Chapter Seven: Crowler Schemes, Obelisk Dreams

Slifer Red Dorm, Early Morning.

*BEEP*

*BEEP*

*BEEP*

*BEEP*

*BEEP*

Victor woke to the sound of the alarm clock, and slowly got up. Before he could get down the ladder and start getting ready, Syrus bolted out of bed, and started running across the room.

"AHHH!! I've gotta get ready, I cant afford to be late on the first day! What if the teachers think I'm a slacker, what if the other students think I'm a loser, what if they're right?!"

Victor managed to get down and grabbed Syrus mid-freakout. "Syrus, CHILL. You're freaking out WAY too early, we haven't even been to class yet, just breathe."

The cyan-haired Slifer did as instructed, and after some deep breathing was able to calm down. "Thanks Victor, you're right. I just want to make a good first impression, ya know? Even though some students will think I'm worthless because I'm a Slifer..." The last part was said with a hint of sadness in his voice. Victor wasn't too fond of Syrus' self deprecation, but he couldn't talk, he had a bit of a confidence issue himself. One of the few times he would come out of his shell was when dealing with bullies, like Chazz.

*PING*

Victor looked at his PDA, and chuckled to himself. 'Heh, speaking of Chazz...' He saw a transaction into his DP Account.

Chazz Princeton: 5000 DP, Transfer Complete. Overall DP Balance: 14,750

Looks like Chazz held up his end of the bargain, and on top of that, his DP Reward for beating Harrold was quite nice. It probably had to do with the fact that Harrold is an Obelisk and Victor is a Slifer. If Victor beat another Slifer, the reward would probably be a lot less.

Victor and Syrus were dressed and ready for class, however they were so focused on themselves that they just now noticed that Jaden was still asleep.

Syrus tried shaking Jaden awake, but he was fast asleep.

Jaden was even muttering in his sleep! "...Avian... direct attack..."

Syrus groaned. "Oh great. He's dreaming about dueling, meanwhile he's gonna miss his first day of classes and probably miss out on some real duels!"

Victor decided to try waking Jaden up by using his dream against him.

"Okay, Luster Dragon, attack Avian and end this duel, Luster Slash!"

Sure enough, this worked. Jaden startled awake. "I ACTIVATE HERO BARRIER!" Jaden looked around the room, realizing he was no longer dreaming. "Oh, hey Vic! I had an awesome dream, I think you were in it."

Victor was trying not to laugh as he shook his head. "Oh I'm sure I was. Now hurry up and get ready, You'll be late for the first day of classes."

Once Jaden was ready, the three of them went to class. It was a long walk from the Slifer Dorm to the buildings where classes were held, combined with them not really knowing where they were going, they were almost late. In fact, they made it to their first class with Dr.Crowler with just minutes to spare. The seats for all the classrooms were separated depending on which dorm you were in. Slifer's had the bottom section, Ra's had the middle, and Obelisks at the top. As Victor looked up, he saw Jane and Pitt in their respective sections, Jane smiled and waved at him, which Victor returned. Pitt was in his own world, shuffling his deck and probably fantasizing about the duels he would have later.

Shortly After the three Slifer's took their seats, Dr.Crowler closed the classroom door, and class began.

"Good Morning Students, for those of you who don't know, I am Dr.Crowler. In my class, you will be learning dueling techniques, and I expect that all my students will learn and become great duelists." He glanced over to the Slifer section. "Well, most of my students, anyway."

Victor was already tired of Crowler's attitude. It was one thing for the Obelisk students to look down on Slifers, but Crowler was a teacher, he should be neutral and not have favorites. He kept silent, and Crowler continued.

"Now, before we begin our lesson, I believe it's important that we go over the basics of dueling." Crowler looked up towards the Obelisk section, and addressed one of the girls. "Alexis Rhodes, please stand up and rectie all types of monster cards, spell cards, and trap cards."

The girl stood up, she had long dirty-blonde hair, and Victor had to admit she was very pretty. Alexis then recited all the card types. "Duel Monster cards are divided into three types: Monsters, Spells, and Traps. The different types of monster cards are: Normal, Effect,Fusion and Ritual. Spells are: Normal, Quick-Play, Continuous, Ritual and Field Spells. And Traps are Normal, Counter and Continuous." Alexis sat down after she spoke.

Dr.Crowler looked pleased with her anwsers. "Very good, Alexis. Of course, I expect nothing less from one of my Blue Obelisks. Now, let's see if any other students are as knowledgable..." He then pointed at the Slifer section. "You, Syrus Truesdale! Explain to the class what a field spell is and how it works."

Unfortunately, Syrus choked, embarrased and caught unaware. A good amount of the Obelisk section and some Ra's erupted in laughter, mocking him. Victor was sorely tempted to say something, but it seems like someone else had that covered.

Dr.Crowler spoke. "Can anyone else tell me what a field spell does, perhaps someone who actually belongs here?" He noticed that an Obelisk in the back had his hand raised. "Ah, yes. Pitt Toru, surely you can tell me what a field spell is and how it works."

Pitt wasted no time in replying. "Yeah, a field spell effects the entire field, and stays there until it's destroyed. Unlike normal and quick-play spells that go away after they activate, field spells stay on the field after they're first activated. And while continuous spells do that too, they normally only effect one side of the field, and can only be used by whomever played them. Field spells can effect the entire field, and even be used by both duelists."

"That is correct, well done, Pitt! If only some of our other students could be as promising as you and Alexis." Crowler was just about to move on, but Pitt interjected.

"Yeah, field spells are pretty useful, they can really turn the tide of a duel. In fact, isn't that how you lost a duel to someone at the entrance exam?"

Dr. Crowler froze in place, and the Obelisks who were laughing to themselves earlier were now murmuring in surprise.

When Crowler didn't immediately respond, Pitt continued. "Yeah, I saw that duel myself, your Ancient Gear Golem got taken out by a weaker monster, all thanks to a field spell. And the guy dueling you was put in Slifer Red, right?"

"Yep, that was me! That duel was awesome by the way, teach!" Jaden proudly spoke, not realizing that Dr.Crowler was practically foaming at the mouth with rage.

While the Ra's and Slifer's were all at the entrance exams, and had thus seen Dr.Crowlers loss, a majority of the Obelisk's had gotten in through either private exam's or through recommendations, so this was news to them. To hear that Dr.Crowler had not only lost to an applicant, but that said applicant had been placed in Slifer Red, was quite a shock.

With gritted teeth, Dr.Crowler changed the subject and began his lesson for the day. Victor looked up at Pitt and nodded in gratitude, and Pitt gave a thumbs up when Crowler wasn't looking.

*Later, in Dr.Crowler's Office*

Dr.Crowler hated everything about Jaden Yuki. His unwavering positivity, his calm demeanor, his unnatural dueling talent, and most of all, the fact that Jaden beat him in a duel!! Crowler had hoped that placing Jaden in Slifer would wear down his spirit, but it became clear that he could wait no longer, Jaden had to go now! Crowler came up with a plan, he would forge a love letter, claiming it was from a female student, and place it in Jaden's locker. The letter would instruct Jaden to meet up at the Obelisk girls dorm, and when Jaden got caught there he would be expelled. There were two problems with this plan, however. Firstly, Crowler had to use a real student's name, in case Jaden tried to find out more. Crowler realized that this still could fail, because if Jaden asked the girl about the letter, she would deny it, and the plan might be ruined. Secondly, Jaden would need to be unaware of the rules that prevented students from visiting opposite-gender dorm rooms, otherwise he wouldn't fall for this. No matter, Crowler was willing to take the risks. He signed the letter as Alexis Rhodes, and went to place it in Jaden's locker. All he had to do now, was wait...

*Later, by the lockers*

Syrus was absolutely jumping for joy. He had discovered a love letter in his locker, and it was signed by Alexis Rhodes, the prettiest girl in Obelisk! He couldn't wait to share this news with his friends, and here comes one now!

VIctor walked up to Syrus. "Hey, what's got you so happy, Syrus?"

"I just found this in my locker, it's a love letter from Alexis Rhodes, I can't believe it!" Syrus was practically shaking with happiness, this had clearly given him a boost in his confidence.

"Oh, really? Lucky guy, can I see the letter?"

Syrus gave him the letter, and Victor immediately smelled bullshit. By reading the letter, you would think whomever wrote it was proposing marriage, not admitting a crush. Furthermore, it made no sense for Alexis to be interested in Syrus, they hadn't even formally met. But what stood out the most was the timing of this. It was the first day of classes and already someone had a crush on Syrus?

Victor tried to convince Syrus that something about the letter didn't add up, but the cyan-haired Slifer refused to believe it. So Victor pulled out his pda and messaged the only person he knew who could talk to the supposed source of the letter.

CHAT: VICTOR and PITT

Victor: Hey Pitt, your how close is your locker to Alexis Rhodes'?

Pitt: Pretty close, actually. Why? Want me to ask her out for you or something? Sly dog ;)

Victor: NO. Actually, I think Syrus is being pranked. He got a love letter signed by Alexis, but I don't think it's actually from her. Syrus doesn't believe me, so I was hoping you could talk to Alexis and sort this out.

Pitt: Gotcha. Let me talk to her and I'll get back to you.

After about fifteen minutes, Pitt messages back

Pitt: Hey, mind if I add Alexis to the chat? Easier than parroting what she tells me.

Victor: Sure

ALEXIS HAS BEEN ADDED TO THE CHAT

Alexis: Hello Victor, could you please send me a picture of the letter?

Victor did just that. And Alexis sent a picture of one of her schoolwork papers. The handwriting was very different.

Alexis: As you can see, that's not my handwriting. I'm sorry Syrus was tricked, but I did not write him that letter.

Victor: No worries, I didn't think you did, Syrus just needed some hard truths from you personally.

END OF CHAT

Victor showed the messages to Syrus, and though he tried denying it at first, he eventually accepted the truth.

"I should have known it was too good to be true. Well, thanks for saving me from major embarrassment, Vic."

Syrus looked sad, and hurt. Victor wanted to know who would play a prank like that on Syrus, he planned on having a few words with them. Any further scheming was interrupted when he heard a loud clanging noise from behind him. He turned around and saw Dr.Crowler hastily walking away, an imprint of his fist on one of the unaccompanied lockers.

Just as Victor was about to say something, Jaden walked up to him and Syrus. "Hey guys, what's with the long faces?"

"Someone pulled a prank on Syrus." Victor responded.

"What, why would someone do that?" Asked Jaden.

Just as Victor was about to respond, Jaden went to the locker right next to Syrus' and opened it.

'Wait, a love letter in Syrus' locker, Dr.Crowler being conveniently nearby, Jaden's locker being right next to Syrus?' His thoughts were racing.

"I have a theory."

It took some time, but Victor explained his theory to Jaden, Syrus, Pitt and Alexis. Said theory being that the whole thing had been orchestrated by Crowler to get Jaden in trouble, and that Syrus received the fake letter by mistake. Alexis and Pitt had made their way over to the Slifer section of the lockers, texting was getting annoying.

"Jeez, would Crowler really go that far over Jaden beating him in a duel?" Pitt asked

Alexis responded "I'm acquaintances with a third year named Zane, and given what he's told me about Dr.Crowler, I wouldn't put it past him."

Syrus perked up. "Wait, Zane? You know my older brother?" The others were surprised, they didn't know Syrus even had an older brother. Alexis confirmed that he had helped her and some other Obelisk first years get settled, telling them about campus and the teachers.

Alexis continued. "Zane told me that Dr.Crowler is a bit obsessive with victory, and considers himself to be an elite among elites. He puts profesionalism and prestige above all else. So it's very possible that he considers Jaden's success insulting, and wants to get rid of him as a result."

"Wow, I didn't realize he'd go this far over little old me. Should I be worried he'll try again?" Despite his words projecting worry, Jaden's expression was one of mild confusion.

"I don't think he'll try to trick you like this again, if Victor saw him nearby then Dr.Crowler probably knows how badly his plan failed. But I doubt he'll stop wanting you gone." Said Alexis.

Jaden promised everyone that he would be careful around Crowler from now on, but Jaden himself wasn't all that worried. He made the promise to put his friends and Alexis at ease.

Pitt brought up the idea of reporting this to the only person with more power than Crowler, Chancellor Sheppard. But Alexis pointed out that any evidence they had was circumstantial at best. And even if they tried, Dr.Crowler would simply deny everything, and might even retaliate later. Given this, the group decided to let it go.

Time Skip: Nighttime

That night, Pitt drifted off to sleep and began to dream. His dreams were normally fragmented and scattered, but this one was intricate, and had vivid detail. He found himself stand in front of a large mansion, a maid at the front door beckoning him to enter. As he approached the maid, one glaring detail caught his eye... she had a tail. He slowly recognized her.

"Wait, Parlor Dragonmaid?" Pitt was sure it was her. While he never actually fought her, he had studied the Dragonmaid deck shortly after winning it from Lucien. He knew about 80% of the duel cards that existed, the only people who knew more were probably Pegasus and Kaiba.

She smiled warmly. "Yes, it's good to see you, Pitt. We have some things we must discuss with you, please head inside." As she said this, the doors to the mansion magically opened. Pitt saw no harm in going along with this, (this was just a dream after all, right?) so he went inside.

The mansion's interior seemed vast, almost never-ending. Pitt knew that going straight was the safest path to avoid getting lost, and this path eventually paid off. He soon entered a dining room, and at a large table, another figure was waiting for him.

Like Parlor Dragonmaid before, Pitt instantly recognized this figure as House Dragonmaid. She was the most powerful of the Dragonmaid archetype, and her aura reflected that. Even her very posture projected power.

Pitt took a seat across from her, and she then spoke.

"Hello Pitt, we have been eager to speak to you. Firstly, we wanted to thank you for liberating us from Lucien. He was truly a foul soul. Secondly, we wish to inform you of our situation. All of the Dragonmaids in that deck, we are those duel spirits, bound to those cards. The other monsters in the deck do not share our fate, we are the only spirits attached to that deck. We wanted to explain this to you sooner. However, we spirits are not strong enough yet to communicate with you in broad daylight. We will need to strengthen our connection to do that. So for now, the only way for us to communicate with you is in your dreams. I understand that this is a lot to take in, but we hope our relationship will only strengthen from here."

Pitt was silent for sometime. At first, House Dragonmaid assumed that he was simply taking all of this information in. However, Pitt then frowned and responded.

"Well, I certainly wasn't expecting this. Don't get me wrong, it's awesome that I'm able to talk with actual duel spirits, but this puts a damper in my plans that I had made."

House Dragonmaid was curious, what were his plans? She asked him this, and he responded.

"Well, I was going to give that entire deck to my friend Victor. It was going to be his present for when he is promoted to Ra Yellow at the end of the month. But, since the deck is full of spirits, I don't feel right just giving you all away."

House Dragonmaid stood up, and her eyes began to glow. Next to her, a vision of Victor materialized.

"Victor Quinn? We have seen your memories of him. He seems to be someone you trust dearly, and care for a great deal. Answer me this: What kind of person is he?"

Pitt paused. How would he describe his best friend? There were so many qualities of Victor that he enjoyed, so many fond memories. In the end, he smiled warmly and said: "One of the best. Even if he doesn't know it."

House Dragonmaid returned Pitt's smile with one of her own. "Then, we shall eagerly await meeting him."

Pitt awoke soon after, feeling rested and peaceful.