Yu-Gi-Oh! GX Season 5: Light and Darkness

Chapter 24: Rematch Granted

Jaden awoke the next morning. The quarter finals began today, and he looked around his room, hopeful that Yubel had returned, to confirm that Syrus was safe and sound in his own room. But neither Yubel, Syrus, Winged Kuriboh or Zane were in sight. Not in Jaden's room, nor as it seemed once Jaden got dressed and checked, in Syrus' room.

"I hope they're at the stadium." he murmured to himself.

But they weren't.

Only Jesse awaited Jaden at the stadium and the first duel was about to be announced. Jesse looked to Jaden worriedly, communicating that they were both concerned about Syrus as he went to prepare for his duel against Ronald Ford, whom like Syrus used a vehicle deck, only his consisted of car-based monsters.

Jaden watched the duel, and as Jesse was gathering his Crystal Beasts, he felt a hand on his shoulder. He spun round hoping it might be Syrus, but it was Aster Phoenix.

"Hi, Jaden. Sorry to make you jump." said Aster with a smirk.

"No, just wondered if you were Syrus. Haven't seen him, have you?" asked Jaden.

"No, is he not back from his emergency?"

"Sadly, no."

"He's bound to turn up by the time you and Jesse finish your duels." said Aster confidently.

Jaden nodded.

"Anyway, I'm quite keen to have my duel with Chazz Princeton." continued Aster. "I never managed to have a duel against him since that duel we had that reset my own career and began his five years ago. I'm hoping I beat him this time, and maybe my Destiny Heroes can have another showdown with your Elemental Heroes."

"Yeah, maybe. But Chazz is a challenging opponent these days. Good luck." encouraged Jaden.

"Thanks. Maybe see you after today, Jaden." said Aster and he walked away.

Jaden nodded vaguely and turned back to the duel.

Ronald Ford's Monster Ford Truck X with its 3000 Attack points was no match for Jesse's Rainbow Dragon and his Life points were promptly annihilated to 0. Jesse had now qualified to the semi-finals. Once he and Ronald shook hands to show good sportsmanship, they departed the stadium and the commentator took control.

"Next to the stadium for the second quarter final duel are Jaden Yuki and Geraldine Sakury!" he announced.

Jaden sighed and knew now he had to focus on the duel. He considered stalling for time, but if he were to delay any chance of victory, he'd run the risk of Geraldine gaining the upper hand with her Aqua Bird deck and possibly defeating him. He decided to just duel as normal and hope for the best. He still had faith in Yubel.

As Jaden walked out onto the stadium, he and Geraldine were applauded and cheered by their respective fans.

As Jaden looked up into the stands to see if he could spot Syrus, he was surprised to see two familiar faces in the first class seating area: Prince Ojin, Royal Family Member of Misgarth and former Professional Duelist, after retiring from the duelling world two years ago. Next to him was his trusted secretary and close friend, Linda.

Jaden noticed that the two of them seemed to be holding hands.

Just then, the commentator ordered the two duelists to prepare their Duel Disks. They did so and the duel began.

As Jaden duelled, he failed to notice that Jesse was not overseeing it. He was pacing outside, hoping to see the silhouettes of Yubel, Winged Kuriboh, Zane...and with any luck, Syrus. Nobody else was outside so the appearance of two Duel Spirits would not present a local panic. Fortunately, they were all inside watching the tournament.