Plot summary from chapter 9: Zane has finally decided his opponent. He walks to the Red Dorm to inform sleepy Jaden that he has been selected to his opponent. As Jaden starts to memorize his weird dream, Zane remembers his own nightmare and re-lives it again while Jaden is explaining his dream. In his nightmare Zane is forced to face terrible things including his brother being ill and being almost killed himself. Alexis manages to wake Zane from his dream and Zane is relieved. After Jaden finishes his story about his dream, Syrus asks Zane a question that makes him come back to reality. Zane is leaving the Red Dorm but decides to make sure that Syrus was fine and asks how he was. Syrus guarantees that he's okay but he realizes that something is wrong with Zane.

Night before the match

I wasn't feeling tired yet so I walked to the door attending to go for a walk. "Hey, where're you going? You have your graduation match tomorrow, you should get some sleep," Atticus said suddenly even though I expected that he would notice that I was leaving.

"I need fresh air. There's too much on my mind. I won't be away too long, don't worry," I said seriously. I wasn't in a mood to joke about things.

"Fine then," Atticus said and looked me suspiciously as he swung his arms around attempting to ease his muscles. "Just don't get into trouble or hurt yourself in any way..."I didn't answer since Atticus looked like he was going to continue.

"I must ask, are you nervous...about the duel Zane?" He asked very seriously. This was quite unusual situation.

"Nervous, no. A bit unease but not nervous. I just have too many thoughts on my mind, you know what I mean. It's just this feeling. Don't worry about me," I said as I smirked.

"Heh, good. You're a tough duelist, you have nothing to worry about. Just play nicely, Jaden is still quite inexperienced even though he's very talented duelist." Atticus laughed.

"When have I ever been too rough?!," I asked annoyed. I didn't even wan't to hear the answer so I continued, "I have always respected my opponents. Even though I might be a bit harsh I don't push them too much". Atticus kept staring at me for a while before his face tensed as he started to smile normally.

"I'll go to bed now, don't stay awake too long. Tip from a pro," Atticus joked and turned his nightlight off. "Turn the lights off!" He demanded.

I shook my head and sighted. "Bye then, sleep well you retard," I said as I turned the lights off and left the dark room. I heard laughing behind the door, apparently he heard me. You little tease.

I started to walk towards the lighthouse but something made me change my mind. Instead, I walked to the cliff near the Red Dorm. The quickest way was through the forest along the little path. I was a bit worried since it was pitch dark because the trees blocked all the light coming from the moon. I tried to keep fast pace and wished that there was nothing or no one lurking in the shadows. I had too much experience of dangerous people challenging me into a duel in the middle of night. I had to be at my best tomorrow so no unexpected surprises thank you.

As I walked the dark path I almost fell on my face. Stupid root... I looked behind my back to make sure no one saw me even though I didn't even see anything after 2 meters. I continued my walking with a bit more careful attitude. Finally here.

Oh, there he is, Jaden. Hope he's not going to jump off the cliff, I'd have to change my opponent then. I walked towards him but he didn't even turn his head, he was staring at the moon.

"Are you ready?" I asked him motionlessly. I got his attention now. Jaden turned and looked serious, more serious than ever.

"I am," he said and lowered his head. It didn't convince me at all.

"You have just this night to collect the pieces together, don't fail," I said and frowned eager to hear what he was going to say.

"I know Zane. I have to fight for my title as a King of Games, right?" He joked even though there was nothing funny in his tone.

"Right," I sighted and continued, "Let's go now, both of us need some sleep".

I made sure Jaden was going back to his dorm and then returned to the Blue Dorm myself. I opened the door gently so I wouldn't wake up Atticus if he was already asleep. With the most light touch I pushed the door closed and sneaked quietly to my closet where I grabbed my pyjamas. Then I sneaked to the bathroom where I took a quick shower. After the shower I wasn't feeling sleepy at all so I opened the balcony door to get some fresh air and went to my bed.

Jaden Yuki, I hope you're ready for tomorrow because I'm not going to hold back.

I was laying on my back, exited but concentrated. Atticus was snoring in his bed next to me in even pace.

I should close the balcony door before he gets sick. Ill Atticus would be an absolute horror. All that whining and need for service, please no. Heh, but I will not even be here after this week. Atticus will be left alone. Guess he needs another roommate even though no one could replace me entirely. I mean I'm his friend no matter what, right...Stop these stupid thoughts, you have an important duel tomorrow and upcoming pro league duels coming, there's no time thinking about the Duel Academy then.

I got up and wen't to close the balcony. However the moon froze me and I fixed my eyes on it. I was standing there for a while just breathing in and out, relaxing, letting it all out. The cold air made me feel sleepy so I took a final glance at the moon. I closed the door and crawled into the warm sheets that invited me softly in. My eyelids started to get more heavier and I turned on my side so I could see the moonlight coming from the balcony. Then I fell asleep.

The Graduation Match

Zane was eyeing his deck making sure that it was complete and build with the right cards.

All right Cyber End Dragon, it's time to go now, Zane said in his own mind. Let's show them our power, he said again in his mind. Zane couldn't see duel monster spirits but he still had a deep connection with his cards, especially with the Cyber-End Dragon which was his most precious card.

Both duelists were called in the arena and the game started with a handshake. The whole arena was filled with pupils who came to see the legendary match. It was time to duel!

The duel started and Zane was clearly ahead of Jaden. Jaden was clearly more nervous than usually. He didn't function well which made Zane suspicious. What is he doing!? If he keeps dueling like this, I'll win him in a heartbeat, Zane thought.

"Jaden, quit playing around and duel!" Zane said with serious face. Unfortunately Jaden was still sure that his new tactic was victorious. "I can not win you with luck so I have to use my head for a change. Your deck is almost impossible to defeat but with right moves I'm able to break it," Jaden said furiously.

"If that's your final answer, I'm going to crush you. You see, I didn't choose you as my opponent because you had the highest scores in the Academy. I chose you because you're connected to your cards and you're able to pull just the right cards when you need them. I chose Jaden Yuki as my opponent, not some slifer red who duels without a heart. Jaden Yuki had chances to win but you don't have any," Zane said coldly and frowned disgust in his expression.

As the duel continued Jaden got more desperate. His heroes kept disappearing from the field as Zanes Cyber Dragons kept attacking, breaking every tactic that he tried to use against Zane. Ahh, how I'm going to pull this through. With that Cyber-End Dragon on his field he's invincible. But I can't lose this duel, Jaden thought as Zane attacked him again.

Jaden managed to bring Zanes dragon down but it was helpless. Zane's deck had no weak points. Zane was able to bring his Cyber-End dragon over and over again back in the field. He was invincible.

"I told you that you're not going to win this with your head Jaden!" Zane raised his voice.

Jaden was starting to believe Zane. I can't do this any longer, Jaden thought. In this moment, Kuriboh appeared in front of Jaden.

"Kuri kuriii"

I guess you're right Kuriboh..., Jaden thought.

"Zane, I need a break..." Jaden said.

"Break, what are you talking about?" Zane said confused. His eyes narrowed as Jaden started to rub his stomach and making weird faces.

"I feel really hungry and I don't think I can concentrate in this state of mind," Jaden stated and smirked.

"If that's what you need to come back to your senses," Zane said calmly and nodded as approval.

Jaden took his time and then the duel continued. Jaden was back in the game which made Zane more serious since now he really had to play his cards right.

My deck is almost flawless but that boy has an incredible drawing hand. Finally an opponent worth dueling. It's time to show our strength Cyber-End Dragon, Zane thought. He was concentrated as always but this time he was extremely aware of everything that happened. It was his final duel and he wanted to do his best, to have that perfect duel.

The match was extremely even and filled with heart-stopping turn-ups. Eventually the duel was over, draw. Both of the duelists were exhausted but happy. Zane walked towards Jaden who was laying on the ground.

"Are you okay Jaden?" He asked.

"I'm better than okay," Jaden laughed.

Zane sat down and eventually got on his back next to Jaden.

"Quite a match," Zane said and both of them started to laugh as the audiences gave their applauds.

After Party

After the match Zane was sent to celebrate his graduation. The Academy had arranged a cake for him and drinks for everyone. Zane wasn't into partying but since the whole thing was arranged for him he couldn't miss the parties. Everyone came to congratulate him and thanking took most of his time.

"Hey Zane, thanks for the match," Jaden said and offered his hand to Zane.

"Hnh, thanks to you Jaden. Now, remember your position at the Duel Academy and work hard," Zane said happily and shook Jadens hand. Then Syrus appeared behind Jaden.

"Hi Zane," he said shyly. "Here's a little gift for you. Congratulations brother." Syrus handed the gift to Zane and Zane smiled warmly to him.

"Thank you Sy."

"Hope you like it. I thought it was just perfect for you," Syrus said as he waited Zane to open it. Zane carefully opened the gift.

"A deck box, wow. Thanks!" Zane said as he carefully eyed the dark blue colored deck box that had impressive metallic shine.

"Nice that you like it! Zane..." Syrus started eagerly but then his voice broke. "Zane, I'm going to miss you," Syrus continue as he collected himself.

Zane felt bad to see his brother upset so he decided to get down and hug him. Syrus hugged him tightly back.

"It's okay Sy. I promise to keep in touch. Don't worry, just take care of yourself and your friends here. You're very potential duelist and with Jaden by your side you have nothing to worry about," Zane comforted Syrus who was now crying.

"Okay Zane," Syrus said and loosened his grip of Zane. He wiped the tears off his face and looked back to Zane who was still smiling to him.

"Thank you very much for the gift. I'll use it as my good-luck charm. Now off you go, enjoy the party. But no alcohol for you two!" Zane said gently and smiled to both of them. Jaden and Syrus laughed and nodded. Then they left Zane and ran straight to the food tables to make sure that they didn't miss a single treat that was offered.

After that Zane received many congratulation and was starting to get tired. He took more wine and tried to look for a quiet place.

Ah, finally some pease, Zane thought when it seemed that he was finally getting some space. He was standing in the corner looking out of the window. He was wearing a black suite which made his blue hair stand out even more than usually. Wine glass on his hand he kept staring at the window. He was standing there for a while just thinking nothing until something came into his mind.

I haven't seen Alexis or Atticus at all...Jaden and Syrus were here at the party but what about those two. Has something happened to them, Zane thought as his eyes slowly wen't wide open when he started to think about the worst. He was so deeply in his thoughts that he hadn't noticed the presence behind him.

Suddenly two palms appeared on his shoulder and Zane let out a cry. Then he heard sniggering and two familiar faces appeared in front of him, Alexis and Atticus.

"Hey Zaynie! You thought we would miss your party, right?" Atticus teased him.

"No..." Zane said and continued grumpily, "I didn't".

"Silly," Alexis said and looked Zane into eyes lovingly. Zane realized that she was holding something in her hands.

"We were in a hurry because we had to receive your gift that was delivered just a while ago. We're sorry for that but I think you'll like it," Alexis said sweetly and handed the package to Zane. Zane accepted the gift and smiled mysteriously as he tried to think what the gift was. Alexis smiled and Atticus violently tapped Zane on his back making his wine almost spill over the edges.

"You..."Zane started but Atticus paused him as he hugged him.

"Congratulations Truesdale. I hope you'll keep in touch even thought we're not sharing a room. We'll surely meet in the pro league," Atticus said as he backed away and looked into his eyes seriously.

"Thanks. Can't imagine my life without you...Atticus," Zane said sarcastically as he put his glass on the table.

Zane started to open the gift as Atticus and Alexis looked a bit tense waiting to see his reaction. Zane ripped the gift paper open and under it was a photo album filled with pictures of Zane and his friends. Zane quickly glanced through it and smiled with disbelief.

"Seriously, thank you two!" Zane said.

"Wuuuh, thank god you liked it," Atticus said and Alexis sighted relieved. All three of them laughed and continued their evening talking about their good old memories.

So this is the end of chapter 10, can't believe I have already made this far :D I'm eager to start writing about Zanes life outside the Duel Academy. Next chapter will contain LEMON (because everyone loves it, lol).