At Duel Academy with Asuka

The Duel Academy was still the prestigious school for young Duelist around the world. It had been a home for Judai Yuki, his friends, and rivals for several years. It was also a battlefield so many times over for Judai's exploits, the most recent against none other than Darkness itself, and he saved not just the Academy but the entire world from him.

Today Duel Academy was still the same as it had always been. But there were some minor changes to the dueling arenas, with more seats as more people wanted to come. Plus there were staff changes. Chronos is no longer the Head of Obelisk Blue Boys dorm, as he was now solely devoted to his lessons and was hopeful to one day become the new chancellor of Duel Academy. His place for a couple of years had been Miss Emi Ayukawa, but her position as sports teacher and nurse was too much, so she was replaced by two new recruits to the staff, two years ago it was Professor Asuka Tenjoin and a year ago it was Professor Daigo Sorano.

Asuka had studied teaching a few years before returning to Duel Academy and even obtained her PhD in dueling. Sorano who is a year younger than her also followed her footsteps and went to Duel College in USA with her and studied to become a teacher after he graduated from Duel Academy. When they returned as teachers Samejima was more than impressed with their qualifications and skills, so Asuka was instantly placed as Ayukawa's successor as the Head of the Obelisk Girls Dorm, while Sorano was replaced as Chronos successor as the Head of the Obelisk boys dorm as well as Professor Satou's successor. Both Asuka and Sorano were overjoyed and Ayukawa and Chronos were pleased with their replacement. And both Asuka and Sorano remained and they were also helping to end the feud between the 3 houses, and reminding many of their more snobbish Obelisk that the Duelist that rivalled Yugi Muto was a Slifer Red.

Not a day went by that Asuka didn't think about her own school days at Duel Academy. The reunion with her brother, her ordeal of being possessed by Saiou, being a holder of one of the keys hunted by the Shadow Riders, her journey in the dimensions and Darkness.

But there was one thing out of all of these things that she never fully got over...having to say goodbye to Yuki Judai.

Asuka deeply cared for Judai, dodging many fellow students offer and pleas for love, including Chazz Princeton. She rarely admitted it to herself, but deep down she knew she had a crush on Judai. She now had her dream job, but was managing not to care too much.

Every morning before she heads to school for classes and every night after bedtime, Asuka would spend 10 to 15 min standing outside the Slifer Dorm, remembering the days that she would visit Judai and their other friends there. She often wondered if she would ever see him again...but couldn't let it interfere with her teachings.

With Judai at Marufuji's apartment

One morning Judai was thinking of leaving Sho's house to continue his own travels. But he knew for sure he would see Sho and Ryo again because he wanted to Duel them again and claim the victory.

He was just arranging his clothes when he felt a chill. It was coming from Yubel's part in his soul. Yubel appears beside him, Banner bringing up the rear from within Pharoah.

"Yubel, what is it?" Judai asked.

Yubel looked wary. "Judai I can smell some danger".

"What? Where?" gasped Judai. He was worried.

"I sense something like a Darkness". Said Yubel, closing her eyes, clearly trying to see something in her mind.

Judai watched intently, as did Banner.

"I am sure it will happen at Duel Academy!" announced Yubel.

Judai's heart pounded. Nearly all of his bad tidings occurred at Duel Academy, and if what Yubel said was correct, a new threat was about to begin.

"You might want to return there, Judai". urged Yubel.

"Indeed". Added Banner, "If there's a danger, it is our rights to protect the young, students there".

Judai was conflicted. He knew he had a duty to protect students and teachers at the Duel Academy. But he was also scared of the possibility of him losing his friends or even himself whilst fighting this new threat.

But though he was still concerned, Judai recollected that his best friends had left Duel Academy 4 to 5 years ago, and he felt sure the staff, after sharing his ordeals could protect themselves and help him protect the new students, but if Judai knew one thing, he wasn't going to let the students down.

"Yes", he said at last with determination, "I will go to the Academy".

Banner and Yubel smiled approvingly.

"Must you go, Judai?". asked Sho reproachfully.

Judai told Sho about the potential threat at Duel Academy. He didn't wish to let Judai put himself in danger. Especially after the incident with Yubel and Darkness, but it was no use. Judai had made up his mind, though under the compulsion the determined Banner and the exasperating Yubel, but his respect for the former and Haou's persona's affection to the latter made him concede.

"Yes, Sho". He replied as he finished packing his bags, " I need to help in anyway I can. 5 years have passed but there are still friends there. Chronos, Samejima, Tome-san, and Ayukawa etc. And I want to keep them safe".

Sho sighed. "Guess I can't argue with that..."

Judai smiled. "I will be fine Sho".

Sho smiled in response. "I hope. I guess I will just keep training, make you proud as well as my brother. Until then, call me if you need help, Aniki".

"I will." promised Judai. He was being truthful, but was not confident as he made himself out to be to Sho. And if things go bad, he'd likely need help, but only from those he trusts to help themselves and keep out of harm. And Sho had come a long way. He had no doubt in Sho's abilities

Half and hour later, Judai bid goodbye and with a hearty wave, he and Sho parted ways as Judai went on his way to reach Duel Academy.

At Duel Academy with Judai and Tome-san

Sho had used his status to hire a helicopter for Judai. Judai was both heistant and exhilarated to visit his old home again. He looked out dully over the sea beneath him. It reflected beauty as the afternoon sun was getting low, dazzling the sparkly waves.

After 4 hours of open sea, Judai could make out vaguely in the distance, dry land. Above this small island, a gigantic building was just visible. Judai knew it at once to be Duel Academy island.

The helicopter finally flew in the area and landed at the wayside that Judai knew so well, He then hopped out and let the sea air and the familiar scent of his home in the distance envelop him.

"Judai? Judai-Chan?". cried a voice.

Judai was delighted to hear a friendly voice. It was Tome-san

Judai smiled as the portly Academy card shop owner ran over and pulled him into a tight, welcoming hug. Judai responded with a lighter hug; he had learned to be less enthusiastic hugging his friends after he had accidentally cracked the ex-Superintendent Kagemaru's ribs with a bearhug.

Tome-san eventually let go. "So what is the pleasure of meeting you again, Judai-chan?". She asked cheerfully. "You are not up to your old mischief again, are you?

Judai chuckled. "You might say that, Tome-san!". he said.

"I'd almost be disappointed otherwise." Smiled the kindly lady. "Come along with me, I will escort you to the Principals office".

So Judai followed Tome-san up to the grounds and they eventually reached the school itself. It looked much the same as when Judai left, except there were more trees and the older structures were repainted and Tome-San explained that her card shop had also been extended due to the increased amount of new students since Judai left and she offered him some free packs, but Judai was too comfortable with his old cards and politely declined.

At Samejima's Office

They entered the building and soon arrived at Samejima's office. Judai was looking forward to see his old headmaster again. Samejima was always a kind, friendly man and was certain to give Judai a warm welcome, just as Tome-San did

Tome-San knocked on the door and it opened. Samejima was at his desk, but he was not alone. Chronos, Ayukawa, and Sorano were also there. They were likely in a meeting of some kind.

"Oh hi Tome-san, I thought you were Asu-"

Samejima cut off when he saw Judai accompanying Tome-san

"Judai-kun, my dear boy!" Samejima jumped up off his seat and shook Judai's hand warmly and vigorously.

Chronos, Ayukawa, and Sorano were also surprised at Judai's unexpected arrival.

"Judai-senpai long time no see". greeted Sorano with a warm smile. "I never thought I would see you again senapi".

"Same here Sorano it's good to see you again". Judai added while giving him a brotherly hug. "Are you teaching here?.

"Yes after I graduated I went to study at same university with Asuka-senpai and came back last year, besides I am glad you remember me Judai-senpai". Sorano who is now a teacher in Duel Academy still looks same as Judai remembered except he has grown slightly taller and he is dressed in a professional aqua blue version of Obelisk Blue uniform with white straps.

"Hell Judai-kun". smiled Ayukawa, "My worst PE student but my most prominent patient."

Chronos looked quite happy to see Judai, but didn't seem too find it very dignified to say so, because he said, "Hello Dropout boy" and crossed his arms sniffly.

After Judai gave Ayukawa a friendly hug, he said to Chronos, "Don't looks all cold, Sensei. Last time, you tried to keep us here and was in tears at graduation! I know you're happy to see me!"

Chronos remained silent and Samejima laughed.

"Well, it's great to see you, Judai-kun!" he said pleasantly, "But I was in the middle of an important staff meeting".

"Ah, my bad sir", said Judai sheepishly while rubbing his head.

"Not at all, Judai. Why if it hadn't been for you, there may have been no Academy to have staff meetings.

Judai smiled grimley, remembering his darker days.

Just then, the door was knocked on again.

"Ah, at last". Smiled Samejima and he pushed the button to let the visitor in and there stood Asuka.

"Sorry Principal, a student distra-"

Asuka froze when she saw Judai. Her eyes widened in shock and her lungs seemed to stiffen. Judai gazed back at her. He then noticed that Asuka's eyes were swelling in tears and they openly poured. Next thing he knew, Judai was being crushed by her tightening hug and being drenched but flattered by her tears and snobbing,

"Judai". She cried, "I missed you soo much!"

"Hey I missed you too Asuka!" said Judai soothingly, respond in to get hug, rather to enthusiastically as observed by Samejima, Chronos, Ayukawa, and Sorano.

Judai and Asuka eventually broke apart. They gazed into one another's eyes. And Asuka spoke in a more emotional voice than before.

"You have grown taller than me". Asuka noted after taking a gaze at Judai's height. When they first met she was taller than him, by the end of their 3rd year he reached the same height as her and when they meet 5 years later Judai has now grown slightly taller than her.

"Well I guess I am 5'9 now". Judai replied sheepishly. "What's your height".

"I am still 5'7. W-Why are you here?".

"I'll explain later, but seeing as I am here, how about a welcome home tour?" grinned Judai, "A chance to catch up with my friend!"

Asuka looked over Samejima.

"I don't see why not". Affirmed Samejima, similing away as broadly as ever.

"But Principal what about-?" Began Chronos indignantly.

"Out meeting can wait until later, Chronos-kun". Replied Samejima, " Besides, it's already been delayed significantly with Asuka-kun's delay and Judai-kun's unexpected arrival."

"Thanks Principal". Said Judai cheerfully.

"We will continue our meeting this evening Asuka-kun". Said Samejima

"Off course sir". replied Asuka as she and Judai departed the office.

School tour with Judai and Asuka

Asuka proceeded to lead Judai across the grounds and show him every last alteration, however in his absence as they crossed the grounds, they passed the woods, where they saw Damon, whom was still living in the woods. Asuka explained he was improving and no longer depending on his nature of the seas strategy. Judai saw this first hand as Damon dueled a Ra Yellow fan of his and won without the aid of nature or luck. Asuka also seemed to be on closer, friendly terms and confirmed by Tome-san was just as fond of him as ever. There was someone else whom as one of Judai is fond, Wheeler the monkey. He hopped over Judai's shoulder, swinging from branches and threw him down a banana for a snack.

But two of the biggest changes pleased Judai the most. The first of which was the Slifer Red Dorm; it had been renovated and extended, the dorm is much better and comfortable to live than before which is a far cry to the old version and it is now a 4 story dorm. Judai and Asuka then went inside for a tour, it looked from the inside, as Asuka showed Judai a home fit for an Obelisk Blue. When Judai was staying almost all the students in red have a roommate, but now only the freshman students have to have a roommate while the 2nd and 3rd year students have their own single bedroom.

The entire dorm had been renovated with modern luxury interior and design similar to Chazz's apartment style. The duo took a tour in a vacant single bedroom and notice the room is much bigger than before and it is decorated with modern furnitures and decor, the students also have attached bathrooms in their room just like the Ra and Obelisk dorm back when Judai was studying he and the other students share same toilet and showers and now they have been demolished and the bathroom is converted into study room where the students can gain access to all the study resources and they don't have to go to the school library or other dorms to use their resource, and the toilet has been converted into a student lounge decorated with comfy colorful couches, 4 vending machines which stores snacks, soft drinks, ramen, and carbonated drinks.

They then went to tour Chazz's apartment where some 3rd years live. Asuka remembered staying here with him, Misawa, Fubuki, Junko, Rei, and Momoe during their 2nd and 1st half of 3rd year. The apartment hasn't changed much except the bathhouse has been expanded more bigger allowing the entire students to use and is upgraded with latest bathing facilities and the walls of his apartment had been repainted.

And finally they took a tour to cafeteria. The walls have been painted in red and the furnitures are decorated in modern design instead of wooden, and the foods are served much better than before while it's not gourmet high class like Obelisk but they now serve foods akin to a bistro and cafe similar to Ra. It was empty and no one was their. They then went to the common room.

"What persuaded Chronos to agree to this?" He asked joyously.

"Look". smiled Asuka, pointing to a plaque on the wall of the common room.

Judai approached it and on the plaque read:

This new and improved dormitory was affirmed and consented proudly by Principal Samejima and Vice-Principal Chronos de Medici, in loving dedications to the rival of the King of Games himself, Judai Yuki, a Slifer Red and a champion.

For once , Judai just gazed in awe, lost for words.

"Do you like it?" asked Asuka, overjoyed at his reaction

"Y-You mean...I was moreorless responsible for all this? figured Judai, reobserving the beautifullly revamped dormitory he himself was the cause for.

"One of your treated achievement at Duel Academy!" Grinned Asuka happily, "You didn't just leave your friends behind, you left a leagacy to your fellow future Slifer Reds!"

Her face slightly darkened when she remembered the night she had to bid her seemingly final farewell to her friend..wondering if she could see him again.

"Hey..I love it!" shouted Judai in delight and he lifted Asuka in the air in excitement which made her blush extremely.

After regaining his senses, Judai put her down and turned away to hide his own blushes. Asuka picked up on this, and was secretly pleased.

But then Judai took away the awkwardness with a question.

"What was the last thing you wanted to show me?" He said facing his tour guide once more, but still slightly red.

Asuka was too, but she said, "Follow me".

Judai followed Asuka down to the main building where the duel arena was. And once inside, Judai could see that it was dramatically extended and revolutionized.

The arena was widened out for more duels to take place. There was a locker for spare Duel Disk and the seats were more due to the new extension. The arena and room was repainted and had many famous Duel Monsters illustrated over the room, creating to Judai, a room set within a duel arena. He had never felt so secure in his surroundings in his whole life. It was a room dedicated to dueling and also a room full of energy and action like Judai himself.

Duel with Asuka and Judai

Asuka was pleased to see Judai looked lost for words once again.

"This is incredible!" He cried loud.

"Good'. was all that Asuka could say.

"Minor changes? This is much more advanced and epic than when I was last here!" Said Judai.

Asuka smiled. "It gets better".

"How?" asked Judai with interest

"You are going to show how action packed you can be after these past 5 years". Asuka said as she was walking on the arena.

Judai stared.

"I challenge you to a Welcome Back Duel!" She declared pointing directly down at him.

Judai started more then he grinned. "You are on Sensei!"

Asuka was glad to see Judai still loves dueling. "Lets do this!"

Judai ran up into the arena and set up his duel disk and planted his deck within.

Judai 4000 LP

Asuka 4000 LP

"Duel" Both the duelist shout in unison.

Turn 1 Asuka

"Ladies first" Judai offered

"How kind". Asuka said in a challenging tone.

"I draw and summon Etoile Cyber in Attack mode."

"Next I will introduce a new additions to my deck". added Asuka, "I activate the Spell card, Direct Choice. When this is activated, I can choose a type monster and if you have such a monster in your hand one of my monsters can attack you directly".

"Oh no!" groaned Judai.

"I choose Warrior type". Asuka said,

Judai nodded to confirm as 2 monsters in his hand were Elemental Heroes and they were typically Warrior types,

"Now Etoile Cyber attacks you directly"

Judai's LP dropped from 4000 to 2300

"I set a card and end my turn!",

Turn 2 Judai

"Impressive Sensei". Mocked Judai, "But now it's time for payback !". He drew a card. "Now to take my LP back"-

"Not so fast!" Asuka shouted, " I activate my trap card, Cyber Race Exterminator!"

"Another new card?" cried Judai.

"Yes Judai and a powerful one!" replied Asuka, "This trap activates, when you free a card. When you do I can guess it's name!, if it's correct, I can banish it from the duel along with all cards of its kind! As you told me you were going to use that card to regain your LP, I am guessing it's a Neo-Spacian! Your Neo-Spaceian Air Hummingbird!"

Judai stares in horrar.

"With your Neo-Spacians out of the picture, half of your allies are gone!"

Judai knew she was right and it left him feeling shocked.

Asuka saw this, as did Banner and Yubel

"Oh my! You have become more attached and dependent on your friends in your deck Judai!" Banner said sympathically.

"Should have been more and more careful with them." Murmured Yubel, whom seemed to be rather tense and yet inattentive

"This is not the time for arrogance, Yubel". Insisted Banner.

But Yubel was half listening. She had her eyes poised on Asuka with sheer venom. She had been keeping a close eye on both her and Judai since their reunion and she didn't like how they were acting towards each other. In Yubel's eyes, Judai should only have such behavior towards her and her only, or at least the Haou within him.

Judai ignored them both. Although he was unhappy for his Neo-Spacians downfall, he was not going to allow himself to lose yet. But he had no more options.

"I set one monster in Defense mode and a face down and end my turn". He declared determinedly.

Turn 3 Asuka

"Then I will summon Student Cyber!" called Asuka,

Judai didn't recognize this card either. It was a Normal type with 1000 ATK points.

"I now activate Polymerization and Fusion Summon Cyber Teacher!"

Judai was shocked at Asuka's alterations before, he was horrified at what he saw now. The Teacher Cyber was like female Chronos, and had a strong ATK of 2500. She even looked like a powerful professional.

"What's with that Sensei?". He cried trying to sound teasing.

"My teacher Cyber dominates the room". Asuka said impressively, "Its special ability is also as devstating! Once per turn, it can target a monster on your field and banish it as a school punishment!".

"No way"! Judai cried as his defending Clayman was banished along with his Neo-Spacians

"Now I can attack your remaining LP directly".

"I activate my trap A Hero Emerges!" reacted Judai quickly, "When you attack me, I can make you choose a card in my hand and if it's a monster, I can summon it to my field!"

He held out his hand to Asuka. She paused to consider and then guessed, "The one to your right!".

"Thanks Asuka". Judai smiled in relief. "I Special Summon Elemental Hero Neos!".

Neos jumped between Judai and Teacher Cyber and as both monsters had the equal ATK of 2500, both were destroyed in the conflict.

Asuka groaned at her strongest monsters premature defeat, but felt some pleasure that Judai was fighting back with his can do attitude.

"Well Judai, you may have destroyed my Teacher but she had an additional special ability designed for this setback".

"What". Judai cried worriedly.

"When my Teacher is destroyed in battle, half of its ATK come out of your LP!" Asuka said smugly

Judai flinched when his LP dropped to 1050

"I set one face down and end my turn".

Turn 4 Judai

Judai drew a card. It was his beloved Winged Kuriboh. Judai was glad to see him, but was also saddened at the fact that he was his only monster.

I could use you to deal some damage to her, Aibou, but I can't offered to lose any more LP. He thought to his friend while Kuriboh winked at him.

"I set Winged Kuriboh in Defense mode". He then looked at his hand. He had two cards left. One was polymerization and the other...

"I place one card face down to end my turn".

Turn 5 Asuka

"I draw!". She looked at her card and groaned softly. The fact was, that as her Teacher Cyber was her victory plan, she was running out of moves herself. The card she drew was Cyber Gymnast. Its effect was best when Judai had an opposing monster, but Judai's was in Defense mode. It had 800 ATK.

"I summon Cyber Gymnast in Attack mode, then I will use it to attack your defensive monster." She said uncertainly.

"And I activate my Trap, Metorian!" Added Asuka, "Now the difference in points will be dealt to you as damage!".

"I end my turn". Asuka sighed uncertain that Judai would have a monster stronger than hers any minute.

Turn 6 Judai

"I draw! I activate Monster Reborn to summon Neos back to the field".

"Next I attack your Gymnast!". Neos defeated Asuka's monster and drop her LP to 2300.

"Now I activate my Trap, Hero Blast 2-The Reckoning! This Trap I found whilst on my travels! When an Elemental Hero conducts Battle Damage to you, I can send that monster to the graveyard and it's ATK go out on your LP!".

"But that means..." Asuka was shocked as her LP dropped to 0 along with Neos were wiped out.

Aftermath of the Duel

"Gotcha that was a fun duel Asuka!" Judai said with his usual pose. He then walked towards her,

Asuka was rather disappointed that her improved deck has failed her but she smiled that Judai hadn't change and was still his cheerful self.

"Yes". Smiled Asuka.

And after complementing each other's strategies something re-entered Asuka's mind.

"Judai, why did you come here today?"

Judai remembered and felt rather dampened in his spirits. "Lets go back to the Principal's office and I will explain all I know...so far".

And he and now worried Asuka made their way back to the Head Office

Notes

Yuuki your most awaited reunion is finally here, I hope you like it.

So what will happen next? How will the teachers react to Judai's news of forthcoming danger?. What is Darkness's next move? And what danger is in store. Find out more in next chapter.

For those of you who don't remember Daigo Sorano, he is Judai's fanboy who dueled him in ep 168 for his graduation duel. The dub only watchers are unfamiliar with him.

Damon is that tarazan guy Judai dueled in ep 17,