For those interested, there's an image in this chapter that I've posted only in the Ao3.

Chapter XV

Slithering in the darkness

Across the borders of the Empire, on far away lands, a tall, bulky man stands in front of an empty throne, his white, wavy hair descending to his shoulders, some strands carelessly tied up in a small ponytail, his hands on his back, white gloves adorning it and a big ring with a purple gem.

The vacant seat is a wide and tall one made of metal elevated by a pair of stairs, lines carved in it forming patterns like a circuit, snow white curtains behind it, making almost no difference between the grey background. The sharp sound of a mechanical door opening far behind him catches his gaze, he turns around, a fancy golden brooch with a green gem attached to his tie, his clothes are pure white with thin glistening red lines forming wings at the chest area, the symbol of his kingdom: Crimson Dragon.

"Yusei, Crow, you've come fast."

With a sway of his head, he dismisses all the servants standing in line on both right and left of the throne.

"Your majesty,"

The newcomers kneel and bow in reverence, two youngsters, they could as well be the age of the prince, one of them is a calm-looking man with dark-hair and a yellow streak among it spiking to the sides; fierce blue eyes; his garments are a white overcoat with the Kingdom's mark, but in silver instead of red; black pants falling down to his ankles, and dark gloves with gems instead of knuckles, reaching up to his elbows.

The other one, had spiky orange hair, coming up, raised by a bandana with the symbol of the kingdom, piercings all over his face, his garments were rugged black pants and a sleeveless jacket, a white and creased shirt under it. Bracelets and wristlets filled in gems on his arms.

"There's no need for subtlety, you know why I called you here."

His brows twist so slightly, yet the young men exchange a apprehensive glance, the orange haired answering for both:

"It's about Jack."

"In his visit to investigate the Empire, not only he got involved in some terrorist attack, but now his whereabouts are…"

"The Palace," the king sighs wearily "This is what the Empire has told us through messengers, they're under martial law due to the attacks of a terrorist group that resides in their territory due to that, to secure Jack Atlas' life, they've taken him to the palace in which he will be waiting until the ban of leaving the capital is lifted."

"Bullshit!" Crow barks, clutching his fists "They're lying!"

"We know this is just an excuse and a big ruse, king," Yusei corrects the friend in a formal, polite tone "This is a clear violation of the mutual respect treaty, an offense. They've taken the prince hostage and they pretend this is a measure for his safety, as customary, the Empire seems to forget about boundaries, they pursue the path of war."

"Even if they're attempting to provoke me, it's unwise to act on impulse. The Empire lost tremendously in the last war, I doubt they'd wage another one without precautions, and catalysts will not help them fully this time."

"Yet they challenge your patience. With all due respect, majesty, if we were to act, it would generate conflict not only among them but also amidst our citizens, our people do not yearn for war."

"That's not all, have a look."

He tosses a letter envelope, which Yusei grabs midair, opening so both him and Crow can read. Their eyes widening a sheet of paper come out along with two small medallions shaped like a coin engraved with the letters "GX" in it:

"An invitation to a tournament, your majesty?"

"Yes. They'll hold a tournament soon, and they're inviting summoners from all over the globe, an international event."

"The nerve! First they take the prince, now they're pretending everything is fine!" Crow almost spits in disgust.

"Isn't that strange? If they put their main city on lockdown, why would they now, of all times, hold a tournament?" Yusei points out the disparity.

"I do not understand their plans yet. What concerns me the most is their outstandingly brazen attitude. As much as I would like to underestimate the Empire, I cannot. They are confident they have powers and means to contest the Kingdom and I must know what they're hiding. Did they get hold of an Ancient or is this but an act? Whichever it is, I want to keep an eye on them."

"We'd need to investigate it to find out, majesty."

"Indeed."

"And what are we supposed to do about Jack?! Are you telling me to let him rot inside the enemy palace while we 'investigate'?!"

Crow exclaims, his face reddening at the high blood pressure building inside him: the suggestion unthinkable and unacceptable. The voice of the king disrupts the start of that fight before it escalates:

"I understand your points. Crow you are right, I would never wish for my son to be used as leverage to answer to any demands of the Dominian Empire, we've had enough of that with my beloved Elena," the youngsters cast their heads down solemnly at the mention "I also know Jack is like a brother to you both, which is why you stand here with my utmost trust on you. Nonetheless, Yusei has a point, conflict is not what our people want or need at this moment, it's out of my powers to prevent attacks from the Empire, but I intend to make sure we do know their moves and to rescue Jack."

"Does that mean your majesty has a plan in mind?"

"You are correct, Yusei. That's precisely why I called you two here," they lift their eyes expectantly "Yusei, Crow, take this letter of invitation with you and those two coins, they're proof you can partake in it. I hereby declare you two will make an official visit to the Empire as two of our representatives for this tournament."

"And unofficially?" Yusei catches onto the hint there's more to it.

"You'll be infiltrating the Dominian Empire and you'll search for Jack, gather info, get into the palace, release your brother. But do so in the shadows, no one must find out about your connection. You must also partake in the tournament as to not raise suspicion and find out if the Empire has hidden intentions in hosting such an event."

"Sounds like my type of job," Crow smirks, rubbing his nose "Thank you for letting us do this, your majesty."

"Move with caution, you both. Try to keep communications at minimum, the Empire is intercepting messages, avoid mistakes and trying to keep a low profile. You may depart immediately."

"We hear and obey, majesty."

They bow once again, leaving the room, Godwin looks at the empty throne reminiscing about a past long gone, perhaps sending Jack there wasn't a good decision, however as a Signer, he can rest assured that the Crimson Dragon won't disappoint them.

Outside, two shadows watch Yusei and Crow leave, their figures so slender they could both hide behind the same pillar, kids.

"I knew it… I knew Jack was in trouble…"

The girl's voice is soggy, her honey-colored eyes afflicted, her twin-tails shaking as she sways her head. The boy beside her, almost identical, with the exception his hair is tied in a ponytail and the dark color of his garments contrasting with her pink clothes.

"Hey, don't cry. Jack's a tough nut," his hand lands on his sister's shoulder "He wouldn't be harmed that easily, Luna."

"But the mark… I can feel his restlessness."

"I don't understand much how this works, but I have a great idea: how about we go and help save Jack? It will make you feel better and Jack will be glad, I'm sure! Also, this tournament event sounds so exciting! I've never been in international tournaments before!"

"This isn't a joke, Yusei and Crow have orders! We can't…"

"I'm not joking! We're summoners too," he stuffs his chest proudly hitting it with a closed fist "I mean, you're better at this than me and you are a Signer and all, but I'm still a summoner too! We already eavesdropped anyway! And I'm sure Yusei and Crow will need some help even if our father just sent the two of them! Besides, if you're saying that cool tattoo of yours is reacting, that's a sign we should stick together, right?"

"Leo…"

There's a second of hesitation, probing her brother's honey eyes, biting her lips, to contain her hesitation, she nods firmly.

Interlude VIII - Satellite, a small insight from an unnamed visitor

Satellite, a kingdom known by most by its technological prowess and advancements. While the neighboring Empire strives to keep up with weapons and tools, the kingdom strives to maintain hold on its sizeable portion of the continent Rumir.

Through eons Satellite has been smaller in size and influence, however after King Rex Godwin was enthroned, in his two decades of work, the kingdom has flourished exponentially and gained leverage and expanded its fame across seas.

Little is known about the current king's past besides the diligent attitude of his father regarding his education, most of his childhood up to his late teens spent on full-time schools. His name was unmentioned for years until the coronation ceremony and ever since he took the baton of leadership, his skills have proven to be unmatched.

Due to some internal conflicts and uprisings, the kingdom has suffered losses between the years 2040-2046 of the Dominian calendar, in which King Godwin lost his queen, leaving him alone with his four children. Many details about the uprisings are shady and convoluted, folk in the cities also avoid mentioning it, a sorrowful semblance when asked about the incident. Was it so huge of a desperate situation that no one speaks about it? Many questions are left unanswered, they can be summarized in one: Why is it that no one registered facts about the uprising? This must be tied to the reason why none shall speak about it.

Right after the conflicts, the Kingdom has entered yet another feud, this time much bigger in scale, against the Empire. While their rivals claim to have been invaded by the kingdom's troops, the story told among Satellite citizens begs to differ with most agreeing that the Empire incited the conflict and entered the Kingdom's borders unannounced first. Which tale is the truth, no one can prove, however it is a fact that King Godwin has been known for his peaceful, yet stern approach in ruling.

After war broke out, at a rapid pace and steady charge of the Kingdom, the Empire lost some of the south territories which compose the fringes between their lands and their enemies', it is said the battlefields were a bloodbath and the southern lands became so soaked in blood, no crop would grow for a whole generation, as if the gods themselves have forsaken the land, meanwhile the Kingdom's side was said to have enormous and mysterious powers which people believed to hail from gods.

Conspiracy theories believed that King Godwin himself had made a pact with a devil to possess such powers as the man himself went into the battlefield and everything behind him turned into a sea of soulless corpses. The tides were in favor of the Kingdom until the Empire started employing the use of what they called "catalysts", human beings enhanced for the sole purpose of conducting duel energy. The battle wore both sides off until citizens could see no hope.

In the sixth year of war, year 2052 of the Dominian calendar, the Empire had more losses than the Kingdom and it ended with a peace treaty and devolution of the occupied territories. How both reached the conclusion and what was discussed behind curtains, no one knows, albeit it was plainly obvious grudges were held and would be accounted for and to this day, the tension between the two rulers remains.

Past midnight

Rie embraces her knees, her blue eyes traveling outside, the city lights are mostly out, but even at the height the apartment is located, it's not possible to see many stars, skyscrapers block part of the landscape. There's a book sprawled on her bed, at the last page she'd been reading and a polished rock atop it.

After coming back from somewhere the other day, Zane gave it to her, saying it would help. He didn't have the most joyous expression, but told her to read it and try, tossing a depleted gem to her and reinforcing the distance rules she should obey, even though he was the one who minded the least having his energy drained in the first place. What changed his mind so suddenly? And Can she really control her powers if she keeps reading this? Maybe not even he believes it, he was in such a sour mood too.

A muffled, but still audible grunt of pain pierces the air. How many nights has it been since she arrived? And in how many of them did she hear those terrified screams?

The sound itself isn't an oddity to her, she heard worse in Bonaparte's mansion, regardless of that, she ventures outside, across the empty corridor and living room, following that sound until she stands there in front of that door, his bedroom.

It's the same every night. She's come here before just to stand at the door, unsure of what to do or if she should do anything in the first place, she shunned the idea of entering, but the nightmares that plague him must be worthy of making adults cry. "Don't bother the guests" is the first rule she learned at Bonaparte's mansion, but those rules serve her no more, do they? Her bows coil up compassionately. Is there a way to stop it? He seems to have many problems as it is, her situation included, and his nights seem to be adding to it.

Grasping the doorknob, she opens a small hole, peeking through it. Is the air suddenly different or is that her becoming afraid? There she is in front of his bed, it's obvious he's having difficulties with how he keeps adjusting himself and the cold sweat dripping from his face, grumbling, is sleeping like this even better than not sleeping?

Landing her hand on his shoulder, a feather-light touch, she shakes him slightly, his muttering ceases. She repeats the gesture, pouting as it has no effect, closing her eyes and letting out a sigh of dismay. An eerie chill creeps underneath her skin as she stares at him again. Zane's eyes are open, glaring sharply at her.

In a second, he grabs her arm, time slows down to her perception as she's sees the scenario twisting around, yanked onto the bed rolling to her back, falling onto his lap, her heart skipping a beat, but that wasn't all, his legs crossed above hers, wrenching her hips, to lock her movements, as it if wasn't enough, his dominant arm coming around her neck, dragging along one of her arms up and bending it backwards, her body hauled until her back collided with a slam against his chest.

"You're not so strong now, are you, Jared?"

Zane spits out scornfully, his eyes haughtily looking at the impotent figure caught on his restrictive technique, his sight so blurry he can barely make out anything at the long-haired figure, his eyes are blinded, the room is a forest, he's still looking at a distant dream. His grave voice makes her heart pace faster, scared at his words.

"Don't resist."

Rie scuffles to get free from his clutch, but he only does a slight press on her shoulder bending it more, her jaw stretching open in a silent shout, it hurts, if he continues, it will dislocate her limb and from the anger burning inside his eyes, she can tell he doesn't care if a bone or two fracture. He's still half-asleep, he just called a stranger's name while talking, he isn't even recognizing her. Is there a way to wake him up?

With her free hand, she taps his arm, evolving it into slapping in a struggle for freedom, but he encloses her neck more, she's starting to get out of breathe, her slapping more hectic on his arm, he doesn't even blink, his eyes squinting fierily:

"You can't escape, Jared. You better start telling me everything," the fingers of his other hand apply force on the side of her throat as if he's about to do yet another of his martial arts move "You know something about Atticus, don't you?"

As her legs fling hectically, beating softly on the mattress, making the bed sheets shuffle messily around them, her dress folds up in the process. She gets a hold on his arm, her eyes tearing up, she's already running out of breath. His legs clamp her hips even more, fully constraining her movements.

"Start speaking, Jared," he whispers hoarsely near her ear, reinforcing his clutch around her neck in an intimidating manner "I'm not joking."

Her vision becomes hazy as she looks up the ceiling, his image blurring. All her strength is lost, her arm flopping down with a light thud, her head is so airy.

"Zane."

Her lips utter silently, she knows it's useless no matter how many times she attempts to call his name, he can't hear, no one can, but she did it anyway. Is having hopes bad?

The glint oscillating wildly in his eyes, it's unbridled hatred. Albeit not directed towards her, it's not the best view, her eyes flickering, bordering the unconsciousness. Her trembling hand reaches out to his hand almost piercing her neck, wrapping around his fingers.

"Za…ne."

The syllables come interrupted between scarce breaths, squinting her eyes in pain, his duel energy flares in the air, swirling and coming to her, but it stalls, floating as she squeezes his hand very tightly, her fingertips becoming white, the warmth of her hand sipping through his.

There were no sounds, but as if summoned back by that speck of warmth, he flinches awake, like a veil was removed from his sight, his mind clears, eyes flashing on the dark room confusedly.

His gaze is cast down, finally noticing what he's doing, the pink hair, the constitution, the body shape, the texture of the sturdy gem on their back that could be felt through the cloth, and the trail of energy directed at them, his face heats up, his blood burbling intensely, that's certainly not Jared.

A gasp soars as he breaks the immobilization technique, the harsh lines of his face attenuating as he opens arms and legs, bending his torso back to give space, the void left by her feels cold now.

Rie wobbles back and forth limply before collapsing onwards, her hands sink softly onto the mattress as she crawls away, toppling to her bottom without much success in distancing herself, wheezing and coughing aplenty. Her gaze is adrift, as if she was seeing stars out of dizziness, and with how red her face is, he can conclude the lack of air must've blackened her senses.

"Rie…?"

With a quick scan around, he ascertains they're in the right room, that's his room, right? How did she end up in between his legs? Don't tell that in that dream he was having until now, Jared was actually…

"Damn." he mumbles to himself ruefully "What are you doing here?"

He raises a brow, there's more to that question like why is she there so late, but asking one at a time is wiser.

She massages her shoulder with a hand, then her throat, her orbs narrowing subtly in apprehension, probing whether he's awakened enough. He can still see the wet lines of the tears of exertion on her face.

"I'm sorry, I didn't want to-"

The sentence is discontinued, he gulps dryly, flabbergasted, unable to proffer more words, he did mean to hurt, but not her. Was he really strangling Rie? This was very dangerous. Standing up worriedly, he approaches her, halting just a few steps away from the edge of his bed.

"Are you alright?"

She bobs her head in a yes, he's hesitant to get any closer, putting his hand to his forehead in shame, how does he explain this? The sounds of her feet plopping to the ground startles him, she stands straight but out of equilibrium on the sides, his arm coming behind her back without touching, to help her stabilize.

"Okay, we should take a look at you," he clears his throat before asking permission "Excuse me."

Tilting his head, he checks on her neck, it's a bit red, but nothing serious like the underground burn marks he'd get. Gently sliding his finger under the collar of her sleeping dress, he tugs it minimally, barely enough to see the shoulder, grimacing at the purplish blemish on her skin, his guilt tripping accentuating, he really did a number on her.

"This will require some ice."

It's hard to admit, however he did employ power more than sufficient to restrict a fully grown and trained man. And it took him no longer than a brief moment when he was still cupping Rie between his legs after regaining his bearings to conclude that her build is ninety percent fluffiness. He almost broke the ten percent of frail bones composing the remaining part. What a way to put military training into use, his embarrassment knows no boundaries.

"Let's go take care of it…"

Still holding an arm stretched behind her back he walks her to the living room, sitting her down on the couch carefully, she's partially out of it as he brings her notebook and pen allied to a cold compress.

She takes the notebook as if confused about what to do with it, he sighs deeply, putting the compress on her shoulder and pressing it from above. Hopefully it won't leave marks.

"Do you want to tell me what you were doing in my room so late?"

"Nightmares," her fingers write it slowly using her only available arm "You were screaming again."

"So, I woke you up…"

"No." she denies with her head.

"You were awake before?"

He's even guiltier now as she nods, confirming it, why would she go into his room, then? Was he being too noisy?

"Look, I'm truly sorry for asphyxiating you like that. It was a reflex, I was trained to not let people approach me during my sleep. I wouldn't have attacked you in any other circumstance, that doesn't mean you should forget the rules of staying away from me."

What good reflexes he has is what she wanted to blurt out while rubbing her neck, his voice is sounding annoying somehow, or perhaps it's just her inner throat burning that irks her, just how much strength does he have? Though she's also wrong in invading other people's rooms, even if she had good intentions.

"I know I said you can walk anywhere in the house, but," he tries to not come off as strict "You shouldn't wander into my room, and definitely not go near me when I'm having those nightmares. It could've ended worse, albeit I didn't mean to hurt you. Do you understand?"

"I know the assault wasn't meant for me," the note written surprises him as she flips the page, writing more "You called me Jared."

He stares with dread at the message, slapping his own forehead, he even slipped a name during his episode of sleepwalking? Is this serious? She shuffles to the side, scrawling a long message:

"I think I deserve to know who this person you wanted to suffocate with so much might is."

This is the first time he's seen Rie having this demanding aura on her, most of the time she'd just be content in sating her curiosity with minor questions.

"You-"

The words stop in his mouth, sent back down as he looks at her dubious glare, leaving him cornered, wondering just which type of person she thinks he is now. This isn't even the first they've been caught in an awkward situation, leaving no option but to relinquish:

"It's not important, just an ex-war general. We had a beef and disagreed about many things, that sums it up."

She touches her neck, reminiscing how fiery his attack was, thinking it was done to this man, how much must've he hated him?

"Where is he right now?"

"He's dead," he admits in a disappointed, almost weary tone "And dead men tell no tales. I will never find out what I want or settle anything with him at all."

He can see her lips making a pitiful "oh", her gaze lingering on the ground, pondering, until she strikes him with the next inquiry:

"Who is Atticus?"

As innocent as her eyes looked while asking this, his breath hitched momentarily, his blood boiling a tad more than necessary in irritation, this isn't a subject he's talking about, not now. Did he also spill the name in his sleep talking?

Standing up with a deep exhale, he guides her own hand to hold the ice compress and declares sternly:

"I think I've answered enough questions for today. How about we go back to sleep?"

Did she strike a nerve? His figure towers ahead of her, her chin lifting up instinctively to look up, he looks even more menacing now after she witnessed what he's capable of.

"You should go back to your room too. And I apologize again for all the trouble, but the best solution I can offer to you is that you should just put up with my episodes at night even if it bothers you and stay away while you can't control this energy draining."

"I didn't mind the noise, that wasn't the problem."

"It wasn't…?"

Instead of writing it she simply sways her head negatively, her brows furrowing up concerned as she points at him. What does that mean?

"You wanted to wake me up from the nightmares… For me?"

The last part comes off so reluctant, measuring if it was right of him to assume that, she nods firmly. His eyes widened faintly, perplexed, or perhaps amused. He thought she'd do it because it bothered her, but it was for him all along so the nightmare ends? Why? Syrus also woke him up plenty of times, but even he gave up at some point since this wasn't a permanent solution.

Putting his palm up thoughtlessly, offering it to her, he's caught into his own maze of considerations on the matter.

She stares at it before accepting his help, but instead of pulling her up, there's this most distant gaze as he looks at her delicate hand, so easily enveloped by his, his finger brushes on the slim frame of her fingers unwittingly. Do all catalysts look this feeble? Breakable, like the gems in their bodies? He could've broken her completely with a single technique, a mortifying thought, but is that any different than what being a catalyst entails?

Banner wouldn't lie about it, right? If she's been absorbing duel energy from him this whole time, her body won't be able to handle it at some point. Did she know that? Did she come here despite knowing it? Is that why she refused to stay close before?

Thinking back on it, he felt a warm hand holding his, it must've been tough for Rie, she couldn't call him loudly to snap him out of his hallucinations. It's weird, with how her blood was pumping to the heart and head due to lack of air, her hand should've been cold back there, shouldn't it? Nonetheless, he's sure he felt warmth. Or was it also part of his illusions?

Before he finds an answer, he notices the nervous twitch of her fingers, an uncomfortable smile spreading on the corners of her mouth, making him aware, for how long has he been staring idly? Lifting her by the hand as if nothing was wrong, he continues with an unexpected question:

"Rie, did you know that duel energy can harm your body?" she looks down, a distressed glimmer in her eyes "I'll take it as a yes, then why did you come to my room knowing that? Do you know how much energy you've drained? This isn't good for you."

Yanking her own hand back, she denies with a shake of head, does that mean she's not concerned about it in the least? Or perhaps, Rie came to terms with her nature as a catalyst? Her gaze lifts up one last time to look at him, it's plainly obvious she's disgruntled, and he knows she's trying to help, but her efforts aren't helping him at all.

"Thank you for worrying about me, I appreciate it," despite the stoic expression, his tone sounded disturbed by something "But you should enter my room with caution and stay at a safe distance, I could end up injuring you badly next. Be mindful of your own safety."

Beckoning, he leaves, she follows him with eyes, but he disappears to his room again, closing the door behind him. Maybe it would be better to lock it, just in case? Shall he keep it open, he might find himself with a wounded person there. He wouldn't forgive himself if he hurt her like that.

His eyebrows angle obtusely at his own flux of thoughts, he had no qualms hurting most people, hell he doesn't even listen to his little brother who constantly nags about his impetus and rash personality, yet this uncanny sensation pinches in his chest, an unfamiliar anxiety.

Right now, he was afraid of hurting Rie, right? The reason why he was so upset at her was that he's afraid of failing with someone that trusts him again. It's been long since he was afraid of something after the war ended after Fubuki and Yusuke disappeared. It's not a sensation he's keen on reliving.

Syrus must be right, he needs a pause to refresh his mind after all. But his vacation days are due for a while now and he'll keep postponing it as there's more work to do. He dissolves those silly ideas, one round in the good old underground and he will remember who he's dealing with and why he doesn't have the luxury of stopping.

Around the same hour,

At the duel Academy

The empty halls of the colossal duel academy are bathed by the silvery moonlight, in the inner parts of the main building, inside the archive room, a shadow projected at the light of a carriable lamp held by her.

Many tall shelves with long and wide drawers are lined up in the room, a table to the side and a single chair, for whoever decides to check on those, as well as a computer. A dainty hand skims through the files, taking a big envelope.

The blonde woman doesn't sit, but spreads the file on the table, the profile of a 15 years old student, the picture of a young brown-haired teen whose face resembles her. There's biological and personal information, grades, everything, but what hurts her the most is the stamp classifying the file "MIA".

She thought by coming here, she could unravel the secrets behind his disappearance, but all she found were empty registers and scattered information. Spreading the insides of another file, she studies it, this time, a green haired boy of the same age as her brother.

"Fujiwara Yusuke, he also went missing with Atty… Or at least, that's what Zane said. I wonder if there's a connection, their bodies were never found…"

Putting the lamp down, she opens a third file, this time, of a boy whose hair was wavy and a darker shade of brown than her brother's, his blue eyes squinted under his glasses, he was smiling for the picture.

"Adriel Banner, he was among the students who were with Atty too, but…" she slides her finger on the stamp, her eyes watering at the word "Deceased… I'm sorry for unburying your past, Adriel, but I can't swallow this is all."

Why was Adriel given as dead and not the other two? They did find his body, but her intuition tells her there's more to it. Her eyes narrow, thinking hard on it, supposing it's true that Atticus and Yusuke are alive and just missing, what would the Empire gain by not reporting them as dead? Why wouldn't they simply label them like that? It would be more convincing for the families to receive a more succinct verdict.

Her thoughts disrupted by a sound of footsteps drawing closer. Someone else is here besides her at this hour? In a hurry, she turns off her lamp and scrambles together the files, bringing it with her, hiding behind one of the shelves in the room, holding her breath, peeking slightly at the mysterious figure.

It's a boy, he carries a lantern with him, flashing it around before placing it on the table she was at not long ago, taking a PDA from his pockets. She recognizes him, it's Marcel, from her class, but what is he doing here? Her answer comes nigh, when a call rings on his device.

"Hello. Yes, it's me," she's shocked to hear his cold, standoff voice "The details weren't disclosed yet, but the tournament should happen soon," he lowers his head, supporting a hand on the table, playing on the lines of the wood "It's exactly as you said, mister, there's an underground facility in the school, underneath the main building," a pause and a twitch on his fingers as he says the next part "No, I couldn't find those keys you mentioned yet, but I feel I'm close, they have to be hidden somewhere in the school. But, even if I can't find them, you'll still let me join you, won't you?"

Holding his breath, he lets it all out in relief after hearing a reply that pleased him, putting a hand to his chest:

"Yes, I understand. I'll do my best, it'll be easier once the tournament starts, their hands will be filled with work, I'll try to find the keys until then…"

Alexis almost gasps, but covers her mouth with a hand, suppressing it. Marcel's startled, looking back, but he can't see anything in the darkness even after using his lantern, then he leaves the room.

The woman lets out her breath too, scared. Is Marcel spying on the duel academy? Why is he interested in the tournament? She could've summoned her monsters, but then she would be busted too, not to tell that the person talking to him would get wind that she's aware of their ploy. That's not the way to go, unlike Zane who's always jumping into action impetuously, she has to be careful.

Next morning, as the birds sing outside, Sheppard sign some documents, a knock on his door, he smiles, already greeting:

"Please, enter."

"Good morning, principal," she closes the door behind her "May I have some of your time?"

"Sure. It's a surprise, why don't you take a seat, Alexis?"

Her subtly twisted brows raise his awareness, she was not one to demonstrate blatant worry on her face unless something bothered her extremely.

"Is there something worrisome in your mind?"

"This will be a long talk…" she sits down, looking at him concerned.

Bobbing his head in understanding he sighs deeply, his eyes sharpening, this academy has more secrets than any student would ever dream of and he's the gatekeeper protecting them all, nonetheless, there are no secrets in the world that remain hidden forever and he knows very well he can't keep the door closed for much longer.

"Good, I also would like to discuss something with you…"

The tournament that's yet to come might be one of his biggest challenges yet, his enemies have been lurking, waiting for a chance to strike, and it's about time he makes his own preparations against all those schemes too, gathering his own allies.