Yu-Gi-Oh GX: The American Duelists

Chapter 1 - The American Duelists

A teenage boy stands alone in a snow-covered parking lot outside of a decrepit hobby shop. The large red letters reading Dreamer's Recreation Center are mis-aligned. Like much of this town, the architecture is outdated by at least a century, and has fallen into disrepair. The weathered brick walls are cracked, and all but a few shabby patches of paint have flaked off or been weathered away. A cold wind carries the snow drifts off the roof in clouds of ash gray powder.

The boy watches a group of kids an isle over as they are escorted inside by an older boy, most likely an older brother of one of the boys. He stares vacantly at the dim white glow coming from the entryway of the building, and his hand brushes across the deck box hanging from his belt. Exhaling into the cold wind, he watches his breath blend with the drifting powder, obscuring the mis-aligned letters, and he wonders "Why did I even bother to come here?"

A group of grade school boys run by him with their young mom and dad trailing behind them. They are anxious to test the new duel disks they got for Christmas. They cautiously pass the much older boy without saying a word. Once they are by, they continue prattling on about the new features this disk has over the last model.

"They're afraid of me." The teenager thinks, but it's not all that surprising. It's to be expected when you're a 6 foot tall 16 year old with a body built more like a boxer's or a football player's than a guy who plays card games. "It's bizarre, no matter how you look at it." He reminds himself. He takes another long glance over the building.

"I really should have played Football." He sighs into the howling wind. A piercing cold breeze sends a sharp shiver down his spine, effectively snapping him out of his thoughts and back to reality. He blows into his hands for warmth. "It's too late for that now." He exclaims definitively. With another deep stinging breath, he marches through the snowy parking lot towards the front doors of the Recreation Center.

The sliding doors open automatically, and a distorted automated female voice greets him sincerely. "Welc-come to Dreame-rszzz... Rec- center, for all your hob- needs under one -oof..." One look around makes him reconsider his decision to come inside. The decrepit old building looks like a hold-over from the first world war, and it is packed full with little kids and tweens. Many of them are dueling at old-fashioned scaled down hologram tables, while the kids with wealthier benefactors duel using their duel disks at the designated areas around the large open floor.

He takes his time circling the main floor room, taking in the duels as he passes. He passes a younger boy playing a jumbled deck of random cards on one of the small hologram tables. He is nearly in tears as he watches his Armor Exe turn to dust at the end of his turn. He pouts that he has Skill Drain though. His opponent, an older boy, is obviously exasperated. He shakes his head and explains to the kid that Skill Drain doesn't negate costs. He summons his Mystic Tomato and attacks for the win. After the duel, the older boy's friends try to help the kid fix his deck, but the little kid doesn't want to listen. He runs off crying.

Farther along on one of the other duel tables, two boys talk trash at the speed of light, which is a fitting pace worthy of their duel. Monsters enter the field and leave before fully materializing. Spells and traps seem to vanish as soon as they are set or played. It's tough to see what is going on, but they appear to be using the exact same decks. For a moment he is able to follow the duel as one of the boys summons Slate Warrior. The other boy activates Bottomless Trap Hole, removing the Demon from play. The boy sets 2 cards and ends his turn. The other boy summons a Slate Warrior of his own, only to have his opponent respond with a Bottomless Trap Hole. He sets a S/T and ends his turn. At his end phase, the other boy destroys it with a Dust Tornado.

The other boy flip summons a Dekoichi and attacks right into a Sakuretsu Armor. The other boy summons his own Dekoichi, only to have his destroyed by a Sakuretsu Armor. The next turn, they play different monsters, and beyond that, it is impossible to tell what is going on. The only hint any of the spectator's have regarding who's winning the duel comes in the form of jumbled profanities and slanderous insults from one of the two boys. The duel continues like that long after both of their hands are depleted.

"Things never change here." He mutters. This is exactly why he didn't want to come here. He shows up, and he either finds himself facing little kids who barely understand the rules of the game, or experienced players with attitudes and pretty much the same decks he faces from month to month. On top of that, this building was originally a car manufacturing plant back in the days when cars were started by hand crank. It was used for making bombs in 2 world wars, and after it was shut down numerous times, it was converted into something that can only be called a Recreation Center in name. Even the basketball courts and arcade that were once here have been removed do to gang violence and rampant drug dealings. It's just a duel floor now; with overpriced hologram tables and a local tournament twice a week. And, he is also quite certain that the rusted beams holding the roof together and supporting the walls will cave in at any moment.

He leaves the duel floor for the card shop, where he at least hopes he can get some new cards. He enters the huge card shop room, where display cases and glass counters are filled with shelves full of single cards. Every wall is packed to the brim with cards in glass cases. It's hard to see what is locked in the counters for all the kids mobbed together in front of them, but he can see the cards in the wall display cases well enough. There are more cards here than he could ever dream of owning. He hopes he can find at least a few cards he likes that he can afford. It'll be the only good thing to happen so far today.

While browsing the case, he sees an Injection Fairy Lily. The card shines and smiles at him. His eyes drift from the card picture to the price tag. He quickly moves along. "I want one, but I can't afford it." All of his past efforts to trade for the coveted Injection Fairy Lily have been unsuccessful, thanks mostly in part to his unspectacular pack pulls. He never pulls the cards he likes, and he never has luck pulling good cards he can use as trade bait to trade for what he likes. If it wasn't for his job last summer, he wouldn't have any good cards. It annoys him that some of these people horde the good cards even if they don't use them. He watches a kid trying to haggle and sell. Between the three pages in his binder he flicks through, there are 7 Injection Fairies and more than a dozen copies of another expensive rare card.

He leaves the card shop disappointed. As he goes to leave, he notices a poster he hadn't noticed when he first came in. In bold letters, it advertises a major tournament coming in the next few weeks uptown in the city. Unlike most tournaments and their lackluster prizes, the advertised tournament will give players the once in a lifetime chance to go to a Duel Academia for a semester of studies. The contestants will even be given Industrial Illusions' newest language translator, so they can begin socializing and dueling immediately.

It sounds too good to be true. He wonders what Duel Academia is like. He's positive of only one thing: It can't be as bad as things are here. Not having anything to lose, he contemplates taking the chance. He has a deck he's been working on that may get him to Duel Academia. It may not be one of his favorite decks, but it still has his creative spirit in it, as well as the power to win consistently. He reads to find out how many people will be sent to Duel Academia, but the poster doesn't say anything more than the last date for turning in participation sign up sheets.

"I wonder what it's like?" He envisions a huge school filled with the latest in hologram technology. He can't even imagine all the different decks that people must play there. A freezing gust breaks his chain of thoughts. He braces himself to the snowy breeze until the automatic doors shut again. Back in the real world, and with the whimsical notion of winning a major tournament and going to Duel Academia for a semester fresh in his mind, he fills out a participation form. He drops the slip of paper into the entry submission box and watches his name, Michael Roman, vanish into the slot. He doesn't honestly believe he can win, but he wants to try, nonetheless. With his entry secure, he leaves Dreamers' Recreation Center.

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The day of the big tournament finally arrives. Participants, spectators, and press are gathered around one of the biggest Duel Monsters' hangouts in the city, Phantasm's Multi-Megaplex Center. This massive card and hobby shop becomes a duelist's fantasy come true on tournament days. It's a massive multilevel center designed to accommodate just about any event imaginable. Although, it is mostly used for hosting major duel tournaments. Players squirm through the crowd to all of the stations they must visit with their deck submissions, registration, and other assorted paper work, including an injury waiver form should they be injured or killed by one of the KC duel disks. Michael finds himself being herded like a cow in the crowd. He manages to squeeze out of the crowd and make his way over to a rental station, where he drops a fairly large deposit down on one of the house Duel Disks. He sighs as he watches 2 weeks worth of pay go down the drain.

Upstairs, in the announcer's box over the duel floor, the final preparations are being made before the tournament can officially begin. Down a back hall, in the security room hidden from the main floor, the tournament sponsors and organizers watch applicants getting ready for their duels.

"This is so exciting! It should be a great day." A young girl in her mid teens states with an amused smirk. She lifts her oval glasses up on her small pale nose with her index finger as she leans over a burly security guard's shoulder to watch his monitor. "This is a much better turn out than we had anticipated." She comments happily.

"It's a decent turnout." Replies a solemn boy who is obviously a few years older than her. He smirks from the other side of the room. "Let's just hope they're the right kind of duelists we're looking for." He states, folding his arms across his chest as he examines one of the security monitors. "It'd be a shame if we came out of this ordeal empty-handed."

"I can't see how we won't find, at least, a few good candidates. There are just sooo many people here." She scans over all the monitors lining the control board. There are crowds filling every screen.

"We'll have to wait and see." He replies. "I'm not about to start counting my chickens prematurely." After another moment of observing the monitors, he turns and opens the security room door. The sounds from the duel floor downstairs come rushing in all at once. "I'm going down to the floor now. Have them start the initial announcements."

"Will do." Replies one of the security guards. He clicks one of the buttons to his headset and calls up the head announcer in the announcer's box. Shortly after, the announcer's voice echos through the main hall. It is muted as the security room door clicks shut. From the monitors, the girl watches the spectators taking their seats around the duel floor, and the duelists gather at their assigned duel zones. The cheering is deafening over their headsets.

"They certainly are a spirited bunch." She says in an amused tone.

"Lilica?" Calls the boy's voice, distorted by the crowd noise, over the bespectacled girl's headset.

"I read you loud and clear." She answers back with a giggle and a wink to one of the security guys. He doesn't pay her antics any attention though.

"Is everyone ready up there?"

"As ready as we'll ever be. We have a spotter on each monitor, and every participating duelist's profile is on quick reference and at our finger tips. We won't miss a thing, boss." She states confidently.

"Don't call me boss. And, tell the announcers to cut to the chase already." His headset crackles off, and he paces the floor around the 16 elevated duel fields. A duelist stands at each end of the duel fields, listening attentively as the head announcer explains the tournament stakes.

"The winner and runner up will be made honorary students at Duel Academia for one semester..." The room explodes into cheers and shouting at this point, and he must wait for it to subside before continuing. The duelists are somber. They wait and listen quietly. Unlike the spectators, this tournament has high stakes for them.

The head announcer continues. "Along with the winner and runner up, seven additional participants here today will be chosen to go to Duel Academia under a special selection process our sponsors have deemed as their Charisma Picks. The details as to how participants will be chosen as Charisma Picks remain a mystery, even to us announcers, so duelists are encouraged to do their best until the very end." Once again, the room explodes into a frenzy of cheering.

The boy watches the expressions of the duelists as he paces around the sides of the fields. Their looks reveal their minds trying to comprehend this victory condition. The boy smiles a devious smirk. "Make all the assumptions you want. It won't do you any good." He chuckles mischievously.

Once the crowd noise has dropped a few decibels, the 3 tournament announcers all simultaneously shout, "Duelists, DUEL!" The crowd explodes in deafening cheering, and all 16 duel stations burst to life. The field floors glow brilliantly and the room darkens so only the 16 duel fields remain lit. A huge clock on either far end of the room begins counting down. The first round begins. The first 32 duelists activate their duel disks and begin their duels. The mood is intense.

From the shadows, the boy's smirk widens. "Maybe we will get some good results yet." He snickers, barely able to contain his laughter.

The first duelists duel simultaneously at the 16 duel fields. In-house cameras operated by booth operators shift between the 16 different duels and project the images on large screen TVs on the walls around the room, as well as the huge TV screens outside. The announcers give feedback on the more interesting duels and actions from the box.

The day roles forward, and with each duel, more and more duelists are eliminated from the main running. With no chance of winning, some duelists leave early out of frustration and disappointment, despite the chance that they could still win by the mysterious win condition that would let them go to Duel Academia as a Charisma pick. Those that stay are out of the main tournament, but continue to compete in side event duels. Reporters interview duelists who are waiting on the sidelines for their turns to duel. They report to the television audience and spectators outside who couldn't come in to watch.

On the duel floor, the young tournament organizer watches the duels and gives heads up warnings to the crew in the security room. They watch the duels he tells them to, and they take notes on the duelists, while sending down information on them. Lilica directs half of the crew pointing out interesting duels to her half of the staff in the room. She has them pull up screens with different duelists pictures and information, and she makes notes of their deck lists among other things. She's startled when one of the security members sounds out loudly that they have a cheater at one of the fields.

"Lilica, check it out." Calls the boy from over his head set. Lilica watches the replay.

"Ooooh... Naughty, naughty..." She sings. She calls over her com. "James, he's using a card counting system. It's hard to tell, but I'd bet my bottom dollar he has notched grooves around his cards, and he's manipulating his draws each time he shuffles his deck." She watches more closely. "It's actually rather ingenious."

James walks the floor to watch him duel from the side lines. "Let the duel continue for the time being. We can always overturn the result if he wins. I want to see how this plays out."

"Roger. Will do." Lilica answers. She watches the cheater continue unknowing he has been caught. "It's really such a shame, you know?" Lilica asks one of the security guards. "All that cleverness and crafty planning, and they never put it to real good use. It's a tragedy, really it is!" She declares in melodramatic fashion. When she realizes none of the security personnel is paying her remarks any attention, she sags back in her chair with a sour expression. "You could at least humor a girl."

On the other side of the room, the 16 year old duelist named Michael Roman duels with an intensely serious grimace. "I'll take Kaiser Seahorse as a sacrifice to set a monster in defense position." His Kaiser Seahorse vanishes in a shimmering stream of light, and it is replaced by a dark shadow on the field. "And, I'll set 2 cards face down. Turn end." He says seriously.

His opponent calls him out. "My friend got eliminated by you earlier? He said you were playing some wacked out Guardian deck." He points to the dark shadow on the field. "So, that set monster is your trump card, Guardian Sphinx." He smiles victoriously. "Well, I've got something for that." He activates his spell card, Shield Crush to instantly destroy the defense position monster. He grins widely as the card begins to vanish, but rather than vanish, the destroyed monster reveals itself. A huge mechanical golden dragon shows as a brilliant golden light.

Michael shouts, "Activate Kaiser Glider's special ability... return Airknight Parshath to its owner's hand." Kaiser Glider bursts into a golden light, and when the light subsides, the field is empty. The kid wears a bemused smirk.

"Yeah, whatever." The kid blows off his annoyance. He activates Premature Burial to special summon his Blade Knight. He sacrifices the 1600 attack Blade Knight for Airknight Parshath. Michael activates one of his 2 set S/T cards, Solemn Judgement. A stream of light pours down from above the duel field, and Airknight Parshath vanishes with the beam of light. Michael's life points drop to 1875. The kid huffs irritably and sets 1 s/t card. "Turn end." He states callously.

Michael draws and immediately activates Monster Reincarnation, discarding a card from his hand to return Kaiser Glider to his hand. He follows by activating the spell card, Shallow Grave, and they each special summon 1 monster from their graveyard in face down defense position. Michael attempts to normal summon another Kaiser Seahorse, but his opponent responds with a Trap Hole. Kaiser Seahorse is swallowed up by the hole, and it closes over it. Michael sets another S/T card. "Turn end."

The kid draws, then he flip summons Blade Knight. He then summons Freed the Brave Wanderer from his hand, bringing his hand to 1 card and raising Blade Knight's attack to 2000. He attacks the set monster with Blade Knight, revealing the colossal stone monster, Guardian Sphinx. The huge Sphinx stops the Blade Knight dead in his tracks with its penetrating gaze. The sudden stop causes the kid to lose 400 life points. The kid ends his turn.

Michael utters, "it is over, now," as he draws a card. He activates a second Shallow Grave. They each revive a face-down monster. He follows by activating Book of Moon from his hand cards, turning Guardian Sphinx face down. He flip summons Guardian Sphinx. From the dark shadow, the huge Sphinx rises, kicking up a huge dust storm that force both of the kid's monsters back to his hand. The kid activates his set Bottomless Trap Hole, but Michael counters with another Solemn Judgement. Michael offers both monsters to summon Guardian Angel Joan. The lovely angel descends from a light above them. Michael attacks for the win. After the duel, Michael and the kid shake hands before going their separate ways. The judge marks Michael for the victory.

Michael sighs with relief. His hand trembles a bit. "I'm doing all right." He tells himself as he clenches his shaky hand into a fist. "Using this deck was a good call. No one was expecting it." He sits down on the bleachers reserved for duelists. "I can't win the tournament with my record, but if I keep doing as well as I have been the past few duels, I might reach Duel Academia." He examines his cards. He has a Guardian Angel Joan, Guardian Sphinxes, Kaiser Gliders, Kaiser Colosseum, Solemn Judgements, and other cards. He wishes he could have used his favorite decks, but he needs to do well enough to win, even if it means sacrificing a little of his pride.

Michael looks around the room. It has emptied out since this morning, but it is still full enough that it is moving freely around the rooms is tricky. A lot of people with better records than him have already left. He thinks, "If I hang in there to the end, my chances of going to Duel Academia will only keep rising." He balls his shaky hand into a fist and draws a deep breath. "I can do this." He murmurs. He looks to the other duelists, and many of them are going over their decks and extra cards. He decides he'd better do the same.

The day comes to a close with the final 2 duelists competing for the victory. All of the side events had been suspended for the day right before this final duel. Michael catches the end of the duel from a TV in the card shop. The winner is greeted by some store representatives, and the announcers declare him the winner. "So it's decided then?" Michael mutters to himself as he trades. "They're going to DA for a semester." He won't know if he's a Charisma pick for awhile, if they notify him at all. Deep down, he has already come to the realization, "I'm not going to Duel Academia." He slides his Kaiser Gliders, Guardian Sphinxes, and Guardian Angel Joan across the glass counter. In return, the guy at the register hands him some cash. He pockets the money before heading back out onto the main floor. He watches from a distance. The room is so packed around the champion and runner up, that if he were to try and get closer, he'd most likely be trampled by the mob.

With nothing left for him to do here, Michael leaves Phantasm's. He strolls through the packed parking garage in search of his car. He takes one final look back on the huge building. "At least..." He whispers into the chilly night air. "It was a little interesting."

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Much later that night, into the early morning hours, Lilica and James, the older teenage boy who oversaw the tournament, sit on his spacious living room floor. The gray carpet is nearly obscured by printouts, photos, and notes taken by her and the security team. Lilica nibbles some fast food fries while examining some of her print outs and notes. The boy takes a big bite out of his greasy hamburger. His eyes dart between notes on the floor and different recordings from the tournament, each playing on one of three small TVs situated side by side on a coffee table.

Lilica abruptly states, "Okays, I've narrowed my picks down to these 7." The boy eyes the pictures under her outspread hand while taking another bite of his burger.

"You sure?" He asks after swallowing. He takes a sip of his drink to wash it down.

"Absolutely positively certain without a shadow of a doubt in my mind. These are the 7 I want to use!"

He takes the printouts to examine them more closely. "It was a disappointing showing after all." He comments. Suddenly, realizing his hands are greasy, he sets the photos down and hunts for a napkin amidst the papers. After a few seconds of hunting, he grabs one of the computer printouts and wipes his hands on it instead. He sarcastically states, "We probably could have gotten better candidates the way I was going about things before."

Lilica giggles and pulls her chicken nugget from her mouth. "You mean dueling random people on the streets as they are on their ways to school or work?"

"I got you, didn't I." He retorts. He sneers at his greasy finger tips and the greasy bunched up wad of paper he was using as a napkin. He uncrinkles the paper and reads the name, before tossing the paper over his shoulder. "Sorry, Mr. V. Patel. It looks like you won't be going, on account of being a greasy throwaway."

He fingers through Lilica's picks once more. He groans as he eyes each of their final 7 picks. "Narrowing it down to 7 from these 14 is tough. None of them are definitively great choices." He peers up to Lilica from over a document in one of his hands. "Or in realist terms, they are all totally useless."

She playfully shrugs her shoulders and dismisses his comment with a wave. "Now now, calm down Francis."

He pays no attention to her comment. "It's sad. These 14 are practically worthless, and yet, they're our best chance over all the other losers who participated. It's ironic that the two token winners, who were only meant to be for show, are actually our 2 best choices."

"Life's funny that way." She agrees. She nibbles a chicken nugget and fingers through her candidates again. "Maybe that just means you can't judge them solely by the readings you took."

He shrugs off her comment. He looks over the pictures briefly. "So, have you decided yet?"

"Whether I'll go as a representative or a Charisma pick?" She asks rhetorically and nibbles her chicken nugget some more. "I think I'm going to go as an insider... That'll probably be the best way to go about things."

He nods and marks some notes in a tablet of paper beside him. "With our 2 trophy winners, and you as a Charisma pick, it leaves us with 6 vacancies to fill. We're allowed 3 honorary students per dorm." He makes another note. "And we have 2 of our three 3 blue guests, so far..."

"I'll bunk at the blue dorm, if you don't mind." Lilica remarks as she watches him jot little notes down in his tablet. She crawls over the papers to take a closer look.

"We need 3 yellow dorm guests and 3 red dorm guests. Sex doesn't matter. I got special permission to let girls bunk in the other dorms, so long as it is only girls sharing a room."

She scans the 14 pictures they had decided on, and she chooses one of them. "This one. She had the best potential of these 14." He makes a note of her name and sticks her photo in a pile with pics of the winner and runner up. "After her..." Lilica scans between information sheets and the pics. She singles out another one from the remaining 13. "This one... And, this one..."

She continues making picks until the yellow house is full, and they have only 1 open spot at the red dorm. She isn't sure, but she keeps pausing over one photo. The boy taps the pad with his mechanical pencil. "Well, what's the verdict?"

"I don't know. I'm thinking this boy is probably the next best choice, but I'd really like to use this boy. His potential is below the others, but it's really hard to say for certain with this data. He seems special, somehow."

The boy looks over the data for himself. "He looks iffy to me." James checks his notes on the boy. He was pretty calm about the whole thing, considering what was on the line." He gives the boy's photo a disgusted look. "It's as if he really didn't care or expect to win."

"When you say it like that, he sounds perfect for our cause."

The boy hesitantly concurs. "It's your call. I'll get my worth out of them one way or another." She shoots him a thumbs up. He marks the last name in his tablet, Michael Roman. "Then, that's our group of 9."

Lilica cheers and stretches. "Yeah, we're done. Can we pleeeaaase get some sleep now? We've been at this for hours, and I'd really like to go to bed before the sun rises!"

"Yeah, that's fine. We can clean this mess up later. And, we'll begin contacting our winners in the afternoon."

"It's a plan then!" She celebrates. She gets up and staggers out of the room, complaining in a sing-song voice about her stiff bones the entire time.

He scans over his list of participants and their files. He smiles wearily. The heavy bags around his eyes fold around his narrowing eyes, casting heavy shadows in the artificial light. "Just a bit longer now... before the games really begin."

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Michael arrives at the airport late in the morning. With all of his things packed into two large duffel bags, he enters the airport and begins searching for the others. He still can't believe he was chosen. This is the first time the game has rewarded him for playing, rather than screwing him and taking his money. "It just doesn't feel real." He thinks to himself.

Michael is spotted by the group waiting at their terminal. They call out to him. And he joins up with them. Among the group are 5 guys and 4 girls, all roughly Michael's age or younger. One of the teenage boys stands out in his black vest, that looks to be made out of kevlar, and his stylish silver shades that look like the metal frame of a skyscraper with Mirror lenses to hide his eyes. He grins at Michael and says, "Look, it's our final winner: Not late enough to be fashionably late, but not quite early enough to be punctual either." In a single suave motion, he removes his shades and flicks his head back to let his stray bangs fall away from his face. "You didn't get lost... did you?"

Before Michael can respond, a short girl beside him gleefully replies, "It must have been the shock of winning a free semester at DA. It's so unbelievable, he was probably sitting around his house in disbelief until the very last second." She smiles at Michael, as if seeking agreement. Her small frames slide back from the tip of her nose as she looks up to him over the frames.

"Yeah, something like that." Michael replies coolly. She giggles at his answer and looks back to the boy in glasses. "Mysterious!"

One of the other boys comments to the one with the shades, "Aren't you an event organizer, or something? I thought there were suppose to be 9 of us going..."

He responds with a moderately amused grin. "Yes, I am the event organizer's representative who will be overseeing the 8 of you for the next semester. My name is James; nothing more, and nothing less."

He continues, "There were 9 available spaces reserved at Duel Academy for 9 American Duelists. Until 3 hours ago, we had 9 American Duelists..." He pauses for effect. "But, 1 of our winners couldn't get permission from his parental units, thus... We will be 1 American Duelist short for the duration of our adventure." He slides his shades on as smoothly as he took them off. "Anymore questions before heading out?"

"What do you mean, until 3 hours ago?" The same boy asks.

The organizer turns to him, and then to the group. "Our ninth thought he'd be going on our little excursion out of the country for several months without bothering to tell his folks. Apparently, his parents wizened up to his activities and put a halt to his departure, indefinitely." He turns as if to leave, but stops and rounds back on them. "A word of advice, for future reference; If you intend on going on a long trip from home without your parent's knowledge... Don't leave your packed suitcases by the front door overnight." He turns and shoulders a duffle bag. "So, shall we be on our way then?"

The group follows him onto the runway where the private jet to Duel Academia awaits. On the way there, one of the boys and one of the girls laugh over the other's absence. The boy who asked about him calls him a dumbass. Michael overhears part of their conversation, as they ridicule the boy for his stupidity.

He stops paying attention to them and listens to one of the girls talking with the organizer. James explains, "It wouldn't have been too hard to get someone else if we had known he couldn't come sooner, but he had already submitted all his paper work and consent forms, so it looked like he was ready to go. We didn't know he couldn't go until this morning, and by then, it was too late. There was no way we could get someone else on such short notice, considering all the paperwork, release forms, legal garbage, passports, and not to mention packing and getting them to the airport on time, all within hours of being notified." The girl agrees with him.

The group boards a small jet on the runway. The small private jet is marked by the huge letters, KC. Before boarding, James says "A quick introduction before take off."

He points to each duelist as he calls out their name. "Ash Campbell. 17." He points to an older boy. He is tall and reserved looking with an air of coolness. "Ash was our tournament winner."

He points to the boy next to him. "Kyle Jones. 16." He points to a shorter boy. His hair is spiked and he is dressed in stylish black clothes. He has an air of wildness to him, but he also fits the description of modern coolness. "He was our runner up."

James points to Lilica. "Lilica Ross. 15 years old. She's nobody special."

As he points to the next girl, Lilica smiles and thanks him sincerely for his warm introduction. James ignores her.

Pointing at a tall slender girl with long hair, long legs, and disproportionately large breasts, James states, "Hannah Daniels. She was in the top 8 running." She smiles confidently.

"I would have been number 1 if not for a certain cheap loss." She glares at Kyle who laughs off her claim.

"A wins a win, baby doll. You got here all the same, so no hard feelings."

"Of course." She replies with a smirk.

James continues, pointing at a girl of average height and disposition. She is very reserved. "Jessica Phish. 15 years old." He shakes his finger at her, and he admits he doesn't know anything else about her. She blushes slightly and admits there isn't anything else to say about her. James comments "I like that. It makes it easier on me."

He points at the last girl. A short girl with a very solemn disposition. She is very cute and her face is emotionless to the point of seeming cold, yet she is unnaturally cute, like a life size doll, or a living work of art. "Anette Black. Aged 14 years." James admits once more, he doesn't know anything about her. He asks her if she has anything to say.

She looks at him sternly and speaks in a very diminutive yet absolutely confident voice. "You're a very rude, egotistical person." Hannah chuckles at her remark. James wags his finger at her.

"Yes, I'm very aware of that fact, and it works very well for me, so I don't complain. Moving on." He points to a young man with a long scar across the bridge of his nose. One of his eyes is lazy or dead and only opens partway, while the other is large and calculating. "Joseph Ramirez. 16 years of age. I had the pleasure of watching one of your duels. It was... Interesting." Ramirez grins, and his wide eye opens even wider. It jitters visibly in its socket. The scars on his face contort giving him a creepy grim look.

"Ramirez! Just Ramirez." He states confidently in a low, slow, scratchy, and dry voice. His speech sounds restricted, as if he is being strangled at all times. "Or, you can call me by my nickname, the bastard of the one turn kill." He jokes proudly.

James smiles widely as well. "Yes, that would be very fitting." He remarks. His comment draws a stern look from Hannah, while drawing an intrigued look from Kyle. James moves on to Michael.

"Michael Roman. Our lag behind. 16 years old. Let's hope you arrive on time for your wedding, and subsequent, albeit tragic, funeral." Michael doesn't say anything in response to James' comment. With no input from Michael, James bats an eyebrow and wraps up the introductions.

"This concludes our introductions. Now get your asses on the plane! The world awaits us!"

Once aboard and their luggage is secured, they take off for Duel Academia. Most of the members of the group chat amongst themselves during the flight, but Michael keeps to himself in the back. The organizer interrupts them to mention how important dueling is at Duel Academy, as if they needed to even be told.

Reading directly from a note card in a very antagonistic manner, James points out that Duel Academy is notorious for its diversity of deck types and people. He gives them all a serious glance and states, dropping the antagonism in his voice, "People at Duel Academia take dueling and their decks very seriously. Most of these kids intend on going pro after graduation. To them, their decks are an extension of themselves. It would be in all of your best interests to do the same." He grins widely. "Don't forget, you're representing America while you're there. Let's not disappoint our gracious Asian hosts." There is a collective smile amongst most of the group, with the most obvious exception being Lilica.

"I'm part Japanese, you know?" She half asks and half states.

"Yeah... You're something." James remarks before resuming his spiel half-heartedly. When his speech has concluded, he gets up and opens the duffel bag he brought aboard. "I believe you'll all recall that you'd be winning more than just a semester at Duel Academia." He pulls from his bag a large box and hands it to Ash in a front seat. "You'll all be receiving one of these as well." He hands each of them a box, and they open them. Michael is stunned when he opens his. Resting in protective foam, is a fully customized special edition black duel disk with silver and blue trim. The hologram core is a large metallic silver orb. Beside the special duel disk is a small black ear piece and a thick choker.

The organizer explains, "These are your duel disks to keep. They've been specially modified just for this event. There aren't anymore like it in existence." The group chatters excitedly over the new duel disks. "Also, you each should have an earpiece and choker as well. These are new products brought to you by a collaboration between the brilliant minds at Industrial Illusions and several smaller corporations. They are top of the line language translators. With these, you should be able to begin socializing with the natives as soon as we arrive. They have been uploaded with the latest language software, and they are so advanced, they can differentiate words by their context and read your brain wave patterns to decipher your intentions so to not translate people's names." James gives a demonstrations. "Sakura. I'm meeting with Sakura today. Cherry Blossom. I'm going to view the Cherry Blossoms." He pauses. "I'm going to see the Cherry Blossoms with Sakura." He holds out his hands, mocking that he's impressed.

The group is genuinely excited, though. James continues to explain the features as they chatter amongst themselves. Even Michael's attention drifts as he tries on the earpiece. It clips on just like a clip-on earring. The organizer explains that the batteries are lithium ion, and they should hold out for several years without needing anything more than an overnight charging at their docking stations. Realizing that he has lost their attention, James tells them, "If you have questions, read your manuals. They're in the boxes."

The group plays with their new toys over the next hour. The neck chokers are already programmed for Japanese, and the group fools around with speaking to each other in Japanese. They laugh at their own voices modified by the chokers. Michael overhears one of the girls comment, "We'll be fine, so long as we don't have to read anything." It suddenly becomes real to him. They are going to a foreign place and they don't speak the language, know the culture, or know how to read anything. Without these devices, he is totally isolated and alone, except for these few others. Michael has always been a loner by nature, but now, he really doesn't have that option if he hopes to make it through the next few months.

"We'll be arriving at Duel Academia in a few hours." The organizer points out. "I hope all your decks are prepared." The group agrees that they are ready. He shrugs his shoulders. "I guess that means you won't be needing what's under your seats. Everyone begins hunting beneath their seats. They come up with a small fabric backpack each. Inside, they each find several packs of cards and a small plastic card that resembles a credit card. "Those are a gift from my people. Those little plastic cards have 3,000 dollars each for your expenses. Try not to spend it all in one place." The group celebrates again. Everyone immediately begins opening packs and trading. Michael doesn't bother. The long plane ride has made him too tired, and besides, he has his decks ready.

While the others alter their decks or trade their new cards, Michael rests in his seat and watches the clouds sweep by. Lilica notices him and comments with a smile. "I see you have a few deck boxes on that belt." Michael agrees, thinking it will end the conversation, but she presses the fact. "I guess that means you have more favorites than you could choose from. Or..." She gives him a serious and questioning glare, "Are you just the type of person that likes to always be prepared?"

Michael touches the deck boxes on his belt. "No, they are all different decks. I use to try and run them as one deck, but since this is Duel Academia, I decided to split them into dedicated decks and give more support to each theme."

She smiles. "How exciting. It's what I figured." She gazes over the three boxes. "So, is one of those decks that interesting guardian deck you were running at the tourney?" Michael glances at her curiously. She quickly replies to his gaze, "I watched one of your duels. I got knocked out pretty early, so I had plenty of time to spend watching other players. I remember your deck. It stood out a bit. A Kaiser/Guardian deck, no?"

More people stop what they were doing to listen to the perpetually cheerful girl talk to him. Michael feels nervous being in the spot light. She waits to let interest build, before continuing to interrogate him. "I couldn't help but wonder the whole time I was watching the duel, what was your guardian deck guarding?"

Michael feels a hot sensation in his back and neck. Something about her questions and comments is getting under his skin. He responds, "Yes, there was something for them to guard, but I never played it. And no, I didn't bring that deck or those cards with."

"Oooh..." She coos like a wonderstruck child. "How mysterious." Several of the other duelists watch Michael for a while longer before resuming with their deck preparations or conversations. The heat in Michael's back subsides, but he can't shake the feeling like she deliberately put him on the spot. She resumes chatting with the others. He eyes the girl from time to time. He's not sure what her deal is, but one thing is for certain to him, "She's a very strange person."

Over the next few hours, Michael tries to recall seeing her at the tournament, but he doesn't recall ever seeing her there. It was an all day event, and she seems to have been watching a lot. She knows each of their decks very well. He recognizes a few of them: The two boys who were the champion and runner up, and a few he only saw dueling, but not her. The only other one he doesn't recognize is the rather girl. She is really forgettable in a crowd, something he wishes he could be. But, this little girl is far from forgettable. He tries to not pay it much more attention, but it continues to bother him the rest of the flight.

The plane nears the island where Duel Academia is located. The odd girl interrupts Michael again. "Aren't you excited? I sure am." Michael shrugs his shoulders.

The tall girl up front whispers to the guys that he's the big shy type. She giggles and states, "Or maybe he's the strong silent type."

Ash responds seriously, "It's the quiet ones you need to watch out for." Hannah waves her hand at his comment and smiles.

"I like my men to make a little noise."

Michael hears Ramirez utter from deep in his throat, "Spoken like a true skank." Hannah laughs and smiles, winking towards Ramirez, although it is unlikely she heard his comment.

The organizer states loudly, "One of these things here is not like the others... He glances over his shoulder towards Michael. "One of these things is different."

Without directly facing Michael, he states to the others, "I've seen duel points recorded for tournaments for everyone here, except their mysterious giant." He taps the printout sheet in his hand. "It seems our Michael doesn't hit the tourney scene much at all." Finally facing Michael, he asks "Don't you care for dueling?"

"It's not that." Michael replies cautiously.

"What then? Perhaps its losing? Or maybe a lack of funds, or time?"

Michael honestly replies, "I don't like tournaments. Everyone is too hellbent on winning... It just... It brings out the worst in most people."

"That's fair." James agrees. "It happens wherever you go, no matter what you do." He slides his shades over his head. "I've been around the world, and I've seen and done a lot of things in my lifetime, and one thing remains constant no matter where I've gone." Everyone looks at him. "The human heart's susceptibility to corruption. Some are weak of will, some are weak of moral fiber, and some are weak to the pressures of external influences, but that one thing always remains constant: We are all weak." He slides his shades back over his eyes. "We all have our selling points, and sooner or later, we all sell out." He smiles slightly and faces forward once more.

The group is baffled by his comment. "Some inspirational speech." Hannah remarks sarcastically, which only draws a slight amused smile from James as he reclines in his chair.

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Their jet touches down on a long floating runway strip over the water on the edge of Duel Academia. They leave the jet and take their things down the strip towards the heliport and docks. James comments. "Did you know this Duel Academia doesn't have an airstrip? We had to bring in these flotillas temporarily or take a long expensive ship ride here." He looks over the group. "Baffling design decision, isn't it?"

On the island, they are greeted by several professors, one of which draws everyone's gaze from the others. Hannah and Kyle laugh and point him out to the others, calling him a freak and a fruitcake. Jessica is the most flustered with his appearance, but she tries to be as kind as possible to not offend him. Michael shrugs and says he sees stranger things all the time in the city. Kyle says she's a country bumpkin. Michael assumes they know each other. He answers in a very rude tone, "No. Unlike some people, she actually talked to us on the plane."

Michael apologizes. He notices the organizer's eye looking at him from the edge of his shades as he faces the professor and continues talking as though the professor was receiving his undivided attention.

The group of 8 is divided into three groups according to the print out sheet James had on the plane. James says he has already made arrangements for himself, and with their last minute drop out, it puts 2 people in Osiris Red. The organizer volunteers Michael, who says it is okay with him. The organizer sends all 3 girls to Ra Yellow, since he can't have the girls mixed with the boys. He places the tournament winner, Ash, and runner up, Kyle, in the Obelisk Blue boys' dorm. Lilica is also assigned to the Obelisk Blue dorm, and she is the only one to stay at the girls' official dorm.

Lilica cheerily says she's fine with that. James sarcastically replies, "well that's good. Your approval is important to me."

The last boy, the Hispanic boy with a scar across the bridge of his nose, is sent to the Osiris Red dorm with Michael.

Chronos explains that they will have an introduction ceremony later, but for the time being, a representative from each dorm will show them their rooms so they can drop off their things. The girls are escorted by a Ra Yellow boy, who has a hard time keeping his eyes off of Hannah's chest and sheen bare legs. Hannah deliberately teases him by raising her arms up to expose her chest more under the guise of fixing her hair. Jessica is embarrassed by her actions, but she winks at her and says boys are stupid. It's fun to play with them. She thinks Jessica should try. "You might enjoy it." She tells her solemnly.

Jessica blushes. "I really couldn't. I'm too timid, and..." She glances between Hannah's chest and her own." Hannah laughs at her.

"It's not what you've got honey. It's how you use it." She puts her arm around Jessica's shoulder and pulls her close. "Stick with me kiddo. You have a lot to learn."

"Oh?" Jessica replies as she blushes even redder, but not nearly as red as the Ra Yellow boy.

Anette follows along silently. She coldly states to no one in particular. "Simpleton."

Ash, Kyle, and Lilica are escorted to the Obelisk blue dorm by a male and female Obelisk Blue representative. The boy is suppose to be overseeing the guys, while the girl is suppose to be overseeing Lilica, but they end up fawning over the newcomers of the opposite sex, instead.

Chronos nods his head as he watches the two groups leave. He rounds about and jumps back, as he notices that Michael and Ramirez are still there. He looks around frantically. "Where? Where? Where?" He stops searching and examines his paperwork. "Drop out boy!" He shouts in flustered annoyance.

James asks if there is a problem. He quickly hides the paperwork, and shakes his head, stating, "No, no, no... Uhhh... It's just that... You see, our red representative is running a little late." Chronos laughs to try and hide his embarrassment, which he doesn't cover well. James hums his disappointment. Chronos sweats and explains that they'll be here any time now.

James says he isn't interested in waiting. He tells Chronos to point out where their dorm is located. "They're capable boys. I'm sure they can find their way." James looks to them. Ramirez agrees.

Chronos frantically nods his head in agreement and points up the trail. Ramirez takes off on his own. He calls back to Michael. "You coming?" Michael says yes, and he bows slightly to Chronos, thanking him for his time. Chronos is surprised by the gesture and bows as well. When he turns, he find finds James has already started on his own for the main building. Chronos gives chase.

On their way down the long winding trail, Michael notices how interesting this place is. He asks Ramirez why he thinks a duel school would be built on an island, or more importantly, if it is safe or smart to be building a huge expensive and technologically advanced building right beside an active volcano.

"Don't even think about it!" Ramirez tells him in his typical strained and drawn out voice. "These rich people never think practically. They just do whatever they want, because they can afford to!" He looks irritated. "They won't be sorry, until that thing erupts, and kills a bunch of students." Michael supposes so.

They arrive at the Osiris Red dorm. Both boys are a little confused. It looks nothing like what either had expected. It looks more like a cheap motel than a student's hostel. There is a small group of students squabbling in front of the building. It seems, to Michael, that they are arguing over one of them botching their duties to go meet up with the American students. A boy in a black coat crosses his arms, and he insists it was not his duty. A boy in a yellow jacket says it was either his job or Judai's, since they are the only Red students here.

A girl in blue sighs, and massages her temple. In an exasperated voice, she states, "Really now. One of you needs to go and meet with the American Duelists."

The boy in black quickly changes his mind, as he watches her from the corner of his eye. He stands up straight, and arrogantly states that he doesn't know whose duty it was, but he'll be the bigger man and go. The only boy in a red jacket, who Michael deduces is Judai, complains that Manjyome just said he didn't want to go. To which, the boy wearing the black coat shouts back at him "Well, I've changed my mind. It's called being unselfish, ass!" The group continues arguing.

A solemn boy in a Ra Yellow uniform notices Michael and Ramirez's appearance. He quickly gets everyone's attention. The group is shocked to see they have already arrived.

Ramirez formally declares their arrival. "We're the American duelists." He states confidently. His voice is still dry and raspy. "We'll be bunking here for the next few months, it would seem."

The group is stunned. The girl wearing a blue uniform says they should all get back to their dorms quickly. The others agree, except one boy who runs forward to greet the two newcomers.

As he approaches, Michael can't believe how much taller he is than all of them, and his skin is at least ten times darker than their's. Michael never considered himself to be that dark, but compared to most of them, he feels like a full blooded African, as oppose to the mixed mutt he is.

The excited boy extends his hand, and he quickly introduces himself as Yuki Judai. He shakes Ramirez's hand first. "Pleased to meet you."

Ramirez nods slightly as he accepts the handshake. "Ramirez. Just Ramirez." He replies. "Likewise."

Judai laughs as he offers his hand to Michael, who is taken aback by his forwardness. He hesitantly accepts Judai's small hand.

"Michael Roman. No honorifics, if you don't mind. It's a pleasure to meet you."

Judai can't contain his excitement. "This is so awesome!" He shouts. Then he begins laughing while mussing with his hair. Michael has the distinct impression that Judai has either sustained some kind of head injury, or he is semi-retarded. From Michael's experience, only retards can smile so readily and be so carefree. Two boys in yellow uniforms shake their heads as they sigh with exasperation.

The little one quickly explains about his big brother. "He's just like that." He explains apologetically. He offers a hand shake to both American boys, and he introduces himself as Sho Marufuji. Michael nearly crushes his tiny hand in his. He can't believe how weak the little boy is. The boy gives Michael the impression of someone who is very frail, so he tries to hold his hand loosely.

A moment later, a big Ra Yellow student slides past the little one. He introduces himself only as Kenzan. He shakes Ramirez's hand, and then Michael's. Michael is taller than this boy, but it is reassuring to see someone else who looks well fed amongst the group of stick bodies. Kenzan also apologizes for his big brother who gets too excited sometimes.

The little yellow student, Sho, butts in and states he already apologized for his big brother. Kenzan retorts he can apologize for his big brother too. The two American duelists are left baffled as the two Ra Yellow students squabble over their big brother. Ramirez mumbles to Michael, "So, is everyone here a flagrant homosexual?" Michael shrugs his shoulders. It looks that way to him, as well, but he doesn't want to say it out loud.

The arguing boys are interrupted by a third Ra Yellow student who appears out of nowhere to introduce himself as Diachi Misawa. They shake hands with him, while the other Ra Yellow boys look at him with puzzled expressions.

Sho asks, "Misawa-kun, when did you get here." Misawa staggers.

He subtly replies, "I've always been here." The big guy, Kenzan agrees with the little one. He doesn't recall seeing him around until now.

Misawa looks to Judai for support, but Judai shrugs. "Now that you mention it, I don't remember you getting here either." He agrees. Misawa is left speechless and blushing in front of the two Americans.

"Now... Now, I know you guys are doing this on purpose." He exclaims in an exhausted and embarrassed tone.

Ramirez side steps around their conversation to get a good glimpse of the girl wearing a blue and white uniform. He scans over her with his large eye, which is apparently his only good eye. She quickly takes notice of his wandering eye. Before she can draw any conclusions as to what he is focusing on, he approaches her. He extends his right hand, which he reaches slightly too far to his right, and he introduces himself to her. She reaches across her body and accepts his hand. She replies that her name is Asuka Tenjoin. The boy smiles shamelessly and his two uneven eyes widen, focusing on her face.

While harmless, the display infuriates the boy in black. He steps forward, in a very intentional manner, and pushes Ramirez away from Asuka with one outstretched hand. He grins coldly and watches Ramirez's face, as if wanting him to meet him eye to eye. However, caught completely off guard, Ramirez falls to the ground.

"Manjyome!" Asuka shouts in shock. He looks apologetic for a moment, but quickly regains his composure and defends his actions, stating that his introduction was a little too personal. Ramirez's expression is unreadable for a moment, but he gets up without assistance and brushes himself off without any complaints.

"Thanks for that gracious display of hospitality." He remarks with a grin of something between irritation and mischief. He looks to the boy in black and asks, "And you are?"

Manjyome looks sternly towards Ramirez, eyeing him from top to bottom. Their builds are nearly the same, with Ramirez being only slightly bulkier and more athletic. He doesn't extend his hand. After taking in Ramirez's features, he turns his head away and throws his hand out towards Ramirez to procure silence from him and the group. Then, raising his hand into the air, he shouts out his declaration. "I am the elite duelist of Duel Academia, the conquering champion of Obelisk Blue..." He drops his arm and points swiftly at Ramirez. "Manjyome Thunder, dark horse..."

"MANJYOME!" He nearly gags on his tongue. His speech is cut off by the harsh icy female voice. He turns timidly to face Asuka.

"What do you think you're doing?" She asks firmly. Her eyes are like steel, and Manjyome's reflection can be seen being crushed within them.

Judai steps forward. "Yeah Manjyome. You're in Osiris Red now." The comment obviously annoys him, but he doesn't dare retaliate. He remains demure under Asuka's penetrating gaze.

She raises her nose to Manjyome and marches past him without another word. She bows to both American duelists, "I apologize for Manjyome's rudeness. Please, do not see his behavior as a reflection upon this school or its student body."

"It's alright." Ramirez remarks, as he watches her intently. She turns sharply on her heel on the dirt trail, sending all of the DA boys jumping back at least a foot each. She glares at the group and says she is returning to her dorm, and they should do the same. She excuses herself once more, before marching up the trail.

When she is out of earshot, the Ra Yellow students all agree she can be scary. Kenzan says Manjyome really pissed her off this time. Manjyome looks at them to protest, but he can't say the words. Misawa agrees that they had better be off. He quickly says good bye to the two American duelists and runs up the trail after Asuka. The two other Yellow students follow his lead. They say farewell to the duelists and the others. Kenzan looks back on Manjyome and states he had better apologize to Asuka. He and Sho leave up the path.

When they are gone, The two Americans are left with Judai and Manjyome. Manjyome looks defeated and guilty for a moment. Then, he firmly declares he is going to his room. Judai is surprised. "Wait, don't go, Manjyome-kun! You haven't even apologized."

Ramirez mischievously remarks. "I'll be seeing you around, Jun." He has a very disdainful look on his face. Manjyome pauses for a moment, but does not look back. He continues to his room without another hesitation. Once Manjyome has gone, Judai shows the two Americans their room.

The two bunk in Judai's room. Judai apologizes for the mess. "I've had the room to myself for a long time, so it's gotten a little messy." He laughs it off.

Ramirez tosses his stuff on the middle bunk. "That Asuka girl... Asuka Tenjoin? Is she going out with Manjyome?"

Judai deliberates on that for a moment. "I don't think so, but... I really don't pay much attention to those things." He admits.

Ramirez gazes blankly at his bed. "Jun Manjyome." He utters to himself. "He's part of the Manjyome group?"

Judai nods. "His two brothers are."

Ramirez doesn't show any sign of emotion. "Why was he demoted to Osiris red?" Judai admits that he lost an important duel during their first year, and things have been hectic ever since, so he hasn't had a chance to take a promotion exam.

"What do you mean by demoted?" Michael asks.

Ramirez glances at Michael. It takes him a moment to bring his good eye into focus, which is creepy to watch. "Don't you know anything about this place?" Michael apologetically admits he doesn't. Ramirez gestures with his hands. "Duel Academia. It was founded by Seto Kaiba, the owner of Kaiba Corporation. The same Seto Kaiba who hosted the Battle City tournament in Domino City over a decade ago. It was the largest duelist competition to date, following the Duelist Kingdom competition held by Pegasus J. Crowford."

Ramirez draws a deep breath as he opens his bag and lays out his duel disk's box, and a few other things. He continues. "Battle City was the place where the three Egyptian God cards were first revealed. And it was also the last time they were ever played, before being banned. Seto Kaiba possessed the Giant God Soldier of Obelisk, while Yugi Muto possessed the Saint Dragon Osiris, and Malik Ishtar possessed the Sun Dragon Ra. Seto Kaiba was knocked out of the tournament during the semi-finals by his long time rival Yugi Muto. The same Yugi Muto who defeated Pegasus J. Crowford at Duelist Kingdom and claimed the title of King of Games. Of course, Kaiba was pissed about it. He hasn't dueled as a participant at any major tournaments since Battle City. So, naturally, when he founded this school, he named his elite class dorm after his God card and the loser dorm after his hated arch rival, Yugi Muto." Ramirez points out the small room with a nod of his head. "Look around you. It's pathetic, this dorm room. This is the dorm for the unworthy students. We were obviously put in here, because we were the last choices, for the Charisma picks."

Judai is impressed. "Whoa! You're pretty knowledgeable!"

Ramirez replies that it has always been a long-standing dream of his to attend a dueling school, even if not one of the Duel Academias. He explains, "but poor kids don't go to elite dueling schools." Ramirez stops sorting through his bag. "Now that I am here though, I'll show everyone what I'm capable of without the elitist privileges many of them have enjoyed." He glances to the others. "Before I leave, I'm going to beat all of the other American Duelists, as well as all of the elite duelists of this Duel Academia."

Judai's eyes widen. He cheers and claps. "That's an impressive goal to set." He clenches his fists and trembles. "Yeah! I'm pumped! I can't wait to start dueling all of you!"

Ramirez chuckles at the offer. "Sure. After I finish clearing away all DA's elite, I'll have plenty of free time, to play around." He meets Judai eye to eye. "But for the time being... We don't have much time, before the introduction ceremony. So why don't we spend it productively? You could tell me, as much as you know about the best duelists here."

Judai seems puzzled. He mentions that everyone here is pretty good. Ramirez alters his words, and Judai begins telling him all about the various duelists he's dueled and deck types he's played against in exorbitant detail. Michael is amazed by Ramirez's forwardness and clear goal. He hadn't thought about it, but a lot of these students intend on going pro, and if he does well here, it will prove he may be pro material as well. He watches Ramirez taking mental notes as he hears out Judai's long winded and animated stories. Seeing these two and the amount of devotion and absorption each has in this game, Michael suddenly feels out of place. He can't help but feel unworthy of winning this opportunity. But, it is too late to refuse the chance, as he is already here. Michael decides right here, and tells himself, "From now on, I'll have to be serious." His eyes narrow, as he watches Ramirez trying to steer Judai out of one story and onto the next. Judai laughs hopelessly. "I'll prove myself, and what I am capable of, as well! And, I'll do so without sacrificing my principles."

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

As they walk up the trail, Misawa catches up with Asuka. He follows her silently, slightly behind her and to her side. He finally gathers up the resolve to ask her if she is still mad. She ignores his comment and seriously asks him, "what did you think of the American duelists?" Misawa says he isn't sure, but Asuka encourages him to be truthful. "I know you must have noticed something about them." She glances at Misawa, causing his heart to leap. "You're one of the most observant and intellectual duelist here, after all."

Misawa blushes. He mentions, "That tall one, Michael... I'm not sure, but... He seemed to have been sizing us up the entire time, much more so than the other one, or any of us. Although, Ramirez seems much more forward and confident. Michael seems like the type who is naturally intellectual and observant. They both seem very calculating. They could be tough opponents."

Sho says he didn't notice anything. Misawa shakes his head. He is certain that they were each trying to get a feel of how they measure up against them, in their own ways.

Asuka smiles to show her satisfaction. "That is what I'd expect from Misawa Diachi."

"This will be interesting, if the American duelists are all as competitive as they seem." Kenzan states excitedly. "Things are going to be very interesting over the next semester."

Asuka supposes so, "If only some people would keep there hang ups to themselves." The guys all back off and laugh uneasily as Asuka leads the group to the main building.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Everyone meets up at the main building later for the introduction ceremony. The American duelists are taken to the center stage and introduced to the DA students by Chronos. James also says a few short words.

Near the end of the ceremony, the James thinks out loud that it would be fun to see one of the American duelists battle one of the DA students. Chronos is surprised by the challenge, but Ramirez agrees that it sounds like an excellent idea. He purposes they pit their number 1 versus an elite from DA.

"I have my own suggestion." James states. "Michael will duel for our group." Everyone is surprised by his choice, especially Michael.

"Are you sure?" he asks.

"You should let one of the stronger players duel to represent us. Not one of the Charisma picks." Ramirez states.

"No, I rather like this arrangement." Looking to Michael, James asks, "So, are you game?"

Michael takes a deep breath to clear his head. "There's no refusing a duel at Duel Academia." He responds.

James smiles. "Good. You're a quick learner." He turns to Chronos. "Professor, if you'd please, select a suitable opponent."

Chronos agrees and looks frantically around the room. Judai leaps to his feet and shouts from the crowd. "Me, me! I'll duel Chronos Sensei!" He begins squeezing through the rows even before he receives a confirmation that he can duel. He steps down the isles, on and over people, as he tries to make his way down to the main arena. Once there, he hops up on the stage. Chronos's jaw drops, and he stutters to tell Judai to get off stage, but Judai is already prepared to duel, and he readies his duel disk. He shakes Michael's hand and anxiously states, "This will be fun!"

James nods with a chuckle. "Then it's decided." He leads the others off stage. Chronos is left wonderstruck on the stage, alone. He looks between the group and Judai. "Come off the stage, professor." James must finally tell him. Chronos nods without thinking and quickly dives off stage. Kyle dismisses his actions as utter stupidity, but Hannah laughs that at least he is amusing.

Michael takes his duel disk out from his storage bag and slides it on. He throws out his hand and the custom duel disk unfolds in spectacular fashion, drawing the awe of the crowd. He slides his jacket open revealing a belt with 3 decks. Misawa is surprised by the sight. "Does Michael use attribute decks as well?" He wonders.

Michael chooses a deck and shuffles it before handing it to Judai. They cut each other's decks. Then, they walk over to their sides of the field. They both shout, "duel". Two life point meters appear on either side of the field behind their respective owner's. Each reads at 4000 LP. After a few seconds, both meters disappear.

The orbs on each duel disk flash alternately stopping on Michael. He takes a deep breath before drawing his opening hand. "I'll go first." After sorting through his hand. Michael sets 1 monster and 2 s/t cards. Then, he ends his turn.

"Alright, my turn!" Judai grabs his top card of his deck between his middle and index finger and draws dynamically. "Draw!" He doesn't even try to hide his excitement as he looks over his hand. He summons Featherman in attack position. The monster declares its appearance with a fierce battle cry. Judai clenches his fist and congratulates himself on summoning a monster. He points to the set monster card. "Elemental Hero - Featherman. Attack! Feather Break!"

Feather Man hurls a burst of razor sharp feathers carried in a gust of wind at the set monster. It reveals itself in a flash of brilliant green light. Feather Man is pelted by his own feathers. Judai raises his arm in defense, as his life points drop by 500 points. He is stunned, as he watches a green magic circle surround the revealed monster. A young girl in a green school girl uniform chants as she creates the magic circle around her with her staff.

A small semi-transparent flying dragon roars cutely at her side. The girls in the audience cry out, "Awww! They're so cute!"

Michael states, "When Wynn is flipped face-up, she'll take control of one of your Wind monsters." Wynn finishes her chant, and Featherman is surrounded by her magic circle. He changes control, joining Wynn on Michael's side of the field. Judai sets 2 s/t cards and ends his turn. His Life Point meter flashes at 3500 briefly, before fading away.

Michael draws. He offers both Wind monsters to summon Familiar-Possessed Wynn from his deck. The newly summoned Wynn is a bit older than before. Her dragon reappears beside her. After a cute cry, it glances toward Judai, and it's eyes glint maliciously. Judai jumps back, in firghtened surprise by the dragon's sudden change of demeanor. It grows into a monstrous form. Wynn loses control of the dragon as it becomes larger, and her eyes become blank and lifeless. The powered up Petit Dragon familiar attacks dealing 1850 points of damage to Judai's life points with a huge wind burst breath that nearly knocks Judai to the floor. Judai's Life points drop from 3500 to 1650. Michael sets another monster and ends his turn.

Judai draws and summons Elemental Hero Sparkman. He activates Spark Gun from his hand, and targets Wynn. Sparkman fires on Wynn with a spark blast. Wynn's body convulses after being hit, but she doesn't make so much as a peep. She collapses to her knees, her body still trembling. The huge dragon is pulled down to defend her. It snarls fiercely at Judai. Judai orders Sparkman to attack. The dragon howls at the lighting attack.

"Trap Card activate, Spiritual Wind Art - Miyabi." Michael offers Wynn, who becomes a cyclone of wind. Sparkman is sucked up in the huge vortex and carried back to Judai's deck. Sparkman's electric attack disperses in the wind. Judai activates a Hero Flash card, O - Oversoul, to summon Featherman in defense position, and he ends his turn. His life points flash up at 1650.

Michael draws. He activates the spell card Graceful Charity, ridding himself of Eria and Aussa, followed by the continuous spell card, Spell of Enchantment. By paying 500 life points, Michael is able to change the attribute of a face-up monster. Pointing to Featherman, Michael declares, "Fire." Featherman is surrounded by flames. Embers roll off of his wing tips. His life point meter decreases to 3500. Michael flip summons the Fire Charmer Hiita. The sporty girl creates a red magic circle allowing her to take control of Featherman once more. Her little fox spirit familiar cries cutely on her shoulder. Once more, the girls of DA cheer and coo.

He offers the duo for Familiar-Possessed Hiita. She is summoned, a bit older than before, but otherwise unchanged. Her little fox roars in an uncharacteristically fierce deep growl as its hair stands on end. It grows into a monstrous form just as the Petit Dragon. Michael activates the spell card, Familiar's Gift, depicting Eria, Wynn, Hiita, and Aussa sitting around a birthday cake on a circular table. Each girl receives a gift from their respective familiar. Michael summarizes its effect for Judai who looks baffled, while girls cheer in the crowd. "This card allows me to draw 1 card for each monster on my side of the field named Hiita, Aussa, Wynn, or Eria, plus an additional card for each of them summoned by the effect of a monster with the same name." He draws 2 cards. After adjusting his hand, Michael orders Hiita to attack. Her enraged fox attacks Judai's open field. Judai quickly responds with his set trap, Draining Shield. The fierce fire fox slams into an invisible barrier inches before hitting Judai. Having failed in it's attack, it kicks off the light shield and jumps back to its master's side. It's attack leaves a ripple across the shield that heals Judai as it flows over him. His life points rise to 3500 once more. Having failed to deliver the finishing blow, Michael sets another s/t card and ends his turn.

Judai smiles at Michael and rubs the tip of his nose. "This is interesting." He exclaims excitedly. He draws and special summons Bubbleman, allowing him to draw 2 additional cards. He follows it up with Pot of Greed to draw 2 more cards. After quickly looking over his new hand, Judai activates Bubble Shuffle and Sky Scraper from his hand to complete his set up. The huge buildings rise around the two duelists. Judai attacks Hiita with the equipped Bubbleman. Michael responds with his set trap, Spiritual Fire Art - Kurenai, offering Hitta to activate it. Hiita and her enraged familiar become a huge spiraling pillar of flames. The pillar of flames spirals towards Judai and slams into him. He screams as he is consumed the pillar of fire. Sho and Kenzan call out to him in concern.

Michael scans the field. As the flames dissipate, Emergency Provisions is left revealed on the field behind Bubbleman. Judai chuckles, as he sends Bubble Shuffle to the graveyard. Michael doesn't comment. Judai's Life Points increase to 4500, before recalculating at 2650.

"You're wide open." Judai remarks with a smirk. He points at Michael. "Bubbleman, attack! Bubble Shoot!" Bubbleman attacks with a comical grunt and smirk. Michael is hit in the chest by a water shot, knocking his Life Points down to 2700. He doesn't flinch from the attack. Judai sets a card and ends his turn.

Michael draws. He summons Familiar-Possessed Eria. The perky girl in blue suddenly becomes a lifeless doll. Her little Gigabyte familiar grows until it is larger than her. Michael orders Eria's attack. She raises her staff mechanically, and the water familiar lunges forward to strike the chubby Bubbleman. Bubbleman is destroyed by a gut busting uppercut. Judai winces as his Life Points drop by 50 points. His life point meter decreases to 2600.

"Hero Signal!" Judai declares. The huge signal lights up in the sky. He summons Clayman in defense position. Michael sets 1 s/t card and activates his last card from his hand, the spell card, Spiritual Rebirth. By revealing Hiita, Wynn, Aussa, and Eria in his graveyard. He resurrects a monster in face-down defense position. Michael ends his turn.

Judai draws. He laughs as he examines his newly drawn card. "This is a great duel." He explains excitedly. He continues on about how exciting it is to be dueling him, and how much he looks forward to dueling the others now, more so than ever. Michael is oblivious to his antics, and he remains stern.

Misawa comments, "He is cold and emotionless while dueling. Is he thinking in advance of a means to defeat Judai, or is it something else?" Thinking about what Asuka and Misawa were talking about earlier, Sho wonders if he was able to find out about Judai's deck before hand. He says he may have built this deck to battle it. Misawa shakes his head apprehensively. "No. It would take time to build such a well thought out deck, which would be very hard only just finding out he'd be facing an E-Hero deck in the last hour or so." Misawa ponders for a moment while he watches Judai continue to prattle on with a smile. "Michael does play many decks, though. So he may have known this deck would work best against Judai's E-Hero deck from overhearing Judai."

Kenzan whines and rubs his head. "Big brother talks way too much for his own good!"

Judai, having finished his speech, excitedly holds out his spell card. "Fusion!" Michael watches Polymerization's create a ripple above the field. Judai fuses his newly drawn Sparkman and his Clayman on the field. They swirl together, and a new monster is summoned. "Elemental Hero Thunder Giant." Judai aims to destroy Eria. Eria raises her head only half conscious of what is going on around her. Her eyes remain blank as her familiar roars in protest. Thunder Giant groans and hurls huge lightning burst at Eria. Her familiar intercepts it, but both are eradicated in the attack. Judai orders Thunder Giant to attack. Michael reveals his set Negate Attack, ending Judai's turn.

Michael draws. He uses Spell of Enchantment to convert Thunder Giant to an Earth monster. His life points decrease from 2700 to 2200. Then, he flip summons his set Earth Charmer Aussa. Judai reveals his set Defusion as the brown magic circle surrounds the gray earth Thunder Giant. Thunder Giant peels apart with Clayman landing in defense position and Sparkman landing in attack position. Aussa's chant fails. Michael ends his turn.

Judai draws. He changes Clayman to attack position and orders Clayman to attack Aussa. Michael responds once more. This time, with his set Magical Dimension. He offers Aussa to the iron maiden. A second Familiar-Possessed Wynn jumps out of the Iron Maiden in attack position. Michael uses Magical Dimension's second effect to destroy Sparkman. Sparkman screams in pain as the Iron Maiden closes on him and buries itself in the ground. Judai ends his turn.

Michael draws. His life points flash behind him at 2200. Judai's life points flash behind him at 2600. Michael summons his newly drawn card, a second Familiar -Possessed Hiita. He order's Eria to destroy Clayman. Wynn's enraged familiar attacks. Clayman attempts to bat it down, but even in his own city, he is no match for the spiritual dragon familiar. Judai's Life Points drop to 2550. Michael follows with Hiita's attack. Her tiny fox dives at Judai. It grows in mid flight and slashes Judai across the chest with it's flaming claws. He cries out as his life points drop to 700.

Kenzan lunges forward in his seat, knocking the DA student in front of him over. "This looks bad!" He exclaims.

"Big Brother doesn't have any more cards to defend himself." Sho adds. Misawa and Asuka watch even more intently as Michael ends his turn.

Judai draws. His life points flash up at 700, against Michael's 2200. He slowly turns to check his card. His eyes widen and his face beams with excitement. He leaps up and cheers. Judai holds out his card to Michael. "Miracle Fusion! Featherman, Clayman, Sparkman, fuse!" All three rise from his Graveyard and are sucked into the void. From the void emerges an immense Elemental Hero. "Tempester!" Judai points to Eria. Tempester, attack. "Tempest Cutter!" Tempester shouts fiercely and launches a huge cyclone from his arm cannon. Eria's familiar tries to attack the cyclone, but he and Eria are consumed in the vortex and cut up within it. The cyclone explodes into nothing. Michael flinches slightly as his life points drop to 950. Judai happily declares, turn end.

Michael draws. He hesitates for a moment, on the newly drawn card. He sets it in his s/t zone, and shifts Hiita to defense position. He ends his turn.

Judai goes to draw a card, but Michael retaliates. "Trap card, activate!" The trap flips over, revealing a second Spiritual Fire Art - Kurenai. He offers his Familiar-Possessed Hiita. She becomes a fiery pillar that spirals into the sky before slamming down on Judai. Judai is shocked. He quickly activates his newly drawn card. He screams as he is burned once more.

"Judai!" His friends shout out in shock, with Asuka's voice carrying over the others.

Judai's newly drawn card activates. The flames dissipate in the air. Before the damage is calculated, Judai sends the top 5 cards of his deck to the Graveyard. Judai gasps with a determined grin. "Intercepting Hero. When I would take damage from a card effect, I can send up to 5 cards from the top of my deck to my Graveyard." He takes another few breaths as Burst Lady, Card Gunner, Hero Kids, Hero Spirits, and Fusion Gate slide into his Graveyard. "I can summon any 1 of those cards, if it is a monster with Hero in its name, and decrease the amount of damage by the attack of the summoned Hero." He summons Burst Lady to attack position. His life points plummet to 50 points.

Michael utters to himself, "Then, it's over." He doesn't have anymore cards on his field or at his disposal other than Spell of Enchantment. Judai orders Burst Lady to attack Michael directly. "Burst Fire!" Burst Lady launches a barrage of fireballs that slam into Michael, decreasing his Life Points to 0. Burst Lady vanishes along with Skyscraper. Judai cheers and points to Michael. "Gotcha! That was a great duel!"

From the sideline, James admits to the others that it was unexpectedly good, adding, "for one of our last picks."

Michael agrees to Judai that it was a good match. They shake hands, and he returns to his group silently. The others congratulate him on that interesting duel even though he lost. The girls in the audience cheer as he leaves the stage. As do many of the boys of DA. Lilica laughs that he is popular already.

Hannah tells him his choice of using a cute deck to attract girls is working. His face becomes even more emotionless. He states solemnly that this deck was not built to make girls like him. The cocky girl raises her hand and scoffs at his claim. "Whatever you say, bud."

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That night, while lying in bed in the room, Michael thinks back on his duel, reliving each move. He wonders if he could have played better, but looking back, there were no better choices. He admits, the duel went as well as it could have. "Duel Academia is interesting." He utters into he night.

He thinks his deck did good today, but it cannot get any better without sacrificing his creative spirit. He admits to himself he only did well because he had incredibly lucky draws. Had it not been for an early Familiar's Gift and Judai's Elemental Hero deck, he'd have been humiliated in front of everyone. He wants to prove himself and be a worthwhile duelist, but he wonders if he can do it with these decks. He looks over his deck boxes on the desk across the room. All he can do is keep trying, and hope for the best.

Chapter 1 - End

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Chapter 1 Author Notes

This fanfic uses the Japanese character names, as well as the anime effects for most cards. Card's like Skyscraper and Bubbleman are extremely different from their OCG/TCG counter parts. I've taken several liberties with many cards, and I use my own choice of wordings for various cards, including Magic User over Spellcaster, Undead over Zombie, and I use the OCG Demons and Angels over the TCG Fairies and Fiends. Other notes will follow chapters as necessary.

Chapter 1 Author Cards

This section is for all cards I created for this fanfic. Hopefully, I don't miss any.

Familiar's Gift

Spell

Effect: Draw 1 card for every monster on your side of the field with "Wynn", "Hiita", "Eria", or "Aussa" in its name (Only 1 card per name). Also, draw 1 additional card for each of these monsters that was Special Summoned by the effect of a monster with "Wynn", "Hiita", "Eria", or "Aussa" in its name.

Spiritual Rebirth

Quickplay Spell

Effect: This card can only be activated while you have a monster of EARTH, FIRE, WIND, and WATER in your graveyard. Special Summon 1 monster from your Graveyard in face-up attack position or in face-down defense position.

Spell of Enchantment

Continuous Spell

Effect: During your Main Phase, you may pay 500 Life Points to change the Attribute of 1 face-up monster on the field, until the End Phase of the turn. (You choose the Attribute.) Monsters can only have their Attributes changed by this card's effect once per turn.

Intercepting Hero

Quickplay Spell

Effect: This card can only be activated when you would take damage from a card effect. Send the top 5 cards of your deck to the Graveyard. Special Summon 1 Monster Card of those sent cards with "Hero" in its name to your side of the field. Decrease the amount of damage you would receive by the card effect by an amount equal to the ATK of the Special Summoned monster. If no cards with "Hero" in their names were sent to the Graveyard, all of the sent cards are removed from play, and the damage you would receive is doubled.