Disclaimer: I don't own Yu-gi-oh GX. If I did, it would still be airing.


Author's Note: It's been a long time, again. My only excuse is writer's block and Halloween. As an apology, I tried to make this chapter longer. Hope everyone enjoys it.


It was the day before the Duel Academy Representative Tournament was gonna take place. Yes, that's actually what they were calling it. Chazz and I had to get up early, to hop one of his family's planes, to get to the island.

"Hey, Slacker, keep an eye on your pet, will you?" Chazz asked, handing Pharaoh to me.

I'd planned to leave Pharaoh with Atticus, but he had gotten some huge gig or something, and headed out a few days before Chazz and I could. We didn't have time to find someone else to watch him, and we weren't just gonna leave him in a kennel, so he ended up going with us.

Pharaoh was freaking out being off solid ground, just like when he snuck into my bag after graduation.

"Hey, chill, Pharaoh." I said, petting him. "Soon we'll land, you'll get to run around, maybe even see some old friends."

As I wondered if Pharaoh had made friends with any of the wildlife on Academy Island, let alone remembered them, Pharaoh dug his claws into my leg.

"YOOOOWCH!" This trip was great!


We landed just past noon. We'd both packed pretty light, since we'd only be here for four nights and three days, assuming nothing crazy happened.

But, for some weird reason, my arms were nearly breaking from the luggage. Oh, right. Because Chazz was making me carry his stuff too!

"I've booked us both guest suites here." Chazz said, writing something on a slip of paper. "You can pay me back some other time. I'll come by your room for my stuff later."

Chazz shoved the paper on top of his luggage, which I could barely hold on to, and started walking off.

"Hey, wait, where you going, Chazz?!" I shouted.

"I've got someone to meet with, duh!" Chazz said.

And that was that.


Picture this. I'm walking up the path to the main school building, duffle bags with my belongings in each shoulder, with two large briefcases in my hands, covering my face. But, hey, at least I didn't drop anything once. Certainly not Chazz's clothes, and absolutely not Chazz's Ojama print underwear. What would give you that idea?

I continued to stumble my way up the path, until I felt a hand grab my shoulder.

"Campus Security!" A deep voice said. "Who are you? You don't look like a student here."

"Jaden Yuki." I said. "I'm an old graduate, here for the tournament."

"Let me just make sure." I heard the voice say.

I heard the security officer walk in front of me, then felt him lift the suitcases from in front of my face.

The face staring back at me, with a goofy smile on, was Hassleberry's!

"Hassleberry?!" I asked in shock.

"Good to see ya, Sarge!" Hassleberry said.

"You too!" I said. "What are you doing here?"

"I told ya, Campus Security." Hassleberry said. "I started working here after graduating."

"That's great!" I said.

"Anyway, enough about me." Hassleberry said. "Where you headed?"

"Room's on that paper." I said.

Hassleberry apparently just noticed the slip of paper when I pointed it out. He placed the suitcases back in my hands (oh, c'mon!), picked up the paper, and read it.

"Right!" Hassleberry said. "I'll help carry your supplies!"

Hassleberry picked the suitcases back up, and marched off to the Obelisk dorms. It took me a couple seconds of steadying myself before I could run after him.

"Wait up!" I called out.


As we made our way to the guest suites, Hassleberry and I chatted about the past five years.

"So, after my time leading the troops here, I took a year off, wanted to figure out what my battle strategy should be." Hassleberry said. "I remembered that time we found that Rainbow Dragon tablet thing, so I tried out archeology for a bit."

"I thought you had a philosophy on letting the dinosaurs rest." I said.

"Well, I'd thought it over, and if I did that, I wouldn't be standing here today. Literally." Hassleberry said. "Besides, I wasn't looking for dinosaur bones, but more of those tablet things."

"Got ya." I said.

"So, I joined with this group, tried it out, but it just wasn't what I thought." Hassleberry said. "Most of our leads were false."

"Well, duh." I said. "How many ancient murals depicting Duel Monsters are out there?"

"I know, I know." Hassleberry said. "My savings were running out. But that's when I ran into some scientists who were studying Duel Monster something or other. They were in some contract with the Academy, and when I mentioned I needed a job, they told me about an opening in security here."

"It pay good?" I asked.

"I get free room and board." Hassleberry said. Actually, the price of his room was deducted from his paycheck, but he wouldn't realize that for a few months. "Besides, I can be here if Private Truesdale ever returns."

Right. Hassleberry was one of the few that knew of Syrus staying in the Duel Monster Spirit World, looking for Dark Magician Girl. I can't say I wasn't worried either.

Since that brought the mood down, I tried to change the subject.

"What happened to your archeologist buds?" I asked.

"I'unno." Hassleberry said, shrugging. "They could have been sacrificed to Dark Simorgh for all I know."

We finally made it to my room. Hassleberry, in an incredible show of strength, balanced the suitcases on his arm, while trying to open the door, until he realized…

"It's locked." Hassleberry said.

"Yyyyyyep." I said, pulling out a key.

I unlocked the door, we unloaded my duffle bags and Chazz's suitcases, and collapsed on the couch.

"Finally, a chance to relax." I said.

"Why'd you pack so heavy, Sarge?" Hassleberry asked.

"I didn't." I said. "The suitcases are Chazz's."

"Private Princeton?" Hassleberry asked. "Oh, right. You two moved in together."

"Along with Atticus." I said. "They're pretty good roomies. But not as great as you and Sy were."

"I know." Hassleberry said. "I miss those days too."

Hassleberry jumped to his feet and stretched.

"Well, I gotta get back to patrol, but it was great seeing you again, Sarge." Hassleberry said, holding out a hand.

I shook his hand and said, "Same here."

After Hassleberry left, I pulled my cell phone out. It was that time again!

I waited for my call to be answered, and then, "Hey, buddy! How's it going?"

"Jaden, please, switch places with me!" Jesse called frantically from the other end.

"What happened this time?" I asked.

"Nothing yet." Jesse said. "But they're out there! I know it!"

If you remember correctly, Jesse was being trained by Joey Wheeler, in hopes he'd be able to beat Yugi in the now inevitable title match.

Well, this training turned out to be putting a million dollar bounty out for the duelist who beat Jesse in a duel. But this wasn't an opportunity to just any duelist.

No, Jesse was going up against the Card Professors, a group of duelists who were essentially the Pro Dueling circuit before the Pro Dueling circuit existed.

The duels weren't that hard for Jesse, all things considered. His big issue was that he could be doing any ordinary activity, and the Professors would just pop up, disrupting his day. I felt bad for him. But, hey, better him than me.

"Oh, don't worry about it." I said. "Joey's probably got this all planned so they target you when you least suspect it."

"I know he's doing that." Jesse said. "That's why it's such a problem!"

"You just always need to be expecting it, and you'll be fine." I said.

"So, live my life in a state of paranoia?!" Jesse shouted.

"Hey, it works for some people." I said.

"Anyway, how're you doing?" Jesse asked.

"I'm good." I said. "Arrived at the Academy. You know Hassleberry works security here?"

"And you're calling me?" Jesse asked. "Isn't there someone else you should be seeing?"

"Crowler's busy." I said.

"I'm talkin' 'bout Alexis." Jesse said.

"Why does everyone think I need to talk to her?" I asked.

"Because you're obviously still into her." Jesse said.

"You're into her!" I said, turning red.

Jesse laughed, "Look, I didn't give up just so you two can dance around your feelings for each other."

"We don't even know if she feels that way about me." I said.

"And we won't until you go talk to-" Jesse started. "Oh, great! Jaden, I'm gonna have to call you back."

"Who is it this time?" I asked.

"White-Horned Dragon guy." Jesse said.

"Ooh!" Wish I could see this one. "Give me the play by play later."

"You got it, bro." Jesse said, then hung up.

I sat back and stared at the ceiling.

Okay, I knew I'd have to see Alexis again when I got here, but I figured it was probably gonna be a run-in in the hall.

Yeah, I know I shouldn't worry too much about this. But I'm not used to this kind of stuff. And I didn't have my usual advisors on love like back in the day.

"Still, wonder what she's up to." I said.


What WAS Alexis up to?

Well, quite simply, she was teaching her class.

"So, as you can see, intentional use of something like Snatch Steal while you have Cyber Blader on your field…" Alexis said. "... And your opponent is left with three monsters, will result in the Duel being stuck in an endless state. Because of that, rather than let the game go on in that state, in official tournaments, the person who caused the loop will be declared the loser. Any questions?"

One student raised their hand.

"When did that get decided?!" The student asked, incredulously.

"Good question." Alexis said. "See, it happened during a tournament where a representative of the Psycho style was using a Jinzo and-"

"Boring!" The student said. "It's utter crap I have to worry about this because of something someone did in the past."

"Uh, okay." Alexis said. "Any other questions?"

"Yeah, I have one." Said someone in the stands. "Did you use Cyber Blader as an example because it's in your deck?"

"Please, raise your hand if you're gonna ask a question." Alexis said. "Otherwise, I'll have to give you detention."

"Y'know, I've gotten detention a lot, but I don't think you have that authority, teach."

This annoyed Alexis.

"Okay, smart Alec, come to the front of the class." Alexis said.

Alexis' face turned from one of anger, to shock, then lit up in happiness.

"Jaden?!" Alexis asked.

I just flashed that classic Jaden Yuki Smile™.

"Oh my gosh!" Alexis said. "What are you doing here?"

"Well, I figured I cut class so much when I was in school, I should probably make up for that." I said.

Alexis laughed with that beautiful smile on her face an- I mean, I made Alexis bust a gut laughing.

After Alexis composed herself, she held out a hand in front of me.

"Class, I'd like to introduce you to my dear friend, and one of the greatest duelists I've ever known, Jaden Yuki." Alexis said.

"How's it hanging?" I asked.

Most of the class did not look impressed.

"What's some old man doing here?" One of the students asked.

"I'm here for the tournament." I said, then realized. "And I'm only 23!"

"The tournament?"

"The one to decide who'll represent us as King of Games?"

"That means Dimi should be here!"

Almost the entire class bolted out.

"This is karma for us cutting class so much, huh?" I asked.

"Yep." Alexis said, matter-of-factly.

Four students did stick around though. They looked vaguely punkish, to be honest with you, but seemed like nice enough kids.

"This is the guy you mentioned?" One asked.

Alexis nodded.

The four all walked up to me and bowed their heads.

"It's an honor to meet the original Slacker!" They all said.

"Huh?!" I shouted in surprise.


After class let out, Alexis filled me in as we walked the halls.

"They all believed they were worthless." Alexis explained. "That they weren't great because they didn't come from elite families and the like. They were on the verge of giving up until I told them about the Slifer Slacker who always kept going, no matter what."

Me, of course.

"That explains why they were so eager to talk to me." I said.

"Yeah." Alexis said. "They're all good kids. I just wish the rest were like them."

"Huh?" I asked.

"A lot of them make excuses for themselves." Alexis said. "And those are the better ones."

"The worse ones?" I asked.

"I don't wanna talk about it." Alexis said. "Anyway, I should be thanking you. If it weren't for you, those kids would've given up their love of dueling."

"Hey, it's not like I did anything." I said. "Literally."

Alexis chuckled again.

"You look great, by the way." Alexis said.

"Thank you?" I asked. "How'd you expect me to look?"

"Oh, you know what I mean." Alexis said. "I've just been worried you might not be taking care of yourself these days."

"I'm not about to let all the work you put in go to waste." I said. "Anyway, you look great yourself. Although, the outfit could use some work."

"What's wrong with my outfit?" Alexis asked, slightly upset.

"I mean, a suit and tie?" I asked. "When did you become a middle aged woman?"

"Well, at least I've changed my clothes since we graduated." Alexis said. "That's not the same red jacket and black shirt you wore last time we were together, is it?"

The two of us cracked up. Even after all these years, we still flir- playfully teased each other without missing a beat.

"Seriously though, Jaden, it's great to see you again." Alexis said, wiping tears from her eyes.

"Yeah, it's been way too long." I said. "But I'm glad to be back!"

"We need to catch up." Alexis said. "Maybe tonight, we can meet up and… No, wait, there's the big event."

"Big event?" I asked.

"The welcoming party for the returning graduates?" Alexis said. "The ones taking part in the tournament?"

"Oh! Right!" I said. "The tournament. I was having so much fun being back, I forgot why I came back in the first place."

"You remembered to sign in, right?" Alexis asked.

I stared blankly at her.

"At the Card Shop?" Alexis said. "So they know you're not a no-show?"

"Aw, piss!" I said.

"You better hurry." Alexis said.

"Right!" I said, beginning to jog in place. "Sorry to cut this short."

"No worries." Alexis said. "We can hang out later."

"Sure thing!" I said, then dashed off.

I immediately turned around and ran back to Alexis.

"It's still in the same place as always." Alexis said.

"Thanks, Lex!" I said, running off again. "You're a lifesaver!"


I reached the Card Shop in no time. Thankfully, there was nobody there, so I didn't have to wait in a line to sign in.

Unfortunately, when I say nobody was there, I mean NOBODY. No one behind the counter, no one stocking shelves. No one cleaning.

"Hello?!" I yelled. "Totally amazing former student here to sign in!"

No one.

I waited in there for a few more minutes before deciding to leave. And just when I'm exiting, I crash into a box full of card packs.

I fall back, the box flies in the air and the cards go everywhere. Hey, that rhymed!

Looking down at me in shock were Former Chancellor Sheppard and Miss Dorothy.

"Jaden?" The two asked in unison.

"Uh, hey, guys." I said. "Sorry 'bout the cards."

I quickly started picking up as many as I could.

"Oh, let me help." Sheppard said.

Sheppard picked up the box and handed it to Dorothy, then bent down next to me and started picking up packs, before dropping them.

"Ugh!" Sheppard said, grabbing his back. "These old bones aren't what they used to be."

"Don't worry, I've got this." I said. "Seriously."

I got to work cleaning the mess, while Dorothy got Sheppard an ice pack.

After I was finished, I finally got to signing in.

"All I gotta do is sign in the guest book?" I asked.

"Of course." Dorothy said.

"Did you expect something else?" Sheppard asked.

"Yeah." I said, sitting at a table. "Name, age, date of birth, deck list, qualifications."

"This is just a formality." Sheppard said with a laugh.

"We don't want anyone sneaking in as somebody else." Dorothy explained.

"Has that happened before?" I asked.

"Not as much as some people like to think, but it is a problem." Sheppard said.

"All you really need to worry about is this." Dorothy said, handing me a bronze medal with GX written on it.

"This is…?" I asked.

"The Genex Medallion." Dorothy said.

"Back when I first envisioned this tournament, it was going to be given to every student here, and several Pro Duelists." Sheppard said. "But now, they're only for the entrants of this new version."

"You and the other potential representatives for Duel Academy get bronze ones." Dorothy explained. "The representatives of each school will get silver ones, and whoever wins amongst them gets a gold medallion."

"Jesse will receive a gold one as well." Sheppard said. "You're also expected to hand over your medallion to whoever defeats you."

"So, assuming I win this whole thing, I'll have to lug around… Let's see…" I started counting on my fingers. "Ten of these?!"

"You'll only need to hold on to however many based on the tournament." Sheppard explained.

"I don't get it." Man, I could really be dumb. "Anyway, what's with you guys lugging that box yourself? Aren't there other, uh… more fit people to do the heavy lifting?"

"Jaden, if you were trying not to insult us, you did a miserable job." Sheppard said, with a sigh.

"Well, we do get the occasional employee." Dorothy said. "But they always end up moving on to bigger and better things."

"And they leave you two here to take care of everything?" I asked. "That's rough."

The two just nodded.

"Well, as long as I've got time, I can help you guys." I said.

"We couldn't ask you to do that." Dorothy said.

"Good thing I volunteered then." I said.

I spent roughly an hour and a half helping them put everything away. I'd have stayed longer, but they forced me out, telling me to get ready for that welcoming party.


I don't know what they expected me to do. My hair was as combed as it would ever be, and I was already in my best clothes.

When I got back to my room, Chazz was waiting outside of it.

"Hey, Chazz." I said. "Need something?"

"Yeah." Chazz said. "My bags! I've been waiting here for an hour! Where have you been?!"

Whoops. Knew I forgot something.

Luckily, Chazz's room wasn't far from mine. He grabbed his bags and left.

After a quick shower, I tried to comb my hair… but that did nothing. I put on a new pair of clothes, even if they looked the same as my old ones.

Well, whatever. This was my look, and I rocked it! Besides, it's not like everyone else would be all dressed up.


Everyone was all dressed up.

The dining hall of the Obelisk Blue Boys Dorm was being used for the party. The students who usually ate there were eating at the Yellow Dorm for the night.

Now, you're probably thinking, "there shouldn't have been a problem with them being there and just eating early" or "they could just wait until after the guests ate". Well, they couldn't, because they'd probably have interfered with the camera crew setting up!

Why was there a camera crew here?! Oh… right. Chazz's brothers wanted this to be a whole big thing. Just like the School Duel in my first year.

That wasn't the only change. Instead of one long table, there were several small tables. I don't get it. We representatives can't eat together?

"Jaden! Over here!" I heard someone call out.

I had expected to find Alexis, maybe one of my old teachers, but instead, I find…

"Blair?!" I asked, sitting down at the same table she was at.

"It's been awhile." Blair said, smiling widely.

"I'll say!" I… said.

Last I'd seen Blair, she was nearly half my height and a child! Now she was a grown woman, or, at least, a teenager.

"What're you doing here?" I asked.

"I'm here because of the tournament." Blair said.

"The tourna- You're the fourth duelist?!" I asked.

"What's wrong with that?!" Blair asked.

"Nothing." I said. "I was just expecting someone different."

"Like who?" Blair asked.

"Bastion?" I suggested. "Zane? Uh, not that they're better duelists than you, but…"

Blair started laughing.

"It's still fun getting your goat, Jaden." Blair said. "I'm not the fourth rep here."

"What?" I asked, as my brain flooded with questions. The two biggest being 'Who is?' and 'Why are you here then?'

"Actually Marcel is." Blair said. "I'm here as moral support. I'm shocked you didn't realize that."

"Why would I have?" I asked.

"He's sitting right…" Blair looked over, and apparently, Marcel was supposed to be sitting next to her. "He ran off again!?"

Blair and I looked around, trying to find Marcel.

At one table, I could see Chazz, talking with his brothers. At another was Dimi, signing autographs for some of the cameramen. The teachers and staff from Duel Academy were lined against a wall for some reason.

And then I heard a sound under the table.

I lifted the table cloth. There was Marcel, sitting under the table, hugging his knees.

"Found 'im!" I said.

Realizing he had nowhere else to run, Marcel slid up into one of the chairs.

"Hey, buddy." I said. "What gives? You don't wanna say 'hi' to your old pal Jaden?"

"It's not that." Marcel said.

"Then what?" I asked.

"I shouldn't be here." Marcel said.

"Huh?!" I asked.

"I'm only here because I won the French Championships." Marcel said.

"Wait, you're the French Dueling Champion?!" I asked in shock. What was this guy's idea of being qualified enough?!

"Blair pushed me to do it, and I only won by luck." Marcel explained.

"It wasn't luck!" Blair said. "Besides, getting to France's Championship Tournament took a lot of work too! You earned that title, Marcel."

"Even if that were true, I'm only here because of my father recommending me." Marcel said.

Ah, nepotism.

"Hey, don't worry about that, dude." I said. "The rest of us are only here because of connections. Chazz is here because his brother's sponsored the tournament, and they're Dimitri's representatives. And I'm here because Chazz put in a good word for me."

"Wait, really?" Blair asked. "You saved the world how many times, and you still needed to buy your way in?"

"Technically it wasn't bought." I said. "There's a lot going on though. Anyway, Marcel, you shouldn't worry too much. You probably have the biggest title out of all of us. You've earned your right to-"

Before I could finish my inspirational speech, the doors to the dining hall opened, and some guy in a costume waltzed in. Like, literally, he was dancing into the room.

"Here they are!" The costumed singer sang. "The heroes of Duel Academy that-" I can't use any more of the song without getting sued, so, I'm stopping there.

But the costume looked like a smaller version of Ultimate Stage Costume.

Given that hint, you can probably guess why Chazz and I were hanging our heads.

The singer ripped the costume off, revealing Atticus, in his purple suit, underneath.

So, the song mentioned each of the competitors at one point, with a small description of their exploits. Chazz's was his ability to use multiple archetypes at once, Dimitri was being "The People's Duelist", whatever that meant and Marcel's was a First Turn Kill.

Mine? How a no name got into the tournament. I'd later learn Atticus wrote this song himself, with a small bit of help from Chazz. I love my roommates!

After the unannounced musical number, Atticus grabbed a microphone and introduced himself.

"Hello, world!" Atticus said, looking at the cameras. "The name's Atticus Rhodes! Thanks to a very good word from my roommate, I'll

be your host for the Duel Academy Representative Tournament, and official announcer as well!"

So, Atticus was basically gonna be the MC of the tournament. Well, at least I didn't have to worry about the crowd being turned against me.

Atticus took the attention of the cameras, while reporters flooded into the room, each looking for an interview with the "heroes of Duel Academy". This was really turning out to be some big media circus.

Chazz and Dimitri were both surrounded by journalists, while a few ran over for interviews with Marcel, knocking me to the floor.

"Hey!" I shouted. "Hero of Duel Academy here! I don't mind not being interviewed, but I don't wanna eat on the floor!"

"Oh, and here I was, hoping to get a chance to get the scoop on the underdog, Jaden Yuki."

I looked up and saw some guy with his hair tied back in a spiky ponytail.

"It's a little crowded here." The guy said. "How about we grab a bite somewhere else."

"Sure." I said, standing up. "If you're okay with interviewing an unknown."


So, me and this reporter left the dining hall and went over to the Card Shop, where Dorothy made us some quick rice balls.

"Not really what I was hoping for, but I've had worse." The reporter said.

"Hey, don't knock it." I said. "Ms. Dorothy's cooking is the best!"

"Flattery won't get you second helpings!" Dorothy called from behind the counter.

"Alright!" Reporter dude said. "Let's get down to business."

"Right, uh…" I started. "What's your name, buddy?"

"You can just call me Gerard." The reporter said.

"Okay, Gerard." I said. "Fire away."

"Well, I noticed you were the only one there not dressed up." Gerard said. "Is that a fashion statement or something?"

"Nah." I said casually. "I'm just not one for dressing fancy like that."

"Right." Gerard said, jotting down my answer. "Now that we got the comedic opening question out of the way, let's get serious. What made you decide to be a Pro Duelist?"

"Well, I always loved dueling from a young age." I said. "So, why not do something I love?"

"But why dueling, instead of teaching here at the Academy, or selling cards?" Gerard asked.

"Because there's nothing more fun than getting to know a person through dueling!" I said. "Besides, I barely graduated. No way could I ever be a teacher."

As I chucked, Gerard wrote down my answer.

"I was gonna ask what the best part of being a professional is, but I think you answered that too." Gerard said, with his own chuckle. "So, how about the hardest part?"

"I don't really think there is a hard part." I said, scratching the back of my head. "I was always something of a slacker, so if this was hard, I would have probably dropped it years ago."

Okay, so the hardest part was psycho Duel Spirits attacking my friends, but there was no way this guy would take that seriously.

"Right." Gerard said. "You said you loved dueling from a young age. What inspired you to start in the first place?"

"Dueling had already gone gangbusters when I was young." I said. "Plus, when my parents would be out, me and my babysitters would play it."

"What inspires you now?" Gerard asked. "Or is it just the friends thing?"

"Well, that and the love of dueling are part of it." I said. "But I also look at all of my friends, and I can't help thinking, 'I'm not about to be left behind by them'. They've all come far and I'm not gonna sit around and do nothing."

"So, on to the tournament." Gerard said. "I'm sure fans would like to know your thoughts on the other competitors."

"Chazz and I have been rivals since my first day at Duel Academy." I said. "He's definitely one of the toughest duelists out there. Marcel could use a confidence boost, but I know when he comes into his own, he'll be, not only a great Duelist, but a great man as well. As for Dimitri, I wish he'd finally find cards that are all his own."

Gerard nodded. "And how about Jesse Anderson, the young phenom who beat Joey Wheeler?"

"He's one of the duelists I look forward to beating someday!" I said. "We know each other, and in all the years since we met, I haven't been able to properly beat him. He's a great friend, and the strongest duelist I've ever had the honor of taking on."

"Speaking of, if you win this tournament, and the greater Genex Tournament, then beat Jesse, you'll be dueling Yugi Muto, the King of Games." Gerard explained. "Do you really think you can beat him?"

"To be honest, I'm not sure." I said. "But I know if I get the chance, I'll give it everything I've got!"

"That's definitely gonna be an uphill battle though." Gerard said. "I used to run Elemental Heroes myself, years ago. I had the chance to take on Seto Kaiba, and he trashed me."

"You dueled Kaiba?!" I asked, my eyes widening with excitement.

"It wasn't anything, really." Gerard said. "I made a huge mistake with how Skyscraper worked, pretty much handed him the win with that move. Anyway, which one of us is the interviewer here?"

"Right, sorry." I said.

"Any words of wisdom you'd like to pass on for the duelists of tomorrow?" Gerard asked.

"Don't worry too much about things like how others see you." I said. "I was at the bottom of the barrel during my time here, but I was still one of the best!"

"Alright, that was great!" Gerard said. "Thank you for your time."

"No worries." I said. "But, uh, if I can ask a question now. Why'd you wanna interview me? Chazz and the others are all bigger names."

"Well, for one, everyone knows about those guys." Gerard said, as he stood up. "You're a fresh face, a veritable no-name! If you win this whole thing, I can say I got the scoop on you before anybody else."

"Gee, thanks." I said, also standing up.

As Gerard and I left the Card Shop, he went on, "But, it's also as a thank you."

"Huh?" I asked.

"There was a time when I had given up on dueling." Gerard said. "Honestly, I didn't even care if a place like this was shut down."

Gerard had stretched his arms out, to indicate the Academy.

"And?" I asked.

"I caught one of your duels." Gerard said. "It reminded me of how much fun dueling could be. I've owed you for that, Jaden. That's why, I want to make sure you get the recognition you deserve."

Weird. I'm a good duelist, don't get me wrong, but none of my professional matches seemed like the kind of thing to inspire someone. Well, whatever.

"Hey, you rediscovering a love for dueling is enough thanks!" I said.

Gerard put on this satisfied smile and began walking off… only to stop and walk back over.

"By the way, we need to fill out some information about you for the end of the article." Gerard said.

He quickly ran over a few details, my name, age, any achievements, my manager, and then the dreaded question.

"Your sponsor?" Gerard asked.

"Sponsor?" I asked.

"Yeah." Gerard said. "It'll be great publicity for them too."

"Besides having Duel Academy's name attached to me, I've got nothing." I said.

Gerard's eyes got wide.

"That'll be a problem." Gerard said, with a very evident concern in his voice.

"From what I've heard, the school's okay with that." I said.

"They may be, but you probably won't." Gerard said.

"What do you mean?" I asked.

"Look, you didn't hear this from me, but…" Gerard started.

He turned to look out the window. I turned too, and saw a large number of luxury boats in the ocean.

"Those ships out there are full of gamblers." Gerard explained. "This tournament is a big deal. People from all over are gonna be betting on you and the others. Some of the more unscrupulous ones may try to trash your equipment."

"For real?" I asked.

"Yeah." Gerard said. "Since this is an island, and they need to go through international waters, they don't even need to worry about breaking any gambling laws. Unless you have the money to spare, you'll need someone to pay for anything that breaks or 'goes missing'. Oh, and Pro-Tip, keep your deck on you at all times."

With that, Gerard began walking off again.

This tournament was turning into something bigger than I had ever thought.

"Hey, you're-" I heard from down the hall.

I turned to see Alexis talking to Gerard.

"What are you doing here?" Alexis asked, angrily.

"Just interviewing the Next King of Games." Gerard said. "Oh, and I'm glad to see your brother returned safe and sound."

Gerard strode off after that, leaving Alexis stunned.

"Lex?" I said, walking over. "You know that guy?"

Alexis shook her head, coming back to her senses.

"Oh, yeah. We met once." Alexis said.

"I'm guessing he's a friend of Atticus?" I asked.

"It's a long story." Alexis said. "Anyway, where've you been? I was hoping we could talk at that dinner, but you weren't there."

"Just getting interviewed." I said, then looked back out the window.

"What's wrong?" Alexis asked.

"You hear about these gambling ships?" I asked.

"Gamblers, huh?" Alexis said. "Those bring back memories."

"According to that reporter, some of them might try something funny." I said. "Now I'm starting to regret not having a sponsor."

"The Academy will probably cover you." Alexis said. "But, if you really need one… I might be able to help."

"Seriously?!" I asked. "That'd be sweet!"

"Just gotta make a quick call first." Alexis said.

Alexis pulled out a cell phone, stepped away and began talking to… I don't know who. Well, I didn't know who. I'd learn soon.

In the meantime, I sent Jesse a text, asking about his recent duel. I also sent Sartorius one, letting him know about the need for a sponsor, if Alexis' failed.

Alexis hung up and stepped over to me.

"Alright, let's go!" Alexis said.

Alexis grabbed my hand, and I definitely didn't blush! Then she pulled me down the hall.

"Alexis, hang on!" I said. "When did you get so impatient?"

"When did you get so cautious?" Alexis asked, a bright smile on her face.

As Alexis and I ran through the Academy, we had no way of knowing what was going on by the shore, where a small boat was making its way to the island.


Author's Note: Again, I have to apologize for how long this took. For awhile, I really couldn't figure out how to make one of the scenes work.

On the bright side, things should progress smoothly from here! I have the next five duels planned out, even if I haven't written them yet.

On a different note, the Card Professors. Reference to Yu-gi-oh R, obviously, but I'm thinking of doing a side fic showing Jesse's duels against them. I'll leave a poll on my Author's page, if anyone's interested.

The next chapter should be released on Christmas, and have a nice little gift for fans.