Yu-Gi-Oh GX: Moving On Up

This is a Sequel to Dawn of a New Year

AnotherIdentity and I don't own anything except our OC's and any OC cards you don't recognize.

Chapter 1: The Latest Addition

"Wake up!" said Craig enthusiastically, entering his brother's room with a huge grin. His little brother, James, slowly stirred and stared at his older brother, "What… time is it," he grumbled.

Craig Thresher was someone who, until a year ago, had enjoyed a normal life. Craig, on this particular morning, was wearing a set of navy blue jeans with a dark red polo shirt, and combined with his natural scruffy hair, he looked set to go somewhere.

"Half nine, you might want to be up, me and Ryan are leaving at half ten," Craig replied.

"For what?" questioned James, clearly unaware of the situation.

"Duel Academy, stupid. They're doing the practical exams today, and if you don't remember, you just happen to be applying, remember?" said Craig.

In his realization, James jumped out of his bed and ran immediately into the bathroom to get ready. Craig grinned, it was only last year his younger brother had possibly saved his life in a junkyard from his possessed older brother, risking himself for Craig, who later went to assist in the defeat of Karādorein, restoring his older brother Ryan, back to normal.

Craig went downstairs, and saw the three suitcases by the door, one for him, one for his elder brother Ryan, and one for his younger brother James. Craig was about to enter his second year at Duel Academy, as a Slifer Red student, and his older brother, Ryan, would begin a job at Duel Academy assisting the head of Slifer Red, Taniya Dupree, in her work, and his younger brother James, was applying for one of the few places that were being offered to students one year younger than the freshman year, as Duel Academy had began trying out a four-year plan rather than the three-year, and James hoped to be one of the first to try it out.

"Right, everything's ready, just waiting for James, I presume?" asked Ryan.

"Of course," Craig replied jokingly. It was weird, only two months ago the two had been at each other's throats, and here they stood now, brothers once more.

"Well, when he wins, let's hope he's in Slifer Red, I'd like to have you both in my back pocket all year," joked Ryan in return.

For the next half an hour, the final preparations were made, and James ran down the stairs, checking he had everything as he went. Eventually, the three were at the door and ready to go. The three all looked extremely similar facially, with the exception of Ryan having brown hair, Craig having dark blonde hair, and James having black hair.

"Right, Ryan. When James is done, phone me and I'll drive all your stuff down to where the boat will be for the travel. You can pick it up there," said the boys' father, who had similar hair to Craig's, "Look after yourselves, and Craig, avoid the saving the world domination schemes this year," he joked.

"Can't guarantee anything," Craig replied, "I'll get James in on it if I can."

"Oh Lord…" he replied, as the three walked out the door and towards the town.

Just last year, Craig, with the assistance of his best friends, Hayley Dupree and Bastion Misawa, two Ra Yellow students who he had formed what could be said to be a 'good but contrasting friendship', with the two Ra's exceptionally dedicated to their studies and Craig being a lot more carefree. The three defeated Karādorein, a villain who had been very obsessed with Hayley and had wanted her to marry him, had tried to defeat Bastion multiple times and planned on using colour drain to rule the world. Craig never really understood the science behind it, despite Bastion's many attempts at explaining about the whole energy process, Craig just cared that they won, and hopefully, this year would be a lot more normal than the previous one.

Xxxxx

The three approached the Duel Tower, where the exams would be held, and it was evident James was feeling a clear sense of nervousness.

"Hey, don't be nervous, you'll slaughter your examiner, my worry was turning up on time," said Craig, referring to how he himself had turned up just before the closing time, much to the anger of one particular teacher, Crowler, who Craig still felt was the reason behind his Slifer placing, although he wasn't complaining.

"Yes, you did…" moaned someone behind them. Craig turned around, and saw Flo, his girlfriend of many years. He smiled, and Flo immediately turned to James, "You worried?" she asked.

"Kinda…" muttered James.

"Don't be, now get your butt in there and kick some Proctor butt," Flo replied. James looked slightly inspired by Flo's aggressive reply, and began walking in ahead of Ryan, Craig and Flo.

"She means good luck," yelled Craig after James, who gave the worldly thumbs up over his shoulder in return and kept on walking.

Continuing on, the three entered the building behind James, looking to catch up with people last year.

Xxxxx

Ryan, now being a staff member, had to go and sit with the other staff, possibly asked to do an examination, whilst Flo went off to find some people that she knew from her dormitory, Craig was left alone, but not for long. Leaning on the nearby barriers were the girlfriend and boyfriend duo of Hayley Dupree and Bastion Misawa, holding hands with each other whilst watching the duels down below. Hayley was like him, a second year but the only girl in Ra.

"Scouting the competition?" asked Craig jokingly to the two, approaching them.

"There's not much of it…" replied Bastion, "The kids this year are quite below standard. Great to see you again, how's the summer gone?"

"Same as it was every year, except this time I had two more people to spend it with," said Craig.

"It'll be awkward to see Ryan again this year," began Bastion, "After he almost destroyed all of us last year," Craig nodded at this. He himself saw the full force of Ryan's power last year, and he was glad that was eradicated.

"How's James doing?" questioned Hayley.

"He's fine, feeling nervous as anyone would, but he'll be fine, he'll do great," replied Craig.

Suddenly, there was an interruption from a more unwanted source, "Hey guys!"

Entering the scene was Jaden Yuki, a third-year Slifer Red student who last year had mysteriously become possessed by the Anarchists and fought, and lost, on the side of the Anarchists, despite his defeat of the Shadow Riders the previous year. The Golden Rule, good guys win and bad guys lose had been in place. Hayley immediately turned away and ignored him, she despised Jaden for everything he was worth, and his association with Larke last year made it stronger. Jaden seemed oblivious to the hatred that others felt towards him and didn't seem to understand that what he'd done last year was wrong.

"Hey," said Craig, trying to sound as enthusiastic as he could.

"Some of these new applicants, boy, I'd like to throw down with them," replied Jaden.

Bastion immediately groaned as well. Being the intellectual person that he was, he always did dislike the way Jaden spoke, and what with his actions last year, he now just hated him. Craig saw that this left him to converse with Jaden, unfortunately.

"Jaden, they'd probably beat you," joked Craig.

"Nah, I'd wipe the floor with them. In fact, I could do with a warm-up before we move on to the island!" replied Jaden enthusiastically, running along to find some younger students.

"He'll never survive when he leaves this school…" said Craig, turning back to stand next to Hayley and Bastion on the rails, watching the younger students.

"Craig… Is that?" asked Hayley, spotting someone walking onto one of the examination fields, as Craig turned to look.

"It sure is, James' time at Duel Academy begins here," said Craig, confident his brother would pass.

"Well, best of luck to him, look at his examiner," replied Hayley.

Xxxxx

Down on the Duel Field, James stared around nervously. Walking onto the area opposite him was, he presumed, his examiner. James looked around, and on the barriers on the area literally right next to his Duel Field, he saw his older brother, Craig, and he presumed the two standing next to him were Hayley Dupree and Bastion Misawa, who he had spoke about to him before. Craig smiled at James, who took that as a sign of saying 'Good Luck,". Despite having five other exams at the same time, James felt everyone was watching him, although he calmed down when he looked to the left, and saw his other brother, Ryan, examining a student. James knew that Ryan had a slight eye on the match, and Craig would definitely be watching.

"What's your name, kiddo?" asked the examiner. She was female, extremely muscular, has two scars running down her face and scared James slightly.

"James Thresher, ma'am," replied James, trying to be as polite as possible.

"A Thresher, hmm? I thought I had enough of you in my dormitory, let's hope you're better than the one I've already got," joked the examiner, looking to her right and seeing James' older brother, Craig, who had a large grin on his face.

Xxxxx

"She loves me really," joked Craig, "She's going to push James to his limits, let's hope he can do it."

"Love is one way of putting it, but attempts to prevent insanity is another way, a more accurate way," replied Bastion. Despite having spent most his summer with Hayley and Taniya, he felt just as good to see Craig again as he did when he met up with Hayley and Taniya in the summer, for some reason, Craig's carefree attitude seemed to rub off on Bastion whilst he was around, probably because when he was with Craig, he was never studying, he thought. Despite that, they were best friends and if he had to trust anyone to watch his and Hayley's backs, it would be Craig.

"No way. I've got to easily be the tidiest student in the dorm."

"Only because you just shove it all in through the hole you have in your wall, so your next-door neighbor gets it,"

Craig smiled; this was true. His fellow Slifers had ordered him many times not to place old newspapers, magazines and general rubbish through the small hole, which despite their complaints, was never fixed up. Having spent the whole year alone due to Jaden's disappearance, Craig was slightly upset that he had to live with others now, although at the same time hoped to finally make some people he could speak to towards the latter end of the day, as he was unable to leave the dormitory at night due to Taniya's restrictions, a rule of which Craig had still broken on many occasions, although he claimed they were 'necessary and world-saving', an excuse an intellectual Taniya never fell for.

Xxxxx

"I'm Taniya, Head of the Slifer dormitory. There are simple rules for this match; I'm using an examination deck, so you won't gain an advantage. If I win, you're off home, if you win, then you'll be enjoying your next year at Duel Academy. We each have four thousand Life Points. Short, simple and sweet. You ready, kiddo?" Taniya explained.

"Yes…" replied James, trying to take in all the information.

"Great, then let's duel!" said Taniya, activating her Duel Disk as James did the same.

James: 4000
Taniya: 4000

James looked nervous yet confident as he drew his first five cards. He was appearing hesitant and didn't look as confident with the strong woman opposite him.

"If you're so hesitant, I'll go first, rookie! I bring out Dark Blade to my side of the field in Attack Mode. You're up," began Taniya, staring towards James, as the human-sized black warrior emerged onto the field and withdrew his two swords and followed Taniya in staring towards James. (DB 1800/1500)

James still appeared hesitant, and it was easy to see that he didn't have much in his hand he could use, although upon drawing his card, he seemed a lot more confident, "I'll match your Dark Blade, with my Genex Neutron, also in Attack Mode. Along with that, I activate the Continuous Spell Machine Assembly Line! This gives each Machine monster an extra 200 Attack Points, and when a Machine is destroyed, my card gets 2 Junk Counters, and this is the best part, I can destroy the card to bring out a monster whose Level is the same or less than the number of Junk Counters on the card. Nifty, huh?" said James, seeming a lot more confident now that he knew he had the offensive advantage. (GN 1800/1200 – 2000/1200)

Xxxxx

"A Genex Deck?" questioned Bastion, facing towards Craig, "I thought James had a Vylon Deck and he used it really well."

"Last year, Ryan destroyed James' Deck during the confrontation they had. To make up for it, Ryan went out and made James a brand new Deck entirely. Trust me, James uses this Deck loads better," replied Craig.

"Not to bring things down, but I don't think Taniya will allow James to have an advantage for long," replied Hayley, she knew her older sister would make James work for his win.

Xxxxx

"Good work, James. Now let's see if you can hold it," said Taniya.

"Watch me. Genex Neutron, attack his Dark Blade now!" attacked James, as his black-armored monster swiftly moved towards Dark Blade, taking it out with the weapon on the end of his arms, damaging Taniya in the process.

Taniya: 3800
James: 4000

Despite being hit, Taniya barely moved through the attack, although James looked happy at getting first blood.

"I'll end my turn there," finished James.

Taniya drew her card, and looked at James, "Time for a re-match, I activate Warrior Returning Alive, returning Dark Blade to my hand, and straight away I'll Summon him back out again, and this time, to ensure his victory, I add Wicked-Breaking Flamberge – Baou to my Dark Blade, giving him 500 more Attack Points, as long as I discard a card," Taniya said, discarding Marauding Captain to do so, "Now, Dark Blade, avenge yourself!" (DB 1800/1500) (DB 1800/1500 – 2300/1500)

The same battle occurred again, but this time, the opposite result occurred, as Genex Neutron felt the offensive force of Dark Blade, shattered to smithereens by the warrior.

Taniya: 3800
James: 3700

"Remember, my Machine Assembly Line gets two Junk Counters when a monster of mine is destroyed," reminded James, not looking too happy at the defeat of his monster. (Junk Counters – 2).

"That's fine by me, I'll play one card face-down to end my turn," said Taniya.

James looked at the cards in his hands, beginning to look worried; he had nothing in his hand anywhere near 2300 Attack Points. In desperation, he looked over at his older brother, Craig, who simply shrugged his shoulders.

Xxxxx

"He's losing it…" muttered Bastion.

"Exactly. What am I supposed to know about an Exam Deck? I barely know anything about James' Deck, but I'm sure he's got something that'll win him this. It's just a matter of using it correctly," replied Craig.

Xxxxx

James drew his card, realizing he wasn't getting any help and unfortunately for him, nothing was getting better.

"I play one monster face-down," said James down-heartedly.

Taniya smiled, and drew her card, and just a few seconds later, James was back to square one, having watched Genex Undine get destroyed. (Junk Counters – 4) (GU 1200/800)

"Try again, kiddo. I doubt this is your best," said Taniya.

James looked slightly aggravated, as he again drew his card, and by the look on his face, got nothing again, "I'll have to just play another face-down monster."

Taniya looked as if she was slightly bored and annoyed at the lack of competition from James. She'd seen such ferociousness when dueling from his brothers, and she began to wonder if he was just the odd one out amongst the three.

"If you want, you line them up and I'll knock them down. I add D.D Warrior Lady to my field in Attack Mode!" added Taniya, "D.D Warrior Lady, attack his face-down card!" (D.D WL 1500/1600)

Following orders, D.D Warrior Lady took apart James' face-down card, Genex Recycler; leaving James to face Taniya's other monster. (Junk Counters – 6) (GR 200/400)

"Dark Blade, attack his Life Points directly!" ordered Taniya, watching as James took a massive blow to his Life Points from the attack.

Taniya: 3800
James: 1400

Xxxxx

Craig groaned, just as he heard a cackle behind him, turning around, he saw Larke, one of last year's Anarchists, and an enemy of Hayley's from her childhood. From last year, Craig began to develop his own little hatred for her himself and so did Bastion, for anyone who hurt Hayley was on Bastion's dead list.

"Your brother!" she laughed, "He's so pathetic!"

Craig turned around swiftly, angered by Larke, "I'd advise you stop that."

"Or what?" she replied, to which Craig immediately activated his Duel Disk.

"Or you can enjoy an embarrassment to yourself in front of the entire school," said Craig in return.

"Don't waste your time," said Hayley, still watching the duel, "She's not worth it."

"After all," Larke replied, "Once your brother loses this; you won't see him for another year, but, I suppose you're used to not seeing your family."

"Is there an issue down here?" asked a member of staff, coming down the stairs.

Larke, not seeing who it was, immediately responded with, "Yeah, this pathetic moron is wasting his time talking to me, it's not my problem if he's annoyed because he never sees his brothers."

The staff member offered a handshake to Larke, "We've met before Larke, with Karādorein, I'm Ryan Thresher, remember? Now the assistant Head of Slifer, or more importantly in this case, that 'pathetic moron's' brother, and I can see him right now."

Larke ignored the slight sarcasm in the comment, resuming her obnoxious pose of having her legs up on the chair in front of her, kicking it back and forth, "What are you gonna do about it?"

"Well, as I'm a staff member, I can do this. You'll have a day's detention for insulting another student, a day's detention for insulting another potential student, plus a third day's detention for setting a bad example to potential younger students," replied Ryan.

"You can't do that!" protested Larke.

"Funny… I just did," Ryan replied.

"Pathetic…"

"Not helping yourself here. Another two days for abusing a staff member. That's your first week in detention with me. Where would we be without rules, eh?"

Ryan walked off, leaving Larke in a state of shock, whilst leaving Craig, Bastion and Hayley in a state of amusement. Ryan returned to the staffing area, having finished his duel before intervening in the argument, and Larke stormed off in anger of what she had just had happen to her.

Xxxxx

Taniya: 3800
James: 1400

"C'mon James…" he thought to himself, drawing his card "We need to get something going here…"

"I'll play another monster face-down in Defense Mode," said James, looking downhearted.

"It's alright, you fought well. D.D Warrior Lady, attack his face-down card!" attacked Taniya.

James began laughing as she attacked, "You've given me another turn," he said, as his face-down card was Genex Ally Crusher, more than enough to withstand the warrior's attack and hit Taniya in return. (GAC 1000/2000)

Taniya: 3300
James: 1400

Taniya smiled slightly, there did seem to be at least some strategy in him, "It's a shame it won't survive the offence of my Dark Blade!"

She was right, Genex Ally Crusher was nothing in comparison to Dark Blade, and it was taken apart and left James' field empty again. (Junk Counters – 8)

"I end my turn," finished Taniya.

James was looking desperately hopeful over his next card, drawing it and suddenly drawing a great smile on his face.

"This changes everything. I activate Lightning Vortex, discarding one card destroys all face-up monsters on your field," said James, watching as Taniya's field was obliterated by the skies, "Then since you've destroyed four Genex monsters, I have 8 Junk Counters, meaning I can destroy my Machine Assembly Line to bring out this…Genex Solar!" (GS 2500/1500)

Suddenly, the field changed. From Taniya's domination came Taniya's empty field, and James brought out a powerful monster, hovering in the air, glowing a fierce orange colour. Taniya looked distraught yet was pleased that the student had pulled the match around. 'Maybe he's like his brothers after all,' she thought.

"Genex Solar, attack her directly!" said James, still clearly gleeful because of his turnaround, and Taniya took the beam of energy, not showing much of a reaction.

Taniya: 800
James: 1400

Xxxxx

The stadium was in shock. Just a turn ago, James was almost on his hands and knees, just barely holding out, and now he was in the driving seat for victory.

"Looks like James may well be joining us this year," said Craig.

"I wouldn't be certain," said Bastion, "Taniya will probably pull something out of the bag. She tends to, no offence, James is a great duelist, but Taniya's using a different Deck and she's looking as if she's always used it."

"How about a bet?" enquired Craig.

"What kind of bet?" interrupted Hayley, "Taniya's dominated this, James has, again, no offence, come out quite lucky, so I'm confident she'll win."

"Didn't know you were a better," replied Craig.

"Neither did I," added Bastion.

"Shows what you two know," joked Hayley, "But what's the issue with betting a sure victory? Tell you what, if Taniya wins, you have to fix our Duel Runners when we get to the island, and make any upgrades to them we want."

Craig smiled, it was all a joke, but the terms of such a bet would be the serious part of the conversation, "Deal, but if James wins you each have to do two weeks' of my homework, in total, a month."

Bastion considered it for a moment, with Hayley looking up at him, she was willing to accept; she was just waiting for Bastion's response first.

"You've got yourself a deal there," he replied, as the three turned back to watch the duel, more anxiously than before.

Xxxxx

Taniya: 800
James: 1400

"Great move, James, perhaps you're a lot better than you've shown so far," said Taniya, drawing her card, "It's unfortunate it can't last, as I Summon out Gearfried the Iron Knight!" (GIK 1800/1600)

James was confused, why was Taniya pitting a weaker monster against his. Taniya saw the confused look on his face, and smiled, pressing a button on her Duel Disk, slowly revealing her face-down card.

Xxxxx

Seeing the face-down card, which it was evident James didn't understand Craig put his head in his hands, which made Bastion and Hayley smile, looking confident over the result of this match.

Xxxxx

"What is it?" questioned James.

"Release Restraint, it can only be used on Gearfried the Iron Knight, and slowly releases him from his iron armor and brings out a whole new being…" explained Taniya, as light shone around Gearfried as the armor began dropping to the floor, "Meet…Gearfried the Swordmaster!" (GS 2600/2200)

Taniya's new monster gave a sharp and threatening look, and James returned to his previous stance, a worried and nervous stance. Genex Solar was one of his strongest monsters, and with that destroyed, he was uncertain of how he could defeat Taniya's new being.

"Gearfried, withdraw your swords and finish his Genex Solar!" attacked Taniya, as what was once James' strongest monster was reduced to rubble, and then he was attacked as well, knocked to the floor by the power of the warrior.

Taniya: 800
James: 1300

"I end my turn. You'll need to think of something, as next turn my Swordmaster's going to do the same thing all over again," said Taniya, as James drew his card.

James looked at his card, yes it was rather worthless, but if combined with the right two cards, it would win him this match… Unfortunately, he knew he only had one of those; however he knew his card he drew could still be used to effect now.

"I place one monster face-down, then activate Scroll of Bewitchment, letting me change the Attribute of a monster, and I think I'll convert your Gearfried from a Light monster, into a Dark monster," said James, "That'll be all."

Taniya was confused as to why he did what he had done, but nonetheless she moved onwards, "That was pointless, and I'll show you why it barely did anything by attacking your face-down card!" she said, as Gearfried the Swordmaster obliterated Genex Ally Bellflam.

James sighed, what were the chances of him drawing the right card at this point? One in thirty? Surely there was no chance, he was considering surrendering, nothing he had could possibly stand up to Taniya's Gearfried, and even if it could, it'd sill have to get through Taniya's Wall of Illusion, which would only return his card to his hand.

Xxxxx

"Come on James…" Craig muttered, "Don't give in…"

Although Hayley and Bastion both knew it was be extremely unfortunate not to have James come through to Duel Academy, there was that slight joy of having their Runners upgraded that they were looking forward to.

Xxxxx

James still drew his card, and looked at it.

"No way…" he said to himself, "I have to be, what, the luckiest guy alive?"

Taniya looked surprised; surely he hadn't drawn a match-winning card? James turned to face Taniya, with a smile on his face that indicated victory.

"Now, listen up. This'll get confusing, but the last turn always is," he began.

"What do you mean?" questioned Taniya, "Surely there's no way you can win?"

"Think again. First of all, I activate Mind Control, which lets me take control of your own Gearfried the Swordmaster for a turn, and then, I'll add Genex Ally Chemistrer to my field..." James continued. (GAC 200/500)

Taniya looked confused, before it suddenly hit her, "Wait, Genex Ally Chemistrer is a Tuner, you're not…" she started.

"Oh, I am. I Tune Genex Ally Chemistrer to your Gearfried the Swordmaster, and it's a good job I need a DARK-Attribute for this, since I changed Gearfried to one a few turns back, so I can bring out my Duel Academy Passport!" said James cheerily, as Genex Ally Chemistrer separated and covered Gearfried the Swordmaster, slowly transforming the warrior into something new.

"Well, I'll be…" Taniya said, "Never did I think this would be what you were planning…"

"Locomotion R-Genex, let's lock and load!" said James, as on the field on front of him suddenly appeared the stocky, large and threatening black machine, looking ready for action with its weaponry, "Plus, when it's Synchro Summoned, I get control of your strongest monster, and in this case, it's your only monster," (LR-G 2500/2000)

Taniya smiled as her field was reduced to nothing, despite the poor start, it was evident perhaps James was good enough, "Great job, kid. Now it's your turn to take it home," she complimented.

"Locomotion R-Genex… Finish this with Genex Motion Slam!" ordered James, as the giant machine took out one of its fists, and from its stationary position dealt a blow to Taniya which ended the match.

Taniya: 0
James: 1300

The monsters disappeared, signaling the end of the duel, James looked his hands and his Duel Disk and even he himself could not believe his victory. Taniya walked over to him, and shook his hand, "Great match, it's a shame you probably won't be in my dorm, we could use someone to help restrict your brother," she joked, as James laughed and returned the handshake.

"Thanks," he replied, as interference came over the intercom.

"A quick notice; all successful applicants who will be in the trialed before-first-year next year have now been examined, and we have come to a conclusion that until the first exams of the year, all of these students will be placed into the Slifer Red dormitory," came Crowler's voice over the intercom.

"Well, what do you know, you are in my dormitory next year," said Taniya, "And certainly, I can't wait to meet you all," Taniya added, evidently pleased.

James was just about to open his mouth to reply, before he was tackled to the ground by Craig in celebration who quickly jumped back up, leaving James on the floor.

"What was that for?" asked James, slightly dizzy.

"Because, you idiot, you won. Not only do you get to be in my dormitory, but thanks to your victory, I don't have to do any homework for the first month," he replied, as Hayley, Bastion and Ryan slowly approached as well.

"Well, I think we both agree doing your homework for two weeks each is worth seeing what we just saw. Good job, James," said Hayley, as Bastion nodded in agreement.

Despite being on his cell phone on the three's father, arranging a pick-up of their cases, Ryan still looked towards James with a big thumbs-up and a smile on his face. After continuous talking, he eventually hung up.

"Dad says great job, he'd love to speak, but he has to drop our stuff off then go off on some crazy business trip again, so it'll be down there when we get there," Ryan said, "But yes, great job. I really didn't think you'd do that for a moment."

James looked quite uncomfortable around all the compliments he was receiving, but still said 'thanks' each time nonetheless. The six talked for a while longer about the match, Craig, Hayley and Bastion's bet and the general year ahead before heading out and heading towards the dock where they would set sail for Duel Academy.

"So, Craig," Taniya began, "If you have no homework to be doing, I guess you can be on washing up duty for the first week, and that includes tonight, when everyone's eating a load, so you'll have lots to do,"

Craig groaned, obviously displeased at this.

"Well, you've got a lot of time," she continued.

"There'll be no need for him to do it the first week," said Ryan, "I've already got our candidate I think."

Craig remembered about the earlier confrontation, and suddenly hugged his brother jokingly in gratitude.

"Get off me," Ryan said, laughing whilst trying to shove Craig off, "Larke, before you ask. A long story and a week's detention as a result. Craig can do it another time, but Larke can do the first week, including tonight's big meal."

"Y'know," James said, "I can probably get used to having a brother as a staff member."

"Oh, it's great," said Hayley, "Nothing quite beats getting people like Larke in as much trouble as you can."

Taniya smiled, "I'd happily have that girl doing my work all year,"

"Thought you were supposed to unbiased?" joked Bastion.

"Only when I'm on the island," replied Taniya, smiling.

The six continued on. Yes, it was almost certain not to be as dangerous of a year as last year, but it sure would be just as entertaining…

Xxxxx

"A warning to all Duel Academy students, you have fifteen minutes to board the boat before it takes off for the island. All luggage is required to be placed in the luggage compartment, where it will remain safe for the journey," came the announcement over the intercom.

Ryan ran back off the boat, having placed all three of the Threshers' luggage on board the boat and sorting out arrangements for travel, being a staff member. He came off smiling unnaturally, looking towards Craig with a slight smirk on his face.

"What?" questioned Craig curiously.

"Nothing…" replied Ryan, "I mean, you'll find out…"

"You boys ready then?" asked Flo, walking off the boat herself having placed luggage onboard.

"Yeah. Isn't Jacob with you today?" asked Craig, referring to Flo's older brother, who this year, like Bastion, would be in his final year.

"No… I've honestly no idea what's up with him. He's been literally silent for the last two weeks, and he left at eight in the morning for some unknown reason, it's worrying," she replied.

Craig shrugged his shoulders, obviously having no idea himself, "So, who's this new teacher I've seen wandering around in the Obelisk Blue jacket? Never seen him before," he asked, referring to a teacher nearby who was, like Craig specified, was wearing an Obelisk Blue jacket and was already quite stocky as well as having black hair which arose to a point in the middle of his scalp.

"Him? That's Viper, Crowler hired him as assistant of Obelisk Blue after he went into an outrage over Sheppard allowing Ryan to assist Slifer; none of us know where he comes from or anything," she replied.

At the end of Flo's sentence, Hayley and Bastion entered the scene, Hayley with a strong look of disbelief on her face.

"You won't believe what we've just seen," said Bastion, looking slightly in shock himself.

"That Viper guy?" said Craig, "Yeah, looks like some guy out of a comic book."

"No, there are more pressing issues at hand," replied Bastion seriously.

"Only been in the Academy an hour, is it always like this?" asked James to Craig.

"Pretty much," he replied.

"Etain's been hired as the Ra Yellow assistant," said Hayley.

"Etain?" questioned James up to his brothers, Craig who looked slightly in disbelief, but Ryan looked a lot more serious.

"Why, she'll rip some of those Ra Yellows apart…" said Ryan quietly.

"Exactly," said Hayley, "And she's persuaded that fool Sartyr that she's 'changed', and he's only gone out and believed it and hired her after Crowler persuaded him to hire an assistant."

"WHAT! After what she did last year? She help Karādorein, kidnapped Hayley, had a Shadow Duel with Taniya, chained Hayley to the wall about thirty feet above said Duel, almost killed Bastion with that spike, he's allowing her near students?" asked Craig in disbelief.

"Yeah and that's only what Karādorein allowed her to do. That's because Karādorein wouldn't let her do much more, although he wanted you all gone, he needed your Keys, and if Etain was let loose, she would happily have broken half your body before she took your keys," Ryan replied, "Ever taken a hit from Etain?"

"Nope," Craig replied.

"Don't get yourself into a position where you do. I don't know how strong Taniya is, but if she's anything like Etain, then you've pretty much got a brick wall defending your dormitory," Ryan explained further.

"Taniya is far stronger than Etain, she beat Etain in our Amazon Acceptance Fight, Etain doesn't stand a chance against Taniya in a physical fight and in a duel, well, Taniya wipes the floor with almost anybody," said Hayley.

"This is going to be one entertaining year…" muttered James.

"I presume you've all heard…" said Taniya, entering the scene.

"Etain?" asked Ryan, as Taniya nodded, "Yeah, good luck to those Ras."

"We're Ra's and that means…" said Bastion.

"That means that, we're in deep trouble," said Hayley, knowing what Etain was capable of.

"Awkward thing is, just interrupted her, that new teacher Viper and an Obelisk Blue student named Jacob Smith all speaking together. Something's going on, and Sheppard needs to be informed first thing we get to the island," said Taniya, walking off the boat after her introduction to the conversation.

There was a slight moment of silence, before Bastion interrupted, "Tell you what everyone, let's make a pact. All seven of us, myself, Hayley, Taniya, James, Craig, Flo and Ryan, we promise to each other that no matter what happens, whatever evil and darkness we have to fight, we fight it together," he proposed, placing his hand in the middle.

"Sure," added Hayley confidently, placing her hand on top of Bastion's.

"Fine. Together, nothing can stop us," said Taniya, adding her hand.

"Sign me up," said Ryan, placing his own hand in.

"I'm game," replied James, reaching up and placing his hand on top of Ryan's.

"Couldn't see it happening any other way," added Flo, placing her hand in and staring at Craig, waiting for his indication.

"You can count me in," added Craig, "We wouldn't have done it last year after all."

The agreement for the seven to stick together gave a sudden boost of confidence to them all that they were not alone, and as the announcement came over the intercom that they could board, they separated and slowly entered the boat in the queue.

Just as Ryan began to board, closely followed by James, Craig took a step to the side, suddenly obtaining a sense of blurred vision.

"What is this? This has never happened before…" he thought to himself, slowly changing his vision as visualizing something he was certain was nowhere near him…

Xxxxx

Craig had what he was certain was a bird's eye view over some sort of battle between two sides. Slowly, he was pushed downwards into the side which had red armor, looking very equipped for the battle. At the front of the side with the red armor he saw three men, looking very young, standing at the front.

"Tai is this really a battle we can win?" questioned the soldier on the left, just behind the soldier at the front, obviously the leader.

"Takato, if we don't hold these people off, they'll get close enough to Wisteria, Daichi and Sunny to cause some serious damage," replied Tai.

"If you say so," replied Takato.

"Tai's got a point, brother. We were given these positions in the army to lead and protect our leaders," added the person on the right.

"Thanks, Takuya," said Craig, slowly clambering up onto the nearby wall, which made him taller than the reminder of his soldiers, before bellowing out, "We stand here today fighting the biggest force we've ever seen. In an hour, we could all have perished, without having put up a fight of any kind. We face the threat of invasion, and it is our solemn duty to prevent such a threat. This force has destroyed the remainder of the forces in our land, and whilst we remain the biggest force, we are also the last significant force which can defend this land. For what could possibly be the last time, we stand together, we fight together, and in the name of our kingdom, soldiers, we shall fall together! All ready? Forward!"

Xxxxx

Craig suddenly found himself back in the real world, standing to the side of the entrance to the boat, many people ignoring him despite the out-of-the-ordinary situation.

"What's up?" asked Flo, having just been about to board herself.

"Nothing, just nothing," lied Craig, trying to forget what he had seen, slowly boarding, trying to remember what he had seen, was it the past? Had he just seen his supposed previous self fighting a battle? He was unsure, but they hadn't even got to the island yet, and it looked to be the beginning of one long year.

Xxxxx