Chapter 2: Settling In
Summary: The gang settle in and get introduced to some of the other students.
Takashi is among the group of new students standing before a screen, he is no longer in his wheelchair. He's wearing the same gloves and pants he wore at the exam; the jacket has been replaced by a Slifer Red jacket leaving it open and exposing his gray shirt. Chancellor Sheppard appears on the screen with a smile.
"Welcome, my promising new pupils. You all made it here by showing your skills demonstrating you are the future of dueling and may even have the potential needed to be the next King of Games. Please enjoy your time studying here and remember to keep striving for the top." With that the screen goes back to the duel academy screensaver. As everyone begins making their way out of the room Takashi lingers, just observing the room as if looking for something. After a couple minutes he leaves with a curious expression on his face.
/RFSXPL/
"It's a mystery to me why you're in red." Jaden makes a face at Bastion's statement and is about to make a comment when they are interrupted by an approaching voice.
"Not to insult Dr. Crowler but I believe he might be using Jaden's low written test score for putting him in Slifer Red to cover for the fact the fact his pride was hurt in the duel with Jaden." Takashi walks up with his normal calm expression. Jaden's face instantly lights up in a grin.
"Hey Takashi, it's a miracle! You're walking again!" Syrus and Bastion look at Jaden with disbelief while Takashi just chuckles and starts rolling up his left pants leg.
"Well, I did say I was late because my legs were giving me trouble." He finishes rolling up his pants leg revealing a black metal prosthetic with red circuits running through it like his arms. He taps it with his knuckle a couple times. "These things work 99 percent of the time but once in a blue moon they go on the fritz and take about 12 hours to get fixed and tuned up again. It was just unfortunate that it happened the morning of the exam." Bastion gets an inquisitive look.
"So many prosthetics there must be a story there." Takashi's smile remains but dims a bit at that.
"There is. It's just not one I enjoy telling." Bastion and Jaden nod at that while Syrus gets a nervous look at that response.
"Fair enough. I apologize if I touched a nerve or brought up bad memories. On a different note, your theory for Jaden's placement makes some level of sense. However, with your high written test score how did you propose you ended up in the Slifer dorm?" Takashi's smile brightens back up at the apology.
"It's fine Bastion, but I appreciate your apology either way. As for why I'm in Slifer? That's easy, I asked to be." Bastion's eyes widen at this while Syrus and Jaden look back and forth at them still not fully understanding the dorm system.
"Now why on earth would you do that? If you had the grades to be admitted into Ra, why would you asked to be admitted into Slifer?"
"Ah well I wasn't even sure I'd be allowed to turn down my Ra placement, but it turns out they don't force dorm promotions here. You could decide to stay a Slifer for all 4 years and still graduate. Ah but that's beside the point I suppose. I requested to be put in Slifer because I was a bit-" Takashi pauses for a moment seemingly trying to find the right word. "-sheltered growing up and now I want to experience everything the world, in this case the academy, has to offer." Bastion nods accepting the answer while Jaden grins and smacks Takashi on the back.
"That's the way Takashi! Live life to the fullest and have fun doing a little bit everything of everything!" Bastion begins walking away.
"Well, I have to go get settled into my dorm farewell for now gentlemen." The three-wave goodbye to him and Takashi begins leading the other two to the Slifer Red Dorm.
"Come on guys I'll lead the way to our new home."
/RFSXPL/
Upon arriving at the dorm Syrus was less than impressed. "Does the Slifer Red dorm seem kind of run-down to you?" Jaden was of a different opinion looking out from the top floor balcony overlooking the ocean.
"Really? I think it's sweet. It has a great view, and lots of character, too!" Takashi just chuckles standing next to Syrus who is inspecting a downspout.
"I promise you Syrus while it might not be the prettiest, from all the reading up I did the building meets all building and safety codes, even if only barely."
"It still feels a little unfair compared to what I heard the Obelisk Blue dorms have."
"That's actually intentional." At Syrus's deadpan and Jaden's curious face Takashi elaborates further. "Ah well despite what some people might tell you there isn't really anything off limits simply because of the dorm you're in, we all have the same rights and privileges when it comes to most facilities and resources. The only real incentives for moving up in the ranks are social status and the dorms themselves. So obviously they are going to give the bare minimum to the lowest dorm, to motivate you to study and move up as quick as you can." Syrus gets nervous hearing that while Jaden starts laughing.
"Not much motivation to get promoted is there! But man, you sure know a lot about this place Takashi." Takashi gets a small blush at that.
"Ah yes, well when I was asked to come to Duel Academy to test these new cards, I spent a whole month just scouring the internet for every bit of information I could find about here." Syrus and Jaden just smile at that before Takashi shakes his head. "Regardless, my stuff had to be installed into my room by professionals so I would be happy to help you two get settled in."
"Thanks man that would be a big help. Me and Syrus are actually in the same room." Jaden looks at the row of doors for a second before finding his and opening it. "And here it is! Well, it sure is smaller than expected. But it still has all the basic things we need so I still like it." Takashi begins tuning Syrus and Jaden out when he notices someone on the top bunk. He's about to bring it up when he hears Syrus.
"But I'm not even close to your guy's level." Jaden scratches his cheek looking nervous at that remark.
"Don't say that. Let's all just work as hard as we can to become top duelists." At that Jaden opens the curtain, but quickly closes it upon hearing a shout.
"It's too bright! Close the curtains!" Syrus looks up surprised, while Jaden looks apologetic, and Takashi remembers what he was going to bring up.
"There's someone there."
"Sorry about that didn't see you up there."
"Yeah, I kind of noticed him, I was going to say something, but I got distracted hearing you talk bad about yourself." The person on the top bunk scoffs and turns over to face the trio.
"Looks like we got more bright-eyed students with high hopes and big dreams." Syrus and Jaden scream at the sight of the person.
"Des Koala!" The person gets mad at that.
"Don't call me a koala! I'm Chumley Huffington, and this is my room."
"Oh, sorry. I'm Jaden Yuki."
"I'm Syrus Truesdale." Takashi bows.
"My name is Takashi Mirai. It's a pleasure to meet you and I apologize for their reaction." Chumley scoffs at the introductions and rolls back over in bed.
"Do you guys know what it means to be Slifer Red?" The trio look curious at that as Syrus answers.
"It means were the lowest ranking dorm, right? If we want to live in the nicer dorms, we just have to get promoted is what Takashi said." Chumley rolls to the back and stares at the ceiling sadly.
"Get promoted? Yeah right. Those of us placed in Slifer are expected to drop out. Get it. If you're sent here, it means you have no future." Takashi shakes his head.
"But that's just not true. Those placed in Slifer have the lowest grades yes, but it just means the people in red have the most room to grow and adapt and find new ways to improve their decks, their playstyle, and themselves." Jaden starts nodding his head rapidly while Syrus just looks nervous.
"Yeah man Takashi's got it right! If we all work together and get better any of us could be the next king of games, regardless of dorm!" Chumley just looks at the two deadpan and rolls back over facing away from them.
"You guys are way too happy."
/RFSXPL/
"You're still depressed?" Jaden, Takashi, and a depressed Syrus are making their way back to the main building to get more of a look at the facilities.
"But you heard what he said." Takashi looks like he's about to speak up when Jaden jumps in.
"I love red though! Burning flame, hot blood. For a passionate guy like me, it's perfect!" Takashi chuckles at that.
"That's a fun way to view it Jaden. But he's right Syrus, red is what you make of it. We're just starting our lives here at the academy and have so much room to grow and become better duelists. Just remember to never give in till the last card is drawn and the sky's the limit." Syrus perks up at that.
"Th-That's true. That's right. Getting depressed now is pointless! Work hard, Syrus! Fight on! Give it all you've got! I shouldn't doubt myself before I've even started. Guys…" Syrus turns around to look at his friends stops mid-sentence seeing Jaden gone and Takashi politely clapping at his speech.
"That was really good progress for your self-esteem Syrus. However, I believe Jaden got distracted and is leaving us behind." He points to where Jaden is running into the academy main building and Syrus sweatdrops and begins running after Jaden.
"Wait for us!" Jaden just shouts back.
"People are having a duel somewhere!" Takashi just chuckles and follows the two at a slower pace.
/RFSXPL/
"This is no place for future dropouts from Slifer Red. Look up there." Raizou points at a blue crest above the entry way with Obelisk the Tormentors face on it. "Didn't you see the Obelisk crest, so this is for Obelisk Blue students only." Syrus is about to apologize when Takashi walks in having caught up to his two friends.
"Come on now gentlemen you shouldn't lie to others. According to the rulebook handed out at the welcome ceremony clearly states that the arenas are marked to designate which teachers use it for special classes, in this case the two dorm heads of Obelisk use this arena." Takashi is getting real into his lecture crossing his arms.
"Otherwise, anyone is free to use it with permission from one of said teachers, once again, for the case of this arena you just need to get permission from Dr. Crowler or Dr. Fontaine. Takashi raises a finger by this point as if scolding a child.
"Also, regardless of any of that all students are permitted to enter any arena and spectate duels as long as they don't have class and aren't out pass curfew." Syrus looks at Takashi in awe, Jaden looks lost, and Taiyou and Raizou look at Takashi as if he just grew a second head. Coming back to his senses Takashi blushes a bit and starts scratching his cheek. "W-Well that's that what the rules say at least." Raizou shakes his head and looks up towards the stands.
"Hey Chazz! It's the two guys that beat Crowler!" Chazz stands up from his seat, seeing him now Jaden waves and Takashi gives a small bow.
"Ah, I'm Jaden Yuki… It's a pleasure. Who's he?"
"My name is Takashi Mirai. It's a pleasure to meet you, Chazz."
Chazz got a disgruntled look at Jaden not knowing who he is while his lackeys give him smug looks. "You don't know Chazz? He might be a first year, but he's the top dog of the super elite, a dedicated player who's been in the Duel Academy program since middle school!" Raizou pokes Jaden in the chest.
"Yeah! The great Chazz Princeton is widely considered to be the future King of Games." Jaden crosses his arms confused.
"That's weird." That confuses Raizou.
"How so?" Jaden smirks.
"Because the King of Games has to be #1, right? And the #1 in school is me!" Syrus sighs, Takashi chuckles and shakes his head at Jaden's bravado, while Raizou and Taiyou burst out laughing, before getting irritated looks on their face.
"A drop-out Slifer Red like you ought to learn your place-"
"Be quiet! Calm down, all of you." Taiyou was interrupted by Chazz.
"Chazz…"
"He's better than you two. Hell, they both are. The first slacker's exam victory may have been due to carelessness. With the other one having blindsided Crowler with brand new cards using a brand-new summoning method. But they still beat him." Jaden looks at Chazz in challenge.
"That was all skill." Chazz gives a challenging look right back.
"I'd like to have a look at that skill, and yours Takashi." Jaden's smirk grows wider, while Takashi looks to the side bashfully.
"Sounds good."
"Ah well I'd be happy to accept but I'm pretty busy in my off time. But hey, if we ever get paired up for an official duel here in school, I'll give you my all." Chazz looks at Takashi annoyed when they are interrupted.
"What are you guys doing?" Alexis walks in with her arms crossed while Syrus stares in awe, and Chazz looks smug.
"Wow, she's beautiful!"
"Alexis. Well, these rookies seem naïve about how the world works. I was thinking I'd teach them some of this school's harsh realities, you know the social hierarchy and how it can trump some silly little rulebook." Alexis continues looking unamused.
"It's time for the dorm welcoming parties to begin." Chazz scoffs and begins walking away with his two friends hot on his heels.
"Let's go." Alexis sighs and turns to the trio.
"Try not to get riled up by Chazz's provocations you three. They're all a bunch of good-for-nothing jerks." Her eyes widen when she sees Jaden smiling at her.
"Going out of your way to tell me about that." Jaden's grin widens. "Did you fall for me at first sight." Syrus is taken aback while Takashi chuckles.
"Bro that's very unlikely!"
"They do say confidence is attractive I suppose." Alexis stares stunned at Jaden's declaration for a second and then giggles, causing Jaden to sweatdrop and Syrus join Takashi in chuckling. Alexis calms down and looks at the trio with a small smile.
"Slifer Red will be holding a welcoming party as well." Jaden looks at the other two and exclaims.
"That's right! Let's go back to the dorm!" Jaden takes off with Syrus running after him.
"Wait bro!" Jaden turns back around and runs in place.
"Oh yeah! What's your name?" Alexis smiles.
"Alexis Rhodes."
"I'm Jaden Yuki. A pleasure to meet you." With that Jaden turns back around and continues running.
"You think you're so smooth." Says Syrus sounding exasperated following behind him again.
Takashi stays behind and gives a small bow to Alexis. "My name is Takashi Mirai, it's nice to meet you. Thank you for sticking up for my friends but try not to be too hard on Chazz and his friends." Alexis's widen a little in surprise.
"Oh, and why do you say that." Takashi just smiles sadly at that.
"Because at the end of the day we're still just kids, and we don't always know what other people have gone through to make them who they are. Even the arrogant ones. That's how I feel at least. I have to go now but I hope we can see each other again soon Alexis." With that Takashi rises from the bow and makes his way back to the red dorm. Alexis just looks to where the trio left.
"Jaden and Takashi. These next four years are going to be interesting."
/RFSXPL/
While the Obelisk Blue Dorms are having a luxurious dinner party, and the Ra Yellow Dorm is having a simple but elegant dinner, the Slifer Red Dorm is having a very basic, some would say meager, dinner. Most of the Slifer Red students look at their dinner of small grilled fish, rice, red bean soup, and eggs with disbelief.
"What is this?!"
"The other dorms all got huge banquets!" One of them gestures to the cat sitting on the head table.
"And our dorm leader isn't even human!" The cat yawns at that.
"Is that a cat?" Suddenly a man walks out from the back room.
"Ah hello. I'm Professor Lyman Banner, your dorm leader! I run the alchemy class. It's nice to meet you."
"It's so good!" Everyone turns around to see Jaden eating his food with gusto. Syrus looks on nervously.
"Th-This isn't good. Bro…" Jaden looks at Syrus surprised.
"Really? I think it's way delicious." Takashi just sighs in exasperation and shakes his head.
"I don't believe that's what he means Jaden. Our dorm head is still introducing himself and we haven't been given the go ahead to start eating either." Said dorm head walks up to the trios table with a calm smile.
"I don't sweat the small stuff! Well, everyone I look forward to seeing you around."
/RFSXPL/
Takashi's room looks like the standard Slifer Red Dorm with a few additions and changes, instead of two desks there is one long workbench with various electronic parts and black metal pieces, as well as multiple decks of cards and textbooks. Underneath the workbench are multiple silver safes that can only be opened by one of Takashi's prosthetic hands. The bottom bunk of the triple bunk bed has been replaced with a large silver metal case that can open on voice command to reveal thin mechanical arms that can swap out prosthetics if any go dead while Takashi is alone. Up against the back wall next to the window is silver rack with the two sets of spare prosthetic arms. The window itself has blackout curtains which are closed with the only light source being the ceiling light.
Takashi is at the workbench going through some the decks adding and replacing cards when his PDA begins beeping. He puts the deck down and looks at the device, seeing it's a prerecorded message sent to him. Upon opening Chazz's face appears.
"Hey, loser. At midnight, I'll be waiting on the duel field. It will be an ante rules duel, with both our best cards on the line. Come, if you have the courage." The message ends and Takashi sighs tiredly. He presses on his left-hand underneath where the video communicator is stored, and a slot opens where a connector cable pops out. Connecting it to his PDA he gives a voice command.
"Force connection." After saying that he calls Chazz with the PDA, it rings once, and the call goes through. Chazz's shocked face appears on the other end.
"What the, I didn't answer the call! What did you do?!"
"I'm sorry Chazz but I figured you would ignore any call I made, and I didn't feel right not having this conversation face to face, even if it's video call."
"Well, it seems you also took away my ability to hang up. So, what do you want nerd?"
"I wanted to politely decline your invitation tonight. Using facilities after hours and using the ante rule, that's all too much Chazz just for a duel."
"I knew you were a nerd; I didn't know you were also a coward! I bet you're just afraid you'll lose since you can't blindside me with your fancy new cards!"
"That's not it at all Chazz. I'll be happy to duel you in an official capacity one day, but I just don't think it's worth it to break all those rules just to duel anyone, even you."
Chazz grits his teeth and narrows his eyes. "I'm going to make you eat those words coward! Now hang up so I don't have to look at your face anymore." Takashi smiles sadly and hangs up.
"That could have gone better." Takashi sighs. "If he challenged me, he probably sent a challenge to Jaden too. Well, I doubt I could stop him, so I better just not find out, that way I can deny knowledge without lying if the security or faculty ask."
Takashi puts all his cards in deck boxes and places his hand on the scanner of the nearest safe, opening it. A compartment half full of other deck boxes slides out and he puts all but one of the boxes in before shutting it.
Takashi gets up stretching, he then takes off his shirt, revealing his arm prosthetics go to the shoulders, and changes into his sleep shorts. Laying down he closes his eyes and begins to fall asleep.
/RFSXPL/
"Increase the voltage! We need to see how much he can take!"
"Dig deeper! We must know what those images meant!"
"He's convulsing! Sedate him!"
"You are the future young man; you just have to let us bring out your full potential."
/RFSXPL/
Takashi snaps awake lurching forward sweating and gasping for air, an intense phantom pain runs through his brain, causing a throbbing pain where his arms used to be. He gets up and opens a drawer, grabbing two pill bottles from it, one for pain, and one for anxiety and depression. He takes a pill from both of them, fills a cup with water from the sink and takes them both, chasing them with the water, and puts the bottles back in the drawer. With a shuddering breath Takashi silently gets ready for the day.
No duel this chapter, just letting the characters settle in and showing how Takashi interacts with the cast.