When Button woke up, he could have sworn he had heard someone shouting. Rubbing the sleep out of his eyes and grabbing his deck, he slid it into the holster Masq had gotten him. Masq had gone through a lot of trouble talking his oldest sister into giving Griff and him cards. It boiled down to making him look good by association and thus making her look good. His oldest sister, Checkers, owned practically the entire operation that was mass producing the cards and duel disks. She was influential with a long arm. Button was a bit jealous of Masq but having met Checkers, he decided he never wanted to switch places.

As he came down the stairs he saw Griff, Masq, and the Crusaders all standing there with an odd look on their face. He smiled dopily, "Oh, hey guys? Is today the exams or something?"

Griff sized Button up, seeing he was still in his pajamas. "Button… the ship leaves in half an hour. It will take us 20 minutes to get there… AND YOU ARE JUST WAKING UP?" Griff knocked him over the head.

Sweetie Belle groaned, "I thought he was going to take this seriously! Highest level of duelists and he is still as clueless as ever."

Button teared up a bit as he whined, "I'm sorry. I forgot. I need to get breakfast and put on my uniform, and grab my duel disk…"

This time both Sweetie and Griff bonked him hard, "Just get dressed!".

Button ran upstairs to avoid any further harm coming to his person. How could they blame him for thinking it was all a dream? He had beaten the best instructor in only his third duel ever. He was sure it was a dream or incredibly good luck. Still, now he could duel along with Sweetie Belle. She rolled her eyes at him, but she totally had a thing for him. He could tell. How could she not have a thing for him after that impressive turn around the other day?

Button got distracted for a bit before hearing Masq say, "You really are an airhead." Button caught his duel disk as Masq tossed it to him. "Head out of the clouds, Button. This is the real deal. Still, I'm glad that you took to that deck so easily. I could see your eyes light up when you looked through it."

Button nodded, "Yeah, these guys look cool! Not to mention I kinda like the setup. The center piece is one guy who takes bits of his friend's skills and uses them to save the day. I mean, I do that in games all the time. Nobody is worthless but the main hero always has to take the spotlight, you know?"

Masq nodded, "And with a friend like you, there isn't enough spotlight for me. I'm all for that." He laughed, "And this red uniform is more stylish than your blue one."

Button looked at it and nodded, "I would fit in more with your group but you heard the teacher. I have the raw potential to be one of the best."

Masq went for the door, "The more people see your potential, the more pressure you face and the more of the world is put on fast forward. Never lose your sense of fun, Button. Promise me that."

Button nodded, putting on the last of his uniform. When they got downstairs, Button's mom had clearly talked them all into staying for a proper breakfast. Griff was filled with barely contained rage as he ate his waffles, Button's mom refilling his plate as quick as he could eat it. She laughed, "Looks like someone hasn't eaten in days."

Griff yelled, "Your cooking is delicious!" Masq hid behind a cabinet, laughing to himself as Button was grabbed by his mother and dragged to the table. While everyone else looked like prisoners held against their will for some kind of torture, Button ate as quick as he always had, out pacing his mother and Griff easily.

Masq could hear from the table, "Oh, and don't you forget to eat as well, Masquerade. You always look so frail."

Masq, unlike the rest of them, had a way out of it. "Oh, I wouldn't dream of it. After all, we are already running behind."

Button's mother gasped and pulled all of the food free of the table, "I can't believe none of you told me. I should send you on your way. I'm so sorry."

Masq laughed nervously, "Well, We could never make the boat at this rate. I suppose I'll have to call my sister again."

Griff got chills and coughed, "Well, you had better do that outside. We will just wait here until it blows over."

Bloom poked him nervously, "Wow, the tough as nails Griff is trembling. Who is this monster among men?"

Griff growled, his face red, "Like hell! I don't get scared of anyone!" Masq stepped out and Griff let out a breath, "But she isn't just anyone. That woman… Well, I guess you'll get it when you meet her."

Button laughed, "She can't be anything like you. I mean, I can feel you moving in for the kill as soon as you see your winning move."

Griff nodded, "And every one of her moves is the winning move." The girls all got nervous, even Scoots shifting around uncomfortably.

Masquerade returned, a light smile on his face. "She was upset, but she has promised all of us a ride to the boat."

Bloom looked at her watch, "Shouldn't it have left by now?"

Masq nodded, "But if we don't arrive ON THE BOAT we don't qualify. So, my sister is taking care of it." As he said this, a helicopter could be heard outside, getting even louder as it landed in the street. As the side door opened, Masq motioned everyone outside. Griff was leading the pack, a nervous look on his face.

They all climbed quickly into the helicopter, Button laughing, "Thanks for another assist, Checks. We all owe you big." He locked eyes with her and the rest of her seemed to be invisible. The fire and rage in her eyes was clear, paired up with her disgust and a feeling that he was going to be swallowed whole.

She spoke powerfully and disjointedly, her rage making it hard to keep her calm. "NEVER, call me Checks. To you… It is Mistress Checkers." Buttons sat quietly, unable to break eye contact or form a reply. She was something else. Even Griff didn't inspire this much terror in him.

The rest were too uncomfortable to talk, so Sweetie Belle began, her cotton candy hair drawing Button's attention. "It is a pleasure to meet you, Mistress Checkers. My sister has worked with your company in the past."

Checkers nodded, "And I remember the transaction ending with her in tears." As Sweetie Belle dropped silent, Checkers continued, "She had no business in Manehattan in the first place, but at least she returned to make herself of slight use to me. Her taste is gaudy and obnoxious."

Sweetie Belle sat down and silence over took the group. Bloom looked like she wanted to say something, but Griff pushed her back into her seat, locking eyes and shaking his head no. Checkers nodded, "Griff, you have grown wise. You should inform the rest of your people to stop putting up a fight when I try to do business with them. I know you have connections."

Griff shook his head, "I'm afraid a single voice wouldn't make a dent. They are stubborn and greedy. You are just too ruthless for our ways."

Checkers laughed and everyone except Masq got chills, "The funny thing is, I know you are playing me. Still, you are right. I am too savvy for my own good. I knew you would make a role model for Masq."

Masq laughed nervously, "Well, I'm sure you would be a greater role model sister."

She nodded, "But you never listen to me, so I am glad someone you truly trust can teach you the lessons you just won't hear from me." Her icy glare seemed slightly different when it met with Masq. She sighed, "Still, I suppose your punishment will fit the crime. That is to say, if you want to go to this academy so badly, I will give you a ride, but I'm not landing."

Button asked, "Didn't Masq say you were dropping us off?"

Checkers nodded, "Yes, and there could be no better choice of words. There is a parachute for my brother, as I do not want him to receive harm. His punishment will be the treatment to the rest of you. You have three options." No one spoke up but they all understood where this was going. "You can aim for the ocean ahead of the ship and hope that someone finds a way to pull you on board before the ship runs you over or you get left stranded in the sea. Option two, You can attempt to land in the pool on the ship. It will be risky if you hit the water too hard or too fast, but it will guarantee that you make the trip." She smirked at the third one with grim glee, "And the last option is to try and find a place on the ship that will cushion your fall, but I wouldn't count on this one. You will most likely just end up eating wood or steel before being turned to paste. Still, it might be fun to watch." She broke out laughing and the children could feel puppies dying.

She then placed a hand on her younger brother. "You will remain until the rest have jumped. This way none of them can leech off my mercy." Masq looked nervous and she shrugged, "Besides, if you gave that up to them and didn't survive, how would that be punishment to YOU? No, better that you live knowing what happens next is on you."

Griff sighed, "Well, better falling than spending any more time around you. Any longer and I figure I'll end up in a freezer." He slid open the door, expecting correctly that she had already gotten them above the ship. He tossed himself out.

Bloom shouted, "Where do you think yer goin', ya fool hardy punk!" She leapt out after Griff, not thinking much before she went.

Button grabbed Sweetie's hand and shouted with glee, "Nothing to it but to do it, Sweetie Belle!" He dragged her out after him as she shouted in terror.

Scootaloo looked over the edge of the helicopter nervously. She had always been afraid of heights and falling from them. She was so much more comfortable on the ground. As she leaned out nervously, Checkers placed her foot on Scootaloos behind and pushed her out the side. Scootaloo fell screaming and Masq shot to his feet, "What was that about?"

Checkers shook her finger. "Those who hesitate lose and I will not stand losers on my helicopter. If she dies, oh well. She has already shown her worth and even I couldn't turn a profit on it."

Masq grabbed the parachute and leapt out, not hesitating in the slightest. His sister looked on with glee. He was so much more useful when he throws fear away instead of hiding his true potential in it like a cloak.

Bloom held onto Griff tightly crying out, "HOW IS THIS BETTER THAN BEING UP THERE?" Griff smirked and slowed himself down so she was on his back. His body spread like he had wings. His old school had been rather intense. His people didn't hold anything back, training their students for every part of surviving life. Instead of talking to her, he angled himself and lined himself up with the hot tub near the pool. Bloom screamed in his ear but he said nothing, allowing the heat from the tub operate as a small speed cushion. Tilting again and putting his arms into proper diving position, he glided into the water of the pool, Bloom swallowing a lot of water with all of her screaming. When Griff got out of the pool, Bloom was floating face down in the water. Pulling her out quickly, he did CPR upon her, everyone looking on. Half way through breathing into her mouth, Bloom snapped awake, slapping Griff immensely hard. She growled, "Even if my life was at risk, that is no way to steal a girl's first kiss."

Griff shouted, "Like hell! Resuscitation doesn't count, you rural tomboy!" His response was two fold and both were valid points. As Griff rolled around on the deck holding his groin, Bloom shook some of the water off and went to get cleaned up.

Up in the air, Sweetie eyeballed Button in an unamused fashion. He had pulled them both out without any plan where he wanted to land and now he was having to make it up. His face was showing he had no ideas. That was when he saw it. A cart filled to the brim with white fluffy towels. He grabbed her hand and hugged her, causing her to gain some color. He spun them so he was on the bottom and laughed, "Okay, like this even if my plan is stupid, you will probably be fine." This was oddly noble of him. She rolled her eyes at his plan though. It was the dirty laundry cart. She was going to have to go for a shower after this. As they landed, dirty clothes went everywhere. Sweetie had luckily avoided any real contact with the clothes. Stepping on Button's forehead to get to a better position, she leapt out and bowed in respect, "Thank you for your noble sacrifice."

Button got up, dirty sock on his head, "Yeah, sure, no problem." He turned to the guy and asked, "Didn't this ship just leave?"

The worker nodded, "Yes, but we crewmen live here. This ship is our life." Button nodded. That did sound depressing enough for that monster of a woman to have going for a ship like this.

Scootaloo was still screaming, seeing the boat arriving faster and faster the closer she got. She closed her eyes, expecting to feel an instant of incredible pain before she was reduced to paste. Next thing she knew, Masq was there, holding her hand. "Sorry for my rudeness, but…" He pulled her close, wrapping her arms around his shoulders and he pulled his chute. The jerk from the release almost caused her to lose her grip, but Masq had held her in place. As his reward, her vicegrip on his neck made breathing somewhat hard. He managed to guide them to the deck of the ship. When they landed, she released him, causing him to drop to a knee. Scootaloo laughed, "That was really cool! We should do it again sometime."

Masq was literally too lightheaded to see straight so he wasn't sure if she meant it or if it was a thank you. He collapsed on the deck, panting for air. Masq then heard Griff's voice. "Do I have to resuscitate you too? You had the easy ride and you look worse than Bloom." Griff saw Scootaloo round a corner and smirked, "Oh, I get it. You saved the girl. I hope you got the hero kiss. Cause all I got was a slap and and kick."

Button walked up, smelling like a locker room. "Good for you. I got covered in man sweat and jock straps." Button looked at Masq and asked, "He afraid of heights?" Silence dropped between the three. Today hadn't gone according to plan and Button hoped they wouldn't figure out it was kind of his fault. Blame could be shared, but… The two standing ones, picked up their worn out friend, removed his parachute and went to their room, all of them needing to clean up or rest.