Greetings once again. I want to take the time to apologize yet again for not having update as often as I promised. I meant to make this for the summer months but alas one distraction after another just kept popping up. Combined with camping, other hypes going on, writers block, it was hard to keep updating as I wanted. Still, I have plans to continue even if it is late into the Holiday months.

I am pleased that so many people supported and appraised my writing. I was especially moved when I got support and love from viewers about the Autism thing. It really is quite endearing when people are more tolerant towards things that are different via people with special needs. That is not to say there aren't those few bad apples making lives difficult for things they don't approve of. It is even more discerning when you hear about the rate of suicides as a result of bullying and teachers turning a blind eye until after it is too late. There is really nothing that turns my stomach worse than when teachers or districts prattle off the old line of "zero tolerance for any type of bullying" but do nothing to reinforce it. Makes me consider homeschooling my kids. Like seriously I swear that people are getting more stupid as the days go by. I can understand not accepting that your "little angel" could be capable of doing really despicable things like bullying but lets be honest; likely you were not such a perfect 'angel' yourself. I don't meant to rant but I just cant hide my frustrations at the blatant indifference and hypocrisy of adults these days. And that is saying something because I am now and adult.

Well all I can say for now is enjoy the chapter. Enjoy.

Disclaimer: Yu-gi-Oh!GX! manga or anime does not belong to me.

Chapter 10: Summer Plans

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The sounds of the personalized gym room echoed with the pounding of fist on leather, the clanging of chains, and the grunts of an angered man. The said man had a bandage on his nose and adorned in a white Gi (1). With a final cry, he landed his feet hard against the punching bag causing it to swing a bit. Heavy breathing exited his lips and sweat dripped from his enraged face. Chazz Princeton clutched his fist tightly. The last three days had not been so good to him. First, he had to go to the hospital to fix his broken nose, consequentially leaving him with a bandage. Second, was the taunting and jeers of his 'peers' over how he was bested by an upstart (despite being from a prestigious family). Third, he was stressing out over an excuse to his father of why he failed to get the top marks in his mid-terms. Last year, he had gotten the best scores alongside Alexis and Jesse Anderson. Now it was because of the blue haired wench, he was now a veritable laughing stock. He picked up a spare towel from one of the hanging racks and wiped his sweaty face. He ventured away from the dojo and toward his bedroom where his private bathroom resided.

Slipping off his robe and the dirty towel into the waste bin, he worked the dials of the shower and set to cleaning himself. Once he finished, he wrapped himself in a bath robe and sat down on the plush bed. His hair remained spiky atop his head. Not wanting to get his expensive and soft pillows wet, he resigned to lying his upper back against them. There he sat, thinking of the day's events. Looking on it now, he had gone overboard. He shouldn't have acted so surprised that she would have achieved such a high score given her heritage. Just because someone scored one point higher than him. Syrus always had been a better student than he was, and could hold her own in sports. Not to mention, she was significantly tougher than he was when it came to bullies; a fact that he was tormented for often. He felt remorse come over him. He had not intended to make such a big deal over test scores; but seeing Syrus get congratulated by the class and seeing her interact with that dunce Jaden so friendly-like, he just lost it. It did not help that his crush told him off. It was only after he nearly got to experience the bluenette's wrath, he realized he crossed a line. He knew how sensitive she was regarding her mother. And what did he do? Only to remind her once again why she despised the upper crust. Zane's words echoed causing a shiver to run up his spine.

He sighed running a hand through his hair. He would have to face her eventually and come up with a true, genuine, apology if he wanted to walk the halls of Tokyo Gakuen unscathed. He crossed his arms and meditated for a few seconds before a lightbulb lit up above his head. The school trip! Every year on the first to third night, there would be a formal ball held. She could definitely afford to go, money was no object. He faltered. Would she want to come much less stand to be in the same vicinity as him? Likely not, but it was well worth a shot. Who knows? Just after their altercation in the hallways, rumors circulated that she wrangled up a new friend from the Special Ed Class. Who was involved, why and how, were left to discernment? Although what is known was that within the next three days, several expulsions were made.

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Syrus landed backwards on her bed. She had just gotten word from Akina that her father had returned from his meeting with the Headmaster. He was also able to intimidate the father of one of the Ganguro bitches into dropping charges against the 'vulgar, violent, bitch' who dared to attack his sweet angel unprovoked and dared to steal one of her friends away. Luckily, Samejima was no pushover and rebuked the man's statement. It was only after Kento revealed himself as C.E.O. of Truesdale Inc. and that he (the girl's father) was employed under him at his joint companies and would have little choice but to fire him if he continued through with the biased charges against his daughter. It was later that the girl bullies were indefinitely expelled from Konoha Gakuen High School.

The sapphire haired girl smiled happy she was able to make a difference for once. Chizuru could finally walk the halls of school without fear from her tormentors. Unfortunately, that still left her vulnerable to the rest of her peers and outside forces (2). Headmaster Samejima explained the situation to Chizuru's parents. Needless to say, they were livid to learn that their only daughter was being bullied and demanded to know why none of the teachers had done a thing to protect her. The headmaster explained that a lot of the times the victim was either too embarrassed or afraid of retaliation. The parents immediately felt guilty for not having noticed their own daughter's suffering the past few months. However, they made it a point to state that if such a thing ever happened again, they would immediately pull Chizuru out and homeschool her.

Syrus felt a smile grace her lips. Chizuru's parents had asked if she could be their daughter's tutor as they heard from Samejima of her academic excellence records. Syrus internally gave gratitude to the headmaster for leaving out the part of her 'other' records. Now that she was an unofficial confidant, guardian, and friend along with tutor, Syrus needed to figure out what to do about the other things on her list. There was the school trip. A part of her was urging to her to go as she had little to no plans for the summer. After Kaoru took her in, she would spend her summer working or just hang out around Kyoto doing nothing. If she did decide to go on the trip, she would have to put up with her school mates for the next two weeks. Then again, if her friends opted to tag along, she would at least have friends to keep her company. If she did that, she could get away from her contemptuous relatives for a good while. She got along pretty well with her siblings since that night though there was a bit of tension between her and Kento. No doubt, he would ask her to tag along with him to whatever business trip he had planned. No doubt it was another attempt for a father-bonding he was hoping for.

A huff of frustration left her lips. She walked up to her dresser and pulled out a swimsuit from her drawer. It was a standard blue one-piece, nothing fancy from her last school. It had miraculously remained intact. It was strange that her school had everything including a state of the art conditioning system but not a swimming pool. Tch. She had others but did not feel the need to bring them out. A bit of simplicity was all she asked for.

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A few dips in the Olympic-sized pool left the girl feeling more refreshed and relaxed than she ever had in a long time. She walked back to her room and placed her wet swimwear and towel in the waste basket. There was no need to take a shower as there was a natural cleansing agent that was powerful enough to kill germs but gentle enough that it would not damage skin or hair. That was a perk Syrus was grateful for (3). She quickly got dressed in a simply blue slip on and white heeled sandals before heading back down to the gardens. She was then stopped by Ronove who told her she had a visitor waiting for her in the lounge. She raised a brow wondering who would come to visit her so late in the afternoon. She wasn't expecting any guest, and her friends were all busy with their own plans anyway. So who in the world would come all the way just to meet her?

She passed by the library toward the lounge where her mystery visitor was awaiting her. Her perplexed eyes morphed into a glare as they landed on the last person she wanted to see. There was Chazz dressed in a plain grey T-shirt and jeans with a black blazer on. He seemed to sense her presence because his eyes widened significantly when she entered the room. Then it occurred to her that it was likely because she was wearing a skimpy dress that showed a significant amount of skin but not too much.

Chazz sat on the lounge chair for a while. The sound of clicking heels approached him. He looked to his left and his eyes widened when he saw the girl's appearance. Her hair that usually done up was flowing down her back, she was adorned in a simple blue slip and white heels. Her eyes were not covered in spectacles. Beautiful, he thought. Of course, she had always been pretty but now the same little girl he used to play with was now a grown female with curves in all the right places even if she was a tad thin. After what seemed to be forever, the girl broke the ice.

"Pretty bold of you showing yourself to me after what you did" she said calmly. Chazz exhaled through his mouth and ran a hand through his hair. "I-I came here to talk…and apologize. If you let me' he was cut off as Syrus prostrated her hand. "If we are to proceed this conversation properly, I would prefer this to be out in the garden where I know listening ears wont pry". Syrus led Chazz from the foyer and toward the gardens. If one listened carefully, they would hear the disappointed huff of someone saying "darn it".

The pair weaved through hedges and brush to reach a tall white gazebo had a large spherical dome atop it and ivy weaving through the bars. They sat down atop the cushioned seats. Chazz propped his legs together closely whilst Syrus settled on keeping her arms akimbo (crossed) and glare at him. Chazz winced at the gesture and shifted his foot on his heel before speaking.

"Listen I came by because…I wanted to apologize for acting like a jerk back there and stuff. I was way out of line and well, there is just no excuse. So sorry I guess" he replied pathetically.

The bluenette shifted a cynical eye on the onyx haired boy. "Chazz getting all worked up over some measly test score is barely a reason to throw a tantrum like a spoiled child' Chazz winced inwardly knowing he deserved it 'although I am certain you know more than I the true reason for your half-assed apology" Syrus bit out. Chazz inhaled sharply. This was not going to be easy and it was clear she was in no mood for any bullshit.

"You're right. I have no excuse for acting out over some grades nor over the fact that you excelled over me. You are a Truesdale after all and it is …expected of you" he said thinly. Syrus narrowed her eyes. Chazz continued staring down at his lap. "But that is not why I am here or doing this. "I should have known better than to bring your mother up. I know how you feel about that particular subject." Chazz closed his eyes tightly and clasped his fingers tightly. "Yet I still had the gall to insult her to her face in front of everyone. It isn't right. So what I mean to say is I'm sorry" he rubbed the back of his head making sure to avert his gaze. Syrus lidded her eyes trying to process the fact that Chazz Princeton just apologized to her. Up to recently, Chazz never apologized or showed remorse for anything. So why choose of all times to come see her and apologize?

Finally, Syrus glanced at him. "If you are truly penitent as you claim, perhaps you can also extend that same courtesy to Jaden and the rest of my friends" she stated plainly. Chazz almost groaned. "I'm not a miracle worker Seri-san" he retorted. Both stilled upon hearing the familiar nickname. "It's Syrus not Seri. Remember that" she said deadpan. Her eyes held a distinct sadness to them. Chazz gulped. "Right" he whispered quietly. A deep hush fell over the two. They both knew that after 5 ½ long years, things would never be the same between them. Chazz cleared his throat. Syrus stared at the steadily receding sunlight signaling the end of the afternoon into night.

"Listen Chazz, I wont say I forgive you right away because frankly I am still very raw about the situation. However, I will promise to be somewhat civil with you given that you don't behave like such a sod" she emphasized slowly. Chazz blinked rapidly at her. She had not forgiven him but it was start. Chazz smiled crookedly at his ex-bestfriend. "Deal. And I promise not to go off the wall next time you outdo me in grades. And that you don't act like you're Wonder Woman; seriously the whole 'I'm-the-hero-whose-gonna-change-the-world-thing' is so 90's".

Syrus chuckled shaking her head. "Sorry Chazz! Cant promise you the latter but I can promise you that I will try to reign in my temper and do whatever I can to make our relationship work". They both smiled at eachother. It was until the silver eyed female saw the steadily receding sunlight on the shaded landscape did she realize how late it was. "Oh crap it's almost dinner" she muttered. "Are you going to need a ride home?" she asked him. Chazz shook his head. "I think I'll just walk home. It's a warm night anyway and I doubt anyone will be home" he assured her. Syrus furrowed her brows. "I would feel more comfortable with Ronove driving you home. Plus, knowing how dangerous the streets can be at night…" she said no more and continued walking. Chazz grinned at the concern the bluenette showed. He skid to a halt remembering his second reason for coming.

"Are you coming on the trip? Or are you planning anything with your friends?" he asked. Syrus stiffened and clenched her fist. She calmed slightly. "I-I-I don't know. I haven't thought that far to be perfectly honest. It would depend on who else is going". Chazz shrugged. "Well I know Alexis is going and those other two girls she always hangs out with. I don't know about anyone else. Plus, I would like to have some fitting female company to talk to. Much better than Miho and her mindless giggling posse" he said in disgust. Syrus almost giggled but merely smiled. "I will have to see. Jamaica is the destination correct?" she asked earning a nod of clarification. She led Chazz back to the lobby area. "I uh, heard that you befriended a girl from the Special Ed Class. Is that true?" the raven asked his face scrunched slightly. Syrus glanced at him perplexed. "Yes I did. What of it?"

Chazz rubbed his arms. "Mattaku (geez) you've always been one to befriend weirdos but a special of all things?" Syrus skid to a halt. They had just reached the middle of the lobby. It was completely quiet. Suddenly, he realized with that all his hard work was undone with his thoughtless statement. The sapphire haired girl grasped the front of her dress tightly in her fist. "You know, there is nothing that turns my stomach worse than when some ignorant ass like yourself demeans and belittles another human for things he or she can't control! Chizuru is a person. And if you and the rest of the world knew that, you wouldn't be standing there making thoughtless base assumptions like an ass' she slapped a hand over her mouth stopping her tirade. Her eyes shut tightly. She crossed her arms not looking up at him.

"Listen Chazz, just-just don't do it again" she whispered sadly. Chazz said no more. Ronove entered the lobby. "Pardon me Ms. Truesdale but will you be needing a transport for Mr. Princeton here?" he addressed her. Syrus composed herself and nodded. "Yes please. Thank you Ronove" she greeted the butler. Ronove bowed in turn. "I will get started on that then". Chazz glanced back at the girl. "A ride home? I figured after what I just said, you were going to throw me to the curb". Syrus shrugged. "At first I thought I was but I figured, you were just being stupid again and decided to let it slide. Besides, I think that punch in the nose was punishment enough" she replied laughingly. Chazz swiveled his foot and tented his fingers. "So are you still up for the trip?"

Syrus sighed in exasperation. "I think it would be better if I didn't see my classmates for the rest of the summer. I would rather spend that time either reading books, or explore the town. Never did get to see the marvels the city had to offer, ya know". Chazz was about to answer but he was interrupted by someone clearing their throat. They both turned to see Ronove. "Madam, the transport for Mr. Princeton has arrived". Chazz sighed. "Well this is goodbye for now, I guess. I…I might try to send a souvenir to you. So long, Seri-chan".

Syrus watched as he was led out of the lobby way by Ronove. A slight laugh escaped her lips. She had almost forgotten her 'former' nickname since coming to the mansion. She was about to head toward the dining hall when she remembered her less than appropriate attire and proceeded to head to her bedroom to change.

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Syrus stepped into the dining room adorned in a modest grey blouse and loose black pants that fluttered around her legs. She greeted her siblings with a blank smile and sat down. There was no sign of her aunt or other relatives. Kento cleared his throat gathering the girls' attention.

"Good afternoon children. As you have noticed I have not been present the last few days as I have been quite busy dealing with certain things I will not go into detail about. However, I will say it leaves me plenty of vacation time with my family". All three Truesdale children stared at their father. Zane piped up.

"Wait a minute father, don't you normally have a business trip around that time?" he asked. Kento nodded. "I do but your Aunt Izanami has agreed to take over business transactions for me along with your cousin to compensate for damages. But lets not get into that. Now to more important matters: What do you three all plan to do for the summer vacation. If I'm not mistaken, the trip is taking place in Jamaica by boat correct?"

Zane shrugged. "I was thinking of going with Atticus and Yusuke on the school trip" he responded blandly. Kento turned to Syrus. "What about you dear?" Syrus also shrugged. "Well, I haven't really thought that far to be perfectly honest. I mean I was just thinking about hanging around here or going somewhere else in Japan; possibly Atami or Sapporo".

Kento furrowed his brows. "Syrus are you concerned about not being able to afford the trip because if it is I can pay for you. You only need to ask" he offered gently. Syrus shook her head. "It's not that otou-san. It's just that…sigh…after the exams, I would prefer not to face any of my classmates over the course of the summer, at least until the Fall Semester. I actually want to take the time to just relax and spend time with my friends". Kento frowned in disappointment.

"Syrus, I assure you money is no object. If you desire it so, I can grant you and your brother private quarters on the boat so you and your friends won't be disturbed. Also, if you don't wish to travel abroad with your classmates, I have a timeshare in that region which I can use anytime I see fit". Syrus pursed her lips and crossed her arms. She pondered over her father's offer of time away from her obnoxious schoolmates; friends excluded. At the same time, she knew Kento would use it as an excuse to get to know her better. She figured the man was using her to fill in the void her mother left, something that angered her. Then again, she could always find escape with her friends if need be. Then, it struck her…

"Tou-san, if I decide to go is it too much to ask if I bring along a few friends as well?" she inquired slowly. Kento smiled. "Of course dear. May I ask who?" Syrus nodded.

"There is Jaden Yuki, Mayumi Nosette, and Chumley Huffington are a few. The others are going on the boat. Oh and one other girl" she added. Kento nodded. "I know those three. I actually work with the Yuki's on a number of cases. I also know the Nosettes. They own a fabric manufacturing company in France and one in Japan as well. I also have had the pleasure of working with the Huffington's a bit. They work primarily in hot sauce and fine liquor, the latter which Mr. Huffington could do well to cut back on" he added causing his kids to snicker quietly.

Zane interjected. "Would this girl happen to be the one you defended against that Ganguro chick just last week?" Syrus nodded. "Her name is Chizuru. She is on scholarship and also part of the Special Ed classes at school. I am not sure if her parent will allow her to attend. If they do, I think her parents would prefer that she travel with a person they trust instead with the other students. I mean considering her treatment at the hands of those bi-I mean acquaintances of hers the last few months, I wouldn't expect anything less", she replied somberly. Kento nodded.

"Don't fret my child. I will speak with her parents. I will make the proper arrangements and personally finance the trip myself". Syrus gaped at her father with newfound respect and confusion. He had expected some resistance from him. He had been brought up to run the company and maintain and honor the family name. Sure enough, even he could not deny he held the same sentiments he and the upper class held toward the 99% (4). Hearing him say all he would do for her and her friends, made her smile.

"Thanks Father. I will be sure to tell my friends that". She at the rest of her meal undisturbed.

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It had been a gamble getting the Takada's to agree to allow their daughter to go on the trip. Eventually, the conceded given that she be accompanied and watched over closely. Syrus lay on her bed glancing up at the ceiling. Now that Chizuru was taken care of, another issue surfaced. She knew she needed to pack for the trip, easy enough right? Possibly so, if it was only just a trip that included relaxing in the sun and swimming in crystal clear waters. But no; there has to be a dance included and that meant one thing: What the heck was she going to wear? She craned her head to stare at the doors of her walk-in closet (A/N: So wish I had one). After coming to the mansion, she had little need to shop for new clothes since they had already been provided for her upon arriving. The ones she had before had been mostly thrift store items as they were all she could afford. Akina had been kind enough to take her shopping for new outfits and embarrassingly enough some new lingerie as well. She kept her old school swimsuit and other outfits she kept just for keepsakes.

Luckily, Alexis had invited her for a weekend shopping excursion before the big trip as a way to commemorate making it through the mid-terms. It made her feel slightly guilty that she was steadily growing accustomed to the benefits of her newfound wealth. A steady reminder that she was turning into one of those rich snobs she scorned so much. She grasped her mother's pendant for encouragement.

"Do you think I am changing for the better or worse?" she asked. At times like these, she would look to her mother for guidance. She then remembered something her mother once told her.

"Don't take for granted the blessings you receive. Rather use those fortunes to bestow help to those in need and never indulge too greatly into material pleasures, lest greed consume you".

Syrus opened her eyes and smiled wide. She walked up to her windows and pulled the drapes allowing the moonlight to fill the bedroom. She sat there peacefully watching the stars and moon. For the first time in her life before her awful time in the foster system, things were looking up for her. Whatever trials came her way, she would persevere.

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What do you think? It took me a long time but I finally got to it. Like I told you all before, some of the story is based off Boys over Flowers and the fanfiction trope of the rags to riches skit and everything else. The only difference is that the titular protagonist fights back and doesn't take guff from no one. I will do my best to update but that will depend on if my job will allow it. Please be patient with me faithful readers. Next chapter: The Trip

Chapter Footnotes

(1) A white training uniform/robe for martial arts.

(2) Just like Gran Torino, bullies won't go away with wishful thinking. Where there's one, there is usually more.

(3) There are some pool cleaners that are safe for human use.

(4) The layman's term for the working or middle-class. Opposite of the 1%.