Ra Dorm: Saturday, After Dinner…
With the second week of school having ended, amongst keeping up on school work, Kai finally finished assembling the list of cards he wanted. He took every experience with the Heroic Challengers/Champions into account before settling on a rather promising series of cards.
One which in theory should enhance his deck to a whole new level. Additionally, he nailed down some specific, extra cards that were sure to complete his deck's evolution. All that remained was to acquire the cards. Given his extensive history with deck building, he'd already researched it.
He knew what packs to get and what would be better served just being bought outright. Upon speaking of his intentions and outlining a few of the extraneous cards he was looking for, Bastion spoke of his own research into his deck and how he was ready to do the very same.
As such, the pair agreed to head to the card shop together tomorrow. They'd attempted to invite Dimitri, but he grew rather silent as they talked shop on decks. Not long after, Bastion suggested they could do some trading which saw Dimitri excusing himself abruptly.
Later…
"Hey Dimitri, are you in there?" Kai called out.
He had just knocked on the copycat duelist's door again hoping he'd answer. It wasn't long after he left dinner that Kai saw fit to follow him. Eventually, he just sighed upon realizing Dimitri didn't want to seemingly answer his door.
He started walking to his room when Bastion approached him. "There you are." The heroic user looked his way. "I've overheard from people Dimitri left a little while ago to look for someone to duel. He may still be around the dorm."
"We should have a look." Kai stated.
Both Ras silently agreed they wanted to see their friend was alright, so they ended up falling into step with one another.
"As we walk, are you feeling ready for the exams?" Bastion asked.
"If all goes to plan tomorrow, I'll have two weeks to get my evolved deck down." Kai voiced. "With it, I believe my chances of promoting into Obelisk Blue are high."
Of course, whether his exam duel would be considered a promotion duel would come down to Sartyr. Kai heard headmasters usually got the students up for promotion alone closer to the date and informed them then. He just had to work to be one in the meantime.
At this point, they'd walked into the main common area and spotted a group of fellow Ras sat around a table with the textbooks from Crowler's class spread out among them. A little over two weeks out from the exams yet people were already studying up.
Suddenly, the pair heard an explosion, from what sounded like the end of a duel, prompting Bastion to speak up. "That could be Dimitri."
"Hopefully." Kai started walking. "Come on, let's take a look."
Duel Academy Island
The Ra pair stepped outside just in time to see the end of a duel between Dimitri and an Obelisk who'd been passing by. The holographic visage of Metaphys Horus, an ethereal, silver wyrm, breathed white flames at Dimitri as his field was empty, and this depleted his life points to zero.
"Are you really a Ra?" The Obelisk laughed while shaking his head. "If you are, they all must be as pathetic as you."
"Don't insult Ra like that." Dimitri voiced, his tone uncharacteristically filled with malice.
"News flash buddy, the only one insulting Ra is you." The Obelisk scoffed. "Especially with those stupid impressions of yours."
Just as it looked like Dimitri was about to do something he would regret, Kai stepped between them. "Before things escalate, I suggest the two of you separate.
The Obelisk took stock of the situation, and upon Bastion stepping up beside Kai, decided to leave. Once he was gone, Kai approached his first friend. Dimitri's eyes were down, and he looked especially tired.
"Hey, are you okay?" Kai asked concerned.
"Yeah, it was just an unfortunate game." Dimitri brushed it aside. "I'll win next time."
Kai saw the desperation in his friend's eyes. Over the last two weeks, his expectations has crumbled around him, and he seemed to be spiraling in a way the heroic user wasn't entirely certain he could fix. Even as he resolved to try, his fellow Rai clasped him on the shoulder.
"Man, I'm pooped." Dimitri put on a false demeanor, which only mirrored what Kai had seen just last week, before moving towards the dorm. "I'll be turning in while you guys get to that trading things you were talking about at dinner."
"Dimitri…" Kai tried.
His friend didn't give him a chance as he was already through the doors.
"Give him some time." Bastion voiced. "From what I hear, he's lost a lot of matches these first two weeks, so I'm sure he's just frustrated."
Kai sighed. "I hope that's the case."
Kai's Room: Later…
Even though Kai was starting to worry about Dimitri, he decided to keep to the agreement with Bastion who showed up to his room with the cards they'd talked about. Given Bastion had built six decks on his own and Kai had built countless decks himself, they each had collections.
Both had taken out the cards they'd talked about to make the requisite trades. It was mostly for some standard spells and traps that would help along their respective decks from Kaiba. The centerpiece of this trade between them were the two monsters they intended to trade.
"Finally, here's Terratiger, the Empowered Warrior and First of the Dragons." Kai declared.
He laid the main deck and Fusion monster beside the small stack of spell/trap cards he'd already traded over to Bastion. Both were rather important cards to a normal deck strategy which got Kai wondering just what deck Seto Kaiba had given Bastion.
"These will certainly go a long way in helping my deck." Bastion smiled. "In return here is Rookie Warrior Lady and Gagaga Cowboy."
He set the main deck and Xyz monster beside the small stack of spell/trap cards he'd already traded to Kai. Both ended up with several cards certain to help their respective decks. With the trades done, they parted ways after reaffirming their promise to head to the card shop tomorrow.
Duel Academy: Sunday, Day…
Kai and Bastion were on their way to the card shop, both with a written list of the packs and single cards they needed. Bastion had heard the Slifer Quartet had gone fishing while Kai tried asking Dimitri if he wanted to come, but the copycat duelist wasn't in his room.
This time, upon looking for him a bit before heading out, Kai and Bastion couldn't find him. It ultimately left the Ra pair. Not that it was a bad thing, they'd certainly built a rapport. Given they stuck together in every class and often hung out with Dimitri, this was an enjoyable stroll.
Of course, they both had knowledge on duel monsters, so that was a given topic. Beyond that, they had similar taste in morning routines. Both enjoyed getting up early and stepping outside the dorm to prepare for the day.
Kai's was just more about taking morning jogs while Bastion had been returning to that cliff where they dueled. Still, a relatively similar sentiment. Naturally, both had drive to do well at Duel Academy, so talking about classes was a given.
Academy Card Shop
Eventually, Kai and Bastion strolled up to the third floor where they entered the quaint shop. It had bright green walls and a polished hardwood floor. It was rather empty, with the Ra pair being the only students here. That would likely change drastically as the year progressed.
There was a long counter and a nearby vending machine. To the right of that counter, there were lines of readymade sandwiches, various other snacks, and a variety of drinks that students could purchase in their downtime.
While that might be something the pair grabs on their way out, they were presently more interested in what was across from all that being cards. Countless packs lined the cabinets while lone cards were on display.
"Are you two going to gawk, or are you going to buy something?" The sudden voice made the pair jump before turning to see the cashier who was struggling to hold back her laughter. "Sorry, didn't mean to scare you."
Before Kai could speak, he noted Bastion blushing slightly as his gaze seemed transfixed on the cashier. She looked to be around their age, maybe a year older, and her long brown hair was tied up in a ponytail.
She was wearing a pink shirt and a blue miniskirt that was held up by suspenders. On her head, she wore an open cap with the Duel Academy logo on it. Rather than most 'features' which drew the eye of men, Bastion's gaze seemed transfixed on her eyes.
"It's alright." Kai finally spoke up after a moment, deciding to let whatever happens there happen. "We probably should have been paying better attention anyways."
"So, are you two going to buy anything?" The cashier asked again, her lips tugging up in a smirk.
"Yep." Bastion quickly answered. "Dear me, I hope she's not angry over such strange behavior." He cleared his throat. "I need twenty packs of Flames of Destruction." He then produced a slip of paper. "I also am hoping to acquire these cards as well."
"I need twenty packs of Blazing Vortex." Kai added before taking out his own slip of paper. "I'm in the same boat as him in looking for these cards."
The cashier looked over their slips before widening her eyes. "Are you two sure? To my knowledge, the cards you want to buy separately are a tad expensive. Besides, you may get lucky as I think every card on your respective lists are in the packs you bought."
"It's better to be safe than sorry." Bastion replied.
"Well, just make sure you have enough for food." The girl warned as she began gathering their individual orders. "How will you be paying?"
"We'll use whatever duel points we got and fund the rest with cash." Kai answered for them, as they'd already talking about their respective purchases on the way here.
The girl nodded. "Alright."
Soon enough, she'd gathered the Ras' respective orders, and the pair paid up before taking them. "If you want, there's an area over there where you can open your packs."
She pointed over to a small partition with several raised seats around a built-in platform.
"That's a nice addition." Bastion nodded with a smile. "I believe we shall do that."
"I hope you get what you're looking for." The cashier said, flashing him her own charming smile.
"Thanks, you too." Bastion paused before becoming flustered. "No! I mean…"
"Don't worry, I do that all the time." The girl laughed again. "I'll see you later."
"Yeah…" Bastion was in a bit of a daze. "See you later…"
"This is certainly new." Kai thought. "Didn't expect Bastion to be afflicted with a crush, and certainly not to this extent." He led his dazed friend over to the area. "Hey, whatever he's doing seems to be working."
Once they were seated and out of her gaze, Bastion let his head fall on the platform. "I didn't even get her name."
"There, there." Kai patted his friend's back with a smile. "I don't think it was nearly as bad as you're imagining."
"Really?" Bastion turned his head and looked at the heroic user with such hope.
"I think it went just fine." Kai assured. "Though he must have it bad to have not seen her nametag." He chuckled. "Anyways, let's open these packs and update our decks."
Bastion was an avid study while Kai had countless years of building decks under his belt. In essence, both understood a great deal about getting the cards they wanted to the point they could minimize the luck aspect of it.
Essentially, you bought the rarer cards needed separate from the packs which tended to contain the more common cards, which were still no less important to deck building. While it wasn't perfect, both boys did end up with the cards they were seeking for their decks.
Though Kai will say his haul had been cutting it close, he ultimately struck gold by getting the last two cards he needed from the final pack. With their spoils, the pair set about updating their decks and even discussed aspects of it with each other.
"That should do." Bastion declared, satisfied with their work.
"Finally done?" The cashier asked, approaching the pair with a bottle of orange juice in hand.
"Yes, we are." Bastion answered quickly. "Are you on break?"
"Yeah, though I don't think it'd have matter much since there isn't anyone else here." She shrugged. "Regardless, figured I might as well come check on you two." The cashier took a drink of her juice. "What's your names anyway?"
"I'm Kai while he's Bastion." Kai answered.
"Yes, it's nice to meet you…" Bastion added.
"Likewise." She pointed to her name tag. "I'm Sadie."
Bastion was stunned. "How did I miss that!?"
Kai just smiled in amusement. "You know, the way this is going, it might be entertaining to see develop."
"So, you two must be freshmen." Sadie continued, oblivious to their thoughts.
"Yes, how did you know?" Bastion inquired curiously.
"You see a lot of faces while working here." Sadie shrugged. "I haven't seen either of you around, so you were either freshmen or transfer students. I happen to be a sophomore myself."
"Hm, maybe I could give Bastion a bit of help." Kai stood with a smile. "Well, it was nice meeting you Sadie, but I just remembered I needed to have a talk with Sartyr." He gestured to his seat. "Though, Bastion has nowhere to be."
Bastion might be a bit of a mess right now, but he wasn't entirely oblivious to what his friend was attempting to do. "Uh, yes." He gestured to the now open seat. "I was wondering why you came to work here?"
"Why else?" Sadie took the seat. "Needed the money. School doesn't pay for itself." At this point, Kai slipped away content in his good deed for the day. "Took the job during my first year and have been here ever since."
"The benefits must be good." Bastion noted, growing a bit more comfortable.
"Eh, the typical discounts you'd usually see working in a place like this." Sadie voiced. "I'll admit, I'm not here to play the game." Bastion widened his eyes upon hearing that. "Don't get me wrong, I like duel monsters, but it's not a field I'm aiming to enter.
The simple fact is, graduating from Duel Academy, especially Seto Kaiba's first branch, gives anyone a huge leg up. It'll make it far easier to become a teacher. The fact that this academy is on a tropical island is a rather good benefit to boot."
"Well, I have a similar aspiration myself." Bastion voiced. "Though mine are to be more of a duel instructor, something along the lines of the prestige Dr. Crowler has. Though I've been learning he isn't exactly the best role model. Perhaps a demeanor more like Mr. Welden."
"What made you decide on that?" Sadie asked.
"I've often tutored people in the past and often derived enjoyment." Bastion voiced. "As for duel monsters, I'd say I'm rather passionate. As such, it seemed only natural I'd pursue the dream career as a duel instructor. What about you?"
"Every teacher I had have always been so kind and supportive." Sadie smiled. "I want to be that for other kids."
"That's admirable." Bastion voiced genuinely.
The Ra couldn't help himself from being in awe of this girl. It was strange. She was passionate about what she wanted and was working hard to achieve it. She was funny and had a bit of wit to boot. He couldn't deny a desire to get to know more about her.
"Sadie, forgive me if I'm being presumptuous, but I was wondering if maybe you wouldn't mind taking me around the island after your shift." Bastion voiced before starting to ramble on. "I've only managed to see a bit of it, and I believe…"
Sadie put a finger to his lips. "Come back around at noon, that's when I get off today." She stood and winked at him. "Hopefully, you didn't spend all your money on cards as I think we'd both like something from the store before heading off."
She left Bastion there who couldn't stop himself from grinning.
Reaming 2 Weeks Pass…
In no time at all, the coming exam all freshmen would have been warned about was coming up. Students went to school, did homework, and got in duels. Kai was no different as he dueled plenty of students around the island with his now evolved deck.
Kai wanted to ensure it was in functioning order before taking on anyone he knew, but he still managed to take down plenty of Slifers, Ras, and even a few Obelisks. Safe to say, he was pleased with his deck and managed to fully tune it just right.
In contrast to his success with dueling, Kai could only grow more worried about Dimitri. The poor guy had been losing more and more. He came back to the dorm with bags under his eyes and was seemingly avoiding everyone he'd come to know on the island.
Sometimes Kai would see him standing on the sidelines of duels he'd have around the island, when the match ended, he always left in a hurry. Dimitri was spiraling, and Kai hated how he was being blocked off from even attempting to help his friend.
Ra Dorm: Sunday
Kai returned from another duel and managed to overhear Dimitri had returned to the dorm. He immediately seized the opportunity by rushing to his friend's room and was just about to knock before being interrupted by Professor Sartyr.
"Ah, Mr. Delmar." The man was smiling. "I was just looking for you."
"Good afternoon, professor." Kai managed respectfully, lowering his knuckles from the door. "Can I help you with something?"
"Yes, could you come with me?" He asked while gesturing towards the stairs.
Kai looked towards Dimitri's door before sighing in acceptance. He'd tried so many times these past two weeks, yet the copycat duelist just would not answer him. He didn't answer anyone from their group these days, no matter how hard they tried.
"Of course." Kai replied, following the man.
He was guided upstairs to the man's personal office which looked like an old study with a desk and bookcase. Said bookcase contained quite a few cookbooks. Sartyr took his seat at the desk while Kai took the seat in front of the desk.
"Mr. Delmar, I've assessed your grades and dueling records closely." Sartyr began. "Within your first week here, despite losing three duels rather closely together, you were quite impressive. Lately, your record has become astounding to observe.
Those losses have inspired a tremendous level of growth that is unprecedented from most Ras I've had the pleasure of teaching. With your current grades, you've shown yourself to be a model student. As such, it is my honor to tell you I've put your name forward for promotion."
Kai was stunned before breaking out into a grin. He had no idea if he'd have been put forward for promotion had he not taken the steps he had. He had to believe all the hard work meant something.
"Sir, thank you for this opportunity." Kai declared gratefully.
"Oh, you are most welcome." Sartyr smiled. "I genuinely believe, as things stand presently, you are the second-best Ra of the freshman class. I'd already offered this to Mr. Misawa, but he turned me down. Now, the only condition to promote is passing your upcoming practical duel."
"I understand." Kai nodded.
"Before you depart, know you have made me very proud." Sartyr stated. "It has been a pleasure to be your head of house this last month."
"You were a great one sir." Kai stood as he chuckled good naturedly. "If I do promote, I'll certainly miss your fantastic meals."
Sartyr stood and grabbed the boy's hand. "If you do promote, know I'll always have a seat for you at any Ra dinner my boy."
They shook on it before Kai departed, more than intent of preparing to win his coming duel. Becoming an Obelisk was one of the stipulations Zane set to train him. If he garnered the rank now, he'd start the rematches which would then lead him back to Zane.
Ocean: Monday, Morning…
A small fleet of ships, with accompanying helicopters, was approaching the island.
"Gentleman, it's been a long and difficult journey. We've faced thieves, turbulent seas, and worse, but it's all about to be worth it. Soon, we'll dock on the island, and our precious cargo will be delivered. Duel Academy will receive its new, rare cards."
Slifer Dorm: Jaden, Syrus, and Chumley's Room
Syrus was sat at his desk, by candle light, praying to a poster of Slifer while having three Monster Reborn in a headband. "Please help me ace my exams today. Maybe if I do well enough, I can be considered for promotion next time.
Not that there's anything wrong with red. It's great on you Slifer, but I eventually want to be in Ra Yellow. Please, give me a sign you'll help." The alarm went off. "Slifer!" He turned. "Oh, it was just the alarm clock."
"I hear that ringing." Greg had opened the door. "It means we got to get moving guys." He sighed upon seeing Jaden was still snoozing. "Seriously?"
"I know, right?" Syrus stood up. "The guy's actually up for promotion, yet he's just at peace with the world." He walked over and shook the hero user. "Jaden, wake up. If you miss this test, you'll never advance to the to the next dorm."
Jaden was apparently sleep dueling as he suddenly stretched out, knocking Syrus back. "Wrong because I play a trap card."
"Potential promotion or not, why does every morning have to be such a hassle?" Greg sighed. "Even my three-year-old cousin is better at getting up than Jaden is."
"You two go on ahead." Chumley climbed out of bed. "I'll do what I can to wake this one up."
"What about you?" Greg asked.
"Eh, I'll be fine." Chumley waved it off. "Just get going."
"Alright, we'll see about saving you two some seats." Syrus rushed to the door. "Let's go."
Greg nodded before the two of them bolted from the room.
Duel Academy Island: Later…
Jaden was shoveling a protein bar in as he ran in the direction of the academy. "Come on Chumley." He looked back. "The sooner we get to the academy, the sooner we can finish that exam and get to the dueling!"
Chumley was heaving as he ran after the Slifer. "Where was this attitude earlier?"
"Pardon me, coming through!" Jaden called out as he ran past a woman pushing a van uphill, only to skid to a halt upon realizing it. "Ah, to be a gentleman or be on time?" He decided to run back. "Eh, I'm only ever really on time when Greg makes it happen.
It's not like he's here now." Chumley stooped at the van, catching his breath, as Jaden got behind it. "Jaden Yuki is here." He looked at his second roommate with a good-natured smile. "You go on ahead Chum; tell the others I'll be there shortly."
Chumley was still catching his breath, but he looked on in a bit of confusion.
"Oh, thank you." The woman simply looked back at Jaden. "You must be from the auto club."
"Don't let the red jacket fool ya." Jaden voiced. "I'm just your average good deed dude."
"Oh, isn't that…" The woman began.
She lost her hold on it, and Jaden didn't really have a proper one on it now, which resulted in the van starting to skid back. Upon seeing this, Chumley came to his own conclusion. Perhaps he wouldn't normally aid someone, but he supposed he liked the three Slifers he knew enough.
Not to mention Ms. Dorthy was a nice lady. As such, he got behind the van and braced it. Chumley's frame and muscle mass tended to make running a difficulty, but things like this tended to be up his alley.
"Looks like you could both use a little extra help." Chumley voiced.
"Alright, nice one Chum." Jaden got into position. "Looks like you can count on the two of us."
"Oh, what sweet boys." Dorothy voiced genuinely. "Thank you two."
"It's my pleasure." Jaden voiced.
Chumley took a deep breath as while holding the van was manageable, it was still a vehicle. "Guess I don't need to work out for a while after this."
The three of them began pushing towards the academy together.
"I'll remember this, you two." Dorothy assured.
"How about next time you remember that extended warranty?" Jaden joked.
Duel Academy
Kai was hard at work, alongside his various classmates, taking the written test. Fifteen minutes have already come and gone. While Syrus and Greg had shown up on time, Jaden and Chumley were still missing. That was worrisome, but he had to focus on his test over that.
Fortunately, the missing Slifers burst into the room. Professor Banner called them down to grab their exam papers. Despite Jaden and Syrus attempting to fall asleep, Greg kept the pair up to at least take their written test. How they'd end up doing was another story.
Forty-Five Minutes Later…
Once the written test was taken, Banner spoke up. "Alright class, the written exam has concluded. Now, please walk, don't run, to get your new, rare cards."
"They're here!?"
"Oh dear." Banner realized he'd made a mistake.
Too late to correct it now as most of the class, Jaden, Syrus, and Chumley among them, burst forth from the room. Conklin and Topher both turned to Chazz.
"Chazz, the new cards are in." Concklin informed.
Chazz didn't even look at the pair. "So, go fetch."
Conklin immediately scurried off to fulfill the order while Topher was bothered by the terminology. He realized he'd have acted as Conklin past for Chazz, but something changed. Whether he wanted to admit it or not, that Reject's words had gotten to him.
Chazz looked up and glared at his fellow Obelisk. "Did I stutter Topher?"
Topher looked away before sighing and rushing off after Conklin. Unlike Chazz, who still wanted rare cards, Bastion, Kai, and Greg were rather content with their decks. As such, the Slifer and two Ras headed out together.
Card Shop
The three classes of freshmen, those that were after rare cards at least, met at the currently closed card shop. A man bearing the case of cards arrived, and not long after he entered, the shop was open to reveal they'd all seemingly already been bought.
"Where did they go?"
"You know the rules." Sadie returned. "First come, first served."
A male figure in a long black coat with a matching hat was the person she referred to. "I was first, so I took them."
The male figure then took their leave while practically every student there slinked away in absolute disappointment. The only people left in the shop by the end of it were Jaden, Syrus, and Chumley.
"They can't be out already." The three Slifers declared before rushing up to Sadie.
"Shop girl." Jaden spoke, receiving a firm glare in return. "Come on, you got to still have some cards left, right?"
"It's fairly slim pickings I'm afraid." Sadie voiced, moving back behind the counter, and producing a single pack. "All we have left is this sole, normal pack."
The three Slifers were disappointed.
"Ah, I'm done for." Syrus lamented. "I'll flunk the field test all because I couldn't upgrade my deck."
"So, you take the pack Syrus." Jaden voiced.
Chumley sighed and crossed his arms. "You probably have a better shot passing than some guy who's been held back two years anyways."
"You two would let me have the last pack?" Syrus asked in disbelief.
"Eh, I should be fine with my deck as is." Jaden grinned. "So far, it's seen me on an absolute win streak."
"Eh, you were the one praying to Slifer over this." Chumley stated. "Just take the pack before I change my mind."
"Oh, if it isn't my two favorite members of the auto club." Dorothy came out from the back as she referred to Jaden and Chumley. "Here, I have a little something for each of you." She produced a pack for each. "I hid away a few packs for kind students like you."
Jaden and Chumley were stunned as they received a rare pack.
Duel Academy
Topher and Conklin had found Chazz, and the trio were on their way to the gym as the former two filled the latter in.
Well, it was mostly Conklin. "…This guy showed up and took all the cards, so we couldn't get you any Chazz, sorry."
"You know what's sorry, you guys." Chazz retorted, causing Topher to clench his fist at such a remark. "It doesn't matter because no duelist here can beat me no matter what card they have."
"Greg Evans wiped the floor with you." Topher muttered, spitefully.
Chazz growled angrily at that. "What did you just say?"
He didn't like being reminded of that duel. Topher wanted to reiterate it louder; however, he ultimately tsked and turned his head.
"Like I said, no duelist here can beat me." Chazz reiterated.
"Unless that duelist happens to be Jaden Yuki." The voice of the cloaked figure stated, drawing their attention. "I expect you may despise them just as much as I do."
"Hey, that's the figure who bought all the rare cards!" Conklin exclaimed.
"Cards? Do you mean these?" The figure opened their jacket while removing their hat to reveal they were Crowler along with all the new cards. "Surprised you didn't recognize me."
"You know, you looked better covered up." Chazz insulted.
Crowler faltered. "Yes, well I have a plan that will make us all look better while making Jaden Yuki look like a cut rate duelist. Chazz, I want you to be his opponent. If you agree, you get access to all these rare cards."
"We're not in the same dorm." Chazz retorted. "They wouldn't let me be his test opponent."
"They? I am they." Crowler responded. "I have enough sway to make it happen while you make sure to use these rare cards to put that Slacker in his place."
Just as Chazz was about to speak, the dragon user behind him stepped forward. "If you can make that match happen, getting me a shot at Kai Delmar should be easy."
"I have sway, but not enough for two fixed matches." Crowler waved it off. "Jaden Yuki should be the only person we are concerned with here gentlemen. If not him, it would most certainly be Greg Evans over Kai Delmar."
"Besides, I've already told you Topher." Chazz brushed past him while fixing the dragon user with a firm glare. "Worry about some Ra Reject on your own time."
"You mean don't bring him up when I'm around you." Topher muttered, venomously.
"What's that?" Chazz asked warningly.
By this point, Topher had enough. From that day those Slackers and Rejects showed up in the Obelisk arena to now, Chazz belittled how he felt. Because Princeton decided it, he wasn't allowed to bring up his desires, yet the same rules didn't apply to him.
Jaden Yuki pressed his buttons; Chazz was allowed to talk about it. Greg Evans beat him in a duel, he could complain incessantly about it. Others brought it up to denote him as weak, that topic became forbidden among their so called 'friend' group.
Topher was over it. "I am done."
Chazz was bothered by the sheer levels of disrespect the dragon user has been showing him all month. "Say that again."
"You need to see a doctor because clearly you have a hearing problem." Topher got in Chazz's face, as he followed the last order he'd ever take from Chazz. "I'm done with you, and I'm done with Conklin." This time, he brushed past Chazz.
"From here on out, I serve myself." He looked back at Crowler. "Since you can't get me a match with Kai Delmar, keep your rare cards." He walked away from all three of them. "I'll take my chances against whoever I'm supposed to be pared against."
Crowler was stunned. "What has gotten into that boy?"
"Good riddance." Chazz ground his teeth as he turned to Crowler. "We'll do it your way."
Chazz would have tried to arrange it to get another shot at Greg, but clearly Topher needed an example of how to follow orders. As such, he decided to just role with what Crowler wanted. Once he crushed Jaden, like he obviously would, he'd decimate Greg himself.
"I don't know what Topher's problem is, but you got this Chazz." Conklin declared.
Topher's attitude change was just strange to Conklin. The two of them followed the biggest dog around, that's how it's always been. Despite Chazz's rough patch with Greg, he was still the big dog of the freshman, right?
Next chapter, I got three duels planned: Kai vs Dimitri, Chumley vs Topher, and Jaden vs Chazz. To talk about why two Obelisks will face two Slifers, I'm essentially head cannoning it to the point where another Obelisk likely had to take on either a Slifer or Ra due to the change Crowler made. Additionally, it sees two Ras, two Slifers, and two Obelisks dueling while also giving Chumley a duel.
The Duelist of Dawn (Ch. 1): Yeah, spells are a rather important component to a lot of decks. That said, he should be thankful Superheavy Samurai are in another dimension because that would have screwed his game plan big time.
Vital Info: In a way, he gave all three boys a limited deck. I'd say Jaden's given deck might have been the most complete, but that hardly matters since he pretty much had everything needed to fully make it his own. All he had to do was combine his Elemental Hero Deck with the new Elemental Hero deck, and he's been golden. Bastion and Kai though have been hard at work on their respective, given decks. Fortunately, the two Ras had some cards the other could use and traded them.
At this point in the story, Zane is his best option because he approachable. Kai isn't the type to go bugging someone like Kaiba, Yugi, or Joey for training. By the time other characters really come into the story, I don't think Kai will need a mentor. As for Kai opening to Zane about it, he's not the type to be forthcoming with his problems. For the longest time, despite hanging out with people around Domino, he hasn't had anyone around to trust on that level.
Telling Zane was a matter of convincing him not to say no rather than as true trust in someone he hasn't talked to before. Dimitri duels next chapter while Syrus just doesn't seem like an interesting prospect for a duel at this time until he gets over his issues with Power Bond. As for giving Jaden and Kai rest in dueling, that more comes when I hit the 'filler' sections. Damien, Duel Giant, Wheeler, and so on. Duels like those will see more of a break on their ends.