A somewhat lanky boy in a Ra Yellow uniform let out a sigh, exasperated blue eyes traveling to his duel pilot as he wondered what to do.

''Hugo?''

Perking up at the familiar voice, he waved at the newly arrived Johan ''Hey, seems like you've been doing well for yourself…wish I could say the same for my idiot of a brother.''

Familiarity with the duo led Johan to an immediate conclusion of what this was about ''…Emil's in trouble for his pranks again?''

It wasn't a question and they both knew it, Hugo only groaning as he ran a hand through his sandy hair ''Crowler got a face full of those clay traps and it led to the biggest hissy fit I'd ever heard of. Doesn't help that a bunch of the students got pictures, that dork wouldn't even stop laughing once he saw of course and now he's in detention for weeks. Of course, he's as proud as it can be since it's Crowler and people actually praised him for that, but he's not the one who has to deal with the grumbling afterwards.''

Typical, somethings really never changed. Johan had actually met the brothers because of a similar situation arising in prep school. Hugo being a second year meant they didn't really get much of a chance to interact during school hours but the boy still did his best to be there for both him and Emil. Despite their difference, the two brothers always had the other's back when it came down to it and he really liked that.

Heck, it was part of the reason he and Hugo became friends. As per the boy's words when they first met 'Hey, anyone who has the patience to endure my ridiculous brother for this long is definitely a friend in my book.'

The calm and levelheaded Trevanni remained a reliable presence for friends and family alike, having even gone out of his way to find Johan some notes from the classes he missed to catch up. He was glad to have him as a friend.

Johan had a thought as they kept walking ''I keep forgetting to check but who's your dorm head anyway? Does he teach us?''

''Not sure…'' Hugo returned after a moment ''…funny you mention that, I think you two could really hit it off. His name's…''

Both started as the bell rang, Hugo rubbing the back of his neck ''…and it's time to go, come on!''


No one was quite sure when or how it happened but the resultant smell from Banner's concoction was so bad that it nearly drove the entire class out at once.

Sora gagged, leaning against the wall ''You know I'm pretty sure there's something wrong with a class being dangerous for our own health!''

''Took the words out of my mouth…'' Ciel groused ''…I seriously hope we don't get tested for this because that's one class I'm bound to fail.''

''You and the rest of us. I'm not sure even Banner knows what he did back there…'' Chazz trailed off.

'Yikes, I don't think I'd ever been so grateful for our current forms.' Jade told Ruby, who nodded, both sweatdropping.

A surprised cry drew their attention to Banner as he exited the class, the reason being the clip currently plugging his nose. Syrus verbalizing the question many had in mind ''You knew this would happen, didn't you?''

He laughed weakly ''No, not at all. I've simply grown used to accidents so it's simply me trying to think fast.''

Silence settled at this, the man instinctively gulping at the numerous stares coming his way. The sheer amount of judgement, annoyance and disgust spoke volumes more than words ever could.

''…I'm very sorry.''


Sora was once again thankful for the delicacy that is sweets.

He seriously needed something good to erase the memory of that accident, the flavor of his lollipop sure hit the spot. ''You know, if science is supposed to lead to this much accidents, I'm glad it never interested me anyway.''

Bastion felt that most of that was due to Banner being too absentminded but there was no denying that it was getting exasperating. His attention was quickly drawn to the card shop as Jaden and another boy left, the latter holding a couple of bags. ''Jaden, Chumley? What're you doing?''

The two paused, Jaden waving ''Oh hey, Miss Dorothy just saw Chumley getting more stuff for his grilled cheese sandwiches and she was telling him about a couple of recipes he could try out.''

Bastion cast a cursory glance at the visible supplies ''And I assume you're going to cast her good advice aside?''

''I mean, it was nice of her but I like this.'' The heavy-set boy shrugged.

''A little variety wouldn't kill you.''

''Exactly!'' Jaden put in.

Chumley's beady eyes narrowed ''This coming from the guy who practically wolfs down every bit of fried shrimp he can get his hands on?''

To his credit, the boy didn't even deny it ''I still try other stuff.''

''Oh, like your mystery sandwich gamble? No thanks.''

''You just have no sense of adventure.''

''I'd rather that then lack of a sense of taste.'' Bastion put in, Chumley nodding emphatically.

''Well now, that you're done with the little squabble-who's he?'' Sora wondered.

''Oh! Chumley, that's Johan and he's Sora. Guys, this is our roommate.'' Jaden put in.

''I think I heard of you guys before…'' The other slifer recalled ''…hard to believe you're in school just like us.''

''Eh, we've all got our reasons.'' Sora shrugged.

Johan nodded with a smile ''There's always a chance to learn if you just look, it's those who think they know all they need who really miss out.''

Bastion gave an approving hum ''I couldn't agree more.''

Sora's gaze traveled to the sandwich containers in the shop ''…When he mentioned a gamble…''

''He did that to you guys too?'' Chumley and Bastion shared a sympathetic look as Johan briefed the younger Obelisk in. While the variety of the sandwiches was appreciated, it also had its downsides. They could very much do without some of those flavors.

Sora gave Jaden a look ''You do realize your 'gamble' just means you're way more likely to find more stomachaches than sandwiches, right?''

''But it still doesn't mean I can't find it!''

His only response was an eyeroll, the brunet clearly pleased with his own logic.

Johan almost smiled, unknowingly echoing Sora's thought to leave it be as Jaden clearly wouldn't be dissuaded. The sound of laughter drew his attention to a couple of students talking to a teacher nearby.

Not for the first time, his questions about the academy re-surfaced. He was perfectly that the plenty of investigation had gone underway with the faculty and the school itself but his doubts remained. He felt bad that he couldn't trust them, Sheppard being the only exception since they'd known each other for years, but he hated it. He wasn't the kind of person to be so mistrustful. They hadn't done anything and yet…

Everything he learned about the academy just raised more questions, what was really going on here? Could he find anything related to that incident here? And the most important of all-what became of his parents?

With the details about the Superintendent being so sparse, had no idea what he could do to uncover the truth behind that incident but still…

Mentally shaking himself, the boy tried to distract himself with anything else. Which was when he noticed the curious onlookers ''What's going on?''

Bastion followed his line of sight ''I can think of two reasons for this attention, namely you and Sora. Although I expect with Sora, it's due to the fact that he kept to himself so much until very recently.''

By the looks of the boy's expression, he'd come to the same conclusion. ''Ah, things were pretty boring. And so are they if they've got nothing better to do. Anyway, I had this idea…''


''Hey, so it's true…?''

''Yeah, haven't you heard? The story was so big-they just up and vanished-nobody ever found out what happened!''

''It's been this long-doesn't it mean…?'

A growl 'Why don't you take a picture-it lasts longer!'

'Citri, you know that's pointless.' A sigh 'I can't say I don't share the sentiment though…'

'Right?! Don't they have anything better to do with their lives?' Citri grumbled.

Ruby remained quiet but she clearly shared her fellow beasts' aggravation. Johan almost smiled, admittedly gratified. Citri and Flo settled next to them, the owl huffing 'I really have no idea how you put up with this for so long, Johan. It's both infuriating and appalling.'

''I'm used to it.''

The spirits were all of the opinion that it only made this worse, Amber summing up their collective thoughts 'You shouldn't have to be.'

Well, he certainly wouldn't argue there. It was hard not to get used to the media poking around even before that incident but this was so much worse. He knew he'd have to face even more scrutiny when he chose to come and it felt about as terrible as he expected. The press certainly had a field day with the aftermath of the project, each theory somehow being more terrible than the last.

The general consensus was that his parents were dead but he didn't…he couldn't let himself believe that. It scared him more than anything, not only the fact that he wouldn't see them again but the idea that they would just…that their last memory wasn't even profound…Johan wasn't even sure what the last exchange he had with them was. Sad to say, the students' whispers and rumors wasn't anything new either, his friends likely knew about the situation too. Johan was just glad they never mentioned it.

Not for the first time, Flo wondered if Johan was better off staying home after all. He'd already had plenty on his plate since that incident, the avian still remembered the first time they'd seen the media hounding him for a story. Which apparently had happened plenty of times recently, and it truly disgusted him. Johan had already been through so much; did they have to keep rubbing it in? Why did anyone think it was okay to crowd a child like that, putting them on the spot and expecting them to lay everything out? If humans considered this kind of thing to be entertaining then he was certainly glad the spirit world had no such nonsense.

But he also remembered Sapphire bringing the matter of his attending the academy up before. Even now, the answer only left him all the more impressed with Johan.

'I know it'll be hard. And I guess in some ways, it really would be better if I stayed. This isn't something I can or should avoid, I'm still unsure about a lot of things. But I know I need to face this. I made up my mind to try moving forward…because if I don't do something, nothing's going to change. And I can't stand that. It'll be hard and I won't always get it right but I have to try.'

It was as he said. Difficult as it all was, with the investigation at a standstill due to lack of evidence, Johan had yet to give up. He was still lost and unsure of so much but he tried. Despite the burden he bore, he remained determined to act on his word. And that was truly admirable.

'…It's quite a nice day. Why don't we just enjoy it now?'


''There you are!''

Johan hadn't quite realized he'd dozed off until then, blinking through the sunlight dappled leaves to find Chazz ''Oh, you were…never mind, it's nothing.''

His eyes flickered with curiosity for a moment before they began to droop and it was clear the boy remained quite drowsy. Still, it was little wonder. Chazz knew quite well that the past few months had been rough on him to say the least. But he was also aware that Johan was hiding something, something that continued to haunt him. The boy was of two minds, a part wishing to coax the truth out so they could deal with it but another part reminded him that he hadn't been upfront about much of his issues either.

Even if they had been little more than rivals who occasionally ran into each other, Johan became a true friend who was always there for him. Likewise, his family had asked nothing of him, continuing to shower him with love and support, teaching him what a true family should've been like. And he couldn't thank them enough for it. As much as he wanted to help, he was powerless to do a thing.

Now Chazz knew perfectly well that emotions weren't his forte to put it nicely. Johan would always be a lot better there but as Chazz watched the boy nod off, he moved to sit nearby before he even knew it ''Just get back to sleep, everything's fine.''

The other boy didn't resist the invitation back to rest, Chazz leaning back against the tree. Well, it wasn't much but the least he could do was make sure his first friend got some much-needed rest. Allowing himself to relax, Chazz made up his mind. Even if he couldn't figure out the answers, the least he could do was offer his company for what it was worth. One way or the other, he'd make sure that Johan remembered he wouldn't be alone.

In this quiet moment of solidarity, the two found a moment of peace amongst their struggles.


The following day…

Jaden and Chazz met up near the academy entrance, having agreed to duel earlier. If the Obelisk was honest, he'd actually wanted a shot at this ever since their duel at the exams last month.

…Although, how did he wind up dueling Jaden anyway? He never really thought about it but looking back, the students who'd dueled were all of the same dorm. The boy thought it had been a rule and the duel was just an exception. He couldn't think of anyone besides Jaden who would've agreed to those conditions anyway…

Well, there was no use mulling it over now ''Ready to get schooled, slacker?''

Jaden grinned back ''Bring it, get your game on!''

Jaden: 4000

Chazz: 4000

''Here we go!'' Jaden's gaze was bright as he took in his assembled cards ''I play E-Emergency Call so I get to bring out Elemental Hero Stratos from my deck and then I summon him!'' The hero flew into the air and landed before Jaden (A: 1800/ D: 300) ''And with his effect, I add Avian to my hand. Then I throw down a facedown!''

Chazz took his turn ''I play Trade-in to send one card to the grave and draw two. Then I summon Blizzard Dragon…'' A blue dragon emerged (A: 1800/ D: 1100) ''…and use his effect to make sure you can't attack with Stratos on your turn. Now for Dragons Unite.'' Blizzard Dragon was coated in an aura of power (A: 1800400: 2200/ D: 1100400: 1500) ''Next up is Stamping Destruction to get rid of your face down…''

Chazz felt a bit of satisfaction at Jaden's clear alarm, guessing that the card was part of his plan ''…and you lose 500 points too. Now attack!''

Jaden: 3100

Chazz: 4000

With Chazz ending his turn with two cards facedown, Jaden made his move ''Nice going, but I'm just getting started! I summon Avian and then play Miracle Fusion, so I fusion summon Elemental Hero Absolute Zero!''

In a swirl of ice and snow, a pale blue and white hero leaped out, ready for battle (A: 2500/ D: 2100) ''Now, let's battle…''

''I don't think so. I activate the trap, Dragon's Roar. So long as I have a level 4 or below dragon monster, you can't attack this turn!'' Chazz interjected.

''Aw, jeez…and I was all psyched too…'' Jaden laughed ''…you're something else. In that case, I'll just throw this little facedown and wrap it up.''

Chazz drew, smirking ''First off, I use Smashing Ground to destroy Absolute Zero.''

The spell shone and a massive fist took the ice hero out. But Jaden wasn't deterred ''You're going to regret that! When he leaves the field, I get to destroy all your monsters!''

Contrary to his expectations, Chazz didn't even blink ''I play Spark of the Light Dragon, now that one of my dragons has been destroyed, by sending two from my hand to the grave, I get to special summon one Light Attribute Dragon from my deck…'' He fanned out his cards ''…there we go, Galaxy Eyes Photon Dragon!''

''Whoa…'' So, he already had a back up plan, that sounded like Chazz all right.

''And I play my face down, Immortal Dragon, so with that, I summon one of the monsters I discarded, Assault Wyvern.'' The blue and silver beast landed next to its master (A: 1800/ D: 1000) ''What was that about regrets again, Jaden?''

Okay, the Slifer had to give him that one. He was definitely eating his words now…

''Galaxy Eyes, attack!''

''And I'll be putting the brakes on the big guy with Negate Attack!'' Jaden was surrounded by a shield as the dragon stopped in its tracks.

''Not bad but there's more to come!'' Assault Wyvern nailed the mark.

Jaden: 1300

Chazz: 4000

Jaden then made his move, knowing just how much of a close call he just about evaded. Despite that, he was still having a blast. ''All right! I play Elemental Hero Liquid Soldier and with his effect, I get Stratos back to the field…'' The blue clad hero opened a portal through which aforementioned monster soared (A: 1400/ D: 1300) ''…and thanks to him, I can add Heat to my hand…'' Jaden revealed the card ''…Then I play United We Stand to give Stratos a boost!''

Stratos shone with golden light as he stepped forward (A: 3400/ D: 1900)

''Huh, so you do try stuff like that too?'' Color Chazz impressed, half the time he'd seen Jaden keep focusing on fusion monsters and little else.

Jaden called for an attack. Chazz allowed himself a grin ''Galaxy Eyes gains can banish itself and the attacking monster till the end of the turn. Anything else?''

But then…

''…all right, that's enough of that!''

Both jerked back in surprise, the duel disks automatically stopping when Crowler made his presence known. The teacher walked between the two, clapping his hands ''No need to humiliate him further, Chazz.''

''What're you…?''

''Why, only stating the obvious. The only reason he won before is a fluke, a Slifer slacker can't stand a chance against an Obelisk.''

Jaden wasn't surprised to hear him say it but still ''Hey!''

If Crowler noticed Chazz's deeply unimpressed look, he made no show of it. ''I'm doing him a favor, really.''

As if. Both knew he was just being petty and loving every moment of it.

Chazz really, really hoped he wasn't ever this cocky even at his worst. Was it any wonder the Obelisks were so full of themselves with this guy in charge?

Jaden blinked as he turned off his duel disk moments later ''Hey, what're you…?''

''We should've found a better time; class is about to start.''

''Oh, come on! We can't just leave a duel unfinished!''

''You might not pay attention but the rest of us actually care about our grades.'' The boy walked past him ''Blame Crowler, besides, I almost had you.''

''Yeah, right-I definitely would've won!''


Chumley grumbled as he was lectured for eating simply for some transfer students, but all complaints died in his mouth at the sight of them. Or rather one in particular…

And it wasn't just him, excited murmurs rose as many eyes centered on the taller transfer student. A teenager with flowing pink hair, bright blue eyes and a friendly demeanor-a face many of them recognized at once.

She was a familiar face they'd seen on TV over the years, a child actress who'd managed to reach out to others and touch millions of hearts. Her name was…

Banner barely even got around to making introductions before a voice cried out ''No way, we're getting the Celica Valdez as a student?!''

The shorter transfer was almost completely forgotten in the zeal as those who were closest to the front desk approached.

''I can't believe you're here! I absolutely love your movies.''

''Me too, me too! We've got all of them at home. They're awesome-you're awesome!''

''Déjà vu, huh?'' Chazz snarked to Johan, who was quite sympathetic to the girl. She seemed to be handling herself with ease born of experience but the enthusiasm was clearly bothering her too.

''Okay, okay!'' The girl held up a hand ''Thanks, all of you. It's always great to meet fans but I really just want to be treated as any other student. So, I'd really appreciate it if you could try.''

Unfortunately, the attempt had the opposite of the intended effect as her new classmates were quick to demonstrate.

''She's so humble!''

''Wow, I knew she'd be amazing…we're lucky to have you!''

''Awesome!''

Blair was all but hidden behind Banner as he tried to get control of the situation. ''All right, all right, settle down! You'll have plenty of time to get to know each other…''

''Hold on, Professor, why is she wearing the Slifer uniform?'' One of the students who'd stayed in their seats wondered.

''Ah, yes-I was getting to that. It's the academy policy that transfer students have to start in Slifer.'' Banner wasn't the least bit surprised at the displeasure this seemed to cause ''But Miss Valdez and Miss Flannigan have had excellent grades, so I don't doubt that they'll be ranking up shortly.''

The emphasis on the second name was a clear indication that they had two students and they shouldn't forget that.

''Hold on, if transfer students have to do that, how come…?'' Syrus' gaze traveled to Johan.

''Prep school, remember? I hear those who finish it are basically all but signed up for the academy. Besides, if Johan gave Chazz a good run for his money back then there's no way he'd be in Slifer.'' Chumley reminded, there were exceptions to every rule. ''Johan and Sora were one thing but her too…? Wow, I wonder why she came…''


Both new students were devoutly thankful to finally escape the class.

Celica heaved a big sigh ''Sorry you were completely brushed off.''

Blair appeared startled ''N-no, it's not your fault. I don't know how you handled that, they're too much…''

Both winced when a pair of Obelisks spotted them, immediately wanting to ask for autographs. Celica held back a groan, only experience preventing her from storming off. Couldn't she at least get a moment to herself?

Thankfully, she didn't have to worry about that for long.

''Now hold on.'' The four stopped in their tracks as the blue haired boy chose to interpose himself between them ''They've just come a long way and we already have it clear that they'll be students. How about you let them get some rest? I think that introduction to class was pretty stressful-so why don't we make a better impression by giving them both some space? That shouldn't be a problem, right?''

The two hemmed and hawed but finally found themselves leaving, apparently knowing they couldn't really find a good argument. Yelan joined them as the boy went on his way, the girls looking on.

''That was nice of him.'' Blair put in brightly.

It really was, Celica hadn't been expecting another student to interfere out of the blue but it was certainly appreciated. Who was he?

''Oh, Mr. Andersen is a good one. He's got the worst sense of direction I've ever seen but he's a pretty nice kid, I'd say you could find yourselves a great friend with him.'' Yelan put in.

Friend, huh? Could it really be…Celica had honestly forgotten what it was like…

''And here we are, that's your temporary dorm.'' The history teacher gestured to the building. Half-expecting complaints like so many had before, their reactions were a pleasant surprise.

''This is what they made such a big fuss over?'' Celica wasn't impressed. Sure, the place was a bit run down but she'd seen much worse ''And here I thought actors were supposed to be the dramatic ones.''

Blair blinked twice, Yelan's lips quirking ''Well, I'm glad to hear that. That's your roommate on her way.''

It was in fact Ciel ''Sorry, teach, I figured I could show them the way but it was impossible getting a word in through all the chaos.''

The three completely understood, Yelan waved a dismissive hand ''Don't worry about it. I'll just get out of your hair now.''

Bidding her farewell, Ciel turned to the other girls ''Hey, the name's Ciel, our room's this way!''

She led them to the second floor ''I've never had roommates before so I kinda wanted to tidy up. Things get chaotic when I'm wrapped up in a project.''

Blair poked her head in ''…Oh, so you're already done.''

''I'm pretty sure she means the box.'' Celica put in.

Brown eyes widened as they landed on said object, which did indeed seem to be holding quite the assortment of random objects. A number of colors and glitter were splattered on one side and it was clear that most of them had been put away in quite the hurry.

''Things aren't usually this messy…err, okay they kind of are but I promise I can get that under control.'' Ciel added quickly. ''…Hey, what's with those looks…?''

It was quite clear that they didn't buy it for a second, Celica being of the mind that she maybe trying a bit too hard.

''Fine, be that way! So much for new roommates, I'd like to take all my excitement back now.''

Celica only arched an eye ''Tip from a former pro, the performing arts definitely aren't for you.''

''Hey!''


Things certainly didn't settle down in the next couple of days. Nope, not at all.

The girls' situation may be temporary but it sure didn't stop the students taking umbrage for Celica, who remained of the opinion that they were overreacting. Sure, the dorm was rundown but she could deal with it. Besides, it couldn't be clearer that a bunch of them just saw nothing but the famous actress. Thus, they very much wanted to get in her good graces, unaware that their actions would lead to the exact opposite. More than one offer had been made to have her room with a person of the other dorms.

It quickly became clear that numerous students and even a couple of teachers had come to see Celica, the situation being much like yesterday with everyone eager to meet her.

Jaden let out a breath as he slid next to his roommates ''That was something else.''

''Yeah, it's crazy-I don't know how she deals with it…'' Syrus began.

''Well, she's definitely getting a lot of friends, huh?''

Even Blair gave him an odd look for that, Syrus just shaking his head ''Moving on, we were just talking about the school duel.''

''It seems to be a bigger deal than I expected. It's still a ways off but even now, some are raring to participate.'' Bastion remarked.

''School duel?'' Jaden quirked a brow.

''It's all about this rivalry between our school and North Academy.'' Alexis supplied ''Zane was chosen last year and apparently, it's all about pride and honor or something. He thinks it's overhyped.''

''Really?'' Syrus imagined his brother would be a top contender for the event throughout his time in the academy so he hadn't expected that.

''I think it sounds sweet…'' Jaden began.

''There's a surprise.'' Bastion put in dryly, the others exchanging amused looks, Jaden hadn't noticed, already wondering what to do to be considered for the event.

''You could be considered, Jay. Your dueling record's been awesome.'' Syrus put in.

Chumley would be inclined to agree but the idea of the school choosing a Slifer to represent them seemed farfetched ''Yeah, but if you look at it like that, there's plenty of people who could be considered too.''

Bastion thought so as well, his eyes finding two such examples ''What say you, Sora, Johan? Would you be inclined to participate?''

''Nah, not my thing.'' The first waved a dismissing hand ''Sounds like way too much of a hassle.''

Sheppard had in fact shared some stories with Johan about the duel in the past, his parents making a point of teasing their old friend over it for some reason he never quite caught.

Besides, there was still that particular issue… ''Well, I'm not really big on the idea of all the fanfare either. Besides, we could speculate all we want but it doesn't really make a difference in the end, right?''

''Well, there is that.'' Bastion nodded.

''You guys are no fun sometimes! Come on, it's supposed to be exciting…'' Jaden pouted.

''For all we know, they'd pick Zane again.'' Chumley shrugged, leaning back. This was the young man's final year, which seemed like it could be more incentive.

''Why?''

''Because he's amazing…'' Blair sighed dreamily, unaware of their curious looks.


Celica had just been wandering around the blue dorm when she spotted a familiar figure not too far away.

Oh, it was that boy-Johan, right? Maybe she could take a moment to thank him for the help…

But even as she thought that, she couldn't make herself move. And she knew why, she'd had just about enough putting up with the students here.

Usually, she liked her fans but this was ridiculous.

Okay, she knew being treated like another student right from the get go would've been hard but this was ridiculous. Even Ciel took so long to talking about her career and it was quite clear that Blair was another fan, only her shyness preventing her from speaking up.

Besides, a whole bunch of those students were really full of it. Seriously, acting so scandalized that she was in Slifer just because of the school policy and coming to their own conclusions. A few had even taken it upon themselves to argue about who Celica would stay with, ignoring her input all together. This whole ranking system was stupid.

Maybe coming here wasn't such a good idea. She really just wanted a break from everything. Was that asking for too much?

A subtle glow caught her eye, the girl realizing with a start that it came from her card protector. ''What…?'' Blue eyes went wide as she registered the source.

It was that strange card again.

Sure, she had it for a while and while she kept it because it worked well with her deck, the girl always felt like something was different about it. Given the number of duelists who congregate here, she'd hoped she could find any clues. It had been a long shot and she'd quickly dismissed the possibility but now…as her eyes strayed back to the shimmering card, Celica wondered if she had been too hasty after all.


Sapphire tilted his head, curious 'So, Cobalt said you found this while investigating that incident?'

A nod ''It was back when we first learned what happened...'' Johan had no idea what was going on either. The card had suddenly started shimmering a few minutes ago only for it to stop just as quickly ''…We went to the site where it was supposed to take place, there wasn't anything there but I remember feeling something strange and when I tried tracking it down, I found this in the ruins.''

'Ah, I thought you'd pick up on this power too.' Topaz nodded 'It may not be a spirit but at the same time, there's something special to this card. Did anything change when you dueled with it?' Johan shook his head 'I see…'

'Well-wait, what's she doing?'

Sapphire's sudden statement brought their attention to the balcony, where they could just barely see Blair's small frame climbing up the wall. The three exchanged bewildered looks, all wondering the same thing.

What was going on?

Jaden had no idea what Blair was thinking but he knew for a fact that it would not end well.

He'd happened to spot the girl on his way back to the dorm, initially curious as to why she'd go towards the Obelisk dorm at all. Knowing the attitude a bunch of the Obelisks had to the other dorms, he felt it was better to do something. Blair had no idea what kind of trouble she was getting into.

Hey, Jaden was all for having friends but that didn't mean he was oblivious to the fact that some Obelisks could be real jerks.

Imagine his surprise when he found Blair climbing up to a high balcony, breaking into a room.

Oh, boy-given her clear interest in a certain Kaiser, he had a really bad feeling about this.


Sapphire poked his head in the room, doing a double take. Was she…snuggling with those cards?

Humans sure could be strange…

Even stranger was her expression, a smile adorning her blushing face as her eyes seemed to stare at nothing.

Okay, he had no idea what was going on but he should definitely tell Johan…


She was so close, those were his cards…oh, it just reminded her of that fateful day. The reason she'd chosen to come…

'Oh, Zane…'

The girl almost jumped when the window was pushed open ''W-what're you doing here?!''

''That's my line!'' Jaden fired back, grabbing her wrist ''Come on, you really can't stay here…''

Ignoring her protests, the boy took her outside. He was just about to jump to the tree when they heard voices approaching the room fast, among them Zane's ''Oh, boy…''


Jaden cringed as he pulled himself up, sure that they were getting caught now. But then a laugh caught his attention, finding a couple of Obelisks with…

Wait, was that Johan? He and one of the other Obelisks were getting their cards out and walking away…were they going to duel?

'What exactly are you waiting for?' Flo appeared to his left, unimpressed. 'Before you ask, yes-Johan is trying to distract them. And that will only work for so long if you don't move.'

Grinning in thanks, the boy grabbed Blair's hand and took off. They owed Johan big time for this.


Johan let out a breath as they walked away, the suggestion to duel had been a spur of the moment but it seemed to have worked.

The seniors were even stronger than he expected if this was anything to go by. But hopefully that was the end of it…

''So, did your plan work?'' Amusement was clear in Zane's voice.

…or not ''…You knew?''

''It wasn't a bad ploy. Jaden just can't do subtle if his life depended on it.''

''There wasn't any damage and I know she didn't take anything. I just thought it was better to keep this quiet. If the word gets out, they'd probably cause a lot of trouble.''

''I thought it was that.'' He nodded, his companions weren't the entitled sort but given the dorm's track record, Johan's concerns were quite justified. While he certainly wasn't impressed with the mess, he wouldn't go out of his way to embarrass the girl further. ''I need to talk to her either way, I can't let this slide.'' Johan nodded, that was reasonable ''What do you know about that girl?''

''Well…''


Blair was more than a little flustered.

Things had just gone down so fast. She'd found her way to Zane's room, joy overcoming her as she snuggled to his cards. She couldn't help it! Thinking that she could finally reach this place and…

''So, you wanna tell me what that was about?''

Her eyes flickered up to Jaden before she shook her head. The boy seemed to expect that ''Okay, but you better have a good explanation if someone asks, especially Zane.''

''D-did he see me?!''

''No clue, we just needed to get you out of there.'' Johan's interference had been a lucky break, really. He was almost sure they would've been caught after tripping on that tree branch.

Blair's confusion prompted him to give a rundown of the situation ''O-oh…'' So, he'd actually come to make sure she wouldn't get in trouble? ''…wait, that guy from yesterday helped too? But isn't he an Obelisk?''

''They're not all bad, you know how much of a mess it could make if the word got out, right?'' Some called Jaden dense (which you know, rude!) but he wasn't that oblivious.

The girl gulped; she knew her actions could've been misconstrued but she wasn't going to steal anything. She just got carried away…but now that she learned what she did…yeah, things were a hell of a lot worse than she ever imagined.

''T-thanks…'' She managed, making a note to express her gratitude to Johan too.


When Alexis came across Zane approaching the Slifer dorm, the reason was certainly the last thing she expected ''She broke into your room?''

''I'm not sure what she was after. Everything was in place and there wasn't any damage. But I still want to talk, you know anything about her? I couldn't find much answers.''

''Yeah, I'm not sure anyone really has any. Blair seems pretty shy. I think everyone got so caught up that we have a new famous student that she got pushed aside.'' Alexis mused ''I'm more surprised I haven't heard of something like this…''

''That's because Jaden and Johan found out first, luckily for her. We both know things could've spiraled out of control if it had been just about anyone else.''

''True and she barely even got here, last thing she needs is that kind of rep…'' Shaking her head, the girl hummed ''…do you have any idea why though?''

''That's what I'm hoping to find out.'' Zane returned simply.

''For all we know, she could be a fan.'' The girl injected slyly, amused at his clear disgruntlement.

Zane soon fired back in kind however ''Yes, and you'd know all about that, wouldn't you?''

''…I walked right into that one.''


Well, let's stop here.

Yeah, Blair is actually 13 here because I really don't see the point of making her a little kid and I definitely don't get the feeling that season 3 Blair is only 11. And since all dorms are co-ed here, there's no reason to hide her gender. I might have over emphasized it a tad but it really does feel like her whole plan back there would've spun into a disaster.

Things went similarly to canon with the exams, Crowler was just a bit more subtle so Jaden and Chazz don't know he set their duel up. To clarify, Johan just assumes his friends know the situation because of all the attention he's been facing. He's partly right, some of them are aware, they just have enough tact not to bring it up. Also, he's not nearly so interested in the school duel both mainly because after being hounded by people left and right following the project's aftermath, he's not into the idea of drawing even more attention his way.

I had to look up a bunch of the cards before I started the story since it's been so long since I played the game and I'm honestly stunned at the changes. So many of the elemental hero cards probably wouldn't even work right without Neos, what's up with that? Writing duels is harder than I thought but it's a work in progress, how's the story looking so far?

Well, thanks for reading and I hope you enjoy the story, till next time