Chapter Text
[Central Academy Main Building - Chancellor’s Office - 6:33 AM]
Silence hung in the air as Oleander and Alexis sat outside of the chancellor’s office waiting for the chairwoman to be done talking with Sheppard so that he and the blonde may properly explain the events that transpired a few hours ago; the only sound that permeated the ambient was that of a grandfather clock ticking away.
“Weather is terrible, no?” Oleander asked before smacking his lips and giving Alexis an awkward smile.
Her only response was to shuffle away from him a bit, which served to erase the smile on Oleander’s face. Honestly, he hardly blames her for being a tad bit unnerved at him, especially when you factor in that he did almost kill someone.
Deciding that it was for the best not to press the issue, the purple-haired duelist opted to sink into his seat and close his eyes. While he doubted he would be able to catch any sleep, he desperately needed to rest; running around the woods in the middle of the night, dueling two creeps, and getting dragged around by the academy's security tends to take a toll on one's energy.
But alas, Oleander's moment of respite was cut short when the oak doors that led into the office opened themselves, and from the inside emerged a woman wearing a militarized version of the girls uniform, the blues having been replaced with green, while a cape adorned her back; on top of her short black hair was a green beret.
The woman in question being none other than Chairwoman Madelin, the head of the academy's security and, in many ways but in name, the academy's second in command. How a clown like Crowler got the position of vice-chancellor while she was stuck as the chairwoman was beyond Oleander, but he quickly chalked that up to Sheppard being Sheppard, as in utterly incompetent in his job.
Speaking of the Obelisk Blue headmaster, Oleander was still debating with himself whether or not he should pull out the picture he took and air the guy's dirty laundry to the one person other than Seto Kaiba he feared. He'd think about that later because right now it was time to talk with the chancellor himself.
Getting up from their seats in unison, Oleander and Alexis were guided inside the office, where they were met with Chancellor Sheppard in the flesh. The bald man smiled warmly at his students while motioning for them to take a seat in two really comfortable-looking chairs that sat neatly in front of his desk.
"I would like to begin this conversation by assuring the two of you that the culprits are securely under the care of Central Academy Internal Security." Sheppard began as he watched the two teens take their seat. "And in a few hours they will be shipped out of this island and towards jail, so you two may rest easy." However, his expression then became a tad more serious. "Now I would like to know what happened to the one wearing a silver mask; he arrived at the infirmary barely breathing."
Oleander and Alexis exchanged awkward looks at one another, and so, taking a deep breath, the purple-haired duelist rose from his seat to make sure all eyes were on him.
"It was me, chancellor." He began while keeping a straight posture. "Once the duel was over, I decided to get justice with my bare hands and..." Taking a deep breath through his nostrils, he continued. "I pressed my feet on his neck for several seconds."
Sheppard and Madelin stared at the purple-haired Slifer Red with a shocked expression at the revelation that a literal high schooler is the reason that a grown man is now breathing with the aid of a machine.
"Were you out of your mind, boy?!" Sheppard scolded him, his tone shifting to something much more stern. "Not only did you approach an individual that, for all intents and purposes, could very well be armed, but your little stunt left the man incapable of being interrogated!"
"What about the other one?" Alexis spoke as she leaned against the armrest of her chair.
"He refused to cooperate." Chairwoman Madelin stated matter-of-factly, a hint of a scowl being visible under the mask of professional indifference she wore. "He said, and I quote, 'Snitches get stitches,' and simply refused to say anything else, even after we offered for him to get out with a lighter sentence."
"Back to the topic at hand." Sheppard cut in as he set his gaze on Oleander once more. "Chairwoman Madelin relayed the information that you saved Ms. Rhodes from being abducted by those two scums." Placing a hand over his chest, he gave the purple-haired duelist a respectful bow. "While I thank you on behalf of the academy, it does not erase your recklessness."
"And the same applies for you two, Ms. Rhodes." He then turned his gaze to face the blonde, who looked about just ready to fall asleep right then and there. "I understand you were mourning the loss of someone...important," He said with a heavy sigh before quickly composing himself. "But you were caught walking around during an active curfew, the two of you."
"I would like to add that, while my team found them in the premises of the academy's exclusion zone." Madelin began as she clasped her hands behind her back. "They did not enter it; therefore they should only face repercussions for infringing the curfew."
"Good, I was worried we would need to duel against two pro-duelists to not face expulsion." Oleander 'joked' as he took back his seat.
"Heavens forbid!" Sheppard said with a good-natured laugh. "Who in their right mind would do such a thing?"
Oleander fought with all his might against the urge to launch the man the world's biggest blank stare known to man. But somehow he managed to.
"Now, I think appropriate punishment would be your DP accounts being frozen, meaning you will not be able to earn anything through duels, nor will you be able to use any remaining DP that was present by the time it was frozen." Scratching his chin, he contemplated for a few moments. "I also want a ten-page essay on the importance of curfews and the dangers of not abiding by them."
"Is there anything else?" Oleander tiredly asked as he rubbed his eyes. "Because I can hear my bed calling my name all the way up here."
"I second that." Alexis said in an equally tired voice.
"I will call the headmasters of your dorms." He explained while picking up the phone on top of his desk and dialing. "While the danger has already passed, I still think it is best if you two are accompanied by adults."
"With your permission, Chancellor, I shall take my leave." Madelin turned to face the man and gave him a salute before marching out of the office.
"And I will crash on the couch outside the office if you don't mind." Oleander got up from his seat and dragged his tired feet all the way to the door, slamming it behind him.
Throwing himself on the luxurious black couch, Oleander sighed in relief as his head was finally allowed some rest after going back and forth nonstop for the last few hours. He was so tired, in fact, that he did not even notice that the reflection on the glass that housed the grandfather’s clock pendulum was displaying Starving Venom perched on the couch, watching over the purple-haired duelist like a gargoyle.
Half an hour later, Oleander felt a hand on his shoulder. Groaning, he spun on the couch until he saw that the person who had woken from his nap was Professor Banner. The alchemist helped his student to sit up on the couch and even smooth the purple-haired duelist's jacket.
Rubbing his eyes, Oleander turned his head to the side and was able to see Nurse Fontaine speaking with Chancellor about dismissing both Oleander and Alexis from classes for the rest of the day. Honestly, even if he wasn't dismissed from the classes, he had no intention of attending them anyway; he really wasn't a fan of dealing with Crowler's clownfest only to spend a good chunk of the morning hearing his voice.
"Good morning, Professor Banner." The purple-haired duelist groggily greeted his headmaster.
"Good morning to you too, Mr. Hemlock." The alchemist responded with a kind smile as he took a hold of Oleander's shoulder and helped him on his feet. "Come, I will prepare something for you once we arrive at the dorm."
"I just want to sleep, that is all." Oleander responded as he turned his head back to see Alexis following Nurse Fontaine, the two of them quickly disappearing after turning around a corner. "By the way, professor, what did they tell you about what happened?"
"Only that apparently you and Ms. Rhodes dueled and defeated two mercenaries for hire whose jobs targeted one of my students." A scowl formed on his face as he said the last part.
"Well, I gotta tell you something that happened in the duel toward the end." Oleander began as the two of them started to make the walk back to the dorm. "And before you ask, it is related to Starving Venom and my...mood swings."
"Is that so?" A glint flashed across Banner's eyes. "Pray tell, because Ms. Rhodes was looking at you with genuine fear in her eyes."
"I nearly killed a man." The purple-haired duelist admitted while rubbing the back of his neck awkwardly. "Once the duel was over, I walked up to him and stomped on his neck."
"So it is getting worse, no?" Banner remarked thoughtfully while cupping his chin. "I'm really sorry about that, Mr. Hemlock." The alchemist lamented with genuine sadness. "No child of your age should deal with things like that."
"It is what it is." The purple-haired duelist gave his headmaster a noncommittal shrug as they both walked into the schoolyard. "And besides, it is not like we are going to let this...thing do as it pleases with me."
"And that is why I'm terribly sorry for how long it is taking to set things up." He placed a comforting hand on his student's shoulder. "But I must make sure everything is perfect so that we may begin our studies."
"So long as we eventually rid this spiritual parasite from me, you can take as much time as you want." The purple-haired duelist waved off the alchemist's concern. "But what do you recommend I do in the meantime?"
"Cease the usage of Starving Venom Fusion Dragon." Banner spoke matter-of-factly. "While I know it is one of your most powerful cards, I'm sure you understand that we can't afford you having another one of your episodes with one of the students."
"No need to tell me twice." Oleander grumbled as he dug his hand on his deck holster; pulling Starving Venom's card, he tried to pass it on to Banner, but was surprised when the alchemist refused. "What gives?"
"I do not think it is wise to separate the spirit from the duelist it is attached to." The alchemist wearily declared as he eyed the card with worry. "Best to simply keep it on your person and not use it, lest we risk kicking the metaphorical hornet's nest."
"Why can't things involving spirits be simple?" Oleander lamented with a crestfallen sigh as he shoved the card on his holster once more.
"I ask myself that same question on a fairly regular basis." Banner spoke in an equally dejected, if a bit frustrated, tone.
Both student and professor then came to a silent agreement to walk the rest of the path without talking, which did serve to give Oleander some much-needed quiet time to process what to do with the incriminating picture he has of Crowler.
He briefly considered partaking in that information with Banner but quickly snuffed out that idea because of the myriad of issues it could cause.
Finally, after what felt like an eternity, the two of them finally arrived at the Slifer Red Dorm, and Oleander never thought he would feel relief upon laying eyes on the borderline run-down building, but if there's one thing he knew regarding Central Academy Island, it is that anything is possible.
"Get some rest; you are long overdue for it." Banner turned to face his purple-haired student while placing a hand over his shoulder. "And don't you worry; I'm working overtime to make sure everything is ready, and I give you my word that we will solve this problem."
"Thanks a lot." Oleander responded with a nod before ascending the stairs leading to the dorm's second floor and toward his room.
[Slifer Red Dorm - Oleander’s Room - 7:30 AM]
Now inside his room, the purple-haired duelist simply kicked off his shoes, each going in a different direction, before throwing himself on his mattress, sighing softly to himself as his head sank somewhat comfortably in the pillow. Closing his eyes, he fell asleep in mere moments, causing him to become unaware of the ethereal blue spirit that was now looming over him.
"I know how cruel all of this looks." The Entity spoke in a soft tone as she crouched down so that she may adjust the blanket over Oleander's sleeping form. "But I assure you it will be worth it in the end."
Straightening her position, she picked up Oleander's discarded shoes and placed them neatly by his bed. Once she was sure that he was as comfortable as he could be, she opened her hand, causing her staff to come into existence before she disappeared into nothing. Leaving Oleander to finally sleep in peace.
[Obelisk Blue Girls Dorm - Alexis’ Room - 7:30 AM]
Tick…tack…tick…tack…
The constant and monotonous noise of Alexis' alarm clock filled the room. Lying on her bed, the blonde stared at the ceiling with a thousand-yard stare. She was utterly drained and desperately wanted and needed to sleep, yet she couldn’t, no matter how much time she kept her eyes closed.
A knock on her door was heard, but before she could get up, it opened, and in walked Jasmine and Mindy, her best friends, whom she had known ever since duel-prep school. Sitting up on her bed, the blonde managed to crack the slightest of smiles. Her two friends exchanged worried looks before quickly making their way to her bed and wasted no time in pulling her into a tight hug.
"How are you doing, girl?" Mindy asked as she pulled from the hug.
"I'm hanging in there." Alexis said as she rubbed her eyes. "I can't sleep, no matter how hard I try."
"We heard you whooped those creeps asses." Jasmine spoke next with a confident smirk. "Showed them not to mess with the Obelisk Blue Queen, eh?"
"I can't take all the credit; Oleander not only saved me from being kidnapped but also duelled with me." She let out a long-winded sigh. "But damn, did he start to frighten me in the latter half of the duel."
"What do you mean?" Mindy asked next.
"It is kind of hard to say, but..." She bit her lower lip trying to find the proper words. "It was like a switch was flipped on him; he started the duel fine, cracking jokes and generally trying to lighten up the mood, not too dissimilar from what Jaden would do, actually."
"And then?" Jasmine pressed on while fixing her friend's messy hair. "What happened?"
"When he summoned that purple dragon, his demeanor completely changed." She hugged her sides close to herself while shuddering a bit. "All of a sudden he started to refer to those creeps as prey and how he would tear them apart limb from limb."
"And that's not all; once the duel was over, he marched to where one of them was lying on the ground and, without warning, stomped on his neck." The blonde retold as the memory of Oleander's act flashed across her mind. "If I hadn't tackled him onto the ground, I'm sure he would have killed him."
"T-that's horrible!" Mindy commented, looking pale as a ghost.
"He just did that out of the blue?" Jasmine arched an eyebrow. "Like he just started to act like a psycho without warning and then just did... that?"
“Completely out of nowhere.” Alexis confirmed with a nod. “But the part that really stuck with me was on the final turn of the duel.” She stopped to collect her thoughts before taking a deep breath. “He pressured me into boosting the attack points of his dragon, and when I didn’t do it, he AND his dragon both turned to face me.”
"Alexis girl, I hate to say it to you, but this Oleander guy sounds like bad news." Jasmine said while crossing his arms.
"Yeah, I watched enough horror movies to know that people like that are serial killers in the making." Mindy chimed in. "Before you know it, he's going to put on a hockey mask and pick a machete!"
"Mindy, not helping." Jasmine chided her friend, who then proceeded to place both hands over her mouth just in case.
"Look, I know how bad all this sounds, but truth be told, I'm not in the right headspace to process that." Sweeping her hair backwards, the blonde fell backwards into the mattress. "So could you two please leave?" The blonde lifted her hair ever so slightly. "I really want to sleep all of this off."
"Sure, girl, take as much time as you want." Jasmine reassured her friend as she took hold of Mindy's wrist and led her out of Alexis's bedroom.
"We are here if you need us!" Mindy reassured her friend through the door before their footsteps were heard walking down the corridor.
Alone once more, the blonde decided to refocus her gaze on the ceiling; this time, however, she could feel her eyes getting progressively heavier and heavier, and before long they closed completely as Alexis was finally allowed the release of sweet, sweet sleep.
[Sea of Japan - S.S. Anne - 12:00 AM]
Boredom—that's all Panik could feel at the very instant. It was pure, unadulterated boredom. Having his hands and knees handcuffed to the bed frame really limits one's options to entertain themselves on a long trip on their way to jail, and he was tired of playing "I Spy with my little eye," seeing as he had exhausted all of the options in the room to play the game.
Groaning, Panik's eyes scanned the room once more in a desperate attempt to stave off the dreadful boredom that had a vice grip on him, yet for the fifteenth time that day he was met with the same result: nothing.
He couldn't even talk with his partner, seeing as he currently was in the ship's medical wing, probably surrounded by a dozen machines to allow him to breathe. The former Eliminator grimaced as the memory of the purple-haired brat stomping on his partner's throat appeared in his mind.
Stomping on someone's throat, that's the kind of stuff that even Panik would hesitate in doing, and he didn't know what the hell possessed the kid into doing something like that. But if he was to guess, maybe it had something to do with their job involving that... what was his name again? Schmaden Schmuki? Yeah, Schmaden or something.
Panik's train of thought was stopped dead in his tracks when the lights in his room started to flicker before shutting down completely; once turning back on, the former Eliminator wasn't alone anymore.
Standing over him was a humanoid female figure glowing in an ethereal blue light, her silver eyes staring down at Panik with unrestrained disdain. She opened the palm of her hand, and from thin air conjured a staff that looked like the clock pointer of a grandfather clock.
"I don't suppose you're here to serve me lunch, are you?" Panik joked, trying to keep his cool in the face of such a bizarre being he was seeing.
"The elusive Panik, once Maximillian Pegasus's top Eliminator during Duelist Kingdom." The entity began speaking as she started to circle his bed, one hand clasped behind her back. "Now reduced to a simple mercenary willing to take any job to make ends meet, how pathetic."
"Who the hell are you?" Panik growled as he watched her intently.
"Panik is a very interesting alias." She remarked, completely ignoring the question she was just asked. "Certainly more intimidating than Connor Williams."
"Hey!" He barked, "How the hell do you know my name?!"
"It is unimportant, because in mere seconds you will be nothing more than a footnote in the journey of my protégé." The Entity chided as she raised her staff above her head. "I'm sure Bronn will be thrilled to have a new toy to play with."
Blue light flooded the room as Panik let out a bloodcurdling scream that was abruptly cut off when the light subsided; the room was now completely empty. The handcuffs that were used to keep their prisoner in check now dangled uselessly.
One of the guards barged into the room; upon spotting the now-empty bed, he immediately radioed his colleagues to report a missing prisoner. Before he pressed the alarm button to alert the rest of the crew about the escaping attempt.