Chapter 3: A Shaky Start
With all the entrance exams finally over, those who had passed eagerly awaited the time of departure. Some remained seated in the bleachers, while others lingered about by the front entrance making conversation with old and new friends. Some had even taken to dueling each other in the arenas below. This was not the case for Soren however, for he sat alone among the mass of people, idly watching others as they passed by. It certainly didn't bother him much that he had no one he could really call a friend in this place. It just meant that he would be left to his own devices, free to think of ways to better himself and his deck. Perhaps even build a new deck entirely, but that would have to come at a later time. For even though he enjoyed the serenity of solitude, Soren couldn't help but feel envious of those around him who were reminiscing of days long past. Although, with all the people around him, Soren's current setting was less than ideal for any sort of brainstorming. Sighing, he rose from his seat. Maybe I'll just go for a short walk. He thought as he entered the hallway.
As he wandered through the halls of the Kaiba Dome, idle chatter from those around him filled his ears. Talk of how one fared in their entrance duel, people exchanging strategies and sharing deck recipes. Continuing on his path, Soren wandered to the upper platforms that overlooked both the arenas and the bleachers and leisurely leaned on the hand rail. At least here he could think clearly, due to the drop in noise. It seemed as though there were only a handful of people up here, mostly Obelisk Blue and Ra Yellow students. One of which he recognized, albeit somewhat vaguely, Jasmine.
She appeared to be with friends of her own, two other girls in fact. One was a girl with long, dark blonde hair with the eye color to match. The other was a girl with slightly shorter black hair, which she had tied up somewhat subtly for convenience sake, and chocolate brown eyes. As he looked on Soren thought he saw Jasmine glance his way, if only for a short moment before he quickly turned back to face the arenas once more.
Guess this means I'm the only loner here. Not that that's a bad thing. Besides, he thought as he glanced back to where the trio stood, only to see Jasmine and her friend idolizing the blonde girl, I wouldn't want to intrude. He thought as he once more turned to stare at the duel fields.
After a while a voice rang out over the speaker system, announcing that it was time for the students to depart. As the announcement concluded the ceiling of the Dome began to open and Soren could see their method of transportation descending. Helicopters, large enough to carry multiple students at a time to their destination. The sound of whirring blades filled the entirety of the structure as the students filed to the center of the building. Once they all landed Dr. Crowler made his way to the front of the crowd. He raised his arms to grab their attention and began to speak.
"Now then if you will all pay attention, we can depart in a timely manner. First off, those of you in Slifer Red please step this way and make a single file line." He explained as he gestured to his right. Those that fit the criteria moved forward. Similar instructions were given to the other ranks until every student was loaded on to one of the helicopters. Soren was lucky enough to get placed in a window seat. As soon as Crowler was certain everyone was present and on board he made his way to the chopper Soren happened to be in and took a seat alongside the pilot. Soon enough the helicopter blades began whirring again. One by one the helicopters took off until the stadium was empty and the ceiling resealed itself. Soren knew the ride ahead would be long and so he settled in to his chair.
Time Passes...
Soren's eyes opened slowly as he awoke from his slumber. His seat neighbors were making quiet conversation as he adjusted himself. Yawning, he stretched his arms out slightly and turned his head to look out the window. Soren could see the vast sea before him, as the helicopter began its descent to the helipads below. As the blades slowed down and stopped, Crowler emerged from the cockpit.
"Alright everyone, from here we will be traveling the rest of the way by trucks. Now if you would all please exit in an orderly fashion so that we can continue on our way." He explained as the door to the cabin was opened by the pilot.
One by one the students filed out of the helicopter and onto the trucks as instructed. As Soren exited, he could see the giant structure that would be his home for the next few years. Duel Academy, in all of it's glory. Hopping into the back of the nearest truck, Soren waited eagerly as they drove off towards the school building.
More Time Passes..
The trucks stopped in front of the Main Gate of the school building, allowing the students to marvel at the size of the structure up close. As the students loaded off the trucks Crowler stood at the doorway.
"Now if everyone would please follow me, we will be making our way to the main classroom for the Entrance Ceremony." He explained as he opened the door and walked inside.
The students followed closely behind their guide. As they walked through the hallway Soren could see other rooms that he assumed they would learn more about later. Continuing on to their destination Soren noticed a much more open room as they passed by. A duel field, this one in particular accompanied by an insignia in the likeness of Obelisk the Tormentor.
This must mean that each class rank has a designated duel field. Convenient, I suppose. Thought Soren as he turned his gaze back to the crowd. After passing by other rooms and duel fields in the wide hall they arrived at the main classroom. Upon entry everyone noticed that it was considerably large. Another thing of note was that it contained a widescreen monitor behind a single podium at the front of the room. As the last of the students entered the room Crowler divided them into groups based on rank and had them stand just in front of the monitor. The screen turned on and a man with a beard greeted everyone warmly.
"Hello new students, I am Chancellor Sheppard. I would like to start this ceremony off by saying that all of you here are the best and brightest duelists we have had yet. I hope that you all enjoy your time here. Now the rest of the day will be spent however you choose. For the most part, you will all be getting assigned to your dorm rooms, a process that will be handled by your dorm supervisors. Your supervisors will also be handing out your class schedules after the welcoming dinners for each dorm. The dinners will all be at 8:00 P.M. So until then you will be free to roam about and acquaint yourself with the school grounds and your future classmates at your leisure. And that concludes the Entrance Ceremony. Have a nice day." He announced and the screen turned off.
Everyone left the room eager to have a look around their new home. Some took to the duel arenas they had passed on the way here, others looked at the other classrooms. Soren decided to find a nice, quiet location. Somewhere he could escape to when he needed to relax. Maybe I'll check out that forest. There is also the dock area, doesn't seem like many people would go there. I'll figure it out. After all I have plenty of time to think about it. And so he left the building.
Walking along the path that lead into the forest Soren could feel a sense of calm come over him. The chirping of the birds in the trees, the gentle breeze that blew every so often, the sound of running water that came from the nearby waterfall. All of it was so pleasant to his ears. Venturing off the beaten path Soren decided to take a seat at the base of one of the many trees around him. He listened more closely than before, each sound to him becoming clearer and more calming. He sank closer to the ground. This is so peaceful, so quiet. He thought as he let out a long yawn. Guess I'm still pretty tired from the trip over. Maybe I'll just take a short nap. And so he shut his eyes softly, a small grin forming on his face.
Even more time passes...
The chirping of crickets were all Soren could hear as he slowly opened his eyes. Rising from the ground he looked around to find that night had fallen. Well at least I'm not tired anymore, but what time is it? Pulling out the PDA that had been in the box he was given he looked at the time display in the corner of the screen.
9:00 P.M.
Well that's not good, the Chancellor said the dinners were at eight. I need to find my way to the boys blue dorm. Now... which of the two blue dorms is it? Soren thought, realizing the situation he put himself in. He would have to make a gamble, with the risk being expulsion before the first day even arrived. Eh, fuck it. Soren shrugged and got back on the path.
Following it back to the nearest dorm, he stopped at the front gate. There was nothing to be heard as he walked through the opened gate. Walking up to the front door, he placed a hand on the handle. Then he stopped upon hearing something. Noise from within, noise which was feminine enough for him to know that he was at the wrong place. Well at least now I won't be expelled for trespassing onto the girls dorm. Turning away from the door he began to walk back through the gate when something stopped him.
"Who are you?" The two girls in front of him asked in unison. Looking upon them in moonlit night Soren could see just who had found him. Jasmine and one of the other two girls she was hanging out with back at the Kaiba Dome. Well isn't this just great? He thought as he opened his mouth to respond.
"My name is Soren, but I think one of you already knows that." He said glancing at Jasmine calmly.
"So it was you I saw back on the upper floors. And here I thought you had some common sense, but sneaking into the Girl's Dorm of all places? You're either crazy or lost." She said as she approached him slowly. The other girl followed beside her, carefully examining Soren.
"As a matter of fact I was lost, let me explain." And so he detailed what he had done after all the students were dismissed for the day. The two girls seemed to be somewhat skeptical of his story, evidenced by their narrowed eyes and crossed arms. Soren finished explaining and awaited their response. The two of them stepped back and quietly debated what they should do. After a minute, they turned to face Soren once again.
"We don't believe you!" They exclaimed in unison.
END OF CHAPTER 3
KEPT YOU WAITING, HUH? SERIOUSLY THOUGH, SORRY THIS ONE TOOK SO LONG TO WRITE. ALSO SORRY THAT IT'S KIND OF SHORT. I'M GOING TO TRY AND BE BETTER ABOUT GETTING THESE CHAPTERS OUT TO YOU GUYS.