Hanging with Axel: Part 1
"Jeez you're campus card shop puts ours to shame!" Jade squealed with excitement as she upturned the paper bag and emptied the contents onto the dorm floor. "I've never seen so many boosters packs in one place! What do you say we crack them open?" Jade looked across to Jaden. He grinned wide.
"I say the only thing better then opening new cards is duelling with them!" Jaden reached out and snatched up one of the booster packs beginning to tear at the foil. Jade had taken permanent residence in the Slifer Red dorm for the duration of her stay. Since their meeting Jade and Jaden had become inseparable, with so much in common the pair were rarely apart. Pharaoh, the fat brown stripped cat, sat on the rafter's overhead snoozing loudly. Who knew cats could snore so loud?
"Check out this rare one!" Jaden beamed holding it up to show Jade.
"Oh!" Jade looked down to the cards in her own hand, "Here's two more." Ruby leapt up onto her shoulder and squeaked loudly. Jade turned to look at the spirit and frowned. "What's up?" It wasn't long before Kuriboh too appeared before Jaden. Jaden peered over his shoulder toward the door.
"What? Someone's out there?"
Both sprung to their feet and bolted for the door. Throwing it open they stepped out onto the porch and noted a shadow sprinting away in the darkness. "Hey!" Jaden called turning and bolting for the steps. "Get back here!" Who the hell was lurking outside there dorm? Why? Jaden wasn't sure but he was going to find out.
Axel kept his eyes shut. Memories flowed through his mind taking him back to when he trekked through thick jungles with his father.
Pushing his way through thick undergrowth.
"Don't take another step son," His father growled. Axel paused and peered over his shoulder to the large bulky man. "Remember no matter where you are you're sense should always be on high alert," His father would warn. "You know rule number one; life is a battlefield. There's danger around every corner." His father ducked low and brushed a small clump of foliage aside to reveal a small trip wire attached to the smallest of twigs. The line wound its way to a grenade strapped to a low hanging branch. "One moment of weakness could cost you." His father would say.
"Relax," Axel muttered to himself. "Focus." He slowly opened his eyes, "Now draw. Always start at level 1." Reaching to the deck he pulled the top card free. "Excellent." The flames began to spark at the end of the rope from which he hung. He dangled dangerously over a cliff face with only a small rope attaching him to a tree that hung out over the sheer drop. Swinging his body he made for the cliff edge. The rope snapped. Throwing himself forward he rolled as he hit the grass, rising to a knee.
"Hope you're watching dad," He muttered, "Because the war is about to start." The silence of the night was broken by the sound of hurried footsteps and a voice.
"He can't be too far!" That was that kid...Jaden. Viper had spoken about him before. Jaden shortly appeared with Jade Anderson in toe. What were they doing out here this late? Wasn't it past their bed time?
"Hey buddy!" Jaden called out, "Seen anyone suspicious run by?"
Axel rose and frowned.
"I see you're a man of few words," Jaden muttered.
"I'd lay off the jokes J," Jade pointed out.
"Huh?"
"Axel Brody is a pretty serious guy. Rumour has it that he trains for duels by putting himself in danger then trying to escape."
"Woah..."
"Someone forgot to tell him it's a game. He seems to think if you life's not at risk then you're not duelling with everything you got."
"Wow. This dudes pretty hardcore...I ought to give that a shot," Jaden grinned.
"This isn't child's play son," Axel barked.
"What's that supposed to mean?" Jaden scowled. "I happen to enjoy child's play!"
Jade smirked lightly and put a hand on Jaden's shoulder. "He didn't mean it that way," Jade looked to Axel, "Right Axel?"
"What did you mean?" Jaden looked to Axel.
"Jaden. Jade."
Both jumped and wheeled about to see the dark form of Raiden standing behind them. Jade watched the man closely. Jaden scowled."You're that West guy right?" Jaden grinned.
"Both of you should get back to your dorm," Raiden growled.
"Wait a second-" Jaden piped.
"We're going," Jade nodded before pulling on Jaden's arm. They strode past the man in black and made for their dorm. Raiden looked up toward Axel. For a moment both men eyed each other. Axel turned back toward the tree which jutted out awkwardly over the cliff. He broke eye contact first. Raiden knew he could beat that man in a duel.
"Dad! Dad? The pain! It's too much!"
"My son!" Viper growled flailing in his slumber. He tossed and turned. His brow was dotted with sweat, his dark hair beginning to stick to his flesh. He reached out.
"Don't worry mister," A small voice echoed in the darkness. "I'll help him...but first you need to help me."
Viper's eyes snapped open. He saw the room was dark. Black. He sat up in a heartbeat and turned his eyes around the room once more. Nothing. His breathing was heavy. His head was throbbing, his heart racing. His sheets damp. Panting a moment he brought a hand to his brow and brushed it furiously. He felt it. Casting his eyes left he looked to the desk. Swinging his legs out over the side of his bed he pushed himself to a stance and crossed the room. Making his way to the desk he reached out and plucked the small bio-band off the table. Much like a watch in appearance. A thick white strap with a blue blank face. Viper studied it a moment before turning his gaze out through the crack in the curtains and out onto the lake. A small smirk curved his lips.
Everyone had gathered in the main auditorium. The chatter was deafening. Viper had called everyone here, and everyone was nervous as to why. It was only the first week of term and already things were being altered, changed and disrupted.
"Settle down," Shepherd called loudly attempting to gain the attention of the students. "Professor Viper has an announcement to make."
Raiden narrowed his eyes. He still hadn't spoken with Shepherd. The man didn't want to speak with him. Raiden had given up some very important duels to be here why wasn't Shepherd obliging him?
"I don't repeat myself," Viper began. Raiden sighed and looked to the professor. He wondered how many times his nose had been broken for it to contort into that shape. "So listen up! Feast your eyes on my newest invention." Viper rose his hand and produced a small watch like device. Raiden eyed it carefully. He had seen it for a total of 4 seconds and he didn't like it. "The Bio Band and starting from now you're all required to wear one is that understood."
Raiden didn't like it. Not a bit.
"What do these things actually do?" Jaden murmured studying the device closely.
"Beats me," Jade muttered casting her eyes down to the band about her wrist.
"Over the next few weeks you'll take part in a series of Survival Duels. You will all begin with the same ranking regardless or your dorm color or grade level."
"What's the point of that?" Crowler squeaked. "This oversized Orangutan is ruining everything."
"Oui, oui and we're capable of doing that ourselves." Bonaparte muttered from near the rear of the stage, though neither seemed capable of keeping their indoor voices.
"Anyway..." Viper growled over the two professors, that quickly silenced themselves. "Back to my Bio-band system. These devices systematically gather and transmit data about your duelling ability to a central computer. Which then measures you energy, evaluates your decisions and gages overall fighting spirit."
"I don't know what he just said," Jaden smirked, "But it sounds cool."
Jade wasn't sure.
"Once the evaluation is complete each of you will be given a score and failure will not be tolerated. They say you're the best of the best, they call you people the elite. Now prove it!"
"But Monsieur, what if this 'machine' determines that the students spirit is too weak?" Bonaparte called loudly.
"Simple," Viper put in, "A dorm demotion and should one receive a second low score the next step is expulsion."
The crowd exploded with gasps, screams and panic. Raiden's eyes turned to look at Shepherd. Would he allow this? Crowler and Bonaparte were racing across the stage to the Chancellor.
"For those people who don't think you can handle this. I suggest you go home now."
Crowler and Bonaparte reached Shepherd and instantly an argument had begun. Raiden pushed off the wall and cast his eyes to Aster who was quick to return the gaze.
"I think his plan rocks," Jaden could be heard through the crowd. "We get to duel every day." How naive of him.
"Aren't you worried you might get kicked out of school?" Jade looked to Jaden. She was far more mindful of the entire situation.
"Not a chance bro," Jaden smirked. "My scores are going to be through the roof."
"Go back to your dorms and await further instructions." Viper barked loudly.
Jaden laughed. "I wonder who I'll duel next, maybe one of your new guys." As he strode back toward the dorm. Hassleberry, Syrus and Jade in toe.
"Hey why the long face soldier?" Hassleberry noted the down cast look on Syrus face.
"I don't know...using a machine to test our duelling skills. It just..it seems wrong." Syrus' eyes remained on the floor. Hassleberry sighed. Poor little guy.
"Know what's wrong?" The hiss of Chazz sounded, "You in that coat but these Bio-bands are going to change that by weeding out the weak."
"Thanks Chazz, big help." Hassleberry groaned.
Raiden strode through the corridor. Where was Shepherd?
"Ah Mr. West," That hiss was the undeniable flick of Viper's tongue. He paused in his tracks and cast a look over his shoulder. Viper was striding toward him, arms folded behind his back.
"Viper," Raiden said coolly.
"I see you have not taken one of my bio-bands."
"I'm not a student here."
"Ah...it did slip my mind..." Viper nodded.
"Then this conversation is over." Raiden turned. A hand clamped on his arm. He snarled and wheeled around to Viper. He felt a band snap about his wrist and lock in place. "What are you playing at?" Raiden jerked his arm away from Viper who smirked.
"You came here in order to train duellist's, only a select few if I might add. Did I not mention that all tutors were also to wear one?"
"I won't be taking part in your Survival Duels."
"You will-everyone will." Viper growled before pushing past.
"Attention students, the Survival Duels will begin immediately following fifth period, be sure to activate your bio-bands so you can be properly evaluated." Shepherd's voice rang over the intercom.
"They've got to be kidding me," Adrian sighed studying the band in his hand.
"Why?" Jim asked peering across to the man, Shirley, as ever, on his back.
"What are we?" Adrian quizzed, "In prison? I mean..come on! They're forcing us to wear a monitoring device as if we're criminals. Or worse, like animals being tracked down in the wild."
"Actually, tracking animals is a way of protecting them not hurting them. They need our help," Jim nodded before casting a look to Shirley, "Ain't that right girl?" The croc hissed.
Syrus watched the two men striding away from him. He needed to find someone to duel, someone who he could beat-Syrus, after all, wasn't the bravest of duellists.
"I just hope none of them new students ain't fixing to challenge me," Hassleberry piped. But even his sudden appearance wasn't enough to pull Syrus out of his thoughts. "I'm playing it safe. So if you see a wimpy little pipsqueak, besides yourself of course, tell 'em Hassleberry is on their trail."
Syrus sighed, nodded mutely and began to trudge forward.
"You alright son?" Hassleberry called after him. Syrus didn't respond. He trudged onward, wondering back toward the Slifer Red Dorm.
"So I said, 'you call that a trap card?'" Jaden's voice caused Syrus to look up. There was Jaden striding with Jade talking about Duelling-yet again.
"Jaden!" He called loudly beginning to run forward. "Wait up!"
"What's up Sy?"
"We have to stop this. It's all wrong. Viper's hiding something, all the signs are there. The deep voice, the angry stare. Even his name reeks of evil J! Think about it-ever meet a nice guy called Viper?"
Jaden watched Syrus blankly. "Eh..."
Syrus felt his shoulders slump. "You mean you actually have to think about that? We could get kicked out of school! Or worse one of us could get hurt."
"Aren't you over reacting?" Jaden frowned bringing up a hand and scratching the back of his head. "I mean...he might be a little strict but I don't think he's out to hurt anyone."
"Oh yeah?" Syrus squeaked, "What about the point system? If I choke and get a low score I'm out of here!"
"Relax Sy, just have a good time and whatever happens, happens," Jaden shrugged. Easy for him to say. Jaden was one of the top duellist's in the academy-what did he have to worry about? As for Syrus-he had everything to worry about. He wasn't the strongest of dueller's and with a brother like Zane he had everything to live up to.
"But J!" Syrus squeaked before sighing heavily, "Never mind...I thought being here meant something to you...obviously I was mistaken!" Syrus turned and sprinted away.
"Poor guy," Jade muttered, "He seems really shaken up about all of this."
"Nah he makes a big deal out of everything," Jaden shook his head.
"If you say so..." Jade shrugged, "But what happens if he's right?"
"Hanging around?" Axel's eyes snapped open to see Viper looking down at him from the cliff edge.
"I'm training sir," Axel responded briskly. He tugged on the rope which quickly wound up. Leaping onto the grass he landed and looked up to Viper.
"Impressive," Viper said sarcastically, "But if you want to show off your moves? I suggest you save it for the competition. Now I trust you remember our plan?"
"Of course," Axel scoffed, "Duel against Jaden right? I'm on it."
"I need you to do more than simply 'duel' him," Viper snapped.
"Yeah? Like what?"
"Do you remember what your father thought you? Live your life as though you're in constant danger."
How could Axel ever forget, it was engrained in his mind. "Always do," Axel said, through gritted teeth.
"This time put Jaden in danger," Viper growled.
Axel looked at the man aghast as he turned and looked to the trees.
"I want you to terrify him. I want him so frightened for his life that he unleashes everything he's got. Attack, attack and attack again. Even if it costs you the duel your mission is to push Jaden beyond his threshold and drain every ounce of his power. Is that clear?" Viper turned and looked to Axel again.
Always remember when you accept a mission there's no turning back, you have to press on despite the danger. Axel's father's voice played in his mind. He watched Viper a moment before smiling.
"I accept."
Adrian set the silver briefcase down on the table and flicked the latches open. Lifting the top it revealed a clear panel, a scanner and a phone, untraceable. He set the bio-band a top the panel and pulled the scanner over it. Lifting the phone he placed it to his ear.
"Gecko 1-do you copy?" he muttered.
"This is Gecko 1-proceed with your request." A female voice responded briskly.
"I need an analysis on something," Adrian watched the bio-band. There was silence from the woman. The scanner quickly moved over the bio-band registering it's structure. "Do you copy?" Adrian pressed.
"Affirmative," The woman responded, "This could take a while. The configuration seems complicated until then? Keep a close eye on Viper."
"Already on it," Adrian nodded setting the phone down. Lifting the bio-band once more he studied it closely. What was Viper hoping to get out of these 'Survival Duels'? There had to be a reason for the title. What was he after?
Pushing the undergrowth out of his eyes he peered through the trees, cursed and quickly ducked behind a tree. So Viper was hiding out in the middle of the forest? What was inside that building? It was perfectly camouflaged within the denseness of the trees. Viper turned and peered about the forest. Had he heard him? Surely not. Adrian was careful, he knew how to handle these situations. Viper eventually moved onward, away from Adrian. Adrian slowly slipped out from behind the tree and crept forward. Viper shortly disappeared into a building tucked away in the midst of the forest. Adrian cursed when the door slid shut. Slipping from the cover of the trees he crossed the open space, which made him feel naked. Reaching the building he reached out and pressed his hands against the surface. No lock, no keyhole, no nothing. How was he to get in? Obviously he wasn't. What was Viper doing in there? Why was he all the way out in the middle of nowhere? Something reeked of poison.
Syrus trudged onward. Nothing, no duels, no nothing all day. He hadn't found a single person that he felt safe enough to duel all day. Maybe Jaden's right, maybe I'm overreacting about this whole bio-band conspiracy. Maybe I just need to suck it up and duel the next person I see. Yeah that's what he'd do. The next person-no matter what. Syrus looked up to see none other than Axel Brody standing on a tree that jutted out from the cliff edge. The dark haired boy with the bulging biceps.
"Or I could wait," Syrus muttered, "I'll duel the next person I see..." Syrus nodded. "Yeah. That's it." He spun and made to stride away. He stopped himself. "Hang on! I can't spend the rest of my life running from my fears besides maybe I'll luck out and he'll say no." Turning Syrus moved forward closer to the tree.
"Eh...excuse me?" He called out to Axel. The man turned. Syrus was pretty sure he may have just wet his pants a little. Shaking it off he cleared his throat. "Hey you!" He called, braver then he felt, "Butter up your deck so we can throw down...eh please?"
Axel's expression hardened before he turned away and looked out over the sea again. "Take a hike," Axel called. Though a flood of relief spread through Syrus-he was insulted.
"Take a hike?!" Syrus squeaked, "Don't you know me? I'm Zane Truesdale's brother pal."
"Big deal, that dude ain't so tough," Axel scoffed.
"Yeah? Well I also happen to be the best friend of the infamous Jaden Yuki."
"Well well," Axel smirked looking back toward him. Axel's tone had changed now. Syrus withdrew a little.
"Eh...does that mean you wanna duel?"
Axel turned and leapt off the log landing only a foot before Syrus a smirk on his lips. Syrus reduced in his shadow.
"Eh...can we talk about this?" Syrus piped again. Axel's fist balled before crashing down on top of him.
Hassleberry looked through his cards. Jade spied him from the far side of the room, smirked and bounced forward leaning in over his shoulder attempting to see some of his cards.
"So I hear you have a deck full of dinosaur cards?" Jade tried to lean further over his shoulder and see more. Hassleberry jumped and quickly furled his cards together. "Can I see?" Jade asked again.
"Sorry," Hassleberry smiled, "My cards are off limits to the public."
"I'm not the public," Jade smirked bouncing around Hassleberry again, "I'm Jaden's new best friend. He'd tell you to show them to me." She pouted.
"Friend really?" Hassleberry muttered-like that was believable. Attempting to take her mind off his cards he continued. "And besides I don't do everything he says."
"Ah!" Jaden sighed as he stepped into the room, "I love that shower. Oh and thanks for cleaning it Hassleberry."
"So you don't do what he say's huh?" Jade smirked poking at Hassleberry's chest.
"I eh...cleaned it for myself!"
No sooner had he spoken then the small form of winged Kuriboh flew through the curtains in clear distress.
"Hey Kuriboh," Jaden smiled.
"What's he saying J?" Jade piped standing up a frown on her brow. "It don't sound good."
"Wait! You hear it too?" Hassleberry frowned.
"What? Where is he?" Jaden frowned.
"Who? You're freaking me out son! What are you talking about?"
"You're kidding me, where's he at Ruby?" Jade looked to her shoulder to the small creature who had appeared squeaking loudly.
"They're everywhere!" Hassleberry gaped.
"Hassleberry wash my P.J's," Jaden muttered throwing his clothes toward the boy. He looked up but Jaden was already gone. Bounding to his feet he ran out onto the porch and cast a look to try and locate Jaden. He was gone.
"Wait soldier!" He called, "What detergent?"
"I'm going too!" Jade called running from the dorm and down the steps. Hassleberry looked to her.
"Yeah...well so am I pal!"
Jade reached the bottom of the steps and paused casting a look back up to the open doorway. Hassleberry still had appeared. "Hey!" She called. "Hurry up will you?"
"Hold on I got P.J's to wash!"
Jaden ran forward. If Kuriboh was telling the truth then everything Jade had said about Axel had been true. What was he getting out of this? He didn't get it. Why Syrus anyway? That boy would never do anything to anyone! Jaden tripped his way through the trees until he reached the clearing. It was dark-hard to see things. He noted the same tree he had seen Brody at earlier. Dangling from a rope was Syrus over the sheer cliff. Axel stood at the roots of the tree, arms folded, waiting.
"Sy!" Jaden called.
"Jaden!" Syrus called back quickly. "Told you they'd come to save me you big bully!" Syrus directed toward Axel. The man wasn't responding. Jaden skidded to a halt on the grass.
"Syrus! Hang in there pal," Jaden quickly though back on that sentence. "Alright...maybe not the best choice of words."
Axel smirked.
"Please help me! I have a fear of dangling over deadly cliffs!" Syrus screamed.
"That's right!" Jaden nodded. "Let him go Axel!"
"I don't think so," Axel growled, "Well not yet anyway. You see your friend here just saved me a world of trouble. Instead of hunting you down I just sat back and let you come to me."
"So that's what this is all about?"Jaden frowned, "Gimme a break I'm always up for a duel! If you wanted to throw down all you had to do was ask."
"Maybe but I couldn't take that chance. Besides hogtying your friend over a cliff was way more fun!"
"Let him down!" Jaden growled.
"Relax he'll come down sooner or later...that rope wasn't the strongest. See if you win? Then I'll go ahead and release him...if you lose he takes the fall."
"There's only one person going down," Jaden snarled, "And that's you! So as they say, or as I say, get your game on!"
Jade ran forward. Trust Jaden to go running off without saying anything. Hassleberry was behind her, struggling to keep up. For such a bulky man? He wasn't that fit. He was panting like a dog.
"Slow down!" He called out to her. She wasn't about to. "You even know where you're going?"
That was a good point...
"Please don't tell me you're following one of them spirits..." Hassleberry continued to pant. Jade kept running, straining her eyes against the darkness. Ruby sat comfortably on her shoulder meowing every so often to direct them. Peering back over her shoulder she nodded.
"We are," she looked ahead again, "Now keep up!"
They kept running. Jade was slowly beginning to outpace Hassleberry. She glanced back once more to him. She was worried about Jaden. He didn't think. He charged off. Anything could have happened to him. He could have slipped and fallen in the dark.
"There he is!" Hassleberry called out. Jade grinded to a halt the dirt skimming up her boots. She looked ahead to see Jaden slipping his deck into his duel disk. Axel was standing across from him.
"Hey! what are you doing?" She barked.
"What I do best," Jaden muttered, his duel disk activating. He cast a look over his shoulder to her and winked. Axel reached for the duel disk perched in the holster on his hip quickly fixing it to his arm.
"Game on!" Axel and Jaden called in unison, commencing the duel.
"If you don't mind, I'll start," Jaden called. Reaching to his deck, he ripped the first card free and glanced down. Elemental Mirage. In his hand already he already had Polymerization, Elemental Hero Avian, Burstinatrix, De-Fusion and, good old, Neos. "I activate Polymerization fusing Avian and Burstinatrix to form Flamed Wingman!"
Axel seemed impressed. "That's a pretty high-ranking monster to bust out right away..." He mused. "You're rushing through this as though someone's life is on the line...oh wait...it is," Axel chuckled.
"Is this all a big joke to you?" Jaden growled. "I'll have the last laugh, trust me."
Jaden was getting more and more wound up. Who wouldn't? Jade couldn't blame him.
"Easy J, don't go losing your cool," said Jade.
"That's my job," Hassleberry piped up from behind her. Jade peered over her shoulder-did the man always reek of sweat? Was he never not in the gym? Then how come he was so out of breath? Hassleberry took a step toward where Syrus hung.
"Slow down Bandana Boy," Axel snorted, "One more step and it'll be the end of the line for your little friend." Lifting his hand he produced a remote. Sparks began to flare at the rope end.
"Please!" Syrus squeaked, "Do what he says!"
"Well fine," Hassleberry huffed, "But I can't stand bullies."
"No worries," Jaden glanced back toward Jade and Hassleberry, "He's not going to get away with this. I'm on it."
"Then go. Every second you waste is a second closer to your friends final hurrah. So I suggest you finish up your move." Axel called.
"I'll throw down two face downs and end my turn."
"Ready for this?" Axel asked. Jade's brow creased. She didn't like this guys attitude. "I activate my Blaze Accelerator."
Jaden then asked what was on everyone's mind. "What's that?"
"My secret weapon," Axel smirked, "Fires out Pyro-type monsters with 500 ATK points or less. You're about to see for yourself. I'm loading up Volcanic Shell. Now Fire!" The canon clicked, opened, allowed the worm like bullet to slip inside the canon before firing. Jaden quickly activated one of his face downs.
"I activate diffusion!" Flamed Wingman quickly because Avian and Burstinatrix once more. The attack in turn going wide.
"Nice move Sarge," Hassleberry called.
"Yeah...good thinking," Jade smiled.
"You may have dodged that bullet son, but you can't pull the same tactic twice. So brace yourself." Axel growled.
"But you can't attack me again until your next turn."
"That's what you think," Axel laughed, "I activate Volcanic Shell's special ability-by paying 500 life points and in exchange I can fire another. Loading up Volcanic Shell number 2."
Axel → 4000 to 3500
Once again the canon quickly loaded itself with the worm like bullet. "Fire away." The shell crashed into Burstinatrix, there was a crack as the card was destroyed.
"No my Burstinatrix!" Jaden gasped.
"Can we speed this up?" Syrus called from where he dangled off the cliff. "Kinda short on time here!"
"You hold tight little man!" Hassleberry reassured.
"I'll toss one card face down and take a break. Now you better do something before that rope takes a break."
Jaden growled. Axel was right, did he really go through all this trouble just to duel him? Or was he up to something else entirely.
