Hi there, my name is Crystal Aura Kirai (it's pronounced Key-rye). Great name right? Well not too bad, until you look up what "Kirai" means in Japanese. Which I'm sure all of us know words can have various translations in any language or use, however the one I'm referring to is "hate". In all honesty, I think it fits: all my life my mother has said she hates me. I'm not exaggerating either, she's said that to my face before beating me senseless. This has gone on from my third birthday. My father is no good either, see he's a sick man and as such not allowed near me. Now enough sob story, I don't want to start this off badly. I managed to make it out of that place around my last year of junior high, thanks to an old friend. He's more like an older brother to me than my best friend, his name is Jaden Yuki, but sometimes I call him "Jade". We grew up together in a suburban neighborhood near Tokyo, Japan. He's a year older than me, he's 16 and I'm 15. Like me: Jaden has ivory skin, expressive brown eyes, and brown hair. Unlike me, his medium brown hair has natural orange highlights in it that stop at the base of his head. Now his eyes are a medium brown that is lively and fun, (most of the time), when he's sad or disappointed, he kind of looks like a kicked puppy, when he's understandably angry, he looks more overly-determined than anything else. He has a pretty lean but sturdy build to him. I have a darker shade to my hair and eyes, they both almost look black but when lights hit them correctly, you can see the brown in them. My hair is straight and thick but comes off as wavy, because I wear it in a braid at night, and it comes down to the middle of my back. I've been told my eyes are warm and bright, despite how hard I try to lie about my hidden sadness. I have a basic and healthy girl figure, not too busty or curvy but not a stick either. Both of us love dueling, but he also enjoys sports. Team sports or individual ones that can be considered a team sport too. While he tends to see them more as a fun pass time and not his career and passion. Whereas I personally enjoy the arts, especially the expressive and performance arts. The expressive arts include any kind of pictures involving painting, pencils, oil pastels, and so on. Now the performance arts I favor are singing and dance. So to me, dueling isn't just a game: it's a way to express your likes, your hobbies, your dreams, and learn from others. I use it for fun and to learn more about myself and the people around me. It also helps me cope when talking to friends, singing, or drawing doesn't work. My career path? I don't care much, as long as I can pay bills, put food on the table, and help out. So stocking shelves at a store like Sunny Mart where you can get all you need in one place? I honestly don't mind, but not fast food.

Now Jaden? He's something else because what he lacks in book smarts, he makes up for with his ability to think on his feet. He might be a little dense but deep down? He's a loyal, kind, confident, fun, and selfless person. He also has a habit of being what I call "painfully honest", meaning he tends makes jokes while also telling the truth about something. I feel blessed to have him in my life as a friend because I know if I have something I want to talk about? He's there to listen and help if I need it, then cheer me up without even trying. He's always looked out for me, like an older brother. Which is why him going to Duel Academy, one of the top 5 dueling schools in the world, is going to be tough. I know it's his dream to be the next King of Games, to be just as great as his hero, Yugi Moto. The only way that's ever going to happen is if he goes out and learns. I get that entirely, but no one ever said saying goodbye was easy, let alone fun. Duel Academy is a school away from home on an island with almost every kind of terrain imaginable, they have dorms and uniforms that are associated with how high the students rank in their scores in homework, written tests, and field tests. They even supply food, any and all medication students may require (as long as they give them a heads up), the supplies needed for cleaning clothes, and basic hygiene needs, even a standard school duel disk. I know he can take care of himself and that he'll be fine, but I'll still miss him. So no matter how much I may want to cry as I watch him duel to enter the school, and eventually see him off when he leaves? I won't cry, I know he'd rather see me smiling and wishing him well, instead of crying because of how much I'll miss him. He's not selfish, but I know it'll only make leaving harder on him too.

So here we are, at the try out entrance exams: the building is huge! The ceiling lights in each dueling area had to be about 15 feet long and 20 feet wide at least. Four of those bad boys made up a square right above where each entire duel was taking place, from what I saw? There were four there, so four try out exams could take place at once! Thankfully each one had sound canceling walls to drown out the duels either next to, in front of, or behind the current one on one duel. This way both the applicants and the proctors can focus. Of course, friends and family were allowed to watch and cheer, which is where I come in. I wanted to be there for him for once, so I came up with a bogus story that the teacher and dean believed. I make it a habit to only do this in either emergency or when it's important. I counted today as; "incredibly important & highly classified". I knew Jaden would do the same for me so I was glad he made it to the exams before they closed up. Now it's time for him to show that he's good enough.

While we waited for his chance, we talked to another applicant. He had light blue hair, big and adorable gray eyes that had small circular glasses in front of them. The shape of his eyes reminded me of Yugi Moto in some of the posters I've seen: big, bright, and cute as be. His voice was high and sweet yet very unsure of himself, kinda like a preteen but I could tell he wasn't a child. He just hasn't hit puberty yet, but he's probably just a late bloomer. Now one thing I noticed was as far as height goes? This kid came up to the middle of Jaden's upper arm when standing side by side. I stand just a few centimeters under Jaden's chin. He said his name was Syrus Truesdale and that he's surprised he even won, let alone made it passed the written exams. I felt sorry for the kid but I didn't exactly have time to offer encouragement right then and there because Jaden was called for his duel. I wasn't sure what to make of the proctor that Jaden was supposed to face: was it a chick? A man? I heard them say their name, I figured it was safe to say this Proctor was a man who just looks like a chick. I didn't like how this guy gave off an air of "high and mighty, bow to me you lower life". I want to give him the benefit of doubt, but as soon as I heard his place in the job? I knew he was a high-level teacher, most likely second in command. This was a complete mismatch and how he acted definitely wasn't helping. I would bet my best Spellcaster card that he wasn't using a test deck like they're required to, he was using his own. I can't be sure why but I knew that he was trying to fail Jaden. Sure the other proctors were miffed about defeat and such, but that's because they have to give it their best. This guy was purposely trying to fail Jaden, I knew because my instincts have never lead me astray. Jaden had recently played a monster I've never seen him play before Winged Kuriboh! An adorable brown fur ball with big sweet eyes, little green paws, and the high pitched voice it makes when it's summoned? That's heart melting, just like all the other Kuribohs, only this one had little angel wings. This little guy helped Jaden, even though he was destroyed. On that very turn, Jaden takes no damage to his score.

See there's three types of important numbers in duel monsters: the attack points for each monster, which are deducted from your score if the attack works, defense points for each monster which mostly protect your score so long as the monster is in defense mode, and your Life points, those are your total score. All duels here start with 4000 life points, the one who eliminates the other person's life points' first wins. Meaning that if Jaden's life points reach 0, he loses: both the duel and his chance to get into the academy this year. There are other important parts to this game too: spell cards and trap cards, without those you lose every time. Spells can raise or lower the power of your monsters or your opponent's monsters, they can protect you and or your monsters, inflict direct damage, remove traps, restore your life points and even give a nice holographic scenery change. Some can even force your opponent's monsters from attack to defense or vice versa, or let you take control. Traps are similar but are considered the most dangerous. They can protect your monsters and your score, inflict damage, destroy your opponent's monsters, weaken them, or even let you take control of them, some can even hamper with your opponents entire deck. The monsters themselves have levels that are ranked by the stars under their names and these can be from 1-12. Some require a sacrifice depending on the monster level. You do this by sending one of your own monsters from the field to the grave so you can bring out the monster you want to summon: typically any monster with 4 stars or less is allowed to the field on your turn, 5 and 6 starred monsters need one sacrifice, but 7-12 starred monsters vary depending on the type and the level. Some like Dark Magician need two sacrifices, but some others need three. Sure the 4 leveled monsters may look weak but their special abilities can definitely make up for it. While some don't have one or more, these special abilities are ways to help either each other or you or even both. It all depends on how effectively you use them, and Jaden's Winged Kuriboh may be a small guy with small points, but his effect saved Jaden. Now his trap, hero signal, lets him summon an Elemental Hero to the field.

This so called "teacher" was in for it now, he kept disrespecting Jaden and his cards. I know it's just a game, but that doesn't give this Crowler guy the right to trash someone he: (a) doesn't even know and (b) call his opponent's cards lame. He's not a teacher because he wants the students to succeed and help them learn; he's in it for the pay, perks, and publicity of being a teacher at one of the best schools out there! Which makes Jaden defeating his extremely rare card all the more enjoyable & maybe that'll shut him up and show him: don't judge by what you see, judge by what a person does and how he or she treats others. Any person can train and practice to be a good duelist; but to be as good as Yugi, they need to put their trust and faith in their cards and themselves. Not just when things are good, but when things look like you may as well quit. The reasons to duel are important too, which is mostly reflected in cases like this or the most commonly seen case: tournaments. Are you dueling for yourself? Fun? Or is the prize something that can help someone you care about? That's where the power of faith in your cards and yourself help the most. The support from friends and family also gives it a boost. It's known as The Heart of The Cards.

There's one other thing that people don't know about: that some people who are duelists are born with a special gift. A gift that allows the duelist to see duel spirits, some can even hear them. I know it sounds crazy, but for people like Jaden & myself? It's completely normal; but just like people, some duel spirits can be ill-willed or even deadly. They're the ones to watch out for, but 8 times out of 10, they don't want to hurt anyone or fight at all. If you trust the ones in your deck, treat them with respect, and ask for help in times of need during a duel? They won't let you down, some of these duel spirits can give advice and help you, but you need to be careful. My gift for this goes deeper: I can touch them like any other person, I can feel their texture. Sometimes, if the duel spirit isn't harmful or isn't hiding any malicious intentions? They can do the same for me too, but again, only the truly good ones can touch me back. I know because when Jaden ran up to me and hugged me, I could feel Winged Kuriboh's smooth feathers and his soft yet scruffy brown fur brushed my face. It tickled my nose and I sneezed. Now Jaden knew I could see and hear duel spirits, but I doubt he knew about the whole touch thing. I never told him and thought it was best I keep it to myself.

The next day on the way to school, he asked me if I wanted to hang out and have dinner with his family. The late summer air was warm and comfortable, I could see the leaves starting to give their last moments of life, I could feel the warm sunlight as it meets the crisp air. I knew the city we lived in was a lot cleaner when it comes to smog and I tend to get lost in the scenery but I still listened as we walked. He had to explain to his principal and dean that he was accepted into duel academy, so this was his last week at his high school, and as a freshman too. He looked good in his gray school uniform: it consisted of a medium gray jacket with triangle clasps on the inside to close the collar & zipper on cold days, and dark gray denim jeans. The shirts students typically wore are clean, plain t-shirts of solid colors. It doesn't matter if it was red, white, blue or whatever. Just solid, plain, colors but must be clean and only tiny holes are allowed. He wears low cut sports socks, and just regular tennis shoes. I don't go to the same school, but it's a sister school to his. My uniform was a knee length pleated skirt in navy blue. My top was white with matching navy blue sailor collar. The medium sized bow on my chest was a dark shade of a teal-ish blue, kind of like what you get when you mix bright blue, some black, and a hint of teal. It's brighter than my navy blue collar but not too bright. I wore white, cotton knee high socks and dark sneakers, we both have a backpack that looks like a small briefcase. Well anyways, as we walked and talked, I knew that by agreeing to his offer I'd miss my curfew. I also knew I'd get a slight beating but mostly harsh words. The only problem with that is I'm so used to it that it hardly phases me now. I simply smiled softly, promising I'd be there and I'll meet him in the courtyard in front of his school. Later, when I completed my day, I headed to our meeting place as promised. The soft sunset light dances across his dark brown hair with orange highlights, I kept this kind of image saved in my heart. As he walks with me to his home, we talk and joke on the way. "So any idea what you're going to do for your career, Crysi?" he asked me. This was odd because he hardly ever thinks that far ahead, or at least that's what it often comes across as. Regardless I tried to come up with a simple answer that was believable. Before I could answer, we got to his family home: it was a nice two-floor house and it was a place that felt warm and safe. When we got inside his mother greeted us with a warm smile. She and Jaden's father both typically work late but tonight they were home and her smile was welcoming & warming. She was a day shift nurse and his father was a cosplay designer who kept his work at a studio so he wouldn't clutter the table or house. I was glad to have been invited and become a friend of the family. Both his parents have told me they think of me more like a daughter than just one of Jaden's friends.

While I was visiting, Jaden let me help him pack what he may have forgotten. I saw he still had a laminated picture I had made for him when he was sick. It was a reminder that I knew about some of the things he never told anyone and I will always stay beside him. That's how we really started being friends, some duel spirit he used to have as a kid was starting to hurt his other friends. Somehow I wasn't able to be hurt by this spirit's anger even though I was closer to Jaden than it cared for. His mother's voice calling us for dinner wrenched me from my thoughts. So we went to enjoy, it was some pizza with soft breadsticks. I was happy to enjoy the time with Jaden and his folks, we talked and joked before we got to the subject of his departure time. "Yeah, 7:45 am tomorrow. Can't wait to get there, it'll awesome" He said joyfully. I sat there smiling even though deep down I wanted to cry. I know I should be happy for him and I am; I just wish I could go with him this year, but oh well. "Hey, you ok Crysi?" I heard him ask and his gentle touch snapped me back to my senses. "Huh? Oh, I'm sorry. I kind of spaced out, did you ask me something?" I know I sounded rude for admitting it but I didn't feel right lying about it. He smiled softly at me, his eyes asking me to talk to him, "Well I asked if you're ok. I know something is bugging you, so why not tell me?" How can I answer him without sounding selfish? It's not like I can say "I'm happy for you. Only I don't want you to leave me behind while you chase your dreams. I'll always support you but always a year behind..." so I just opt for the cop-out. "I'm fine, I'm just thinking of the best route to walk home is all", his face looked like he didn't think that was the whole problem but if he did, he didn't say anything. "Well ok, I guess" was his response. The dinner went on as normal and then I thanked them for letting me stay over. I decided to walk home and I took the brightest route. As I thought, cruel words that hurt my heart and soul, minor beatings that left bruises on my thighs, stomach and upper arms. I'm so numb to the physical pain that it hardly hurts, but the words cut deep. Either way, I just curl up in bed and cried for a bit... this is why I didn't want him to leave because I don't have any other friends. I know it sounds cowardly and selfish but it's not like I can tell anyone about my home life.

The next morning at 7:30, I walked alongside Jaden to the helipad where the copter was waiting. Once he and the other students board the copter, they'll leave for Duel Academy. I stand a few feet away so his parents and he can say goodbye with smiles and tears. Now it was my turn to say that dreaded three-word phrase. I have to admit, I was a bit surprised by him hugging me. My heart both flutters but hurts because I always feel safe around him. I feel like as long as I'm with my best friend, or rather my "brother", then I can overcome anything that life throws at me. "No! Stop it! Stop it right now! Bad Crystal! You have to let him chase his dream!" I thought to myself. I simply hugged him back, and say "I'll miss you, Jaden." His arms feel so warm, strong, and safe, but I can tell he's a bit upset too. He looks at me, his eyes warm but sad as he spoke; "Hey, I'll video chat you when I can. It's not the same as like right now, but better than nothing." He says this and then ruffles my hair like a brother would, then picks up his bag and boards the copter. I see the copter lift and then leave, I kept my tears in and a smile on my face.