Ash Ketchum Attends Duel Academy

Hearts are Wild

Late one night, as stars blanketed the night sky, a large, private boat sailed across the black sea, lights dotting the sides, showing occupied rooms. One room in particular, was occupied by a trio of card players and a few lovely ladies who sat on a couch nearby. But the thing was... this was a poker game, and not Duel Monsters.

"I call..." One of the players, a burly man with slicked dark hair laid his hand onto the table. His opponent, a young man with brown hair, with square glasses and wearing a white suit looked down to see all of his cards were the suit of hearts.

"Read 'em and weep." The burly man chuckled and began to pull the large pile of poker chips, "Looks like, finally, the Gambler has lost a game."

"I don't think so, mon ami."

The burly man watched as his opponent tossed a bright red handkerchief onto the pile of chips, as well as his hands.

His opponent spread out his own hand to show that he had a royal flush, the higher set in this game.

"I win again, no?"

The ladies overlooking the game gasped at another victory the Gamble had one.

Sometime after his victory, the Gambler stood out on the deck, leaning on the railing, looking out at the vast sea. A soft noise and the sound of footsteps made him turn slightly.

"Good game in there."

It was his opponent from the match.

The burly man walked up to his side, looking out at the sea, "I don't think I've ever seen such a fine gambler. Congratulations."

"Merci." The brunette smiled, enjoying the taste of egotism.

"But my friend..." the burly man pointed to a large island in the distance, "...if you want a true challenge, check out the island on our port side. It happens to be the most famous dueling school on the planet. Home of the very best of the best."

"Duel Academy?" The Gambler glanced at the man, smiling, "In that case, au revoir."

"And just where are you going?"

"Where else?"

A short time later, the Gambler was skipping along the waves of the dark ocean on a jet ski as the ship became smaller and smaller behind him.

'Finally, the opportunity to challenge the only person who's gotten the best of me, Duel Academy, prepare yourself for the Gambler!'

At a cliff over the ocean, Jaden was just sitting around and taking in the night air.

"Hi Jaden." He turned around to see Alexis walking up to him.

"Hey Alexis." Jaden waved at her.

Alexis waved back, "Sy said you would be here. What are you doing?"

"Has there been any news about Professor Banner?" Alexis asked, standing behind them.

Jaden shook his head as a low roar was heard. 

"No... unless..." He looked down to see a jet ski approach the beach below. "That's him now!"

Sheppard and Crowler had some interesting visitors before, a samurai, two pro duelists, but nothing like this young man in a white suit who wanted something that they never thought anyone would ask like this.

Crowler frowned at the visitor. 

"Would you mind repeating that?" He hissed.

The Gambler smiled, putting a hand into his pants pocket, "I want to duel your school's bon student: Alexis Rhodes."