Anonymous Review 1 (Tsukiyami): I did hint to my audience before that Jaylin had used the Orichalcose. I also mentioned in my author's notes that I will be doing a prequel that will get into Jaylin using the Orichalcose. I am purposely making that chapter confusing, so my audience would be interested in knowing what happened during that upcoming prequel. If you did not know about the prequel, which there are those that didn't, you probably haven't been paying attention or forgot. It has been a long time, since I've mentioned about my prequel, though I still expect my readers to be aware of it. The last chapter was just the conclusion of the events that happened in the prequel.
Hey, I have been thinking of a few ideas for the fillers I'm going to do. There are several things I want to cover, one of them being bringing out more of Professor Banner's character. I haven't been able to do that much, which I seriously apologize. There was just so much stuff to do. Anyways, this half of the rest of the Duel Academy school year should cover it a bit. Review please!
Alexis gasped, her eyes snapping open. She sighed, realizing that what she experienced was only a nightmare. She turned her body, facing the window, while clutching her pillow with both her arms. She buried her face into the pillow, taking deep breaths slowly. It was just a dream after all.
Later that day, Alexis was in the Library doing her homework in such peace and quiet. She was working on math, which was hard for her, but she was able to pass with flying colors. All it took was extra time and hard work. She always tried placing her focus on the work she did. She had to keep her honors grades up.
A small cup of hot tea was placed beside her, looking at it for a moment before seeing the person, who placed it there.
"I thought I'd bring you some caffeine to help you study," Bastion said, showing a small smile.
"Thanks," Alexis thanked Bastion, taking the tea and drinking out of it. "Hmm, Spiced Peach."
"You'd be surprised how hard it was to get that stuff."
"You ordered online, didn't you?" Alexis smirked as Bastion shrugged. "You're so sweet." She gave him a kiss on the cheek.
"My roommate also let me borrow his microwave," Bastion said, sitting in the chair next to Alexis, then setting his backpack on the floor next to him. He dug out his text book and homework to study next to his girlfriend.
"Well, aren't you lucky? I don't even have a roommate. I have to go all the way to the other side of the campus, then go through my annoying brother to get a decent microwave."
Bastion laughed quietly, trying not to bother other people in the library. He and Alexis began focusing on their studies, Alexis wanting to take her mind off of that nightmare she had last night. It was just a nightmare. It's not like it would ever happen, even if it kept continuing throughout the night. Alexis never fell under superstitions like dreams being predictions of the future or something. Still, her nightmare was beyond disturbing, though she supposed that was to be expected from the whole ordeal with Nightshroud and everything.
After studying, Bastion began training, being that he had to prepare himself for Nightshroud, if he ever showed up again. Bastion wore heavier clothing, since it was the beginning of January. He kept punching and kicking a tree a certain way, so his skin didn't break. Though, his skin was still very tough at this point, so it wasn't easily broken like when he first came to school. Still, this was a good way to keep his strength up, or one of the ways.
Chazz slowly approached, taking a deep breath. He asked, "Bastion..."
"Hm?" Bastion replied, stopping what he was doing.
"How'd you do it? How were you able to win the girl of your dreams?" Chazz asked. Bastion knew he was asking for advice in winning Jaylin's heart.
"I-I don't know. Chazz, I'm not the guy you should be asking. I was lucky enough to win Alexis," Bastion replied, then continued his training.
"By lucky, you mean..."
Bastion sighed, saying, "I was lucky, because she liked me back." He turned his head. "I never attempted on turning her on or anything. I was trying to find ways, but I couldn't think of any. Before you know it... bam! Here we are."
"I tried everything, even the shy guy approach. Nothing seems to get Jaylin. No guy has ever turned her on, aside from a famous celebrity. What do I have to do, dye my hair turquoise, and be a famous duelist?"
"Chazz, I really doubt it works like that," Bastion said plainly. "Listen, hasn't it occurred to you that maybe Jaylin doesn't want a boyfriend at all?"
"She dated Belowski!"
"Yes, but she was probably trying being nice. It didn't last very long," Bastion mentioned, covering half his face with his sweaty hand. "Most girls want to have a boyfriend, even love it, but... Jaylin doesn't work like that. She's not the type that will be swooned over. She'll give someone a chance, that is sincere, but she's not seeking for a partner. I noticed Alexis is the same way."
"You think Alexis went out with you, because you were sincere?"
"Probably," Bastion replied, sighing. He continued his training. Then, he paused. "Do you think it's weird I'm going out with Alexis?"
Chazz furrowed his eyebrows slightly, replying, "I don't really think about it. Why?"
"Alexis is the popular, free-spirited Obelisk Blue Queen. She's practically the popular, big time cheerleader. She's not captain, but it makes me wonder if she could be. Me? I'm just the shy Kenny from South Park that just lingers with the group. There's nothing special about me, except that I'm the shy, doubtful boy, who couldn't get a girlfriend to save his life, then lucky to have one."
"I'm sure there's something special about you or Alexis wouldn't be dating you."
"I suppose," Bastion sighed, then continued his training again.
Chazz left, leaving Bastion deep in his thoughts. Alexis did choose him after all, maybe he shouldn't look too deep into it. There's nothing wrong with their relationship really. It was simple and they were loving. They teased, they gave gifts, they did things together, what isn't there to love? Though, Bastion couldn't help, but feel useless in his relationship. Besides being the nice boyfriend, he didn't feel he was good for anything. He might as well just be the token love interest for Alexis.
Alexis gasped, waking up in the middle of the night, which was midnight. The nightmares continued. What was going on? This was the second night and that same nightmare continued haunting her. Alexis had never faced a problem like this before. If she had a nightmare, it'd go away the next day. She panted quietly, then decided to try going back to sleep again. The nightmare had to go away by then. If it doesn't, then it should go away tomorrow.
Bastion and Alexis were sitting together in Professor Banner's class during lunch. Bastion felt doubtful and Alexis was trying to get her mind off of the previous, disturbing nightmare she had last night. Nothing kept her mind off like school. At least she didn't have major examines or something. After all, this was the beginning of the second semester. Still, any type of work is better than thinking about nightmares that are fiction.
"Alexis, you need to borrow my mask? I'm sure Professor Banner will completely ignore you," Jaylin offered, handing out her sleeping mask she used to make it look like her eyes were open when she was sleeping in class.
"What?" Alexis replied, furrowing her eyebrows.
"You look really tired. You got some serious bags, girlfriend."
"Oh. I just couldn't sleep last night. No biggie," Alexis said, showing an assurance smile.
"What's keeping you up?" Bastion asked, wanting to prove himself that he wasn't useless.
"Oh, it's nothing. You know... just the animals outside making noise last night. I'll catch up on some sleep tonight. Nothing to worry about," Alexis assured, grinning.
"Oh, okay," Bastion replied, not wanting to intrude. He felt useless again. It wasn't like he could keep the animals outside from making noises. Even he remembered being woken up from those noises when he first moved in. He turned. "I can get you some earplugs, if that works."
"No, it's fine. I've got my own. Thank you, though," Alexis replied. Once again, Bastion felt useless.
Jaylin noticed Bastions look, worry filling her face.
After school, Bastion noticed Jaylin running up to him, then asking, "Bastion, I noticed you were looking under the weather. Are you sick?"
"No," Bastion replied, then stopped walking down the hall. "I just feel... do you think I'm any use at all to Alexis, besides being her boyfriend?"
"I think so. Though, being a boyfriend isn't just a title, you know," Jaylin pointed out.
"Hm?"
"Being a boyfriend isn't just being Alexis' eye candy. There's a bigger meaning to it. You might not realize it, but you do more for Alexis than she asks. She's always been all solo, and you do very small things to brighten up her day. It might not seem much, but it makes a huge difference, especially with the shit we're dealing with."
"Do you really believe that."
"I know. My dad has a fiancee, who always brightens up his day, doing things like talking to him on the phone, sending him love songs from YouTube, giving him his favorite to go Mighty Burger from Burger World, and babysitting me as a little girl. They weren't much, but they did brighten up his day and made his life a little easier.
"Alexis is facing alot of things with Nightshroud, and she needs someone to brighten up her day. You're more than qualified for that job. It will make a huge difference in the long-run."
"I suppose you're right. I guess I'm just going too deep into this," Bastion said, showing a small smile.
"Hey, it's okay. You and Alexis are perfect for each other! Don't think for a second Alexis isn't effected by your efforts," Jaylin winked, then opened her shoe locker to change her shoes. "Speaking of which, you should probably go find her before she thinks you forgot about her."
"R-Right!" Bastion realized, then dashed to his locker to change his shoes.
Alexis decided to catch up on some sleep, being that Jaylin did prove a good point. Alexis felt extremely tired from the nightmares she's been having last night and the night before. Bastion caught up with her, making Alexis turn.
"Oh, Bastion!"
"Sorry, just had to catch up to the most beautiful girl on earth," Bastion smirked as Alexis laughed in response.
"Thanks. Though, I do need to catch up on some sleep. I'll be taking a cat nap, if that's okay with you."
"Oh... that's fine. I understand. Though, it is hard to sleep during the day."
"I know. Thanks," Alexis said, hugging Bastion tightly. "I'll tell you what. I'll see you during supper. Sound like a plan?"
"Yes."
"I'll send you an invite before I hit the hay."
"Wonderful! I'll see you then!" Bastion waved, making Alexis smile brightly before making her way inside the Obelisk Blue Campus.
She went up to the front desk, signed in Bastion's name as an invited guest, then headed back to her dorm room. There was a little light in the room from the window, but it wasn't enough to keep Alexis awake. She needed the sleep and sleep is exactly what she was going to get. No noise, no interruptions, no nightmares.
Bastion met Alexis during supper, seeing her with her brightest smile. They cheerfully laughed inside the cafeteria of the Obelisk Blue Campus, enjoying their meal. Alexis desperately wanted to get her mind off of those stupid nightmares. They wouldn't go away and she knew it had to do with her deep psyche, her experiences with Nightshroud. Getting more sleep during the day didn't get rid of the disturbing nightmare. It was like a continual story of the same nightmare that started the night before.
"I'm glad you were finally able to get the sleep you wanted," Bastion said.
"Hopefully, I should get some decent sleep tonight," Alexis replied.
"If you get any sleep at all."
"What are you trying to get at?" Alexis smirked.
"I hear that too much sleep can keep you awake during the night."
"Oh, you shut up! It was only two hours!"
"Two hours can grow."
Alexis sighed teasingly as Bastion laughed. If school didn't get Alexis' mind off of the nightmares, she knew Bastion would. He knew how to enjoy Alexis as company without being too bothersome. She hated how many boyfriends try to be the alpha dog. Bastion wasn't like that. He was sincere, quiet and cute the way he was shy at times. There was enjoyment in their company; nothing more, nothing less. That's all Alexis would expect from anyone.
Bastion woke up the next morning earlier than usual. It was still dark outside, 4 in the morning. For some reason, he couldn't find it in himself to go back to sleep. This was annoying! Bastion sighed quietly, trying not to wake his roommate up. He decided to wake up, and maybe take a walk outside for a bit.
He tip-toed around the room, quietly getting on his normal clothes and heavy coat over it. He slowly made his way out of the room, hoping going outside this early wouldn't get him in trouble. He didn't think it would. It was supposed to be when the teachers would start getting the breakfast and classrooms ready for the day. Sometimes the students just walked around earlier than the start of school, though 4 in the morning was a bit much.
Bastion walked around his campus for a bit, enjoying the view, then decided to make his way to the courtyard. It was very dark, so it was freezing cold and the moon was still shining bright and full. He looked up at the full moon, smiling at it, then walked alongside the edge where the waters hit the ground. He eventually made it to the beach.
As Bastion approached the beach, he noticed someone afar in an Obelisk Blue coat, sitting down right in front of some bushes. She wrapped herself in a ball, her face hidden in her legs and her hood hiding her identity. Bastion could see it was a girl by the type of Obelisk Blue coat she was wearing. Boys coats were usually more broad.
Bastion quietly jogged to this person, then called, "hey!"
The person practically jumped, her legs spread out and her face revealed as Alexis. Her cheeks turned red from embarrassment.
"Bastion, I-I'm so sorry! I didn't- why are you here so early in the morning? It's like... 3," Alexis asked.
"Actually, 4 now. I ended up waking up earlier than usual. I thought I'd take a walk. Why are you here? I didn't know you were the early bird type," Bastion asked, smirking, then he walked closer, noticing Alexis' eyes were red. His face changed to concern. He knelt down. "Alexis... is something wrong?"
"N-No... it's nothing," Alexis lied quietly.
Bastion didn't want to push Alexis, but he knew there was something deeply wrong with her. There was no doubt it was enough to make her cry. What could he do? He remembered Jaylin's words.
"You do very small things to brighten up her day. It might not seem much, but it makes a huge difference."
Bastion scooted closer to Alexis, then wrapped his arms around Alexis, holding her as close to his own chest as possible. Alexis felt Bastion's warmth from his body heat and coat. Immediately, Alexis welcomed that warmth, and slowly began letting the tears fall onto his coat. Why couldn't the nightmares just go away!? This was so embarrassing that she had to cry over something completely stupid, and depend on her boyfriend to comfort her. She shouldn't have to depend on anyone to do something this trivial! Yet, here she was.
"I'm sorry," Alexis wept, wiping her tears. "I know I look so pathetic. It's not even over something major. I've been having these stupid nightmares and they just won't go away! I try to forget about them, but I can't. Now, I have to depend on someone, again. It's like I'm six-years-old again, going after Atticus for this."
"Alexis, I don't mind you depending on me. I am your boyfriend. I'm supposed to comfort you when you're scared."
"I know you don't mind. I just don't want to be like those melodramatic teenage girls that hog over their boyfriends over stupid stuff like these. It's always annoyed me when I saw other people do it. That's why I've always been solo. Never asking anyone to help me study, hug me when I'm scared, or any of that stuff. I grew out of it when I was 10."
"I... I know," Bastion said quietly, bringing his knees up for his chin to rest on.
"What's wrong with that?" Alexis asked, glaring.
"It's not that, but... I feel so useless as your boyfriend. All I really do is give you hot tea, talk with you and hang out with you. I feel I have no value, other than just being your token love interest, and I don't want to just be that."
"You're not, Bastion!" Alexis said, her eyes furrowing as if that was obvious. Bastion looked over at her. "You're with me more than anyone else I know. You talk to me and listen to me. I also really appreciate you giving me my tea to help me focus on my studies. You're also not as invasive as Atticus and you make me laugh. I really like you Bastion! You're cute, and charming, and comforting, and happy, and-"
Bastion immediately seized a kiss on Alexis' lips, Alexis' arms immediately wrapped around Bastion. The kiss ended, and the two stared into each other's eyes, the moonlight reflecting a glow at the corner of their eyes. They both sighed together, then Bastion gently took Alexis' face.
"There is something I want to try," Bastion whispered. He gently opened Alexis' jaw, then slowly entered his tongue inside, slightly rubbing it against Alexis' tongue. The tongue returned back in his mouth as Alexis slowly closed hers.
"That was weird," Alexis whispered.
"Yeah, I... wanted to try it."
Alexis and Bastion smiled together, Alexis snuggling herself into Bastion's chest. For the first time in two nights, she had forgotten about her nightmare problem.