"So, you weren't able to find out anything from him?" Zane asked Alexis seriously.
"Nope. I had thought I was onto something since I remember Atticus mentioning that Liam had once been a teacher's aide back then for the dorm. But it didn't end up going anywhere…" Alexis answered glumly.
From his place seated between Zane and Alexis at the small room table in the library of the Academy's main building, Aster remained silent. He wished that he could be able to contribute something useful to this discussion, but the reality of the situation just made it feel useless to him. The fact was that Atticus and the other students had been long-gone for about a year now with no trail whatsoever, and what little Alexis and Zane had tried to find from it just seemed to be grasping at straws.
Alexis sighed wearily. "I feel like we're missing something here, and that it's getting harder and harder to find anything that can help us…" She admitted somewhat hopelessly.
"You can't beat yourself up over it. You're doing all you can, but it's not that simple. I mean, after twenty-four hours, the odds aren't exactly favorable in a missing person's case anyway." Aster said without thinking.
Even before Alexis had a chance to react to his words, Aster knew he had screwed up. He had meant to sound comforting, but cold logic had somehow seeped into the last part.
Alexis stood up quickly. "Excuse me…" She muttered quietly, almost to herself. Then without another word to Aster or Zane, she practically fled the room.
"Oh, shoot… I did not mean for it to come out like that." Aster said regretfully.
"I know you didn't, but I think that cut a little too close to home for Alexis." Zane said simply.
"What about you, though? I mean, Atticus is your best friend." Aster asked cautiously, taking care to not refer to him in past tense.
"I'd be lying if I said that the possibility hasn't crossed my mind. I try not to think of it too much, though. But for her, it's a bit of a different matter." Zane answered honestly.
"Yeah. He is her brother after all…" Aster trailed off.
"All the same, you should say something." Zane advised Aster.
"You're right…" Aster agreed. Knowing that he should at least try to repair the damage he had caused, Aster slowly got up from his seat and left to go find Alexis.
xxx
Luckily, it didn't take Aster long to locate Alexis. She was standing by herself off to the side of the room near the alcove that the staircase leading up to the next floor formed, away from the crowds of small groups of friends scattered around the common area. He approached her cautiously, clearing his throat awkwardly to announce his presence.
"Hey. I just wanted to apologize about what I said back there. Sometimes I can be a bit blunt without thinking about how some things might sound since I'm really more used to having my brain stuck in duel mode with the league and everything, and...I'm sorry." Aster apologized.
Alexis shook her head slightly to wave off Aster's guilt. "No, it's fine. I'm not offended by what you said." She reassured Aster.
"Even so, that was still a careless choice of words from me. I don't think anyone would want to assume the worst in your situation." Aster insisted.
"Well, probably not… But for me, I feel like it's gotten to the point where I'm just fooling myself more than anything. It's been about a year now, and the fact is that if Atticus and the others had any way to come back, they would have done it by now if they were able to. I don't know what to believe: that they're all being kept hostage by some kidnapping ring, or that they're dead." Alexis said somberly.
"It may not be exactly like your case, but believe me when I say that I understand how you feel, Alexis. It's not just about wanting to find Atticus. You need closure, no matter what the outcome is. I can't even tell you how many times I've driven myself crazy wondering about the person who killed my father. Whether it was a robbery gone wrong and it wasn't even intentional at first; and why not take the rest of the cards? Just who this monster is and what they do in life. The very idea that they could have just went home and continued on like nothing happened and gone on with their life keeps me up at night. And the worst part is that like you, I'm stuck with basically nothing for leads. Hell, for all I know, I could be chasing a ghost…" Aster explained.
Alexis could only stare at Aster in surprise. This was the first time she had heard him really talk about what had happened to his father.
"Look, all I'm saying is, I know what it's like. And that's why I might not always have the most positive outlook when it comes to it. I could tell you that I'm going to help you find your brother, but I don't want to sound naive by making what could very well be an empty promise for all I know. Of course, I'm not saying that we should give up hope! I've just had to learn the hard way that things don't always go the way you want them to in life… Sure, probably made me more than a bit pessimistic at times, but that's just how I can be." Aster continued.
"No, I do understand where you're coming from, Aster. And I appreciate it that you're more reality-based. It hasn't made you give up on your goals, after all. Thank you for telling me all that. I feel like I'm finally starting to understand you better for the first time." Alexis said gratefully.
For a moment, Aster and Alexis exchanged a brief smile with each other. Then Aster spoke up to change the subject. "I think that's enough depressing talk for one day. So why don't we do something fun instead?" He proposed casually.
Alexis raised her eyebrows slightly in surprise. "Depends on what your idea of fun is." She said simply.
"Well, if you enjoy some basic deck building maintenance, then I think this could be right up your alley. So, wanna head to the cafe for awhile?" Aster offered casually.
"Alright." Alexis agreed with a grin.
Xxxx
Once Aster and Alexis arrived at the small student cafe on the second floor of the main building, they decided to order some frozen drinks before getting a table. Alexis couldn't help noticing all the pairs of eyes that followed them as they waited in line. Aster didn't seem bothered by the excessive whispering and stares, but it annoyed her.
Not long after they had ordered (Alexis with a fruit smoothie, and a bottle of unsweetened black tea for Aster), they took a seat at one of the small, rounded clear glass tables by a window overlooking the forest. Placed around the tables everywhere were large, potted plants of various types of greenery. And hanging above the tables from the ceiling were small lights with glazed red and blue ceramic patterns.
"You'd think they'd never seen us go anywhere together before…" Alexis complained to Aster.
"I don't even let such petty gossip bother me." Aster said carelessly.
"I shouldn't either, I know. If it wasn't for all those stupid articles it wouldn't be half as bad, though." Alexis grumbled.
Ever since the tag duel, enough suspicions about the nature of Aster and Alexis's relationship had leaked their way outside to the media. Tabloid articles and photos galore had been released, all trying to support the idea of Aster and Alexis as a couple. Alexis was more than tired of seeing or hearing claims of "Aster Phoenix finds love at Duel Academy" and "The Pro League's Prince has found his Queen". While Aster himself had gone on the record to say that she was just a friend, none of the reporters (or hardly anyone else) seemed to believe him. She had even had to explain things properly to her own parents before to erase their suspicions.
"I've learned to take most of what the press says about me with a grain of salt. According to them, I have a new girlfriend about every two weeks." Aster said wryly.
"I don't know how you stand it. All the gossip here alone is already bad enough." Alexis complained.
"I've learned to cope. But I'm sorry that you have to deal with that now just from hanging out with me. I tried my best to make it clear to them that it's not like that, but I'm afraid that's the most I could do. For you though, I think it would be best to not interact with the reporters if any of them try to hassle you. Just tell them "no comment" and leave it at that." Aster apologized.
"Okay, I'll be sure to keep that advice in mind." Alexis said gratefully.
"Good. Now, I think it's time we got to that "fun" that I mentioned earlier." Aster announced.
Aster unzipped his backpack and carefully emptied the contents onto the table. It was a pile of Duel Monsters card booster packs that he bought earlier at the school store.
"This is what I like to call the "Random Pack Challenge". Basically, I buy enough to build one deck, with each pack coming from a different set. I try my best to make the best deck I can with whatever I got, and then test it out to see how well it works." Aster explained.
"But cards from the same sets are supposed to synergize better with each other! Why would you put yourself at a disadvantage like this when you don't even know just what you'll be stuck with?" Alexis asked skeptically.
"Well, it's just a test at first, so I'm not necessarily taking this to the league. But it's a good way to sharpen your skills a bit by thinking outside the box instead of always taking the more obvious route. It can give you a feel for different situations. And sometimes, you might just come up with some new strategies." Aster explained.
"Wow. That...actually makes a lot of sense when you explain it like that. But since it's just testing at first, who do you duel outside of matches for this?" Alexis pressed.
"I duel myself against one of my regular decks." Aster answered.
"Why duel against yourself? There's no challenge in knowing all the opposing moves." Alexis asked, unable to see the logic behind this choice.
"Well, of course it's not ideal every time, but it's a good way to start. I may know my own moves, but that also means I'll be trying just as hard to go against them. It's just a test. And I can't think of a better person." Aster bragged.
Alexis had to force herself from making a sarcastic retort to Aster's last sentence. As annoyed as she was by his ego, she didn't want to rock the boat when they had finally just gotten on better terms with each other.
I don't think those reporters need to worry about digging up any relationship dirt on him. If anything, he's too in love with himself to even consider one with anyone else. Alexis thought to herself dryly.
"But this time, I thought it'd be more fun if we both tried it. I got enough packs here for both of us to make decks from, so what do you say? Fancy a duel?" Aster offered.
"I say you're on!" Alexis agreed excitedly.
Xxxx
Aster and Alexis dueled for awhile. First with the booster packs, then with a few other decks that Aster had brought along. They even swapped their own personal decks to duel each other with them. Aster won every duel, but Alexis found that she was still enjoying every minute of them. He was keeping her on her toes with every move and she was forced to push her brain to limits all through it. In between, they went over the decks and strategies in detail while coming up with new ideas. It was the most fun she'd had since coming to Duel Academy, she had to admit.
It was during the middle of another conversation when they were interrupted. One of the waitresses at the cafe approached their table and spoke up. "Um, we have to close in about a minute…" She interrupted somewhat awkwardly.
Alexis couldn't help feeling surprised. Had they really been there that long?
"Oh, sorry about that. Guess we lost track time. We'll get out of your way." Aster apologized politely.
"Oh, um, that's alright. But before you go, would it be too much trouble to ask for an autograph, Mr. Phoenix? It's for my sister." The waitress asked nervously, hastily adding on the last part after a quick glance at Alexis.
"No trouble at all. It would be my pleasure." Aster answered as he flashed a dazzling smile.
"Ah, thank you very much!" The waitress said gratefully. She handed Aster the small pad of paper and pen she used for taking orders and he signed it with a flourish.
"Sure thing. And tell your sister to drop by the Kaiba Dome this Tuesday if she can. I'll be dueling there that day, and I could always use the support of a great fan like her." Aster informed the waitress.
"I will! Thanks again!" The waitress said hurriedly before practically skipping away.
Once they were alone again, Alexis spoke up. "So, a duel right as vacation starts?" She asked casually.
"Yeah, and then I'll be traveling for them until school starts up again." Aster said casually.
"Oh. That means you won't be spending any time here for Winter Break?" Alexis asked, feeling somewhat down about it.
Alexis had originally thought about staying at school herself during break just to avoid more constant bickering from her parents. But now she wasn't so sure. Zane, Jasmine, and Mindy would all be heading home. She didn't know what had made her believe that Aster would take more time off from his schedule to stay, but without him either, it would be pretty lonesome.
"With all the time I'm taking off for classes here, I need to take every chance like this for work. Why? Don't tell me you're actually going to miss me!?" Aster teased.
"N-no! But I guess I just sort of...forget all of that sometimes." Alexis admitted in embarrassment.
Aster laughed lightly at Alexis's response. Of course, if it's anyone who would forget about that, it's her. He thought to himself amusedly.
"What's so funny!?" Alexis asked defensively.
"Nothing, nothing. I didn't mean it like that. That's just actually...very refreshing." Aster answered appreciatively.
Alexis couldn't stop her cheeks from coloring a little at the way Aster smiled at her.
"Well, then I guess I won't be seeing you until school starts again." Alexis said simply.
"That's true. But until then, why don't we do this? Let's exchange phone numbers so we can keep in touch sometimes during the break. Although texting is really the only thing I'll have time for between matches, I'm afraid." Aster suggested casually.
"Yeah, okay. That sounds good." Alexis agreed, a bit surprised by the offer.
Normally, boys acted as if things like this were a rite of sacred privilege to even attempt to ask of her, but Aster had just done it as if it were the easiest thing in the world. She could definitely appreciate that he treated her like a normal girl instead of putting her on some pedestal like almost all the rest of the male students did.
He understands what it's like to just want to be treated normally for once. Alexis thought to herself appreciatively. She realized that had found a friend that related to her in more ways than one.
AN: This was actually made to take the place of the dueling monkey episode. At first, I related it to the Jinzo one since I had just associated the monkey thing with Chazz leaving for North Academy, but now I got more room to work. This is more or less the start of the Rareshipping stuff in this story. I like AsterxAlexis because I can actually see them as relating to each other in ways as characters. It's not about her being fascinated by some shiny new guy with his dueling and whatever, so the attraction build is going to be more complicated for them both with being confused about their feelings at first. Let me know who you think should realize they are falling for the other first: Aster or Alexis. I'm going to eventually make a poll about it on my profile, but you're free to also let me know your answer in reviews too, if you want. Anyways, next time we'll be seeing a certain North Academy exchange student at Duel Academy. And Aster is going to have some important questions for him. Thank you for reading, and please review if you'd like!
To Guest: Thanks so much for pointing out the dueling errors! It really helps! Truth be told, I knew I'd f-k up that duel somehow. XD Looking at the card, I really should have known better about Arkbrave's effect timing since it says during THE next turn. But I never would have guessed about the other one since the text doesn't specify anything about mutual destruction. Anyways, I really need to just have a duel editing day one of these days…
To Thundaaa: There will still be Armed Dragons for Chazz, just no Ojamas. I don't know when I'll do the Armed Thunder Dragons, though.