Kias: Thank you for reviewing! Well, as much as I don't want to reveal much about that part, it definitely won't be easy... Glad you liked both the 'Slifer shed' lmao and the chapter! As for Axel and Viper, the only thing I'll say is that as of yet, Axel isn't officially Viper's protegee. Honestly, I did find some characters in Arc-V likable like Yuya and Declan and I liked the Z-Arc concept, but the whole thing could have been executed better. :)

I only own my OC's!

"SERENA ACCARDI!" The male voice roared angrily. My heart started racing and I quickly looked away from the ceiling with my eyes wide. All eyes in the classroom were staring at me. When people did that, it usually meant one thing. Despite my praying, I knew it was me who was in trouble. He had called my name after all. Oh, how I wished he hadn't done that…

Looking up, I could see Professor Viper marching right towards my desk. By now, my eyes widened to the size of saucers because he was literally towering over me. I had absolutely no idea what I had done to piss him off so much… 'Mercy, please…' I prayed mentally, hoping it would somehow help me survive this man's wrath.

No, I wasn't joking. I wasn't overreacting. From what I heard, Professor Viper had quite a reputation here for his strict teaching methods. His behavior was even worse… He was definitely the scariest person at this school!

By now, he was right in front of my desk. The man's dark eyes were looking right into mine, showing what seemed to be displeasure and anger… "SERENA ACCARDI!" He roared yet again, making other students cover their ears. "Yes, sir?!" I practically jumped out of my chair and straightened up, as if I were a soldier in an army. Mercy, that was the only thing I prayed for…

"Why weren't you paying attention to my lesson?" He demanded icily. "I was." I reminded slowly. "Actions speak louder than words, Miss Accardi… You were staring at the ceiling instead of the board!" Professor Viper glared. As much as that man frightened me, I also found this to be quite unfair. I was paying attention to his lesson about 'Field Spells'; I looked away from the ceiling for only a few seconds!

"But I looked away for a few seconds!" I said with a frown. Judging by the angry look on his face, that was the last thing I should have said. "Sit." He growled. I didn't have to be told twice. I literally jumped on the chair with my heart beating like crazy. Why… Why in the world did that man have to work here?! Couldn't he have worked at the main academy?! My guess was they had better salary there… If that made sense.

Professor Viper put hands on the desk and lowered his head, so he was looking right in my eyes. "Miss Accardi… When you first stepped into this classroom, I made it clear you should always pay attention to my words, until you step out." He spoke up icily, making shivers run down my spine. The worst thing was he did have a point… He did say those words!

Not knowing what to say, I simply nodded. That was when the bell rang. "Detention, today at 12 PM, right here. Do not be late." He gave me another glare. "You're dismissed!"

I let out a groan and let my head fall on the desk. What did I do to deserve a detention with freaking Viper?! The man was like a snake just waiting to give you one, his last name was the name of a snake as well!

"Day number 65, and you already managed to get yourself a detention with Viper. Congratulations, Serena." I said to myself sarcastically while ticking off another day in this hell hole on my pocket calendar. I was such an idiot…

I made my way out of the main building and towards the forest. Ever since I found that small cliff, it's been a place where I could clear my thoughts completely.

It's been two months since I've started attending this stupid academy. So far, nothing has changed. My day would pass exactly the same. In the morning, I would have classes until afternoon. Then, we'd have a lunch break. The rest of the day we were allowed to spend the way we liked. I would spend that time either collecting flowers or observing nature on the island.

After dinner, I would head over to the cliff, where I would most usually find Axel. He was the only person I bothered to talk to on this island. However, from what I figured out; he wasn't such a bad guy. Even though our conversations were usually short, he would always say something before walking away. Again, I could tell he wasn't a bad guy. He just didn't want to talk much. The short conversations we had would usually help me forget about my problems for at least a while.

The first problem was the fact I was stuck in this damn place. That fact spoke for itself. The second problem was how much I missed my cousin, aunt, Sarina and Sartorius. The third problem tied itself to the siblings.

For some reason, both Sartorius and Sarina haven't called me since my first day at the academy. They haven't been answering to my calls either. It was quite confusing. It was literally as if they disappeared. I couldn't help feeling concerned and sad. I missed them so much…. I could always tell them all of my problems, and they would always be there to cheer me up… But there's been none of that for the past two months.

Apart from those problems, professors here seemed to be fine, apart from the snake itself. Si, you guessed it, Professor Viper. I had no idea what the heck his problem was… He was always either cranky, angry, strict, or just pissed off. His four moods were more or less the same, which made it even worse…

I was serious. He was treating us as if we were in an army! He always kept going on about how duelists had to give their maximum, and how there was no holding back if you wanted to be best… My head started aching because of how much he said that nonsense over and over. He was definitely the biggest dueling fanatic out of everyone here, and I disliked him for that. He should calm down his burning passion and use it for more productive things, not torturing students!

Finally, I sat by the cliff and took out my mobile phone. I had two hours until my detention… Today classes finished early, and I was going to use this chance to try to call Sarina or Sartorius. "Alright, the hundredth time's a charm, Serena. Just think positively." I muttered to myself encouragingly. I then dialed the number.

After a full minute, I received no answer. I decided to use Sarina's phone number this time. However, to my shock, someone answered the phone after a few seconds. "Serena?" Sarina's voice asked in a whisper. "Sarina, it's really you!" I exclaimed excitedly. I couldn't believe it! What I felt was pure happiness….

"You shouldn't have called me." She said coldly. I stopped breathing for a moment. Why was she acting so… Cold? It wasn't like her! What was going on?! "Why?" I demanded. "Serena, I have no time to argue about this." She retorted.

At that moment, the only thing I was feeling was pure anger. It was so sudden, and directed towards someone I've never been angry with… I wanted to talk to Sarina and her brother so badly, and here she was, pushing me away like that?! How could she be so uncaring?! "Oh, but I do." I suddenly growled. No, I've had it enough. I was getting some answers, and I was going to get them now.

"And you know what? I really don't understand why you and Sartorius keep pushing me away! What have I done to make you two avoid me?!" I started shouting. "Enough, Serena." The woman said in a warning tone. "No, I'm the one who should be saying that! If you two hate me and don't want to have anything to do with me, you can say it right here!" I kept shouting furiously.

It was silent for a few seconds. Then, I could have sworn I heard a gasp through the phone. It was quiet, but audible. My eyebrows furrowed in confusion. If only I knew what was happening on the other end of line… "Serena, I don't have time for this. Do not call me, or Sartorius from now on." The woman said warningly. "Oh, yes, I will…." I started threateningly but she has already hung up.

I kept looking at my phone. I was still mad… But if that's what they wanted, then fine! I didn't need them anyway! Putting the phone in my pocket with a huff, I threw myself at grass. It was at moments like this I wanted to just disappear, or for the ground to swallow me…

Why were Sartorius and Sarina avoiding me? What had I done to make them dislike me so much? I thought they were people I could trust…

Closing my eyes, I spread my arms and legs while wind was breezing past me. Lying on grass always made things easier….

Screaming could be heard from all sides. I kept looking around the darkness in confusion. I had no idea what was going on… Yet those screams made my skin crawl. They were so high-pitched and scary…

"Serena!" A voice called to me, making me quickly turn around. Sarina was running up to me. "Sarina?" I asked slowly. "Help us." She said and grabbed my hand, her eyes showing fear and panic. I honestly didn't understand a thing anymore… Help who? And why? What was going on in here?!

However, I didn't get to finish because she was suddenly pulled away by a huge, white hand. "SARINA!" I screamed and started running after her. "HELP US!" She screamed back. Then, she just disappeared….

"Serena!" Another voice made me turn around. Sartorius was being pulled away by some sort of white light. I wasted no time and ran after them. Thankfully, I managed to grab the man's right hand. "Got you." I smiled.

He smiled back, until… The light started pulling him away with even more strength. "NO!" I screamed in panic. "Serena, help me!" The man shouted. Then, they disappeared.

I was all alone.

Someone was shaking me by my shoulders. "What… What's going on…" I asked in confusion while slowly opening my eyes. Looking up, I could see Axel still shaking me. I must have fallen asleep yet again… He was looking at me with a frown. "If you don't hurry up, you'll be late for your detention." He reminded.

My eyes widened in surprise. Oh, yes! I still had that stupid detention after all! "Thanks, Axel." I said and quickly got on my feet. I started running away from the cliff. "I owe you one!" I shouted to the guy over my shoulder.

By the time I was in front of the building, I had about five minutes left. My thoughts went back to the dream I had. For some reason, both Sarina and Sartorius wanted me to help them while some white light was pulling them away… I didn't understand it. Why would they want me to help? And why was light supposed to be dangerous? It was light, it represented good, and good always won in fairytales after all!

Nonetheless, I still couldn't shake off the feeling of concern. I had a bad feeling about this, and I was worried for them… Even though I had every right not to be. They're avoiding me after all… So why was I worried about this?!

"Congratulations, Serena. Another way to worry about people who don't deserve it." I growled but took out the phone. I didn't give a damn about Sarina's 'not calling' statement… I was going to call them only so I could have my conscience clear.

I dialed Sartorius' phone number and put the phone against my right ear. "Yes?" He answered soon after. "Sartorius, is everything alright?" I asked warily. "Who's on the line?" The man asked slowly. I couldn't believe what I just heard. First, he was avoiding me for some damn reason, and now he was pretending that he didn't know me?! Who was the crazy one here?!

"It's me, Serena." I said, not bothering to hide my annoyance. "Serena who?" "Serena Accardi." I growled. "And why did you call me?" Sartorius asked slowly. "I called you so I could see if you and Sarina were alright." I said simply. "Yes… Everything is perfectly fine…" He trailed off. I could have sworn I've heard some sort of amusement in his voice. And then, a dead line.

I was staring at the phone in confusion yet again. Why he just hung up like that was beyond me… Nor did I have time to think about it. The snake was waiting!

"Good to see you're at least on time, Miss Accardi." Professor Viper noted icily once I entered the classroom. As much as I wanted to say something to that remark, I opted not to. I didn't want to piss the snake off any further. Instead, I simply nodded.

He then motioned for me to come to the front of his desk. There was a chair. "Sit." He ordered. I did so without another word. The man stood up. "Miss Accardi," He started walking around me in a circle. "I've decided what your punishment will be." "And that is?" I raised an eyebrow. He looked at me. "A duel with me."

I was gaping at him. No, no, no and no! I didn't want to duel! Was he insane?! "I won't duel." I spoke up firmly. The man's eyes didn't look away from me. "I believe I have to remind you something." "And that is?" I raised an eyebrow. "You've come to this place so you could become the best duelist you can be. Actions speak louder than words. If you refuse to duel, that means you don't want to be here," 'Damn right, I don't.' I thought angrily. "Which means I can expel you." He finished.

Wait, wait, wait… He was serious?! My eyes widened even more. "Wait, so if I refuse to duel, you'll expel me?!" I wanted to clear this up. "In other words, you have no choice." The snake smirked. "You can't do that!" I shouted at him. "Either you duel, or you're out." He ignored my words.

I stayed quiet. This would be a perfect chance for me to get out of this stupid place… But then my parents would be furious with me. It meant they would force me into another school, and hell would start over and over again. I was doomed to this place in one way or another… Except that my expulsion would make them even more furious. My dislike for the man grew even more. He was forcing me into something I didn't like for whatever damn reason he had, and he threatened to expel me if I didn't comply… Where was the principal in all of this?!

"Fine, I'll duel." I growled, taking my deck out of the box around my waist. Professor Viper threw me a Duel Disk which I caught with ease. I put the deck into the disk and walked to the small field in the classroom. When he was on the other side of it, he activated his vest version of Duel Disk while I activated mine. "Game on." We chorused. I touched the bracelet on my left wrist. 'Bring me some luck, because I'm sure as hell going to need it.' I thought.

Professor Viper: 4000 LP

Me: 4000 LP

"Whose turn is first?" I asked. "Yours." The man replied. "Fine." I muttered and drew a sixth card. Looking at all of the cards in my hand, I wondered how to start my turn. After a few moments of looking at them, I had some sort of idea.

I looked up. "First, I'll summon Ocean Bacteria in Defense Mode." I put the card in its slot. The bacteria appeared on the field (ATK/DEF:1200/500). "I'll set a facedown and end my turn." I finished by setting a facedown.

Professor Viper drew a card. "I'll summon Venom Snake in Attack Mode." My eyes widened once a giant, dark snake with yellow stripes appeared on the field (ATK/DEF:1200/600). What was the thing with him and those snakes?! Even his last name was freaking Viper!

"Once per turn, it's able to attack your monster directly with its venom." He said seriously. What?! The snake threw something out of its mouth. It formed into some sort of a green, liquid snake. The snake tied itself around bacteria, biting it in process. I looked at it with a frown. I had no idea what the thing was with the stupid venom… But I knew it wasn't good. "I end my turn."

I drew another card. Seeing there was his snake, I knew what to do. "I'm summoning Mountain Wolf in Attack Mode." The wolf appeared on the field (ATK/DEF:800/1500). "Now, his Special Effect is that he can attack you directly." I smirked. "Go, attack his Life Points!" I told the wolf which let out a howl. It raced towards Viper and slashed at him with its claws.

Professor Viper: 3200 LP

Me: 4000 LP

I couldn't help feeling pleased. I just had to keep my Mountain Wolf at the field, and the victory would be mine if everything went as I planned. It may take a few turns until the wolf took all of his points, but it was certain! "That's it." I declared.

"I'll summon Venom Boa in Attack Mode." Professor Viper said. Another giant snake appeared (ATK/DEF:1600/1200). "As long as it's on field, it can inflict your monster with two venoms per turn." "Not if I activate 'Rapid Evolution'!" I pointed out, activating my facedown. "Venom is a Special Effect, not an attack, which is why your trap is wasted." The man replied nonchalantly.

My eyes widened as the card disappeared from the field. It was one of the best cards in the deck… And I just had to use it the wrong way! What was I thinking?!

Those two snakes tied themselves around the wolf's legs. "Then I activate a Field Spell 'Venom Swamp'," The man continued while putting the card in its proper slot. The scenery changed into what seemed to be murky swamp. The bottom had this awful dirty red color… I was serious, even the Slifer dorm looked better!

"Once this card is in effect, another venom appears on each of your monsters," Viper started while one snake tied itself around my bacteria and another one around my wolf's third leg. "And each one loses 500 Attack Points for each venom!"

I let out a laugh. "My bacteria's in Defense Mode in case you forgot." I reminded. "It doesn't matter, it will still lose Attack Points!" The man smiled smugly. "What?!" My eyes widened as three venoms bit the wolf by its legs. The legs darkened, and the wolf let out a howl of pain before it was destroyed. I quickly covered my eyes because of the gust of wind which appeared. I then checked my gear. The wolf's destruction definitely cost me some points.

Professor Viper: 3200 LP

Me: 3200 LP

My bacteria were no better. It was down to 200 points… "I'll set a facedown. My turn is over." The man said. I drew another card. Judging by those cards, I stood no chance against him… Those stupid snakes… It meant I had to fight snakes with snakes. I only prayed my cobra was somewhere near being drawn…

"I'll summon Forest Fungus in Attack Mode." I put the card in its slot. A giant, brown fungus with eyes appeared on my side of the field (ATK/DEF:500/800). "Thanks to its Special Effect, it can absorb one of your monster's attack points… And I choose your Boa!" I pointed to the second snake.

The fungus flew over to the snake. Suddenly, hands came out of it before they tied themselves around the reptile. It hissed as glowing, green light appeared. "And it can either use them or give them to me!" I added. "In this case, it will absorb them itself." Even more green light appeared around both of the monsters. The fungus' Attack Points grew to 2100, while the snake's fell to zero.

"Fungus, attack his other snake!" The monster flew to another snake and grabbed it with its small hands, before strangling it. The snake was destroyed, costing the man some Life Points.

Professor Viper: 2000 LP

Me: 3200 LP

I sighed in relief. His points were down to a half… Only another half left. "I'll set two facedowns and end my turn." I finished by setting two cards in facedown slot. They appeared on the field.

"By destroying my snake, you activated a trap 'Snake Whistle'." The man declared as the facedown revealed itself. "It allows me to summon a Level 4 or lower monster from my deck… I'll summon Venom Serpent in Attack Mode!" A serpent with two heads appeared on the field (ATK/DEF:1000/800). "
Thanks to its effect, another venom can bite one of your monsters… And thanks to the 'Venom Swamp', one of them attacks both of your monsters!"

A Venom Counter tied itself around my bacteria and bit into it, destroying it in process. "Now that you've destroyed my bacteria, two smaller ones appear in its place!" I shouted after the wind cleared. Two bacteria appeared with ATK/DEF:600/500 each. "Your fungus hasn't been bitten yet." He reminded with a smug smile.

I frowned. There was something scary and sinister about that man… I couldn't put my finger on it… What I knew was he was someone you wouldn't want to mess with.

Two Venom Counters bit into my fungus. It lost 1000 points, falling to 1100. The worst thing was, I could see the effects of the venom on the monster… It was horrible.

"Now I'll have my Venom Serpent attack your fungus." The reptile attacked one of them, destroying it. I covered my face from the huge gust of wind. "I end my turn." I checked my gear. My points were down to 2100…

Professor Viper: 2000 LP

Me: 2100 LP

I drew another card. Looking at it, I couldn't help smiling. It was one of my favorite animals… "I'll summon Desert Fox in Attack Mode." I put it in the card slot. A small, white and yellow fox with huge ears appeared on the field (ATK/DEF:1800/1600).

"Now, attack his Venom Serpent!" I told the fox. It slashed its claws at the serpent, destroying it in process. Gust of wind appeared, the man's points dropping.

Professor Viper: 1000 LP

Me: 2100 LP

"I'll end my turn." I finished. Professor Viper drew another card. "I'll summon Venom Serpent in Attack Mode." Another snake appeared, with same points as the previous one. I resisted the urge to groan. How many snakes did he have in that deck?! "As you've already learned, venom attacks one of your monsters, and I choose bacteria. It also attacks each of them!"

My bacteria was destroyed by now. Other bacteria was still there , and the fox had only 1300 points. I growled. "Now, Venom Serpent will attack Desert Fox!" Just as it was about to attack my fox… "I activate my facedown 'Flowing Back'!" I cried, revealing my Trap Card. "It negates your attack, and you lose the number of Life Points equal to my fox's Attack Points."

Orange light appeared around the man, costing him more Life Points. "But I activate my Spell 'Quick Saving', it gives me 800 Life Points for each monster on the field, and you lose 800 points as well!" He declared smugly. I growled. I had him there, if only he hadn't activated that card…

Professor Viper: 500 LP

Me: 1300 LP

I was about to draw another card when I could hear door opening. Another professor raced inside. "Sorry for interrupting you Thelonious, but there's a major crisis!" He exclaimed. "It can't wait?" Viper narrowed his eyes. "No!" "Fine." He deactivated his Duel Vest, Disk, or whatever it was already. I did so as well. All of the monsters disappeared, so did facedown cards.

"You're dismissed. If I see you not paying attention again, it will be even worse..." He glared at me. I simply nodded while pulling cards out of my disk and putting all of them in my Deck Box. Viper and the other man then walked out. I sighed in relief and looked down at my bracelet. That was luck right there… Thanks to both this thing and the other professor!

I didn't care about the outcome of this duel either. As far as I was concerned, it was over. Now, if only that crazy snake left me alone, surviving this hell could be possible…

Suddenly, my phone started ringing. "Hello?" I answered the call. "Cousin, long time no see!" Ben greeted over the line. "Ben!" I greeted excitedly. Finally, something good today! I haven't heard from him for a while!

"How's it going at the West Academy?" He asked. I frowned. "There's this professor who made me duel him for detention. He's obsessed with snakes, even his last name is Viper." I pointed out in annoyance. As soon as he heard those words, my cousin started laughing. "Gee, he sounds even worse than Crowler."

My eyebrows furrowed. Who in the world was Crowler?! "Who's that?" I demanded. "A professor here at the Academy." "Oh." I didn't know what else to say. "Have you made any friends there?" "No. I do talk with a guy named Axel from time to time though." I replied, sitting on a nearby table. "I met some awesome people here." "Like?" I asked. I didn't really care about who he had met. However, I didn't want to sound rude, especially since it's been a while since we talked to each other.

"A guy named Bastion, then this girl Alexis, and guys like Syrus, Jad…" I wasn't listening to him anymore. "Great." I said simply. "I really like it here! What do you think about your school?" "Honestly, Ben, it's hell in here. Only the food, the forest, and maybe that guy Axel are good things about this place. That Viper man is creepy, and I'm afraid he'll be at it with me again. I wish I didn't have to go here…" I trailed off with a sigh.

It was quiet for a few moments. "What if you transferred here? You wouldn't have to see him, I'd be here as well, and you would still attend the Academy." My eyes widened in surprise. Did I hear that correctly?! "Wait, so you can transfer between schools?!" I asked him. "Yes. But for your school, it's necessary that you finish your first year." I let out a groan.

"But it will take a while for that!" "Sorry, but I don't know what else to tell you." I sighed. Attending the same school with Ben would definitely make things easier for me… I wouldn't have to suffer all alone! "So, if I transfer to Central Academy, you and I can suffer together?" I asked with a grin. "You can suffer. I like it here; I'll simply keep you company in your suffering." Ben replied pointedly. I rolled my eyes. However, that still didn't stop the excitement about the idea of leaving this hell hole. "That's great!" I couldn't stop grinning. "But…" I trailed off. "What about my parents? They forced me in this school for a reason." I pointed out.

"Leave that to my mum and dad. They'll talk some sense into your parents. If not, then they'll think of something." My cousin said reassuringly. "Then it's a deal." I said happily. "Look, I'll call you tomorrow so we can discuss this better. Jaden insists on dueling me right now, so I have to hang up."

I rolled my eyes yet again. "Fine, go duel the 'Jaden' guy. See you." "See you." He hung up and I did so as well.

Third Person's POV

The man was looking at cards sprawled all over his table. He wasn't exactly sure what the cards were telling him at the moment… Yet what happened was so unexpected. He didn't expect for a girl to call him on the phone… What was even weirder was that he was apparently supposed to know her.

His purple eyes looked over the cards he was shuffling. Finally, he took one in his right hand. It showed a young woman dressed in a white, black and red dress with flowers in her hands… "The Lady with flowers…" He trailed off, his eyes filled with interest, and a bit of confusion.

Walking over to a nearby shelf, he could see some pictures on it. He took one. A young girl, about 7 years old was laughing at the camera while waving with her hand. Her red hair was messy, and her blue eyes were looking right at the person taking the picture.

"Serena, stop moving!" The man scolded while trying to take the picture of the girl. "But why? Chasing grasshoppers is so fun!" She exclaimed excitedly and started waving at him while laughing. She then ran after another grasshopper.

The man stopped for a moment. That memory came out of nowhere, but, this time, he knew why memories were coming back.

Another picture showed the same girl, except that she was older. This time, she was in between the man and a woman. All of them were smiling at the camera.

"About time I got to have a proper picture with both of you." The 13-year-old girl smiled.

The man kept looking at the picture. There was something about that girl he couldn't figure out. But now he definitely knew who she was, and how he knew her. Destiny certainly had things for her in store… "Serena Accardi…" The man repeated the name with a smug smile while looking at the girl's smiling face.

Serena's POV

"How did the detention with Viper go?" Axel asked once I joined him by the cliff later that night. "Pretty good, I have to say." I smirked and put arms behind my back. "Next time, do pay attention or it will happen again." He reminded with a frown.

I punched his left arm playfully. "Oh, please! You know he punished me because he hates everyone, he just keeps looking for random reasons!" I smirked. "If you say so." The guy rolled his eyes. I didn't stop smirking.

My eyes then wandered over to the full moon. It was a beautiful night… However, I still couldn't shake off the bad feeling I had. It was as if something bad had happened… But I didn't know what, when, nor how.

Maybe I was being paranoid. Maybe I was just searching for a reason for this year to pass quickly so I could get to be with Ben at the Central Academy… I was really looking forward to that. I missed some company. Axel was a good guy, but without Ben, Sarina, Sartorius, or my aunt, it just wasn't the same.

I knew things would get better. I just had to wait for it…

Well, that's it for today! Things should get real soon… But I hope you liked the little duel Serena and Viper had. I hope you liked it and until next time! :)