" 'ayden?" Cassandra called out softly, her voice echoing along the locker room walls. "'ayden?"
"…Go away." The Scotsman's voice answered, broken and hallow.
"Please come out 'ayden. I wants ta talk ta ya." Cassandra said softly, continuing on through the locker room. "And as much as I'm enjoying this tour, I'd prefer it if we could sit down and just talk."
"About what?" The young man asked. "What is there left to talk about Cassandra? About how I lost? About how I couldn't come through when you needed me? How I just choked?" He was silent moment, his voice already heavy with emotion. "Take your pick, Cassie."
Cassandra frowned, making her way deeper into the locker room. "Do ya 'onestly believe that, 'ayden? Do ya believe that I think that about ya?"
"How could ya not, lass?" Hayden's voice asked, drifting through the air. "I lost the duel. I try to be strong, to change, but I'm the same fool that I've always been. Nothin' ever changes."
"First off, you're not a fool or a wanker or anything soddin' think like that. Second, why did you feel that you needed to change?"
Hayden sighed. "Because I'm an embarrassment. I can't even duel properly!"
"You don't call that out there duelin' properly?" Cassandra asked incredulously. "You don't call almost winnin' 'proper duelin''?!? You call 'olding out against two professional assassins and backing me up all the way wrong?!? You call nearly being the one to defeat the last of the Rare Hunters bad?!?!"
"No one remembers second place." Hayden said glumly. Cassandra finally found him sitting on a bench, picking at his gloves. "I let you down Cass. Again. Hayden "Can't even duel right" McGregor."
SLAP!
Hayden looked up at Cassandra, touching his reddened cheek. His eyes were wide, and he could still feel the sting of Cass' hand across his face.
"you hit me!"
"I 'it idiots." Cassandra snarked.
SLAP!
Hayden glared at her. "You hit me again!"
"Are you done being an idiot and thinkin' you are pathetic?"
"I am pat…"
SLAP!
"Stop that!"
"I slap idiots. And only an idiot would think wot you did out there wasn't great duelin'. Now let me get this through your head!" With that, Cassandra grabbed Hayden's jacket and pulled him up, smashing her mouth against his. The Scottish duelists eyes grew wide as Cassandra passionately kissed him, before melting into the moment, savoring her touch. Finally, after a minute, Cassandra let go and rested her forehead against his. "'ayden…I don't care if you are the best or worst duelist that ever was. All I want is you, you got that you bloody wanker?"
"…yea." Hayden finally said. "I think I do."
"Good…now, let's talk about your outfit."
"What's wrong with my outfit?"
Cassandra stuck out her tongue. "For one, yellow is out…and purple is so the new black…"
&&&
"So you're really a government agent?" Jaden exclaimed, bouncing in his seat. "That is so cool…do you have a jet pack?"
Dhmitri sent Jaden a withering look. "Did I really think at some point that I wanted to be just like him?"
"Unfortunately." Alex replied, ruffling the younger man's hair. "But I forgive you."
"Why Dhmitri?" Bastion asked.
"Why what?"
"Why select him to help you?" Bastion asked. "I am a better duelist then him…"
Zane glared at the Brit. "Not everything is about you, Bastion."
"For once me and Zaney agree." Alexander said. Zane shot him a look at Alex just smiled. "You know, of everything in this little charade, one of the few things I was honest about was how much I truly hate you."
Alexis frowned. "Why would you hate Zane?"
"I don't know, because the sonuvabitch sent my wife off into the hands off Arliss Lockehart?"
"I still can't believe Samantha is your wife." Atticus said.
"I still can't believe she's 20!" Syrus exclaimed.
"Hollywood does it all the time." Dhmitri said. "You really think Ryan and Seth and Marissa and Summer are teenagers?"
Jaden scratched his head. "Who?"
"Characters from The OC." Everyone slowly looked at Dr. Crowler. "That is to say…I believe they are…I don't watch the show."
"…well, now that I have the image of Crowler and Ryan Atwood stuck in my head…" Alexander complained, "we can move onto more pressing matters. Namely, why I am here.
"As you have been informed, I am Agent Alexander Milo. I am a secret agent with the United States Government. I have been sent here to investigate the school. It is the source of…interest for the government. I was originally here to investigate the Rare Hunters, but now with the Shadow Riders…among other things…" He gave Jaden a hard stare, the Slifer shifting uneasily. "I am now permanently stationed at the academy, until such time as I have determined its safety. This means that I must shift goals, and deal with the Rare Hunters now. I can't allow them free reign anymore."
Shepard frowned. "But what can you do? I signed the contract."
"I must say, this is too silly. Arliss Lockehart is not a Rare Hunter." Crowler complained. Alexander had felt it best to let everyone on the teaching staff in on his true nature. "He is merely eccentric, that is all. Great duelists tend to be, anyway. Many a people have called me eccentric."
Dhmitri leaned in to Alex. "Do people really say that about him?"
"Yea…and all the women think he's a great lover…what the hell do you think, Dhmitri?!" Alex cleared his throat. "Think what you will, Dr. Crowler, but the facts remain that Arliss Lockehart has actively brainwashed, kidnapped and seduced young women here at this academy…as well as…one man, apparently."
"Hayden is there because he loves Cassandra Lockehart." Zane said. "You of all people should know what someone will do in the name of love."
Alexander nodded, subtlety shifting his blazer to reveal his handgun. "Yes, I know all to well, Zane."
"Agent Milo, please!" Shepard exclaimed. "Let us try and stay on topic. You believe that currently, our biggest threat is Arliss Lockehart?"
"correct. He has already shown that he is willing to do what it takes in order to get what he wants. We have traced him to a hotel bombing in Wisconsin…Mr. Lockehart was there at the time visiting Nessa Lockehart's parents."
"Was anyone killed?" Bastion asked.
"Yes…many teens lost their lives thanks to the explosion, others were gravely injured and scarred. Each one…apparently…had made fun of a young woman named Vanessa Fox."
"Nessa." Alexis whispered. "She's…she's been in my head." She looked up Alexander. "When I dueled her…before you came her…she made me see things. All my worst fears. And I'll have nightmares sometimes, that I swear she is the cause of."
Alexander nodded. "I believe each of the Rare Hunters posses some sort of power. Nessa Lockehart something to do with fear…I don't know about Arliss or Cassandra, but they've shown signs. And Hayden McGregor…it's too soon to tell if he is a true Rare Hunter of merely there because of his girlfriend."
"What do you want to do, Prof. Milo?" Jaden asked. "With that contract, we can't just walk up to them and make them leave…can we?"
"No…but I've studied the contract. While it grants the Rare Hunters the ability to duel when they want, it does not allow them to deny school organized duels. Which means that we can create any duel we want, and make them face us."
"Wait…" Syrus said. "You mean we could have all 4 of them duel all of us in this room…and they'd have to."
"We could, but we won't."
"Why?"
Dhmitri scoffed. "Because Arliss would kill most of us off before the duel could even begin. We have to make a duel that he will want to be in."
"Now see here!" Dr. Crowler shouted, leaping to his feet. "I will not stand for this! Arliss Lockehart is a good student. Yes, we have lost contact, but when he finally comes to his senses."
"Are you insane?" Bastion shouted. "Arliss is evil. He's convinced my fool of a cousin to think I am evil!"
"And your not?" Zane asked.
"Whose side are you one?"
"Not your or Arliss'."
"No one asked your opinion, you sniveling fool."
"Hey!" Alexis shouted. "Don't talk to Zane like that!"
"What, now he's your boyfriend too?" Bastion mocked.
"whose Alexis' boyfriend?" Jaden asked, confused.
"I think he means you, Jay." Syrus said.
"Who's UJ?"
Alexander rolled his eyes as the students continued to bicker, Shepard trying to get their attention. Nodding at Dhmitri, his young apprentice covered his ears as Alex pulled out his gun and fired through the window, which still was missing its glass pane. Everyone dropped to the ground, looking up with terror-filled eyes.
"Now that I have your attention…" Alex said as he holstered his gun. "We can begin talking about my plan." He glanced over at Dhmitri. "Did you send the letter to McGregor."
"Oh yea."
"Good…then there is nothing to discuss with any of your civilians." Alexander smirked and moved towards the door. By this time next week, the Rare Hunters will no longer be any threat to us."
&&&
3 days later
"Right there, I'm going to put it right there."
Nessa shook her head. "Don't you dare, it will never fit."
"Not my fault it's so big."
"Not big, the opening's just too small."
Arliss smirked. "Trust me, it's because it's so big…and hard."
Nessa rolled her eyes. "You act like it is some divine object."
"But it is, trust me." Arliss said, slowly sliding said object into place.
"Be careful…"
Cassandra watched on with dull interest. Hayden was covering his eyes. "Are we interuptin', lad?"
Arliss and Nessa looked up at the two, blinking. Cassandra gave her parents a smirk. "Want 'ayden and I to show you how you do that?"
"Been doin' this since before you were reborn." Arliss snarled. He stood on his tiptoes, sliding the DVD box set of Justice League Unlimited onto the shelf between Justice League Season 2 and Lost Season 1. "See, told you it would fit."
"While this is all well and good…why are you two naked while you reorganize your DVD collection?"
Nessa shrugged, hips bouncing back and forth as she made her way over to the bed. She grabbed her fuzzy purple bathrobe(what other color would it be), and threw Arliss his own purple silk one. The King and Queen quickly covered themselves, if only for Hayden's sake.
"I'm not gonna get an answer, huh?"
"Nope." Arliss said. "What brings you two into my bedroom at this early hour."
"…it's 3pm."
Nessa shuddered. "Practically dawn."
"Practically." Hayden muttered. "We got a letter for you two, seems important." With a casual flick of his wrist, he sent to letter flying at the two. Arliss caught it in the air, glaring at the Scottish duelist.
"You know, ya could show me some respect, boy."
"I could." Hayden admitted. Cassandra couldn't help but giggle as her boyfriend stood up to her father.
'Someone is getting a surprise present tonight!'
Nessa looked the envelope over. "Any idea what this is about?"
"Think I'm stupid enough to read your letter, lass?" Hayden challenged. "I'll back talk ya, I ain't going to risk me hide."
Arliss nodded, cutting the envelope open with his Shadow Star. As he read over the note, his eyebrows lowered, his brow creased, and his teeth mashed together in a snarl. "Son of a bitch…"
"Da?" Cassandra asked.
"He's challenging me."
"Who?"
Arliss looked at Nessa. "Alexander Milo. 4 days, right before the Jaden/Zane match…me and him…"
"can't you just…"
"No, I have to duel him…" Arliss shook his head. "Damn it... to hell…" Arliss stalked out of the room, annoyed beyond reason.
"What be his problem?" Cassandra asked.
"Arlen. He hasn't been able to contact in 4 days." Nessa shook her head. "It's got him a bit high strung."
"Stupid &ing know-it-all professor!"
Hayden shook his head. "A bit?"
&&&
Day Before DuelMayday frowned, looking around the forest. 'Where the hell are you…I'm freezing my ass off.'
"I know you are."
Mayday's partner emerged from some bushes, walking towards the spy. Mayday scoffed. "Ha ha ha…Arliss is going insane. He's acting all mad that your boss pulled this stunt."
"Let him." The young man said. He pulled out a stack of documents. "Only serves our purposes better."
Mayday shook her head. "What the hell was Arlen thinking when he pulled that stunt in Shepard's office?"
The young man shrugged. "He was doing what he thought needed to be done."
"And now we have Alexander Milo vs. Arliss Lockehart…looks to be a good show."
"Good show or not, remember that this all has to go down as planned."
"I know." Mayday took the folder, turning to leave. "Do you think they know? Nessa, Cassandra and Hayden, I mean?"
Dhmitri smirked. "Trust me on this, Mayday…They have no clue."
&&&
The Day of the Duel"Are we even sure Prof. Milo is ready for the duel? In class he did not seem concerned in the slightest."
"Come on Bastion, I'm sure Prof. Milo will be fine." Jaden said, practically bouncing in his seat. "I just want to see this duel…Arliss vs. Milo. This is so going to rock!"
"Jay, calm down…you still have to duel my brother after this, remember? Maybe you should go in the back and get ready…"
"And miss this duel? Not on your life!"
Chazz shook his head. "Would you two be quiet? I personally want to watch this duel, and I can't when you're jabbering!"
"Jeez Chazz, their just talking." Alexis scolded. "Give them a break, will you?"
"I will not give them a break. All those two ever do is talk. And they aren't going to ruin my chances of seeing Arliss Lockehart get beaten down just because they want to gab the entire time."
"Why are you so interested in seeing Arliss loss?" Zane questioned. "Is it because he didn't grovel at your feet."
Chazz fumed. "Dirty little duelist doesn't know where he belongs! I was the number one Obelisk!"
"And now your not." Souta said with a chuckle as he, Johnny and Hector all sat a few seats below the group. "Heck, now you're lower then us." Chazz glared at the young Japanese boy, but Souta merely shrugged. "Chazz, my sister's fiancé doesn't scare me, you have no chance."
Hector smiled. "Chico, remind me to buy you dinner tonight. That made my day."
"What did I tell you about buying strange men dinner?" Johnny scolded.
"Oh, come on…he's too cute…"
"Shhh." Bastion hissed. "There is Crowler."
Dr. Crowler marched to the center of the arena, his hideous smile seeming to be even brighter today. Pulling a mic from his coat pocket, he began to speak.
"Students of the Duel Academy, welcome to Semester End Duel Event!"
The crowd cheered, though the friends sitting in one section were quiet.
"I really hate that man." Souta said with a sneer.
"Si, chico, we all do."
"Before we get to the main event, Chancellor Shepard has arranged for a special event. Today, in this arena, one of the top Obelisk Blue Students will face one of the Professors of this Academy!"
A murmur rose through the crowd as everyone wondered who the duelist might be. Some bargained on Alexis, others on some other student. No one was for sure though who Crowler was talking about. Or why Chancellor Shepard had arranged for such a duel to take place.
"And, anew wrinkle has been added." That caused the small group to perk up. "The winner of this duel will be allowed one request, which the academy and our dear Chancellor must grant, if it is within their power."
"They can't be serious." Johnny said. "Whoever wins could ask for all of us to be expelled…"
"They won't." Alexis said. 'Not if the plan works. If Alexander Milo can win, he said he will eliminative the Rare Hunters…'
"Ladies and Gentlemen, I present the first duelist: Arliss Lockehart!"
The lights dimmed, and from one of the tunnels that lead to the arena, the Rare Hunters emerged. As Arliss took his first step into the arena, Bon Jovi's "Dead or Alive" began to play its hard chorus. Arliss wore a simple black dress shirt, half unbuttoned, his purple jacket fluttering as he walked. Beside him, Nessa regally entered, dressed in her Goth/punk gear.
Behind the two were Cassandra and Hayden. Cassandra had chosen a pair of super tight and super small black shorts, which were practically bikini bottoms. Her shirt would be best described as a dull black wonderbra, showcasing her cleavage for all the world to see. Her own purple jacket was open and moved like a cape. Hayden alone of the group wore his modified Ra Yellow blazer, along with his bandana headband and cut off gloves.
Samantha Ciro, the former Obelisk Girl walking smoothly but almost robotic, covered the rear. Her eyes scanned the arena for any danger, always mindful to protect her masters from harm.
Arliss took his place on the field, activating his duel disk. Nessa lead the rest of the hunters to their own private section.
"Thanks for walkin' with us, 'ayden." Cassandra said.
"Live together, die alone." Hayden whispered. "My fates with you lot."
Crowler took center stage again. "And now, I will present the challenger!" Before he could continue, the sound of a guitar being strummed was heard through the arena. "Ladies and Gentlemen…Alexander Milo!"
"Heaven's gates won't open up for me. With these broken wings I'm fallin'. And all, I see, is you. These city walls, they got no love for me; I'm on the ledge of the 18th story. All I scream is you: "Come please, I'm calling!". And all I need from you: "Hurry, I'm falling!"
"Show me what it's like, to be the last one standing. And teach me wrong from right, and I can show you what I can be.
"And say it for me, say it to me, and I'll leave this life behind. And say if it is worth savin' me!"
As the song rang out through the arena, Alexander Milo and Dhmitri entered. The two moved as one, the professor's head held high as he marched towards Arliss. Dhmitri broke off from his mentor going to his seat as the music grew quiet.
"Now then…let us have a handshake and begin the duel." Crowler said, stepping away.
Arliss and Alexander walked towards each other. Arliss held out his hand, taking Alex's. "I have really enjoyed spending time with Samantha." Arliss whispered.
"I enjoyed putting a bullet through James Stilton's head." Alex quipped, watching as Arliss started in shock. "Oh, you didn't hear? Killed the bastard. Right in Shepard's office. That's why we are having this duel." Arliss' eyes narrowed, his jaw clenched tight. "Good luck on your dueling…maybe your brother is watching you."
"I'm going to kill you, you son of a bitch." Arliss said just a bit too loudly, the crowd gasping.
"How amusing…I was just thinking the same thing." Alexander said. He sighed, activating the dueling vest he wore. "Fools before knowledge. Let us begin this duel."
Next Time on G/X:Hunters- This is it. The duel that will decide the fate of the academy. On one side, Arliss, wielding a deadly ninja deck. And he will waste no time pulling some big tricks. But when Alexander activates his Dimensional Blocking Combo, will the King of Rare Hunters find the chink needed to bring it down? Or does Alexander have what it takes to do the unthinkable: Defeat Arliss Lockehart?
Endgame Part 2