A week after my first Psychic Duel with Razel, my injuries had fully healed. My arms had tiny scabs where I scraped them on the wharf's concrete docks, but all in all, everything was going smoothly. I had not seen that white-haired man since our Duel either. I kept constant vigilance whenever I went out though.

Later I would come to know Bakura, the Master of the Dark Necrofear, and the evil spirit of his Millenium Ring, that odd golden necklace he had. I would formally meet him through Yugi but that was still weeks away. And, like I said before, I met Seto first.

My house, however, was gaining a troupe of Spellcasters. Since the Psychic Duel and Razel's increased training sessions for us all, more Spirits had come under my fold. After Neo, there came Blast Magician whose name was Lazar. He was a cool headed mid-level mage who dressed in red and deep plum wizarding robes. His pointed helmet curved downwards at a slight angle, his visor hiding most of his face. Like my other mages Lazar was fairly handsome, though not quite as Neo or Razel. He stood around six foot two, taller than Neo. His staff was unusual in that instead of a singular jewel, it resembled a smaller version of a scythe. What I found very intriguing was the fact that, like Razel, Lazar the Blast Magician had light blue skin and similar black tattoos on his cheeks.

Lazar mostly spent time with Neo, Brie, and Rae. He also idolized Razel. Next was Zefrasaber, Swordmaster of the Nekroz. Zef was a wily mage, with the face of a young teen and eyes like turquoise. His long lavender hair was lovely and he immediately took to Von over the other, more rambunctious mages. Zef was more intellectual, like Von, and the two of them spent much time reading together or meditating. As my second Duel Spirit, Von held a position of respect among the others, to which Zef honorably followed. After Lazar and Zef came the Timegazer Magician, Jalak. Jalak was an interesting one—he preferred playing games to reading or practicing the magical arts. He had spiky brown hair, black cloth armor, and what seemed to be a long, gold Duel Disk object on his left arm. He spent most of his time with the Arcanite Magician/Assault Mode, Rai. Jalak and Rai palled around my property, playing games and occasionally testing their magic on one another. Being younger and less powerful than the other mages, they acted the most like kids. Rai was the lowest level magician I had, leaning toward the upper levels of the lowest class of Spellcasters. Though he resembled a man instead of an anthromorphic creature or child, Rai was considerably weaker. He had lavender skin with red tattoos, red eyes, silver hair, and intimidating red and black armor. His staff was black with a green jewel.

I acquired Lazar, Zef, Jalak, and Rai in two separate Psychic Duels. Both occurred while I was on my way out to run errands. Lazar and Jalak approached me first, eager to battle me. They came off more aggressively than most of their power level did. Zef and Rai were curious and chose to respect my position as Razel's Master. In my Psychic Duel against Lazar the Blast Magician, and Jalak the Timegazer Magician, I used Rae and Brie. Unbeknownst to me, controlling two Spellcasters in a Psychic Duel was an advanced tactic that only veteran Duelists could easily do. But I summoned Rae and Brie with no issue. We battled Lazar and Jalak, I merging with both and sending surges of Energy through my mages.

Jalak went down much quicker than Lazar in the beginning. Yet through a combined blow from Rae and Brie, he went to the ground. As Senior Duel Spirits Rae and Brie ensured that Jalak and Lazar treated them as such, but it was Razel's customary test of fortitude that ultimately decided if they stayed. When met with the Chaos Mage, Lazar and Jalak were star struck. This was their first time ever meeting Razel face-to-face. Razel challenged them accordingly, knocking them aside with a mere flick of the wrist. But Lazar and Jalak stood up from the offensive attack, like Von, and were given the stamp of approval.

"They need work but they are hardy." Razel stated with folded arms.

"I agree," I said.

Our Energy Exchanges were made, our bond was sealed. Not three days after this I brought in Rai and Zef.

Now, this took place in mid-July when I first met Seto Kaiba. He was the CEO and owner of KaibaCorp., and another Psychic Duelist—a powerful one. He controlled the beautiful Blue Eyes White Dragon, as I was to discover. I was out in Domino, doing some summer clothes shopping. My favorite little store was having a huge sale and, like any student, I loved a good bargain. I must have spent two-hundred dollars in there but I left with eight outfits, accessories, and a bottle of water. I was very pleased with myself. I stopped off at an outside bistro for lunch, enjoying the day and people watching.

People are so annoying and fascinating at the same time, maybe I will go into a psychology M.S. program, I thought. As I ate, with traffic and people passing by, I took no heed of my surroundings. Why should I? I did not sense a potential threat, or lurking Duel Spirit. That was when a black stretch limo pulled to a halt in front of the bistro. The light had turned red, and being that there were four cars ahead of it, the limo subsequently wound up blocking my view.

It wasn't the limo that caused me to look up from my food with a start; it was the firm heartbeat-like pound that rattled my entire body. I nearly gasped out loud. Never before had I felt such an intense pang. It was a Psychic Duelist and a powerful one. Nerves caused shocks of hot and cold flashes to flush my core. My heart rate increased. I cautiously glanced around me, trying to find who it was that possessed such a strong Psychic pulse. That's when our eyes met.

It was unmistakable, the pulse came from him; this man with the most beautiful blue eyes I ever beheld. He stared at me with such meaning that my Energy stretched out to meet him. The equally alarmed glitter in those eyes told me that he felt the same thudding as I did. His Energy, too, reached out towards mine and upon their meeting, an electric power storm entwined itself around our Energies. Neither of us forfeited our gaze. Our connection was drawn together like two magnets. Those cerulean pools of his, though cold and computing, flared with fire. He sensed my Energy just as I sensed his, effectively causing both of us to seek out the respected owner. Despite never breaking eye-contact, I assessed the features of his face; it was perfect. His looks rivaled Neo's and Razel's. Flawless pale skin, a strong jawline, high cheeks and a straight nose complimented a cunning mouth. His dark chestnut hair dreamily caressed his face, framing those piercing blue eyes that held me captive. The way his neck flowed into his shoulders was nothing less than perfect.

"Oh my God! It's Seto Kaiba!"

"Hey isn't that Seto Kaiba?"

"Ahhh, he's so handsome!"

"It's Seto Kaiba!"

"Where?"

"Over there! In that limo!"

"Quick get a picture!"

All around me, voices of men and women clamored into one sound. Soon people holding out their phones in that obnoxious way to get pictures hurried over to us. Seto Kaiba…the owner of KaibaCorp.

"Seto Kaiba," I mouthed at him.

"Look over here Mr. Kaiba!"

Mr. Kaiba, when will you release that new Duel Disk!?"

"Are you making one? Or is it just a rumor?"

More voices. More interruptions. Seto did not acknowledge those around us, rushing towards his stopped limo. He kept focusing on me. Our Energies were wrapped around one another, flexing their "muscles." He held a formidable Duel Spirit to warrant this amount of force. I knew he sensed the same of me.

Then all too suddenly, the light turned green and the back limo rolled away. Seto and I held our gazes until he turned a corner, going toward his corporation. When he was out of sight, I inhaled sharply. My Energy was released from his and was thrust back at me. The flush of my face alerted me that our connection was deeply profound. It bordered on an Energy Exchange with Razel. I felt dizzy and completely enthralled.

"I must find him," I breathed to myself after the crowd had dispersed. I heard girls swooning about his looks.

"Oh, I think he looked over at me," One girl said.

"It would be great if he married one of us!"

"Oh my God can you imagine it! Mrs. Kaiba! All of that money!" Said the first.

"And the hottie too," said her friend giggling.

They faded into the background, leaving me alone again. However, not totally—I got a mental message from Razel.

Mistress, I sensed your Energy mingling with another's. Is everything alright? Do you require my assistance?

No, everything's fine Razel. It's just I…I think I found another Psychic Duelist.

Oh?

Yea…he was…

Was what Mistress? Razel's voice grew suspicious.

Nothing. I want to find him. I'll be home later. I'll signal for you if anything happens.

Before we disconnect, Mistress, tell me—was his Energy a white/blue source perchance?

I thought back. Yes, it was. Why? Do you know something?

Razel was silent. Then he replied, I will investigate. Stay cautious.

I will.

With that, Razel was gone. The way he paused after I confirmed Seto's Energy made me excited. Did Razel know more about him?

A large smile gripped my mouth and I quickly paid for my lunch. Grabbing my bags, I pushed past groups of people to try and follow the direction of the limo. I was determined to find Seto Kaiba again. His Energy output was amazing and I wanted to see what he had to offer. I was almost giggling walking down the sidewalk. The KaibaCorp. building came into view, looming ahead. The main street in Domino acted like the Yellow Brick Road, leading me straight to it.

"Wow! I can feel his Energy all the way down here." I said. His output reached this far? I wondered he sensed mine.

If I had to guess, I figured yes. This meant that my own Energy was something to be leery of for other Psychic Duelists. This made me immensely proud. I sensed a tug—he noticed me.

For you not knowing how far away we were from each other, I was roughly six miles away from KaibaCorp. A Six mile radius was pretty big. When I was a few blocks from the corporation, I saw that same black limo leave the building and make its way in my direction. I considered that he was off to do more business deals or other corporate duties, but when he had the driver slow next to me, I knew what was happening. The limo drove down the street before going down a side street with no traffic. I followed inconspicuously behind. The limo stopped and pulled over. The ally was devoid of people, only a few trash cans and fire escapes.

I put my bags down next to one of the adjacent buildings. The driver shut the limo off, got out and went to open the back passenger side door. My breath hitched as Seto Kaiba stepped out and stood before me. Once again those blue eyes caught me and we locked gazes. He was so tall, and built… oh my God!

His long dark purple coat, decorated with gold nail heads, draped sexily around him. The black shirt he wore under it accentuated his pale skin nicely and my face battled back the blush. I picked up on the scent of his cologne—Gucci by Gucci for men. My favorite.

"Who are you?" He asked sharply.

Oh, his voice. It was deep and sensuous but intimidating and stern. This was evidence to his personality as a businessman.

"My name is (y/n). Who are you?" I questioned back, though I knew who he was. I just wanted to hear him say it.

"Seto Kaiba. You have a Duel Spirit." Straight and to the point!

"As do you." I said.

He smirked. "Care to test our strengths?"

I blinked. This was different. "Right here?"

"No, on the moon. Of course right here." He said.

I released my Energy to play with his again. "Fine."

"Perfect. At first I did not know what this feeling was but when I passed you, I realized what it was. You and I are similar in our strength. I was quite surprised. Not many can equal me. Now, let's see who the stronger opponent is. Come forth Battle Ox!"

Seto swiftly summoned a Duel Spirit. The Battle Ox…a Beast-Warrior type. An enemy.

The humanoid ox appeared, snarling and snorting awfully. Its stench made me grimace.

I sent out my Energy, when it mixed with a bright yellow Energy I shouted, "Come forth Neo the Magic Swordsman!" I summoned Neo, I knew he would help me win this.

Instantly, the blond mage appeared at my side. He was ready to fight.

A Warrior! He exclaimed through our mental link. Mistress, stay back!

Neo unsheathed his sword and braced. Seeing a Spellcaster, Battle Ox roared in anger, his bovine snout opening wide.

"Attack!"

Our Spirits raced at one another. Battle Ox's ax poised in the air swung down towards Neo. Likewise, Neo's sword angled to block the blow. Their weapons clanged, sparks erupting from the metal. Battle Ox chomped his teeth at the mage. His red eyes seared with an age old animosity. Neo bared his teeth as well, his lips curling back as his forced the beast away from him. Seto sent out more Energy, giving his Spirit more power. I followed suit. Neo proved to be the stronger Spirit when he charged the beast. His quick steps danced around the hulking creature. Battle Ox's ax was heavy and weighed down his movements. Neo's slender sword was easier to maneuver and the mage performed splendidly.

I was focused as Razel had taught me to be during a Psychic duel but I could not help but notice how maliciously Neo attacked the Warrior. Von's explanations crept back into my mind and I witnessed firsthand the hatred these two races had for one another. Their battle was fierce and caused damage to the surrounding buildings. I shielded myself from any debris. Seto did not and left that up to his creature. Battle Ox was adept at protecting his Master, but he had no magic. Neo used spells and incantations against the beast. Utilizing his dimensional drifting powers, Neo also disappeared and reappeared at random to attack.

"That's it Neo! Now finish him!" I commanded.

Neo swirled around to the beast's back, dodging a clumsy swing of an ax, and soundly brought his sword down upon Battle Ox. Seto groaned in pain as he felt his creature's wound. Battle Ox howled in agony as Neo's blade sliced through his armor. His shoulder gave way under the sword. Brought to his knees, Battle Ox heaved and panted in pain. His large nostrils flared and his eyes were glossy. Neo came round to deliver the finishing strike. I did not stop him from bringing his sword over his head, did not stop him from slashing down.

It was Seto who called back his beast. "Battle Ox return!"

Seto felt the pain, but was resilient. He righted himself. "Not bad. Your mage crippled my Ox. But let's see if he can withstand this! Rabid Horseman! Come forth!"

Seto called out a half horse half Battle Ox creature. The Rabid Horseman was more powerful than Battle Ox, but my Energy was stronger. I gave more strength to Neo, sending my Energy into him.

"Let's find out Seto. You're weak enough as it is from that last round. You won't be able to support Rabid Horseman for long." It's true. The trick is to avoid damage, as you will feel the pain of your creature. If you are succumbed by pain, then your Energy weakens and your ability to maintain a Duel Spirit is lessened.

If you have strong enough Energy, then you can hold out. But Seto, despite having strong Duel Spirits, did not feel the need to train his Energy. He based his past victories on their strength alone, not their combined force. Instead, he chose to synthesize his Energy with only one Duel Spirit…a smart yet dangerous move.

"Attack Neo! Attack Rabid Horseman!"

Neo charged. His moves, enhanced by my Energy, were blindingly swift. He came at the creature and sliced its hindquarters. Rabid Horseman growled and went to defend. Neo and the creature continued to attack until, again, Neo overcame it. Seto was flabbergasted by my victories.

"This is not happening! I've never lost!"

"Neither have I. But you are too weak to go on. Let's stop." I said.

"Ha! Me give up? Hardly. Rabid Horseman Return! Now…I will end this farce of a Psychic Duel once and for all!" Seto's Energy quadrupled then. He was using what he had left to bring forth his true Duel Spirit.

The air in the ally grew dark and crackled with electricity. I sensed this great beast coming closer and my eyes widened. In order to try and beat me, Seto was giving his last amounts of Energy to call forth his Spirit. The wind rushed around us, our clothes whipped around violently. The driver had retreated further away, knowing what his boss was about to do.

"Seto! What are you doing!?" I yelled over the winds.

"No one defeats me! Now behold a creature so great that nothing can stand against it! Appear before me—Blue Eyes White Dragon!"

I yelled as a bright white light burst in the ally way. The heat from it was immense and the force with which this creature emerged was impressive. The dragon now facing me was a massive beast, its skin a brilliant white. Its teeth and claws were razor sharp and its eyes were as blue as its Master's. The dragon was gorgeous. Seto laughed behind is large body, exalted in its might. Neo, on the other hand, froze with fear.

"Neo return!"

"My Duel Spirit has revealed itself. Now let us see who can withstand it. Show me your true Duel Spirit!"

In my head I heard, Razel's mighty voice.

I knew it! He is the one who wields the White Dragon Spirit! A formidable creature in my world and leader of the dragons! Mistress call for me now!

"Ahhh! Come forth and protect me! Magician of Black Chaos!"

Just as the dragon entered the fray with a show of awesome might, so did Razel. In contrast to the dragon's brightness, Razel emerged from a dark, opaque portal. His Energy surged from the opening, like sinister virus. Dark purple and red tendrils of power heralded his arrival. The mage slid forward through the thick blackness, his long limbs emerging like a nightmarish demon. Razel's blue face appeared threatening and out and out frightening. His sinister armor glinted in the light of the day. The long spiked black hair flared behind him like a cloak. His staff's blue jewel shone with ethereal light. He was ready.

"Now Chaos Mage! Merge with me to create a new power!" I yelled out to him. I held out my hand.

The Chaos Mage turned and took it. As we touched, our Energy blared outwards in rays. Light engulfed us both as Razel and I activated our Connection. We became one, our Energies joining together to form an impenetrable link. This is what training does. Even if your opponent is technically more powerful, it is nothing when set against the joined Energies of a Master and Duel Spirit acting as one body. This was how I defeated the great Blue Eyes White Dragon—this was how my name as a Psychic Duelist traveled throughout the city of Domino and the Duel Monster Spirit World.

Razel and I re-emerged. His body was surrounded in a fiery glow. At once, he attacked the dragon. The white creature unleashed its White Lightening, but due to our link, Razel escaped unscathed. I raised a shield around me. The dragon went to bite and lunge at Razel.

I instead concentrated on Seto. I harnessed my Energy into my hands, like I did against the white-haired man and his Dark Necrofear, and let loose crescents of Energy. Seto was unprepared for this turn of events. "Blue Eyes!"

The dragon protected Seto with its tail, deflecting my attacks. The crescents wounded the dragon but not enough to beat it. I ran forward. I was going to attack Seto Kaiba. Yet before I could land a blow, the dragon flung me back with its long tail. I soared towards a building. Quickly I used my Energy to stop and land on the ground.

"Nice move Seto!" I said.

Razel held his own against the white dragon. The beast kept sending out blasts of blue light but the Chaos Mage deftly avoided them. His body was a black mar against the beauty of the dragon's white hide. Our Duel Spirits raged against one another as Seto and I sparred on the ground. I leapt over the swinging tail, and came at Seto. He saw me and ran to meet me. His Energy started to flare around him, he was learning fast. We collided. Our Energy clapped with a loud bang.

"You'll never win!" He shouted.

"We'll see!"

I sent Energy assaults at him. He did the same. At that point, our Duel Spirits and we were tied. Seto dealt quick hits and strikes against me. He was such a fast learner to this! Already he understood what I was doing and tried to imitate me. But he lacked the stamina that comes with prolonged training and I sensed his Energy tiring. I came close to him, when he gripped my wrists in his strong hands.

Our eyes connected. He stared deeply into mine, as I did into his. Our Energy whirled around in that dance of sparks. This proximity caused both of us to inhale. The rush caused my Energy to increase and I unknowingly gave Razel the edge he needed to tip the scales in our favor. Razel spun his staff, the jewel blazing. In a final show of power, Razel aimed the jewel at the dragon. A burst of raging Energy sprung forth and struck the dragon between the eyes. The beast roared an unimaginable sound. It backed away from the Chaos Mage, wobbled, and then fell around me and Seto. The creature's body caused the ground to shake and Seto unconsciously held me closer. It was a reflex, a kneejerk reaction. But as I was pressed against his chest, breathing in the scent of Energy and his Gucci cologne, my heart pounded in my ears. His body was so warm, and I felt the muscles under his shirt.

Seto grunted and his knees buckled as his dragon was brought down. Their link was severed and the dragon materialized away. Razel lowered back to the ground, his face a solid block of disapproval. He saw me and Seto; his arms around me. Seto panted into my hair, his body was weak and exhausted. His weight soon became too much for me to support and I yelled for his driver to help. My link with Razel was still on and I knew he was displeased with how I treated my opponent. Those red eyes of his bore into my back.

His emotions were distant and withdrawn. If I didn't know better, I would have said he was jealous. But that was impossible. Razel was never jealous over me. He merely hated it when I showed any empathy towards an adversary. In the back of my mind I heard Razel offer a short thank you to the Blue Eyes White Dragon, a sign of respect for the fellow Duel Spirit.

"Mr. Kaiba! What happened?" The driver asked.

"He needs rest. Here get him into the back," I helped to bring Seto into the backseat of the limo.

"He needs to lie down." I said.

I don't know why I did this, or what possessed me to do this but I got into the limo first, and then pulled Seto in after me. He lay on the backseat, his body limp from the Energy strain. The driver finagled his feet into the limo before closing the door with me inside. I sat with my legs folded on the leather seat, Seto's head and shoulders resting on my lap.

"Razel, thank you for helping me. You can return now," I said to him.

After a pause Razel responded. As you wish Mistress, was his curt reply.

I felt him return home safe and sound. As the driver started the limo and hurried out of the demolished ally, I heard sirens and cop cars in the distance. I watched from the back window the amount of demolition our Psychic Duel had inflicted, but all I was concerned with was Seto's sleeping form and my hands' gentle touch on his face. Little did I know then, but Seto was to play a large, significant role in my life.