Hey Duelist! Here we go with the next chapter. This one is more of a lore based and easy-going chapter. I hope you all enjoy!

"Duel"- talking

'Duel'- thinking

"Duel" – Duel Spirit talking

*** POV change

- Time break in same POV

"Here you go, young man," the receptionist said. She handed Luke a box with his school essentials.

Luke opened the box after finding a spot to sit. Inside were his new DA issued Duel Disk, a PDA, Personal Dueling Assistance, and his Slifer Red Uniform. He knew his score was just enough to pass, but he was glad to get it.

Luke inspected the new Duel Disk. The design was more curved than the Battle City models, smoother as well. Overall, the design was good.

Opening the PDA, Luke inputted the information needed to use it. He synced it with his Duel Disk to keep track of his grades.

A tap on his shoulder took Luke out of his tinkering. Looking up, Luke saw a girl with blonde hair and red tips, and big sky-blue eyes. She was in the standard Obelisk Blue girl's uniform. Something about her screamed "fire". Her smile made her seem sweet and innocent.

Luke noticed a transparent figure over the girl's shoulder, as she started speaking. "Hi there. Are you the one who used the Black Luster Soldier combo?"

Luke simply nodded. He had no idea why a Blue had wanted to talk to him. HE was more concerned about the figure behind her.

"That was an awesome combo," the girl continued, "even though you were ahead, you did not hold back."

Luke looked away. Though the girl was sincere, he couldn't, or rather didn't, want to be around her. The girl was nice, but he didn't want her near him, for her safety.

"Sorry Miss," Luke started.

"Sierra." She said.

"Excuse me?" he asked confused.

"My name is Sierra." She giggled.

"Miss Sierra," Luke said regaining his composure. "But I think it's best you don't talk to me. I know it sounds rude, but it's for your own good. Besides," Luke pulled out his Slifer jacket, "I'm a Slifer. According to the rumors, Slifer are mistreated by the other dorms. Since I can tell you're an Obelisk, it'd be in your best interest to just be mean to me."

Luke put his jacket away and grabbed his box. He walked past Sierra but was stopped by a tug on his sleeve. Reluctantly, he turned to be struck by tearing sky blue eyes. Luke jumped back in shock. He didn't mean to make the girl cry.

"You're a Duelist," Sierra said, holding back a sob. "It doesn't matter what dorm you're in. I just wanted to say how amazing your deck was. You don't have to be mean about it."

Luke turned his back to the girl, before saying, "I apologize. I was picked on a lot in school. I've disliked bullies for a while now. Sometimes my dueling reflects that. I just try not to get hurt."

"And that's all?" Sierra asked. She seemed to ease up a bit after Luke explained. "I guess that makes sense. Well I hope you and I can at least be friends."

"Again, I apologize," Luke said. He started to walk away, before he said, "I'm not an entirely friendly person." ***

Sierra watched the boy walk away. A part of her wanted to go after him. But something about his last comment didn't sound right. Before she could ponder it anymore, Alexis came up behind her.

"Sierra, c'mon," She said. "It's time to start boarding the ship. Let's go find some good rooms."

"Okay," Sierra said, in her cheerful manner. "Hopefully, we can have a few duels before we reach the Academy."

"Hold your horses, Flamey," Alexis giggled. "We should get on the ship first. That way we can make it to the island."

"Right," Sierra said, before darting to the gate. Alexis followed behind at a slower pace. Nearly laughing as her hyper friend was anxious for a few new challenges. -

On the boat, Sierra looked over the railing at the ocean. The view was beautiful, so beautiful that Sierra couldn't contain herself.

"Ocean! Me and my flames won't lose to you!" She yelled while pointing to the water.

Other students simply glanced at her. To them, it may have seemed weird for a girl in the Obelisk dorm to be shouting at the ocean. Many just wrote it off as her being excited. Few had just glanced at her because she was cute, and her personality helped to draw attention to her.

"You know you can't duel the ocean," Alexis said, walking to her. Beside her was Zane, with his normal near-frown look.

"She's just excited," The Kaiser pitched.

"You know it," Sierra said, turning to face her fellow Blues. "I can't wait. All these Duelists, all with strategies I've never seen. How can someone not be excited?"

"We are going to a school," Alexis put in.

"Killjoy," Sierra pouted.

This caused Alexis to giggle. Zane settled for smirking at the blonde. Soon, Sierra joined Alexis in giggling.

"By the way," Alexis started, when they calmed down, "Did you find the Duelist with the Black Luster Soldier? I saw him on the boat. He was looking at one of his cards. He should be on the other side of the ship."

"I spoke with him before we boarded. But I didn't get his name." Sierra looked down a bit sad. "He seemed a bit lonely. He seemed to put up a wall to protect himself, since he said he didn't want friends."

"Well that's weird," Alexis said, a bit angered. "What guy would say that to someone who is only trying to be nice?"

"It does matter," Sierra said, regaining her happiness. "Let's go see if we can grab a bite. I'm starved."

"Agreed," Zane and Alexis said together. The trio headed into the ship to find the café. ***

Luke stared at his Black Luster Soldier card. To make it look normal, Luke always made it look like he was doing something when he spoke to Soldier. He kept any replies in his head, since he knew no one could see his partner.

"You should've been nicer," Soldier said to him. The spirit was leaning on the railing, facing his owner. "I know you don't want to 'infect' other Duelists, but you need to learn to trust people. Besides, she could be like you. You did see her Duel Spirit with her."

'But she didn't,' Luke retorted, 'Since she hasn't acknowledged it yet, I couldn't make out her Monster. Besides our personalities don't match. She is hyper and happy, while I'm…'

"Dark and moody," Soldier laughed.

"Uncool," Luke said aloud. He put his card away. There was no one else around, so he could speak aloud without fear. "Anyway, I need to keep a low profile. I don't want to draw too much attention. Especially after my last City Duel."

"You didn't need to do that you know," Soldier said, resting his transparent hand on his Duelist. "You need to learn control. I'm sure someone on the island can help."

"I don't want help." Luke said, moving away from his partner. "What I want is to be left alone. I just can't stand bullies."

"I know," the Duel Spirit said, "But a few friends won't hurt."

"Yeah, maybe you're right." Luke sigh at his partner's logic.

"Mind if I cut in?" a new voice said. Luke turned to see a boy his age with two-toned brown hair, which almost looked like a Kuriboh. His brown eyes held a fiery Duelist Pride. "I couldn't help but notice your sweet Duel Monster."

Both Luke and Black Luster Soldier were surprised. Luke was shocked to find another person who can see his Spirit. Soldier was surprised to find a human who could help Luke. Luke regained his composure first.

"So, you can see my partner," Luke said, quirking his eyebrow, "Well my name is Luke. Can I ask yours?"

"I'm Jaden Yuki," the boy said while pointing to himself. "I've got a few friends myself. Come on guys, it's okay."

What Luke saw next was a treat. First, a Winged Kuriboh popped in and started fluttering about. It perched itself on Luke's head, before he swatted it away. Second, was a Duel Monster Luke hadn't seen before. It looked to be a female humanoid. Her abdomen and left pectoral area were silver. Her right pectoral, waist and left leg were black. Her arms were a dark tan, with her left arm being a bit darker. Her hair, which was wild, was silver on the right and blue on the left. Giant bat wings were folded on her back. What caught Luke's attention the most were her eyes. The right eye was orange while the left was teal. She also had a third eye on her forehead that was red.

"The little one is Winged Kuriboh," Jaden said with a smile, "He seems to like you. And this big girl, is my partner Yubel."

Said monster just grunted and looked away. Luke could tell it'd be a worthy card to fight. His Darkness was starting to stir. Until Winged Kuriboh started fluttering around him again.

"Looks like Kuriboh REALLY likes you." Jaden laughed.

"Please get it away from me," Luke nearly pleaded.

"C'mon Buddy, leave the guy alone." Winged Kuriboh went to Jaden's side as soon as he called it. Jaden smiled at his monster.

There was something about Jaden that Luke did not like. It wasn't the fact that he saw Soldier, or that he had two Duel Spirits of his own. There was something about Jaden himself, that Luke did not like.

Before Luke could ask anything, the ship captain said the ship would be docking soon. He said for all passengers to gather their belongings.

"I guess that's my cue," Luke said. Walking by Jaden, he said, "I hope we can have a Duel soon, Jaden. Something tells me you'll be a tough opponent." With the words said, Luke headed to grab his gear. ***

Jaden watched as Luke left. When the raven-haired boy turned the corner, he spoke to Yubel. "What do you make of him?"

"Hard to say," the Duel Monster said. "It's interesting enough that he sees me and Kuriboh. It's good to know he has a partner spirit. But there was something about him that made me uneasy."

Winged Kuriboh cooed in agreement.

"It's almost like he has my powers," Jaden pondered, "But there is a negativity to it."

"It makes sense," Yubel said, "By the looks of it, he has no connection to the Shadows. Nor a connection to your past self."

Jaden pondered Yubel's reasoning. Because of the case back in the City, Jaden knew he wouldn't be able to focus. Something about Luke made it feel like he was connected to the cases. After all, this new student was the first Jaden met that could see Yubel. That meant something to the Detective.

"We'll have to interrogate him without being suspicious," Jaden said walking to his dorm, "I'm sure he'll be keeping an eye on us." -

The boat soon docked, and Jaden had his gear ready. He left the boat ready for anything. Yet he was somehow not ready for…

"JADEN!"

Jaden almost jumped at the voice that called him. He turned to find Syrus running after him. Syrus tackled him as soon as the blue-haired boy got close enough. Jaden noticed the smaller boy was crying.

"Hey Sy," Jaden said after his heartrate decreased, "What's with the waterworks?"

"My brother…bullies…Blues…HELP!" Syrus cried.

"I don't quite follow." Jaden could tell what the boy meant. But he knew it also meant trouble.

Syrus finally calmed down and let Jaden go. He wiped the tears away before speaking. "Sorry, seeing my big brother again brings back some painful memories. I felt like nothing I did could please him. I was always a failure to him."

"Well don't worry about what he says," Jaden said, shocking the small bluenette. "Worry about the path you choose. That way, no matter what is said, you'll be able to walk on with your head held high. Take it from a pro."

Jaden's words seemed to lift the young duelist. Syrus's eyes seemed to light up with newfound hope. Jaden was glad to see someone get stronger, even by words.

"C'mon Sy. Before we're late for the opening ceremony."

"Right behind you Jay," the bluenette said, jogging after his new friend. ***

Luke changed into his uniform, right before the boat docked. He looked around the island and already felt uneasy. There was something on the island that made his stomach churn.

"Are you okay?" Soldier asked. "You look unwell."

"I don't know." Luke held his head as the world stopped spinning. "Whatever's here is evil. We need to avoid it."

"Agreed."

Luke headed to the Main Building, so he wasn't late for the opening ceremony. He unzipped his jacket halfway, so he could cool down. Whatever was on the island, wanted to be found. But did Luke want to find it? -

The opening ceremony was a short one. The D.A. Principle gave a short speech about the Academy's history to the freshman. Luke was half paying attention, due to the feeling he had. When everyone was dismissed to find their living arrangements, Luke decided to head to the forest.

He had some time to kill before the welcome dinner. He didn't care about meeting his roommates until later.

Luke decided to wander around the forest. Within a few minutes, he noticed something near the trees. Near the base of one tree, there was a hazy, transparent figure. Luke could not make out any features. All he saw was orange and blue. As he approached it, the figure disappeared.

Before Luke could question what he saw, a voice from above called out, "LOOK OUT BELOW!"

As soon as the voice came, so did a falling person. Said person landed on top of Luke, pinning him to the ground. The impact had caused him to shut his eyes.

When he opened them, Luke was greeted with an interesting site. Right in front of his eyes, was the backside of a girl in a short, blue skirt. The short skirt left little to the imagination. The girl moaned before sitting up, on his chest no less. Luke was surprised to see blonde hair with red tips.

"I'm so sorry," Sierra said, without realizing who she fell on. "I didn't mean to fall on you, sir. I was climbing this tree and I lost my balance."

Sierra turned her head, and her expression changed to utter shock. She scurried to get off Luke and put her back to the nearest tree. She was as red as her tips.

"It's you again," She nearly screamed, "The Black Luster Boy. Wh-wh-what did you see?"

"Nothing," Luke said, looking away. He was trying to suppress a blush that came to his face. "By the way, I realized I never gave you my name earlier. It's Luke."

"Nice to finally meet you, Luke," Sierra giggled, with her blush dying down. "How are you liking the Academy?"

"We haven't even started classes yet," Luke said, "Besides, I think it's best you don't talk to me. I thought I made that clear back in the City."

"I know" Sierra looked away, "But I just want to be your friend. Who is going to try and stop us?"

"Try the entire Obelisk student body," Luke answered, surprising Sierra. "Even after a few hours, I've noticed the food chain here. Obelisk's are high and mighty. Ra's are average and modest. And the Slifer's," Luke clutched his jacket for emphasis, "We're treated like dirt. No one can change that."

"But I don't care," Sierra said, pushing herself off the tree. She slowly started walking to Luke. "All I care about is Dueling. I want to meet strong Duelists, so I can get stronger. I don't care about the rank at all."

With her last sentence, Sierra was pressed up against Luke. She was only inches away, and Luke did nothing to stop her. Instead, he too started leaning in. When their lips met, all Luke saw was a flash…

When he opened his eyes, Luke didn't see Sierra. In fact, he wasn't even in the forest. He was floating in the sky, above what seemed to be a wedding ceremony. On one side of the aisle, were people dressed in red. On the other side, were people dressed in dark blue.

'What is this?' Luke thought. 'Where am I?'

Luke looked to the altar and saw a young man, dressed in black and dark blue. Next to him, was a man dressed to look like the Black Luster Soldier, but the armor was a different color. His armor was silver where it was normally black.

Across from them, was a man in reddish orange armor. Luke thought the man looked familiar, but he wasn't sure why. The man in red was looking down the aisle.

Before Luke could form a question about the man in red, music started. Luke somehow knew it was a wedding procession. Luke looked to the door and was shocked at who he saw. Everyone in the audience rose as a young woman walked down the aisle. She was garbed in a beautiful white dressed that had red trim. Her blonde hair was done in a bun, while a veil covered her face. Luke could still see her sky-blue eyes under the veil. Her smile reminded him of Sierra.

It was at that moment; he took a closer look at the young man at the altar. He had shoulder length raven hair, and mesmerizing silver eyes. The young man was a spitting image of Luke.

Luke shook his head in disapproval. 'It's a dream,' he thought, 'A very weird dream.'

With the thought of dreaming, Luke was brought back to reality. The first thing to register, was the feeling of Sierra's lips. Followed by the feeling of her body pressed up against his. Luke broke the kiss and backed away. His mind was whirling with multiple thoughts.

Sierra looked too mesmerized to have realized what just happened. Her eyes were lidded, and she wore a seductive smile. Luke knew that if he didn't leave now, he would regret his next decision.

"I'm sorry," he said quickly, "Please forget this happened!"

Luke turned and ran to the Slifer dorm. He couldn't face Sierra after what he did. ***

Only two things were going through Sierra mind; (1) how amazing the kiss was and (2) how amazing it made her feel. She knew she was blushing, but she didn't care. She felt like she was floating on air, until Luke told her to forget it. After he ran, Sierra snapped out her delusion.

Sierra wasn't 100% sure why she had kissed Luke. But she did not regret it at all. Somehow, it made her feel complete. It didn't seem to do the same for Luke.

Sierra huffed and pouted as she walked back to the Obelisk Girls' Dorm. She missed the chance to ask Luke out, before she kissed him. There was something about him that made her feel whole. Like he was a lost piece to the puzzle of her life.

As she approached her dorm, Sierra heard a voice behind her: "I'm glad to see the Princess happy again."

The voice sounded male, which was unusual considering she was at the Girls' Dorm. It wasn't familiar, but there was a part of her that recognized it. Sierra turned slowly, hoping to see why she knew the voice.

To her surprise, a person dressed as her favorite card was standing behind her. Though transparent, Sierra could see the blue body armor, orange helmet, and red loincloth. A Salamandra sword was on his back. Flame Swordsman was right in front of her.

"Oh…my…GOSH!" Sierra said happily.

The swordsman looked at her, and then reacted. He acted as if she wasn't supposed to see him. He regained his composure and spoke.

"Princess?" he asked in a regal manner, "Can you see me?"

"I'm no princess," Sierra giggled, "But, yes I can. This is so cool."

"I see," Swordsman put a hand to his chin, indicating his thinking process. "When you encountered that Luke boy, your powers may have reawakened. I'm glad I can speak with you now."

"My power?" Sierra asked.

"Until we know for certain," Swordsman said, "Keep my presence secret from all, except those who can see me. Do you understand, Princess?"

Sierra nodded. Flame Swordsman disappeared after returning the nod. Sierra was overjoyed, though she didn't know why. She wished she could tell someone, but Swordsman said to only tell those who could see him. So, Sierra decided to act like she always did.

She realized how late it was getting and darted into the Girls' Dorm. Hopefully, she could make it in time for the beginning of the Welcome Dinner. -

So visions, partners and a pairing. This chapter was meant to kind of start a certain train of events. And besides lore for my OCs, I will be sticking to the source materials of the franchise.
But I hope you guys are enjoying the story so far, and are excited for the story to continue.