Chapter summary: Ryoko and Jaden make some new friends and enemies. It's time for the cousins to take their exams and hopefully get into Duel Academy.
But what happens when two spirits enter the game?
And how will Jaden do when she gets a panic attack.
Someone realizes who Jaden actually is and this knowledge will only complicate things later on.
And now the infamous dueling exam of course. The only thing I'm going to say . There will be two Canon characters Making an especially entrance in this store. And their back stories are majorly changed from the original.
oh perfect that thing anywhere Yugi disappeared in chapter 1 or I should say the prologue was inspired from Percy Jackson and the lightning thief, when was come by the minute walk etc. etc. there will be more Easter eggs from my favorite TV shows, and books in rgis Yu-Gi-Oh crossover.
Ch 3: Life after, the heart of the cards and the dueling exam: pt 2
Back at the kaiba dome~
Ryoko was just about to give up hope, when Jaden came towards the registration desk. Inwardly cursing her cousin for her tardiness. She gave Jaden a thin smile before making her way inside. A few minutes later Jaden joined her as they walked up next to a light blue haired teen with glasses. The three watched the duel below, it seemed to be wrapping up.
"Alright new guy. Multiple choice! You got two monsters staring you down. Do you; A) Throw in the towel, B) Beg for mercy, or C) Run home to mama?" Asked the dueling examiner trying to intimidate the duelist Who was named bastion.
Dueling Examiner: 1900
Bastion: 3200
The examiner had two monsters in defense mode while Bastion had Vorse Raider in attack mode and a face down card.
"I wonder if it's a trap." Ryoko commented.
The blue haired boy who was standing right next to Ryoko, Jaden on the other side of the blonde while Mahado stood behind the group holding pie, jumped startled at the comment.
"Oh... Hi,"the boy greeted shyly. "that's Bastion Misawa, down there. He got the Second highest score on the written exams."
Jaden laughed good-naturedly. "Nice to meet you, names Jaden and this is Ryoko."
"Syrus Truesdale." The boy introduced.
"Nice to meet you sy. Hey can I call you that, sy?" She asked not wanting to be rude.
Syrus gave her a warm smile his posture growing a little less tense. "Sure, I don't mind."
"I don't mean to be rude but I'm trying to watch this match here." quipped the blonde. A teasing smile on her face, her light blue eyes calculating.
Jaden rubbed the back of her head a sheepish grin on her face. "Sorry..."
Back on the field bastion didn't seem fazed at the dual examiners attempt at intimidating him.
"I'll go for D. None of the Above, and activate my trap card, Ring of Destruction. With this I'll have my Vorse raider attack your monster. Which means your life points will be going down to zero. While my life points will also be affected but not as much." Bastion explained
As he explained this his monster attacked the examiners. The older man's life points went down to 0 while bastion now had 1300.
Bastion: 3200-1300
Dueling Examiner: 1900-0
"Sweet match." Cheered Jaden as bastion was being congratulated by the duel examiner.
"Agreed, he might be the Second smartest duelist in Duel Academy." Said the blonde chuckling.
As bastion came up towards them the speakers came on catching the groups attention.
"Ryoko k, please go down to Duel Arena 4. Ryoko k, please go down to Duel Arena 4."
Ryoko smiled. "Ah, that'll be me."
Mahado walked over and handed pie over to Jaden who took her. Ryoko adjusted her wheelchair control stick and proceeded to go down the stairs. Mahado following at a distance stopping at the bottom of the steps when Ryoko reached the field. A few curious people watched as the older man went down the stairs. Most of the obelisk boys winked flirtatiously in Ryoko's Direction. The light blue-eyed duelist ignored them rolling her eyes in annoyance.
"Good luck Blondie!" Called out Jaden catching a few peoples attention including bastion.
"Is that your friend down there?" He asked Jaden.
She nodded while Syrus asked. "What did Ryoko mean by bastion might be the second smartest duelist in duel academy?"
The brunette blinked. "Oh that, Ryoko down there got the highest score in her written exam. I wasn't surprised when I found out. Trust me she is a wicked awesome duelist."
"If she is as good as you claim she is. Then let us see what she's capable of." Replied bastion pointing to the dueling arena below.
Jaden scratched pies head looking confused. "Huh? what do you mean?"
"Oh no..." said a worried Syrus as he answered. "I'll tell you why she'll need a lot of luck for this match. She's up against professor Adhara. Rumor has it that She uses any and all dragon themed monster cards overwhelming her opponents after only two terms."
"No spell or trap cards?!" Cried a disbelieving Jaden.
'That is one unbalanced deck. Whomever this professor Adhara is, she is mad.' Stated pie.
Jaden had to agree with her friend on that part.
As if reading pies mind bastion explained. "What you say is true Syrus, she does use dragon themed cards, but there's one thing you're forgetting. Adhara does have one or two spell cards in her deck. Such as Polymerization."
Syrus gulped nervously. "Oh yeah, she also tries to make them feel like they're worthless. And she went as far as blackmailing the entire staff here. Nobody has gotten the guts to stop her."
Jaden was now growing concerned for her cousins well-being. She knew that her cousin could take care of herself in a duel, but that didn't stop her from worrying. Plus if this professor was as bad as bastion and syrus, claim she was. Then Ryoko was going to be challenged big time. She held pie a little more tightly feeling slightly comforted when the cat began purring.
"So... she's basically threatening the entire staff here as well as the duelists. And to add insult to injury she also uses her own deck and tries to make the duelist feel worthless?!" She summed up.
"Precisely, I just pray your friend won't be dealt a hard blow by her." Said bastion, worry filling his voice. As the professor appeared on the other side of the Field.
Ryoko watched as a tall pale skinned woman in a female obelisk blue uniform walked on to The other side of the field. She had wavy black hair and disinterested grey eyes. Her thin lips were pursed in an unamused frown.
The blonde smoothed out her features in an indifferent expression, trying to shove down the unease that she rarely felt when dueling. Something told her that this would be a challenge, she loved a challenge, but there was something about this woman that made her feel uneasy. Ryoko reminded herself that she was a kaiba and Kaiba's showed no fear in front of their opponents.
'This duel isn't going to be one I'm going to forget for a while.' Ryoko thought. A bitter smile on her face as she readied her dueling disk.
Ryoko: 4000
professor Adhara: 4000
"Greetings young Ryoko. I'm professor Adhara. I shall be your history teacher at Duel Academy... If you pass that is." She sneered.
Ryoko didn't say anything, though she did bristle inwardly at the last part. Did this black haired, gray eyed cold beauty think she was just some stupid blonde. That thought only infuriated her even more. Ryoko reminded herself to not get overly... 'Excited' as her father liked to say.
She had to keep a level head, that was easier said than done because how this woman was speaking to her as if she was a lowly peasant or stupid duelist was not helping.
'Who does this woman think she is? uncle Yugi?' Ryoko thought indignant.
"Hmm, a silent duelist." Observed the professor. "Very well, peasant allow me to make the first move."
The blonde duelist cringed, that was a definite sore spot. She hated being reminded of her past life as an orphan.
'Hold on a minute, why did that bloody Devil call me peasant? Does she know of my adoption? And if so how? Father was quite clear that no one was to speak of my adoption outside of the family.' Wondered Ryoko her heart twisting into uncomfortable knots. The blonde was brought back to reality when she hurt her opponent call out her first move.
"I play Polymerization to fuse Lord of dragons with Divine Dragon Ragnarok to create..."
In another part of the stadium a dirty blonde haired girl with hazel eyes watched the match with wide eyes. She was in an obelisk blue girls uniform.
"This doesn't look good." She said. "I feel bad for her."
Just then Zane walked up to her hearing the last bit of her sentence. "Don't underestimate her, Alexis."
The dirty blonde haired girl, Alexis turned, surprised. "Zane? What are you doing here? I thought you already left?"
The tall boy crossed his arms and leaned against the railing a disinterested look on his face, but Alexis knew otherwise.
"Let's just say i ran into somebody, i'm interested to see their match." Zane responded not looking at his best friends younger sister.
Alexis didn't have a response for that. She focused her attention back on to the blonde in the wheelchair facing professor Adhara.
Ryoko sharp eyes narrowed as she heard the professors last words.
"... King dragun!"
King dragun: ATK 2400, DEF 1100
Gasps filled the stadium as the monster appeared. Mahado, Jaden and everyone else were wondering how Ryoko was going to get out of this mess.
"My move." Ryoko said a smirk on her face. "I summon berry magician girl in defense mode."
Berry magician girl appeared, she curtsied in midair before landing in a defensive crouched position.
Berry Magician Girl: ATK 400, DEF 400
Adhara burst out laughing. Everyone else except for Jaden stared at the wheelchair bound duelist in confusion or shock.
"Oh this is going to be good. Ain't that right pie?" The brunette asked while smirking.
Syrus turned to her even more confused. "But berry magician girl has 400 attack and death points. How can Ryoko possibly defend herself with such a low attack Number?"
Bastion snapped his fingers, understanding the light blue eyed duelist move. "I see what your friend is getting at, but how is she going to deal with two dragons on the field. Remember while king dragun is on the battlefield Adhara can special summon another dragon with each turn that she gets."
Jaden cringed. "Oh fuzzy buckets."
To herself she thought. 'Well so much for those rumors not being true.'
Adhara smirked. "Now king dragun attack that weak magician!"
"Not so fast, " stated Ryoko. " I change berry magician girls Battle position into attack mode. And if you're a bit on the slow side, ice queen. Then let me explain, when I have this card out I can draw one Monster magician girl from my deck to my hand." The blonde explained her voice void of any emotion.
"Please," scoffed the professor. "what good will that do you?"
Ryoko skimmed over her remaining cards in her hand, Ignoring the woman's remark. A small smirk appeared on her face, a strategy coming to mind just as berry magician girl was sent to the graveyard.
Ryoko: 3600
professor Adhara: 4000
"First I'll place one card from my hand face down. Next I will be placing dark magician girl in defense mode." She stated before ending her turn.
Dark magician girl appeared on the battlefield. The duel monster did a front flip before landing in a defensive position.
Dark magician girl: ATK 2000, DEF 1700
Adhara stared at this girl wondering what she was planning. The black haired woman had her suspicions on this girls supposed identity. Plus this little twerp was getting on her nerves. Usually at the first sight of her card sent duelists running for the hills, but this one... She was different and Adhara was determined to crush this brats spirit.
"My turn, this time I place red eyes black dragon in attack mode. It'll be personally destroying your wimpy dark magician girl directly." she said. A knowing glint in her eyes. She had seen the blondes brief flash of surprise.
If her Red eyes black dragon didn't make this little bitch cry then she didn't know what would.
King dragun: ATK 2400, DEF 1100
Red eyes black dragon: ATK 2400, DEF 2000
Ryoko stared, disbelief filling her heart as her mother's favorite monster destroyed her own dark magician girl. This battle had just gone from bad to worse. She had to do something, fast, but what?
Throughout this attack on her monster she managed to not break down. But inwardly? Ryoko was crumbling and she was crumbling pretty fast under the pressure that this woman managed to create in a matter of two moves. Usually it would take a lot more to crack Ryoko, but now? She was facing a dualist that had somehow managed to break her.
Narrowing her eyes, the 16-year-old was determined not to show any sign of weakness to this woman.
Ryoko: 3600-1200
professor Adhara: 4000
"My turn isn't over yet, I place my king dragun in defense mode!" She declared before ending her turn.
Ryoko gritted her teeth in frustration. She was getting cornered and she didn't like it, not one bit. If that red eyes black dragon attacked her next monster...
She didn't want to think about it right now. Glancing at her hand, she got an idea. A new strategy was coming to mind. She just had to play her cards right. Forcing herself to relax, Ryoko planned her next few steps carefully. Hoping that this woman's confidence would blind her to any strategy that she might have.
Up on the stands Jaden blanched slightly her brown eyes widening. Pies eyes were also wide, she'd been to enough duels and training sessions to know that Ryoko rarely got this Low of a number and that was just in regular training sessions.
'She best do something quickly before she forfeits this duel by losing!' Pie murmured.
Jaden didn't respond. She stared at her cousin hoping that she had some type of plan.
Meanwhile Zane and Alexis stared at the battlefield wondering how the blonde duelist was going to deal with two monsters that had 2400 attack points.
Chazz an obelisk Blue student like Zane, stared down at the duel. He tried not to look interested, but he too was secretly wondering how long this girl was going to hold up and how she was going to get out of this mess. There was something about this blonde beauty that felt strange. This kids battling style didn't look like much, but there was something about her that just told him that he'd only seen a tip of her power.
A sudden memory came to the forefront of Ryoko's mind.
A 12 year old Ryoko stared at an 11 year old Jaden in shock. The amethyst tipped long haired brunette smiled kindly at her. The girls bright Amethyst eyes returning to their usual brown Color. She crossed her arms still having that kind smile on her face.
"Remember Blondie, if you trust your monsters, the heart of the cards and if you really put your heart into The game, then there's nothing that you can't do!"
"Thank you, I'll take your words to heart Jay."
Her eyes filled with grateful tears as she looked up at Jaden. Who stared back pie tightly held in her arms. The pair along with Syrus and bastion looked either worried or fearful. If it was directed at her then she wasn't sure, one thing she was certain of though. She wasn't going to give up, she was going to fight for her parents, Jaden, her duel monsters and for her Uncle Yugi.
"Thank you Jaden..." She whispered, drawing out a card from her deck.
"Not so tough now are you?" Adhara mocked. "You know you should be banned from the Academy, not only are you a big liar, but your just some pathetic orphan that nobody wants. And to add to your list of lies, you're also pretending to be the daughter of seto kaiba."
Ryoko looked up from her hand, this had peaked her interest. What was this woman talking about?! Did she honestly think that she was pretending to be seto's daughter when in actuality she was his daughter.
"What are you talking about...?"
Adhara had just about enough of this little girl's lies. "Don't lie to me little girl, I have studied seto kaiba's daughters deck thoroughly. Even though you have some of her monsters in your possession you are nothing more than a copycat, a fake, a nobody!"
"And," continued the woman spitting out her next words as if they were poison. "Even if you were, I would be a shame to even be called that man's daughter. His fiancé is a male, he and that worthless blonde idiot are nothing more than a bunch of SLUTS!"
Ryoko looked at this woman incredulous.'How dare she call my parents that despicable word! Oh she's going down, down, down into the shadow realm!'
At this moment Ryoko didn't care if she had a blank mask on her face. Her cheeks were flushed pink with rage. Her hand that did not hold her cards, clenched into a tight fist her knuckles turning white. Her sharp light blue eyes filled with angry and hate filled tears. This professor had insulted her monsters, nearly succeeded in making her feel worthless and unloved and worst of all. She had insulted her mother and unborn siblings, she had called her kind and caring father... A ...A... A SLUT!
THAT WAS THE LAST STRAW!
Ryoko's head was now bowed low hiding her features from site. Her next words send shivers down Adhara's spine. The young girls voice was eerily calm, making it all the more terrifying.
"You want a challenge little ice queen, you think I'm weak, you think my parents are...that. Hmm, you underestimated me for the last time professor. This time it is you who is the pathetic duelist around here!" The last part she screamed out for the entire stadium to hear.
The staff on duty cringed, including Crowler. This girl had guts, if she was standing up to the history professor and head staff of the obelisk blue girls.
Jaden meanwhile had a cat like smirk on her face her eyes momentarily turning gold. Her feline friends eyes also changed for a brief instant, turning a rose pink before going back to their normal light green. The two were unaware of their items glowing faintly.
"Whatever that professor said, it must have really pissed off mystical princess there." Jaden said her cat like smirk not leaving her face. As she leaned forward not wanting to miss the action.
Syrus looked at her curious. "Do you know what she's planning?"
The brunette shook her head in the negative. "Ryoko can be unpredictable when she's angry. But somehow she managed to keep her cool while still looking angry this round. So... It's hard to tell what she's planning right now."
The blue haired gray eyed teen gave her a hopeful smile. "Whatever she's planning, I just hope the professor gets put in her place."
"As do I."Agreed bastion leaning forward in his seat.
Zane raised an eyebrow, wondering if this overly confident professor had just made a grave mistake. From her actions today it was very likely. Too much confidence in yourself was a major setback and underestimating your opponent was also a key setback in any duel.
"I don't like the looks of this." Alexis said.
"What do you mean?"Inquired the taller obelisk student.
"I mean that feeling that I'm getting from that blonde duelist, her outburst from earlier is kind of unsettling. And the way that she's all of a sudden relaxed is just as unnerving." Alexis explained shifting her position that way she could have a better look at the duel below.
"Hmm..." Was Zanes only reply.
Holding her card of Choice that way so it was facing her. She gazed at it, a fond smile tugging at her lips. It had been a shock to her when last night her father had given this to her, saying that 'it belonged with her.' She had a feeling it had something to do with her uncle Moki and aunt serenity being there. The two could convince her father to do anything.
Ryoko gave it a wink and whispered. "let's make mother and father proud."
Her card responded with a low growl. The blonde raised an eyebrow ever so slightly and sharply nodded.
"I agree let us get rid of that red ice fiend, then we can work on the other so-called king of draguns."
She couldn't wait to knock this professor from her pedestal.
Regaining her composure Adhara was now in patient. The blonde seemed to be talking to her cards, 'Ah, she's even more crazier than I thought. The imbecile should probably go to a mental asylum.'
"Are you done talking to your cards?!" She called out sneering. The black haired woman was ready to just get this dual over with.
Ryoko glanced up a Victorias grin on her face. "Now it's time to summon the true king of dragons! I place this monster in attack mode!"
The stadium began to shake as a monster began to appear on the battlefield. The light intensified revealing a large unidentified shadow. With a burst of light a loud roar cut through the stadium.
Everyone plugged their ears and closed their eyes trying to block out the sound. When the sound faded thee echoing silence that followed was broken by Ryoko's victorious declaration.
"Now feast your eyes on my darling blue eyes White Dragon!"
Blue eyes White Dragon: ATK 3000, DEF 2500
Ryoko: 3600-1200
professor Adhara: 4000
King dragun: ATK 2400, DEF 1100
Red eyes black dragon: ATK 2400, DEF 2000
A Shocked filled silence enveloped the stadium as everyone stared at the legendary blue eyes White Dragon. Some students were openly gaping while others had blank expressions on their faces. Others rubbed their eyes, unable to believe what they were seeing. A few looked excited, while older duelists glanced at their history professor. These duelists were second and third year students. They were hoping that their history professor would be knocked down a few pegs.
Even Zane was speechless. Then the silence was broken by one Jaden Motou.
"Oh hell yes! Kick that woman's sorry arse, kaiba! Woo hoo, yay!"
Pie let out a victorious yowl, following her mistresses outburst.
That was followed by shock filled murmurs and amazed looks from some of the students and teachers.
Zanes teal eyes widened with surprise for a moment before returning to normal. He should've known the blondes identity from the moment she summoned that dragon onto the field. However, he was not expecting Ryoko kaiba to sign up this year. if she'd signed up last year then she would've become a second-year student.
'So the question is why did she sign up a year later?' Wondered Zane having a feeling that there was more to the blondes actions.
"Incredible..." he breathed. He was definitely going to challenge this girl to a duel when he got the chance.
Alexis was just as shocked as everyone else. Her mouth fell open and her eyes were as wide as saucers as her hands gripped the railing.
The dirty blonde haired, hazel eyed girl smiled slightly. "It's beautiful..."
"Wait a minute you never told me that Ryoko was thee seto kaiba's daughter!" Syrus yelled with utter shock and amazement.
Bastion for once was speechless. "I have no words to describe how I should feel at this moment."
Jaden grinned sheepishly still shocked herself at her cousins bold move. As they always say, desperate times calls for desperate measures.
"I think I'll let kaiba explain herself after my duel and before we leave." Was all she said.
"Fair enough..." murmured the blue haired teen still in shock.
Chazz and his two lackeys stared for once speechless. The black haired dualist then grinned he was definitely wanting a duel with this girl. Not many people got the chance to dual a blue eyes White Dragon let alone a kaiba.
But there was more to Chazz Princeton so-called desire to battle Ryoko.
'I'll show my brothers that I'm a great dualist with or without their help! I'm deserving of my family's last name, my brothers are nothing more than a bunch of... Arrogant idiots! I'm going to make them pay for what they did to me and... Her...' thought Chazz bitterly a distant look in his dark eyes.
Adhara's gray eyes widen before narrowing. "So it's going to be like that? Might as well finish this!"
Ryoko was in agreement. "That's something we can agree on." She sniffed having enough of this woman's attitude.
At once the older dualist declared without thinking, her desperation outweighing her logical side. "Red eyes black dragon attack her blue eyes directly with inferno fire blast!"
Ryoko just grinned in victory knowing what was coming next. "Ah, sayonara ice queen, your rain is coming to an end."
The red eyes on the field charged up it's attack, then let it loose with a powerful roar. The stadium was then filled with smoke as a powerful shockwave was released. Everyone covered their faces with their arms protecting themselves from any dust that might've been flown in their direction.
Slowly the cloud of dust and smoke disappeared. Adhara's Red eyes black dragon was gone while Ryoko's Blue eyes White Dragon was standing tall and proud.
"Thanks for attacking."Smirked the blonde.
Adhara stared at the spot where her own red eyes once stood. "But how? My red eyes would've surely destroyed your remaining life points!"
The wheelchair bound duelist raised an eyebrow. She flipped her card over revealing it to be mirror force.
"You see Adhara, there's one flaw in your deck, you don't seem to have any spell or trap cards at your disposal. You rely solely on brute strength, I was hoping for that." Ryoko stated.
"Why you little..." Began the older woman
The 16-year-old cut the black haired woman off by continuing her explanation. " you were overconfident and since you placed your first monster in defense mode. I decided to let your red eyes attack my blue eyes. But thanks to your desperation to win. You didn't remember my Face down card. Mirror force reflects the attack and sends it back to its monster instantly destroying it."
Ryoko brushed back her hair an amused smile on her face. "Which means you're Life points are going to drop down significantly."
professor Adhara: 4000-1600
Ryoko: 3600-1200
Adhara was losing her cool, Ryoko could tell. She had this in the bag, though for a moment back there she really did think that she was going to lose.
Chuckling to her self she thought. 'How ironic would that be, the daughter of seto kaiba unable to pass her dueling exam to get into duel Academy? Yeah, uncle yami, Bakura and marik would never let him hear the end of it.'
"I... aargh! I change my king dragun in attack mode, that's it." Adhara said her voice filled with frustration.
'OK,' Thought Ryoko. 'Maybe I won't ask father to fire her. Instead I'll suggest cutting her pay in half and having her work part time helping Professor banner with his paperwork. That might show her some humility.'
"Thank you for this match." She said simply before ordering. "Now my blue eyes White Dragon attack that king dragun and avenge dark magician girl and berry magician girl!"
With a mighty roar the blue eyes White Dragon did just that destroying Adhara's remaining life points.
professor Adhara: 1600-0
Ryoko: 1200
As Adhara's remaining life points fell down to zero. She fell to her knees a shocked look on her face before it twisted into rage.
'I'll get that blonde rich wimp out of duel academy even if I get fired in the process!' She silently vowed.
Ryoko flashed her signature wheeler grin while snapping her fingers. "Now that's a mystic duel."
Once Ryoko was off of the battle arena, Mahado took the handlebars that had appeared behind the blondes chair with just a push of a button. Guiding the hovering advanced wheelchair up the stairs. The pair made their way back to their original spot.
When the duo had arrived they were met with a nervous syrus, a curious and impressed bastion, a now relaxed pie and a brightly grinning Jaden.
Bastion stood up and held out his hand to Ryoko Who graciously took it.
"It's an honor to meet you Miss."
Ryoko flushed slightly embarrassed at the boys politeness.
"Please just call me Ryoko, everyone does. I am no different than Jaden over here. Though I am less hyper." She said joking at the last part.
Jaden pouted before placing pie on the ground.
"I am not hyper!" Defended the brunette indignantly.
"Yes you are." retarded the blue-eyed teen.
Rolling her eyes Jaden muttered. "Whatever."
"Umm... Jaden who's that...?" Asked syrus focusing his attention on Mahado.
"I'm miss kaiba's and mr. Yuki's personal escort for the day." The spellcaster lied. Turning to Ryoko he asked. " do you have any copies of mr. Yuki's medical documents?"
Without batting an eye the blue eyed teen pulled out four more documents from her Silver briefcase and handed them to him.
"Take these to all the staff on duty, please."She requested.
Nodding the older man took the folders and walked towards the staff seating area. Meanwhile the small group was congratulating Ryoko on her match.
"I must say," began Bastion. "The way you handled yourself back there was impressive. Not to mention the strategy you used, clever."
Ryoko smiled briefly before shrugging nonchalantly. "Thank you, I was inwardly cracking under that pressure when my life points got down to 1200."
"S-so y-your really... seto's ... Daughter?" asked a nervous and shy syrus.
Noting the smaller teens shyness, Ryoko gave him a soft smile. She spoke in a gentle sisterly town, her features and posture softening somewhat.
"Syrus, i'm not like my father, not entirely at least. I am a combination of both my parents. I'm neither too strict nor too playful and nonchalant. I'd very much like it if you'd be my friend and just... Well like me for me." She honestly confessed.
Syrus was lost for words before giving the wheelchair bound dualist a bright smile. "R-Really?"
A wheeler grin and a nod later had syrus smiling a bit of confidence seeping into his gray eyes. Pie walked over and rubbed against the teens legs. Bending down syrus scratched the felines head, smiling.
"This year is going to be some year." bastion Said to himself.
Turning to jaden, syrus asked. "So Jay when's your match?"
She opened her mouth about to reply when the loudspeakers came on once again.
"Jaden Yuki please report to duel arena two. Jaden Yuki please report to duel arena two."
A few minutes earlier ~
Dr. Crowler read over the results of the last battle nodding to himself. Feeling a tinge of pride knowing that their pristine academy was having their employers daughter attend. He ignored the angry mutterings of Professor Adhara and proceeded to stand up ready to announce that the dueling exams were now closed when a young man with blue eyes and brown hair walked up to him.
He was wearing black shoes, pants and a purple suit. One of his hands landed on a gun which was strapped to his hip while the other held out four folders with the official kaiba corp symbol stamped at its center.
Sitting up straight the cross dressing blonde haired man asked in a polite dignified tone. "Yes, how may I help you?"
Mahado stared at this man... Woman? He didn't know nor cared. In a flat disinterested tone he responded with. "These folders contain copies of Jaden Yuki's medical needs. Specifically on his feline, she is to be allowed to accompany Mr. Yuki and any and all duels that he may participate throughout the school year, classes included. The papers will go into further detail."
Still having on his disinterested look he placed the four documents in front of Crowler and spun on his heels not giving the man a backward glance.
Crowler stared at the documents confused and a little annoyed at the man's bluntness, before opening the top one and skimming through its contents.
The boy apparently had some type of panic attack or other when dueling and the cat provided comfort and calmed the boy down. Not bothering to read the rest of the medical file which contained the signs and symptoms of a panic attack. Dr. Crowler proceeded to continue on with his original plan of announcing that all of the dueling entry exams were over. And that they'd ran out of time.
"I guess we could let this kid take his exam." Observed one of the staff on duty looking over his companions shoulder at the medical documents.
"We'll Just have to tell him that he'll just have to come back next year." Dismissed Crowler
"And what if he's just as good as miss Kaiba? Amy and Corvis did say that miss Kaiba insisted on waiting for him." Argued another dual examiner.
Crowler sniffed. "She probably just felt sorry for the boy and decided to let him in, just to amuse him before dismissing him entirely."
"But he was just late." Argued the first duel examiner.
"I agree." Cut in an older man. "Let's give this kid a shot."
Standing up and slamming his hands on the table, Crowler cried out. "slackers in our prestigious duel Academy! Unacceptable I will not have this late comer enter our school, medical records or not!"
"Sir these are from our employers company."Argued the older man.
A phone call from Chanslor Shepherd stopped any further arguments from the dueling examiners and Crowler.
Having an annoyed expression on his face he picked up his phone and answered. Hello, and who may I ask..."
"It's Shepard." Answered the other voice.
Swiftly changing his voice to a polite tone Crowler asked. "Oh Chancellor Shepherd?"
"Just checking to make sure everything is running smoothly Crowler. We don't want a repeat of last year. Remember? You cut a third of our applicants for some ridiculous reason. Just make sure everyone gets a chance, wouldn't want our employer to find out about last year's little incident, now would we?" Shepherd finished a warning edge in his polite Voice.
"Oh no no no, everything is just fine here. No need to call our employer." Crowler said hurriedly.
"Good." Replied Shepherd. "Besides I've been looking at our list of applicants and I see that our employers daughter has signed up along with a close friend of hers. Apparently he has a bit of a medical record with panic attacks while dueling. Although it does say that it doesn't happen all that often thank goodness. So you shouldn't have any worries, lucky thing the boy has had the cat ever since he was 10 and ever since then the cat was trained on how to warn others of a panic attack. Isn't that sweet. It'll be nice to see a duelist with a four legged friend. After all, professor banner and I are partial to cats. Oh i better go, can't wait to see all of those students in a couple of days."e of days."
As dr. Crowler hanged up Adhara decided to take a bit of her frustration out on the head of the obelisk blue boy dorms.
"Humph, well then Crowler if this so called slacker is as bad as you claim he is. Then why don't you duel him yourself." She sneered
Taking the bait, the vice principal stood up and stocked off heading towards duel arena two.
"Wait just a minute, what deck will you be using!" Called out one of the obelisk blue dual examiners.
Crowler waived the man's question off. "Don't worry leave that to me."
Jaden smiled broadly as she waved goodbye to her new friends and her cousin. Pie trotted alongside her looking excited herself. And for good reason the two should be excited. This was going to be there first official dual together with both of their millennium items in working order.
Mahado not wanting to raise suspicion when Jaden summoned him on the field. Had excused himself saying that he was going to do a perimeter check.
Pausing halfway Jaden felt a shiver go up her spine as she glanced down at her millennium clock. The eye of Horus was glowing faintly.
A sudden wave of gentle shadow magic coursed through her veins. For a brief instant she felt different, more calm and... confident in herself. Jaden was graceful though now she felt 10 times more so. Then just suddenly it faded, but this time she felt a little more gentle darkness running through her veins. Whatever just happened it left a little more shadow magic inside of her.
'Pie did you feel that? It felt like my yami Side was growing somehow?' Jaden said through their telepathic link.
Continuing down the stairs the cat replied with. 'Yes, but it felt like The little bit of light that I have in my heart and mind was growing!'
It was true, pie did feel more light and free. There was something invigorating about caring for more then just herself, her mistress and the pharaohs extended family and friends. Although pie acted like a wise in different cat at times. She did feel flickers of sympathy and affection for humans who were in danger.
Like her mistress a little more light was left behind. There was now a strange feeling left behind. Pie was back to her dignified regal self.
Jaden's eyes widened for a moment. 'That never happened before with Dad and daddy they were two halves of one soul... Let's try not to think about it right now pie we have a duel to win and an Academy to get into.'
But still as the pair walked down the last few steps they both couldn't help but feel like there was something... Or someone watching them.
Jaden and pie were standing on one of the platforms as it rose up onto the dueling arena. Once that was done, She looked around noting that the kaiba dome was filled from ceiling to floor with kaiba corp tech. Living around her godfather and cousin had gotten Jaden pretty used to their advanced technology, some of it could even sense magic, specifically shadow magic. It was pretty awesome. The technology being able to sense magic bit. The rest Jaden was used to.
'Holy Ra! what are we dueling against!' Exclaimed pie.
"Pie?" murmured Jaden wondering what got her friend all freaked out.
Pie had nothing to say in response, the cat stared blankly at the person across the field. Just then there opponent spoke up.
"Alright test time." Called out Crowler.
Then she saw... Him? Her? They? Jaden was very much confused. The person had blonde hair though it was lighter than her cousins, it was tied up in a long ponytail and they were wearing an obelisk blue uniform. It was white and blue with pink frills around the collar and sleeves. The back of the uniform was longer bellowing out behind them.
The teacher was wearing... purple Lipstick... Apparently. Now she knew why pie was so freaked out. This person, they were creepy beyond belief.
"I just had to get the creepy ones, didn't I?" Jaden muttered to pie out of the corner of her mouth, low enough that way so her opponent couldn't hear her.
'Oh man aunt Mai would have a panic attack if she saw what this... Dualist was wearing.' Thought Jaden grateful that her aunt wasn't there.
"So son your name?" Asked the dual examiner.
"Uh, didn't you read my medical files?" Question Jaden raising an eyebrow before rolling her eyes. "It's Jaden Yuki."
Ignoring the teens rudeness Crowler continued on talking.
"Well Jaden Yuki, I'm Dr Vellian Crowler, department chair of techniques here at duel academy." Introduced Crowler proudly.
Jaden decided to have a bit of fun with this doctor Crowler.
"Wow..." She drawled sarcasm dripping from her voice. "A department chair... I am so terrified."
Crowler glared at her already annoyed with this slacker.
"Excuse me?!" He demanded.
Ignoring her dueling examiner Jaden began thinking out loud. "You know with that outfit you looked like a school mascot. Are you sure your name isn't Dr Vellian clown-er..." She finished cracking up at the last part.
Chazz glared at this kid, wondering if he was crazy. Annoyance flashed through his dark eyes. This was one of the best teachers at Duel academy and this slacker was making fun of him? Chazz hadn't met the kid yet and he was already annoyed with him.
"Seriously? This Punk isn't going to last two seconds with Crowler on the field." He sneered.
Zane stared at the brunette intently. 'So, that's your name... Why do I get the feeling that you're hiding something.'
Alexis meanwhile cringed. "He shouldn't have made fun of him..." She whispered to herself.
Zane frowned slightly, he'd heard rumors about the professor and his temper, when it came to people calling him by the opposite gender. Zane briefly wondered if Jaden would do anything to annoy him and if so it would be amusing. He just hoped that Jaden wouldn't go too far in his jokes to Crowler.
Ryoko shook her head unable to believe that her cousin was joking at a time like this. Dr. Vellian Crowler was not a man to mess around with. He was a cruel duelist to say the least, if he didn't like anyone or if they did not meet his expectations. Which were very high. And by how Jaden was acting she had a feeling that the professor would be putting Jaden on that hate list.
'This is going to be a long duel.' She thought sighing
"Enough!" Snapped Crowler activating his dueling disc.
Jaden shrugged still having her bright smile on her face. "Whatever you say ma'am."
"I'm a male, you slacker!" Crowler screeched.
Jaden narrowed her eyes. "Excuse me..." She hissed.
Crowler Stared at her, as if he was seeing a bug. He talked to her like an adult would to a five-year-old while explaining the rules.
That only ticked Jaden off even more.
"The rules are simple, we will duel until one of our life points drops down to zero. But in this case if you lose, then it's bye-bye duel Academy."
Pie didn't like how her mistress was being treated, she wanted to claw this cross dressing freaks face off. But she also didn't want to hurt the idiot even though he did kind of deserve it. And unless Jaden needed any comfort via a panic attack then she would intervene.
Sneering Crowler asked in a taunting tone. "Are you ready to play Slifer slacker?"
Something inside of Jaden snapped.
"Play time is over Crowler!" She said her Voice sounding less light and cheerful to her ears.
"Supreme queen of shadows!" She snarled
'Daughter of light!' declared pie
Her eyes flashed an alluring demonic gold color. The millennium item around her neck began to glow, the gears spinning wildly in the process. Underneath her red collar pies millennium item began to glow as well, sensing the growing darkness. knowing that there was a need for balance. Two dark half's couldn't be present in a duel, shadow game or not.
The cats light Green eyes turned a Rose pink as the millennium Clock and collars glow faded at the same time.
Jaden closed her eyes, snapping them Open a moment later. Sensing quite a lot of gentle shadow magic running through her body. Glancing to the side she quietly gasped.
Where pie had sat a moment ago was now a pure white cat with rose pink eyes. Another cat similar in color was standing next to the much smaller feline. But unlike the first, this one was a large fully grown leopard sized cat. Both of them wore the millennium collar around their necks, but that wasn't what cot Jaden's attention. Not the fact that the larger feline was floating or translucent.
But the fact that there was someone else on the other side of the fully grown large white feline. She could only see their feet and a bit of their head. Then the person walked behind her and next to her.
Jaden couldn't help, but glance briefly at the newcomer and stare. She was translucent like the cat. And she had the same hairstyle as jaden's. Except hers was black and her eyes were a beautiful daemonic gold color instead of her brown/amethyst.
The Spirit was also wearing the exact same clothing that Jaden was. The red sneakers, bluejeans, the red domino high uniform and the millennium clock around her neck. Everything about her was the same except for the hair and eyes.
"Hello there," Greeted the spirit in her mind. It sounded similar to her own Voice, but unlike her voice this one was more daemonic. "listen, we can begin introductions later. But I'll tell you this much, right now you look exactly like me, names haou by the way. It's a pleasure to finally meet you, Jaden."
"Okay, thanks for the introduction." she muttered before realizing that her voice was a mixture between her own and this Spirit, haou's.
Focusing her attention back on the duel and ignoring the sense of déjà vu that she was feeling. Jaden activated her battle City dueling disc drawing out her cards.
Crowler looked at the slacker in shock. There was something different about how the 15-year-old held himself. He seemed to give off an aura of command,as well as the cat. It seemed more relaxed and calm, no longer tense. And he could've sworn the cats fur was black a Second ago.
"Ah, what the..."
Holding her cards up beside her face Jaden gave the cross dressing professor a confident, feline like smirk.
"Now, prepare yourself Crowler because it's time to duel."
Zane, Ryoko, Chazz, syrus, Alexis and bastion gawked. The dark blue spiky haired boy and blonde haired girl swiftly composed themselves knowing what they saw wasn't a mere parlor trick.
Although the other didn't know that the other had knowledge on shadow magic and the millennium items. They both knew that there were now two more spirits on the dueling arena.
As for the rest, they were confused wondering if they were either hallucinating, going mad, dreaming or seeing things.
"I must be hallucinating, that's it." bastion told him self.
"Are you seeing what I'm seeing?" Asked syrus.
"No," lied Ryoko smoothly." I was checking for any new messages, However I did see something towards the end."
Pulling out a small hanky from her White jacket pocket, she handed it to syrus. "Your glasses do look a bit fogged up though. Maybe it had something to do with that." She suggested.
Syrus took the hanky and began cleaning his glasses. "Thanks, you're probably right."
Chazz blinked a few times wondering if he was losing his sanity. Shaking his head he grumbled. "Probably didn't get enough sleep last night, yeah that must be it."
"Chazz? Did you say something?" Raizou asked
"No, I didn't." The Black haired teen snapped. "Quiet down, I want to see this loser get wiped off the field."
Alexis rubbed her eyes bewildered. "OK... What just happened?"
The silver eyed pale skinned spirit appeared next to Zain's sensing the wave of shadow magic. The two glanced at one another before looking away. He shrugged at Alexis question, not trusting his mouth at the moment.
"I don't know why but that wave of shadow magic feels... Familiar somehow." murmured the unidentified spirit in a silky smooth demonic voice through their telepathic link.
'Well whatever just happened I have a feeling that it's going to be a while until we get some answers.' Zane thought back his attention focused on the duel that was about to begin. Unconsciously he reached into his uniform pocket and held the cool silver bracelet.
"let's duel!" The two duelist declared.
Jaden: 4000
Crowler: 4000
"All right crowler-girl, I'll go first. I summon spirit of the west in defense mode." She called out. "next I'll throw down a face down and end my turn."
Spirit of the west appeared her wings spread out before landing in a kneeling position. One of her hands resting on her knee. Her skin was a pale blue color with spiky short hair that covered one of her eyes.
Spirit of the west: ATK 1000 DEF 1000
(Hey, Jay, what's up.) Greeted the duel monster.
Jaden smiled briefly before replying mentally. 'Oh nothing much we're just dueling a cross dressing creep who insulted Slifer. The usual.'
(Oh... Well you weren't joking about the whole cross dressing creek bit. Someone had the guts to insult your old man's favorite God card, huh? woo, now that's what I call gutsy.) The duel monster said raising and appreciative eyebrow while looking at crowler
"Yeah," agreed haou. "but then again I wouldn't be so cocky, when one of the God's are insulted."
Crowler stared at the slackers duel monster, Inwardly glaring at the brunette. He would find out how the slacker got a card that hadn't been released yet later right now it was time to destroy him.
'I'll fail this brat and send him home soon enough.' Crowler thought with confidence as he drew out his own deck. Instead of the standard exam deck, he was using his own cards.
"All right for this first move, I'll play it nice and easy. I choose to play the spell card confiscation."
Jaden gridded her teeth, she knew what that spell card could do. Crowler could take a look at her hand and have her send one of her cards to the graveyard by sacrificing one thousand of his life points.
Haou meanwhile started cursing in ancient Egyptian. Jaden flushed bright red understanding the spirit perfectly. This was going to be a long Day with her new demonic companion. The Spirit of the west only smirked while the two cats shook their heads in disapproval at Haou's Choice of language.
Jaden: 4000
Crowler: 3000
The card that crowler chose was monster reborn. Jaden side in relief, grateful that it wasn't any of her other cards. Though she was a bit disappointed as she placed it in her graveyard. Her opponent then placed two spell cards facedown.
Jaden thought that would be the end of it, but she tuned back in just in time to hear crowler say.
"... and next, but not least I play heavy storm. This card allows me to destroy any spell or trap cards on the field."
(Seriously! He has to play that card, come on! Not cool creep, not cool at all.) complained spirit of the west A.k.a. Wendy.
'He is the dueling examiner, and I don't see a problem with him using that card.' reasoned pie. As she and the others placed their arms over their faces as the wind intensified.
Ryoko watched on, her face growing suspicious. Heavy storm was not on any of the dueling exam decks. The blonde was certain of that, but then again she could've overlooked her careful examination. She watched on not liking the look that crowler was giving her cousin.
Her eyes then widened as Jaden's trap card along with crowlers two face downs were destroyed. Bastion and Zane also noticed this. The dark blue haired teen narrowed his eyes hearing rumors about crowler having a powerful legendary monster.
Jaden's, haou's and pies eyes widened. Crowler had a smug smirk on his face. As statue of the wicked appeared on the field.
Syrus was confused as everyone gasped. Ryoko slammed a fist against the arm of her wheelchair, cursing underneath her breath. "Shit, if he sacrifices those two cards, then Jaden is done for."
"Umm, can someone please explain to me what's going on?" asked the blue haired teen.
Bastion glanced at Ryoko and saw her livid expression. Nodding to himself, he decided to be the one to explain to his shorter friend what was going on. "The two trap cards that dr. Crowler had on the field were called statue of the wicked. It's a special trap that creates a vicious token monster when destroyed. That's why he played heavy storm."
"And if my research is correct."Added Ryoko her voice filled with venom. "Then doctor Crowler will summon a monster with 3000 attack and death points."
"A card that strong couldn't be in one of the test decks. Crowler must be using his own." Commented Taiyou
"Then this is over, no applicant could beat the deck of an expert like Crowler." Added Raizou
"Yeah, it's in possible. Don't you think Chazz?" Asked Taiyou turning to the black haired obelisk blue boy.
"Yeah what do you think Chazz?" Inquired Raizou
The raven haired teen smiled coldly. "I think I'm going to enjoy Crowler wiping The floor with our little mouthy friend down there. I only wish he treated all the other second rate duelists Who applied to this Academy the same way."
Alexis frowned not liking crowlers choice of card. "What an elitist snob, bullying some amateur using his best cards."
The spirit beside Zane snorted. "She's underestimating this kid. The shadow magic surrounding him is off the charts. I never Felt anything this powerful in my life."
Zane silently agreed with the spirit while responding to Alexis comment. "You're too soft on him Alexis. I just hope we don't have to see that legendary card, that's rumored to be in crowlers deck."
"Zane?" Questioned Alexis, caulking her head to the side. "Weight, is this the kid you ran into earlier after you left?"
"Yes..." He answered simply. " he gave me some advice and I took it to heart."
(OK, so we can all safely agree that this guy is not using the test deck. Capeesh?) Said spirit of the west not liking where this duel was about to go.
"Ready for your next test?!" Mocked crowler
Jaden gave him a confident grin her golden eyes flashing dangerously. "I can't remember having this much fun, thanks a lot Crowler-girl."
This only annoyed Crowler even more, not liking how optimistic and confident the 15-year-old cross dressing man's right eye twitched as his teeth gritted together, hating the nickname that the slacker was giving him. Forcing himself to calm down Crowler replied in a dismissive Tone tone.
"Hmm, yes I'm an excellent teacher thank you."
Haou rolled her eyes and snorted. "Ra, this guy is full of himself."
"Tell me about it." side Jaden
'And I thought marik was crazy this... man is ... is... Mad.' Pie spluttered not knowing the right words to describe Crowler at the moment.
(You guys might want to tune back in) chimed in spirit of the west.
"Wait what do you..." Began Jaden, but was cut off by Crowler announcing.
"... And now I sacrifice my two wicked tokens. And summon Ancient Gear Golem!"
Crowler: 3000
Ancient Gear Golem: ATK 3000 DEF 3000
"You have got to be kidding me!" Growled Jaden. "and here I thought Blondie had bad luck. I have a monster that has 3000 attack points..."
Jaden now had a gleeful grin on her face. She always wanted to battle one of these things. She decided to keep her mouth shut, not wanting to draw any more attention to herself then she already was. But if she kept her taunting up. Perhaps she'd get into Slifer.
Then the realization of what she was battling hit her like a ton of bricks. If she couldn't defeat this duel monster, then she wouldn't be able to get into Duel academy. Jaden would have to wait another year for her next entry exam. Ryoko would have to wait another year also, Jaden was aware of her cousins silent promise and she'd be damned if her cousin had to wait another year. An entire year was one year too long for both of them, Jaden had to get in now. The longer she waited the less chance that her...
Jaden shook her head refusing to think that her daddy was dead. He was alive, she just knew it.
Angry tears gathered at the corners of her eyes, but she blinked them away. Narrowing her eyes in determination, she grumbled. "Oh fuzz buckets."
"There it is the legendary rare card." breathed Alexis.
Zane narrowed his eyes a fraction, not pleased in the least that crowler played that card.
"Shit," Hissed Ryoko, her light blue eyes widening.
"Either Jaden's brave or he's nuts!" Cried syrus
Ryoko pinched the bridge of her nose and shook her head. Syrus was right and the blonde couldn't find a suitable argument to defend her cousin.
"Unfortunately, he's both." she said simply her eyes glued on the battlefield below.
Jaden: 4000
Spirit of the west: ATK 1000,DEF 1000
Crowler: 3000
Ancient Gear Golem: ATK 3000 DEF 3000
"Now ancient gear golem attack with Mechanised Maylay!" Crowler Ordered.
As ancient gear golem attacked Jaden cringed as did Wendy.
(ghuh! Well guys I'll see you lat...Ah!)
"Aw, Wendy... Sorry about that." Jaden apologized to the duel monster before placing her in her graveyard.
Jaden: 4000-2000
Crowler: 3000
"Don't feel bad," mocked Crowler. " this is the top school in the country. Some people aren't Cut..."
Jaden had her head down hearing her professor loud and clear. But she couldn't help. but laugh. This was the most fun she'd had in a long long time. She now remembered why she loved dueling so much. And she was going to show Crowler just why she was dubbed the princess of games.
Even if he didn't know that he was battling one of the future top duelist in the world and literal royalty.
Jaden lifted her head up her golden daemonic eyes momentarily changing into her trademark innocent amethyst. Seeing the annoyed expression on his face, only made Jaden laugh even harder. Crowler didn't know when to give up, she was having way too much fun annoying this guy to no end.
"Boy, you really know your stuff teach. Now I really want to come to this school. And my next moves will take me there!" She said throwing her fist in the air a large grin on her face.
'Can't he take a hint?! He will not be allowed to pass this exam and he certainly won't be permitted to make a mockery of my deck!' Thought crowler his teeth gritting together. As he glared daggers at the teen across from him.
"If I didn't know better. I'd say Crowler was trying to make a fool out of you." Commented haou a demonic smile on her face.
Pie shook her head muttering. 'If he knew who he was dueling against. Then he wouldn't be making this attempt at humiliating you majesty.'
"Well pie, let him try and humiliate me. If there's one thing crowler doesn't have it's the heart of the cards and the loyalty of his monsters by his side." Replied Jaden a feline like smirk on her face.
"Don't forget there's One pure soul and one demonic One living in your items. Not to mention I'm going to enjoy this guy getting his sorry ass kicked." Cackled haou.
"I don't know... True he might be trying to humiliate Jaden, but that doesn't mean he deserves to be humiliated himself." Mused the large leopard size cat speaking for the first time. "and for the love of Gods haou, stop enjoying this."
"Excuse me?" questioned haou "I'll have you know Yubil that this is the most entertainment I've had since forever. At least you didn't erase nearly all of your memory..."
Jaden tuned out the two spirits argument in favor of drawing out her next card.
'Kuri, kuri.'
"Huh? Chip?" She asked pulling out her Daddys card out of her deck. "Hey there, have fun at your family reunion?"
'Kuri, kuri.'
Jaden's eyes glinted with determination. "Well Bud, It's time to show Crowler what we're made of."
Looking up She said. "I summon winged Kuriboh in defense mode!"
Winged Kuriboh: ATK 300, DEF 200
Winged Kuriboh appeared on the battlefield, his little wings flapping vigorously for a moment.
(All right it's time to cream this... Oh come on Jay! An ancient gear golem. why?)
"if you want somebody to blame buddy, then you can blame the cross dressing... Guy, I think we're dueling." Side Jaden shaking her head. She had a feeling that she wasn't going to hear the end of this from her next choice of monsters.
Ryoko smirked. "This is over, if Jaden brought out winged Kuriboh, then you know this duel is coming to an end."
"Hmm, a monster that is underestimated yet it's affect allowesJaden not to lose any life points. That's what I call a strategy." Commented bastion, nodding in approval.
"I'll say," agreed syrus "though Crowler doesn't look to happy right now. He just attacked winged Kuriboh. And boy Jaden doesn't look too happy I wonder what he said."
Ryoko whistled. "Whatever it was, I pray that the professor did not insult jays monster. Especially winged Kuriboh. That card is quite dear to him... For personal reasons."
Syrus decided not to ask any questions on that last part. If Jaden had his secrets, then he would respect him. After all he had his own... Dark secrets that he wished not to share with his new friends.
looking nervously at the duel below he said. "I don't even want to know."
'You really don't.' Agreed Ryoko in her mind.
"Not bad slacker, but you must understand that I am a master technician. A Kuriboh is rather pedestrian, even one with wings. It's defense points are no match for my ancient gear golem." Laughed crowler
'Oh dear, he just crossed in unspoken line.' Side pie knowing what was coming next.
Jaden was not a happy go lucky dualist anymore. Her playful optimistic side flew out the window. Her yami Side was in full gear and haou knew it. A crazed smile was on her face, as the spirit rubbed her hands together gleefully. She rather liked the winged furball he was quite adorable and he had some tongue. Chip was cursing up a storm and he wasn't letting up anytime soon.
Jaden snarled. "Shut the hell up crowler."
After ordering his monster to attack crowler unconsciously took a step back. His instincts telling him that he just made a grave mistake. Though that thought didn't cross his mind as he stared at the brunette wondering what his next move would be. He really despised this late comer, friends with Miss kaiba or not. He would make sure this Jaden character was for bidden to enter duel academy.
As she said this, chip her winged Kuriboh companion through thick and thin for the past five years. Let out a squeak of pain unable to handle the powerful blast that came his way. Jaden glanced behind her, noticing a battered and bruised spirit of the west crawling towards an unconscious winged Kuriboh. Even in his translucent spirit form he looked so vulnerable and even tinier then he already was. Although chip might've had a short time on the battlefield his sacrifice would not be in vain neither would Wendy's. It was time to put all of her faith and trust in her monsters tenfold.
She just hoped that she wouldn't have a panic attack in front of all of these people. Knowing her luck, she wouldn't get out of this duel unscathed.
"What are you waiting for slacker, make your next move. Or have you finally realized that this exam was too much for you?" Snared Crowler, ignoring The unease he felt when the 15-year-old spoke.
"I am just getting warmed up!" She called back her voice hard and steely."For my next move..." She paused looking down at her hand and gave her chosen cards a bright relieved smile. "...I summon dark magician onto the battlefield along with Merlins apprentice in defense mode, and a face down card."
Dark magician: ATK 2500, DEF 2100
Dark magician knelt down on one knee in a defensive position before glancing briefly at their opponent. Quietly sighing to himself, Mahado shook his head. It was the... Person from earlier, why was he not surprised?
Merlins apprentice: ATK 1400, DEF 1000
Merlins apprentice A.k.a. Douxie, was a 3 foot tall humanoid spell caster with straight fire red hair, Sun kissed skin and dark forest green eyes. He held a small golden scepter with a four pointed forest green gem at the end. For clothing he had simple white floor length robes with silver trimming. A white hat with a silver band around it was on his head.
The smaller spellcaster also knelt down on one knee, his scepter held in a defensive position.
Jaden: 2000
"Hmm yes, yes well done. Now I believe I shall play this card." Announced Crowler holding up change of heart.
Gripping the cards that she held in her hand, Jaden took in a shaky breath.
'It's going to be OK it's going to be OK.' She told herself trying to calm her racing heart.
Crowler smiled thinking that he'd finally made the brunette speechless. However he didn't realize that his next move would have severe consequences, intentional or unintentional.
"I play change of heart, and I think I'll take your dark magician." he Decided
Dark magician soon appeared on the other side of the battlefield. Mahado stared directly at his young charge, disbelief and silent rage filling his eyes. Jaden stared right back not knowing what to say. Her mind it was starting to go blank, she saw and heard everything that happen next. But it was as if her mind refused to take in what she was seeing.
"Next, I'll place him in attack mode and have him take out your little spellcaster."
Mahado wanted to refuse crowlers order, he wouldn't attack not in front of his young charge. This would be too much for Jaden and during an exam no less. He didn't want to be the cause of her having a panic attack, but he also didn't want to draw any attention to himself or the princess. Reluctantly he got in an attack position with regret and sadness filling his heart. He attacked the young spellcaster, who looked at him with shock and worry before disappearing from the battlefield.
Merlins apprentice let out a cry of pain as he flew past his creator/sisterly figure and landed next to Spirit of the West. The younger spell caster loocked at Mahado with terrified eyes, but Wendy and the rest of the duel monsters in Jaden's deckknew better. Mahado and Mana were like parents to the short youngster, and being attacked by his fatherly figure didn't help his anxiety when called upon to duel.
They watched helplessly as Jaden's life points went down. The older duel monster reached over and wrapped her arm around the young boy who looked worse for wear. Chip still unconscious was lying in her lap her dress being dirty and slightly torn from the dunderheaded idiot of an ancient gear golem.
Jaden: 2000-1000
Dark magician: ATK 2500, DEF 2100
Crowler: 3000
Still in his attack position Dark magician returned back to Jadens side once crowlers tune was over.
Jaden hardly noticed, she heard Merlins apprentice cry of pain and saw Mahado's regretful look before attacking.
That wasn't all that she saw. Flashes of that night five years ago came back to her. She could feel the cold wind of the night as her daddy ran towards her. The shadows feeling menacing and... Evil. Her godfather and dad's footsteps as they ran towards them, a small part of her hoped that they would arrive and save her daddy from what was to come next, but she knew they wouldn't make it. It was just a silly fantasy.
The large hand that seemed to slowly deliberately squeeze her daddy's hand, her dad's indistinct cry, as he yelled his husbands name out. The beautiful, familiar light that surrounded her daddy before it exploded right in front of her eyes. Her vision blurred as a pair of warm hands caught her before she could fall face first on the concrete ground.
Then the cycle began a new.
Running, choking, light, nothing...
Running, choking, light, nothing...
Running, choking, light, nothing...
Over and over until she couldn't feel her actions. She didn't feel herself fall onto her knees, her cards still clutched in her hand. She didn't even hear herself chanting through barely sustained paint whimpers.
"Daddy... Daddy... No...no... Wanna go home... No... Bad shadows... Go away... Go away... leave me ... leave me ...leave me..."
Jaden's face turned ash White, her knees began to buckle unable to keep her legs straight. Jaden's upper body began swaying, her hand that was free of her cards, shook violently. Saliva slowly dripped down one corner of her mouth, the beautiful daemonic gold of her eyes slowly glazing over.
Pie knew what the signs were, and she had never seen her mistress at the beginnings of a full on panic attack so quickly before. Instantly her body tensed, as she stood on all fours and walked over pawing at her mistresses leg frantically meowing trying to communicate to her mentally.
'Heynis, majesty? Please snap out of it! What would the queen think? Please majesty you must snap out of it, I know it's hard but you must. If you don't then you'll be disqualified if you don't make a move soon!' The black cat begged which was rare in itself.
Haou and Yubil Watched on, not understanding what was happening. The demonic spirit could feel her hostess Panic. The black haired Spirit could also feel the yami now hikaris desperation.
Haou Side heavily through her nose, The cat was right. They had to do something fast. The ugly Nimrod was starting to look impatient. The translucent figure looked up and saw a few people looking at her hostess worriedly. Others looked at the princess as if she had two heads. The spirit sneered, knowing that they couldn't see her, but still it was for her hostess dignity and wavering confidence.
"Time for Plan B." She told herself. Turning to the two white hikaris felines she got an idea. If she could feel yubil's, Jaden's and pies feelings through whatever link was created. Couldn't Jaden feel their emotions through the link that they seemed to share now?
"I've got an idea, but we better act quick." Haou said her voice leaving no room for any arguments. "All right tiny,"
She began shifting her golden demonic gaze to pie. Who let out an indignant huff. Ignoring it haou continued. "You're going to pretend to bite the princesses arm. Don't actually bite her arm, just make it appear as if you are. While you're doing that, see if you can shove your emotions through the link. Me and yubil Will be doing the same."
Pie stared understanding where the spirit was coming from, but not knowing if it would work. At the moment the cat was ready to try anything
'All right let's do it.' She agreed getting into position.
"On the count of three... " Haou stated calmly before ordering. "Three now!"
The two spirits and cat shoved all of their worries, concerns, desperation, anger and love through the link.
Jaden blinked slowly, not understanding the slight push that she felt through her and pies link. Suddenly she straightened, her senses coming back as a wave of jumbled emotions coursed through her body. Her head spun trying to separate the different emotions and the people sending her said emotions. Clutching her head with her freehand, she shakily got up blinking slowly, trying to remember what happened...
Then it came back to her, she had a panic attack. She couldn't remember what happened after Mahado appeared on her side of the field, but she did know one thing. She had to focus back on the game. This wasn't a shadow game, but the stakes were just as high. She had to believe in the heart of the cards and go through with her strategy on her turn.
'You can do this.' She told herself
Quickly glancing to either side she gave the two white cats and haou a grateful smile. The spirit rolled her eyes and gave her hostess a slight smirked gesturing to the Game in front of them.
Turning her attention to the ancient gear golem in front of her, Jaden narrowed her eyes in concentration. Her mind once more focused solely on the game. Crowler stared at her seeming to be non-affected by her panic attack. Somewhere in the back of her mind she realized that she had a panic attack in front of her future peers.
She grimaced, having a feeling that some of The students would hold that over her head.
"Are you done?" He huffed
Unconsciously she rubbed her arm where pie had supposedly bitten her. The brunette sneered her golden eyes flashing. 'He's acting as if nothing happened. Why did my godfather higher this guy in the first place? He doesn't look like he cares about the fact that I just had a literal panic attack!'
Crowler frowned at her and waved his hand dismissively. "We've already wasted enough time, make your last move, so i may end this. And send you and your pathetic deck home where you belong."
Shoving down the annoyance at Crowlers dismissive tone. She forced on a confident grin. "My deck and I aren't pathetic. And you want to know why?"
Crowler didn't answer, he was already annoyed with this slackers cheerful optimistic attitude. This dual was dragging on long enough for his liking. Jaden continued unfazed by her opponents silence.
"because it contains some of my most cherished monsters." She declared slipping the card In the correct slot. "I summon time wizard onto the field and I'll introduce you to a new dragon friend of mine. Blue eyes midnight black dragon!"
Time wizard: ATK 500 DEF 400
Time wizard a.k.a. Oz appeared next to Mahado. The clock like duel monster bowed before standing in attack position.
(This is going to be a timeless duel to remember!)
Jaden groaned remembering that time wizard was trying to come up with a funny catch line. So far he was failing, but Jaden kept on supporting him. Even though she wanted to strangle the duel monster on more than one occasion. Still she supported him nonetheless.
Blue eyes midnight black dragon: ATK 2300 DEF 2000
Jaden's Face down card flipped up to revealed a pure black egg which was on the other side of Mahado. The two duel monsters smiled realizing what Jaden's plan would be.
Everyone including Crowler were wondering how this black egg could possibly help Jaden against an ancient gear golem.
Even Ryoko was confused on her cousins plan. She'd never seen that card before...
The blonde let out a quiet hum noticing that her cousin had also summoned Time wizard one of her mothers cards. Ryoko recalled that fateful birthday five years ago. Jaden had received this very deck that she was using. Ryoko gave a ghost of a smile at the two spirits on the battlefield.
Earlier her heart had practically leapt in to her throat when she saw Jaden in the clutches of a panic attack. She cared for her cousin very much like a sister. It irked her to no end when she caught a few snickers and taunting remarks from some of the other teams watching the duel.
"Imbeciles..." She hissed underneath her breath her hands clutching the handle of her silver briefcase.
Syrus and bastion didn't seem to here the blondes remark. They were focused on the duel, the pears eyes showing confusion and concerned for the brunette... raven haired... Teen below.
Zane meanwhile clutched the bracelet that was in his pocket even tighter nearly drawing blood. His eyes momentarily flashed an ethereal light gold before returning to their usual teal color. The spirit next to him gave him a concerned and warning look. The dark blue haired teen gave the Sandy haired spirit a swift nod.
Ryoko hadn't been the only one to here some of the more ruder remarks directed at Jaden. Sighing softly to himself, Zane slipped his hand out of his pocket and rubbed the cold golden band around his finger.
Shoving down the urge to teach his future classmates a lesson. He brought his hand up to his temple and rubbed it. He paused making sure that Alexis wasn't watching before sniffing his hand which had been holding the bracelet up to this point. The scent was of Cherry Blossom's, shadow magic, a pure heart and...
'I don't believe it! How did I not see it sooner? The God card... I'm an idiot! But... I ... I better make sure they don't discover the truth...or else...' Zane thought furious with himself. He should've known, only one other person aside from the king of games and his husband could've had ownership over a god card.
The next words he uttered were barely audible over the din from the duel. "Your the pharaohs daughter..."
Alexis glanced at Zane, his eyes were distant as he held his hand against his temple. He looked troubled and she didn't want to disturb him. Zane thoughts rarely drifted when a duel was involved. That usually meant that something important and private was on his mind.
Returning her attention back on the duel below. She gasped seeing that Time roulette was activated. That was a gamble for sure.
'What's this kid up to, is he crazy? If that arrow lands on a skull than a chunk of his life points will be taken away, but if it lands on a Time Machine then he'll be able to use it. But why take the risk?' Alexis wondered her mind going a mile a minute. Her hazel gaze fixed on time wizard.
Jaden: 1000
Time wizard: ATK 500 DEF 400
Dark magician: ATK 2500, DEF 2100
Blue eyes midnight black dragon: ATK 2300 DEF 2000
Crowler: 3000
Ancient Gear Golem: ATK 3000 DEF 3000
"Now!," she began throwing up her clenched fist. "Time wizard, Time roulette!"
(I hope you know what you're doing boss.) said Time wizard. (because if my arrow lands on a skull that means were all going to be even more toasted then we already are)
"Thanks for the vote of confidence, Genius!" Snapped haou
Jaden choked back a laugh, hearing the pears small banter. It was funny.
For a time everyone held their breath, Jaden, Ryoko, bastion, syrus and a few others silently chanting for the arrow to land on a time machine. Others hoped for the skull, crowler especially hoped for the skull. He was hoping that the slackers strategy would backfire.
'If this ends up working, then I'll be one step closer to humiliating this so-called duelist.' He thought gleefully anticipating for the arrow to land on it's Mark, but that never happened.
The arrow began to slow down and for a moment those who were hoping for the skull had their hopes skyrocket. Then they plummeted as the arrow moved forward landing on a time machine.
"NO!" Cried Crowler
"Yes!" Cheered Jaden pumping her fist in the air. "Time wizard let's take it home! Time warp!"
Soon a strong wind enveloped the field as time warp was activated. The black egg floated up in the air, Time flew by as the egg glowed and cracks appeared on it's smooth surface. Everyone watched, their gaze riveted to the egg as it glowed brighter until Everyone had to look away. A large BOOM ripped through the Stadium as a shockwave nearly threw Jaden and Crowler off their feet.
Midnight blue eyes snapped open as a mighty roar ripped from the pure black dragon now standing on the battlefield. It was a head smaller than the blue eyes White Dragon, it's body was slimmer, but other than that it was an exact copy to the legendary blue eyes.
"How do you have so many cards that haven't been released yet!" Demanded Crowler following The brief silence.
Jaden chuckled, she had had this deck for nearly 5 years and she was not about to spill her secrets to just anyone.
"That's something for me to know and for you to keep on wondering about Crowler-girl." She answered giving him her most sweetest smile.
pulling out the last card that she needed to win this match she winked at pi who gave her a warm smile.
'Next one is for you guys!' Jaden Thought glancing back briefly at her three duel monster friends. They had helped her to get to this point, and there sacrifices wouldn't be in vain, they were all a team.
"And now for the grand finale! First, I play Polymerization to fuse dark magician and Blue eyes midnight black dragon to create midnight magician!"
The two monsters flew into a swirling vortex before coming out to reveal midnight magician.
Midnight magician had dark blue armored robes with large Black dragon wings folded on his back. A dragon tail curled around the magicians feet as he opened his now midnight blue eyes. His now Black hair swept to the side covering half of his left eye and his hands now head sharp black claws.
Midnight magician: ATK 4800 DEF 2100
"Fun fact teach, Blue eyes midnight black dragons special effect is when it attacks a level eight or higher monster. The amount of death points it has Will be how many points are taken from your life points!" She explained never losing her bright eager grin.
It took a moment for Crowler to realize what the slacker was saying. Once he did the professor shook his head violently beginning to panic. He couldn't be humiliated in front of everyone. It would ruin his reputation.
"Wait no time out!" He cried, but it was too late
Unable to stop the Joyce laughter that escaped her lips, Jaden ordered. "Midnight magician attack ancient gear golem with dark dragon flame!"
Midnight magician leapt into the air and aimed his staff at the ancient gear golem. A stream of midnight blue fire outlined in white shot out directly towards the duel monster. A cloud of dust covered the field covering it from site. After a few minutes it cleared to reveal ancient gear golem gone and midnight magician still present ready to attack.
Crowler stood there dumbfounded before falling to his knees unable to believe that he was defeated by an amateur latecomer.
Crowler: 3000-0
"And that's game!" She cheered making a victory sign with her hand.
Ryoko slumped in her wheelchair her hand pressed to her heart as she sighed in relief. Syrus meanwhile was slumped over the railing relief showing on his face.
"I thought my heart had stopped beating there for a moment..." syrus breathed. " Jaden sure knows how to keep his audience on their toes."
"I am only grateful that this is all over..." grumbled the light blue eyed girl.
Bastion let out a small chuckle. "At least we now know that we'll be seeing more of you two around the Academy."
Ryoko only gave him a thin smile, inwardly cheering at her cousins victory. They were both going to duel academy, they were both going to find uncle Yugi and bring him home. Even if they had to fight evil idiots to do it.
The blonde haired girl was brought out of her thoughts when syrus hugged her tightly surprising her. She relaxed from her previous tense posture before returning the gesture unable to stop herself from grinning from ear to ear. The smaller teens happiness was infectious and Ryoko was powerless to resist it.
Chazz looked on shocked before it was replaced by annoyance. How could some amateur dualist defeat an expert like Crowler? It was practically impossible to defeat that ancient gear golem and yet, this amateur latecomer, managed to defeat it!
"Beginners luck." He scoffed crossing his arms over his chest.
"He actually managed to pull it off." Alexis said amazed.'This kid has a future at the academy for sure.' The hazel eyed girl thought.
"It isn't that big of a surprise, "commented Zane. "Like Adhara, Crowler must've been blinded by his ambition to win and humiliate this newcomer."
He then turned and walked away, Alexis turned watching him, confused.
"Where are you going?" She asked
Glancing at the black clothed, Sandy blonde haired spirit beside him, Zane answered. "I need to think on a few ... Private matters..."
With that said he walked away not giving Alexis a backward glance. Out of the corner of his eye, Zane watched what happen next down on the dueling arena. Surprise flickered briefly on his face before returning to its usual neutral expression.
'Isn't she going to walk away from him? He obviously try to humiliate her, a blind person could see that.' Zane wondered both curious and confused on the princesses actions.
"You'd think she would've turned her back on the idiot." huffed the spirit.
Blue eyes midnight black dragon A.k.a. Luna and Mahado separated and disappeared from the battlefield. Jaden however could still see them in their spirit forms as they walked over towards Wendy, chip and Douxie.
They all gave one another complements, victory hugs or in Lunas case large wet kisses. Even though Luna was created by Jaden to be the daughter of the blue eyes White Dragon, she had some odd quirks about her.
The millennium items glowed once more and Jaden and Pie returned to normal. The brunettes eyes turned an amethyst Color showing her true innocence and joy. As she cheered while doing a little victory dance, after getting over her Shock witch lasted about five minutes.
"I did it... " she said miffed, then a giddy smile was on her face. "I actually did it! Woo-hoo!"
She noticed out of the corner of her eye that Yubil and haou were standing off to the side giving the group some privacy. She flashed the pair a bright smile, cocking her head to the side slightly. Inviting them to join in the celebration.
Although she still had questions, Jaden knew that this was their victory as much as hers. If they hadn't snapped her out of her panic attack earlier. Then she would've surely forfeited the duel. Her heart warmed at seeing the two hesitantly walk towards the group. Her duel monster friends welcomed them with open arms. Although Jaden couldn't hear what they were saying, since the crowd was cheering and talking. The brunette settled on a smile.
Beside her pie side in relief, this was all over. Turning her back the yami cat began to make her way off of the dueling field.
'Heynis...?' She wondered when she didn't hear her mistresses footsteps. Turning her head she saw that Jaden was walking towards... Crowler?!
Changing her course pie ran towards Jaden disbelief showing on her face.
'What are you doing?!' The cat demanded. 'He tried to humiliate you! You should turn your back on him he doesn't deserve your help or congratulations. Not after what he tried and did to do to you! Princess are you listening to me?!'
'Yes pie, i hear what your saying, but it isn't right.' She reasoned. 'I'm not Bakura, i'm not about to humiliate Crowler even further in front of all of these people. He's a great duelist, no matter how creepy or arrogant he is. He was a tough opponent, and I'm going to do what daddy would've done for any other duelist that was ever mean to him. Look past this duel and give him a fresh start.'
The Black cat only grumbled a few incoherent thoughts as Jaden approached the kneeling professor.
"That was an amazing duel, I hope I can challenge you again in the near future." She said giving him a warm smile while holding out her hand.
Crowler looked at the offered hand, then up at the teens smiling face. With a sudden burst of anger he slapped the other hand away and stood up briskly.
"I don't need your pity, you slacker." He snapped. "You'll be expelled from duel Academy one way or another, mark my words." Crowler threatened.
Pie hissed at the man's retreating figure one of her paws lashing out, her claws extended. Out loud Jaden said. "I have a feeling he'll warm up to me sooner or later."
Pie looked up at the princess gob smacked as they walked back towards their friends. Her duel monster group, except for Mahado having gone back to the spirit world to tell the rest of her deck what had happened. Jaden absently rubbed her stinging hand where Crowler had slapped it away. Crowler was determined to get her expelled and it wasn't even her first day. Now that's what she called persistent and dedication.
'B-but, h-he... I mean, That, He just threatened to expel you! He just th-threatened you!' She spluttered.
She shrugged picking up her four legged yami companion. Though Jaden wasn't too sure if pie was now considered her only yami companion. There was a spirit within her millennium clock, so could Haou be Jadens actual darker half while yubil was pies lighter half? She'd have to ask the two spirits when she got the time.
For right now she needed to greet her friends, tell her family the good news and...
"Aw crud," she groaned reaching the final top steps. "I still need to pack!"
Ryoko and Mahado Who just returned and was in spirit form behind Jaden, side exasperated. Pie face palmed before licking her paw.
Somewhere unknown ~
A figure nelt before a small alter their back turned to a crowd of black clothed men and women. The crowd watched silently for some time waiting for the mans reaction. Then the figure raised his head and laughed. It echoed throughout the large cavern as three pairs of eyes snapped open above the large Assembled audience.
The unidentified figures chuckle darkly, their raspy cold voices heard by all in the large chamber.
"Revel in your victory princess... Our first step towards freedom is complete!"
The eyes then vanished leaving the room silent once more. The figure stared at the darkness in front of him and whispered in the deafening silence. "Yes my dear princess do as my masters say. You'll be in my clutches soon enough..."
Turning to a specific young man he beckoned him forward. The hooded man walked forward, bowed low and knelt on one knee, waiting for his lord to speak.
"Our great Lord's gave me a vision not Long ago. Your student knows something... My masters suspect that it has something to do with our lovely princess. Bring her back to me and if she refuses to come willingly then kill her...! But only do it when you think there is no other option. Is that understood." The man explained to the kneeling figure before him.
"I understand..." Was all the hooded figure said.
"Good..." He spat glaring at the surrounding women and men. "... if this doesn't work, then we always have other means of drawing out her highness." The figure chuckled turning his back on his servant.
"... let the war now truly begin..." Cackled the unidentified leader.
As for the hooded man, he got up and ran out of the room, knowing where his student was. He would bite his time and when the opportunity came blood would be spilled. Both duel Monster and human alike.
AN: sorry wasn't able to get checked out sooner vacation caught up to me. We went to Mexico to visit my large family are leaving entire trip. And it's my last day of vacation before heading back to school that I'm posting this so hope the New York City month long and some weeks wait was worth it.
On another note, the story whole juice either! So what do you guys think? I had this planned out in my head though I wasn't sure if I should add the last bit why not. I'm grateful that I did can you guess who they are? Oh no wait though did the shadow riders. If there's one thing that you do checks did good on it worth the money potholes and the absence of any of the characters family members or family lines. I'm going to have fun with that little detail later on.
Plus Zane knows more than he's letting on and he now knows who Jaden really is. In my opinion Zane is a smart character and he'd figure out who Jaden was functionally but not right away. That's just my own little personal head canon.
Fusionshipping a.k.a. ZaneXJaden is still going to be my end goal for this story and you can do about it!
Another note when I was doing Jaden's panic attack. I actually didn't do any research on Panic attacks and someone on ao3, commented that it was a very realistic panic attack.
The chapters after the next one will be coming in a bit slow since I only had four chapters already written and published. so they're going to be a bit slow since I read like three chapters to keep you guys busy and I can never weight small chapters to save my life! LOL