I know what you're thinking, this chapter took forever and I know, sorry about that. It's just that it hasn't been a good week for me, I haven't been able to even proof read the chapter completely. Anyway, here it is and I hope you enjoy it.

Chapter 6: A wave of relentless knowledge

The sunlight began to creep through the windows. Morning had finally came and my body felt destroyed. I wasn't able to sleep as much as I have wanted, and the lingering pain I felt from Chazz' attacks was still there too. Although, someone was certainly feeling great.

"What a wonderful morning, isn't life wonderful, Kenny?" Blair was displaying a cheerfulness completely opposite to last night's crying fest, while all I could do was groan. "I just finished breakfast and will be taking the shower first. No peeping" That last statement was spoken quite seriously.

After the embodiment of happiness left me alone I was able to gather my thoughts from last night. It had been quite a ride, but nothing out of my control but, the fact that the pain was still there was worrisome. I took a hold of my shoulder, which caused me to flinch a little, "it still hurts a bit"

I got up from my bed and got myself some coffee. Before I got sent into this world I became kind of addicted to this stuff, as of now I was simply unable to function without a morning doses. "I like my coffee how I like my women, (insert punchline)"

As time went by, I was getting a bit impatient. Blair had been hogging the shower for almost an hour already and believe me, this face needs its morning routine. I knocked the bathroom door, "hey Blair! Come on, I need to get in there too!"

"A lady needs her time, you know"

"I'll keep that in mind when I meet a lady" some sarcasm is never unneeded.

"How rude!"

"At this rate we're gonna be late. You've been in there for like an hour. If you don't hurry I'll simply get in there and drag you out myself" I had to put a little threat in there.

"Aah! Don't you there! You open that door and it will be game over for you"

"You've been warned" a bit after my last threat, Blair finally came out with her uniform already on, "about time"

"It's all yours now. Jeez, you're impatient"

"Maybe next time you'd rather have me accompany you in there. I'll get to wash your back" I laughed at Blair's coming reaction.

Her face got completely red, "that'll never happen! The only one that will do that will be my special one!"

"Whatever you say lady" I got inside the bathroom for a relaxing shower, "Oh god! What happened here!? It's everywhere!"

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Sometime later

"…"

"We'll never say a word about that"

"Agreed"

Once that awkward moment was dealt with, I got to bring up an important matter. "Anyway, before we head out we should get some things straight", even though I already know all the answers, I had to play it naturally. "First, let's begin with, why are you here, ok?"

"Fine, you know about Zane Truesdale?" I nodded, "well…"

Blair ended up telling me her whole life story, and at the end of the day was kept similar. She fell in love with Zane in a tournament and afterwards decided to sneak into duel academy to approach him. Although, the part about building a megaphone with a squirrel, a rope and a megaphone to run around the streets proclaiming her love for Zane was weird.

I put on my red cap as I walked towards the door, "ok Blair, I get it. Even though you should go back home, you won't be cooperative, unless you get to talk to Zane, and maybe there is a way for that to happen"

"Really?" she got very excited, "How?!"

She grabbed me by my shoulders, which hurt me, but tried to pretend everything was ok. "We could ask Syrus, he is his brother after all"

"Wait, he is? They look nothing alike"

"I know. Either way, how does that sound? We get you a date with Zane and you head back home. Deal?"

Blair shook my hand in agreement. "Deal"

"All right then, let's go. We're already late" we both left running to class.

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At the classroom

'Well… this is boring. Who could have guessed that hearing someone go on about all the types of cards that exist wouldn't be exactly entertaining' I looked at Blair who was already asleep, just as Jaden was.

"Truesdale, Syrus" Dr. Crowler shouted to get Syrus' attention, "if your opponent has 3 face down cards, and a Dark magician girl on the field. How many Ancient gear golems would it take to change a light bulb?"

"Wait what? That… doesn't make sense"

"Shut up Syrus…" Jaden spoke while sleeping.

"Typical Slifer slackers" everybody started laughing at Syrus.

"Ow :c"

The class went on like normal, well… GX normal. Every class proceeded similarly, chemistry with Banner was regular normal at least. The day passed by until P.E. class, in fact this was the class were I was looking forward to have a word with Syrus but, he was nowhere to be found. For me this meant to put plan B in motion; get in touch with Alexis, obviously no easy task.

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Outside the school

Once classes were over I left the building with Blair following behind. My original plan consisted of speaking with other female students as a way to gain access to the queen. However, plans do not always go as one would expect.

"Wow, I can't believe every single girl told you to fuck off"

"Don't remind me. Also, watch your mouth young lady"

"Sure, sure. So, Alexis?"

"Yep. Without Syrus, she is our best bet. Once we talk with her things will go as smoothly as your terrible disguise"

"Hey! I put a lot of thought into it"

"And it shows" I replied sarcastically. 'I still can't believe someone could be deceived by that disguised'

As we were discussing were to head next, someone I wasn't expecting appeared before us. "I assume that you are Kenny, am I right?" the person approached me and extended his hand for me to shake. "Allow me to introduce myself, the name's Bastion Misawa. A pleasure to meet your acquaintance"

"I know about you. You got first place at the entrance written test"

"Wow, so he is like the biggest nerd in the academy"

Bastion coughed, "it seems that my fame precedes me. Anyway, I was looking forward to have a word with you Mr. Kenny" he glanced at Blair, "preferably in private if it isn't much of a hassle"

Blair took a bit of an offense to this, "well sorry, but we are quite busy right now" she latch onto my arm and tried to drag me away.

"Whoa Blair, wait a bit"

Bastion got in front of us once again, clearly he was not going to let us get away, or better say he wanted me to stay. "I'm afraid I must insist, for you see…" he got more serious all of a sudden, "this has to do with your duel with professor Stress". I didn't like where this conversation was leading, "and more importantly, the play that granted you victory, the black card"

I could feel my sweat getting colder. "I'm sorry but, you must be mistaking"

"I never commit a mistake. After all I witnessed your duel first handed"

"Mmm… Kenny. I'm not really following this conversation"

This wasn't an issue I could overlook, "Blair, do me a solid and head back to the dorms without me please"

"But, what about…"

"Syrus and Jaden must be there. Tell Syrus I need to talk to him and wait there". I shut her protests leaving her with no choice but to comply. Even she could grasp the weight of the situation. She left me on my own with Bastion.

"Glad that you could be this understanding young man" Bastion directed his attention towards me. "So, would you be more comfortable if we take this somewhere more private?"

I didn't dignify that with a response and simply followed him silently.

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Later that day at the docks

Eventually Bastion led me to the docks, as dusk was starting to set in. The place was completely barren, not a soul at sight.

"It seems we can't get more private than this… so, if you're going to confess, now is the time. Although, I'm warning you, you're not really my type" I tried to lighten up the mood with some sarcasm.

"Riveting" Bastion was unamused at my intents at humor. "I'm positive that you are well aware of my intentions by now. I wish to see the black card with my own eyes, and I won't set for anything less"

"May I ask about your interest in the card?" I was trying my best to prolong the inevitable.

"You see… I pride myself in understanding every single card, and uncovering the way to counter each and every strategy conceivable but… your black card is an anomaly, an equation that wishes to be dissected. A task which can only be performed by the very own, Bastion Misawa"

"Dude, you seriously need to get laid", I looked at him straight in his eyes, "look Bastion, pal, buddy, bro, due, either way I don't have to show you anything"

He let out a small laugh, "oh is that so. Well you see Mr. Kenny, you must be aware about professor Stress' attitude towards your being."

"Somewhat yeah" the red jacket was proof of his opinion of me.

"In that case, you would be interested to find out about Stress' efforts to inform the high staff from the school about an student which utilizes, what could be considered, non-existent cards, sadly, so far his statements have gone ignored. However, what would happen if his claims were to be supported by some else, especially the number 1 freshman?"

I took a deep breath, "I understand" he left me with little to no choice. "I'd rather keep a low profile for now. So, I show you the card and that's it"

"Not quite" he turned on his duel disk, "the best information one can gather is the one obtained from experience itself. Won't you agree?"

"Fine, if this keeps your smug face shut. Let's do this"

DUEL!

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Meanwhile at the lake on a boat with Blair and Jaden

"So… run this with me one more time. There's some things I don't really understand yet"

"It's pretty simple, Crowler tried to set me up to go to the girl's dorm and use that event as an excuse to get expelled. However, Syrus ended up taking the bait"

"Ok I get that part"

"Now we are going to rescue him through a duel"

"All right, I get that too"

"Then what is it you don't get?"

"Several things actually. First of all, how do you know this was a set up by Dr. Crowler? Second, why are you assuming that everything will be solved by a duel?" before pointing out her final issue with the whole deal, Blair took a deep breath. "And finally, how did you get a boat so fast?"

"Chumley"

"… ok that makes sense"

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Back at the docks

Bastion 4000 / Kenny 4000

Bastion took over the first turn by drawing his first card, "I think I'll begin with a warning, if you refuse to show me the card then, I won't be able to guarantee my silence"

"Just make your move goddamn you"

"All right then, I'll start by summoning [Mathematician] (level 3 1500 atk / 500 def) in attack position" an old man looking like a teacher appeared at Bastion's field.

"Is that you from the future?"

He ignored my taunting, "when Mathematician is normal summoned I get to send a level 4 or lower monster to my graveyard, and I choose Alpha the magnet warrior"

"So that is your plan, interesting"

"I'll end with 2 cards face down and activate [Burden of the mighty], as long as this card remains on the field all your monsters lose attack according to their level X 100"

'Bastion is playing intellectually, he was obviously building his combo. Anyway, I'm not planning on losing'

"That will be the end of my turn. You may proceed"

"You can drop the formalities pal. I draw", I looked upon my cards, 'it is good a good thing I had some cards on my side deck, for emergencies like this. Now, if he wants that card that badly I'll give it to him'

At that moment, Stress' words repeated inside my head, "you kids always so reckless with your strategies, never stopping to think the position you get yourselves into" this wasn't right, at all. "Always taking on the offensive, thinking you're the wolf, without realizing that you were the lamb the whole time"

'That's right, back then… no, I can't allow myself to fear my own plays, and if I'm doing this I need to give it all. It's like fisting, shoulder deep or bust'

"Are you going to carry on with your move?" Bastion was getting impatient.

"Sorry, caught in a monologue. Anyway, I'll give you what you wanted" I played the first card of my turn, deciding not to hold back this time, "first, I'll summon [Goblindbergh] (level 4 1400 atk / 0 def)", a goblin on a plane came flying down from the sky carrying a metal box with him.

"I've never seen that card before either"

"There's a lot you don't know about. Next, I'll activate my monster's effect, when he is normal summoned I can summon a level 4 or lower monster from my hand, as long as he changes to defense position" the metal box opened revealing, "appear before us [Masked dragon] (level 4 1400 atk / 1100 def)"

"Don't forget that burden of the mighty is in play, which causes your monsters to lose attack"

(Goblindbergh 1400 –D 1000 / masked dragon 1400 –D 1000)

"That may be so but, it doesn't really matter. Here comes what you've been waiting for"

Bastion was showcasing his excitement in ways I'd rather not describe. Let's just say, things were getting sticky.

"I'll use the two level 4 monsters on my field to create the overlay network…"

"Overlay network…"

My monsters became two balls of light which were sucked into a portal creating a huge explosion, from where a new monster appeared. "Here it is, gun down those who stand in your path, XYZ summon! [Gagaga cowboy] (OU2 rank4 1500 atk / 2400 def) in attack"

"Fascinating, so this is the black card, Gagaga cowboy. So, from what I can deduce, it is formed by using two monsters with the same level. Also, I'm noticing that my Burden of the mighty it's not affecting it"

"Yeah, you see, this is an XYZ monster, and unlike regular monsters they don't have levels, they have ranks"

"This is truly fascinating. Now I wish to witness it in action. Although, I must inquire in your decision on assigning it with attack position, intriguing if you take into account his impressive defense, as well as the effect I witness you using against the professor"

"Brilliant observation Bastion, if I do say so myself" 'oh great, now I'm talking like him'

"The most logical explanation is for it to possess a second effect which requires him to be in attack"

"And you'd be right. Let me show you, battle. I'll attack Mathematician" my cowboy pointed his guns at the old man, and as he was getting ready to pull the trigger, "now I activate his effect, when cowboy attacks I get to use an overlay unit to increase its attack by a 1000" (1500 –D 2500)

Bastion braced himself for the attack, my cowboy ended up gunning down the poor old man. "Now this is what I wanted to see" He seemed happy, "Now I get to draw a card thanks to my Mathematician's effect"

Bastion 3000 / Kenny 4000

"As you see, XYZ monsters have strong effects. However in order for them to be applied they need to offer one of their overlay units."

"And, from what I can see the amount of overlay units is equal to the monsters you used"

"Exactly. Anyway, I'll end my turn with a card face down. Go ahead"

"Time to show off my calculations. Draw" Bastion took a look at his hand before starting to contemplate my monster.

"If you keep at it I might end up charging you. Dollar a peek"

"I'll keep that in mind, it's just that soon I will take your monster down, that's all" he seemed quite confident.

"You sure about that?"

"Believe me, this one is cast iron. First I activate my two face down cards which are two [Reckless greed], this card allows me to draw two cards as long as I do not draw for the next two turns, and seeing that there are two I get four cards. A risky move but, one that will pay off. Next I'll activate [Double summon], this allows me to perform two normal summons this turn, and I'll use them to summon, [Beta the magnet warrior] (level 4 1700 atk / 1400 def) and [Gamma the magnet warrior] (level 4 1500 atk / 1800 def), and I'm not done yet, I activate from my hand [Silent doom] which lets me bring back [Alpha the magnet warrior] (level 4 1400 atk / 1700 def) in defense mode"

I began to clap, "quite impressive Bastion, and I'm being honest here. You managed to bring the three magnet warriors in the same turn, and I can bet on what your next move will be"

"Next I'll activate [heavy storm], destroying all spells and traps on the field" the storm came destroying Bastion's card as well as mine, which was Mirror force. "That trap would have been a nuisance. Now, it's time, I'll combine my magnet warriors to bring forth, [Valkyrion the magna warrior] (level 8 3500 atk / 3850 def)", as Bastion commanded his warrior dismantled themselves to combine into Valkyrion.

"It seems this is not gonna be pretty for me" 'I hope Blair and the gang are doing better'

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Speaking of the gang

"This rescue operation is not going as planned I know"

"NOT GOING AS PLANNED?! I'M NOW ONE OF THE HOSTAGES. HOW DID THIS HAPPEN?!" Blair was currently tied next to Syrus while Jaden was in the middle of his duel with Alexis.

Syrus tried to be comforting in this situation, "calm down Blair, it's not so bad. If it makes you feel any better the girls have been using my face as a sit, maybe they'll do the same to you :)"

"… Shut up Syrus"

"Ow :( "

"Jaden I swear, you need to get me out of this or else"

"Yeah, yeah, don't sweat it. Everything's under control, it's not like if I were to lose you'd be send to the shadow realm. Am I right?"

"…"

"…"

Jaden responded again, "what? Did I say something weird?

"Just win the duel" 'I wonder how Kenny's doing with the nerd.'

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Again with Kenny and the nerd

"It's Bastion Misawa! Not the nerd"

"Who are you talking to?"

"Doesn't matter. Moving on, battle! I'll attack your cowboy with Valkyrion, magnetic slash!"

My cowboy got destroyed and I took a significant amount of damaged.

Bastion 3000 / Kenny 2000

"It seems your monster was not as impressive as I originally hypothesized" he laughed with a slight sense of superiority.

"I'll be honest Bastion. I'm actually having fun right now. Your play was impressive, and I respect you for that, in fact is due to that respect that I'll give it my all and end the duel in the next turn"

"Quite a bold statement considering your position, I activate [Pot of greed], which allows me to…"

"Please no, we both know what it does, just… move on"

"Fine by me, I draw two cards, and end with a face down. It's your move"

"I'll show what this cards are capable of, for you see, I only need one card to beat you"

"Is this some kind of mockery, a single card?"

"Oh you're about to see. Draw. I must declare Bastion, I'm a bit surprised with your performance, and you really did not waste any time to bring out the big guns. It's like you're trying to set up something, this isn't really how you normally play" this was an issue that had been bothering me during the duel. "I mean you truly went on the offensive, and, although impressive, did not leave with a very healthy board. Aggressive is not really your play style"

"You're speaking as if you knew me from somewhere, and before you try to excuse yourself, I doubt it is from my fame preceding me" Bastion was getting suspicious of my behavior, so I had to get back to the duel as a distraction.

"We can discuss it in another occasion, for you see, I'll show you that a single card can finish this duel"

"Then do it. Show it to me"

"First, when I don't have any monsters on the field I can special summon this, now witness the instrument of your demise! [Windwitch – Ice bell] (level 3 1000 atk / 1000 def)", a pretty girl wearing ribbons and a big witch hat riding a bell-shaped broom appeared on my field.

Bastion coughed a bit, "mmm… well I didn't expect for you to have this kind of… preferences"

"WHAT?! NO! It's not like that!" I got kind of flustered.

"There is no shame in it"

"S… stop it…"

"Although when I saw the other guy grabbing your arm like that, I slightly assumed that you…"

"If you say another word tomorrow people will find a body floating near the docks" 'and really?! You fell for that disguise too?! How?!'

"All right, mouth shut. Anyway, is this the card that will be my downfall?"

"Exactly! You see, my monster has an effect, when she is special summoned by her own effect I get to summon a second Windwitch monster from my deck, and I choose [Windwitch – Glass bell] (level 4 1500 atk / 1500 def)" a second little witch girl riding a bell-shaped broom appeared on my field. "Also I get to burn you for 500 life points"

"You're not helping your case here Kenny"

"Shut up, now Glass bell effects activates, when she is summoned I get to add a Windwitch monster to my hand from my deck, and I choose Windwitch – Snow bell, sadly now I can't special summon monsters except for wind-attribute monsters"

Bastion 2500 / Kenny 2000

Bastion was frowning at this point, as if something were wrong.

"Is there an issue?"

"It's just that I can't quite fathom the amount of moves you get to do thanks to that single card. Not only I don't know about those cards, but also, seem to be quite strong"

"Yet you seem very calm"

"That's because, even if I don't know about them at all, they do not pose a threat to me yet"

"I assure you, this is the last turn. Now that I control two wind monsters I can special summon [Windwitch – Snow bell] (level 1 100 atk / 100 def)" a small white ball appeared. "Now it is three against one. How about that?"

"Well, to start with, I'm glad to not see another one of your little girls"

"Please, don't phrase it like that"

"And besides, those three do not pose a threat to Valkyrion, therefor I'm still in the clear"

"Acting tough, I like that. Sadly, this is one of the best one-card combos to pull off. Tell me Bastion, do you want to see something even more amazing than XYZ summoning?"

"What?! There's more?"

"Way more than you can imagine. Now, I'll tune the level 4 tuner Glass bell with the level 3 Ice bell (4 + 3 = 7)", as my words echoed through the docks Glass bell turned into a set of 4 rings surrounding Ice bell.

"I… I don't understand what is going on" Bastion was baffled at the spectacle.

A bright light emerged from the combination, making way for a new life. "Winds of winter and ice! Become my power to blow everything away! Synchro summon, [Windwitch – winter bell] (level 7 2400 atk / 2000 def)" a feminine looking creature composed of ice emerged.

"A white card…"

"I'm not done, ready to be even more amazed?"

"This… this goes…"

"I tune the level 1 tuner Snow bell with the level 7 winter bell(1 + 7 = 8). Spread those wings shining with scared light. Strike down your enemies with that radiance! Synchro Summon! Come forth! [Crystal Wing Synchro Dragon] (level 8 3000 atk / 2500 def)" A powerful roar was manifested by a beautiful dragon, shiny as diamond.

"This goes beyond any of my calculations" Bastion was unable to process the events that were taking place before his eyes.

I felt a sense of déjà vu, and compared it to professor Stress' reaction towards me XYS summoning. "Don't lose yourself Bastion. The duel is about to end and I don't want you daydreaming"

He snapped back into reality, "this… is truly magnificent!" that wasn't the reaction I had expected, "This open so many doors, so much knowledge for me to acquire. Can you think of something more amazing than this, Kenny? I have so many question, the intrigue that is growing within me cannot be contained!" after his sudden outburst of happiness he regained his composure and continued with the duel. "This has been a magnificent experience, and I wish to see it to the end. Now come, show me your power!"

Bastion was a really honorable opponent, and I knew he would not break his word, so I had to do it. I had to show him my rue power. "Here I come Bastion. Battle, Crystal wing attack Valkyrion! Crystal Cataclysmic Strike!"

"I don't know what your plan is. My Valkyrion is stronger than your dragon by 500 points. Your attack is wasted"

I merely smirked, "Sorry but, my dragon's effect activates, when he battles a level 5 or higher monster he gains attack equal to that monster" (3000 –D 6500)

"What?!"

"I told you before, it's over"

"I won't go down without a fight, I activate my face down [Sakuretsu armor] during battle I can activate this card to destroy the attacking monster" however, the card does nothing. "What?"

"Sorry Bastion but, wind monsters summoned by using Snow bell cannot be destroyed by card effects"

"I won't back down" Valkyrion is obliterated by Crystal wing, "I activate the [Kuriboh] in my hand, by discarding it I negate the damage"

"You fought the good fight Bastion. Crystal wing effect activates, once per turn I can negate the effect of a monster and destroy it"

"No…"

"Omae wa mo shindeiru"

"Na… nani?!"

A huge explosion took away Bastion's remaining life points ending the duel.

Bastion 0 / Kenny 2000

Kenny WIN

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A couple hours later

It was completely night, and both I and Bastion were contemplating the stars.

"That was something I never felt before, I don't know what to think"

"Yeah, it felt really good"

"I want to learn so much more but, I don't know where to begin"

"Everyone needs to find their starting point in life but, that doesn't mean that they must do it alone"

"You are right, and that's why…" Bastion got on her knees and grabbed my hand.

"Mmm… Is this a confession? Please tell me it's not"

"What?! No!"

"Oh, thank god"

"Unless you want it to be"

"What?"

"What?"

"…"

"…"

"… just speak already"

"I want you to teach me everything. I wish to learn about this new ways to play"

This wasn't something I was expecting, I did not have a backup plan for this occasion. Although the idea to have a disciple sound pretty neat, I didn't know how it would affect the world itself. "Look Bastion, I'm honored by your request and all but, I'm not sure…"

He grabbed both my hands, "please! I wish to learn from you sensei… professor… teacher… master!"

This was getting awkward, "I'll think about it, ok?"

"I would be really grateful"

I guess all's well that ends well, at least, until a scream broke the harmony in the air. "HEY! Kenny!"

I look up to see Blair shouting at me.

"There you were, you wouldn't believe the night I had and…" she fell silent.

I was looking at her puzzled and then noticed that Bastion was still grabbing my hands. "THIS IS NOT WHAT IT LOOKS LIKE!"

"I'M SORRY TO INTERRUPT!" she ran away covering her face.

"WAIT! DON'T MISINTERPRET THIS!" I ran after her leaving Bastion at the docks by himself.

As I was getting away Bastion took out his phone to make a short call. "I got more information than the one needed…

"..."

"Yep… he doesn't suspect anything"

"..."

"I'll make sure of that. Although there is something still bothering me, where did you get this small camera to put on the collar of my jacket?"

"..."

"Chumley?"

"..."

"Oh… makes sense" that was the last thing he said before hanging up.

To be continued…

Hope you liked that.

I'll try my best to put out chapters faster I swear.

Also, here is a little game for you all: can you guess who was Bastion talking to in the phone?

FLASHBACK TO THE FUTURE!

I got up from my seat and look at everybody in the room, "soy (…) y soy alcoholica"

"Mmm… (…) this is an intervention for Zane"

"Is that it or no pueden admitir que tienen problemas?"