Author's Note: I own nothing in relation to Yu-Gi-Oh GX.
CHAPTER 10 – MEETING ON THE BEACH
The next day I once again met with Atticus, confirming that all the necessary materials had been obtained and prepared for the mission. Now, it was up to me to set the stage for my revenge, and it would all start after the final class of the day. Tuesday evening after alchemy class with Banner, I caught up with Alexis in the hall. Luckily only she was in the same class with me, as Jaden's schedule had him taking it on Thursdays.
"Ah, Alexis," I called out to her. "I've been looking for you." She turned her head toward me and smiled.
"Hey Alistair," she greeted. "What's up?"
"Jaden asked me to give you a message," I lied. "Said he wanted to meet you on the eastern beach around 9 o'clock tonight. I asked him why, but he said it was a secret."
Alexis faintly blushed and turned away, allowing me to grin villainously to myself at how well this plan could work. I decided to press the matter.
"Something wrong, Alexis?" I asked quizzically.
"Oh, uh… no, I'm fine," she quickly said in an attempt to cover up her strange behavior. "Tell him I'll be there." I nodded and patted her on the shoulder. "Will do."
We parted ways so I could go and find Jaden, mildly surprised at how smoothly that went.
"One down, one to go," I whispered to myself, scanning the hallways in search of Jaden. It was nearly 8:30, so I had to work fast. Timing was of the utmost importance, for if I had set the "meeting" too late, it would give Jaden and Alexis enough time to meet up ahead of schedule. I was unable to locate him in the halls, so I headed over to the Slifer Red dorm to check his room, wondering if he decided to turn in early. Syrus answered the door upon my knocking, staring up at me curiously.
"Oh, hi Alistair," he said, adjusting his tiny glasses. "Are you looking for Jay?"
"As a matter of fact, I am," I answered, leaning my head in and taking a look around. "Is he here?"
"No, I think he went to the arena to duel Chazz," Syrus answered. "Chazz has been wanting a rematch ever since he lost in that tournament last week." I nodded in understanding, not surprised that Jaden was at the duel arena; after all, he spent most of his time there.
"Alright, I'll head over there," I sighed. "Thanks, Sy."
I left the blue-haired kid to whatever he was doing, and made my way across the grounds to the duel arena. I peeked inside, and sure enough, Jaden and Chazz were at it again. I bursted into the arena, pretending to be in a rush. Chazz was the first to notice me, and was none too thrilled.
"What are YOU doing here, Silver Slifer?" he sneered at me. I rolled my eyes and turned to Jaden, who gave me a much warmer welcome.
"Hey Alistair, what's going on?" he greeted me with a wave. I finished "catching my breath" and proceeded to give him the news.
"I've been looking all over the island for you," I told him. "Alexis told me to ask you if you could meet her on the eastern beach tonight when she gets out of class at 9. She sounded like she had something pretty important to talk about." The look on Chazz's face was priceless. Jealousy burned in his eyes as Jaden just gave me a puzzling look.
"Really?" he pondered. "Huh, I wonder what's on her mind. Alright, I'll be there."
"Then you better hurry," I told him, glancing at my watch. It's almost 9 now." At that point, Chazz decided to make his opinion known.
"Excuse me!" he yelled irritably. "We're in the middle of a DUEL here!" Jaden gave him an apologetic look and scratched the back of his head.
"Sorry Chazz, but I can't just leave Lex out there if she needs someone to talk to," he explained. "We'll duel again tomorrow! I promise!" As Jaden rushed out of the arena, prompting the holograms to fade away, Chazz gripped his hair and gritted his teeth in frustration. "WHY CAN'T SHE EXPRESS HER FEELINGS TO ME!"
I stifled a chuckle when Chazz then realized I was still here. He widened his eyes and shook his fist at me.
"You didn't hear anything, Silver Slifer!" he shouted. I raised an eyebrow and crossed my arms.
"You know, I don't trust those two either," I told Chazz, deciding to make a little improvisation to my scheme. "I'm sure you can find out what they're up to by heading on over yourself, so long as you don't get spotted by anyone."
"You're nuts," he told me. "I would never betray my sweet Lexi's trust!" I sighed, shook my head, and headed for the doors.
"Suit yourself," I replied tiredly, knowing deep down that Chazz was going to go spy anyway.
The plan was now in full swing. I waited just beside the door to my dorm, keeping it cracked open to as to see when Jaden was going to leave. As soon as I saw him pass by, I reached into my pocket and pulled out a small walkie-talkie.
"Silver to Blue, come in Blue," I spoke quietly into it. Atticus's voice came over the speaker seconds later. "This is Blue! What's up?"
"Jaden has left the dorm," I replied. "Standby Phase completed. Proceed into Main Phase."
I waited precisely ninety seconds and left the Slifer Red dorm, making a beeline for the academy itself. I rushed through the main entrance and down a few hallways, counting off rooms. Eventually I found what I was looking for: the teacher's lounge. I opened the door to find Banner and Crowler having a conversation, which I obviously interrupted with my sudden entrance.
"Alistair!" Crowler said, surprised. "You know you're not allowed in this room!"
"My apologies, Professor," I quickly answered. "But I heard some strange sounds over on the eastern beach. Two voices. They sounded like they were hurt."
"Is this true?" Banner asked, standing up.
"Yes, sir," I assured him. "I thought it best that I inform you two. I can lead the way."
Crowler and Banner complied, and I turned out of the doorway, staying a few steps ahead of them. I stealthily extracted my walkie-talkie from my pocket and gave Atticus the go-ahead.
"Blue, this is Silver," I whispered. "Crowler and Banner are on their way. Proceed into Battle Phase in exactly forty-five seconds. Do not reply to this message." With that, I turned off the device and once again buried it in my pocket. Looking behind me, Crowler and Banner were keeping pace, so I continued to head for the entrance. As soon as I exited the doors, I heard a number of loud popping sounds, followed by a scream. I nearly collapsed in laughter, but managed to maintain my composure. I couldn't let myself fall apart when I was so close to victory. As planned, Crowler and Banner heard absolutely nothing, as they were too far back. I continued down the pathway as I reviewed the plan in my mind.
Other than the walkie talkies, the only other material needed for the plan was a set of cherry bombs. When I gave Atticus the signal to enter the "Battle Phase", he was to light and launch the cherry bombs toward Jaden and Alexis, far enough away to avoid injury, but close enough to freak them out. If all went according to plan…
We finally reached the beach, and the scenario couldn't have been more perfect. Jaden was sprawled on the ground, and Alexis was on top of him clinging to his jacket, her face buried in his chest. To top it all off, she was breathing heavily from the panic. I could hardly contain my amusement, but instead quickly covered my mouth in feigned shock.
"Oh my," I chuckled, my eyes wide with surprise. I turned to see Crowler and Banner with similar expressions. Jaden and Alexis looked up at us, and quickly scrambled to their feet. Before they could say anything, Crowler was sent into hysteria.
"MY BEST STUDENT!" he shrieked. "AND SLACKER! THIS CAN'T BE! IT CAN'T BE!"
He went sprinting back toward the academy, squealing like a terrified child. Banner said nothing, but his face was full of total astonishment. Jaden quickly took the opportunity to defend himself.
"P-P-Professor..! It's not what it… I didn't… You don't really think that we were…?"
Banner merely smiled and chuckled to himself, turning back toward the academy and heading up the path. Alexis was staring daggers at me, and I finally realized that I hadn't exactly organized a foolproof escape plan. I slowly backed away and pulled out my walkie-talkie with a trembling hand. Flicking it on, I quickly muttered my final message.
"Silver to Blue. Battle Phase complete. Proceed into End Phase."
I dashed away and pulled Atticus out from his hiding spot, ignoring his complaints as we ran for our lives, Alexis screaming at us from afar. It was then, I figured, that it was finally safe to laugh maniacally at a scheme well executed.