Chapter 23:
After Blake got over the shock of Bastion's loss it was back to the reality of having to deal with school exams. His school-wise superior dormmates did everything in their power to torment him and Yuma over the weekend up to the point that he reconsidered if going blue was worth the effort. The only light during the exam days, aside from upping the time he went out with his jogging partner to get away for their studious friends, were the daily duels he was practically forced to. And once again his premonition was right.
"Now that my Cyber Twin Dragon got rid of your last defences, I activate De-Fusion to split it apart!" Zane announced with a victorious grin. "Cyber Dragon direct attack!" The two separate mechanical snakes blasted Blake with their superheated blue breath and reduced his lifepoints to zero. The ever so stoic Kaiser had broken out of his shell after their second day of dueling, and even his aura reverted to the sleek silver it had been during most of their first duel. While more than eager to duel and win, it felt almost as if Zane's potential negative tendencies were held back by Blake's. Every time it had looked like they would come out, the specks of dark aura got eaten up by his.
He clicked his tongue as he deactivated his duel disk. "Well, todays best of five goes to you." The arena lowered itself back to the floor as he spoke. Unlike the public arena's, the 'student council' arena was at the very top of the academy's main building. Similarly to the arena in the Battle City Tournament, this one could go upwards to the top of the building so the duel could be seen from below.
"Which means it stands three to two for me." The Kaiser stated as his silvery aura slowly receded back into his body.
They walked over to a nearby table and took a water bottle each. "You won't stay in the lead; you can count on that. Once I'm back in Domino I'll perfect my deck." Blake shot back before emptying the bottle in one go.
"We'll see about that." Following his example, Zane emptied his bottle as well. "I won't be around all year after all."
"You won't?" Blake blinked in surprise.
"No, Chancellor Sheppard thought it important for me to see how things work outside of here. That's why I'll be leaving for most of the later half of this year for the American Duel Academy." Zane explained as they made their way over to the elevator. "That'll be your best chance to put up a new Queen as well." He added with a hint of amusement.
'Will you be around until the Shadow Riders are dealt with; I wonder. But you're one of the first to fall originally, then again, I could change that …' "Oh? So, you'd support the current one if I didn't wait?"
Zane laughed and entered the elevator. "Seika would have my head if I didn't. While I don't disagree with your idea, she does. Primarily because she requires the support she's built up over the years, but she's also a prideful woman. She won't take the challenge lying down and I can't keep my friend hanging either."
"And here I thought your only friend was Alexis." Blake teased in response and stood next to him. "Do you have an idea how that whole challenge-thing works?"
"I believe it's split into three parts, although only the later two are of any interest." His senior mused and crossed his arms. "The first part is just a call to see how much support the challenger gets from their fellow students. If they have over fifty percent then the second part comes along, if I remember correctly."
Blake nodded his head. 'That should be easy enough. If Kami announces the changes we've planned then most if not all Ra students will support her, and those make up around sixty percent of the student body.' "What happens then?"
To his surprise, Zane shrugged. "No idea. The second part is different every time. Sheppard once told me that he bases it upon a game of 'Dungeons and Duel Monster's' where the two sides have to fight on a grand scale against one another. The final part is a simple one-on-one, though."
"Huh," was all Blake could say to that, surprised that there was some thought put into the whole ordeal, even if it sounded convoluted.
They stood in silence for a few moments before Zane spoke again, albeit with a quiet voice. "You're right, by the way."
"About what?" Blake asked as he side-eyed him.
"That I did little for my fellow students. There's precious little with my remaining time here but I'll see to it that the younger students don't follow their seniors' footsteps. It's embarrassing how I took their fake respect and compliance for real." Zane sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose. "Atticus would've done a better job if he was around, but that doesn't mean I can just continue to ignore the obvious problems."
Blake didn't say anything for a while until he let out a pleased sigh. "Sounds good to me. It won't stop me from cracking some heads once I'm promoted, though. But if you're already trying to make amends, I suggest you talk to your brother." He couldn't help but laugh at the look Zane gave. "Yes, we don't like each other to the point he either glares at me in hopes I'd die from it or moves as far away as possible, but Syrus almost hyperventilates whenever he draws Power Bond. You're the reason for that, so it's your job to clean up that mess. Otherwise I might just take it from him."
His senior nodded slowly and asked with obvious curiosity. "I will when I get the chance, but why do you care? Especially with your relationship being the way it is."
'Good question; why do I care?' Blake thought as he put his fist against his chin to come up with an answer. He didn't, so he came up with an excuse. "Because he's Jaden's friend and I don't like people making fools of themselves when they duel." He answered with a shrug. Zane didn't look like he believed him but didn't push any further.
They continued to stand there in silence until Blake couldn't take it anymore. "How long does it take this elevator to go down to the ground floor?! We've been in here for minutes!"
"Didn't you press the button?" Zane looked at him blankly.
"I thought you did?" he responded.
"Wow, I never knew the King of Games had so many different versions of his deck!" Yuma exclaimed; her eyes widening at all the separate displays. "It always looked the same to me."
"Probably 'cause you've never seen it in full. There's always a tweak to it whenever he used it, constantly evolving." Blake responded as he stood next to her, two drinks in hand. "Any reason I have to carry your stuff by the way?"
"Because it's a gentleman's job to take care of a ladies' things, especially on a date." She side-eyed him in amusement, a hand on her hip to emphasize her supposed position of power."
He snorted in response and took a sip. "What lady and what date?"
"I'll have you know that I can very ladylike if I want to be!" Yuma said and poked his side. "Besides, we'll have to make it look real enough so the other two keep their distance. I can't believe Bright hasn't gotten anywhere with all the chances she had over the past few days."
'Right, she said something like that yesterday. Kinda surprised I didn't see it earlier, but their personalities really do match.' He thought as he looked past Yuma to Bastion and Bright who're stuck in a tight debate about one of Yugi's decks. "I'm not sure anything will come of it without outside influence if you ask me."
A slurping sound made him look back down where Yuma leaned over to drink from the drink he's holding. She gave him a cheeky grin once she finished. "I told her I'd leave her to it until after vacation. If she can't get anything done then it's time for the goddess of love to intervene."
"You mean the girl who learned everything from reading manga and didn't have a single relationship herself?" He said and barely withheld a laugh at her pout. "You sure it wouldn't be easier if I just nudged Bastion in the right direction? Or at least ask him if he's interested in a relationship in the first place?"
"As if you were any better, mister tough guy. But no, Bright must be the one making the first move."
"If you say so." He shrugged and walked over to the last exhibit depicting the deck Yugi used during the events of the Dark Side of Dimensions movie. "I can't help but feel that Pegasus does a lot of favouritism when designing new cards. I mean, those were practically crafted for Yugi, just like the Blue-Eyes support that literally only Kaiba can use properly."
"I think there are new Red-Eyes cards too. Wouldn't it be cool to become such a well-known duelist that you get specialized support for your cards, though?" Yuma countered, holding her chin in thought. "I guess you'd need a recognizable card for that, like the Dark Magician or Blue-Eyes. Not like I had a card like that."
"Don't you have that Zeta something card? It practically stands on its own, even if it looks like that horrible Alien archetype." He pointed out before he nudged her. "Hey, look over there and tell me that couldn't be a problem."
She followed his direction and promptly facepalmed. "Why's he blushing like that?! He's got Bright right there and doesn't! Why does every guy have a crush on Alexis?!" She waved away his cough. "Aside from you and Jaden. You're duel-brains and don't count."
"Duel-brain, really?"
"Don't try to deny it, you literally have no hobbies besides dueling."
"Touché."
They watched the exchange until it ended, only to share a quiet laugh when Alexis got hounded by Chazz right after. "Yeah, that's what I expected. He appears all cool and laid-back out of nowhere, but nothing stops him from crushing hard on Alexis like before." He said and nudged Yuma to follow as the group around them got bigger. When he noticed a particular Ra student with a scarf and spiky hair that eyed the displays hungrily, he couldn't help but add loudly. "And have you seen all the security around? I think those decks are as secured as Kaiba's private Blue-Eyes shrine."
"You mean right next to his Blue-Eyes jet, the Blue-Eyes sprinklers, and the Blue-Eyes kitchen?" Yuma added in laughter, which rippled through most of the students around. "With all the technological advancement Kaiba Corp does I wouldn't be surprised if he has a Blue-Eyes secretary AI by now."
'Now wouldn't that be something? An AI modelled after Kisara? I wouldn't put it past him to do that, good thing he didn't get stuck in the afterlife, or did he even go there in this version of the world? That'd be fucking insane. I wonder if he finds that weird energy that accesses Synchro's anytime soon, now that would be a twist.' His thoughts overturned one another until he was dragged down on a bench by Yuma.
"So, do you have any plans for your vacation?" She asked as she leaned over once more to drink, but this time he raised his hand so she couldn't get to it until she took it from his hand with a cute grumble.
"Not really. I imagine I'll have a lot of work around house to do. Go with the dog three times a day, visit some card shops and work in the evening." He rambled off as he counted up the options on his hand.
"What kind of work do you do? I can see you work in a bar, honestly, but I don't know if they'd let you in." She asked innocently, but that quickly changed. "All dressed up behind the bar or like a tough bouncer. Oh, or maybe a café?"
He flicked her forehead with an amused grin. "Don't be a pervert, that's what Bright always says, right? If you want to see me dress-up so badly maybe you should pay me."
"Ouch … it's not my fault you can't see the luck right in front of you. And it's not like I had the money to pay you, unlike someone else. Honestly, you shouldn't bother with that stuck up blue bi- … girl. She's just using you for her own interests." Yuma rubbed the spot she's been hit and glowered at him.
"Who says I'm not doing the same?"
"I do, because you're a dunce. You say you don't care about anything but dueling but I see you getting pushed around by pretty girls left and right. Case and point." She pointed at herself before pushing him towards a nearby vending machine. "Strawberry flavour, please."
"You know you're an exception because we're friends, right?" He noted and did get both of them fresh drinks, before he stopped. 'We are, right?' He looked at Yuma who had a shit-eating grin on her face. 'Shit.'
She patted his shoulder, with full force, and took the drink from him. "Aww look at you, coming out of your shell saying stuff like that. And here I thought after what Bastion told us it'd take you all year."
"Urgh, forget I said anything." He plopped back down on the bench and nipped on his drink unenthusiastically.
"Wait, that doesn't put me in the friendzone, does it?" Yuma exclaimed suddenly. "But you wouldn't call me that if you didn't like me-"
"Can you not, please?" He sighed. "After shadowing Bastion and Bright all day, I've had it with that topic up to here."
"Alright, alright. So, what do you work as then?"
He grasped his drink in thought. What should he tell her? Something roundabout, perhaps. He didn't think she'd react all that bad, but he couldn't be sure. "I … duel for money." Yeah, that'd do it for now. If he told her everything, she'd probably fuss all over him, especially when talking about his scars. And considering she was being lewd when just imagining him dressed-up, or when they were sweaty after their morning runs, he was just a tiny bit afraid of how she'd react if he showed her everything.
"Oh, so like tournaments and stuff? Yeah, I can see that." She snapped her finger. "I don't think I've seen you in one, but there are a lot in Domino. Makes sense that you're as good as you are too. If you duel with money at stake you can't afford to be on a level that'd need to go to school."
'That's … surprisingly accurate.' He looked at her, impressed.
"What?"
"I'm just surprised. You're not just a sports obsessed tomboy after all."
"What's that supposed to mean?!"
Later that evening, Blake was surprised that despite the tight security – and the change in management after Kaiba sent new personnel – that guy with the scarf still managed to steal one of Yugi's decks. He hadn't seen Jaden at the exhibit all day, but Bastion had heard from Alexis that he and Syrus had to do extra work due to their bad grades. Of course they did it because of Crowler.
'Oh, is that why security was low? So Crowler could bait them in to see the exhibit and then kick them out because they weren't supposed to be there? Bet he didn't expect some random guy to use that chance for himself to steal a deck.' He realised, his dormmates next to him shouted in excitement when the Dark Magician hit the field. They stood on top of the cliffside together with Syrus, Chumley, Alexis, and her friends, while Jaden and that guy – Dimitri or something – dueled down near the water. He checked that his PDA was indeed recording at the correct angle once more before relaxing. 'I'm sure Jaden will be happy about the recording. I wonder if I should upload it to the academy's homepage ….'
At least Dimitri had the sense to steal the most recent deck, apparent by his usage of the differently flavoured Magician Girls which made the duel a lot harder than the one he original took would've. Jaden got dangerously close to losing until he figured out how to work around the magical girls, before finishing up with his standard combo of Flame Wingman and Skyscraper that he managed to pull out after a top-decked Miracle Fusion. While everyone was cheering, Blake couldn't help but be impressed by both boys' adaptability and raw skill. Jaden was nothing new in that regard, but as he's heard from Bastion while the duel happened, Dimitri apparently switched his decks like he switched his underwear. The annoying roleplay that came along put aside, for him to duel against Jaden with a deck he'd never used – even if everyone and their mother knew the basics of Yugi's decks – was an achievement in his eyes.
Dimitri was like Bastion in that regard, but instead of building his own decks he copied those of others and proficiently used them, at least he did against Jaden. Copying and trying out all kinds of decks and their variants was something he'd done before coming to this world as well. It was integral to know what you'd be up against inside and out, after all. And while he himself didn't feel the need for another deck, he admitted that playing his own had become a bit stale, although that might be because he could count the number of duelists worth his time on one hand. It had been quite a few years since he touched anything other than his Dark deck and there were only so many options … maybe once he upgraded it to the max after raiding all the card stores in Domino City.
Back to the person of the hour, Dimitri's ranking wasn't great, which surprised Blake. It explained the guy's rapid changes to what decks he's using, most likely unsatisfied with the results, but it smelled all too much like confidence issues like Syrus had. He obviously had the brains to play vastly different strategies, so he wasn't stupid. Perhaps they should talk to him. 'What's one more Ra to adopt? If he can duel like that given the circumstance, it'd be good to have him around when shit hits the fan. How loaded is he to copy decks so frequently anyway?'
With security approaching the group of students scattered and stealthily made their way back to their respective dorms, where Blake took the rest of the evening to look over his recordings once more. He'd managed to find just the right angle where it was clear what was happening in the duel, but not who the duelists were. Obviously the only one using that set of HERO cards was Jaden, but whoever had taken Yugi's deck would remain a mystery. Knowing that Jaden would be fine once word got out that someone internally messed with the security, which no student could've done, he sent the video to Jaden and the Chancellor. The later with a note about how Crowler's petty attempts to expulse Jaden were hilariously backfiring.
He let out a sigh of relief he didn't know he'd held once the island couldn't be seen over the horizon. After a nasty tingling in his neck had him squirming for a few seconds, it felt like a giant weight had been lifted of his shoulders. Bastion eyed him curiously but with their eyes alone they communicated to talk later. He didn't know what it was, but it reminded him of the shudder he had when he had first gotten to Duel Academy a few months ago. His spirit partner was as helpful as always, as to say that he wasn't around in the first place.
Domino City came into sight as the ferry sped towards it, and with his sudden feeling of lightness he sat back down at the table where Bastion and Dimitri were talking about all the different decks they'd built, while Yuma was drawing out her shopping route to Bright.
It hadn't taken much for Dimitri to join them, and he was all the more relieved to hear that he was unlikely to get in trouble for the evening before. Apparently, he wasn't all that popular with other students due to his antics, but considering the quirks their own group had he'd fit right in. The question of how he managed to get his hands on so many different and rare cards was the first one he had answered once everyone was done talking. His father had a card shop and some connections to Industrial Illusions, which he used to loan and borrow cards to try out. That explained why he wasn't in Obelisk Blue as well, if he had enough money to buy all of those there would've been no way he wouldn't be in there.
"Oh, and my old man told me they're setting up a special tournament were everyone will be dueling with loaned decks." Dimitri exclaimed with starry eyes as they got off the ferry. "That way everyone is roughly on the same page and can try out new cards and strategies."
"Most interesting, you can count me in for sure." Bastion said. "This chance to try out different strategies will be most insightful."
"Got a good timing too." Bright added, her glasses shining brightly in the morning sun, so much so that they had to turn away from her. "With so many duelists around on vacation, there will be quite a few that would want to participate. That'll not only give good publicity but also a lot of potential customers."
They made their way away from the docks towards the nearby bus stop where they're going to split up. "How about you, Blake? Fancy trying out some new cards?" Bastion asked.
"I'll see if I have time. I imagine I'll have a pretty tight schedule for the time being." He replied a bit grouchily. It would be a lie to say that he wouldn't want to join in, He finally had a chance to live his life, after all. But he'd have to wait and see. "I'll let you know in the group chat, just send the details in there and I'll see if I'm free."
"You know we're supposed to have a vacation to relax from schoolwork, right?" Bright asked with a smirk. "Working yourself to the bone isn't exactly what you're supposed to do."
"Exactly! If anything, work yourself out when going shopping with me!" Yuma added before something caught your eye. "Hey Bright, your dad's here to pick us up!"
An orderly dressed man in jeans, a light-blue button shirt, and a black necktie walked over to them, fixing his glasses the same way Bright always does. Her hair colour must come from her mother, as the man had dark brown hair himself. It was impossible for someone as orderly as her to dye her hair, after all. And seeing her father it was clear where she got it from.
"Good morning. Why am I not surprised you saw me first, Yuma?" The man said with a hint of amusement in his deep and controlled voice.
"Her awareness is what makes her so great at ball sports, after all." Bright answered. "You didn't need to pick us up, you know."
"And miss the chance of meeting your friends? Never. Although I don't know what to think about you having more guys than girls around, young lady." His tone was even, but judging by the look Bright shot him in return it was in good humour.
"I'll have you know that I do have more female friends than Yuma, but not everyone goes to this bus stop." Bright responded. "We just so happen to go in similar directions."
Her father nodded in understanding. "Of course. I trust the academy takes care of any problems that would arise with so many hormone-driven teenagers cramped together?"
His daughter turned bright red at that, which was the perfect chance for Bastion to answer. "That it does, sir. Not only are our dorms separated by gender, there's also an active night watch to make sure everyone is where they are supposed to be." He explained courtly. "But where are my manners; Bastion Misawa, nice to meet you."
The man turned from the girls towards them and gave them a tight nod and a small smile when he recognized the name. "Ah, her study partner I take? I'm sure Yuma's delighted she gets off the hook with you around." His eyes wandered over the others before it stopped on Blake, his gaze hardening.
"Officer," Blake greeted nonchalantly as he tipped his hat towards the man.
"Mister Yamamoto, I didn't expect to see you here." Bright's father responded, not fully able to hold back a slight grimace.
"It's Moore now, actually." He corrected and took note of a black car slowing down to park nearby.
That seemed to relax the man a bit, but he was visibly on edge regardless. "Then I hope you're making the most of your chance. Come on girls." He gave Bastion a nod before ushering Bright and Yuma towards his car, both sharing confused looks between them after what had just happened.
"What was that about?" His friend asked after they'd entered the car. Dimitri had taken the hint and made himself small in the background, taking immense interest in a piece of tumbling trash.
"Her father was a regular at my old place. We're not exactly pals, as you probably guessed."
Bastion rubbed his chin in thought. "You told me about the misdeeds of your parents, yes. I am not surprised he reacted that way then. Do you think he will try to keep Bright and Yuma away, now that he knows you are around?"
He just shrugged, his eyes darkening. "Possible. But I'm more scared about him telling them about my history before I can."
"Sounds to me like you should go shopping with Yuma then, the earlier the better." Bastion teased with a hint of concern. "It looks like someone is waiting for you. Make sure to check your messages." With that, he and Dimitri left for a nearby bus.
"Things would've gone too smoothly otherwise …" Blake grumbled as he turned and walked over to the car his guardian was leaning against, smoking as she waited for him.
She blew out a ring of smoke and smiled at him. "Quite the colourful pack you have around you, I see. Is it coincidence or intention that they call you Hound in the academy as well?"
"The Chancellor knows, probably using it to keep me in check as he can have me expelled whenever he wants to." He answered, his earlier good mood rapidly dropping as he threw his bag in the car.
"At least it keeps you aware. You remember your big match this weekend?" She entered the car as she talked, flicking her snipe away.
"Who's the poor fucker again?"
Her smile changed into a vicious grin. "A pathetic former professional. They call him the 'Bandit King'."
Lighter chapter this time around, with plenty of foreshadowing what's to come. As Blake expected, he couldn't keep his almost perfect winstreak when dueling against Zane every day, but they're going even. Their duels usually end in three to four turns, with both of them having such good OTK potential. I imagine this little vacation arc to take no more than two, maybe three chapters. And Dimitri's been adopted too, maybe he can be more than a character of the week this time around.
As always, thank you for reading and reviewing, and I hope to see you again next time!