Dex looked around. The tall young man was nervous. He was new in the town known as Mountain Vale. With spiky blue hair and bright red eyes (which he always got flak for), he knew it was going to be a long day. It was easy to pick which days were going to be the hardest after 20 years on God's green earth. He was looking for the local church, where he would find his only friend in the city. At Ocean Valley, he was popular amongst the people. Being the best in the "OV" at "Magic the Gathering" wasn't all it was cracked up to be, as, when he was scouted, he had to move away, leaving all his friends... he knew he would miss Amy most of all.
Until he learnt that her father was sick and, consequently, she had to move to Mountain Vale too. Being her closest friend, he knew he should support her, and what better way to support than to finally declare his love for her? He had always loved her, and on many occasions, he tried to tell her, but every time he chickened out. Tonight, however was the night. He finally found St. Roy's church and stepped inside.
The people inside turned at the sound of the door. The newcomer noticed he was being stared at. He stood in silence, looking from side to side, hoping that he wasn't going to be beaten up.
Wait a second... Dex thought to himself, Churches teach not to wail on each other...
"Dex!" a voice came from the side. Amy strode over, her long pink hair flowing as if they were waves. Tall and slender, Dex smiled to himself. His dream girl was coming to greet him with bright green eyes. A couple of people congregated around him.
After a couple of introductions, the service began. It was a chilled environment and, amazingly, there was dinner promised at the end. He was curious on the topic of religion poisoning the world. Dex tried to pay as much attention as possible, but strange images flashed before his eyes throughout. Dex was worried, but then decided to think nothing of it. During the meal, it came out that he was a pro MTG player, and he amazed the crowds with his skill.
"... And Utvara hellkite, Aurelia the war leader and Tajic, blade of the legion attack directly, thanks to Akroma's memorial, dealing 17 damage, ending the game" Dex said with pride.
"You were awesome as usual." Amy said, leading him away. "Dex..." Amy started to say, when suddenly, the room turned black. As everyone looked about, the people still visible, yet all else was darkness, a seal appeared on the floor, light flooding from strange symbols that Amy and Dex were standing on. Everyone ran from the building as a large metal gateway sprouted from the ground. With a puff of smoke, a strange clown stood before them.
"Wow... Beautiful..." Dex said to himself. A panorama of trees, mountains and rivers was presented before him.
"What do you see? All I'm getting is a clown and a gate!" Amy exclaimed.
"You can see beyond the gate? The dice must roll!" The grim clown said with great haste, as a large die appeared in its hand. The dice was thrown with energy. It landed so a large number one appeared on the top. "One. One may step through the gate."
"Then you'll leave, gatekeeper clown?" Dex asked calmly.
"Yes"
"What if two go through?" Amy asked nervously.
"Don't know what if two go through. But it will be bad."
"Amy, I'm the one it wants."Dex said with love, as Amy gripped his arm. "I will be back soon, don't worry. Let me go." Amy looked from Dex to the gate. "I'm only leaving to protect you. Let me go." Amy sighed, then let go.
"Take this. Be careful Dex." Amy said, handing him her lucky fortune coin.
"Your coin? Are you sure?"
"Dex, I know what you've been trying to say for years and I just want you to know I feel the same." Amy looked him eye to eye, hers with tears, his with energy.
"Take too long. Come on." The clown said. "Monban Pierro!" The gate flung open and Dex was pulled in by a vacuum of cold wind, whisking him to another world.