Tales of Academia

by Magi Mana

Talesverse. Legacies are a challenge to live up to. Especially when those legacies involve the King of Games. Ready to forge a new path, Mana joins her brother Atem at the prestigious Duel Academy and soon meets the Hero who will lead them on adventures not unlike their parents'. It must be a Muto thing.

21. New Year New Rivals

Once again, I am so sorry for the delay. Things have been stressful on my end, which I won't go into a whole lot right here. The only things I will mention is that you probably noticed I updated the summary of this story (and I technically updated the cover photo before last chapter but forgot to talk about it). The other felt more like me telling you my concept instead of an actual summary. Also, since this story was kind of a launching pad for my rewritten canon universe, I have decided to call this universe the Talesverse. Any story going forward that falls into this universe will have Talesverse written in the summary, which I have added to all my previously published stories and one-shots that qualify.

This is also the chapter that reveals the canon identity of my OC Joan Taylor. However, if you read my one-shot Indomitable, I put it in there. Reasons for jumping the gun on that are explained in my author's notes on that story.

More on Joan's identity at the end, but for now, let's get on with the chapter. I don't own Yu-Gi-Oh! or any other franchise/series referenced in this chapter. If I did, I would add more teachers who actually enjoy teaching into the story.

Chapter Twenty-One: New Year; New Rivals

Joan followed Mana off the helicopter to the pier of Duel Academy. Last time, it had just been her and Tristan; they went unnoticed until their booth was set up. This time, the amount of students scrambling to move was unnerving.

"Follow the crowd to go get your blazers," Mana set down Pharaoh's carrier. "We'll meet you in front of the main building."

"I don't need you to tell me where to go," Airi adjusted her grip on her silver briefcase and entered the sea of students. After a minute, her icy hair completely disappeared into the crowd.

"See you then," Max grinned. "I can't wait to see what color I got."

"Depends on what you scored on the written test," Mana waved him off. "We'll see you later."

"See you later," Max vanished into the swarm.

"Why don't we have to go through that?" Joan asked as she followed her roommate.

"Because they don't stock the female Slifer blazers there," the second-year student answered. "It didn't click for me at first last year, especially since the female Obelisk blazers are mostly white, but they only keep those for the girls. I didn't realize I'd automatically be an Obelisk until Atem told me. Which then led to me asking Chancellor Sheppard for a transfer. My new uniform was already there when I arrived."

"That makes sense," Joan reset the clip keeping her hair back. She took a deep breath. "I'm nervous," she admitted.

"You've got this," Mana slung an arm around her shoulder as they walked. "You skipped a year, so that proves you're smart enough to handle this. And you got me, Max, and Airi behind you. And you'll get along great with the rest of the gang. I'll make sure to introduce you." She winked. "Oh, before I forget, if you try to contact me on the PDA, my name is under Gardner, not Muto." (1)

"From pretending to be normal?"

"Yep," Mana rubbed the back of her head. "And hopefully this year will be normal. As far as I'm concerned, we're just two ordinary students."

"Aren't you one of the top two?" Joan raised an eyebrow at her friend.

"Shh," Mana ignored the question and picked up Pharaoh's carrier. "Now let's get going. By the way, I call top bunk."

"Okay," Joan rolled her eyes, but couldn't hold back a smile.

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Tyranno Hassleberry smirked to himself as he filled out the sign-in sheet at Duel Academy. He'd aced his entrance exams, higher than the vast majority of the other applicants. He would be in Obelisk Blue barracks in no time.

"Here you go, Mr. Hassleberry," the proctor handed him a duel disk and a yellow blazer.

"What?" Hassleberry recoiled from the garment. "What are you giving me a yellow squad jacket for? I'm supposed to be in the blue barracks!" This wasn't what he'd worked for.

"Sorry; your assignment is Ra Yellow," the proctor shrugged. "You probably didn't meet all the requirements. Did you attend one of the prep schools?"

"Prep schools? I've been training for years!"

"Just take the blazer and move on," someone snapped from behind him. Hassleberry whipped around to see a girl a couple inches shorter than him. Her short white hair draped to the right of her sapphire eyes. She wore a sleeveless black turtleneck and a blue skirt; she held a silver briefcase in her right hand. The girl moved past him to get a white and blue blazer from the proctor. "Unlike you, I'm actually good enough to be in Obelisk."

"Yeah, right," Hassleberry scowled. It was no secret all the girls were automatically accepted into the blue barracks. "You get in just because you're a girl."

The girl gave him one of the iciest glares he'd ever seen. "Fine. You think I'm not good enough. I'll prove it to you." She flipped opened her briefcase and pulled out a duel disk. It was a silvery-white with sapphire blue accents. The blade reminded Hassleberry of a dragon's wing. "I was just going to use the Academy's duel disks like a good little student, but since you're preventing me from getting it, I'll just use this." She turned her gaze to the proctors. "If he beats me, he can be in Obelisk. But that's a big if." She inserted her deck into the slot.

Hassleberry strapped on the duel disk he was just given. This'd be easy. All he had to do was beat this girl. "It's time for boot camp." He inserted his own deck. "You got nothing on me."

"You have no idea whom you're messing with," the girl smirked. "I summon Peten the Dark Clown (500/1200) in defense mode." A jester with puffy green and yellow striped garments knelt on the field. He waved his feathered red hat at Hassleberry and stuck his tongue out. "And then I'll play one card face-down. Make your move, if you're not scared."

"I ain't scared of a little clown," Hassleberry drew. He concealed a grin at his opening hand. "All hands on deck. I summon Archeonys (300/1300)." A blue bird with golden wings flew onto the field. "But he won't be at muster for long. I'm going to turn back the evolutionary process with this: Modified Ultra Evolution. By sacrificing a winged beast, I summon a dino. So Archeonys becomes Ultimate Tyranno (3000/2200)." The bird's hologram dissolved and morphed into a large tyrannosaurus rex with armored scales. "Ultimate Tyranno, sic that clown! Absolute Bite!"

"Big mistake," the girl scoffed.

The T-rex charged forward and sank its teeth in the clown's torso. The hologram dissolved, and spores filled the air. After a few seconds, Ultimate Tyranno's hologram shattered as well. "What gives?" Hassleberry glanced around the arena.

"By attacking Peten, you triggered my Crush Card Virus," the girl revealed her trap. "Now every monster on your field, in your hand, and what you draw will be destroyed the instant they appear. Now this virus may only last three turns, but that's three more than I need to take you down." (2) Peten returned to the field and blew a raspberry at Hassleberry. "Oh, and Peten just hates to say good-bye, which is why another appears when he is destroyed."

"Grr," Hassleberry grimaced and discarded the Giant Rex in his hand. "Let's see what you got in your battalion. I play a face-down."

"You haven't seen anything yet," the girl drew her card. "I'll start with Pot of Greed to draw two cards." She smirked at her hand. "This duel is over."

"Not likely, Hassleberry glanced at his face-down. The clown was weak, and he could deflect the other monster she summoned with his Amber Pitfall. He might take a hit, but he was still in this. This girl would learn not underestimate his hard work.

"But it is," she played her card. "I summon the Lord of Dragons (1200/1100) in attack mode. And while he's out, dragons can't be targeted by effects. Not that I'm worried about that." The Lord appeared on the field, his cape billowing back to reveal his off-white armor.

But she hasn't played any dragons. Hassleberry braced himself. He might not be able to target dragons, but that Lord was fair game.

"Next I play The Flute of Summoning Dragon," the girl activated her spell. A large, golden horn appeared in the Lord's hand; he played one long, loud note. "Since Lord of Dragons is out, I can special summon two dragons from my hand. And I know which two I want. First is Seiyaryu!" A large dragon with glittering pink scales materialized on the field. "And the second is the legendary Blue-Eyes White Dragon!" Blue-white scales shone as the dragon roared. It turned its sapphire eyes on its prey.

Blue-Eyes! But how? Hassleberry heard the crowd of students gasp at the signature card of Seto Kaiba. But how did this girl get a copy? The Kaiba family had the only ones! (3)

"Got any idea who I am now?" the girl chuckled. "My name is Airi Kaiba. And you thought I only got into Obelisk because I'm a girl? Please. I'm in Obelisk because I'm the best. And I'll prove it to you right now, moron." She slipped a card into the duel slot. "I activate A Wingbeat of Giant Dragon! By returning Seiyaryu to my hand, it destroys every spell and trap card on the field!"

The pink dragon took the sky and flapped its wings hard, destroying his face-down. It vanished in a gust of wind. Now Hassleberry was defenseless. Nothing on his field. Nothing in his hand. And an angry Blue-Eyes White Dragon glaring at him.

"I said you were through," Kaiba switched her clown into attack mode. "But we'll do this bit by bit. Peten, attack him directly." The clown disappeared behind a card and reappeared behind Hassleberry. It stabbed him with a curved dagger. Hassleberry's LifePoints fell to 3500. "And now Lord of Dragons can go." He charged forward and struck Hassleberry in the side, knocking him down to 2300. "And finally, Blue-Eyes will finish you off with White Lightning!" The White Dragon roared, its lightning completely engulfing Hassleberry. He landed on his back, and his score hit zero.

Kaiba said nothing as she powered down her duel disk and placed it in her briefcase. Snapping it shut, she strode to the proctor who gave her an Academy duel disk. "Halt right there!" Hassleberry pulled himself to his feet. "I want a rematch!"

"Don't waste my time," she scoffed. "You know who I am now, and you know what I'm capable of. Even if I don't get as perfect of an opening hand, the result will be the same. And I have better things to do than to be your drill sergeant." The Obelisk freshman stepped past him.

"I ain't quitting," Hassleberry blocked her way.

"Idiot," she scowled. "Maybe try after you've beaten a hundred duelists." Kaiba used her briefcase to push him aside and make her way to the exit, leaving him humiliated in front of his classmates.

"You had to make a scene, didn't you?" Hassleberry glimpsed someone with blond hair talking to Kaiba.

"Shut up, Pup," she snapped. "I didn't make the scene. He did. I just put him in his place. Now go play with the nerd herd."

"Whatever you say, Airi," the blond shrugged.

Hassleberry grabbed his yellow blazer from the proctor and stormed out of the room. He wouldn't be in Obelisk until he beat Kaiba. So he'd have to make do until he beat a hundred duelists. Then she'd have to duel him again.

This defeat wasn't going to stop him.

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"Hey, Max!" Mana waved to her friend in front of the Academy.

"Yo!" the blond grinned and adjusted his red blazer, leaving it open to show off his green shirt.

"Aw, yeah! Slifer for the win!" Mana clapped him on the back.

"Did Airi join Obelisk?" Joan asked her cousin.

"Oh yeah," Max rubbed the back of his head. "And she got in a fight with a Ra who wanted to be in Obelisk."

Mana sighed. Airi… "Please tell me it was a duel."

"Yeah," Max grinned. "Poor guy didn't know what hit him. But I guess he'll learn not to underestimate the Obelisk girls."

"We really shouldn't underestimate anyone," Mana pointed out. "So where'd she go?"

"Probably to her dorm," the blond shrugged. "She said had better things to do than hang out with us."

"Sounds about right," Joan rubbed her temple. "Well Mana and I got our room set up and let Pharaoh out. Did you get your room assignment?"

"Yep," Max held out his PDA with the room number.

"No way!" Mana clutched her sides and start laughing.

"What?" the cousins threw confused looks at her.

"I know who's living in there," the second-year student gasped. "He's going to freak!"

She linked arms with the cousins, and they strolled to the Slifer dorm. When they arrived at Max's room, the door was open, bags and the bunk beds were piled up outside, and the occupant was yelling at the space around him. Mana rolled her eyes when she recognized the spirits hovering around the spikey-haired Slifer.

"What's up, Hotshot?" Max laughed and entered the room.

"What do you want?" Chazz grumbled.

"To get settled in my room," the blond grabbed a bag from the door and started emptying it into a drawer of the wardrobe."

"No way!" the black-haired student scowled. "The Chazz doesn't do roommates!"

"Well you do now," Mana sighed. "Like it or not, Max was assigned here. I wouldn't be surprised if someone else was assigned here too. You and I were spoiled last year in getting rooms to ourselves."

"Why did you choose this dump?" Chazz glanced at Joan's Slifer uniform.

"I wanted to room with Mana," Joan shrugged.

Mana smiled to herself. Joan had certainly grown comfortable enough with Chazz that she wasn't looking at the ground every five seconds. Now to accomplish the same with the other students.

"How's my bed going to fit in here?" Max maneuvered around Chazz's oversized bed to grab his other bag. He unloaded that one's contents into one of the room's desks.

"It's not!" Chazz snapped. "I'm not sharing a room with you!"

"Come on, Hotshot; that ain't cool," Max pulled on the bunks, trying to force them into the room.

"No!" Chazz pushed it back out.

"Fine," Max let go and flopped onto the second-year's bed. "I'll just share this one then. I bet it's way more comfortable than the dorm bed." He stretched out and kicked his red shoes off. "I could get used to this."

"Get off now!" Chazz yelled at the blond.

"Bring my bed in here and I will."

"I'm not sharing my room!"

"Technically, it's our room."

"I don't think this going to end any time soon," Joan sighed.

"Me neither," Mana agreed. "Want to go see what Jaden and Syrus are up to?"

"Sure." The brunettes headed up the stairs to find the rest of the gang.

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"Hey, girls!" Alexis greeted Jasmine and Mindy in their room.

"Hey, Lexi!" the girls threw their arms around her. "So what'd you do over break?"

"Not much," the blond shrugged when the group hug ended. "Mostly helping Atticus catch up with what he missed."

"Ooh, is he here?" Mindy's eyes lit up.

"In the boys' dorm," Alexis rolled her eyes. As much as she loved Mindy, the idea of her dating Atticus was a little too weird. "I was thinking of going to see him. His best friends did graduate last year, so he's probably looking for a new group."

"I'm up for visiting him," Jasmine grinned and fluffed out her red hair.

"Yeah, but we can't let him and Mana hang out," Alexis said as she led them out of the room. "Per Atem's request. The two of them could cause a lot of trouble together."

"Ooh, Atem," Mindy smirked and twirled a lock of black hair around her finger. "Are you and he—"

"No!" Alexis cut her off. "Atem and I are just friends."

"Then what about Zane?" Jasmine chimed in. "You two were always at the lighthouse."

"No!" Alexis groaned.

"Boo," the redhead pouted. "Lexi, we need to work on your boy skills."

"I don't need to work on boy skills," Alexis rolled her eyes. "I'm not interested in going out with anyone."

"Or at least won't admit it," Mindy giggled as they walked down the hallway.

"What's that supposed to mean?" Alexis glared at her.

They paused when they saw a girl leaning against a wall. She had short white hair and wore an Obelisk uniform. A silver briefcase sat on the floor next to her. "Are you the one they call the Queen of Obelisk?" she asked, eyeing Alexis.

"Who's asking?" Jasmine stared down the girl.

"Someone who's going to dethrone her," she stated, her sapphire eyes taking in the three friends. "I have to say I'm not impressed." The girl picked up her briefcase and strode past them. "Enjoy your time at the top. Because I promise it won't last." She disappeared around the corner.

"That was so rude," Mindy crossed her arms and glared at where the girl disappeared to.

"What is her deal?" Jasmine scowled.

"Forget her," Alexis turned away. The girl was probably a freshman looking to make a name for herself. If she wanted a fight, she would learn Alexis wasn't a pushover. "Let's go see who else is here."

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"Hey, look, there's Syrus," Mana pointed out the blue-haired Slifer sitting at the top of the cliff.

"He was the one crushing on Dark Magician Girl, right?" Joan followed her.

"Sounds about right," Mana sighed and ran a hand through her hair.

They sat down next to Syrus and Dorothy. "So, what's going on?" Joan asked.

"Day One, and Jaden's already dueling," Dorothy explained. She stroked Pharaoh in her lap. "But with whom?"

"Beats me," Syrus shrugged.

"So what's your name, freshman?" Jaden asked his silver-haired opponent.

The duelist smirked and brushed off his silver suit. "You can call me A.P."

"Well, AP, get your game on," Jaden powered up his duel disk.

"Bring it," A.P. drew his cards.

"Jaden sure doesn't waste any time," a voice said. Mana turned to see Alexis, Chazz, and Max walking up to them.

"Hey, Alexis," Mana greeted the blonde. "No Jasmine and Mindy?"

"They decided to follow Atticus around," Alexis rolled her eyes. "So I decided to come see what you guys were up to."

"Cool," Mana grinned. She gestured for the blonde to sit next to her. "By the way, this is my roommate, Joan."

"Hi," Joan gave a small wave and turned her attention back to the duel.

"So did you guys work out the room issue?" Mana raised an eyebrow at the two guys who were actively not looking at each other.

"Hardly," Alexis huffed. "I go to the dorm looking for you guys and find these two yelling at each other with a pile of stuff outside the room. I barely got an introduction from Max."

"Seriously, guys?" Mana rolled her eyes at the new roommates. "We'll deal with this later."

Max and Chazz eyed each other and then looked away. "So who challenged who?" Joan asked.

"That guy challenged Jaden," Syrus explained. "He just showed up at our dorm room and was all 'I'm here to throw down with the best duelist in the Academy and from what I hear that's Jaden Yuki.' And that brings us here."

"I almost feel like chopped liver," Mana sighed and glanced at the silver-haired duelist. "Wait a second!" She leaned forward to look at Jaden's opponent closer. "I think that's Aster Phoenix!"

"Really?" Syrus looked at her.

"Max, Joan?" Mana looked to the cousins.

"Yeah, that's definitely him," Max agreed.

"How are you sure?" Alexis asked.

"My parents are on the Pro-Circuit," Max explained. "So yeah, I know the major players. And that's definitely Phoenix."

"I was going to guess he was someone from Chazz's prep school," Syrus adjusted his glasses. "He looks rich and stuck-up enough."

"Hey, he's nothing like me!" Chazz protested.

"Ojama Yellow (0/1000) in defense mode," Aster summoned his monster.

"You were saying?" Mana raised an eyebrow at the duelist in black.

"I wonder what else he has in his deck," Alexis sat down next to Mana.

"Not this," Max sprawled between Joan and Syrus. "I've never seen him use an Ojama card before."

"That's because he assembled that deck this morning from random cards in the shop," Dorothy spoke up. "He said it was a temporary deck for some kind of test."

"Now I wish I could remember what kind of deck Phoenix runs," Mana sighed.

"Usually it's a Hero deck," Max stated. Everyone turned to look at him. "What?"

"Jaden runs a Hero deck," Alexis explained.

"Aw man," Max rubbed the back of his head. "This outta be interesting." (4)

"Here goes!" Jaden drew his card. "It looks like class is in session. So meet your teacher: Elemental Hero Sparkman (1600/1400)!" The blue and gold armored hero stood tall on his field. "Okay, freshman, I think it's time for your first Duel Academy lesson." Sparkman extended his hand and fired lightning at Ojama Yellow, destroying it. "Sometimes you gotta learn stuff the hard way, right? But trust me, I can teach you way more than some lame school lecture."

"Dr. Crowler's going to love that," Mana sighed.

"So I guess it's true," Phoenix grinned and rubbed the back of his head. "You are as good as they say."

"Thanks for the props," Jaden smirked. "But when you play cards like Ojama, you don't exactly make it too tough. What'd you do? Take lessons from Chazz or something?"

Chazz slumped at Jaden's comment. "Relax," Mana rolled her eyes. "Phoenix probably doesn't even know who you are."

"Let's try this again, shall we?" Phoenix drew his card. "I'll place this face-down, and—" Something started beeping.

"What's the deal?" Jaden asked.

"It's cool," Phoenix pulled a device from inside his grey blazer. "It's just my PDA." (5) He pulled out a device and held it up to his face to see the screen. "What's up? Nah, I'm not busy."

"Who answers a call in the middle of a duel?" Chazz grumbled. "That's so obnoxious."

"You're one to talk," Max glared at his roommate.

"Look at the pot calling the kettle black," Joan sighed.

Phoenix put his PDA away and held up his hand again. "Sorry about that," he apologized.

"It's cool," Jaden smirked. "Now you'll actually play a good card this time, right?"

"You mean like this?" Phoenix held up his spell. "It's called Reload! First I toss all my cards, then I put them right back in my deck and redraw."

"Handy," Max commented. "Get it?"

"You're lucky I don't have my ammo on me," Mana narrowed her eyes at the blond's pun.

"That card will increase his chance of pulling off a better combo," Joan readjusted her hair clip.

"You said I needed better cards," Phoenix drew a new hand. "And now I activate the Sanctuary in the Sky!" Clouds filled the area as a temple rose behind him.

"So you played a big building on some clouds?" Jaden raised an eyebrow at the Sanctuary.

"Did he seriously just call the Sanctuary in the Sky that?" Joan looked to her roommate.

"Yeah," Mana rubbed her forehead with her palm. "I know you like that card, Joan. Don't take it personally. Jaden has a tendency to over-simplify cards. Especially ones he doesn't know."

"You like fairies too?" Alexis asked the Slifer freshman.

Joan's gaze dropped to her lap. "Y-yes," she squeaked.

"I play Warrior of Zera (1600/1600)!" Phoenix's move drew their attention back to the duel. A green-armored warrior brandished his sword at Jaden. "But here's a little twist for you. I'm sacrificing him to summon Archlord Zerato (2800/2300)!" The green warrior disappeared in a flurry of and light and was replaced with a winged warrior. Zerato had green feathered wings and a matching helmet that concealed his face. He held a long, curved sword in his right hand. "And here's a little something else you might not have expected," Phoenix discarded a card. "I decide to send my Mystical Shine Ball to the graveyard, and it takes all your monsters with it." A light flashed from the top of the Sanctuary and fired at Sparkman. "And now, Archlord Zerato, strike his LifePoints directly! Sacred Surge!" Zerato took to the air and fired shining feathers from his wings at Jaden. The Slifer's score dropped to 1200.

"That's going to leave a mark," Syrus commented. "It's like this one time at duel camp…"

"Wait, you went to duel camp?" Mana cut him off.

"Didn't you?"

"Nope," Max laughed. "We got the Grandpa Muto drill work."

"What's that?" Alexis asked.

"Don't ask." Joan, realizing she had spoken aloud, turned her gaze back to her lap.

"Hey, you okay?" Phoenix asked his opponent.

"Okay? You kidding?" Jaden pulled himself to his feet. "I've been waiting all summer for a match like this. And the best part is it's my move!" He drew his card. "So I summon Elemental Hero Clayman (800/2000) in defense mode!" The blocky clay warrior knelt on Jaden's field. "And next I activate my Metamorphosis spell card! I sacrifice Clayman and summon Elemental Hero Clay Guardian (0/2800)!" The Hero's armor morphed, giving him a shield and golden shoulder pads. "Patrol Penalty!" the Slifer yelled as Clay Guardian smashed his shield on the ground, creating a shockwave that slammed into Phoenix.

"What's that?" Phoenix recoiled. His LifePoints fell to 3400. "Tell me!"

"He sure doesn't look happy with that," Mana commented.

"You see," Jaden clenched his fist as he grinned, "you just lost 600 points—200 for each of your cards! Now I'll throw down a face-down. And then… I'll call it quits." Jaden continued with an analysis of Phoenix's current performance.

"Does he realize we all understand what's happening?" Max asked. "Even Joan knows what's going on, and she barely plays."

The youngest member of the group glared at her cousin. "I'm glad I get to be the standard of not understanding Duel Monsters. I'll remember that the next time you break your duel disk."

"I didn't mean it that way!" Max raised his hands in defense. "You do fine at Duel Monsters! Please don't tell Uncle Tristan!"

"Smooth," Alexis rolled her eyes.

"Wow, you're even obnoxious to your own cousin," Chazz scoffed.

"You want to talk obnoxious, Hotshot?" Max glared at his roommate.

"Guys!" Mana yelled at them. "Where's Atem when I need him?" she sighed.

"All I need is a monster that's stronger than yours," Phoenix smirked as he reached for his card. "So let's see what fate has in store for me."

"It's not about fate," Jaden corrected his opponent. "It's about listening. Take me: I'm always listening to what my cards have to say."

"You really are nuts," Phoenix scowled at the Slifer. "You expect me to have a conversation with my cards?"

"Okay, he just made my hit list," Mana glared at the silver-haired duelist.

"Dueling or prank?" Max asked.

"Whichever comes first."

"You never know," Jaden was unfazed by Phoenix's attitude. "They might just answer you."

"Can Jaden do what you do with Dark Magician Girl?" Joan asked her roommate.

"Yes and no," Mana answered. "I'll fill you in later."

"Whatever," Phoenix drew his card. He frowned at the image.

"You might want to work on that poker face," Jaden commented.

"Perhaps," the silver-haired duelist smirked. "Or maybe I just want you to think it's a bad card. Or could it be I don't want to win?"

"And you called me nuts?" Jaden raised an eyebrow at his opponent.

"Now I'm suspicious," Mana eyed the pro duelist. "Why would he want to lose on purpose?"

"I agree," Alexis said.

"When you accepted my challenge, did you ever stop and ask yourself what do I want?" Phoenix asked. "Why did I come here? And most importantly, out of everyone here, why did I challenge you?" He shrugged. "Well, the truth is, I heard you were the best, and I came here to test you."

"Now I really feel like chopped liver," Mana grumbled and crossed her arms. "I would totally love to duel him with his real deck."

"Same here," Max agreed. "I could take him."

"You can't be serious," Jaden's voice drew their attention back to the duel. "This is way sweeter than the Academy's tests."

"Of course," Phoenix smirked. "'Cause this one's not about grades. It's about destiny."

"What?" Jaden blinked at his opponent.

"Maybe my Beckoning Light will clear things up!" Phoenix revealed his face-down card. "Here's the deal. Once I toss out my hand, a light-attribute monster returns from my graveyard. Then I'll use Zerato's effect again. And you know what that mean, don't you? Your Guardian's a goner!" The Sanctuary lit up, and a beam of light shatter Clay Guardian's hologram.

"Not bad," Jaden glanced around his monster-less field.

"I think your friend is in trouble," Max said. "That face-down better be a game changer."

"I have a sneaking suspicion on what it is," Mana eyed the card.

"If you think that's impressive, watch this," Phoenix continued his move. "Archlord, attack him directly! Sacred Surge!" Zerato took to the sky.

"Your Archlord's going to have to chill for a bit," Jaden played his face-down. "'Cause I play Flute of Summoning Kuriboh! Which, if you couldn't tell, summons a Kuriboh." Winged Kuriboh (300/200) appeared on the Slifer's field in time to take the Archlord's attack.

Good work, Kuriboh. Mana silently commended the spirit.

"Now what was all that business about destiny?" Jaden asked.

"It's simple," Phoenix smirked. "Everything that happens to us is planned out the day we're born. Losers are born to be losers, and legends are born to be legends."

"Who me?" Jaden pointed at himself. "I wouldn't say legend. Hero maybe. Or teen idol." He started laughing as he listed off other titles he thought applied to him.

"Someone stop him," Alexis sighed.

"And you think I'm bad?" Max looked at Mana.

"At least Jaden's having fun," Syrus shrugged.

"Glad someone is," Chazz scowled.

"All right! It's the legend's turn! So stand back," Jaden drew his card. "Sweet! I play Elemental Hero Bubbleman (800/1200)!" The blue-clad warrior landed on the field, his white cape billowing behind him. "If my field's empty, which it just so happens to be, then I get to draw two new cards from my deck." He smirked at his picks. "I'll throw down a face-down and play this: The Warrior Returning Alive! Which means that one of my warriors returns, well, alive." Sparkman returned to the Slifer's hand. "And now I play Polymerization! How about that?"

Phoenix remained silent. "He doesn't look worried at all," Mana commented.

"He might be as good as Zane when it comes to poker faces," Alexis agreed.

"Looks like the legend has rendered you speechless, eh?" Jaden shrugged. "Well this outta get a reaction. I fuse Bubbleman, Avian, and Sparkman in order to create Elemental Hero Tempest (2800/2800)!" The fused Hero stood tall on Jaden's field. "Ready? Attack! Put him away with Glider Strider!" Tempest took to the air and fired his canon at the Archlord.

"He'll lose!" Syrus recoiled.

"Ah, no he won't," Alexis stated.

"Don't you remember Tempest's special ability?" Mana added.

"I'm sure you know," Jaden kept his eyes on his opponent, "all I have to do is send one of my cards to the graveyard. That way, my Tempest can't be destroyed." His face-down card vanished as Zerato's hologram was shattered. "Now for the encore," Jaden played his last card. "Check this out: De-Fusion! It transforms my Tempest back into Sparkman, Avian, and Bubbleman." The three Heroes charged forward and eliminated the rest of Phoenix's LifePoints. The silver-haired duelist knelt on the ground in defeat.

"And that's game," Jaden gave Phoenix his victory salute. He walked over to the downed duelist. "I hope my triple threat didn't rock you too hard."

"Nah, I'm fine," Phoenix brushed it off. "Nice game."

"You too," Jaden grinned. "You had some pretty sweet moves. Not bad—for a freshman." His head began to swell as he came up with 'pointers' for Phoenix to use in the future.

After a few minutes, Phoenix began the ascent back up the cliff. He glanced at the group as he passed them.

"See you around, Phoenix," Mana called to him. He paused and looked back at them.

"Don't be a stranger!" Dorothy waved.

Phoenix said nothing and he left the area.

"So what'd you guys think of my first duel of the year?" Jaden asked as he joined them.

"Way to play, Jay," Syrus grinned at his best friend.

"Not bad, but I'm sure I can take you," Max smirked. "So you're the Jaden I've heard so much about."

"Wow, I really am a legend," Jaden rubbed the back his head and a grin stretched across his face. "So which of my famous exploits are your favorite?"

"The ones where you come back to earth," Mana interjected. "Jaden, he's heard about you through me. This is my friend Max."

"And anyone who thinks you're a legend isn't the sharpest tack in the box," Chazz scoffed.

"Hey, I didn't say I thought he was a legend," Max glared at his roommate. "I've seen legends, and I know I can't beat them…yet! But if anyone's going to be the next legend, it's me!" His stomach growled. "But after dinner."

"Sounds good," Jaden glanced down the path Phoenix disappeared. "Wonder when we'll see AP again."

"Jaden, that was Aster Phoenix," Syrus pointed out.

"Okay, so he's got a weird name," Jaden shrugged. "What's your point?"

"Dude, you claim to be legend and you don't even know that?" Max raised an eyebrow at the second-year Slifer. "He's the youngest of the top-ranked duelists on the Pro-Circuit. The only ones who are higher are the legends like my parents or The D."

"Well looks like the pro took a schooling from the student." The grin returned to Jaden's face.

"Jaden, I should tell you that wasn't his real deck," Dorothy spoke up. "He assembled that deck this morning."

"He what?" The grin disappeared. "You mean I just dueled a guy who was using leftover cards?" Jaden slumped in disappointment.

"Cheer up," Syrus encouraged him.

"At least you won," Alexis pointed out.

"And if we see him again, you could always challenge him to a rematch," Mana added.

"That's right!" Jaden perked back up. "Hey, Aster!" he called to the sky. "This game is still on!"

"Okay, but can we go eat first?" Max asked. "I'm seriously hungry."

ΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩ

Mana led the way to the Slifer cafeteria, smiling at how well Max was already getting along with Jaden and Syrus. He and Chazz were still not getting along, but at least Mana and Joan had been able to keep things from turning into another shouting match. She was not looking forward to what would happen that night.

"Let's eat!" Mana threw open the doors to see the other Slifers sitting around empty tables. "Where's the food?"

"Who knows?" one of the guys answered. "We haven't seen any professors or anyone here. No clue on the dorm head either."

"Great," Mana glanced around the room. "Okay, Max, go see what's in the pantry and see if you can whip up something for us to eat. Joan, give him a hand." The cousins headed to the backroom. "Jaden, Syrus, do what you can to make everyone feel welcome. Chazz, you're with me."

"Where are we going?" Chazz followed her out of the room.

"To see Chancellor Sheppard," she answered. "I might need someone to help keep my temper in check. And if you're with me, you won't be fighting with Max."

"Fine," he rolled his eyes. "Beats hanging out with the slackers."

"Well you've got to live with it until you score your promotion back to Obelisk," Mana pointed out. "By the way, why are you fighting with Max so much? You guys got along fine over the summer."

"We weren't locked in the same room over the summer," Chazz scowled.

"Just try to get along," Mana sighed. "Think of Max like a fourth Ojama brother."

He shuddered. "I never want that mental image again."

She snorted. "I think I just found the result of my next bet with him." She paused. "Or maybe not. Just because I don't want to think about what he'd pick for his victory."

"What? Not confident in your dueling skills against the Landstar Lamebrain?" Chazz asked.

"You say that like Duel Monsters defines all of our bets," Mana rolled her yes. "I can definitely take him a duel, but I'm not dumb enough to underestimate him. He has gotten me a few times. Plus he did get a draw with you. And he has Wheeler luck."

"Yeah, yeah," Chazz muttered as they came up on the office.

Mana knocked on the door. "What do you want?" an unfamiliar, husky voice said.

"We need to talk to Chancellor Sheppard," Mana said as she exchanged a look with Chazz.

"Chancellor Sheppard is gone," the door opened to reveal a short, rotund man. He wore a dark green military-style jacket with golden epaulets, and his receding brown hair stuck out past his ears.

"What do you mean gone?" Mana asked.

"Who the heck are you?" Chazz asked.

"I'm Vice-Chancellor Jean-Louis Bonaparte!" the man glared at them. "I work directly with Chancellor Crowler."

"Crowler?" Mana stood on her tip-toes to see past the vice-chancellor. Her eyes widened at the Obelisk head sitting at Sheppard's desk.

"Oh, it's you," Crowler frowned at the sight of the two Slifers. "Why have you two come?"

"Where is Chancellor Sheppard?" the brunette asked.

"He took a sabbatical," Crowler answered. "I don't know when he's coming back. He left me in charge while he was gone."

"Okay…" Mana paused as she looked between the two men. Chancellor Sheppard was fair when it came to dorm treatment. Crowler had his known bias, and Mana had no idea where Bonaparte's interests lay. "Who's supposed to Slifer's dorm head? No one prepared the welcome dinner."

"That's because we're in the process of upping the school's standards," Bonaparte smirked. "I can't promise the Reds will be making the cut."

"What?" Mana felt her temper rise.

"I suggest if you want to say, you might want to think about getting promoted," the vice-chancellor chuckled. "I for one don't believe the top students are really in Slifer Red."

"Want to bet?" Mana lunged forward.

"Chill," Chazz pulled her back.

"We want to prove the Academy is capable of producing a real star," Crowler shuffled the papers on his desk.

"Did you not see the graduation matches last year?" Mana asked. "Two of the best duelists the school has ever seen are preparing their debuts on the Pro Circuit."

"Yes, yes, Atem Muto and Zane Truesdale are talented," Bonaparte rubbed his hands together. "But they're still up-and-coming. We want someone who can rival Aster Phoenix."

"So he really did enroll here?" the brunette raised an eyebrow at the men.

"Yes!" Crowler grinned.

"He's probably already left," Chazz pointed out. "He didn't seem keen on sticking around."

"You saw him?" the administrators' eyes widened.

"Yeah," Mana shrugged.

"He's not that impressive," Chazz scoffed. "I could take him."

"Is that so?" Bonaparte eyed the Slifer in black. "Would you like to prove it? Maybe earn your way into Obelisk?"

"I'd be down with that," Chazz smirked. "What's the catch?"

"No catch," Bonaparte clapped his hands. "We'll arrange an opponent for you, and if you win, you can join Obelisk."

"And if he loses?" Mana asked. "Because I know how these things work."

The administrators grinned.

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"So they're going to close down the Slifer dorm?" Joan asked as crawled into the bottom bunk.

"They didn't outright say it, but that's the vibe I got from them," Mana pulled her blankets up to her chin. "But at the moment they're going to focus on promoting Chazz."

"Because they think his brothers will invest in the school?" Joan rolled her eyes.

"I never said they were right," Mana sighed. "Jagger and Slade tried to buyout the school last year, but they didn't succeed. I doubt they'd try again."

"Yeah… good night." the slowing of her breath indicted she was asleep.

"Good night," Mana snuggled deeper under her covers. She just started drifting off when someone pounded on their door.

"Joan, can you get that?" Mana was on the top bunk. Joan being on the bottom meant it was easier for her to go answer the door.

"Hrmmann," Joan mumbled incoherently. Proof she slept like the dead once her head hit the pillow. Not that Mana could take the high road when it came to waking up. The pounding on the door continued.

"Fine, I'll get it," Mana lugged herself out of bed and opened the door. "What do you want, Max?"

"Can I crash here?" the blond wore a baggy red T-shirt and green shorts. He carried a pillow and blanket with him. "I still can't get my bed in the room, and Hotshot gets a little handsy in his sleep. Kept muttering something about 'Lexi.'"

"Oh, gosh," Mana groaned, knowing full well who 'Lexi' was. "Well you can't sleep here. It's a girls' room. We'll get in major trouble."

"Oh come one," Max pleaded, leaning into the room. "Joan's my cousin. They won't care that much."

"Not chancing it," she pushed him back. "Go crash with Jaden and Syrus if you don't want to stay in your room."

"Won't that be weird?"

"Weirder than asking to sleep in the girls' room?" They locked eyes, waiting for the other to blink.

"Fine," Max relented. He moved to the next door and knocked.

After a few tries, Syrus answered the door. "What's going on?" he asked.

"You got a spare bed?" Max asked. "'Cause I really need one."

"Come in," Syrus sighed. The blond grinned and followed.

"Good tidings to all, and to all a good night," Mana shut her door and crawled back into bed.

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Joan waved good-bye to Mana as the second-year took off for her own classroom. This was it. Her first Duel Academy class. Just breathe. You can do this, Joan. She took an empty seat towards the back of the room and slid her headphones on and started her iPod, letting her RWBY music shut out the chattering around her.

Her music granting her a cloak of security, Joan glanced around at her classmates. The majority of them wore Ra Yellow blazers, likely an indication of high grades but low dueling skills. Which would make sense given this class was for designers and engineers like her. There were a few girls in the Obelisk uniforms, but they seemed to be their own group. The same seemed to be with the rest of the guys, clusters surrounding the tables in front of her.

Joan sighed and pulled out her toolbox and notebook—she wasn't sure which she would need first, and starting mouthing the lyrics to her music. If she were in the safety of her dorm or the workshop back home, she'd be belting out the lyrics like there was no tomorrow. But here was not the place to draw attention to herself. She was already the only Slifer in the room, and she was at least a year younger than everyone else.

She jumped when someone tapped on her shoulder. To her right was a Ra with black hair that stood up on either side of his head with his bangs hanging over his right eye. His lips were moving, but Joan couldn't make out what he was saying. She paused her music and slid her headphones around her neck.

"Sorry, I didn't mean to scare you," he said. "I was trying to ask if this seat was taken."

"N-no," Joan's eyes fell to her toolbox, unable to meet the Ra's cobalt gaze. "I-it's free."

"Are you okay?" the Ra carefully set down his own toolbox.

"It's fine," she managed to get out without stammering. "I'm just… not good with… people."

"Cool, another introvert," he smiled. "Based on how everyone else was clustered, I was thinking the extroverts might outnumber me. Or at least leave me on my own."

Joan envied how it easy it was for him to talk to her. Try as she might, she never had the confidence to walk up to a complete stranger and start talking. She always had Max and the others to hide behind. Or a task to distract her. But that wasn't the case here.

"Anyway, I'm Sterling," he continued. "Sterling Fudo." (6)

"Joan Taylor."

Their conversation was cut short as the professor arrived. "Hello, class," he said. He had shaggy red hair that fell to his shoulders, and he wore a white lab coat over his green Academy blazer. "I am Professor Fletcher Baumann. I am in charge of hardware design. Duel disks, holographic generators, hard drives, you name it. By the end of the semester, you'll be able to take a duel disk apart and put it back together blindfolded."

"Cool," Sterling whispered.

"But for now, I just want to get a feel for where you guys are at," Baumann opened a closet to the side of the room and passed out standard KaibaCorp duel disks. "These duel disks each have something wrong with them. I want you guys to pair up and see if you can find out why they aren't working."

"Want to pair up?" Sterling asked.

"Sure," Joan fiddled with the latch on her toolbox. He was preferable to asking one of the others in the class. A duel disk was placed between them.

"Begin," Baumann stood at the front, watching the students carefully.

"Have you tried turning it off and on again?" Sterling mused, mimicking an Irish accent.

"What?" Joan pulled out a screwdriver.

"IT Crowd," he pulled out his own screwdriver. "Whenever Roy gets called, he asks that. You ever see it?"

"No," she shook her head. She pressed the power button on it. It flickered, but didn't stay on. "It think it has a lose wire somewhere."

"Then we just have to find it," Sterling popped off one of the panels. "But I think that's easier said than done." He inspected each of the wires he could see, searching for a worn coating or something disconnected.

"Found it," Joan already had the panel off by the power source and was covering the exposed wire with electrical tape.

"That was fast."

"I've been taking duel disks apart since I was ten," she tucked a stray lock of hair behind her ear. "Started putting them back together when I was eleven. Do you have a card to test it with?"

"This may be Duel Academy, but duelist I am not," Sterling shrugged. "I never got around to building a deck. And I don't have much of a knack for the game. I can't even follow what's happening most of the time."

"It's okay, I've got one," Joan pulled out her Marshmallon card. The duel disk powered up, and when she placed the card on it, the marshmallow monster bounced around the room and snarled at her classmates.

"Well done," Baumann clapped. "That was honestly all I had planned for today, so you two may go if you want."

Joan shriveled under the looks their classmates gave them. More than a few screamed 'showoff.' I didn't think it was that hard, but maybe it wasn't as easy for everyone else.

"Thanks, Professor," Sterling packed up their tools and pulled Joan out of the classroom. She barely grabbed her toolbox in their rush to the school's entrance.

In the silence of the entryway, she set the box down and slid down along the wall. So much for not drawing attention to myself.

"Hey," Sterling tapped her shoulder, drawing her attention to him. "You going to be okay? You kind of froze in there."

"Yeah…" she looked down and pulled her knees to her chest. "I just… I don't like being the center of attention. I really didn't think we'd be first to finish."

"We got lucky," Sterling said. "I saw one of the other tables had a fried hard drive. Another had power, but it wasn't reading the card."

"When did you spot those?" Joan glanced to him before returning her gaze to the ground.

"While Professor Baumann was congratulating us," he shrugged. "I'm pretty good at identifying the problems. Not as good at fixing them. But today was to just see what we could do. And you nailed it."

"I guess I did," she took a shaky breath and smiled. "Thanks for getting me out of there, by the way."

"No problem," he smiled back. He pulled out his schedule. "Looks like I'm free until that duel everyone's supposed to go watch, and then I have Professor Stein's history class. What about you?"

"Same."

"I am not looking forward to the duel," Sterling put his schedule away. "Seriously, why does everyone have to go watch it?"

"I don't know," Joan shrugged and got to her feet. "But you could sit with my roommate and me. She could explain what you don't understand."

"I may take you up on that," Sterling scratched the back of his head. "I'm starting to think you and I are going to be great friends."

"Big talk for a Slifer Slacker," a mocking voice drew their attention to a group of students outside the door. Most of them were Obelisk Blues, but one was a Slifer Red, the source of the Blues' mocking.

"Don't you guys got any other insults?" the Slifer asked. Joan stood on her toes to try to see him better. "It's like every one of you Blues uses the same line. What, do you have a meeting and collect cue cards? Or are you just Iagos waiting for commands from Jafar?"

"What'd you say?" an Obelisk with dark gray hair snarled at him.

"You heard me," the Slifer grinned. "You guys are just parrots waiting for someone to tell you what to say." He sure sounded familiar.

"I'll make you eat those words, Slacker," the Obelisk pulled out his duel disk.

"Bring it on, tough guy," the Slifer powered up his own.

"I feel bad for that Red," Sterling shrugged. "He's got guts, but he must not have a clue what he's getting into."

Joan finally got a good enough look at the mop of curly blond hair. "I feel bad for the Obelisk that duels him."

"Okay, you probably know more about the game since you actually have a deck," Sterling turned to her, "but even I know the strongest duelists go in blue and weakest go in red. No offense."

"Don't underestimate him," she kept her eyes on the Slifer, her faith in him as strong as it always was. It gave her the confidence to speak up in his favor.

"What makes you so sure?" Sterling turned her.

"Because that's my cousin, Max," Joan said. "He's one of the best duelists I know."

"If you say so," Sterling turned his attention back to the scuffle. "But if he's so good, why is he in Slifer?"

"My roommate and her brother told us the written test determines placement," she explained. "Believe it or not, it is possible to be a good duelist without being academically inclined. From what I understand, the top two duelists in the school are both Slifers."

"Really?" Sterling raised an eyebrow. "What makes you so sure?"

"One of those two is my roommate."

"Let's duel!" the Slifer and Obelisk powered up their duel disks and drew their cards.

"I'll start with the Swordsman of Landstar (500/1200) in attack mode!" Max played his card. The warrior materialized and brandished his blade at the Obelisk. "I'll end my turn with two cards face-down. Your move, hun."

"What'd you call me?" the Obelisk scowled and drew. "I'll put you in your place, Red. Or rather my Dragon Zombie (1600/0) will." A purple, decaying dragon appeared on the field and snarled at the Swordsman. "And I'll also play the field spell Zombie World." The area around them withered and decayed, including the Swordsman.

"What the heck?" Max recoiled from his rotting monster.

"That's effect of Zombie World," the Obelisk laughed. "It turns all monsters on the field into zombies. It also prevents the tribute summon of anything other than a zombie."

"Well that stinks," Max frowned. "Literally."

"And it's about to get worse," his opponent sneered. "Dragon Zombie, destroy that pathetic Swordsman! Deadly Zombie Breath!"

"Think again!" Max revealed one of his face-downs. "I play Graceful Dice! This will multiply my Swordsman's attack points by the number I roll! (7)" The little sprite tossed a blue die. It landed on four. "Awesome! Now my Swordsman's strength rises to 2000!" The warrior's blade grew longer and shimmered with blue light. It sliced through the decayed dragon, knocking the Obelisk's LifePoints down to 3600.

"Lucky shot," the Obelisk scowled and set a card. "Make your move."

"Thanks, I will," Max grinned and drew. "First I summon Grappler of Landstar (1000/500) in attack mode." The rogue materialized on the field and then decayed from Zombie World's effect. "And now that I have two Landstars out, I can play this: Landstar Armory." A spell depicting several weapons with the Landstar crest appeared on his field. "This spell only gets to hang around until my second standby phase, but until then, once per turn I can add a Landstar equip spell from my deck to my hand. And I know just which one I want." He pulled a card out of his deck. "I equip Swordsman of Landstar with Landstar Saber, increasing his attack points by 800!" The warrior's blade grew longer and pulsed with energy. "Swordsman, attack him directly!"

"Nice try," his opponent smirked and revealed his face-down. "Dimensional Wall will send all that damage right back at you." A distortion appeared between him and the Swordsman, pushing the Landstar warrior into his master. Max's LifePoints dropped to 2700.

"Okay, let's try that again," Max stood his ground. "Swordsman, attack him one more time!" The warrior charged forward.

"What?" the Obelisk recoiled from the monster as his score dropped to 2300. "You little cheat!"

"Who you calling a cheater?" Max glared at his opponent. "It's fair. Landstar Saber lets my Swordsman attack twice each turn. Or maybe you should've paid more attention." He glanced to his other monster. "Grappler, your turn. Show him you're made of." The rogue charged forward and struck the Obelisk, knocking him down to 1300 LifePoints. "Show me what you got, hun."

"That really seems to be irritating the Obelisk," Sterling observed. "Is that why your cousin's doing it?"

"Partially," Joan kept her eyes on the duel. If she focused on that, it made commenting easier. And that way she could focus on that instead of tripping over the idea of talking to a relative stranger. "Max likes to bug people, especially those he finds obnoxious. The hun thing is something his mom does. Aunt Mai calls pretty much everyone that."

"I play Call of the Mummy!" the Obelisk slammed the card into his duel disk. "Now if I don't have any monsters out, I can special summon any zombie monster from my hand. And I summon Despair from the Dark (2800/3000)!" A mass of shadows rose from the field with dark red energy pulsing from it. Glowing eyes locked on the pair of Landstars. "Despair from the Dark, slaughter that Swordsman! Eternal Darkness!"

"I play a trap: Skull Dice!" Max revealed his trap card. "This'll cut that creepy shadow down to size!" A dark sprite tossed a red die. It landed on a one. "No!"

"Too bad, Slacker," the Obelisk sneered. "Maybe you should learn some actual skills instead of relying on dumb luck." Despair, uninhibited by the Skull Dice, crushed the Swordsman in a mass of darkness. Max's LifePoints fell to 1200.

"Shut up!" Max scowled. "I got more skills in my left pinky than you'll ever have."

"Go ahead try," his opponent scoffed. "Let's see you get past these two face-downs."

"Oh, I will," the Slifer drew. "I summon the Mage of Landstar (1000/400)!" A spellcaster clad in red and white robes with a red hat on her pear-shaped head materialized on his field. She decayed with Zombie World's effect. "And once per turn, I can roll a die and gain LifePoints equal to 200 times the result."

"More luck moves?" the Obelisk rolled his eyes. "You're just prolonging the inevitable."

"That's what you think," Max continued his move. Mage raised her wand, and a white die rolled onto the field, landing on a three. "Oh, yeah! That's 600 more points coming my way." His score rose to 1800. "And now I'll use the effect of my Landstar Armory to add another equip spell to my hand." Max pulled a card from his deck. "Check out my Landstar Gauntlets. Not only do they give my Grappler 300 extra points, but they also let him instantly destroy any monster in defense mode he battles."

"To bad Despair's in attack mode," the opponent mocked. "You'll need to do better than those pathetic excuses for monsters if you want to defeat me. But I'm guessing you don't have anything better, not that you could summon them anyway. Those weaklings are perfect for a Slifer Slacker such as yourself."

"You really shouldn't underestimate us," Max smirked. "Sometimes the weakest have tricks up their sleeves. Just like this: Level Limit Area B!" Despair from the Dark curled in on itself, forced into defense mode by the Slifer's spell.

"No way!" the Obelisk recoiled.

"Yes way," Max mocked his opponent's reaction. "Now, Grappler, attack that freaky shadow mass! Grappling Strike!" The rogue charged forward and punched the shadow form, shattering it."

The Obelisk burst into laughter. "You imbecile! I wanted you to destroy Despair! Now I can summon my strongest monster!"

"Bring it on; I ain't scared," Max refused to back down.

"I play A Deal with Dark Ruler!" the Obelisk revealed one of his face-downs. "Since you destroyed my level eight monster, this lets me summon Berserk Dragon (3500/0)! And I'll also chain my Mystical Space Typhoon to my Deal and destroy your Level Limit!"

Max's spell shattered as a large, black, skeletal dragon rose from the ground in front of the Obelisk. Despite herself, Joan recoiled from the monster. She remembered that beast from the stories she heard growing up, and it was the one that always frightened her the most. Hang in there, Max.

"That thing ain't so tough," Max stood his ground and set your card. "Do your worst, hun."

"Stop calling me that!" the Obelisk snarled. "I play Pot of Greed to draw two cards. Now, Berserk Dragon, destroy those pathetic wannabe monsters. Apocalypse Blast!"

"Go, Kunai with Chain!" A chain wrapped around the dragon, pulling it back. Grappler yanked on the bindings, forcing the dragon to cower on the field. "You walked right into that one," Max smirked.

"You little…!" the Obelisk clenched his fist. If it were possible, Joan would have expected steam to come out of his ears. "I play two cards face-down and end my turn."

"And your Berserk Dragon loses 500 attack points too," Max reminded his opponent and drew his card. "I know how that card works. Just like I know Pot of Greed will let me draw two cards." He grinned at his result. "Perfect. I play Harpies' Feather Duster! This'll sweep away all your spells and traps." Feathers blew across the field, shattering the face-downs and returning the scenery to the normal lawns of the Academy. Max's monsters returned to their living forms. "Now, Mage, destroy Berserk Dragon! Mystic Blast!" Mage of Landstar pointed her staff at the dragon and fired a blazing red shot at it. Berserk Dragon's hologram shattered. "Now, Grappler, finish him off with Grappling Strike!" The rogue charged forward and knocked the Obelisk backwards, eliminating the rest of his LifePoints. "And the adventurers slay the monster, bringing peace once again to the realm." He laughed and extended a hand to his opponent. "Good game, Blue."

"Shut up!" the Obelisk slapped his hand away and got to feet. "Who do you think you are?"

"Well, the name's Maxwell Wheeler, but you can call me Max," the blond Slifer shrugged. "I may not have the fancy digs you got, but I got just as much talent as anyone here."

"Wait, Wheeler?" one of the other Obelisks connected the dots.

"Yeah, as in Joey Wheeler," Max rolled his eyes. "It's not that big a deal, but he's my dad. I learned a lot about dueling from my parents."

"I'm not sticking around to mess with Wheeler," the other lackeys turned tail and left, leaving the defeated one to follow after them.

"And now I see why Mana enrolled under an alias," Max shrugged. "Oh well." He turned and noticed Joan and Sterling. "Yo, Joan! How long have you been here?"

"Long enough to see the duel," Joan smiled at the confident look her cousin wore. "Nice work."

"Well someone's gotta put those stuck-ups in their place," Max laughed. "Though I don't really get why they fled at my name."

"Isn't Wheeler one of the top three duelists in the world?" Sterling asked. "I mean, I don't know that much about the game, but it's hard not to hear things about the top ones."

"I guess it ain't as normal for everyone else," Max shrugged. "By the way, who are you?"

"Sterling Fudo," the Ra extended a hand to him. "A pleasure." Max shook it.

"He's in my class," Joan added.

"Ah," Max nodded. "Just so you know, if you mess with her, I won't hesitate to hurt you."

"Max!" Joan felt her face heat up and dropped her gaze to the ground.

"I promise I have no intention," Sterling glanced back and forth between the cousins. "I apologize if it appeared that way. I can't say I have a lot of experience with people."

"Relax, man," Max laughed and clapped the Ra on the back. "I'm just messing with you. But seriously though, don't hurt my cousin."

Joan's PDA started ringing, interrupting Max's hazing of Sterling. "Where are you?" Mana appeared on the screen. "Chazz's duel is going to start soon. We saved you seats."

"We're on our way," Joan answered.

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Mana waved to Max and Joan as they entered the arena with a black-haired Ra. The cousins spotted her and took seats next to Jaden and Syrus and Sterling sat on the other side of Joan. Mana grinned with pride at Joan making a friend on her own on her first day.

"So these are the dorks you're always going on about?" a voice behind her asked. "Really not impressed."

"And a ray of sunshine to you too, Airi," Mana turned to face the white-haired freshman.

"You know her?" Alexis narrowed her hazel eyes at Airi.

"I really was expecting more," Airi rolled her eyes at the second-year.

"Sorry if she was being a pain, Alexis," Mana sighed. "This is Airi Kaiba. We've grown up together. Makes it easy to forget how mean she can come across. We're kind of used to her."

"That explains the icy attitude I got earlier," Alexis turned her attention to the duelists shuffling their decks.

"So what brings you here, Airi?" Mana asked her friend.

"They said it was required to attend," she answered. "Figured Joan was the least likely to aggravate me. Though the Pup is the most likely, so that probably makes this a moot point."

"Glad to hang around you too, Dragon Girl," Max grinned.

"Whatever," Airi rolled her eyes. "I just hope the Ojama Prince doesn't mess up too badly."

"Chazz has got this," Mana looked to her friend and his opponent. "That freshman won't know what hit him."

"Oh, look," the Obelisk mocked the black-clad Slifer, "it's the guy who got booted from the Blues."

"You're an obnoxious little punk," Chazz sneered. "I can respect that, but no snot-nosed freshman can stand up to the Chazz."

"Bonjour," Bonaparte spoke into a microphone. "For those of you who don't know, I'm Vice-Chancellor Jean-Louis Bonaparte. But enough about me." He pointed to Chazz. "This is about him: former Obelisk Blue student Chazz Princeton! If he wins, he goes back to the blue dorm!"

"I still can't believe how egotistical Crowler's being," Alexis frowned. "Trying to use Chazz as a marketing ploy?"

"I don't see why my parents hired him," Airi rolled her eyes. "He sure doesn't act like an administrator."

"As long as they keep the Slifer dorm open, I don't really care," Mana added. "But I sure didn't like their implications when Chazz and I talked to them last night."

"Yeah, they don't do great with first impressions," Max chimed in. "At least not to those of us with a red jacket.

"And give a big Duel Academy welcome to our challenger!" Bonaparte pointed at the Obelisk. "He's a top-ranking freshman, so give it up for Mr. Reginald Van Howell III!" Reginald waved to the crowd.

"I like how he said a top-ranking and not the top-ranking freshman," Airi commented.

"Why, 'cause you think it's you?" Mana raised an eyebrow at the first-year.

"Who else would it be?" she smirked and inspected her fingernails.

"This guy almost seems like Chazz," Syrus observed. "You know, before he became a has-been."

"Syrus!" Mana chastised her friend. "Just because Chazz lost to me and Jaden does not make him a has-been. After all, we'd all be has-beens if a few losses were all it took."

"Okay, you all know the drill," Bonaparte continued his introduction. "No direct attacks below the belt. Trash talk, however, is encouraged."

"Then let me start the insults," Reginald pointed an accusatory finger at his opponent. "You're a nasty, stuck-up snob, and no one here likes you!"

"He must make great friends with that attitude," Sterling commented.

"I'm waiting for the insult," Chazz blinked at his opponent. "Maybe you haven't picked up on this yet, Little Reggie, but I do things my way, and I didn't come here to win any popularity contests. So let's get on with it; talk is cheap, and unlike you, I don't do cheap."

At Bonaparte's command, the players powered up their duel disks. "I'll kick this thing off with my Marauding Captain (1200/400)!" A blond warrior with silver armor and a steel longsword materialized on the field. "And now that he's on the field, I can summon yet another monster: Warrior Lady of the Wasteland (1100/1200)!" A swordswoman clad in tight-fitting blue leather armor with a dark brown cape and hat appeared next to the Captain.

"Can I yawn yet?" Chazz asked. "Or do you have some more lame cards? Please tell me you're done."

"Not be a longshot, Chazzy," Reginald pulled a card from his hand. "Check this out: I activate my Jewel Sword and equip it to my Marauding Captain!" One of the Captain's swords morphed into a longer blade with a more ornate handle. "But that's not my only upgrade. Next I'll boost my Warrior Lady with Divine Sword – Phoenix Blade!" The swordswoman's blade extended, its handle morphing into a golden bird.

"Not bad," Syrus said. "He's really giving Chazz a run for his money, guys."

"Yeah, and Chazz has a ton of cash," Jaden agreed.

"Pathetic," Airi leaned back and crossed her arms. "Equip spells are useful, but they only get you so far. And neither of those spells have made those warriors any kind of real threat. You'd have to be as weak as the Pup to be intimidated by that."

"Pup?" Syrus looked at the Obelisk freshman.

"HEY!" Max glared at her.

"Guys," Mana sighed. "You know, Airi, until that last bit I thought you going for just a general insult. But then you had to drag Max into it."

"Yeah, why do I put up with you?" Max asked.

"Like I care," Airi rolled her eyes.

"I'll throw this down and call it a turn," Reginald set his card. "Looks like you're up, Chazz-ball. Think you have what it takes? Rumor has it you own the best deck money can buy. Now let's see if it was worth it."

"Does this guy really think expensive cards are automatically better?" Max asked.

"Unfortunately, it's a common mentality among the majority of Obelisks," Mana answered. "Chazz used to be like that. That changed shortly before we faced off in the School Duel last year."

"What's the problem?" Reginald continued mocking his opponent. Afraid all this time as a Slifer has turned you into a slacker? That black getup doesn't fool me. You're a redcoat, Chazzy."

"Do you ever shut up?" Chazz drew his card. "Well this should help. I play X-Head Cannon (1800/1500)!" A blue and gold machine materialized on his field.

"Now there's some good taste," Airi smirked.

"Now try this on for size: my Graceful Charity!" Chazz continued his move, drawing three cards and discarding Chthonian Polymer and Ojamagic.

"Ojama-what?" Reginald tried to follow.

"Can someone explain for the non-duelists here?" Sterling asked.

"Don't worry about the Polymer," Mana said. "But Ojamagic lets Chazz add the three Ojama Brothers to his hand." She spotted the Ojamas hovering around their partner. Mana could only imagine what they were saying to annoy Chazz this time. Though the bar was set pretty low.

"I don't get it," Reginald raised an eyebrow at the second-year. "Why would you play three total wimps?"

"Here's why," Chazz answered. "Never underestimate the power of the Chazz." He played the spell Ojama Ride.

"I know I'm going to sound like a broken record," Sterling looked to the Slifers and Obelisks, "but I don't know that card."

"It lets Chazz discard his three Ojamas to special summon up to three union monsters from his deck," Max explained. "But they have to be level four or less."

"And there are two union monsters that are capable of combining with X-Head Cannon," Joan added. "I'm guessing he's going for those."

"If he's smart he will," Airi scoffed.

"Who's the slacker now, Reggie?" Chazz mocked as he discarded the brothers to summon Y-Dragon Head (1500/1600) and Z-Metal Tank (1500/1300). The metallic red dragon and yellow tank appeared on the field. "I combine X, Y, and Z into the XYZ-Dragon Cannon (2800/2600)!" The three machines transformed, combining into one large metal beast."

"This is bad," Reginald recoiled.

"Perceptive," Chazz smirked and held up two cards. "And it's going to get worse when I activate his special ability. By putting two cards in my graveyard, I instantly send two of your cards packing." He slid the two he'd picked into the graveyard slot. The holograms of the Captain and Warrior Lady shattered in a burst of golden light. "Oh well, there goes your defense. XYZ-Dragon Cannon, direct attack!" The machine fired all of its cannons, knocking Reginald down to 1200 LifePoints. "Still think you have a shot?"

"You're going to be sorry you did that to me," Reginald scowled. "Thanks to my Jewel Sword, I get to draw one card from my deck."

"You've got me shaking in my boots," Chazz mocked.

"When is this duel going to get interesting?" Airi rolled her eyes. "The only points scored are from XYZ-Dragon Cannon, and that's only because I actually like that card."

"You just like that card because your dad uses it," Mana pointed out.

"Shut up, Mage."

"Make me, Dragon Breath."

"I can't tell if you two get along or hate each other," Alexis looked between them.

"The word is tolerate," Airi rolled her eyes.

"You get used to her," Mana shooed away the notion with her hand. "Airi's got that world-famous Kaiba ego. You just gotta learn how to deflate it every once in a while."

"Now let me show you how it's done," Reginald's voice drew their attention back to the match. "I activate a personal favorite of mine called Pot of Greed. Now I pick up two more cards."

"Stalling for time won't work, kid," Chazz said.

"Does this look like stalling to you?" Reginald revealed his face-down. "Call of the Haunted brings a monster back from my graveyard. And I choose Warrior Lady of the Wasteland!" The swordswoman returned to the field, her blade pointed directly at Chazz. "And now, since I'm the kind of guy who likes to take care of his peeps, I'm giving her a shiny new Great Sword." The Warrior Lady's sword shifted into a heavier blade, giving her 300 more points.

"She still doesn't come close to my Dragon Cannon," Chazz pointed out.

"That's exactly why I plan to sacrifice her," Reginald smirked. "So I can play a little card called Gilford the Legend (2600/2000)!" Warrior Lady vanished, and a warrior with long red hair took her place. He swung his massive broadsword at Chazz.

"What a sweet move," Jaden commented.

"I'm confused," Sterling spoke up. "Didn't he just waste that equip card?"

"Yeah, you're right," Syrus agreed. "Playing that Great Sword was kind of pointless."

"Not if you remember Gilford's special ability," Alexis told them. "He can equip himself with every equip spell in that freshman's graveyard."

"Which is not good for Chazz," Mana added. "With the three Reginald already used, Gilford's got 3500 attack points." She eyed the warrior's broadsword as it morphed to take on aspects of the three blades already used.

"And I've got more," Reginald continued with another equip spell. "By discarding one card, Gilford gets even stronger!" Gilford's blade sparked with red energy and grew even larger, bringing his attack to 4000."

"That sword needs its own zip code," Syrus stared at the blade.

"I know," Jaden agreed.

"Finally this duel is getting interesting," Airi smirked.

"Whose side are you on?" Mana glared at the freshman.

"I don't really care who wins," the white-haired girl shrugged. "The only reason I came is because it was mandatory."

"Well at least pretend to support Chazz then," Mana rolled her eyes. "If only because he's our friend."

"Yeah, I'll do that right after I ride my magical unicorn across a field of rainbows," Airi scoffed.

Gilford swung his massive sword, cleaving XYZ-Dragon Cannon in two. Chazz's LifePoints fell to 2800. "You're defenseless," Reginald mocked.

"But the Chazz always has a back-up plan," the second-year drew two more cards with Pot of Greed. "I play Ojamandala. I give up a thousand points to bring back you-know-who." His score dropped to 1800 as Ojama Yellow (0/1000), Ojama Green (0/1000), and Ojama Black (0/1000) materialized on the field. "These three misfits make not look like much, but they're about to take you down." Chazz pointed at his opponent to accentuate his point.

"You're bluffing!" Reginald accused.

"Time to rough him up, boys," Chazz said to the brothers and played Ojama Delta Hurricane. The three Ojamas floated back-to-back and spun, increasing in speed until they were just a tri-colored blur. The blur slammed into Gilford, shattering his hologram.

"The strongest monster in my deck… destroyed by dweebs… in undies." Reginald sank to his knees as his warrior's destruction.

"These guys may seem like a bunch of wimps, but these three mutants can be pretty vicious, especially when they're used with Ojama Delta Hurricane." Chazz grinned.

He really has come to accept them. Mana smiled at her friend and the three brothers. Their teamwork was definitely keeping Chazz on top of the duel. One more combo like that, and he'd have this match one. Reginald drew for Jeweled Sword's effect, and Chazz ended his turn with a face-down.

"Let me guess, that's another lame Ojama card, right?" Reginald sneered.

"Why do you say that?" Chazz smirked.

"Oh, I don't know," the freshman snarled. "Maybe because you built your entire deck around the Three Stooges! I've had it! Those freaks have made a fool out of me for that last time!"

"You're right, kid," Chazz laughed. "Why let them make a fool out of you when you do such a great job making a fool out of yourself?"

"Whatever," Reginald drew his card. "You're a second-rate duelist with a third-rate deck."

"Hey, that's my line," Airi scowled.

"Technically, it's Uncle Seto's," Mana pointed out. "I think he trademarked that one."

"See now, this is a real card," Reginald activated his spell. "It's called Premature Burial. Once I pay 800 points, a monster comes back from my grave. And I choose my Armed Samurai – Ben Kei (500/800)!" A fighter appeared on the field. He wielded a glaive in each hand and had arrows sticking out of his flesh in several places. "But wait—I'm not done! I remove two warriors from the game, thanks to the ability of my Phoenix Blade." He held up Warrior Lady and Marauding Captian before sticking them in his blazer pocket. "Now there's one more thing: I take Phoenix Blade and Lightning Blade and give them to Ben Kei!" The glaives were replaces by the equip swords; Ben Kei's strength rose to 1600. "Now attack! Destroy that yellow pipsqueak!" The warrior sliced through Ojama Yellow. "But I'm not done yet. Ben Kei gets an extra attack for every card he's equipped with."

"That's not good," Mana commented.

"Yeah, do the math," Jaden agreed. "Reggie gets three more attacks, and Chazz only has two more monsters."

"Hopefully Hotshot's face-down can counter that," Max chimed in. "If not, it'll come down to his last draw."

Ben Kei destroyed the other two Ojamas and charged in for the direct attack. Chazz's LifePoints dropped to 200. "Aw, what's wrong?" Reginald mocked his opponent. "You miss your little friends Loogi, Mucus, and Snotball?"

"Not my friends," Chazz revealed his face-down. "But I'll bring them back anyway. My Ojama Delta Wear automatically returns the Gruesome Threesome to the field." The brothers came cheering onto the field.

"Ah, Team Pathetic is back," Reginald scoffed. "And guess who the biggest loser of them all is?"

"You know, this guy is slowly climbing the ranks of my hit list," Mana narrowed her eyes at the Obelisk. "I might go for a piece after Chazz beats him."

"Don't do something that will get you detention," Joan said.

"You know, I used to be just like you," Chazz's voice drew their attention back to the duel. "An elitist snob who looked down on everyone around him. But I've changed. Know how?" He drew his card. "Now I'm a snob who only looks down on some people."

"Wow, real nice, Hotshot," Max rolled his eyes.

"Anyway," Chazz activated his Polymerization. "I merge my Ojamas together to form Ojama King (0/3000)!" The three brothers combined into one large, silver creature.

"Dude, your King has no points?" Reginald blinked at the massive Ojama.

"Gee, thanks," Chazz's voice dripped with sarcasm. "It's a good thing he won't be around for much longer, 'cause I'm activating this: Mecha Ojama King Transformation!" Light flashed around Ojama King. When it faded, a mechanical version of him stood in his place.

"But that doesn't make any—"

"Yeah, I know!" Chazz cut off his opponent. "You're wondering why my Mecha Ojama King (0/3000) doesn't have any attack points either. What it does have is a handy special ability that lets me summon one Ojamachine each turn. So I play Ojamachine Yellow (0/100)!" A mechanical version of Chazz's spirit partner materialized on the field. "Did I mention this little geek-bot as a little party trick of his own?" The robot's mouth sprung open, and another one popped out. The second robot did the same thing, and the chain continued until there were four yellow Ojama robots on the field. "Attack!" Chazz ordered the Yellows.

They started hopping toward Ben Kei. "This is insane," Reginald balked at the machines. "My samurai has 1600 attack points. Your toads have zero." The first Ojamachine Yellow hurled itself at Ben Kei and exploded. "Yes, I win!" Reginald grinned. His grin fell when Chazz's LifePoints didn't.

"Actually, it's the opposite," Chazz smirked. "When my Ojamachine Yellow is destroyed, my points don't change. But I can't say the same for yours, 'cause you're about to take 300 points of damage."

"But that means," Reginald recoiled as his points dropped to 100.

"Spit it out, Reggie," Chazz sneered. "It means one more attack and you lose. Welcome to Duel Academy, freshman."

The other Yellows threw themselves at Ben Kei and exploded, eliminating the rest of Reginald's LifePoints. He dropped to his knees in defeat.

"It looks like slumming with the Slifers hasn't hurt my game," Chazz powered down his duel disk. "Maybe now you'll see that the color of your coat doesn't mean squat. 'Cause an Obelisk Blue, who supposed to be the best of the best, just got schooled by a Slifer Red. Face it, kid, whether we're wearing blue, red, yellow, or polka dots, you'll always be the same loser. And I'll always be the Chazz!" The students erupted in his 'Chazz it up' cheer.

"Idiots," Airi scoffed at the cheering.

"The Chazz has spoken!" the black-clad Slifer embraced the attention.

"Way to win one for the Reds!" Jaden ran onto the stage and threw an arm around the victor. "I always knew you were one of us!"

"Not bad, Hotshot," Max followed and pulled the second-year into a headlock, giving him a noogie. "You do got a heart under all that attitude."

"Knock it off!" Chazz pulled away. "I never said I was one of you." He was drowned out as all the other Slifers, Mana and Joan included, ran out to show their appreciation of him. Soon the victor was being tossed into the air.

"Drop me, you dorks!" he yelled.

"Didn't see this coming," Crowler shrugged. Mana turned her attention to him, wary of what he was planning. "But if he wants to be a slacker, who am I to stop him?" He held up the microphone so the entire arena could hear him. "Attention please. There's been a change of plans. Chazz Princeton shall remain in Slifer Red!" The Slifers erupted in the 'Chazz it up' chant again.

"But I don't want—" Chazz protested.

"There's no need to thank me," Crowler cut him off. "I'm just doing my job."

"Sorry, Chazz," Mana shrugged. "I guess you wore a little too much of your heart on your sleeve. "Not that that's a bad thing."

"Hey, Chazz, now that you're our team mascot, we've got a ton of stuff to do," Jaden grinned. "Get you a red jacket, teach you the secret handshake…"

"Get my bed in our room," Max cut in. "I ain't letting you kick me out two nights in a row."

Mana rolled her eyes. "Welcome to another year at Duel Academy."

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"Guys!" Syrus burst into the cafeteria where Mana, Jaden, Max, and Joan were hanging out. "I just overheard Crowler and Bonaparte talking about wanting to tear down the Slifer dorm!"

"What?" Jaden recoiled.

"Man, I was hoping they weren't serious about that," Mana bit her lip. "I knew they didn't like us, but this is too far."

"Should we write Aunt K?" Max asked. "No way she'd let us be kicked just because of our dorm."

"Not just yet," Mana shook her head. "Syrus, did both of them seem on board with the idea?"

"Pretty sure," he answered. "Though… it did seem more Bonaparte's idea than Crowler's."

"That was the impression I got when Chazz and I talked to them last night," Mana bit her thumbnail. "That might work for us though." She looked at Jaden and Syrus. "The three of us spent last year proving ourselves to the school. Dr. Crowler was willing to acknowledge Chumley's growth when they dueled. And they can't deny Atem and Zane are two of the best duelists the school has ever seen. And they passed their torches to us. Even though we're Slifers."

"What are you getting at?" Joan asked.

"I'm saying we're the first line of defense for the dorm," Mana answered. "And if we prove ourselves even more, they can't get rid of us. So we have to be on our best behavior. That means no sleeping in class," she glared at Jaden, "no eating in class," she turned her glare on Max, "absolutely nothing that can give them reason to kick us out. And yes, I know that means I can't follow through with every prank idea I get. Joan, you might need to help me with that. But if we can do this and start getting grades that can rival the Ras and Obelisks, we can convince Dr. Crowler to keep Slifer open. If that still doesn't work, then we call Aunt K."

"I'm in," Jaden flicked his nose and grinned. "Well, aside from the no sleeping part. When else I'm I supposed to catch my z's?"

Mana smacked his arm. "What did I just say? We gotta be on our best behavior."

"But—"

She smacked him again. "No buts!"

"I agree with Mana," Syrus spoke up. "But what about duels?"

"I'm with Syrus on that," Joan looked down at the ground. "I mean, I'm certainly no duelist."

Mana paused. Joan was in Slifer because she wanted to room with her. And she wasn't going to pass any promotion duels, even if she was offered it. "We'll practice. We'll prepare until anyone one of us can beat the Reginald Van Howells like it's nothing."

"Then let's get started," Max punched his palm to prove his point. "We'll teach those two not to underestimate us Slifers."

Mana grinned at him. "You've been a Slifer barely 24 hours and you're already leading the charge. Welcome to the crew, Max."

The dorm shook, interrupted the Slifer team meeting. "It's happening!" Syrus screamed.

The five raced out to see what was happening. "They can't tear down the dorm yet!" Max protested.

Chazz stood watching a construction crew on the east side of the dorm. "What are you dorks worked up about this time?" he asked.

"What's with the construction crew?" Mana asked.

"They're building me a private addition to this dump," he answered. "I figure if I'm going to be stuck in this place, I may as well be living in style."

"Awesome!" Max grinned. "I get to be in a fancy new addition."

"Didn't you hear me?" Chazz glared at him. "I said it was private!"

"But we're roommates?" Max gave him an innocent look.

"How are you even…?" Mana started to ask.

"I have a good lawyer," he answered before she could finish. "I got my funds back. And I'm going to use the credit card before they decide to mess with it again."

"That'll be a fun bill for them to get later," she shrugged. "But we are going to need your help, Chazz."

"You don't seriously think those two are going to shut down the dorm?" he raised an eyebrow at her. "They don't have the guts. Remember who their boss is? No sane person would cross him. Except maybe you."

"You do have a good point," Mana said. If Crowler and Bonaparte wanted to work another day, they wouldn't cross the owner of the school. "But we've also learned the administration has kept secrets from them. I still say we tread cautiously and not give them any reason to expel us."

"Like the Chazz is going to get expelled," he rolled his eyes and walked closer to the construction area.

Mana glared at his receding back. Just when I think he's opening up and trusting us more.

"Well there's not much else we can do now," Max shrugged. "And since we still don't have a dorm head, I guess that means I gotta cook again. Anyone want to help?"

"I'll give you a hand," Joan offered.

"Great." The cousins headed into the kitchen, leaving the three second years alone.

"Do you think Chazz is right?" Syrus asked. "I could have overreacted to what they were saying."

"I don't think you were," Mana bit her lip. "We all know Dr. Crowler doesn't like the Slifers. He made that abundantly clear last year. Bonaparte seems even more against us. Even if they don't literally tear down the dorm, they could try other methods to get rid of us. We proceed with caution."

"You know, you're kind of scary when you're being all logical," Jaden said. "We're not gonna let anything happen to this place."

"I hope you're right, Jaden," Syrus looked to his friend.

"I am," he insisted. "We'll take on whatever they throw at us."

Mana nodded. "I'm with you, Jaden." Bring it on, Chancellor. We'll prove we deserve to stay here.

1. I kind of assume that the PDA system allows students to look up pretty much anyone to contact by name. In the second and third episodes, Chazz and Alexis are able to send messages to Jaden without any exchange of contact info (since I really doubt Chazz would have asked Jaden for it, and Alexis never got the chance). So there's probably a database of contacts. And as for Mana, as I mentioned previously, her records are going to have Gardner on all of them.

2. Crush Card Virus has gone through a few erratas over the years. So since the card does actually appear in season 4 of GX, I'm going with the three turns aspect of it here, but I am keeping the style Kaiba used where the monster was attacked in order to trigger the virus. If that makes sense.

3. So those of you who read A Dragon's Destiny will know that I figured out a little loophole on the only four copies of Blue-Eyes in order to give Kisara her own copy. I won't go into those particular reasons here, but Kisara's copy is the one Airi has, and that is her only one.

4. Okay, so Aster is supposed to be a famous professional duelist, and yet everyone is surprised when he's using Elemental Heroes against Zane? Why is everyone surprised? Shouldn't people know he uses Heroes since he's probably been using them his entire career? This is where I really have to question character logic.

5. That freaking cell phone pretty much broke me when I was trying to write that scene. Jaden even says there's no reception in the same scene. And I had already established way back in chapter seven that written letters and the video phone in the Chancellor's office were the only means of outside communication, so I had to change that. Sartorius technically enrolls as a student later (as Aster did as well), so logically, they'd get PDAs too. At least, that was the least objectionable answer to this thing that broke my Academy universe rules. Stupid phone. :-P

6. Do you guys know who Joan is now? :-D

7. Like with Crush Card, I'm going with the anime effects for Graceful Dice and Skull Dice.

Once again, thank you all for reading! How many of you guys were expecting Fudo to appear? I wasn't at first, but it is kind of another example of my imagination running around with me. I first started with the idea that, in the dub, Tristan and Yusei are both voiced by Greg Abbey, and then I started to notice more similarities, and things escalated from there. I hope you guys really like how the teens grow into the canon characters we know.

I also want to thank my friend LoveGlutton for help in developing Max and Airi's decks. He helped me come up with the Landstar support cards and was also the one who suggested the Airi vs Hassleberry duel, which I think works in straightening out Hassleberry's motivations a bit. I mean, there's no logical reason for him, a military guy who decides to 'make do' with being in Ra, to be stealing student's duel disks like a standard bully. Also, Airi's comment about beating 100 duelists is a reference to the inspiration of Seto Kaiba.

And now for users who correctly guessed Joan's identity: Akumu22, animebella09, guest reviewer Harrison, and the reviewer simply called Guest (on chapter 19, posted back in July). I have discussed with Akumu22 and animebella09 what one-shots they would like, and you guys can keep an eye out for those coming out sometime in the future. As for the guest reviewers, I don't have a way of contacting you, so I have no way of coordinating a one-shot prize. But you guys at least get bragging rights.

And lastly, here are the custom cards used in this chapter. Mage of Landstar was already shown last time, so I won't put her twice.

Landstar Armory
Continuous Spell
Effect: While you control 2 "Landstar" monsters with different names you can search your deck for one "Landstar" equip spell. You can only activate this effect once per turn. Destroy this card on your second standby phase after activation.

Landstar Saber
Equip Spell
Effect: Equip only to a "Landstar" monster. The equipped monster gains 800 attack points. The equipped monster can attack twice each turn.

Landstar Gauntlets
Equip Spell
Effect: Equip only to a "Landstar" monster. The equipped monster gains 300 attack and defense points. If the equipped monster attacks a defense position monster, destroy it before damage calculation.

Thanks again for reading! Let me know what you think, whether it be my OCs or portrayals of the canon characters, or just the fact I'm a rambling Yu-Gi-Oh! nut on the internet at this point with my notes. See you next time.