The gentle hum of the plane's engines surrounded me, accompanied by the soft whisper of winter's touch beyond the window.
Warm sunrays filtered through, casting their golden glow on both of us.
A sunny day...
Unlike the morning when I took my entrance exams, things are much different now.
My adoptive sister, Midori, and I were en route back to Duel Academy.
Midori's eyes, usually so full of confidence and strength, were clouded with worry today.
She and I were discussing Koyo's sudden decline in health and how the doctors were failing to diagnose him with anything.
It was as if it was out of their control.
"Kazzy, I can't help it... I keep thinking about him. It just came out of... nowhere." her voice barely rose above a fragile whisper, clearly revealing the depth of her concern. "Why? Why did this happen to him?"
I gave her hand a gentle squeeze, attempting to offer some solace.
"Mom's with him, Midori. She's got this. And don't worry, Koyo was able to walk around and eat. His appetite is still just as massive, remember?"
I tried to sound reassuring, but the weight in my own heart was heavy.
The thought of Winged Kuriboh silently watching over Koyo was a secret I carried, not letting her know.
"I know, but..." she hesitated, her voice shaking, "He was the one who kept our small family together after Papa passed... He would make us all laugh so we could move on from our grief. Seeing him like that, after all those years of him being the strongest among us... it's hard. It's so... hard."
I only nodded, memories flooding back, recalling the countless times Koyo had been the life of our little family.
Mr. Hibiki had passed away some time before I even met Koyo.
He was still in middle school when it happened.
"I understand," he whispered, pulling her close. "I am just hurt as you, older sis."
We shared the silence, each lost in our thoughts.
I could feel her leaning into me, her usual fiery spirit momentarily subdued.
Moments like this were rare, where our roles reversed, and I became the anchor, steadying her in the midst of the storm.
There was only the sound of the plane, its monotonous hum, and our synchronized breathing.
Midori leaned her head on my shoulder, seeking solace.
I didn't mind; it was one of those rare moments where roles reversed, and I became the pillar of strength for my older sister.
However, amidst this comforting silence, an echoing voice from the recent past, Fujimoto's voice, played over and over in my mind.
I can't help but think about what she said to me...
And thinking about it is helping me cope with the situation.
My mind wandered to the conversation I had with her.
The dull hum of the city was lost to me as my footsteps echoed through the streets, each step fueled by a cocktail of anxiety and determination.
I was on my way to meet Fujimoto, someone I thought might have answers about Koyo's inexplicable illness.
Just thinking how she might have answers about Koyo's condition irritates me.
She must have wanted me to know this beforehand.
Before... Koyo's body began to...
Every nerve in my body was strained, battling with the complex emotions of gratitude, anger, and desperation.
Koyo, my brother, was ill, and I needed answers.
Fujimoto was waiting in the park, standing under a cherry blossom tree.
It was an oddly romantic scene, a dream for girls that binged romantic comedies.
But the mood was completely off.
The soft pink petals created a stark contrast to the grave demeanor on her face.
Approaching her, I was on the verge of an outburst, ready to demand answers, but her violet eyes gave me pause.
They were heavy with concern, but beneath it, there was another emotion I couldn't quite place.
As soon as she saw me, her voice cracked, barely above a whisper, "Did you... Did you find out about Koyo's condition?"
I nodded slowly, the weight of reality pressing down on me.
So...
She knew.
Why didn't she tell me before?!
As much as I wanted to roar my pains at her, I couldn't blame her.
She did want to meet me as soon as possible.
And she had no way of knowing that Koyo's body gave out so quickly.
Hell, Jaden and I didn't notice...
After the brief, tense silence, I decided to break it.
"Why him?" I burst out, my voice trembling with anger and pain. "Koyo has done nothing but good in this world. He pulled me from the darkness, gave my life a purpose, and now this... Why?"
Fujimoto's face contorted, a painful struggle etched into her features.
"In... the manga... Koyo was always a good person. He never had ill intentions towards anyone. I can see why... a lot of people in this world like him. He truly embodies the spirit of a hero."
I clenched my hands into fists, my body tensing up with more rage.
Not towards her but to whoever wished to punish the good deeds he had done.
From the depths of my soul, I felt an ancient fury calling to me as if telling me that it wanted to be let out.
"Someone like Koyo, he doesn't deserve this! He doesn't! Why is he being punished?! WHY?!" I thundered as more of my darker feelings began to seep through.
I wanted whoever hurt Koyo to pay.
I wanted revenge.
I wanted to make them understand my anger.
Despite my enraged state, Fujimoto looked into my eyes as if looking into my heart.
She wasn't uneasy with my outburst; instead, she understood.
And then, doing something entirely unexpected, she opened her arms wide.
My eyes widened in surprise as she moved forward, wrapping me in a comforting embrace.
For Fujimoto, who was always so composed, this was a grand gesture.
The warmth of her arms felt like a balm to my wounded soul, a solace I hadn't known I needed.
Awkwardly, given our height difference, I hugged her back.
Here, under the shade of the cherry blossoms, two souls, both touched by Koyo's kindness, found comfort in each other.
Pulling away, she sighed deeply, "Sora, there's so much you don't know. But I promise you, we'll get through this together. Koyo is strong, and so are you."
Hearing her words, I felt a spark of hope ignite within me.
We were connected, not just by our shared concern for Koyo but by an unspoken bond of trust.
The ambient noise of the park seemed to dull as the weight of Fujimoto's hesitation pressed between us.
Each moment felt like an eternity, the undercurrent of tension passing us like a tidal wave.
My gaze locked onto Fujimoto's, searching for answers, while her eyes bore the strain of a heavy secret.
"Do you know who's behind Koyo's illness?" I finally asked, every fiber of my being desperate for the truth.
Her eyes darted away, the weight of my question evident.
"Sora," she began, her voice shaking with emotion, "there are things that happened which I never imagined possible, especially after my... reincarnation."
Reincarnation...
I still can't believe that something like that is possible.
But then again, spirits are real in this world, so...
I raised an eyebrow but let her continue.
"When I was given another chance and was born into this world," she admitted a tremor in her voice, "I didn't have any memories of my previous life until I turned 13. And even then, it was fractured. I only had memories of the GX anime I watched as a child and read a few chapters of the manga. But, even with my limited knowledge, I really enjoyed watching Koyo's duels on television. He would always light up my world with his dueling, and I can see why he has so many fans. It's too bad his manager wants to have him all for herself, though..."
Wait...
So, Koyo's manager has her eyes on him?
How come Koyo didn't notice that?
Jeez, he's so dense...
A small smile played on my lips as I remembered watching Koyo's duels, too.
"The pro leagues back then were such a competitive mess," I recalled, thinking back to the cutthroat strategies and the relentless pursuit of victory. "Everyone was so focused on having the upper hand that they forgot the heart of dueling. Koyo changed all that. His Hero deck, his passion... it breathed life back into the game."
Fujimoto nodded, a faint smile touching her lips.
"He was a beacon of hope in the world of dueling. His spirit, his style... It's why I idolized him so much."
I could see the admiration in her eyes, but there was also a shadow there, something she was holding back.
"There was another reason you were eager to meet him, wasn't there?" I probed, remembering her peculiar question about a blonde American duelist.
Drawing a deep breath, she nodded.
"Yeah..." she admitted, "I wanted to ask him about a duel from his past. A duel against a blonde American girl."
I recalled that question; it had seemed so odd at the time.
"And this duel, it's connected to Koyo's condition?"
Her eyes, usually so steady, wavered. "I think it might be," she whispered. "The one behind this might be a girl named Reggie Mackenzie."
A shiver ran down my spine as the gravity of her words weighed heavily on me.
"If I remember correctly, then she was unaware that she cursed Koyo."
With Fujimoto's revelations echoing in my ears, I tried to process the gravity of it all.
My mind raced, trying to piece everything together.
It was difficult to grasp that someone like Reggie, potentially unaware of her own actions, might be responsible for Koyo's current condition.
"How can someone not know they're placing a curse on another?" I inquired, frustration seeping into my voice.
The very idea felt implausible, yet with everything I'd witnessed, I couldn't dismiss it outright.
Fujimoto's face was etched with unease.
"I don't have all the answers, Sora. But sometimes, there are powers and forces at play beyond our comprehension, like spirits... Reggie might possess an ability she's unaware of, or maybe there's a specific condition for the curse to manifest."
I leaned back, my fingers running through my hair as I tried to process.
"But why Koyo? And if it's like a curse, why is it that Winged Kuriboh seems to alleviate it, even if just momentarily?"
"I'm not sure," Fujimoto confessed, a hint of frustration in her voice mirroring my own. "It could be that the spiritual nature of the duel spirits has an effect on the curse. Maybe it counters or shields him from its full impact. I'm also worried about this too; I'm not sure how long that protection would last."
A heavy sigh left my lips.
I was caught in a maelstrom of emotions.
"I just... I don't know how to feel about Reggie," I murmured. "If she's truly unaware of what she's done, can I blame her? But at the same time, it's because of her that Koyo's suffering."
Fujimoto placed a gentle hand on my shoulder.
Emotions aren't black and white.
It's okay to be confused, to feel anger, sadness, and empathy all at once.
Despite this... it leaves a bitter taste in my mouth.
Confronting her without understanding the entire context might make things worse.
I looked into her eyes, searching for more answers.
But all I saw was shared concern.
"I just hope," I whispered, "that we can find a way to help Koyo. He doesn't deserve this."
Fujimoto nodded in agreement.
"I know, Sora. I know..." she affirmed.
I felt the weight of Koyo's Elemental Hero deck in my pocket as I slowly pulled it out to examine it.
Each card seemed to pulse with life, a legacy that I had now inherited.
Their spirits seemed to whisper, guiding me through the uncertainty.
Despite this, I was lost in thought, trying to strategize the best way to break the news to Midori without causing her undue distress.
Hmm, I tell it to her straight; with all the details about the curse, Reggie, and Winged Kuriboh helping him out, there's no doubt that she will think I'm a nutjob.
But if I drop hints every now and again, that'll just make me look suspicious.
If I were in her shoes, then I would be suspicious, too.
Hmm... What to do?
I was so engrossed in my mental debate that I didn't even notice Zane's presence until he commented on Midori's position, snuggled against my shoulder.
"Huh, another woman fell to the womanizer." He muttered.
I jumped slightly at his comment, feeling a flush of embarrassment warming my face.
He, on the other hand, had that same stoic expression he was renowned for.
"Seriously, Sora? How many hearts do you plan on capturing?" Zane's teasing tone was evident, but his eyes showed genuine curiosity.
My body nearly jolted as I heard his voice.
"W-Wha...? Zane? What are you doing here?!" I asked, genuinely surprised to see him.
A flicker of annoyance flashed over his eyes as he rolled them.
"I've been here from the beginning, Sora. You even asked if it was alright to sit here. How did you forget that, womanizer?"
Wait, did I actually ask him...?
I took a moment to remember when I had indeed asked him.
...
...
...
Oh, yeah.
I did ask him.
Jeez, I wonder how he blends into the background so easily...
Wait a minute, what's this about me being a womanizer?
"Womanizer? When did I become a 'womanizer'?" I retorted, trying to mask my unease with humor.
Zane chuckled, giving me a playful nudge.
"Relax, I'm just poking fun. Though, you seemed pretty absorbed in thought. I had to say something just to get your attention."
I glanced at Midori, relieved to see she was still soundly asleep.
"Sorry, Zane," I murmured sheepishly. "I guess I've been preoccupied."
He waved my apology away, leaning back in his seat.
"It's fine. I had a feeling you had your mind elsewhere. Anyway, I've heard about Koyo taking a break from the pro leagues. It was all over the news," Zane said, his voice dripping with concern. "It's tough to see a dueling legend like him going through hard times."
Swallowing hard, I nodded.
"Yeah, it's... it's been a lot to process. And it's not just his dueling that's affected."
Zane raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued.
"You don't say? I overheard some of your conversation, not that I was intentionally eavesdropping. You seemed quite distressed."
I looked away, not wanting to meet his gaze.
It was hard enough dealing with Koyo's situation, but now I had the additional stress of figuring out how to share the complex and mystifying details with my family.
"Look, Sora," Zane started, leaning in closer. "Koyo is a legend, both in the dueling world and in the hearts of many. I have immense respect for him, and I genuinely hope he recovers soon."
I nodded gratefully.
"Thanks, Zane. That means a lot. I'm just trying to process it all while being there for my family."
Zane clasped my shoulder firmly.
"It's going to be tough, no doubt. But remember, you've got people who care and are willing to help."
His words were a small comfort amidst the storm of emotions I was experiencing.
"Thanks, Zane. For now, I'll focus on the upcoming semester and see where it takes me."
He gave me a warm smile.
"Take it one day at a time, Sora. One day at a time."
The hum of the airplane's engines melded into a comforting drone, and I was brought back to the present when I heard Zane's familiar, teasing voice.
The silver-haired duelist had an uncanny ability to wear a serious face while making light-hearted comments.
"Still, it seems you've added quite the woman to your list, Kaz," he remarked with a sly grin, motioning to the sleeping Midori.
Huh?
Caught off guard, I blinked a few times. "Oh, uh, that's Midori," I explained, feeling a sudden warmth in my cheeks. "Koyo's older sister."
Zane raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued.
"Midori Hibiki? I've heard of her. Wasn't she quite the name in the dueling circuits around the city? Though she never seemed to aim for the pro leagues as her brother did."
I chuckled, nodding in agreement.
"Yeah, that's her. But she plays for different reasons. Midori has always been more strategic in her approach. She saw Duel Monsters as a trend waiting to explode and took advantage of it early on."
His lips curled into an amused smile, his deep blue eyes reflecting his playful intentions.
"Strategy, huh? So, playing the long game. Clever."
"It's just how she is," I replied, shrugging. "Always thinking a few steps ahead. It's not about the passion of the game for her like it is for Koyo and me. More about...I don't know, positioning herself for the future."
Zane pondered on this for a moment.
"Sounds like a shrewd move. But speaking of positioning," he added with that same teasing tone, "Has she taken a special position in that long list of your admirers?"
I sighed exaggeratedly, rolling my eyes.
"Not this again. Seriously, Zane, where is all this coming from? And for the record, she's like a sister to me."
Zane leaned back in his seat, a smirk playing on his lips.
"Just making an observation. You've got quite the fan club at the Academy, you know."
Feeling a bit defensive, I retorted, "I think you're blowing things out of proportion. Last time I checked, because of your teasing, I didn't have one. And anyway, why the sudden interest in my so-called 'fan club'?"
He just shrugged, the glint in his eyes revealing that he was enjoying the banter way more than he should.
"Hmm, let's just say it's fun seeing you squirm a bit. It lightens the mood, especially with everything going on."
Deciding to let that comment slide, I sighed.
"Alright, alright, I'll give you that one."
Zane chortled, clapping me on the back.
"That's the spirit. Just remember, it's all in good fun... mostly. But seriously," his tone grew more somber, "I hope Koyo gets better soon. He's a legend in the dueling world. It won't be the same without him."
I nodded, my thoughts once again drifting back to Koyo and the uncertainty of his condition.
"Thanks, Zane. That means a lot. We're all hoping for the best."
Settling into the familiar embrace of my soft mattress in the Obelisk Blue dorm, I let out a sigh of relief.
It's already been a long day, and the antics of helping Midori wake up, with her half-asleep clinginess, had been both amusing and exhausting.
I appreciated my older sister's affection, but sometimes, I wished she'd act her age.
My thoughts were interrupted by a knock, and before I could even react, Jaden's familiar face appeared as he let himself in.
I raised an eyebrow, my expression clearly conveying my usual unamused reaction to his antics.
"Really, Jay? This again?"
Jaden just grinned, that ever-present twinkle in his eyes.
"Hey, Heroes always need to be ready, 24/7! No waiting around! And don't forget you're a Hero too now!"
I snorted, lying back.
"That sounds thoroughly exhausting," I remarked dryly. "So Koyo told you about that, huh?"
Jaden just shrugged, dropping into the chair opposite my bed.
"All in a day's work for a hero," he said with a playful wink. "And nah, I had a feeling Koyo gave you his deck. I can hear them, y'know?"
I rolled my eyes at this.
Jaden took a moment to glance about the room.
"Whoa, this is... roomy!" he exclaimed, glancing around at the expansive room.
Roomy?
I chuckled, "Yeah, this whole space is just for me."
I got off my comfy bed and walked over to the other side of my room.
"Hey, take a look at this."
Leading him further inside, I pushed open the door to my en suite bathroom, motioning to the sparkling tiles and shiny fixtures.
"And look, my own bathroom. No shared facilities here."
Jaden looked inside, a skeptical expression forming.
"Hmm, I don't get the hype. There's something to be said about those shared bathroom experiences, you know. It's like... a bonding experience."
I laughed, perhaps out of nervousness, recalling a similar conversation I'd had with Koyo.
"You know, Koyo said almost the exact same thing. But honestly, the thought of sharing a bathroom with other people? And treating it as a bonding experience? Eugh..." I mimed a shudder for emphasis.
Jaden chuckled as we continued the tour.
He whistled when he saw the sleek TV and the compact fridge, and then he slid the balcony door open, stepping out to admire the view.
"Man, you've got all the perks. A balcony, too?"
"Perks of being in Obelisk Blue," I replied with a grin. "Interested in transferring?"
Jaden appeared to consider it for a moment, stroking his chin seriously.
"Hehe... Normally, I'd say, 'Nah, it's too much of a hassle,' but with you here and rocking that Hero deck? It doesn't sound too bad, y'know?" He tilted his head thoughtfully.
After a moment, he smirked.
"I'll think about it. But don't get your hopes up too high."
I chuckled.
"Alright, but you should really consider the burgers we got here, man. Mmm, it's the good stuff."
His smirk never left his face as he shook his head.
Jaden then became more serious, his demeanor shifting.
"Hey, I spoke with Koyo earlier. He's doing better. I had Winged Kuriboh stay with him for a bit. It seems to have given him a bit of a boost."
Warm gratitude welled up inside me.
"Yeah, I saw him floating around Koyo. Heh, thanks, Jay. Seriously," I replied, truly appreciating his efforts.
Jaden dismissed the thanks with a casual wave.
"It's cool, bro. No need for that. Koyo's always been like an older brother to both of us. And besides," he said, his mischievous grin returning, "He's one of the few duelists that I always have the most fun dueling against."
I chuckled, shaking my head in amusement.
"You and your duels," I said, smirking.
Jaden simply winked, leaning back in the chair.
"What can I say? It's in my blood."
We shared a moment of camaraderie, two friends facing the challenges life threw at us together.
"Here's to another semester of non-stop action," I said, raising an imaginary toast.
Jaden responded in kind.
"Yeah! To duels, challenges, and everything in between!"
Lounging comfortably in the spacious confines of my Obelisk Blue dorm, the gentle hum of the furnace in the background provided a soothing soundtrack to Jaden and my reminiscing.
The light from the window bathed the room in a warm hue, highlighting the academy's colors on the bedspread.
Jaden, never one to let a topic lie, suddenly turned his gaze on me, curiosity evident in his eyes.
"So, Kaz, have you seen your spirit since that crazy duel with Alexis and Jinzo?"
I ran a hand through my hair, the memories of that day still fresh.
"Honestly, no. Since that intense showdown, there's been nothing. And the worst part? I have no clue who or what that spirit even is."
Jaden leaned back, cupping his chin thoughtfully.
"Winged Kuriboh mentioned something about it. He didn't give away a lot, but he was pretty sure that your spirit is no slouch. He said whatever the spirit is it rarely forms a bond. And man, when it does? It's something special." He chuckled, adding with a playful smirk, "Using ice against Jinzo? That was really... 'cool'.
Rolling my eyes, I couldn't help but laugh.
"Of course, you'd squeeze a pun in there. But seriously, whatever that spirit is, its power was awe-inspiring. That icy attack against Jinzo nearly obliterated him. And considering how beefed up Jinzo was, it's saying something."
Jaden's playful demeanor took a slight somber turn.
"It saved us back then. But hey, on a different note, what's the word on Takashi and his gang after the mess they caused?"
I leaned forward, propping my elbows on my knees.
"The aftermath wasn't pretty. They got suspended. It's obvious the higher-ups didn't like the damage that came with their dumb summoning antics. Unleashing a spirit like Jinzo? Someone was bound to step in. It's a good thing no got hurt."
Jaden sighed, rubbing the back of his neck.
"I feel a bit bad for them. But man, they should've known better. There's always a price for messing with forces you don't understand. Like that Shadow Game, we had against Titan and the Shadows."
I nodded, the weight of our previous encounters evident.
"Yeah... And we've seen firsthand what that price can be."
A moment of contemplative silence fell between us, but Jaden, ever the ray of sunshine, perked up, changing the subject.
"Oh, yeah! I heard Koyo's sister working as a teacher and dean, right? You know anything about that?"
I smirked at the thought of hearing the lazy woman that I called my older sister.
"Yeah, Midori. She plans on working hard to keep her job, especially since it pays well. I'm not too comfortable with the thought of her working in Slifer Red... ah! No offense, man."
Jaden laughed, waving it off.
"None taken, bro. Though, it does sound like you're considering transferring to Slifer just to keep tabs on her."
I sighed, glancing down.
"I mean, she's always been there for me. She took care of me when Koyo was busy with his pro matches. Seeing her work, especially in a challenging environment... it's new. I just want her to be okay."
Jaden, sensing the rising tide of my concerns, gently nudged my shoulder.
"Hey, relax. I'll keep an eye on her for you. You don't need to drop your grades and end up in Slifer Red like me." He joked.
A wry smile formed on my face.
"Thanks, Jaden. But it's going to be strange seeing Midori in a professional setting. I've only known her as my laid-back, sometimes lazy, older sister. The amount of times I had to fetch snacks for her was... jeez."
Jaden's mischievous glint returned.
"Ah, hey, Kaz... ever have a crush on her?"
What...
Blushing furiously, I stammered, "W-when did you start diving into those kinds of topics?!"
He shrugged while giving me a snide smirk.
"Just now. Well, how about it? Do ya?"
Taking a deep breath, I added, "Well, yeah, when I was much younger and didn't know any better. She was really popular in high school. So you can't really blame anyone for admiring her."
Jaden leaned back, his smirk even wider.
"Hehe, so you're a... what do they call it? A bit of a sis-con, huh?"
Defensively, I sputtered, "N-No! It was a long time ago, alright! I had a crush on her when I was a kid, alright?!"
He let out a hearty laugh as I tried to cool my cheeks.
Even then, I couldn't help but smile at making him laugh.
After chatting a little bit, Jaden glanced outside, his face highlighted a realization.
"Man, I should probably prep up for school tomorrow," he remarked.
I nodded in agreement, offering my fist, which he promptly met with his own.
"Yeah, same here. See you tomorrow."
With our usual camaraderie intact, he made his way out, his usual energy evident in each step.
I always envied his boundless spirit.
Turning to the balcony, I was embraced by the gentle noon breeze.
Gazing out, my thoughts veered towards Midori.
It was her first day at work, and given her occasional bouts of anxiety, I couldn't help but wonder if she was navigating it well.
Midori, despite her seemingly calm demeanor, could be quite the whirlwind when things went awry.
I mulled over the idea of giving her a call, maybe just to check-in.
But before I could even act on that impulse, the familiar buzz of my PDA stole my attention.
The caller ID flashed 'Midori,' and I mentally prepped for a flurry of concerns or issues she might've faced.
However, when I answered, her voice was as serene as a still pond.
"Hey, Kazzy. How is your first day back?"
No trace of panic, no hint of urgency. It threw me off guard for a moment.
"Uhh, I would say it's alright. It helps I don't have classes today. Is Koyo doing alright?"
As much as I didn't want to bring him up, I wanted to help her ease into processing Koyo's condition.
I have a good feeling that he's doing fine since Winged Kuriboh is with him.
"Yeah! Koyo's appetite is just as big as ever. It looks like he is going to be okay! The doctors did say he should take it easy and let them know if anything changes."
Yup, just as I expected.
He's doing better.
"Anyway... Kazzy, got some time this weekend? I was thinking we could hang out," she mused, her tone light.
Hang out, huh?
She's definitely feeling better.
"Sure. I don't have anything planned for the weekend. I can show you around the island if you want."
A gentle hum of approval resonated from her end, indicating her agreement.
But then she added, "Oh, and I've got a surprise for you."
That caught me off guard.
Midori's surprises were a mixed bag.
They often leaned towards favors or weird requests, and while they were almost always endearing, they sometimes caught me in situations I'd rather not be in.
Suspicion brewed within, but I decided to play along, not wanting to deflate her enthusiasm.
"Alright," I responded, attempting to hide my wary curiosity, "I'll be looking forward to it."
After exchanging a few more pleasantries, we said our goodbyes.
After hanging up, I was left with a mixture of curiosity and mild fear.
It wasn't unlike Midori to have something up her sleeve, but I couldn't quite decipher what it could be this time.
I leaned back on my chair, trying to think back to previous "surprises" she's had for me.
There was that time she suddenly roped me into helping her reorganize her entire room, or that other time she surprised me with a pet turtle — which, by the way, was more of a commitment than I had bargained for.
Chuckling to myself, I decided it was best to expect the unexpected when it came to Midori.
For all her unpredictable quirks, there was never a dull moment with her around.
I took a moment to enjoy the evening view from my balcony.
The gentle hues of sunset colored the horizon, painting a calming picture that seemed to put my worries at ease.
It's these moments of quiet reflection that I truly treasure.
With the weekend ahead, I began to plan some spots around the island that I thought she'd enjoy.
The hidden cove near the North end, the quiet cafe that made the best matcha tea, and maybe the ancient tree that was rumored to be hundreds of years old.
As I lost myself in these thoughts, there was a sense of anticipation bubbling within me.
Regardless of the surprise, be it genuine or another one of her playful schemes, spending time with my sister was something I always looked forward to.
I stood up, deciding to prep a bit for the weekend.
After all, with Midori, it's always good to be a step ahead.
The sound of another knock echoed in my room, marking the second time today someone sought my attention.
Again?
Jeez, is my room the new popular spot in the dorm?
Curious and a tad amused, I called out, "Come in!"
The door gently opened to reveal Alexis.
I was taken aback for a moment; she wasn't dressed in her Obelisk Blue uniform.
Instead, she donned a stylish outfit that seemed both comfortable and chic.
A light denim jacket draped over her shoulders, leaving the sleeves rolled up just above her wrists.
Underneath, she wore a simple white V-neck tee that subtly accentuated her figure without being overt.
The jeans she wore were a darker shade, fitted but not too tight, and ended just above her ankle boots.
"Hey, Alexis," I started, genuinely surprised. "It's a rare sight, seeing you out of uniform."
Jeez, no wonder she's considered to be a model in this school.
Meanwhile, I'm just wearing a generic sweater and some khakis.
Huh, now that I realize it, everyone's better looking than me...
She laughed lightly, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear.
"It's a good thing we didn't have to come to campus with our uniforms on. Plus, uniforms can get a bit stuffy after a while."
She took a few steps inside, her eyes scanning my room briefly before returning to me.
"I wanted to drop by to see how your winter break went. Anything interesting?"
I hesitated for a moment, choosing my words.
"It was...eventful, to say the least. I spent time with my family and had a good time, you know, the usual. My sister is working in Slifer Red as the dean and as a teacher."
I deliberately chose not to delve into Koyo's health and the new deck I had inherited.
For some odd reason, Alexis leered at me.
"Wait, you never told me you had a sister..." She muttered before smiling. "That's good to hear, congrats!"
I smiled back.
"Thanks. Hey, tell me about yours. How was it?"
I motioned her to take a seat, to which she chose my bed.
She sighed, taking a moment to compose her thoughts.
"It was good, mostly. Caught up with some old prep school friends and went ice skating." Then, her tone shifted, becoming softer and tinged with concern. "But back home...? It was hard."
Hard...?
Oh, no, don't tell me...
"You... aren't getting hurt, are you?" I asked with barely withheld fear.
Her brown eyes widened, and she shook her head.
"Wha-?! N-No, no! It's nothing like that! It's just... Well, you know about my brother, Atticus, right? It's so hard not to tell them anything. Every day, I see my parents holding onto hope, and every day, I'm torn about whether to tell them that he might still be alive."
I nodded, empathizing with her pain.
"I can't imagine how tough it must be, keeping something like that from them."
Alexis looked down for a moment.
"It's not like I want to do this either... every day they hope, and it's like a knife to my heart. I just wish I could give them something to work with, but I'm afraid of giving them false hope." She muttered.
A pang of nostalgia hit me as Alexis brought up our shared past.
Those days at the playground, with the scent of freshly mown grass and the distant laughs and shouts of playing children, felt like a distant memory, now overlaid with the complexity of our current lives.
I could still remember her, a bright-eyed girl with hair cascading down her back, always playing in the corner, attempting to steer clear of trouble before she started pestering me.
But even then, Alexis had this air of elegance about her, even as a kid.
That very elegance, however, made her an easy target for some of the other girls.
They'd approach her, their words dripping with malice, trying to tear down that natural grace she had.
I never knew their names, but their faces still lingered in my memory.
Seeing the melancholy expression on Alexis's face, I felt a tug at my heart.
Without thinking, I reached out, gently placing my hand on her head ruffling her hair affectionately.
I remember doing the same when we were kids, trying to comfort her after another round of senseless teasing.
Her eyes, deep pools of surprise, looked up at me.
"You know... Atticus used to do that to me," she mused, a hint of a smile forming on her lips. "Whenever I was sad or had a bad day. And you... you did it too, back in our playground days."
I chuckled softly.
"You were an easy target, you know. Those girls always picked on you. I never understood why, though."
She let out a small sigh, looking a bit distant.
"I've always thought it was because I looked different or... I don't know, maybe because I was prettier than most of them? Not that I ever believed it or cared."
My eyes softened.
"You were," I remarked. "You stood out in the park. And I'm not surprised that you still do now."
Alexis's cheeks turned a faint shade of pink, not expecting the compliment.
"N-Now? You still think I'm pretty?" She asked shakily.
I nodded.
"Yeah. Haven't you realized that you're the so-called Ice Queen of Obelisk?"
Her blush deepened as she bashfully looked away.
"I know that, but hearing it from you is... different. Maybe it does make sense why they targeted me..."
What?
Why would I be any different?
"But why did you do that? Why were they so mean?" I mused aloud.
She shrugged. "Kids can be cruel. They find something different and make a big deal out of it."
Amidst the hum of conversation and ambient lighting of my Obelisk Blue dorm room, I slowly pulled my hand away from Alexis's head.
Taking a deep breath, I decided to touch on a topic that I felt needed clarity.
"You know," I began hesitantly, "I've always wanted to ask about Atticus. What was he really like?"
Alexis smiled, her eyes shimmering with a mix of melancholy and warmth.
"Atticus... other than his skills rivaling Zane and being the prodigy of the Academy... he was always the laid-back one. But, even then, he was very much the light of our family. Mom, Dad, and I... we were all happy to be around him." She chuckled softly, lost in memories. "He was so protective of us, especially me. If he thought something dangerous was coming my way, he'd be right there, standing in its path. Though, you pretty much took his role in the park, though."
I listened intently, hanging onto every word.
She painted a picture of a brother so vivid it almost felt as if I had known him too.
Her voice lowered, becoming a tad more teasing, "Hey, you remember that time... when you broke my heart as a kid?"
I frowned, the memory now fresh despite the years.
"Oh, come on! I told you, I didn't mean to play that!"
She began to giggle and waved her hand at me.
"Ehehe! I know, I know, I'm just messing with you." She teased. "But what I wanted to mention is how Atticus reacted to it."
Curiosity piqued, I tilted my head, urging her to continue.
"The very next day," she recalled, "he threw a party just for me. It was a surprise. He invited some of our close friends, played my favorite music, and even got my favorite cake." Her eyes gleamed with unshed tears. "He really went the extra mile to cheer me up."
I sat there, taking it all in.
It was a touching gesture, one that highlighted just how deeply Atticus cared for his younger sister.
"Sounds like he was a nice brother," I murmured.
"He was," she affirmed with a nod. "Though, like all siblings, he had his share of problems. Atticus could sometimes get in over his head." She chuckled. "There were countless occasions where Zane and I had to pull him out of some crazy situation he got himself into."
I raised an eyebrow, intrigued.
"Like what?"
With a playful smirk, Alexis said, "Well, he had this stupid habit of trying to set me up on dates. He'd spot a kind-looking guy and, in his own weird way of looking out for my happiness, would plan out some elaborate scheme to introduce us."
She laughed at the memory.
"Like, I get where he is coming from, but jeez, it was annoying to turn guys down like that."
Leaning back, I couldn't help but smile.
"Sounds like quite the character."
Alexis nodded, her gaze distant yet fond.
"He really was Sora. He truly was."
I felt a newfound respect for Atticus, understanding the void his absence had created in Alexis's life.
And yet, through her stories, it felt like he was still there, watching over her with that signature playful smirk of his.
The pleasant afternoon air seemed to shift as the topic of conversation drifted to Atticus.
"I wish I could have met him while I was in the park." I mused out loud.
I noticed the subtle change in Alexis's demeanor, the slight hesitation in her eyes, the nervous tug at the corner of her lip.
"In fact, I'd love to meet Atticus," I mused, thinking it'd be fun to see the person who was so protective of Alexis.
But her expression, a curious blend of amusement and apprehension, caught me off guard.
"Uhh... What's wrong?"
She sighed, her gaze darting away briefly.
"Well, there's a teeny tiny problem... Atticus, he... well, he wouldn't exactly be a fan of you."
I frowned, my mind racing.
"But he's never met me. Why wouldn't he like me?"
Alexis's cheeks flushed a deep shade of pink.
"Remember when we were kids? And there was that... Metamorphosis incident in the playground? Well, I might've mentioned what you looked like to him. Though I never dropped your name because... you know."
A realization dawned upon me.
"You mean when I made you cry when I used Metamorphosis on Princess of Tsurugi?!"
She nodded.
"Yup. I've never seen him get so mad about something. After that day, he kinda declared you as... well, blacklisted."
I raised an eyebrow, bemused.
"Blacklisted? From what?"
She nodded vigorously.
"Yeah, you know, the list of people who shouldn't go near me, look at me, or even breathe in my direction."
I couldn't help but ponder what her brother's deal was.
And here Jaden calls me out for being a sis-con, while Atticus here is on a whole another level!
...
I think.
Attempting to find the silver lining, I offered,
"Maybe he won't recognize me now. It's been years, and we were just kids."
She bit her lip.
"Umm... You'd think so, but he has this weird ability where he can pick out someone from the most vague of descriptions. It's a little creepy."
My heart sank.
Here I was, hoping to make new connections to leave behind the mistakes of the past.
Yet it seemed that one unintentional error from my childhood might come back to haunt me.
Seeing my dismay, Alexis's teasing nature kicked in.
"Don't worry too much. If he ever confronts you, I'll just introduce you as my boyfriend. That should fix things."
I shot her a stunned look, my mind working to process her statement.
"Wait, boyfriend? Are you serious?"
Her laughter rang out, filling the room with its infectious sound.
"Ahaha! I'm just messing with you, dweeb! But it would be a fun way to throw him off guard, wouldn't it?"
But I was just settling into the comfort of the conversation when Alexis suddenly leaned in, her voice taking on a playful lilt.
"You know, Kazuyuki, considering the situation, maybe we should practice... you know, going on dates. Just to convince Atticus if the need arises."
Her suggestion caught me off guard, and as she leaned closer to whisper into my ear, every sense I had was suddenly acutely aware of her proximity.
The feeling of her warm breath caressing my ear, combined with her teasing words, sent a jolt down my spine, causing my back to shoot up ramrod straight.
My cheeks flamed, and my mind raced to form a coherent thought.
It was an innocent enough gesture on her part, but the effect it had on me was anything but innocent.
I was struggling not to let my imagination run wild, reminding myself repeatedly that this was Alexis and she was only joking around.
"Uh, well," I began, attempting to maintain some semblance of composure despite the heat in my cheeks, "I'd actually love to... 'practice', but I've already made plans with Midori this weekend."
A hint of disappointment flashed across her eyes, but it was quickly replaced with that familiar mischievous glint.
"Oh, that's a shame. I'll just have to find another opportunity then," she replied, her tone dripping with playful teasing.
I struggled to catch my breath from her surgically placed strikes.
Attempting to shift the conversation from the dangerous territory it was veering into, I asked, "Ugh... Is this your way of having me make up for those playground days?"
She leaned back with a devious smirk, "Maaaybe. That's just a small part of it. There might be other reasons, too."
Her eerie response left me both intrigued and bewildered.
What other reasons?!
But before I could probe further, she stood up, stretching her arms above her head.
As she stood up to leave, she threw one last comment over her shoulder, "Ah, I almost forgot. Don't forget, we have a gym class tomorrow. So make sure you bring your gym clothes."
Still recovering from the whirlwind of the past few minutes, I simply nodded, watching her depart.
"Yeah... bye."
I sank back into my chair, my thoughts a jumble.
Whatever Alexis had in store for me, I couldn't help but feel a mix of anticipation and apprehension.
With a deep breath, I began mentally preparing myself for the rollercoaster of events that seemed to be on the horizon.
Jeez... this girl is gonna be the death of me.
It looks like she is going to be that same annoying and playful girl from the playground.
But this time... I don't think I mind.
If anything, I'm still glad she's embracing that side of her.
With that, I went on with my day: studying, doing chores, and customizing Koyo's deck.
I placed three different decks on the table.
One that I used to enter Duel Academy, one that Zane got for me for my hazing, which was pretty much one big booster pack, and the one Koyo gave to me.
As I spread the cards out on my table, I thought back to what Fujimoto said to me regarding Koyo's condition, like a broken record replaying over and over again.
She says Reggie Mackenzie is responsible for giving Koyo this curse...
I wouldn't be lying if I greatly disliked the origins of her knowledge.
That this world I live in isn't... real.
That there is a bigger story down the line the more time I spend here.
I heard of the King of Game's exploits and his many accomplishments.
Everyone has.
And apparently, this island is in the middle of those stories, too.
This time, I'm guessing Jaden is the Hero here.
I already risked my life in that Shadow Game, and I promised Koyo to duel in his honor, but...
I can't help but want a simple school life, an ordinary one, but instead, I got dragged into this "plot."
All my friends, family, and acquaintances are at the mercy of some story written by another person in another world...
I guess I better enjoy the peaceful days here while it lasts because it's obvious that things are going to get worse.
All I can do is wait until the story moves forward and make us all suffer...
Taking in the warm rays of the sun, I headed to the outdoor courts for gym class.
I quickly spotted Fujimoto; her unique presence always stood out amidst the general school crowd.
With a smile, I took a seat beside her, greeting her with a cheerful "Hey."
She looked up from her notebook, a hint of surprise in her eyes before she reciprocated my greeting.
"Hello, Sora. How's Koyo doing?"
Running a hand through my hair, I took a deep breath before answering.
"He's doing fine, actually. The doctors are saying his condition is stable for now. It's remarkable, really. Thanks to Winged Kuriboh, his health's holding up. I'm glad you care about him, too; it means a lot."
While we chatted, I couldn't help but notice Jaden and Syrus, who were on the opposite side of the court, volleying with Junko and Mindy.
Their lively game was drawing a small crowd of spectators.
Jeez, those two are getting crushed by the Obelisk duo...
Fujimoto, following my gaze, chuckled, "You know, this reminds me of one of those filler episodes."
I quirked an eyebrow in her direction.
"Filler episode? Like the story about the monkey and the scientists you mentioned?"
She shook her head with a wry smile, her long hair swaying with the motion.
"Sort of. Fillers are episodes in a show that don't really contribute much to the main storyline. They're fun diversions but not critical. The only thing that was important about Wheeler and the project was Jaden and his friends finding out Chazz was on his yacht and leaving Duel Academy. Other than that, this has nothing to do with the actual story... I think."
Ah, right.
I remember her talking about how the writers keyed in that part.
"There was an episode where Jaden was forced to take tennis lessons by some rich guy who had a crush on Alexis." She continued. "If I remember correctly... Crowler got hit by a stray ball by that rich guy, and Crowler blamed Jaden. So... Jaden dueled him, won, and that student was not seen again. That's pretty much a filler episode. The main story doesn't start after a while..."
Nevertheless, my curiosity piqued.
"So, what's the 'actual story' then? If you don't mind me asking." I began, but before Fujimoto could answer, a sharp shout cut through our conversation.
"Watch out!"
My head whipped around to the source of the shout, and my eyes widened in alarm as I spotted a rogue tennis ball hurtling our way.
Instinctively, I reached out to grab Fujimoto, pulling her towards me and ducking down.
But, before the ball could reach us, it abruptly changed its course, intercepted by another force.
The resulting thud and subsequent groan of pain had me looking up just in time to see a very disgruntled Dr. Crowler clutching his head, glaring daggers at his surroundings.
The ball had struck him squarely, and I couldn't help but wince in sympathy.
I watched with a mix of amusement and relief as Dr. Crowler, nursing his injured head, hobbled towards the infirmary.
His grumbles filled the air, a string of mumbling and irritations that clearly expressed his thoughts about the rogue tennis ball incident.
However, the realization of my current position slowly began to dawn on me.
I was still on top of Fujimoto, having instinctively shielded her from the impending danger.
My eyes met her wide violet ones, which were filled with shock.
The closeness of our proximity made me hyper-aware of her features - the way her silver hair framed her face, the delicate curve of her nose, and the pink tint on her cheeks.
A moment of awkward silence ensued, only to be broken by a familiar voice.
"Well, aren't you two having fun?"
It was Alexis, looking down at us with an icy stare, her tone dripping with sarcasm.
Feeling the weight of her gaze, I scrambled to my feet.
"I... um, was just trying to protect her," I stammered out.
She crossed her arms, her icy gaze softening a bit but still holding a hint of mischief.
"Yeah, I saw what happened, dweeb. Protecting her is one thing, but maybe you should also know when to, y'know, let go? It's not good for a maiden's heart."
As she mentioned the 'maiden's heart,' a phrase we had often teased each other with back in the day, I felt a flush creep up my neck.
"I'm sorry," I said to Fujimoto, extending a hand to help her up.
She took it, a faint blush coloring her cheeks.
"Thank you," she said softly, her voice barely above a whisper, "For protecting me, I mean."
I gave her a sheepish smile.
"Anytime."
The gym echoed Mindy's envious whine, drawing a few curious glances our way.
"Awww! Why couldn't I have been in Fujimoto's place?! Not fair!" she pouted, earning an exasperated facepalm from Junko.
I could hear Jaden and Syrus making their way towards us, their voices filled with concern, but yet again, another interruption came forth.
A voice as smooth as silk and charged with energy cut through the noise, pulling everyone's attention.
"Are you alright, my lady?" I turned to find the source, recognizing the speaker as Mitsuru Ayanokouji, better known as Harrington Rosewood.
His tall figure was hard to miss, with his signature tennis racket in tow.
He was the heir to Ayanokouji Motors and had a reputation that preceded him.
Fujimoto caught off guard, mumbled a response, "I'm fine, thank you," while subtly shifting behind me as if seeking a shield from Ayanokouji's intense gaze.
Mindy's earlier lament was forgotten as realization dawned.
"Oh! You're THAT Ayanokouji!" she exclaimed, earning a gracious nod from the tennis prodigy.
Ayanokouji chuckled, his eyes dancing with amusement.
"Hehe! Yup, I am Mitsuru Ayanokouji of Ayanokouji Motors," he introduced with a flourish, his confident demeanor drawing many admiring (and some envious) gazes. "Nice to meet ya."
...
Why does he sound like some video game character and be the type to taunt that I'm too slow?
Alexis, ever the observant one, tilted her head, her brown eyes narrowing slightly.
"I've heard rumors about you," she commented. "They say your dueling skills are on par with Zane's."
Without missing a beat, Ayanokouji responded with a broad grin, "Well, I wouldn't say I'm as good as him, but I'm pretty sure I'm close."
His arrogance was evident, yet it wasn't entirely undeserved, given his reputation.
His gaze then landed back on Fujimoto, a twinkle in his eyes.
Offering his hand, he asked, "And who might you be, my lady?"
Reluctantly, she replied, "Hikari Fujimoto," and placed her hand in his. In a swift, practiced motion, Ayanokouji knelt and pressed a gentle kiss to her hand.
The gym echoed with a mix of gasps and giggles.
While kneeling, he continued, his voice dripping with charm, "I've heard of Fujimoto Electronics. But I must admit, I didn't expect its heiress to be this beautiful. I was the one who had saved you from that tennis ball, my dear."
His words, although meant to flatter, had the opposite effect on Fujimoto.
She looked genuinely uncomfortable, swiftly pulling her hand back and moving even closer behind me.
The protective side of me flared up, and I could feel the tension in the air.
Why do I feel... nostalgic?
From the edge of the court, I watched as Ayanokouji studied me with a neutral expression.
His gaze seemed to weigh and measure, evaluating the person before him.
"Oh, yeah... You're that freshman that transferred to Obelisk Blue, right?" he finally remarked, his voice tinged with recognition.
"That's right," I replied, maintaining eye contact, not letting his stature or reputation intimidate me.
His eyes darted momentarily from me to Fujimoto, perhaps making some connection or trying to gauge our relationship.
"Hmm, cool."
However, instead of further prodding or issuing any challenge, he flashed a polished smile.
"It was a pleasure to meet you, Fujimoto," he said gracefully, making his exit, leaving behind a flurry of whispered comments and lingering stares.
The momentary calm was shattered as Dr. Crowler stormed into the gym, clutching an ice pack to his head.
His eyes, even more magnified behind his large glasses, darted around in anger.
"Jaden Yuki!" he roared, his voice echoing through the gym. "You dare to strike me, an esteemed professor of Duel Academy, trusted adviser of the Chancellor, with a tennis ball?!"
Though tempted to let the scene play out, I couldn't stand by while Jaden took all the blame.
Interrupting Crowler, I stepped forward.
"Dr. Crowler," I began, ensuring my voice was firm and steady, "It wasn't Jaden's fault. Ayanokouji hit the ball that struck you."
Dr. Crowler looked at me, his fiery gaze slightly dimmed.
He always had a certain regard for Obelisk Blue students, and I was no exception.
"I see. And who," he asked slowly, "hit the ball towards Ayanokouji?"
Jaden shifted uneasily, rubbing the back of his neck.
"Uh, that was me," he admitted, casting a guilty glance in my direction.
Seizing upon Jaden's admission, Crowler's demeanor instantly shifted from rage to smug satisfaction.
"Aha! So it WAS your fault, Yuki!" He raised a finger, pointing it accusingly at Jaden. "And as for Ayanokouji, he shall be dealt with as well!"
With that, Crowler spun around, exiting the gym with as much drama as he had entered.
All of us were baffled by Crowler's jump in logic as we stood in the court, motionless.
I shook my head, trying to process the whirlwind of the last few moments.
Some days... Duel Academy feels more like a circus than a school.
After gym class, the rest of our schedule sped by.
I was in the middle of writing in my journal until I felt the familiar buzz of my PDA in my pocket, my thoughts now interrupted.
Glancing at the screen, I saw a message from Fujimoto.
She wanted me to meet her by the tennis courts.
Hmm... I wonder what she needs me for.
Might as well bring my disk, just in case.
Confused but curious, I strapped on my duel disk, carefully placing Koyo's deck into its slot.
Walking toward the tennis courts, I couldn't help but wonder if Fujimoto wanted me to duel Ayanokouji.
Was I ready for that?
When I reached the courts, I found Fujimoto already there, her eyes locked on something behind the doors.
"What's going on?" I asked, trying to peek inside.
My confusion only deepened as I saw Jaden, duel disk still on, clumsily volleying a tennis ball back and forth with Ayanokouji, who seemed more interested in criticizing than playing.
"He's... teaching Jaden tennis? While wearing a duel disk?"
The words felt strange as they left my mouth.
Fujimoto nodded, her gaze unwavering.
"Yeah... this is all Crowler's doing," she remarked. "After the whole incident with the tennis ball, he thought this would be the best 'punishment' for both of them. It's so obvious that Jaden is taking the fall..."
I frowned, annoyed that my friend was undergoing grueling training by a tyrant.
"Why isn't Ayanokouji mad at me? I was the one who told Crowler it was him," I questioned, feeling slightly uneasy.
She let out a defeated sigh.
"I'm not entirely sure, but from the looks of it, he's channeling all his frustration onto Jaden."
This doesn't sit right with me.
Jaden was bearing the brunt of a situation I had a hand in creating...
I need to make it up to him.
"And... I also think this is my fault. Did you notice how Ayanokouji was looking at me?" She asked, to which I turned my attention to her. "I... I think he fell in love with me instead of Alexis."
...
...
...
"Huh, well, that makes sense," I replied, not sure what else to say.
Those two girls are pretty much unrivaled in beauty.
The girls of Obelisk Blue always seem to talk about that, so...
The silver-haired girl flared up as her jaw dropped.
"W-W-Wha...?! What's that supposed to mean?!"
I raised an eyebrow, not understanding her reaction.
"He probably fell for your looks," I answered before looking back at the court. "You and Alexis are very pretty, you know."
For some reason, I heard the girl let out a bunch of whimpers and half-pronounced words before slapping her cheeks.
"You... You really are... Nevermind. I messed up the story, and I wanted to apologize. Turns out I can mess with the story a lot more than just revealing some plot threads. So, I'm gonna take responsibility and fix it."
I really am... what?
That doesn't really matter now; we need to save Jaden.
The fact that she told me about how she messed with the story shows she's earnest about this...
Fujimoto was about to push against the door, but I stopped her.
"Hey, we're friends, remember? Let me help."
She shook her head.
"I appreciate it, Sora. But maybe he can listen to me."
I smirked and brought my wrist up, which was equipped with a disk.
"Sure, but you can twist things in our favor. Midori always told me a girl's tears and words are their most powerful weapons."
She deadpanned from my suggestion.
"I never thought Koyo's older sister was that sinister... Alright then, let's do it then. And... thanks for helping me. You ready?"
Our answer came not in words but in actions.
With a mutual nod, we simultaneously opened the doors to the tennis courts.
The sudden silence inside was almost deafening, punctuated only by the sound of tennis shoes squeaking.
"Hey... Why do I have to play tennis with a duel disk? Won't it get damaged or something?" Jaden asked, clearly winded by the tennis maniac's skilled hits.
"Don't question my lessons, Slifer! I know what I'm doing!" He retorted.
Yeah... he's clearly taking out his frustrations on him.
From the corner of my eye, I caught Jaden's expression changing to one of sheer relief when he saw me.
"The Hero's finally here!" he exclaimed, raising his tennis racket dramatically, his typical flamboyant nature making me smirk.
But before I could react further, Ayanokouji's attention pivoted from Jaden to Fujimoto, a predictable sparkle in his eyes.
"Ah, the lovely Fujimoto, are you here to admire my tennis prowess?" he asked with a sly grin.
Fujimoto and I shared a quick, knowing glance.
I could tell she had a plan.
Channeling an exaggerated sweetness, she tilted her head to the side, her eyes closing with faux innocence.
"I am~! Hey, could you maybe... possibly... consider stopping Jaden's tennis lessons?" she asked, drawing out her words with a honeyed voice, her fingers playfully twirling a strand of her hair. "Pleasseee?"
Ayanokouji was visibly floored by Fujimoto's act, his suave demeanor faltering for a moment.
"O-Oh! I'd be happy to! Oh, yeah!" he began, the edges of his mouth curling into a smile. "Well, if you become my fiancée."
The audacity of the guy was something else.
I could sense the tension rising in Fujimoto; she was clearly struggling to keep her calm.
But, maintaining her act, she flashed a charming smile.
"Oh, I already have a fiancé," she purred, shooting a playful wink in my direction.
Playing along, though rather awkwardly, I stepped forward, wrapping an arm around Fujimoto.
"Yeah, that's me," I declared, trying to muster up as much confidence as I could. "She and I have been engaged for a while..."
To complete the act, Fujimoto rested her hand on my chest and leaned in.
"W-What...?!" He gasped, unable to accept the reality presented to him.
Jaden, in all his innocence and complete obliviousness to the act, gasped.
"What?! Fujimoto's engaged to Sora?! No way! How come you guys never told me?! Aw, man! I owe Syrus so much money!"
Ayanokouji's face darkened with realization and challenge.
"I knew it! I knew you were her fiance! It makes perfect sense!" He glared whilst pointing at me.
...
This guy really fell for it, huh?
"Yeah...! I... guess it does!" I played along, baffled by his jump in logic.
He stood tall and faced me directly.
"Hah! Then let's settle this with a duel! If I win, Fujimoto will be mine. If you win, you can get to keep her and... I guess I'll stop the lessons."
I raised an eyebrow, "Isn't this bet a bit imbalanced? If I lose, then Jaden gets his tennis lessons, and I lose a 'fiancée'? How's that fair?"
Ayanokouji smirked and crossed his arms.
"Oh, so you're a coward then." He taunted, clearly trying to get a rise out of me. "Coward says, what?"
This guy... is seriously immature for an heir.
But despite the clear inequality of stakes, there was something in me that couldn't back down.
I nodded in agreement, "If you're going to play like that, fine. Alright, Ayanokouji, you're on."
As Ayanokouji sauntered to his duffle bag, I couldn't help but feel the weight of the duel ahead.
The stakes might have been a joke, but the intensity in his eyes was real.
He brandished his standard-issue Obelisk Blue duel disk, a glint of excitement flashing as he looked my way.
"I'll be putting this on and... ready!" he declared, and with a shout of "Duel!" the game was on.
(Kazuyuki 4000/ Mitsuru 4000)
Ayanokouji swiftly drew his card.
"I won't keep you waiting long. Let's hope you can keep up!" he boasted, and I rolled my eyes.
The guy loves his drama.
"I draw! And from my hand, I activate Service Ace!"
He then played Service Ace onto the disk.
A massive tennis rack appeared on the field, ready to serve whatever the ball was going to be.
He then held a card from his hand face down and threw a challenge my way.
"Now, guess the card type, freshman. Monster, spell, or trap? If you guess wrong and take a good 1500 points of damage."
A 1 in 3 chance to avoid taking damage?
And taking 1,500 points of damage is nuts!
Why is this card a thing?!
Before I could answer, Fujimoto sang out, her voice melodiously teasing, "Pick monster, Honey!"
Ayanokouji's face contorted, clearly annoyed.
Hehe!
He's getting annoyed, and it's getting to him!
It looks like he wants Fujimoto's sing-songy voice all for himself, and her playing along with our little charade must have stung.
With a smirk, I echoed her sentiment.
"As my fiancee has suggested, I choose Monster."
He groaned, a little annoyed by my guess.
Ayanokouji flipped the card, revealing, indeed, a monster card.
Just as Fujimoto had predicted.
The tennis rack then disintegrated into pieces due to the effect of fizzling out.
"Grr... Either way, the card gets banished to the graveyard."
He slotted the monster card into his disk.
But Ayanokouji wasn't done; he set another card and then a monster facedown, ending his turn with a confident, "I'll take care of you and show the woman I love that I am stronger than you!"
Fujimoto couldn't help but scoff in disgust with his honeyed words.
Maybe love really is blind.
"Alright, it's my turn! I draw!"
I drew my card and immediately felt the edges of my lips stretch into a smile.
The hand I held was beyond what I could have hoped for my opening move.
Wow, Koyo...
No wonder you like playing Hero cards.
My hand has all the cards to set me up for some combos!
The pain on the back of my neck started to burn, and I couldn't help but rub it.
"Uugh..." I groaned as I formulated the best strategy.
The back of my neck is on fire...
"Kaz? You good, bro?" Jaden's voice called, worried that I may be experiencing an episode of some kind.
I shook my head.
"No, I'm fine. This just happens from time to time."
Readjusting myself and examining my hand, I let out a sigh.
I glanced up at Ayanokouji, allowing my smirk to grow wider.
"Looks like the tides might be turning sooner than you think," I murmured, ready to show Ayanokouji that freshmen weren't to be taken lightly. "Watch this!"
A thrill surged through me.
Not wasting any time, I revealed my tried and true spell card.
"I activate Mystical Space Typhoon to destroy your set card!"
His confidence had been a mask, and the brief flicker of surprise was a testament to that as he saw this trap get destroyed.
"What the-?!"
Without giving him a moment to recover, I immediately played the next card in my hand.
"I then activate Mind Control! That way, I can take control of your facedown monster!" I declared.
The card released strings, and it ensnared the facedown monster as it came to my side of the field.
Flipping it revealed a Mystical Shine Ball.
Ah, that's perfect for what I am to cook up!
But I wasn't done, as I revealed the other card in my hand.
"I activate Polymerization!" I shouted, watching as the two monsters began to swirl together. "By fusing Mystical Shine Ball and Elemental Hero Heat, I summon...!"
As the monsters fused, a white and gold Hero arrived in the field.
Bathed in a luminescent glow, the Hero possessed silver-white armor with details that appeared to refract and bend light.
Crossing his arms as it stood on the field, the rings on its back glowed with Light energy.
"Elemental Hero The Shining (2600/2100)!"
From the side, Jaden's voice rang out, full of cheer.
"Aw, yeah! Show him the power of Heroes!"
It was always good to know he had my back, especially when using Hero cards.
It gave the duel an added layer of camaraderie.
"Next, I summon Elemental Hero Ocean (1500/1000) in attack!"
The blue Hero emerged from the depths and took its place by The Shining, its silver staff ready for combat.
"And for my final card in my hand, I activate Miracle Fusion! By banishing Elemental Hero Ocean and Heat, I summon...!"
A wondrous energy coursed through the arena as I banished Ocean and Heat, calling forth the might of another familiar Hero.
"Elemental Hero Absolute Zero (2500/2000)!"
The familiar white-armored Hero jumped out of the card before landing on its knees.
Its green eyes opened as it turned to me.
The Hero gave me a curt nod, and I returned one as well.
So, they recognize me too, huh?
"And since I banished two Elemental Hero monsters, Shining's attack rises to 3200!"
The Light Hero brightened with its effect, the luminous rays causing the tennis duelist to raise his hand to block them.
My board now showcased two formidable Hero monsters and they were ready to challenge any opponent.
Ayanokouji stared at the two monsters in absolute disbelief.
His earlier cockiness was nowhere to be seen.
I took in a deep breath and closed my eyes.
Koyo... I hope I'm making you proud.
"This is... crazy...! You just summoned two powerful monsters and wiped my board!" He stammered in disbelief.
Ignoring him, I turned to the Light Hero.
"Shining, you mind giving him your Luminous Lance?"
With an affirmative grunt, Elemental Hero The Shining surged forward.
A radiant, blinding aura enveloped him, making the entire duel arena shimmer as if bathed in a celestial glow.
With a swift motion, he unleashed a brilliant beam of energy from his outstretched hand, directing it straight at Ayanokouji.
The beam struck him with such force, causing a virtual shockwave that ruffled his hair and clothes.
His life points counter rapidly decreased, finally halting at a mere 800.
"Alright, it's your turn, Absolute Zero! Finish this off with your Glacial Surge!"
As the light from The Shining's attack dimmed, the frosty form of Elemental Hero Absolute Zero took center stage.
A chill descended upon the field. Raising his arm, he summoned a swirling vortex of icy mist and freezing water.
Without hesitation, the vortex transformed into a monstrous tidal wave that raced toward Ayanokouji with unrelenting fury.
He tried to brace himself, but the icy onslaught was too overpowering, and he was consumed in a deluge of cold.
When the waters receded, the duel interface confirmed what was already clear to everyone: it was my victory.
(Kazuyuki 4000 / Mitsuru 0)
(Kazuyuki wins.)
The entire sequence of events left Ayanokouji stunned.
Looks like that cocky demeanor of his is now gone.
He continued to stare at the field with what looked to be a thousand-yard stare.
"I didn't get to deal a single point of damage..."
Without uttering another word, he grabbed his tennis rack, turned tail, and walked away, his pride evidently shattered by the swift defeat.
His movements seemed to be completely robotic as if his mind still hadn't processed what had happened and was moving on auto-pilot.
Watching him go, Fujimoto leaned in, her voice tinged with sympathy, "You know... I almost feel bad for him. I had no idea you end the duel in one turn..."
I glanced at her, and then in the direction Ayanokouji had disappeared.
"Yeah, same here. But he's definitely the manipulative type. He got what was coming to him."
The dust settled from the duel, and Jaden's enthusiasm was bubbling over.
"Dude, seeing Koyo's Heroes used like that? That was something else!"
His eyes sparkled with admiration, and it was clear he held a deep respect for Koyo's deck.
"I knew you were ready to duel like a Hero!"
Fujimoto, her eyebrows raised in mild surprise, added, "I didn't think I'd get to see Koyo's cards here. Especially not in a duel against... him."
My gaze dropped to my duel disk.
"Yeah, Koyo gave it to me. It was sort of a passing-the-torch kind of gift after I passed his test. I just hope he'd be proud of how I'm using it."
Jaden slapped me on the back, his grin broad.
"Trust me, he would be. Especially after seeing you play the hero for all of us." His voice took on a teasing edge. "I mean, who knew I'd need saving by a Hero like you?"
I couldn't help smirk, so I retorted, "I wish you were a girl, you know? It would've made for a better damsel-in-distress story."
Without missing a beat, Jaden laughed, "Aw, c'mon! Are you saying you would rather save a girl? Bro, give me a dress, and I can play the part!"
The thought of seeing Jaden in a white dress made my face burn with laughter.
"Ahaha! Now, that's something I would pay to see!" I remarked before looking at the brown-haired guy. "Hmm, now that you mention it..."
Their banter was interrupted by the double doors of the tennis court bursting open.
Syrus stumbled in, his face red and chest heaving.
He looked like he'd run a marathon.
"Jaden! You... duel... that tennis... guy!" He paused, taking a moment to catch his breath. "So he can't... dodge the lesson!"
Jaden and I exchanged amused glances.
"You're a bit late to the party, Syrus," I remarked with a chuckle.
"Huh...? What do you mean?"
Jaden added, grinning, "Yeah, the 'tennis guy' already faced off against a hero."
He gestured to me.
Syrus blinked, slowly processing the situation.
"Oh... So, um, no more tennis lessons?"
Both Jaden and I laughed.
"Yup, no more tennis lessons!" He reassured.
...
...
...
"Oh, right! Congratulations on the engagement, you guys!"
AN: And that's all for this chapter. I'm actually almost done with writing the next chapter, but I feel it needs more time in the oven. I hope to showcase Sora's dueling style, starting to blend in with Koyo's deck. Even then, I have more plans for him to incorporate more of his original strategy in the later chapters. Still, I apologize for the filler, as I wanted to do a little more world-building before getting to Shadow Riders Arc.
The next chapter will be focused on Blair, and I will be taking some creative liberties since the show never really explained how she managed to sneak into the island. And some minor character tweaks here and there so she can be a little more than the "Maiden in Love" character early in the show.
After that chapter, I will start the lead-up to Kagemaru's plans. So, I hope you guys stick around for that despite my somewhat inconsistent uploads. By the way, I really appreciate the reviews lately.
To clank2662, I wouldn't necessarily classify Sora's original deck as a Dark deck but more of a strategy/control-centered deck, but I do have to admit, the introductions of Koyo's Elemental Heroes are a little strange, but I do hope to expand on their versatility. Thanks for stopping by!
To il2swim57, thanks for the lengthy review! I really appreciate it! Now, I completely understand wanting to ship Jaden with Sora. In fact, I took that into account right after the duel as a little nod to your review. Still, although Romance isn't the main focus of the story, it is a part of the themes this story has.
As for writing out the other cast characters, such as Zane, Alexis, Bastion, etc, I took liberties in expanding their characters a little more so they would be a little enjoyable to write. As for Alexis, I want to give her a more prominent role than just being the damsel in distress role she's been given later in the show.
As for Fujimoto, I am still working on making her a little more likable and such, but I do have plans for her. Also, her character is my take on the many isekais this website has, and not all things will work out the way they will. As for writing the Hibiki family, I hoped I characterized them a little more than compared to the manga.
I do have plans on bringing back some of those cards from that mishmash deck he had to duel with; for example, Vanity's Fiend was one of those cards. In any case, I hope you stick around. Again, thanks for the review!
To antrenor75, good question! That remains to be seen, but I will introduce Vision, Masked, and Destiny Heroes later. I may also include the newer Neos support!
To Guest 1, Jaden does use Stratos, Ocean, and the other nature-based Elemental Heroes in the manga, but I only made him use Stratos in one duel. Thanks for commenting.
To Guest 2, I don't think so; Kaz will be primarily using Heroes along with other cards as of writing this chapter.
And that's all for the reviews. I may release the next chapter a week from now, as it is almost complete. See you guys then.