A/N: Forgive me for my laziness. This was supposed to be a little while ago. I'm experiencing writer's block right now, so I'm sorry if this chapter is disappointing! It's pretty short.

Chapter 2

The sound of quill scratching against parchment echoed in the quiet room. Hushed murmurs traveled around the crowd, some exuberant, some laced with jealousy and disbelief, but many were just shocked at the recently announced news, incredulous stares flickering back and forth between the smirking king and frozen crown prince.

Gazing into the teal eyes of his father and the sapphire eyes of his mother, Yusei walked forward, his footsteps almost silent on the expansive rug, thousands of eyes only on him. He bowed before the four nobles around the table, sapphire eyes looking into regal amethysts. I won't go willingly.

That may be, but you're to play the game into my hands regardless, the cool stare seemed to reply. Jack turned to face Yusei's parents. "Your Majesties," he started, "may I have the honor of dueling your son? I believe those gathered with us today deserve a bit of entertainment after such a long wait."

What is he doing? "Hakase, I do think that a duel would be proper. After all, emotions are well expressed on the field of battle," said Godwin pleasantly.

"If the prince agrees to it," answered the queen unsurely. "Yusei?"

"I never back down from a duel," confirmed Yusei. "Shall we?" he asked Jack with fake politeness. I have to win this.

"Let's." You just walked right into my trap.

The thousands in the audience stood in a neat circle around the two males preparing to do battle. "Was the duel really necessary?" inquired Godwin quietly as he freed Jack of his robes.

"All part of my plan," the blonde answered simply, stretching his muscles and adjusting his armor. "I want to know who is truly superior." And besides, toying with my prey provides quite an amusing game.

"The duel between King Jack Atlas of Neo Domino and Prince Yusei Fudo of the Satellite shall now take place. Duelists, to the center!" boomed Ushio, leader of the royal guards.

Yusei and Jack both both moved forward from separate directions, posture perfect, faces void of emotion. They each placed their swords together, eager to do battle.

"Any words to exchange before this match begins?" asked Ushio. The blond king nodded, and the man left to resume position near the audience. "One minute," he mouthed.

"I have a little proposition for you," smirked Jack.

"As if I care about what you have to say," scowled Yusei.

"That's not how you address someone of higher power."

"It is when the person does not deserve my attention."

Let's make this quick. "A hundred days," said Jack.

"For what, exactly?"

I got your attention, Prince. "If I beat you in this duel, you will come to live me in Neo Domino for a hundred days. I shall have a hundred days to try and make you fall in love with me."

"What about the 'wedding?'"

"All based on you. If I manage to change your views by the end of those hundred days, then there will be no problem, seeing as you'd marry me willingly and become Queen. If not, then you may return to Satellite and do as you wish."

Interesting, but I won't fall for you. "And if I win?"

"You won't." With that, the king leaped back as he saw Ushio's arm rise to show that the time for talk was over. "Get ready to pack, Yusei."

"Begin!" yelled Ushio. The crowd's silence dispersed as a wave of excited shouts took over.

Yusei and Jack placed their hands over the power stones in their respective swords. The little fight they had earlier was nothing. It was time to use their full power.

Red and white light flared from the stones as both men raced at each other. Jack began his onslaught, Yusei parrying each hit with striking accuracy. The prince sidestepped, slashing at the air to execute a wind attack.

Jack leaped into the air just as the silver streams impacted the earth. He dug the blade of his sword into the dry earth as he landed, sending a barrage of fireballs at Yusei.

Yusei executed a few backflips to dodge before twirling his sword to create a barrier of white. He dived away just as Jack ran towards him, both boys' swords releasing a loud metal clang as their blades smacked into each other.

"You're not going to win," chuckled Jack as he shoved the other back, aiming a kick to knock off Yusei's balance. Expecting that sort of move, the prince jumped into the air, leg managing to collide with the king's chest, momentarily knocking the breath out of him. However, just as his feet were about to meet the ground again, Jack jabbed him with the hilt before giving just the smallest slash, ruby power stone twinkling brightly just before a dark cloud of smoke surrounded the two duelists. Got you!

Yusei tightly shut his eyes, covering his mouth to cough. That minute moment of vulnerability was all Jack needed. In only a second, Yusei found himself flat on his back, Jack sitting on his stomach to pin him while he sheathed his sword. "You lose," whispered the king. "This fight is over."

"Damn you," panted Yusei, scooching away when Jack finally got off of him. He shakily stood up, gathering his sword and returning it to its sheath. He could hear the many shocked gasps. He glanced at his dumbstruck cousins out of shadowed sapphires. He felt exhilarated from the duel, even if the outcome wasn't the one desired. He was angry, bitter, and embarrassed, but he was no sore loser. He won...

"Winner, Jack Atlas," announced Ushio.

A/N: Reviews are nice, just so you know ;)!