy, until I stumbled upon a playground where kids are playing that card game I mentioned a while ago, seeing duel-disk? I think that is what they are called, I have one myself in my bag, but it bit modified and alter from theirs. But in my perspective those duel-disk seem standard issue, viewing them project holograms of their duel monsters, I wasn't interested in watching. After all, the academy I enrolled in don't do stationary duels, which makes me anxious since Action Duels became complete entertainment center with the new system they added onto the game, so I pretty sure that my body will have to build up to be in shape for the game.

Wait. That reminds me.. That girl.. Yurika, what does she mean when she said we would be classmates, from my eyes.. She seems like a fragile person in my book. Maybe there is some hope for me! Hopefully it isn't just primarily focused on Action Duels! I decided to run up the hill to get to my school, having a bit of excitement as my drive, suddenly I heard the school bells. Damnit. I am running late after all, I spent too much time recollecting my thoughts. Sprinting passed other students who were also late surprised me, but not enough to distract me once again, passing by the entrance while taking out a slip of paper they sent to me on the assign classrooms.

"... Class B-9?"

I questioned myself, as I realized the place was huge, much bigger than my neighborhood! I didn't have to time be fascinated even though I wanted too, goddamn it! I took my chances and ran into the building in front of me, as I noticed a sign at front, it contained classes A - E, bingo! I looked for Section B, which was a piece of cake, guess I can't judge a book by it's cover, since this place on the inside is pretty well-rounded and organized to help new students. Rushing passed student per student as they stared in aw due to my actions, I didn't care about appearance at the moment. All I cared is being in time for row-call, I found it! B-9! I calmed down from the excrement I caused for myself, and gently slide the door open to view my classroom, seeing some unique people in front of me, all I did was smile as I welcomed myself in and looked for a seat, looks like class hasn't started yet.

I am glad, I found a seat near the window and at the back, each row of seats is up to 8, so a class of 32 students doesn't seem overkill. Doesn't matter, I can relax for once and leave my bag at the side, having a goofy smile placed on my face. Viewing others resume their talks after I took a seat, talk about awkward. Oh well.

Thus my enrollment will begin as soon as the teacher walks in, which could be soon, since the bell for attendance has begun but no sight of the teacher, and only less than have the class are seated. Weird, I thought a school that this would be taken seriously, what gives? Sudden a crowd of students walked into the room at once, in orderly fashion which surprised me once more, not the crowd but the student that I met a while ago on the streets.

"Yurika.."

I spoken softly, as she noticed my being here, smiling at me once again like she did before. Taking it upon herself to be seated next to me, looking over and letting out a small and soft giggle.

"My guess was right, we are classmates for this year. That is right, I never asked for your name! How rude of me.."

She given me a sad pouty face, as I sighed in reply to her curiousity.

"The name is Shizuka, nice to meet ya, Yurika."

Her eyes lightened up, looking like she is happy to hear my name. So weird.

"Well then, I hope we become great friend, Shi-Chan!"

Shi-Chan!? Did she instantly nicknamed me out of the blue?! Sigh, it can't be helped even though it feels embarrassing but I have to shrug it off since I made friends with a kind-fragile woman. Who knows, maybe she will be someone I can truly keep as a friend for a lifetime.

"Shi-Chan!? We just met! Let's settle down on the nicknames for now Yurika!"

My face was a bit flustered as I playfully lashed at her, as her respond was just a smile and a giggle, which I did not mind. As the other students stared at us being "playful" in their eyes, but it didn't distract them as much since I can still hear their random talks until I heard something interesting from the crowd.

"Isn't that Yurika V'on Forthe?"

"Wait! You mean the Daughter of the Forthe Company?!"

"If that is true, then why is she here? There are much higher level tier school that can give her a higher education level."

"Who knows? But oh boy she is definitely a cute one."

Gossip, inbetween the crowd. It never gets old, people never change which is pretty distasteful. But I do have to turn a blind eye for now and enjoy the laughs I will have in the future, I pretty sure things will get a little havoc in my school life. The sound of the door sliding open as our teacher finally appeared, nothing interesting about him. I focused my attention on him and awaited until my name was called and start focusing on school for the meantime.

One Hour Later...

Class sure took long in introduction, than again it is the first day of school after all. Second period should start soon, let's take a look..

"A-7? Huh, lucky for it's in the same building.~"

"How lucky you are!"

I felt an arm hanging around me, it was little uncomfortable until I saw the person's face, male, looks like around my age with black spiky hair, and a scar on his left eye. Rebel?

"And who might you be?"

I gave him a glare, telling him to get his arm off me, noticing what I meant with my signal he ended up removing his arm quickly, scratching the back of his head with a nervous chuckle at play. Never mind, he seems more of a clumsy guy in my book instead.

"S-Sorry! I mean no harm, I just overheard you speak of the class you were headed to next! And I kind got excited so I wanted to have a small conversation while you take us there!"

Wait. Take us? Does he not know where Classroom A-7 at? He can't be serious, maybe I am overthinking it.

"What do mean? You can just walk there yourself."

Trying to clarify one thing about him, despite his appearance.

"Yeah.. You see... I just followed the people that I overheard having the same class as me.. Ahaha.."

My face in a bit of shock, as my opinion towards him was completely changed, this guy isn't a rebel.. He is a clumsy-jolly idiot! I decided to let out a sigh, as I walked away from him, signalling the poor guy to tag along with me, since we have a few minutes till class. Which was no biggy.

"That reminds me.. I am Takashi, Takashi Ogawa! Is what they call me!"

Sounds very peppy about his name but then I realized his last name means 'little river' despite his appearance as a big guy, than again, he seems loveable at a degree. Oh well.

"My name is Shizuka, Shizuka Eve Saijo, a pleasure to meet you, Takashi.~"

He had a goofy grin on his face, maybe because he is talking to someone along the way or is just using me to get to class. Either way, it's nice to have two people come towards me instead of me approaching them. Once we made it to class and took our seats, the bell rung once again. Roll call has begun and we sat here once again, but this time no introductions, the teacher activated a monitor on the wall, as he turned off the lights to have a better view. Thank god the curtains were down, or else I would be a bit embarrassed to go over to the window to fix the problem which got me to silent giggle.

"Today, we are gonna take a look up here. Tell me what is the card represented.. You!"

He pointed at a random student who rose his hand obediently, answering the teacher's question so others can understand what he meant. Cause I was clueless for a second, due to the fact I never had my card have the letter A on the back, I believe they are called.. "Action Cards?" If I am correct.

"They are known as Action Cards, a basic quick play spell card that allows game changes during duels. Maining our source of entertainment!"

"Correct, Mr. Okazaki!"

I saw that smitty grin on his face, something tells me he enjoys being right all the time. I just hope I am wrong about it, then again.. I don't know the guy.

Action Cards are basically game changers from what he said, ignoring the teacher's words at the moment. Focusing on my thoughts, if there are spell cards, clear there are meant to be traps as well, noticing that the teacher just hit the subject I wondered about.

"As many of you know about Action Cards, there are some that can trigger as downfall. Which are Action Traps, they can benefit you or be your downfall. But always remember, that you must be cautious in your duels. Accidents tends to happen, some can be on purpose."

Purpose huh? I haven't encountered any ill characters in the school premise, but I wasn't looking around much since I did rest outside of school a while back. Maybe later today I should take a look around, who knows what I can find.

45 Minutes Later...

Boy that class was pretty informative about Action Cards and their purposes, but I feel like he left out an important detail. It doesn't matter, since nutrition break is here. Better grab a bite before the bell to attend class begins, I walked my way towards the cafeteria was was in between two buildings, grabbed my food which was mashed potatoes and corn. Seems stationary but I ain't complaining, I was just about to chow down until I heard a voice from behind.

"May I take a seat with ya?~"

It was Yurika, I scooted over to give her space to sit next to as her tray was placed on the wooden table. Since we are eating outside after all, viewing some crowds giving us a stare, which is pretty irritating. Until a guy sat on the other side, without asking permission first like Yurika did, which was Takashi of course. Before I was able to say something, he began chowing down like a madman.

"My, my. You should slow down on your food and enjoy the taste.~"

Yurika advising Takashi how to eat, as he swallowed his food at once and drank some juice he had on the side.

"Huh?! It's cafeteria food, there is nothing to savor honey! It's better to just eat and fill up!"

He spoken his opinions towards her, as she gave him a giggle.

"Food may be food, but all food is different after all. No need for you to choke on it.. Umm.. I am sorry, what's your name?"

His mouth was completely stuffed once again to answer so I did him the benefit of the doubt, and impersonated him for the laughs.

"His name is Takashi, Takashi Ogawa is what they call him!"

Instantly, he responded after aggressively swallowing his food which was a bit impressive the second time.

"Hey! It's not nice to copy other people's introductions!"

He lashed out, pointing out that it's his thing to not be taken lightly, causing me to give him a small laugh.

"Doesn't that mean little river?"

Yurika question his last name, as I begun to laugh a bit more as he felt defeated from her words. Confused from the display we gave out.

"Did I say something wrong?~"

"No, no. It's fine, Takashi is a tough guy, right?"

He gave him a obnoxious smile, as he seemed a bit fluster from my words. I took a sip of my apple juice through the straw, while these two were having a rebuttal about his last name. Something caught my eye, in the middle of the food court, which had a stage on set, seems pretty big to me. I noticed the duel disk being displayed for both player that we're having a small talk, I remember one of them. Okazaki, that is what I remember of him, he doesn't have much for appearance, just a geek with long hair and glasses, nothing special. What caught my eye was the challenger he was up against, my eyes locked onto him as he glanced over at me, giving me a cold stare like Yurika did when we first met.

"Wait a second.. Isn't that spot too big for a stationary duel?"

I asked Yurika, but instead of her asking my question Takashi took the spotlight.

"... Actually Shi-Chan!"

"Tch!"

Did he really nicknamed me as well, goddamn it! The things I have to deal with on my first day!

"From what I am seeing, looks to me an action duel will take place!"

"Action Duel?"

Yurika gave me a confused look, as it looks like she is ready to ask me a question.

"Shi-Chan?"

"Yes?"

"You do know what an Action Duel is, correct?"

"Uhhh.. I know what they are, but I honestly never seen one.."

For a second they both stared at me, until their voices synced as once in shock.

"EHHHH!?"

"Shut up! I haven't seen one, so I am curious about what is going to happen!"

They both began to laugh at me, but I knew they were being playful with me so in the end, I didn't feel judged for once. Which puts me at ease.

"Well, Shi-Chan. You are truly about to see something amazing for sure.~"

Yurika sounding like she is promising something amazing will happen inside that duel. Who knows what will happen, but unlike the children in the playground. Something feels different, thus my curiosity has risen. Show me.. What an Action Duel truly means in entertainment.

Prologue Ends...

To be Continued...

NEXT: Duelist's Heart! Action Duel!

Author's Notes:

This series has been in head for years to come when I regained my happiness through the game a few years after graduation of high school. I do hope this series gets your attention. Enjoy the read because there are more to come!

Action Duel!

The series is mostly on WattPad, if you want early updates on this series. Hit me on there, FanguChan, the title of the book is the same still