Day 2

January 15, 2013

Red vs. White, Vehicroids vs. Heroes, Rage vs. Joy

9:00AM - Asuka's Classroom

Asuka entered the classroom escorted by Richard. She was feeling tired as she had helped J and Bashin get ready. It wasn't much of a hassle; she simply wasn't used to having guests at her apartment.

"Today, I have with me Richard Slysheen, think of him as a Teaching Assistant," Asuka smiled, "he will also be acting as a bodyguard of sorts. He'll be keeping our classroom safe."

The lessons went off without too much grumbling from students, and no fights broke out in the middle of class today.

2:20PM - School Hallway

Asuka breathed a sigh of relief as the final bell rang.

"See, no problems arose for now, but I'm glad I was there to keep it that way.", Richard smugly grinned.

"You were very helpful, and I'm glad the students were less antsy.", Asuka replied.

"Ehh, I'd still be careful, there may be rage hidden by the students afraid to be punished.", Richard cautioned, "I think it's best if I stay on the case."

"Ms. Tenjoin! Wait up!", Bashin called behind them.

He came running up dragging along J who looked less enthused (if not just as).

"We heard about a card shop that may have Batosupi cards!", Bashin smiled wildly.

"Yes, some of the other students mentioned it, and if we want to investigate underground card matches that may be just the place.", J added.

"Besides, think of all the great Batosupi we can play if we get there!", Bashin simply glowed with enthusiasm.

"I suppose we could go there", Richard shrugged.

Asuka agreed, and they headed to the local card shop.

4:00PM - Backwater Card Shop

The card shop was little more than a hole in the wall establishment, but still had quite a selection of different cards from all kinds of games. Bashin went straight for Battle Spirits cards, with J close behind him.

Asuka noticed that Judai had come here also, "This explains why you didn't show up to school... how typical of you."

She smiled at him as he looked away, "Well, I never even knew this place existed, it's just so small, but it's so cool too!"

Judai worked his way through the Duel Monsters cards on the shelves, slowly inching toward J and Bashin who were similarly working their way toward Judai.

Judai and Bashin turned to each other with excitement in their eyes.

"X-Rares seem even more rare in this place! It's crazy exciting!", Bashin nearly yelled.

"How did I never see this place!? It's filled with the joy of a fulfilling match.", Judai mused, eyes still alight with happiness.

"Hey Judai!", a familiar voice called out.

"Sho! You made it!", Judai turned to great his light-blue-haired high school friend.

"Jim and Tyranno were able to make it too.", Sho beamed as Judai's friends entered the store.

Asuka and Judai wasted no time catching up with their school friends.

"Who are these young fellas?", Jim Crocodile Cook pointed out J and Bashin who were still ogling Battle Spirits cards.

"Oh, they're Bashin and J, students of mine that play Battle Spirits and needed a place to stay... So I let them stay at my apartment.", Asuka explained.

"That's really kind of you, Asuka.", Sho looked over at them.

"What are we waiting for, let's include them, Sarge!", Tyranno exclaimed as he walked over to them.

"What kind of deck are you looking to improve, Sarge? I like dinosaurs myself.", Tyranno got Bashin's attention.

Bashin looked puzzled, "Why do you talk that way? We're not in the army..."

J shifted uncomfortably, "Uh, what he means is that you don't have to address us so formally, we are Asuka and Judai's friends too."

"Ah, I don't aim to confuse you, but I'm just practicing being a good soldier. What could be more inclusive than a battalion, together under the name of 'Sarge.'", Tyranno laughed at the thought.

J and Bashin looked thoroughly unconvinced.

Bashin opened his mouth, but J spoke faster, "That's all very well, but there's no need to be so formal among friends. Even if you mean it as the opposite. First name basis feels more comfortable to us."

"Suit yourself then, I'll let you have your way... fellas", Tyranno grinned, "The offer still stands, I'd gladly show you some Duel Monsters strategy."

"No thanks, we're here to play Batosupi!", Bashin replied.

"Ah ha, I've heard of that one, but never seen much of it played...", Tyranno added.

"You should all see me and J duel then!", Bashin looked excited, "He's a champion player, and I'm no slouch either!"

J nodded, "If you guys wouldn't mind that would be rather fun."

Everyone gathered to watch J and Bashin duel. The shop had just enough room to house the Battle Spirits table and seat everyone without obstructing the walkways between card displays.

As their game continued, Sho and Jaden dueled for old time's sake also. Tyranno was able to slip away between games, saying he needed a breather outside.

"Manjoume, I've found those two who you've been looking for.", Tyranno reported into his police-issue walkie-talkie, "They're all yours, Sarge."

"Head back to Headquarters immediately! I'm on my way now.", Manjoume grinned as he got into his squad car.

"Understood, Sarge.", Tyranno went back into the card shop were the duels had concluded.

"I've got to head out, the boss needs me.", Tyranno told everyone.

They said their goodbyes and Tyranno went back to Police Headquarters.

"We'd better get going too," Asuka told Sho and Jim, "You're welcome to drop by though."

"Sure thing, Tomorrow-Girl", Jim followed everyone out of the shop as the owner waved goodbye to them.

About thirty minutes later Manjoume arrived at the card shop.

He approached the counter and asked the owner, "Were there two boys here, Battle Spirits players, by the names of Juli Sawaragi and Toppa Bashin?"

"A group came in her a while ago, but I never heard any names.", the owner said slowly.

"You better be telling the truth as this is important police business.", Manjoume snorted as he began ransacking the shop looking for any sign that his culprits had been here.

5:30PM - Asuka's Apartment

"You're name, 'Toppa' fits your personality; you're always trying to break through with energy and strength.", Jim explained as they made their way through the halls of the apartment complex.

"I'll have to think of a meaning for your name J, I'm unfamiliar with it.", Jim continued.

A young woman was vacuuming the stairs, that Asuka needed to climb to get to her apartment. She didn't recognize her.

"Are you a new tenant here?", Asuka asked.

The vacuum stopped, "I'm actually the landlord's daughter, I was helping him clean up."

"Well it's nice to meet you, I'm Asuka, and I'm a teacher at the local Duel Academy.", Asuka continued with the introductions.

"I'm Nezumiko.", she smiled, her right eye hidden by her bangs.

"I'll see you around.", Asuka climbed up with the others close behind.

Sho and Jaden relived their favorites moments of the afternoon, as did J and Bashin, while Jim told tales of his travels and the exotic animals he had seen. Eventually it was time for Judai's his visiting friends to return home, and the Asuka apartment became quiet for the night.