Chapter Eight: Jane's Mentor. The Cyber Solution!
It had been four days since Dr.Crowler's failed love letter scheme, and he hadn't tried anything else since. While Crowler continued to make his contempt for Jaden clear, it seemed that he would be waiting a while before he tried anything again. As for right now, he was wrapping up his first class of the day.
"Well class, I'm afraid we've run out of time today. Now I'm sure you are all looking forward to your first weekend here, but keep in mind that Duel Academy will be having its promotion exams in three weeks. So if you wish to get promoted, then I suggest you spend some of your weekend studying and dueling.In fact, I suggest you do so regardless. After all, while you will get promoted if you do well enough, you are also at risk of getting demoted or even expelled if your results are too poor. Now, enough talk, have a good weekend everyone!" He then looked at Jaden. 'Well, almost everyone' He thought to himself.
As the students all walked out of Crowler's classroom, three Slifer students stood off to the side. Jaden, Syrus and Victor talked amongst themselves, Jaden being the loudest voice as always. "Well, you heard the teacher, guys. I've gotta spend all weekend dueling! Heck why wait, maybe I can find someone who wants to duel during lunch?"
Syrus looked comically exasperated. "Yeah, like you weren't going to do that anyway. Crowler also said you should study, you know."
Victor chuckled at the cyan Slifer's exasperation. "Jaden Yuki, study? Yeah, I think we've got a better chance of Crowler growing pink wings and pointy red devil horns."
This brought out some laughs from Jaden. "Oh come on, Vic. I'm not that bad!" He then playfully punched Victor in the arm.
The three of them eventually left, attending two more classes. It was now towards the end of Proffesor Banner's class, the last class before lunch.
The lanky history teacher took notice of the students watching the clock, and decided to get their attention. "Now students, a reminder that this class will be taking an extra thirty minutes to review what we've learned today."
"WHAT?!" the room erupted. only to sigh in relief when Banner told them he was kidding.
"Now, an actual announcement. Chancellor Shepard wanted me to inform you all that there will be a new teacher arriving on academy island next week. She will be teaching a class on practical dueling. Essentially, you will spend that class dueling and learning how to get better. Although I must warn you, myself and the rest of the faculty have meet her, and a number of us, myself included, find her to be a little... intense."
Before anyone could inquire further, Banner ended the class, sending everyone off to lunch. True to his word, Jaden took off running, looking for someone to duel him. As Syrus followed him, Victor couldn't help but laugh at the humorous display. He noticed that he was nearly the last one in the classroom, the only ones left besides himself and Professor Banner were Alexis, who was packing up her schoolwork, and Jane, who was speaking to Banner. He couldn't help but overhear her conversation.
"Please Professor Banner, surely there must be a teacher who can help me?" Jane looked concerned, almost sad. Her mood wasn't helped by the teacher's response.
"I'm sorry Jane, but all the teachers who participate in mentorships have already reached the maximum number of students they can take." said Banner
Jane was shocked to hear this. "How is that possible? It hasn't even been a full week of studies yet!"
"Unfortunately, only five members of faculty have agreed to be mentors this year, and they can only take six students each. Obelisk students get preferential treatment, and while there are some spots reserved for Ra students, they have already been filled. I'm sorry Jane, but perhaps some spots will open up after the promotion exams?" The lanky professor tried to use his unwavering optimism to help the situation, but to no avail.
With a defeated sigh, Jane gathered her belongings and left. While Victor followed her, Alexis had heard everything, and felt bad for the Ra girl. While Alexis hadnt really interacted with her before, Pitt had many good things to say about her, and she seemed like she had great potential. It was a shame that all the teachers were unavailable to mentor her...
'Wait... that's it! All of the teachers are busy... but she can be mentored by people other than teachers, like third and fourth year students. And I know a certain fourth year who would be perfect to be her mentor.' Alexis put her idea in motion, contacting Zane Truesdale on her PDA.
~MEANWHILE, AT THE CAFETERIA~
Like the dorms, the cafeteria was devided by ranking, and the higher the rank, the better the accomodations. Slifer was the simplest, having basic food and seating. More processed food and cheap picnic tables. Ra had personalized tables, and healthy food, made fresh in front of them. Obelisk, as always, was the most extravigant. They had a private lounge, seperated by soundproof glass. They also had private chefs who delivered their own indiviual meals from the master restaraunt in the blue dorm.
However, the peaceful and sophisticated atmosphere of the blue section was not being enjoyed by one student, because he was currently being pestered by another Obelisk.
"No, Alexis..."
"Come on, Zane. Just give her a chance!"
Zane Truesdale, a fourth year student, and the best ranked duelist not just in Obelisk, but the whole academy, was currently arguing with Alexis about mentoring someone.
"You know I don't do mentorships, I have no time for third-rate duelists who think I can make them into champions." Zane was adamant in his stance on the matter, but Alexis wasn't deterred.
"Oh, you don't do mentorships? Since when? Back when I was in the academy's junior high wing, you took it upon yourself as a first year at the high school wing to teach me how to be a better duelist. I never even asked you to, but you did it anyway because you saw potential in me as a future pro. And here I am telling you that this girl has the potential to be one of the greats, and you're turning a blind eye!" Alexis knew she had to be firm with Zane if she wanted to convince him.
The fourth year sighed, she had a point there. Still, he wondered where all of this passion was coming from. "Why are you so insistent on this? From what you've told me, you've never even talked to this girl, and here you are fighting on her behalf."
Alexis sighed, her expression going from one of determination, to one of solemn reflection. "You know how I feel about how women are treated on the pro-dueling scene. There are hardly any on the semi-pro circuit, let alone the top fifty. Heck, I even use all girl monsters in my deck, despite the fact that my cards aren't the strongest, just to prove a point. And when I saw Jane, the sadness, the insecurity... I saw myself, who I was before you gave me my confidence." Her face changed back to determination. "Besides, I looked up her stats in the academy's public database. She's good, and her deck is too, she just needs someone to help her improve! So what is it gonna take for you to mentor her?"
Zane had to admit, he was intrigued by Alexis' passionate plea for this girl whom she had never met. He was still hesitant, after all, if he took this girl on and became her mentor, other students would no doubt ask him to mentor them. But, he was willing to give Alexis a chance to prove him wrong.
"Okay, here's my offer. I'll mentor this girl, if, and only if, she beats you in a duel." Alexis was about to interrupt, but he held up his hand and continued. "I cant give her confidence, Alexis. And I didn't give you any either, I just helped you realize what was already there. If this Jane has the ability to overcome her self-doubt and nerves to defeat someone as skilled as you, then I'll help her grow stronger. But if she cant, then she's not worth my time. This is my only offer, take it or leave it."
- - -
Despite some of the looks he was getting, Victor sat at one of the Ra Yellow lunch tables. He was trying to comfort Jane, who was telling him why she was so upset.
"I tried asking around to see if any teachers were mentoring students, but Proffesor Banner said that all the slots had been filled already."
Victor was confused by this. "But why do you need a mentor? You're the smartest person I know, and you're a great duelist!"
Jane gave a weak smile. "You're sweet, Victor. But the truth is I have a long way to go before I'm a 'great' duelist. Heck, I only passed my entrance exam because I got lucky. If the proctor had destroyed my facedown cards, I would've lost! I got nervous and nearly choked. So I need a mentor to help me get better. Especially if I want to get promoted into Obelisk Blue, or even just stay in Ra!"
Before the conversation could go any further, they both heard someone call out to them.
"Jane! Victor!"
Both of them looked at the source of the voice, but while Jane had no idea who this girl was, Victor quickly recognized her.
"Alexis, what's up?"
Jane looked over at her friend. "You know each other, Victor?"
The red-haired duelist nodded. "Yeah, remember me telling you about the whole Syrus situation?" She nodded, and he continued. "Alexis is the one who helped us solve that. From what I hear from Pitt, she's also a good duelist."
Jane looked back towards the obelisk girl, and smiled. "Well, it's nice to meet you, Alexis. Thank you for helping my friends."
"So, is Crowler up to something again?" Victor asked.
Alexis shook her head. "Actually, I'm here for Jane."
This got their attention. "Me? What for?" Jane asked, a bit confused as to why this girl she had never officially met before wanted to talk to her.
"Forgive me, but I couldn't help overhearing your problem in Banner's class, and I can help." Responded Alexis
The Ra girl smiled weakly. "That's sweet of you, but how so? Professor Banner said all the mentors were no longer accepting students."
"All of the teacher mentors, but third and fourth year students can mentor first and second years as well. And I've convinced a fourth year to be your mentor, his name is Zane Truesdale." Said Alexis
While Jane was shocked to hear all of this, she couldn't help but notice the murmurs and gasps of the other students at her table.
"Forgive me for being unaware, but who is Zane Truesdale?" Asked Jane.
"He is a fourth-year Obelisk, and the best duelist in the entire school. And I don't mean that objectively, he's literally top in the rankings. I convinced him to take you on as a protege, but there's a catch." Said Alexis
Jane's face fell slightly. "A catch?"
"Yes," Alexis confirmed. "You have to beat me in a duel. It's the only way he'll know you're serious and capable."
Jane grew somewhat nervous. "Beat you? But I've never dueled an Obelisk before, let alone defeated one."
Alexis placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "I know it sounds daunting, but I believe in you. I'll give you a fair fight, just give it your all."
Victor nodded encouragingly. "You can do this, Jane.I know you're strong enough."
Jane gave the Obelisk girl a serious look. "Why go to all this trouble for me? You don't even know me."
Alexis returned Jane's look with one of her own. "Because I know talent when I see it. I can tell that you have what it takes to be a pro someday, you just need some guidance." Alexis' expression then softened. "Plus, Pitt won't stop singing your and Victor's praises."
Taking a deep breath, Jane smiled. "Okay, Alexis. I accept your challenge."
A SHORT TIME LATER*
The duel was set up in Obelisk Arena One. Students gathered around, eager to see the match between an Obelisk and a Ra. Alexis stood confidently on one side, while Jane took her position on the other, determination in her eyes. On both sides of the arena were bleachers, which were almost fully packed.
On Alexis' side, Zane sat at the very top of the bleachers, Chazz and his cronies below him in the middle section, except for Harrold, who was at the bottom. Even Lucien, the merciless first year who had dueled Pitt, had shown up, sitting next to Harrold.
On Jane's side, Victor and Pitt sat at the bottom row, with Jaden and Syrus next to them. Bastion sat near them as well. The rest of the spots in the bleachers were taken by a mix of Ra and Obelisk students.
After a short while, both girls were ready, and activated their Duel Disks.
"Let's duel!" they both shouted, drawing their opening hands.
Alexis Rhodes: 8000 LP
Jane Minta: 8000 LP
Alexis started off strong, summoning her Cyber Tutu in attack mode and setting a face-down card. "Your move, Jane." Cyber Tutu, Level 3, EARTH,Warrior/Effect,ATK:1000,DEF:800
Jane took a deep breath and drew her card. "I summon Gem-Knight Garnet in attack mode!" She placed the card on her duel disk, and the fiery knight appeared on her field. Gem-Knight Garnet, Level 4,EARTH,Pyro,ATK:1900,DEF:0. "Next, I'll set a card facedown. Now, Garnet, attack Cyber Tutu with Flaming Iron Fist!"
The red knight's fist was engulfed in flames, as it ran towards Cyber Tutu. However, before the attack could make contact, Alexis activated her facedown card. "I activate Doble Passe! Your monster's attack becomes a direct attack, and then you take damage equal to my monster's attack points." Cyber Tutu gracefully dodged the Knight's attack, making it's punch hit Alexis. However, just as Alexis was hit by the fiery blaze, Jane was hit with a burst of energy.
Alexis Rhodes LP: 8000-6100
Jane Minta LP: 8000-7000
Jane grunted in mild frustration. It was clear that Cyber Tutu was important to Alexis, enough to take 1900 direct damage points. Unfortunately, Jane could do nothing else for now, so she ended her turn.
Alexis drew a card. "My move. Firstly, I set a card facedown. Next, I summon Blade Skater in defense mode." Blade Skater, Level 4, EARTH,Warrior,ATK:1400,DEF:1500. "Now due to Cyber Tutu's effect, since your monsters on the field are stronger than mine, she can attack you directly. Go Tutu, Pounding Pirouette!" The battling ballerina spun past the fiery knight and crashed into Jane, taking a chunk of life points away.
Jane Minta LP: 7000-6000
"That's all for now, your move Jane." Alexis' expression remained one of confidence. Jane couldn't help but be unnerved, she was fighting for her future, and Alexis was clearly skilled.
"I draw... I activate my spell Gem-Knight Fusion! This card lets me use Gem-Knight monsters from my hand or my field to fusion summon, and I'll fuse Garnet on my field, with Gem-Knight Lapis from my hand... come forth, Gem-Knight Ruby!" Gem-Knight Ruby,Level 6,EARTH,Pyro/Fusion/Effect,ATK:2500,DEF:1300. Garnet and Lapis were engulfed in red and blue energies which swirled together, and as the light faded, a new monster stood in Garnet's place. Like the flaming knight before it, Ruby was wearing brilliant red armor, but while it's predecessor was unarmed, Ruby wielded a finely sharp halberd.
"Next, I activate my face down card, the trap Call of the Haunted. I can special summon a monster from my graveyard in attack mode, so I will revive Gem-Knight Garnet! However, it will not remain on the field for long, I activate Ruby's special ability. By tributing a face-up Gem-Knight monster, Ruby gains it's attack points until the end of my turn. I tribute Garnet, raising Ruby's attack points from 2500 to 3900. Now, Ruby will attack Cyber Tutu!" Jane felt better now that she had a powerful monster on the field. Unfortunately, she had forgotten about something important, distracted by her nerves.
Alexis responded to the attack quickly. "I activate my trap card, Raigeki Break! By sending one card from my hand to the graveyard, I can target one card you control and destroy it, so say goodbye to Gem-Knight Ruby!" A disembodied hand emerged from the trap card. It pointed a finger at Ruby, a bolt of lightning struck the monster, destroying it.
"No,Ruby!" Jane was shocked, she just made a costly mistake, now her field was empty, and wide open to an attack from Alexis. She tried to remain confident, but was failing. "I... I end my turn."
Alexis drew a card. "You'd best watch what's set down on my field next time. But right now, my monsters should be your biggest concern. I'll tribute Cyber Tutu so that I can summon Cyber Prima! Cyber Prima,Level 6,LIGHT,Warrior/Effect,ATK:2300,DEF:1600. "Now, I switch Blade Skater to attack mode, and since your field is empty, both of my monsters will attack you directly!" Blade Skater was the first to attack, gracefully gliding across the field, attacking Jane with a spinning kick. Then Cyber Prima leaped across the field, striking quickly, before returning to Alexis' side of the field.
Jane Minta LP:6000-2300
Taking such a large amount of damage in one turn was demoralizing for Jane, but Alexis noticed this, and wasn't about to let her opponent lose all hope. "You'd better not give up, Jane. I may not know you personally, but I know a good duelist when I see one, so pull yourself together and Duel!"
Jane was surprised that her opponent was encouraging her like this... But Alexis was right, she is a good duelist, and now she needs to show not just Alexis, but Zane and even her friends just how good she is. With renewed confidence, Jane took her turn. "I draw. Firstly, I summon Gem Armadillo in attack mode. Armadillo's effect allows me to add a Gem-Knight monster to my hand when he is summoned. I add Gem-Knight Alexandrite. I activate my Double Summon spell, which lets me summon a second monster this turn, so I summon Alexandrite.Now, I activate Alexandrite's ability, I can tribute him to special summon a different Gem-Knight monster from my deck. So, I sacrifice Alexandrite, to summon Gem-Knight Crystal!"
Gem Armadillo,Level 4,EARTH,Rock/Effect,ATK:1700,DEF:500. Gem-Knight Crystal,Level 7,EARTH,Rock, ATK:2450,DEF:1950.
"Now, Gem-Knight Crystal will attack Cyber Prima!" The tall knight charged at Cyber Prima and delivered a mighty blow, shattering her. "Now, Gem Armadillo will attack Blade Skater!" The Armadillo curled into a ball and rolled towards Blade Skater, destroying it upon impact.
Alexis Rhodes LP: 6100-5650.
"I'm not out of the duel yet, Alexis. If you want me to give it my all, then best believe I will! I set my last two cards facedown and end my turn." Jane had a renewed sense of confidence.
Alexis smirked, she was glad that Jane hadn't given up. But Jane still had one more hurdle to cross before she could win this duel.
"I draw! Now, I activate the spell Monster Reborn, and with it I revive Blade Skater. But she wont be staying on my field for long, because I activate my Polymerization spell!" Jane gasped at this, she wasn't expecting a fusion summon from Alexis.
Alexis took notice of her opponent's surprise. "That's right, Jane, you're not the only one who can fusion summon. I fuse Blade Skater with my Etiolle Cyber from my hand... these monsters fuse to create my ace monster, Cyber Blader!" The two monsters were enveloped in a swirling mass of orange energy, and once it subsided, a new monster stood in their place.
Cyber Blader,Level 7,EARTH,Warrior/Fusion/Effect,ATK:2100,DEF:800
Jane recovered from her surprise and spoke. "Interesting monster. She's weaker than your Cyber Prima, but since you summoned her, I take it Blader's effect is what makes her dangerous?"
Alexis still had her confident smirk as she nodded. "Good observation. You're right, her effect is rather dangerous, especially since it changes depending on how many monsters you have on the field. Since you have two monsters, her effect is this: Cyber Blader's attack points are doubled!" Cyber Blader ATK:2100-4200
"What?!" Jane was not expecting that. A monster whose effect constantly changes? She had never faced a monster like this before.
"You gave it a good effort, Jane, but this duel is over. Cyber Blader, attack Gem Armadillo and end this with Cyber Slash!"
In the spectator section, Victor and Pitt gasped, if that attack landed, Jane would lose the duel!
Jane waited... and smiled. "I activate a facedown! Pyroxene Fusion! By using monsters on my field or in my hand, I can fusion summon a Gem-Knight monster. So I fuse Gem-Knight Crystal with Gem Armadillo!" Just as Cyber Blader was about to hit Gem Armadillo, the mineral marsupial was enveloped in the same orange energy that brought forth Cyber Blader.
"Come forth, Gem-Knight Zirconia!" Standing before Alexis and her ace monster, stood a towering giant, wielding enormous mallets for arms.
Gem-Knight Zirconia,Level 8,EARTH,Rock/Fusion,ATK:2900,DEF:2500 "Since my Armadillo is no longer on the field, your attack is cancelled. Furthermore, I now only control one monster, so Cyber Blader's attack should return to it's original 2100, but by all means, feel free to attack if you wish."
Alexis was pleased that Jane was turning this around, but she wasn't going to just let her win. "Alright, Jane, I'll admit I'm impressed. But before you go thinking you can just blindly attack, keep Cyber Blader's effect in mind. When you control one monster: Cyber Blader can't be destroyed by battle. I end my turn."
"My turn, I draw. You're right Alexis, I can't just blindly attack. Luckily, I have everything I need to destroy your Cyber Blader. First, I summon Gem-Knight Tourmaline from my hand.
Gem-Knight Tourmaline,Level 4,EARTH, Rock,ATK:1600,DEF:1800
Next, I activate my remaining facedown, Fragment Fusion! By banishing the required monsters from my graveyard, I can fusion summon a Gem-Knight monster. So I banish Gem-Knight's Garnet, Lapis and Crystal. With the life force of three Gem-Knights, I can summon my most powerful monster. The flawless Gem, the crown jewel of my deck... Gem-Knight Lady Brilliant Diamond!!"
Gem-Knight Lady Brilliant Diamond,Level 10,EARTH,Rock/Fusion/Effect,ATK:3400,DEF:2000.
"Now, tell me Alexis, what is Cyber Blader's effect when I have three monsters on my field?"
The Obelisk grunted in frustration. Blader's effect wouldn't save it from a monster as powerful as Brilliant Diamond, not this time. "Monster effects cant be activated."
Jane smiled. "Well then, I suppose I should just attack. Zirconia, destroy Cyber Blader!" Zirconia charged forward, crushing Cyber Blader with one of his massive mallets.
Alexis Rhodes LP: 5650-4850
"Now, Tourmaline will attack!" Tourmaline charged up a ball of electricity, before launching it at Alexis.
Alexis Rhodes LP: 4850-3250
"Now, Gem-Knight Lady Brilliant Diamond, end this duel with Shining Strike!!" As the perfect Gem struck Alexis, a blinding light was unleashed. Once the light had dissipated, Alexis smiled, and looked at her life point counter.
Alexis Rhodes LP: 3250- 0
WINNER: JANE MINTA
After a brief moment of quiet, the arena errupted into cheers. Pitt Ran up to Jane to congratulate her, as did Victor. Alexis walked over to Jane and the two shook hands.
"That was a good duel Jane. I knew you had it in you."
Jane smiled. "Thank you for believing in me, Alexis. I don't know how to thank you."
A new voice rang out. "Start by showing up on time tommorow." as the four of them looked over to see who had spoken, they saw a tall blue haired obelisk.
Alexis introduced him. "Everyone, this is Zane."
Zane looked at her. "I've got to admit, you were right about this one, Alexis, it's clear she has skill." He then addressed Jane. "This won't be easy. I'm gonna throw everything I have at you until you become the best duelist among the first years. Do you think you're up for this?"
Jane took a moment, before confidently responding. "Yes, I do. I'm willing to do whatever it takes to become the best duelist I can possibly be!"
Zane gave a soft, almost unnoticable smile. "Then starting tommorow morning, you become my protege.
As Jane and her friends celebrated, two duelists watched the interaction from opposite sides of the room. Syrus, watching quietly with a hint of sadness. And Lucien, taking mental note of Jane, adding her to the list of students he considered worthy to duel.