Chapter 2 - Temperance
By: SilvorMoon
Manjoume was enjoying the sunshine. That was the best place for a worshiper of the light, and far be it from him to neglect his duties! Of course, he had a subordinate standing next to him holding a white parasol, so that he could enjoy the sunshine without it burning his fair skin. He relaxed on a deck chair on the lawn in front of the Obelisk dorm, sipping a vanilla milkshake (the only thing worth drinking on a warm day, in his opinion) and generally enjoying himself. Naturally, he was loyal to Saioh and the Society, and would never dream of saying that things had been better since Saioh had gone away, but he would have admitted when pressed that he rather liked being the leader of the Society.
Mm, I could get used to this, he thought contentedly, as another of the junior members took his empty glass and replaced it with a fresh one. Maybe when Saioh is ready to take the Society outside of Academy Island, he'll let me stay here and keep things running smoothly. This would be a nice way to spend my senior year...
Asuka came strolling up the sidewalk, carrying a sheaf of papers. Manjoume smiled up at her as she came to stand next to him. She took her duties to the Society very seriously, and since Saioh had told her to obey Manjoume while he was gone, that was what she did. Manjoume had to admit that even though she maintained a strictly businesslike demeanor, having her at his beck and call was still pleasant.
"What have you got to report?" he asked.
"We've managed twelve more conversions today," answered Asuka. "Most of them from Ra, but two of them were Obelisk holdouts."
"Only two?"
"There aren't very many left. The ones who haven't given in yet are extremely stubborn. I've almost given up on making my brother see reason, but there always was something a little odd about him," said Asuka regretfully.
"We'll get to him," Manjoume assured her. "What about the Ra students? How many of those are left?"
"About half. Perhaps less. We're picking up the pace since Misawa left. It's exactly like Master Saioh predicted - no one wants to end up like he did. They're practically fighting each other to be the first in line. Do you think it would be a good idea to start recruiting in the Osiris dorm? We wouldn't want to miss anyone."
"Hmm... Well, they wouldn't contribute much to the Society, but it would be worth it to cut the support out from under that Juudai's feet. Those red-jackets worship him. Besides, I want Saioh to see what great strides we've made for the Society in his absence. Ideally we'll have the whole island under control by the time he gets back."
Asuka raised an eyebrow. "And how is sitting on the lawn drinking milkshakes contributing to the cause?"
"I'm on lunch break."
"Oh."
Manjoume took a sip of his drink. "Just let me finish this, and I'll take over for you for a few hours. I'll check up on the last of those blue-coated dissenters and lean on them a little - see if I can't teach them what's good for them."
"Here's a list," said Asuka, passing him a paper.
Manjoume began scanning the list, picking out likely conquests. He had a particular dislike of Obelisks who wouldn't convert, partly stemming from a half-forgotten sense that they had looked down on him once, and partly out of an annoyance with them for inhabiting the building that had been rightfully claimed as Society headquarters. If they were going to live here and enjoy its luxuries, they ought to convert. There would be no freeloading on his watch, not if he could help it!
Even as he was thinking that, a new arrival rushed up the sidewalk and knelt at Manjoume's side.
"Important news!" the boy declared. "We've just sighted a boat sailing this way - the one you loaned to Misawa."
"You're sure of that?" asked Manjoume.
The boy nodded. Manjoume leapt to his feet, both the paper and his milkshake forgotten.
"Then we need to get moving," he declared. "You! Round up the rest of the Society as fast as you can, and tell them to be waiting at the docks. Master Saioh is returning!"
The boy's eyes widened. "You're sure? How do you know Misawa didn't fail?"
"How dare you question my judgement? The Light reveals all. If I say Master Saioh is coming back, then he's coming back! Now scram!"
"Yes, sir!" the boy replied. He sprang into action, running toward the dorm shouting, "Hey, everyone! Hit the docks on the double! Master Saioh is on the way!" Manjoume watched him go before turning his attention back to Asuka.
"Well, what do you think?" he said. "Should we be the first to welcome our master home?"
"I think that would be fitting," she replied.
"What are you smiling about?"
"I just think it's fun to watch you giving orders, that's all. It's nice to see you pulling your weight once in a while."
"Hmph. See, I told you I can get things done," said Manjoume, looking unaccountably pleased.
"Well, maybe you can." Asuka fell in step alongside him, and the two of them strolled down to the docks to wait for their ship to come in.
Within about fifteen minutes, the Society of Light had descended on the dock and the beach like a flock of seagulls, milling around in an attempt to get the best view of the boat. Naturally Manjoume and Asuka had the best seats in the house, right next to an empty boat slip where they would be the first to greet Saioh as he stepped onto the pier. The rest of the group had to make do with whatever they could get; a few more daring or excitable sorts even scampered up lamp posts to get a better view.
Amid all this chaos, a single incongruous figure was winding his way through the crowd. Despite the number of people attempting to do the very thing he was doing, somehow he was making steady progress towards the front of the assembly, until at last he was standing at the forefront of the group next to the two Society leaders.
"Hey, guys," said Juudai. "What's going on?"
"We're waiting for that boat," said Manjoume, gesturing at the rapidly nearing vessel. "Master Saioh is returning to us. Your buddy Misawa is probably with him," he added as an afterthought.
"Hey, that's awesome!" said Juudai, his expression brightening.
Manjoume just smirked. "Oh, you think so, do you? Think your old pal is gonna be glad to see you again? Well, why don't you just hang out here for a little while so you can be the first to say hello to him when he arrives?"
"Okay!" said Juudai cheerfully. He sat down on the edge of the dock and kicked his heels while he watched the boat sail closer. Manjoume watched him contemptuously.
Oh, you just sit there and wait, Juudai. Won't you be surprised when you see what kind of greeting you get from your so-called friend!
Within moments, the boat glided into the harbor, and several helpful students hurried to help moor it. A ramp was lowered, and, as the crowd held its breath in anticipation, Saioh made his slow descent. As his foot touched solid ground, everyone on the pier dropped to their knees - except for Juudai, who continued to sit and swing his feet, apparently not the least bit interested. Manjoume glared at him out of the corner of his eye and quelled the urge to ruin the solemn moment by pushing Juudai into the water.
"Welcome back, Master," he murmured. "We've missed you."
"As I have missed you all," Saioh replied graciously. "I am deeply grateful that Destiny has seen fit to allow me to return. I am even more pleased to announce that I have brought with me a new addition to our little family."
He turned and beckoned, and a second figure stepped into view. He was dressed all in white, and his eyes gleamed with fanatical energy. Manjoume enjoyed the shocked look on Juudai's face as it registered who the newcomer was. The rest of the Society, however, was not quite so enthusiastic.
"Hey, what's the deal?" asked one of the more outspoken members. "He's the one who sent you away in the first place!"
"Misawa has seen the Light," Saioh replied. "He is a new man, one who has achieved a high degree of enlightenment. He has realized his mistakes, haven't you, Misawa?"
"I have, Master Saioh. I regret that I ever spoke out against the Society. The Light is the only route to true happiness and understanding!"
"You see?" said Saioh to the crowd. "He is one of us now!"
"And proud of it," Misawa agreed. He raised a fist in the air. "Hail the Light! Hail the Society! Hail Master Saioh!"
The crowd took up the chant. Whether or not they accepted Misawa's conversion, they agreed with what he was saying. They were always ready to cheer for themselves and their master. While they were enjoying their pep rally, Juudai rushed up the ramp and stood in front of Misawa, trying to get him to lower his fist.
"What's gotten into you?" he demanded. "Don't you remember how these guys treated you? What the heck do you want to join them for?"
Misawa gave Juudai a blank look. "Whose side do you want me to be on? Yours? You never did anything for me. Master Saioh reached out to me and showed me the truth! The Society did me a favor in sending me to him."
"A favor? You're out of your mind!" Juudai exclaimed. "Saioh brainwashed you like he did everyone else! You've gotta snap out of it!"
"Brainwashed? Don't be preposterous. I haven't been brainwashed. I know exactly what I'm doing. As a matter of fact, ever since Saioh showed me the Light, I understand more than I ever did before! You're the one who understands nothing."
With that, he pushed roughly past Juudai and went to rejoin his master on the pier. Juudai, more occupied with staring at Misawa than paying attention to what he was doing, slipped off the ramp and fell into the water. Manjoume snickered quietly.
He might be a patsy, but he'll be fun to have around, he decided. He went to stand next to Saioh as well.
"Do you have any orders for us, Master?" he asked with a bow.
"Yes. Miss Asuka, have someone escort our newest member back to the dormitory, and arrange for a room to be prepared for him. See that he is issued a uniform. Misawa, stay with Asuka for now, until your room is ready. She will escort you and tell you everything you need to know. I will want to speak to you again, but not until later. I need to make some preparations first."
"Should I send someone to fetch him for you when you're ready?" asked Asuka helpfully.
"No, there will be no need for that. I will go to him," Saioh decided. "Manjoume, I am returning to my chambers. See to it that someone fetches my bags, and be sure they are delivered safely to me. I will be waiting for you. I want a full report of everything that has happened on the island in my absence."
"Yes, Master Saioh," said Manjoume, barely able to hide a self-satisfied smile. "I'll get right on that."
Saioh departed, walking through the crowd of admirers who reached out their hands to him as he passed by, and he graciously paused from time to time, folding his hands around theirs and murmuring inspirational words. Asuka and Misawa followed in his wake, with Asuka looking serious and dignified as usual, and Misawa looking pleased to be at the center of so much attention.
So much for my vacation, Manjoume thought, but it's good to have the master back.
"You, you, and you," he said, pointing to three of the nearby students. "Head up there and get the suitcases, and make it snappy! I'm going to be watching you the whole time, so no fooling around, either!"
The boys hustled to do Manjoume's bidding. He followed up the ramp, casting a superior glance at Juudai, who was in the process of trying to pull himself back on dry land. It amused Manjoume to think that around here, people were more concerned about Saioh's spare clothes than whether or not Juudai drowned in the harbor. Manjoume himself had an interest in keeping Saioh's clothes safe; there had been some difficulty in the early days of the Society involving a pair of overenthusiastic young ladies who had taken it into their heads to purloin a few pairs of Saioh's underwear. Attempting to confiscate the contraband had not been fun.
Once he was certain that all Saioh's luggage had been safely gathered, Manjoume escorted his helpers back to the White dorm, and up the stairs to the room where Saioh had made his home. It was a strangely satisfying task, probably because he got to strut along proudly in front while the poor luggage carriers had to struggle and grunt behind him as the hauled the heavy cases. Naturally, none of them would dare complain or even wonder what it was that Saioh had deemed necessary to carry with him that could weigh so much.
"Come on, guys, we're almost there!" he called cheerfully. "Just one more flight to go!"
At last they reached the top floor, and Manjoume rapped importantly on Saioh's door while his sweaty and panting helpers attempted to catch their collective breath.
"Leave my bags just inside the door," said Saioh's voice. He never had any need to ask who was outside. "Manjoume, you may come in."
"You heard the master," Manjoume told his helpers. "Move the bags and get outta here."
The other boys did as they were told. Manjoume waited until they were safely out of his way before stepping into Saioh's chambers. For once, Saioh was not seated at the table where he seemed to spend most of his time consulting with his cards, but relaxing on the windowseat. Apparently he could grow weary from a long journey and want to unwind for a while. Manjoume closed the door behind him before going to kneel in his accustomed place beside him.
"Welcome home, Master Saioh," he murmured. "I take it everything went as planned?"
"Everything went as it was destined to," Saioh replied. "He swallowed the bait readily enough. He believed everything I told him."
"How long do you plan to keep up the ruse?" asked Manjoume. "I mean, he's bound to figure out sooner or later that we're not actually all falling at his feet." Privately, Manjoume was hoping he wouldn't be required to cringe and kowtow before Misawa just to keep up the illusion that people actually thought he was something special.
"He will not figure it out," Saioh assured him. "I'll give him a few toys to keep him occupied - present him with a new deck, let him win a few duels, perhaps persuade a few of the more attractive young women in the Society to take an interest in him..."
"Not Asuka!" To anyone else, Manjoume would have made that into an order, but to Saioh, it came out as a plea.
"Not Asuka," Saioh agreed mildly. "There are plenty of other eligible ladies whose assistance I can call upon. You know I would not test your loyalty to that extent, and she is too valuable as my aide for me to waste her on such a minor task."
"Just checking."
"Have faith in me, Manjoume. You must not let your devotion to her cloud your judgement. The good of the Society must come first."
"Of course, Master Saioh. I apologize."
Saioh waved a hand dismissively. "None of us are perfect, even those who have been enlightened. When the day comes when all people have been brought into the light, only then will we be able to achieve perfect unity and understanding with each other. Then your heart's desire will be attained. Until then, focus your thoughts on the Light, and on keeping such distractions at bay."
Manjoume's eyes lit up. "You think someday she'll finally accept me?"
"Someday the two of you will be united in the glory of the light," Saioh promised. "This is Destiny."
Manjoume flushed with pleasure. "Thank you, Master Saioh!"
"Don't thank me. I do not control Destiny; I only reveal what is to come," Saioh replied. "All I can do is fulfil my role in the greater scheme of things. The same is true for you. So, Manjoume, have you been dutiful in carrying out your part of our plan?"
"Yes, Master Saioh. I talked to Juudai, just like you told me to," Manjoume replied. "It's hard to tell how much makes it through that thick head of his, but I think something must have stuck. He's been quiet lately." He couldn't resist a snicker. "But did you see the look on his face when Misawa pushed him in the water? Classic!"
"Crude, but effective," Saioh murmured. "I think we will give the esteemed Yuki Juudai a few days to let the truth sink in before we make any further moves. Your task in the meantime is to continue overseeing our recruitment efforts. Also, be certain that there is no one in the Society who shows any outward hostility towards our newest member. I believe that most of them will accept him now that he has converted to our cause, but there will always be a few to hold grudges. It would do no harm to start a rumor that currying favor with him would be a good way to get into my good graces."
"But you aren't actually going to put him in a position of power, are you?" asked Manjoume. He wasn't just trying to clarify the plan; he was motivated by self-interest as well. He liked his place as Saioh's second-in-command, and wasn't interested in competition.
"Of course not," said Saioh. "But since keeping him happy will facilitate my plan..."
"Right. I get it," Manjoume replied, nodding.
"It will only be for a few days," Saioh assured him. "Just long enough to firmly sever his ties with Yuki Juudai."
Manjoume grinned wickedly. "And then the fun part. Don't worry, Master Saioh! You can count on me!"
"There is never any need to worry when you know Destiny is on your side," Saioh answered. "Go now. I have some preparations to make, still, before I can set our friend Misawa aside and concentrate on more important matters. In a day or two, though, I will have a small reward for you, in return for your loyal service."
"No reward necessary. It's reward enough to be able serve you, Master Saioh," said Manjoume humbly, while thinking happy thoughts about what his reward might be.
"Even so, some small token of recognition seems appropriate. You've more than earned it."
"Thank you, Master."
With the formalities concluded, Manjoume went on his way in an excellent mood. He was pleased to have his master back. He was thrilled to have confirmation that he and Asuka were truly meant for each other. He had a reward from Saioh to look forward to, which sounded promising indeed - maybe his daydreams about being given permanent control over the island were closer to reality than he realized. Anything Saioh chose to reward him with was bound to be good. To top it all off, he had the fruition of Saioh's plan to anticipate as well. Naturally he was looking forward to seeing Juudai get his comeuppance - what had Manjoume joined the Society for, after all, if not to prove his superiority over Juudai? He didn't care much for Misawa, either. He was absolutely certain Misawa had done something to him in the past, if only he could remember it. It had annoyed him a great deal, whatever it was. Something about beating him in a duel, but there had been more to it than that, and his brain was showing a remarkable resistance to remembering the rest of the story. Whatever the issue had been, he would relish watching Misawa take a fall almost as much as he would enjoy bringing Juudai down. Yes, the next few days were going to be good.
Meanwhile, Saioh stayed where he was, looking out the window. The sun had set while he was chatting with Manoume, and now the leader of the Society of Light was looking up at the moon and the stars. He preferred nights in the city, where there was enough electrical light to make the world shine bright as day even at midnight, but there was something to be said for island nights. It was easier to see the celestial lights from here. Having lived in cities for most of his life, he was surprised as how bright the world was, even at night.
So pleasant to be back where I'm wanted, he thought. He hadn't realized how used he'd gotten to the adoring company of his Society until he'd undertaken his voluntary exile. It was easy to see how weaker souls than himself could become hooked on that kind of adulation. There were some advantages to being worshiped as a god. Fortunately he had other interests besides putting himself on a pedestal.
Unlike some people around here.
Winning Misawa over had been pathetically easy. For someone with such a tremendous ego and such an overwhelming lust for attention, all it took was a few promises and a bit of flattery, and he had been falling all over himself for more. It was amazing what people would stoop to, just to hear a few empty words.
People like Manjoume, for example. That was another amazing thing: that someone could know without a doubt that Saioh was lying blatantly to Misawa, and yet it would never cross his mind that Saioh might be lying to him as well, even when it was almost the exact same lie. Promise someone power, admiration, and the amorous attention of their lust object of choice, and use a touch of psychic power to induce a state of religious ecstacy that would cloud their reasoning... there didn't seem to be anyone who didn't become drunk off their first taste of that potent cocktail.
As if it makes a difference whether you win over your pretty friend Asuka or not, thought Saioh, with a wry smile. In the end, the world will end in a final burst of white light, and we will all be purified by it - vaporized into pure white light. That is all you have to hope for. Someday we will all become one, united in the Light...
But in the meantime, he had work to do, if this glorious vision was to come to pass. What a pity he had to do so much while he was still weary from his journey. An ocean voyage in a small boat, even the comparatively comfortable one that Manjoume had supplied for his use, was not his idea of fun. Being vaporized into white light was starting to sound like a better idea all the time; it would relieve him of the job of attempting to look compassionate and all-knowing while fending off seasickness. With a sigh, he got to his feet and returned to work.
"Achoo!"
Shou and Kenzan, sprawled on the floor of Juudai's room, looked up from their card game to see a sopping wet and slightly seaweed-draped boy in a red uniform come slouching in.
"Aniki! What happened to you?" Shou exclaimed.
"Yeah, are you okay?" asked Kenzan, not about to be outdone in sympathy.
"I dunno," said Juudai. He kicked off his wet shoes and squidged over to the closet to dig out some dry clothes. "I got pushed off the pier into the water."
"Who did it?" Kenzan demanded. "You just show him to me and I'll..." He trailed off and made a twisting motion with his two fists, as if they were wrapped around the unfortunate someone's neck.
"I don't want you to do that," said Juudai, as he stripped off his sodden uniform and began pulling on his spare. With his shirt halfway over his head, his next words were slightly muffled: "See, it was Misawa that pushed me."
Shou stared. "Could you say that again? I thought you said Misawa pushed you."
"He did," said Juudai, tugging on a pair of clean pants. "He's back."
"So why did he push you off the pier?" asked Kenzan. "If you ask me, I still oughta wring his neck."
"He was with Saioh. I mean, he's with Saioh. White suit and everything." Juudai pulled on a fresh red jacket and shoved everything else into the laundry hamper. "Even after the way those people treated him, he still thinks he's on the right side, and when I tried to talk to him, he said I didn't understand anything and pushed me into the ocean!"
"I've had just about enough of this Saioh guy," said Kenzan. "Maybe I oughta think about wringing his neck."
"You'd never get near him," Shou pointed out. "You'd have to fight through half the school before you could lay a finger on him. Even you aren't up to that."
"I guess not," said Kenzan. "Might not be such a good idea anyway. Seems like everyone who gets near him loses it. Just because I got lucky last time..."
Juudai sighed. "So that's another friend gone. First Manjoume, then Asuka, and now Misawa. This is getting out of control."
"You won't lose us," said Shou determinedly. "I don't care what that guy does - he'll never tear you and me apart!"
"Us neither," Kenzan agreed.
Juudai gave a weak smile. "Thanks, guys. I know you won't run out on me. Still..."
"What?"
"I feel like I should have done something. I mean, Saioh's screwing up everything on the island, and, well... what have I really done to stop him? I mean, these are my friends we're talking about."
"Hey, how were you supposed to know what was going on?" said Kenzan. "It ain't like Saioh put up a sign when he got here that said 'I'm gonna make everyone on the island go crazy!'"
"Yeah, when it started, we just thought it was Manjoume being weird," said Shou.
Juudai looked downcast. "Manjoume says it's my fault Misawa left the island."
"Manjoume says soy sauce ought to be outlawed," Kenzan pointed out. "You can't believe anything he says."
"Yeah, he's just trying to mess with your head," Shou said. "Don't listen to him, Aniki. All he ever does lately is do whatever Saioh tells him."
"I guess you're right," said Juudai.
"Better to not get involved," Kenzan advised. "If you start getting in Saioh's way, he might do the whitewash thing to you, too!"
"That would never happen," said Shou. "He'd have to beat Aniki in a duel, first, and he wouldn't be able to do it!"
That earned a genuine smile from Juudai. "At least it would be exciting!"
"Hey," said Kenzan, "if people get whitewashed when they lose a duel with one of these Society types, do you think beating Saioh at a duel might make things go back to normal?"
"No idea!" Juudai replied honestly.
Still, if the opportunity to duel "one of these Society types" presented itself, he wasn't about to turn it down.
Misawa was settling into his new room. The living spaces in Obelisk, he decided, were much better suited to him than those in the old Ra dorm - far more spacious and better-furnished. He liked having a widescreen television and a private bath and his own personal fridge in his room. His room in particular was considered a prime spot, a fact that was impressed upon him largely by the whispers and envious glances bestowed on him while he was moving in. The rooms on this side of the dorm were considered better because they had a better view, encompassing the lake and the ocean beyond, while those on the other side of the dorm were largely obstructed by trees and the side of the volcano. Upstairs rooms were also considered better than the lower ones, not only for the view, but because they were closer to Saioh's room. All in all, it was a very satisfactory arrangement.
"Just put those over there," he called lazily from his place on the bed, as a few white- jacketed freshmen came in carrying boxes of books.
"Yes, sir!" they answered.
"Be sure to put them in alphabetical order! And don't try to cram them in too tightly - I don't want them damaged. Has anyone fetched my computer yet?"
"They're on their way!" one of the boys assured him. He was a second-year, who appeared to have been put in charge of overseeing the move. "And we sent someone down to the kitchen to get some things to stock the fridge. Is there anything in particular you like best? Just write it down and we'll get it for you!"
"Got the stereo plugged in!" came an announcement from the far end of the room. "I can program your favorite stations for you, if you want."
There was a dull tapping at the door, as of someone with their hands full who has been forced to knock with their foot. Someone rushed to let in two boys carrying a computer, monitor, and an assortment of peripherals.
"Where do you want all this stuff?" one asked. The other said nothing, as he had a keyboard and mouse tucked under his chin, and the slightest movement posed a danger of dislodging them.
"Don't drop it," Misawa ordered. "Put it over there - or better yet, move that desk so it's closer to the window and put it there."
"Yes sir!"
"You over there - set the radio to the classical station."
"Right away!"
"And you - bring me a pen and some paper so I can write that list for you."
"You got it, Misawa!"
He settled back on his bed and watched as everyone scampered to obey his orders. This was more like it!
I should have done this a long time ago! This was the kind of life I was meant to live. And it's only going to get better from here - if this is how they treat me when I've just arrived, I can't wait to see what happens when I've had a chance to prove myself! Already he was entertaining notions of replacing Manjoume as Saioh's most favored disciple. Surely there would be a few added perks for someone occupying such a lofty position, particularly once Saioh was ready to take his operation outside the bounds of Academy Island. Saioh had made it clear that he would be content with nothing less than spreading his influence worldwide. Being second only to the most powerful man in the world didn't sound bad at all...
He watched with smug satisfaction as people scurried around the room, putting things in order for him, occasionally leaping off on a new task whenever Misawa issued an order. Just as things were settling down (the only job left was overseeing getting a lamp set up so as to provide the best light, and a team of helpers were carefully tilting the lampshade as if its placement mattered profoundly) there was a light tap on the door.
"Might I come in?" asked Saioh.
Misawa bounded off the bed and went to assume a more dignified position in a nearby chair.
"Of course, Master Saioh," he said.
The door opened, and Saioh stepped inside. He gave the room an appraising glance, as if he had never seen one like it, and nodded with something like approval.
"You appear to be settling in nicely," he said. "I knew you would fit right in here. Is everything to your liking so far?"
"Everything is splendid," Misawa assured him.
"Excellent." Turning to the other students, Saioh said, "Leave off of that for a while. Misawa and I require a moment to speak in private."
The boys bowed as one and hurried out of the room. Saioh closed the door behind him and went to take a seat on the sofa across from Misawa. Misawa, knowing the protocol by now, obediently moved to kneel before his master, but Saioh waved him away.
"There is no need for formalities," Saioh said. "We are both tired from our long journey, and there is only you and me here. We can speak to each other as equals."
Misawa felt a glow of pride; Saioh was calling him his equal! "Thank you, Master Saioh."
"It is nothing. I primarily came to see if everyone has been treating you well, and to be sure there was nothing you are lacking, save for your uniform. Also, I wanted to give you a gift."
"I assure you, everything is very much to my liking," Misawa assured him.
"Excellent. I had feared that some jealous people might hold a grudge against you for rising so quickly in the ranks after being such a vociferous opponent toward us before. Even with my assurance that you have turned over a new leaf, there will always be a few petty people who can't recognize genius because they are blinded by envy."
"So far, everyone has been perfectly respectful," said Misawa.
"Very good. If anyone gives you any trouble, just send them to me. I will not tolerate anyone disrespecting you. While I'm sure you could handle any problems by yourself, you have better things you could be doing with your time, and it is my job to discipline my followers."
"If anyone tries anything, I will report it to you instantly," said Misawa. Privately, he was relishing the idea of catching a few of the people who had given him a hard time before his conversion and giving them a little payback. Having them fawning over them now was nice, but if they weren't going to do that, it would be fun to have an excuse to make them squirm a little. After all, he was a member of the Society of Light now, and he deserved to be treated with at least the same amount of respect as everyone else.
"I trust you will. There must be no insubordination in the ranks if the Society is to remain strong," said Saioh. "I doubt there will be many problems, however. Whatever happened in the past is past, and it will not be long before your talents are recognized. To that end, I wish to bestow a small present on you. Here."
He passed Misawa an alabaster box, intricately carved with images of stars and planets. Misawa opened the box, carefully lest he embarrass himself by dropping it, and found a stack of cards resting in a nest of white velvet. He picked a few up and began to study them.
"I've never seen these cards before," he murmured.
"They are quite rare, and hard to come by," Saioh replied, "but I have gathered a few copies to share with deserving members of the Society. They are very strong when used wisely. I trust you will know what to do with them."
"Thank you, Master Saioh!" he said, with genuine gratitude. A quick search through the cards had shown that Saioh was not exaggerating: the cards were strong, and would be even in the hands of an amateur. In the hands of someone with real skill, they would be almost unstoppable. "I'll start work on my new deck right away."
Saioh smiled, as if he knew something Misawa didn't know... which, he supposed, was entirely likely, since he was a clairvoyant. "There is no hurry. You would do better to use tonight to settle in, rest up from your journey, and perhaps make yourself better acquainted with your fellow Society members."
"I'm not tired at all, though. I feel fine," Misawa protested, and it was true. The warm glow that had fallen over him when he'd first seen the Light had never really left him, but it seemed to get stronger when Saioh was nearby. At the moment, Misawa felt ready to take on the world if Saioh commanded it.
"Do as you wish, then," Saioh answered casually. "I will have further instructions for you tomorrow. Good night."
Saioh excused himself and left the room. Misawa was a little sorry to see him go, but he was willing enough to stretch out on his bed again and start going over his new cards and planning new strategies. This activity left him happily absorbed until there was yet another knock on his door. He debated whether or not he wanted to answer it. All his things were already in place, and he doubted Saioh intended to pay him another visit again tonight...
"Misawa? Are you in there?" called a voice. "We have your uniforms and things."
Misawa sat up, finding himself suddenly more interested in the people behind the door. That voice had been undeniably feminine, which automatically made its owner more interesting. Furthermore, he wanted his uniform. He got up and answered the door. To his surprise and pleasure, there were four attractive young ladies standing at his door, each carrying something: an armful of folded uniforms, a stack of towels and washcloths, and some spare sheets and pillows.
"Good evening, ladies," he said, adopting his most charming manner. "What can I do for you?"
The girls giggled and blushed. The one in the front, who was holding his uniforms, looked shyly up at him through her lashes and said, "Master Saioh met us in the hallway and told us to get some things for you from the laundry downstairs. We aren't interrupting you, are we? Oh, I just knew you'd be doing something important..."
Under normal circumstances, Misawa tended to get a bit tongue-tied around girls. His usual reaction to unexpectedly finding a gaggle of shapely females standing on his doorstep at night would probably have been to blush, stammer something, and close the door, before spending the rest of the evening mentally kicking himself for ruining his chance - assuming such a thing happened often enough for him to have a usual reaction to it. Tonight, though, he was still riding the wave of confidence that joining the Society had given him, and he felt he could do no wrong. He offered the girls a smile.
"There is nothing I could possibly be doing that can't be put aside for a moment for the sake of such lovely ladies," he said. "Please, won't you step inside for a moment?"
That prompted another giggle from the girls, who allowed themselves to be ushered into his room.
"Ooh, this is nice," said one. "I've never been in one of the boys' dorms before. It's usually not allowed, but Saioh said we could do it to deliver your things..."
"As far as I'm concerned, you're free to visit whenever you like," Misawa told them, prompting another round of excited squeals.
"Can we really?" asked the girl carrying the spare sheets. "You're so sweet! Saioh told us we would like you - I should have known he'd be right."
Misawa reflected that if he had known talking to girls was so easy, he might have tried it sooner.
The fourth girl, who was in the process of tucking a pair of extra pillows in place on his bed, said, "Go on, try on your uniform! Let us see how you look."
"Oh. All right," he said. He picked up a jacket and began pulling it on.
"No, no! You have to put on the shirt too," said the girl who had brought the uniforms, smiling slyly. "Don't be shy. We won't tease you or anything. Right?" She looked at her friends, who nodded agreeably.
Feeling self-conscious, Misawa peeled off his shirt. Before he could put on the new one, he found himself surrounded by females, who made approving noises and ran their hands over his biceps, shoulders, and chest.
"See, I knew he'd be hot," the fist girl cooed.
"Intelligent and hot," the second agreed. "I like that in a man."
"Smart and handsome and an incredible duelist," the third chimed in.
The fourth girl gazed adoringly into his eyes. "You've really got it all. Is there anything you can't do?"
He smiled back at her and murmured something appropriately humble, but in his mind he was saying, No... there is nothing I can't do now!
There was very little that could keep Juudai's mood down for long. No matter what the situation, his natural good cheer would reassert itself, so it was no surprise to his friends that within a few days of Misawa's return to the island, he seemed to have nearly forgotten about the incident on the pier. It might have been noted that he spent more time sitting and thinking quietly than usual, but otherwise he seemed to be his old self.
"Hey, anybody up for a game of frisbee?" asked Shou.
"Sure, I'm game," Kenzan said. He got up from the picnic table where he had been going over a reading assignment.
"Sounds like just what I need," Juudai agreed. He stuffed his homework into his bag for later. "Not here, though. Too many trees. Let's go down by the lake."
"That's putting us awfully close to the Obelisk dorm, isn't it?" asked Shou worriedly.
"Who cares?" said Kenzan. "Those guys in white don't own the whole lake. We can play there same as anyone else."
"I'll get the frisbee," said Juudai.
The required item was duly fetched, and the three boys made their way down to the edge of the lake. Despite its uncomfortable proximity to the gleaming white dorm, it was still a nice clear place to play frisbee - or baseball, or kickball, or anything else that required a wide level playing field. It said something about the atmosphere of the school these days that there was no one else there playing anything.
There did appear to be someone there, though. Juudai stopped and listened, gesturing to his friends to do the same.
"Hey," he said, "do you guys hear that? It sounds like someone crying..."
Shou listened. "Yeah, you're right! It sounds kind of familiar, somehow."
"Better check it out," Juudai decided.
Without further consultation, he sprinted off in the direction of the noise. Shou and Kenzan shrugged and ran off after him. After all, if there was something bad going on, they needed to be there to protect him. Also, he was carrying their frisbee.
A short distance away, they found a boy sitting on a rock, and he was plainly in great distress. "Crying" was too mild a word - he was bawling like a baby, tears streaming down his face, and making a tremendous racket. No one found this particularly worrisome. Fubuki had never been able to do anything quietly.
"Hey, buddy," said Juudai, going to sit next to him. "What's wrong? You okay?"
"I... I..." Fubuki replied, sniffling and hiccupping. "Juudai, it's awful! I... I've been replaced!"
"Replaced?" asked Kenzan. "By what, pod people?"
"It's not like that," said Fubuki. "I just... I think I might be losing my touch. I tried talking to some of the girls at breakfast this morning, and they barely even looked at me!"
"That's weird," Shou agreed. Even the White girls tended to get sparkly-eyed and giggly when Fubuki beamed his irresistible smile at them.
"Yeah," said Fubuki. "Get this - they told me they don't like me anymore. They only like Misawa!"
"Misawa?" Juudai repeated.
"But he's clueless about girls!" said Shou. "He doesn't know a pickup line from a pickup truck!"
"Well, he must have learned," Fubuki muttered. "These days you never see him hardly anywhere without a girl on his arm. At least one."
"It's gotta be something Saioh did," said Juudai. "Don't worry, Fubuki - you aren't losing your touch. Saioh's just got half the school thinking up is down and... and north is south." He almost said "black is white" but changed his mind. The Society only thought that white was white and everything else ought to be white.
"So you think it will wear off after a while?" asked Fubuki.
"Sure!" Juudai assured him. "Once we get rid of Saioh, everything will go back to normal."
"Yeah, Fubuki, you shouldn't worry. You've still got it," said Kenzan, following Juudai's lead. "You leave it to Juudai. One of these days he's going to duel Saioh right off the island, and then the girls will be all over you again for sure."
"That's right. You can trust Aniki," said Shou.
Fubuki gave Juudai a watery-eyed, pleading look. "You'd do that for me?"
"Er... sure! Of course!" said Juudai. Explaining that if he did it at all, it would be with the best interests of the whole school at heart and not just Fubuki, didn't seem very important.
"Aw, thanks, Juudai! You're the best!" said Fubuki, catching Juudai in an unexpected bear hug.
"No... problem!" said Juudai, a little breathlessly.
"You don't know how much this means to me," Fubuki continued, shedding grateful tears on Juudai's shirt. "Everything's just been really cruddy lately. Asuka's stopped speaking to me, and Manjoume doesn't like me anymore, and Ryou won't answer my e-mails, and now the girls have dumped me for Misawa... Nobody loves me anymore!"
The other boys made sympathetic noises. Fubuki, they all knew, lived for the love and attention he got from his fans, and without them, he was a wreck. No wonder he was crying his eyes out!
"Hey, it's okay," said Juudai, patting Fubuki on the back. "We still love you!"
"You promise?"
"Yeah, Fubuki. You still rock," Juudai assured him.
"Thanks, man. You're a good pal!" said Fubuki.
"You mean it?" Now it was Juudai's turn to look grateful.
"Absolutely! When I write my next song, I'm dedicating it to you!" said Fubuki, resuming his crushing hold on the younger boy.
"Oh... gee... thanks," Juudai gasped. "Could you maybe loosen up on me a little? You're kind of squashing me."
"Right, sure!" Fubuki obediently released his grip. Seriously, though, you're a real friend!"
"Ha - as if," a new voice cut in. While everyone was occupied with talking to Fubuki, Manjoume had apparently heard the noise and come to see what all the fuss was about.
"Keep walking, if you know what's good for you," said Kenzan, glaring at him.
"Hey, it's a free beach," Manjoume replied. "Hello, Fubuki. Still haven't come to your senses? It's still not too late to join us."
"But I don't want to," Fubuki protested.
"Why not? You'd get your old popularity back, and Asuka would start speaking to you again - everyone would win!" said Manjoume persuasively.
"I don't know why not," Fubuki answered. "It just doesn't feel right."
"Sure it does! You just haven't tried it yet," said Manjoume. "Trust me, nothing feels better than finally seeing the Light! You ought to at least give it a try and see how you like it. You can always back out later if you decide it's not for you. You want us to be friends again, right?"
Fubuki gave him a surprisingly cold glare. "I'll stick with the friends I've got, thanks."
"Bad idea," Manjoume warned him. "You'd be better off joining the Society of Light and making some real friends. When Master Saioh's plans are complete, there won't be anything these losers can do for you."
"All the same, I still think I like them better," said Fubuki placidly.
Manjoume's persuasive manner turned hostile.
"Fine, then!" he snarled. "Be that way! I don't care. I've got a real master now, so I don't need you anyway, Shishou. Just don't say I didn't try to help you!"
With that, he turned and stormed grumpily away.
"What was that all about?" asked Kenzan.
"Dunno!" said Fubuki carelessly. "Sure ticked him off, though, huh?"
"I wonder," Juudai murmured. "He really used to worship Fubuki before he joined that Society, you know? Maybe he misses him a little bit..."
"Nah," said Shou. "He's just mad 'cause Fubuki doesn't want to join his stupid club. And neither do we! He can't stand being ignored."
"Well, it could be that, too," Juudai agreed. "So, hey, Fubuki - do you want to play frisbee with us? If you join us, we can play in teams!"
"Sure!" said Fubuki, his troubles forgotten. "Can I be on your side? Please?"
"It's fine with me if it's fine with them," Juudai answered agreeably.
"Don't mind," said Kenzan. Shou might have been smaller and couldn't run as fast as the others, but he threw more accurately, so it evened out.
"Great! You guys head over that direction," said Juudai.
The teams spread out. As they took their positions, Juudai said quietly to Fubuki, "You really think I'm a good friend, huh?"
"Sure you are," Fubuki answered. "Everybody knows that. Even me!"
Juudai smiled.
"You're all right, too," he said. To his other friends, he shouted, "Okay, guys, go long! I'm seriously gonna huck this sucker!"
With a mighty hurl, he lofted the frisbee off into the distance, sending Shou and Kenzan scurrying to catch it. None of them noticed a lone white-clad figure half-hidden amid a stand of trees, watching them play with an expression that might have almost been called wistful. Then Manjoume shut his eyes tightly, shook himself, and turned and walked away.
A helicopter had landed in the night, sending the school into a tizzy. Acting Principal Chronos and Vice-Principal Napoleon were in a panic. The members of the Society of Light had fallen into a tense and watchful silence, awaiting word from their master. As for the rest of the school... they were jumping for joy, because word had gotten out that Principal Sameshima was back.
"It's about time he got here!" said Shou jubilantly, as he scampered up the sidewalk to the auditorium. "He'll straighten out this Society business for sure!"
"There's a rumor going around that he brought us back some kind of a gift," said Juudai.
There was a vast crowd forming, and Juudai and his friends had their work cut out for them to find good seats. Juudai scanned the room and saw that just about everyone had made it there before him, and he cursed his habit of sleeping as late as he could get away with. There were hardly any places left, much less good ones. As he looked around, he noted that even Saioh had decided to put in one of his rare public appearances. He rarely ever attended classes, and no one had ever managed to successfully discipline him for his truancy. Anyone who tried generally forgot what they had come for as soon as they arrived in his presence, and usually ended up wandering around on the other end of campus without any memories as to how they'd ended up there, with their desire to lecture Saioh greatly diminished. Ed had decided to attend today as well - he was sitting in the very last row, where no one else really wanted to sit, as it was too far away to see very much of anything. As Juudai scanned the crowd in search of free space, he saw someone waving to him.
"Hey, Juudai!" called Fubuki from the stands. "Come sit with us! We saved you guys some spots!"
"All right! Thanks! Be right up!" Juudai called back.
He and his two best friends hurried up into the bleachers, where Fubuki was sitting between Junko and Momoe. They had set their book bags in the chairs in front of them, so there was a place for all three boys to sit.
"Looks like you're feeling better today," Juudai commented as he sat down.
Fubuki slung his arms around his two female friends. "Turns out not everyone forgot about me."
"We'll always love you, Fubuki!" the girls assured him, cuddling close to him.
"See, I told you it would be okay," said Juudai.
"Everything is just fine," said Momoe, rather smugly, and Junko nodded. Apparently they were not the least bit bothered by the idea of not having to share Fubuki with the girls in White.
"Shh!" said Kenzan. "The principal's gonna talk!"
A hush fell over the auditorium as Principal Sameshima stepped onto the stage.
"Good morning, everyone!" he said, smiling broadly at them all. "Before we begin, let me just tell you how much I have missed each and every one of you. I'm glad to see Professor Chronos has taken good care of you in my absence. It appears there have been a few changes around here, but I'm sure it won't take me long to catch up on everything. In the meantime, I've brought you all back a nice surprise."
There was a murmur as the crowd speculated about what the surprise could be.
"That's right! And it's something you'll all enjoy," the principal continued. He reached into his pocket and withdrew a silver medal on a ribbon. The letters "GX" were stamped prominently on the front. "Ladies and gentlemen of Duel Academia, I am pleased to announce that we are hosting a tournament - the GX World Championship! High-ranking duelists from all over the world will be participating in duels right here on this very island, and every single one of you is invited to participate!"
There was an immediate outcry from the students. Principal Sameshima allowed it to go on for a while before raising his hands for silence. Gradually the crowd quieted down.
"You should be excited," he said approvingly. "This is your chance to see what you'll be up again when you enter the Pro Leagues. It is my conviction that you will make me proud. The winner of the tournament will be proclaimed the Genex World Champion, and will receive a very special prize."
From his place in the stands - comfortably close to the front, as befitted someone of his exalted station - Misawa listened as Sameshima outlined the rules of the game.
A tournament, eh? What a wonderful idea - and what perfect timing!
Ever since Saioh had given him those new cards, he had been spending his free time constructing a deck that would incorporate them. Now was his chance to try them out - and on professional duelists, too! Winning against even the best students in the school was nothing compared to winning against someone with an already-established reputation. And if he actually won the Championship, he would be world famous! That was definitely a goal worth shooting for.
After the assembly was over, everyone collected their medals and filed out to start looking for their first targets. Misawa was eager to get started, but he was held back by Saioh.
"A word with you, if you don't mind," he said. "This will only take a moment."
"I have time for anything you need me to do," Misawa answered obediently. He really wanted to join the tournament as soon as possible, but it was important to keep his priorities straight. Winning a world championship was one thing, but winning the world was what Saioh was aiming for.
"Good." Saioh passed him an envelope. "Take this to Principal Sameshima. It contains important information meant for his eyes only, and I wouldn't trust just anyone to deliver it."
"Of course, Master Saioh. I'll deliver it right away."
"Good. Return to me when you're done. I have a few words to say to you about this championship - I have something in mind that may give you an extra edge."
Misawa nodded. "I understand, Master." What he understood was that he didn't see Saioh offering anyone else something to give them an extra edge, and drew the conclusion that Saioh was intending for him to win. With that in mind, he was more than happy to run a quick odd job first.
The hallways between the auditorium and the principal's office were mostly empty - everyone had hurried outside to begin dueling and collecting medals. It was a little disorienting to be walking through them when they weren't crawling with other students. His footfalls echoed in the empty hallway.
He had gone a short distance when he became aware that there was another pair of footfalls coming from behind him. He stopped walking.
"Who's there?" he called.
"Just me," said the person behind him. "Paranoid, much?"
Misawa turned around to see Ed standing behind him. His eyes narrowed.
"What were you following me for?" he asked.
"I always follow suspicious duelists. It's my hobby," Ed replied.
"And you think I'm suspicious?"
"Do I think it's suspicious that one of the most ambitious duelists in the school is wandering off on his own when he could be off winning glory in the tournament? Damn right, I think you're suspicious. What are you up to?"
"I'm not up to anything," said Misawa in his loftiest tone. "For your information, I'm delivering a very important message for Master Saioh." He held up his envelope as proof.
"Right, right. No offense meant," said Ed casually. "So, how's the Society of Light working out for you?"
Misawa's expression went slightly misty. "Better than I ever imagined."
"Great," said Ed. "Glad you're enjoying being Saioh's patsy."
"His what?"
"Patsy. Stooge. Pawn. Plaything. Pick one or more of the above," Ed replied. "By any other name, he's got you wrapped around his fingers."
"I don't know what you're talking about," said Misawa.
"Seems pretty obvious to me. Before you left the school, he didn't care one bit about you. Then you go away and come back, and suddenly he can't do enough for you, and you're not doing a thing to earn it. Ever think that might be just a little bit suspicious?"
"Saioh respects me," Misawa snapped. "He values my service. Maybe you're so suspicious that you can't see a bit of courtesy without thinking there's an ulterior motive behind it, but not everyone is like you."
"So he's giving you everything you want because... what? Because you deliver the mail for him? He could train a dog to do that," said Ed. "I suppose you think he's doing it all because you're just so wonderful you deserve to get everything you want. If I were you, I'd stop and remember that nobody gets a free ride. You're getting used for something, buddy."
"I don't have to listen to this," said Misawa. "Why is it every time you talk to me, you have to insult me? I think you're just jealous because Saioh likes me more than he likes you. Otherwise, he would have asked you to join the Society."
"Saioh doesn't want me to join his Society. He knows he's already gotten all the use he can out of me. Listen to one who's been there: he was a good guy once, but these days, Saioh is looking out for Saioh. No one else. And it seems to me you were grateful to me the last time I talked to you. You wouldn't be where you are now if I hadn't helped you, now, would you?"
"True," Misawa admitted, "but that's no reason why I should stand here and listen to you insult me - or insult Master Saioh, for that matter. Now, get out of my way. I have a message to deliver, and Master Saioh is waiting for me."
"Suit yourself," said Ed with a shrug. Under his breath, he muttered, "Don't know why I bother to try and help..."
Misawa stalked away, fuming.
"He doesn't know what he's talking about," he muttered to himself. "Saioh does respect me. He wouldn't go through all this trouble if I didn't matter to him... What could he possibly be using me for? He said it himself - I haven't done anything yet that someone else couldn't have done just as easily. He must see something in me personally..."
Still talking to himself quietly, he arrived at the door of the principal's office. He knocked on the door.
"Who is it?" Sameshima called.
"Misawa Daichi. I have an important message to you from Saioh Takuma."
There was a creaking of someone getting up from a chair, and then the sound of footsteps moving towards the door. It opened, and Sameshima looked down at him.
"Saioh, eh? I've heard about him," he said. "Very interesting things, too. He's been causing a lot of changes around here, isn't he?"
His tone didn't seem to require an answer, so Misawa simply nodded politely and handed over the letter. Sameshima read it quickly.
"Interesting," he said. "Did Saioh ask you to bring him a reply?"
"No, sir."
"Then I will think about this a while and get back to him."
"Yes, sir. I'll tell him you said so, then," Misawa replied.
"Will that be all?"
"Yes, sir."
"All right, then! You'd better hurry back, then. I wouldn't want you to miss a day of dueling. Good luck in the competition!"
"Thank you, sir." Misawa bowed and hurried back to the White dorm to relay the message to Saioh.
On the way back, he passed a good-sized number of people having duels with each other; everyone seemed eager to begin collecting medals. A few people were already sitting in dejection, having already lost their tokens in the first few minutes of play. Misawa walked past them as quickly as he could so he would not be challenged; much as he would have loved to join in the games, he wanted to get back to Saioh first, and it was against the rules to refuse a challenge once it was issued.
Sorry, everyone. I'll just have to get back to you later.
He hurried back to the Obelisk dorm and tapped on Saioh's door.
"Come in, Mr. Misawa."
Misawa stepped into the room and found Saioh in his usual place. He had gotten used to finding Saioh sitting at his table with his cards, to the point where it was hard to imagine him anywhere else. It was easy to believe he never left that table at all, but slept on it and took all his meals at it.
"You are a bit behind," said Saioh. "I had expected you back before now. I hope Principal Sameshima did not give you any trouble?"
"No, Master, he was quite agreeable. He says he will consider your message and get back to you soon."
"Good. Very good. I always knew Sameshima was an agreeable man. I am certain he will agree to my small request," said Saioh. "So if he gave you no difficulty, why the delay? Did you stop along the way to join in the games?"
"No, of course not!" Misawa hastened to assure him. "It was just that... while I was on my way to Sameshima's office, I was stopped by Ed Phoenix."
"Ah, yes," said Saioh, with mild distaste. "Him."
Hesitantly, Misawa added, "He... he said that you didn't really respect me, and that you're just using me for something."
"He would," Saioh replied. "You mustn't listen to the likes of him. He is still bitter that I have severed ties with him. Unfortunately, I had no choice. No matter how much I try to help him, his past tragedies have made him resentful and self-centered. He is incapable of seeing the Light, and would gladly prevent anyone else from doing so if he could. He is only using empty words to confuse you, Misawa. Of course I'm using you, if that is the word you wish to use. In a true society, we all make use of each other's talents to counterbalance our own weaknesses, and we all reap the rewards. There would only be harm in 'using' you if you were getting nothing in return. Do you not feel you have been well rewarded?"
"Of course I have! My life is a thousand times better than it was before I joined the Society."
"And I have not given you anything that other members of the Society haven't received, so he is hardly justified in saying you receive special treatment," Saioh continued. "What have I given you? A room, a uniform, some good advice... the most extravagant thing I've given you is a new deck, and I am in the process of gathering a few more for other valued members, so you are not alone even in that respect. The only thing you receive that others do not is recognition of your superior skill, and it would hardly be fair even in this enlightened society to treat the greatest of its members exactly the same as the lowest. If we are to be true servants of the Light, we must embrace all of its aspects, including fairness and justice. Don't you agree?"
"Of course. You're absolutely right," said Misawa, relaxing. "I should have known I couldn't trust him. He was obviously spying on me - why else would he be following me when everyone else in the school is out dueling?"
"A keen observation," Saioh agreed. "It is entirely possible that he was attempting to learn the contents of my missive, so he can interfere in my plans. It is good that you reported this to me."
"Pleased to be of service," Misawa replied. Mentally, he was telling Ed, See, I am useful to Saioh! So there!
"I would advise not speaking to young Mr. Phoenix anymore," said Saioh. "He has nothing to say that will be of any use to you. Now, let us put this topic aside and speak of something more productive. Have you prepared your new deck?"
"Yes, Master Saioh. All I need is a chance to test it."
"I'm sure you have done an admirable job. My understanding is that you are a master of deck construction," Saioh replied. "I simply wanted to offer you something that will help you use it to your fullest potential."
"What kind of something?" asked Misawa, interested.
"Consider it training," Saioh replied. "The Light heightens perception and allows its adherents to see things they never could before. I wish to help you harness and refine this ability. Once you have mastered it, you will be able to predict your opponents' moves as accurately as if you could read their minds."
Misawa was intrigued, but also a bit uncertain. "Wouldn't that be cheating, though?"
"Not at all. It is not as if you would be... oh, using mirrors to see their cards, or any such crude tricks. You will be using nothing more than your natural senses. If an Olympic sprinter wins a footrace against an ordinary man, did he win because he was cheating? No, he won because he is more naturally talented and better trained. There is nothing wrong with that. It is the nature of competition that the winner will be better than the loser. If everyone was on perfectly level footing, what would be the point of having a contest at all? If it puts your mind at rest, I taught this same technique to our friend Manjoume, and you have seen for yourself that he is not unbeatable."
"Well... all right," said Misawa.
"Excellent. Just hold still, then, and permit me to open your inner eye."
Before Misawa could react, Saioh laid a hand on his forehead, and something like an electric shock went shooting through his brain, sending stars dancing across his vision. It was a sensation not unlike the one he'd undergone when he had joined the Society in the first place, and like that experience, the shock quickly faded, leaving him feeling euphoric, warm all over and slightly lightheaded, with a feeling of reckless confidence.
"Done," said Saioh briskly. "It may take your body some time to fully accept the change, so the effects may fade over time. If that happens, we will repeat the process until it becomes permanent. Unless, of course, you find you are uncomfortable with this ability, in which case we can allow it to fade."
"No, no, this is fine," Misawa assured him. Already, the world looked different - sharper and more defined, and the bright sunlight slanting through Saioh's windows didn't dazzle his eyes as it usually would. He wondered if this was how Saioh saw the world.
"Then allow me to perform a simple test," said Saioh. He took out his deck, shuffled it a few times, and drew a card, holding it up so that its back was to Misawa. "Tell me what card I've drawn."
Misawa's first instinct was to say that he didn't know - that it was impossible for him to guess the name of a card he couldn't see from a deck he was unfamiliar with - but then suddenly realized that he could see it. There was a faint halo of reflected light where the sun's rays struck the picture, and a faint shadow on the back of the card where the slightest amount of light shone through it. The longer he stared, the clearer these images became.
"Arcana Force XIV," he said at last. "Temperance."
"Very good," said Saioh. "You have learned to read the signs. Now you have only to practice, and this tournament will give you the perfect opportunity to do so. It is my trust that you will achieve victory for the glory of the Light."
"Yes, Master! You can count on me!"
He hurried on his way with his head still spinning. A small part of his mind was whispering to him that this wasn't quite right, somehow - hadn't he wanted to prove to the world that he could succeed with his own power? What was he doing, accepting something like this? He told the voice to be quiet.
There is nothing wrong with this. This is just another skill I'm learning. Once I've mastered it, and combined it with my new deck and my natural talent for strategy, I'll be unstoppable! I can't back down now - I'll never get a chance like this again!
Meanwhile, Saioh watched from his window as Misawa set off across the lawn in search of duels. He chuckled softly, idly toying with the card he had drawn.
"Temperance," he murmured, and laughed.
To Be Continued
