Chapter 5

Casper City Annual Duel Fair

Even though the train ride seemed to go on forever, the two duellists eventually made it to Casper Central Station and unloaded before going to search for Pharaoh. Before they could find him, Jaden's phone rang.

"Your friend?" Pearl asked.

"He always calls at the right time," Jaden said. "Keep looking, I'll catch up to you in a moment." Pearl nodded and left as Jaden answered the phone.

"It's me," Axel said. "Just thought I'd check and see if you need any more money."

"I am in need of a little more cash," Jaden admitted. "Now that I've got Pearl, things aren't going to be overly cheap anymore."

"Alright," Axel said. "I've booked you both a hotel room in three hotels. That should last you for about two weeks if you need them. I'm thinking that you should try and pass Pearl off as your sister or your cousin to avoid too much attention."

"Sounds good to me," Jaden said. "We're already feeling closer."

"I'm also signing you both up for a duel contest that'll take place over the next few days," Axel added.

"Wait, you're signing both of us up?" Jaden asked.

"If there are two of you competing, you'll have a better chance of winning," Axel pointed out.

"But Pearl can't fully control her abilities," Jaden retorted. "If we put her into a duel contest and she loses control, who knows how many people could get hurt."

"The way I see it, the only way she can learn to control her powers is by using them," Axel countered. "I'm putting her in the contest. If she feels like she's going to lose control, she can always back out."

"But Axel," Jaden protested.

"Sorry Jaden, but she's been signed up. The competition begins tomorrow. I'm sending the rules, location and a list of duelists who've entered to your phone. You've got some planning to do," Axel said. With that he hung up, leaving Jaden with no choice and slightly annoyed. Mainly because he knew Axel was partially right. If Pearl wanted to learn, she'd have to practice and a duel contest was the perfect opportunity to do that.

"I hate it when he's right," Jaden muttered. It was then that Pearl came running up with Pharaoh in her arms.

"Jaden, I found him," she said. Jaden smiled and patted the fat cat's head.

"Good, now that we're all here," Jaden said, taking Pharaoh and placing him on the ground, much to the cat's disappointment. "Axel has set us up with a hotel room at three different hotels in case we need to move around any. That should help us for the next two weeks or so. He also suggested that we pretend to be siblings or cousins. Do you mind?"

"Not at all," Pearl said with a smile. "I've always wanted a big brother."

"Personally, I think cousins would be easier to manage," Jaden said.

"Sure thing, Cousin," Pearl teased. Jaden smiled. It was good that she had cheered up, she had a pretty smile.

"Come on, let's check into the hotel," Jaden said, checking the location sent to him by Axel. It wasn't far from the train station. Probably just a ten minute walk to a place called Days Inn Casper. In that time, Jaden would have to come up with a plan to convince Pearl to compete in the tournament.

"Follow me," Jaden said, leading the way out of the station.

"Aye, aye, cousin!" Pearl teased, following. Pharaoh meowed in annoyance and followed as well.

The hotel looked great from the outside. Jaden realized that the name of the inn was actually a brand name, Days Inn, not Days Inn Casper, even though that's where it was located. Jaden decided it'd be better to hide Pharaoh in his back pack, just until they got past the front desk. So, Pharaoh got placed back in the bag, much to his enjoyment and the two of them headed in. The inside was warm, inviting and bright, just the kind of place you'd want to stay. The woman at the front desk was dark haired and had dark eyes and tan skin.

"Can I help you?" she asked.

"Ya, we're supposed to have a room booked here," Jaden said.

"Name," the woman asked, shifting to the computer beside her.

"Jaden Yuki," Jaden said. The woman typed it in to the computer and smiled.

"Yes you are," she said. "Room for two, right?"

"That's right, my cousin and I are travelling duellists," Jaden said.

"Isn't that exciting," the woman said. "Would you both like a room key?"

"Yes please," Jaden said. The woman passed two key cards to Jaden.

"Room 236 down this hallway," she said, indicating the door. "What time would you like your wakeup call?"

"8:00 if you don't mind," Jaden said.

"Sure thing, have a nice stay," the woman said.

"Thank you," Jaden said. "Come on Pearl." The two of them hurried to open the door with their key and proceeded to the end of the hall where room 236 was. The inside of the room wasn't too big, but fit two queen sized beds nicely, had a bathroom near the entrance, a window, TV and a work desk. It also sported two bedside tables, each with its own lamp.

"This is nice," Jaden said. "I mean, I've stayed in good inns before, but this one takes the cake."

"There's no limit to how your personality can amaze me, is there?" Pearl asked, quietly. Jaden evidently didn't hear her as he placed his bag down on one of the beds and pulled Pharaoh out. Only then did he remember something he needed to tell Pearl before she found out by accident.

"Oh ya," he said. "Hey Pearl, I forgot I have to introduce you to one more person. Come on Pharaoh, open up." Pearl looked at this boy curiously but was amazed when the overweight cat yawned and a firefly flew out – or at least what she thought was a firefly. That light took the form of a transparent man with glasses, brock eyes and long black hair that was tied back. Pearl thought about screaming, but that passed in a moment.

"Pearl, this is Professor Banner," Jaden said. "He was a teacher at Duel Academy, until…well….until he became a spirit."

"It's nice to meet you Pearl," Banner said. Pearl lifted a hand.

"Hey," she said, forcefully.

"Pharaoh is his cat," Jaden said. "He chose to stick around and make sure I didn't get into too much trouble."

"Believe me, easier said than done," Banner said. Pearl smiled at that and physically relaxed. Sure, Banner had scared her, but he seemed like a nice guy.

"Anyway, I'm glad that Jaden was able to get you to safety," Banner continued. "The world of science may be interesting, but it can also be intrusive and I hate to think what could've happened to you if Jaden hadn't gotten you out. By the way, where are we?"

"Casper Wyoming," Pearl said. "Jaden wasn't the only one to try and 'rescue' me. Oberon broke in later and then came to my house. Jaden beat him in a duel and now we're here."

"My, my, I leave you for a day and this happens," Banner said. "But I must ask; why did Oberon want you." While they were talking, Jaden began to look through the information that Axel had sent him on contest rules and currently applied participants.

"He thinks that my psychic powers can help him get back on top of the pro league," Pearl said. "I don't know how he thinks he can do that, but I don't really want to find out."

"I don't blame you," Banner said. "Some things are better left undiscovered."

"Agreed," Pearl said. Then she noticed Jaden carefully studying something on his phone. "And what are you doing, cousin?" she asked, leaning over.

"The friend I was talking to on the phone decided to sign us both up for a local duelling tournament that starts tomorrow," Jaden said. "I'm just checking out the rules and competition."

"Wait, signed both of us up?" Pearl asked.

"I told him not to, but he signed you up too," Jaden said. "His point was that the only way to master your powers is to use them and a light tournament is the perfect place for that. I hate it when he's right." This last part was said quieter and was more or less just Jaden talking to himself. Pearl backed up a little bit.

"But…what if I lose control," Pearl asked. "I don't want to see more people hurt because of me."

"Don't worry, it looks like the competitors are more or less locals, not professionals," Jaden said. "There are professionals in this area who are competing, but you won't have to duel anyone too hard. If you feel like you're losing control, then you can just back out." Pearl didn't look so sure.

"Don't worry," Banner encouraged. "Jaden is right. The only way to master something is to practice it, so if you want to master your abilities, then you need to learn how to use them and how to control them and the only way to do that is by using them." Pearl still looked sceptical, but she grinned slightly anyway.

"Okay, what are the rules?" Pearl asked.

"The duelling will take place at assigned locations and will be paired randomly. Everyone is required to check in by 10:00 a.m. tomorrow at the Casper Annual Fair Grounds. Pretty basic stuff otherwise. Basic tournament rules and other things," Jaden said. "The fairgrounds however extend over several acres of land. Duels are expected to take place in various portions of the theme park, like on rollercoasters, in haunted houses and on the Farris wheel. This should be interesting."

"So I'm guessing it's not a tag team battle," Pearl said.

"No, and that means we may get a rematch," Jaden said. "The fair is about fifteen minutes by cab and we should try to be there by about 9:30, so that gives us about forty-five minutes tomorrow morning for getting ready and breakfast."

"Okay," Pearl said. "Guess that means we have the rest of tonight to plan our decks." Jaden glanced at the time. It was already late into the evening at 8:17 p.m., but Pearl had a point. They should spend at least two or so hours planning their decks and maybe Jaden could show Pearl a few more tricks she could do with her powers.

Banner retreated to the inside of his cat again as they began to sort through their cards and create the best possible deck and side decks for the tournament. Jaden and Pearl sat on their own beds with their backs to each other so that the other's deck was a mystery in case they were to face off at any point in the tournament. Their cards were all spread out on the bed in front of them as they silently chose their cards. Sometimes they'd speak quietly to themselves or the spirits of their cards while making their decisions, but other than that, the only noise was the sound of shifting around on the beds, planning of strategies and decks.

Before they knew what had happened, over two hours had passed, making it quarter to eleven. Without a word, both of them decided that an early bed time would make for a day of full energy the next day. So the two of them took turns using the bathroom as a change room to change into their pajamas and then they both slipped into bed and turned out the lights. However, sleep didn't come for a while afterwards. Jaden lay awake thinking about the tournament tomorrow.

"You're not worried, are you?" Yubel asked.

"Why do you ask?" Jaden asked back.

"Because you and I both know that skill comes with experience," Yubel said. "This tournament is the perfect opportunity for Pearl to practice."

"I just don't want her to be concerned," Jaden said. "If she's focused on the possibility that she could lose control, it's more likely that she will. She needs to learn to put her fears aside and do the job instead of worrying about the how."

"And do you think that you can teach her that?" Yubel asked.

"I'm not sure I understand the question," Jaden said.

"I'm asking you if you think it's something better to be taught or learned," Yubel said. "You can't teach her everything; she needs to learn some things on her own in her own way. This is one of them. She'll be fine once she learns the pace of the duels and that being focused on controlling her powers conflicts with her concentration on the duel. I don't think it'll take long to learn that." Jaden smiled slightly knowing she was right.

"I guess you're right," he said, cheekily.

"I am right," Yubel said. "Now, get some sleep. You have a big day tomorrow." Jaden didn't argue with her and soon fell into a heavy sleep, dreaming of winning the tournament the next day.

Pearl on the other hand fell into a light sleep where she was met by the spirit of Gem-Knight Garnet. Pearl was less confident in her abilities than Yubel and confessed this to Garnet.

"How do I know that I can do this?" she asked.

"I believe in you, milady," Garnet said. Pearl didn't respond, so Garnet placed both hands on her shoulders and looked into her face. "We all believe in you," he specified.

"That's not the problem," Pearl said. "I don't believe in me."

"Then you've already lost," Garnet said, standing up straight again. "If you don't have faith in yourself, no one else will and you've already surrendered the fight. You've got to keep trying; we're all here for you." Pearl sighed.

"Thanks for the pep talk," she said.

"We won't let you do this on your own," Garnet said. "Sleep well, mistress." With that, Pearl faded into a deep, dreamless sleep, still wondering, still hoping that she could do what she needed to in order to win.

Jaden woke up to the sound of the phone ringing. Drowsily, he rolled over and picked it up off the bedside table.

"Hello," he said, sleepily.

"This is your 8:00 wake up call," said a woman on the phone. Jaden forced himself to sit up and saw Pearl watching him, clearly awake. Pharaoh meowed in annoyance at the foot of Jaden's bed.

"Thanks," Jaden said, before hanging up. He then turned to look at Pearl. "Sleep well?" he asked.

"For the most part," Pearl said, propping herself up on her arm. "What about you?"

"I slept great, I just wish I had more time to sleep," Jaden said. "Anyway, we should get ready."

"I call the bathroom first," Pearl said.

"Go right ahead," Jaden agreed. Pearl was out in ten minutes after a quick shower, so Jaden also was able to shower and change before the two of them headed out for a breakfast of fruit, cereal and yogurt. Jaden had decided to bring Pharaoh along in his bag, just so that the maids didn't have to deal with a thirty pound cat. So in a pre-called cab, the two of them headed for the fairgrounds. By the time they made it there, it was quarter to ten, meaning they had just fifteen minutes to check in and get ready for their first match. The fairgrounds certainly were large. Both Pearl and Jaden grabbed a map so they could get to the proper locations for their duels.

"Looks like everyone is supposed to head to the duel arena for the introduction and pairing," Jaden said, looking at the map.

"Center of the fair and we have to be there in five minutes," Pearl said.

"We'd better run then," Jaden said. "Let's go!"

"Let's go, cousin," Pearl agreed. The two of them hurried to the arena and made it there just before the introduction began. A man stood on the center duel ring dressed in a blue suit with a darker tie and white leather shoes.

"Welcome one and all to the Casper City Annual Duel Fair!" he said. "I'm your host, Jarvis Phool." Jaden and Pearl had a good laugh at that. "Now, to begin, we've got a good harvest of promising duellists this year, all competing for the jackpot of twenty-five thousand big ones! Now, the preliminary matches will begin today, followed by the secondary rounds tomorrow and the finales the next day. Only those who pass each of these have a chance of reaching the finals. Now, for the pairing, please turn your eyes to the screen above." Everyone looked up at the large screens and watched as forty-eight faces were shuffled. Finally, they stopped and everyone saw who they would be facing. Pearl and Jaden sighed in relief; they wouldn't be facing each other in the first round. Everyone watched as the paired faces were moved to different locations on a map.

"Now then, duellists," Mr. Phool said. "Head to your designated locations. The duels begin in half an hour!" Duellists all around them began to head to the different locations they had been assigned. Jaden and Pearl stood a moment longer gazing at the screen.

"Looks like I'm in the water park first," Jaden said.

"Lucky you," Pearl said. "Looks like they've set me up on the Dragon Fire Rollercoaster."

"That should be fun!" Jaden said. "And remember, you control your powers, not the other way around. You'll do fine."

"Thanks," Pearl said. With that she turned and headed off in the direction of her duel. Jaden watched her go and prayed silently that she wouldn't be too nervous. If she was, then it was more likely that she'd lose control.

"Believe in her," Yubel interrupted. "Just like you believed in me. Is that so hard to do?"

"No, I guess not," Jaden said. "But even then the fear remains." He started to walk towards the water park.

"The fear may be there, but it should never interfere with the trust," Yubel said. "You taught me that."

"You're right," Jaden said. "Let's focus on our duel and worry about Pearl later." With that he ran towards his first opponent.

All around the fair, duellists were being prepared for their duels. For Pear's duel on the rollercoaster, a platform was set up with bars and ropes to keep them from falling off. So they were properly strapped in and waiting for the signal to begin. Jaden was escorted to a small area in the middle of a water rollercoaster where he faced his opponent. The other locations were a haunted house, the house of mirrors, a Farris wheel, an old west town, the planetarium, and a pirate ship and everywhere else you could think of. Suddenly, over the speakers came Mr. Phool's voice.

"Alright Duellists, you may commence with your duel!" he said. The rollercoaster took off, the Farris wheel started and all throughout the theme park, one voice echoed in one word.

"Duel!"

Alright, that's the end of this chapter. You'll be able to see at least pieces of Jaden's and Pearl's duels, I'm not sure yet if I'll show you the full thing. If you would like the full thing, message me and let me know. If you don't care and just want me to stop talking and keep writing so you can read more, tell me. Either one works. Please wait for then next chapter while I get my game on!