Chapter 1: Those Left Behind; Genex Announcement
A brown-haired boy sat in a chair in the large lecture hall, preparing himself for class the only way he knew how: by taking his early morning nap. It had become much easier to sleep, lately, seeing as most of those who were usually walking into the classroom around this time only showed up shortly before class, now. Those were the Obelisk Blue and Ra Yellow students who had joined Saiou Takuma's Society of Light, including the boy's friends Misawa Daichi, Manjoume Jun, and Tenjoin Asuka.
Yuki Judai leaned back and stretched his arms out wide, before scratching the side of his head to relieve himself of a minor itching sensation. The absence of the aforementioned also made it easier to get to class on time, if only because he was so bored out of his mind. At first, he didn't mind his friends joining with Saiou's group, and they seemed genuinely happy about it, but after a little while, he noticed his friends had changed severely.
Manjoume seemed more distant and angry at the Elemental Hero duelist. While the duelist hasn't always been extremely friendly with Judai, his former annoyance came from always losing to Judai in high-profile duels. His current rage seemed more and more like pure loathing of the Osiris Red's existence.
Meanwhile, Misawa seemed more focused on his studies than ever. Again, while the Ra Yellow was constantly working on his decks and homework in an attempt to gain prestige at the school, recently he had grown colder towards Judai. The responses to any of the Osiris Red's questions were short and stern, if the student replied at all, which was a rarity. It also seemed like the gray-haired prodigy was talking to himself a lot, continuously looking at the Hero-duelist and snickering deviously, before writing in a notebook that contained what Judai could only guess was hundreds upon thousands of notes.
Finally, Asuka had become extremely cold. Even though she wasn't completely energetic and fiery before, she was always nice to everyone she met, or at least cordial. But now, he always knew when she was near him or had her gaze pass over him, because a chill would creep up his spine. The area around her even seemed to drop in temperature. It had become rather difficult to even be around her, let alone interact with her. The last time he tried to talk to her, wondering why she had been avoiding him, he could barely even catch his breath, let alone talk. He swore that he could see his breath. Asuka, in turn, merely sauntered past him in an angry huff.
Judai yawned loudly, as he remembered how it all began, when Edo Phoenix arrived at the school on the first day and dueled the Hero-user. The deck the pro used then was one he created out of several packs he bought at the school earlier that day, and Judai nearly lost. The next month-or-so was spent meeting new students, including the Dinosaur duelist, Tyranno Kenzan, and attempting to keep up on his studies.
It was then that Edo defeated Kaiser Marufuji Ryo, and challenged Judai a second time. This time, with Edo using his real deck consisting of Destiny Heroes, Edo made it appear as if he could manipulate destiny. A final attack from Edo's Dreadmaster eliminated, not only the last of Judai's Life Points, but also the ability for Judai to see his cards and card spirits, such as Winged Kuriboh.
After determining that being a school involving dueling was worthless if he couldn't duel, Judai decided he would leave, hopefully find his path in life. Or learn why his cards had suddenly turned white. That was when he met Neos and the Neo-Spacians. At first, the teenager had assumed that the journey was actually just a dream, but when he filtered through his deck, again, he saw that the monsters had stayed within his deck.
Judai then made his triumphant return a short while after returning to this dimension, and finally made it back to Duel Academia. After seeing the sign at the Red Dorm, where Edo would be dueling against Asuka to determine whether the Red Dorm would be torn down, he raced over to the duel field, beating the start of the duel. This time, Judai and his newfound Neo-Spacians outmaneuvered Edo, with the use of Contact Fusion and Elemental Hero Neos, leaving the record of their heroes tied. Judai had thought that he could finally get a well-deserved break.
He was sorely mistaken. While Judai was missing, Manjoume had a run-in with the leader of the Society of Light, Saiou Takuma, causing Manjoume to transform. While the others had assumed he had just snapped or was going through a phase, it was soon discovered her was really biding his time.
Early in the morning, Manjoume arrived at the Obelisk Blue Male dorm and began dueling one opponent after another. Armed with the cards given to him by Saiou, he overpowered the opposing Obelisks effortlessly, and decimated the Dorm. Realizing that something was wrong when none of the Obelisk Blue Male Students reported to class, Judai and the others hurried over to the Blue Dorm.
Only, it wasn't blue, anymore. It had been painted a brilliant white color, almost blinding with the reflection of the sun. It was apparent that those within the confines of the Dorm had also been warped, like the dorm itself. Everyone was dressed in a uniform similar to the school's, only it was also white. Judai wanted to figure out what was going on, but Asuka beat him to the punch, claiming it was an Obelisk affair, and wishing to solve the problem herself.
It was all a ruse. Manjoume, donning the new nickname of 'White Thunder', trapped Asuka, played with her thoughts and fears, and pushed her to the breaking point, before finally reducing the rest of her Life Points, defeating her. She followed Manjoume, that day, and walked shortly thereafter, led a similar attack on the Obelisk Blue Female Dorm, converting a large portion of their class to the Society's cause. The latest dorm to fall was the Ra Yellow Dorm, which resulted in the defeat of Misawa, who was now also a member of their group.
Judai shortly wondered why the others didn't want to interact with him, anymore. He always valued their opinions and well-being. He didn't want to intrude on their decisions, what they believed in and what their choices in life were was their business. However, that didn't stop him from voicing his opinions to them, and something about this 'Society of Light' just didn't seem right.
It was then that the doors to the room opened, and in filed a large group of Society of Light members. Judai decided he would try, again, to greet his fellow students, and began to walk over to them.
"Asuka! Manjoume! Misawa-ah!" His calls were cut off sharply by a trio of students who stood before him.
"You are not qualified to talk to them!" one of the students angrily shouted.
"Only those who have seen and been chosen by the light can talk to the higher-ranking members!" another one chimed in.
"We won't allow you to taint them with your talk!" the last student declared.
"But…I just wanted to…" Judai began.
A chuckle rose up from behind the students, causing Judai to look past them at the source. He realized the laughter was coming from the leader of the Light, who had just walked in, the diviner, Saiou.
"Judai," the man started, "you can always come to talk to your friends. But, before that," he opened his purplish eyes at the young duelist, "you must agree to pledge yourself to the Light."
"But…why should that matter?" Judai asked. "People should be able to believe what they wish, no matter what others tell them."
"Why do you hesitate?" Saiou wondered aloud, causing everyone to turn to face him. "Anyone who joins can get everything they've ever wanted." He gestured to Manjoume. "True strength." He gestured to Misawa. "True friends." He gestured to Asuka. "True respect." He turned his face back to the brown-haired student, his eyes giving off a malicious purple glint. "Anything you desire, it can be attained by joining the Light. Glory to the Light!" All of those donning a white uniform erupted in loud cheers, shouting 'Saiou-sama'.
Judai gulped, slowly shaking his head in response to the older man's question. It seemed like a good idea. And the melodic voice the fortune-teller possessed helped make it feel like an even better option than the one he had, now. But…deep in the recesses of his being, he felt that it wasn't the right choice.
"No, huh?" Saiou inquired. "Well, that's fine for now. For soon, everyone will see the joy of joining the Light. And all will follow its influence." He walked to the middle of his sea of followers, amidst an eruption of cheers.
Judai placed his hand over his chest, and began to breath heavily. 'My breath…I didn't even realize it…' He began to feel light headed, and leaned against the table next to him.
"Aniki!" a pair of students shouted. Judai didn't even need to turn to know who it was.
"Sho," Judai greeted. "Kenzan."
"Are you alright?" Shou questioned. Judai nodded. "What happened?"
"I…don't know, really…" Judai murmured. He glanced over towards Saiou, frowning. 'Saiou…Takuma…' Kenzan and Sho finally led the Hero-user away, as Cronos had just arrived to begin the class.
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Samejima's helicopter slowly landed on the heliport the school contained, near the docks. It had been over 5 months since the principal had last stepped foot onto the campus's grounds. The expedition he had gone on was both a success, but also partially a failure. The true part of the expedition was to invite duelists around the world to join his new tournament to crown a 'Duelist of Tomorrow' to join Japan's Pro Duelist League. He wanted the biggest tournament since Kaiba Corporation's Battle City series, and he wanted it here on this island. But, more importantly, he needed to find that card.
The one setback on his journey was the discovery, and his subsequent defeat at the hands, of his former pupil, Hell Kaiser, Marufuji Ryo. The once proud duelist had let his continuous losing streak finally push him over the breaking point, transforming him into a relentless and cold duelist with little respect for anyone. Samejima had tried to duel him, to reveal that defeats come and go, that you just have to keep pressing onward. However, Hell Kaiser had grown too powerful, as Samejima met defeat at his former student's hands, which allowed the Pro to acquire cards to make his deck even more powerful. At this rate, Samejima knew that only his friends at the Academia could help him, now.
His train of thought was broken by the landing of the craft, and the shouting of the teachers outside of it. He stood up and stepped out of the craft onto the hard cement. Cronos and Napoleon immediately raced up to him and began to explain what had happened to the school in his absence. Of course, he had already heard about Saiou's Society of Light before his arrival back from certain rumors spreading throughout Japan, but the matter interested him little. At least, at the present moment, because he was certain that the card he was searching wasn't in their possession.
"…and that is the current situation," Cronos finished. "So far the only dorm that hasn't been touched by the Society has been the Osiris Red Dorm."
"That's fine," Samejima stated. "But, right now, I need you two to send out an email to all students. I want them in the auditorium in two hours."
"Yes, Principal!" the two teachers stated, hurrying off to email the information to the students' PDAs.
Samejima, meanwhile, grabbed his suitcase and began to march off to the school's auditorium to prepare. "It's odd that, even as a teacher, I get nervous talking in front of large crowds," he thought, somewhat amused by his predicament. "Now…I think everything is set…"
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"Alright! The Principal is finally back!" Shou cheered excitedly.
"Oh, yeah!" Kenzan happily screamed. "Cronos and Napoleon, those two have been unable to take control of the situation, focusing on tearing down the Red Dorm, and then the Society of Light appearing. But, with the Principal back, hopefully everything will return to normal, soon."
Both of the boys joyfully raced towards the auditorium, followed slowly behind by Judai. The trio had just received the news on their PDAs about Principal Samejima's return and his 'special announcement'. They had almost immediately begun to head off to the auditorium, with the rest of the Red Dorm attendants, in a mostly joyful attitude.
Judai, however, was deep in thought and not nearly his normally cheerful self. He was still thinking about the meeting he had with Saiou and the members of the Society earlier that week. He was also wondering how his friends were doing. They hadn't contacted anyone at all, recently, since that day. Asuka usually at least talked to Fubuki every once in a while, if only in an attempt to convince him to join the Society, but Fubuki had told him it had been nearly a week since he heard from her.
A sharp rap on his shoulder broke Judai out of his reverie. He wheeled around to see Edo standing behind him with a half-stern, half-concerned look on his face. "Edo…" Judai murmured.
"Dwelling on your friends recent choices is not going to do anything to get them back," Edo told him. "They'll come around soon enough, whether it's because they see the error of their ways, or because we force them to see it." He walked past the Hero-duelist towards the auditorium.
Judai nodded, forcing a smile. "You're right, Edo." He remembered that Saiou's Society and suddenly controlling personality has also been hard on Edo, as well, possibly even more so.
Edo Phoenix was a strange case. Originally, he had annoyed Judai to a great extent, and the feeling was mutual. Judai loved to duel for fun, while Edo had been through some rough times, and his sense of justice and reason to duel had been warped. Edo's victory via the Destiny Heroes had relieved Judai of his ability to see his cards and Duel Spirits in general, for a while. But, once the two explained each other their harsh pasts to each other, they acquired a mutual respect. Judai found himself unable to hate the Pro duelist.
That didn't mean that the two were friends, by any stretch. However, the two had to have worked together on more than one occasion, eventually helping each other defeat Mizuchi, Saiou's younger sister, in the school trip to Domino City. The two knew that they would have to work with each other in order to defeat Saiou and the Society.
"Aniki!" Shou shouted. Judai wheeled around to see that the others had gone far ahead.
"You're going to be left behind!" Kenzan hollered. Judai hurried to catch up to them.
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Judai, Sho, Kenzan, and Edo all took their seats in the auditorium with the remaining non-Society members. Sho and Kenzan chattered amongst themselves and their friends concerning what announcement could be so important that it was necessary to tell them almost strictly after he returned from his trip. Edo sat cross-legged, eyes closed, and deep in thought. Judai was doing his best to stay focused on the announcement forthcoming, but his mind kept wandering to his friends still following Saiou in the Society.
There had to be a specific reason as to why they would decide to follow someone like Saiou just out-of-the-blue. It hadn't occurred to him until his interaction with Saiou earlier that week. He had run several theories through his mind continuously, but the Hero-user kept coming back to the same conclusion. 'It must be…cause of me…' he kept replaying in his mind. 'I can't imagine any other option.'
Manjoume supposedly had left in search of Judai in the forest, and when the others next saw him, he had donned his current white outfit. They had all thought it just a phase, but it soon became apparent shortly after Judai's return that it wasn't. Manjoume wanted power; power that Judai could very well have taken from him.
Misawa had felt like he was being left out of the group. Judai realized now that he wasn't even treating him very well, even though he should have been looking out for his friend. It was the very reason Misawa threw the duel against Manjoume when he could have won. Misawa needed a place to belong. Judai had neglected to give him such a place.
And then there was Asuka. It was hard to think of a reason why her conformity would be caused by the boy, but then he realized it might have been a sin of omission on his part. He should have known that 'White Thunder' was not an opponent to be trifled with, and he should have done more to stop the duel.
Judai never wanted to hurt anyone, but he seemed to do it without realizing it. Did that make him a bad friend? Was he really a bad person? He always dodged questions of his past, was that the cause of all his ignorance? He couldn't say. It was a parasite deteriorating his insides.
Judai's Duel Spirit, his 'Partner', Winged Kuriboh suddenly appeared over his shoulder, chirping angrily into his ear. Judai perked up at the shrill sounds the spirit screeched, and turned his head to the Card Spirit. "What's that Aibou?" Judai wondered. It continued to chirp, looking slightly annoyed at the duelist. "It's not my fault?" The creature bobbed up and down, which Judai took as a nod of approval. "I understand. But still…if only I…"
The creature sighed heavily, getting a concerned look in its eyes. "Don't worry about me, Aibou," Judai reassured the spirit. "I'm strong enough to handle this." Aibou nodded respectfully, before returning back into its deck.
"Judai-kun! Shou-kun! Kenzan-kun! Edo-kun!" A male voice called. Judai and the others turned to greet the trio of Obelisk Blues who hadn't conformed to the Society.
"Ah…Fubuki-san. Momoe. Junko." Judai greeted. The two girls stiffened slightly at the lack of honorifics, but didn't reply. "How're you?"
"We're fine…" Momoe stated somberly.
"We're worried about Asuka-sama, though," Junko added.
"What about you, Judai-kun?" Fubuki asked. "Are you ok?"
"What do you mean? Of course." Judai wondered what Fubuki could have meant.
"I'm just making sure," the elder Tenjoin commented. "You've seemed somewhat down, lately. Like you were punishing yourself."
"Oh…well…that is…" Judai stammered, lowering his head. Visions of the others before and after their recent change flashed through his mind, causing the younger male to close his eyes and clench his fist in pain.
The two females looked at Judai with pity, but Fubuki growled in frustration. "Judai! Don't beat yourself up over the others," Fubuki sternly announced. Judai looked up, surprised at the outburst. Fubuki took a breath to calm down and sat in the chair next to the Hero-duelist. "That kind of attitude won't help us. And it certainly won't help them. You've got to be strong, for them and for you."
Judai stared at the man in thought for a moment. "I got it," he grinned. Fubuki smiled broadly in return.
Cronos then walked up to the podium, cutting the conversation off. "Attention, students! We all have been awaiting patiently for months for the return of Principal Samejima. Now, after his five-month journey around the world has concluded, he is ready to return as a full-time Principal. Now, please welcome, Principal Samejima!"
Applause echoed throughout the auditorium, though it wasn't necessarily from being loud so much as reverberation. few of the Society students applauded the return, but the ones who did clap for the principal did so with much fervor.
Samejima stepped up to the microphone and coughed loudly. "Well, students of Osiris Red, Ra Yellow, and Obelisk Blue, it is very good to have returned back to the place I belong," he stated, proudly smiling at his students. He closed his eyes and continued. "I have gained much, and learned much more, than when I left. I have plenty of new lessons to teach you and stories to tell you, today and henceforth."
"However," the Principal spoke, opening his eyes, "I have something else to treat you all, for the next month!" A loud murmuring began to echo throughout the auditorium. "Beginning in 10 days, there will be a tournament to crown the best duelist of the next generation, held here, at Duel Academia Island!"
"A tournament?" Shou wondered.
"To crown the next generation's best duelist…?" Fubuki amusedly questioned.
"The tournament will include both you and Pro duelists from around the world!" Samejima announced. He raised a remote and aimed it at the wall behind him. He clicked the button once, twice, thrice.
A screen lowered from the ceiling to a few feet above the ground behind Samejima. The screen activated, revealing a medal with 'GX' written on top of a world carved into the metallic item. "These are the 'medals' you'll be betting, your lifeline. When you defeat a duelist, you gain all the medals in their possession. Likewise, when you lose to a duelist, you lose all your medals to that duelist, and are subsequently eliminated from the tournament. Duels against opponents without medals won't count against you, so you can practice against opponents who have already been eliminated without fear of losing your standing."
The Principal hit another button on the remote, showing a map of the island. "Duels will take place throughout the island, though, it is recommended you stay near the dorms and school. It is easy to get lost in the forest."
Another screen appeared, showing a calendar. "As stated earlier, in 10 days, the pros will arrive. You will be able to get autographs, as well as practice duel with them when they arrive. Try not to be too amazed by them though." He chuckled, glancing at Judai, Sho, and Kenzan. "The tournament will officially begin four days after that, on March 1st . When that day comes, the duels between two contestants automatically bet their medals. It will conclude 10 days later, on the 11th. Only the contestants ranked in the Top 8 of medals will be admitted into the Final Round, beginning on the 18th," Samejima stated. "I expect our school to have a great showing against the pros. Please do not disappoint me." He smiled. "But, most of all, enjoy having duels against strong opponents."
The screen flashed again, revealing some type of document. "This is the prize that goes to the winner, if the winner is from our school," Samejima exclaimed. "A two-month contract into Japan's Premier Pro Duelist League!" Surprised gasps and cheers erupted inside the room, with many claiming to be the best. Samejima chuckled lightly at the response, and waited for the room to quiet down. "Well, that concludes the meeting. I'm glad to see you all again. Prepare your decks well, and get ready for the hard duels ahead!"
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"Amazing…!" Shou stated. "A tournament with students and pros right on this island!"
"And the prize for victory!" Kenzan shouted eagerly. "Two months in the Pro League! I don't think it could get any better!"
"Alright! I'm going to win," Judai declared in a determined voiced.
Cold laughter interrupted the celebration the trio were having, and sent a cold chill surrounding them. Judai grunt and whirled around to face Saiou, Asuka, Manjoume, and Misawa, all grinning deviously with devilish glares. Judai's frowned at the group approaching them.
"Saiou…" Judai greeted.
"Judai," Saiou started, "you don't believe that you're going to win that contract, do you?" Judai grit his teeth. "This tournament will be about the glorification of the Light."
"Why, you…" Judai advanced on the diviner.
Manjoume fiercely cut him off, punching Judai away with a fist to his midsection. "Aniki!" Sho and Kenzan cried.
"You don't deserve to interact with Saiou-sama!" he growled. "He's the one who will raise all our hopes and dreams to new heights!"
"Manjoume…!" Judai gasped. "But…what about your wish to finding your own path to strength!?"
Misawa chuckled. "You're still so petty, Judai," he stated. "You believe that your way is always the right one. But who makes that decision? You?" Judai's mouth gaped slightly. "HAH! As if you have the strength and courage to rival destiny. Everything is foretold ahead of time. Not even you can stop the Wheel of Fortune, now. You can't even protect those precious to you. You can't even protect yourself."
"Misawa…" Judai groaned remorsefully.
"You will fall before our own strength," Asuka scoffed frostily. "And then, you will finally see the glory of the Light." She smirked. "Then, you will be able to understand our feelings."
"Asuka…" Judai murmured. He lowered his head to the ground.
"Enough of your jokes!" Shou roared angrily. "Aniki isn't your scratching post to let your emotions out!"
"Manjoume-sempai…Asuka-sempai…Misawa-sempai…" Kenzan growled, his eyes flashing with a pair of lizard-like eyes. "You all used to support Judai-Aniki. All of a sudden you go through some rough times, and it's all his fault!? Take some pride in yourselves and some responsibility in your actions!"
Saiou and the others began to cackle loudly. "You can't even stand up for yourself, Yuki Judai!? Pathetic!" The group of Society leaders turned around and began to walk away.
"Wait!" Judai shouted. Saiou turned to see him rising off of his knees. "Saiou…for warping my friends wishes…for tearing away my bonds with them…for turning them against me…I won't forgive you." He raised his head high enough to glare at the man. "Mark my words…I DEFINITELY won't forgive you!" His eyes barely glistened a golden sheen, before turning back to their amber-brown.
Saiou's eyes widened, before narrowing with a hideous glee. His mouth spread into a malicious grin. "Then let's see your strength…Yuki Judai…"
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Sho: Asuka-san…don't forget about your friends…
Judai: Sho! Wake up! We'll miss the Tournament!
Sho: AAAAH! What an odd nightmare.
Judai: What's wrong?
Sho: I have a bad feeling…
Judai: Don't worry Sho. I'm sure they'll be ok.
Sho: I hope you're right…
Next Time:
Episode 2: Genex Begins! The Society's Cruel Plot
Judai: Wait for me everyone…I'm coming for you!