TRD: Hello everyone and welcome to another chapter written by me.
Craig W M: You can guess that this is going to be Bastion/Hayley centric
TRD: You bet it is.
Craig W M: (sigh) We don't own anything except for our OCs Hayley and Craig. TRD also owns the OCs that will be guest staring in this chapter, Tamera, Zelda and Tiffany, she also owns Lord Spike.
TRD: I took his character and design from another show I like to watch on YouTube and made him into a Duel Monster and gave him a slightly different name Lord Spike, candy to those who can guess which show he comes from. I'll give you a hint, it the G3 of its kind and it's very girly. It's also where a lot of the songs I use in the story come from.
Craig W M: I don't even want to know. Anyway, enjoy the chapter.
Chapter 10: A Princess is in Town
The next couple of weeks passed quickly and were moderately peaceful. Aster had found his father, his guardian, The D had had him trapped in the last Destiny Hero card his father had created and Aster had been able to defeat the D and that set his father free. Everyone who knew Aster well was overjoyed for him and had thrown a party for the reunited father and son.
Larke and Jaden had completely disappeared and Syrus had come back to them, ashamed of how he'd acted and he'd apologized profusely until they were sick of it.
James was still unconscious but Hayley had comforted Craig that maybe when one of them dueled they could ask for James to be brought back. Craig still visited him every day though and left his bed late at night.
They had also witnessed Taniya training Hayley and had learned that Hayley could shape shift just like her sister, her form was a black panther, she still had her pinks streaks, and wisteria mark in her panther form and she still had her flower that never ever wilted, it was tucked behind one ear.
It was soon March and everyone was filing into the music room where Hayley was standing on the stage, waiting to make an announcement, she was in charge of planning Duel Academy's first ever Spring Promenade, she'd suggested it and her unmatchable love of flowers made her perfect for the job. She looked at everyone who'd come, Bastion, Craig, Flo, Chazz, Syrus, Alexis, Hasselberry, Jasmine, Mindy, Atticus, Aster, Sartorious, Sarina and others from Chazz's Freshman year, Belowski, Damon, Dimitri, Brier, Beauregard, Torrey and Harrington. Chumley had made a surprise visit with Pegasus, who was in a meeting with Sheppard. A young girl named Blair Flannigan had recently joined Duel Academy in Obelisk. There was Missy, and the girls she'd competed against for the title of Beauty Queen, Kale, Jade, Tina, Brenda, Darla, Sawyer, Wendy and Zoe. Hasselberry had also invited one of his earliest friends, Taigo. There was Princess Rose, who didn't like her much, Bob Banter and Zane, who was taking some time off from the Pro Leagues.
Everyone, except for Bastion was talking and Hayley was trying to get their attention. Bastion saw that it wasn't working and gave a loud whistle that caused everyone to stop talking and look at him.
"She's trying to speak," he explained and sat down.
"Thank you Bastion," said Hayley, giving him a smile and then started her speech, "As you all know this is our first Spring Promenade and I've been put in charge of it. We are all going to create personal floats that represent us and you can share a float if you want. If you need any help with colours or flowers or decorations please ask me and I'll help you. Now…"
She never got to finish as the door opened rather violently and a small, bipedal dragon burst in. He was blue, with an orange tummy, a purple mohawk, blue eyes, orange ears and there were three, small, yellow spikes on his tail.
"Princess Hayley, there you are," he said.
"Hayley gasped, "Spike!"
"Princess Hayley!" chorused everyone in the room and Hayley cringed.
"Hi Princess Hayley!" said three girls who had just come in. They were all Amazons that was certain, they were less muscled than Taniya but more than Hayley, their skin tone darker than hers. They were obviously triplets as they had the same face and were the same height but that was where the resemblances ended. The first one had yellow hair with orange mixed in and blue eyes, the second girl had pink hair and blue eyes and the last one had purple hair with lilac mixed in and purple eyes.
"Oh, Zelda, Tamera, Tiffany! What you all doing here?" asked Hayley, she was horrified. Now her secret was out and everyone would start treating her differently.
Taniya then showed up, looking very unhappy, "Sorry Hayley, I couldn't keep Spike away and the girls came unexpectedly."
"Wait a minute, Hayley, you're a princess?"
"Why didn't you tell us?"
"Is this what Karādorein was talking about?"
"Is this why Larke always called you Little Princess?"
"When did you become a princess?"
The questions came thick and fast and Hayley couldn't take anymore, "SHUT UP!" and everyone jumped back, shocked that their sweet and quiet Hayley yelled.
"Yes I'm a princess alright! Last year, while Taniya was gone I accidently tumbled into a cave with Zelda and another of my friends, Penny, we found the flower and I touched it and that woke up Lord Spike, who is a real Duel Monster, he's supposed to be my teacher and protector. He was asleep for a thousand years before I woke him up. Since I touched the flower it was mine and I later learned that it meant that I was the new Amazon princess, the Princess of Flowers and Princess of the Colours, though I've never been sure of what that last one meant. Yes, this is what Karādorein was talking about. I didn't want to tell you because I didn't want you to like me just because I'm a Princess, I wanted you to like me for me. The Little Princess thing is one of my titles and Larke takes every opportunity to mock it," explained Hayley and then gestured to the three girls.
"These are my Ladies in Waiting, the one with yellow and orange hair is Zelda, the pink haired one is Tamera and the one with purple and lilac hair is Tiffany. I should also tell you that the Wisteria mark is not a tattoo; I got it when I became the Princess, it's the symbol of the Princess and I also got my pink streaks then as well, another symbol," she said and looked sad.
"You know what Hayley," said Bastion coming forward, "You don't need a flower, a mark or streaks in your hair to mark you as a princess, because you are already a princess and you've stayed true to yourself despite all that's happened to you and this is what makes you so special, it's what makes you shine and I am honored to know someone as special as you," he said and took her hand and kissed it.
Hayley had tears running down her cheeks, and so did the rest of the girls, Bastion was everything a girl wanted, smart, kind and sensitive, Hayley was so lucky to have him, even though they still hadn't said their feelings out loud. It was driving everyone crazy.
"Thank you Bastion, thank you so much," she whispered and laid her head on his chest and he gently stroked her hair.
Xxxxx
High above in his castle, Karādorein's eyes practically glowed with jealousy as he watched them through his spy mirror, "How dare he touch what is mine!" he hissed through his teeth. "I will make him suffer by making him watch her fall in love with me, the Princess of the Colours should be with no one else but me, the soon to be ruler of the world and all the colours! Ah ha haha ha haha ha!" his laughter echoed off the walls.
Xxxxx
Unaware that he was being threatened, Bastion was still stroking Hayley's hair when Spike coughed, "I really do hate to break this up but we must continue your training Princess, the training that stopped when you came here," he said.
"Training? Woah, wait, Spike, I can't go into training now, who's going to plan the promenade and do all the decorations and arrange the colours and the flowers?" asked Hayley, not looking forward to this.
"Princess, Princess, Princess, Princesses do not plan Promenades, they ride in them," said Spike.
"Really? Who is going to plan it then?" asked Hayley.
"Oh, oh, oh, pick me Princess Hayley, I know how you work and I see that you have the plans right here. I can do all of it for you while you do your training," said Zelda excitedly and dashed over to the stage where Hayley had indeed left her notes and plans and grabbed them. "I brought my tools with me in case you were doing a gardening project like you do at home and I was right, don't worry I'll get right on it," said Zelda and dashed out the door.
"No, wait Zelda, I couldn't ask you to…" and she was out of sight and hearing before Hayley could finish. She sighed; once Zelda got started there was no stopping her.
Her friends had been amused at Zelda and had also been whispering among each other and then Alexis walked forward.
"Hayley, we all love you and we love the idea of you being Duel Academy's Princess even more, Bastion is right, you are very special. You go and train with Spike; I think Zelda can handle it," Alexis said. Princess Rose glared at Hayley and looked sulky, she was a Princess and no one noticed her or even acknowledged her status.
"Well…" said Hayley a bit unsure.
"You're a great Princess Hayley," said Syrus.
"Yeah," nodded Flo.
"We'll be fine," said Craig.
"I think that we all agree that you will be a wonderful princess, so go and make us proud," Bastion said and smiled at her.
"Well alright, I guess I'll see you all later," said Hayley and left with Spike, Tiffany and Tamera.
"Hurray for Princess Hayley!" everyone cheered.
"Ha, I just had a thought, this is no longer a normal Spring Promenade, it's an extra special Princess Promenade!" exclaimed Bastion and everyone nodded in agreement. Taniya smiled; maybe things would turn out alright after all.
Later on in the highest point in the Academy, Hayley was practicing walking with some books on her head and Spike was reading a Princess Rulebook while Tiffany and Tamera waited.
Tiffany spoke to her sister, "You know Tamera, we never actually found out what a Lady in waiting does. What does a Lady in waiting do?"
"Tiffany, I think we're doing it, we're waiting," giggled Tamera.
"Oh, ok, I can't wait, I mean I can wait. I just can't wait to start waiting," babbled Tiffany and her sister giggled.
"Now Princess, lesson six, what do your subjects call you?" asked Spike.
"Subjects? What subjects? Wait a minute! Spike! We talked about this last year, I do have friends and I do have equals and I don't have subjects!" yelled Hayley in frustration.
"Oops, I'm so sorry Princess, I guess I forgot, it's been such a long time and I've been reading this book for far too long. You're right of course but you still have a lot to learn about being a princess, Tiffany, Tamera, no more waiting," said Spike. Hayley nodded in acceptance of his apology and Tiffany and Tamera jumped at the chance to do something, Tiffany was given a scepter and Tamera a crown.
"Let's begin," said Spike and began to sing,
"When you're royalty (Spike)
You must learn to be full of grace in all you do (Spike)
Stand up nice and tall (Spike)
Smile at one and all (Spike)
Don't forget the world is looking up to you (Spike)
Hang in there, you'll be fine (Spike)
This is your time to shine (Spike)
Show them a princess is in town (Spike)
On this amazing day, things can't be just ok (All the girls and boys)
No time to spare because a princess is in town (All the girls and boys)
We're in a spin alright, working all with all our might (All the girls and boys)
Full of excitement cause a princess is in town (All the girls and boys)
With your breezy style (Spike)
And your easy smile (Spike)
You'll be dazzling (Spike)
Oh, I hope you know it's true (Spike)
Head up (Spike)
Now mind yer crown (Spike)
Try not to snag your gown (Spike)
Show them a princess is in town (Spike)
Hang in there, you'll be fine (Spike)
This is your time to shine (Spike)
Show them a princess is in town (Spike)
Let's plan to look our best (All the girls and boys)
And surely she'll be impressed (All the girls and boys)
It's hard to believe it but a princess is in town (All the girls and boys)
We know her highness is the grandest of princess' (All the girls and boys)
No small location when a princess is in town (All the girls and boys)
Wave at all in sight (Spike)
To the left and right (Spike)
When they curtsy never laugh or yawn or frown (Spike)
Don't mean to fret and fuss (All the girls and boys)
We hope you will pardon us (All the girls and boys)
It's just that a princess is in town (All the girls and boys)
Heads up, she'll soon be here (All the girls and boys)
We'll give an enormous cheer (All the girls and boys)
Show them a princess is in town (Spike)
Show them (Spike), a princess is in town" (All the girls and boys and Spike)
Xxxxx
Sometime after the song Hayley and Spike, along with Tamera and Tiffany went down to look at how the floats were coming.
"Hi Hayley, how's my float?" said Missy, looking over her giant flower Insect Queen.
"It looks very buggy Missy, let me help," said Hayley and picked up a watering can and began to water, Spike gasped and took the can from her and watered the flowers himself before turning to Hayley.
"A princess never waters anything except the royal flower," he said.
"What?" asked Hayley but Spike was walking again and for a small dragon he certainly walked fast.
They came up to Alexis and Flo arguing, "Your float is on top of mine," said Flo.
"Well Flo, maybe if I had been able to see past your Dark Magician float my Cyber Girl float wouldn't have crashed into it," said Alexis.
"So you are blaming me?" asked Flo.
"Hi girls," said Hayley coming up to her friends.
"Princess Hayley!" they said at the same time.
"That's a… interesting float," Hayley said.
"Uh, yeah, we decided to combine our floats, it's a… Cyber Magician float," said Alexis, lying through her teeth. She didn't want Hayley to worry about them and the floats.
"Yeah, magic and science, what a combo," said Flo smiling, wanting the same thing as Alexis.
"It's so nice to see you working to together, well, I've got to go and see the others, later girls," said Hayley and Alexis and Flo high fived.
Hayley stopped to smell the flowers and was stopped by Spike, "A princess doesn't sniff except for the Royal Flower," he chided her and kept on walking, Hayley sighed and followed.
Jasmine was busy making a very blue float and Mindy was making a very green float.
Zelda came over to see the float and looked at what Jasmine was putting up, it looked like a monstrosity to her, "What do you think Zelda? Have I captured it?" Jasmine asked.
"Yes and I think you should set it free, what is it?" she asked.
"It's a balloon of a completely blue Happy Lover," said Jasmine.
"Oh," Zelda said and sighed.
Then Mindy who was backing away bumped into Jasmine.
"Mindy what are you doing on my completely blue float?" asked Jasmine.
"Me? What are you doing on my completely green float," and they looked at their float to see that it was half blue and half green.
They gasped and then Mindy laughed, "You have no green leaves on your float Jasmine."
"What about you, there are no green flowers, only leaves," Jasmine pointed out with a grin.
"Hi Jasmine, hi Mindy," said a voice and they turned to Hayley smiling up at them.
"Oh, uh hi Princess!" they said and jumped down from it.
"I love your float, blue flowers and green leaves, it's so nice when friends work together to create something beautiful," said Hayley, she really did like the float.
"I guess our float is pretty," said Jasmine.
"Yeah though I think my side needs a touch more green," said Mindy and began to dig up another green plant.
"Let me help," said Hayley and began digging only to be stopped by Spike.
"A princess doesn't dig," he said.
"A princess doesn't do a lot of things it seems," said Hayley and walked off with Spike.
"Thanks Princess," said Jasmine and Mindy.
"Hayley," she said.
"Thanks Princess Hayley," they said.
"No, that's not what I meant, it's just Hayley," she said quietly, never noticing her sister watching her.
Xxxxx
Later Hayley was sitting in the room that she had taken for her training and was sadly twirling her flower in her fingers. "Today started out so nice and now look at it, the others must think I'm a snob, after today, I wouldn't be friends with me," said Hayley.
"Did you say something princess?" asked Spike walking in.
"Yes, Spike, I…" began Hayley but Spike interrupted her,
"No need to thank me you know I'm here to help you become the best princess possible. I hope you learned a lot today," he said and walked out.
"Yes Spike I did," said Hayley to no one.
Xxxxx
"Everyone, attention!" called Alexis.
"What's going on Alexis?" asked Kale.
"The making of the floats is not going well, the decorations are a mess and the colours clash," she replied. "No offense Zelda, you're doing your best but we need an expert."
"So let's ask Hayley for help," called Jade.
"Yeah under normal circumstances that would be the best thing to do but she's in Princess training, it's more important, if we asked Hayley for help she'd drop it in an instant. We can't be selfish, we're going to have to get through this on our own," said Flo and everyone agreed, not seeing Taniya shaking her head nor Bastion who had come to get some Wisteria for a surprise he was giving to Hayley.
Taniya walked over to him, "They really don't know her if they think that she'd rather be training to be a princess than helping them," she said quietly.
"Yeah, but I have a feeling that Hayley's not going to play pretend Princess for too much longer, she'll probably have a surprise for everyone tomorrow," Bastion replied and picked the Wisteria.
"You know her too well Bastion," said Taniya with a smile, she was also certain that Hayley would surprise them tomorrow.
Bastion grinned and then left to meet up with Craig and the other boys.
Xxxxx
Hayley stood on the balcony and sighed, Tiffany and Tamera beside her.
"Ladies, could you get me some orange juice?" asked Hayley.
"Ok," they said and put their right hands together and then frowned, "It doesn't feel right without Zelda," said Tamera.
"I miss her," said Tiffany.
"You're both right, none of this is right," Hayley said and stared out at the floats and her friends.
Xxxxx
At the same time this was taking place Bastion was meeting a very important person in secret. They had what he had designed and offered to them. This could change the world of Dueling and how people dueled forever.
"Here they are Bastion, this one is for your girlfriend," they said with a small smile.
Bastion blushed, "She's not my girlfriend…yet."
The person smiled and nodded, "I'll be staying until tomorrow evening, I want to observe the Promenade," they said and Bastion smiled.
Xxxxx
Hayley was taking a walk around the floats without Spike and her ladies-in-waiting. She saw what a mess they were in and went over to Mindy and Jasmine's float, putting a green leaf and blue flower together in the middle of it on the side, "There, that's a bit better, she said before going to Alexis' float and tying a bow on the corner, "Alexis will be so glad I tied her darling bow, darling," she giggled and went to see what else she could do. She stopped to sniff some flowers and remembered what Spike had said,
'Princesses don't sniff.'
"Well this Princess does," said Hayley to herself and happily sniffed the flowers.
She came across a wonderful sight, "Huh, oh, it's my own tiara float," she said and it was beautiful, it had a red and gold throne in the middle and a huge, pink tiara was arced above it.
"Green paper? Mindy must have helped," Hayley observed as she saw a lot of green paper on the ground around the float.
She then went over to put some fallen flowers back inside Wendy's flower ice cream cone, "Delicious," she giggled again, she began to water them, and remembered what Spike had said, 'Princesses don't water.'
"Hm, this Princess does," and watered the flowers.
After that she walked some more and saw that Sawyers float needed some flowers. There were some in the dirt next to it and Spikes words floated back to her,
"Princesses don't dig."
"Guess what, this princess does," Hayley said and began to dig, as she was digging a thought stuck her and she gasped, "That's it! I've made a royal decision!" and laughing, she ran back to where Spike was sitting with Tamera and Tiffany.
"I wanna talk more about this Princess stuff. I wanna be me again!" she exclaimed.
"Princess, princess, princess, you're tired, get some rest. Oh, now I sound like my grandmother," he said. "Oh, you don't know what you want, eat something. Now I sound like my mother!"
"No, I don't want food and I don't want sleep. I want to smell the flowers, I want to water my plants and I want to dig in the dirt. I just want to be me again," said Hayley.
Spike fainted.
"SPIKE!" called all three girls and ran over to him, Hayley shook him.
"Spike, are you ok? Spike, speak to me."
"I'll be fine; it might take another thousand years for me to find another Princess…" and he yawned.
"What are you talking about? Do you think that I'm quitting or something?" asked Hayley in confusion.
"Why else wouldn't you want to be a princess? Everyone wants to be one, even me or a prince for me," he said.
"You've got your facts wrong Spike. I'm not quitting, I just don't want to live with the rules of being a princess and be someone I'm not. I'm still the Princess of the Colours, the Amazon princess and the Princess of Flowers. I'm also Duel Academy's princess. I couldn't quit, not after what everyone has done for me. Last year you never got the chance to teach me too many things because of our customs and that short Amazon war that we had with the other tribe and then I get to go to Duel Academy, so it's no wonder that I'm still new at this Princess stuff. Spike, I've learned a lot about being a Princess but now it's time for you to learn what it's to be a student of Duel Academy," said Hayley with a smile.
"I'm ready to learn whatever you have to teach me Princess," said Spike, pleased that he would still serve Hayley.
Hayley giggled and began to whisper her plan to him and Tamera and Tiffany.
Xxxxx
Later that night Zelda was in despair, "Let's see I could put the Daisy's next to the Poppies, no that won't work," she said and then saw a bunch of perfect flowers, whose colours matched, on the vanity. Zelda grabbed them and put them in place on a float.
"I was wrong, I can't do this by myself and I miss my sisters," and sighed unhappily.
"Tamera, you go first," said a voice she knew well.
"No, Zelda, I insist, you go first," said a second voice she knew very well.
She laughed, "No, Tiffany I insist, you go first," she answered and turned to see her sister and Hayley and Spike.
She ran over and hugged Tiffany and Tamera and Hayley went over to the plans for the Promenade which were on the floor.
"Hayley…I, oh, I mean, Princess," said Zelda.
"Ha, you had it right the first time. It's not hopeless, nor is it as bad as it seems but we've still got some work to do," said Hayley and the girls and Spike glanced at each other and smiled.
Xxxxx
Meanwhile in another part of Duel Academy Bastion planning a surprise for Hayley, earlier on, he had called all the boys together and shared his plan with them and now it was in motion, and since the girls were finished with their floats for the day, they were there too.
"Life's a blast
Quiet a treat
Just fantastic
Positively pink
How we feel
Can't be beat
Truly, really
Positively pink
(The boys were laughing at what they were singing and doing but it was fun and it was for Hayley, so they didn't mind. The girls were laughing at the boys and at how much fun this was!)
One and all
Sing this tune
And we'll call it
Positively pink
Soon you'll see
Each balloon
Every tree
Turn positively pink
Minty green is fresh and clean
Baby blue is gorgeous too
But somehow, today we think
All the world should have a pretty…
Pinky glow
Pinky shine
Pink as roses
Positively pink
Life is grand
It's divine
Sweet as candy
Absolutely, definitely Positively Pink!"
Chazz ended up falling into a bucket of pink paint and he was covered in pink but he laughed with everyone else. Bastion grinned, tomorrow would be truly special for Hayley.
Xxxxx
The next day all the girls were pleasantly surprised to see their floats looking perfect and the decoration were splendid and the flowers were gorgeous and their colours matched perfectly.
"Wow Zelda, I'm impressed, you did a great job," said Alexis.
"Yeah, everything is great," Flo said, smiling at her newest friend.
"Well, you might say that everything go the royal treatment," said Zelda and grinned at them.
The parade was soon underway and it was delightful sight, Hayley's float rolled by first and then came the others one by one.
Everything was going smoothly when Hayley shouted, "STOP EVERYTHING!"
The floats screeched to halt and bumped into each other. Both Bastion and Taniya looked at each other and nodded, Hayley was going to surprise them all.
Taniya leant over and whispered to Bastion, "Just wait for her to finish and then take every boy to the place and get ready."
"Gotcha," Bastion whispered back.
Flo, Alexis and Missy came running up to Hayley.
"Hayley, are you alright?" asked Flo.
"I'm fine, in fact I've never been better," said Hayley smiling and stood up. She was dressed in a pink dress with a big, red bow at the back. She wore a black choker around her neck that had a yellow flower attached to it; her dress had a white collar that also had a yellow flower on it. Her hair was tied back in a ponytail with a pretty red ribbon and her shoes were tiny heels with a small yellow flower on each of them and her special flower was in her hair and a pink tiara with three diamonds were embedded in it. Empress was next to her and she had a pink bow on her tail and a small tiara.
"First of all I want to thank everyone for making me feel very special as Duel Academy's very first Princess," she said and this was met with cheers.
"I hardly know where to start, being made to take on my responsibilities as a princess has made me realize how lucky I am to have such wonderful friends as all of you. Being called Princess is just that, a name, so as a Princess, I am making all the girls of Duel Academy, Princesses for today," said Hayley and all of this was met with more cheers.
"Princess Flo," said Hayley.
"Who me? Princess Flo?" she asked, delighted and hopped onto the float, using Amazon magic, Zelda, Tamera and Tiffany gave her a blue cloak, glitter on her dress and a blue crown.
"Princess Alexis," called Hayley and Alexis came up and received the same treatment, a red cloak, a bracelet and a red crown.
"Princess Taniya," Hayley said to her sister, ho smiled and came up and gained a crown and an orange dress, she secretly pointed her fingers to Bastion, who understood that this was his cue to leave. He motioned to the boys, who left discreetly.
Spike stepped forward and began to sing,
"Hip hip hurray
Today's the day
How nice that everyone's a princess
Good gracious me! (Spike said as Zelda, Tiffany and Tamera placed a crown on his head)
Tee hee tee hee (Zelda, Tamera and Tiffany said, lifting him up and going over to the throne and placing him on it)
No one is happier than we (Zelda, Tamera and Tiffany)
We'll spend this day (Girls on the float)
In a princessy way (Girls on the float)
Wearing crowns aglore (Girls on the float)
Everyone of us a wonder to behold (Girls on the float)
By this time Kale, Tina and Jade were up on the float as well, all having crowns.
Hip hip hurrah (Hayley)
Tra la tra la (Hayley)
I'm glad that everyone's a princess (Hayley)
Don't make a fuss (Hayley)
We're still just us (Hayley)
Although we're also royalty (Hayley)
I solemnly decree (Spike)
To one and all of ye (Spike)
That spring is truly here (Spike)
We say to every tree (all girls)
And every flower we see (all girls)
You look divine my dear (Kale said to Tina)
Hip hip hurrah (all girls and Spike)
Tra la tra la (all girls and Spike)
We're glad that everyone's a princess (all girls)
That's you and you (Spike)
And yes it's true (Spike)
That you are a princess too" (all girls)
Everyone cheered and then Hayley noticed that the boys weren't there, "Taniya, where are the guys?" she asked.
"Come with me," she said and jumped off the float, bidding Hayley to sit back on her throne and the other girls to get back on their own floats, "You're getting the royal treatment now little sister," and lead the way to the gardens, it was beautiful, gorgeous, wonderful, it was positively pink!
A big pale-pink banner was stretched across the arc that lead into the gardens, saying 'HAPPY BRITHDAY HAYLEY!' in pink letters. Yes, it was the fifteenth of March, Hayley's 16th birthday.
Hayley gasped as all the boys, teachers, Pegasus and the girls that hadn't made floats jumped out of their hiding places, "SURPRISE! HAPPY BRITHDAY HAYLEY!" with Bastion in the front of the crowd.
"Oh my, you did all of this just for me?" asked Hayley, her hands clasped underneath her chin.
"Yes," said Taniya.
"this is absolutely unbelievable," Hayley said, a few tears of happiness coming forth.
"Let's Party!" called Mindy.
Bastion jumped up next to Hayley on the float and began to sing,
"Coloured streamers (Bastion)
Party favors (Bastion)
Ice cream in assorted flavors (Bastion)
All of the ingredients are here (Bastion)
For an unforgettable party (Everyone)
To usher in your 16th year! (Everyone)
All your friends have been invited (Taniya)
Everyone is so excited (Taniya)
Thinking of the games that we will play (Taniya)
At this unforgettable party (Everyone)
To celebrate your big day! (Everyone)
Dueling (Chazz)
Costume contest (Atticus)
Dancing and singing (Jasmine)
That's what makes a memorable party (Bastion)
Fun and games that everyone shares (Everyone)
Read cards with heart felt wishes (Bastion)
Taste the chocolate, it's delicious (Bastion)
See the gifts of every shape and size (Bastion)
It's an unforgettable party (Everyone)
A Happy Birthday Surprise (Everyone)
It's an unforgettable party (Everyone)
A Happy Birthday Surprise!" (Everyone)
"Happy Birthday Hayley," said Bastion wheeling a huge pink cake towards her.
"Happy Birthday!" said everyone else.
"Make a wish and blow out the candles," urged Tiffany.
"One of my wishes already came true, all my friends are here," said Hayley with tears in her eyes.
"Then make your next wish," said Craig, handing her a knife. Hayley grinned and took the knife from him. Not needing to think twice about what she wanted to wish for, she blew out the candles and then cut the cake. It was shared among everyone and then they went on the gifts. Hayley got a lot of things that she loved but wondered why she got nothing from Bastion.
"Hayley," called Bastion. She turned to look at him, he was standing next a large gift, it was covered by a pink cloth and had a pink bow tied on it. Bastion was holding a bunch of roses and wisteria in his hands and he was smiling.
"Happy Birthday," he said and gave her the flowers. She inhaled their sweet fragrance, smiling, Bastion always knew what would please her.
"What's my present?" she asked, pointing to the gift.
Bastion's reply was never found out because of the laughter that erupted from above them and then before anyone could blink a smoke bomb was thrown and down and the whole area was covered in smoke. Everyone was coughing and then they heard more laughter and a voice they didn't want to hear.
"Say good bye to the Little Princess!" and everyone looked up to see a helicopter with Larke and Jaden standing at the door looking down at them and Ryan was just visible, piloting the copter and there was Hayley, hanging from the copter in a net.
"BASTION! TANIYA! HELP ME!" she screamed as the copter began to fly away very fast.
"I'm coming!" yelled Bastion but just as he began to run another smoke bomb was thrown and no one could see a thing, though they did hear Larke, Jaden and Ryan's laughter as they flew away. Once the smoke cleared everyone saw a furious Bastion and Taniya, along with Zelda, Tamera and Tiffany.
"I've got to save her," cried Bastion and began running, he didn't know how he was going to save Hayley but he would do whatever it took.
"I know how you can save her," said Spike, stepping in his way.
"How?" Bastion asked him urgently.
"I have a special ability that is if I go to the graveyard, or in this case, stay here, you can summon a Dragon type monster with twenty-eight hundred attack points or higher," Spike explained.
"I don't have a dragon with that type of attack power, the only thing that comes close is Water Dragon but despite the name he's not classified as a dragon," said Bastion in desperation.
"Bastion!" called a voice and he turned to see his secret gift bring from last night, that one and only, Seto Kaiba!
"What is it sir?" Bastion asked, ignoring the gasps and swoons from everyone.
"I have a dragon that's got attack points higher that twenty-eight hundred," and Seto handed him a card. Bastion's eyes widened as he saw the monster.
"But, but, it's…" he protested weakly.
"It's the only way for you to save her, I trust you Bastion, go and save her," said Seto softly, looking at the boy who had had such a brilliant idea, it was probably going to change the way people duel for years to come.
"Thank you sir," said Bastion and then Seto backed away, giving him room. "Ok, Spike, activate your ability!" said Bastion and the dragon made his way over to Taniya and snapped his fingers.
Bastion yelled out the name of the card Seto had given him, "Come forth! BLUE EYES WHITE DRAGON!" and brilliant light shone from the card and then the most magnificent dragon appeared, the Blue Eyes White Dragon. Everyone gasped and awed and couldn't believe that this was happening. Taniya knew that Bastion would save her sister, she trusted him. Blue Eyes looked at Bastion and then indicated for him to get on. Bastion climbed on his back.
"Let's go Blue Eyes!" and with one sweep of his wings, Blue Eyes was airborne and following the scent of magic that was left behind by Hayley and her Colour Key, he sped through the air, making Bastion hold on even tighter. Sometime later Bastion saw a floating beautiful Palace, and Blue Eyes was heading straight for it.
'That must be Karadorein's base. Hayley's in there somewhere,' he thought and watched as it got closer. They landed right at the door and Bastion got off Blue Eyes' back and looked around, going up the steps as he did so.
"Looks like they weren't expecting me or anyone else to chase them or find them for that matter. Stay here Blue Eyes, I'll be back with Hayley soon, get ready to fly then," said Bastion and Blue Eyes nodded. Bastion opened the door and walked in. He gasped at the architecture and all the wondrous things that were there. Karādorein certainly believed in living in comfort and wealth, he'd never seen so many rare and valuable things in his life as he made his way over to the other side of the room, going through the door that was there. It lead him down a passage and following it he came across an unwelcome surprise in the next room.
"Jaden!"
"Bastion!"
Yes, Jaden was there and so was Larke but Bastion didn't pay any attention to her; his attention was focused on his former friend.
"How did you get here?"
"That's my secret. Now, tell me, where is Hayley!" Bastion demanded.
Jaden gave an evil laugh and a Duel Disk appeared on his arm, "You have to beat me to find out," and the doors all slammed shut, effectively trapping Bastion.
He hesitated, he didn't have a duel disk but he had to get one somehow or he'd never rescue the girl he loved. As though that was the key, his yellow colour key began to glow and his body began to glow as well. The glow stopped and Bastion gasped at what he was wearing, for he no longer wore his uniform.
Instead he was wearing white pants, a white shirt and a yellow jacket with black trim and attached to his shoulders was a yellow cloak with black trim. Around his head was a simple gold headband and at his side was a magnificent sword, its solid gold hilt decorated with onyx and topaz gemstones and when Bastion took it out of its scabbard, the blade shone brightly and was made of pure silver.
He turned it over in his hands, marveling at the craftsmanship and how light it was. He swung it and once again he was in awe at how easy it was to hold and use. It was just the right height and weight for him. This was his sword.
His key glowed again and his right arm got a Duel Disk, a yellow one trimmed with black and white and set with topaz and black quartz.
Bastion sheathed his sword and taking out his deck, grinned at Jaden, who looked horrified at what had just occurred as did Larke.
"Well Jaden are you ready to lose?" asked Bastion, giving his deck a shuffle and slotting it into his new duel disk.
"Grrr, you're the one who's going to lose! Get your game on!" said Jaden and drew five cards.
"Let the new wind blow," said Bastion, drawing his own cards. Both Jaden and Larke were confused at that, what did he mean?
B: 4000
J: 4000
"I'll start and I summon Elemental Hero Burstinatrix in Attack Mode and then I'll play a facedown and call it a turn," said Jaden. (EHB 1200/800)
"My draw and I think I should warn you that I have a new deck with cards you've never seen before," said Bastion smirking at Jaden.
"It doesn't matter, I've got new cards too," said Jaden although he didn't like hearing that Bastion had a new deck, that meant that he couldn't predict what Bastion was going to play.
"Alright, watch and be amazed, I play a spell card, Card Destruction, now we both discard our hands and draw new cards equal to the number of cards we discarded," Bastion explained. They did so, Jaden taunting Bastion about not getting a good hand.
"Oh, I got a good hand Jaden; I just needed a new one for my strategy to work. I now summon Blackwing – Blizzard the Far North in attack mode," and a white bird with black-edged wings appeared on the field. (B-BFN 1300/0)
"Blackwing?" asked Jaden, Bastion was right he hadn't heard of it.
'That's right and Blizzard has an effect, when he's normal summoned I can Special summon one Blackwing Level four or lower from my graveyard in upright defense mode," said Bastion and Jaden's eyes widened. "I choose Blackwing – Shura the Blue Flame in defense mode," said Bastion. A bird with huge black wings and a blue head and humanoid body appeared on the field. (B – SBF 1800/1200)
"Alright, Blizzard…"
"Not so fast Bastion I activate my facedown, a trap called Evil Blast, I can only activate it when my opponent Special Summons a monster, that monster then get equipped with this card and gains five hundred attack points but during your Standby Phase you take five hundred points of damage," laughed Jaden. (B – SBF 2300/1200)
Bastion growled, but looking at his hand he grinned, realizing that he wouldn't be getting any damage from Evil Blast. He smirked, which unnerved Jaden.
"Now, where was I? Oh yes I remember, Blizzard, destroy Burstinatrix," ordered Bastion and Burstinatrix's flame was put out.
B: 4000
J: 3900
"Now from my hand I activate Urgent Tuning! I can only activate this in the Battle Phase. I can now Synchro Summon a Synchro monster," said Bastion.
"NO, you can't, only Hayley and Craig can Synchro Summon!" shouted Jaden, he knew that he was in trouble.
"I can, come on out, Blackwing – Armed Wing!" (B-AW 2300/1000) A humanoid bird with purple pants, purple armor, black tail feathers, black wings, a shock of red hair and wearing a purple mask and carrying a blue and orange gun appeared on the field.
"This means that your Evil Blast is destroyed," stated Bastion and Jaden groaned.
"Armed Wing, attack Jaden's Life Points directly!"
"Augh!" said Jaden as he was hit, the pain being very real.
B: 4000
J: 1600
"I end my turn with a face down," said Bastion.
"I draw and I play Monster reborn and I'll bring back Burstinatrix from my grave, now I'll activate Dark fusion, I can now special summon a Fusion Monster from my Fusion Deck! I'll send Burstinatrix and Clayman to the grave in order to summon Evil Hero Infernal Sniper in Defense Mode!" sad Jaden and Bastion gasped in horror, Jaden was gone, he truly was evil if he was using Evil Heroes. (EHIS – 2000/2500)
"He has an effect, if he's in defense mode during my Standby Phase you take one thousand points of damage," said Jaden with a grin. Bastion yelled as he felt the pain come from his losing life points.
B: 3000
J: 1600
"I end my turn," said Jaden, confident that Bastion wouldn't get through his defense. "Oh and by the way, none of your Monsters, Spells or traps can affect Sniper this turn, thanks to Dark Fusion," and Bastion growled.
"I begin my turn, and I play Pot of Greed, which allows me to draw two more cards, now, I'll Special Summon Breeze - the Zephyr in attack mode thanks to his effect of being able to be special summoned if added to my hand by a Spell, Trap or Effect Monster and I'll then play my facedown spell card, Black Whirlwind, when a Blackwing Monster is Summoned to my side of the field I can add one Blackwing monster from my deck with less attack points than the summoned monster and this card is continuous," said Bastion and looked through his deck to pick his card. (B – BZ 1100/300) An orange and yellow bird appeared on the field; unlike its namesake it didn't have black wings.
"I can still normal Summon this turn so I'll summon Blackwing – Jinn the Dry Wind in attack mode," said Bastion and then he ended his turn. (B – JDW 600/500) A small humanoid bird came onto the field, with black loose pants, green sleeves, a sword, and a black piece of headgear on his head and black wings.
"I end my turn with a facedown," said Bastion calmly.
"I draw and since it's my standby phase, you take one thousand life points of damage,"| said Jaden smugly.
Bastion fought not to scream as he felt the pain.
B: 2000
J: 1600
I play facedown and Summon Elemental Hero Sparkman in attack mode," said Jaden. (EHS 1600/1400) I attack your Breeze," said Jaden.
"Yeah right, I activate my facedown, a trap I like to call Trap Hole, since you summoned a monster with over a thousand attack points it's now destroyed," said Bastion and Breeze was safe.
"I end my turn."
"Now for mine, I now return Breeze to my hand and deal four hundred point of damage to myself so that I can Special Summon, Blackwing – Zephyros the Elite in attack mode," said Bastion, cringing. (B – ZE 1600/1000) Another humanoid bird appeared; this one had a long yellow beak and blue hair that stuck up along with purple clothes and red armor, his black wings tipped with blue.
B: 1600
J: 1600
"Now, I'm going to give Armed Wing a Tune Up," said Bastion.
"Another Synchro summon?" asked Jaden, his eyes wide with fear, Bastion had played a very good game so far, it was hard to beat him now.
"Yeah, you know what they say; birds of a feather stick together, I'll now tune Jinn and Armed Wing to Synchro Summon, Blackwing Armor Master!" A very large humanoid bird appeared on Bastion's field, he had lots of black armor and the chest armor had orange designs and there was orange going through his very large black wings. (B – AM 2500/1500)
"He doesn't have enough attack points to get through my defense," said Jaden and laughed, to think he'd been worried.
"He has a special ability though, said Bastion and grinned as Jaden stopped laughing. 'It goes like this, first of all he can't be destroyed by battle and I take no Battle Damage from battles involving this card and that's just one of his effects, you'll find out the others very soon, Master, attack his Sniper!" said Bastion and Armor Master attacked and left behind something in Sniper.
"What's that thing?"
"It's a Wedge Counter and I can place one of them on you monster and then remove it to get reduce of all your monsters attack and defense points to zero until the end of the turn," said Bastion with a grin. (EHIS – 2000/2500 – 0/0)
"Now, Zephyros, destroy his Sniper and take away the rest of Jaden's life points!" called Bastion and Zephyros did just that, causing Jaden to lose.
B: 1600
J: 0
"Game over. I am No 1," said Bastion and grinned but he then asked, "So, why aren't you going into a colour crystal?"
"When two different colours fight, you don't get transported into a Colour Crystal, only the colours that match can do that, it's possible though, but only if we had enough colours and we don't said Larke, she wasn't feeling very happy, and would have dueled Bastion if she could but a Dark Colour could do only one duel against a Colour a day, that was the limit and that's why they were taking their time. She didn't want to tell Bastion this, but he had won and when in Karādorein's palace all truth must be told after a winner is decided.
"We aren't done yet Bastion," said Jaden and glared at him.
"Whatever, just tell me where Hayley is," said Bastion impatiently.
"Through that door, up the stair first door on the left," said Larke, darn this truth telling thing, if they were at Duel Academy she wouldn't have to say anything or she could lie. Bastion nodded and went to save the girl he loved.
Xxxxx
Meanwhile Hayley woke up and found herself on a large Queen sized, four poster bed in a magnificent room. She wondered how she fell asleep and then remembered that Larke had dropped some Sleep Powder on her when she wouldn't shut up. She sat up and was about to get off the bed when a door on the left side opened and a man about her age, maybe a year or two older came through. He was handsome but she could immediately sense the intense evil surrounding him.
"Are you Karādorein?" she asked, having only seen him with his mask on that one time, and he nodded, smiling at her, it was meant to be a nice smile but Hayley found it to be more of leer. "Why am I here?"
"I asked my 'friends' to bring you here. Hayley, you are the most powerful duelist I have come across, your talent and potential are unlimited and your beauty is unmatched, no one compares to you. Let's not forget the fact that you are a real Princess. It was not just luck that you touched the flower, you have royalty running through your veins, thanks to your ancestors, you and every other Amazon are descendant from inhumanly strong people from another of the eleven dimensions, who had animal DNA, which is why your tribe and any other Amazon tribe can transform. They came from their dimension when it fell to the dimension of the Supreme King and slowly, the Royal line was forgotten but the last of the royals left a guardian, near your village a thousand years ago, your little dragon friend," explained Karādorein.
Hayley gasped, from the things that Spike had told her last year, why it all mad sense now, and this meant that Taniya was a Princess too. She thought for a moment and the spoke, "I appreciate the compliments and history lesson but I'm still confused about why you had my life time rival kidnap me and bring me here."
"I am going to rule this world and I need a Queen, you are perfect, strong, smart, beautiful and royal, like me. I want you to be mine," Karādorein said softly, going around the bed and sitting next to an astonished Hayley. He began to stroke her hair and looked into her eyes, she couldn't pull away.
"You will be given everything your heart desires, you will be my beautiful queen," he murmured in her ear, still stroking her hair, it felt as though all her memories of her family and Bastion were being taken away,.
"No…Bastion…" Hayley protested weakly.
"Forget Bastion. Only I matter, my love, it's just you and me," Karādorein said.
"Only you matter? Why? Me and yo…Bastion, me and Bastion, together," muttered Hayley. Karādorein was amazed and furious, his powers should have fully erased her memories of Bastion but she was still thinking of him.
'How is this possible? The bond between them must be stronger than I thought!' he thought and mentally growled. Hayley however had been putting her mental Amazon training to the test and was trying to get a happy memory of her and Bastion, she absently clutched at her unicorn pendant that Bastion had given her, unicorn pendant, unicorn pedant! Bastion had given it to her for Christmas and they had both shared their first kiss under the mistletoe! Her eyes widened and all her memories came flooding back and so did her strength, she gave a huge mental push and forced Karādorein out of her mind. This got him thrown back and onto the floor. Hayley jumped up of the bed and made to go for the door but Karādorein jumped up and grabbed her.
"No I've waited too long," he said. Hayley writhed in his grasp, but she couldn't break free, she was strong but it was like being held in stone.
"Let me GO!" she shouted and at that moment the door burst open and in came Bastion in all his glory.
"Bastion!" cried Hayley in delight; she took in everything about him, noticing his new clothes and the sword.
"Hayley! Let her go Karādorein! Your fight is now with me!" ordered Bastion. Karādorein snarled and pushed Hayley aside and mentally summoned a sword and pointed it at Bastion who drew his own sword. He took a deep breath and relaxed, knowing that it was important. He made sure that he was balanced, properly positioned and his feet had sufficient distance between them. How did he know all this? He had spent many years as a child training his body under a Martial Arts Master, who also taught him many types of sword forms as well as Martial Arts, Kung Fu, other weapons, to use anything at his disposal and to think on his feet.
Karādorein lunged at him and he blocked, he lunged again, this time Bastion didn't block but he dodged and countered with his own lunge, one that made Karādorein go on the defensive. From there on it was a multitude of blocking, parrying, defense and thrusts. Karādorein was wearing down fast because he'd used his powers on Hayley and she had blasted him out of her mind hard, not to mention, he wasn't the most agile person and he didn't practice much, preferring to use his powers instead, this was why Bastion was winning.
Bastion found a weakness and, twisting his body to the left he thrusted his sword past Karādorein's defense and into his right side, making Karādorein drop his sword and scream. Bastion didn't waste time, he threw open the large window and whistled loud and long. Blue Eyes appeared a second later.
"Hayley come on," said Bastion and held out his hand to her which she took, she'd been watching the whole fight and thought that Karādorein got what he deserved. Normally she would feel sympathy but he was trying to drain the world of its colour, had kidnapped her, put her in a trance to make her forget Bastion and to fall in love with him, practically erasing her memories, was it any wonder she wasn't feeling any sympathy?
Bastion helped Hayley climb onto Blue eyes and then climbed on himself. "Home Blue Eyes," he said and Blue Eyes let out a roar, turned and with a large flap of his wings sped off. Jaden and Larke watched from the window where they were and Ryan who had been working with the helicopter came out just in time to see Hayley holding onto Bastion's back. Karādorein, gripping his bleeding side, gritted his teeth, whether in pain or anger or both no one if they were watching him, would have been able to tell, and he let out a low growl. He wouldn't get another chance until she faced him in a duel, that much was certain. She would be one of the last to fall, her dueling abilities and potential would make sure of it.
Xxxxx
Hayley held onto Bastion tightly, enjoying the wind rushing through her hair. She told him what had transpired in Karādorein's bedroom and Bastion was glad he had managed to hurt him otherwise he would have been even more tempted to go back and hurt him for doing what he did.
"I'm glad you're safe Starsong," he said turning to face her.
"Thank for rescuing me Bastion," she replied.
"Hayley, there's something I need to tell you," said Bastion, deciding that it was now or never.
"What is it?"
"I love you Hayley," Bastion said, facing her and looking her with nothing but love in his stormy eyes.
Hayley gasped and tears of joy appeared in them, she had dreamed of him saying those words to her for a long time and now her dream had come true. "I love you too Bastion," she said, smiling at him through her tears. Bastion smiled so much it was a wonder his face didn't crack in half and he turned around fully, putting his arm around her waist and drawing her to his side before he leaned in and kissed her. It was even more magical then the one at Christmas and it symbolized a love that would last forever.
Blue Eyes turned his head to look at them, 'It's about time,' he thought, the whole Duel Monster population was waiting for it happen, they were both important to save the world from Karādorein with that other boy, what was his name, the one with the evil brother? Oh, right, Craig. These two needed their love to be strong when they faced Karādorein.
Xxxxx
Everyone at Duel Academy was scanning the sky and then Chazz let out a yell, "There they are!" and sure enough, Bastion was riding on Blue Eyes with Hayley beside him, he was kissing her.
Craig grinned and punched the air, "Finally!"
"It's about time," said Taniya, happy that her baby sister was back safe and sound.
Blue Eyes landed and Bastion got off and then helped Hayley off. Blue Eyes roared and then disappeared back into his card, which flew over to Seto Kaiba.
"What happened?" said Alexis as Taniya ran over to suffocate her sister and Bastion.
After prying themselves from her and after Hayley had given Spike a hug, Bastion said, "It's a long story Alexis and one worth hearing."
Hayley grinned at that, 'What a birthday,' she thought and listened as Bastion began to tell his part of the tale. There was a lot uncovered and a lot of mysteries revealed but things would be made clear with help and time.
Xxxxx
TRD: Whew, what a chapter!
Craig W M: I'll say, that's eighteen pages worth of writing!
TRD: Yeah, this chapter took a lot to write, sweat and tears, no blood for me folks, that's Karādorein's department. I'm sorry it took so long but I had exams to study for and to write. I know you've all experienced trying to write a good chapter under those conditions.
Craig W M: I know I have, I'm feeling you girl.
TRD: Please review