There's been some tempering to chapters 23 and 26 which absolutely didn't include me retconning the losses Blake had against Zane. I don't know what you're talking about, the guy never lost. (It makes for a better story and progress, fight me!)
Chapter 48:
The remaining Christmas break went by without further incidents, which meant the three boys staying at the academy were rigorously taught by Miss Hibiki. Belowski had somehow managed to stay under the radar ever since Christmas, much to the dismay of their teacher.
During that time, Blake was busy thinking about what definitely-not-Santa had told him about moving on but not disregarding one's past. He hadn't told anyone about the gift he'd received, other than his spirits.
Dark Armed Dragon for one had taken the piece of coal he'd been given in stride.
'Leave it up to the strongest spirit to make diamonds out of coal.' He'd said. 'I'll have it done until that lovely dragon returns!'
Every spirit had been happy about their gift in some way or another, even if Dark Honest had been a bit perplexed by the holy scripture that was so different from the Spirit World's plethora of beliefs. Raviel was on low-maintenance mode and had been sleeping for most of the time, clearly enjoying the sleep mask while the Cyberdarks continued to power themselves out with their toys. It was both a ridiculous and creepy sight.
When Bastion and Kami had returned from the mainland, they too brought gifts with them, but with Blake confined to the island, he'd have to give some back during their final break.
From Bastion he'd gotten a new card binder filled with card trivia and lore, while Kami opted for a new, fancy belt and a kiss when no one was looking. Not like it stayed at one, but that one was supposed to be special. Naturally, neither of them believed his story about Santa and played it off as a joke.
What wasn't a joke was the amount of work they'd been swamped with shortly after classes had resumed. To make sure the students had a proper voice in matters regarding the academy, the titled students were made into a proper student council, which now held more responsibilities but also more influence.
And while Kami was a natural at paperwork and making decisions, Doctor Crowler and Miss Hibiki had been quick to move along their work to them instead. Thus, she was the president and Blake her vice, while Bastion was named secretary to ease the workload. With them becoming more and more prominent as the weeks went by, they needed to adjust soon.
Zane Truesdale found himself standing in front of the door to Blake's room. He hadn't expected anyone, much less a first-year student, to challenge him the way Atticus did during his remaining stay at the academy.
Blake had pleasantly surprised him in hindsight. At first he'd been taken aback, although he'd seen the boy as a worthy opponent in terms of skills alone. It was their views and different ideals which clashed as hard as their monsters did during their first duel. He could still remember the thrill of being pushed to his limits, always close to closing out the game but never succeeding.
And that didn't change. Sheppard had ordered him to keep an eye on the volatile boy due to his abrasive nature and general attitude. Zane had used it as a chance to experience the same thrill again, and again, and again. Never reaching the height of Blake, not even once inching out the win. It felt like he'd hit not just a roadblock, but a ceiling. A limit.
Many thought of him as the greatest on the island, the perfect student and duelist. But if he'd been perfect, then he'd have no way to grow any further. He and his Cyber Dragons had bashed their heads against what felt like an insurmountable wall for weeks. It had been quite frustrating.
His ideals had wavered greatly under the pressure of having apparently reached his limits. He understood where Blake was coming from when he'd called him out, but it clashed with the Cyber Style's teachings. Zane found himself on the brink of despair from his nonexistent progress. Even when he and his teacher had been forced to duel against Nightshroud, he'd resorted to the same old plays he'd been doing ever since he'd received his Cyber Dragons.
But the dueling of his mentor had started to crack his perception about his own style. While old-fashioned, Sheppard had adapted since the last time Zane had seen him duel, maybe even specifically to support him if they were to duel together. So why couldn't he?
The next crack appeared when he'd heard about Syrus's success in fending for himself, and in a Shadow Duel no less. Syrus's pride when he told him how he'd beaten his opponent and finally got around to using Power Bond correctly greatly reassured Zane. If his little brother could move forward and support his older brother, then he should too.
Seeing his juniors team up against the leader of the Shadow Riders had been the final strike that shattered his reserves. None of them were used to team up the way they did, their decks and playstyles should've hindered them more than anything. Yet they prevailed in a show of teamwork and skills he'd never forget.
Even since then, he'd been busy finding new ways to apply his Cyber Dragons. Ways to secure his resources, play to his strength, eliminate his weaknesses, new strategies to employ. He'd be going to train at the Cyber Style dojo with Sheppard once the school year was over, so he'd be ready for the pro circuit. Hopefully the rewards Mister Pegasus had promised would arrive before that, so he and his teacher could work out and adapt the Cyber Style together.
Zane shook his head, pushing the memories and plans away. He was here because of the Cyber Style, perhaps a bit more. Raising his hand, he knocked loudly against the door in front of him. Some shuffling could be heard, along with someone presumably walking against a table or something of sorts.
Shortly thereafter, Blake opened the door, rubbing his right knee. Zane noted his collar looking off. A brief glance into the room showed the newly titled Queen, Kami Umino, fixing her disheveled hair with an annoyed huff.
"Good morning." He greeted both of them with a nod. "I hope I'm not interrupting?"
"'Sup." Blake nodded back, his voice a bit off. "Ehrm … what's up?" Behind him, Kami was glaring bloody murder towards Zane. He'd only seen looks like this from Alexis when her brother had gotten too silly, even for his liking. Considering she'd been a regular in the infirmary and stayed around Blake most of the time … there was likely something going on he'd indeed just interrupted.
"If you've got a moment or two to spare, could you follow me for a bit?" Zane asked, his eyes wandering to the black deck box on Blake's hip.
"Eh … sure? Does it have to be now or …" Blake looked over to his other guest, who looked like she tried to set Zane on fire with her eyes alone before disappearing into the bathroom. "Guess I have the time now." He grumbled.
Zane shook his head and motioned for him to follow, hiding a laugh behind a cough. He's sorry for interrupting but glad to see his junior being happy with someone instead of being a walking ball of anger. Blake excused himself for a moment and walked with him. On their way, many Obelisk students made space for them to pass. A few of those greeted them, but they're mostly awed by the Kaiser or looking at Blake with a mix of respect and uncertainty. Thankfully, they didn't walk long, as Zane led them up to his own room, which looked much the same as Blake's, save for a few more decorations.
"Alright, what do you want?" Blake said, his arms crossed in front of his chest after they'd sat down.
"There are three topics I want to talk to you about." Zane began. "Maybe four. The first is the simplest, that being my successor as titled King."
Blake raised an eyebrow at him. "Weren't you the Kaiser? Literally?"
"Yes, but with Atticus's disappearance it was functionally the same." Zane replied.
"Well, Atticus is back and staying." Blake said, leaving the unsaid question up in the air.
"That he is, and he wants to use the time to make up for the time he's lost." His senior explained. "Which includes minimal schoolwork."
"Sounds like the title's going to me then, unless you have someone else in mind?" Blake asked, but Zane shook his head.
"Even if I did, you'd have the support to challenge them immediately thanks to your girlfriend. Atticus might change his mind at some point, but that'll be his problem when it comes to that." Zane replied, voicing his suspicion about his juniors' relationship.
"Cool." Blake nodded, not deigning his suspicions any answer. But no answer was an answer of its own.
Sure, Jaden or Chazz could try to take it, but Zane doubted Jaden having any interest in that. Chazz was a different story, especially considering his family was at odds with Kami's, but that was something for the young boy to deal with himself.
"Moving on." Zane continued. "Unless there'll be some unforeseen changes in the rankings both in dueling and academically, I'll be the highest-ranking student of my grade. Thus, I'll be given free choice for the term's final graduation duel."
Blake nodded, no doubt expecting to be the one to challenge him. Zane had thought so himself at first, but there were reasons as to why he wouldn't be the one he'd choose.
"I'll be dueling Jaden." Zane said matter-of-factly.
Blake blinked before letting out an unintelligent. "Huh."
"I see you expected something else. The explanation for that nicely flows into the third topic." Zane said with a hint of amusement before shaking his head. "With the threat of the Shadow Riders over, Sheppard wants the Cyberdarks back."
'Makes sense' Blake thought, slowly nodding his head. 'He gave them to me for theexact purpose of dealing with those guys. Kinda want to show him the middle-finger and have him try take them, though.' "You're not dueling me because of them?" Blake concluded. He could hear the three spirits in question growl behind him, certainly unhappy about being denied a fight. Especially against what was essentially their better.
"While I agreed with your sentiment to get them temporarily, back when you're arguing with the chancellor about it, I believe they're unfit for you." Zane explained, a silver gleam slithering behind him. "Don't misunderstand; I do think you can use them and won't have to worry about any nasty side effects. But when you've dueled for as long as I have, you tend to see what fits and doesn't fit a duelist. Case and point you not using them against the Sacred Beasts."
'Yeah, I didn't really get the chance to, sadly. But me playing a brain-dead beatdown deck after trash-talking most of the students using them is a good point, actually.' Blake thought in a rare occurrence of self-reflection. He'd never intended to use them forever. He mainly needed a deck he knew could deal with their opponents while keeping those cards away from Zane, just in case. If he were to give them back, that possibility was on the table once more, though unlike when Zane would lose against Aster, he'd taken the losses to him in stride. Maybe that wasn't an issue anymore? And he'd even gotten his old deck back from … Santa.
The Cyberdark spirits screeched, only to be silenced by the Cyber Dragon behind Zane. They were a rowdy bunch he'd beaten into submission. An extension of Nightshroud's will. While Blake didn't worry about keeping them in check, they could be a possible backdoor for Darkness to slip back in. Blake looked over to them, seeing the same barely contained hostility as he did the first time. He could make them fit in his deck somehow, sure, but did he even want to? Were they really worth the effort and risk if he didn't even plan to use them?
'The little buggers are more trouble than they're worth.' DAD offered his piece. 'It was fun beating them into submission the first dozen times, now it's just a chore. It's funny watching them play with those toys, at least.'
Zane followed his gaze, a small smile building on his face. "I'm surprised this is something worth thinking about. You've had them for a few days, weeks at most, while not even being a student of the Cyber Style who'd covet a deck of ours. Yet you still think about the spirits who've hurt so many in the past and would've hurt you too if given the chance."
"Don't call me sentimental." Blake snorted, idly noting Zane was looking at the spirits instead of him. "You know if we won't duel before I give them back, you'll take the legendary match-up of Cyber Dragon versus Cyberdark from the people?"
Zane took on a thinking pose. "That's true. But while I'd love to test my mettle against them, it'd be most fitting if they're used by a master of the Cyber Style."
"If only there were some other than you and Sheppard." Blake shrugged, still thinking about what to do. "Can I get back to you on that?"
His senior nodded. "End of the term. That's when Sheppard will visit the academy before announcing his withdrawal as headmaster."
"Alright, I'll have things figured out by then." Blake replied.
Zane looked like he's done, when his eyes lit up as if he'd just gotten an idea. "Say, with Kaiba's change you and Kami are pretty busy with the extra work, aren't you?"
"Yeah, even with Bastion as our secretary we're swamped." Blake nodded with a frown. He could see where the big man was coming from, but he was about the last person that should be doing paperwork.
"May I offer you adding Syrus to your team then?" Zane asked. "While he'll have to triple his efforts to stay in Obelisk Blue, I feel some responsibilities would do him good. He's grown ever since his Shadow Duel, but he's still …"
"A shy and awkward mess." Blake finished. The little guy had grown a backbone, but still left much to be desired. "I think we can do that. I know for a fact he's got a hand for merchandise, so we could add him as our representative to Miss Dorothy and the card shop. Some physical work and helping out the students behind the counter could do wonders."
Zane nodded, a smile on his face. "That would be great. If your president needs additional convincing, just tell me. Either way, thank you for this and … sorry for earlier."
"Eh, you're not the first one, nor do I believe you'll be the last." Blake waved him off with a huff. "You guys have terrible timing through and through."
His senior laughed at that. "Just imagine what Atticus would do if he runs in on you."
"Hopefully he never will …"
"Now that I think about it, depending on the type of work he and Alexis might be a good fit for your team too. Especially with Spirit Day coming up."
"I'll … have to take that one up with the boss." Blake said. There was still some leftover tension between Kami and Alexis, and if he remembered Atticus's behavior right, there might even be a chance he'd prompt his sister to try and take the title from his girlfriend. "Say, when was Spirit Day again?"
Things continued slowly for a few weeks. More Ra Yellow students got promoted and undeserving Obelisk Blue students demoted. The first tests with the updated curriculum had made their waves, and Blake had been pleasantly surprised about his marks. The grueling tutoring from Miss Hibiki had really made a difference. If he kept this up, something Kami and Bastion were keen on him doing, he wouldn't have to worry about it being a reason for possible demotion.
Zane had stepped down and nominated Blake as new titled King before leaving for America with Atticus, which only surprised a few, since there were expectations for Atticus to take up the mantle once more.
Like Zane had anticipated, Atticus had offered himself up for work with the student council, saying that this was part of his ideal school life once he's back. So, he and Alexis, which took a lot of convincing towards Kami to do, were put on general affairs with the students, as they're the most approachable for both boys and girls. Atticus also wanted to have a voice in the event-planning and got his chance at directing the festivities for Spirit Day over calls.
"Are you sure this is a good idea?" Kami asked Blake and gestured towards the two boys in front of them.
"Jaden and Chazz are the perfect example of enemies to lovers- I mean rivals to friends." Blake explained, a shit-eating grin on his face.
"What was that?!" Chazz growled, but was waved off.
"Hey, if it helps the other students and involves dueling to end disputes, I'm game." Jaden laughed. "Things have heated up a bit when Sy and I were promoted, but if anyone can get those guys under control it's us, right Chazz?"
Chazz grumbled but nodded anyway.
Blake looked at Kami, offering her a "told you so" look. He had his reservations about Chazz becoming a possible thorn in his side due to his adversity with Kami, but he'd changed much from the start of the year already. So, he'd give the guy a chance, not like Chazz could beat him in a duel if push came to shove.
"Alright, fine." She relented. "But you better do your jobs I see you abuse your authority …" That one was directed at Chazz.
"I'm not like my brothers." Chazz sneered.
"Good. Then welcome aboard, disciplinary committee."
"... and I helped my old man with his shop for years now. I'd say I'm pretty good with numbers." Dimitri concluded.
"I do remember Bastion and the girls going to the tournament his dad was hosting back during our first break." Blake supplied to his skeptical president. "And the shop looked rather neat."
"Money and budgeting is an important topic, especially if it gets checked by Kaiba Corp employees." Kami countered.
"And you can't run yourself haggard by doing everything yourself, princess." Blake shot back. "You can have Bastion look it over to be sure, he's good with numbers. Final say is yours anyway."
"I can work with Bastion on the numbers, no problem." Dimitri agreed. "Syrus told me he'd be working with the card shop, so I could help him out with anything he needs too."
"See? Two for one deal." Blake grinned. "I don't see anyone else fit for the position." He turned towards the copycat duelist. "You'll be our first Ra student as well, so we expect you to keep up with the rest, both academically and dueling wise."
"I'll do my best." Dimitri nodded, determination clear in his eyes. "I've been searching for someone to train with me anyways, and you guys are the best of the best."
Both boys looked at Kami expectantly. "You do make some good points. Alright, I guess you can be our treasurer." She said finally. "But I'll make sure everything is in order. An Umino cannot show anything less than perfection, ohoho~"
This time it was Blake's turn to grumble. "Why should we accept either of you?"
In front of him and Kami sat his former friends, the Ra girls. Yuma was visibly nervous and shifting in her seat, while Bright looked as cool as a cucumber.
Although Yuma had apologized and was still clearly upset about what they'd caused, things were still shaky.
Bright on the other hand …
The bespectacled girl stood up and performed a perfect ninety degrees bow towards Blake, who was completely caught off guard.
"I know this comes late and will never make-up for the troubles I've caused you." She began. "But please know that I deeply regret ever speaking about what my father had told me in his misplaced mind."
Turned out her father had been one of the bad apples that had been fired from the DPD when Kaiba and his men combed through the whole thing. Blake hadn't been surprised to hear this, as Officer Hara had been a pain in the butt for as long as he had the displeasure of knowing the man. But it took a lot of convincing from both Yuma and Bastion to even entertain the thought of being in the same room as the green haired girl unless absolutely necessary.
"Do you have any idea how much time and effort was spent to get the students' views back in control?" Kami hissed. "It wasn't until Kaiba released what happened with the underground dueling ring and the police that the other students finally started changing their views of Blake for good."
Bastion had made a good point which caused Blake to give her even the slightest of chances, however. That being his own experiences with bad parents. Sure, his parents had been abusive rather than manipulative, but the point still stood. His best friend had been close to adding someone else being manipulative towards him, but Blake had waved him off.
"I am aware." Bright cringed. "Which is why I'd offer my help in whatever you'll need to make up for my mistakes as best I can."
"Yeah, we thought Bright could handle all the extra work the teachers have for you." Yuma chirped. "She's a real quick reader and has been helping out in the library as well. You can hand all of that off to her, she's crazy enough to like it too!"
Kami glanced at Blake, biting her lip. "That would take a big load off of us."
"... fine." Blake sighed eventually. "Put her on probation time. If she performs, she gets to stay, if not, she's out. Yuma, you'll make sure she doesn't fuck up."
"Aye, aye, captain!" Yuma saluted with a cheery smile. "I for one could help Professor Fontaine with the sports clubs. I heard Mister Kaiba wanted her to whip everyone in shape some more, and I got just the ideas to help with that."
"Make sure she adds swimming and you can have it." Kami said before Blake could, already handing them the papers to sign.
"Why am I not surprised about that one?" Blake teased. "You sure take to your new responsibilities like a fish to swimming."
Kami slapped him on the back of his head while the other two laughed.
"Can it with your stupid puns." She told him without any heat.
"Sorry, canning is up to Professor Banner and his cat." Blake continued, prompting his partner to groan into her hands.
"I'm sure Professor Fontaine will agree to that. You Obelisk girls don't have a private pool for nothing." Yuma assured her.
"Great, now I'll have to learn how to swim too." Blake sighed.
"You need to learn what?!"
They looked into perhaps adding students from the last dorm as well, but …
The Slifer students were, frankly, a bunch of schmucks with Jaden, Syrus, and Chumley gone, the latter having left with Pegasus to begin working in his new position as card designer immediately. But that was Miss Hibiki's problem, and boy was she busy making this place a living hell for those students. If they could neither duel nor study or commit to anything seriously enough, there was no place for them to work at their top level. That said, the chance of getting thrown out due to underperformance was something reinstituted by Kaiba as well, not just being held back like Chumley had been. So either they'd pull through or go elsewhere. Just like Blake's self-proclaimed rival in duels and love Shinij, who'd been unceremoniously kicked out and shipped off without Blake even noticing it. Blake wasn't sure how the guy had even made it through their Shadow Duel, but good riddance.
Finally, Jaden didn't want his best buddy Syrus to "miss all the fun". So, Blake called the shots as he'd assured Zane he would and put him in charge of the card store and also put him in there as an employee to help out.
"A-are you sure I'm fit for this?" The little guy asked when presented with his new responsibilities.
"If you can beat some spirit in a Shadow Duel then you can talk with people about their purchases." Blake reassured him. "Didn't think you had it in you, honestly."
"W-well .. it wasn't easy." Syrus mumbled, a bit flushed.
"Which is exactly why we believe you can do this." Blake added. "If you can overcome something as hard as that all to help and support your brother, then you can move forward even further."
"You really think so?" The little guy questioned, a sparkle in his eyes.
"You showed Zane you got it in you, but you're still shaky." Blake reasoned, causing Syrus's shoulders to drop. "You showed the Obelisk students you're worthy of your new dorm, however. Think about how impressed your brother will be when you grow past your awkwardness and meet him with confidence in a duel."
"M-me? D-dueling Zane?" Syrus stammered.
"Of course. What better way to show your resolve and progress than in a duel?" Blake replied. "I imagine Jaden would love to see that, as would I."
Syrus shuffled in his seat for a while, before meeting Blake's eyes with determination. "You're right. Sign me up!"
"Just don't let us catch you ordering too much Dark Magician Girl merch, you hear me?"
"I don't know what you're talking about … hehe …" Syrus chuckled weakly. "I'd never abuse my power to get the rare merch priority shipped so I can get it …"
With their ranks filled and work distributed, Central Academy's student council was fully operational. Just in time for their first big event; Spirit Day.
"So, what's everyone's opinion?" Blake asked.
Situated around him were the several spirits that had joined him, as well as Jinzo who'd taken a break from his research. They're sitting at the cliffside to the east of the beach, watching as the last preparations were finished for the celebrations. Atticus had suggested the beach and lamented him not being there in the same breath. Seeing as temperatures had risen enough to be comfortable without a thick jacket, everyone had agreed.
'What's there to think about? We're back to full power and rising.' DAD scoffed, the topic of what to do with the Cyberdarks being the point of discussion.
"It's the logical conclusion." Jinzo added. "Your readings have been off while using them, even without the magic of the Shadow Charm factored in."
'I do not agree with the sentiment of using cards and their spirits for one's own gain and then discarding them.' Dark Honest supplied with distaste.
'They're inadequate for our chosen duelist.' Raviel's voice rumbled, having awoken from his slumber when Spirit Day had arrived. His presence still caused some unease, but had grown more manageable for Blake's spirits. 'And unlike the dragon oaf, they cannot be trusted.'
That resulted in an arm-wrestling match which had grown to a custom between the two, which again Raviel won as he always did.
The Cyberdarks were the same hostile bunch of rabid chihuahuas as usual, which didn't exactly speak for them.
Blake sighed. "I understand where you're coming from, Honest. I hoped there's something we could do with them. I feel a little bad about just giving them back only for them to get locked away for Ra knows how long." He looked up towards Raviel, who'd been locked away just like them.
'They had enough time to evolve from what they'd been created from, yet they did not.' Raviel offered. 'While I have neither forgotten nor forgiven what had been done to me and my kin, I am willing to see whether or not our partnership holds enough value to sate my hunger and state my revenge.'
"That and you risking getting sealed again." Blake countered. The Sacred Beast partnering up with him still surprised him. It was for all intents and purposes a god card, and Blake could feel that. Whenever Raviel was close to waking up, he felt a surge of energy. It had ruined a handful of experiments he'd been helping Jinzo and Banner out on. At this point he really wondered why Kaiba went along with it. But for all the evil the Sacred Beasts had been told to unleash, nothing had happened yet, aside from Raviel scaring other spirits.
'That doesn't excuse throwing them to the side like tools that are no longer of use!' Dark Honest shot back.
"Would you rather have me keep them around and disregard them? Not using them despite their lust for battle?" Blake countered. "Being free but not truly given the chance to act that way is crueler than locking them away again."
The spirit tried to argue, but other than opening and closing his mouth a couple of times, no argument came from him. 'I … understand, but I do not like it. If anything, we should try and find another duelist for them so they get to be as free as every other spirit.'
"True. Something I'll grill Sheppard about for sure." Blake nodded. "But it won't be me."
Giving back the Cyberdarks really was the best choice. Maybe if Nightshroud was defeated they'd calm down enough to be usable, but until then they're a risk. And Blake had taken enough risks with too little payout all year. No, this was for the best.
'Little lady incoming.' DAD announced just as Blake had resolved his course of actions.
"There you are!" Kami shouted with a hint of annoyance. "I've been searching for almost half an hour you slacker!"
"Come on now, there's nothing left for me to do and you know it." Blake countered and got up, dusting off his new uniform. He'd opted for the jacket rather than the coat, as did the other boys that had been promoted with him. The coat, while cool and resembling Kaiba's, was just too much for their tastes.
Blake had grown accustomed to the Ra jacket being bound around his hip, due to its awful shade of color. The blue uniform was a lot easier on the eyes, as were other blue things. Maybe he could do it like Yugi had done during Battle City and have the jacket draped over his shoulders? Seemed a bit much, but when he had to play up to his title? Maybe.
"As that may be, you shouldn't just go off on your own." She said without any heat before looking around the vicinity. "Were you busy talking about something?"
"Yeah. Zane told me Sheppard wants his cards back and I needed some input on that." Blake nodded.
"The machines, you mean? Good." The girl wrinkled her nose. "They're creeping me out. Their screeches could be heard everywhere. You got no idea how often they caught me off guard. Besides, you need something more dignified as my partner."
"Hopefully Pegasus sees it the same way. Would be a bit awkward if I gave them back only for him to give me cards specifically supporting them." Blake snorted, looking her up and down. "Everything finished then?" He pulled a stray leaf out of her hair, prompting her to turn away with a slight blush.
"Yes. All we must do now is announce the start of the celebrations. A job for the two of us, mind you." Once he's done, she grabbed his hand and pulled him along. "Feel free to join us, just don't cause a commotion, you guys." She said over her shoulder towards the assembled spirits.
'I'll keep them in line, mistress.' The icy voice of White Night Dragon assured, its pristine form glistening in the sunlight. That was the first time Blake and his spirits heard the dragon speak. Much to said dragon's dismay, it revealed it was female, which of course meant DAD was immediately firing up his non-existent flirting skills.
Kami let out an amused and unladylike snort at the sight before they turned the corner. "Like duelist, like spirit, hm?"
"We're naturals, what can I say?" Blake laughed.
"Natural dorks are what you are." She replied, stepping a bit closer as they walked.
"As if you'd have it any other way." Blake shot back. Using their short moment of peace, he was about to make their walk a little longer.
Of course, fate had other plans.
"Blake! Kami! Where are you-" Syrus came around a nearby tree, shouting their names before his eyes met Blakes, the older teen's hands somewhere they shouldn't be in public.
The poor little guy turned as red as the red jacket he'd been wearing all year, but turned around quickly. "I'msorrypleasehurrydowntothebeachbye!"
And with that, he was sprinting off as fast as his short legs could take him.
It took all but five seconds for Kami to explode in rage. "What's with your friends interrupting us regularly?!" She shouted before hiding her face in her hands. "My reputation …"
"I thought you didn't care about your reputation?" Blake asked, taking what just happened rather easily.
"Only if it's because of you!" She shot back angrily. "Not because I was seen doing … things by others!"
"Syrus won't talk. He knows what happens if he does." Blake offered ominously. "And I've seen what you read on a regular basis, you're not one to mince your words."
"WHEN?!" She grabbed him by the collar and shook him violently. "HOW?!"
"I gotta keep myself busy somehow when I'm at your place." Blake shrugged innocently. "Didn't think a 'proper lady' like you would be this … kinky."
Now Kami's face was as red as Syrus's had been moments prior. "If you ever tell anyone about this I'm gonna drown you so deep not even the Atlanteans will be able to find you!"
"Yeah, yeah, sure." Blake waved her off. "I'm less interested in talking about that stuff and more about trying it out." Truth be told, keeping his hands to himself had gotten progressively harder, not just because they're by now used to getting interrupted whenever they both thought of doing more than cuddles and kisses.
"... not yet." Kami's voice could barely be heard. "We shouldn't get ahead of ourselves. Not like you have any more experience than I do."
"Touche …" Blake agreed, unable to argue the point. "Nice and slow. We'll know it's the right time when nobody interrupts us, right?."
"Something like that …" Kami said and pulled him along before anyone else saw them. With her speeding up her steps, they soon arrived down on the beach, and his partner even stopped blushing just before they did.
Most of the other members of their student council were standing together waiting for them, sans Atticus, Syrus, and Jaden. Unlike Blake and Kami, they're all dressed up for the occasion too.
Behind them, the rest of the students were waiting as well, some more some less patiently, so the festivities could begin. Doctor Crowler handed the two of them a microphone and Professor Hibiki gave them the "OK" as she turned on the speakers.
Spirit Day was ready to begin.
And a happy new year! Thanks for reading and thanks to my quasi-beta's Mac and Cheese Tank!
Wrapping up year 1 turned out longer than expected, so two chapters it shall be instead of one. Cyberdarks, student council, and the continued interruption for the best ship in this fic all around. What could possibly happen during Spirit Day?
Reviews:
Halycus Lance: Seto mothertrucking Kaiba does indeed rule over Christmas. He uses his powers for good!
DragonXDelinquent: Probably a whole lot of curse words, dueling, and slaving away.
Mugiii: He's a stubborn guy, but he seems to me making the right steps now.
ARay9581: Including but not limited to sending Santa into the afterlife to deliver a gift. That guy's just crazy.
The Black Kraven: It's Santa! Koyo is still in a coma, no changes yet.
D2268: Poor Jaden, lol. A good idea for if we get another one of those.
MacyWacyLacy: Nothing cements the progress better than that kind of jump, eh?
VincenftFS: NEVER! MUAHAHAHA!
Peter Kim: They've been using one another ever since the start, but Katherine's definitely on the longer lever. Blake should know his value has an expiration date, but he should also know that Kaiba and his friends are right about that woman. If only he did.
quarttzblade12: Good chance he'll try again next chapter. If people can believe in spirits of playing cards, why not Santa?
triscythe59: Glad you liked it!
Boatfleaisme: First of all, thanks for reading and leaving your first review here! Happy to see you enjoy my version and the story I've spun around it, even if it gets a bit rough at times. Speaking of slower and more personal moments; now that our little ball of anger has calmed somewhat I'd say you can expect more on that front. Some Battle Royal between the strongest duelists would be fun, but I'll be wrapping it up with the most basic one I could've chosen (and short at that). Perhaps at the end of year 2, there's a tournament coming up for that at all.
demissedwaifu: Didn't expect a Christmas chapter to land either :D
KlabOriz: Yeah, Blake's kinda doing the reverse journey from Jaden, isn't he?
That's it from me! See you next time!
