Chapter 11: After the Storm
The northmen all stood, whooping and hollering at the comeback victory of their champion, of their king. Slade and Jagger stood as well, clapping in a restrained, yet still pleased manner. Meanwhile, the students of Central Academy, from the lowliest Slifer to the most elite of the Obelisks, were equalized in defeat.
"CHAZZ IT UP, CHAZZ IT UP, CHAZZ IT UP!" drowned out all other noise. This was insane. This wasn't supposed to happen. In no universe, in no timeline was Chazz supposed to defeat Jaden at the school duel. What was going to happen now?
The fact that Chazz beat Jaden in the same way I beat Chazz salted the wound further. I had no doubt Chazz added that card to his deck hoping that something like this would happen, and now everything has gone sunny side up for him. Would he spend the rest of his life as a drone, an automaton to carry out his brothers' collective will? Would he remain in the north? Or would he establish independence in his own way?
Both Jaden and Chazz were swarmed by presences from various media sources. Reporters and interviewers from news stations, independent websites, and bloggers were out here trying to get a word in with both duelists, more so Chazz obviously. I wanted to hop out of my seat and rush to the arena floor, but unfortunately, the stairs were crowded with people trying to get out. By the time we managed to get to the floor, most of the short interviews were already finished, and both parties were preparing to leave. As our group approached, Jaden and Chazz were exchanging words.
"I may have lost, but that was a sweet duel! You sure Chazzed it up!" Jaden said good-naturedly, but he seemed less cheerful than usual.
In light of his great victory, Chazz seemed calmer, as though a great load had been lifted from his shoulders, at least for a while. "The score has been settled between us, Jaden. We're even now."
"Until the rematch, that is." Jaden added, and surprisingly, Chazz wore a small smile on his face. "Indeed."
"You know, I could tell you were under a lot of stress during our duel, and I know why." Jaden leaned forward and lowered the tone of his voice by a bit, but I could still hear him.
Chazz's expression hardened again. "You don't know anything about me or my circumstances."
"I know enough. I know that you can't live this way. It's never going to be enough for them. Your brothers will ask for more and more until you have nothing left to give. Don't let them take away your passion for dueling! You'll never have fun again if you go with them." Jaden pleaded passionately.
For a moment, it seemed as though the hero duelist had gotten through to Chazz. It would be amazing if Chazz could somehow be persuaded to remain at this school despite his victory, but I doubted it. I, for one, knew that Jaden's words were accurate. But Chazz caught sight of his brothers talking to reporters across the room, and his resolve strengthened once more.
"Fun…life isn't about fun. You're still a child." Chazz said stonily. Jaden opened his mouth to respond, but Chazz continued.
"I was raised to be a conqueror, to win at all costs. I wasn't winning here, and things couldn't stay the way they were. So I had to make a choice. Eventually, a day comes when we all make a choice, and that is the moment when we grow up from a child to an adult."
"You don't have to give up on everything that makes your life enjoyable to grow up!" Jaden protested, but Chazz was unmoved.
"I could choose to pursue my quest for greatness, or I could stay here, as a Ra Yellow student, and live a life of mediocrity. My brothers didn't make that choice for me. I did. I struck out here with nothing but the clothes on my back, that dishonored Obelisk Blue uniform. I made a name for myself up north. Those people in the crowd gave me honor, respect. And I, as their king, have brought respect and honor to them."
We all were driven to deep introspection upon hearing Chazz's words, but he wasn't yet finished.
"Life is about building a legacy with your own two hands, so that people can look upon your creations and say 'that is a great man'. My brothers did that, as horrible as they are. My father did that, before he died. And I will do that myself, through dueling. Let me tell you all something, you students of Central Duel Academy." We all leaned in, and the white noise of the crowd ensured that only we could hear Chazz's next words.
"My brothers offered me a briefcase full of the most powerful dragon support cards in the game. If I had taken them, then perhaps my chances of victory would have been more certain. But I refused them. These cards of mine are the prize of North Academy. They're not the best cards in the game, there is no denying that. But I took a risk and played with them because I'm loyal to the North. After this victory, I will never doubt myself again. And I will never be my brothers' puppet." Chazz said heavily.
We said nothing in response to this. What could we say to that? It was clear that Chazz had made up his mind. And frankly, it was hard to argue against him. I couldn't help but feel as though I understood Chazz the most of us all. I had lived a long life before this one, and I knew that taking responsibility for the big choices was one irreconcilable part of growing up. But Jaden had a point too…to deny pleasure and fun makes one hard, cold, and irascible.
Then, Chazz turned to me, his teeth grit. "I haven't forgotten about the humiliation you dealt me that day…it was only about two months ago, and yet it seems like a lifetime away. In a way, I have you to thank for everything that has transpired since then."
"Hey, just buy me a coffee sometime and we'll call it even, my liege." I joked, but my heart wasn't really in it.
Chazz narrowed his eyes. "I have tried to learn from my mistakes…next time, you won't catch me with one of your despicable traps."
"That's what they all say." I reply.
Chazz gave me a sour look for a moment, my comments clearly angering him. "Just a friendly reminder, Lancaster, when we duel I won't be as nice as I was with Jaden over here. I would put you in your place right now, but sadly it is time to leave." He scanned over the onlookers, his former classmates, but had nothing to say to any of them. I noticed, however, that his gaze lingered on Alexis for a moment longer than the others.
"Farewell. I have a feeling we'll all meet again someday." Chazz said soberly, as though his words were prophecy.
"You bet! Safe travels, Chazz." Jaden's capacity for kindness was always astounding to me.
The king in the north merely nodded before turning about-face and joining the North Academy students…. joining his brothers. I had to hope that Chazz's words were true and he could avoid the poisonous influence of his siblings. This was one of the first cases I could recall where my canon knowledge was no longer applicable. I had no idea what would become of Chazz now.
Looking after him, I felt a distinct sense of melancholy. Our group silently went our separate ways for the rest of the day, wanting to be left alone with our thoughts.
XxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXx
Chazz Princeton POV
Ah, what a glorious day!
At long last, Chazz Princeton had finally reclaimed his pride, and defeated one of the two forces that had sent him on his downward spiral, and then on his path to kingship. After he had said his last words to his former classmates, Chazz was surrounded by his fellow Northerners….his people. They hoisted him into the air and cheered.
"Hey, what the fuck are you guys doing?!" Chazz shouted in initial shock, but he was pleased when they went for another round of "CHAZZ IT UP!"
"Oh, right. I nearly forgot." He chuckled. "It feels good to be the king, baby."
"Hail to our Czar, Chazz Princeton!" Sergei boomed. He was Chazz's predecessor as Czar, and one of the North's finest duelists. However, he bore no resentment to Chazz for taking his position- indeed, strength was one of the few qualities he respected.
"Hip hip hooray, hip hip hooray!" The students childishly chanted. Chazz thought this display a bit cheesy, but he considered that this was the first victory, the first glory that North Academy had earned in a great many years. And besides, they were cheering for him- he was the last person who wanted this applause to end.
And yet, as he looked back one last time at Jaden's group, he felt something strange…a twinge of jealousy? No, it couldn't be! He was THE Chazz, an elite duelist from a powerful family, the strongest duelist at North Academy. He himself had more disposable money than many families did gross income. He cared nothing for these weaklings…or at least, this is what he told himself.
They carried him all the way outside, down the hills and to the pier once more. Hilariously, his brothers attempted to stop the party, presumably in order to speak with him, only for the crowd to shove right past them.
Headmaster Foster, in a remarkable breach of decorum, was literally clacking his heels together as he jumped for joy. "Oh Chazz, I could kiss you right now!" He said as the crowd of students finally arrived at a stop near the docks. "But instead, I'm gonna plant the biggest smooch of my life on the angelic Miss Duel Academy! Oh, there is a god!"
Chazz couldn't help but feel bemused at his headmaster's profound sense of joy. Whoever this Miss Duel Academy was, she must be the biggest dime piece this side of…Alexis Rhodes. Wait a minute, surely Miss Duel Academy wasn't Alexis Rhodes, not a chance in hell…why couldn't he stop thinking about her lately? The past was dead and gone!
With a scowl, he banished all thought of the girl from his mind. "Congratulations, Headmaster." He said as the crowd put him down.
"Hey, it's all thanks to you, my boy!" Foster said joyously. "She should be here shortly."
"I can't wait." Chazz said sarcastically, hoping they could leave before those bastards caught up with him-
"Congratulations on your great victory, little brother."
Chazz turned on a dime at the sound of his older brother's voice. The North Academy students began to spread out and mill around, seemingly sensing that they were not welcome in this particular conversation.
Slade and Jagger gestured to the bow to the ferry, and so the three of them moved onto the boat, away from the ears of the masses. The view of the sea was incredible, but Slade and Jagger cared nothing for even a short glance, instead devoting all their attention on their wayward brother. Chazz wished that they would look away.
"You took a great risk today, not using the cards we provided for you." Slade started off bluntly. "Whose cards were those? We don't recall you ever having the Armed Dragon series before."
"They were a gift from Headmaster Foster after I became the Czar." Chazz replied shortly.
"Ha!" Slade barked. "Such ridiculous titles have no place here. Amongst the unwashed masses, perhaps…but you will not put on airs with us. You are called king, but your power is miniscule compared to ours. But I suppose it hardly matters which cards you use as long as you win. It looks like your gamble paid off, although that was a damn close match. Jaden Yuki sure gave you a run for your money, huh?"
"How dare you judge my dueling skill! I could beat the both of you in a duel easily!" Chazz stood, indignant.
They both laughed, an unpleasant sound. "That is not what we mean when we speak of power. Whether we can beat you in a duel is utterly irrelevant. Despite what some think, not every decision is brought about via a card game in this world. We will permit these schoolchildren to call you king, but to think that this popularity gives you power over us is absurd. Still, the people love dueling, and you will provide them with entertainment as you have today."
"If you think I duel to entertain people you're insane!" Chazz ground out.
"You will duel to conquer the competitive climate of this game just as we have taken over the worlds of politics and finance. And you will never turn your back on your family again. Soon, the Princeton family will rule the world!" Slade said coldly.
"Rule the world, huh? Remind how successful your attempts to buys shares in Kaibacorp have been!" Chazz shouted again. He refused to be cowed by his tyrannical brothers.
However, Jagger only smirked coldly. "Seto Kaiba is a trifle for us. In time, we will supplant him. All we need to do is get a majority of the shareholders on our side. The winds of change are blowing, and Kaiba will make way for new blood soon enough."
Chazz thought that attempting to take over Kaibacorp from the inside was a remarkably stupid idea. Kaiba was even more ruthless than his brothers, and significantly more intelligent. For over a decade, he had been warding off enemies to his position, and had only grown smarter over time. As soon as Chazz opened his mouth, however, Slade interrupted him.
"Do you realize how bad it looked when you flew off the radar for six weeks!? It was a publicity nightmare. We were feeding bullshit to the press left and right. Thank Ra you emerged in the North of all places when you did."
Chazz stewed in silence- he wished, more than anything, that he could start over in another life, another dimension where he would be freed from his past obligations. For a while, he thought that escaping to the North could provide such a release. But soon enough, the past came back to bite him. Then again, if he were reincarnated into a different life, he would probably just goof off and make snarky remarks at people all the time. "Just like Lancaster…" He growled inwardly. He couldn't wait to put that Obelisk Blue pretender where he belongs- in the mud!
But more than anything, he wished that he could free of his brothers. Even starting at rock bottom, back in the Slifer Red dorm would be better than this! But he had duties that he couldn't ignore. He was a Princeton, for better or for worse.
"What is the next move?" Chazz said dully.
"You will remain at North Academy and see out the rest of your education there. Your popularity there is useful as well, despite the enemies you have earned at this school. During your time there, you are to develop contacts for entry into the pro leagues after you graduate. Do whatever you must, and draw on any and all resources the family has available to advance your position." Jagger said. "Celebrate your victory today, brother….it is the first in a string of endless battles ahead."
"We will call upon you when your services are required, Chazz. After all, you are our equal now." Slade finished harshly. In the distance, a Princeton helicopter landed on Academy Island.
Chazz nodded slowly. All the while, his eyes brimmed with resentment. He had to find some way to be free of them or else he would go insane…if he hadn't already.
"Yes, brother." Chazz answered emotionlessly.
"That's right, little bro. Power is what matters! Now go out there and win for the family…for our family." They both cackled briefly before walking away, leaving Chazz to brood alone.
"Damn them…" The Black Thunderbolt snarled. No matter what he accomplished, Slade and Jagger always made him feel like a helpless child, hanging onto their coattails. His good mood was utterly ruined; it certainly didn't feel as though he had just won the biggest duel of his life. If anything, he felt worse than before.
As he brooded, he failed to notice that his duel spirits had materialized all around him. Despondently, Chazz stared at the ground for a while until the soft rumblings of his Light and Darkness Dragon commanded his attention. With quiet dignity, the dragon was perched on the ship railing. Around the giant dragon were the three Ojamas, buzzing around and goofing off at usual.
Chazz's lips twitched upwards slightly. At least he had friends, truly, in the form of his cards. Those bonds were something his brothers could never take away.
XxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxX
As it turned out, the ever so beautiful Miss Duel Academy was actually Miss Dorothy from the old card shop in a Dark Magician Girl outfit. If Chazz was in a hurry to leave before, he was the first one on the boat after that particular display. Was it his imagination, or was Foster staring at Sheppard the whole time he was kissing Dorothy? It looked like a bizarre form of revenge. There was probably a story there, but Chazz had no interest in learning of it. People could be so absurd sometimes.
The return voyage was much more dull for Chazz than the trip from North Academy. Perhaps it was his excitement at finally defeating Jaden that made the trip go so fast the first time- now, it was a relatively bland affair. Despite his abject boredom, Chazz did look forward to telling Jesse of his victory. At times, the Crystal Beast user's relentlessly cheerful attitude annoyed him, but in many ways he was Chazz's only real friend now.
"It's too late to look back. The choice has been made."
At the very least, Chazz was distracted from his brooding by the sheer party atmosphere on the boat. Sergei and the boys found the secret vodka stores hidden underneath floorboards and behind bookshelves, and they were deep in their cups at all hours of the day. At times, Chazz was roped into joining the festivities, but most of the time he spent in his room catching up on homework or reading.
After half a week of sailing, they had finally made it back to Northern Russia. North Academy stood proudly amidst the ice and snow, a man-made structure in rebellion against the harsh reality of nature. It felt good for Chazz to put on his furs again- it felt right. At last, he was alone again, away from Jaden Yuki and Jamie Lancaster and Alexis Rhodes and his thrice-damned brothers.
The sky was clear, and the air was cold and still. Every student at North Academy stood in formation at the docks, a welcoming party to greet their victorious brethren. Even if it was snowing, Chazz knew that these people would still have stood outside to greet him. It was an immensely gratifying feeling. They, of course, had watched the duel live, and Chazz had no doubt that the school had been partying nonstop for the past week. Classes, what are those?
"CHAZZ IT UP!" The students and faculty, nearly a thousand strong, chanted in unison, brought together by the glory Chazz had brought to them. Chazz smiled genuinely at them, waving from the bow of the ship as they finally docked. These were his people.
"Brothers and sisters, for the first time in a great many years, a northman has traveled south and his returned a victor!" The applause grew greater, and Chazz was forced to wait until it subsided somewhat before he begun again. Behind him, Sergei and Foster stood, basking in reflected glory.
"Let this victory serve as guidance for us all- the knowledge that the past does not determine the future. At long last, I have cut away my old life at Central Academy, and this victory will be the first of many!" Chazz raised his fist and bellowed.
The crowd continued to cheer as Chazz's entourage began to leave the ship. He shook hands with every student and teacher who crossed his path, but there was only one person he cared to see.
Eventually, Chazz's searching paid off, and he saw the distinctive teal hair of Jesse Anderson near the back of the pack. His smile was so like Jaden's, and yet Chazz didn't mind the similarity in this instance.
"That was a sweet match, talk about close! I tell you, I wouldn't mind facing that Jaden Yuki kid someday. You weren't kidding when you said he was strong. Looks like that Magic Cylinder came in handy after all!" Jesse greeted casually as they shook hands, his furs rustling in the wind. The crowd began to disperse, members of Chazz's contingent reuniting with their friends and splintering off into their own groups.
"You got that right." Chazz said gruffly, eager to change the subject. "So how have things been up here?"
"Oh you know, cold as ever." Jesse laughed. "I see you're still as grouchy as always, even after such a big win! Come on, you don't have to scowl all the time, Chazz!" He said jovially.
"Yeah, you're right…" Chazz begun. "My brothers were just being dicks, that's all. Nothing to worry about."
"If you say so." Jesse replied, sensing that it was a touchy subject. "I tell you, despite your best efforts to the contrary, you've gotten pretty popular around here. People love to watch you duel. I doubt you'll get any challengers now. So what do you say to a game or two later? Watching that match got me fired up!"
Chazz gave his friend a smile. "Very well, Jesse. We should keep our skills sharp. Something tells me that things won't get any easier from here on out…"
Even as he looked towards the future, Chazz still thought of the ones he left behind. In the night, before sleeping, their faces and words flit into his thoughts, no matter how hard he tried to forget.
"It's too late to look back." Was what Chazz would repeat to himself endlessly.
A/N
Hope you all enjoyed.
Shorter chapter, mostly focused on character development rather than plot progression. I was considering including this material in the previous chapter, but I couldn't help but feel as though it would have been too long. Ehh idk. Either way this wraps up Chazz's three chapter mini-arc.
I'll say it again, it can't be said enough- the feedback on this story has been so amazing, I'm speechless. Thanks to you all! I'm glad you all seem to dig this.
Anyways, Chazz has returned to North Academy, and by the looks of things, will be continuing the rest of his schooling there. However, this is not the end of his story! Chazz will not be involved in the Seven Stars/Shadow Rider arc, it's true, but we will catch up with him down the road. This story will expand on canon in many ways- Chazz, Jesse, and North Academy are all valuable pieces of a greater whole. Of course, Chazz has not yet had his rematch with Jamie, so you know at the very least those two will cross paths again. I mean Chazz straight up hates him, so he'll make something happen.
Next chapter...well, let's just say the title of the next chapter is "Gorilla Mindset". And it it's not filler, as this story does not have filler. Hopefully that piques your curiosity!