In the heart of the newly erected Slifer Red Girls dorm sat a singularly occupied room full of remnants of freshly unpacked items waiting to find their places.
This was Midori's sanctuary.
Unlike the others, this room bore witness to the numerous times her younger adopted brother, Kazzy, visited, each time offering his assistance in setting up her space, arranging her belongings, and sometimes preparing a hearty meal for her.
However, when it came to laundry, Midori was fiercely independent on that front, choosing to handle that chore solo.
She didn't want to Kazzy to be tainted by the wiles of women.
Yet...
The dorm was quiet, with its corridors echoing the solitude as other rooms awaited their occupants for the upcoming semester.
Midori lounged on her bed, her gaze fixed on the ceiling, lost in thought.
"Haaa... I wish Kazzy was here," she sighed, missing his younger brother.
Since stepping onto the Duel Academy grounds, Kazzy's calendar was perpetually filled.
Whether it was spending quality time with his newfound friends, diving headfirst into his studies, or other responsibilities, Kazzy was, more often than not, busy.
A playful idea danced in her mind, and she chuckled softly, thinking, "Maybe... Chancellor Shepherd could grant a sisterly wish? If I ask nicely, then I can have Kazzy move into this dorm, even temporarily. That doesn't sound too crazy, right?"
She giggled as she began fantasizing about living together with him again.
Her position as the new dean of Slifer, coupled with teaching responsibilities, weighed heavily on her shoulders.
Days were long, nights were short, and the relentless pace was taking its toll.
Midori missed the simple joys, like munching on snacks during her breaks.
Nevertheless, a warm feeling enveloped her when she thought about the proximity she now shared with Kazzy.
She'd longed for such moments, especially after the heart-wrenching day he expressed his wish to move out.
A gentle knock on her door interrupted her reverie.
Upon opening it, she was greeted by the familiar sight of Professor Banner, with his ever-present feline companion, Pharaoh, nestled securely in his arms.
"Good evening, Ms. Hibiki," he said, his voice carrying a hint of warmth.
She welcomed him in with a smile.
"Professor Banner, what brings you here?"
Banner's eyes roamed around the room, taking in the organized chaos that still remained.
"I wished to apologize," he began, carefully choosing his words. "The workload, especially for someone in a new role such as yours, has been... considerable."
Waving away his concerns, Midori responded, "It's all part of the job. I knew what I was getting into. Besides," she added with a twinkle in her eye, "it keeps me on my toes."
Banner chuckled.
"Ah, always the optimist, I see."
With Pharaoh purring in his arms, Midori motioned him to sit on the sofa.
The ambient atmosphere of the room, which was previously light and cordial, subtly shifted when Banner delved into the actual purpose of his visit.
"I... have some unfortunate news, Ms. Hibiki. A transfer student will be arriving over the weekend." Banner began, adjusting his glasses.
"A transfer student, arriving this weekend," she repeated slowly, processing the information and not liking the implications of what this meant for her.
Banner, recognizing the look of dismay crossing her features, continued, "I was hoping you could supervise the transition, given your expertise and approachability."
Thoughts of a leisurely weekend with Kazzy vanished from Midori's mind.
She masked her disappointment, replying with a resigned nod.
"Of course, I understand. Leave it to me."
The professor, always perceptive, detected her concealed annoyance.
He bowed, his posture a clear indication of his regret.
"I'm truly sorry, Ms. Hibiki. If it's any consolation, I can take over some of your pending tasks to lighten the load."
She shook her head gently, appreciating his offer but unwilling to put him out.
"No need, Professor. It's a challenge, but I'll handle it. After all, it's part of the job, right?"
Still feeling remorseful, Banner persisted, "At the very least, allow me to assist where I can. It's the least I can do to make amends."
Midori's expression softened.
"Thank you, Professor. I appreciate the gesture."
Curiosity now piqued, she inquired further, "Tell me more about this prodigious transfer student."
Banner adjusted his glasses, ready to divulge more details.
"The transfer is quite the prodigy. At just 14, the student is already enrolling in secondary education here at Duel Academy and the prodigy's academic records are outstanding. And given the vacant rooms available in the new Female Slifer Red dorm, it's best if the student stays here for the time being."
Midori raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued.
This new assignment, though unexpected, promised to be an interesting one.
"Hmm, let's hope the genius won't give us too much trouble."
The sunlight scattered gold dust on the path leading to the new Female Slifer Red Dorms.
As I walked, the morning sun rendered everything picturesque, making the academy grounds look even more cozy.
The new dorms were near the male counterpart, yet the stark contrast in living conditions was jarring, almost to a comical degree.
While the females enjoyed a standard comparable to Ra Yellow, the male Slifer Reds weren't as fortunate.
A pang of sympathy hit me.
Why couldn't the academy ensure equal comfort for all its students?
I mean, yeah, it gives a reason to move to another dorm...
But they could just make it where each dorm has its specialty or something...
Climbing the stairs to Midori's floor, I fished the key from my pocket, a key she'd given me trustingly, signaling the depth of our bond.
Sliding the key into the lock, I pushed the door open, half-expecting a scene from our shared past: Midori, my lazy adoptive sister, sprawled across her bed, probably in her undies, snoozing away the morning.
Instead, to my astonishment, she sat upright, engrossed in a book.
"Kazzy! You're early," she remarked, eyes sparkling with mischief.
Setting her book down, she stretched out languidly, the signature sly Hibiki grin tugging at her lips.
"Were you hoping to catch me off guard? Perhaps see something... naughty?"
Rolling my eyes, I stepped further into her room.
"Hmph. Considering how you usually are, I half expected to find you snoring away in your underwear." I retorted. "Did you even get any sleep last night?"
Midori feigned shock, clutching her heart dramatically.
"Is that how you see me?! A lazy, good for nothing older sister who sleeps in with nothing but an underwear and bra?!"
All I did was tighten my gaze at her.
Hey, you said it, not me.
She gave me a pout when I didn't budge.
"Look, you haven't seen me when I get to work. I'm not the same woman from my mom's apartment, okay?! I got my eight hours of rest, too!"
I heard Midori was quite the cold, cunning, but fair woman when it came to her public image.
If only everyone knew...
"Ugh, nevermind that."
Pushing herself off her bed, she approached a shelf, her grin ever widening.
"Anyway, I've got something special to show you."
The familiar teasing in her voice, mixed with genuine warmth, made me smile.
As Midori carefully reached for a peculiar-looking card pack from the topmost shelf, I felt my heart rate elevate slightly.
She extended it toward me, a triumphant glint in her eyes.
"This, Kazzy," she began, "is a special booster pack with prototype cards, straight from Industrial Illusions. It's unopened, mint condition and it's for you."
The weight of its significance hit me like a gust of wind.
A booster pack with cards never before seen by the public?!
That sounds so cool!
My fingers itched to tear it open and glimpse the treasures inside.
But I held back, channeling every ounce of restraint I had.
"Wow," I murmured, slowly pocketing the pack for safekeeping. "Thank you, Midori. This means a lot."
She chuckled softly, cocking her head.
"I half-expected you to tear it open right away, to see those exclusive prototypes. You've always been curious."
That's true.
When I was younger, Koyo and I would buy booster packs together.
We would always compare each other's packs and show off each rare card we get.
Shooting her a smirk, I replied, "Well, I've grown up. I can wait. But... yeah, the temptation is definitely there."
I wonder how things would go if we both opened these packs...
I paused, examining the package, "How'd you even get your hands on this?"
She leaned back against her desk, a touch of nostalgia in her gaze.
"Remember Koyo's contact at Industrial Illusions? He sent it over. He heard that Koyo passed his deck to you, so he decided to send the cards to you."
Ah, so these cards must be support cards for Koyo's new Heroes.
"Koyo mentioned they were developing a new Hero archetype, any news about that?"
She pursed her lips and shook her head.
"Nope, I didn't hear anything about that. If they're working on it, they are most likely going to be very tight-lipped about that. But jeez, more cards for Heroes? I'm guessing Industrial Illusions love making cards for them. If only they can make more cards for other archetypes."
Huh, now that I realize it, Heroes have a lot of cards compared to others...
Before I could dwell any further, her expression shifted, a hint of regret shadowing her features.
"Listen, Kazzy, I had planned to spend some quality time with you today. But... Professor Banner informed me about a transfer student arriving soon. As the new dean of Slifer Red, it's my responsibility to greet them and help them settle in."
I nodded, understanding her predicament.
"It's okay, Midori. How about we both greet the student together? Maybe even invite the newcomer for the tour? That might be a good chance to make them feel welcomed."
Her eyes lit up at the suggestion.
"That sounds perfect, Kazzy! Thank you!"
She hugged me briefly; her gratitude filled my soul.
A ping rang from Midori's pocket, to which she pulled it out and examined it.
"Professor Banner's told me the student just arrived. Let's get going, Kazzy."
I nodded as we started making our way out of her room.
"Right behind you, sis."
The sun's gentle glow enveloped the academy's corridors as Midori and I made our way toward Professor Banner.
My gaze settled on the peculiar figure by his side.
Slifer Red jacket, check.
Black slacks, check.
Giant hat, check.
Wait, giant hat?
The oddly oversized blue hat was what really piqued my curiosity.
It was almost comically large, effectively hiding their hair and casting a shadow over their face.
I can't get a read on if that's a guy or a girl...
"Midori, is that... a girl or a guy?" I whispered, genuinely puzzled.
She raised a brow and opened her mouth to answer, but Banner's voice cut her off as he spotted us.
"Ah, Ms. Hibiki! And Mr. Sora. Congratulations on your placement to Obelisk Blue."
"Thanks, Professor," I responded, my gaze returning to the mysterious student.
She averted her eyes away from mine as I tried to get a read on her.
There was a peculiar air about them, something I couldn't quite place.
"Allow me to introduce Blair," Banner said, drawing attention to the transfer student.
Blair gave a formal, curt bow.
"It's an honor. I look forward to learning and growing here."
Their voice was soft, a gentle timbre that didn't give away their gender.
"Welcome to Duel Academy, Blair," Midori greeted warmly, and I echoed her sentiment.
Midori cleared her throat, her demeanor turning a bit more business-like.
"Professor Banner, you remember our agreement?"
The professor offered a nervous chuckle, adjusting his glasses.
"Of course, Ms. Hibiki. I'll get right on your remaining tasks." He responded before turning to Blair. "I hope you'll have fun in our island."
As Banner departed, Blair's nervousness became obviously noticeable.
Their hands fidgeted, and their gaze kept darting around, never settling on one place for too long.
Midori, ever the kind soul, flashed Blair a radiant smile.
"I'm Midori Hibiki, the new dean of Slifer Red, and this is my brother, Kazuyuki Sora."
Blair nodded, acknowledging our introduction, yet the tension was clear in her posture.
"N-Nice to meet you..."
Trying to lighten the atmosphere, an idea formed in my mind.
"Hey, Blair, we had some plans for today. Would you like to join us? It might help you get more familiar with the academy."
Midori's eyes sparkled in agreement.
"That's a great idea, Kazzy. What do you say, Blair?"
Blair hesitated, the wheels in her mind visibly turning.
But after what felt like an eternity, she nodded.
"O-Okay, I'd really love to!"
Relief washed over me as she accepted the offer.
It was always tough being the new student, and if we could make Blair's transition a little smoother, then that's exactly what we'd do.
We three set out to begin the tour.
The sprawling grounds of Duel Academy stretched out ahead of us, with the morning sun casting a gentle glow over the buildings and the distant chatter of students echoing in the background.
The Ra Yellow dorms came into view first.
From its familiar brickwork to the students milling about, the atmosphere was one of camaraderie and ease.
As the familiar structure came into view, students could be seen lounging around, deep in conversations, or just relaxing.
Man...
I miss it here.
Blair's eyes widened as she took in the sight, absorbing the vibrant energy that radiated from the building.
"This is the Ra Yellow dorm," I began, my voice tinged with a hint of nostalgia. "It houses the majority of the academy's students, I think."
Midori, always eager to share information, added, "They're also in the process of planning a new dorm just for the girls next year. And given how fast they built the girl's dorms for Slifer Red, it won't be a surprise to see it being built over the summer."
Her voice was a blend of pride and excitement for the future of the academy.
Chuckling, I continued, "There's something about Ra Yellow that I miss sometimes."
It was true; despite the privileges of being in Obelisk Blue, there were aspects of Ra Yellow that were irreplaceable.
Blair seemed lost in thought for a moment before asking, "You were in Ra Yellow before?"
I nodded, "Yeah, until recently. I managed to get into Obelisk Blue through a special advancement test set up by some benefactor. It was a bit of a spectacle."
The mix of pride and gratitude in my voice was evident.
"Special advancement test?" Midori curiously asked. "I thought you got in normally."
I shook my head.
"Nah, it was supposed to be a duel between Bastion Misawa and Chazz Princeton. But some benefactor really wanted me to participate so... I had to duel Bastion for it."
I could see a question forming in Blair's eyes, a curiosity about my journey, but she seemed to hold herself back.
"Benefactor? Hmm, Koyo had a benefactor too. It would nice to see you duel in the pro leagues." Midori remarked.
I shook my head.
"It sounds like fun. But I still want to get a cushy office job instead. Less stress that way."
My sister sighed, knowing how committed I was to that dream still.
"I'm just saying Kazzy, I think you're still a good fit for the pro leagues."
Our next destination was the magnificent Obelisk Blue Girls' dorms.
Even having seen it multiple times, its castle-like appearance never failed to impress.
Blair's reaction mirrored my own initial one; she looked up at the towering structure, clearly in awe.
"Hehe, I had the same reaction too." I admitted with a chuckle. "Obelisk Blue's design and architecture are in a league above Ra Yellow."
Midori instead sighed and rubbed her temples.
"If only I attended Duel Academy when it first opened... I really missed out on experiencing the Obelisk Blue life." She wistfully muttered.
I gave her a friendly pat on the back.
"Aw, don't worry, sis. I could bring back snacks from the cafeteria if you want. Beats what the Slifer Reds have to offer right?" I offered.
My sister's eyes lit up at this proposal.
"Really, Kazzy?! You will?!" She burst into excitement, just like her younger brother, before clearing her throat. "I mean... I would love that."
...
Jeez, Midori, I know you like snacks, but at least show some restraint in front of the new student.
I glanced at Blair, who had been amused by my older sister's excitement.
Well, it's a good thing that Blair isn't too put off by that.
From there, we moved on to the Obelisk Blue Male dorms.
It held the same majestic aura as the girls' dorm but with subtle differences in design and structure.
However, Blair's attention seemed elsewhere; her gaze darted about the dorm's exterior, analyzing, searching.
And then, she posed a question that caught me slightly off guard.
"Um... This is where Zane stays, right?" Blair inquired, her voice barely more than a whisper.
Zane?
Hmm, looks like his reputation precedes him.
Confirming her question, I replied, "Yeah, Zane Truesdale resides here. He's one of the academy's top duelists. I like to think we're good friends, even if he likes to mess with me."
Blair's interest in Zane intrigued me; her subtle eagerness, the way her eyes lit up at the mention of his name.
"Wow... Hey, could you introduce him to me? I really want to meet him!"
Looks like Blair must be one of Zane's many fans.
He is considered to be the gem of Duel Academy, after all.
"Yeah, if he's fine with it."
She smiled at my answer.
As our tour progressed, a thought nagged at the back of my mind — there was some history between the two.
The path we took led to some of the lesser-known spots on the island, each imbued with its own charm.
We strolled past the swimming pools, the same place where Jaden and his friends practically gave us all a nasty cold.
Farther ahead, the clearing near a cliff offered an unobstructed view of the vast blue sea, waves crashing rhythmically against the rocky shore.
We made our way to the local cafes, which always buzzed with activity, students either grabbing a quick bite or huddled in groups discussing their latest duels.
Pausing to explain the island's unique economic system, I said, "So, the island uses a form of currency called Duel Points, or DP for short. If you're running low on cash, you can always duel and earn more DP. With enough of them, you can pretty much buy anything here."
Peeking into my PDA, I saw that my current Duel Points count was rather high, the result of several successful duels.
Whoever this benefactor is, they must think I'm a hard worker.
I hope that I can keep up.
With a grin, I said, "I've got quite a bit saved up. So, how about I treat the both of you?"
Midori's eyes lit up at the prospect.
"Oh? So, it's my lucky day? I mean, I have been working hard lately, so... you won't mind if I splurge, right Kazzy?!" she said, her voice filled with mischief.
I frowned playfully, knowing how her version of 'indulging' could potentially deplete my stash of DP.
Way to set an example for yourself, sis.
Blair, on the other hand, hesitated.
"I... um, appreciate the offer, Sora, but I can't take advantage of your generosity. It wouldn't sit right with me..."
Just as she finished her sentence, an unmistakable growl emanated from her stomach, causing her face to turn a deep shade of crimson.
I laughed softly, the sound echoing with genuine amusement.
"Seems like someone's pretty hungry," I teased, recalling my own moments of hunger and how Zane had once scolded me for neglecting my meals.
This transfer student is young, after all.
Wanting to alleviate Blair's embarrassment, I swiftly grabbed a sandwich from a nearby stall and handed it over to her.
"Here, eat up. No one should duel or explore on an empty stomach," I said, my voice filled with warmth. "Or anything really. An empty stomach can cause a lot of problems."
Blair looked up, her eyes shimmering with gratitude.
"Thank you, Sora," she whispered, her shyness pretty much visible.
Without thinking, I reached out, gently patting her head in a comforting gesture.
Her eyes widened as she looked up at me before taking a few steps away from my hand.
Amidst the harmonious hum of students going about their day, the three of us stood for a moment, me bewildered at Blair's reaction.
The soft, rosy hue on Blair's cheeks, intensified by my recent gesture, was an endearing sight.
My hand hovered in the air as I pulled back, wondering aloud, "What's the matter?"
Midori, her voice taking on a wistful and teasing tone, said, "A maiden's heart, Kazzy, is a fragile thing."
The cryptic message left me more puzzled than before.
I cast a sidelong glance at Midori, noticing her trying to suppress a twinge of envy that danced in her eyes.
I hadn't seen this side of her in a while, and it caught me slightly off-guard.
"Of course, because everything is about the 'maiden's heart', right?" I said with a playful roll of my eyes.
Blair nervously stammered, catching our attention.
"Uh... um, the maiden's heart can be everything to a girl." She added.
Midori, taking the chance to counter, nodded.
"Mhm! See, Blair has a good idea of how a girl's heart is so fragile."
I leered at her.
"Hey, a guy's heart can sometimes be just as fragile, isn't that right, Blair?"
Midori, too, leered back at me.
Blair, evidently enjoying our sibling bickering, started laughing.
It was soft, almost melodic.
It occurred to me then that her laughter had a distinctly feminine quality to it.
Well, some guys can sound that way too...
But could Blair be a girl?
The thought lingered, but I didn't wish to pry.
Brushing away the mystery for now, the three of us continued our tour after taking a quick lunch break.
I was determined to show them the lesser-known spots of the island.
As we meandered through the trails, I brought them to an ancient, moss-covered well, which, as legends said, once granted wishes to anyone who dropped a coin.
Further ahead, we reached the base of the dormant volcano, its silhouette imposing against the sky.
Throughout our explorations, it was heartening to see Blair's initial apprehensiveness melting away, replaced by curiosity and a budding sense of belonging.
The sun hung lower in the sky, casting long shadows over Duel Academy as our footfalls echoed in a rhythmic cadence.
"You know," I began, pausing for a moment, "we can always continue the tour tomorrow. It's Friday, after all."
Midori, arching an eyebrow in response, asked, "Didn't you have classes today?"
I let out a chuckle, recalling the day's events.
"Well, I did. But for some reason, Crowler decided to grant me a free day. I can never truly get a read on him."
Blair, her timid voice cutting through, inquired, "Ah! Could we maybe go visit the Obelisk Blue's male dorms one more time?"
I turned to her, noticing a glint of hope in her eyes, almost like there was something she was searching for.
Midori, however, shook her head with a firm resolve.
"Sorry, not today, Blair. You need to get acquainted with the academic side of things. We'll start right away."
"Hold on, why not start tomorrow or Sunday?" I retorted, puzzled by Midori's urgency. "We still have a lot of time before class starts up again."
She offered me a wry smile.
"It's just... womanly intuition." Her voice had an inflection of mischief. "I got a good feeling that going to that dorm wouldn't be such a good idea..."
Blair's eyes widened in apparent understanding, and she enthusiastically chimed in, "I agree with Ms. Hibiki! A woman's intuition can never be questioned!"
I tilted my head, intrigued by Blair's sudden interest in Midori's 'intuition,' especially considering its dubious track record.
Her "intuition" had led me to bail her out a couple of times, though...
Nevertheless, sensing the conversation wouldn't sway any further in my favor, I surrendered.
"Alright, alright. Let's call it a day then." I stretched, feeling the weight of the day catch up to me. "I promise I have a lot more to show you tomorrow. The best is yet to come."
As we neared the entrance to the Slifer Red female dorms, I paused and turned to Blair, "See you tomorrow, okay?"
I extended a hand for a friendly handshake.
Blair nodded, taking my hand hesitantly, her fingers soft against mine.
"Thank you, Sora."
Huh...?
The moment was fleeting, but it left an impression.
Her hand is way softer than I expected.
"Yeah, take care now."
With that, I began walking back to my dorm.
As I did, walking along the pathways, the setting sun casting long shadows on the ground, I found myself thinking of Blair and her odd vibes.
Every interaction and every gesture hinted at a deeper secret.
The soft touch of her hand, her choice of the female dorms, those not-so-covert glances towards the Obelisk Blue male dorms, and the questions, particularly about Zane - all of it seemed to be telling a story.
That's weird.
And not to mention, she's staying at the female dorms...
But I think Banner mentioned some sort of crowding issue or something.
Still, the only other explanation is that she is a girl...
But why would she introduce herself as a boy or some ambiguous gender?
Weird...
Could Blair actually be a girl?
And if so, why hide behind the charade of being a boy?
What was the story she wasn't telling?
Shaking my head, I realized the only way to get a semblance of an answer perhaps would be from someone who seemed to be in the middle of it all: Zane himself.
After all, she was asking weird questions about him.
I pulled out my PDA, scrolling through my contacts until I found Zane's name.
Hitting the call button, I patiently waited for him to pick up.
"Sora?" Zane's surprised voice echoed from the other end.
I could hear the rhythmic sound of a knife hitting a chopping board in the background.
"I wasn't expecting a call from you. Is there something you need?"
Oh, right; now that he mentioned it, I never called him or texted him at all...
"Hey Zane," I began, trying to find the right words. "You busy?"
"Just preparing a roasted lamb with seasonal vegetables," Zane replied a hint of pride in his voice. "Syrus wanted to learn, so I'm giving him a crash course. How about joining us? Nothing like good food to fuel a chat."
My stomach growled in agreement, even as my mind buzzed with questions about Blair.
"Sounds tempting. Actually, there's something I wanted to discuss in person. Mind if I drop by?"
A brief pause, then Zane responded, "Of course, I don't mind. Just make sure you bring your appetite with you."
Chuckling, I retorted, "With the promise of one of your gourmet dishes? Trust me, I will."
We exchanged a few more pleasantries before ending the call.
Quickening my pace, a whirlwind of thoughts surrounded Blair.
But upon reaching the Obelisk Blue dorms, I took a moment to steady my thoughts.
Armed with my curiosity and an appetite whetted by the promise of Zane's culinary prowess, I prepared to delve into the mystery that was Blair.
Midori, having shown Blair her new room in the female Slifer Red dorm, took a moment to admire the surroundings.
The pristine walls, the gleaming furnishings – this new dorm was significantly more luxurious than the male counterpart.
A small grin formed on Blair's lips as she took it all in, "I think I might like it here... This place is pretty cozy. Thanks for the tour."
Midori was about to head out when, with a mischievous glint in her eye, she turned to Blair and smirked.
"You know, you might be more comfortable without that big hat," she suggested, her tone dripping with implication.
Blair shifted uncomfortably, "Oh, um... I kinda like it."
The weight of Midori's stare made her uneasy.
Her eyes didn't hold the same warmth as before.
With a knowing sigh, Midori tilted her head, "Come on, Blair. I've known you're a girl from the moment we met. Your little disguise didn't fool me."
Blair's eyes widened, the realization setting in.
"Wait, how'd you...? I thought I had everyone fooled!"
Midori chuckled softly, "Banner gave me a heads-up. But honestly, even without his tip, there's a certain aura you give off. You can pull off the boy look, but there's something unmistakably feminine about you."
She frowned, knowing there were parts that she couldn't quite repress.
Feeling the weight of her secret exposed, Blair hesitated for a moment and then slowly lifted her hat, revealing her cascade of long, dark black hair.
It shimmered under the room's lights, framing her face and emphasizing her delicate features.
Seeing Blair as she truly was, Midori gently corrected herself, "Or should I say, Rei?"
Blair, or rather, Rei, gave a small, embarrassed smile, "Yeah, it's Rei. I just... I had my reasons to enroll incognito. I thought it'd be easier and people would take me more seriously."
Midori, ever the understanding figure, nodded.
"Everyone has their reasons, their stories. But secrets always have a way of revealing themselves. Now, Rei, care to share why you wanted this fresh start in disguise?"
Midori sat, captivated by the tale that Rei spun.
The shadows in the room played across the young girl's face, emphasizing the depth of her emotions as she opened up.
"I've always been... different, a genius, whatever..." Rei began, a distant look in her eyes. "Days melted away as I dove into books, puzzles, and arithmetic, didn't matter. I could dissect a strategy after a single read. But the soul of the cards, bonds between players, and dueling in general, was something I didn't really understand."
A melancholic smile tugged at her lips.
"Then, one day, a friend of mine — one of the few I ever had — couldn't stop talking about this duelist, Zane Truesdale. She was fangirling about him and said I should go see one of his duels in person."
She looked down, lost in the labyrinth of her memories.
"The event was... too much for me. So many voices, so many people... I felt so out of place. I never really went to events like those before. But in my moment of despair, Zane saved me. He knew that I never went to these events before and led me to the stadium, while making sure I had a seat..."
The fervor in Rei's eyes was evident as she remembered the duel.
"His every move was perfect. Perfect and calculated. The power he had over the game, his respect for the people he dueled against, how proud he was to duel with his Cyber Dragons... everything in that one duel made my heart pound like no tomorrow."
Midori observed the youthful, dreamy glow in Rei's eyes — the unmistakable shimmer of first love.
"Suddenly, everything made sense. The heart, the pride, the bonds... everything about Zane told me one thing. I was in love with him. Love... at first sight. And I wanted to tell him that! So I studied and put in the effort! And with my family's influence — they're connected with Kaibacorp's top brass — I found my way to Duel Academy."
Rei paused, drawing a deep breath, her gaze introspective.
"But I didn't want to stand out. If I did, then getting closer to Zane would be much harder... And it would be hard to stay hidden if everyone knew I was pretty much the only Slifer Red girl around and the girl who leapfrogged a year... So, I figured it would be a good idea to go incognito. That way, I can get to know Zane without the annoying stuff in the way. Sure, it can be tough since I'm in Slifer and he's an Obelisk but love can find a way. I mean, I was able to get here, right?"
Midori sighed, her gaze soft.
"Yeah, I guess you might be able to find a way. And you know what? It's really brave of you to chase after what your heart wants. But remember, while Zane might be a big reason you're here, Duel Academy's got a lot more to offer. You'll meet loads of people, learn tons of things, and who knows, maybe even make some close friends."
She gave the younger girl a knowing smile.
"Just keep an open mind, alright? It's not always about one guy. It's about the adventures and memories you make here."
Midori looked at the earnest expression on Rei's face, her thoughts racing on how to approach the delicate situation.
She knew, thanks to Kazzy's candid talks about Zane, that the young girl's romantic dreams with the older duelist might not pan out the way she imagined.
"And Rei..." Midori began gently; her voice imbued with a warmth that only experience could grant, "Sometimes, in life, things aren't meant to be. Feelings can be powerful, and while it's okay to follow your heart, it's also very important to be prepared for anything. Understand?"
Rei met her gaze, a hint of confusion flashing in her eyes.
"I... I get what you're saying," she mumbled, clutching her hat tightly. "But I just… I have to try, you know?"
Midori nodded, understanding the fierce determination that youth often brought.
"I remember being your age, chasing after whims and dreams," she said, a far-off look in her eyes. "But remember, whatever happens, it's important to keep your heart safe. Understand?"
Rei nodded slowly, taking in Midori's words.
"Yes, I understand..." she whispered.
Smiling, Midori shifted gears.
"For now, you can still use your Blair alias and wear that hat if you want. We all have our ways of protecting ourselves."
The young girl's face lit up with gratitude.
"Thank you, Midori. Really. For understanding."
Midori patted the younger girl's mane.
"Of course. I remember how it felt to be young and in love. That age, everything feels so intense, so real." Her expression turned a tad regretful, "I might have some work tomorrow, so I probably won't join you and Kazzy for the rest of the tour. But you should definitely go with him. He's a great guide and who knows, you might even find more reasons to love this Academy."
Rei's cheeks tinted a light shade of pink at the mention of Sora.
"I'll...I'll think about it," she replied softly, looking away.
Midori watched her with a gentle but conflicted look, sensing another budding interest in the young girl's heart.
As I began walking towards the Slifer Red female dorms, my mind was abuzz with the recent revelation.
My chat with Zane had added another layer to the mysterious Blair, or Rei, as Midori called her.
I could only wonder why she had chosen to conceal her identity.
The idea of Zane helping a young girl at a tournament and the notion that this was the same girl now touring Duel Academy under my guidance was something I didn't expect.
As I reached the dorms, I spotted Professor Banner, Midori, and Blair waiting outside.
Their chattering stopped when they noticed him approaching.
I gave them a friendly wave.
"Hey guys." I greeted them before turning to the professor. "Nice to see you again, Professor."
The bespectacled professor gave me a friendly smile.
"Likewise. Good morning, Mr. Sora."
I turned my attention to Blair and Midori.
"So, you two ready for the part two?"
Blair responded with an enthusiastic nod, her large hat bobbing slightly.
"Mhm!"
Midori, on the other hand, seemed a bit distracted, possibly due to her workload.
"Yeah, I would love to but..."
She looked at Banner with a short-lived frown, suggesting something unsaid between them.
"Sorry, Kazzy. I won't be joining today. I got work to do," she explained.
Banner cleared his throat, looking apologetic.
"It's my fault, really. I had a few things come up and couldn't manage both our duties," he said, a hint of regret in his eyes.
I shrugged at the setback.
"That's fine, I guess we can postpone the tour later. Could I help?"
Banner was a little shocked by my proposition while my sister pinched the bridges of her nose.
"Kazzy, you should be spending your youth in this tropical island instead working..." She muttered before looking up. "I'll be fine, alright? Now go show Blair a good time, got it?"
Banner's brows knitted together as he tried to process what I said.
"Err... just as Ms. Hibiki said, you don't have to help us."
Aw...
I wanted to hang out with Midori...
"Alright, alright. I hear you guys." I relented; turning to Blair, I asked, "Ready to see more of the academy?"
She gave him an eager nod, her eyes shining.
"Yeah," she replied, trying to sound casual but not hiding her excitement very well.
Midori patted Blair's shoulder.
"Have fun, you two," she said warmly before heading off with Banner in the opposite direction.
With that, Blair and I started our journey again, walking side by side.
Despite her unknown intentions for Zane, I couldn't help but feel a little protective over the young girl and walked a little closer to her.
As Blair and I strolled through the academy grounds, she suddenly commented, "You're really close to your sister. I'm a bit jealous... Being an only child can be lonely."
I shrugged a bit.
"Well, Midori and I have a unique bond. I do care a lot about her, but sometimes, I can't help but worry."
Blair seemed surprised.
"Worry? Why? She seems like such a mature and responsible person."
Oh, she has no idea...
I couldn't hold back a snicker, trying to suppress my laughter but failing miserably.
"Looks can be deceiving, Blair. Sure, Midori can act mature and professional when she wants to, but trust me, she has her moments."
Curiosity piqued in Blair's eyes as she leaned in, eager to hear more.
"Hmm?"
"Yeah," I started, looking around as if sharing a big secret, "I've lived with Midori and the Hibiki family for years, and let's just say, she has her... habits. She's as lazy as a cat on a sunny afternoon and has an appetite that rivals her younger brother. It's a wonder how she maintains her figure."
Blair giggled at that, and I continued, "But I have to give it to her; when it matters, she's incredibly hardworking. Still, her determination usually ends with me having to give her a back massage."
Blair looked thoughtfully at me.
Her eyes held a hint of envy mixed with understanding.
There was a silent acknowledgment of the layers that make up our personalities.
And I could tell she was grappling with her own dual identity at the academy.
Wanting to keep the atmosphere light, I added, "You know, sometimes she'd sneak into the kitchen around 3 AM for a snack wearing just her— Ah...?!"
A chilling sensation ran down my neck, stopping any words from coming out.
What the...
What was that?!
I cut myself off, suddenly realizing the inappropriateness of my statement. "Uh, never mind."
Blair's eyebrows furrowed in confusion.
"Aw, you can't leave me hanging like that! You saw her wearing just her what?"
I rubbed the back of my neck, still feeling the cold shiver run down my spine.
"Some stories are better left untold," I replied, chuckling nervously.
I have a strange feeling Midori might've somehow sensed I was about to spill one of her secrets.
It's best to move on before I get myself into more trouble.
As we continued our tour, I noticed Blair pouting a bit, probably still curious about my earlier halted story.
"Come on," I said with an energized smile, "There's so much more to see in this island."
Blair seemed to brighten up a bit as we moved on.
As we walked, I noticed her observing me, her eyes lingering on me a little longer than normal.
Whenever our eyes met, she'd quickly averted her gaze.
I couldn't pinpoint it, but there was a change in the air between us, an unspoken acknowledgment of an evolving dynamic.
The academy grounds were vast, with many hidden gems.
Our first stop was the Hot Springs on the east side of the island.
"The water here is said to have healing properties," I explained as we peered over into the steamy waters. "It's an excellent place to unwind after a stressful duel or day."
Blair looked wistful.
"Wow... it looks so peaceful. I can imagine sitting here, letting all my worries float away." She uttered.
"Definitely," I agreed, "especially on cooler nights. It's been getting booked lately..."
For some odd reason, her face flared up as she looked away.
"D-Do you go here often? You know, with other guys? Maybe even girls...?" She stammered.
Huh?
What kind of question is that to get embarrassed over?
"Nah, if I wanted to be in a hot spring, then I would rather have a private bath by myself."
She nodded at my answer and continued to keep her gaze away from me.
"That's... good to know."
Good?
Eh, I guess it's a matter of perspective.
From there, we journeyed into the heart of the island's forest.
The towering trees and the chirping of distant birds created an atmosphere of serenity.
"The forest is a favorite for duelists looking for a quiet place to train or to connect with nature," I told her, pointing out various duelists in distant clearings, practicing or meditating.
Blair's gaze was fixed on the surroundings, absorbing every detail, her earlier awkwardness now gone without a trace.
"It's so different from the city. Everything feels so alive here."
I stood close to her.
"Careful now, don't wander to far into the forest or you'll get lost, okay?"
She gave me a nod.
In order to emphasize the point, I took her hand, to which she let out a cute yelp.
"Kyah?!"
Yep, she's a girl, alright.
Her hand is still just as soft.
"Come with me. I want to show you something."
...
Wait, why does that sound so menacing?
"Err, I want to show you something in the forest..." I corrected myself. "No wait, that still sounds weird."
Blair looked at me while trying to keep her laughter in.
I felt my cheeks starting to burn up.
"Ugh, never mind. Look, I want to show you a good place to clear your mind."
And so, I guided her through the forest, taking to her a place that I had gone to nearly a month ago.
I took her to the clearing where Jaden had saved Wheeler, the same place where there was a lone branch near the cliff.
Blair, mesmerized by the scenery, looked around in awe.
We were right above the sea, and yet it offered the perfect vista of it.
"Wow...!" She gasped.
I couldn't help but smile from how taken aback she was.
"Yep. This is a good place to clear your mind, huh?"
She turned to me and gave me an enthusiastic nod.
"Mhm! This looks beautiful!"
After staying there to admire the scenery, we decided to move on with the tour.
Our final stop was near the Obelisk Blue girls' dorms, at a pristine lake with shimmering waters that reflected the sky's blue.
"This place," I began, "is special. Many come here to reflect, to find clarity, or just to enjoy the beauty of the moment."
Blair sat at the edge of the lake, dipping her fingers into the cool water.
"It's beautiful, Sora," she whispered.
Her tone had shifted.
In that shift was a softness, a vulnerability.
"Yeah... this place is different at night. At night, you can see the moonlight shining onto the water and reflect off of it. You can stare at the lake for hours because of how beautiful it is."
She looked at me curiously, albeit bashfully.
"Do you think this place would be a romantic spot for couples?"
I rubbed my chin thought.
"Yeah, I don't see why not. Some romantic comedies love having a scene or two of a couple near a lake."
All of a sudden, the girl's eyes widened.
"Wait, romantic comedies?" She asked rhetorically before giving me a mischievous grin. "You like romantic comedies, don't you, Sora?"
I couldn't help but smile in a self-deprecating way.
"Guilty as charged. They are cheesy and predictable, but it's sometimes fun to watch. Do you watch them, Blair?"
She nodded vigorously.
"Yeah! I do! Hey, hey, did you watch..."
We spent a long time there, just sitting side by side, enjoying the serenity and discussing our shared interests in romantic comedies.
It was in those moments of chatting, surrounded by nature, that I felt a connection with Blair.
An understanding beyond words.
As I was enjoying the tranquil moment with Blair by the lake, a familiar and unmistakably bubbly voice called out,
"Sora-kun!"
Huh?
Who even calls me that?
I turned to find Mindy racing towards us, her long hair flowing behind her.
Junko trailed at a more leisurely pace, shaking her head with a resigned look.
Oh, great...
I mentally braced myself; interactions with Mindy were always... unique.
Without a second thought, Mindy zoomed in and latched onto my arm, her eyes shining with mischief.
"Oh! Who's this little cutie with you?" she asked, fluttering her eyelashes exaggeratedly but clearly more focused on teasing me than getting an answer.
Blair shifted uncomfortably, clearly taken aback by Mindy's boldness.
Junko gave Blair a small wave and a knowing look, "Hey there, kiddo. Are you new here?"
Gathering herself, Blair replied, "Um... I'm Blair Flannigan. Sora has been kind enough to show me around the academy today."
As such, she held onto my other arm in an effort to combat Mindy's efforts.
Mindy's gaze shifted from me to Blair and back again, her eyes narrowing slightly as she took in the scene.
"Oh! Blair? What a cute name!" she said, but her tone was a bit too sweet. "A really cute name..."
She then clung to my arm even tighter.
"Sora's such a gentleman, isn't he? Always so helpful and kind." She murmured. "Always there to rescue you..."
Junko caught the undertone and rolled her eyes.
"Mindy, behave yourself," she admonished, giving her friend a pointed look.
She then turned her attention back to Blair, clearly recognizing the effort she was making to maintain her disguise.
"It's always nice to see new faces around here. I hope you're enjoying your stay."
Mindy, seemingly not to be deterred, leaned in closer, her voice dripping with honey.
"Sora-kun, we should totally hang out sometime, just the two of us, don't you think?" She batted her eyelashes, her intentions all too clear.
Uh...
Like a date or something?
I could feel Blair stiffening beside me, a clear sign of her growing annoyance.
Suddenly, Junko grabbed Mindy's wrist, pulling her away.
"Come on, Mindy, we're late for our doctor's appointment, remember?"
Mindy pouted, clearly not willing to be dragged away, "We don't have a doctor's appointment, Junko!"
Junko shot a look at me, her message clear: I'm saving you.
"We do now," she shot back, dragging her friend away.
I shot her a look back.
Thanks for the assist; I'll make it up to you.
Blair watched the duo leave, her cheeks flushed.
"Uh... sorry about that." I apologized. "I don't quite know why she does that."
She didn't turn in my direction.
"Yeah, I wonder why." She replies, her voice colder than usual.
Her frigid tone was eerily similar to Alexis or Midori's when they were annoyed.
Ugh, crap...
How do I fix this?
The two of us stood up, figuring it was a better idea to walk around instead.
Walking beside Blair, I couldn't help but feel the icy atmosphere emanating from her.
Mindy's antics had clearly upset the younger student more than I had anticipated.
She would respond to my attempts at conversation with curt replies, and every now and then, I caught her casting sidelong glances in my direction.
Drawing from memories of my sister, I recalled how Midori would always become inexplicably cheerful after indulging in some of her favorite snacks.
"Hey," I began cautiously, "Would you like to grab a crepe? There's a cafe nearby that makes some really good ones."
She shot me a chilly look, clearly weighing the offer.
"Maybe," she replied, though the edge in her voice had softened slightly.
Well, that's better than nothing, I guess.
Taking her muted response as consent, I led the way to the cafe.
As we approached, Blair surprised me by gently taking hold of my arm, her fingers light but the gesture unmistakable.
She looked up at me, her earlier frustration now masked by a hint of vulnerability.
I couldn't help but smile reassuringly, guiding her towards the cafe.
Once inside, I scanned the menu, deciding to order one of the pricier options, hoping the treat would fully dissolve Blair's icy demeanor.
"How about this one?" I suggested, pointing to a crepe loaded with strawberries, cream, and a generous drizzle of chocolate.
Blair's eyes sparkled at the sight of the dessert.
"Whaaa! That looks so good!" she exclaimed, her earlier mood seemingly forgotten.
I chuckled, relieved to see her enthusiasm return, and made the order, grateful for the stash of Duel Points I'd accumulated.
When the crepe was served, Blair's face lit up.
Taking a big bite, she let out a soft moan of delight, making me chuckle.
"I'm guessing it's good?" I asked as I patted her hat.
Blair nodded eagerly, attacking the crepe with a gusto I hadn't expected.
It was like watching a small, hungry animal enjoying a feast.
It was both endearing and a tad unsettling.
The contrast between her usual refined demeanor and this voracious appetite was stark.
Finishing her treat, Blair looked up, a dab of cream on her cheek, and smiled shyly.
"Thanks, Sora," she murmured, her earlier vexation now a distant memory.
The two of us began walking back to the lake to relax once more.
All I could do was laugh softly and reply, "Anytime, Blair. Ah, hold still, will you?"
As Blair enjoyed her crepe, a smudge of cream settled on her cheek, contrasting against her pale skin.
Noticing it, Sora couldn't help but chuckle.
"Ah, hold still, will you?" he told her, his tone playful.
Blair froze, her eyes widening in surprise, as Sora leaned forward.
With a swift motion, he scooped up the cream with his finger and popped it into his mouth, savoring the taste with a pleased expression.
"You remind me of my sister Midori," he commented with a smile. "She'd do that sometimes when I had cream or ice cream on my face."
Blair could feel the heat rising to her face, her cheeks turning a shade of red.
She wasn't expecting such a bold move from Sora, and the simple act left her flustered.
Trying to regain her composure, she looked away, taking a deep breath.
"Maybe I should've gotten myself a crepe, too," Sora remarked, seemingly unaware of the effect his gesture had on Blair.
As Blair processed the events, her thoughts became a whirlwind of emotions.
Sora's gentle nature, kindness, and the playful act she had just experienced were beginning to leave an impact.
It felt like he was slowly carving out a space in her heart, a space she had reserved for Zane.
A pang of guilt hit her; she felt like she was betraying the one she came to the academy for, even though they had not formally met.
Is this really the right thing for me to do?
She wondered, torn between her feelings for Zane and the budding emotions she was beginning to harbor for Sora.
However, just as Blair was navigating these swirling feelings, Sora's next words took her by surprise.
"You know," he began, his voice sincere, "I've never had a younger sibling before. But if I were to choose one, it'd be someone like you, Blair."
...
...
...
He said it in good faith as if wanting to express his growing fondness for her.
But the sentiment had the opposite effect.
Instead of feeling touched or comforted, Blair felt a painful sting, as if she had been pushed back into a box labeled 'just a kid.'
The potential space for Sora in her heart, which was just beginning to form, was abruptly closed off.
She gave him a forced smile, trying hard to hide the twinge of annoyance.
"Thanks, I guess," she replied with a hint of reluctance.
Sora, concerned with her odd behavior, decided not to question it.
Not before long, they headed back to the lake to burn off the crepe.
The gentle lapping of the lake's water against the shore was overshadowed by the undercurrent of emotions between Sora and Blair.
Blair's heart, caught in a tempest of youthful affections and disappointments, made a firm resolution.
She would pursue her original intent—her feelings for Zane.
She clung onto hope, like a shipwrecked sailor to a piece of driftwood in a vast sea, praying that somehow, her feelings would be reciprocated.
Blair's face was a tapestry of conflicting emotions—hope, pain, and resolve all intertwined.
Sora, despite being oblivious to her girl's feelings, knew something was wrong.
"Hey," he began cautiously, "Is everything okay?"
Blair, masking her true feelings, flashed a smile—almost too bright, too eager.
"It's nothing," she assured, though her eyes betrayed a hint of sadness. "What's next on the tour?"
Sora, although sensing that Blair wasn't being completely honest, decided not to press the matter.
"Well," he replied, scanning his mental map of the Academy, "I think... that's all I can show you so far. Maybe as I tour around the island a little more, I can show you more."
Blair's thoughts were elsewhere, with visions of Zane consuming her mind.
Wanting to be alone with her thoughts, she took a deep breath and made to leave.
"Is that so? Then, I guess I'll get going then."
Sensing her desire for solitude, Sora, ever the gentleman, offered, "Would you like me to walk you back to your dorm?"
His kindness touched her aching heart, and it threatened to leak some frustration.
She shook her head in an attempt to warn him.
"No... I'll be fine; I know the way back."
But Sora failed to notice it.
"You sure?"
The young girl was starting to show her irritation.
"I told you, I don't need-"
The Obelisk Blue gave her an annoying smile and cut her off.
"Aw, it'll be fine! Let me walk you back one more time, I-"
Blair's response was swift and unexpected, "Just shut up already! Leave me alone!"
The sharpness in her voice was like a slap, echoing in the silent atmosphere.
Taken aback by her outburst, Sora blinked in surprise.
Blair's face turned a shade of crimson, realizing the intensity of her reaction.
She, too, was surprised by how angry she had gotten.
"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to yell, okay?" she whispered, her voice shaking, "I just... need to take care of something important."
She paused, taking a moment to steady herself.
"Thank you, Sora, for showing me around."
Without another word, Blair turned on her heels, her destination clear in her mind.
The looming shadow of Obelisk Blue's male dormitory beckoned her as she made her way towards it, driven by the hope of confronting and confessing to Zane.
The sunlight seemed to dim as Blair's shoes pounded against the path, every step fuelled by a mix of determination and desperation.
Trees and structures became a blur, but her eyes remained locked onto the grandeur of the Obelisk Blue's male dorms ahead.
Thoughts raced through her mind, each overshadowed by the looming confession she was about to make.
Her meticulous nature had always driven her to plan every scenario and weigh every outcome, but this... this was different.
Heart over head, feelings over logic, this was all unfamiliar territory for her.
With a final burst of energy, she dashed through the grand entrance of the dormitory.
Inside, the plush carpets and luxurious decor were a stark contrast to the simple environment she was accustomed to.
The dimly lit hallways seemed to stretch on endlessly, lined with numerous doors, each one belonging to a potential elite duelist of the future.
Blair tried to recall any tidbits she'd overheard about Zane's location, but the immense pressure made it hard to think clearly.
She picked a direction, attempting to move stealthily; however, the weight of her Slifer Red uniform and hat became more and more evident.
Whispers grew around her as pairs of curious eyes peeked from doorways and common rooms.
The foreign red jacket in a sea of blue was becoming the center of attention.
Just as Blair thought she had identified a hallway that might lead to Zane's room, a voice boomed from behind her.
"Hey! What's a Slifer doing here?"
Turning around, she found herself cornered by three imposing figures, all sporting the elite blue of Obelisk.
The one in the middle, his hair gelled to perfection, stepped forward, "This isn't your place. Slifer Reds have no business here."
Trying to maintain her composure, Blair attempted to explain, "I-I'm looking for Zane. I need to speak to him."
The third guy, a smirk playing on his lips, remarked, "Zane? What does the Obelisk Blue's top duelist want with a Slifer like you?"
Blair felt the weight of their combined stares as she slowly started to take a step back...
The moment I stepped into the vicinity of my dorm, I could feel the immense tension in the air.
Whispers carried through the corridors like a breeze, all hinting at a certain Slifer Red intruder.
Damn it!
That has to be Blair!
Concern was beginning to twist and then in my chest.
I just hoped that Blair would be alright.
I know that some Obelisk Blue are jerks, but they wouldn't bully a middle schooler, right...?
...
No, I'm sure they would.
Their superiority complex would make them do that.
As I neared the commotion, my fears were confirmed.
The boisterous laughter of three Obelisk Blue students echoed, their malicious tones clear as day.
At the center of the gathering crowd was Blair.
She looked small vulnerable, her long dark hair flowing freely.
The shimmering strands that were once hidden by the hat now cascaded down her back, cementing her identity.
Despite her identity clearly revealing her to be a girl, they didn't let up.
One of the tormentors held Blair's hat just out of her reach, chuckling as she leaped in vain.
"Come on, Slifer! Jump higher!" he jeered, making a show of tossing the hat between his two buddies.
Blair's eyes shimmered with held-back tears.
"Please, just give it back!" she pleaded, her voice quivering, her dignity being eroded with every passing second.
These Blues...
It's one of the main reasons why I despise this dorm.
I already saw enough, so I stepped in.
Even though I was a lowly freshman, I knew I had to do something.
"Hey!" I commanded.
The room, once filled with laughter and taunts, fell silent with my shout.
The shift in atmosphere was noticeable as the Obelisk students took in the sight.
"The hat. Give it back to her!" I demanded, his gaze unwavering.
One of the bullies, trying to maintain some semblance of dominance, scoffed, "And who do you think you are, ordering us around?"
I gritted my teeth at them.
"Have you morons forgotten? I did your dumb hazing ritual and dueled for a spot in your damn dorm." I sharply pointed out.
The bullies hesitated for a moment, exchanging uncertain glances, but still remained defiant.
"Oh, yeah! You're that freshman who dueled against Zane! Don't think for a second that the both of you had a draw! We know you lost to him! You probably got some dirt on him, don't you, freshman? And those idiots during your hazing were all jokes anyway."
From the corner of my eye, I saw one of the bullies sizing me for an attack.
He probably thought I'd be an easy target, considering I was a freshman.
As he came closer, a rush of memories from my past flooded back – the countless brawls in the back alleys of the city, the hard lessons learned at the hands of older kids in the orphanage.
Each memory sharpened my reflexes and honed my instincts.
The pent-up frustration from Takashi pushing Jaden and me around had finally resurfaced.
His shove caught me off-guard, but I quickly found my footing.
I shot him a defiant look and returned his push with a swift, practiced punch straight to his nose.
The thud resonated through the silent room, and he stumbled backward, clearly not expecting such retaliation.
Deep down within me, I felt an odd sensation well up as I landed the punch.
"Holy shit...!"
"Get him!"
The two other bullies lunged at me, obviously enraged.
Anticipating their movements, I ducked to avoid a wild swing, letting one's fist collide with the other's face.
Using the momentum, I landed powerful uppercuts to each of their faces, sending them sprawling on the ground.
Each hit only strengthened that weird feeling inside of me.
I'm fighting and my chest is feeling... off.
What's wrong with me?
I picked up Blair's hat and was about to check on her when one of the bullies, blood dripping from his nose, yelled, "You're gonna pay for this, freshman! We're reporting this to Crowler! Your ass is gonna get expelled!"
They... really are scum.
Before he could say anything else, a familiar, cold voice echoed through the hallway, "Impressive, Sora."
We all turned to see Zane Truesdale leaning against a doorframe, arms crossed, a faint smirk playing on his lips.
He continued, "Didn't think you had it in you to take down three at once."
I exhaled slowly, appreciative of the unexpected backup.
"I've had to fend for myself for a while," I replied, nodding at him. "These three are nothing."
The three bullies glanced at one another before doing the expected.
"Z-Zane! You saw what happened, right?! This freshman punched me and went berserk! He is nuts! So let's get him out of here!" He pleaded.
Zane, who had smirked, frowned as his eyes turned cold.
"No. Don't lump me with you people. After all, I have a reputation to uphold.
I watched with a mixture of amusement and relief as Zane swiftly put the bullies in their place.
Their initial attempts at currying Zane's favor quickly dissipated under his chilling gaze.
"And it seems to me," Zane began in that measured tone he was known for, "I saw one of you initiate the conflict. So, anything that happened afterward was merely self-defense."
The ringleader tried to stammer a rebuttal, but Zane silenced him with a raised hand.
"Furthermore," Zane continued, "I've been in Obelisk Blue for some time, and I've established a certain... rapport with Professor Crowler. I could have a word, you know. I'm sure he would be more inclined to take my side of the story."
The threat was clear, and the bullies swallowed hard.
I could see the realization dawning on them that they were on the losing side, even if they tried to escalate the matter.
Their confidence, once so sure and true, was now reduced to nothing.
Zane leaned in closer, his voice barely above a whisper, yet dripping with menace, "I recommend that you three keep your mouths shut about this. Or else."
He reared his head towards me.
As an emphasis, I cracked my knuckles, my earlier brawling energy still lingering and raring to go.
"Or my friend here is going have to teach you three another lesson."
The bullies glanced between Zane's icy stare and my readiness to jump back into action.
The message was clear.
In a moment of almost comical submission, they dropped to their knees, bowing deeply to me.
"We apologize, Sora-san!" one of them mumbled.
I watched as they scampered off, leaving Zane and me in the hallway.
I let out a slow breath, turning my attention to Blair, silently grateful for Zane's timely intervention.
There was no doubt they would have done everything in their power to torment us.
I handed Blair her hat while Zane began pulling out his keys.
And so, the two of us stood outside Zane's room, waiting.
The events had unfolded so rapidly that I hadn't had a chance to really process everything.
Zane unlocked his door, and he invited us in. I noticed Blair - or should I say, Rei - seemed distant.
Her previous fiery spirit was replaced by a quiet, brooding demeanor.
"Hey, are you ok?"
When I reached out to offer support, she hesitated.
Instead of taking my hand, she brushed past me and stepped into Zane's room, her posture rigid.
Behind her, Zane and I exchanged a look, a silent communication of shared concern.
Whatever had taken place in that hallway seemed to have deeply affected Rei, more than just the physical altercation.
As we entered Zane's room and the door clicked shut behind us, the silence felt heavy, almost suffocating.
Zane, ever the one to take control, cleared his throat.
"I heard from Sora that you're here for a reason," he started, his voice calm and measured, addressing Rei directly. "And that you've been going by 'Blair' as a sort of... cover."
Rei's eyes stayed on the floor, her expression unreadable.
The quiet that followed was interrupted only by the distant sounds of the Academy.
"Why didn't you say anything?" she whispered after what felt like an eternity, directing the question at me. "How did you figure it out?"
I hesitated for a moment, recalling our interactions.
"From the moment we met, something felt... different about you. Not in a bad way, just... unique," I began, trying to find the right words. "And when I held your hand earlier, it was soft. It's not like the rough texture typical of guys. It was warm and delicate, soft even."
Rei looked up, her eyes meeting mine for the first time since the confrontation.
There was a mixture of confusion, vulnerability, and defiance in her gaze.
"Would you," I continued gently, "like to tell us more about yourself? As 'Rei', not 'Blair'."
She took a deep breath and, with a resigned nod, began to speak.
The atmosphere in the room grew tense as Rei formally introduced herself, her tone noticeably colder than before.
I caught the shift immediately, feeling a pang of guilt and concern for what she might've been going through.
"My name is Rei Saotome," she stated matter-of-factly, her voice devoid of the warmth I had come to associate with her. "I enrolled in Duel Academy despite being a year younger than others. My parents had the connections to get me into this school, so I took it."
Feeling a need to understand her sudden change, I ventured, "Uh, Saotome, why are you here?"
She sharply cut me off, her irritation clear.
"I was getting to that part."
It was clear she wanted to be the one to steer this conversation.
Caught off guard, I nodded and stayed silent, letting her continue.
With a deep breath, Rei looked directly at Zane, her voice quivering ever so slightly.
"I enrolled into Duel Academy to... to pursue you, Zane. To confess my feelings." She confidently uttered. "When I first met you in that tournament, my heart started pounding for the first time. Something that I thought would never happen. I was lost in that sea of people, and you saved me. And I watched you duel; I couldn't help but fall deeper in love with you. It inspired me to duel as well. So... I worked hard to get where I am now."
She closed her eyes and inhaled before opening them again.
"And now that you're here, in front of me, I will tell you what I wanted to say. I love you."
Her declaration of love for Zane, even after being so guarded up until now, was both surprising and yet not.
I could sense the depth of her feelings and the raw vulnerability behind her confession.
Zane met her gaze steadily, taking a moment before he responded.
"Saotome," he began softly, "I appreciate your honesty. Truly. I'm happy to hear that I inspired you to duel, and I didn't realize that pulling you out from a crowd would leave such an impact... But I'm not interested in a relationship right now, as I'm only interested in dueling. Sorry."
It was clear he had anticipated this.
His words, while kind, were firm.
The weight of his decision to reject her affection was visible in his expression; he didn't take it lightly.
Zane didn't talk about the age gap between them, but Saotome knows that.
I watched Rei closely as she processed Zane's response.
A mix of emotions flashed across her face - disappointment, understanding, and resolve.
Rei's eyes held a touch of sadness, but she nodded slowly.
She sighed heavily, revealing that she had known, deep down, that this might be his response.
"I had a feeling you'd say that," she admitted, her voice betraying the hurt she felt. "But I wanted to tell you anyway. It's the first time I've ever listened to my heart over my mind."
The regret in her voice was evident, but so was a newfound determination.
She took a step towards the door, pausing briefly.
"I won't make that mistake again," she declared firmly, her tone suggesting finality. "N-Never... again."
The statement about never making the same mistake again hit me hard.
She started to quiver as she covered her eyes with her arm.
I tried to find words to comfort her, but she had already turned and left the room, leaving Zane and me grappling with the weight of the confession and its aftermath.
As the door clicked shut behind Rei, I released a long, heavy sigh, my thoughts swirling with concern and confusion.
The room was thick with tension.
That... went far worse than I thought it would.
If only I...
"You know, I'm the one who's supposed to be doing that..." Zane remarked with a touch of dry humor, gesturing toward my heavy exhale.
Shaking my head, I replied, "I just... I feel bad for her. She seemed like she was having such a good time with me earlier, laughing and exploring the academy. But then, it's like a switch flipped in her, and I don't know what triggered it. It's like she just wanted to get her confession over with..."
He eyed me as if trying to process what I said.
"You said a... switch flipped in her?"
I nodded.
"Yeah, she was happy and munching on the crepe I bought for her, and then after a bit, she went all cold on me."
There was a brief silence as Zane processed what I said before I sensed he was getting annoyed.
Zane pinched the bridge of his nose, a clear sign of his frustration.
"Alright, Sora, think. What did you say to her before she changed?"
I thought for a moment, replaying the conversation in my head.
"Well, I told her that if I ever had a younger sibling, I'd want it to be someone like her."
Zane's groan was instantaneous, his eyes boring into mine.
"Seriously, Sora? You really are a womanizer. A clueless womanizer at that."
Womanizer?
This again?
"Wait, what did I do?" I genuinely didn't understand his irritation. "What's wrong with what I said?"
He took a deep breath as if trying to muster the patience needed for a curious five-year-old.
"Just... think about it from her perspective. Like how she might've interpreted it. You know, since you put her in the 'little sister' category?"
I tried to process Zane's words, but the more I thought about it, the more confused I became.
"I... I'm not following. Is being considered a sibling that bad? I mean, I love my siblings to death, so I think it's a compliment..."
Zane sighed, rubbing his forehead.
"Good grief, you really are hopeless... Look, Sora, just go find her. Talk to her. I think she needs a friend right now because whether you know it or not, you played a big part in that switch."
I nodded, the weight of the situation pressing down on me.
"Alright. Thanks, Zane."
Exiting Zane's room, I found myself rushing through the halls of Obelisk Blue, desperately trying to find Rei.
I had to make things right.
Now, where can she be...?
I thought about where she might be, taking into her state and the distance.
It's unlikely she would go back to her dorm, given how she wants to be alone.
Midori would probably ask her what is wrong, too...
Maybe I can try the lake.
My legs propelled me to the lake near the Obelisk Blue dorms for girls with the faint hope that she might be there.
The sun was beginning to set, and along with the orange rays reflected off the lake.
I shook my head out of it.
But as I got there, I was the only one there, save for some Obelisk Blue girls walking about.
The sun was beginning to set, and along with the orange rays reflected off the lake.
I shook my head out of it.
Damn it.
She isn't here!
Where else can she be?
I closed my eyes and tried to visualize the other places we had visited.
Another place where we can be alone...
Ah!
The forest!
With that revelation, I opened my eyes and knew where to go next.
With a quick 180 turn, I went into the woods.
Traversing through the forest, every step seemed heavier than the last, a sense of foreboding looming over me.
The dense canopy above whispered secrets, the hush of the trees punctuated only by the rustling of the wind, and my own heartbeat echoing loudly in my ears.
I held onto the hope that Rei would be in the one place where we both found solace earlier that day.
Emerging from the dense tree cover, the clearing bathed in the golden embrace of the setting sun was breathtaking.
It was a stark contrast to the tumultuous emotions clouding my mind.
The world around was painted with a rich palette of oranges, reds, and purples, a scenery that would've been perfect under any other circumstances.
There, on the precipice overlooking the expansive sea, stood Rei.
The orange rays of the sunset highlighted her silhouette, making her appear ethereal.
I could sense the heaviness in her posture, a reflection of the weight she must have been feeling in her heart.
Taking a deep breath to steady myself, I began walking towards her, every step echoing the gravity of our earlier conversation.
She turned around, and I saw her cheeks were stained with tears.
Yet, despite this, she kept a neutral expression as if coming to terms with what had happened.
That's not good.
I need to go about this carefully...
"Saotome," I ventured cautiously, but she lifted her hand, signaling me to halt.
She was holding a storm within and was struggling to keep it.
"I told you, I don't want to talk. Go away."
Her voice was barely above a whisper, yet every word was laden with emotion.
I paused for a moment, searching for the right words to say, my throat tightening with anxiety.
"Saotome, I may not understand everything you're going through, but-"
She turned sharply, her eyes brimming with tears, her face a canvas of pain and anger.
"Understand?!" She exclaimed, her voice breaking. "How could you? I put everything on the line, and now you come here to comfort me like a kid?! Who do you think you are?!"
The weight of her pain hit me squarely in the chest, the realization of my unintended hurt dawning upon me.
"No! Saotome, I didn't mean to..."
She gritted her teeth and snarled at me.
"DON'T MAKE FUN OF ME!" She roared.
Even though we shared some distance between each other, I can hear the shout echo in my ears.
The atmosphere around us grew heavy with her primal cry.
The gentle lapping of waves against the cliffside and the distant calls of seabirds seemed to amplify the silence between us.
I wanted to reach out, to bridge the widening chasm, but words seemed inadequate.
I took a hesitant step closer, desperate to convey my regret, "I... I'm not making fun of you. I told you... I don't entirely understand what you're going through, but I know you're feeling awful. I can't truly understand how you feel if I don't go through myself... so for what it's worth... I'm sorry."
She looked away, with tears streaking her cheeks, as she watched the setting sun casting long shadows as if reflecting the long journey of emotions she had traversed.
"So, you got the general gist of how I feel, huh?" She asked with a great deal of self-deprecation. "It doesn't matter; from now on, I'll use my mind. Heh... now that I stopped listening to my heart, I can imagine what it would want to go for next. Maybe it'll go for Koyo Hibiki this time..."
The mere mention of Koyo Hibiki had sent a pang of worry through me.
The current state of my adoptive brother weighed on my mind more than I cared to admit.
The fragility of his health was a constant shadow that loomed over every thought and action of mine.
"Yeah," I murmured, hesitating for a moment, "You know, Koyo... He's my older brother."
Rei's eyes widened momentarily, her intrigue obvious.
"Really?"
I slowly inched closer, sitting down beside her.
"Yeah, didn't you notice that her sister works here too? Midori Hibiki? It isn't a coincidence."
The setting sun cast a warm hue over us; the sky was painted in shades of amber and gold.
She was clearly interested in hearing more of what I had to say about Koyo.
Drawing in a deep breath, I began, "Koyo might appear like a strong, invincible figure to many, but he's had his fair share of heartbreaks."
There was a certain comfort in sharing stories of Koyo.
Despite the bitter memories, a faint smile played on Rei's lips.
"Really? Koyo Hibiki, the dueling champion, with heartbreaks?"
I chuckled, nodding.
"More than you'd think. Koyo... he's a romantic. Always has been. The guy always thinks that if I'm around a girl, then I'm in a relationship with them. Apparently, being friends with them isn't a possibility... But yeah, love, as you've experienced, can be a tricky business."
Rei leaned back, propping herself up on her arms, curiosity evident in her eyes.
"Could you... tell me one of them?"
Thinking back, I recalled one particular instance that had become somewhat of a family joke.
"Okay. This one... is kinda crazy, but Koyo won't mind me sharing. He once dated a girl who was utterly obsessed with... cats."
Rei raised an eyebrow, prompting me to continue.
"Yeah, cats," I reiterated. "Everything had to be about cats. She'd add meows to words during conversations, her house was filled with cat-related items, and she even wanted Koyo to wear cat ears during their dates."
A muffled laugh escaped Rei's lips.
"You're kidding."
Warming up to the story, I grinned, "Nope. She even gifted him a pair. Koyo, being the person he is, wore them, trying to humor her. But things took a turn when she introduced her actual cats. All... ten of them."
Rei was in splits now, her earlier melancholy replaced by laughter.
"Whaaa? Really?! Ten cats and cat-eared Koyo?! I would love to see that!"
I laughed alongside her, the weight of the earlier tension dissipating.
Sharing a memory, especially one so absurd, had shifted the atmosphere.
"Hah, I had to watch Koyo come home wearing those ridiculous cat ears. And he would always take a long bath to get rid of that cat smell. The relationship obviously didn't last too long, but Koyo was a little crushed by it," I said, a hint of amusement lacing my voice as I recalled the bizarre past. "Even though my older bro put everything into the relationship, he found out the cold truth. Her ex would always prioritize her cats over Koyo."
Rei's expression softened as she digested the story.
"That's... surprisingly sad. I mean, with how crazy the whole cat situation was, I didn't expect that Koyo would be hurt. I kinda hoped she'd adjust a bit for him."
I sighed, looking at the horizon where the sun was setting, casting a warm amber glow on everything.
"Life's weird that way. Sometimes, no matter how much effort you put into someone or something, you have to stand strong. If someone wants to change, they really have to want it for themselves. And some people see that change as a daunting task, perhaps even a waste of time."
Turning my gaze to Rei, I leaned in a little closer, earnestness evident in my tone.
"But here's the thing, Saotome. Heartbreaks, they sting, no doubt. But they also shape us and mold us into better versions of ourselves. You're feeling awful right now, and that's natural. But believe me, with time, you'll move past this. You'll grow evolve, and who knows? Love might just find you in the most unexpected places."
She blinked at me, clearly not expecting such words of wisdom from someone my age.
After a brief moment, a faint blush tinged her cheeks.
"Sora... I didn't think you were the philosophical type. Or, maybe, a poet?"
A chuckle escaped my lips.
"Ah, trust me, I'm far from being a poet. But hey, I've learned a thing or two from watching my brother's adventures in love. And if Koyo's stories can help someone, especially you, then all the better." I shot her a reassuring smile, hoping to ease some of her pain.
I took a deep breath, letting the calming sound of the nearby waves crashing fill the silence between us.
It was Rei who spoke first.
"I think... I'm ready to change. To really change," she murmured, determination evident in her voice. "I want to become someone who Zane would regret letting go. A woman that will make him jealous."
That's fair.
But, I'm not so sure about the jealous part though.
I nodded in understanding, but her next words caught me off guard.
"So, Sora," she began, her gaze fixed on me, "since you've been my guide, my savior, my emotional pillar for the day, and pretty much took me on 'dates'," she emphasized the word with a playful smirk, "I think you should take responsibility."
"Responsibility?" I echoed, a bit bewildered. "What do you mean?"
The sly smile she then flashed sent shivers down my spine.
It was one part mischievous, one part dangerously ominous.
"Well," she began, drawing the word out, "now that you've charmed me with your wisdom, saved me from those bullies, and given me such a heartfelt pep talk... it's only fair that you meet my dad and ask him to make you my fiancee." She answered with a cheery vibe. "It's a good thing my dad was worried that I never showed romantic interest in others before. And also the fact that we're loaded, too. So that means... he can make the impossible... happen."
My heart felt like it had stopped.
"What?! Hold on, fiancee?!" I exclaimed, my voice an octave higher than usual. "Saotome, I'm only 16! That's way too young!"
She... did mention that her family has some connections with Kaibacorp, right?
And that means they are a powerful family...
...
Uh, oh.
"And I'm 14. And call me by first name, will you? Besides, it's only a 2 year age difference compared to Zane, which is a 4 year difference." The heiress replied. "But... if you want to get married when I'm eighteen, then I can wait... as long I'm with you."
Nope, nope, nope.
I'm not doing that!
In a desperate bid to sway her from the idea, a thought popped into my head.
"Hold on! Wait a minute! Hey, how about this? Instead of a rushed engagement, let's have a duel. If I win, we drop the fiance idea, okay?" I hurriedly said, mortified with the idea of getting married.
Her grin grew wider, almost feral.
It was as if I was dancing at the palm of her hand.
"Interesting proposal," she purred. "But I should warn you, Darling... The same passion that drew me to Zane? It sparked when I watched him duel. So if we're dueling, who knows? I might just fall for you even harder."
Darling?!
And dueling can do that?!
The pit of dread in my stomach deepened, but there was no going back.
The challenge was made.
Rei gracefully stood up, her long hair swaying slightly with the ocean breeze.
The intensity of the setting sun bathed her silhouette, accentuating her assertive stance.
The familiar hum of an activated duel disk resonated, the card tray extending and glowing with readiness.
The expression on her face had changed from the usual playful innocence to one of determination.
"By the way, if I win this duel," she declared, eyes fixed intently on me, "You will take responsibility. You will marry me. And there is no way you're running from that. I won't let you run away..."
There was a hint of something eerie in her tone, sending a chill down my spine.
I swallowed the unease and met her gaze.
"You're really serious about that?" I muttered, shaking my head slightly, trying to grapple with the weight of her demand. "Marriage is a tall order, and it's a big commitment. You can't just elope with someone so easily."
Rei tilted her head, the corners of her lips curling into a sly smirk.
"Oh, my Darling..." she cooed, her voice dripping with a mix of charm and malice, "By the end of this, I'll have you completely enchanted. And trust me," she said, leaning closer, her voice dropping to an almost whisper, "I'm going to thoroughly enjoy making you fall for me."
Ack, my back is shivering from this!
Feeling the weight of her challenge, I took a deep breath, attempting to recenter myself.
"Rei, don't think this will be easy," I warned. "Koyo has mentored me, and I've learned a lot from him. I'll show you the fruits of his teachings."
She raised an eyebrow, her curiosity evident.
"So I'm guessing you're using a Hero deck, huh?" She teased.
I shook my head, my duel disk activating with a whir.
"Not just any Hero deck. This is Koyo's personal deck. It's a testament to his spirit, and I plan to use it to embody his techniques and teachings."
I couldn't help but feel pride swell within at the mention of my brother's name.
A bright gleam filled Rei's eyes as she grinned even wider, if possible.
"Well, well. This is going to be interesting. I've always wanted to test my skills against someone who can truly challenge me. In my middle school, there are people who try to emulate the pro league duelists. But they are more or less pushovers. So, let's see if I'm biting off more than I can chew!"
Matching her intensity, I locked my gaze onto hers.
The immense pressure between us was electrifying, making the atmosphere thick with anticipation.
"Duel!"
(Kazuyuki 4000 / Rei 4000)
The wind rustled through the trees as I stood, shuffling my deck with determination.
"I'll go first, I draw!" I shouted with a mix of fear and determination.
Drawing my first card, I found myself staring at a familiar face.
"I'll set a monster facedown," I declared, sliding the card into its slot.
The holographic image of a card back materialized on the field.
Following that, "I'll also set a card in my back row," placing a card in the trap/spell zone.
Feeling content with my opening move, I declared, "I end my turn."
Rei smirked, her eyes dancing with mischief.
"Oh, a T-set to start? Interesting, Darling..."
I flinched from her new nickname for me.
She giggled ominously from my obvious discomfort.
Argh, she knows that calling me that will just throw me off my game!
"I'll win you over...! I draw!"
She drew her card with flair, examining it closely for a moment.
"I summon Ebon Magician Curran (1200/0)!" she announced as she placed the card onto the tray.
A small, dark figure with a magician's hat emerged, her whip pulsing with a dark aura.
The monster floated gracefully above the field, awaiting her next command.
Without missing a beat, Rei announced, "I equip 'Trial of the Princess' to Ebon Magician Curran!"
A golden tiara and robe adorned Curran, sparkling brilliantly in the light.
An aura enveloped Curran as her attack points jumped to a formidable 2000.
Rei, confidence radiating from her every word, commanded, "Ebon Magician Curran, attack my Darling's facedown monster!"
Curran, empowered by the new equipment, unleashed a surge of dark energy toward my monster.
As the smoke cleared, the facedown card flipped up, revealing Elemental Hero Woodsman (1000/2000).
The green humanoid monster with a tree bark arm stood tall with his 2000 defense.
The attack was stopped in its tracks, neither of us taking damage due to the tie-in points.
I mentally sighed with relief.
Woodsman had held the line and stood strong.
Rei, not one to be phased, remarked, "Nice defense. But that wall isn't going to matter that much anyway."
She placed two cards facedown in her backrow, signaling the end of her move.
"Your turn."
As she ended her turn, I couldn't help but wonder what her strategy was.
Ebon Magician Curran is notorious for being used in burn decks, ones that aim to reduce the opponent's life points directly through various effects.
Is that Rei's game plan?
If so, I'd need to act fast and stop her from playing any key cards.
"From my field, I flip a Trap card!"
I felt a surge of energy from the other side of the field as Rei activated her trap card, "Bad Reaction to Simochi."
The card's ghastly face leered at me from its glowing projection.
Any life points I might gain would now translate into damage.
This was a clever combo, and I felt a shiver of anticipation as I realized the depth of her strategy.
Rei's eyes twinkled with mischief, "Let's see how you handle this," she teased, flipping up another card.
"I activate Gift Card!"
Oh, crapbaskets.
Normally a kind gesture, this card, combined with her prior trap, was anything but.
Instead of gaining 1500 life points, my life points counter rapidly decreased, leaving me at a very vulnerable 2500.
(Kazuyuki 2500 / Rei 4000)
A grim reality hit me: I hadn't seen this type of strategy in action for quite some time.
Midori used to use that card with one of her Darklords.
I think she still does when she has the chance...
Wait, didn't that card give 3,000 life points?
"Looks like I'm one step closer to making you mine, Darling..." She taunted while giving me an evil smirk.
I scoffed at her smugness.
"Don't think this duel is over yet. I still haven't shown off what I can do!"
With a deep breath, I began my turn. My Elemental Hero Woodsman shimmered slightly, its ability ready to be used.
"I activate Woodsman's effect!" I declared, "With that, he's allowing me to add a Polymerization from my deck to my hand."
Woodsman's hand opened, presenting the card like a precious gem.
I took it, contemplating my next move.
I felt Rei's gaze, heavy with expectation, waiting for my next move.
She was in a strong position, but I still had cards to play.
And while she seemed to know my deck, I had a few surprises up my sleeve.
It is all about timing.
But that timing is rapidly losing its window...
I drew into "Breaker, the Magical Knight," and immediately recognized the potential combo I could pull off.
"I summon Breaker, the Magical Knight (1600/1000) in attack position!"
As Breaker manifested on the field, a vibrant orb, signifying a spell counter, began to glow above its sword.
The knight stood with confidence, waiting for my next move.
Seeing my chance, I commanded, "Breaker, use your spell counter to destroy Rei's face-up trap card!"
Breaker pointed his sword, sending a surge of magical energy toward Rei's "Bad Reaction to Simochi," obliterating it.
Rei watched intently, her confidence momentarily wavering.
It was the perfect time to press on.
"Next," I announced, pulling another card from my hand, "I'll activate Polymerization!"
The card glowed a vibrant blue, signaling the fusion of two monsters from my field.
"I fuse Elemental Hero Woodsman and Breaker, the Magical Knight!"
As the two monsters spiraled into a fusion vortex, a new, powerful entity emerged from the other side, "Come forth, Elemental Hero Escuridao (2500- 2600/2000)!"
Escuridao stood tall, shadows swirling around him as he coalesced into one dark form as its hand formed into bladed weapons.
"Escuridao has an effect where he gains 100 attacks for each Elemental Hero in my graveyard, and he can inflict piercing damage!"
Since I only had Woodsman in my graveyard, his power only rose to 2600.
With a determined glare, I ordered, "Escuridao, attack Rei's Ebon Magician Curran! Abyssal Strike!"
Drawing energy from the abyss, Escuridao channeled force through its right arm, culminating in a blast or slash of pure shadow energy, shattering Rei's magician, resulting in her life points dropping by 600.
(Kazuyuki 2500 / Rei 3400)
Before ending my turn, I had one more move up my sleeve.
"I activate my spell card, Monster Reborn!" I declared as ethereal chains appeared from the ground, pulling Elemental Hero Woodsman back from the graveyard. "I summon Woodsman in defense mode!"
The hero stood in defense, ready to protect me from any incoming attacks.
With my field set and my defenses up, I confidently declared, "I end my turn."
I watched Rei closely, curious to see how she'd counter my moves.
Her determination to win was powerful, and I could tell she was devising a strategy to counter my offense.
"That's one powerful Fusion Monster, my Darling. But that doesn't matter. I draw!"
As she drew, a confident smirk crept onto her lips; she declared, "I activate Wave Motion Cannon!"
A large, foreboding cannon appeared on her side of the field, charging with energy.
I quickly did the math in my head. If that card stayed on the field for three turns, it would accumulate enough power to wipe out the remainder of my life points.
But Rei wasn't done as she slapped another card onto her disk.
"Next," she proclaimed, "I activate Messenger of Peace!"
A serene aura enveloped the field, and I realized with a sinking feeling that my monsters with 1500 or more attack points, including Escuridao, were now rendered useless in terms of launching attacks.
With a triumphant expression, she continued, "And now, Card of Demise!"
My eyes widened in surprise as I watched her draw five cards from her deck.
I was familiar with the power of this card.
That card would give her a significant advantage, but with a hefty price—she'd have to discard her entire hand after five standby phases.
It's the same card that Bastion used against me.
That means she is planning to end this duel quickly.
"Now that I got a refill! I play another spell! Spell Absorption!"
As Rei set down Spell Absorption onto her field, a growing sense of unease settled in my gut.
I could see the strategy she was building; with each spell card she played, she'd recover life points, bolstering her advantage.
"So that card, huh...? Interesting choice," I murmured, trying to maintain my composure.
But she wasn't done there.
"After that, I summon Fire Princess (1300/1000) in defense mode!"
Out from the card came a haughty, frowning princess dressed in orange robes and carrying a staff.
That's a strong piece in a burn strategy!
I clenched my duel disk, realizing the gravity of my situation.
Every time Rei gained life points, Fire Princess would see to it that I felt the sting.
"I'm not done yet! I activate a spell card!"
My fears were confirmed when she played Poison Of The Old Man.
Damn, that's a familiar card!
"I choose it's first effect, so I'm going to gain some life points!"
I watched her life points take a surge, rising by 1200.
(Kazuyuki 2500 / Rei 4600)
"But that's not all!" Rei snarkily added. "I chain with Chain Strike! Since I played a spell, my continuous spell activates! I get 500 life points, and because of that, Fire Princess's effect activates thrice!"
As her life points went up, the monster sent a wisp in my direction, singeing me each time the effect went off.
(Kazuyuki 2000 / Rei 5100)
(Kazuyuki 1500 / Rei 5600)
(Kazuyuki 1000 / Rei 5600)
"And since I chained Chain Strike, you take 800 points of damage, too!"
(Kazuyuki 200 / Rei 5600)
Whoa, whoa, whoa!
She can one turn kill me without attacking?!
The cold numbers on my duel disk screen read 200, a jarring reminder of how quickly the tides had turned.
Rei's smug grin widened, her confidence ever-growing.
"Just one more turn, Darling," she teased, her eyes sparkling mischievously. "Then, you'll be officially bound to be my fiancé."
The weight of her words, mixed with the looming threat of Wave Motion Cannon, pressed down on me.
I had to think fast, strategize, and, more importantly, find a way to break her momentum.
Every card, every decision from this point, mattered.
And I knew that the slightest misstep could cost me not just the duel but a promise I wasn't ready to make.
If I don't end this game in one turn or destroy that card, it's game over for me.
I silently begged the heart of the cards to guide me as Rei, still grinning confidently, set some cards in her back row.
"I set some cards and I end my turn!"
This isn't looking for me.
But Koyo always did say that one card can make a difference in a duel.
I hope this is one of them!
With determination, I steadied my hand, ready to draw my next card.
Here goes...
I don't want Koyo to hear that I lost and have to be someone's fiance.
Especially with his deck!
"My turn... I draw!"
The cool wind brushed past my face as I began to find my rhythm.
The draw was unexpected, but it was the exact card I needed to turn things around.
I could feel the energy change, the anticipation building within.
Heh, Koyo knew what he was doing when built his deck.
"Let's see how you like this, Rei," I murmured with newfound confidence, activating Woodsman's effect. "I activate his effect again!"
With Polymerization now in hand, the possibilities were vast.
I watched Rei closely, her confident smile beginning to waver.
"Now, meet Elemental Hero Solid Soldier (1300/1100)!" I declared, echoing Koyo's words when he first summoned the new Heroes.
I watched as the sturdy hero with slate armor and shields on hand appeared on the field.
"Since I normal summoned Elemental Hero Solid Soldier, I can special summon another Hero from my hand!" I followed up as I summoned the next monster. "I special summon Elemental Hero Stratos (1800/800) in attack!"
Out from the card, Stratos flew out and stood by my side.
"Stratos," I called out, "take out her backrow. With Air Pulse!"
To Rei's horror, Stratos' whirlwind descended upon the field, obliterating Messenger of Peace, Spell Absorption, and her mystery trap card.
"Ugh! No...!"
Her setup was disintegrating, and I could sense her unease.
But I wasn't done.
"And with Polymerization, I fuse Stratos and Solid Soldier... I Fusion Summon, Elemental Hero Gaia!"
The mighty hero erupted onto the field, its powerful presence felt by her Fire Princess.
Its massive, earthy, dark appearance shook the ground as it crushed the ground below him.
His chest plate, segmented with solid plates, housed a glowing reddish-orange gem.
The armored shoulder pads, bulky and prominent, feature similar gems and extend outward, which emphasizes his broad, muscular stature.
His arms are sheathed in layers of articulated armor, showcasing flexibility despite the heavy protection.
Said arms culminate in gauntlets, which could crush the earth with their fists.
That's Gaia, alright...
"I use Gaia's effect! Gaia Force!"
Gaia's attack boosted when it targeted the Fire Princess and slammed the ground, roots ensnaring the princess.
Its power diminished as Gaia drained its attack from it.
Elemental Hero Gaia (2950/2600)
"Since I fused Solid Soldier and sent it to the graveyard, his effect activates again! I can special summon a Hero monster from my graveyard! I choose Stratos!" I cheerily declared as Stratos appeared on the field once again.
Rei pouted with annoyance from my repeated summoning of Stratos.
"Again?! What kind of card is that?!"
Yep, been there, done that.
"Stratos, one more time!" I commanded. "Air Pulse!"
The remaining backrow cards Rei had meticulously placed were obliterated, leaving her wide open.
"Now with your backrow out of the way, I activate Enemy Controller and switch your Fire Princess position from defense to attack!"
A mechanical device emerged from the ground, beeping and making mechanical sounds as it targeted Fire Princess, switching her from a guarded stance to an aggressive one.
From the look in Rei's eyes, she hadn't anticipated this.
I switched Woodsman into its attack position and entered my battle phase.
"Gaia, attack Fire Princess with Terra Tremor Fist!"
Gaia surged forward, its massive fist aimed directly at the princess.
The impact was intense, a gust of energy sweeping through the field.
The Fire Princess was crushed by the attack, her figure dissipating into the virtual aether.
Rei's life points took a significant drop, now down by 3400.
(Kazuyuki 200 / Rei 3400)
"I'm not done yet! Woodsman, attack her directly with Tree Palm Strike!
Woodsman dashed forward, despite his lumbering frame, and punched through Rei with his wooden fist.
(Kazuyuki 200 / Rei 2400)
"Finish it, Escuridao! Direct attack!"
Escuridao, emanating a dark, pulsating aura, flew towards Rei, its form becoming a blur.
The force of the assault was overwhelming, the ground quaking beneath our feet.
(Kazuyuki 200 / Rei 0)
(Kazuyuki wins.)
With the final, devastating blow dealt by Elemental Hero Escuridao, the holographic images from our duel disks dissipated, leaving a lingering stillness in the clearing.
The energy of the duel, intense moments ago, faded, replaced by the hum of crickets and distant waves crashing.
I stood there, my chest rising and falling rapidly, my heart still racing from the adrenaline of the duel, from how close the duel was.
A bead of sweat trailed down the side of my face.
The pressure of the duel, especially with such high stakes, had taken its toll on my body.
That... was way too close.
Even though I won, my gaze was filled with concern as I glanced over at Rei.
The young genius, Rei Saotome, looked crestfallen.
Her usually vibrant eyes dimmed with the weight of defeat and disappointment.
"No...! I lost... again."
Falling to her knees, she looked down at the grass, her fingers grasping at the earth.
"I thought... I can win this. I thought the deck I poured countless hours into, the deck I practiced with for so long, the deck I entrusted my heart to... I thought it would be enough for me to win."
The weight of the loss seemed to crush her from the inside.
"Rei..." I began, hesitating for a moment, searching for the right words.
Taking a step closer, I offered her a hand.
She didn't take it, as she was lost in her world of dejection.
"Even when I use my mind and stop listening to my heart... I still lose. I really am useless..."
Useless?
Why would she think that?!
"Rei, it's not just about the mind," I whispered gently. "Sometimes, the heart has its own strategies. So, don't think of yourself as useless."
Rei lifted her gaze to meet mine, her eyes glistening.
"Yeah, but... I thought... if I could just win, maybe things would work out the way I wanted them to."
I crouched beside her, trying to level with her gaze.
"Sometimes, things don't go our way, no matter how hard we plan or how passionately we feel. But, that doesn't mean we should stop trying or believing."
She blinked, taking a moment to process his words.
A hint of a smile tugged at the corner of her lips, albeit weakly.
"You're surprisingly wise for someone so young."
He chuckled softly, "Maybe I've learned a thing or two other than dueling from Koyo. And for what it's worth, you're really talented, you know that? I didn't accomplish anything noteworthy at your age and neither do ordinary kids. Take it as a badge of pride."
Rei finally took my hand, letting me help her to her feet.
She brushed the dirt off her knees, trying to regain some semblance of composure.
"Thanks, Sora. Maybe you're right... maybe things aren't meant to be now. But someday..."
I nodded, offering her an encouraging smile.
"Exactly. There's always a chance. After all, you almost had be there." I reassured her.
Her eyes began to glimmer with hope with my words.
"R-Really? I was about to win?"
I have this strange feeling in my gut that I should stop this line of thought, but I guess if it can help Rei feel better, then I should take it.
"Yep. If you plays a spell like I dunno... Sparks? I would have lost." I added. "I think you have some talent for dueling."
I could see the fiery determination light up in her eyes, a stark contrast to the dejected girl I'd seen moments before.
"So what you're saying is... if I played one more card, I would have won?"
The mere thought of her simply playing any effect damage spell made my back shiver.
"Yeah... You would have."
She stood tall, pumped her fists, and declared, "Darling, I'm going to keep dueling, and next time I won't lose to you. When I do, you're going to become my fiancé."
She really isn't going to let up on that, is she?
Taken aback, I tried to reason with her, "Rei, maybe you should find someone more your age?"
But she shot me a pointed look and pouted.
"This again? I'm 14, you're 16. It's not that big of a deal."
That's debatable, though!
And I don't feel comfortable having a young girl after me either!
I stammered, "R-Rei, it's not about age. I just... I don't see you like that."
Her eyes softened, but with a fiery intensity, she responded, "Oh, I know. But, I'll change that. I'll become so beautiful, so radiant, so undeniable that I'll be a worthy maiden by your side. Besides, after all you've done for me today, after the duel and the emotions we've shared... My heart's now dedicated to you, and only you, my Darling."
My eyes widened at what she was saying.
Oh...
Oh, no.
"B-But... Rei, I don't think, err, uh..." I stammered, my thoughts going astray.
I couldn't even formulate a proper response to that.
Before I knew it, she was clinging to my arm, her cheek resting against it.
The closeness was startling.
That eerie, almost maniacal smile was back as she whispered, "I'll wait for you, my love... No matter how long it takes, my feelings will never change."
I could feel the weight of her words, and the sheer force of her determination made me shiver.
"Never... ever..."
Rei then let out a giggle so ominous that my back began to shiver with the force of a thousand suns.
"Just kidding! Ehehe!" She teased. "But seriously, I will capture your heart, my Darling!"
As we put more distance between us and the forest, I let out a sigh of relief.
What had I done to lead me to this moment?
Why did my attempts to comfort someone spiral into this strange promise of waiting and undying affection?
My mind raced, trying to understand the series of events that led up to this moment.
So, there is a saying that all geniuses are eccentric people.
It looks like Rei is one of them...
Man, I hope this fades away with time.
I had a sinking feeling that things were only going to get more complicated from here.
Much more complicated.
AN: This chapter still feels off in terms of quality despite going into it multiple times, so I apologize if it's off. I haven't been able to write consistently, as I am bombarded with work, so there might be some tonal shifts here and there, though I did my best to make it flow properly. I hope you guys like what I did with Rei's characterization to make her more than just the Maiden-in-Love character, or at least before she gets her development in the later seasons.
This chapter marks the end of the prelude to the Shadow Riders, as I will jump right into it in the next chapter. However, I don't know when that chapter will be released as work hasn't been up yet. By the way, I really appreciate the reviews, comments, and feedback I have been getting lately. I appreciate your support! I figured it's best that I dedicate a separate section for that in a review response chapter.
Some things to expect in the next chapter are the school duel, Kagamaru's plans regarding that, and Chazz making another appearance with a slightly modified deck compared to canon after having left the school.
Anyway, that's all for now. See you guys in the review chapter, which I plan to release soon.
