"This" is talking,

'this' is thinking,

and 'this' is writing.

GX - GX

One night Zane and Syrus were sitting on the docks looking out into the ocean. Syrus looked at Zane and saw the serious face he had on.

"Zane?"

"Hm?" Zane asked as he turned to face his little brother.

"What are you thinking about?"

"My job."

"Got any regrets?"

"Besides being chased by a whole bunch of fangirls, you mean?" He asked, and Syrus giggled, but his face soon became serious again. "Yeah."

"Like what?"

"It's too much stress and pressure."

"You should be happy."

"Happy? What for?"

"You should be happy that you have a gift. You're a fantastic duelist and even though Jaden's a good duelist too... you'll always be the best in my world." Syrus said, and Zane smiled at him.

"Thank you, Syrus. I needed to hear that." Zane said as he hugged his little brother closely.

"You know... it shocks me that you don't have anybody yet."

"That's because they're all just fans who want an autograph and a kiss and then it's goodbye see you in your next duel." Zane said, and Syrus giggled again. "Why are you giggling? I'm not trying to be funny."

"Sorry." Syrus apologized, quickly.

"Nah. I'm just kidding, you little knucklehead." Zane said as he gave Syrus a noogie on the head.

"Zane!" Syrus whined, trying to get free of Zane's grasp, but Zane was too strong for him. "Stop!" He whined, pathetically.

"You really suck, you know that, Syrus?" Zane asked with a smile after he stopped and let him go. Syrus couldn't help but return the smile. "First of all, wiggling around like a worm isn't gonna get you anywhere." He said as he raised an eyebrow, and Syrus laughed sheepishly while sweatdropping. "Second of all, the way you whine is just pathetic. Anyway you were saying something about me and someone else."

"Oh, right. Well... do you think you could tell me what you look for in a someone?"

"Sure." Zane said, and saw Syrus take out a notepad and a pen (that seemed to come out of nowhere). "Uh..."

"I'm gonna be writing the stuff down."

"So I see." Zane said, sarcastically.

"Anyway... start."

"Well..."

-- Later that night --

Syrus came into the Chazz's room at the Slifer dorm where Jaden was, hanging out with Bastion and Jesse of course. As usual, Bastion and Jesse were fighting over who liked Jaden more, while Jaden was just sitting there, enjoying the attention.

'It's funny... he never used to do that with Hassleberry's and my fights. Of course that's probably because he wasn't there half the time we were fighting.' Syrus thought. Jaden turned around and spotted Syrus.

"Oh... hey, Sy!" Jaden said, causing Jesse and Bastion to stop fighting and look at Syrus too. "How did it go? You and Zane hit it off yet?"

"No... and I'm starting to think we never will."

"Why? What's the problem?"

"Zane told me a whole bunch of things that he found appealing in someone and none of them refer to me."

"Oh yeah? Read to me what he said."

"Okay." Syrus said, then took out his little notepad and started reading. "He said he liked someone who was sweet, caring, understanding, compassionate, loves pets, likes seeing the countryside, and beautiful."

"And you think none of those quality's refer to you?" Jaden asked.

"Okay, okay. Name one thing on here that fits me."

"All of them."

"All of them?"

"Yep." Jaden said, then got up and went up to Syrus. "How about tomorrow you go back to him and this time... I'll be watching."

"Uh... I don't think that will be necessary, Jaden. He's my brother... I think I can handle him on my own."

"Suit yourself, but if you ever need a hand... I'm right here for you."

"Thank you, Jay."

"No problem... of course Bastion is gonna be right behind me, behind you."

"Yes!" Bastion cheered. "In your face, Jesse! Jaden said me! Not you!" Bastion said, and Jesse crossed his arms over his chest.

"Showoff idiot." Jesse muttered under his breath.

-- The next morning --

Syrus went up to Zane, who was sitting on a rock, and tapped him on the shoulder. Zane turned around and smiled when he saw Syrus.

"Hi Syrus."

"Hi."

"What's you up to?"

"Nothin' really. I just... wanted to ask you a question that's been bugging me."

"Yeah?"

"Do you like anyone right now?"

"You mean..."

"Yeah."

"No, not right now." Zane replied, and Syrus felt his heart sink. "Why? Do you?"

"No." Syrus answered. "Well... that's all I wanted to ask. I'll see you around." Syrus said as he got up then ran off. Pretty soon he ran into Alexis, Bastion, Chazz, Hassleberry, Jaden, and Jesse. "Oh... hi."

"Well? Anything?" Jaden asked.

"Actually..." Syrus paused, exciting everyone, thinking that something did happen. "No." He said, and they all fell over.

"Why not?"

"Because he said that he doesn't like anyone now... meaning it's definitely not me." Syrus thought, sadly. "Maybe if I turn into someone else?" Syrus all of a sudden asked, shocking everyone.

"Syrus, you can't just go and change into somebody else just because the one you love happens to be your older brother." Alexis stated.

"That's not why I'm saying that."

"Then why are you saying it?"

"Think about it. If I turn into someone else then I could start a whole new relationship with Zane. I'll be able to start anew... just me and him." Syrus said, dreamily, gaining hearts in his eyes, as his background turned into red and pink hearts.

"Yeah, but if Zane ever found out who you really were then he would ban you forever." Chazz said, causing Syrus' background to shatter into a million pieces.

"Shut up, Chazz!" Everyone but Syrus said.

"Don't listen to Chazz, Sy. He's just jealous that he doesn't have anybody to love."

"Hey!" Chazz yelled.

"If I risk the point of being argumentative, you don't know how to change into somebody else." Alexis said.

"Maybe not. But I'll find a way."

-- That night --

Syrus was walking alone in the woods when he all of a sudden he noticed that he was in front of the abandon dorm.

'Wow! I guess I walked a little too far.' Syrus thought, and just when he was about to walk away he heard a voice come from inside the dorm.

"Come in, come in, my child." The voice said, and Syrus was starting to get really scared.

'Atticus warned me about this.' Syrus thought, totally freaked out.

"We must not stand in doorways. It's rude." The man said as he opened the door and came outside. "My question is why is a person like you doing here at this time of night?"

"I-I was just going for a w-walk when I found m-myself h-here." Syrus studdered.

'I know better then to talk to strangers... especially ones that come out from an abandon dorm, but... I don't know.' Syrus thought.

"I know that look." The man said.

"W-what look?"

"You have someone on your mind." He said, and Syrus blushed. Then the man gave a hand signal for Syrus to come to the porch where he was. Syrus didn't want to, but he did anyway, as if being dragged by an invisible force. "Now, let me guess. You're thinking of a way to try to change into another person to... start a new relationship with... that Zane person." The man said.

"Well... yes, but how did you know? Have you been stalking me or something?"

"No. I'm psychic. In other words... I can read your mind." He said, then sat on the railing. "Well... The only way to get what you want is to become a girl."

"You can do that? I mean... and make me look diffrent too?" Syrus asked, and the man smirked then look at him.

"My dear, sweet child. That's what I do. It's what I live for. To help unfortonate folk... like yourself." He said, taking ahold of Syrus' chin, but Syrus turned away. "Poor souls with no one else to turn to." He said, then started singing.

I admit that in the past I've been a nasty

They weren't kidding when they called me, well, a wizard

But you'll find that nowadays

I've mended all my ways

Repented, seen the light and made a switch

True? Yes.

Then he went inside, followed by Syrus, and went up to a huge cauldron.

And I fortunately know a little magic

It's a talent that I always have possessed

And here lately, please don't laugh

I use it on behalf

Of the miserable, lonely, and depressed

(shows an example then whispered to himself)

Pathetic

(back to regular singing)

Poor unfortunate souls

In pain

In need

This one longing to be thinner

That one wants to get the girl

And do I help them?

Yes, indeed

Those poor unfortunate souls

So sad

So true

They come flocking to my cauldron

Crying, "Spells, Ursula please!"

And I help them?

Yes, I do

Alexis, Basion, and Jaden walked up and spied on what was going on threw the open door.

Now it's happened once or twice

Some one couldn't pay the price

And I'm afraid I had to rake 'em 'cross the coals

Yes I've had the odd complaint

But on the whole I've been a saint

To those poor unfortunate souls

"Now, here's the deal. I will make you a potion that will turn you into a girl for three days, got that? Three days. Now listen, this is important." He said, then showed an example of what he was talking about while he said it. "Before the sun sets on the third day, you've got to get dear old Zaney to fall in love with you. That is... he's got to kiss you. Not just any kiss, the kiss of true love. If he does kiss you before the sun sets on the third day you'll remain a girl permanently, but if he doesn't you'll turn back into a boy and... you belong to me."

"No Syrus!" Alexis yelled, and that's when Syrus realized they were there.

"Have we got a deal?" He asked as he turned Syrus back around to face him.

"If I become a girl. I'll never be able to be Zane's brother again."

"That's right, but... he'll be your man and isn't that what you want?" He asked. "Life is full of tough choices, isn't it?" He asked, then laughed. "Oh, and there is one more thing. We haven't discussed the subject of payment. You can't get something for nothing, you know?"

"But I don't have any-" Syrus was cut off when the guy placed a hand over his mouth.

"I'm not asking much. Just a token really." He said, then removed his hand from Syrus' mouth. "What I want from you is... your voice."

"My voice?" Syrus asked as he placed his hand on his throut.

"You've got it, cupcake. No more talking or singing. Zip!"

"But without my voice how can I-"

"You'll have your looks, your pretty face, and don't underestimate the importance of... body language." He said, then started singing again.

The men don't like a lot of blabber

They think a girl who gossips is a bore

Yes, it's much preferred

For ladies not to say a word

And after all, dear, what is idle prattle for?

Then he went to the cabinet and started to throw things into the cauldron.

Come on, they're not all that impressed with conversation

True gentlemen avoid it when they can

But they dote and swoon and fawn

On a lady who's withdrawn

It's she who holds her tongue will get her man

Come on, you poor unfortunate soul

Go ahead!

Make your choice!

I'm a very busy man

And I haven't got all day

It won't cost much

Just your voice!

You poor unfortunate soul

It's sad

But true

If you want to cross a bridge, my sweet

You've got to pay the toll

Take a gulp and take a breath

And go ahead and sign the scroll!

(Shows Syrus a paper that's like a contract)

The boss is on a roll

This poor unfortunate soul

(Syrus takes a pen and signs it)

The guy takes the paper then chants a spell into the cauldron. Then a pair of hands come from the cauldron and the man looks at Syrus.

"Now... sing." He commanded. So Syrus started singing and in his throut a bright glow began to appear. "Keep singing!" He said, then the hands go up to Syrus, goes down his throut and takes out his voice box. Then they come back out, holding Syrus' voice box, and the next thing they knew Syrus was inside a bubble and he was changing. The bubble burst so Alexis, Bastion, and Jaden took this opportunity to go up to Syrus and take him out of there.

-- The next morning --

They all woke up on the beach. They were surprised to see that Syrus had changed into a girl and he looked diffrent too. He still had his normal clothes on, but he was taller now, a little slimmer, had long red hair, and dark blue eyes. Then Atticus came along with Jesse, Hassleberry, and Chazz.

"Hey guys! What's up?" Atticus asked, then saw Syrus. "Who's that?"

"That's Syrus?" Jaden answered.

"Oh. I just didn't reconize him." Atticus said, then went up and sat down next to him. "I mean look at you. Look at you. There's somethin' diffrent. I got it! It's your clothes, right? You've been wearing new clothes, right?" He asked, and Syrus shook his head. "No. Let me see... new shoes?" He asked, and Syrus shook his head again. "No new shoes. I tell ya I can't put my foot on it right now, but if I just sit here long enough I can-"

"He's a girl, you idiot!" Alexis yelled, cutting him off. "He traded his voice to some guy at the abondon dorm and got changed into girl! Geez man!"

"I knew that." Atticus said.

"Yeah, Syrus has been changed into a girl and he's gotta make Zane fall in lone with him. And he's gotta- he's gotta kiss him."

"And he's only got three days." Alexis said. Then a loud splash shocked everyone. Syrus had fell into the shallow water because he had tried to stand up. "Just look at him! As a girl! My nerves are shot! This a catastrophe! What would his parents say? I'll tell you what his parents would say. They would say they're gonna kill themselves an Alexis is would his parents would say."

"Just calm down, Lex." Atticus said.

"...Fine."

"Now, Syrus, the first thing we gotta do before you see Zane is have a girl's name."

"What about... Ariel?" Jaden suggested, and Syrus automatically agreed and nodded.

"Ariel?" Chazz asked.

"Yeah, you know... like the little mermaid Ariel?"

"That's a freakin' cartoon!" Chazz yelled.

"Yet... it kinda is happening." Bastion added.

"Yeah, so take that!" Jaden said.

"Okay, Ariel it is!" Atticus said. "Now, the next thing we gotta do is have you dress like a girl." Atticus said. "And since we don't have any spare girl clothes around we could-" Atticus said, but was cut off when Alexis cleared her throut. "Yeah?"

"He can borrow some of my clothes, but we would have to go back to my dorm room for that." Alexis said. So they all left and headed for Alexis' dorm.

-- In Alexis' dorm room --

"Here you go, Syrus... oh, I mean... Ariel." Alexis said, handing him another one of her school uniforms.

"Alexis, I can't." Syrus complained. "I've never seen a girl's... parts before."

"Ariel... they're yours so why are you worrying." She said. So Ariel (that's what he's being called for a while now) went into the bathroom and came back out wearing Alexis' school outfit. Atticus wolf wistled when he saw Ariel.

"You look great! Now... time for a test run." Atticus said. Then took Ariel's hand and brought her outside, followed by everyone else.

-- Half an hour later --

About roughly a half an hour later, they were all standing on the beach when they heard a dog barking.

"That's Frank." Atticus said just as Frank came around the corner and was running towards them.

Chazz screamed and hid behind a tree.

Frank ran up to Ariel and licked her cheek. Then he heard Zane call his name and come around the corner. Frank ran over and tried to get Zane closer. Zane looked and up and saw Ariel, standing there alone. (Everyone else was hiding in the bushes, watching.)

"Are you okay?" Zane asked as he walked up to her to get Frank. "I'm sorry if this knucklehead scared you. He's harmless really." He said with a smile, and she smiled back. "So... what's your name?" He asked, and she tried to answer him, but she forgot that she couldn't talk. "What's the matter?" He asked, and she pointed to her throut. "You can't speak?" He asked. She shook her head. "Oh... I'm sorry. You can write though, right?" He asked and she nodded. So he handed her a pen and paper. "I need to ask you a question." He said.

Then she wrote down, 'What is it?' on the paper and handed it to him.

"You wouldn't of happened to see a boy around here, would you?"

'Well... what's he look like?'

"He's got light blue hair, bright silver eyes, pale skin, and is kinda short."

'Nope, haven't seen him.'

"Oh. I don't know where he is. I'm starting to get worried."

'Who is he to you anyway?'

"He's my brother. I was supposed to meet him today, but he never showed up. Now I can't find him anywhere."

'Oh. Well... I'm sure he's around here somewhere. I'm not doing anything. I'll help you find him.' She wrote down, and he nodded in agreement.

"Okay. Since we can understand each other now... what's your name?"

'Ariel.'

"Ariel? That's kinda pretty. Okay. Ariel." He said with a smile. Then they got up and started to try and look for Syrus.

GX - GX