"Arana" Alexis looked confused "We're not allowed pets at the dorm..."
"... I know" Arana muttered "I didn't want to leave him"
"I can understand that" Dorothy smiled as Arana looked up again "You are a good person after all"
"Thank you?" Arana was a little surprised at this "But... does this mean Frost will have to be sent off the island...?"
Dorothy looked at the small puppy that Jaden, Syrus and you were playing with then back to Arana's disappointed look. Dorothy suddenly smiled.
"Of course not" Arana looked up as Dorothy smiled warmly "I'll take care of him until the holidays, then you can take him home with you, that way he can stay as long as you're here - alright?"
Arana looked as if a dream had come true. She gave one of those genuine smiles that were so rare to see.
"Thank you so much" Arana thanked her, bowing her head slightly "This means a lot to me"
"We can come visit Frost anytime right-right?" You asked eagerly, as Arana scooped the puppy from your hands
"Of course" Dorothy smiled "But that's up to Arana really"
"I don't mind" Arana held Frost up to her nose and stared him in the eyes "Have you been a good Puppy?"
Frost barked happily and licked Arana on the nose, tail wagging frivolously from a hard day's work.
"Okay Saiko - Do you have any Sevens?" Syrus looked up slightly from his Playing cards at you
"Go Fish!" You beamed
"Nnn..." Syrus sighed, suddenly pulled your hand down and pointed to your cards "See Saiko, the problem is You have several Sevens!"
"Go Fish" You repeated happily, making Chumley snort behind you
"Where's Jaden?" Syrus slapped his cards down in annoyance "He's been gone for almost an hour!... I hope nothing bad happened to him" Syrus added, looking worried
"Jay-Onii-San should be fine" You put your cards down too "He had to go see Chancellor Sheep-Beard"
"Shepard" Chumley corrected sleepily, you payed no attention
"I wonder what it was about?" Syrus worried aloud, looking fretful "Do you think he's in trouble again?"
"Saiko doesn't know~" You tilted your head "Maybe Jay-Onii-San is just getting Ice Cream"
"He's not getting Ice Cream!" Syrus slapped a hand to his face in exasperation, making you frown disappointed "Jeez... That's your answer to everything..."
"Maybe Crowler finally got a reason to throw him out..." Chumley leaned back on his pillow
"Don't say that!" Syrus yelped
"Saiko knows!" You said suddenly raising a hand "He was attacked by Zombies!"
"DON'T SAY THAT EITHER!" Syrus screamed frantically as Chumley and you laughed
"What's wrong Syrus?"
The door opened, letting the afternoon sunlight in. The three of you turned to see Jaden standing in the doorway, looking particularly happy. Syrus let out a sigh of relief.
"They were saying stuff- Nevermind!" Syrus grinned, not wanting to admit he was worried "So what was that all about?"
"Oh right!" Jaden grinned "You know the duel against North Academy?"
"Yeah...?" Syrus asked confused
"Well yours truly is going to be Duel Academy's Representitive" Jaden jabbed a thumb to his chest, grinning "Pretty sweet huh? Chancellor just-"
"AWESOME~"
Jaden didn't have time to prepare as you lunged from the sidelines - knocking him to the ground. Syrus gaped as you hugged Jaden around the middle.
"Congratulationships!~" You sung happily
"Uh- Thanks Saiko" Jaden sweatdropped as he got up again, now with Carpet burns up his arms "So Sy'?" He turned to Syrus again "This is a good excuse to celebrate! Ice Cream?"
Syrus laughed a little, but nodded. Your head perked up at the sound of your favourite word in the world.
"Ice Cream?" You repeated slowly, a grin grew on your face
"Yeah, you want to come too?" Jaden grinned, not realising what it meant
"Uhh- Jaden" Syrus tugged on his sleeve "Saiko-"
"ICE CREAM~"
Before either of them could move, You cuffed them around the necks, pulling them both into a hug, making Chumley wince. You let go and pointed to the door eagerly, eyes sparkling in excitement of your favourite food.
"Go, Go, Go!" You beamed "Celebration~"
"You got her excited" Syrus sweatdropped as Jaden laughed awkwardly.
"I wonder who'll you'll be versing?" Syrus asked slowly, he took a bit of his wafer cone "Do you have any idea?"
"Nope" Jaden grinned as Syrus groaned "But hey! That's what makes it exciting!"
The four of you had gotten your ice creams, and had chosen to sit on the cliff edge by Slifer Dorm. You swung your legs over the edge lazily as you slowly finished off your ice cream - the other's talking to each other.
"They're bound to be good duelists to represent the School" Chumley said slowly, he had finished his Ice Cream ages ago "But Jaden should win - He always does after all"
"Thanks Guys" Jaden grinned appreciatively "What do you think Saiko-? Saiko?"
You hadn't said anything for the past Ten minutes, and for someone who talked an awful lot - even when they were eating - it was a little strange.
"Hey Saiko?" Syrus looked puzzled "Are you okay?"
"Un?" You turned around a little, looking preoccupied "Saiko wasn't listening - What-What?"
"Someone's got their head in the clouds" Syrus rolled his eyes
"Saiko likes Clouds" You said slowly, as Syrus grinned weakly
"So what do you think of the School Duel?" Jaden suddenly sat forwards on the edge of the cliff to sit next to you
"Well..." You paused "Saiko's disappointed she doesn't get to duel"
"Well, Jaden's one of the best duelist's in the school" Syrus grinned happily "So don't feel so bad that you lost to him"
"Saiko didn't lose to Jay-Onii-San!" You insisted, your Ice cream dribbled onto your 'borrowed' Trench coat "Saiko tied~"
"You did pass out last time you dueled though" Syrus reminded you "Anyway, I think Jaden deserves some spotlight for a change"
Jaden smiled in appreciation at Syrus's words. You looked up at the Sky again and nodded a little.
You were still a little disappointed you weren't dueling - But Jaden was a good friend. He deserved it, at least you guessed he did.
"Mm!" You grinned suddenly "Saiko is happy Jay-Onii-San gets to duel if she doesn't!"
"Thanks" Jaden grinned, scratching his head
"It's getting a bit dark" Syrus said suddenly, looking up at the sky "We might want to head back, dinner's soon"
"It's not Dark" You looked puzzled "The Sun's still up"
You pointed towards the large orange circle, that was slowly descending at an incredibly slow rate.
"It's setting though" Syrus stood up "Come on Jay'- I heard that we're getting Ra Yellow's Food tonight because they had left overs-"
"Really?" Jaden looked as if this was great news "Awesome!"
"Set?"
Jaden turned back. You were staring at the horizon, confused. Chumley looked a little baffled about your question.
"Haven't you seen the sun set before?" Chumley raised an eyebrow
You shook your head, pink hair slipping off your shoulders onto your back again. Jaden blinked.
"Well today looks like an okay day to see it-" He started, making your face lighten up
"Jay!" Syrus suddenly piped up "If you don't show up, you won't get dinner - we can't save it for you"
Jaden looked like he was having a crisis. He looked from Syrus to you repeatedly - wondering what he should do. Dinner or Sunset? You couldn't be trusted to stay out here on your own... and if you really had never seen a Sunset...
"It's okay Sy'" Jaden grinned again "I'll stay out here with Saiko"
"YAY!" You beamed from ear to ear "Thank you Jay-Onii-San~"
Syrus and Chumley looked at each other then turned away - Walking back to the dorm. Jaden plonked himself down on the cliff-edge next to you, smiling awkwardly.
"You've really never seen the sun set before?" Jaden asked with a grin
"Nope" You shook your head "Saiko hasn't done a lot of things, She thought the sun just turned into the moon at night time" You finished lamely
"Right" Jaden laughed "Well, at least I know never to copy off your work in class"
"Jay-Onii-San wouldn't cheat anyway!" You grinned "He's smart and a great duelist"
"Shucks" Jaden went a little red at the compliment "I'm not that smart really... but I'm not a bad duelist I guess" Jaden grinned too
The two of you stared at the horizon a little. The sun was just slightly mingling with the horizon.
"Jay-Onii-San?" You looked over at him "Why does Jay-Jay duel?"
"Hm?" Jaden looked a little surprised at your interest "Uhh..." He thought for a moment "For fun I guess..." He laughed "Why?"
"Saiko was curious" You said simply, you swung your legs backwards and forwards over the edge "When Saiko had to rest - Saiko thought a lot about a lot"
"Oh" Jaden had noticed you were a little more out of it then usual "Kind of deep for you isn't it?"
"Being Deep is bad...?" You tilted your head slightly "Should I be Shallow instead?"
"No, No, No!" Jaden waved his arms quickly "You're fine just the way you are Saiko, really!"
You felt as if a balloon was swelling inside you. You grinned happily at his words - making Jaden look a little confused.
"What?" Jaden blinked a little, you suddenly opened your arms wide "Hey- What-"
You pulled him into a neck-breaking hug. Jaden winced slightly, the heat rising in his face as you squeezed him tightly and then pulled away again, the smile still playing on your face.
"Thank you so much Jay-Onii-San~" You crooned, poking him in the nose "That's the nicest thing Saiko's heard since she got here!"
"Well uh-" Jaden was still regaining the feeling in his arms "It was-"
"Oh!" You turned slightly, an orange glow had washed over Duel Academy Island "Pretty!"
Jaden turned just in time to see the Sun slowly slink below the Ocean line, the orange light slowly dimming into purple as the stars began to glitter on the dark blue stretch of sky. He turned to see you stare out at the ocean with a broad smile on your face.
"Saiko...?" Jaden suddenly blinked "Why do you duel?"
"Hm?" You turned around again "Oh... Well..." You smiled a little "Saiko feels happy when she duels, like..." You looked as if the word you were searching for was on the tip of your tongue "Like... Saiko's home" You finished slowly, looking back out across the ocean "Dueling is what make Saiko happy the most" You grinned back at Jaden
"Cool" Jaden said, feeling a little strange
"Saiko better go back-back now" You jumped to your feet and tapped your foot to make sure your shoe was on "Thank you very much Jay-Onii-San~" You paused and suddenly closed your eyes, smiling "Saiko likes Jay-Jay very much - Bubai~"
You turned away and skipped off. Jaden suddenly felt his mouth feel dry, a small tingle going up his spine.
"This is... weird..."
"-And Jaden is dueling!" You counted off from your fingers, beaming "I can't wait until the School duel!"
Slade nodded, listening intentively. You had been yabbering on for almost an hour and a half now - all the while Slade would listen and ask questions. He was rather friendly in your eyes. Even if he wasn't friends with Arana, he was nice to you at least. Maybe you could make him like her someday.
"So your Friend, Jaden Yuki" Slade looked rather rapt in the subject "Is he a good duelist?"
"Jaden is a great duelist, Yup!" You grinned "Saiko tied with him on her first day! He was a very, very good duelist! He's beaten Crawlie, Alexis-Onee-San-"
"Now, how would you say Jaden is, compared to Chazz?" Slade raised an eyebrow, making you stop in your rambling
"Ne-?" You froze "Big Brother?"
"Yes - Who do you think would win in a duel, Jaden or Chazz?" Slade asked again
"Um..." You struggled to pick one "Saiko doesn't know... Jay has beaten Big Brother before" You said, hoping it would be helpful "But Big Brother has gotten a lot better yes!" You nodded quickly "Big Brother might be able to beat Jay-Onii-San!"
"Alright then..." Slade nodded slightly "Thank you Saiko"
"Saiko was haaaappy to help!" You nodded eagerly
"Maybe Jagger and I will see you soon" Slade stood up in the screen
"Why?" You asked confused, puzzled at Slade's expression
"We have a feeling that this School Duel will be something to keep an eye on" Slade smirked "Maybe you'll see Big Brother too"
"Big Brother?" You repeated suddenly, eyes widening
"That's right" Slade nodded, his smirk broadened "See you Miss Saiko"
The screen switched off. You stared at it for a moment, then let out a long cheer - Jumping onto the couch and doing a forwards cartwheel onto the carpet.
"Big Brother's coming back!" You squealed happily, you punched the air in triumph "Big Brother's coming back!"
"Sorry you didn't get any of the Ra Yellow food Jaden" Syrus apologised sadly, Jaden pulling on his Pyjama pants "It's kind of hard to say no to her isn't it?"
"Dunno" Jaden said, a little slowly
"Are you listening?" Syrus asked frowning "Earth to Jaden!"
"Huh?" Jaden looked up, he grinned weakly "Say something Sy'?"
"Are you okay?" Syrus asked concerned "You seem a little out of it"
"I'm fine" Jaden tried to yank his pants on, but realised he was pulling his left pant leg onto his right leg "Whoops-"
"What did you and Pacchuwa-ku talk about?" Chumley asked, leaning over the edge of his bunk bed
"Saiko?" Jaden asked suddenly "Uh... Dunno - I forget"
"Something is seriously wrong with you today Jay'" Syrus shook his head as he crawled into his bunk
"There is?" Jaden grinned apologetically "Sorry"
"Just get some sleep" Syrus yawned "You've got that duel in a few days remember..."
"Oh Yeah" Jaden suddenly felt focused again "Right!"
He crawled into his bed and lay down. As he rolled over, he tried to think about what he should do about the duel. Should he go through his deck in preparation?... Buy some more cards...?
'My Deck's fine the way it is...' Jaden dug his head under his pillow 'I don't need to change it...'
Jaden couldn't sleep though. Half an hour passed - and Chumley's deep rumbling snores echoed through the tiny room. Jaden grumbled slowly as he heard a mouse scamper outside the room. Jaden suddenly felt the reason why he couldn't focus drift through his mind.
'She likes me?' Jaden blinks 'She says that to everyone though right...? Why do I feel so weird then?'
Jaden suddenly clenched his eyes shut. He needed to sleep, sleeping was the one time of the day he wasn't supposed to be thinking.
'Do I like her? What's the problem..? Saiko and I have been friends for a while now' Jaden rolled over onto his back, staring at the matress above him 'I've never liked anyone before... I wouldn't know what it feels like...'
This was true. Jaden hadn't had a girlfriend before in his entire life. He didn't plan to have one either - it wasn't as if he wanted a family or anything. He wanted to be a Pro' duelist someday.
But Saiko was different. She didn't seem to want a boyfriend either, or have any plans like... that for the future. She really liked dueling too. She wasn't... pretty, or smart. She was good at sports though... but she was a show off. She was childish, and naive - and rash, and she didn't think things through at all. Gullible and Foolish - She wasn't anything like the girls Jaden had seen in the Romantic Comedies he had been dragged to with his Family.
'But...' Jaden smiled sleepily, closing his eyes 'It's nice hanging out with her... I like hanging out with her...'
'I think I... maybe... do like her'
"I wonder if there are any Cute North Academy boys?" Jasmine squealed as she hurried down the corridor, Mindy, Alexis and You running with her
"Is that all you think about?" Alexis frowned dully
"Duel Academy guys are cute too" Mindy added, making Alexis sweatdrop
"Saiko can't wait-wait" You sung loudly as you ran a little ahead of them "Jay-Onii-San is gonna rock!" You did a twirl as you ran and stumbled as you continued "Right?" You grinned, looking at Alexis
"Definately" Alexis agreed happily, making Mindy and Jasmine exchange looks and giggles "Oh Shut up" Alexis added annoyed, her friends stifling their laughs
You had barely slept at all the night before. It had been three or so days since Jaden had come into the dorm room and proclaimed he was dueling. But that wasn't why you were excited.
Chazz's big brother had said Chazz would be there. You hadn't seen Chazz in ages. When you got sight of him - he was in for the biggest Glomp in History-
"Hey Guys!"
You stopped, Alexis paused too. Mindy and Jasmine kept running- not wanting to be held up. Zane and Arana walked down a stairway, Arana smiled slightly.
"You guys look excited" Arana said simply, but she looked rather happy herself "Looking forward to the duel I suppose?"
"Yup!" You beamed "Saiko's been looking forward to this for a while" You added with a grin, your canine teeth glinting
"I just want to support Jaden" Alexis said, laughing slightly "You guys coming to welcome North Academy?"
"Sure" Zane nodded "It's a nice change to be watching instead of dueling"
"You usually dueled instead didn't you?" You asked curiously, running again
"He always did" Alexis rolled her eyes as Zane laughed a little "Not best in the school for nothing"
"Saiko's running faster~" You warned them "Meet you down there!"
"Okay" Arana shouted back as you ran off "Be Careful Saiko!"
You tore off down the stretch of path - Chazz's old boots scuffing against the gravel. You couldn't wait to see him, it had been almost a week - maybe even longer since you'd last seen him. You had so much to tell him-
"Saiko!" Shouted an enthusiastic voice
"Huh?" You wheeled around expectantly, but felt your hopes drop a little as you saw Jaden surrounded by students "Oh, Hi-Hi Jay-Onii-San" You looked around slowly "Awww..." Your happy feeling deflated "He's not here..."
"Come over here!" Jaden waved your over, Syrus and Chumley stood nearby him, along with Chancellor Shepard
"Okay" You said, still feeling put out
You walked over, the bounce in your step was gone. You couldn't see Chazz, or Slade and Jagger. You had been looking forward to this day because of the chance they'd be there.
'Oh well' You shrugged it off 'Saiko'll just have to cheer Jay-Onii-San on!'
"You nervous Jay?" Syrus asked slowly as you all walked towards the docks
"Nope!" Jaden grinned "I'm psyched! I wonder what kind of duelist their champion is?" Jaden asked eagerly
"Jay-Onii-San will do awesome-za!" You grinned, you suddenly wrapped your arms around his left arm "Right?" You looked up at Jaden
"Damn right!" Jaden grinned, feeling the elated feeling rise up again
You suddenly came to a stop. Chancellor Shepard stepped forwards. You looked towards the ocean, not letting go of Jaden's arm.
There was a Submarine that had just risen to the surface, and fifteen or so guys had just filed outside, standing atop of the metal structure. All of them looked very serious, and looked at the Duel Academy students with contempt. Chancellor Shepard suddenly smiled and waved.
"Good to see you again Old Friend!" He was talking to a rather wirey haired, old man who had gotten out first "It's so nice to see you're well"
"Thank you Shepard" The man smiled, nodding "I see your Champion's ready to duel" He cast a glance at Jaden - his eyes glancing over you swinging off his arm "I suppose this duel will be a nice reunion"
"Hm?" Chancellor Shepard looked puzzled.
The crowd of boys parted in the middle. You felt your grip on Jaden's arm loosen - your arm falling to your sides in suprise.
It was Chazz.
He was wearing a tattered black Trenchcoat, and his hair looked slightly messier - but it was him alright. Your eyes widened as Chazz looked up at Jaden, almost sourly. Jaden looked taken aback by his appearance.
"Chazz...?" Jaden looked shocked "What are you-?"
"Big Brother!" You exclaimed loudly
You stepped forwards to tackle him - but the North Academy boys suddenly stood in front of him again. You stumbled backwards slightly, a little confused. Chazz looked at you for a brief moment, his eyes scanning over his Obelisk Blue coat and boots, a look of surprise playing on his face. He quickly looked back to Jaden.
"No way" Jaden blinked "You're North Academy's champion?"
"Damn right" Chazz said, his voice sounded huskier then before "What? I wasn't going to stay in a school that had no respect for me"
"But-" Jaden looked shocked "You're from Duel Academy- You can't be North Academy's-"
"Didn't you just hear me you Slacker!?" Chazz growled angrily "I'm not a Duel Academy student anymore - I'm in a School that respects me"
The North Academy boys nodded, smirking and grinning. You raised a finger to your mouth, confused.
"But Big Brother said he'd come back" You said slowly, feeling a little sad
There was suddenly a large gust of wind. Your hair lashed about violently as you whirled around - squinting through the pink Flurry to see what was causing the sudden wind storm.
"Crap..." You heard Chazz's voice in the background
"Hey Brother"
You pulled the hair out of your eyes as the helicopter hovered overhead. Your face lit up as Slade and Jagger leant out of the door, a camera man holding his camera steadily behind them. Behind you, Chazz's eyebrows narrowed in annoyace. Slade raised an eyebrow at his expression, and then his eyes glanced over at you. You beamed.
"Hi-Hi Slaaaaade and Jaaaagger!" You grinned waving
Chazz stiffened as you waved happily at the two. How did you have any idea who these two were? He stepped onto the docks and felt his throat seize up as Slade waved back, smirking.
'How the hell does she know them?' Chazz thought thunderstruck
End of Chapter Seventeen
Forwards -->
CHAZZ! <3
*Ahem*
Excuse me.
Well Chazz is back again~ And he's gonna Duel Jaden!
We all know this part of the story right? Well I hope you do.
Because as soon as it's over - I can write the whole Dance thing, and then get into the Shadow Riders! x3
And then, after oh-so many parts - You can understand why Saiko is... well... Saiko ^^; And I'm telling you now, it's more then just a bump on the head and a lack of brain cells.
A lot more.
Here's a nice Pic' of Chazz/Manjyome - Just because.
Do I need a reason?
So uh, yeah. Hope you're all alive and well, and not suffering from Zombies or Vampires.
I know I am.
Luce | Yami.Haga.Ryuzaki
