Its time for another chapter of 'Crypto Duels'. As to who's dueling this time, I'll let that be a surprise.
-:-
"Sarangerel!"
Running into the room, a young girl, about fifteen in age and of Mongolian decent, came and stood in front of the Leader. She had long black hair and wore a common deel.
"Yes, Leader? You summoned me?" asked Sarangerel. Despite her outer appearance of calm, she was nervous on the inside. She's never seen what the Leader looks like.
"I want you to go to Duel Academy and retrieve the three cards we've lost. I will not tolerate failure," growled the Leader.
"Of course. I will not fail.
With that, Sarangerel left for Duel Academy.
-:-
Jaden was sitting in the hospital room next to Alexis' bed. It had been a little over a day since her duel with Tanoa and she still hasn't woken up. Hearing a rattling noise, he turned to the door to see Jesse and two of his other friends, Bastion Misawa and Jim Crocodile Cook, walk into the room.
"What are you guys doing here?" asked Jaden.
"What? We can't come and see if our friend is doing okay?" questioned Jesse with a fake pout.
"We also figured you'd want to take a break, mate. We'll watch over Tomorrow Girl while you go and get some grub," offered Jim.
"Thanks, guys!" grinned Jaden.
"Don't mention it, Jaden," said Bastion.
Jaden left the room and made his way to the cafeteria. About fifteen minutes later, Jaden was making his way back to Alexis' room, carrying back a bag of food for her when she wakes up. As he got closer to the room, he heard a scream and a crash coming from the room.
"Alexis!"
Jaden ran the rest away and burst through the door, only to see Jesse, Bastion, and Jim pressed up against the wall in shock. On the other side of the room, Alexis was shaking in fear.
"What happened?" questioned Jaden.
"I don't know! She just woke up and started screaming and throwing things!" explained Jesse.
"Most likely she's still traumatized from her duel," said Bastion. "Once things are explained she might calm down."
"You heard him, Jaden. You're the one who can most likely get through to her," said Jim.
Nodding in understanding, Jaden quickly went over to Alexis, hoping he could calm her down. When Jaden placed his hand on her shoulder, Alexis flinched and lifted her head to see who was in front of her.
"Jaden?"
"Its okay, Alexis. Nothing is going to happen to you, I promise," said Jaden, a small smile playing on his face.
"Jaden!" cried Alexis as she lunged at the boy and wrapped her arms around him. He could feel his jacket getting wet.
"Is it safe?" asked Jesse, slowly walking over.
"I don't think so," said Jaden with a sheepish grin, as he felt Alexis' grip tighten.
"Then it would probably be for the best that we leave. This way you will be able to talk to Alexis without distractions," said Bastion.
"Right. See you guys later then," said Jaden.
When the three left, Jaden turned back to Alexis.
"Alexis? Its okay, they're gone now," said Jaden.
Reluctantly, Alexis lifted her head off of Jaden's shoulder and looked to see that Jaden was telling the truth.
"Alexis, I know what happened was scary, but you should know that Jesse, Bastion, and the others would never hurt you."
"…I know. It's just…I didn't realize where I was. I just woke up and let instinct set in," explained Alexis.
"So if you were to be in the same room as the others, you'd be okay?" asked Jaden.
"Yeah," replied Alexis.
"Glad to hear it!" grinned the Slifer King. "Here. I brought you some food. Hope you like shrimp tempura!"
"Thank you, Jaden," giggled Alexis.
The two teens then ate in comfortable silence.
-:-
Jesse and Jim were walking down the path outside to the Slifer Dorms. After they left the Medical Wing, they separated from Bastion, who said he was going to head over to the library to do some research.
"Man, if I ever meet the guy who did that to Alexis, I'd show him a thing or two!" growled Jesse.
"You'd have to get in line, mate. I'm sure Jaden and Atticus would want a piece of him as well," said Jim.
"Ja, ja."
They continued walking until Jesse suddenly stopped in his tracks. Jim slowed down and looked back at the Insect Duelist in confusion.
"What's wrong, mate?"
The only response Jim got was Jesse raising his arm and pointing to the road up ahead. Looking to where he was pointing, Jim saw that what Jesse was pointing at was a girl he did not recognize. The Alligator Duelist could only sweatdrop.
"You've got to be kidding me," said Jim, his one eye twitching.
Jesse ran full speed towards the girl, surprising her when he skidded passed her.
"Hi there! You must be new around here! My name's Jesse Anderson. What's yours, cutie?" asked Jesse. He mentally cheered when the girl faintly blushed.
"My name is Sarangerel Khan," answered the girl.
"Sarangerel, huh? Mind if I call you Sara? It'd be easier to remember!" grinned the Scandinavian boy.
"…I suppose," said Sara, surprised by Jesse's attitude. She's never met anyone as happy-go-lucky as him.
"So, Sara, seeing as how you're new around here, want me to show you around?"
"T-Thank you, but I have a task I must complete, so I must decline," stated Sara as she walked passed him. She had to get away from Jesse. He made her feel uneasy…but in a good way, which confused her greatly.
"Oh, okay then. Just be careful! There's these evil duelist out there! They've been trying to take out my friend, Jaden!" called out Jesse.
Sara stopped abruptly after what Jesse had said. She then turned around and walked back over to Jesse, getting in his face. This action surprised and confused both Jesse and Jim.
"You know Jaden? As in Jaden Yuki?" asked Sara.
"…Ja. If you're looking to be his girlfriend, you're too late. He's already got one," said Jesse.
"I don't want to be his girlfriend, you idiot! I plan on dueling him!" yelled the Mongolian girl, glaring at Jesse.
"Duel him? Why?" questioned a suspicious Jim.
"Because that idiot is in the way!"
"You're in that organization, aren't you?" questioned Jesse, getting on guard.
"Of course! Now take me to Jaden Yuki, so I may succeed where the others have failed!" demanded Sara.
"If you want to duel Jaden, you've got to duel me first," smirked Jesse, pointing to himself.
"And why would I do that?"
"Because a cutie like you can't resist my charm?"
"Sh-Shut up!"
"I didn't hear a "no"."
"Grr, fine! But we duel in a location of my choosing. We duel on top of the cliffs in an hour!"
"Okay then! See you in an hour!" grinned Jesse as he and Jim took off.
"Idiot," muttered Sara.
-:-
"You think you can win this, mate? These guys can be pretty tough from what I've heard."
"I'm positive! Besides, its not like I'm a lightweight when it comes to dueling. I'm pretty sure I can beat the cutie!"
Jesse and Jim were now walking up the mountain path to the cliffs where Jesse's duel is to take place. Reaching the top, they found Sarangerel standing by the cliff's edge.
"It's about time you got here," said Sara, turning around. "Let this duel commence!"
"Should you really be standing so close to the edge like that?" asked Jesse.
"You should worry about yourself!"
"Alright then! No need to get snippy, cutie," sighed Jesse.
Jesse: 4000
Sarangerel: 4000
"Ladies first," smiled Jesse.
"Very well," said Sara, trying to control her blush. "I summon Baby Chick in Attack Mode!"
Name: Baby Chick (A baby eagle)
Attribute: Wind
Type: Winged Beast
Level: One
ATK: 0
DEF: 0
Effect: If this card is the target of your opponent's attack, send this card to your Deck and Special Summon a monster with "Eagle" in its name.
"I end my turn by placing a card facedown."
"Not much of monster you got there," stated Jesse, earning a glare from Sara. "Anyway, I'm going to place a monster on the field and a card facedown and end my turn."
"A foolish move. I summon Eagle Lady in Attack Mode!"
Name: Eagle Lady (A woman with large wings on her back, talons on her hands, and an eagle mask)
Attribute: Wind
Type: Winged Beast
Level: Four
ATK: 1800
DEF: 1300
"Attack his monster!"
Eagle Lady took to the sky and then dive bombed at Jesse's monster, which revealed it to be Lady Beetle after the attack.
Name: Lady Beetle
Attribute: Earth
Type: Insect
Level: Three
ATK: 700
DEF: 1600
Effect: Once per turn, this card cannot be destroyed by battle.
"Would you look at that? Looks like your bird couldn't take down my bug!" grinned Jesse.
"Grr, you think that will stop me?" snapped Sara, glaring at Jesse again.
"…Yes?"
Sara's eye start to twitch in annoyance due to Jesse's indifference. She would show him who was going to win.
"I'll play a Spell Card known as Winds of Change! This card makes you discard any monsters you may have. Now, discard them," said Sara.
The only monsters that Jesse seemed to have were White Papillon and Rose Papillon. To the Graveyard they go.
"Aw man," groaned Jesse.
"I end my turn. I doubt you'll be able to win anytime soon," smirked Sara.
"You'd think that," grinned Jesse, drawing a card. "I place another card facedown and summon Needle Honey Bee!"
Name: Needle Honey Bee
Attribute: Wind
Type: Insect
Level: Four
ATK: 1500
DEF: 400
Effect: If you receive Battle Damage from this card battling, the monster it battled loses ATK and DEF equal to the Battle Damage.
"I end my turn," smiled Jesse.
"…You are a confusing man, Jesse," sighed Sara.
"That's a first. Most women call me hot!" grinned the Insect Duelist.
"Jesse, stay focused!" yelled Jim.
"Right!"
"Idiot. Eagle Lady, attack his Needle Honey Bee!"
"Since you called an attack, I activate my Trap Card, Big Swarm of Insects! This card lets me Special Summon as many Level 3 or lower Insect-type monsters from my Graveyard as possible. So here comes White Papillon and Rose Papillon!"
Name: White Papillon
Attribute: Wind
Type: Insect
Level: Two
ATK: 400
DEF: 200
Name: Rose Papillon
Attribute: Wind
Type: Insect
Level: Three
ATK: 1400
DEF: 800
Effect: While there is another face-up Insect-type monster on the field, this card can attack your opponent directly.
As soon as the two Papillon monsters appeared on the field, Needle Honey Bee was destroyed thanks to Eagle Lady's attack. Because of Jesse's monster's effect, Sara's monster lost 300 ATK and DEF.
Jesse: 3700
Sarangerel: 4000
"Just because you have summoned more monsters, it does not mean you will win!" shouted Sara.
"You keep thinking that. It may come true," grinned Jesse. "I'm going to summon Roach Cock to the field!"
Name: Roach Cock
Attribute: Earth
Type: Insect
Level: Four
ATK: 1300
DEF: 1000
Effect: When this card is destroyed, Special Summon 1 Level 3 or lower Insect-type monster from your Deck.
"Next, I'm going to have Roach Cock attack your Baby Chick!"
"You should learn about your opponent's cards before you declare attacks. My Baby Chick's effect activates and allows me to send it back to my Deck and Special Summon and Eagle monster in its place! I Special Summon, Giant Eagle Lord!" declared Sara.
Name: Giant Eagle Lord (A large horned eagle, gold in color, that has many jeweled trinkets around its neck)
Attribute: Wind
Type: Winged Beast
Level: Eight
ATK: 2700
DEF: 2300
Jesse: 2300
Sarangerel: 4000
"Well, damn," said Jesse as he watched his Roach Cock get destroyed. "One of my monsters may be gone, but I still have Rose Papillon, who can attack directly as long as another Insect is on the field!"
Rose Papillon bypassed Sara's monsters and did what Jesse told it to do.
Jesse: 2300
Sarangerel: 2600
"Things are looking up!" grinned the Scandinavian boy.
"How are they? You have less Life Points than me!" snapped Sara.
'She doesn't know what she's getting into. Its obvious to those who know Jesse that he's going to win this now,' thought Jim, looking on from the sidelines.
"Your turn!" grinned Jesse.
"Then be prepared to meet my Beast of Legend! I will use Polymerization to fuse my Giant Eagle Lord on the field with my King Lion in my hand to summon, Sky Ruler Griffin!"
Name: Sky Ruler Griffin (Extremely large beast that has the body, tail, and hind legs of a lion and the head, wings, and front legs of an eagle)
Attribute: Wind
Type: Winged Beast/Fusion
Level: Ten
ATK: 3700
DEF: 2800
Effect: All Winged Beast-type monsters cannot be destroyed in battle as long as this monster is face-up on the field.
"That's a big bird," said Jesse, looking on in awe.
"And it's going to crush your puny Insects! First, I activate my face down Trap Card, Shadow Wing! This Trap Card allows all of my Winged Beasts to attack you directly for one turn! Now, Sky Ruler Griffin, destroy him now!"
"Sorry, but you need to take your own advice," smirked Jesse.
"What are you talking about?" demanded Sara.
"You said earlier that I should learn my opponent's cards before I attack. Take your own advice because I activate Mirror Force!"
"No!" cried Sara as she watched the mirror-like barrier destroy her birds. She was now defenseless. "My Griffin…"
"I'm guessing it's my turn now then. I'm going to finish this by Special Summoning, Princess of Butterflies! I Tribute both of my Papillon monsters, which allow the Special Summon!"
Name: Princess of Butterflies
Attribute: Wind
Type: Insect
Level: Eight
ATK: 2900
DEF: 2000
Effect: You can Special Summon this card by Tributing 2 "Papillon" monsters.
"Let's end this! Attack her directly!"
Jesse's monster took to the sky and shot a beam of light from her wings at Sara. The impact of the attack not only depleted the girl's Life Points, but also made her lose her balance, evident, as she was about to fall off the cliff.
'Is this really how it ends?' thought Sara to herself. 'Is this how I will become free?'
Just as she was about to accept her fate, an arm shot and grabbed her arm. She looked up in surprise to see Jesse leaning over the edge, holding onto her arm.
"You didn't think I'd just let you fall, did you?" questioned Jesse.
Jesse pulled Sara up from her certain death, only for Sara to slap his arm away. Jesse and Jim were confused as they had thought she'd be grateful.
"Why? Why didn't you let me fall?" whispered Sara, he head down and her hair hiding her eyes.
"You make it sound like you wanted to die," said a shocked Jesse.
"Of course I did!" yelled Sara, lifting her head. Jesse and Jim were even more shocked when they saw her crying. "It was the only way to gain my freedom!"
Not knowing what exactly to do, Jesse did the only thing he could think of. He brought the crying girl into his arms and let her sob on his shoulder, stroking her hair and trying to get her to calm down. Once she was calm enough, Jesse started asking questions.
"Sara, what did you mean? The only way to gain your freedom?"
"…I'm not in the organization willingly. I'm basically a slave for the Leader."
"How did that happen?" asked Jim.
"When I was younger, a man came to my home village in Mongolia and slaughtered everyone, leaving very few alive. He then took the survivors as prisoners and sold us to the Leader as minions. I'm the only one left as the others were "inferior" as the Leader had called them," explained Sara.
Both Jesse and Jim could feel rage boiling inside of them. Whoever this Leader was, they each made a silent promise that they he was going down.
"Don't worry, Sara. I promise to protect you from this Leader. You'll get your freedom!" grinned Jesse.
This stunned Sara. She barely knew Jesse and he was going to risk his life for her?
"Th-Thank you, Jesse," stuttered a blushing Sara.
"Anyone ever tell you that you look cute when you blush?" asked Jesse, making the girl blush harder.
"You might want to back off, Jesse. You'll make her faint," smirked Jim.
"Oops. Sorry, Sara."
"Th-That's okay. Here, my Beast of Legend card. I don't need it anymore if I'm not in the organization."
"Thanks! By the way, what is the organization called, if it even has a name?" asked Jesse. Sara looked hesitant, but answered anyway.
"The Crypto Duelists."
-:-
The Leader was livid right now. He just received word that Sarangerel had been defeated in a duel. He wasn't sure what made him angrier, the fact that Sarangerel lost or the fact that she disobeyed orders. He'd have to deal with her later, as for now; he had to plan the next move. He would not lose another one of his cards.
-:-
Back in Alexis' room of the medical wing.
"Ha! I win!"
"You always win, Jaden."
"What can I say, Alexis? When it comes to dueling, I'm a natural!"
Alexis let out a giggle at Jaden's statement. She could always count on him to lighten the mood. As the two were putting away they're cards, the door opened and in came Jesse and a girl they didn't recognize.
"Hey, Jesse. Whose that?" asked Jaden.
"Please tell me you weren't acting like a pervert to her," sighed Alexis.
"I'm not that bad…am I?" wondered Jesse. He only received a deadpan look from Alexis as an answer. "No matter! Jaden, Alexis, I'd like you to meet Sarangerel Khan or Sara for short!"
"Hello. Its nice to meet Jesse's friends," said Sara.
"Hey, Sara. Nice to meet you too. So how do you know Jesse?" asked Jaden.
Sara looked over to Jesse, who nodded his head in reassurance. Sara turned back and told Jaden and Alexis about what had happened since her arrival on the island.
"Wait, she's part of the organization?" exclaimed Alexis.
"Not anymore! I even got her Beast of Legend card!" grinned Jesse.
"Where is it then?" asked Jaden.
"Jim took it to Samejima," was Jesse's answer.
"So why isn't she in the organization anymore?" asked Alexis.
Sara was hesitant to say, but with a reassuring squeeze to the hand from Jesse, she relinquished her tale. Like Jesse and Jim, Jaden and Alexis did not like this one bit.
"No worries, Sara. We'll make sure this guy won't get away with what he's done!" declared Jaden, Alexis nodding in agreement.
"Thank you," smiled Sara, tears welling up in her eyes.
"Now that that is settled, I'll show you around like I offered earlier!" grinned Jesse, grabbing Sara's hand and dragging the blushing girl out of the room.
"…He's going to traumatize that girl," sighed Alexis.
"How?"
"Never mind, Jaden."
CHAPTER END
-:-
Next time: With Sara defected to Duel Academy; the Crypto Duelists are getting desperate. Jaden, Chazz, Alexis, and Jesse have already faced off against them. Who will be next and will they be able to win?
-:-
As we've seen in the beginning of the chapter, Alexis is okay! Still a little traumatized at first, but thanks to Jaden and the fact that nothing really bad had actually happened to her are enough reason for her to bounce back…right?
Again, sorry for the short duel, but Jesse is another character that's barely had their deck shown in the manga. Not many of his cards have been revealed, but enough for a decent duel.
So what do you guys and gals think of the possible Jesse x Sara pairing? Like it, hate it, what?