Okay, after this chapter the next two will encompass the episode "Darkness Within" which will be the final two chapters of this story.

Chapter Fourteen- The GX Tournament

Life at the Academy had gone back to how it was before Alexis joined the Society. Everyone was glad to have her back. Jaden even kissed her! Alexis took up her room at Slifer again and agreed that the place where they resided could be the new Obelisk Blue.

"I admit the food's not great, but it's not terrible, either," she said as the four girls sat in the living room. "We could ask the Head of the Ra dorm to cook for us though," she added.

"As long as no one has to duel him for it," Atticus said. "Although it was interesting to watch."

Alexis smiled while Mindy and Jasmine looked confused. "I don't think Hassleberry would agree with you."

"Something tells me we should have come down here a long time ago, like when you girls did."

"Things are never dull at Slifer," Alexis agreed.

Her statement held up when they witnessed Hassleberry duel Satorius and even though he lost, the dino duelist didn't join the Society. He explained how, years ago, a dinosaur bone he had discovered on a dig was used to replace a broken bone in a leg on that same dig. So that explains his affinity for dinosaur cards, Atticus thought. Hassleberry's resistance brought about a shocking surprise the next day: Satorius enrolled in Duel Academy and was placed in Obelisk!

Atticus wondered why Satorius was at the school; what he was after. She did notice that he seemed determined to have Jaden lose a duel and sent others to defeat him, only it didn't work. I don't understand, she thought. Why is defeating Jaden so important? Her curiosity about Satorius' plans were put on hold by another concern that had been pushed to the back of her mind: Zane

His new style was as aggressive as ever and it saddened her as it did for Syrus. It prompted both of them to sit at Zane's favorite spot together. Neither one spoke, but Atticus kept hearing the voice of the announcer saying, "And yet another win for Zane Truesdale!" in her mind and she felt tears gather in her eyes but blinked them away. She stared at the water wondering why and how Zane got like this. She felt helpless to help him. She had tried to call him, but someone called Mr. Shroud answered and said that Zane had no time for reporters.

"I'm not a reporter. I'm his girlfriend," she had protested. "Just let me talk to him."

"I'm sorry young lady, but as his manager I say he doesn't need you and anyone else to interfere with his dueling." Shroud had hung up before she could say another word. His words had also chased themselves in her head and she came to a conclusion.

"That creep," she growled, catching Syrus' attention.

"Atticus?"

"I tried to call Zane, but his new manager answered and denied my request to talk to Zane. He said Zane didn't need me or anyone else interfering with his dueling. He hung up before I could respond. I think he's responsible for Zane's change in dueling style."

Syrus nodded. "I think you're right." He stood and she followed. "I didn't want to watch Zane's duel tonight, but now I do to look for the manager's influence."

"Sounds like a good idea. I'll do that too."

"Besides," Syrus added. "Jaden mentioned there might be beef jerky."

Atticus face-palmed. Once upon a time, she would have jumped at the chance to have beef jerky, but when she became female in mind, her liking for said food vanished. Small price to pay, she thought as she followed Syrus. I like being a girl, all things considered.

Atticus's mouth dropped as the duel concluded, now wishing she hadn't watched. Zane's aggressive style had turned destructive! His opponent actually had to be taken to the hospital! Worse yet, Zane didn't seem to care! Have Sy and I truly lost the Zane we knew? I swear if I get my hands on that Shroud, I'll make him regret being Zane's manager! Shroud…Night Shroud. His surname is the same as my Shadow Rider alias. And both were bad news. Oh, Zane. I wish I could help you.

Two days later, the school was gathered in the auditorium for Sheppard had returned and had an important announcement. Some students wondered if Crowler would be fired. Atticus doubted that; he'd probably just go back to being a regular teacher.

Sheppard started off by mentioning the white dorm but said these changes weren't going to stop him from running the school and the important event he was organizing on the island and which explained his absence: The GX Tournament!

"I've invited pro duelists from around the world to compete against one another as well as against you, my students. I want to prove that students are just as capable of dueling pros. The rules are simple: Each one of you will receive a GX medallion. You must accept the first challenge you get and you must duel at least once a day. The winner gets the loser's medallion. The winner of the tournament will receive the grand prize."

Pro duelists? Atticus thought. Will Zane be one of them? She noticed Syrus looking up at her and saw that the same question reflected in his face. He knows how badly I want to talk to him and surely he'll let me have my chance.

"Wow, this tournament's gonna be sweet!" Jaden exclaimed once everyone was in the hall. "I wonder who I'm gonna duel first."

"I think I know who I'm gonna duel first," said Hassleberry, giving Syrus a sly look.

"You think so?" Atticus said. "Who won that duel between you and Syrus? Hmm?"

"I could have won. I just came to realize the depth of loyalty he had for Jaden."

"So, based on that, you let him win?" Alexis spoke up.

"I wouldn't say that exactly."

"You wouldn't?" Atticus pressed.

"Hey, no fair. Two girls teaming up on one guy."

Jaden, Syrus, and Alexis laughed while Atticus grinned at Hassleberry who said, "Okay. I'm missing the joke."

"Honestly, I should have told you when we met, but I hardly think about it now." She leaned in closer. "About a year ago, I was actually a guy."

"What? No way," Hassleberry said in shock. "How in the Sam Hill did you become a girl?"

"I'd be happy to tell you."

The tournament kicked off the next day and Atticus claimed her first victory as did Hassleberry and Syrus. Jaden, however, was at the port waiting for the pros to arrive. Atticus thought that was a good idea, but if they lived across the world, then surely they wouldn't all arrive on the same boat, not to mention the same way.

Atticus won her next duel the following day and spied a few pros pass by during her duel. I wonder if I should challenge a pro for my next duel. Then again, I should save that for Zane.

Atticus was modifying her deck the day of her third win when she heard the front door open and heard a familiar voice say, "The Chazz is back, ladies." She got up from her desk to see Chazz in the living room, dressed in his black clothes and wearing his trademark smirk.

"Welcome back, Chazz. I guess Jaden beat you, huh?"

"No, it was a tie, but at least I'm no longer in that dorky club."

"You remember anything from your time in it?" Atticus asked, curious if prolonged stay made any difference in memories.

"No, not a thing."

"Really? Lexi said the same thing."

"Alexis!? She was in the Society too!?"

"You really don't remember. You dueled her, beat her, and she joined the Society. I talked her back to her senses the next day."

"I can't believe it. My sweet Alexis was in the Society."

"Chazz, Alexis isn't yours. She's been with Jaden for almost a year."

"What!? Alexis with that Slacker?"

"Get over it. I now regret encouraging you to pursue her." Atticus had noticed Chazz's infatuation with her sister and coached him to win her heart; of course that was before she found the necklace.

Chazz fumed while Atticus wondered when Zane would show up. That is, if he was invited.