Going Pro

Chapter 22: Perennial Garden

The weeks slipped by in a monotonous routine. Jesse's days were normal, only occasionally having to go over his notes after P.E. in the morning before he went to class. He had lunch with this cabin mates in the cafeteria. Then he would finish class, do his excessive amount of homework that was not easing up at all, and then gather in the cabin for the study group.

Luckily, midterms were not bad. Even Ray seemed to find it easier than the daily routine. There was discussion that the workload would lessen for the rest of the term, much to everyone's relief. They weren't sure how much longer they could keep up this pace. Even Jesse wanted more time to breathe. He didn't even have time to continue his own research his card's true origins, any clues about the Rainbow Dragon, duel spirit hunters, or even just how to improve his own deck.

"Guys, guys, guys!" Ray burst into the cabin frantically where Jesse, Sean, and Evan were cleaning up the mess they made from their last cram session before midterms.

"What happened?" Sean stopped to look at him.

Ray coughed for a second, clearing his throat. "Chancellor Foster just put up the announcement on the billboard. We're leaving at seven in the morning the day after tomorrow!"

Evan tried to think. "Leaving for what?"

"It is the trip to Perennial Garden Academy!" Ray exclaimed.

"Oh, that," Sean sighed.

"Come on, don't tell me I'm the only one looking forward to it," Ray whined as he unwrapped a hard candy from his pocket and popped it into his mouth.

"I know being around some girls would be a nice change from the smell of armpit and feet here, but a social mixer because they need to practice their social skills doesn't seem fun," Sean said.

"Girls make me nervous sometimes," Jesse admitted. He also wondered if he would even be allowed to leave North Academy for the event due to an increased danger level for duelists with spirits. He had yet to hear back from Pegasus about it but Chancellor Foster had not told him to sit it out.

"Of course they do! So many girls all in one place, looking lovely in all different ways, hiding their own nervousness around us intimidating dudes, it's the same for everyone!" Ray tried.

"I guess you're right," Jesse said.

"I bet he's just worried about what his girlfriend would think about it," Evan said.

Jesse took in a sharp breath. "Oh man! I haven't talked to Julia in over a month!"

"I thought he was going to deny having a girlfriend again…" Sean whispered to Ray, who nodded.

"S-she's not! I don't! It's just not cool to ignore emails like I have been because of school," Jesse defended.

"Kind of short notice for the trip, isn't it?" Evan asked, changing the subject.

"Who cares," Ray scoffed. "Better to have it this soon after midterms so we're not deep in more schoolwork or too close to the end of the year and finals," he rationalized.

"I guess," Sean sighed. "It is a formal event, right? Everyone have something to wear?"

The boys nodded. Even if they weren't prepared, the academy had them covered. Unless a student was in trouble or ill, they were urged to attend.

Unlike Jesse, most of the other students did not have much practice in the kind of social professionalism required in the adult business world. This is what this event was about, being formal and very uncomfortable. The best way to make teenaged boys uncomfortable was to force face-to-face interaction with unknown teenaged girls.

At least, that's what the teachers told them.

Jesse thought he would be alright, but some of the boys have only ever attended all-male schools, so this was either an exciting or terrifying event for them. He wondered if would be the same for the girls as Perennial Garden Academy. Ray seemed to think so.

"The dance lessons start in an hour." Ray grinned.

The boys groaned.

"We have to learn how to dance?" Sean whined. "This isn't a wedding…"

"Just like… ballroom dancing, right?" Jesse asked. He could deal with just that as long as it was easy.

Ray nodded. "Looks like just some simple stuff, nothing too fast." Ray danced around the cabin, showing off a simple foxtrot.

"You can dance?" Jesse chuckled.

"Just a little, can't hurt to learn more!" Ray laughed. "Girls like guys who can dance."

Sean shook his head. "Are you hoping to get a girlfriend out of this?"

Ray shook his head. "Nah…" He smirked mischievously. "I intend to practice flirting."

Jesse blinked. He hadn't even thought of that. It was also surprising to hear about it from Ray of all people.

"I bet you will get slapped," Sean deadpanned.

"What!" Ray mocked offense. "If anyone here is going to get slapped, it's you."

"And why is that?"

"You have no tact, totally blunt, like I could absolutely see you offending someone," Ray countered.

Sean rolled his eyes. "You have clearly never seen me flirt before."

Jesse thought that should have been obvious and quirked an eyebrow as he listened. Although he would not be surprised if the Academy had some homosexuality among its diverse population, it wasn't exactly the best environment to build romantic relationships of any kind. The total lack of privacy was one reason, but also dates to the cafeteria couldn't possibly be very rewarding. Those with the best relationships around here appeared be long-distance. There simply were not many options while attending a remote boarding school that also happened to be all-male.

"Please tell me you don't use cheesy pickup lines," Ray sighed.

"Of course not, just watch and see when we go to Perennial Garden, maybe you'll learn something." Sean smirked.

'Oh no…' Jesse thought.

"Is that a challenge?" Ray quipped with a grin.

"Maybe it should be, care to bet on it?" Sean said.

"You're on!" Ray exclaimed.

Evan stood between the two quickly. "Hold on guys, we don't even know if there will be opportunities to flirt or whatever, what if we are assigned partners when we get there?"

Jesse realized he had no idea what to expect when they got there. "How about Evan and I decide what the game will be when we get there, and then you two can do whatever it is your planning?" he suggested.

Ray and Sean glanced at Jesse and then to each other before nodding.

"Good, now shouldn't we finish up here and get ready for the lesson?" Jesse suggested.

The boys finished up their task and left the cabin. Evan walked beside Jesse. "What do you have in mind for their challenge?" He asked in a whisper so the other two would not hear.

Jesse shrugged with a short laugh. "Not a clue, we will have to wait and see," he said.

The dance lesson was not so bad. They simply went over steps with solo practice as well as where to place their hands. There were also suggestions on how to ask for a dance and every boy was strongly encouraged to dance at least once. Last, they were told they had to participate or they would get in trouble with Chancellor Foster later.

It was not exactly fair to the shyest boys, but Jesse hoped they would manage.

Back in his room behind the privacy of his locked door, Jesse practiced.

"What are you doing?" Cobalt Eagle asked as Jesse stared at his feet and recited the steps.

"I must not be much of a dancer if you have to ask…" He stopped at sat at the edge of his bed where Amethyst Cat had been watching. The oversized cat bumped her head into Jesse's side, asking for a pet to which Jesse complied absentmindedly.

"You're just a little stiff focusing on your feet like that," Topaz Tiger said.

Jesse sighed. "I know, just let me get the hang of this and I won't have to look at my feet anymore."

The spirits cleared the room in compliance. Allowing Jesse to move about with anyone in the way or staring at him while he tried to focus. Once he felt he got the steps down, he picked a spot on the wall and cursed softly when he immediately messed up. Had he been dancing with a partner, he would have surely stepped on their feet, and not lightly either.

"I got this," Jesse tried again.

And again.

And again, until he finally felt confident enough to sit back down. Maybe not the coolest or most graceful, but it was passable. Good thing he chose to pursue a dueling career, because he would not stand a chance as a dancer.

The boys waited in the submarine to arrive as the dock near Perennial Garden with a wide mix of emotions. Some were excited, some practically sweating, and others just bored. At the very least, it would be a new place to visit.

Ray took lots of pictures and made jokes about it being like a prom or something. They were only across an ocean from the countries that participated in those. Ray knew it wouldn't be like the teen movies, but he still teased about it.

"We should hijack the sub and go someplace warm with beaches like California! No, Hawaii!" Ray continued to fantasize.

"While I am sure most would like to do that, we would get in soooo much trouble," Evan chuckled.

"Is it still the tourist season there?" Sean asked.

They had no idea.

After some more joking and aimless vacation fantasizing to pass the time, they were told they were about to dock. The ride took about three hours, so they were eager to get off the submarine and back onto land. There was not much time to spare in the schedule, so they were expected to quickly line up and stand at attention until they received further instructions.

The hotel was the first stop. Jesse learned he was sharing a room with Evan, while Ray and Sean were sharing the room next to theirs. The rooms were connected by a set of doors and they got permission to open them so it was like a four-person room.

Since the party would not start until later that evening, they had free time. As long as they were present when it was time to leave, they were free to leave.

"Dudes!" Ray exclaimed as he hops off his bed with his guidebook.

"What's up?" Evan asked as he popped through the adjoining door with Jesse close behind.

"Let's go to the arcade!"

"There's an arcade nearby?" Jesse asked.

"Like four blocks away."

Sean looked at the map where Ray pointed. "Seems doable, we do have a few hours to kill," he said. "I'll set a timer on my PDA so we can make sure we get back in time to get ready."

"Good idea," Evan agreed.

The moment the stepped outside, they were hit by a cold wind. Not a strong wind, but enough to chill through their North Academy jackets. The tall walls around the campus usually dull much of the harsher winds, but this was a normal city.

The city blocks were old and therefore rather short in distance, so they found the arcade easily. They weren't too interested in the Russian games they tried for a short while, but they quickly found something they all recognized.

"Duel World Two!" Ray ran up to it. "We have to play this together!"

"Round one, Ray verses Jesse," Sean said with a smirk.

"What? Is that even fair?" Ray laughed.

"I can play the winner instead," Jesse offered.

"Okay, I'll go first," Sean said. "First we need to choose decks."

"I'm picking a harpy deck," Ray chuckled.

Sean laughed. "In that case, I'm picking the magical girl deck."

"It might not be as strong as the harpy, but they have decent special effects," Evan observed.

"Please, you need to have incredible luck to get the right combos on the magical girl deck," Ray commented as they started the game.

Sean won. In two rounds.

Ray slunk to the floor in defeat. "That was a hardcore first draw," he said with a chuckle. "Never let it be said that Raymond is a sore loser though, great job," Ray have a thumbs up and then stood again so he could back away from the console.

Evan moved to take his place. "I think I'll try the harpy deck too," he said.

"Avenge me!" Ray cheered.

Sean won again. This time it took quite a bit longer, but Evan joined Ray in the loser corner.

"Alright, Jesse's turn, we're counting on you!" Ray cheered.

"Think you'll play harpies too?" Sean asked. "Continue my winning streak?"

Jesse laughed. He wasn't much of a fan of that deck to begin with, even though he could appreciate it. "I think I'll switch things up…" Jesse said as he scrolled through the lists. It wasn't until he got near the bottom that a smirk pulled his lips. "A fairy deck," he said.

Evan blinked while Ray chuckled. "But those are so weak?" Ray said. "Even most of their special effects are mediocre."

Jesse gave a sidelong stare with a smirk. "Maybe I'm just giving Sean a chance to beat me," he said.

"Ohhhh, slayed!" Ray whooped. "Better watch it Sean, Jesse's gotta plan!" Ray gestured grandly.

"This is going to be good," Even smirked and folded his arms over his chest.

Jesse was a little in awe of himself for saying that. He normally didn't participate in that kind of trash talk. Everyone seemed to have fun. Sean had plenty of his own comebacks as the game progress.

Sean and Jesse were in the zone, so much so they paid hardly any attention to the gathering group around their digital duel. There were whispering and discussions amongst the spectators. Ray was quick to answer questions from the crowd.

"That's right; we're visiting from North Duel Academy." Jesse heard Ray speak this quite clearly. "Just for tonight though, no-no, not for any tournament, we're here on a field trip."

Jesse focused on the duel and went in for the finishing move. "With your field empty and no cards left in your spell and trap card zone, I declare a direct attack to wipe out your remaining life points!"

"Augh!" Sean slumped over as the display quickly counted down to zero and declared Jesse the winner.

The gathering cheered while Jesse leaned down and offered Sean a hand. Once Sean was upright, they bumped their fists together while grinning like children.

"Dude! How did you know to use that one card?" Ray began to ramble off a replay of the digital duel.

There was a flash of a camera that Jesse had to blink against it before he turned away. He didn't want to show up in the background of too many pictures. Even if it was a fan wanting picture of him, he tried to keep pictures and anything like it to a minimum because people need to ask for such things first.

Before an impromptu meet and greet could start, Jesse looked at his PDA for the time. Seeing him do this, the other boys checked their own as well.

"Might as well head back now," Evan sighed.

Not that Jesse was particularly worried about being late, he agreed. Together they got outside without much fuss and walked briskly back to the hotel. It was colder now that it had been earlier.

They had plenty of time to get ready, so they took their time. Showered, dressed, worried over their hair, and mentally practiced what they were supposed to do and the dance steps they had learned.

When Jesse was done, he sat in one of the chairs by the window. The other chair had a bunch of Evan's things laid out as he nearly pulled apart his entire suitcase for his clean black socks. He watched as Ruby Carbuncle cocked its head from side of side as she wondered what was happening. The Crystal Beast deck was secure in Jesse's chest pocket.

"Dude, I hate you right now," Evan sighed as he primped his hair in the mirror.

Jesse scoffed. "Why?"

"Your hair," the other boy started. "It's like… perfect without much work."

"And blue…" Jesse deadpanned. "It kind of stands out no matter what I do with it, so I just don't worry about it anymore." Evan had seen Jesse fix it up in the mirror earlier.

"Mine's just…" Evan paused as he focused on another lock that would not stay where he put it. "Being dumb."

Jesse gave a short chuckle. "It looks fine," he said.

Sean popped his head into the room. "Worry more about how you smell than what your hair looks like," he offered.

"That's not helpful, everyone knows you can only wear so much cologne," Evan said.

"Yeah!" Ray jumped in through the adjoining door.

"So now what?" Jesse said as he stood.

"We have to wait downstairs and line up for attendance check," Sean explained. "Then we'll get on the bus and head over to the school."

"Let's go then," Jesse said.

"Oh are you in a hurry Jesse?" Ray joked.

"Yeah, I didn't know you were so excited for this," Evan added.

Jesse scoffed a little. "Just looking forward to being done so we can get back to our own campus, I don't know about you, but I have a lot of work to do."

The boys deflated a little. "Oh yeah…" Ray sighed heavily.

"Now, now," Jesse tried. "I've just got a lot on my mind, didn't mean to bring you down."

They entered the lobby and a couple of the other dorms were arriving as well. "Celtic Guardian, check." The Class Rep checked off everyone's name as they lined up. Chancellor Foster checked over everyone's attire and nodded in approval.

Since they were a little early, they had to wait around longer.

Boredom ensued.

Jesse had to watch Ray practically vibrate in front of him. Sean kept glancing back from his place in front of Ray to cast him an annoyed look every time he sighed a little too loudly. Jesse had to put a stop to the vicious cycle unfolding before him before Ray started jumping around or Sean lost his temper.

Quietly lifting his arm, Jesse placed a comforting hand on Ray's shoulder as he leaned forward to speak quietly. "Are you okay?"

Ray jumped slightly in surprise. "Huh? Oh, yeah, just too much energy," he grinned.

Jesse gave a knowing look. "Take a long deep breath, maybe it'll calm you?" he suggested.

Ray nodded and turned forward again. Jesse watched as he took a focused and slow breath and then let it out carefully. Ray didn't turn back to Jesse, but it appeared to have worked. Instead, Sean turned around and flashed Jesse a thankful look to which Jesse nodded. Luckily, they were set to leave within moments.

The ballroom at Perennial Garden was a sight to behold. The ceiling was tall and the floor shined. As the students from North Academy entered, they noted the music already playing and the girls dressed up and lined up to escort each boy to the dance floor as they entered.

Jesse was surprised. No formalities, just straight to work.

"Thank you for attending, my name is Lily," said a girl in a lavender dress and a brunette up-do. She took his hand without hesitation and led him far across the dance floor.

He blushed when he immediately had to dodge her feet when she stopped to face him and place a hand on his shoulder. "S-sorry," he said following a second stumble.

"It's okay," she smiled. She mercifully allowed him to readjust and place his hand on the appropriate section of her waist, not too low as to touch her hip but not too high and risk a graze of her chest. He then held her hand up with this other hand as he should.

Just as he was taught, he started by taking a small step forward. She thankfully read his move and took an appropriate step back. Then read his next more and followed him to the side and back again. It was choppy, but passible. He knew the teachers were watching.

He looked away from his feet and met her eyes just below his normal line of vision. Lily held her gentle smile and let her head quirk to the side slightly as she watched him. "What's your name?" she asked.

"I uh, I'm Jesse," he got the words out between concentrated steps.

"You are dancing well, Jesse."

"I am more of a duelist than a dancer."

She laughed at that. "Yes, I would sure hope so."

Jesse flushed a bit at that.

"And what about your friend?" Lily commented as she looked to his left. Jesse spared a look and caught a glimpse of Ray dancing very well with his partner. Ray allowed his partner to spin gracefully before drawing her back to his arms where he followed a similar pattern of steps but also rotated them around.

Jesse brought his gaze back to Lily's. "He's… been practicing." With a small quirk of his eyebrow she caught the humor and smiled with another small laugh.

The two danced until the song ended. She took a small step away and curtseyed. "Thank you, Jesse," she said and moved on while he bowed slightly at the waist.

As he straighten, he found he was approached by another would be partner.

The patterned continued for a handful of songs and Jesse found he was a better dancer already. His feet began to move on their own accord when a rhythm was set. When he was finally without a partner, he was able to step away for a break.

"This turned out differently than I expected," Evan said when Jesse stood beside him at the edge of the room.

"What were you expecting?" Jesse asked, slightly distracted. He felt like he was still being watched. He was hated this feeling. It seemed to increase whenever he went someone for an event. He really didn't feel up for dealing with a spirit trapper or rare hunter thief.

"I don't know," Evan chuckled. "Just not this."

"They made it too easy for us," Jesse said with a smile. "We don't have to do anything but avoid stepping on their feet."

"Not a bad setup if you ask me," Evan commented. "Have any good conversations?"

"Just small talk," Jesse admitted.

"Same," Evan said. "They all seem like very nice girls, very polite."

"That's good to hear. I was afraid this would be really nerve wracking and awkward."

Evan nodded. "Guess that's what we were supposed to learn by doing this? Like, how to not be awkward in formal social situations?"

"Learning by demonstration and observation?" Jesse offered.

"Exactly."

"Ray looks like he's having fun," Jesse smiled.

Evan chuckled. "Ray always finds ways to have fun," he said. "Except during midterms and finals."

"He's a mess when testing is involved."

"Excuse me."

Jesse and Evan looked over to see a petite thin girl looking up from under her auburn bangs. Her posture was straight and she had her hands folded together delicately in front of her.

"Yes?" Jesse blinked. He wondered if she wanted to dance, but she didn't state so right away.

"May I speak with you over there?" she asked, her eyes gesturing a nearby door situated behind a refreshment table.

Jesse's eyes narrowed before he forced himself to soften and turn a polite smile. "What is this about?"

She hesitated when Evan learned a little closer to catch what was going on. She lifted her head for her eyes to better meet Jesse's. "Duel spirits," she said clearly.

Jesse's eyes widened a fraction as his lips parted to draw in a breath. With a sharp nod, he turned to the door but stopped to place a hand on Evan's shoulder. "I'll be right back," he said to make sure Evan understood nothing was afoot.

The girl was close behind him as they quickly passed through the door before they would be seen. Jesse found it was a simple hallway. He was able to read an exit sign just up ahead.

"You are Jesse Anderson, correct?" she asked.

"I am," he smiled in a way he hoped seemed friendly. "Who are you?"

"Nobody, I mean…" she shook her head. "I am Vanessa and a student of Perennial Garden."

"Nice to meet you," Jesse said. "You said there was something concerning duel spirits?"

Vanessa nodded quickly and looked towards her shoulder. That's when Jesse saw something show itself. It appeared to be a fairy of some kind, but he didn't recognize it as a duel monster he knew. Not that he knew every card ever made.

"Oh I see," he said. "Hello there, little one," he greeted the tiny fairy too. The fairy peaked out from behind Vanessa's shoulder and blushed. "Cute."

Vanessa laughed softly at that. "She is, but…"

Jesse noted her tone. "What's wrong?"

"I can't keep her," she said. The fairy even nodded along, much to Jesse's surprise.

"Come again?"

"You see, I do not duel. I don't even own a true deck. Ever since she came to me, I have become so tired…" she explained. "I researched all I could and asked around in forums and wasn't able to get any answers at all, it's such a mystery."

"Yes… I'm afraid so," Jesse looked down.

"When I heard about you, and saw all of them with you, I got an idea," she continued. "Maybe she belongs to someone else, but just needs help."

Jesse thought of the stray spirits he witnessed every now and then. He wondered what it meant. What if Vanessa's energy couldn't support the fairy? What if she needed a true deck? What if the fairy was sapping her of her energy to begin with? He just didn't know.

"The moment I learned your school was coming here, I knew I had to talk to you, you are the only one I have been able to talk to about this in person," she said.

"I'm sorry, I don't much," he admitted.

She deflated a little. Nodding in understanding, she then reached into the pocket of her dress and removed a Duel Monsters card. "Please, find her a better home." Vanessa offered the card.

"What?"

"I can't keep her," she repeated.

"But what if you are meant to have her? To be by her side?" Jesse asked.

"It does not feel like it…" Vanessa reached into her pocket again and removed a white card. "But I would appreciate your help. Here is my contact. If you cannot do anything I will take her back, but this is the first opportunity we have ever had to get her out of here, please help us."

Jesse could not get himself to walk away from that. "Okay, I understand." He took both cards and looked at the contact card closely. It had her name, personal phone number, and an email address. "I will contact as soon as I know something. I can take her to Pegasus or Chancellor Foster first to see if they have any suggestions for this case."

"Thank you so much, I really appreciate it," she said. "I feel like I pushed you–I know I did, but I really hope you understand."

"I do."

"Thank you," she breathed. It was clear a weight had been lifted from her shoulders. This was clearly something that had bothered her for some time and she was desperate for his help.

"It's okay, I'll do what I can," he said. "But we should probably get back inside, would you like to dance?"

"You are right, and yes, that would be lovely."

He offered her his hand and led her back inside. Jesse danced with her for two songs and talked to her about the fairy and anything he could learn about her situation. She promised to draft an email with more details as soon as he contacted her when he returned to North Academy.

Even though he was also a boarding school student, he was also a rising celebrity and had far greater chances of travel and information gathering than she did. Vanessa was actually very relieved to hear he was already investigating matters relating to duel spirits. He did not mention trappers. Just thinking about trappers reminded him that it was probably better that this girl not possess a duel spirit, because she could become a target.

"Thank you for everything, I feel so lucky to have met you, it is such a relief to know this card spirit will be in good hands," Vanessa said as she stepped away to curtsy.

"You're welcome," Jesse bowed and watched her step away.

Since he was back on the dance floor, he was quickly approached by another partner. This time he learned the girls were required to dance with at least eight partners for the night, ensuring everyone was forced to ask another to dance and to keep people dancing for a long as possible.

After the two hours were up, it was time for the final dance and to say their goodbyes.

Jesse got back on the bus and patted his jacket to make sure he still had everything in the pockets, namely his cards and the new card he would be taking with him. Evan sat next to him while Ray and Sean sat in front of them.

After attendance was checked again, Ray and Sean turned around with smug looks on their faces. Jesse blinked, confused. Evan pinched the bridge of his nose.

"Did you two really…?

Ray beamed. "You bet!"

Sean gave a small smug chuckle as both he and Ray held up a contact card. They did it. They got girls' phone numbers.

Jesse had forgot about their flirting challenge until that moment.

"So you both flirted well enough to get a contact?" Evan deadpanned. "Those poor girls…"

Jesse snorted and laughed behind his hand.

"Please, like you could do better," Ray smirked.

Evan held up his hands defensively. "Hey, I'm not looking to one up anyone," he chuckled. "Right Jesse?"

Jesse paused deliberately as he got an idea. Now he was not normally one to tease, but this opportunity was too good to resist.

"Jesse?"

"Well…" Jesse drawled out like he was caught hiding something. "I probably shouldn't say anything because…" He then reached into his pocket and retrieved Vanessa's contact card, revealing that he too, had received one.

Both Sean and Ray's jaws dropped as their eyes went wide. There was a short paused while the three looked at Jesse in disbelief and wonder. Jesse could see they all came to the same conclusion and bought into his little charade.

"I hate you all," Evan pouted.

Sean and Ray rolled back laughing as the bus began to move. Jesse tried his best not to laugh, but was easily sucked in.

- - - - - - - - Another Awesome Line - - - - - - - -

Author's Note:

Took extra time to update, I've been busy and I rewrote more than half of this chapter after I got stuck, twice. It happens. Something I find funny though, once this story starts to approach two months since its last update, I notice some new followers in my inbox. Thanks for following everyone.

Side note: I placed North Academy in East Russia, just above Japan if you were to travel north from the upper region. This is because Manjoume was able to get close using a small yacht, so I imagine if Duel Academy was near southern Japan, then Manjoume traveled north until he hit ice. Perennial Garden is on the mainland either west or north of North Academy's island. (wish I could attach a map for a visual)