Hey guys! It's been quite a while hasn't it? I'm so sorry I've been so busy. I had finals, I went to Ohio to go to my brother's college graduation, and I got a summer job. You know how life is. Anyways let's get on with the chapter.

Just to let you know, I'm listening to the anime FREE!'s ending 'Splash Free' on repeat. So I'm fired up! YOSH!

The next day brought Jaden to his world history class. He sat three rows from the back and four rows from the front. It was the perfect spot because it wasn't too far away from the front so he couldn't see and not too close so he wouldn't be right in the teacher's face. It was a perfectly average spot and didn't look like he was trying too hard to go unnoticed… which was exactly what he was trying to do.

The teacher, Mr. Millner, was up front explaining the similarities and differences between the Maya and the Aztec cultures. The man seemed more excited than usual. Jaden figured that it was his favorite lesson to teach or he was planning on giving a project. Mr. Millner really did love his projects.

"Now class, so that you can further understand how amazing the Aztec and Mayan cultures were," Mr. Millner started, "and because I don't think you guys talk enough, I've created a sort of mini-project." The man's voice was way too cheerful.

'I knew it.' Jaden thought, he inwardly sighed and leaned back in his seat. He watched as every other kid in the class groaned, curse under their breath, or did something else that outwardly expressed their frustration.

Mr. Millner was not fazed in the least by the reactions he received. "Now pretend you had a time machine and were selling trips back in time. By using your notes and the packet of information I'm about to give you, I want you to create a brochure that advertises a trip back in time to visit either the Maya or Aztec empire when they were in their prime."

The class gave a collective groan. Mr. Millner was always trying to find some way to make his class 'fun' for his students. The problem was though that he focused more on trying to make his class fun rather than working on his teaching methods. This project was a clear example.

"By the way," Mr. Millner said, "This will be a partner project. I think I'll go faster that way. You and your partner will work until the end of class to finish your brochure. If it's not done by then, you may take it home as homework and turn it in to me tomorrow. But after that, I won't accept it. Now…"

Jaden tuned out in order to sink into his own mind. Did Mr. Millner say partner!? Mr. Millner NEVER did group projects. It was the only reason why he even appreciated his class. So what made him change his mind? What did he say again? They didn't talk enough in class? Was this supposed to be some kind of punishment? Jaden didn't know but he did NOT like it. How in the hell was he suppose to work with another person!? Mr. Millner really didn't understand. Something like this was impossible for a Jaden to do. Jaden shook his head and came back to reality. Mr. Millner was still going on about the project.

"Let's see… There are twenty-four of you in this class. So I'll give twelve of you a slip of paper with a name on it. That person will be your partner. I don't want to hear any complaining from anyone because I absolutely couldn't care less about who you got. I'll be using the class roster so don't think I'll forget you.

Did Mr. Millner just look at Jaden? Jaden could've sworn he did. Great. His world history teacher was trying to royally screw him over. That's just what he needed; some sadistic teacher taking himself out on his poor and socially awkward student. Jaden gave a sigh. He had to calm down. It wouldn't be so bad would it? Maybe he would get paired with that really smart kid Bastion and wouldn't have to any talking or work because the guy would be too scared of a bad grade to let him do anything.

Mr. Millner walked back to his desk and produced a small bowl full of white ripped up sheets of paper from the bottom right section of his desk. He walked back to the front of the class and held the bowl out for everyone to see. "The people of my choice will come and pick a name. Whichever name you get is the one you stick with got it? Now… I want Kenzan, Crystal, James, Carlos, Bastion, Alexis, Raymond, Jenna, Hank, Trey, Syrus, and Jared to come up and choose please."

Jaden sighed. At least he didn't get picked the first time. And maybe he would get Bastion after all. Maybe this whole project thing wouldn't be as bad as he initially thought. Jaden didn't want to sound whinny or anything, but the thought of having to talk to someone really made him sick. It had for a really long time. He was fine with his family and family friends but when it came to outsiders, especially people his own age, he just clammed up. So much so that it was starting to make mom and sister worry about him which was something he didn't want. He wished he could just be normal and calm their fears but he just couldn't no matter how hard he tried.

The selected kids rose from their seats and went to Mr. Millner to receive their piece of paper. Once they received, it they went back to their seats and looked over the paper. Some cheered, others groaned, and some showed no emotion (Bastion). But the one reaction that caught Jaden's eye was confusion. More so because it was coming from Syrus Truesdale. He looked at his paper and his eyebrows furrowed in confusion. His eyes scanned over the paper again like he was reading it over and over. He then showed to his buddy Kenzan* who's face screwed up in confusion and Jaden's heart dropped because at that moment he realized who Syrus Truesdale had picked from that bowl.

HIM!

That was the only explanation that fit. Syrus knew everyone. So the only person he probably didn't know was him! Jaden broke out in a cold sweat. How in the hell did SYRUS TRUESDALE pick him of all people?! Jaden slightly glowered at Mr. Millner and Jaden swore again that the man looked him right in the eye. But maybe Jaden was just hallucinating because he was freaking out at the moment. How was he possibly going to get through this now!?

At that moment, Jaden blessed his teacher's terrible planning skills because the bell rung signaling the end of class. The project would have to be done tomorrow. Jaden didn't wait for Mr. Milner to explain what he already knew. He got out of that classroom.

That shady tree sounded really good right now.

OKAY SO HOW WAS THAT HUH? HUH?

I know not as go as you probably expected but give me so credit because I wrote this in one go!

Anyway, I think I did a good job with introducing Jaden to the gang. I didn't want him to just up front meet Jesse because I didn't want the story to be too cliche. But I think this works out fine because in the actual show Jaden did meet Syrus (Shou) first so... yeah...

*= I don't like Kenzan's english name so when I write him I always use his Japanese name.