Disclaimer: Me don't own nothing


()()—()()HIDE()()—()()

Nakamura Hideyoshi slept peacefully in a cocoon of blankets. He had practically fallen asleep as soon as his head hit the pillow the last night before after cheering on his roommate Will in an eating contest against another dorm-mate, Jaden Yuki. He snored softly as he dreamed.

"Oi… Hide…" Hide heard the voice on the very edge of consciousness, still asleep but able to hear the grumbling. "Hide…! Get your ass up, Hide. It's time for school!" He felt a sharp blow on his shoulder and he jolted awake. "C'mon Hide, wake up. It's the first day I don't want to be fucking late."

"Ugh… itsudesuka?" asked Hide as he sat up in his bunk.

"7:30. Now get your ass in gear," said Will, tossing him his blazer and a Poptart. "Classes start at 8, and if we run we might be able to make it on time."

Hide swung his legs over the bed and stood up, slipping on some pants and a t-shirt, putting on his Slifer Red blazer. He rubbed his eyes and opened the Poptart, taking a bite and walking out quickly after Will.

He noticed that Will had a rather large cord poking out of his backpack, but said nothing about it. The two ran toward the main Academy building, passing a group of other Reds and a few Yellows, Adam being included in that group, though soon after he hurried to catch up. "Hide! Will!"

"Yo yo, brother!" said Will casually as they finally reached the main steps, and he stood there looking more or less unfazed. "Glad I kept up the morning runs," he muttered. Hide had practically collapsed when they reached the steps, gasping for breath. "Hide! Time!"

Hide looked at his phone. "S-seven forty-five!" he said. "It took f-fifteen minutes!" he gasped.

"Haha, great…" said Will. "Next time let's try for fourteen…"

"I'm going to k-kick your ass," said Hide.

Adam finally caught up to the two, huffing and puffing. "What was that all about?" he asked between breaths.

"Hide didn't wake up until 7:30," Will said, "had to get him motivated… what better way with a run…?"

"You're f-freaking dead Will…"

"Grow a pair, Hide," teased Will. "This is just a warm up for me. I can't imagine what it'll be like for you when we start running out of the girls' dorm after a panty raid."

This brought Hide's spirits back up. "You mean a night of debauchery?" he asked as if he hadn't even been worn out.

"Debauchery!" echoed Adam.

"DEBAUCHERY!" Will confirmed with a broad grin.


The first class of the day was a lecture with the effeminate professor who had gotten his ass kicked by Will and Hide's neighbour, Jaden. Said professor was harassing Syrus over what a Field Spell was and what it did, and surprisingly enough the blue-haired boy couldn't manage to get the words out, causing the professor to become upset.

In fact, he was going up to scold Syrus when he tripped over a long cord that apparently ran from that row up to somewhere in the Ra Yellow section. Doctor Crowler was looking around for what the cord was attached to when suddenly Will yelled out, "Fuck you Adam! We agreed no Outrage!"

"I lied bitch!" Adam laughed back, neither of the two realising they had spoken aloud. When they finally did and saw that everyone was staring at them, the two said as one, "Oh shit."

The two had unwittingly incurred the wrath of Doctor Crowler; "I WILL NOT HAVE MY CLASS DISRUPTED BY A SLIFER SLACKER AND A RA!" he practically screeched. "Both of you! OUT! I will speak with you both after class!"

The Slifer and Ra pair saw themselves out of the room, causing a bit of a scene when the two revealed that they were playing Pokémon on their Gameboy Advances. They had to unhook the surprisingly long cable that linked the two devices and met in the middle to wrap it up.

"Now put that part here," said Will.

"No, that goes here," insisted Adam.

"And that is—"

"Here!"

Everyone just sat there in silence, staring at the two; all students but Will, Adam, Hide, Jaden and Victoria had a sweat drop coming from them. Finally Crowler shouted at them once more before they finally bolted from the room.


()()—()()WILL()()—()()

"This wouldn't have happened if you hadn't used Outrage!" said Will as the pair sat outside the Academy's Card Shop, each eating a sandwich (not one of the randomly-picked sandwiches, mind you).

"No, it wouldn't have happened if you had thought to check Dragonite's moveset," Adam corrected. "Always be careful—I'm a sneaky bastard."

"A smelly bastard is what you are," Will muttered, unfastening his Duel Disk and setting it in his lap. He finished the last bit of his sandwich then crumpled the wrappings up and tossed it into a nearby trash can. "Either way, we're in big trouble."

Adam raised his arm and sniffed his armpit. "Hey, I don't smell that bad… although I guess that's not the point," he added, noting the serious look on Will's face. "Look, I'm sorry. I didn't think that you'd start swearing when I used Outrage."

Will chuckled a little. "I wouldn't have, if I hadn't been about to slay your ass."

"Bullshit," scoffed Adam. "I still had two more Pokémon."

"Two? Not bad, but might I remind you that I was sitting pretty at four," said Will, "but none of them could have taken an Outrage. If you hadn't used it, you would've lost because Glalie would have kicked Dragonite's scaly orange ass and then whatever you had left… what did you have left?"

Adam cracked a grin. "Arcanine and a Scizor," he said.

Will paled a bit. "Well, I probably could have taken Scizor out with Ninetails…"

"…If it didn't have a shit move pool," Adam said, grinning.

"True, true," said Will, pulling his deck out of his Duel Disk, then putting it back in, and repeating the process several times. He sighed a little. "Still though… first day and we're already getting our asses chewed out."

Adam shrugged. "What can ya do? What's done is done…" he yawned. "Hey, you wanna duel? To pass the time, I mean. After all, Crowler's lecture doesn't end for another hour."

"Carpe diem, bro," Will said, a slight grin cracking across his face. For all his worries, Will loved to duel; it was like an escape for him. As soon as the offer came up, his fears of Crowler melted away as he slid his deck back into his Duel Disk. "Let's get it on!"

"That's the spirit!" Adam said, jumping up. The two ran down the hall a ways, into an empty dueling field. The room was rather large, probably used for important duels; rows of bleachers rose up on either side of the raised platform, much like a stadium. There were four entrances on each of the cardinal directions; from the platform in the centre of the room, circuits ran, probably to sense what was going on, control the lighting or something like that—Will didn't know, nor did he particularly care.

The two friends stood on opposite ends of the dueling field as they powered up their Duel Disks. "Babies first," teased Adam, noting the fact that his friend had gotten so upset about their Pokémon battle.

"Shut it," said Will, "but I'll take it. I draw!" he said, drawing a card with a flourish, like how a gladiator would draw his sword. "I shall summon my 'Gladiator Beast Darius' in attack mode!"

A bipedal black horse dressed in light armour consisting of a red plated kilt and chestplate with a flowing black mane appeared, wielding a long metallic whip. (Gladiator Beast Darius: EARTH, Level 4, Beast-type. 1700 ATK/300 DEF) The horse raised its head haughtily and snorted, before turning to look at Will and giving him the closest thing to a grin that a horse can give.

"I'll set a facedown and end my turn," Will said, pounding his chest; the horse mimicked his motion.

"So that's how you're gonna be, Will? Well then—I'll summon my 'Flame Tiger!'" Adam countered, slapping a card onto his Duel Disk.

Before him a huge fire sprouted up like a crimson flower, before settling a bit; from the flames, the form of a tiger appeared, markings and all. A fiery red aura exuded from its bristling orange fur as it opened its fanged maw and roared loudly, belching out a fireball with it. (Flame Tiger: FIRE, Level 4, Beast-type. 1800 ATK/0 DEF)

"I'm assuming you'll be attacking?" said Will in a lazy drawl. "Go ahead, I welcome it." The horse gripped his whip in anticipation.

"Expecting it, are we? That's no fun," complained Adam. "Oh well, you heard him, 'Tiger!'"

The tiger let out a loud, angry roar as it lunged toward the 'Gladiator Beast,' cloaking itself in fire as it ran. Will's lips quirked upward. "Too predictable, Adam; I watched you do the same damn thing in the exams," he said, holding out his hand in a 'halt!' manner. "Thus—I use my trap! 'Prideful Roar!'" Will's facedown card flipped up and a crimson energy surged from it, wrapping itself around 'Darius' in a burst of ethereal energy. "I pay Life Points equal to the difference between our monsters' Attack Points, and 'Darius' gains that much plus three hundred!"

Will: 3900 LP / Adam: 4000 LP

'Darius' seemed to grow bigger inside the cloak as he gripped his whip and neighed angrily. (Darius: 1700 ATK + 400 = 2100 ATK) He dodged the tiger's attack and swung his whip, which wrapped around the other beast's neck. A pulse of electricity shot through the weapon, causing the tiger to let out a cry as it disintegrated.

Will: 3900 LP / Adam: 3700 LP

Adam frowned slightly. "So that's what you were planning," he said. "Since I summoned already, I'll just end it there."

"Not quite," said Will, "I'll be using 'Darius's' effect! Tag-out!" he barks out, and 'Darius' snapped to attention, holstering his whip. The horse glowed brightly before transforming into pure energy and returning to Will's deck slot, "'Gladiator Beast Laquari,' prepare for battle!" he commanded.

A ring of fire blazed into existence, and onto Will's side of the field, a tiger of his own jumped through the hoop. It was bipedal with bright orange fur and black markings, with red armour. It was very muscular and had a mane of red hair running down its back. (Gladiator Beast Laquari: FIRE, Level 4, Beast-Warrior-type. 1800 ATK/400 DEF)

"And because of his effect, when 'Laquari' gets tagged-in by another 'Gladiator Beast,' his attack is increased to 2100!" Will exclaimed. (Laquari: 1800 ATK + 300 = 2100)

"Fuck," said Adam, cursing his bad hand. "I can only hope you don't get a monster with too much ATK…"

Will drew a card and smirked. "Luck's on your side, Adam. No 'Andal' here," he said. "So instead, 'Gladiator Beast Dimacari,' come forth to battle!"

A large purple ox clad in armour appeared from a portal, a silver spiked gauntlet on its fists. It snorted gruffly. (Gladiator Beast Dimacari: EARTH, Level 4, Beast-type. 1600 ATK/1200 DEF)

Will grinned at Adam. "Now—there are two things I can do. I could attack you with the two simultaneously and defeat you in one turn," he said. Adam swore he could see the gleam of a warrior in his eyes. "But that would hardly make for a good show, no, not at all. My other option, it seems, is to give one of my other gladiators a bit of time in the arena through the tag-fusion, and that is what I believe I shall do!"

He held his Duel Disk-clad arm high, as if he were wielding a sword of great power. "I call upon the two gladiators—'Laquari' and 'Dimacari!' You two have fought well, but it is time for the main event!"

[Cue in the opening of the 'Pacific Rim' theme song]

'Dimacari' and 'Laquari' grasped hands and began to glow, the two also returning into Will's deck. "Come on out, 'Gladiator Beast Essedarii!' Your emperor has need of you!" he called. From his deck, a glowing form leapt out and materialised.

A golden chariot was the first thing to appear, with large black spiked wheels. Next came what sat in the chariot; a giant black-furred ape wielding a huge spiked club and a golden shield. (Gladiator Beast Essedarii: EARTH, Level 5, Beast-type. 2500 ATK/1400 DEF) He pounded his shield-clad arm against his chest and growled loudly.

"'Essedarii,' attack him directly!"

The ape's chariot wheeled into action, flying at high speed and slamming his club into Adam.

Will: 3900 LP / Adam: 1200 LP

Adam dropped to one knee and grimaced a little. "…You couldn't have just hit me with the other two?"

"I could've," Will mused, "but I really, really didn't want to."


()()—()()VICTORIA()()—()()

Not for the first time since arriving at the Academy, Victoria Bolton was bored. After kicking out that Slifer-Ra pair, Crowler had been on edge and droning, and several students were sleeping.

She was sitting by the three girls she met on her way to the dorm last night—Alexis, Mindy and Jasmine. The latter two had taken to conversing amongst themselves about boys and such, whilst Alexis, like Victoria, seemed to be at least trying to pay attention. The class had gotten much less exciting after those two had been kicked out, that much was obvious.

After Crowler finished ranting at the Truesdale kid for a second time, this time about not being able to explain a Continuous Trap, the room went completely silent and Victoria thought she heard the sounds of a duel: monster cries, shattering, blasts and such. Looking around furtively, noting that Crowler was not speaking, Victoria raised her hand on a whim.

The effeminate professor turned his blue eyes toward the Obelisk Blue girl and a smile briefly flashed across his face as he breathed a sigh of relief. "Yes, Ms. Bolton," he said courteously.

"I'm terribly sorry Doctor Crowler," she said politely, "but may I use the restroom?"

Crowler studied her for a moment before sighing finally, "Very well. The lecture is mostly over; go on," he said.

"Thank you," Victoria said, standing up and, flattening herself against the row of desks behind her, shuffling out of her row. She walked up the stairs and out into the hall, her interest rising as she heard the sounds of a duel getting clearer.

Then she came to the arena that was in use. A small smile curled at her lips when she saw the combatants: the two that had been kicked out of Crowler's class earlier. She leaned in the doorway, just out of sight, but still able to see the battle.

It wasn't going well for the Ra student, it seemed; his field was entirely empty whilst the Slifer student had a 2500 ATK powerhouse on his field. Victoria allowed a soft bark of laughter at this—one did not simply get put in Red without a reason, and it was clear that dueling was not his problem.

Victoria watched the Ra boy's next move with clear interest. He seemed to be rather cautious, noting that the Red boy had two cards in his back row.

"Well, Will," said the Ra boy; Victoria noted that this was the first time she had heard the boy's name—officially, that is. "You seem to have driven me up a wall."

"Oh, yes, quite," said Will, grinning. "Not everyone is cut out to fight in the Coliseum."

The Ra boy started chuckling. "Perhaps not; I doubt my way of fighting would be enjoyed," he said. "I activate 'Polymerization!' I fuse my 'UFO Turtle' and 'Volcanic Counter' from my hand to summon 'Blaze Fenix, the Burning Bombardment Bird!'"

Will frowned. "That's not good," Victoria heard him say. He straightened himself up and took on a confident expression. "No matter—gladiators do not surrender unless their emperor tells them to! And I'm not gonna!"

"Your funeral," said the Ra boy, "after all, Rome got burned down. So can you!"

A bird of pure fire rose up from a pile of ashes, its wings covered in dark metal armour. It let out a mighty screech. (Blaze Fenix, the Burning Bombardment Bird: FIRE, Level 8, Pyro-type. 2800 ATK/2300 DEF) "Next I'll set two cards face-down, and then summon my 'Flamvell Firedog' in Attack Mode!"

Next to the bird, a pile of rock and lava fell down and coalesced to form a large fiery dog with two wing-like protrusions on its back. (Flamvell Firedog: FIRE, Level 4, Beast-type. 1900 ATK/200 DEF) The Ra boy grinned. "Now, there are two things I could do…"

"Don't start that shit, Adam," said Will. "Only I can start that shit."

Adam looked down in mock-despair and said, "Okay." But then his grin returned as he finished his previous thought process. "Anyway, I'll choose the latter of what I was going to say before I was so rudely interrupted. I'm going to attack your 'Essedarii' with 'Fenix,' and then I'll attack directly with 'Firedog!'"

The fiery bird swept its wings back and rained comets of fire down on the gorilla in the chariot, and though the latter attempted to block with its large golden shield, the comets got larger and faster, finally piercing through the shield and slaying the ape. It shattered into pixels.

Will: 3600 LP / Adam: 1200 LP

Will grimaced, but held out his hand as he called, "Halt! I activate 'Dimensional Prison' and remove your 'Firedog' from play!" The lava dog charged at Will, but a rift in space was torn and it lunged right into it, disappearing.

Victoria and Adam both frowned. "Why not do that and save your 'Essedarii?'" Adam asked, tilting his head.

"For the exact reason I told you before…" Will said cryptically, breaking into a grin. "It wouldn't make for a good show."

A look of dawning realisation and respect crossed Victoria's face. 'He's toying with him,' she thought. 'He's not trying to win… he's fighting like a gladiator. Makes sense, considering his deck.' Victoria suddenly wondered what it would be like to fight him if he were actually trying.

She recalled seeing the last bit of his practical exam against the proctor, remembering how he had swiftly and mercilessly won. His monsters were powerful alone, for sure, but with cards like 'Rescue Rabbit' thrown in, it was easy to break out the fusions quickly. She shuddered with anticipation; she would have to duel him someday, someday soon if she could.

Adam sighed. "Should have known that," he said. "Since I have no more cards in my hand, I'll end my turn here."

Will drew his card with a renewed vigour. "Perfect! I activate 'Gladiator Beast's Respite!' I return two 'Gladiator Beast' monsters from my Hand to my deck, and I can draw three cards. I'll choose my 'Samnite' and 'Murmillo.'" He shuffled the cards into his deck and drew three new ones.

Victoria could practically hear the cheers of Coliseum spectators and see the armour and gladius at Will's side when he grinned. It was vicious, confident; he was out for blood now.

"I summon 'Rescue Rabbit!'"

"God damn it!" Adam yelled.

The same white rabbit in goggles hopped onto the field, taking its place beside the fierce looking 'Essedarii.' (Rescue Rabbit: EARTH, Level 4, Beast-type. 300 ATK/100 DEF) "Say it, Adam," commanded Will.

"I'm not gonna say it."

"Say it," he teased.

Adam sighed. "Where's the trouble? Is it behind the rabbit?" he said without passion or any sort of emotion.

"No—it is the rabbit! I use his effect to summon two 'Gladiator Beast Andal' from my deck by sacrificing him," Will said. The rabbit glowed brightly and disappeared, and where it once was there were now two one-eyed bears clad in blue armour.(Gladiator Beast Andal: EARTH, Level 4, Beast-Warrior-type. 1900 ATK/1500 DEF) "Next I'll use the effect of my 'Test Tiger.' If I have a 'Gladiator Beast' on my side of the field, I can Special Summon this little dude." A small tiger jumped out onto the field in a low crouch. (Test Tiger: EARTH, Level 3, Beast-type. 600 ATK/300 DEF)

"Damn," said Victoria, thoroughly impressed. He'd pulled off an amazing combo.

"I'll use 'Test Tiger's' effect: I tribute him, and I can return one of my 'Andal' to my deck to Special Summon a new 'Gladiator Beast,' and I shall choose 'Laquari!'" The same armoured tiger appeared through his ring of fire, vaulting forth with a fierce expression as his fangs were bared.

Will gave Adam a sadistic grin. "This, my friend, is the end," he declared. "I shall tag the three of these in; 'Laquari,' 'Andal,' and 'Essedarii.'" The three of them grasped hands once more, with the monstrous 'Andal' in the middle; they collapsed into bright energy, separating and flying like arrows of light into his deck. "To replace them I choose the mighty 'Gladiator Beast Heraklinos!'"

A massive chimera with a mane of red hair leapt onto the field with amazing agility, clad in a light blue cuirass with red shoulders and a red kilt, bearing a giant battle axe and a shield that bore a distinct similarity to honeycombs with two mounted cannons on either side of the top. It towered over Will and Adam, almost halfway to the top of the building. It looked to Will, and Victoria could swear she saw it smile at him before it turned and roared loudly at Adam. (Gladiator Beast Heraklinos: FIRE, Level 8, Beast-Warrior-type. 3000 ATK/2800 DEF)

The black-haired boy raised his fist and barked out something in Latin. Victoria thought she heard the word, "Heracles." The beast looked over to his master, and Will turned his thumb down. 'Heraklinos' roared loudly, charging the burning bird.

"Not so fast—I activate 'Mirror Force!'" exclaimed Adam.

Will wagged his finger like a parent reprimanding a child. "No, no, no," Will chided, "you don't really know much about these monsters at all, do you? 'Heraklinos' has an effect that allows me to discard a card from my Hand to negate the activation of a Spell or Trap card… lucky me, I happen to have one last card in my hand." Will moved that card into his Graveyard slot, and 'Heraklinos' swung his great axe and slew 'Fenix,' slicing directly through the bird in a gash of flames. It exploded in a ball of fire, which 'Heraklinos' blocked with his mighty shield.

Will: 3600 LP / Adam: 1000 LP

"If that's it…" Adam began.

"Which it is," Will responded.

"I'll make my move. I draw," Adam said, squeezing his eyes shut and focusing as he did so. "I summon my 'Volcanic Shell' in Attack Mode!" A small, metal creature that looked rather like a bug appeared on Adam's side of the field, flexing two scrawny arms. (Volcanic Shell: FIRE, Level 1, Pyro-type. 100 ATK/0 DEF) "And I'll use that last card of mine, 'Creature Swap!' You know what I'm doing," he claimed.

Will nodded. "Yeah, I do," he said. "That's why I'm not going to discard a card."

"Well, that and you don't have a card to discard…"

"Shut up and take control," Will said. 'Heraklinos' went over to Adam's side of the field and practically kicked 'Shell' over toward Will.

"'Heraklinos,' attack 'Volcanic Shell!'" Adam yelled, and the chimera complied, charging with his axe.

It was then that Victoria noted Will's grin. Of course he had a contingency plan. "Before that," Will called out. "'Heraklinos,' my dear friend, I apologise for this, but I must activate 'Ring of Destruction!'"

A ring of red bombs latched around the charging beast's neck, stopping it in its traps. "Damn it Will!" said Adam. "Is this payback for Outrage?"

"Not quite," said Will, his grin growing fierce.

The necklace exploded, consuming 'Heraklinos' in a fiery cloud of dust and smoke. Jets of fire shot out from the cloud and struck both of the duelists, forcing them to one knee.

Will: 600 LP / Adam: -2600 LP

Will was the first to raise his head, looking up and grinning at Adam. He pushed himself up with a little effort and helped his friend up. Will clapped his friend on the back and pulled him into a hug, both of them grinning. "Well done, bro!" Adam said.

"You too my friend," Will replied, keeping his tone even. "It's a good thing you used 'Creature Swap' when you did; if I had attacked you directly the next turn, your 'Volcanic Counter' would have made it almost this exact result." He grinned. "It's easy to see that your deck is rather hard to pull off."

"It is hard," Adam agreed, "but when I get it going it's near unstoppable."

Victoria emerged from her little corridor, clapping. "That was impressive," she said in her usual impassive tone. "Both of you."

"Thanks," Adam said, taking the compliment for what it was worth.

Will was a little red-faced, but he decided to push his luck a little. "You don't sound too impressed," he said, quirking up an eyebrow. "Didn't we wow you?"

The British girl gave him a cool smirk. "It seems as if you're the one who is wowed," she said, "or perhaps your face is just naturally red?"

"She got you," she heard Adam whisper.

"Shut it," Will replied to his friend.

Victoria allowed a slight laugh. "I believe your friend is right, William," she said, drawing out his name. Perhaps a little cruel, yes, but Victoria needed some amusement—and what better way than to tease a boy that so obviously found her attractive. She couldn't deny though—she found him a little cute as well, and he was an excellent duelist, so that was a plus.

Will shuddered at how he pronounced his name, and Adam laughed at how very visible it was. The Slifer boy slammed his friend with his elbow for that.

"You know, you and your little gladiators may be strong enough to keep my fairies and I entertained, at least for a bit," she said, batting her eyes at him. He looked like he was weak in the knees—good.

"The beasts are not to be taken lightly," said Will, "they are a team and work as such." She saw a fire burning in his grey eyes. "When together, they are indomitable."

"Teamwork, eh? Just how much anime have you been watching?" Victoria mused.

He looked a bit sheepish.

"I'm assuming a bit too much then," she said with a slight smirk. "I would offer to duel now, however it seems as if class will be over soon, and I don't want to keep you two from your date with Crowler…" She turned around and began to walk away. As she left the room, she turned her head and looked back, directly at Will. She kept her smirk on her face. "My fairies and I await your challenge… Emperor."


()()—()()HIDE()()—()()

Finally at about seven at night Will returned to the dorm, his stomach rumbling loudly.

"What, Crowler didn't give you anything to eat?" Hide had asked when Will demanded some ramen that Hide had smuggled in.

"Not in the mood, Hide," his friend replied curtly. "Crowler had us cleaning every inch of his study. So, please, just give me some ramen." It sounded like saying 'please' pained him.

"Yeah, yeah, don't worry about it," Hide replied, leaning back in the swivel chair at the desk. He leaned back a little bit further and reached into his bag, which was at the foot of his bed; he opened it up and pulled out some cup ramen, then tossed it to his friend.

"Thanks," Will said after a moment. He went about the process of making the ramen and when it was ready, he took a deep breath and shuddered a little. "So good," he said, slurping it down quickly.

Hide stretched and nearly hit Will in the stomach with his long arms. "Don't get too comfy. You know that Princeton guy? The one who calls himself 'Thunder?'"

"Chazz?" asked Will, noodles and broth dripping from his mouth. He tilted his head back and opened it, like a Tyrannosaurus Rex in Jurassic Park, and swallowed the noodles. "What about him?" he wiped his mouth with his arm and gave an appreciative belch. "Thanks again, by the way."

"Yeah, him. He challenged Jaden to a duel and Jaden wants us to come," Hide said. Despite spending only a few waking hours together, Hide had already gotten leaps and bounds more confident among the Reds and Adam.

"What, are we gonna jump him if he beats Jaden? Please tell me we are," said Will; Hide wasn't sure if he was joking or not.

Hide laughed a little. "Probably not," he responded.

"Aw damn!" he heard Will say, probably not joking. He could tell when Will first heard Chazz's voice that he was hardly a fan of the Obelisk Blue.

"Tell you what Will—Jaden loses, you duel him. If you win, then you can jump him."

"Sweet! I'm gonna go tell Jaden to take a dive!"

"NO!"


()()—()()ADAM()()—()()

Adam was half-asleep at the table in the Ra Yellow cafeteria when he got the message. He had his head down on the table, lamenting his decision to dignify Will's (entirely correct) accusation and get detention. He'd finished the dinner that Bastion had saved for him and was currently sitting next to the other Ra boy, conversing lazily until he heard his ringtone.

"She seems to have an invisible touch, yeah!

She reaches in and grabs right hold of your heart!

She seems to have an invisible touch,

She reaches in, and slowly tears you apart!"

He sat up real quick and pulled his phone out of his pocket, reading the screen through bleary eyes. "'Adam, get your ass to the main building. Duel between Jaden and Thunder-ass,'" he read. "Wonder what that means."

"It means that Jaden Yuki and Chazz Princeton are going to duel, or so it seems," said Bastion. "Who sent you that?"

"Will," said Adam. "Will Reyes. That's right, I forgot you two hadn't met. He's the dude who got kicked out of class with me for playing Pokémon."

"I think you mean for disrupting the class by yelling," Bastion said.

"Details, details," Adam replied, waving his hand. "Either way, let's get going."

"But my homewo—and he's gone."


The pair reached the main building of the Academy just at nightfall. They surveyed the area from the bushes for teachers; they knew they weren't supposed to be here.

Finally they heard a voice: "CACAW! CACAW! Adam, Adam's friend! Hurry up, fools!" Adam looked and saw Will sitting on top one of the stones with writing on them, one of the many that dotted the Academy's courtyard. "Let's get going."

The two stood up and ran over to Will, who hurried them inside. "I hope we haven't missed too much," Will said. "I don't know if they started already…" he turned to Bastion as soon as they started to hear the sounds of a duel going on. "We haven't met. I'm Will Reyes."

"Bastion Misawa, charmed," Bastion said politely.

"Good to meet you, Misawy," said Will. "Now in here."

He rounded a corner and the pair followed, with Bastion protesting about his name being "Misawa, not Misawy! It's not that hard!"

"Cut it Misawy, duel's going on," Will said when they entered the arena. He looked up into the bleachers and saw Hide and Syrus sitting in one section, then led the other two up to sit with them. Exactly opposite of them, two Blues—one with blue hair and glasses, the other with an angular face and spiky brown hair—sat in the stands, rooting for Chazz.

Down on the dueling field, Chazz Princeton faced off against Jaden Yuki. Chazz was a bit taller than Jaden, perhaps about 5' 8" or so, definitely shorter than Will or Hide, with spiky black hair that went out in all directions. He wore the typical Obelisk Blue jacket and had an arrogant look about his face—probably what made Will dislike him so much.

Jaden was of a shorter sort, about 5' 6" or so, with brown eyes and a Slifer Red uniform, and his hair was in the shape of a 'Kuriboh' (hey, ho!), though he would never admit it. He had a bright grin on his face, and it was clear that he was truly enjoying the duel, despite the odds.

A large humanoid with half-red and half-green skin as well as talons, a dragon tail, wings, and even a dragon's head for an arm floated gracefully on Chazz's side of the field, a glazed look in his eyes, signifying that he doesn't belong to Chazz. (Elemental Hero Flame Wingman: WIND, Level 6, Warrior-type. 2100 ATK/1200 DEF) On Jaden's side of the field, there was a large human with a clay body; he had big arms and big legs, like massive shields, and a small red head and shoulder pads. (Elemental Hero Clayman: EARTH, Level 4, Warrior-type. 800 ATK/2000 DEF)

Despite the massive odds against him, Jaden had a brilliant grin and a bright look in his eye. He still looked incredibly happy. "Can't do anymore. Your move, Chazz!" Jaden said.

"Hmph, time to put you in your place, slacker!" Chazz said haughtily. "I summon 'Chthonian Soldier' in Attack Mode!"

A tall man, about as tall as Hide, wearing grey armour and wielding a large grey sword appeared. His helm was open in the front to expose a mouth filled with large, sharp teeth, and on the side of the helmet metal was splayed out in a pattern like dragon's wings. (Chthonian Soldier: DARK, Level 4, Warrior-type. 1200 ATK/1400 DEF) He raised his sword high above his head, and it was plain to everyone in the room that the sword was almost entirely blade, the hilt even having a jagged knife forged into it.

"Now it's time to feel the humiliation of being attacked by your own monster! 'Flame Wingman,' attack his 'Clayman!'" the Obelisk Blue commanded, and the creature complied. The larger 'Elemental Hero' flew forward at high speeds, raking his claws across 'Clayman's' chest, slicing deep through the other monster, causing it to shatter into pixels. After the other monster fell, 'Wingman' stalked over to Jaden on legs almost like a chicken's and held up his dragon-arm, firing a burst of flames into Jaden's face.

Jaden: 3200 LP / Chazz: 4000 LP

"Now, 'Chthonian Soldier,' attack Jaden!" Chazz called. The armoured man charged forward and sliced Jaden with his massive sword

Jaden: 2000 LP / Chazz: 4000 LP

With the same vigour not leaving him, Jaden gave Chazz a bright grin. "You're tough," he said, "looks like I'll have to be tougher!" He drew a card. "I summon 'Elemental Hero Sparkman' in Attack Position!'" he called. A man in golden armour with a blue visor and sharp, solid-looking golden wings appeared, charging a pulse of electric energy in his hands. (Elemental Hero Sparkman: LIGHT, Level 4, Warrior-type. 1600 ATK/1400 DEF) "'Sparkman,' attack his 'Chthonian Soldier!' Spark blast!"

The golden-armoured man shot a charge of electricity at the man with the huge sword, cutting through its chest like a jagged sword. 'Chthonian Soldier' roared in pain before dropping to one knee and shattering to pieces, but not before his sword went flying out and cutting into Jaden.

Jaden: 1600 LP / Chazz: 3600 LP

Jaden grunted a little when the sword pierced him, but he shook it off quickly. "I'll place a card facedown and call it a turn," he said.

Chazz drew a card with an arrogant laugh, commenting, "You beating Doctor Crowler must have just been a fluke, either that or pure dumb luck!" he snarked. "I'll end it quick! 'Flame Wingman,' attack 'Sparkman!'"

Nobody noticed Adam slipping away at this moment.

The dragon-tailed hero lunged forward again, this time grabbing at 'Sparkman,' but right before he could slash him, Jaden called out, "Not so fast!" His facedown flipped up. "I activate 'Mirror Gate!' Now we switch control of our monsters, but the attack still continues!" The monsters flipped sides once more, and 'Flame Wingman' blasted 'Sparkman' with a fireball, consuming it and burning it to ashes. The red-and-green hero flew through and blasted Chazz.

Jaden: 1600 LP / Chazz: 1500 LP

"Damn," Chazz grimaced; "if that's how you're gonna be, I activate my 'Chthonian Blast!' It destroys your 'Flame Wingman,' and inflicts damage to you equal to half its ATK!" A series of explosions sparked up and went in a line toward 'Wingman,' taking it up in a cloud of flames. A spout of fire burst out and struck Jaden.

Jaden: 550 LP / Chazz: 1500 LP

"Next I'll be activating 'Call of the Haunted' to bring back my 'Chthonian Soldier,'" exclaimed Chazz. His facedown card flipped up and a graveyard appeared, with an ectoplasmic spectre rising up from a tombstone that eventually reformed as the armoured soldier. "However, he won't be staying around for too long," Chazz said, "as I'll be tributing him to summon 'Mefist the Infernal General!'"

In the place of the soldier with the sword, a large monster in flowing dark robes with silver shoulder pads and a pattern of white in the stomach area that looked like teeth appeared, wielding a huge battle axe and mounted atop a fierce horse in silvery armour patterned like bones, with a ram's horns protruding from its head. 'Mefist' swung his axe up high and allowed the horse to rear back before coming back down and stamping its hooves impatiently. (Mefist the Infernal General: DARK, Level 5, Fiend-type. 1800 ATK/1700 DEF)

"Since I can't attack, I'll end it here."

Jaden's confidence seemed to be waning a little when he drew his next card, but quickly he took on the same grin. "Looks like it's over, Chazz! I activate…"

"GUUUUYSSSS!" Adam's voice came booming through the room. He came running in with the blonde-haired Alexis Rhodes, an Obelisk Blue, close behind, both of them looking a little worried.

"Campus security's on their way here," Alexis said. "We've got to get out of here, all of us!"

"When did you get here?" Will wondered aloud.

Hide smacked him on the back of the head. "Not the time, bro." The three Reds and the Yellow in the stands stood up quickly. Syrus started pushing against them quickly, frantic.

The duelists powered down their Duel Disks and the holograms disappeared. Chazz looked up to his cronies and barked something to them, and they took off in one direction. He looked back and told Jaden, "This isn't over." And he ran off with his friends.

Will and Hide clambered down the seats like monkeys whilst Bastion and Syrus pushed and shoved at each other to get to the stairs, and were getting nowhere fast. Finally they broke the stalemate when Syrus inadvertently vaulted over the railing and Bastion slid down the same rail. Red, Yellow and Blue alike took off in fear of campus security, and not Alexis or Will, nor Adam or Hide, nor Jaden, Bastion or Syrus stopped running until all seven were safely out of the building and out of breath.

"T-thanks," Adam said as he walked over to Alexis. He was panting a little, so he put his hand on a stone to steady himself. "But what were you doing here?"

"I heard Chazz mention dueling Jaden after hours," Alexis said. He noticed something in her eyes; there was something she wasn't saying. They looked back up to the building and saw a pair of flashlights walking down a windowed hallway, and noticed Chazz and his boys slinking off at the treeline. "Thought it would be best to come by and watch out for the security… and I was more than a little interested. After Jaden beat Crowler I had to see for myself if he just got lucky."

Adam allowed a slight chuckle. "There are many uses for 'getting lucky,' and what I saw in there was not one of the good ones," he joked. Alexis smiled a little; she had a rather pretty smile.

A few more flashlights passed down the hallways. Alexis frowned. "We'd all better get back to our dorms," she said as the others gathered around them. A collective grunt of agreement went around them. Bastion was the first one gone, not waiting for Adam; obviously he'd been less than thrilled with almost getting caught trespassing on the very first night.

Syrus and Jaden set off next, the former not wanting to go alone. Jaden finally volunteered to take him back to the dorms, being his roommate and all. Will and Hide went after them, both patting their Ra friend on the back and waving goodbye to Alexis. She parted with the words, "Make no mistake—you two are on my list as well." Will grinned to her (at least Adam thought he grinned) and responded, "I'm always ready," before the pair disappeared into the forest.

"And then there were two," Adam said somewhat awkwardly. He wasn't particularly sure why he had waited so long, but the two of them set off together; after all, the Ra dorm wasn't very far from the Obelisk Blue Girls' dorm. "But seriously, thanks for giving me the heads-up so we could go give them the heads-up."

"Don't mention it," Alexis replied. The moon played off her blonde hair and glimmered in her green eyes. 'So this is what Will sees when he looks at that Victoria girl.' He mused in his thoughts. "So where are you from, Adam?" she asked after they had passed a ways in silence.

"Vermont," Adam said. "Home of the world's best maple syrup."

"I thought that was Canada," she said.

"Don't listen to a damn thing William Reyes says," Adam said quickly. "Vermont is the best and he has shitty tastebuds." He composed himself. "What about you?"

Alexis laughed a little. "Well, I'll certainly have to try it sometime," she said. "Suburb outside of Domino City, born and raised. My parents both work for Kaibacorp."

Adam rolled his shoulders. "So… what were you really doing out here?" she looked at him with a mix of surprise and confusion on her face. "My dad is a psychologist and my mom's a lawyer, I know how to read people."

She sighed. "Look. It's something personal, alright?"

Adam nodded. "I got it. Just… if you ever need anything, don't hesitate to ask, yeah? We might not know each other that well, but if people from Vermont are good for anything besides syrup, it's helping people."

The wind picked up for a moment and he thought he heard Will's voice yelling, "BULLSHIT, EH!"

Alexis frowned for a moment, but then her expression softened. "…Thanks," she said finally.

"Don't mention it," he said with a small smile. "Here we are. Obelisk Blue Girls' dorm."

They approached the dorm that stood before them, half-moored in the lake. It was large, like a French palace, with many windows and high roofs. Its walls were white and the roof was blue. Twin statues of 'Obelisk the Tormentor' flanked the doorway. "Thanks again, Adam," Alexis said.

"Like I said, don't worry about it," he said, giving her a smile. He turned and shoved his hands in his pockets, walking off toward the Ra Yellow dorm.


Not much going on here. Just a bit of a rewriting of the second episode, with a little duel thrown in between Will and Adam, as well as a brief bit of comedy when Crowler finds the two battling each other on their GBAs. There was a bit of insight into Victoria's personality, showing that she enjoys playing with people; she gets bored easily, so what other way to alleviate that boredom than to mess with people—and Will, being so obviously infatuated with her, is such an excellent target.

It should be obvious that the dialogue between Chazz and Jaden in the duel isn't the same as in the show, but I really don't want to rewrite speaking; I might not change up the actual flow of the duels, but the dialogue I want to at least be my own. We saw a bit of Adam's personality as well, showing that he likes to help people. That's something that's not going to change much.

Lastly I want to say that I'm going to be instating two different theme songs that will appear in alternating chapters. One will be a Japanese song, "Realize" by FLOW. The second will be in English, and it is "Walk" by Foo Fighters. I'll be adding them in next chapter, starting with "Realize" and alternating. But that's really it, not much else to say here. So…

As always, take care, brush yo' hair, I'll see ya when I see ya… ~PEACE~

~Chase