Yu-Gi-Oh GX 1. Chapter 1

Triumphant

Chapter 1 :

My eyes fly open at 6 as usual. At 15 I guess I'm a bit unusual. I get up early, but I'm never completely on time for anything, whether late or early. I try to keep my room tidy, but it always seems to get messy, and soon I'm in such a rush I don't have time to clean it. I get up and go into my bathroom at East Academy. I tug through my long straight hair parted into 3 and lightly comb through my jaw length side fringe. My eyes and hair match in colour…the blue shade of azure. My lips are a darker cherry kind of colour and my nose is like any other. I guess unlike most 15 year-olds, I don't exactly…well… talk that much.

You see, I only speak when spoken to, like to a teacher, but I'm not exactly good at making friends. At all. The only person I can remember in my whole life as being a friend was my brother. But he's 23, 8 years older than me and left as soon as he graduated to travel the world. He works for a duelling cooperation that helps kids learn how to duel in the less fortunate and populated places in the world. He's one of their main people. I miss him loads, but I suppose I've gotten used to him not being around. I wouldn't be here if it weren't for him.

Tomorrow's the day of the duel tournament held between the 5 main divisions of the Kaiba duel academies. Each school choses 8 of their best students to go and compete. I'm proud to be one of them. I'm a freshman student, so I was amazed when they chose me. I haven't lost a duel for the 3 months I've been here, but I've never actually challenged anyone. Which means, none of my opponents have been exactly that good at duelling, and there have only been 4 or 5 opponents. To be honest, I couldn't care less about representing East Academy, I just want to duel.

Duelling has always come easy to me, especially since I've never let any opponent get inside my head. It's one of the main parts actually, if you lose your head, you lose the duel. My brother taught me that.

I quickly change into my navy shorts, a murky blue t-shirt and my beloved azure coloured coat. After I finish packing I slip my tall navy boots on and head out the door.**CRASH**

I find myself falling to the floor and looking up at someone I couldn't recognise at first sight, but then realised as soon as I saw the smirk.

"Better be careful there, you don't want to be late for the boat ride to duel academy! I'm sure Professor Hutton would be fucked off with you." Lisa sneers down at me. She's an upper-class man, with a little brother in my year. Apparently I took his spot in the tournament. I don't reply but just slowly stand up, leaning on my suitcase. She's about to say something else, but I'm already too far away to hear, and definitely too far to care.

"Miss Roarke, you're 2 and a half minutes late!" Professor Hutton barks at me.

"Sorry Professor Hutton, it won't happen again." I say quietly, trying to avoid the looks. I told you I'm never on time.

"Right then, with Miss Roarke, we're all ready to board the ferry!" Professor Hutton shouts over the small crowd of East Academy. I walk onto the ferry silently, blending into the rest of the students coming to cheer their classmates on. Once I'm on board, I find the seat closest to the corner and start reading my book.

As I hear the horn blow I look up from my book at the end of the 5 hour journey. So this is duel academy. The island is full of forest, with a large sphere shaped building in the centre with various paths leading to a large white castle look alike building, a yellow coloured block building, and a small brick red coloured building. I have to say, it's an awesome island, and a pretty cool academy.

"Hello East Academy! I'm Chancellor Shepard of Duel Academy, it is a pleasure to have you here. There will be a gathering with all the other academies in about an hour's time, so if those not competing can follow Professor Banner to your dorms for the tournament, while the 8 competitors follow Dr Crowler to your quarters in the obelisk blue dorm. We hope you enjoy your stay." A large man wearing a burgundy coat welcomes us to duel academy Professor Banner, an odd looking man with black hair and an orange cat on his shoulders starts to walk away with the rest of the students following. I look to Dr Crowler, a… well I think he's a man… though he looks like a woman with that lipstick… oh well. Dr Crowler starts walking to the castle-like building.

"You as competitors will be staying in the beautiful quarters of the obelisk blue dorm, which holds the best of our students here!" Dr Crowler says boastfully…yet kind of creepily. He must be an… unusual teacher. He walks us through the doors of the blue and white castle and instructs the boys to go into one room while Lisa, Camilla and I will be sharing a dorm opposite. In our room there are actually 3 pairs of bunk beds. Lisa and Camilla take the bunk closest to the door, so I take the one furthest away, next to the window. I put my suitcase on the bottom bunk and decide to sleep on the top. This was going to be a long trip while staying with these two bitches.

After unpacking the few things I needed, I put my hair in a side braid, put my personalized duel disk in my pocket (My brother gave it to me, he bought it while in some random country, it shrinks so it can fit in my jacket pocket), and start to head to the main hall. I quietly pass Lisa and Camilla, still chatting comfortably and walk down the corridor and turn to go down the stairs. As soon as I turn I bump into someone. Great, for the second time today. But this time, whoever it is catches my arm and steadies me before I can get to the floor.

"Are you alright?" Whoever it is asks, while I'm still looking at the floor, recovering.

"Yeah, sorry, I should be more careful walking round corners." I answer shyly, looking up. It's a boy, I'm guessing older than me, with teal hair parted into three, with the same teal blue eyes, and an expressionless face. He's dressed in the white obelisk blue uniform, unlike most of the boys who dress in the blue-er version.

"No need to worry." He says shortly, still looking at me curiously.

"Thanks, normally I fall to the floor. Sorry again, but I better get going to the tournament welcome." I reply shyly and quietly, and bow my head slightly, then carry on walking down the stairs. I look back and the boy's already gone, leaving a slight tingly feeling in my stomach.

Once seated in the far corner of the main hall, I begin to look over the rest of the students. The duel academy is separated into three sections, Slifer red, ra yellow, and obelisk blue, named after the three legendary dragons. They're quite evenly spread out, no more yellow than red, no more blue than yellow. However, after listening into a few conversations, the obelisk blue dorm have some… difficulties accepting the slifer reds. They're all very competitive, but they still mix together, not separated in their dorms. After 13 minutes of my being there, the hall has filled up and I see Chancellor Shepard going up to the podium in the centre of the room to speak.

"Quiet down students." He starts, and the pupils sit down and stop talking. "It is my honour, to welcome every single one of you to our first duel tournament this year. Welcome, especially to those of you from North, East &amp; South. As you all know, 8 students have been selected from each school to compete in this tournament, however many others have come to watch, and I hope that all of you will be able to get some duelling done during the time of this tournament."

"After saying that, I must introduce you to all the competitors. From duel Academy, Alexis Rhodes, Chazz Prinston, Thomas Vinter, Tracy Irvin, Peter Covac, Bastian Misawa, Mark McNamara, and Jaden Yuki." 8 students, 5 from Obelisk blue, 2 from Ra yellow, and one from Slifer red, stand up and head up to the stage. The one in the red jacket, Jaden Yuki, catches my eye. He has a duel spirit floating next to him! A winged Kuriboh! How unusual!

"From North Academy, Czar, Lucien Grimley, Aliyah Llanwelyn, Kristine Haas…" Rough looking students, wearing a variety of murky browns, greys, and dull colours swagger up to the stage. They all have a tough look on their faces, all have tough builds, and all look extremely egotistic. "From South Academy, Sandy Scheck, Fred Ankler, Buster Carmody…" Another bunch of students walk up, this time all looking laid back in colourful summer clothes, yet with an edge of mystery in the air.

"Unfortunately west academy weren't able to join us this year, but never the less, they will be back fighting next year."

"From East academy, Lisa Purcell, Cleve North, Bartholomew Dickson, Owen Hume, Camilla Wilson, Ronald Brandon, Landon Brescott, and finally our youngest competitor… Azure Roarke." Oh yeah, did I forget to mention? My name's the colour of my hair and my eyes, and some of my clothing I guess. I stand up weakly, walk onto the stage after Landon Brescott, a talented second year and stand absolutely still, finding my eyes glued to the floor.

"Now, I will present the rules! The competitors will be jumbled around, and will face off in the first round. They may be duelling someone from their own school, but it will not matter. After that, they will be jumbled again, and the remaining competitors will face off in round two. Then comes the quarter finals, then the semis, and finally the ultimate final. The winner of the tournament will be crowned the victor of the tournament, and will be put in the book of records here at duel academy. They will be presented the trophy by last years outstanding victor himself, duel academy's own third year obelisk blue, Zane Truesdale!" The crowd applaudes loudly, as I manage to lift my hands for a small clap and look up to see the last victor nervously. And it hits me out of my shell.

It's the boy who I bumped into earlier! The one with the teal hair, the one who for once stopped me from falling. I should have known he was royalty…I mean third year obelisk blue, who could expect less. That's odd, he's just standing there, looking up at the crowd. No waving, no grinning wildly or slicking his hair for the screaming girls calling his name desperately. I stare intrigued into his hard teal eyes, just when he looks straight back at me. I flinch and look away nervously, clapping less loudly and not daring to look up. Yet I can still feel his gaze on my back. As I start to panic and feel faint, I sneak to the back door and slide out the door, invisible, just as I feel him look away.

How could I let this happen? Of course, make a fool of yourself in front of the former victor, and obvious top duellist at duel academy. I take a deep breath and lie back on my top bunk, clearing my head with the peace and quiet as the assembly finishes. Nothing to worry about. Why am I even worrying/ It's not like he could do anything to stop me winning or even competing… that is if I'm good enough. I can't do better than my best, I've always known that.

"I know, right, he's so amazing, remember him last year? Astonishing. I can't wait for the opening dinner tonight, not only do we get to find out my first victim, but we also get to socialise and maybe even flirt with some guys… if you know which ones I'm talking about." Lisa says, I'm guessing to Camilla as I hear them come through the dorm door.

"Definitely. If I know you- which I'm pretty sure I do – that guy won't know what's hit him." Camilla replies.

"Hey! Invisible girl! We know you snuck out of assembly, but we'll do you a favour and not tell. You might want to put on your invisibility coat on before heading to the dinner at 7. Professor Hutton said to dress smartly, as the other kids have uniform." Lisa sneers. I look at her, still not making eye contact and nod subtly.


	2. Chapter 2

After checking my clock and seeing the hand go past 6, I slide down the ladder and get out my long tailed navy jacket, with the trimmings being the same navy colour. I pick out my blue lace strapless crop top and my high wasted black skinny jeans, and sneak past Lisa and Camilla into our en suite bathroom. I quickly change, putting on my black gladiator sandals and take out my side plait. I brush the waves out slightly then let it hang in front of my shoulders neatly. I keep my fringe lying neatly over half my left eye, though I know I'll often flick it back to help get a better view of my surroundings. Feeling impatient, I put on mascara, pencil eyeliner on my bottom waterline and my upper lash line, making sure I DON'T flick it up into a cat eye. I've never liked that style. I darken my lips slightly with my shade lip balm and admire my flawless complexion in the mirror.

I quietly exit the bathroom and start to read, making sure I leave the dorm at 7:10, not wanting to be early. As Lisa and Camilla get up to leave after applying what I would call monstrous amounts of makeup but what they call a reasonable amount, Lisa turns to me.

"You took an awfully long time in the bathroom to make such a subtle difference! I advise you start to use a full foundation and add some fake lashes, your face is awfully boring. And maybe even some colour!" She says critically, not meaning any of it in a good way. Again I subtly nod to her, waiting for her to leave. I wait a few minutes, and after hearing the quiet chatter from the obelisk blue common room, I place my bookmark, straighten my coat and shyly head out the door.

The obelisk blue room is full of students wearing all different coloured coats, standing in groups, all conversing in a conversation or another. There's a long table at the front of the room with many different foods laid out, with some paper plates to hold it. I shyly grab a plate and some food, head to the corner that looks most corner-y and stand nervously, taking small, civilised bites of the food.

Just as I finish my food, I see Professor Hutton, Chancellor Shepard, and I'm guessing the north and south academy headmasters. I put my plate in the bin, even though I've only eaten about half a meal, and head quickly to the table and grab a drink.

"Miss Roarke, there you are." I quickly spin around and see Professor Hutton with the other academy leaders.

"Good evening Professor Hutton." I say quietly, yet politely, not insulting the other headmasters.

"Good evening, I would like to present Chancellor Shepard, Professor Battle of North Academy, and Professor Hallie from South academy." She introduces me to the leaders. I bow my head slightly and reply in the same manner of speaking.

"Good evening, it's nice to meet you."

"Very nice to meet you too. Professor Hutton has told us of your lossless reign at East Academy, would you care to elaborate?" Professor Battle asks.

"Oh, I wouldn't call it a reign, just a few duels. I may not have lost, but I haven't exactly had many duels, only 5." I answer politely, in the same quiet tone.

"I'm sure you're too modest." Professor Hallie exclaims.

"I believe you have a brother here-" Chancellor Shepard starts, and my eyes widen with fear, but he's interrupted.

"Good evening Professor Hutton, Chancellor Shepard, Professor Battle and Professor Hallie! It's nice to see you again after last year!" Lisa says brightly, and for once, I swear to god I will never tell her, I am glad she's come and interrupted me. I quickly slip away, unnoticed and I go back to the corner.

I would've gone back to my room, but I have to wait to find out who I'm duelling. I stay seated on a small seat in the corner, but my eyes are drawn to the front of the room, where I notice the boy with the winged kuriboh stuffing his face with food while his friends chat around him. As I watch his care-free attitude, intrigued, his eyes snap onto mine and he grins, with food still in his mouth. Before I know it he's strutting across the common room happily, straight towards me.

I panic immediately. What if he wants to talk to me? Wandering why I've been staring? Oh god, I'm such an idiot, what was I thinking-

"Hi there! I'm Jaden Yuki!" I look up in shock. Wow I didn't expect him to get here that fast. I begin to stutter, but quickly put on my brave face. Or at least I think it's a brave face.

"Hi. I'm Azure." I say shortly, trying to avert my eyes someplace else. The boy has a slightly tanned complexion, chestnut coloured eyes that go with his hair of two similar shades. He's wearing a Slifer red jacket, a black t-shirt and white trousers.

"Nice to meet you Azure!" He replies brightly.

"Jaden… will you slow down? You're going to get heartburn!" A boy with light blue hair, round glasses and light brown eyes wearing the Slifer red uniform appears at his side, with a dark haired boy with similar coloured eyes wearing the Ra yellow uniform.

"Couldn't Sy, I had to meet Azure here!" Jaden says smiling. "Azure, this is Syrus, and this is Bastian."

"Hi there." I say, managing a small smile.

"So you're from east academy? Cool, aren't you supposed to be the youngest competitor?" Bastian says constructively.

"Yeah, that's me. You're both in the tournament as well aren't you?" I say, really putting on a brave face. I'm not sure why, but something about Jaden has a trusting nature, possibly because of his duel spirit, I'm not sure.

"Yep! Proud to represent Duel academy!" Jaden replies proudly.

"What he said, so what are you like at duelling? You must be quite good to get here. You, Jaden, Alexis and I are the only freshmen in the tournament." Bastian says interested. I see the glint in his eye and smirk slightly.

"I know you're trying to get a good strategy to defeat me, but no matter. I guess I have some kind of reputation at East Academy…if that's what you would call it." I say nervously. Bastian's eyes widen at my comment, but Jaden carries on without hesitation.

"So what kind of reputation? Most duels? Cos that would be me here!" Jaden asks enthusiastically. I smile and reply.

"Definitely not most duels. It's probably least duels. I've only had 5 duels in the 3 months I've been in east academy."

"5 duels in 3 months?!" Jaden replies, gobsmacked. His jaw drops down low, and he sinks to the floor.

"Wow, what's your reputation then/ I mean… if you've only done 5 duels-" Syrus starts.

"HOW DO YOU SURVIVE?" Jaden asks in awe.

"I guess, I only duel when challenged, I've never exactly… well, been able to challenge someone. And Syrus, I'm guessing it's the winning streak, but it's nothing." I say, trying to move on.

"Only duelling when challenged? That's a bit farfetched. I'm sure Jaden would die." Bastian says, with no doubt in his voice. I look down at my shoes.

"I guess…" I say quietly. "It was nice talking to you… I better go, they're about to announce the match ups for tomorrow." I add, quickly finding an excuse to leave. I'm gone in seconds, and I perch myself on the left side at the front, awaiting my opponent.

"Pay attention students!" Chancellor Shepard's voice booms over the crowd. "It's time for the random match-ups! Please draw your attention to the screen!" I look up at the screen above him and quickly find my face. I look at the face of my opponent. My heart drops. Lucien Grimely. The second best duellist from North Academy, ruthless, and dare I admit it, quite frightening. Okay… he'll probably use a warrior deck, knowing North Academy, or at least one with a lot of strong offense. I need to make sure my deck's ready… I take another quick look at the board. Jaden is up against Sandy Scheck, a laid back South Academy student. Lisa's against a second year from North Academy. I can't wait to see that duel. After slipping past the commotion, I go back into the dorm room.

Oh, man, this tournament's going to be… challenging. Tomorrow's duel against Lucien Grimley. I mean, my deck's completely ready… but I don't know if I am. I mean… I don't know what I mean. I've never faced an opponent like this! I don't know what he'll be like… or what archetype of deck he'll use. I know my deck has my back. I have to go with this. I can't back out now. I toss and turn in my covers, and hear Lisa and Camilla come in as the dinner party ends.

"Oh?! Hi Miss Roarke! I hope you won't fuck up your first duel in the tournament! It's not like Lucien Grimley is the second best duellist from North Academy. I see why you want to get an early night." She sneers in her usual voice. After half an hour they've both fallen asleep, but my mind's still buzzing. I find myself facing the window, my breath steaming it up.

I quietly swap my navy pj shorts for my jeans from earlier and pull my coat on over my navy vest top. I know they said no wandering the grounds, but I won't be wandering. I know exactly where I need to go. I slide through the window and sit on the ledge. The window's at the back of the main obelisk building, the one with all the boys in. I hook my hands round the top of the window pane, and swing out, onto a tree abou away. I grab onto the leaves and climb down, barefoot. Looking and finding no one around, I silently and invisibly walk to the port.

Once I get there, I find the most secluded part, and sit on the side of the port, the sea tickling my feet. This is better. It feels like home. The waves gently clashing, the blue stretching afar, and the smell of salt hidden in the air.

"Tomorrow will be fine." I look up and see Adynn, my duel spirit hovering next to me. I'd describe him as a beautiful black hunter, his body completely black with his boy being an emerald green.

"I hope so." I answer shortly, not needing to say any more.

"You're better than you think, the teachers have been monitoring you." Adynn replies. I look down at my feet, my head clouding with random thoughts.

Suddenly I hear light footsteps, and quickly turn to the sound. It's him! Zane Truesdale. I take my feet out of the water, and stand up on the concrete port. He walks out to the lighthouse and stares out to the sea. I watch him for a few minutes, wondering what he's doing here. Is he here to think like me? Oh well, I better get out of here before I get caught. I start to walk back to the obelisk blue building, but automatically feel a gaze on me. Damn it, I heard his light footsteps, even though mine are lighter of course he'd hear me! I stare back for a few seconds, starting to panic, again. Jeez, I really need to get a grip with these situations to make them stop happening! A particularly large wave crashes loudly and Zane's eyes are averted, in a second he looks back, but there's nothing there.


	3. Chapter 3

My eyes fly open at 6 as usual, despite the late and unusual night. I see Lisa and Camilla sleeping softly, and quickly change into my favourite black zip jeans (they have zips covering the whole thing), a navy tank top with my azure duelling coat. I brush my hair and put it into a quick side French plait, put on my usual eyeliner (with no flick), mascara, and concealer. I finish with my shade lip balm and head out the door, just as Lisa and Camilla are flicking their eyes open.

I decide to head to the library, I mean, I can't think of a better place right now, plus there's still… 2 ½ hours till the first duel. I head straight in to the deserted library, and decide to go for the Ancient Egyptian Duel Monsters book. It's all about how the ancient Egyptians played duel monsters, as they didn't have the same technology as we do. I sit down in the corner and start to read myself away. Just as I get past Chapter 1, I hear a rustling noise and look up. It's a girl from duel academy, wearing obelisk blue uniform. I study her closely, and realise she's one of the competitors. I think her name is… Rhodes was it? Alexis Rhodes? I think so. It looks like that's her name. Pushing my wandering mind out of the way and get back to my book.

"Alexis." I hear a slightly familiar voice and look up. Oh no! For heaven's sake! Why do I keep on seeing him at random places!

"Oh, hi Zane." Alexis replies smiling. "What are you doing here?"

"Getting a book." He says bluntly. Wow, this guy gets to the point. They continue a quiet conversation and I try to get back to my book. (They used Stone Tablets…duel…) I attempt to carry on reading but of course I find it easy to eavesdrop on conversations.

"The line up's quite tough this year." Zane says truthfully.

"That's true. I don't like the look of that Czar. But then there's also 4 freshmen competing, which is weird. Jaden and Bastian are really good duellists, then there's me, and-" Alexis replies. I've already picked up she makes up most of the conversation.

"Azure Roarke. The youngest competitor. Her birthday's in June." He says, interrupting. How does he know my birthday?

"Yeah, she seems awfully shy. I don't think she would've talked to anyone last night if Jaden hadn't spoken to her." Alexis added.

"If you want to ask any questions, go ahead. She's over there in that corner." Zane says in the same tone. Wait what? I carry on staring at my book, and quickly turn the page as I hear them approaching.

"Hi. I'm Alexis. Sorry, I didn't know you were in here. And of course Zane forgot to mention it till now." She said nicely, grumbling about Zane though. I conceal a smirk and look up.

"That's okay." I reply softly.

"So what are you doing?" She carries on, trying to make a conversation.

"I was reading." I answer shortly, trying not to emphasise the "was". I look up to see their faces. First I look to Alexis, who was smiling kindly, and then slightly frightfully to Zane, who to my horror was smirking.

"What?" I ask, confused, yet secretly being pissed off.

"I've noticed you like to be alone, in deserted places where you can think. I've also noticed I seem to bump into you a lot." He replies, his smirk stopping instantly after 3 seconds. Ignoring the urge to roll my eyes, I answer politely.

"Well, apparently you notice everything."

"Now that I can agree with! He always knows when something's strange, you should try trying to surprise him." Alexis says, rolling her eyes.

"I've been here just over a day, seen him 3 times randomly, been completely silent and invisible, yet still he knows." I agree, feeling slightly more comfortable. Wow, who knew criticizing the victor who I panic at every time I see him would help me make a conversation.

"Alexis." We hear Zane call her name through our chatter. "Firstly, we should go and get something to eat; secondly, I can't pick up on everything." He argues, yet without a hint of emotion in his voice. Jeez, this guy is stone hard. He doesn't flinch at anything.

"Yeah, I suppose so. Azure do you want to come with us?" Alexis asks, realising I'm technically in their dorm at the moment.

"No thanks, I'm not really hungry after watching Jaden last night." I say dishonestly. She nods and waves before following Zane out the library.

After catching a quick snack 30 minutes after, I head to the duelling arena. I decide to stand at the top next to the railing, ensuring a great view. After 10 minutes the stands are full up and the commentator was holding the microphone.

"All right! Is everyone ready to get this duel underway!" He started. The huge crowd roared as the first two duellists came up on stage. "Please welcome… Sandy Scheck from South Academy! This third year may be a laid back sunbather, but she has skill when it comes to duelling!"

"And now, Jaden Yuki from Duel Academy! He's a freshman Slifer, but his duelling record is absolutely crazy! Let's get this duel underway!"

"Hi! I'm Jaden! Nice to meet you Sandy!" Jaden starts. "Sorry to have to do this, but you better get your game on, cos I'm gonna win!"

"Nice try freshman, but nothing you do can match me!" Sandy shoots back.

"Let's duel!"

"I'll go first! I summon elemental hero Avion!" Jaden says. "Then, I activate the card Polymerisation, with Avion and my Elemental hero Burstinatrix to form… Elemental hero flamed wingman!"

"Wow, Jaden really is going for it. Full out with one of his best monster in his first turn!" I look to the side and see Bastian with Alexis, standing not too far away.

"Yeah, I guess so. I just hope he doesn't get too carried away with the fun of it." Alexis replies. She turns her head and I quickly turn away, focusing my view on the duel.

"Hey, Azure! Why don't you come over here and join us?!" Alexis says, noticing me and waving. I look to her and nod shyly, shuffling over closer to them.

"Oh hello Azure, I see you and Alexis got aquainted." Batian says, spotting me after Alexis called my name.

"Yeah, we bumped into each other in the library." I say with a small smile at Alexis.

"We bonded over other people's annoying features." Alexis adds, smirking, and I see her shoot a quick glance at Zane Truesdale, who's sitting watching the duel attentively. I chuckle and turn back to the duel.

"Look there, Sandy's fighting back with that almost seamless combo." Bastian says interested, leaning over the railing.

"Now with Wynn the wind charmer powered up with a few more attack points, attack Elemental hero bubbleman!" Sandy roars, taking Jaden down to 800 life points.

"Wow, I didn't think Jaden wouold go down that fast. I thought he would be better at standing his ground when I met him." I say, coming out of my shell more with Alexis here.

"You just wait, he'll find his way back on top." Bastian replies with a smile.

"Wow Sandy, I'll admit it, you're good!" Jaden says smiling at Sandy.

"You're only realising that now, freshman?" Sandy replies unamused.

"I guess so, but now, you're going down!" He answers grinning, and draws. "Now, using Polymarisation, I summon elemental hero Thunder giant! I also use the spell card, warrior returning alive to resurrect elemental hero Avion from the graveyard. Then, I activate Mystical space typhoon, and destroy your facedown!" Jaden pauses while Sandy's facedown is revealed. It's a Negate attack card.

"Now Avion, attack wynn the wind charmer!" Wynn the wind charmer gets destroyed and Sandy's life points go down to 1800. Sandy just stands there slightly shocked.

"It's been a great duel Sandy, but I'm going to end it! Thunder giant! Attack Hiita the fire charmer!" Thunder giant destroys the fire charmer and Sandy is out of life points. "That's game!"

I stare at Jaden in amazement, then start joining in the applause.

"Talk about a comeback. It may come out as a lucky draw, but Jaden actually has skill behind it." I murmur.

"Yes, the first few duels he took part in, everyone thought he was just lucky, but after he won 10, people started to believe that he actually belonged here, despite the weird endings." Bastian says intellectually. I nod. "You, know, I think you're the first person I've met since getting here who has a high enough intelligence level to even understand me half the time." He says smiling at me.

"Well, if you have friends like Jaden, I guess I can see why." I say in my usual quiet voice, yet with a smirk tugging on my lips.

The duels go by, and it gets to my duel. It's in half an hour, 9 duels have already taken place. My deck's ready, but Lucien Grimly… I've overheard a few rumours that he uses a reaper deck, and has been on a winning streak for a while. I mean a reaper deck! It forces cards onto the field so it can wipe them out in one go, dealing a lot of damage. I'm going to have to step it up if I want to win this one.

"Hey, Azure, are you going to the duel arena?" I turn round in the corridor, to see Jaden, Syrus, Bastian and Alexis coming up to me.

"Yeah I guess." I say, not being able to keep the nerves out of my voice.

"Don't worry! You'll win for sure!" Jaden says grinning, and I hide a secret smile for his optimism.

"Yeah, don't worry Azure, of course you'll win!" I hear a horribly familiar voice and feel the presence of HER behind me. "I mean, no pressure. It's not like you're the youngest competitor or anything. Really, I would've asked to swap with Ryan if I were you."

"Hey, you're Lisa correct? You're duelling later on aren't you! Well Azure, we better get to the stands, we don't want to miss your duel-"

"Excuse me." I say quietly before dodging out of Lisa's way and hurrying to the duel arena.

Okay, here we go. All the preparation done, all the tactics. All the possibilities thought out in my head in case he has a different deck or doesn't do anything usual.

"Please Welcome our youngest competitor, Azure Roarke from east academy!" I hear the commentator shout my name, and I head out onto the duel stage. I look across at my opponent, dark hair and a scowl set on his face, and the duel begins.


	4. Chapter 4

"Huh, so you're the youngest duelist participating. Well, that makes it easy for me to win! Oldest goes first-"

"I draw!" I say, drawing a card from my deck. In my hand I have some good monsters, Polymerisation and shadow swap. He stops halfway, and realises what I've done.

"Hey! You can't do that! I'm going first-" Oh, he's weaker than I thought, I better interrupt again.

"The first person to draw a card goes first. I've looked at the card, so it's my turn!" I say quietly, studying his reaction. He just stares dumbfounded.

"I summon level 4 Fire shadow hunter(1800/1200) in attack mode. When he is summoned to the field I am allowed to pick an equip spell of my choice and add it to my hand." I carry on, oblivious to his protests. I have to keep calm; no effect can come from his words, whether it's cockiness, or frightfulness. I quickly add Shadow cloak to my hand, and then carry on. "Then, I use polymerisation and two shadow thieves in my hand to summon, level 6 Shadow guardian (1800/2500) in defence mode! Then, I equip it with Shadow cloak which stops it from being destroyed in battle, and its ability allows it to be immune to spell and trap cards trying to destroy it. Lastly, I place one face down and end my turn." I finish my turn, and take a deep breath mentally, willing myself on.

Lucian manages to keep track of my move, and then looks at his cards momentarily stunned.

"You may have gotten away with stealing the first move, but you winning won't be the same! I draw! I summon big eye in attack mode (1200/1000). Now I use big eye's effect to look at the top 5 cards in my deck!" He pauses for a moment then grins evilly. "I'm also allowed to put them back in any order I wish. Now, big eye! Attack fire shadow hunter!" I frown, fire shadow hunter has more attack points then big eye-

"Oh no! Wait! Big eye stop your attack!" I look at Lucian sharply.

"Why the change of move?" I ask normally.

"May have misread your monster's attack points…" He grumbles sheepishly. Jeez. "I end my turn."

That was slightly unexpected. He ends his turn with only big eye to defend it? I'm guessing he has a strategy for his next turn.

"I draw!" I sharply take a card from my deck, and tilt it so I can only just see the card. Well, that draw wasn't what I wanted but, I'll just carry on. "First, I switch Shadow guardian to attack mode. Now Shadow guardian, attack big eye!" I wait, expecting a surprise but nothing comes. Lucian gets dealt 800 points of damage. "Now Fire Shadow hunter, attack Lucian directly!" Again, Lucian does nothing, and gets dealt 1800 points of damage, leaving him with 1600 life points. "I place one face down and end my turn."

"Wrong move little girl. You've done all the work for me! I don't even need to play any extra spells, only this beauty. I activate Slash draw!" Oh. How lovely. "Do you need me to explain it?" He asks, cocky with confidence.

"I know how it works, but you should enlighten those in the audience who don't." I answer in an expressionless tone. This was what he was waiting for. My heart starts to quiver. My heart beat just keeps on climbing. But I can't let it show.

"Certainly." He sneers. "I send cards from the top of my deck to the graveyard, equal to the number of cards on the field. Now, if the next card I draw is slash draw, it destroys every card on the field, dealing you 1000 points of damage for each one. And I count four." I have to say, this is creeping me out! He looked at the top 5 cards in his deck earlier, and I know the one he draws now will be slash draw! He put it that way! I stare empty onto the field at my shadow guardian. He draws. A white light slashes across the field, and I brace myself for the impact. The impact that doesn't come. Secretly, I smirk.

"What?... Why do you still have 4000 attack points?! I just destroyed you! Your monsters are gone!" Lucian stutters aimlessly.

"True… but thanks to my face down, Shadow return, all my cards with the word shadow in the title return to my hand. Which, was all of them." I say expressionless. "Have you finished your turn?" I ask in the same manor.

"I place one face down, and end my turn." He says painfully. This match is mine.

"I draw! I activate pot of greed and draw two more cards. I summon fire shadow hunter (1800/1200) in attack mode. I also summon level 3 shadow thief (1200/400) in attack mode. Now, shadow thief, attack Lucian directly!" I shout, knowing the face down is a trap.

"I activate graveyard protection, and bring back big eye with 600 more attack points to protect me from your attack!" He shouts. Shadow thief is destroyed. His big eye has the same number of attack points as my shadow hunter, but luckily I kept a spell card as backup.

"Nice trap, but I equip my Fire Shadow hunter with Shadow spear, giving it 1000 more attack points. Lastly, I activate the field spell Limbo." I place the card into the slot and watch the scene disappear and a white land become everywhere. "You see in Limbo, as there are no shadows, my shadow hunter becomes the hunter he used to be, giving him 1000 extra attack and defence points. Now, Fire Shadow Hunter, attack Big eye!" My fire shadow hunter shoots an arrow laced with fire at Big eye, and Lucian loses what life points he has left.

"How could I lose… I'm on a winning streak! How could I lose to a little girl!" Lucian says in disbelief. The crowd cheers loudly, and I find myself looking at my shoes and hurrying of the stage as politely as possible after giving a small smile. Honestly, I would have been done for if it wasn't for shadow return. I guess this is why I love my deck. Even if I'm holding back, they'll always take care of it for me.

"Hey, Azure! Nice duel! Awesome actually!" I turn around in the corridor and see Jaden with Syrus and Bastian, coming up towards me.

"Thanks." I say modestly. "But I'm still shaking." I add, holding my quivering hand up.

"No worries, you were amazing! Defeating him like that, not losing a single life point!" Syrus says with his cute smile. I smile back nervously.

"Not to forget that Slash draw, I'm sure most wouldn't have survived it." Bastian says thoughtfully, and I smile at him.

"Well, I can't wait for your duel Bastian, and you were amazing Jaden, you had a great comeback from that loss of life points." I say honestly.

"Yeah, well I can't wait to duel you!" Jaden replies.

"I agree, I hope we get matched up, and if we don't, how about a match afterwards?" I ask shyly. I push the idea of a challenge in front of me, nervously nudging it with my hand. It isn't exactly a challenge, but it's the closest I've been to it for a while.

"Of course!" Jaden replies. I smile nervously, curious with how he manages to have that much confidence, yet have such a flawless comeback in his match. I walk with them up to the railing, watching the matches with them. And Lisa's comes next.

"She's a girl from East Academy, right? Do you know her Azure?" Jaden asks.

"Yeah, I suppose I do…" I trail off, looking away. I didn't lie, I do know her.

"She really plays with strategy, look at that combo she just pulled!" Syrus exclaims.

"Now, Grandsoil the Elemental Lord, attack his last monster and half his life points!" Lisa snarls. It's always eluded me, how she manages to snarl like that… yet still look like and be a complete girl.

"I suppose, but she's not playing with much heart is she? She's just yelling commands." Jaden says, watching the duel.

"If you say so Jaden, but the Traptrix deck is quite a hard one to understand." Bastian replies.

"I agree with Bastian, she definitely has some kind of skill with duel monsters." I say, chipping in quietly.

I look to the side and see Alexis standing next to Zane, making small comments on the duel. Syrus catches my gaze, and looks down at his feet. I watch him closely. He's acting nervous… which isn't exactly unusual for him, but… Oh, that's it! I remember hearing someone talking about him in the hallway earlier, not particularly nice, but it has something to it.

"Syrus… is Zane your brother?" I ask unsurely. He looks up at me startled, then looks down at his feet again and nods.

"Oh come on Sy, it's no big deal, you can be just as good as him!" Jaden says, catching Syrus' nerves. I catch on.

"Syrus, nothing can determine what you are except yourself. I don't know what your brother thinks of you, but I'm sure it's for you well being." I say confidently for Syrus, but with a wobble in my throat. I really should stop lying about my opinion. Actually I should just stop lying.

"Look, she's won." Bastian says, interrupting the awkward conversation. My eyes snap back to the stage, where Lisa's wearing her victory smile. My heart sinks. I wish she could get out soon. I don't know whether I'll be able to face her. I find a clench in my stomach, and pull my hand up and give a small wave to Bastian, slipping off before Jaden can pull me into another conversation.

I end up going to the port. The water calms me down… helps me think. Reminds me of… nevermind.

"You did well Azure." I look up and see Adynn looking at me, with a small smile on his face. Which is really a big thing with him. "You didn't react at all, you controlled it. And you came out with an excellent win."

"Only because of you. But then I guess we're the same person, aren't we Adynn?" I say, smiling back. As I stand up he disappears, and I go to the cafeteria to get some food before the next match.

After eating fast, I guess I should head to the library. They have more books here than at East Academy, I might as well make use of it. I turn the corner and **CRASH** bump into someone. I really need to get out of this habit. Please don't be Lisa. It isn't. I recognize the grip the person has on me as I don't fall to the floor, and slowly flick my eyes open to look at Zane Truesdale as I did yesterday.

"It seems, you like to bump into people a lot." He says, he face still expressionless.

"Sorry, I was just going to the Library to grab a book before the next match and I-" I stutter as he presses a finger to my lips. He puts a small tug on his lips, which could go into a smile.

"You don't need to explain. It was an accident." He says. I realise that we're still in the position he caught me in, half kneeling on the ground. I slowly stand up, and he starts to walk away.

But I catch his arm and he turns to face me.

"Um… before you go… what's up with you and Syrus? He seemed… nervous only 10m away from you." I ask nervously, knowing I'm creeping into his personal thoughts. But Syrus has become my friend. If that's what Jaden would call us, and I have to know. I look at my feet, but don't let go of my gentle yet firm hold on his arm. He hesitates slightly, then replies:

"Ask me again after you've seen him duel." He says in his usual tone. And walks off.


	5. Chapter 5

I'm sitting in a seat in the duel arena, waiting for the next matchups to go up. I don't particularly mind who I'm up against. Bastian won his duel well, he had everything planned out from the start. He'd be a tough opponent. Jaden's got talent, but would do better if he had a bit more strategy, but he seems extremely lucky with his draws. Maybe his cards help him, like mine do. Alexis is a good duellist too, she seems like the queen here, she probably had the most support. Then there's Lisa. I guess… no I want… no I need to kick her butt. I don't think I can bare another one of her attacks. Those are the only people I know. Other than that… well I guess I haven't seen anything absolutely amazing.

"Attention, the match-ups for round two are coming up! Please look up at the screen!" I hear the commentator's voice boom out of the PA system. I flick my eyes up to the board. Let's see, oh there I am! Against… Alexis Rhodes. I look over to Alexis just as she looks over to me. Our eyes look and she smiles. But I'm definitely not. I can't duel her! 1, she's and amazing duellist who I'm pretty sure I can't beat, and two, she's my sort of friend. I look back to the screem alarmed slightly. Jaden is up against Chazz Prinston, I think I heard about him earlier. He sounds like a posh snob. Bastian's against Buster Carmody, a south academeer. Lisa's up against… some dude named Czar. I think he's the top duellist from North Academy. Well, she's East Academy's top duellist so, good luck to her!

"Hey Azure! Looks like we're up against each other next." I look up to find Alexis talking to me with Zane not too far behind. I nod to her and frown when I hear what sounds like Lisa squeeling.

"Hi Zane! Do you remember me from last year? Of course you do! I just have to say you were absolutely amazing in last year's final, I wasn't able to give my congratulations last year so…" I glance at Alexis and fake vomit onto the empty seat next to me. We both smirk at Zane. He's been silent throughout her babble, but is opening his mouth to say something just as he notices our grins.

"Excuse me." He sidesteps her and she is left mid-sentence.

"That, does not prove anything from our last conversation." He says bluntly, but Alexis starts to giggle and I just smirk and let out a quiet chuckle. I look back to Lisa and she's glaring intently at me. Oh shit. My smirk leaves my face and I stand up swinging my back over one-shoulder. Both Alexis and Zane follow my gaze to Lisa, and see her seething uncontrollably.

"I better go." I mutter looking down at my shoes, knowing there's a worried look on my face. I spot Zane's hand coming out to grab my hand but I twist away and hurry up the stairs past Lisa and into the maze of corridors.

"What the fuck was that?" I look up from my bed and find Lisa bearing down on me with Camilla not far behind. Shit. "Huh? Anything to say for yourself?"

"Lisa I don't know what you're talking about." I say quietly looking down at my shoes. Just pretend it isn't happening.

"Don't say my name invisible girl!" She slaps me across the face, hard. I keep my gaze where it landed, but wince as the words come out of her mouth. Luckily, I was ready, and I don't let it show. "Don't you dare talk to Zane Truesdale! Or Alexis Rhodes! They're my friends from duel academy! I'm the one going there not you!"

"What?" I ask suddenly, surprised.

"Oh, of course loner girl, you wouldn't know. Sometimes the victor of tournaments like these get invited to come to duel academy. As you know it's generally bigger, has better facilities and not to mention there's more duels. Stay away from Zane! In fact, stay away from everyone! Don't talk to anyone!" She yells at me.

"I may have to, Miss Rhodes is my next opponent-" I start, not using Alexis' name. She hits me this time, I'm guessing she aimed for my eye, but I moved accidently when talking, and it smacked into my left cheek, where my fringe usually lies. At least it'll be covered up. I can already feel a bruise forming.

"I don't care! Duel silently if you have to! Not a word to anyone." She steps forward and stand on her tip-toes on my feet, the point of her feet digging into the joints of my toes. "You're nothing. You don't even exist. You're scum and you know it. Now weasel of loner girl." She turns away and goes into the bathroom with Camilla, and I sit frozen where I sit.

It's 11:45, and I can't sleep. Just like the night before, I just lie there, my breath steaming up the window next to me. And just like the night before, though this time not bothering to change into jeans, I wrap my navy trench coat around me, and fluidly slide out the window, and climb down the tree as I did before. After checking for teachers or other students, I silently walk to the only place I feel calm.

How… What…When… No. No more questions will wander through my head. Keep calm, collected, and don't get in people's way. I look out onto the waves, and remember then. When I was happy every day, more eager and curious than most. I felt something wet dripping down my cheek. I touched it with my finger. Was this a tear? Why am I crying? I don't even think I'm sad. I can't think of a reason to cry. Damn, I started the questions again. I take a deep breath, and wipe it away. But before I know it, I feel another tear rolling down my right cheek.

"What's the matter?" I turn around shocked, and jump to my feet. Zane. He's standing just there. I wander for how long. No! I remember Lisa's words, and I feel another tear roll down my other cheek, the one now covered with a dark blue-purple bruise. He frowns at my cheek and opens his mouth, but I've flicked the tears away, found a hard expression on my face and I'm sprinting as fast as the night, back to the tree I've already memorised. I feel my name being called out behind me, but I slip through the window after seconds and I'm safe in bed. My eyes flutter closed, and no more tears come. But I have no idea why they ever did.

My eyes flutter open at six as usual, but this time I already feel the drag of my eyelids from the exhaustion of the night before. I climb silently out of bed, and change automatically into my tight black top with a cage neckline, my black zip jeans from yesterday, and my azure duelling coat. I do the usual make-up, though with a little more concealer under my eyes, and let my long straight hair flow to help cover the bruise. My fringe easily covers it, and since I don't plan on flicking it back any time today, I don't bother putting concealer or foundation on it.

I lace up my black wedge boots with a 3 inch heel, and leave the dorm even earlier than the day before. Where to go. Library- risk of Alexis and Zane being there. Canteen- risk of obelisk blues being there. Port- risk of people being there. I suppose I could just explore the island. There's loads of forest and jungle, and I never get lost.

I end up wandering through the jungle, finding various insets and a few birds, and being surrounded by types of plant I've never seen before. I guess that's what happens when you've never been in a jungle before. All I've seen is oak forests, and frozen winter deciduous forests. My favourite's the frozen forest. I used to run through and… never mind. I check my watch. 9:30. I should turn back. First duel in half an hour, and I should get back in time. If I were totally obeying Lisa, I wouldn't go at all, but it helps me determine duellist's strategies, and I still want to do my best in the tournament.

"For the last day and a half you have witnessed all the duels of round 1! Now it's round 2, and the remaining competitors will battle it out! Now let's start it off with…Chazz Princeton vs. Jaden Yuki!" The commentator's voice booms out as usual and I turn my attention to the stage. A pale, dark haired boy in obelisk blue uniform stands scowling and smirking at Jaden at the same time, while Jaden's waving at the crowd and smiling widely.

"Enough waving Slifer Slacker! You're wasting time! This'll be you're fastest duel yet!" Chaz scowls.

"Chill Chazz! But I agree! You better get your game on!" Jaden says back, still smiling.

"Let's duel!"

"Obelisks always before Slifers! I summon Chthonian Soldier in attack mode…" Chazz starts.

In the corner of my eye I catch Alexis' dark blonde hair at the top of the railing. I don't turn, and I don't think. However, I can't help wander, is that teal hair there too?

"Nice one Chazz! But it's my turn now! I draw! I summon winged kuriboh in defence mode!" The monster catches my eye. This is Jaden's duel spirit!

"Jaden! You can win this!" I hear it's voice and feel a slight breeze go down the back of my neck.

"Interesting. His duel spirit's a kuriboh, most have their strongest monster as their duel spirit." Adynn says.

"True, but I've seen some before. Though since he uses it the most, I would've expected it to be flamed wingman, if I hadn't seen winged kuriboh at the welcome ceremony." I reply instantly, making sure my lips couldn't be seen moving.

"And I am your main duel spirit, yet you do not feel compelled to use me in every duel."

"Exactly. I haven't summoned you to the field for… a long time. Then again, though you are my duel monster reflection, I don't have a favourite duel monster, if you don't mind me saying." I add. As I see kuriboh destroyed, I feel Adynn return to my deck.

"Now Chazz, I know you already know my flamed wingman's special ability, and as he just destroyed your chthonian soldier, it comes into effect." Jaden says smiling. Chazz' life points decline to 0. "That's game! Nice duel Chazz!" Jaden adds, walking up to Chazz, who had fallen to his knees.

"I would've won Slifer Slacker, if I had my infernal incinerator with me! If I had it here you would've lost!" Chazz snarled back. What a sour loser.

"Hey Azure! Come over her!" I turn upon hearing my name, but freeze as soon as I realise it's Alexis coming towards me. Instead I fluidly turn the other way and hurry to the door turning round a corner where I can disappear. But a tall figure is blocking my way.

"Azure." Zane says solidly, and holds me still by my shoulder. He lifts up my fringe and I can't do anything. I'm frozen at the shock of him appearing so suddenly.

I feel his gaze on my bare, purpled cheek and I see his eyes widen. I feel his grip loosen on my shoulder and I've already slipped pass him into the corridor, running. Even though I'm already gone, I can still feel his gaze on my cheek, as if he left a mark.

Soon, I go back to the duel arena. I can be invisible, if I want to. That's why Lisa really needs to find a better nickname other than invisible girl. I sit in the second row next to a load of squealing girls, and camouflage against the wall. Bastian's up next.

"Now Buster, I'm afraid your time in this tournament is over." Bastian says calmly in his accent. "Hydrogeddon, attack him directly!" Bastian's monster takes the rest of Buster's life points. A secure win. Hardly any points lost on Bastian's side. Jaden, Bastian, Lisa, and another boy from duel academy are through so far. Jaden's easily the most… intriguing duellist though. I feel the same gaze as earlier pass over me, and I take a quick glance up to the railings. They're still there. But they can't see me.


	6. Chapter 6

It's five minutes before my duel with Alexis and… oh jeez there's no other way to put it. I fricking nervous. I feel like my hearts quivering. Luckily I've learnt to control the shivers on the outside. I've got everything planned out. Alexis is good, but everyone has a weak point. Just as mine is… well when someone does something I don't expect. Which actually, is pretty much never.

"Right everyone, it's time for our next duel! Please welcome duel academy's own… Alexis Rhodes!" The commentator says, and I hear the cheer and the light pat of Alexis' footsteps through the noise.

"And now, the youngest competitor, though she didn't lose a single point and managed to avoid the notorious slash draw in her last victory, Azure Roarke!" I step up onto the stage, and activate my duel disk, oblivious of whatever the crowd is doing.

"Azure! Where have you been today? And yesterday? We didn't see you anywhere!" Alexis asks, her voice kind and concerned.

"It doesn't matter now. You may go first." I say gently, keeping myself calm and contained.

"Fine, but we need to talk afterwards." She answers, activating her duel disk.

"Let's duel!"

"I draw! Okay, first up, I summon Etoile Cyber in attack mode. Then, I place 2 face downs and end my turn." She says. I mentally smirk, but keep my face straight.

"Good. I draw!" I tilt the card a few degrees so I can see it, then add it to my hand. Almost a perfect draw. "I summon level 4Water shadow hunter(1600/1400) in attack mode. Then, I activate it's affect. Once a turn, I can choose any monster on the field, and increase my life points by it's attack points. I choose my Water shadow hunter." I watch as my life points rise to 5600. This is going well.

"Lastly, I summon my shadow thief (1200/400), and place two face downs." I end my turn calmly and wait for Alexis' move.

"Hm, I wonder what you're up to." She mutters, but I still hear. She draws and a grin forms on her face. I think I know what she just drew. "I summon Blade skater(1400/1500) in attack mode! Now, I activate Polymerisation, and fuse blade skater and Etoile Cyber! Welcome, Cyber Blader(2100/800)!" A figure skater appears on the field, and I try not to smirk. I really try. I guess I was too happy with myself.

"Well, you're smiling now, though I don't know why, so try taking this! Cyber Blader, attack Azure's shadow thief!"

"Bad Luck, I activate Shadow Thief's ability, when being attacked, it can switch the attack point's of your monster with it's own attack points." I interrupt, hoping I've seen everything coming. Her face falls as my Shadow thief's attack points become 2100, and Cyber Blader's 1200.

"What? Cyber Blader stop your attack!" She says frantically. She soon recovers. "Nice ability, but now I equip fusion weapon to Cyber Blader! Now Cyber Blader, attack!" Cyber Blader flanks down on Shadow Thief once more, though this time, I have another surprise.

"I activate my trap, negate attack. It stops your attack completely." I say in my usual tone. Alexis looks irritated, but carrys on.

"Fine. I end my turn."

"As the turn has ended, both our monster's attack points go back to their original, so my Shadow thief has 1200, and your Cyber Blader 3600." I say, keeping my face behind my fringe. I draw, and even though it's just what I wanted, I don't smile. Not just yet.

"I activate the spell card Polymerisation, and fuse together my Shadow thief, and another from my hand to summon, Shadow Guardian(2000/2200)! Now, I activate Pot of greed and draw two new cards. I use Mystical space typhoon to destroy fusion weapon, and then use shadow reflection. This card allows me to choose a monster and have it's defence and attack points swapped for two turns. I choose Shadow Guardian. Now, Shadow Guardian, attack Cyber Blader!" I say, waiting for a response.

"Not so fast, I activate double passé, making your attack a direct attack on me!" She takes the damage, bring her to 1800 attack points. "But af-"

"After, Cyber Blader is allowed to wage a direct attack upon me." I end for her, she looks slightly puzzled."I know the spell. But I haven't finished just yet. Water Shadow hunter, attack Alexis directly!"

"Directly?" She asks worried.

"Yes, Shadow Guardian has another effect- if a direct attack has happened due to a spell/trap card, all monsters on the field are allowed to attack directly for the rest of the turn." I say, taking in her desperation. She gets hit, and is left with 200 life points.

"I end my turn." I say, knowing how close I am. She has one card, the one she just drew.

"Right. First I activate Hand destruction. Since we both only have one card, we both draw another after sending that one to the graveyard." Hm. Interesting. I draw Dark Shadow Hunter. "Now, Cyber Blader, you can attack Azure directly!"

"I activate Shadow Shield, my trap. This allows me to take a monster card from my grave or my hand and use it as a shield, preventing me from taking any damage." I hold out Dark Shadow Hunter, and I still have 5600.

"Do you have a way of getting out of everything? Every time something comes your way you manage to defeat it!" Alexis says, not in a frustrated way, yet not as a complete compliment.

"Not everything." I mutter. Not Lisa.

"Well, it sure seems like it. I place one face down then end my turn." She says, gritting her teeth with determination.

"I draw! Now, with double passé gone, Shadow Guardian, attack Cyber Blader!" I say, watching as her monster gets destroyed, leaving her with 100 life points. "And to finish it off, Water Shadow Hunter, attack Alexis directly!"

"I lost…" Alexis mutters in slight disbelief as her life points decrease to nothing. She shakes her head and looks up to me, seeing the cheering crowd behind me, all wondering at my duelling skills. "Azure! Wait!" I hear her shout to me as I hurry off the stage. I get through the doors and take a sharp right turn, hoping to let her miss me as I rush off. Nearly away- **CRASH**

I fall to the floor, feeling a kind of emptiness as no one catches me.

"What's wrong with you?" I hear a voice screech at me as I feel myself hit the hard floor. "Why did you get in my way?" I look up and see Lisa's sneering face, just as it always is, frowning down at me.

"Sorry." I mutter, and make a move to stand up, but she pushes me back down.

"Whoops!" She says sarcastically. I look up in disbelief, only to know my face is hidden by my fringe. I put my hand on the wall beside me and move to stand up but just like before she pushes me back down.

To me not hitting the ground. I feel a familiar grip on my arm as someone steadies me and helps me up. I look to the side to see Zane, not with an empty face, but a sharp glare, one that I wouldn't want to be on the other end of.

"Are you okay?" He asks me, as Lisa pulls her hand through her hand flirtatiously, and puts her smile on.

"Fine." I answer back, not meeting his eyes.

"Azure!" I hear Alexis say from behind, and I know she was a couple steps behind Zane.

"Oh Zane! It's good to see you! I looked for you at breakfast but you weren't there! You weren't anywhere in the school!" Lisa exclaims, while Zane stares back, keeping the grip on my arm.

"I wasn't." He replies. I hide a smirk from Lisa as I know where he was. The lighthouse. Of course.

"Oh, well I'd love to talk now, to you as well Alexis, but I have my duel to get ready for. Bye!" She says, and turns on her heel and walks away.

"She's… odd. I think she likes you Zane." Alexis says, though without a giggle in sight. I struggle in Zane's grip, but he turns me to face him and pulls my fringe behind my ear to reveal the bruise he saw the night before.

"Where did you get this?" He asks bluntly, as Alexis comes closer to look at my face.

"It doesn't matter." I mumble nervously, as I continue to struggle.

"Azure, where did you get that bruise? It looks real bad!" I hear Jaden's voice and mentally groan, and I see him, Bastian and Syrus coming up to me.

"I agree, that's an especially bad bruise, how did you get in on your eye?" Bastian asks.

"You should get Nurse Fontaine to look at it-" Alexis starts, and I manage to shake out of Zane's grip by pulling his fingers on my arm back, pushing away the fact that my fingers tingle as I touch him.

"Please!" I say, quite loudly, and they all jump knowing the small volume range of my voice. "I'm fine." I say, noticing how I can't push the worried look on my face away. I run down the corridor, and make a few turns knowing they won't be able to follow me. Damn that Zane! Why does he always have to know everything! I feel my hands curl into fists absent-mindedly and I go straight to my room to calm down.

I read for… I don't even know how long, but for some time. When I start to get hungry, I go to get some food from the cafeteria.

"I wonder what's up with Azure. That bruise was really unusual." Alexis says to another girl, I believe her name is Mindy.

"If you say so, but she was really good in your duel." Mindy replies, not caring much.

"Yeah, no offense Alexis, but she really smashed you into pieces." Another girl, Jasmine was it? Adds.

"No offense taken, I just wish she'd open up more." Alexis says. I stop my eavesdropping, and grab a sandwich quickly and continue back to my room. On my way back, I brush against many people, sliding past, completely unseen and unfelt.

When I get back, it's almost 8, and I finish the book I got from the library earlier – Pro league names. I head into the bathroom to shower, and as I undress I notice a scrap piece of paper in my coat pocket.

Come Tonight.

Z

I stare at the note for a while, then wash out my thoughts with a long shower. Of course I'm not going to go. I'm out and in my bed at 9:45, just as Lisa and Camilla come in.

"Hey, loner girl! What the hell happened earlier? Did you not get the memo yesterday?" Lisa says incredulously, storming up to me, causing me to fall over onto my bottom bunk.

"I didn't do anything." I say in my small voice. I really didn't.

"You did everything! I told you to stay away from everyone!" Lisa snaps, ignoring my attempt.

"I did, they came up to me!" I half answer, half snap back. Damn my temper. Always a bad idea with Lisa.

"Excuse me? Are you questioning me, East Academy's best student?" She asks abruptly, stopping her pacing and moving to tower darkly over me. She flings her hand at me and her fingers whip against my arm, shoulder and neck, and I feel her sharp long nails draw blood from the scratches.

"Don't you dare question me again!" She snaps, and turns away to her bed, and after a moment of sitting there I climb into my bed.

I lie there for ages, slowly feeling the scratches scab, waiting for my eyelids to collapse. It's already 11:50. I look out the window and I can see the deep blue waves forming and crashing in the distance. I have to go. They're calling me. He's calling me.


	7. Chapter 7

I've already tugged on my jeans guiltily and I'm quickly fastening the buttons on my coat. I open the window and feel the cold night breeze, and slid out onto the tree. After sneaking across the grounds with a different kind of fear in me, I reach the port. I can see him standing there, tall and thoughtful next to the lighthouse, as his hair and coat sway with the waves.

I shouldn't be here. The bruise is still bright across my face, and the scratches are easily visible across my bare neck, though my shoulder and arm are covered by my coat. I turn around and start to hurry back. I have no courage. At least I admit it to myself.

"Azure!" I hear a voice ring clear through the air, and I don't need anything to know who's voice it is. I stand frozen, a few feet away from the port, and I hear the silent footsteps wash up to me. "Azure." He says again, and puts a comforting hand on my shoulder.

He leads me towards the lighthouse and then turns me to face him.

"You came." He says. I nod. His eyes widen and I look at him confused. "What happened to your neck?" He asks concerned. I turn away from him and cover my neck with my hand, facing the sea. But before I know it he's peeled my coat down my shoulder and over my arm to reveal the other scratches.

"Azure, who did this to you?" He asks, though I'm pretty sure he already knows.

"It doesn't matter, it's nothing." I mumble. "Why did you want to see me?"

"It was her wasn't it. Lisa, the third year from your school." He says, ignoring my comment as usual, his facial features hardening.

"I said it doesn't matter can't you just ignore it!" I say, frustrated with his persistence… yet in a way glad he noticed. Of course he noticed.

"You can't let her do this to you. If you don't do anything it could get serious." He says seriously to me, his face darkening slightly. I look to him, not being able to hide my worried face and he embraces me slowly. He feels warm, and comfortable. Though I know this must be uncomfortable for him, I don't think I've ever seen him make any physical contact.I look at him slightly amused, knowing a small smile has creeped onto my face. "What?" He asks, though his face lightening and the same tug forming on his lips that could go into a smile.

"It's just, Alexis jokes about you being emotionless… and only now am I seeing you do have an opinion." I say honestly. He smirks and I smile.

"Not everything's shown on the outside, as you should know." He says. I do know. "Azure, you're changing the subject." My smile goes and I turn to the sea again.

"It's better like this. I don't do anything she doesn't like and she leaves me alone." I say, my brow creasing.

"Obviously there's something she dislikes, otherwise these wouldn't be scaring your skin." He says, and I feel his touch on the scratches, and he turns me to examine my bruise again. Not having the energy to fight, and stand still and let him, trying to ignore the same tingle he brings with every touch.

"Why doesn't she like you?" He asks. I shake my head, but still answer shyly.

"She first disliked me when I beat her brother Ryan, a first year like me. Then I got a place in this tournament instead of him. And then…" I trail of realising what I would've said. Him.

"You shouldn't let her do this to you." He says in his firm voice.

"It's not as though it's just her… At east academy we don't have dorms that separate our abilities… there's just a social higherachy. I'm right at the bottom… she just happens to be at the very top." I argue back, yet I can't find a reason why I'm defending her.

"Do many victors get offered places here if they're from other sections of Duel Academy?" I ask, curious. His eyebrows raise.

"I'm surprised you know of this. Not often, only when Chancellor Shepard sees great potential in him or her, and they want to. Why do you ask?" He says, his voice wavering slightly from his usual tone.

"Lisa… wants to come here." I say, hesitating.

"Would that have anything to do with her hurting you?" I shake my head in panic, and turn back to him.

"I should get back… I probably have a duel tomorrow." I mutter quickly, and turn away from him and rush across the concrete.

"Good Luck."

My eyes snap open today, weird considering I got back at around 1:30. I should stop with the late nights, they're becoming a habit. I drag myself out of bed, and go to my suitcase to choose what to wear. I end up going for a one-shoulder loose grey top, with a new pair of navy jeans and my grey lace pumps. I go to the bathroom and brush my hair but decide to leave it down today and then put on concealer, eyeliner and mascara the usual way. After shoving round my suitcase I find a nice sky blue scarf to cover my scratches and I pull my duelling coat on and go out the door.

Even though I visited Zane last night… I can't see anyone today either. I know it's getting worse, and I know the moral thing to do would be to stand up to her but… it's easier this way, and to be honest I've lived with no friends before… I'm used to it.

I wander the jungles like yesterday and find a few more new plants, and even manage to spot a camouflaged lizard on a tree. I realise it's now 8:15, and I still have to eat before getting to the duel arena for 9 to find out the next match-ups. I turn back knowingly and try to keep myself awake.

Once I get to the arena I look around and find it close to full. I find a pair of teal eyes watching me, but brush them away and stand at the top of the railing in the corner.

"Well, here we are! So far we have 8 contestants left consisting of, Jaden Yuki, Bastian Misawa, Thomas Vinter, Tracy Irvin, Azure Roarke, Lisa Purcell, Landon Prescott, Owen Hume, Aaliyah Llanwelyn, Christine Haas and Fred Ankler! It's time for the Quarter finals as the match-ups go up on the board…!" The commentator says with the complete attention of the crowd. I scan the board. No. No. Please no. I feel the colour in my face leave, and I grab the railing for support. My head starts pounding uncontrollably, as I search the crowd. And I see it. Her scowling smirk somewhere remote in the crowd. This can't be happening. I feel two arms hold me up and take an unknowing me outside into the corridor.

"Azure, what's the matter-" I hear a female voice start.

"Azure, you can't let her beat you." I hear a stronger, yet more subdued voice come in unexpectedly.

"Why her…?" I groan through my headache. My vision clears as I feel a cold hand on my forehead and I see Alexis and Zane in front of me.

"No… I can't" As Lisa dominates my thoughts I push away from them and run away from them. I'm such a coward. But I don't care.

This has all gone wrong. I can't duel her… she'd… do something bad. She'll probably kill me for even doing one move against her. Not that I can beat her anyway… I feel like I can't breathe and I struggle towards the bathroom. I need a shower. Water against my skin always has this odd, calming effect on me. But honestly, right now I don't think anything can calm me down completely.

The first duel's in an hour, at 10:30. Jaden vs Bastian. I should go and watch if I can. After drying my hair I change into a completely new outfit; a monochrome black tight crop top with grey/white roses, and a pair of white and sky blue high-waisted shorts with a zig-zag pattern. The top covers enough so only a centimetre of my stomach is showing, and I wrap my long-tailed navy jacket around me and slip on my tall black boots. It's quite bold compared to what I wear normally, but I needed something fresh. Putting on a clean set of clothes makes me feel cleaner.

"Well Jaden, I must say I haven't been expecting this duel for some time… I've been quite unprepared for it." Bastian states in his intellectual manner.

"Yeah? Well I've been waiting for this duel ever since the entrance exams! You were amazing in that!" Jaden plays back.

"Why thank you, why don't we get started?" Bastian replies activating his duel disk.

"Get ready to get your game on Bastian!"

"Let's duel!"

I watch as Bastian plays out his perfect combo, into his perfectly set stage. Whatever he said about not being prepared… screw him this is definitely prepared. More prepared than I usually am. And now Jaden goes with the flow of his cards and uses winged kuriboh to shield him from an attack. His carefree yet skilled duelling strategy really gets Bastian worked up. I smile silently as I continue to watch their fiery duel. Well, what duel with Jaden in it can't be fiery?

I feel a hand on my shoulder and I know who it is. I turn and leave the arena and head out to the corridor.

"Look prissy, you and I both know this is a joke. The newbie could never beat the queen. So you can try your hardest but it won't get you anywhere right?!" I hear the threatening tone of her voice directly in my left ear. I nod slowly.

"Good, you have no idea what a hassle it is to make you understand what I say. And let's be clear I **will** win. I'm glad we have this little understanding." She says, taking my wrist and digging her nails into my skin. I easily leave my face clean of emotion.

"See you on the ice invisible girl." She starts to lazily fling her hand back, but pauses and doesn't bother. As soon as she's gone I rub my wrists where she's left a red mark and I hear the crowd erupt shouting Jaden's name. I'm not surprised Jaden won, but then nothing's been surprising me much lately.

I walk slowly thinking over her words in my head, and I realise stupidly what they mean. She wants me to look like I try… but even if I do win… or could… she'd kill me for it. Or at least leave a mark, most likely more noticeable and severe than the last three. Just as I reach the stage entrance I take a deep breath and fumble around in my pocket for my duel disk. I attach it to my arm, and shakily reach for my cards.

I flick through my extra deck and find him. They told me I shouldn't summon my duel spirits, but I need his help.

"Adynn." I whisper. His tall dark figure appears in front of me. "What should I do?" I ask shakily.

"I cannot be of much help on this…just do as you always do, it always turns out right. I will always be here." He disappears and I feel empty as I hear my name being called out. And just like that, I take a step into the light.

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	8. Chapter 8

"Yes, thank you, everyone for your support!" Lisa smiles to the crowd, as I stumble onto the stage deep in thought, my eyes concentrated on a random point on the floor.

"Hello there Azure!" She says to me as I take out my duel disk. "Why don't we get started?!" She continues perkily.

"Let's duel!"

My voice comes out as a mumble, and I flick through my cards.

"I'll be going first!" Lisa shouts and I let her. "I play Traptrix Myrmeleo in attack mode. Its effect allows me to pick a "Hole" normal trap card from my deck and add it to my hand. I place two face downs and end my turn."

I go through her move in my head, keeping my eyes trained on the floor. How can I try to lose?

"I draw." I mutter, worry clouding my head. "I summon Wind shadow hunter (1400/1600) in attack mode. Its effect allows me to attack you directly. Wind Shadow Hunter, attack Lisa directly!" Lisa's life points drop to 2600. Was that too much? Or am I supposed to make it look like an easy win for her? Lisa snarls and I grimace. Trying a little too hard?

"I place three face-downs and end my turn." I feel a shiver run down my spine as her glare hardens at me. Nothing's wrong with a good defence right?

"I draw and summon a second Traptrix Myrmeloe. Now, one of my Myrmeloe will attack wind shadow hunter!" She spits out her move.

"I activate…" I instinctively start to activate my trap, but I pause as I see Lisa's intense glare. "I.." I stutter but realise she will attack again with her other Myrmeloe… so… "I activate my trap, Negate attack." The Myrmeloe's attack ceases and she glares harder at me.

"Do you remember the chat we had before this?" I instinctively touch my wrists that are still red from her nails, prickly from the gathered heat. "Well, let me give you a reminder. I activate Forbiddon Lance, which lets me target a face-up monster and take away 800 attack points. I choose Wind Shadow Hunter. Traptrix Myrmeloe, attack Wind Shadow Hunter!" My eyes widen. Should I defend?

"I…I act…activate the tr…trap Shadow Defense. This allows me to change the battle mode of a monster being attacked. I choose Wind Shadow Hunter." I say fearfully. The attack hits and both monsters are destroyed. The wind hits against me and my hair flies backwards. I hear gasps and mutterings as the bruise on my cheek is revealed. I scramble to pull my fringe back into place. I feel all eyes on me but keep facing ahead, as Lisa just continues scowling.

"I end my turn. You were lucky. This will be your last turn." She scowls and I draw lightly.

"I summon Water Shadow Hunter (1600/1400) from my hand. I activate it's effect which allows me to gain life points equal to the attack points of a monster I choose on the field. I choose Water Shadow Hunter." My life points rise to 7600. I'm not trying too hard am I? Maybe I should… trigger one of her traps.

"I activate Shadow Spear and Equip it to Water Shadow Hunter (2600/1400). Water Shadow Hunter, attack Traptrix Myrmeloe." A traptrix deck… so probably both her face-downs are traps.

"I activate my trap Dimensional Prison This banishes an attacking monster!" She declares and my Water Shadow Hunter is destroyed. I try to look surprised… which fails. I need to keep looking at the floor.

"I place 2 face-downs and end my turn."

"I told you this would be your last turn. I draw" She snarls at me and continues her turn. "I tribute Traptrix Myrmeloe to summon Gigaplant!"

A massive plant monster appears on the stage and I look to its attack points. 2400 attack and 1200 defence points. Great.

"I see with my last attack you still didn't manage to get the point. Perhaps this will give you a memory break!" She almost yells at me, and I flinch at the intense-ness. _Just do what she says. _I think clearly in my head, and find myself frozen.

"Gigaplant, attack Wind Shadow Hunter!" I prepare myself for the attack, knowing I shouldn't defend.

"Do something!" A familiar voice shocks me out of my position.

"Fight. You know you can win. _You can't let her do this to you." _Zane stands there,with the words from last night. He's not shouting, he still shows no emotion, and I'm quite sure I'm the only one who can hear him, standing a few metres from the stage. Fight.

"I activate draining shield." I say quickly, snapping back to the duel. "This negates your attack and turns your monsters attack points into more life points for me."

"I am aware!" She says to me "You'll pay for this later. I place a face-down and end my turn." My life points rise to 1000. I falter in her gaze but a word pulses through me. Fight.

"I draw." I draw in a sharp line, and can't help smiling as I resume my normal way of drawing a card. "I summon Earth Shadow Hunter (1200/1800) in attack mode. I activate Pot of Greed that I set earlier and draw two more cards." I mentally grin at my cards but keep my face straight to puzzle her.

"I activate Polymerisation and fuse Wind Shadow Hunter and Earth Shadow Hunter to form…Shadow Prince Azarias (2500/1500)!"

"I activate Void Trap Hole, which negates the effects of a monster with 2000 or more attack points… your Shadow Prince I think. If this is successful your Prince is destroyed-"

"If it's successful exactly… but my Prince is immune to Trap cards." I say, only just managing to keep my face straight.

"Now Prince Azarias, attack Gigaplant!" The monster is destroyed and Lisa takes 100 points of damage.

"Now I activate the spell card De-fusion! This de-fuses my Shadow Prince back into Wind Shadow Hunter and Earth Shadow Hunter. Now, Wind Shadow Hunter, attack Lisa directly!" Lisa's life points decrease to 1100. She still has a face-down left, but it's probably another traphole spell, and hopefully it can't harm me. "For the final move, Earth Shadow Hunter, attack Lisa directly!" My Earth Shadow Hunter draws his Bow and takes and arrow from his quiver. He pulls back and as he releases it becomes laced with rock and it hits Lisa bringing her Life points down to nothing.

The crowd stand up in appreciation, and I find myself breathless looking down at Lisa on the floor. I've never been looking down at her before. Always up. I step off the stage and try to hurry to the exit, but a wave of exhaustion comes over me. I guess all those late nights have had an effect on me. I stumble through the door, trying to get away, though I'm not sure where I'm going, and I feel an arm hold me up in a familiar grip.

"You did well." He says to me.

"Well! Just well?! Zane, she did amazingly. Taking her down after many turns of trying to lose, coming back in one turn to defeat her. Azure you were amazing." I see Alexis coming round to my other side to keep me up, and I feel my legs wobble. I scowl at Zane, knowing he told Alexis.

"Whatever." Zane replies to me.

"Come on Azure, you don't look so good, we'll take you to Nurse Fontaine." Alexis smiles sweetly at me, and I manage a small smile back.

"She's suffering from exhaustion and stress. She should be fine after a few good hours of sleep. Though it seems like she's been having some minor anxiety over the past few weeks, she should take things slowly and try not to get involved in anything too emotional." I hear Nurse Fontaine's voice as my eyes start to flicker open in a blurry motion.

"What about duelling?" I hear Alexis' voice vaguely, and catch sight of her honey blonde hair. "She'd be upset about that."

"Duelling should be fine…as long as she doesn't get too riled up, but she doesn't seem like that kind of duellist." Nurse Fontaine answers.

"Okay, that's good." I force my eyes fully open, and start to push myself up.

"Azure, you're awake!" Nurse Fontaine tries to push me back down but I succeed in sitting up.

"What happened?" I ask, and see Alexis and Zane around me in the Medical wing.

"After your duel with Lisa, you kind off went a bit…into a daze. Zane and I got you halfway to the here before you passed out, but Nurse Fontaine took care of everything." Alexis replies. My duel with Lisa.

"Did I… Did I-" I start.

"Win? Yes, you did." Zane finally speaks and I see the smallest of smile push its way onto his face.

I won… against Lisa. Suddenly I realise there's a paste on my left cheek, over my large bruise. I see Alexis smiling sympathetically. Hang on… I won! What will Lisa do when she finds me? She told me to lose, she told me to let her win or else she'd do something! And I didn't even lose a point! I disobeyed her completely! What will she do to me now?

"Azure it will be fine." I hear Zane's voice and I realise my eyes have widened and my breathing has turned into desperate gasps. A headache starts to cloud my head and I put my head in my hands and scrunch my eyes shut, the questions screaming out in my head, demanding to be heard.

"Her heart rate's rising, she must be having anxiety. We need to calm her down." Nurse Fontaine says, while I put my hands over my ears, trying to get the questions out of my head. She's going to kill me! Why did I fight back? How could I have done such a stupid thing?! What's she going to do to me now?! I can already picture it… no matter where I go she'll get to me eventually!

"Azure, calm down, you need to relax. Tell us what's wrong!" Alexis tries soothingly. I shake my head and bring my knees up and rest my head against them. What will she make me do now? I'm through to the next round, and she's out, what if she wants me to leave the tournament, give up? What if she tries to get me disqualified? She's going to kill me!

"She's going to kill me…" I gasp out the words leaving Alexis confused, and I tighten my grip on my head over my ears unknowingly.

"Azure… she won't do anything to you. She can't. We won't let her." I hear a familiar voice, but in a soft tone I've never heard before. My curiosity gets the better of me and I look up. Sure enough, Zane's standing there, but instead of the emotionless gaze, it's hardened, defensive, and comforting. _…won't do anything to you… we won't let her… _The words break through all my thoughts, shattering them into pieces, and my hands slowly fall to my sides, and I lean back, trying to steady my breathing.

Her heart rate has gone back to normal. Azure, are you okay? Would you like a drink of water?" Nurse Fontaine asks sweetly. I nod slowly and force all my thoughts of Lisa out of my pounding head. I sip the water gratefully and my headache washes away. I lie back down and curl up into a ball and try to relax. Before I know it, my heavy eyelids have dropped down and I'm asleep.

"_Azure, something is coming." I'm dreaming, but Adynn is standing before me._

"_What is it?" I ask concerned._

"_I cannot be sure… but I feel as though… as though something will come up, something that may cause you to lose control." He continues._

"_Lose control? I never lose control, I learn to have no emotion when I'm duelling at all, and nothing distracts me." I exclaim, pondering his words._

"_This thing… it's demanding to be heard. Something from the past. We need to be careful." He says. I'm frozen by his words. Something from the past. I nod slowly, and the dream world washes away…_

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	9. Chapter 9

**Sorry I haven't posted for a while, I've been in Maritius for two and a half weeks with NO INTERNET ! I have been on my phone all day since I got back. Anyway, enjoy!**

"Good morning Azure! How are you feeling today?" My eyes open and Nurse Fonataine is leaning over me.

"Better." I murmur.

"Excellant! You can go back to your room now, they'll be announcing the next matchups for your semi-finals at 9:30." she smiles kindly at me and I nod.

I'm walking through the obelisk blue building, making my way to my dorm room. Luckily it's already 8 so Lisa and Camilla should already be somewhere else. I slip in silently and get a new set of clothes out, a navy t-shirt and some tie-dye black and turquoise skinny jeans. After I head into the bathroom, and this time I get my small almost unused bottle of liquid foundation out, and apply a light coat over my left cheek. The bruise has already died down, but still as that purple murk to it.

"So only now do you take my advice!" I freeze at the sound of the sneering voice. Be calm. She can't hurt you. I turn around and steadily walk towards the door.

"What so I don't exist any more? Don't try and turn the tables, you will always be invisible girl." She remarks angrily.

"I wasn't trying to." I reply calmly. I slip my navy boots on and put my hand on the door nob. I can just walk out of this.

"Where are you going I'm not finished with you!" She says and puts a hand on my shoulder. I whip around at her touch and accidently push her away. My eyes widen at what I did and my hands scramble to open the door and I manage to take a few steps out before a shove into the wall stops me, light pain flowing through my left arm.

"I said I wasn't finished!" She starts but a voice saves me.

"Hey!" Alexis' voice rings through the corridor and soon she's helping me up. "Get away from her, what did she ever do to you?"

I hoped Alexis' presence would put her into happy mode but Lisa was done trying to make friends.

"Why would you care about her, she's worthless. Actually, I can't believe I only just realised you are too." She snaps back angrily.

"Saying that only makes you the worthless one." A calm, sturdy voice graces the hallway with its presence, and I look up in gratitude.

"Zane..." Lisa stutters, and I can see her debating whether or not to add him to her enemies list or try to recover her chances with him, that were to her unknown knowledge, imaginary.

"I guess the words just flew out of my mouth. I'm sorry Zane." She looks up at him in a vulnerable yet flouncy way.

"Why are you apologising to me?" He replies in his cold manor.

"You should be saying sorry to Azure, though if she forgives you I will never understand her." Alexis chimes in with a certain type of sarcasm in her voice. Lisa struggles with any words at all before looking up in frustration.

"Well I guess apologies aren't my thing then." She storms off without looking back.

I breathe a sigh of relief and lean against the wall.

"Honestly Azure, I leave you for what, one night of sleep in the medical wing and when I bring Zane come to check on you you're gone, already getting yourself into trouble." Alexis says jokingly, and I smile.

"Well then I'm lucky I have you to save me!" I reply, joking back. I look to Zane stupidly, and our eyes catch for a bit more than a moment, his stare firm, but not as cold as it usually is. I've been looking for too long. I bring my eyes down to my feet, then up to Alexis, and try to remember what she had been saying.

"I wonder who you'll be up against in the semis!" Alexis wanders as we lounge at the railing in the duel arena.

"Who's left? I didn't watch the last duel." I ask.

"You, Jaden, another guy from duel academy, and... what was her name? Oh Aliyah Llanwelyn from North." Alexis replies.

"I doubt I'll win... I'll probably route for 's a good person, and a great duelist." I murmur thinking the other competitors through.

"Me too, but I'm rooting for you! Jaden would be over the moon boasting with confidence for months." Alexis replies, rolling her eyes at her own sarcasm. I hide a smile when I realise she'd be 100 percent correct. "What about you Zane?"

Zane moves his head in our direction, and teal grazes into my eyes.

"You know I don't take sides." He says gravely, yet I can see the same tug on his lips.

"Of course you don't!" Alexis says sarcastically. I smile.

"So, it's now time for the semis!" The commentator makes me jump but in milliseconds I'm listening close. "What an amazing tournament it has been, so now listen closely to the important matchups of our last four competitors!" I feel like my hearts beating so hard it's coming out of my chest, one pound at a time. I don't even know why I'm nervous, my match=up won't change much.

"The four left are: Jaden Yuki and Thomas Vinter from duel academy, Aliyah Llanwelyn from North Academy, and Azure Roarke from East Academy! Suprisingly, all the top duelists from each school, with exception from duel academy's Zane Truesdale, has been eliminated from the competition. So folks, look up at the board to see who they'll be duelling up against." The commentator finishes, but my eyes are already trained on the board. I don't even know what I'm hoping for.

The pictures and names go up. Jaden vs Aliyah Llanwelyn, and me against Thomas Vinter... I frown. Thomas Vinter? I haven't watched any of his duels. Or heard of him wining... I had been focussing on his name, and I now look up at his picture to see whether I recognise him... Oh no. No. No it can't be. It can't, it just can't. It's impossible.

"Thomas Vinter. He's an obelisk blue third year here isn't he?!" Alexis exclaims.

"I know him. He's okay." Zane adds to the conversation. But I'm just stuck staring at the board. My hands curl into fists as I remember everything he'd done. Everything he'd done to me. Everything he'd done to my family. I really have a knack for duelling against people I've had problems with. Lisa… and now this? But this is so much worse… on so many levels.

"Azure? What's the matter? Do you know him or something? Are your hand's in fists?" I hear Alexis' voice blurring in the background as I try to clear my head.

"I need to go get ready." I manage to say, trying to hide the determination and anger from my voice. I turn and sprint off. I need to talk to Adynn.

I've ran deep into the island, as far away from anyone as possible.

"Adynn!" I yell in frustration.

"So it is he who is the problem. I see now why it can't be ignored." His mysterious black form appears in front of me, with his bow in hand, twirling it between two fingers.

"How do I ignore this? How do I ignore him? I can't!" I say, putting my head in my hands. "I'll lose control!"

"It's not a question of how but of why you must ignore him. We cannot afford to lose control. You must put what he did behind you. Think of him only as an opponent. Pushing our emotions away was a price we paid in order to duel. To do what we love." He counsels me and I breathe in deeply.

"Of course you are right. I may need you in this one. I don't think I'll be able to do it alone." I reply after a moment of thought.

"Maybe it is best if you try not to. But you can always call on Avis if you need to." He replies. Directly beside him appears my Shadow Queen Avis.

"Azure." Avis murmurs in her ever soft voice. "We are all always here for you and Adynn." Her voice comes up and she fades just as she appeared, and I close my eyes.

"I should get back." I tell him, and he bows his head then shatters. I stand up shakily, and start to make my way back to duel academy. Jaden's duel starts in half an hour. I should at least cheer him on.I go to the duel arena and stand up at the railings, making myself invisible to the eye.

"This duel has been awesome! Seriously, you're good! It's a bummer I have to end it… I activate the field spell Skyscraper! Now every elemental hero on the field gains 1000 points! Go Avion, take out her last life points and attack her directly!" Jaden yells his last command and he's won his match. So the final will be Jaden… against me or Tom. I mean Thomas! I mean… oh forget it. Control is all I need. I don't feel anything for him. No matter what he says, or does, I will remain calm, and poised. I walk down the corridor, with half an hour till my duel, taking deep breathes.

"Azure." I spin my head and I see Zane coming up to me. "Why did you run off earlier?"

"Just needed to do some stuff." I reply quietly, though I'm afraid he sees right through me with his unwavering gaze.

"Azure, you don't have to tell us anything, but we're just worried about you. You don't want to get another attack-" He tells me, his face softening.

"I don't. It's just… complicated." I interrupt, and turn to look towards the duel stage. "You'll probably find out in this duel anyway… I just don't know how to explain it myself."

"Right, it's time to find out who will be facing Jaden Yuki in the final! Everybody get ready, for the last match of the semi-finals!" The voice fills the stadium as usual, but I can't help but feel cold.

"So, it's the young girl with a sound duelling strategy, Azure Roarke from East Academy!" I step up onto the stage, leaving Zane and Alexis on the side.

"And, now for obelisk blue third year at Duel academy, Thomas Vinter!" The boy steps up with his light blue hair rustled, smile on and duel disk at the ready.

"Nice to see you Az! How you doing?" The boy's voice taps into my head like a bell, and memories try to push through my boundaries.

"Let's go." I manage to say, activating my duel disk.

"What? No greetings for your big brother?"

**Please Review!**


	10. Chapter 10

"What? No greetings for your big brother?"

I don't panic. I don't stare back defiantly. I just take my deck out of it's holster, and mentally take many deep breaths.

"My big brother? He's in Shanghai at the moment I think. His name's Hunter, do you know him?" I try to act oblivious to his comments. Please say it's working.

"Shanghai eh? Oh he went on that trip around the world… good to hear Hunt's doing well." Thomas replies thoughtfully.

"Let's duel!"

"Here we go, I draw!" Thomas shouts. "I summon Armoured core (1300/2000) in attack mode!" Still using the same deck. Bad move with me.

"Since it's the first turn I'll just throw down three face-downs and end my turn."

"I draw." I say quietly. So far so good. I think. "I play light shadow hunter (1600/1600) in attack mode. Now, Light shadow hunter, attack armoured core!" My hunter draws a white arrow to her bow, and releases it to destroy the armoured core, taking Thomas' life points down to 3700.

"Mistake there little sis! I activate my trap alert! This allows me to activate a continuous spell, and I choose Boss rush spell card! This means whenever you destroy a B.E.S. or big core monster, I can summon one from my deck."

If he thinks I made a mistake he's wrong. A spell like that won't interfere with my battle strategy, especially since I know every combo he's ever played…

"I place two face downs and end my turn." I say calmly.

"Well, now I activate my trap, cyber summon blaster!" He says. Oh great. This irritating trap. "Every time I summon a machine type monster, you take 300 points of damage. And now using Boss Rush I summon B.E.S Tetran (1800/2300)! And since it's a machine type, my cyber summon blaster takes 300 of your life points!"

"Not so fast! I activate Shadow Block, my continuous trap. It allows makes me immune to one continuous spell or trap card on the field. I choose Cyber summon blaster." I say, and can't help but grin. I know Thomas loves that trap. It slowly takes away his opponents life points.

"Fine, but I still have my B.E.S. Tetran." Thomas growls. "And I activate Shield recovery! This adds three counters to my B.E.S Tetran. Now, B.E.S. Tetran, attack Light Shadow Hunter!"

Damn. Oh well, here we go.

"I activate Cowardice on B.E.S. Tetran. Since it's attacking, this allows me to change it to defence mode for the rest of your turn." I say. Not a card I would usually have in my deck, but I decided it was a good one for last minute changes.

"Damn! Why do you always have to meddle?!" Thomas growls. My stomach clenches. I have to meddle? He's the one who meddles! He made mum's ruined life even worse! How dare he-

"Azure. Be calm." Adynn's form comes up next to me, and I take a deep breath. He doesn't matter. Just need to stay calm.

"I end my turn." Thomas ends.

"I draw." I say curtly. B.E.S. Tetran changes back to attack mode. I need to get this duel rolling. With those counters I can't destroy his B.E.S. Tetran, but I can still deal him some damage.

"I summon Earth Shadow Hunter (1200/1800) and Dark Shadow Hunter (1600/1600). However they won't be staying for long, as I activate Polymerisation and fuse Dark Shadow Hunter, Earth Shadow Hunter and Light Shadow Hunter, to form, level 8 Shadow Queen Avis (3000/2500)!" Avis floats majestically in front of me, and I smile at her. _Thank You. _ I tell her in my head, and she nods.

"You may have those counters to protect your Tetran, but they won't protect you, Avis, attack B.E.S. Tetran!"

Thomas has been staring at Avis in shock, probably wondering how I got such a strong monster. Huh, he knows nothing. Avis is in front of B.E.S. Tetran in a second, and swings her magnificent sword and destroys a shield counter, and Thomas' life points go down to 2500. I have one card left in my hand and I'm happy it's pot of greed. I seem to use this card quite a lot.

"I activate pot of greed and draw two more cards from my deck." Shadow spear and Draining Shield. The duel will be over by the end of my next turn. "I place one face down and end my turn."

"I draw. I summon armoured core (1300/2000) in attack mode. Now I activate Infected Mail! This lets me target a level 4 or below monster and let it attack you directly. However, it is sent to the grave afterwards. Armoured core, attack Azure directly!" Thomas says, smirking, thinking just because it's a direct attack I have no way out.

"I activate Shadow Queen Avis' ability, which allows me to remove one card from play every turn you have. Say goodbye to Infected mail." I say glumly. That wasn't what I wanted to use it on. I wanted to use it on B.E.S. Tetran, or use it on his Big Core if he manages to summon it during this duel. He should change his battle style, I knew he would try to use Boss Rush, so I just haven't destroyed many of his monsters.

"Argh! I end my turn. Why are you so defensive? Why won't you ever take a risk? You only ever think about defending yourself. You only ever think about you-" That was it. I just snapped. I haven't seen him for years. I never got to tell him how I felt about what he did. About how he betrayed us.

"That's right. I was only thinking about myself when I stayed with mum. I was only thinking about myself when I took the harder life to look after her. I was only thinking about myself when I chose to start again with nothing, instead of carrying on with _him_. You left with _him. _After what he did, you left us, took _his_ name, so you could live with the riches. Well this is what I get, for thinking about myself!" I snarl sarcastically.

"I draw! I equip Shadow Queen Avis with Shadow spear, giving her 1000 extra attack points. This is the rage you left me to feel. Shadow Queen Avis, attack Armoured core!" I yell at him, losing all conscience, and I feel my heart burst with wrath. His Armoured core is destroyed easily with one clean strike from Avis, and the light from the blow flies across the stage and hits Thomas. He flies backwards and hits the wall behind him. He groans, and falls to the floor, unconscious.

No. What did I do? My eyes widen with fear, and I look around to find everyone cheering. I won! But I can't keep my eyes of Thomas. My breathing hitches as my heart beat cools down from the duel, and I run as fast as I can, out of the duel arena, out of the academy, and to the port. I grab onto the edge of the port, feeling the hard surface underneath me. Years come unexpectedly, but this time I know why they've come. How could I? I let my emotions run forward, I lost control! I hurt him! I can't even begin to think what's happening to him. I walk from the port into the jungle, where no one can see me and try to stop the tears.

"Adynn!" I manage to choke out, and his figure appears before me.

"I'm sorry Azure. We have not done well. I was not able to stop the emotions from getting through." He apologises, and I shake my head.

"They shouldn't have been there in the first place." I say, my tears slowly stopping but my heart filled with a heavy guilt.

"Azure, everyone feels something. If you didn't, you wouldn't be human. You know you've hated him since he left. And seeing your mother break down only added to your hate. Even I hate him, for what he did. I'm starting to believe it was unavoidable." He comforts me, but his head hanging with the same guilt that filled me.

"If being human caused me to do that… I'm not sure being human's a good thing." I mutter, and I hear footsteps behind me.

"Azure." I hear a strong, steady voice, and my mind doesn't hesitate identifying it as Zane.

"Zane." I don't know what to say. What can I say to him?

"Are you okay?" He asks calmly, approaching me with my face blotched with tears.

"You should be asking Thomas that." I say, almost coldly. "How is he? How bad is it?" I ask, terrified of the answer.

"Azure, there isn't anything to be afraid of. He's just unconscious. Nurse Fontaine says he'll be out for a day or so with some bruises on his back from where he hit the wall.

"There's a lot to be afraid of. You should be too. It's me Zane. I did it. I hurt him. I hated him, I wanted him to hurt. It happens every time I lose control of my emotions!" I say angrily at myself.

"Azure, I'm not afraid of you. You're just confused." He says, coming closer to me and putting a hand on my shoulder. "Having emotions isn't a bad thing, even I have them, though I hide them well like you. If I understood everything you said in the duel, it sounds like you had a good reason to dislike him."

"Dislike? I hate him Zane. My father left my mum, and since she didn't work he took all his money. It was cruel, she loved him, and he just left, because he was bored and selfish. He didn't ask me to come. He asked Hunter, and Thomas, but Hunter refused and stayed with me and mum. Mum could've dealt with my idiot father leaving, but Thomas broke her. She's till unstable, and I probably wouldn't have went to East Academy if she hadn't insisted."

"I'm sorry Azure. But you're strong. You got through that, and this power you have. I don't completely understand it, but you can control it. You don't have to suppress your emotions, you shouldn't stop being you. I haven't known you very long. And I don't know many people very well. But what I know about you is that you're a great person, you wouldn't hurt anyone like that purposely." Zane tells me, and I stifle my tears and turn to look at him shyly.

"I just don't want to be a monster." I whisper, and he engulfs me in a hug.

"You're not a monster. You're fine as you are." He whispers, and I feel a warm, tingly feeling in my stomach. I look up at him nervously and I smile at him, believing his words. Zane can't lie. He would find it illogical. I look into his teal coloured eyes timidly, and I see a light shade of pink flow onto his cheeks. I slowly realise that our faces are a few inches apart, and we're breathing the same air. I know a blush has found its way onto my cheeks, and I can feel my stomach churning and my heart beat rising. His head is slowly leaning down and I wonder in amazement if this was going to be my first kiss.

I feel my feet roll forward slowly onto my tip toes, my eyes suddenly close without my command and our lips meet lightly in the centre. I feel like an electric shock is flowing throughout my body, as I feel my lips tingle as if they're going to explode. He moves his lips slowly, and taking the cue I start to move mine, and we kiss properly. I don't want it to end. My heart is about to pound out of my chest but nervously I slowly pull away, as he does too. I feel awkward, but he just pulls me even closer towards him, and I place my hands on his chest and smile nervously.

"Thank you." I say as confidently as I possibly can. "I should go and see how Thomas is doing." I add nervously.

"And get ready for your duel with Jaden." He says smirking. Oh. Yeah I won didn't I?! I freeze on the spot. I have to duel Jaden. I won't hurt him. I can't, he has such a carefree nature. Oh my god, how am I gonna beat him? He's amazing, and definitely seems to have the heart of his cards with him, and-

"Azure, I can hear you thinking from here." I re-focus my eyes and smile sheepishly at his comment.

"I was just thinking up a battle strategy. Jaden's a good duel, and he depends on his monsters a lot. I should probably take that out somehow. Make him need to use more spells and traps. I could probably use my monster effects to my ad-" I say, thinking as quickly as possible and putting my deck together to defeat him in my head. I'll need to put Shadow Cloak back in my deck, that will be useful…

"Azure. Jaden's pure power. He has strong monsters, and power-ups. I haven't duelled him, and I'm guessing he'll come to me soon because of Syrus. But you need more power than him." Zane's back to battle mode immediately, just like me, thinking through battle strategies.

"Don't worry. I've saved my best card till last." I see Adynn standing next to me, and grin, happy about more than one thing.

**Please Review!New Ideas and constructive criticism is always welcome!**


	11. Chapter 11

"I better go." I say, and run off back to the academy, my lips still tingling from the rare contact. Did I just kiss Zane? Or did he kiss me? Is there any difference? Does that mean anything? Or was it just a one off? Does he like me? Do I even like him that way, I mean ARGH! I hate my mind sometimes. I really need to stop with the questions. Literally, my head's exploding with them. To get the answers I always need to wait, so I seriously need to try to hold them back before the answers can come.

I need to focus on Jaden. I still don't want to use Adynn, but I may have to cos Jaden's definitely going to pull out all the stocks. I need to cut off his supply of monsters somehow…

"Hey Azure!" I look over to the entrance of the obelisk blue dorm and see Alexis coming over to me.

"Congrats on the win!" She tells me. "Absolutely amazing! I'm hoping you beat Jaden…he beat me so… plus we really need a female victor. There hasn't been one in like the last 8 years or something."

"Yeah, but Jaden's pretty good. I'm going to go over to the medical wing, I think I need to talk to Thomas…" I say, looking at my feet nervously.

"Oh of course… he's your older brother, isn't he." She says slightly awkward.

"There's no need to feel awkward, when our parents split he went with my father, and Hunter and I stayed with mum." I say, not wanting her to be uncomfortable.

"Okay, have you seen Zane? I think he went to look for you." She asks and I can feel myself blushing.

"Yeah, he was over by the lighthouse, I should go." I say, looking down to hide my blush and running to the medical wing, flinging a wave over my shoulder as I go.

"Oh, Azure! How are you feeling? Any more headaches or dizziness?" Nurse Fontaine asks me as I enter the medical wing.

"Um, no, thank you for that, but I was actually here to see Thomas." I say smiling slightly.

"Oh, your brother. He's over there, I think he must have committed too much to your duel together, really took something out of him." Nurse Fontaine says scratching her head. Or I took something out of him.

"Thanks." I say quietly, and head over to his bed. He's lying down, obviously sleeping, his hair still messy from the duel.

People can often see the few similarities between us, his hair a shade or two lighter than mine, the same nose and face shape… but his skin is tanned, and he's quite short for his age, unlike my tall frame. Hunter has green hair… as in the shade hunter green. He has my pale skin, the same nose, is tall and quite broad as well. His eyes are the same colour as his hair as well. People always seem to guess that we're related.

I stand staring at Thomas for a few minutes, then go to call Hunter. Because, I honestly have no idea what to do when he wakes up.

"Hello?" I hear Hunt's voice clear and turn to the screen.

"Hey Hunt!" I say smiling broadly at his dirty face and greasy hair. "When did you last have a shower?"

"Haha, very funny Az, but I've been working non-stop here in Shang Hai. How's that tournament going? Duel Academy right?!" He replies grinning.

"Yeah, I just got into the final against this amazing Duel Academy kid. Erm… actually, that's what I needed to talk to you about." I say, suddenly nervous.

"Sure, what's up?" Hunter asks concerned.

"Um, my semi-finals duel, was against Thomas Vinter." I say, feeling slightly breathless, and Hunter's face darkens.

"So, he goes to duel academy?" He says, keeping his face as straight as possible. I nod.

"I won, but Hunt, he's in the medical wing, I lost it and now I don't know what to do cos-" I start explaining very quickly and my breaths become ragged.

"He's in the medical wing? How bad is it? Is he un-"

"Unconscious, yes, and he has some bad bruising on his back from where he hit the wall. Nurse Fontaine says he should be waking up sometime tomorrow-"

"How bad did you lash out? What did you say-"

"I just blamed him for why mum is such a mess and-"

"Was such a mess, Az. She got through it. You should probably hear what he has to say about it before saying any more. You have to be careful with your… power, the people said-"

"I know what they said Hunt." I interrupt again. I know, a sentence never gets finished in our house.

"Thomas is logical, Hunt. I don't want to talk to him." I mumble, only just audible.

"I know Az, but he is still our brother. Though a crappy one who left with our fucking amazing father." He replies, but I know he'll be clenching his fists on the other side, and will probably go ahead and punch the wall once I'm gone.

"Okay. I miss you; I'll call you once this stuff is over. Have a lovely time in Shang Hai. Bye." I say sadly, and he waves before I end the call.

"Hey Azure!" As I walk to the library I hear Jaden call out to me.

"Jaden!" I say smiling. "Congrats on your win earlier!"

"You too! Looks like we'll be facing off! Do you want to come watch me and Sy duel?" He asks smiling.

"Jaden! She'll be able to see your battle style!" Syrus argues, and I smile at him.

"Syrus, I've already watched all his duels in the tournament, so it's a bit late for that." I tell him. I should probably try and see this. Not because of Jaden, but I need to work out what's with Syrus' duelling.

"I'd love to Jaden." I say, and I follow them out. They bring me to a small, red brick building, and I frown at the difference from the obelisk blue dorm.

"So Sy, it's time to get your game on!" He shouts cheerfully, and they activate their duel disks. I watch the duel with a keen eye, trying to figure out what he meant about Syrus' duelling. I can see him thinking out careful attacks, but doubting everything he does, making him fall into careless mistakes. And when that happens, he has so little self-confidence he stops trying. I'm starting to wonder whether he would have conceded if Jaden hadn't made him keep going.

"Bubbleman, why don't you finish this duel up!" I hear Jaden chant, and Syrus' life points go to zero. That was probably one of the most one-sided duels I've seen. Syrus fell into every single trap Jaden put out, and his self-doubt handled all the rest of it for Jaden. He's not playing the cards right at all! He's not thinking things through, he's just summoning monsters and ordering attacks.

"I'm hopeless Jaden, you should probably practice against someone else." Syrus mumbles sadly.

"Nonsense Sy! Your monsters are awesome, you just need to think things through a little more, and really give it your all!" Jaden counters respectfully, and I walk up to them.

"Sy, all you need is a little confidence! No one's hopeless!" I add, smiling shyly. _No one's hopeless once they've realised how to play a card, not just use it. _I think sourly.

"Well, thanks for the show Jaden, I guess I'll see you at the duel tomorrow!" I say, turning to leave.

"You better bring you're a-game Azure, cos I'm in it to win it!" Jaden shouts as I walk back to the Obelisk Blue dorm. Syrus is a tough one. I don't know how anyone could get him to see what duelling's about. I'm guessing there's some history between him and Zane that gives him the self-confidence issues. Hopefully that's something Jaden can work up.

Speaking of Jaden, watching him duel again gave me the perfect strategy to work with. He uses good monster cards and traps mostly as his game style. So a continuous spell that stops him from playing as many monster cards should do the trick. I need to go first, but I have a feeling he'll let me. Luckily I have the perfect strategy formed, except for the fact I'm probably going to have to make a few adjustments, cos knowing Jaden, he'll do something completely unexpected.

I get back to the dorm room, and find it empty of Lisa, but Camilla is already sleeping. I sit down on my bed and start to arrange my deck, adding in a few crucial cards that I'll be counting on Adynn to help me draw. I sit cross-legged on my bottom bunk, with my cards arranged neatly on top of the sheets, and scratch my head in uncertainty. The door opens but I manage to keep my eyes trained on my cards.

"Oh, so you're not even going to fucking look at me. Great." Lisa says sourly. I ignore her comment, though I can already feel myself shaking slightly. About 3 minutes pass before another word is spoken.

"That Jaden kid may only win with luck, but he's still leagues better than you." She says, but it's obvious her confidence has lowered considerably since her encounter with Zane and Alexis.

"Which I guess means he's millions of leagues better than you." I almost snap the words out, and I'm surprised by myself. Shit! Why did I say that? Now she's going to hit me again, or worse, and I know I can't stop it!

"You still dare to speak back to me?! One puny duel that I wasn't even trying to win, doesn't make any difference to the higherachy!" She spits, and I hear her footsteps closing in on me. I keep my mouth shut and find my eyes stuck on my cards, unable to look her in the eye. "You somehow squirmed your way into Zane Truesdale's good books, but he's mine! He likes me, but is too shy to do anything about it! He likes me-"

"No he doesn't." I say before I can stop myself. She looks outraged. "He doesn't like you. Not in that way at least."

"And how would you, a pathetic nobody know anything about Zane Truesdale-"

"I guess it would be because he kissed me today." I say, suddenly defensive. What am I doing? This is going to get me killed! She's going to strangle me, and I don't even know what I'm talking about and this isn't going well at all!

"What?!" She says in disbelief.

"He kissed me. After I won against Thomas Vinter." I say nervously, and I feel my heart beat rising in panic. It's nearly 10 now, and most people will be asleep.

"You're lying. Someone so great wouldn't have any interest in scum like you." She spits out, but it has an unusual tone of anger, and jealousy. I stay silent, unsure of what to say. Is there anything I could say to get me out of this situation? Come on, there must be something I could say! She's just going to carry on, Alexis and Zane aren't always around to help, and I'm hopeless on my own and-

"You liar!" She snarls and shoves me backwards into my bottom bunk. I hit the wall, and a hard metal pole sticks into my back, running vertically against the wall. She messes up all my neatly arranged cards, scattering them onto the floor. Then she storms into the bathroom, and my head rolls onto my shoulders. At least all she did was shove me. I carefully gather up my cards into a neat stack. Luckily I have an extremely good memory, so the fact she messed them up didn't do much damage.

Soon I've got my adapted deck in my holster, but I'm not going to sleep. And I don't want to be here when Lisa comes out of that bathroom. I wearily slip open the window and slide through it. Not bothering to be as cautious as before, I walk to the port, pondering over Lisa. Did I just stand up to her? I mean, it wasn't exactly significant… still gave me a bruise. I rub my back where I hit the pole subconsciously. Unlike the other times, I go straight to the lighthouse, and sit down on the edge, letting the waves tickle my toes.

"Azure. I was hoping you'd come again." I turn from my sitting position to see Zane walking up the stone pier to meet me. I blush at the thought of the last time I saw him. I stay silent and look towards the sea.

"Is something the matter?" His low voice rustles through the wind.

"My deck's ready for Jaden. And I watched him and Sy duel." I say, looking out to the sea. "I see what you mean. He doesn't see duelling right." Zane stays silent for a few moments, so I speak again.

"But in order for him to see how to play the cards right… you're going to have to do something yourself." He grunts disapprovingly, and I stand up.

"It's not just him not seeing… it's his self-doubt, his low confidence. And it seems it comes from him thinking he's a disappointment to you." I say concerned.

"He is." He says shortly.

"But do you even want him to get better? Become an amazing duellist?" I ask, suddenly doubtful of Zane's feelings.

"Of course, he's my brother. But he should learn it himself." He says, and I see a streak of stubbornness coming through.

"Did you honestly get here completely on your own? " I ask, now trying to convince him to take action. "I know I didn't. Hunter helped me, my teachers…" My teachers who I just forgot I can't mention but…

"…my opponents… even Tom… though I'm not sure what to think of that. But with Sy… it started, with you. It's obvious you're going to have to play a part in ending it." He stares at me for a few seconds, then pulls his arm around me sensitively.

"Do you have to be right?" He asks, obviously unhappy with my verdict. I smile before I can stop myself. I like being in his arms. They're comfortable, and warm unlike how he first appears. Is this what it's like to like someone this way?

**Please Review!New Ideas and constructive criticism is always welcome!**


	12. Chapter 12

My eyes flash open sensitively, and I instantly know I should probably have come back for sleep a little earlier than 1 AM. Especially since I wake up at six. My back aches slightly as I stand up, but I ignore the feeling of where the pole hit me last night. I dress into a one-shoulder long sleeve emerald crop top, and a new pair of black jeans. I tip-toe into the bathroom and apply a light cover of concealer over my bruise, and powder over the top. I then put quick eyeliner on and mascara, then but some lip balm on my lips. I leave the bathroom, hang my thick holster belt on my hips, slightly lop-sided and put my black lace-up boots on. I really do have an obsession with boots.

I head out into the corridors and everything is soundly quiet as usual. I walk soundlessly to the library to go over my strategy over and over.

"Azure!" I look up and see Alexis coming my way.

"Hey Alexis." I reply, and go back to sorting through my deck.

"Think you're ready for Jaden?" She asks curiously.

"Yeah. Probably could've used more time to go through his duels, especially duels he's lost but it'll have to do. Adapting during a battle is generally what I do best…" I say, rubbing my eyes slightly.

"Did you get any sleep last night? You look like you pulled an all-nighter! Please don't tell me you were working on your deck!" She says, frowning at the shadows underneath my eyes. I know I've blushed and keep my eyes on my deck purposely to hide it.

"No, nothing like that." I reply and she frowns.

"You always look tired! Keep your secrets if you want to, but I just hope you don't fall asleep during your duel with Jaden!" She says and I shake my head.

"I'll never be that tired." I reply, looking up after the tingle from my face had disappeared.

"We should go and get something to eat before your duel. It's in half an hour!" She says, so I nod and follow her out.

"You know, if you win this, I think Chancellor Shepard may ask you to come to school here!" Alexis tells me as we walk through the corridors.

"Really?" I ask, unconvinced.

"Yeah! I think it'd be a great way to get out of Lisa's hair…" Alexis tries awkwardly.

"I guess. If he did ask, but I can't get my hopes up, I'd probably say yes. It's… nicer here. Plus…" I trail off as I realise I was about to say I'd want to stay here with her and Zane. "… it's a nicer environment than east academy." She looks satisfied with my answer. Just.

"Azure." I hear a short voice from behind me and turn knowing who it was.

"Hi Zane." I say, almost blushing with Alexis standing right beside me.

"I wanted to wish you good luck, though I doubt you need it." He says in his low voice, and Alexis raises her eyebrows.

"Zane… do you have a headache?" She asks puzzled.

"Not at all." He replies tonelessly.

"I should go… bye." I say nervously, and turn away from them both grabbing a cereal bar before heading to the duel arena.

"Hey Azure!" I see Jaden and Sy on the other side of the duel arena and smile nervously.

"Hey Jaden. How are you doing?" I ask walking up closer to him and Sy.

"Great thanks! You better get your game on cos I'm not holding back!" He says, grinning.

"Don't worry I will. What about you Sy?" I ask smiling sweetly and he fumbles slightly.

"Okay… I think." He says and I frown.

"What's wrong?" I ask sympathetically.

"Sy, stop being so down! The message your brother sent you doesn't mean anything! You just need to believe in yourself!" Jaden says, encouragingly.

"What did he say?" I ask, suddenly aware that whatever the message was, may have been my doing.

"Nothing that matters… just that I should work harder." He mumbles and I'm confused.

"Anything bad?" I ask.

"Not really… but it's obvious he thinks I'm doing terribly!" He whines to himself.

"Sy, I think you've got the wrong impression-" I start to try and make Zane's small attempt of helping Syrus come out, knowing he was probably acting on my words, but the commentator interrupts me.

"So is everyone ready for the final duel?!" As the crowd starts to roar I walk silently back to the other side of the duel stage, my hand on my holster protectively. "Well let's get things started! First, it's the care-free first-year Slifer form duel academy, Jaden Yuki!" Jaden takes his position, smiling wildly, waving to the crowd.

"And now, she hasn't yet even lost a single life point in all her duels, it's Azure Roarke!" I hear my name through the crowd and step up, not looking around at anyone except Jaden. I can't get distracted. I have nothing against Jaden, but I don't want to risk his health.

"Let's duel!"

"I draw!" I say, giving Jaden no chance to go first.

"Now show me what you got Azure!" He yells, unfazed. I smirk after glancing at my cards. The perfect hand.

"I normal summon Light Shadow Hunter (1600/1600) in attack mode. Now, I activate it's effect which allows me to look at the top five cards in your deck and change the order they're in." I say confidently. Hm. I need to get Polymerisation as far away as possible, so I'll put that last. Then the two of his monsters at the top to torment him. And Warrior returning alive next and Hero signal after.

"Nice trick, you done yet?" Jaden asks, frowning slightly.

"Not just yet. I place three face downs and end my turn." I say, making sure I don't leave any gap for him to get through.

"Okay, I draw! Sweet! I summon Elemental Hero Avion (1000/1000) in attack mode! Now-" I interrupt with my trap card.

"Sorry Jaden, I'm going to have to stop you there." I say calmly, trying not to get cocky.

"What already?" He asked confused. I nod.

"I activate the continuous trap shadow summon blaster. It's similar to Cyber summon blaster, but slightly different. I can activate it when you summon a monster. From now on, if either of us want to summon a monster any way, we take 600 points of damage for it." I say, explaining it carefully.

"What? Why would you want to stop _both_ of us from summoning any monsters?!" Jaden says, alarmed.

"Because Jaden, you rely on your monsters, you care for them. I've seen it, it's quite fascinating. I can duel without mine, let's see if you can." I say smiling good-naturedly. I feel like I'm testing him. Maybe I am.

"Well… okay then. Anyway, since your Light Shadow Hunter has more attack points than Avion, I can't attack, but I feel like getting a boost. I activate Skyscraper!" Tall buildings rise up around us, and the crowd cheers. Avion's attack points rise to 2000.

"Now Avion, attack Light Shadow Hunter!" Jaden says, but I activate a trap.

"It's negate attack. Everyone should know what this does." I reply, and Avion's attack is stopped.

"Nice move, I guess I'll place two face-downs and end my turn."

"Great. Now first, I activate Shadow Block, which I set last turn. It makes me immune to one continuous spell or trap card on the field. I choose Shadow summon blaster." I say confidently. Going well so far.

"Jeez, you've thought this through haven't you." Jaden remarks, and I nod tentatively.

"And now I summon Wind Shadow hunter (1400/1600) in attack mode. And now I use it's effect, which allows me to attack directly. Go Wind Shadow Hunter!" I say, watching as Jaden's life points go to 2600. I look at my hand. No traps at the moment, but I can set Warrior returning alive. "I place one face down and end my turn."

"Great, my turn!" He draw and smiles. "Finally! Your blaster can give me it's best shot, I'm still going through with this, I activate Polymerisation!" Damn, I was hoping he didn't already have one in his hand.

"I fuse Elemental Hero Avion with my Elemental hero Burstinatrix! Out he comes, it's flamed wingman (2100/1200)!"

"Well then, Shadow summon Blaster, take 600 of his life points!" Jaden's life points drop to 2000.

"Argh! Well, here goes nothing, Flamed Wingman, attack Wind Shadow Hunter!" Wind Shadow Hunter is destroyed, and I take 700 points of damage.

"What's it like to finally take some damage? Well, now Flamed Wingman's effect comes in, and you take damage for Wind Shadow Hunter's attack points!" Flamed Wingman comes up to me and fire blazes around me. My life points drop to 1900.I don't even blink.

"It's oddly refreshing Jaden. And it just pushes me on to win this duel!" I say and I hear the crowd roaring.

"I draw! I activate Pot of greed!" I say after peaking at the card I drew. I draw two more cards. Not enough to win this turn, but I can keep going. "First I summon Water Shadow Hunter(1600/1400) in attack mode. And I use its ability with the help of your flamed wingman to get some of my life points back." My life points return to 4000.

"After all that hard work…" Jaden jokes and I smile.

"Indeed. Now I activate Warrior returning alive and bring back Wind Shadow Hunter(1400/1600). Now, Wind Shadow Hunter, use your ability to attack Jaden directly!" I say, hoping none of his face-downs can hurt me with a direct attack.

"Not so fast! I activate A Hero Emerges! You're supposed to choose a card in my hand and if it's a monster I can summon it, but I only have one card so let's get right to it. Wroughtweiler (800/1200), come on out!" Jaden says, and I internally groan but keep a straight face. Wroughtweiler gets destroyed by my Wind Shadow Hunter, but Jaden only takes 600 points of damage, leaving him with 1400.

"All right then, I end my turn with a face down." I say calmly.

"Well, since Wroughtweiler was destroyed, it's effect comes into play and I can take a Polymerisation card and an Elemental Hero from my deck, and into my hand." Oh great, I can see where this is going. "Your blaster is going to be hitting me once more, but for the last time as I activate Polymerisation and fuse my Elemental hero Flamed Wingman with my Elemental hero Sparkman! Welcome to the field Elemental hero Shining Flare Wingman(2500/2100)!" A new monster comes onto the field, shining brightly. A fitting name to be sure.

"Now, Shining Flare Wingman, attack Wind Shadow Hunter!" I smile.

"Sorry Jaden, I activate the trap draining shield! This negates your attack, and I gain life points for your monsters attack points." I say smiling.

"What?!" He yelps, and my life points rise to 7500. A strange energy flows through me, and I grin.

"I end my turn then I guess." He says.

I look at my deck. _Adynn, why don't you come and help me. _I draw with a perfect swipe of my arm, then tilt the card perfectly. I can't help but smirk.

"You're an amazing duelist Jaden. Not only have you gone against my strategy, and taken damage for your monsters, you've also managed to dish out a good amount of damage. However, though you played well, it was nowhere near well enough." I say, already certain of my victory.

"The duel's not over yet Azure!" Jaden yells.

"Oh, but it is. I activate Polymerisation, and fuse together my Wind Shadow Hunter, Water Shadow Hunter, Light Shadow Hunter and my Fire Shadow Hunter from my hand." A vortex appears behind me. "I'll give it to you Jaden. You're amazing. I haven't had to play this card since I first battled a pro. Come on out, I'd like you to meet my pride and joy, level 11 Shadow Emperor Adynn (4200/3000)!" Adynn floats from the vortex magically, the dark emerald bow armed and ready, settled in his deep black hands.

_It is good to be out again. _I hear his voice in my head and smile.

"4200 attack points? If you're thinking of attacking, Skyscraper gives my Wingman an extra 1000 attack points, and my Wingman also gains 300 attack points for every Elemental hero in my graveyard, which is 3, so he has…" Jaden says, trying to work out the maths in his head. "4500 attack points?"

"It's 4700 attack points Jaden, but Adynn here has an effect. He's an emperor, so his troops give him power. If I choose to use this effect, he gains the attack points of all the Shadow troops in my graveyard. However, at the start of your next turn, if it gets to that, I'll be taking all that damage to my life points."

"That's insane! 6400 attack points!" I hear Bastian's voice faintly through the awe-filled crowd.

"6400 attack points. And I have 7500 life points. I think I'll take the risk." Adynn glows slightly as his attack points rise to 10600. "Adynn, take the shot will you."

"My pleasure." He whispers, and draws his bow up, pulls back, and releases the arrow. The arrow becomes laced with Fire, Water, Air and Light, the four Shadow Hunters in my graveyard. It strikes Jaden's Wingman, and Jaden Life points take the hit. The smoke clears, and he's on one knee, with no life points remaining.

**Please Review!New Ideas and constructive criticism is always welcome!**


	13. Chapter 13

"And the victor of the Duel Academy Tournament is Azure Roarke!" I hear the commentator's voice in disbelief and my eyes widen. I smile shyly as the crowd roar in enthusiasm, and I walk nervously over to Jaden.

"Azure, amazing duel! I can't wait for a rematch!" He says with a grin, and I smile.

"You too Jaden, I haven't had someone destroy my strategy like that. You certainly have heart." I say, and he hugs me.

"Congratulations Miss Roarke!" Chancellor Shepard is walking up to us on the duel stage, flanked by Professor Hutton, Professor Battle and Professor Hallie. At the back I see Zane following mutely, with a small tug on his lips, and his eyes sparkling slightly. I never thought I'd see that.

"Thank you Chancellor Shepard, it was a tough duel." I say, bowing my head slightly.

"Indeed! Well, you've won the tournament for East Academy, so may I present Zane Truesdale, last year's victor and top duellist at Duel Academy with your magnificent trophy!" Chancellor Shepard continues with a closed-eyes smile.

Zane comes forward, a large silver trophy in hand. He stops before me, and smiles.

"Congratulations. You deserve this." He says, and hands me the trophy. I take it shyly, blushing slightly at his words. I hold the trophy above my head and the crowd roars. I step down from the stage, shaking slightly, and Bastian, Sy and Alexis come up to me.

"Congratulations Azure! I knew you'd win." Alexis says sweetly, hugging me lightly.

"Yes, indeed, it seemed like you had the upper hand from the beginning, and knew exactly how to beat him. Well done Azure." Bastian agrees thoughtfully.

"You were great Azure! Jaden you were amazing too!" Sy says, in a closed eye smile. I smile shyly at their comments.

"Thank you, all of you. I-" I try to think of words to say, but I stop short.

"Azure." I hear Zane's voice behind me, and he nods appreciately at me. He stalks of, and I know to see him tonight. But then I look at Sy who was trembling slightly.

"Azure Roarke, please report to the Chancellor's office at 2 pm." The voice comes strong from the PA system, and I decide I should find Thomas.

"I'm going to go and find Thomas." I say lightly, bowing my head slightly and turning away from my friends to go to the medical wing.

"Nurse Fontaine?" I ask into the white medical wing.

"She went to see the Chancellor I think." I hear a familiar voice and look to Thomas' bed. I'm stuck speechless. I just don't know what to say.

"I heard you just won against Jaden Yuki, the lucky first-year. Congratulations new victor." He says, and I manage to croak out some words.

"I won't be able to stand up to the last one, but… How are you?" I ask hesitantly, whilst moving closer to his bed.

"Not too bad, considering I was sent flying into a wall and god knows what speed. Only a very bruised back, headache's now and then. I should be out quite soon." Thomas says, thought the bitterness obvious in his voice.

"I'm sorry Tommy. I didn't manage to control it." I say anxiously.

"You obviously managed to control it with the other opponents… I am the only in here." He says, looking away from me.

"Tommy, I was… I was angry Tommy. You destroyed her. You broke her heart more than he ever could've. We didn't even know where you were, what you were doing, how you were. I didn't know you even went here." I said, more with a sad, disappointed tone than an angry one.

"I didn't mean to. Life seemed easier going with Dad… he let me do what I wanted, have parties, duel all day and night, when I got bad grades, he didn't mind. Though it's not like he exactly cared." He replies, again the bitterness showing in his voice. The clean, whiteness of the medical wing seemed like an unusual place to have this conversation.

"Just a letter. That's all we needed." I say sadly. "Hunter said I should give you a chance. I wasn't so sure."

"Are you…?" He asks, sounding like a wounded puppy. My heart softens.

"If you want it." I answer hesitantly, and he turns to look at me. "But you have to write to Mum. Soon."

"I will Az. Come here." He says appreciately, and I hug him, squeezing his shoulders.

"I missed you Tommy."

I'm walking down the corridor, to see the Chancellor. I'm not sure what to expect. My quiet footsteps seem to be the only thing I can think about as they get muffled by the floor.

"Ah, Azure! Please come in." The Chancellor and Dr Crowler are in the office, the Chancellor behind his desk, and Dr Crowler standing straight by his side. I walk in nervously.

"You wanted to see me Chancellor?" I ask timidly.

"Yes, I have been in conversation with Professor Hutton recently, and she tells me despite your duelling skills, you never managed to fit in right at East Academy, which astounds me since it appears you've already befriended Alexis Rhodes and Jaden Yuki in your time here, especially after your duels together." The Chancellor says, a smile on his face.

"Jaden and Alexis have made it easier to talk to them here I guess." I say nervously.

"So you have been duelling for how long?" Dr Crowler asks, me, coming forward slightly.

"Since I was… I'm not sure, ever since I understood it. My brothers kind of got me into it." I answer truthfully.

"Well of course, I hear your eldest brother is working for Exodus International!" Chancellor Shepard says with a broad smile.

"Yes, he's in Shang Hai at the moment." I answer.

"Hm, well after conversing with Professor Hutton, and after your magnificent win in the tournament, I would like to offer you a place at duel academy. You'd be placed in the Obelisk blue girl's dorm after your impressive win, as all girls are, and I'd expect you'd settle in well here!" The Chancellor looks at me with a questioning look, and I try to reply but I can't find many words.

"Thank you so much… I, um I-" I stumble easily.

"I have already sent your mother a letter, and she has already approved you're staying here if you wish it." The Chancellor continues.

"Thank you, Yes! I would love to become a student here." I answer, a smile creeping onto my face.

"Well, then it's all in order. The paperwork will be filed, and everything else can be sorted out easily. Your room in the obelisk blue girl's dorm has already been placed, but you'll need to stay in your present dorm room till all the competitors from the tournament have left."

"Of course. Thank you so much for this opportunity." I say thankfully, bowing respectfully.

"You deserve it." The Chancellor finishes as I turn to leave his office. Once I'm outside, a broad grin slides onto my face and I start walking to find Alexis.

"Azure." I hear my name and spin on one foot, and find Zane coming up to me.

"You really should stop doing that, you'll scare the daylights out of someone." I say, a smile still on my face.

"Why so happy?" He asks, ignoring my first comment.

"I'm coming to school here. Chancellor Shepard just gave me the offer." I say nervously, slightly afraid of what he might think. He still smiles though, in the deserted corridor.

"I'm looking forward to you staying here then." He replies. I blush at his words.

"You should probably stop smiling as much… Alexis will think something's up…" I mutter, and he pulls me into an embrace. I hug him back, and he's kissed my cheek.

"Again, congratulations on your win. Sometime we'll have to duel." My eyes widen.

"What?" I say instinctively, saying the first word that comes into my head. "I can't- what, no, you'll win so easily and-" I splutter.

"It will be a completely fair duel. But that's for later. Alexis is in the library if you want to talk to her." He says, slowly turning away. I walk in the opposite direction to the library, half-horrified at the prospect of duelling him. I'd heard of him before I'd even come here. Respectful, cyber-style duellist, really as good as his reputation. And his reputation was no loses in his 2nd or 3rd year so far, and only one loss in his first year against a visiting pro. And I have no doubt he's as good as he seems.

"Alexis!" I say, waving to her with her friends Jasmine and Mindy.

"Hey Azure, what's up?" Alexis says, her two friends looking at me suspiciously.

"Well, I just got invited to go to school here so…" I say, a smile forming on my face as she hugs me.

"Azure, that's so great! Do you want to join us to get ready for the Triumph gala?" I look at her in alarm.

"Oh… I have to go to that don't I…" I say in realisation.

"Weren't you always going to go?" Jasmine asks confused.

"I didn't expect to win… no…" I almost groan, but stay up front.

"Why wouldn't you want to go? It's like a ball! Like the opening dinner, but everyone has to dress up, and we get to look beautiful…" Mindy says dreamily.

"Though no guys will ever ask you to dance." Jasmine adds moodily, and Mindy snaps out of it.

"Anyway, do you want to come? We'll be in my room, number 27." Alexis says, ignoring her two friends.

"I guess so…" I say nervously. "I'll meet you there…" I say hesitantly. I wave, going back to the dorm room.

"Well, look who it turned out great for." I open the door and Lisa is staring back at me. Camilla's nowhere to be seen but still…

"Come to get ready for your Triumph ball… hmph, you don't deserve to win, you were a complete fluke. Luck. It was luck that got Jaden Yuki to the final, and it was Luck that made him your opponent. You don't deserve…" Lisa snarls but I bravely walk into the room to my bag, and quickly get my dress for tonight.

"What, so you're just going to pretend I don't exist? Well I do! I'm top duellist at East Academy, not you! I am!" I here her shouts getting louder and her footsteps bringing her towards me. Her words blur together and I turn into the bathroom to get my cosmetics bag. I don't even know what she's yelling at me now, I'm just focussing on packing the cosmetics bag up. There's my mascara, my eyeliner… then a white hot pain surfaces on my lower back. My jaw clenches at the pain but as soon as I turn around I see her swiping at me once more. My instincts react more than anything else. My hand whips up and I catch her wrist, before pushing past her to get out the door.

I've pushed myself out, closing the door behind me, and I'm so glad the halls are empty. Sound resurfaces in my ears as I hear something being pushed onto the floor in the dorm room, and quiet voices coming from a couple hallways away. I reach down to the small of my back, where the ringing pain is centres. I feel the scratch marks in my skin, and realise she must have scratched me hard and fast with both hands, just at the space between my crop top and my jeans. I turn a few more corners, sneaking invisibly to the boys part of the dorm, going to what I hope is the most secluded corridor in the dorm. I sink down onto my knees, hanging my head in defeat, examining the red stain on my fingers.

I beat her, but I still can't defend myself from her.

"Why can't I stop this…" My voice murmurs into the thick air without my knowing, and I don't even look up when I hear footsteps coming towards me. A warm embrace holds me up, moving me into the nearest room at the end of the corridor, my feet moving without a command. It's when I finally hear a voice that I snap out of it, and look around.

"Azure, what happened?" Zane is looking right at me, and I'm in a clean, neat and tidy room, books stacked neatly on a desk, the bed I'm sitting on well-made, and further away there is a couch with a large tv.

"I stopped her…" I mutter, my words slurring.

"Azure, was this Lisa?" Zane asks concerned, and I nod timidly.

"But… I stopped her." I repeat to myself, while Zane moves around me to look at my back.

"We should do something about that." He says, moving away, coming back with a wipe and a large plaster. I let him wipe away the blood, the slight sting of the anti-septic not bothering me, then he moves to sit next to me.

"You have no idea how glad I am you won't be going to school with her anymore." Zane says protectively, and I blush.

"I don't even know what happened. I just went in, and she was there and… it's all a bit blurry." I explain, and he nods. "What's it like here? I sit like how it is now all the time?"

"Yes. Though of course there's classes." Zane replies. "Are you worried?"

"I don't know how I couldn't be." I say, staring at the floor. "What if I don't fit in? What if I start failing classes? What if something like Lisa comes up? What would I do about it? What if everyone expects me to be a better person, what if-" The words blather out of my mouth just as they appear.

"Azure." Zane moves closer to me and puts an arm round me, his cheeks obviously flushing as he cups my cheek. "You have no need to worry. You'll fit in. You're as clever as Bastian, and Lisa's one of a kind." He says, his voice calming me. My breathing slows, and I stop shaking, but my heart's still beating in my ears.

We both lean in, just like the first time, our lips meeting easily in the middle. I shift uneasily to try and gain more height on him, wrapping my arms around his neck. His hands settle perfectly on my waist, and I start to run my fingers through his hair. His lips are just as soft as before, and I wonder how unbelievable this is. We both break away breathless, and I suddenly notice the empty space in my mouth.

"Thank You." I say, before kissing him on the cheek nervously and hurrying out, with my bag ready for the gala.

**Please Review!New Ideas and constructive criticism is always welcome!**


	14. Chapter 14

"Hey Azure!" A bright voice comes through the door almost immediately after I knock.

"Hi Mindy, Jasmine, Alexis." I answer, and they let me in.

"What kept you so long Azure?" Alexis asks from the other side of the room. Her room is quite like Zane's, but with a more girly twist. There are pictures and brightly coloured stationary on the desk, with a small stack of fiction books, not just duelling ones, and of course her wardrobe is larger, and at the moment her dressing table is littered with makeup, and dresses are laid down on the bed.

"I just bumped onto Zane on my way here, nothing to worry about." I answer smoothly, not wanting her to stress about Lisa.

"Grumbling idiot, he's taking away girl time!" Alexis herself grumbles, and I chuckle.

"I'd go for the pale pink dress. Or maybe that long Lilac one. It reminds me of Blade Skater…" I put my input into her decision making.

"I guess your right about that… yeah I'll wear the Lilac one." The dress Alexis picked went down to just below her knees, with a nice simple sweetheart neckline.

"What are you wearing Mindy?" Jasmine asks, swirling around in her own turquoise body-con dress.

"I think I'm going for this gold one, I think I should dress up a bit more." Mindy says, waving around a gold halter dress, relatively short but still flattering.

I sit down at the dressing table and quickly to a light coat of foundation, a bit of shimmery blush that isn't very pigmented, a small amount of bronzer, and powder before I start on my eyes. I line them with a shimmery navy eye pencil, before doing a small smoky eye, with an ombre going from mid to dark blue. I then brush my hair, putting it into a waterfall braid round my head, and letting Mindy put my hair into soft spiral curls. I get changed before looking in the mirror.

My dress is a navy chiffon dress, a sleeveless one-shoulder waterfall. It's tight around my chest before falling loosely at my waist. It's very long, the front going down to my knees, but the back going all the way down to my feet. There are silver and lighter blue streaks in the dress, making it look more like a waterfall, the top half having more silver and the bottom more navy.

"Wow, Azure, you look amazing!" Alexis exclaims as she sees my reflection in the mirror.

"Wow, it suits you so well Azure!" Jasmine compliments me. I smile shyly.

"You guys all look incredible. I would never have the guts to wear as bold colours as you and Mindy." I say.

"Do you want me to paint your nails? We still have… 30 minutes till it starts, and it's always better to enter late." Alexis asks me and I frown.

"Why?" I ask, knowing that they probably wouldn't enter late for the same reason as me.

"To get attention of course! 20 minutes after all the guys have seen all the chicks-" Mindy says obviously.

"New girls come in. They think, I haven't seen her before…" Jasmine says. "Guys have such a short attention span, it always works."

"Okay then… paint away!" I say, sitting down letting Alexis choose my nail paint.

"So, are you interested in any of the guys here?" I ask Alexis shyly, and she smiles.

"Not really. Guys hit on me sometimes, but the only ones who ever do are so egotistical I eventually storm off." Alexis answers, and I chuckle.

"That bad then." I murmur.

"Plus these two are always trying to set me up. They constantly try to gain my favour so I have to go on one of their blind dates." Alexis carries on.

"So you need the kind of humble, loyal friend, who looks after his friends… and girlfriend. There aren't many of those. Especially since I know you like one of a kind." I say, as she carefully paints my toenails perfectly.

"I guess… but I don't really look for that kind of thing. If he's the one, it'll happen." Is Zane like that? We haven't exactly talked about it… it's not like anyone knows or anything. I know I like him… but he's an upper-class man… I should probably stop worrying. That's what he would say anyway-

"Azure!" Alexis shakes me out of my daze. "You spaced out! Am I to think you're interested in someone?" I scoff at her words.

"Alexis, you should already know I'm no good with people in general, and definitely guys… in that way anyway." I lie easily, quivering on the inside.

"Doesn't mean some of the guys won't take interest in you. Guys like a powerful duellist. Unless they're egotistical like Chazz, they'll want to kill you if you beat them." Alexis says smirking. "Your nails are done." Alexis had painted them navy with silver sparkles and I smile at her.

"They're beautiful, Thank you. How long do I need to wait?" I ask.

"They're already dry. You were spaced out for a while." Alexis replies.

"Okay." I see her struggling with a curling iron and I go over to her.

"Allow me." I say, taking the curling iron from her hands that her up above her head. "You would've burnt yourself."

"Thanks." She replies shortly. I do a few tight curls and she smiles with curiosity. "I wouldn't have expected you to be so good at this kind of stuff. You know, two older brothers, male duelling cards, all the isolation."

"All the isolation was the reason. I had so much extra time, so much time to experiment." I answer honestly.

"Come on guys! Alexis, we should get going! We don't want to be too late!" Mindy squeals. I unplug the curling iron before slipping my navy gladiator wedges with a 4 inch heel. Like Alexis, I'm quite tall, maybe an inch shorter, but I love walking in heels, surprisingly.

"Okay, we all enter at the same time, it will give us a bigger and better entrance." Jasmine says as we approach the stairs leading down to the obelisk main room, where all the duellists were gathered, the boys wearing shirts and ties, some even with smart coats, while all the girls were dressed in impeccably pretty dresses. I grip Alexis' arm as quite a few people turn to look at us, and she pushes me forward to go first, despite what Jasmine had said.

I descend as gracefully as I think I can down the stairs, the back of my dress tickling each step. As I reach the bottom a lot of eyes are on me, and I start to panic under their gazes. What if they think I'm an overrated fluke? What if they think I am as good? What if they're scared of me, what if-

"Hey sis!" I almost snap my head around to see a mop of blue hair coming towards me. Tommy.

"You're out of the medical wing." I observe, and he nods.

"Well I couldn't miss this! My little sis's first victory ball!" He says, grabbing a champagne glass full of sparkling fruit juice.

"Of course, I seem to remember you having a particular spin for these kind of events…" I muse, and I suddenly her a squeal-y voice.

"What are you talking about? Thomas only came because I asked him. He usually hates these events!" A girl appears, a short red bob flipping with her in a short, body-con red dress.

"This is…?" I say awkwardly, confused and slightly afraid.

"Az, this is my girlfriend, Elly." Tom explains, blushing slightly. I almost scoff. Almost.

"Erm… By the way he doesn't like being called Thomas. It reminds him of our Dad. It's Tom-"

"What do you mean? Thomas loves to be called by his full name. And his dad's wonderful! One of the heads of that banking firm!" She replies, and I attempt not to imagine her being strangled.

"His Dad's our dad, I know." I say softly, taking a small breath, and mentally taking a step back.

"Excuse me?! Thomas is…" She rambles on and I look around desperately. I'm saved by the bell.

"Excuse me students! It is the end of a wonderful tournament, and tonight is the night you get to relax, before your long journey home, or for duel academy students, your lessons tomorrow." Chancellor Shepard announces, and there are a number of groans. "But, I believe before the first dance, we must all recognise the talent of our victor this year, Azure Roarke of East Academy!" There's a lot of clapping, and a spotlight blinds me. I can vaguely see Chancellor Shepard beckoning me up to the stairs, so I slowly but stably walk up to him.

"I am also happy to announce, that she will also be taking part in first year lessons tomorrow! She will be joining Duel Academy!" Chancellor Shepard announces, and there's more clapping, and a little whooping. I smile softly. "But now, for the first dance, have fun tonight students!" The music starts, and it's a fast-ish waltz. And feel awkward on the stairs, so hobble down them desperately as gazes are still on me.

"Hey Azure! Wanna dance?" Jaden comes out from the crowd wearing black trousers, a white shirt and a red tie. I smile.

"Thank you, and yes, I'd love to." I say, taking his offered hand as he leads me to the dance-floor. We waltz… not exactly gracefully, but it's a laugh.

"So, do you think we can duel again sometime? It's great to hear you'll be joining us tomorrow!" Jaden tells me as we spiral off.

"Of course, it was definitely a pleasure duelling you Jaden.

"Definitely! That monster of yours was incredible! I mean, 4200 attack points, and that crazy ability?!" He crazes over my deck and I laugh.

"Jaden, I could say the same. Your monsters are pretty awesome as well, you would've taken down Adynn if it weren't for his ability, and I probably wouldn't have used it if I had lower life points." I explain to him, but he still smiles. The song ends and we stop dancing.

"I should probably find Alexis, but thanks for the dance, and we will duel again!" I say smiling, before walking away. I already feel awkward; the crowd makes a small path for me as I walk through, even though I'm trying not to be noticed. But soon, I see Tommy standing with some of his friends, no girlfriend to be seen, so I go over.

"Hey, Tom can I talk to you?" I ask and his friends murmur congratulations, some even look me up and down before-

"Hey Mac, John, that's my sister." Tommy says, and I blush as they walk of laughing.

"Where's your girlfriend?" I ask normally, and he pulls a face at me.

"Whatever you're going to say, she's nice when she's just with me or her friends." Tommy says quickly but I intervene.

"Does anyone here actually know what you're like? Who your family is, your favourite foods…? Other than a bit controllative, Elly does seem nice enough, but she knows nothing about you." I say, and he grins sheepishly.

"I haven't… wanted to tell anyone. I mean you know dad, I went with him and still don't see him most of the time." He admits.

"Tommy, I'm not going to fight with you here, but, you should try being yourselves. If it's really a secret, real friends won't pressure you to hear it." I tell him, and he watches me as I walk away.

I find Alexis and the girls and we chat for a bit, and I get set up with 7 different guys to dance with. I protest throughout the night to Mindy and Jasmine, but they won't hear a word of it. The first two guys were okay, but weren't particularly talkative, and when they did talk, it was about my last duel with Jaden. The third was really, really short, and couldn't dance at all. I was taller, and I left him in the middle of the dance. The fourth was again, okay, but kept on telling me about all the duels he had supposedly won, and when I mentioned the tournament he stormed off. The fifth sixth and seventh were all rather like the fourth, but a little toned down. Still unbearable after just one dance though.

I go for a drink before heading outside for some air. I mean, big room, loads of people, and dancing, make me claustrophobic. I go out, my dress falling behind me until I end up just in front of the port, the music still in the background, relatively clear against the waves washing against the port. I sit down on the floor, which Alexis, Jasmine, and Mindy would kill me for, so lady-like and all, and take of my wedges. I'm usually okay with walking in hells for a night when I have to with my family, but dancing, is not so great.

I lie back on the concrete, the cold stone relaxing my hot body, and just sit there. I hear the song change to a slow dance, and I'm glad I left before it. And then I hear a voice.

"May I have this dance?" I open my eyes and Zane is standing above me. I nod my head, and he helps me up and brings me to the lighthouse, just as the first verse begins.

**Please Review!New Ideas and constructive criticism is always welcome!**


	15. Chapter 15

**Sorry I haven't updated for a while, been crazy busy for ages but here's the next chapter!**

I rest my hands nervously on his shoulders, and he, looking equally uncomfortable rests his on my waist.

"What a waste of an evening." I say, breaking the silence. He chuckles.

"I'm glad you think so." He replies.

"I honestly don't know how I'm going to survive Jasmine and Mindy, they'd set me up for so many dances before I even realised I had to go. My feet hurt." I tell him honestly.

"I'm sorry for making you stand-up then." He says, and I smile shyly.

"It's fine. This is one dance I wanted to have." I blush uncertainly, and the song goes into the second verse.

"Have you told Alexis about… this?" He asks, a blush gracing his cheeks in his nervous state. I blush with him.

"No… I've never really done this before. It's always been Mum first, duelling second, everything else last." I say, blushing even harder at my inexperience. He still laughs.

"It's not as if I have either. But you have more of an excuse. For me it's just been duelling. I constantly think about it. When I watch duels I pick out ever flaw I can find, and I'm always thinking of ways to solidify my strategy. But then, when I started watching some of your duels I…" He drifts off.

"You what? That's the longest sentence I've heard you say, and I like hearing your voice." I say, smiling shyly as usual with my words, though managing to have the courage to look up at him. He smiles.

"You don't really have a permanent strategy. I've never seen or heard of any of your monsters before, the Shadow Hunter deck was completely unknown to me. And you never duelled… the same. Your style is adaptation. You can adapt to different situations in the best way possible, instead of sticking to one strong line of strategy. Even if you'd known nothing about any of your opponents, you'd still have been able to change your style to fit theirs. It's so intriguing. It changed my way of thinking. I've always looked for a way to remove all flaws from my strategy. You just change the strategy in the middle of a duel to remove the flaw, and create new ones that your opponent doesn't know how to counter." He explains, his voice coming out clear.

Now I've heard it more, his voice is… strong. It has this proud sense to it, yet with a respectful tone to relate to how he would never mock anyone.

"I had excellent teachers. I have to adapt… I love duelling, I always have. But… you know my power. Well, not all of it, but if I lose a duel, I lose a lot of energy. The last time I lost a duel, I was in a coma for 3 weeks, just due to exhaustion. And when I get angry, or sad, or desperate, those things happen. And my opponent would always get hurt. My teachers helped me adapt to my situation. I'm definitely not perfect at it, but at least people don't get hurt anymore." I say.

"You would never hurt anyone intentionally. You're just amazing. No one's ever changed my mind about something I felt so strongly about." He says, his low voice tickling my throat, as we've slowly been leaning into the comfortable hold. I smile at him, and reach up to press my lips to his, as he does the same. The same emotion pours out of me as before, and I now have no doubt. This is what it's like to like someone. I like Zane in this way. I like kissing him, it twists my insides up, and makes my heart beat 20 times as fast.

His lips are as soft as ever, and my fingers trail through his hair. He brings me closer and we break away for air. I rest my head against his chest nervously, and he strokes my hair.

"You look beautiful tonight Azure." He tells me.

"You look as handsome as always." I answer back, as his voice sends chills down my spine. "Can we keep this a secret?" I ask nervously, looking away.

"Definitely." He answers shortly. We stop dancing and he puts his arm around my shoulders and we both look out into the sea, deep in thought. We sit there for, I'm not sure how long exactly, but I'm thrown out of my gaze when my phone starts ringing in my pocket.

"Ah!" I accidently shout up, and reach for my phone as I feel the buzz. It was Hunter. I look over to Zane. "I have to take this." I say shortly, before standing up out of his grasp and moving away to answer.

"Azure? What time is it? I thought it would go to answer phone?!" I hear Hunter's voice and feel a trail of guilt inside me.

"The time? Oh… I'm not sure, but it's the triumph gala… and since I won…" I trail of and hear a loud shout from the other side of the line.

"You won Azure! That's amazing! My little sis already the best there is…(etc.)" Hunter starts exclaiming happily.

"What? No, I am not the best! Shut up, you can't say it like that…(etc.)" I argue, too modest for my own good.

"And to think I gave you your first card! And…" He carries on but I interrupt.

"Hunter!" He silences. "I was going to wait to tell you tomorrow, but I got offered a place here at Duel Academy. I plan to continue my studies here right away."

"Wow! That's amazing Az. Maybe I should come drop by first… check the place is alright… make sure no one picks on my little sis…" He starts plotting.

"Hunter, no. Anyway, it's not as though I'm the quiet one who just got in by chance anymore." I reply, though grinning to my ears.

"Definitely not. But… what happened with Tom? What… happened?" He asks, suddenly concerned.

"Tom? It went… well I guess. Better than I would've thought. He's agreed to write to Mum. Obviously Dad didn't actually care for him anymore than he did for us… But he's… a little lost. I was talking to him earlier this evening, met a few of his friends… his girlfriend even. He's lost."

"… I'm sorry did you just say he has a girlfriend?" Hunter asks wildly.

"Hunter, you were supposed to take more out of that than a petty bet you made with him when you were 12." I exclaim, shaking my head.

"When did they start dating? I bet it wasn't when he was 16. I'm 100% sure I got a girlfriend younger than he did." Hunter says like a child.

"Hunter. You're 23. You haven't had a girlfriend for 3 years, and none of them have been serious. Just leave it already."

"I guess so… of course you're right. How do you think Mum will cope with Tom?" He asks finally.

"She'll be… happy of course. But still fragile naturally. But happy all the same." I answer. "Where are you going next?"

"Me? Well we're finishing work here tomorrow actually, and I believe the next destination is in Europe. But the schedule says the flight is 3 weeks from now, so I think I get a break." He answers, and I can hear him walking across the room.

"Maybe you should try and visit Mum, since I'm guessing she'll get the letter tomorrow or the day after. I might even be able to get Tom to call if I have my luck." I suggest, knowing that someone should drop in on Mum.

"I'll see what I can do. I haven't seen her for a while now. Shang Hai has probably been one of the busiest countries I've been too. We better leave it there, it must be past midnight where you are now. Goodnight Az, and please actually go to sleep. Love you." He finishes, waiting for my response.

"Hate you too." I reply automatically, and smile as the beep sounds.

"Sorry about that. We have a very small range of time where we're both awake." I tell Zane.

"Your brother, Hunter correct?" He asks humbly.

"Yeah. I miss him more than I'd like to admit." I say, still nervous around Zane. He turns away to the sea, all ounces of the smile he was wearing a few seconds ago gone.

"What's wrong?" I ask, confused at the sudden change of mood.

"The way you act with your brother. It's obvious you care for each other." He says in his low discreet voice.

"Yeah I guess." I say aloud. And I realise. "Zane, you and Syrus have the same family love. You just have different ways of showing it than me and Hunter do."

"It doesn't feel that way. I just feel disappointed" He replies, still watching the waves wash by.

"But that's okay! Family wash in and out of our lives in different ways…" Zane turns to look at me.

"Azure, I feel like this because of his feelings. They're just so contrary to mine." He says sternly, before turning back to the sea. I pause with sadness in my eyes before I speak again.

"Zane, you and Syrus, you've had it rough. You had to grow up so soon, it being in your nature. Syrus, he's youthful. He still wants to be, and is, a child. Not in a bad way, he just doesn't want to worry yet. You've been top duellist for a long time now. It comes with… responsibilities. That Sy just doesn't understand. Not yet. You just have to wait. That doesn't mean that you and Syrus aren't good brothers. You just need the time to understand one and other."

I finish my speech, and I almost feel stupid. Of course I couldn't help. My shoulders sink, and my eyes drop to the floor. But taking me by surprise, I feel a hand cupping my cheek, and bringing me in close for a kiss. We break rather soon, as I would think, but he looks up.

"We should be back by now. I'll walk you back to the girls dorm. I believe your room's already ready. You've seen the last of Lisa." He says shortly, and I lean against his arm around my shoulders, as we walk back in a peaceful silence. As we get to the Girl's Obelisk Blue Dorm, I turn to face him.

"Can we do this every night?" I ask timidly, slightly afraid he'll say no.

"I thought we were already." He replies, and I smile.

"But, properly. I don't think it'll be good to tell people about this, and I like the lighthouse. It's calming."

"It helps me think." Zane agrees.

"I think you do a little too much thinking." I whisper, before perching on my tip toes to kiss him on the cheek. "Don't get too worked up now lessons are restarting. You need to relax a little more."

"Of course. Goodnight Azure."

"Goodnight Zane." I say softly as he walks away, and I walk up the stairs into the girls dorm. I walk into my assigned dorm, too tired to even turn the lights on. All I do is slip my heels off and fall onto my bed exhausted. I wander what will happen tomorrow. I mean, obviously it should be just the same as East Academy. Lessons, duelling… but maybe this time friends. Jaden, Sy, Bastian and Alexis will be in my classes, and Zane will meet me in the night.

I'm wondering whether I should just board the boat back to East Academy. Things are changing for me, and I don't know whether I'm ready for the change. People say change is good, otherwise life gets too boring, and dull. But I hate it. U have to learn new things, change things I do to suit the change that occurs. The last thing that changed was me attending East, and I'm not sure that did me any good at all, with Lisa.

And before that, even worse. Dad leaving, taking Tom with him. Mum getting weaker. And then of course, Hunter leaving to travel the world. I was so proud of what he was doing, who wouldn't be? But the few weeks after he first left, I felt like nothing was the same. I was still being taught to control my powers, and I kept on making mistakes, and losing control. It was happening more and more often, and Hunter was away so I couldn't talk to him about it. But I learnt. Slowly. It was hard, and I'm having so many unspoken doubts about it. The questions aren't popping up in my head, but that must be because I'm too scared to question this change, which anyone would take and-

No. This change will be good. And who says I won't be able to change again if things go wrong. This is my life. For now at least.

**Please Review!New Ideas and constructive criticism is always welcome!**


	16. Chapter 16

**Sorry I haven't updated for a while, been crazy busy for ages but here's the next chapter!**

I wake up, sprawled on my bed, still in my dress and make-up. Today I start going to school here. I smile spreads onto my face and I sit up. I look around my room, and wow it's nice. My suitcase from the previous dorm room is next to the door. The bed I'm sitting on is good-quality, and slightly bigger than a single, but not a double. There's a large, clean desk parallel to the bed, still with a good amount of space in between. Then to the foot of my bed is the wardrobe, with a good amount of hanging space and draws underneath. As I walk over I find the four sets of the obelisk blue girl's school uniform, a white top with blue trimmings, a blue miniskirt, and a few additional items like the blue boots.

I walk into my en suite bathroom, and find a shower, a toilet, and a sink. All neatly designed with modern interior. I also find a bookcase next to my desk, with a few duelling books already inside. I quickly strip of my dress from the triumph gala, take my make-up off and shower, washing my hair. I mean, with the amount of hairspray Jasmine put in it yesterday…

After I step out, wrapped in a towel, I walk over to my desk and wet-straighten my hair. It's not something I usually do, but I don't particularly want any of the curls from yesterday in my hair, no matter how pretty they were at the time. Afterwards, I take out my new uniform, and change into it. I guess it suits me with my hair, but I feel too… noticeable. Light coloured, and exposed. To help with my nerves, I put on some low denier navy tights, and then take my navy duelling jacket out that I brought with me.

It's not like I'd use it anymore… right? With uniform now, I won't ever need to wear it. I'm holding scissors in my hands, lining it up to the jacket. Taking a deep breath, I cut the tails of the jacket, as neatly as possible, leaving me with a cropped, long-sleeve jacket that goes perfectly with my uniform. Then I go into my bathroom and apply some pencil eyeliner on my waterlines, mascara and more than a bit of concealer over my tired under eye circles. Slipping on my "new" jacket, I step out the door, heading to the docks to say goodbye to East Academy.

"Hey Azure!" As I step outside, I see Alexis waving, and walk up to her.

"Hey." I reply, suddenly shy.

"Looking good in the uniform! I like the jacket!" She remarks, and I smile.

"I thought it would shape the look up a bit." I say.

"Did you leave just before that slow dance? You got it lucky, I had to dance all through it with Damon Blanc… it was treacherous." She fills me in.

"Yeah, I guess I escaped the slow dance of horror." I lie through my teeth easily. "You going to the docks?"

"Yeah, want to walk with me?"

"Of course."

"How does it feel, becoming a student here?" She asks kindly.

"Slightly frightening, obviously stressful, knowing that the last time I joined a new school it was a wreck." I say, nodding to myself.

"Don't worry about it. You understand everything Bastian says, and you're a recent victor. No one's going to want to oppose you. Duel you definitely, but you'll fit in great!" She tells me, and I sigh nervously.

"I already got an offer on that duelling thing from Zane…" I mutter, shuddering.

"Really? Wow, that's a duel I want to watch. I have a feeling the boy Jaden beat in the tournament, Chazz Prinston?" I nod in recognition of the name, and she continues. "Yeah, well I have a feeling he'll challenge you soon. Bastian will probably want to duel you as well."

"Really? All those people? I'm starting to worry that'll be too much duelling. Jaden would be horrified." I say, looking up as we get close to the docks, along with the other students surrounding the boats.

"I don't believe it." I hear a voice, and suddenly the other Duel Academy students around me blur. "No! It can't be! You can't be going here! You don't belong here!" I turn around slowly, to face Lisa with a confident face. She can't hurt me.

"Apparently other's don't think the same way as you do." I answer calmly, while freaking out on the inside.

"Shut your mouth. I don't give a crap about anything that comes out of your mouth, you're disgusting. You-"

"I think we've heard enough of your useless talk." I say.

"Yeah, why don't you just get on that boat and leave, all your petty dreams behind." Alexis adds, with more attitude than I could ever have mustered.

"Why you… I'm better than you! I got further than you in the competition, you can't talk-"

"Actually that would be for Azure to decide." I turn around, and Zane is standing there, his cool words coming out in his low tone. "Since she beat you both, she would decide which of you was more talented."

I point to Alexis, and she has her smirk on yet again.

"So why don't you take your crap, and leave." I say as coolly as possible, and she shakes her head in a tantrum, and storms off through the crowd of students that had been starting to gather. As soon as she's out of sight, the biggest sigh I have ever held in releases, and relief floods through me.

"You did well." Zane says lowly, facing me.

"Thank you." I reply shyly, after what I hope is my last encounter with Lisa.

I watch the boats leave the harbour, and sigh at the start of my new school life.

"Hey Azure! I hope you're getting used to this place soon, cos we need to duel!" Jaden yells at me from half-way across the port.

"I'll try!" I yell back, too nervous to say anything else. I start to walk to my first lesson, with Dr Crowler. I guess so far in lessons I've done okay, most teachers mentioning I should speak more in class, which makes sense I guess. But I don't know how well I'll do here. I mean, winning the tournament has its downside, people will probably expect so much from me. I don't like that feeling, at all.

"Ah, Miss Roarke, please sit down, we are just about to begin. It's nice to see you are on time." Dr Crowler tells me as I walk in the classroom. Now, I specified that I am never on time. Either late, or early. That statement stays true, as I am actually 7 minutes late. Anyhow, I walk up the stairs cautiously aware of students watching me casually, and take the spare seat at the end of a row. I spot Alexis sitting in the middle of the row, and notice a few other people I must recognise from the tournament or something.

Suddenly, I hear the door open, and a loud voice recognisable anywhere ring out.

"Sorry we're late Dr Crowler! Must've taken a wrong turn somewhere!" Jaden walks in, Syrus by his side as usual.

"Well of course! Slifers tend to be unpunctual as usual. Take your seat, you're lucky you already have a detention later today, otherwise you would've been getting it!" Dr Crowler rants, and I can see the bias showing through.

Note no. 1, Slifers are the least respected

Note no. 2, As a tournament victor, respect has already been given.

"Well now, who can tell me what the alternative name for the forbidden one archetype?" Dr Crowler asks the class. Quite a few hands go up, mostly a variety of Obelisk students and Ra students, no Slifers.

"Well, why don't we have a slifer to start? Let's see… Mr Truesdale why don't you take a start?!" Dr Crowler says after scanning the crowd. I have a feeling he just wanted to pick on Syrus from the start.

"Um… the Exodia archetype?" Syrus stands and says, unsure of himself.

"Yes… could you tell us any information you know about it?" Dr Crowler asks. He's waiting for Sy to trip up.

"Well… it's main card is Exodia, the forbidden one… and it's extremely rare. Yugi Moto was the first to summon it and-"

"Yes, that's all common knowledge. Have you got any interesting information to share with us?" Dr Crowler exclaims, and Syrus shrinks back into his chair.

"I thought not now-"

"Please sir, it was one of the first decks made, and is known for it's automatic win. If all five of the common parts of Exodia are in a players hand at any time, no matter what the situation, they win automatically due to the power of Exodia. This makes it one of the most godlike cards in all of duel monsters. There are other such as Exodia necross, Exodius the ultimate forbidden lord, and Exxod, master of the guard. Each of these cards remain incredibly powerful, they however do not have the same automatic win effect of having all 5 pieces of exodia in a hand." I recite from memory perfectly, and even I am startled by my interruption. I'm not completely sure what brought it on. Dr Crowler stares at me uncertainly, and I sit down, slightly unnerved.

"Completely correct, of course Miss Roarke. A perfect answer to my question." Dr Crowler stutters slightly and I look around to see the other students staring at me warily. Perhaps that was not such a smart move. The lesson goes by quickly, and I find myself not making any contributions after my unusual outburst at the beginning. I walk out of the lesson at the end, completely puzzled by myself, but continue through the day with lessons. I go back to my usual self, only speaking when answering questions, short and to the point.

At the end of the day of lessons, Alexis, Jasmine and Mindy come up to me in the Obelisk blue girls common room.

"Hey Azure, recovered from last night then?" Alexis asks me. I nod honestly. "You've had quite a day! Standing up to Lisa this morning, and then interrupting a teacher! What's gotten into you?!"

"I'm not quite sure. It's been clouding my head all day. I don't know what got into me, interrupting a teacher!" I say, not sure whether I'm disgusted or excited by my extremely rare small rebellion.

"Really? I had some ideas. I think you've made friends." Alexis says.

"What do you mean?" I ask her, confused. "How can that be why I spoke out like that?"

"Syrus of course. He was getting yet another beating from Dr Crowler, you must've not liked seeing him getting told of for no reason." Alexis explains.

"It's definitely not the first time." Mindy says.

"Yeah, he and that Jaden kid are always getting detentions and being told off. They should know better." Jasmine agrees. I frown, but begin to understand.

"I guess so…" I wonder aloud.

"So where did you go last night Azure? You left early and when we went to your new room to drag you out you weren't there!" Mindy says, raising her eyebrows suggestively. Wow, I'm really starting to see what Alexis meant about these two.

"Always about the gossip I see." I say, rolling my eyes lightly. "I had a call from my brother. It went on for a while, he decided to take a long time celebrating." I say truthfully.

"Oh…" Jasmine says, slightly disappointed. Yeah, like I'd tell them of all people I was with Zane last night.

"Oh but you have a brother right? Thomas Vinter?" Mindy says, leaning in.

"Yeah." I answer shortly.

"We only found out he had a sister recently, no one knew." Jasmine says.

"No way." I say, my voice dripping with sarcasm.

"He has a girlfriend though guys, Elly Woodbrick, who walked past us a couple of minutes ago!" Alexis chips in.

"No one cares Alexis, so what's he like. I mean he's a third-year so we don't know him.

"He is cocky, proud and stubborn, but he does what he think is right and always tries to stay positive." I describe him best I can. "Which probably sounds like a load of shit since he was so positive when we were duelling." I wonder aloud.

"So this is the real you… showering us with sarcasm!" Alexis says, chuckling. I look away, but smile.

"Anyway, do you think he'll be available any time soon?" Mindy asks.

"Ahh… I don't think so. I mean, we're going to take some time with some family business, so his mind will probably be on other things for at least a few months. And he already has Elly. Who I completely like!" I say.

"Wow…sarcasm much…" Mindy says, raising her eyebrows and giggling.

"That's a shame… he looked pretty good when you were duelling-"

"Guys… if you're going to fawn over him, please go somewhere else." Alexis tells them.

"Yeah, brother alert." I add, and me and Alexis laugh together. We chat until the evening and then go to bed. I don't think I've laughed like I did this evening for a long time, and definitely not in such a girly way. I think I'm doing good here… I feel like I'm getting to know myself better already. Being almost mute for the last few years… really kept me from having any fun at all. I guess duel academy is a good thing.

**Please Review!New Ideas and constructive criticism is always welcome!**


	17. Chapter 17

A few weeks go by and I find myself settling in at Duel Academy very comfortably. I'm good in classes, I have fun chatting and laughing with Alexis, have quite a few friends, and then at night I go to see Zane. Every time I even think his name my stomach buzzes and I want to murder myself for being such a girl.

However, it's easy for even me to see how happy I am when I'm with him. We talk for around an hour, but I guess I'm never really checking for how long we talk. He knows a lot, I can definitely see why he's such a good duellist. He knows about literally all duelling card types, monsters, and special abilities in quite a lot of depth, and I hope I'm as knowledgeable as him in my last year. And of course, at the end of our conversations, he walks me back to my window, where we share a short but sweet kiss before I climb up the vines and the white-painted pipes as lady-like as possibly can be through my window, before watching him walk away after making sure I don't fall.

Now I really sound like a girl. Oh well. I've seen Tom quite a lot lately. Well, actually I guess it's not much, but it feels like too much since I haven't seen him for such a long time. But something I didn't expect, is that it's never awkward.

"Hey Az!" I hear my name called from across the green grass and look up from my book to see my brother walking across to me, smiling. Out of the corner of my eye I see Elly walking away, a sad frown on her face.

"What's up Tom? And don't call me that! Your girlfriend doesn't seem to be in a good mood." I reply, nudging my shoulder to the entrance of the Obelisk blue girls dorm, where Elly had just disappeared into.

He shrugs, and sits down next to me.

"Well, I guess I've been preoccupied trying to decide what to say to mum. And Hunter. God, he must hate me right now." Tom mutters resentfully. I hesitate.

"Actually, last time I spoke to Hunter the only thing he had a real opinion about was when you got your first girlfriend." I say sheepishly. He grins.

"16 and a bit. That's how old I was when Elly and I got together. Hunter was seventeen wasn't he?"

"Wouldn't that be convenient for you? I think he was 16 as well…" I say, trailing off.

"And don't worry about Hunter. The letter you sent to Mum was by far enough to get her happy, and if she's happy Hunter's happy." I say supportively, and Tom manages a small smile. "I've got to go see Professor Banner. I better go. See you later."

A few days afterwards, I'm visiting the Slifer red dorm with Alexis.

"I'll knock." I say, about to tap the door lightly when it burst open, Jaden, Sy, and a larger boy I don't recognise in a heap on the floor.

"No! I want to-"

"It was mine first!"

"No, mine!"

The three boys argue, and I see a sweet of some kind roll onto the floor.

I pick it up and examine it.

"You're arguing over candy?" I question, and the boys look up, finally realising we were there, and grin sheepishly. Suddenly I feel the sweet slip from my fingers and I look to Alexis who has just taken the sweet from it's wrapper and popped it into her mouth.

"Hey! I wanted that!" Jaden says outraged, as the boys stand up, straightening their uniform slightly.

Alexis shrugs, and I grin.

"What are you doing here Azure, Alexis?" Jaden asks, and I answer.

"We were bored after todays' classes, and I realised we hadn't seen you for a while."

"Well, why don't we walk up to the courtyard? I haven't had a good duel for ages, we can find a duel there for sure!" Jaden says enthusiastically.

"Okay, why don't we start walking!" Alexis says, and we all turn onto the dusty path.

"Hi, my name's Chumley. You are?" Slightly startled as the boy I don't know speaks to me, I reply.

"Azure. I transferred here recently from East Academy." I say smoothly. It's kind of refreshing to have someone not know who I am around here.

"After winning the Duel Tournament!" Alexis adds, and I blush at her praise. 2Honestly Chumley, did you ever even leave your dorm during that time?"

"So you won the duel tournament huh? And only a freshman. I'm a senior. But I'm not very good… especially since I've been flunking classes for a while now…" He trails of.

So, another one of Jaden's friends with confidence issues… seems to be a trend.

"Well it's nice to meet you Chumley." I say. Our surroundings have slowly gotten filled with students of all colours, despite the late hour, and soon Jaden's looking for an opponent.

"What about that guy Jaden, he looks tough." Syrus says softly, and I watch from behind. I'm surprised at how late it is, nearly 7, it'll be dark soon, but quite a few people are out duelling, or watching duels.

"Hey!" I here a slightly familiar voice, and turn around.

"Elly! Hey, how are you?" I ask calmly after seing the blonde's aggravated face.

"How am I? Well, since you've been distracting my boyfriend with what not, not exactly amazing!" She says irritated.

"You mean Tom?" I say surprised, soon a small crowd has gathered to listen in.

"Yeah, him!" She says in a "duh" way. "I've worked my butt off for ages to keep him happy, and now you come and take him away!"

"I had no intention to." I say apologetically.

"No intention? Well why don't we see. I still don't see what the big deal is about you. Tom lost to you because he was confused, everyone else you beat were just flukes. Let's duel." She challenges me, and I raise my eyebrows. There's a few moments of silence, and everyone looks at me as if I would decline. I ponder the thoughts in my head, and take a step forward.

"Meet me at the harbour, at sunset. Which is 8:47 for those who don't know. I'll be there."

I turn and walk towards the girl's dorm, to go and research. I hear footsteps behind me, and realise Alexis is following.

"Azure, are you actually going to do this?" She asks incredulously, and I frown.

"Why wouldn't I? I need to set something straight with her." I say obviously.

"Oh… you don't know." She says, looking down. I stop to face her.

"I don't know what?" I ask, puzzled.

"Azure, you're a top-rated duellist here. I don't know what rank you are overall, but your top out of all freshmen, and top 5 at least overall. Plus, you're the most recent tournament winner. A lot of people have filed in challenges to you."

"What? I'm confused. This is the first challenge I've received." I say, even more puzzled.

"Things work differently here. There are so many more students, that there's an application system for duels. Especially against the top duellists. It all goes through the Professors before it actually happens though." She explains.

"So people have asked to duel me… without me even knowing?" I suddenly realise.

"Exactly. For instance Zane, as the top-duellist of the whole academy, he only duels students in the top 10. The competitors in the tournament weren't even the top 10. Quite a few duellists opt out of those tournaments. But Elly… I have no idea what rank she is, but nowhere near even the top 50."

I suddenly realise what Alexis has explained, and I turn back to the dorm.

"No matter. I'm not backing out of this." I say confidently. "Come on, why don't you help me prep?" I say finally, and go to my room.

As I arrange my deck, I try and think about what Alexis said. I guess it makes sense… like a pro wouldn't duel a random challenger. Especially since so many people would want to duel a pro.

"Where did you get your deck? It's not in any books, it's never even been used before in any known duels! But it's still registered?" Alexis asks and I try to find a good lie. I fail miserably.

"I don't really know." I shrug, and she raises her eyebrows at me.

"Ugh, fine. It was made for me. My duelling teachers gave it to me as a gift." I admit to her.

"You had duelling teachers?" She asks, and I give a small smile.

"Yeah. For two years before I started going to East." I say, but not really wanting to say anymore, I look to the clock. "Come on, it's nearly sunset. Let's go."

As I walk up to the port, flanked by Alexis, I catch sight of Jaden, Syrus, Bastian and Chumley waiting.

"Hey Azure, we came to support you!" Syrus says smiling.

"Thanks guys, but there was no need." I say, but smile gratefully.

"No worries, it's our-" Syrus' words stumble, and I frown. "p-pleasure." He finishes, and I turn round and see Zane walk up to the lighthouse. He acknowledges me, and nods, before turning to look out to sea.

"What's the top-duellist doing here?" Chumley wonders, surprised.

"How did he even know?" Jaden adds. "We barely even heard."

"Didn't you hear? Zane's top-duellist, he knows everything that happens around here." Alexis says.

"Of course, and who knows why he's here." Bastion says. I catch his eyes, and I know he'll be watching out for me.

"Azure!" I hear Tom's voice unexpectedly and turn on my heel.

"Tom… and Elly." I address the two coming towards us, and nod my head slightly.

"Az, what are you doing?" Tom asks me outraged.

"She wanted to duel." I say bluntly.

"Wha..Why?" He splutters, looking between me and Elly.

"Thomas, just let me handle this. I'm just trying to show her that she can't barge straight back into your life!" Elly says, and activates her duel disk.

My stomach growls with irritation, and I slide my duel disk from my pocket, and activate it.

"You heard her Tom, get out of the way." I say, and glare at Elly. Tom takes one look at my stare and takes quite a few steps back.

"Let's duel!"

"My turn first!" Elly says with a girlish squeal. "I summon Gemini Elf (1900/900) in attack mode. I set one monster in defence position and place two face downs and end my turn."

"Good, I draw!" I slash my card out in a clean line, and take a look at my cards. " I summon Dark Shadow Hunter (1600/1600) in attack mode. This monster's special effect allows me to look at the cards in your hand." Her hand appears in front of me, and I make sure to memorise each one. " I now place the field spell Limbo, which adds 1000 attack points to all shadow monsters. Now, Dark Shadow Hunter, attack Gemini Elf!" The attack hits, and Gemini elf is destroyed and Elly takes the hit, bringing her down to 3300 life points. Maybe this is going to be easier than I thought it was.

"I place 2 face downs and end my turn." I say calmly, and wait for her move.

"I draw, and I summon Dark Elf (2000/800) in attack mode. I activate the spellbook of power, which adds 1000 attack points to my Dark Elf. Now, Dark Elf, attack Dark Shadow Hunter!" Damnit. I'm going to have to take the hit! I have a trap down, but I need a monster in my hand to use it! Dark Shadow Hunter is destroyed, and the wind whips past me, my hair blowing in the wind. However, I stand tall, and don't move a muscle. I know not to let any opponents know what I'm thinking.

I can't believe I underestimated her though. I need to focus more. Cos I really can't lose this duel.

"I end my turn." Elly says smugly.

"I draw." My voice is clear, and crisp, and I hide behind my hair so people can't see my anxiety. I tilt the card to the perfect angle, and after seeing it, look up.

The victorious look that was plastered on her face disappears as my head rises, a smirk unable to hide.

**Please Review!New Ideas and constructive criticism is always welcome!**


	18. Chapter 18

"First I summon Fire Shadow Hunter (1800/1200) in attack mode. Then I activate pot of greed, and draw two more cards from my deck. Now I activate Shadow Boost, which adds the attack points of the last monster destroyed in battle to my life points. My life points rise to 5200 and I sift through my cards. "I activate Fire Shadow Hunter's ability, which allows me to take an equip spell from my deck and add it to my hand. And now with the power of Monster Reborn I special summon Dark Shadow Hunter!"

I look to the watchers, and see how Syrus is trying to keep track. This is definitely a complex turn, I'm going to end up quite vulnerable if it fails. But who says taking a few risks once in a while is bad?

"And now I activate Polymerisation, and summon Shadow Prince Azarias (2500/1500) onto the field! Now I equip Shadow Cloak, which prevents Azarias from being destroyed in battle. Limbo has increased Azarias' attack points to 3500, and since your Dark Elf is back down to 2000 attack points as spell book of power only lasts until your end phase, I think I'll just attack him. Azarias, let's go!" Azarias closes in on Dark Elf, but Elly activates one of her face downs.

"I activate the trap Negate Attack-"

"Too late, should have used it to protect Gemini Elf from Dark Shadow Hunter, but Azarias is immune to trap spells, as it is one of his many interesting abilities. Continue your attack Azarias!"

"With Pleasure." I hear his voice murmur as I close my eyes. Elly's life points go down to 1800.

"Fine, you got that one, I-" Elly starts but I interrupt her.

"Oh, I'm not done." I say, a slight smirk appearing on my face.

"She's definitely not." I hear Alexis mutter, and my smirk widen more.

"I have one card left in my hand… your nightmare. I activate de-fusion, and my Prince Azarias changes back into Fire Shadow Hunter(1800/1200) and Dark Shadow Hunter(1600/1600). Now, Dark Shadow Hunter, attack Elly directly!"

"I activate Negate Attack! This stops your attack completely." She says happily.

"I know. Hence why I attacked with the monster with lower attack points first." I admit. Realisation floods through her and I wonder how she didn't see it. She has 1800 life points left, and I need at least 1800 attack points to defeat her.

"Fire Shadow Hunter, finish her off will you." I say carelessly, watching from the corner of my eye as the fire arrow pierce Elly's chest, making her fall backwards, landing on her back.

I draw in a sharp breath. Damn it, I lost the control… again. At least this wasn't as bad as Tom… right?

"Tommy?" I ask suddenly, taking a few steps towards her, my expression suddenly scared and anxious. It hasn't happened again, hasn't it? Tom just stands there frozen, his eyes clued to Elly still on the floor, groaning slightly.

Then a tall broad figure comes from nowhere and kneels down at Elly's side, and helps her up.

"Wait… who's he?" Jaden asks, and I wonder the same thing as I don't see his face as he's turned the other way.

"Hey!" Jaden says louder. "What are you doi-"

"Walk it off." A musical voice says gently to Elly, as he helps her to her feet and pushes her lightly to get her to start walking. "You'll feel better in no time, you probably just fell from the surprise."

The figure starts to turn around as Elly looks at him in bewilderment.

"Who are you?" Alexis asks, just as he stumbles backwards from me bounding onto him.

"Hunt!" I yell loudly, squeezing my well-missed brother round the shoulders.

"Wow, Azure, calm down!" He laughs, swinging me around.

"When did you get here? Why are you even here?" I ask, planting my feet safely on the ground after one of his manic bear hugs.

"Mum thought you needed me more." He says gently. "And I arrived just in time to see you duel apparently." He adds, raising his eyebrows.

"Hang on… can someone explain what's going on?" Chumley wonders aloud.

"Well Chumley, it would appear this man is Azure's older brother." Bastion says, examining Hunter as her turns to face my friends. He must have caught sight of the badge on my brother's coat as… "… wait, are you from Exodus International?"

"Haha, yeah I am. Why do you ask?" Hunter replies, smiling cheerfully. Bastian's eyes widen.

"What's Exodus International?" Syrus asks confused.

"It's a big research company, it researches pretty much all different aspects of duelling. But I'm part of the charity side of it. I go around the world to teach less fortunate kids how to duel. Give them some cards and help out." Hunter explains. "So these are your friends Azure?"

I look around at Alexis, Jaden, Syrus, Bastion, Chumley, and see Zane standing away at the back watching me.

"Yeah, they are. This is Alexis, Jaden, Syrus, Bastion and Chumley." I tell him smiling, leaving out Zane as I know he wishes to be. Then I remember why I was here in the first place and… "Oh, and Tom's over there." I add quietly, and Hunter finally turns his attention to Tom, standing unsure of himself next to Elly.

"…Hey big brother." He says awkwardly. Hunter walks up to him seriously, his dark green hair going against the blue of Tom's and I suddenly worry for Tom.

"So… when did you start dating Elly?" Hunter asks suddenly, and Tom breaks into a grin.

"I was sixteen and 3 months old. You were seventeen when you started dating Jane, am I correct?" He answers.

"No, I was sixteen alright." Hunter replies, and takes Tom into a bone-crushing hug. "Good to see you bro!"

"I don't mean to cut the reunion short, but if we're out here for much longer, I'm going to get a detention, and I'd rather not." I say sheepishly.

"Of course Az, you'll have to tell me why you were out this late at night in the morning. Go on, to sleep, the lot of you. Or I'll have to report you myself!" Hunter says with a laugh, and we all scurry away to our different buildings.

I wake up from the late night at 6 as usual, this time not feeling the tiredness due to my excitement. Hunter was here! I can't believe it. I opt for a pair of dark navy skinny jeans instead of the skirt today, but go along with the white shirt and my cropped navy long-sleeved jacket. I feel more comfortable in the jeans… but I also don't want Hunter to make fun of me for wearing such a short skirt. I do a waterfall braid around my head leaving my fringe down, then apply the usual concealer to cover up the dark circles and tightline and do my waterline with the usual black eyeliner, coating my lashes with mascara to finish of the usual look. I lace up my black wedge boots and walk out the door, searching for Hunter.

It's a Saturday, so the island is full of duels and students chatting. I start wondering where I'll find my brother, and bump into someone while lost in thought.

"Hey." The familiar voice says to me as he holds me up from falling down.

"Hey Zane." I say quietly, blushing as per usual at my clumsiness.

"Your brother is in the Obelisk Blue Common room talking with Dr Crowler and Chancellor Shepard if you were wondering." He says gently, helping me up but not stepping away from our close proximity.

"Yeah, thanks." I say my thanks. "You were there last night." He nods.

"I was." He replies.

"…why were you there? You didn't need to be…" I say, not wanting him to have lost sleep for me.

"I would have been there if you were duelling or not, remember." He says, and I mentally smack my forehead for forgetting our meetings in the middle of the night. "And I heard about the challenge. I'm sure Alexis has explained to you the challenging system here."

I nod to his question.

"I find it a bit unusual though. Duelling's supposed to be for fun here, but for the last few weeks that I've been here… well after the tournament I thought I hadn't gotten a single challenge."

"I should have told you sooner." He says regrettably.

"No worries. I was kind of glad about it… you know how anxious I get when someone challenges me, especially if I know who they are." I admit to him in the deserted grass field. Leaves blow in the wind lightly, from losing their trees nearby.

He brings me closer to the cover of the trees.

"Something's been troubling you." Zane murmurs to me as he holds me gently in his arms. I look up at him surprised. "I don't think you've even realised it's been troubling you." I look away from his piercing eyes, looking at my hand loosely held by his.

"It happened again last night." I whisper anxiously. "I underestimated her, and fought too hard to win the duel. If I had felt more against her she could have ended up in the medical wing like Tom."

"Azure… I've told you before." He tells me gently. "You don't need to worry about it. You-" I interrupt him, surprising myself. I never interrupt people, except my brother.

"You haven't seen me Zane. It's been a lot worse than Tom. A lot worse. Buildings destroyed, broken bones, injuries that took more than a day to heal."

"…Maybe I haven't seen it, but you've learnt to control it. Azure, if that was so, you could've done a lot worse to Tom, and Elly. But you didn't." He tells me, and I take a deep breath as he turns my face to him.

"I know." I say to him, and he lowers his lips to mine lightly and I kiss him back, curling my arms around his neck. I feel his hands around my waist pull me closer as his tongue curls around my lips, teasing me. I rake my fingers through his hair carefully, not wanting to mess up his hair too much. I breathe in through my nose and catch the fresh scent of him, relishing this feeling. He finally stops teasing me, letting his tongue gently caress mine as we kiss. It feels like hours have gone by as my mind slows down time for this kiss, but as I bring my hands down to his chest to break away, I'm suddenly aware of how long that kiss actually was. It must have been a good 10 minutes. Thank goodness no one ever comes near here.

I take a small step back, breathing hard as I look to him to see his cheeks tinged with pink. He's blushing. I never thought I would see that. I smile, a bright blush grazing my cheeks immediately. Just before I'm about to tell him I'll see him later, I notice a strand of his usually perfect hair drifting the other way. I supress a grin and reach up onto my tip-toes and place it into its regular place, while he looks at me with his eyes wider than usual.

"I should get going." I say nervously after that kiss, and he nods at me.

"I'll see you later." He says, his voice low and as I notice slightly more husky than usual. I blush as he kisses me on the cheek, before we both walk away in opposite directions. As I walk towards the Obelisk Blue common room I try to remember exactly why I was going to see Hunter, failing miserably as my thoughts linger on the past kiss. It's only when I catch sight of him and Chancellor Shepard speaking just outside the magnificent white building that I force those thoughts away.

"Of course, I can't wait to get started… Azure!" I hear my brother's voice as I close in on them. My brother was dressed in dark grey trousers with a khaki green shirt, with his standard white two-tailed coat on with the Exodus International badge on. "I'm glad you found me, I was wondering how I would find you here."

I smile, "A friend told me you were here." I tell, him, trying to ignore my thoughts on how little words there were in such a long conversation.

"Miss Roarke, you'll be happy to hear that your brother Mr Hunter will be staying for the next few weeks, talking to the students about the work at Exodus International. He may even do some demonstrations for us!" Chancellor Shepard explains to me with a smile on his face.

"I'm guessing that's your way of challenging me to yet another duel you'll win?" I say to Hunter. He laughs but replies,

"This one I'll be winning Azure. Just because you won the last two, doesn't mean you'll win this one!"

"I'll leave you to your work then Mr. Roarke." Chancellor Shepard says and he shakes hands with my brother before going off to who knows where.

"Tom should be in there if you want to go and get him. But we should probably talk somewhere a little more private." I say to Hunter, and he goes back into the Obelisk Blue common room before coming out joined by Tom, chatting naturally. It brings a smile to my face.

**Please Review!New Ideas and constructive criticism is always welcome! Thank you for all the follows, favourites, and reviews!**


	19. Chapter 19

It's the morning of my first tests at Duel academy, and it's 7 in the morning, and I'm revising on my bed. I've never been one for revising, it doesn't make me remember anything better. I wish exams could be off while my brother's here, we barely get enough time together as it is. I mean he's here working on recruitment, and I still have classes, so we barely get much time to meet. I guess I have to do exams though, they're not too bad.

As the time flies by I change into my white blouse, blue skirt, and cropped navy jacket which makes up my school uniform, and go to eat. I meet up with Alexis as we eat, before heading to class with her.

"Do you think the test will be hard? Cos you know sometimes they put extra questions in about stuff we've not learnt, and I always loose those marks." Alexis wonders aloud.

"Well, this isn't really a very important test. It's only really an end of unit one, so it really shouldn't be too hard. And if there are any extra questions, they probably won't be a mind stretcher." I supply for her, seeing through to her nerves. Who knew?

"Yeah I guess. Come on, we don't want to be late, though Jaden will be for sure." She says as we reach the courtyard. We jog into the class room where we receive our tests with everyone else, and get to work. I notice straight away that Alexis was right, Jaden isn't here.

I go through the test, easily answering each question, until on the last page I reach one of those extra questions Alexis said to watch out for.

'How did pre-historic duellers duel?' I scribble down my answer in my slanty half-readable script, remembering the first book I took out from the library here. That was the book I was attempting to read, whilst eavesdropping on Alexis' and Zane's conversation. Zane. I've seen him almost every night at the lighthouse. The more I get to know him, the more connected to him I feel. He may even know more about me than Tom. And I in turn, have gotten to know him.

His life has been an unusual one, with the cyber-dragon dojo training, how he got his deck. Neither he nor I give away many of our duelling secrets though, especially since the many suggestions and rumours of an upcoming duel between us. I am not looking forward to it. Well… I am, but I don't want to know the outcome. Obviously I'll lose, but that's not it… there's just something unnerving about the thought.

"You have 45 minutes to finish your test." I hear Professor Banner's voice, and look up out of my daze. Already finished the test. I hear gentle muttering further down, and see Syrus asleep on his desk, talking in his sleep. And Jaden, finally walking into the room.

"I didn't know this was an aural exam Syrus." Jaden says, coming up to Syrus. Syrus jerks awake. "Now maybe next time sleeping will be better than an all-night slife…." I miss his last words.

"You're here!" Syrus exclaims happily.

"You two want to keep it down?!" A dark haired obelisk boy says angrily from a little down my row. "Some of us plan to pass this test!"

"Hey, I always plan on passing, it just doesn't always work out that way!" Jaden counters, and I raise my eyebrows.

"Oh Jaden…?" Professor Banner's voice wafts through the hall. Jaden freezes. "Why don't you come down here and get your exam."

"Be there in a jiff!" Jaden replies. I shake my head, leaning back in my chair as he rushes down the steps. I can just hear the complaints of other people in the room. I lean back in my chair after checking through my test a few times, before dozing lightly. Through my daydreaming I can see Jaden and Syrus sleeping soundly, their tests undone.

"Alright class, your written exam is now over, so please walk, do not run to get in line for today's new rare cards." Professor Banner says, and the students rush out, while I stand up neatly with my test, walking over to the sleeping Jaden and Syrus to meet Bastion there.

"Say you two may want to give some serious thought to waking up…" Bastion says, shaking Syrus before jumping back as Syrus jumps up.

"…I flunked didn't I." Syrus says sadly. "I'm a complete failure."

"Sy if you were graded on melodrama you'd get an a!" Jaden says.

"Hey, where'd everyone go?" Syrus asks.

"Didn't you know already? I've been hearing from Tom about it for the last week!" I say.

"That's what I was trying to tell them." Bastion says, shaking his head. " The new rare cards arrived today, everyone's at the card shack."

"What?! New cards, hey how come no one told us?" Sy yelps.

"Because everyone wants the best cards for themselves, to use in the upcoming field tests." Bastion says.

"Honestly though, they don't give much of an advantage, you duel much worse when you haven't practiced with your cards." I add in.

"Is that why you're not getting any?" Syrus asks.

"Please, one errand card and my decks perfect balance would be completely thrown off." Bastion adds.

"Mine wouldn't!" Syrus complains.

"Well lets go! There's nothing like the smell of new cards in the morning!" Jaden exclaims, before running off with Sy. "Thanks for the tip Bastion, Azure!"

"I worry about them sometimes." I say, watching them run off.

"Jaden especially has so much potential. It's a shame." Bastion agrees.

"At least his confidence gives Sy a boost." I say. I turn to leave the hall, and go get ready for the field test.

"Hey Azure, did you hear?" Alexis says, running up to me as I walk to the duel arena. "Someone took all the new rare duel cards! Everyone's so gutted!"

"All of them? Every single one? Wow they must be desperate." I say, as we enter the duel arena.

"I'm duelling an obelisk? And it's Chazz?" I hear a familiar voice question, and run to get a closer look.

"That's right Jaden, since you always talk such a big game, I pulled some strings for you so you got the challenge you deserve!" Sure enough, Dr Crowler is standing in between Jaden and Chazz Princeton.

"Congratulations, you'll be duelling one of the top-ranked duellists in the school! What an honour, I certainly hope you managed to snatch a lot of today's rare cards so that your deck is up to snuff! What's wrong, aren't you going to thank me?" My lips part at the news. Jaden is good, for sure, but I'm not sure whether it's good enough. Especially after hearing from Alexis that Chazz doesn't like to play by the rules. This is a trap. And one Jaden is likely to fall into. It's obvious how much Dr Crowler hates Jaden.

"I'll do it!" I hear Jaden say confidently, and I sit with Bastion and Alexis to watch. "Alright Chazz, get your game on! Let's finish what we started at obelisk arena!" Though I have no idea what he's talking about, I can tell they have history.

"Indeed, in front of the whole school too, where everyone can watch." Dr Crowler adds.

"Yeah, watch you get slammed by me." Chazz says, and the duel begins.

I watch closely, and slowly realise that Chazz must have all the new rare cards that came in this morning. His deck is made up completely of super powerful cards!

"Alright! The VW tiger catapult(2000 atk)!" Chazz yells as he brings out a powerful monster on his fist turn. Soon VWXYZ are all out, and Jaden's life points have gone down to 1000. But I've noticed something about Chazz' duelling. He's playing the cards he wants to, going straight for the win. He's so confident he has nothing for defence. That's what Jaden needs to hit.

"I summon winged kuriboh in defense mode!" Jaden says. Yes, this is good. Jaden always has a plan when he plays winged kuriboh. As kuriboh is about to get fried…

"Alright, I sacrifice two cards and activate… transcendent wings!" I stand up at the sight. Transcendent wings? No way, that card is super rare! When did he get that?

"Ah, it can't be!" Chazz yells.

"Oh it'd be alright. Transcendent wings has evolved winged kuriboh into a level 10 monster! And it gets better too. By sacrificing himself, kuriboh destroys all monsters in attack mode, and deflects their attack points back as damage to you!" Jaden says victoriously. Wow, he did well to pull that off. "Kuriboh, why don't you go ahead and show them how it works."

Chazz' monster gets destroyed, and he is left with 1000 life points similar to Jaden.

"Lucky, punk." Chazz remarks, snarling.

"Lucky? Nah, I just happen to have a soft spot for old ladies." Jaden replies, and I frown, smiling though. "But not for you Chazz. It's too bad cos for 1000 life points a piece, and my turn coming up, all I need is the right monster, and you'll be finished. Here goes something!" Jaden draws yet again, and I lean forward. He can pull this off.

"Yeah! Elemental hero, Avion, attack!" Avion bears down on Chazz, who yells as the attack hits, leaving Chazz with no life points, the duel Jaden's. The crowd shouts for the victor, and I clap along, jumping over the railings to Jaden.

"Hey Jaden!" Syrus says from in front of me, running up to Jaden.

"Well done Jaden, not in the history of our revered academy has a slifer ever duelled an obelisk in these exams." I hear the Chancellor's voice on the intercom. "Not only did you hold your own, but you won! Your courage against overwhelming odds is, inspiring. It is with great pride that I promote you to Ra Yellow. Good Job!"

The Chancellor finishes and I clap Jaden on the back at his promotion.

"Ra yellow? You're the best Jaden!" Sy exclaims, hugging his friend.

"Haha, I do what I can!" Jaden says.

"Good show Jaden. Allow me to be the first person to welcome you to the Ra dorm." Bastion adds. Everyone cheers the winner of the duel.

"Hey, Azure!" I turn around and Hunter is running up to me. "Did you hear?"

"Hear what?" I ask, confused. What is it with me missing things today?

"Now everyone, you have probably heard of Hunter Roarke's visit here to Duel Academy, and for those who don't know he is from the esteemed Exodus International, and has been here to advise on what he and his company does. Now since the freshman year has an odd number of students, I arranged Azure Roarke's field examination duel to be against him. I suggest you all stay and watch what is seemingly going to be an amazing duel!" The Chancellor's voice booms out once more, and I freeze.

"You're my examination? Hunt, you're gonna make me fail!" I complain, frowning at my brother as he takes his duel disk out.

"Sorry Az, wasn't my call!" He says, as though he isn't sorry at all. "So are we gonna duel?" I look around the cheering crowd, and at the back, leaning forward against the railing is Zane. He nods to me and I pass my gaze on, before turning back to Hunter.

"Let's do this Hunt!" I say determined, flipping out my duel disk, and moving to my place.

"Let's duel!"

"Right, it's my turn first Az, I summon Goblin Attack Force (2300/0) in attack mode. I place two face-downs and end my turn." Hunter starts.

"Is that all? Okay then I draw!" The card slices through the air of the cheering crowd, and I let my eyes skim over my cards. "I summon Shadow Thief (1200/400) in attack mode and place two face downs. I end my turn." Shadow Boost and Shadow Replace should be enough to take whatever he'll throw at me.

"You're not trying to attack? Has something gone wrong with you Az?" Hunt says mockingly. "Well I might as well take advantage of it, Goblin attack force, attack Azure's Shadow Thief!"

"You should've seen this Hunt, I activate Shadow Thief's ability, which swaps your monster's attack points with mine." I say watching as my Shadow Thief's attack point's rise to 2300, and his Goblin's down to 1200. The attack hits, and my Shadow Thief destroys his Goblin, taking down 1100 of his life points.

"Okay there Hunter? You're not really representing Exodus very well." I taunt, but he raises his head, grinning.

"Oh I'm just starting. I summon Goblin Elite attack force (2200/1500) in attack mode, and now I activate Poisoned Chalice! This adds 400 points to whatever monster I choose, negating its effects; however that price is easy to pay with Goblin Elite attack force!" His Goblin Elite Attack Force now has 2600 attack points.

"Are you sure that's a good idea? I can just do a little attack point swap again." I say calmly, narrowing my eyes.

"I call your bluff! I know your thief swaps monster's original attack points, it doesn't count the 400 added on." Hunter says, grinning. Damn it, I was wondering why he fell for it the first time. " Goblin Elite Attack Force, attack Azure's shadow thief!"

**Please Review!New Ideas and constructive criticism is always welcome! Thank you for all the follows, favourites, and reviews!**


	20. Chapter 20

I take the hit as Goblin Elite attack force destroys my Shadow thief, taking 300 of my life points. I had Shadow Replace set, but I can see myself needing the only other monster in my hand; Light Shadow Hunter, more than my shadow thief.

"You took that? Wow Az, it feels like you've gotten worse since we last duelled." Hunt says, scratching his head frowning.

"Hmph, or so you think." I say, smiling. Actually I have no idea. "My turn?"

"Go ahead."

"I draw!" I say, and swipe a card from my deck. Another monster, perfect. "I summon Light Shadow Hunter (1600/1600) in attack mode, and use her ability, which allows me to sort the next five cards in my deck into any order I want." As I sift through the cards, I put polymerisation first as I'll need it soon, an equip spell, de-fusion and then a monster.

"Now I activate my field spell Limbo, which gives all my Shadow warriors 1000 extra attack and defence points!" I say, as the arena turns a flat white. "And also, if you didn't know, it negates all other spell induced attack or defence point changes, so Goblin Elite Attack Force is left with 2200 attack points. Now Light Shadow Hunter, attack Goblin Elite attack Force!"

The arrow flies true, but at last moment it's stopped in its tracks and falls to the floor.

"Damn Az! Negate Attack." Hunter says, frowning ever so slightly. Okay, I started off with the offensive approach, but that doesn't seem to be working this time round. The last duel we had was all about the monsters, and it ended too soon when our mum started yelling at us for waking her up. I guess this time I need to change my strategy. But I know he's expecting traps, as that's probably my best suit.

"…I end my turn." I say sternly, straightening my posture. Hunt raises his eyebrows, before drawing.

"Well this is a lovely draw! I summon Goblindbergh (1400/0), and with its ability I special summon Scrounging Goblin (1000/2000)." What's he up to? Neither of those monsters have enough attack points to get close to Light Shadow Hunter.

"Now I place one card face-down and end my turn." Hang on… I know this move! He used it a couple of summers ago, and I lost because of it! I can bet that the card he has in there is the special one my mentors gave him…

"I draw!" I pull polymerisation out of my deck, and try to think of a way out of his strategy. If I'm going to beat him, something big needs to happen this turn, otherwise I'm going to fail my first ever practical test at Duel Academy.

_Azure, the answer is right in front of you._

"_Adynn! What do you mean?" I ask my duel spirit._

_You planned to summon Azarias, did you not?_

The black figure beside me disappears, and a smile creeps onto my face as I look up.

"That smile is not a good look on you Az…" Hunter mumbles.

"Of course you'd say that. First, I summon Earth Shadow Hunter (1200/1800) to the field. I then activate Polymerisation with Earth and Light Shadow Hunter to form, level 6 Shadow Prince Azarias (2500/1500)!" Because of Limbo, Azarias' attack and defence points rise to 3500/2500.

"I know what I must do." I hear the voice of my monster in my head and voice my order.

"Azarias has a special ability; by taking 1000 of my life points he can wipe your field of monsters. In this case, I am choosing to use this ability." I say steadily, and feel the strain as my life points go down to 2700. But as it happens, I watch as Azarias swings his longsword fluidly and destroys the three monsters on Hunter's field.

"…Oh God." Hunter exclaims, sighing as I smirk.

"Never thought you were religious Hunt! Well, Shadow Prince Azarias, attack Hunter directly!" I say, and Hunter is struck by Azarias, taking him down to 500 life points.

"Well that was fun!" Hunter says before drawing. "I activate Reinforcement from the Army, and move a monster card from my deck to my hand. I then summon that monster, which is Goblin Marauding Squad (1900/0) in defence mode and end my turn." On the defensive then. There isn't much I can do; there aren't any more monsters in my deck for a long way.

"I draw!" I take a card I already knew I would pick, Shadow spear, and keep it in my hand. "Azarias, attack Goblin Marauding Squad!" The monster is destroyed, but Hunter left unharmed as it was in defence mode. I wonder what will happen next.

"I draw. I summon Goblin Decoy Squad (1000/0) in defence mode." Hunter says. What a surprise. "I end my turn, but Az I think we both know we're in a dead-lock here. Neither can make a move."

"Not any more Hunt!" I say, drawing as I remember the card a placed a couple of turns ago. "Azarias, attack Goblin Decoy Squad!" I say confidently. "Now I activate De-fusion on Azarias!" Azarias forms back into Light Shadow Hunter and Earth Shadow Hunter, both powered up by Limbo.

"Now Earth Shadow Hunter, attack Hunter directly!" I say, and the arrow flies rock hard and hit Hunter in the chest, taking the rest of his life-points, ending the duel.

I hear cheering from the audience and smile at my achievement, walking over to Hunter.

"Nice one sis, you saw right through my strategy!" Hunter says laughing awkwardly. He then whispers in my ear. "But couldn't you have made me look a little better than pathetic?"

I chuckle. "Sorry Hunt, but you were threatening my exam results!" I then lean close to his ear as well. "But you know that it wasn't all me."

A loud laugh brings us away from our banter, in the form of Chancellor Shepard.

"An amazing duel by the both of you! Getting beaten by a sibling is never easy Mr Roarke, but you held up well against the Duel Academy's reigning tournament winner." Chancellor Shepard says, congratulating us. "And meanwhile, Miss Roarke I am pleased to tell you that you have passed your field examination with flying colours!"

"Thank You Chancellor Shepard, it was a challenging duel. I'll see you later Hunt?" I say, before turning away to reach Alexis, Jasmine and Mindy.

"Wow, your brothers good, but how does it feel beating a sibling? I never beat mine…" Alexis says, and I look at her.

"Kind of weird… but he never goes full out with me, I see it when he duels others… he still wins sometimes but I always get the feeling he doesn't try as hard with me." I explain. "And I didn't know you had a brother!"

"…it's complicated. A little like you and Thomas I guess…" Alexis mumbles, and I frown. It seems like a sensitive matter, I better leave it.

"We should head back to the dorm, it's starting to get late." Mindy says anxiously. "Anyway, I'm beat after that set of exams."

"Yeah, I mean just watching all those duels made me feel tired!" Jasmine adds.

"I agree, even I feel a little tired. What about you Azure?" Alexis says.

"Uh… I'm not too bad. I guess I'm quite used to not getting much sleep. Plus the everyday coffee in the morning helps if I ever am tired." I wonder aloud. "But I have a book to finish, and some quiet reading time may be good so sleep well guys!" I say with a smile as we walk up the stairs in the girl's dorm, and I tuck myself in my room.

I take my jacket and shoes off before flopping onto my bed, and curl up for a nap. It's only 8, but I know I'll be tired if I stay up till 1. Letting my eyes flutter close, I think about the happenings of the day. Jaden got moved up to Ra yellow, I wonder whether he'll suit it there? He doesn't seem studious enough really… slifer's more his style. I mean seriously, he's crazy red. It may sound weird, but I feel like Jaden… I feel like he's something special. I mean he has a winged kuriboh as his duel spirit, and though I haven't ever brought it up with him, I know it must mean something. It must.

I wake up hours later, and looking at the time of almost 12, I get out of bed and slip my shoes and jacket back on, before climbing out the usual window. Apparently Jaden and Syrus got caught sneaking into the girls' dorm at night before I came here, but I'm not sure how they got caught, I mean no one walks around here at night. Other than Zane I guess. As I hear the waves nearing, I turn the familiar corner to see Zane waiting by the lighthouse, his head unusually turned towards me before I had gotten there.

"…Hey." I mumble as I close in on him. He smiles lightly and puts his arms around me and we turn to our usual spot, looking to the horizon.

"You duelled well today; I liked how you changed strategy mid-way through. Zane murmurs from above me. "You took a risk, which I know you don't like to do."

"Hunter didn't give me a choice really. But I'm trying… I guess I'm trying to take more risks." I reply, and he looks at me.

"And why would that be?" He asks his usual blunt manner.

"… well since coming here, it's just slowly been happening. I suppose it all started with me… talking to more people, making friends… Alexis, Jaden… you. I feel like I'm starting to find myself. Maybe I'm actually getting there." I say, not really sure of the words coming out of my mouth.

"You still doubt yourself. I can hear it in your voice." He tells me, and I blush uncertainly.

"Of course. Anxiety doesn't just go away. I still question everything I do, I can't stop it." I say. "I try to, but everything that happens or could happen brings another question."

"I wouldn't worry Azure." Zane murmurs with his deep voice. "You're so much more that what one would first see."

"So are you." I answer back, smiling lightly while looking away, down at the floor. "No one would guess at what you have hidden inside of you." I whisper.

"Every word you say lately…" He chuckles, and I look up at him questioningly. "…It's like you're asking me to kiss you."

I blush rapidly and look away as fast as possible, shuffling slightly further away at his abash comment, twiddling my thumbs.

"Don't say that?" I try to say, but my voice betrays me as it rises at the end, making the supposed statement a question.

"Why not?" He asks and I look up at him to answer, only to find him gazing at me, eyes their dark teal the night makes them. My mouth tries to form words, but captured by his gaze my will falters as I stare back at him. A smile lingers on his lips as he pulls me closer, lowering his lips to mine. I kiss him instantly, and bring my arms around his neck as he pulls me closer into his warm embrace with his hands around my waist. His lips are welcoming with the usual fresh taste, and what used to feel embarrassing now feels familiar in the scent and feel. Our lips move together, his rougher than mine, yet still unbelievably soft as they pull at mine. The common soft tickle makes me smile and sigh at how good and happy he makes me feel.

Suddenly he breaks away and I'm about to frown until I feel his lips on my neck, first lightly but then harder, and I bite my lip as he makes me gasp for air. His hands rub circles on my back underneath my shirt, and I try not to swear as I feel his teeth graze my collarbone. Feeling slightly useless I bring his face back up to mine and kiss him again, slightly rougher than before, tangling one hand in his hair, the other pressed against his chest. As my lips start to get tired, even though I'm far from tired inside, I slow down, before pulling back softly.

He stares into my eyes, and I watch his eyes back, a shade darker than they were before, as I breath heavily, our breath mingling. After a few moments I smile lightly and he kisses me on the nose before curling me back into his arms, tightly secured in his hold. I rest there, content as the waves crash around us in the familiar setting, and my mind begins to wonder.

"…Zane?" I ask, and he hums in response. "Do you know about Alexis' brother?" Silence. "I don't mean to pry, but she seemed upset when it got mentioned earlier today, I just wanted to make sure she's okay.

"…I doubt she is." Zane murmurs, and I look up with a creased brow at his unusually sorrowful tone.

"What's wrong?" I ask, becoming increasingly worried at the extraordinary sad face of Zane Truesdale.

"His name is Atticus Rhodes, and he was a close friend of mine. No one knows exactly what happened, but a year ago, he and some other obelisk blue students lived in the old blue dorm. And then, they disappeared. The cover story is that they're abroad on a duel research program, but no one knows what happened. That's why they call it the abandoned dorm." Zane's voice sounds tired as he tells the story, and I turn to look up at him, anxious for him. If they were his friends, he must have been grieving. How did they just disappear?

"Zane, it's okay." I say as strong as I can, suddenly feeling terrible for bringing such a sour subject up.

"She's searching for the answer." Zane tells me.

"And I hope she finds it." I say. "I'm sorry for bringing it up, I shouldn't have, it's none of my business, I-"

"It's okay Azure." He says, bringing me out of my babbling. "You didn't know."

I bite my lip in uncertainty, and suddenly I feel my chin being lifted as a light kiss is placed upon my lips.

"It's fine, I promise you. And you really did do well in your duel today." Zane says, and I smile shyly.

"It's late." I say, almost looking at my watch in horror as I see it's almost 2. How long were we kissing for…? I turn and he walks behind me, away from the waves. "You look tired, I'm sorry for keeping you up so late."

"Azure." He says as he walks me back to the window. "It was worth it." He says, and I lean up and kiss him, licking his lips slightly before pulling away to climb up on the drainpipe to the window into my room.

I wake at six, and this time I really feel the strain on my eyes this time. Hopefully it will go away with the shower though. As I walk into the bathroom, taking of my pyjamas, I freeze at the sight of myself in the mirror. I didn't think he kissed me that hard…

On my neck and collarbone are two deep red marks. I'm not an idiot, I know how they… came to be. Slightly horrified at myself, I climb into the shower and try to wash the hang in my eyes away. I get out, change into my school uniform, and try to get to work with concealer and foundation on my neck. I then tie my hair in a side ponytail directly over the marks, do a little concealer, mascara and eyeliner on my face, before walking out to get breakfast, biting my lip. I blocked out the worries in my head if someone noticed, and actually headed out the door after at least 7 attempts.

**Please Review!New Ideas and constructive criticism is always welcome! Thank you for all the follows, favourites, and reviews!**


	21. Chapter 21

It's been a couple of weeks since I had my duel with Hunter, and things are starting to become routine. Not that I mind, in fact I much prefer things ordered and neat so I don't get confused or accidently do something wrong.

"Hey Azure, have you done that homework Dr Crowler set us?" Jasmine asks me as I sit next to them in the common room of the dorm.

"Yeah, do you guys need some help with it?" I ask, looking at Jasmine and Mindy with an accusatory stare. They crumble slightly under my gaze before I let out a light chuckle, before leaning over to see the sheet.

"Don't worry guys, this particular piece of work is a lot harder than usual, I mean it's way beyond anything he taught us. Maybe Dr Crowler wanted to find yet another reason to deal out detentions." I say to them. After helping them with what I can, I go to my room and try to finish reading the latest book I got from the library. I look over at the clock once I've finished, and find it to be almost midnight. I pull my jacket on to shield me from the steely night, and start climbing down the pipe.

Suddenly, I hear light pattering footsteps and turn to find the source of the noise. The only person I know to be out at this time is Zane, and he never makes a sound, and never runs. I creep round the corner, and to my surprise, find Alexis scurrying across the yard cautiously, unaware of my gaze. She's heading to the forest. That is not exactly a pleasant place to be at night, and I don't want her to get hurt. I take out my custom-made duel disk and in its smaller form call Zane.

"Azure?" He answers.

"Hey, Zane, I may not come tonight. I… Alexis has left the dorm, and I don't want her to get caught or worse." I explain stutteringly.

"Okay. That may be good actually, Dr Crowler's at the port, and though we'd get away with it, I'd prefer not to get caught ourselves." He tells me, and my eyes widen.

"I wonder why he's there… anyway, I better go before I lose Alexis. Have a nice night." I mumble, blushing even though he isn't here.

"Good night Azure. Be careful." We cease the call, and I look over to where Alexis had gone. Knowing exactly how to follow without setting off any alarms of any sort, or being seen, I follow at a faster pace. I find it quite easy to follow her, as she doesn't look back often at all. I follow at a safe distance, and it's so dark, even if she did turn round in time to see me, she still wouldn't be able to.

I follow her through the trees, and suddenly a large structure comes into view, dark greys blurring. I notice the windows are all smashed, and the only way I could describe it is as run down as anything could possibly get. Hang on…

"The Abandoned Dorm." I murmur in realisation, and my eyes find Alexis placing a delicate rose by the broken gate. She says something, but I don't hear. She probably wants to be alone. At least I now know she's safe, and I'm sure she can get back unharmed. I turn away and start walking back to the girl's dorm, ready to get some sleep. After walking nearly half way back, I hear a shrill scream in the distance. I turn and realise it came from exactly where I left Alexis. My heart rate quickens.

What if she's hurt? What if she's in danger? What if she went into the Abandoned Dorm? The questions continue to appear in my head, as I start running back to the abandoned dorm.

As I'm running, I look around suddenly slightly afraid of the dark forest, and think that I should let someone know we were here right? In case something's happened? Thank God he picks up.

"Azure?"

"Zane!" I breath, my breath still ragged from running. "I followed Alexis, and she's at the Abandoned dorm, and I turned back because I thought she'd be fine but then there was this scream, and I have to find her and-"

"Azure!" He says sharply, and I stop to listen. "You're at the Abandoned dorm? Don't go in Azure, it's dangerous, you don't know what could be in there-"

"I have to Zane! If Alexis is in there hurt or in danger, I have to-" The connection starts to break as I hear Zane's words blurring out.

"Don't…dang…no…fe…ease…" The connection completely ceases as I find myself in front of the Abandoned Dorm once more. Mustering up all the courage I have in me, I enter.

I look through the first large room I get to, and the walls are cracked and dull parts covered by pictures and strange symbols. I recognise them! Aren't they the millennium items? I face yet another wall, and upon it sits a dusty portrait of a boy in white obelisk blue uniform. He looks familiar to me, his features are trying to click something within me. It must be Alexis' brother. I take the picture off the wall, and carry on through the halls.

"No Way! You forgot about my face-down card, mirror gate!" I suddenly hear a familiar voice coming from further down, Jaden's voice. I start rushing towards the sound, the sound of a duel.

"Well that stinks." Just as I rush in, I see Avion being destroyed on Jaden's field.

"Jaden!" I say in surprise. When did he get here?

"Azure!" I hear Syrus and turn my head to see him and Chumley watching the duel.

"Who is that guy?" I ask as I approach them.

"We don't know! He just randomly showed up! He has Alexis in a coffin over there! Jaden's now duelling him in what he called a "shadow duel" to get her back!" Chumley explains, and my eyes widen as I search for the direction Syrus had pointed. Not paying attention to the duel before me, I bring out my duel disk.

"Adynn, come out!" I say, and his form appears next to me. I run over to where Alexis is hidden as the duel continues.

"Now the Shadow Games have truly begun!" I hear the man in black metal say, and am cast backwards onto the floor by the light from what looks like a millennium item.

"You can't hide from me girl, your monster won't save you!" He almost growls as Adynn stands in front of me to shield me from the light.

_Azure, we won't be able to save, or even get to Alexis! We must let Jaden fight this for us._

Adynn exclaims in my head and I frown with worry. Okay, I tell Adynn. Adynn forms a shield around us, and though I can see, the sound is blocked out.

"Thank you Adynn. What's happening to them… can I see through Jaden?" I say, my eyes widening as I see a gap in Jaden's torso.

"It's that millennium item, it's doing something. I'd say it's inducing the shadow games, as that is what it looks like." Adynn replies gently.

"Shadow Games? Isn't that what Yugi…" I drift off.

"Yes. But it doesn't feel the same. Not at all. It doesn't feel as it did last I witnessed one."

I watch in silence as I watch Jaden's thunder giant get destroyed. What rotten luck, but Jaden will pull through, he always does, right?! Jaden continues to lose life points, but holds in there with his handy spell and trap cards, and even manages to destroy his opponents monster before they're resurrected. Then, just after Jaden had paid a hefty toll to his life points, I smile as flamed wingman appears and attacks the opponent. The black metallic man then brings out an even stronger monster however, and I begin to worry again for Jaden. Maybe in circumstances such as this, Jaden won't be able to do his best?! I'm scared for him now, as more and more of him starts disappearing!

I watch and call out Jaden's name as he collapses on the floor. What's wrong with him? What's that guy doing to him? I watch suddenly though, as Jaden rises from his feet, and manages to destroy the field spell in play. The room becomes a large stone hall, and Jaden then throws a card directly into the millennium item, causing it to crack through the eye.

"A trick! It was all a trick! That fake millennium item must have been making it look like Jaden was disappearing!" I say to Adynn, and he stands.

"It appears so. Perhaps that was why I found it so easy to block out the fake shadows." He murmurs and I raise my eyebrows at him.

Then, out of the blue light shines from all around, creating an eye in the middle of the battlefield.

"Adynn, what is that? Can it be more theatrics?" I ask frowning.

"Wait a minute, there's something not right here, this can't be right." He says, gravely serious once again. Then, Jaden is covered by blue-black smoke, so we can't see anymore. Adynn releases the shield around us, and I run over to Syrus and Chumley.

"Guys, what on earth is happening?" I say as I reach them.

"Jaden! How can he be gone?" Syrus whines.

"This can't actually be a shadow game? Syrus, you're just letting those stories get to you." Chumley replies, but his voice is wobbling. We watch anticipating the end of the duel, and I cry out as I see Jaden stick his head out of the mist.

"Jaden!" Syrus yelps.

"Are you okay?" Chumley asks, completing the pair.

"Huh?" He says. "Never better guys!"

"What happened in there?" I ask adamantly. Then, we hear a spark of electricity, and Adynn, still beside me blocks us from the smoke, getting ever so smaller and smaller. It bursts in the air, disappearing into nothing, and we look around in wonder.

"Thank you Adynn." I say, and put him away back in my extra deck.

"Awesome! I wonder what he does for an encore! Talk about a magic trick!" Jaden says, and I stare at him.

"Jaden, you do realise that wasn't-" I stop as I see Alexis moving in her unconscious state, and rush over to her.

"Guys, help me get her up and out of here. This place is giving me the creeps." I say, almost shuddering.

Once out, we set Alexis down on the grass and I shake her gently.

"Well well, good morning sleep head!" Jaden says as she awakes.

"Where am I?" She says as the first thing enters her head, and I smile gently.

"The old dorm." I tell her.

"What are you doing here?" He asks all of us.

"Hold on, what kind of thank you was that?" Jaden says, and I glare at him lightly. "We're here because we had to find the bad guy, win the duel, and rescue the damsel in distress!"

"He's exaggerating." I say, not wanting to worry her. I'm sure she's gone through enough tonight.

"I remember a strange man snatching me!" She says.

"Oh yeah, we found this!" Jaden says, handing Alexis her card.

"Oh, and I picked this up as well." I say, handing her the picture of her brother.

"My brother? This is the first trace of him I've seen in a while!" She exclaims. I smile warmly.

"I knew you'd want it." I tell her.

"How did you-" I know she's about to ask me how I knew, luckily Jaden interrupts.

"Uh-oh. We better get back before they notice we were gone." Jaden says as the sun rises.

"Yeah, bye Alexis, Azure!" Syrus says.

"Yeah, later!" Chumley adds.

"See you in class!" Jaden says lastly, before they turn to leave. "Oh, and if anyone asks, we were never here!"

"Typical Jaden. We should get back. It'll take more than one cup of coffee for me to wash this night out." I say, before pulling her to run back to the girls dorm.

"So when did you get here?" Alexis asks after a few moments.

"I was outside for some fresh air because couldn't sleep for some unknown reason, and I heard you scream." I say, an excuse forming in my head straight away. "I didn't know it was you at the time, but I thought I should check it out."

"And then you found all that." Alexis finishes for me.

"Yep. I arrived just after Jaden started duelling I think, that guy was seriously creepy." I say, frowning. "Were you okay, did he hurt you or anything?"

"Yeah, I mean after he put me in some creepy coffin. It was just dark, and that doesn't really scare me. It was a little like sleeping, but, well I'm not really sure." She says, forehead creasing as she tries to explain.

"As long as you got out okay, I'm sure there was nothing to worry about." I say as we get back to the school grounds.

Alexis yawns and I can see her eyelids already fluttering close.

"What a night, I'm so glad we don't have anything tomorrow… I mean today… so tired…" She yawns once again, and I lead her back to the girls dorm by her arm. As we get to the entrance to the dorm, a figure catches my eye from afar. I turn my head and look properly, and see Zane staring at us, before turning away, to what I'm guessing is the boys dorm.

"Alexis, just go up to your room and go to sleep, okay? I'm just going to get a drink." I say, pushing her forward slightly, urging her into the dorm.

"Okay…" She yawns once more. "Sleep well Azure…" She mumbles her way up the stairs, and after she disappears through the doors at the top, I hurry back out. I slip my way to the obelisk blue boy's dorm, but as I begin to head to the front doors, I see some crazy people walking out, freshly awoken. Honestly, I know I wake up at six, but five? I look around and remember correctly that Zane's room has a balcony, and so head around the side as sneakily as I can to look along the windows. Finally, as I reach the final side, I see Zane looking out pensive, until his gaze turns towards me as I make my way to the tree right by his balcony.

"Azure." He says in acknowledgement. His brow creases as I take a step up onto the first branches, before climbing my way across the limbs of the tree to the side of the balcony. I place a hand down on the railing and I feel Zane's hands guide me down onto the floor before I lean into him.

"Please don't do that again." I feel him whisper lightly, almost as if he were embarrassed asking. I look up.

"Hmm?" I fold my arms around him.

"Leaving me with a broken phone call before running into the forest at night after hearing a scream doesn't put me in a particularly comfortable position Azure." He says softly. "What happened?"

"She was there to be where her brother had been… at a guess. But there was a man, dressed in black with these metal attachments all over him, who must've taken her, hence the scream I heard." I say as he leads me indoors. "I'm not sure how Jaden, Syrus-"Zane tenses. "- and Chumley got there, but when I got back to the old dorm Jaden was duelling the man who had Alexis. The man said… he said it was a shadow duel."

"Shadow Duel? Like with Yugi Moto?" He asks and I nod, before telling him the rest of the story.

"…by the end, though Jaden had exposed it as a fake, Adynn told me that it felt just as a Shadow Duel felt. I don't understand, at first it wasn't but then, as he started to lose it was?" I question my own thoughts.

"It wouldn't surprise me if something actually happened down there. The students who stayed there were rather… obsessed with the millennium items." Zane tells me. "But you don't need to worry about it Azure, you're safe and that gladdens me."

I nod and we share a smile before my mouth opens into a yawn.

"Come on, you should get some sleep." He says to me and I nod hazily, my eyes half-lidded to sleep.

"Did you stay up till now as well? Zane you should have slept." I say as I take in his heavy under eye circles. He chuckles lightly.

"Don't you get it? Like I would've slept after you left me with that message." He mumbles, his cheeks tinging pink as he speaks. I'm left with no words as he peels my coat from my arms as I yawn once again.

"Just sleep here, lucky it's a Saturday." He murmurs as he brings me to the side of his bed, pushing the covers over.

"Mmhmm… I'm so tired…" I say, my eyes drifting close as he lays me down comfortably, the days of few hours of sleep piling up on me. As I curl up in the covers, I'm barely aware of Zane going into his bathroom briefly before returning in a loose t-shirt and shorts. I also pretend not to notice when he climbs in next to me, and I try to keep my breathing regular.

Okay, okay, okay, okay, okay, okay, okay, okay, okay, okay, okay, okay, okay. Considering how tired I am, right now I am a little too aware of the situation. It's not that I don't like being this close to Zane, I really actually maybe quite like it. But what the fuck do I do now? My thoughts are silenced however when his arm drapes over me, and I feel a soft breath on my ear.

"Go to sleep Azure, I'm sure you need more sleep than I do." Zane murmurs, and slowly I relax into his embrace, eventually curling into him, drifting to sleep faster than ever.

**Please Review!New Ideas and constructive criticism is always welcome! Thank you for all the follows, favourites, and reviews!**


	22. Chapter 22

I wake up in a sleepy haze, feeling possibly the most comfortable I ever have. Until, I realise the warm cover around me is an actual living person, rather than an inanimate object. I open my eyes slowly from my sleep and find myself facing the chest of a half-awake Zane. One arm is under my neck comfortably and the other wrapped around my shoulders, his head resting lightly on his pillow.

"You're awake." He murmurs softly, and I mentally smack myself in the head for noticing how much lower his voice is.

"Mmhmm…" I mumble and turn slightly in his arms. "I know its Saturday, but what time is it?"

He unwraps an arms from me and turns to his bedside.

"Almost one." He answers before turning back to me. "Sleep well?"

I nod and stretch the tension out of my limbs. "Very well, but my sleeping patterns are going to be all over the place."

He chuckles lightly, and starts stroking my hair.

"I have a meeting with Chancellor Shepard and your brother at two, I'm not sure whether I'll be able to look him in the eye." He tells me. My eyebrows raise naturally.

"Huh?" I say stupidly.

"I've just slept next to his very beautiful little sister in my room, I'm not sure how he'd feel about that." I blush for more than one reason. One, the compliment, two, how I know my brother would react if he heard that.

"At least you phrased it politely…" I mumble to myself and he smirks again. "Though actually… I think I may tell him… about us, if that's okay?" I put forward the idea doubtfully.

"That's understandable. I can see why you'd want to tell him." He replies thoughtfully.

"With what we went through, its just comfortable for me to tell him. I mean I can lie to him easy enough to be honest, but I want to tell him before he leaves." I explain to him.

"Of course, it's up to you. I won't stop you." He says. "We should get up." He doesn't move from his tight grasp around me.

"Mmhmm." I say, unmoving as well. "I'm going to start craving food very soon." At my words of food, we both start to climb out of bed. I grab my coat and my shoes, pulling them on after straightening out my ruffled clothes, and pull my luckily neat-ish hair up into a ponytail.

"It's gotten darker." I hear Zane as he leaves his bathroom, changed, coming towards me with his obelisk blue coat over his arm.

"What has?" I ask.

"Your hair. Since you first came." He remarks.

"Yeah, there was an unusual amount of sun at East academy, and the result of a lame prank some girls decided to pull." I chuckle nervously.

"I like it better like this." He says shortly and I pick up a few pieces of my ponytail. What used to be quite a bright azure, had now darkened to that deep sea colour, duller and a lot more suitable for me. Not as dark as Zane's hair, but darker nonetheless.

"Thanks." I say, before moving towards the balcony.

"Luckily no one really comes by this way at any time. So if you ever need me…" Zane says almost nervously. Almost.

"I'll come, don't worry." I say with a smile. I puts a light hand on the small of my back and pulls me towards him and kisses me, my arms laying around his neck to keep close. After we break away he places a last light kiss on my lips, and I pull away reluctantly to climb onto the tree limb. Once I climb down safely, he turns away as I jog off back to the girl's dorm.

"Hey, Azure!" I turn my head as I walk into the courtyard. It's Mindy and Jasmine.

"Hey guys, Alexis up yet?" I ask.

"Yep, we got her up at 10, though she seemed awfully grumpy." Jasmine says, almost in a mood herself.

"Oh don't be hard on her guys, we both had a late night." I try to explain for my friend.

"Speaking of late nights, why were you coming from the Boy's Dorm?" Mindy asks suggestively. Damn she has no idea how close she is.

"I went to visit Tom, I got a letter from mum and thought he'd want to see it." The easiest excuse passes through my lips and the girls bring me into the girls' dorm.

"I'm hungry, let's go eat."

The day passes easily and soon it's falling dark. I pull my coat on ready to meet Zane. I pull myself out of my large window easily, and slide down the draining pipe. As I get to the port, I narrow my eyes as I see an unusually feminine figure walking to the lighthouse. Alexis?

"Zane?" Alexis wonders as she sees Zane standing on the pier. "Hello? What are you doing out here?" She asks an unmoving Zane, I strain to pick up her words from so far away.

"Nothing. I just felt like being alone." He answers neutrally.

"You know, I thought once your brother enrolled here, you'd feel like that less, not more." Alexis answers, and even as she says it my brow creases. It makes me wonder, how long has Zane had these conflicted feelings?

"Maybe that's because my brother shouldn't be here." Zane answers sharply. His words almost shock me, and I think about going up to them, but change my mind almost immediately, and head back to the dorm.

I knew Zane had troubled feelings with Syrus. And I know it's because he thinks Syrus isn't a capable duellist enough. Which is true to some extent, I just didn't think he was so adamant about it. When we'd talked about it before, he seemed to have some idea of what to do, but I'm starting to worry what exactly that is with this aspect of thinking. I curl into my bed quickly and wish myself to sleep, as the night leaves me with the feeling of hanging of a cliff.

As I wake I roll over in bed and find the screen on my duel disk flashing. I pick it up in its condensed form quickly.

_Come see me this morning when you wake up_

_Z x_

I blink a few times at the message, sitting up in bed. I quickly rummage around for my school skirt and blouse, pulling on some low denier navy tights and my jacket. I braid my washed hair from last night quickly before leaving, taking a quick glance at my clock. 6:12.

I find his balcony easily, and curse sharply as I try to climb a damned tree in a short skirt.

"Who knew you swore so much…" I look up awkwardly and see Zane leaning on his balcony with a smirk on his face.

"Enjoying the view perhaps?" I say to him, cursing once again as I try to keep my dignity.

"Perhaps." He answers, before using his tall frame to lean over the balcony and take my hand to pull me over safely.

"Hey." I say softly, and he kisses me easily.

"Hey. Were you there last night?" He asks, and I nod honestly.

"Only at the start, I decided to leave though, don't think I want to explain us to Alexis just yet." I say shyly. I miss out my unusual feelings of what he said. He nods but doesn't reply, with his arms around me as usual. I lean up to kiss him eagerly again, and we kiss and talk for perhaps an hour more. After pulling away from a kiss I end up burying my head in his chest. His lips find my hair gently, and I groan and stop myself swearing again as my duel disk starts ringing. I pull away and accept the call.

"Azure? You won't believe what has happened!" I hear Alexis' irritated voice on the other side.

"Alexis, what do you mean?" I reply, my brow creasing.

"Jaden and Syrus have been reported for being at the abandoned dorm that night. They got out of being expelled, but they've been put into a tag team to duel in order to stay in duel academy!"

"Are you serious? How were they found out? Surely all of us should be in trouble? I mean, maybe bias of obelisk blue but Chumley was there as well!" I say, almost immediately outraged. I take a glance at Zane, and his face looks troubled.

"Apparently faculty saw them entering." She replies.

"Damn Crowler." I mutter.

"Regardless, someone has to take Syrus' place. Both belong here but if this is Crowler I have a feeling Syrus won't be able to handle this." Alexis says, and I know Zane is listening in.

"I know. I'll go to Chancellor Shepard directly, maybe I can get Hunter to support it as well." I tell her.

"That's what I was thinking. We can say you were there and that as the last tournament finalists you and Jaden should be the ones to duel together."

"Okay, I'll head there now." I finish, and hang up.

"Did you hear all of that?" I ask, turning to Zane. He nods. I move towards him and place my hands on his chest. "Don't worry Zane. I will sort this out. Syrus will stay at this school and he will learn to be an amazing duellist. It'll just take time."

"Okay." He mumbles, before kissing me gently, letting his tongue swipe over my lips before and climb over the railings.

"…I should be the one to duel with Jaden!" I hear Chumley's voice as I step through the threshold.

"No Chumley. Surely it should be me Chancellor." The Chancellor's eyes widen as I walk strongly into his office. "I went there as well, and it makes sense that the last tournament's finalists should be the ones to duel for these stakes. Besides, they were there for Alexis, if they hadn't gone there a lot worse could've happened."

"No Azure, that's rubbish, it was my fault. I led them to the abandoned dorm because I wanted to check out the a.. the abandoned cafeteria!" The chancellor chuckles.

"That's a ridiculous excuse Chumley. Please Chancellor, it only makes sense this way, we should all be involved in the punishment, and therefore should be able to choose who battles in the tag team." I say rationally.

"Look, I realise the stakes are high, but the team up has been set. Syrus is Jaden's partner and I'm sure that he'll do fine." He ends it with that sentence, but I look at Chumley dubiously.

"Azure! Did you get it?" Alexis comes running up to me.

"No. Chancellor Shepard refuses to change his mind, no doubt Crowler's influence." I grumble.

"Come on, let's go and find Jaden." Alexis sighs, and we walk towards the Slifer dorm.

"…this is just practice for your upcoming tag team match, so go easy!" We hear Chumley's voice over by the cliffs. "Of course, I'm not really sure Jaden knows how to go easy."

"That's probably a good thing." Alexis says.

"Alexis, Azure! What do you mean?"

"It means, I know Dr Crowler is not going to be matching them up against any pushovers." Alexis replies.

"That's for sure." I agree. "Not only Syrus but Jaden as well will definitely be stretched."

Alexis nods.

"Alright Syrus! Get your game on buddy and let's have some fun!" Jaden says enthusiastically.

"Sure fun. I mean we might as well squeeze some in, before we get kicked out of here." Syrus says glumly.

"What was that?" Jaden says sharply.

"Oh- er nothing." Syrus replies hurriedly.

"Then let's duel." Jaden says determined.

"Yeah yeah… let's duel." Syrus mumbles.

"Here I come Syrus! Sweet! I summon Elemental hero Avion in attack mode! And I'll also throw down a face down. Your go."

"Alright. Let's see." Syrus replies.

"Hey what's that smile about? You got something?" Jaden shouts, and I noticed as well the hope in Sy's eyes.

"Well um yeah I think so. Patroid, attack mode! Go siren smasher!" Syrus says.

"Not so fast, I got a trap!" Jaden says. "Negate attack!"

"Aw man, I should've guessed that your face-down was a trap." Syrus says regretfully.

"Duh, Sy walked right into that one." Chumley says.

"This isn't a good sign. No way will they stand a chance in a tag match if Syrus plays like this." Alexis says.

"Sy, don't crack up yet, you just made one mistake that's all!" Jaden tries to cheer up his friend.

"Yeah, going to this school." Syrus says bitterly and I narrow my eyes. That's exactly what Zane said.

"No Sy, you just forgot to use Patroid's special power is all. He lets you check out one of your opponents face down cards once per turn! You could've seen my trap!" Jaden continues.

"Yeah, I know I'm no good, I don't belong here!" Sy wails.

"Wow, slow down there, I didn't mean anything like that!" Jaden says startled.

"I know you didn't Jaden. I know you were just trying to help, it's just that…" Syrus mumbles.

"No you're right Sy! I shouldn't butt in, we're opponents right now! And from here on out, we better act like it!" Jaden answers. Jaden continues to summon Sparkman, destroy Syrus' monster and deal his life points down to 2600. It was not going well for Syrus.

"Can I crack up now? I just got nailed on both of our turns! I can't win." Syrus says.

"Of course you can win Syrus! You just have to believe in yourself." Alexis argues.

"She's so right!" Chumley adds. "Don't give up Syrus, that's the first thing they teach you in freshman duelling class. I should know, I had to take it twice!"

"You're right." Syrus says with a little bit of confidence. "I can't give up the match so soon. Especially since I'm not just duelling for myself, but for Jaden! And the best thing for me to do for him right now, is to take him down!"

Something inside me leaps up at his inspiration, maybe I'll have something to work with. Especially if Chumley and Alexis keep the support up as they're doing.

"I'm putting down the spell card, Pot of Greed! And now I'll use its magical charm and draw two additional cards from my deck!" He draws too cards and I study his face closely. He looks as though he's remembering a tough memory.

"Hey, You alright there Sy?" Jaden yells.

"I'm going to play, this spell card!" He holds out polymerisation and fuses gyroid and steamroid to create the steam gyroid. He manages to attack Jaden and take down some life points, but Jaden counter attacks. He uses polymerisation his next turn and summons thunder giant, and destroys steam gyroid using it's special ability. And his monsters finish the rest off. As soon as the duels over, I jump down and walk straight over to Syrus.

"Azure… what?" Syrus mumbles as I take the cards in his hand and sift through them. There it is, Power Bond.

"Great duel Syrus! Huh… power bond? Why didn't you use it? You would've doubled Steam Gyroid's attack points and had one tough monster! Though on second thought for my sake, I'm glad you didn't use it."

"You don't understand, my bro says I'm not good enough to use this card." Syrus says, snatching it back.

"Syrus, you've got to stop thinking about how good of a duellist everyone is, when was the last time you duelled, not caring whether you won or not?"

"No, I'll never be good enough, and it's clear you'll never win the tag team battle if I'm your partner!" He runs off.

"Sy wait!" Jaden says.

"I guess practice doesn't always make perfect huh Jaden, at least not in Syrus' case." Alexis says, coming down.

"I don't get it he's such a cool guy! I just wish he could see what I see. The only thing holding him back is himself." Jaden says. Unfortunately I don't think that's true. "I mean he had this primo card to play, and why? Cos some brother of his said not to!"

Alexis' face goes into shock, whereas I keep mine calm.

"What is it guys, am I missing something here?" Jaden asks clueless.

"Yeah, that brother of his goes to this school." Alexis says.

"I don't think goes to this school is the best way to describe him Alexis." I say, chuckling.

"What are you talking about?" Jaden asks again.

"You've probably heard of him too. Hello, third-year obelisk blue and top duellist at the academy? Winner of the tournament last year? He's the big man on campus! Zane! And he really is as good as his reputation." Alexis says exasperated.

"And though it pains me Jaden, as I know what you're thinking, better than you. He's leagues away from pretty much everyone here. I'm scared to duel him." I say, trying to stop what I can already see is going to happen.

"Well, whatever, it doesn't sound like he's very good to his little brother. I'll duel him to find out!" Jaden finishes, and my internal groan is loud enough to drown out the waves.

**I've been busy way too long, and I definitely don't have a good enough excuse for you guys so I'm terribly sorry. However, I hope you can enjoy this chapter despite the long wait, I should be able to update more regularly, but please bear with me, real life has been keeping me too busy lately (sad face). Anyways, please enjoy this chapter, Read and Review as always, Feedback is always welcomed!**


	23. Chapter 23

That very night, I hurry into my coat before sliding out the window to meet Zane. I had been obviously pre-occupied with Jaden and Alexis all day, so I hadn't had the chance to talk to him or warn him of Jaden wanting to duel him. I walk warily up to the lighthouse, where he's standing there peacefully, his coat swaying out behind him.

"Zane?" My voice lifts up in a question, and he turns around and smiles, before pulling me into a comfortable hug.

"Hey, how was your day?" He asks, keeping his arms wrapped around me yet spinning me around so my back faces his chest.

"Well, actually that's what I wanted to talk to you about." I say slightly anxious as usual, biting my lip. "You know already that Jaden and Syrus have to duel in that tag team duel, and they had a practice duel against one another to learn each other's plays. But…"

"Syrus lost, I can tell that much." Zane says into my hair.

"Yeah… but he could've won. He used polymerisation instead of power bond, and Jaden smashed him to pieces." I wait for his reply, it come low, deep in his voice.

"He's still not using it?"

"He said you told him he wasn't good enough to use it." I mumble anxiously. Zane sighs and starts stroking my side as he talks.

"I stopped him from using it when we were younger, he was about to get beaten badly by a bully. He wasn't ready for the drawbacks. I didn't think he'd be afraid to use it after all this time." He sounds sadder than ever, and almost, dare I say it, regretful.

"Zane…" I try to tell him what I really thought he should know. "…Jaden found out as well, and he wants to duel you. I know he won't be able to through the request system, your rankings are too far apart, but he'll ask you straight out, this is Jaden we're talking about."

"He wants to duel me… to prove something to Syrus." Zane deduces, and I nod. "Should I duel him? What do you think?" I'm shocked. I didn't think he'd ask me for an opinion.

"Well…um… I'm not sure…. But um…" I stutter unsurely before trying to get my mind back on track. I mentally take a deep breath. "I think it would be good."

I hold onto his arms around me unconsciously, before continuing.

"I mean, not just because it would be a great duel, but if Syrus were watching… he's quite observant, and your decks are similar, if he saw you duelling his best friend I think it's very likely he'll pick up some strategy, and get some confidence back. Maybe seeing that his deck or in this case a similar deck can be played excellently would make him find what he's missing whenever he duels." As I finish, I end up curling closer into his embrace, almost trying to hide.

"Maybe… I will duel him." He says. I sigh slightly, and he turns me around in his arms. "But you were stuttering again. Have you been getting any anxiety attacks recently?" His voice is concerned, and his eyes narrowed on mine and I look away, biting my lip.

"I, um, well not really." I mumble nervously. "I think… I think I am worried though. Jaden and Syrus are my friends, and at this rate there's no way they'll be able to win against Crowler."

"Azure…" He trails off before pulling me closer if possible and stroking my hair. I feel feather light kisses on my head and take deep breaths of his warm clean scent.

"Plus… I'm worried about you." I whisper. "If Syrus leaves, I don't think it will be good for you either." I almost tremble with worry of what he thinks of that, as he places two fingers under my chin.

"Azure, please don't worry about me." He says smoothly. "Even if I lose Syrus, I'm a lot better off now than before. Do you know why?" My eyes are wide as he leans down and claims my lips comfortably, with a slow and soft kiss. His tongue quietly slips against mine, and my arms fold around his neck, slipping under his coat slightly. His hands trail up under my shirt hesitantly, resting on my sides. Lips nip lightly down my jaw and neck and small sighs leave my mouth before we rest in each other's arms, my face buried in his neck.

"It's late, you should sleep, and you don't get enough without me keeping you up later." Zane says after long moments at a standstill.

"Mmhmm…" I mumble, not moving. He chuckles then carries on.

"Azure, I don't want you to be exhausted all the time." I mumble agreement quietly once again, but instead reach my arms as far over his back as I can, slipping under his coat over his shirt, silently revelling his shoulder blades. Wow, I'm getting weird.

"Well then I guess I'll have to carry you back then." He says boldly as I can tell, as there's a silent question in his voice before an arm leaves my skin cold, looping under my legs and lifting me up as if I were weightless. I noise of surprise laces through me and possibly the deepest blush spreads over my cheeks as my face is so close to his in this intimate position. Though my heart's beating faster than possible and a million questions are running through my head, I force myself to ignore that side of me and start to hum the first tune that came into my head to distract me.

"You've hummed that tune before, what is it?" Zane asks while walking back to the girl's dorm.

"I have? I'm not sure. I think it's a lullaby of some sort, but I'm not really sure where I've heard it before." I reply honestly. Zane smiles gently.

"I like it." I smile timidly and continue humming the tune as my blushing follows, and soon he's set me down in front of my window.

"Goodnight." I say nervously.

"Sleep well." He replies, slipping a peck to my lips before I start climbing back into my room.

The next day I rise as usual and shower, and a blush reaches my cheeks as I see the recurring marks on my neck, the same as the times it had happened before. I sigh nervously, despite being alone, and quickly get ready, drying my hair, changing and applying the smallest amounts of concealer, pencil eyeliner and mascara. I meet Jasmine, Mindy and Alexis and head to the library to get some studying done. Being an obelisk has it perks, for example the obvious tip about an upcoming test. Mindy and Jasmine leave before us, and later me and Alexis find ourselves walking back to the girls dorm.

"I meant to ask you after we had got away from that creep at the abandoned dorm, but how did you know that was a picture of my brother?" Alexis asks suddenly, and I turn to her as naturally as I can muster.

"Hmm? The picture? Well, to be honest, I didn't tell you at the time, I didn't want to upset you, but after you first told me about your brother, I looked into him." I say honestly, biting my lip. I'm not lying yet.

"Huh? You did?" I look at Alexis and she seems equally worried.

"Um yeah. I found out how he was one of the students who disappeared at the old dorm, and when I followed Jaden in I saw his picture and just guessed." I tell her, my brow creased. "I know I shouldn't have done it without asking you, and I definitely shouldn't have kept that I knew it from you, but I was only worried. You seemed so sad when you talked about him."

She takes a few moments, but nods her head. "I think… I understand. But please don't do it again." She concludes, and I nod rapidly.

"I would never, especially after what happened this time." I say, and I really mean it.

"Did you… find much out about him? I'm actually kind of searching from him, in fact that's why I know Zane really, he was one of my brother's close friends." She admits, and my eyebrows raise slightly.

"I'm afraid not much other than he was at the abandoned dorm. And the cover up story for it." I don't react to that bit about Zane. "To be honest, I don't think they're anywhere else in the world. This island isn't… normal. The only thing I can really think of is that something happened in the abandoned dorm and they all got caught up in it."

"Okay. Thanks anyway, in fact-" She cuts off and turns around and I realise she's facing the lighthouse. It's quite late actually, sunset, and I can see Zane's outline in the sun.

"Come on." Alexis says to me, so I follow. We walk along the pier and Zane turns to acknowledge us and makes eye contact as we walk up to him.

"So any new leads?" Zane asks Alexis, and her eyes widen.

"Zane… um Azure doesn't um…" I realise Alexis thinks Zane doesn't know I know.

"Oh, sorry Alexis. When I said information, I may have meant Zane." I admit sheepishly, she sighs but smiles anyway.

"Well at least I know that information isn't just floating around for anyone to know." Alexis says. She then shakes her head. "And no, I can't believe he's still gone. I keep looking for some sign, but it's like my brother just vanished into thin air!"

"Don't give up, you'll find him." Zane supports, and I nod.

"Speaking of brothers Zane, we saw yours the other day." Alexis says, and I bite my lip, starting to worry about which way this will turn.

"Oh did you now…" Zane replies.

"Yeah, he lost in a practice duel against Jaden Yuki, your name came up too and not in a good way." Alexis says and I look away as I feel Zane's gaze on me.

"The big bad brother, what does Jaden want to scold me now?" He says sarcastically.

"…Actually, I think he wants to duel you." Alexis says, and something catches my eye.

"Stay back Jaden!" I hear Syrus' voice and my brow creases.

"Look, it's Syrus!" Alexis exclaims, while I try to figure out what's going on. Syrus pushes off on a makeshift raft but not before Jaden jumps on neatly…before tipping them both into the water. Honestly, these slifers…

"Help me, I can't swim!" I hear Sy squeal, and my eyes roll incredulously. It looks like the water isn't even that deep.

"And you were about to raft out into the ocean?! That makes sense!" Jaden exclaims. Alexis, Zane and I start walking over.

"I'm coming!" Suddenly Chumley comes running, but as he jumps in, the water only reaches his middle. "It's shallow." Jaden and Syrus surface not far away, and I shake my head to Alexis.

"Why are you trying to stop me Jaden? I stink, please just let me go." Syrus wails. "They'll assign you a better tag partner, and you'll have a much better chance at winning the match."

"Sy that's your brother talking, come on pal!" Jaden argues. "You gotta believe in yourself."

"You've got to believe me! I'm a lost cause."

"He is right you know." Zane speaks and they finally realise we're here.

"Zane!" Syrus says.

"So that's the school's top duellist." Jaden says.

"You dropping out?" Zane asks shortly.

"Yeah, well kinda." Syrus replies. I see Zane hesitate his answer, and Syrus looks startled.

"Zane…" I murmur from beside him and he casts the smallest glance at me.

"If you're so undetermined, it's about time." He finally answers. I see what he's trying to say, but he can't say it outright. It's understandable, but Syrus looks devastated.

"He's wrong." Jaden tells Syrus. He then turns angrily to Zane. "You're his big brother! How can you say that?"

"Because, if he has no determination, he'll never make it." Zane answers. "And I know it."

"Yeah well I bet you think you know it all bus guess what you don't!" Jaden argues. "And I'm gonna prove it right now let's duel!"

"No Jaden!" Syrus gasps, and I place my hand lightly on Zane's arm, almost silently pleading him to take the challenge.

"Duel, a slifer? Sure why not?" Zane says smirking. "It's been a while since I've gone slumming.

"Then get your game on." Jaden says feistily.

"Jaden he's good!" Syrus says worriedly.

"I'm sure he is." Jaden answers shortly.

"Duel!"

"Oh man, my big brother taking on my best friend? There's no way that this could turn out good!" Syrus worries himself silly, and I smile encouragingly at him.

"I wouldn't worry Syrus, whichever of them loses, both have the ego to not get knocked down too much." I say rationally, and Alexis giggles in agreement.

"Okay, now we find out what's going on with Sy and his bro, and we find out, how I rank with the best!" Jaden says excitedly. "Here I come Zane! First I summon, Elemental hero Avian in attack mode! And I think I'll go and throw down a face down while I'm at it."

"That's all huh?" Zane says. As I look at his profile in his duelling stance, I can't help but already admire him. He stands tall and confident, yet with a calculating gaze taking in every move. Butterflies flow through me. No… I can't be attracted to this…

"Okay. For my first move I summon Cyber dragon in attack mode."

"What? How can you bring a level 5 monster out on your very first turn?" Jaden questions. He should really pay attention more in class.

"I can play my Cyber dragon because its my first turn Jaden. With no monsters out he requires no sacrifice. And now I'll play mystical space typhoon and destroy your face down card." Zane quickly explains.

"That was fast." Jaden says.

"Not as fast as your life point meter will go down. Cyber dragon, attack! Strident Blast!" Zane makes the first attack of the duel, and Jaden's life points go down to 2900 already. Zane really is good.

"Now I activate the spell card, different dimension capsule. It allows me to pick any card from my deck, then I simply place it in the capsule, and in 2 turns I can take it out and put it right into my hand." Zane doesn't even stop, and I try to memorise each step in case Zane ever mentions that thing about duelling me again…

"Man, that's gotta be the best card out of his entire deck! I can't wait to see what's gonna come out of there!" Jaden wonders aloud.

"It's your move Jaden." Zane says. Sometimes I wonder whether Jaden's enthusiasm could be a bad thing.

"Alright, round two!" Jaden starts. "And fist I'll rock Polymerisation. And next I'll roll out elemental heroes Sparkman and clayman! And fuse them to create, Elemental hero, thunder giant!" This is the same monster he used earlier, and it has quite a fun ability if I remember.

"And since his special ability destroys monsters with less attack points than him, your cyber dragon, is vaporised! Yeah, it looks like thunder giant just made the big man on campus look a little smaller I guess huh." Jaden continues.

"Yeah, I would say!" Chumley agrees.

"And the best part is that since that was just thunder giants ability, I still get to use his attack! And since your now defenceless, I'm going to use it directly on you!" Jaden says. The lightning attack swirls directly to Zane, and my eyes close as it gets closer to hitting him head on.

…**And the next chapter is up! Read and review as always, and please feel free to give some ideas and constructive criticism in the comments!**


	24. Chapter 24

The electric bolt hit Zane head on, but it was clear it didn't bother him at all. It lit up his face and the wind blew his hair away from his face as his life points dropped to 1600.

"You could at least kinda flinch… it was the same with Azure, what's with you top duellists? Oh well, maybe this face down will get to you later." Jaden exclaims. Only one face down and one monster defending? If Zane carries on from his last turn, I'd say Jaden's defence is pretty short.

"Nice moves kid. Of course, with my field now empty I can just throw out another cyber dragon." Zane continues, calm as ever. I'm not sure whether it's a front or not, as I do the same thing, but on the inside I'd definitely be panicking with 2400 life points taken out in one go.

"Or better yet two. I play monster reborn, and with just one monster in my graveyard, you can guess who's coming back." I watch as Zane's field suddenly has two strong cyber dragons on it, his recovery from Jaden's turn fast.

"But they won't be here for long, in present form." Zane shows a polymerisation card, the sequence of moves linking together. "Dragons unite! Now cyber twin dragon (2800/2100), emerge!"

"Uh? Twin dragon? One was bad enough!" Chumley exclaims, and I nod my head for Jaden.

"Now my dragon can attack twice in a round, which means, double the trouble for your monster, and your life points." Zane orders the attack, and I hope Jaden's ready.

"Not so fast! I've got a trap card out, a hero emerges! Now normally, you'd have to randomly pick one of the cards from my hand, and if it were a monster, I'd get to summon it. But since I only have one card in my hand let's just get right to it shall we?! Worughtweiler, in defence mode." Jaden explains as I observe the attack.

"You'll need him. Cyber twin dragon, double strident blast." Zane continues, and Jaden's field is wiped clean, him himself going down to 2500 life points.

"Glad you did that, cos when Wroughtweiler's destroyed his special ability activates! It brings one elemental hero, and one polymerisation back from the graveyard and into my hand. And just when you thought you could probably stop worrying about him huh Zane?" Jaden retaliates, and I'm impressed by the use of his special abilities.

"I don't worry." Zane replies shortly, and I can't help but smile. Jaden starts to laugh.

"Man you're chill! Not worrying, not even flinching?! You are good!" Jaden starts.

"You too, Jaden" Zane replies, and my lips part at his acknowledgment. This is a good duel. No matter the outcome, I'm sure Jaden, Zane, Syrus and everyone watching will have taken something useful from it.

"But where was I? Oh yeah, I was about to summon Elemental hero bubbleman in attack mode. And since bubbleman's the only monster out on my field, I can use his special ability to draw two more cards to my hand." Jaden draws his card, and Winged Kuriboh appears once more over his shoulder. Though I hate to say it, I doubt winged kuriboh will be of much help, apart from as a sacrifice.

"Alright Zane, I play Polymerisation, and fuse my elemental hero bubbleman with elemental hero clayman. Now elemental hero mudball man(1900/3000), rise in defence mode!" I'm impressed Jaden managed to pull out a monster with enough defence points to go against Zane's twin dragon, but I'm sure that won't stop him.

"Now give me your best shot Zane!" Jaden finishes.

"My best shot? You got it." He replies, and the capsule rises from the ground. "It's been two turns since I first activated different dimension capsule, and now I can take the card I first put into it and add it to my hand. You played well, but not well enough." All it takes is that line, and a look in his eyes, and I know the duel is over.

"Hey, give me what you got, I'm ready!"

"I'm sure you are, a good duellist is ready for anything, at that means not only knowing how to use all their cards, but knowing how to play them too, and you play your cards well Jaden." I smile stretches over my face. Is it alright for me to be proud of him? At first he wasn't even sure if he would duel Jaden, but now he's complimenting him.

"First I'll activate this de-fusion card that splits my monster back into two separate cyber dragons. Next, I'll activate the magic of power bond!" I see the card Syrus was holding back at that last duel, knowing the consequences. "With this spell card I'm allowed to summon a machine type fusion monster, and with another cyber dragon in my hand as well, I can now fuse three of them together to create, the cyber end dragon (4000/2800)." A magnificent metal dragon forms on the field, and my eyes widen at Zane's strongest monster.

"Plus, its attack points are doubled thanks to power bond's effect. And keep in mind, when cyber end dragon attacks, the difference between its attack points and your monster's defence points are dealt to you as damage."

"Just hang tight! If you can survive this attack you can win for sure because of power bond's nasty side effect!" Chumley yells to Jaden.

"Chumley's right, at the end of the turn power bond is used, the player who activated the card takes damage equal to the monster's original attack points." Alexis says, but I'm afraid Jaden has no way out for this, the exit is shut.

"Cyber end dragon, attack mudball man! Super strident blaze!" Zane says, and I watch as Jaden and his monster are destroyed. Duel over.

Jaden sinks to his knees, and Chumley shouts to him.

"I can't believe it, he lost." Alexis says, and I nod. Just as Syrus starts wailing for his friend, Jaden looks up.

"Thanks for a great duel Zane." Jaden smiles. Zane smirks, and turns on his hell before looking back. I see his eyes rake over Syrus next to Jaden, before moving on. As Alexis moves to Jaden, I follow after Zane.

"So what did you think?" I ask.

"I think Sy chose good friends." Zane answers, and I smile.

"You looked like you rather enjoyed that duel." I say, and he nods.

"Definitely a good opponent, though I'm still waiting to challenge the one who beat him." Zane replies. My brow furrows before I realise.

"What? No…. um… I don't…. I don't think…. Um…" I make a futile attempt to find a reply to discourage any kind of match between us.

"Azure relax." Zane tells me, looking over his shoulder briefly before curling his arm around my shoulders, bringing me closer. "Stop worrying. I didn't mean to make you panic."

"I… I just…" Words leave me as my brain frantically works to find a way to redeem my speech, failing miserably as usual.

"Azure." Zane mumbles quietly, and I turn to look up at him. His earlier intense gaze now looks down on me softly. "You're having marked duels tomorrow, do you think you're prepared?"

I nod softly, my eyes still wide, not being able to pull away from his gaze. "I just hope I'm not put up against Jaden. I don't think I'm in the mood to try and beat him. Speaking of which…" I mumble before taking in our close proximity. Before I can change my mind I press on to the top of my toes and kiss Zane lightly before retracting as fast as possible and facing away with a deep blush on my cheeks. "…well done for winning."

I don't turn round as he resumes walking, leading me along with him, but I can feel his smirk from here. What the hell did I just do? Argh I feel so weird, what the hell was I thinking? Okay perhaps I … no no no, it was stupid that was the girliest thing ever I hate myself!

I shake my head and look forward, and blink as I recognise the girl's dorm. We come to a stop in front of the drainpipe leading up to my window, and Zane turns me to him, smirk still on his lips.

"If I'm correct that was the first time you kissed me." He says smug, and a blush and scowl at the same time. But before I can start thinking of a reply, his fingers lift my chin into a comfortable kiss, my arms lifting to his shoulders. He breaks of, and smiles. "Get some sleep Azure. We can't have you falling asleep in your duel."

"Mmhmm. Goodnight, make sure you sleep as well." I reply, and climb up the drainpipe as modestly as possible in my skirt while Zane watches in case I fall.

My eyes flash open and I groan, for some reason my body chose this morning to feel the aftereffects of losing sleep. It's annoying really, I get about the same amount of sleep most nights, and average of six, yet I only feel especially tired during the day when I actually need to be awake. I step into the shower in a first attempt to wake myself up, before dressing and all the normal stuff. I tie my fringe up into a half-up half-down hairstyle to keep it out of my face while I duel. I never really noticed before, but it can sometimes get a little annoying.

I walk out of my dorm and down to the common room and straight to the coffee machine in a second attempt to wake up, and make myself a double expresso. I used to always have lattés, but on days like this which have been increasing of recent, I need the caffeine.

"How can you drink it that strong?" Alexis' voice comes towards me, and I wave in greetings.

"I like it, plus the caffeine always helps." I answer honestly, and she sits down next to me.

"I almost wish I liked it just so I could use the caffeine, just watching last night seemed to tire me out more than usual.

"Same. Why do you think I'm having this?" I reply. "Speaking of which, how was Sy after watching the duel? I mean, Jaden didn't win but it was one heck of a duel. Zane used power bond perfectly as well."

"Really quite good! When I left them they were in high spirits, rushing off to get food. Syrus definitely has at least a little confidence boost, or at least has the knowledge of how to play his cards better." Alexis replies, plopping a teabag into her mug of hot water.

"And speaking of which to you, how was Zane? I think he actually had to try in that duel!" Alexis asks in turn.

"Yeah, I think he really enjoyed it. Jaden is always a formidable opponent." I agree with her. "Well, I'd love to stay, but I've finished this coffee, and I wanted to go and speak with Hunter, before I run out of time and he leaves." I say dejectedly, and Alexis nods.

"Don't worry about it Azure, I'll see you at the marked duels."

I make my way to the obelisk blue boy's dorm, where my brother is staying, and politely ask a second year to tell Hunter I'm waiting for him. He appears from the double doors with two steaming cup of coffee in his hand.

"Coffee?" Hunter offers, and I accept happily. "So, what brings you here? Though I have no objection to quality sibling time, though I know we both wake up early doesn't mean we meet this early." I chuckle and shake my head.

"I did have something I wanted to talk to you about actually. Let's sit." I take my place on a bench a little away from the boys' dorm, away from prying ears.

"Late night? You look tired." Hunter notices. I shrug.

"Not much later than usual, but I was watching a duel between practically the best duellists in the school."

"And that doesn't include you?" Hunter replies, eyebrow raised teasingly. I chuckle once again and shake my head.

"It was just exhausting. So much was going on. A great duel though." I explain.

"Does it have anything to do with what you want to talk to me about? Did something happen and you need big brother's help?" Hunter teases once more.

"Hunter! Stop it, though you are slightly right, it's not like that." I tell him. "I already planned on talking to you about it."

"Okay then, spill." Hunter says relaxed, and I bite my lip as I start.

"Well… since coming to duel academy, I've enjoyed myself a lot. I've been able to relax around the people here, and I'm happy to say I've made friends." I start, trying to ease into it. "And… well, with that… um…" As my words stumble, Hunter just waits patiently as always.

"I've grown close to someone in particular." I conclude, wondering if that got the point across.

Hunter raises his eyebrows and stares at me.

"Someone in particular… is this someone a boy?" His voice is suspicious, and I cringe as he says the words. I nod anxiously, and he slowly nods his head. "So you've been seeing someone… wow, who would've thought it would actually be you who had their first relationship the youngest." Hunter jokes.

"Hunter, you know this isn't about that. I just wanted to tell you." I reply quietly.

"So do I know the guy? Does Thomas know him?" Hunter asks, his voice not giving away his thoughts.

"Well, you've seen him around the place." I answer.

"Does anyone else know you've been dating him?" He furthers his questions, and I blush slightly. I'd never really thought about it like that. I guess we are dating.

"No. It's not really something either of us want, the attention and all. I'm still getting used to being a tournament winner, yet alone dating the-" I break off, and my words tumble away from me once more.

"So, who is he?" Hunter asks, and I turn to him, my eyes slightly wide. "What, is he treating you well? Does he look after you? Is he a nice guy? Is he overstepping your boundaries? Come on, you've got to give me something! I can't leave without knowing I've left you with a perverted freak!"

My cheeks flame at his question, and I scowl at Hunter. "Um… he's not a perverted freak. And he's been treating me very well, and he's a gentleman, unlike someone I know."

"And his name is…?" Hunter pushes the answer out of me.

"Promise you won't tell anyone?" I ask worried, and he nods. "His name's Zane Truesdale, top duellist of duel academy."

Hunter's eyebrows raise even higher if possible, yet furrowing at the same time. "Zane Truesdale huh? I have seen him around, talked to him a fair few times with Chancellor Shepard. A little quiet if you ask me…" I bite my lip in anticipation."…but I guess it's your choice. He's an upperclassman isn't he… isn't he a little old for you?" Hunter says, irritation slightly evident in his speech.

"Yeah… it's only a few years… it's never really occurred to me." I reply.

"Are you sure he isn't taking advantage of your youthful innocence?" I blush wildly.

"Hunter! And no, he wouldn't do that! He never does anything I'm uncomfortable with. Nothing like that has ever come up." I answer, trying not to think of anything my dirty-minded brother is thinking of.

"Well, I guess I'll have to meet the guy to find out. And what exactly did he have to do with you staying up late last night?" Hunter asks yet again, and I hurry to put a stop to his suspicions.

"He was duelling Jaden Yuki. I went to watch. That was all." I snap at him, and he holds his hands up in defence.

"Alright, alright. You can't blame me for being worried about my baby little sister, can you? Plus, I have a few questions for him. Will he be watching the marked duels?" Hunter replies casually.

"Yes, I think so. Most students do I think. Good experience, learning new duel techniques from other, and duel cards and such." I answer thinking.

"Well then I'll have a nice little chat with him while you duel. See you later Az, I have to get going. Make sure you're not late to your duel!" Hunter tells me, walking away.

I sit on the bench in silence, biting my lip, my mind floating.

"Is there a reason you're sitting here?" I look up, and a boy with black hair with obelisk blue uniform stares down at me, and I stare back dumbfounded.

"Um… not really. I was just talking to my brother I-"

"Yeah yeah yeah, if you think you can just come around whenever you want, think again, this is my turf, and you aren't allowed around here." The boy tells me harshly.

"I'm sorry, I didn't-" I try to apologise, but he doesn't allow me.

"Didn't you hear me? People like you aren't-"

"Take a step back, Chazz."

**Here's another chapter! In case everyone hasn't noticed, I haven't been able to and won't be able to upload regularly, as quite literally I have no idea when I'll have time. Who knows, it could be tomorrow, but this apllies to all my stories in that I'm sorry for not updating for a while, but I will try to write as soon as an opportunity arises, and I hope you enjoy this chapter. ****J**


	25. Chapter 25

"Take a step back Chazz"

Zane stands confidently behind Chazz, a piercing gaze in his eyes. "You wouldn't want Dr Crowler finding out you're bullying the tournament winner because you're a sour loser."

"I…What are you talking about Zane?! I was just telling her to get on her way, otherwise she'd be late for marked duels!" Chazz remarks grumpily.

"Of course." Zane replies, eyes narrowing. "Come on Azure, let's go and get some food." I nod and stand, following behind, giving Chazz a sharp look for good measure. We walk along the deserted path, and once out of sight Zane curls his arm around my waist.

"Was that the boy Jaden won against? In the tournament?" I ask, and he nods.

"I'd try and stay clear of him. He gets his wins through powerful cards his family pays for, probably what got him into obelisk." Zane comments.

"Alexis told me about him. Oh well, not much can be done then." I say. "Oh, actually I told Hunter about us this morning." Zane tilts his head towards me.

"And?"

"Well, he was good with it… I think. Though he may go to speak with you at the marked duels to… er… make sure you aren't… er…" I struggle to phrase it politely and he chuckles.

"I get it. Come on, I'm going to make sure you're on time for these duels." He says, and we separate as the cafeteria comes in sight.

"Azure!" Alexis calls my name, and I turn my head. "You'll never guess who your opponent is!"

"What do you mean? Please tell me it's not Jaden." I plead, and she shakes her head.

"No, but its Chazz Princeton. The snob idiot I told you about?" Alexis says and I scowl lightly.

"Yeah. I met him this morning actually. Lovely bloke." I add, sarcasm dripping through my voice. "Well, I guess I'll just have to win then. He plays XYZ doesn't he?"

"Yeah… but he may have others, he has loads of decks." Alexis says doubtfully, and I bite my lip.

"I'll just have to see how it goes then." I mumble, before Alexis sits down next to me. The first duels pass rather quickly, and I see Bastian and Jaden win theirs. My eyes catch Zane watching at the top railing as usual, and I search for any sign of Hunter. None for now, why am I nervous?

"Azure Roarke and Chazz Princeton, area 2" I hear my name and stand, and as I make my way to area 2 I lock eyes with Chazz as he does the same.

"Let's duel!"

"My turn, I summon Chthonian Warrior in attack mode (1200/1400), and place one face down. Try getting past this!" Chazz starts as I look over my cards.

"Alright, I summon Water Shadow Hunter (1600/1400) in attack mode, and activate its effect, allowing me to gain the attack points of a monster as life points once a turn." My life points rise to 5600. I wasn't expecting the chthonian cards, but I've played them before and I think I remember damage being inflicted on me as well if destroyed in battle. So, I need to find another course of action. Water shadow hunter has higher attack points than his soldier, so I can afford to wait a turn to try and figure out a strategy. Maybe…

"I also summon shadow thief (1200/400) in attack mode. I end my turn." I don't have any useful traps for defence, so I'll have to rely on Shadow thief's ability.

"Too easy!" Chazz laughs and I harden my stance. "I use the spell inferno reckless summon, which allows us both to summon all the monsters from our hand deck and graveyard the same as the ones already on the field." I narrow my eyes, but two more shadow thieves are summoned onto my field.

"Now I equip chthonian alliance which adds 800 attack points to one of my soldiers for each monster on the field bearing the same name." Chazz says smug, and one soldier out of three goes up to 3600 attack points. Of course. It's a very reliable strategy.

"Now Chthonian soldier attack Shadow thief!" Chazz says, and I'm surprised.

"I activate Shadow thief's special ability, which switches your monster's attack points with my monster's attack points." I say evenly. Rather predictable. Chthonian soldier is destroyed, but we both take the damage of 2400 life points. Chazz sends a glare straight at me, and I just shift through my cards. Damn it I forgot to use Water Shadow Hunter's special effect last turn.

"You got lucky I guess. I end my turn."

"Great. I draw. I activate Water Shadow Hunter's special effect once more and lets me gain 1600 life points." My life points rise to 4800. This isn't great. I have two polymerisations in my hand, and I just drew a negate attack. Not terrible, but I need something I can use now. Not to forget his face-down. I can at least set some of it.

"I place two face-down and end my turn." I say, and he looks at me weirdly.

"If you say so. I tribute one chthonian soldier to summon Chthonian Emperor Dragon(2400/1500)! Now Chthonian Emperor Dragon attack Water Shadow Hunter!" At least he learnt.

"I activate negate attack." I reply easily, and the attack stops.

"Haha unlucky for you-" Chazz starts.

"Chthonian Emperor Dragon can attack twice in the same battle phase. Yes?" I finish for him, and he snarls.

"Yes, so say goodbye to your lifepoints! Emperor Dragon attack Water Shadow Hunter!" Chazz orders, and my monster is destroyed and my life points decrease to 2400. He still has 1600 though, so I'm not too worried.

"Okay, I draw!" Yes, finally! "I summon Fire Shadow Hunter onto the field, and activate Call of the Haunted to bring Water Shadow Hunter back to the field. Now I activate Polymerisation to summon Shadow Prince Azarias(2500/1500)." 100 more attack points than you.

"Now Azarias, attack Chthonian Emperor Dragon." Chazz takes 100 points of damage as his dragon is destroyed.

"Huh, lucky draw you punk!" Chazz snarls and I smile.

"I guess so. I activate the spell shadow freeze, which if a level 5 or higher monster has been destroyed this turn, allows me to take a direct attack on you. Funny how things turn out. Azarias?" I say confidently. I can't believe I'm actually able to use this card! I don't think I've ever been able to before, so I thought it was dead weight when I drew it first. I guess even small things can surprise you.

Chazz' life points go from 1500 to 0, and I grin as I am declared the winner. I walk across the field and hesitate slightly at the sight of his scowl.

"Well played. That was a brilliant duel, that combo of inferno reckless summon and chthonian alliance was brilliant." I say holding my hand out. He looks at me sceptically before glaring harder and turns his back and I sigh. Well there goes trying to be nice.

"Az! Great duel as usual!" Jasmine and Mindy shout to me from over the railings and I wave.

"Thanks guys! Jazz you did brilliantly as well, and I'm sure you'll win as well Mindy." I say lightly.

"Well thanks but you're amazing out there! Like a completely different person!" Jazz laughs, and I smile.

"Anyway, let's watch the rest of the duels." I say shyly, before sitting down next to them.

In the afternoon it's back to classes, and I find the caffeine in me starting to dwindle as Dr Crowler's voice begins to slur. Luckily, he doesn't ask me any questions, and I'll have to ask Alexis if he was saying anything important later.

The class ends and I make my way out to see my brother standing and by the looks of it, waiting for me.

"Hunt?" I say, and he smiles.

"Come take a walk with me Az." He says smiling wickedly, and I immediately put my guard up. That face is never good. However I follow him out and we start walking to the library.

"So, Zane." Hunter says and I mentally hit myself for forgetting about that.

"Yes, Zane." I agree. "What about him?"

"I don't know. I didn't think he'd be your type." Hunter says looking away with mirth in his voice.

"Well then what did you think would be my type? What makes you thinks you'd know?" I answer snappily.

"Well for one your just so adorable and cute-" I pout then scowl at his words "- and I'd thought you'd also go for someone bright and innocent- not an upperclassman with that air of… what is it?"

"Well I like him." I whinge. "So don't try and force your ideals on me." He laughs loudly.

"Of course, I wouldn't dream of it. He seems like a perfectly good bloke. I spoke to Tom though, he says Zane hasn't really dated before either." Hunter says.

"Shouldn't that be a good thing?" I ask honestly.

"Well yes, but, I don't know he seemed to really like you as well." Hunter says cleanly and I blink before blushing and looking away.

"Oh."

Hunter laughs and turns to face me.

"Don't worry Az I'm only teasing. I've got my next assignment. It starts next week in South Africa, so I was thinking I'd go visit mum beforehand." He tells me and I nod.

"When are you thinking of leaving?" I ask. "You've spent enough time here, so don't worry about leaving, I'm sure mum needs the company." I say and he nods.

"I was thinking tomorrow. I'll send her your love. And Tom's." He replies.

"Okay. I'll come see you off tomorrow." I say before waving goodbye as I run into the library.

I pick up a book on banned and regulated cards and head over to the comfy sofa in the corner I've grown a liking of. It's out of the way and on its own so no one can distract me, and you can't even see it unless you go to the non-fiction non-duelling aisle, which no one goes to.

After getting through the first couple of chapters I'm completely absorbed in the book, my legs folded onto the second cushion. So absorbed that I barely notice my feet being lifted up and someone sitting right next to me.

I look up abruptly and realise its Zane sitting next to me, his own book in hand. I can just read the cover, it's on specialised rare decks. I guess he's really researching on any future opponents.

"I've read that one, it's pretty good, I think you'll enjoy it." He says gently, looking at me.

"I am enjoying it." I agree, not knowing what else to say. "Hunter said he talked to you. He didn't do anything crazy?"

Zane chuckles. "No. Though there was the passive aggressive threat, but I expected that." I blink slowly, not really catching his meaning.

"He told me not to hurt you, which I have no plans on doing so." He says with a smile as a blush rises to my cheeks. He shifts slightly closer before kissing me lightly, then moving back to read.

When I think over an hour has past, and my legs are neatly snuggled against Zane's midsection as I'm almost finishing the short book. All of a sudden there's a crash coming from somewhere near the entrance, and both Zane and I are pulled from our reading.

"Sorry about that! I really didn't see it!" Jaden's voice is unmistakeable, and I shake my head. Those boys.

"Yes we're really sorry!" And Syrus. I'm pleased to note Zane no longer stiffens at his voice.

"Come on Sy, we should look up tag team strategies! I'm not really one for books but I barely know anything other than we have to work together! This way!" I from as I hear them getting closer to us and nervously remove my legs from the sofa as they come into view.

"You're in the non-fiction non-duelling aisle Jaden." I say helpfully, and he smiles as he sees us.

"Azure! And Zane! Wow, its great meeting you actually, would you happen to know any good tag team strategy books?" He asks scratching the back of his head. Sy appears beside him.

"Aisle 3 I think. Though none I've read have been particularly useful…" I trail off and look to Zane.

"… Aisle 3, under Orlando Reich. Tales of the Two. It has some good strategies including some special ones adapted from pros like the paradox brothers." He says, his gaze piercing as Sy looks around nervously.

"Thanks Zane! Are you two both reading? Haven't you had dinner yet?" Jaden asks. All about food, of course.

"No, I came here straight after class." I say absentmindedly, before looking at my watch. Holy shit it's already 8! It'll be curfew in a couple of hours.

"You haven't eaten?" Zane asks and I shake my head looking to him, and notice his wary gaze. "Come on, let's go, you need to have some food."

I'm surprised as he stands up and takes my book, checking the page number before shutting it and walking over to the loaning sheets. I fumble my way off the sofa and give a quick wave to Jaden rushing to aisle 3 and Sy watching us warily.

"You don't have to come with me, I mean if you have things to do, I mean if we're seen together people would jump to conclusions-" I mumble biting my lip. We've never been out like this on our own, I'm not sure how to act.

"Azure, relax. Maybe your crazy brother's gotten to me. I'm starting not to mind being seen with you." He says, wrapping his arm around me.

"Oh, okay." I mumble, silenced by the contact. "I guess we have been… er… together? For a while now…" I ramble nervously. How do I even put this?

"A while? Az, we've been meeting at the lighthouse for a few months, and dating for 2." He says, putting a slight emphasis on dating with makes my stomach wiz.

"…It's been longer than I thought." I say. He nods.

"What I'm trying to say is, perhaps I still want to date you privately, I wouldn't care if people saw us together either." I stay quiet as a blush blooms in my cheeks, before I speak again.

"By the way, Syrus' duel is tomorrow. How do you think they'll do?" I ask.

"…" For a long moment, I think he hasn't heard me, or just won't answer, before in perhaps the softest voice I've heard, "…I'm worried. I don't trust Crowler with my brother's chances of staying."

I curl myself into him even more, and let my lips brush against his neck. "I'm confident they'll be fine." I tell him, lying slightly. "Remember who he's with. Jaden's not easily trifled with. And I'm sure he'd never let himself lose a duel with expulsion on the line. They'll do amazing."

His eyes tilt down to mine as a light smile traces his lips as we get to the cafeteria. He uncurls his arm from around me as we enter.

The next morning as classes start, my heart feels reminiscent as Hunter is no longer on the island. Words, questions, and answers float around me in the class, and before I know it it's over.

"Hey Az! You're looking down, what's happened since yesterday in the library?" Jaden's uplifting voice stops me as I leave.

"Hey Jaden, Hunter left this morning, nothing crazy. You seem in a good mood, considering your tag-team duel is coming up later today." I answer, a smile coming to my face.

"Ah, that's a pity, he was pretty cool! And yeah, but me and Syrus are gonna do brill! That book we got yesterday gave us some last minute tips as well!" Jaden carries on.

"I'm glad. I hope it goes well, I mean, I don't think I'd be anywhere near as happy here without you and Sy." I say truthfully. Though Zane may really take a hit, although I can never be completely sure where he stands with Syrus.

"Well thanks Az! Gotta dash, me and Sy are gonna cram before the duel this afternoon!" Jaden says, waving.

"Sure, you do that!" I reply, waving as I head in the other direction.

Later that day, as I head into the duel arena and put myself next to Alexis.

"I guess today's the day." I say to her, and she nods.

"I can't believe there in this mess. I should be duelling up there too, but Crowler's stupid hierarchy…" Alexis agrees frustrated. "Did you hear? Apparently Crowler's got in some trained professionals for them to duel! With loads of experience against the best!"

"What?" I exclaim. Crowler can't do that! He's basically dooming them, though I guess he would. "No way! Jaden and Sy have improved a lot together, but not that much." I say in disbelief.

"Exactly what I was thinking. Plus, I still don't think Syrus is confident enough. I mean one duel between Jaden and Zane isn't going to fix everything. Speaking of which, I thought Zane would come to watch. I'm almost disappointed, if I didn't know how much difference there is between those two." Alexis says.

"I agree, but I'm sure he'll come." I say, but Alexis shakes her head.

"There's 20 minutes until the duel is scheduled to start now, and one of Zane's friends told me he was going to be researching in the library for the rest of the day." Alexis says, and my eyes widen. "I'd go and get him, but it's not like anyone could ever convince him to change his mind about anything."

I stare at the ground, thinking. I know Zane's worried about Syrus, he's told me himself, and I know he wasn't lying.

"I'll be two secs." I say lightly, and try to walk/run/sprint my way to the library without drawing attention. As soon as I'm out of the arena however, I start running to the library, knowing it will take me at least 5 minutes to get there, and hopefully less than ten to convince him to come. I pass Bastian with a smile, cursing the uniform for the skirt once more, before I arrive at the Library.

As I walk in I search in a hurry, looking for any sign-

In a corner of the computers, back facing me, books sprawled out, computer whizzing with information, sits Zane. From a distance I'd think exactly what any would, he was studying, hard, and didn't want to be disturbed. But as I moved closer I noted little details, which confirmed what he told me yesterday.

More than one book still on the contents page, one upside down. Only a title and date plus a few words on the notepad beneath him. The internet page, still at the very top. But most of all, his hand clenching his pen so tight it would break. Anxiously, awaiting what could be a storm, I take that step closer, and place my hand lightly over his.

**Yay, I've uploaded! In case anyone hasn't noticed through my previous updates, my updates are random, unpredictable, normally months apart, and ususally depend on whether I've been watching anime, films, or reading, which makes me remember one of the three stories I'm writing. Anyway, I hope everyone enjoys it (a little bit of a filler chapter, though Zane was calling, and sadly, I got carried away), and constructive criticism/ ideas/mistakes I've made are always welcome! :)**


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Yu-Gi-Oh GX, Friendship, Romance