A/N: I've been so obsessed with this fanfic it's so hard to get all my ideas on paper. I tried Esme's POV in this chapter then went back to 3rd person. I'm not sure which one I like more but it's nice to switch it up. Let me know what you guys think too. Any suggestions, advice, corrections help and are appreciated. ALSO! I don't even know who I want to ship Esme with. I was originally thinking about Zane x Esme but I feel like Chazz would be neat too hell, even Jaden. Ugh, so many cute Yu-Gi-Oh characters and so little time. Thanks again for reading!

Chapter 2: The First Shadow Rider

The next day Esme woke up beside Jaden who was turned on his side facing away from her. His hand had been crept up behind his head and the other on her face. Luckily he wasn't snoring so closely to her ear but that didn't matter, Chumley took care of that. Esme shifted to her side as well and looks over at the brunette noticing a pool of drool seeping out of his mouth. She rolls her eyes and gently pressed her fingers against his face. Before he could push her hand away she pulled back.

"Morning Jaden." Esme whispered

Slowly and quietly she crawled out of bed and tiptoed out of the room. She brought the towel Jaden used and the same attire she had wore last night. Nothing like an early shower to get things going! As she turned on the shower and stood underneath the water she pressed her hands against the wall. So many thoughts roamed about in her head. With a little shake Esme regained sight of concentration. She better hurry before any of the other guys woke up.

After her shower and getting dressed she headed back to her dorm to collect her books for class. Today was the last day to study before the test; which was tomorrow. Hopefully it was just going to be another study day, nothing major or stressful. All Esme wanted was to sit and finish her book.

"Up early today?" Zane asks as Esme headed into the direction of class.

Startled the female jumped and nodded without hesitation. Esme curses lowly underneath her breath, she would only pray that Zane knew nothing. But then again, he isn't the type to snitch. "Gosh, you scared me but yeah, thought I would go over some notes and ask a few questions before class begins." She shook her book that sat in her hand.

Zane chuckled lowly, Esme wasn't sure if he was making fun of her or simply impressed by her ways of learning. She furrowed her brows together and shrugged.

"You have some dedication, I admire that." He spoke aloud, "But, to save you the trouble of hearing a huge lecture from Crowler why don't we go over some basics. I'm sure I can answer any questions you have."

She stood still in her tracks, it wasn't a bad idea after all. Zane was the top student, one would think this was a miracle! After a few seconds of thinking it through she accepted his offer. Both Zane and Esme sit inside the classroom and go over some quick topics. In the middle of Zane's explanation Esme seemed to daze off into Zane's looks rather than his words. She deeply examined the male up close, how he spoke, his choice of words, tone of voice; everything. He was always so passionate about dueling, he spoke so highly of it. Before Esme could snap out Zane was calling her name.

"Did you get all that Esme?"

Snapped back into reality, she gasps and nods. "I sure did, yeah, thanks."

He glared at the woman beside him, he could easily tell that she was lying. Zane kept his cold glare on Esme and only folded his arms across his chest. His azure hues said it all without even speaking. He would only wait for the woman to break the silence.

"What?" Esme spat out

"You know what."

"Heh, sorry?" She said in a curious tone of voice. "Can you go over it once more?"

"Fine, listen up this time." he explained himself once again but in a more annoyed tone. Esme listens closely for the second time, she even wrote down some notes. As she wrote down the key words Zane eased up. He wasn't wasting his words or time, and that's what meant the most.

"Got it." Esme said as she wrote the last few words down on her paper.

"Good, anymore questions?"

"Not that I can think of." She replied, "Thank you, I know you're a busy student and you taking time to help me out means a lot."

"Don't menti—"

Before Zane finished his sentence the Chancellor walked in. He wore a worried expression on his face, looking around the class. Looks as though he was searching for someone, or something. Zane rises from his seat and heads down to the elder man.

"What is it Chancellor?"

"Oh Zane," He said desperately. "Just the man I needed to see. I came in search of Crowler but you'll fit the part too. Class is again cancelled. Make sure to spread the word. Everyone must remain in their dorms. I'm afraid the school is in grave danger." He spoke in a tone of sorrow.

"What exactly do you mean?" Zane asks

"More students are disappearing and people are starting to find out. I'm afraid that the Shadow Games are to return. We must protect the students. I cannot afford to have another student snatched away from this campus."

"Shadow Games?" Esme asks, walking down the stairs standing beside Zane.

Sure she had heard of it as a child but to know they were real was crazy. Shadow Games were duels that carried harsh penalties for losing. Not only that, it was a real duel rather than it being holographic. The consequences of losing would be your soul and disappearing from existence. By the words of the Chancellor, the games have been going on for years. He found it as a curse that would never be released upon the school. Through the years he had done his very best to protect the students even if it meant with his own life. But this time was different. He wasn't getting any younger and had seeked help from his facility and students.

"Esme, I didn't notice you were here too. Listen, you two are one of my top students. I have arranged a meeting at noon. This includes you, Zane, Jaden, Bastion, Alexis and Chazz. I need you all to meet at my office. The others should know but just in case, please remind them." Chancellor explained. "You have my deepest gratitude, without the two of you I wouldn't know where I would be."

"No worries Chancellor, we'll be on time. Until then we will head back to our dorms. Thank you." Zane bowed as he watched the elder man walk away. He turned back to eye Esme who stood on his left.

"This must be serious, we should warn the others don't you think?" Esme asks.

"Perhaps. The Shadow Games are no joke. It's best we keep this on the down low. We don't need any students other than the ones Chancellor mentioned to know."

He had a point and Esme would follow along with Zane. Both Blue Obelisks walked out of the class and in rush to meet up with the rest of their friends. As they walk across campus Jaden and the guys run out too. They wore a shocked expression just like Esme had when she heard about the Shadow Games.

"Did you hear?" Jaden asks nearly breathless. "It's crazy! The Shadow Riders showing up at Duel Academy?"

"No kidding, I wonder what the Chancellor has to say." Alexis added as she joins up with the group.

Zane glanced to the side, "Whatever it is, we will be ready."

"I appreciate all of you attending this meeting. You see, I chose the best students at this school. Zane, Alexis, Esme, Jaden, Bastion and Chazz. But, you also have yours truly to attend by your side, Crowler and Banner. Now," He takes out a box from underneath his desk. The male looks to each and everyone of his students.

"You see, the Shadow Riders are here to collect the 3 sacred beast cards. In order to get those cards there are 8 keys that I am giving to each and everyone of you. You must guard these with your life, for if the 3 sacred beasts are awoken it will be the end of us all." As Chancellor gave his speech he handed everyone a key. "I know you all will do the school well but not just that, the world too. I have faith in all my students. Just keep your eyes peeled. They could be here at anytime! Now even, just stay aware of your surroundings my students. You are all dismissed."

The students walk out of the office either holding their key or glancing at it. How could 3 cards be so powerful that it can create a doomsday ? And to add more, the cards were right underneath them! Esme furrowed her brows, tightening her grip on the key; things could get ugly if she wasn't careful.

"What's with the glare? Ya scared or something?" Chazz asks Esme.

"Scared? No. worried? Yes. I just hope we can all remain strong until this is all over."

"Heh, well you don't have to worry about me you know? The Chazz can take care of himself!"

"This isn't a game Chazz. This is real, we're at war. Don't go getting cocky." Alexis butts in. "After all, who can forget that you lost to Jaiden the first go."

"Shut it!" He snapped, "Why don't you keep that mouth shut?"

"Whatever, we should get in groups of two. It'll be safer that way. Bastion, let's team up." The blonde waves over to her brunette friend.

"Alright, Sounds good!"

Chazz looks to Esme and yanks her into his solid chest. "I've got Esme, no way I'll team up with that Sliefer slum!"

"Looks like it's you and I Zane!" Jaden said with some pride, "I get to team up with the best?! Why not!"

"Right, well, let's all try and get some rest." Zane finally spoke. "Until the next time."

ESME'S - POV

I watched as everyone left going in their own directions. Both Chazz and I headed back to my dorm until I was caught off track by the ocean. The sun was already setting and something told me to take advantage of it, dark days were coming. Listening to my gut I walked over to where the water met land, standing there in my tracks. Chazz followed but wore a confused look.

"What are we here for?"

Before answering I removed my feet from my shoes and sunk my toes into the water and sand. "I just wanted to see it one last time." I replied, "I have a feeling that I won't get a chance to do this for a while."

I gestured Chazz over with my hand waving back and forth.

"I guess it is nice." He grumbled.

From the corner of my eyes I noticed the male staring off into the distance just as I was. His chest rose inhaling the salty yet sweet scent of the ocean. Chazz wasn't all that bad when his ego was high. Deep inside was someone who only wanted some attention and for someone to recognize all the greatness he had.

"Achoo!" I sneezed rubbing my nose, it was getting chilly.

"Here" Chazz removed his black coat from his frame and held it out. "Take it."

I stood there accepting his coat and slid both my arms into the holes. For just a few more minutes I admired the scenery until the sun was no longer there. We headed back to my dorm in silence, Chazz to my right and the key still fit around my neck. Ever so often I would grab it tightly to be sure it was still there. Once we got inside I kicked my shoes off and sat down on the couch; taking out my deck.

"So what now?" Chazz asked.

"We wait." I answered. "I'm going to look over my deck and prepare a proper strategy for now. I want to be ready for whatever there is to come."

I watched as Chazz walked over, digging for his deck as well. He took a seat beside me and began to create a proper strategy. The both of us sat in silence until he had figured out what to discuss. Occasionally I would sneak a quick glance at Chazz, who stayed in his position. An arm stretched behind me and the other on the arm of the couch. His dark hues eventually aligned with mine, leaning up to pull me back into his chest. I gasped by his sudden actions preparing myself for one of his annoying lines; but he said nothing. I did my best to relax, taking a deep breath before I sunk further into his frame.

"So what's going on between you and that Slifer?" Still looking at his cards he rose his deck higher to cover his face.

I quirked a brow as my lips slightly pulled to the corners of my mouth, "Why do you ask? What would it matter?"

"Tch! I'm just curious is all, s-so what is it? Rumors say that you two are dating or something. But Jaden with you? One could only dream. You're way out of that dweebs line."

I sat my cards down on the table that was in front of me, astonished to even know there were rumors about me. Guess word gets around quick in this school, but who was I kidding? This is nothing to be surprised about. Especially with all the girls that went here.

"We're only friends." I said, "Jaden and I are fairly close but just friends."

Behind his cards was a grinning Chazz, he snickered below his breath. "Like I said, I knew it. The scum is more stupid than he looks, he doesn't even know what a date is!"

Curious to see the expressions Chazz hid behind his cards I rose my right hand and steadily pushed them down until I saw his bashful red cheeks. I stared into his gray hues pulling loose strands of hair away from my face.

"Wh-what?! Why are you looking at me like that?!" He jerked his cards back up to his face and turned away from me. "I just wanted to know so I can shut anyone up who continues to say that. It's annoying. Plus, you deserve someone better anyways. If not me, then maybe Zane." He grumbled the last part.

I rose from my seat and walked over to the closet, I hung Chazz's coat up and changed into a Tshirt and shorts. From the closet I resumed talking, "Sounds like a confession."

"Confession? The Chazz doesn't confess anything! People confess to the Chazz, not the other way around. Plus, I see the way you look at me; you don't know it yet but you're in love with me."

I walked out of the closet bursting out in laughter. For some reason whenever he wasn't trying to be funny was more hilarious than him trying. My frame found the softness of the queen sized bed, laying down and eyeing the man in my dorm. "Whatever you say Chazz, whatever you say."

"What's so funny huh?!" He walked over shoving his cards into his pocket. "Are you making fun of me?"

Before I could answer he lowered himself down to a closer level. Chazz sat down but had himself leaning over, his right hand pressed into the mattress, the other on the left side of me. We exchanged looks before I could remind myself to reply.

"N-No, I'm not. I'm just baffled by your choice of words is all."

"Well let's see if you're baffled by this." Chazz moved his right hand underneath my chin, slightly lifting it up. Right aligned with my lips was his soft ones. I muffled some words against his lips but he pressed harder. Just before I could push him off Chazz backed off and looked down at the mess he created. A thin layer of saliva coats my lips as I lay there in silence.

"I really wasn't expecting that." I finally spoke up, adjusting my position in bed. I turned to my side and closed my eyes. For a few moments I found myself pondering on the taste of his lips before I shook the thought out. "Get some sleep Chazz. Tomorrow is a big day."

Chazz growled lowly under his breath, "Tch' yeah, don't act like you didn't like that Goodnight Esme." He raised from the bed and headed to the couch. Chazz picked up a pillow and fluffed it up, laying on the couch with his hands behind his head. Tomorrow would be the start of it all.

THIRD PERSON POV

"Esme wake up! Hey! Open up!" Thump thump!

"Ugh—go away! I'm tryna sleep!" Chazz replies slamming a pillow over his ears and face. The knocks still continued and out of defeat he rolled off the couch to open the door. "What?!—"

"Chazz? Where's Esme!?" Syrus pushed Chazz out of the way.

"Sy?" Esme asked

"Oh Esme—sorry err." His cheeks darkened to notice that she was wearing only but a towel. And if you put two pieces together it looked as though Chazz and Esme hooked up or something.

"Keep those eyes in your sockets scum! What the hell do you want already?!" Chazz scoffed, wrapping his arm around Esme; showing possession over the female.

"It's Jaden, he—he's in the infirmary! He won against a Shadow Rider but he isn't looking to good. You've got to come see him!"

Esme pushed Chazz away and rushed into her closet, from there she spoke, "Jaden won?! When did it happen? I didn't even notice through the whole night!" Dressing up she grabs Chazz's coat walking out. "Chazz catch!" Esme tossed the black coat over watching as he grabbed it.

"Lead the way Sy."

Syrus led both Esme and Chazz to the infirmary. Once they all arrived Esme rushed to Jaden's side immediately. She stood by the side of his bed, looking over the brunette. Her hand rose to rest over his warm head, stroking his brown locks of hair away. Only inches away from her friend she could hear his soft muffles and moans. He didn't look to good and that really pained Esme to see.

"Jaden, hey it's Esme. I know you're resting and probably asleep but listen. I'm sorry I wasn't there to help you, I know you did great. After all, you won. You have no idea how proud I am to have and call you a friend. So thank you. Just please, all I ask now is that you rest. I don't know where I would be if I ended up losing you."

"Do you really mean all that?" Jaden asks, opening up his eyes to look at Esme's soft grey ones. He did his best to lean up but Esme ended up helping. He placed his hand over hers and gave it a tight squeeze.

"Of course I mean it, I meant everything I said." She leaned closer to Jaden, now both her arms around her friend delivering a soft squeeze.

"Oh please, you act like he's in some terrible state! Jaden, quit acting like you need so much reassurance." Chazz snapped, he looked annoyed and jealous.

"Chill Chazz, relax." He replied, rubbing his chest. "Nice to know that you care enough to ask if I'm okay." Jaden said sarcastically.

"Just ignore him Jay, you need to rest." Syrus returns to his friends aid. "Are you feeling any better?"

"Yeah, a lot better than yesterday but I'm still recovering. That duel was something, It felt so real! I could actually feel the damage being inflicted on me."

The infirmary door opened and Zane walked in, he looked over to see that Jaden was well and awake. "Nice to see that you've woken, Jaden." Zane slid one hand into his pocket and stood in his tracks.

"Yesterday night on our way back to Jaden's dorm we encountered a Shadow Rider. It was a hefty match but Jaden was victorious. In return, we realized that the duelist was Atticus Rhodes, Alexis's brother."

Esme turns her head to notice the second body in the room who happened to be unconscious. It was Atticus, how didn't she notice? During her first year at Duel Academy Atticus was one of her first friends.

"Alexis went out to get some food but she rarely leaves his side." Syrus added on.

"Ahhh!" Jaden groaned, "Man this stinks. My chest is killing me." He said fidgeting.

"Well then don't move so much you dweeb! It's as easy as that."

All eyes shift to Chazz, for once he was right. Jaden shouldn't move as much if he wanted to heal as quick as he could. Esme takes a deep breath and gave Jaden one last look, she ruffles his brown locks. "Rest Jaden, for now I'll handle things around here."

"So what do you think Zane? Was it really that bad?" Esme asked.

"It's greater than you think Esme. But if you're going to look after the next Shadow Rider, I'm coming too."

"What? But why?" She asked leaning against the wall of the infirmary.

Both Zane and Esme stood outside the room Jaden was in. Esme looked up to the taller male, still wearing her look of confusion.

"Don't be so absent minded, Es. We have a higher chance to be victorious if we stay together. Even Jaden needed help towards the end. Not only that but I don't want to see another one of my friends hurt in battle."

That was enough clarification for anyone, Esme felt very lucky to hear those words. For a few seconds her heart was skipping beats. In response she finally nodded, "Alright, makes sense. We'll wait until sundown."

"Sundown it is."