The Fire Mage
The waters of the River Grace flowed gracefully down the valley now alive with the song of Katydids, treefrogs, and crickets as the sun was slowly descending over the horizon. The cool breeze of the last summer's month caused the leaves of the oak trees surrounding both sides of the river to rustle as they danced with one another in the soothing whistle of the wind.
The stars in the skies were starting to twinkle, and the translucent shapes of the three moons were taking form in the night. But despite the serenity around her, Phoenix Lockheart was feeling a sense of tension and determination as she locked eyes with her opponent in front of her. They were standing on small platforms that went across the river. So small, that there was barely enough room to stand on them.
Her long, silky, orange hair was like fire glowing brightly in warm the glow of the sunset which also caused her fair peach-colored skin to turn a fair shade of reddish-gold. Her eyes like two emeralds were twinkling as though they were ornaments created by the finest jeweler in Termnnia.
She was a work of art, that girl. A youth of eighteen in great form with a faint bulge of muscles on her slender arms. She wore a midriff top which showed off her core displaying a well-earned set of abs. The sight of her exposed skin caused her opponent to grin from his platform. He was adorned in blue robes demasked in gold designs shaped to look like water flowers.
The opponent bowed. Phoenix bowed back and adjusted herself into a tight combat position atop her platform. Without warning, Phoenix's foe summoned a wall of water, scolding hot as though boiled for hours. The powerful surge lunged out of the river as quick as the wind and lunged toward Phoenix.
She positioned her fingers into a magical pose that allowed her to create an aegis of fire with a thought. The flames blocked the water, creating a thick, white mist that was scathing hot, and burned Phoenix's skin. But, being a fire mage, or pyromancer, she was used to the heat, and the boiling-hot water droplets on her skin felt like nothing more than a refreshing bath.
She held out her hands. Balls of fire formed over her palms and she tossed them at the aquamancer in front of her. The flames whooshed, distorting the air as though a watery curtain followed after the flames. The aquamancer smirked then performed a backflip as he conjured cones of water that intercepted the fireballs Phoenix tossed at him.
Ssss! Ssss!
The water hissed when it was met with the scolding embrace of the flames Phoenix shot from her hands. Arrogantly, Phoenix leaped to the next platform with the greatest of elegance and care. She looked like she was dancing as she battled for supremacy against her foe. The aquamancer stopped at the last platform and clapped his hands, causing the river to tremble from his power.
A tidal wave rushed towards Phoenix. The water took the form of stampeding horses, neighing as they charged towards the girl. Phoenix gasped in mid-jump and landed on one of the platforms, summoning an aegis that looked like fire made solid with hexagon-shaped tiles. The spell she conjured shielded her from the wave. When the water smashed against her shield, a column of white smoke erupted into the air making a great hiss as though a giant serpent of mist lunged into the air.
Phoenix flipped out of the veil and conjured flaming wings, causing her to hover over the battlefield. She then threw fireballs at her cocky opponent. He dodged them and felt fear as he realized this was Phoenix's meteor shower attack.
He knew she was quickly advancing through the ranks to be master and anticipated great power from her, but nothing like this. She was so young and so new with her magical abilities, yet she wielded it like a master mage or a wizard even. Try as he could, the flames fell upon him too quickly. He created a bubble of water forming into a solid form, hoping he could hold out until Phoenix ran out of Mana. But she was far too clever for that ruse. She gathered every ounce of Mana she had and her wings left her back and forme into a screeching phoenix that flew in circles over the river before diving towards the aquamancer and his pitiful bubble shield.
He screamed when he realized it was all over and braced for impact. The phoenix smashed into the bubble shield creating a terrific explosion. The poor lad flipped helplessly through the air and fell into the river with a great splash. Meanwhile, Phoenix gently landed on her platform, balling her fists in victory. When the battle was over, all was silent again. The insects and the frogs continued singing their song.
Just then, the sound of someone clapping their hands disrupted the calm of the evening. Phoenix turned around and saw the Archmage, the headmaster of her school looking down at her and clapping his hands. He was nodding his head in approval. His long, silvery beard gleamed like fine silk. He wore white robes with gold ornamentation and a pointed hat with a matching design of his robes. His staff was made of adamantium and wrapped in gold vines with a planetary system hanging over a gleaming, white crystal. His half-moon spectacles were of gold and silver. Behind the lenses, his beady silver eyes lit up with joy.
Soon, every student in The Citadel burst with applause for the show Phoenix displayed for them. On the other side of the river, the students of an opposing magical academy stared in disbelief at the loss and hung their heads in shame.
Phoenix turned and bowed. Behind her, the aquamancer was being fished out of the river by his fellow classmates. A bald-headed man with waxed mustachios and a gold monocle grumbled at the defeat of his best student. He was the headmaster of the other school, shook his head.
"Well, Acer," said the Archmage. "It seems my students have bested yours again."
"So it seems," said Acer, wrapping the left side of his mustache around his index finger to hide his shame and embarrassment. "That girl of yours is quite the mage. She'll make a fine wizard someday."
"I think so, too," said the Archmage. "And I do believe she has surpassed you, dear boy."
Acer growled, his face turned bright red. It was one thing seeing his school be dishonored by The Citadel again, for the umpteenth time, but now the Archmage was growing to be quite overzealous.
"Come, Acer," said the Archmage. "Let us cool our heads with wine and drink. And please, allow your students to find a place to bed for the night. You've been riding for a month."
"Thank you for your hospitality, Archmage," said Acer. "It is greatly appreciated."
Phoenix hopped over the platforms and made it to shore where her friends were waiting. They crowded around her, hugging her and squealing with joy for another well-fought match. A Redborne girl with cornrows handed Phoenix with a large ration of calories, for she burned a lot of them during combat. The rations were accompanied by a can of a very sweet soda so she could bring balance to her blood sugar.
"You did good, Phoenix," said the Redborne girl, whose name was Yisinda Saish-Si. "You sure showed those East Mountain Academy scrubs what for."
"Thanks," Phoenix said, opening the can and chugging down her drink. "Oh, how sweet," she said. "You remembered to get orange-flavored. My favorite."
"Anything for my girl," said Yisinda.
"Phoenix, you're just too good!" swooned Ezra, a friend, and an admirer.
They returned to their home away from home, The Citadel, a gleaming white tower at the center of a lake that was surrounded by a bustling town known as Star Water. The white tower of limestone, myrrh, platinum, and silver was lit up by floodlights on the grounds around the tower making it stand out from the rest of the town who unfortunately was home to many intolerant radicals from the Church of Yeyu.
Every day the monks from the Chantry of Star Town would stand out on the docks preaching about the evils of magic users. The red-armored Knights of the Gray Chapel guarded him as he passed out pamphlets to bring people closer to his diety.
"Look!" the monk called out. "There they are! The blasphemous heathens who twist the world with their magics!"
"Boo!" called the believers.
They spat at the students and threw rotten produce at them. It had to take a platoon of Black Luster Soldiers to cause them to stop their violent protest. High King Antar sent an entire fighting force to Star Water to protect the students of the Citadel who were targeted by angry mobs and Witch Hunters; dastardly mercenaries in the pockets of the Blue Priests, commonly known as The Jays, high-ranking priests in the Church whose sworn duty was to target mages and eliminate them. Thanks to the presence of the Black Luster Soldiers, Star Water was clear of Witch Hunters. But that did not mean the students were safe from the prejudice of The Church.
After sailing across the lake on small boats and walking up the black marble stairs towards the tower, Phoenix was stopped at the entrance by the Archmage. He bowed to her, and she bowed back.
"Your Excellency," said Phoenix.
"My dear," said the Archmage. "Come, come. I have something I wish to discuss with you."
"Oooo!" said Yisinda. "Phoenix is moving up in the world. Is it a promotion, Your Excellency? It has to be a promotion. Especially for the way Phoenix kicked East Mountain Academy's butt for the hundredth time."
"Simmer down, Ms. Yisinda," the Archmage said, almost with a snap in his voice. "There are going to be no promotions to be had during our meeting. I fear this is of the gravest importance."
Yisinda's smile faded. She locked her hands together and bowed apologetically. "Forgive me, Your Excellency. I meant no disrespect."
Phoenix's thrill of her victory was put out like water to a flame. She felt a chill run through her frame seeing the grim expression on the Archmage's face. She must have overdone herself during the fight.
"Have I done something wrong, Your Excellency?"
"Come, we will discuss this matter in my chambers." He turned powerfully causing his robes to give a whirl.
Ezra gave Phoenix a pat on her shoulder. They moved out of the way of the other students to let them pass, and they stood there in the atrium. "Don't worry, maybe it's not as bad as it seems."
Phoenix chewed on her lower lip anxiously. "No," she said. "You saw the look on his face. He's upset with me. I probably used my magic in a way that displeased him."
Yisinda shook her head so hard the beads on her cornrows clicked as they smacked against one another. "Displeased him? You were awesome out there! You destroyed that guy and wiped that smug look off his face."
"I was sloppy and undisciplined, Yisinda!" said Phoenix. "I used too much Mana and tired myself out. I was lucky that water mage was just an apprentice. If he had been a master wizard or an expert mage, I would have surely lost. The Archmage constantly lectured me about my excessive use of my Mana. Time and time again, I've failed him."
"I'm sure it's going to be all right," said Ezra. "You're the Goddess of the Citadel. There is no mage more powerful than you in all the Thirteen Kingdoms; or more beautiful for that matter." She slid her fingers up her hair. "Goddesses, you're so gorgeous." She bit her lip, gathering the courage to let out one more compliment. "And sexy," she finally said. Her heart pumping her with excitement, while feeling regret at the same time.
Phoenix looked at her with a smile and placed a hand on her cheek. For a moment, Ezra thought her compliments and her admiration for Phoenix was finally paying off. "I appreciate that Ezra," she said. She planted a light kiss on her cheek. "But, I'm not looking for a girlfriend at the moment."
Ezra sighed to show her sorrow. "I know, and I completely understand. Especially after that disastrous relationship with that wretched girl."
Yisinda scoffed. "Disastrous? More like catastrophic. I can't believe she got so drunk with elixirs that she almost burned down the gardens outside."
Phoenix buried her face in her hands and groaned. "Let's not speak of her or that incident again," said Phoenix. "Not only did it get the wench to be expelled, but it cost me my reputation. I can't believe she and I were about to get married!"
"It's in the past now, darling," said Yisinda, sliding her hand up and down Phoenix's back. "Forget about her. And no more dillydally. The Archmage waits for you."
Phoenix nodded in compliance and took the stairs all the way up the tower to the thirtieth floor; the Archmage's living quarters. To get there, she had to take a short elevator ride to the top. Once the elevator stopped, she found herself in a forest with glowing vegetation. Above, a clever spell created the illusion of a starry night sky. A shooting star raced across the bluish-black background. An alchemy table was carved at the base of a large oak tree. Potions were brewing all around it. The entire workstation was lit up by white candles giving off the scent of pine and two round paper lamps hanging from the branch above the table.
Phoenix walked past the table and followed a broken path of red brick towards a set of stairs with two iron lamp posts perched atop the newel posts. Phoenix followed the stairs into a second-floor chamber towards the office where the Archmage was waiting for her.
He stood in front of a large round window that took up the entire wall. It gave him a feeling of power as he looked down upon the common and gullible people below. The windows of the buildings across the town glimmered like a thousand pieces of fiery amber. Above the mountains, the moons were up on full display.
He turned when he heard the polished oak floor creak underneath her boots. "Phoenix," he said. "Have a seat." The Archmage pointed at a comfortable armchair in front of his desk littered with papers, magical tools, mathematical instruments, and deck of cards.
"You play Duel Monsters, Your Excellency?" Phoenix asked, sitting down on the chair.
The Archmage gave a soft chuckle. "You think I'm too old?" he said.
"I meant no disrespect, sir," Phoenix said, shrinking in her chair. "I just thought you were to busy to play."
"Too busy and too mindful of my finances to do so. I can't believe how expensive it is to properly play the game. It costs a kidney just to find the right cards for my deck."
Phoenix giggled. "What kind of deck do you wish to play with?"
"A Spellbook Deck," the Archmage answered, walking towards the fireplace where he had a kettle full of water for the tea he was brewing. He used telekinesis to lift it from the fire and gently set it on a platform on his desk. Two cups and saucers flew out of the cupboard. One of them landed before Phoenix.
"Tea?" he asked.
"Oh, please," said Phoenix, brushing her hair over her ear with her fingertips.
A saucer of clotted cream flew from out of nowhere and landed beside Phoenix's teacup. A bowl of sugar then flew soared delightfully around Phoenix and proudly swooped next to her cup as well.
The saucer and the sugar bowl hopped up and down in excitement making Phoenix twitter in amusement. "What do they want?" she asked.
The Archmage chuckled at the sight. "Why it's simple my dear, cream or sugar?"
"I'll take the cream," said Phoenix.
The sugar bowl dropped sadly at her choice. As the saucer of cream was about to lift a spoon to dump its contents into her tea, the sugar bowl picked up a spoon of its own and began whacking the saucer.
"Now, now!" said Phoenix. "Don't fight. Don't fight!"
The Archmage groaned. "Stop! Stop!" he shouted. He wagged his finger at the bowl. "Now see here sugar boy, that's enough! You're getting awfully rough. What have I told you about respecting people's decisions? The girl wanted cream and that's final! And stop hitting that poor saucer. It's cracked enough as it is!"
When he turned the sugar bowl whacked the saucer one last time with the spoon for good measure.
"I'll pick you next time, I promise," said Phoenix.
Humph! The sugar bowl crossed its handles and turned its back on her.
"Pay him no mind," said the Archmage. "They dinnerware always fight in the presence of beautiful girls."
Small plates with pumpernickel bread soared from the cupboards and then dishes with fillings for Phoenix to make a sandwich came down as well, dancing and flapping in the air eager to please her. She had a wide variety of choices from tomatoes, pimento cheese, ham with mustard, smoked salmon, fruit jam, curried chicken, fish paste, and egg salad. A plate with little cakes hovered in front of her, offering Phoenix one of the treats. Phoenix took one and ate it. The plate banked hard left and gently came to a stop on the desk.
"Thank you, sir," said Phoenix. "I've never had tea time as exquisite, or as lively, as this before."
"Well, now that you have your refreshments, I believe it's time to discuss a very important matter."
"Very well, sir," Phoenix said, making a bite-sized sandwich of egg salad. "Have I done something wrong?"
The Archmage sat down on his chair and sternly locked his hands together, resting his elbows on the surface of the desk. "My dear, Phoenix. You are my best student, and one of the finest mages I have ever seen in all my years here in The Citadel. Your match today was a chance for you to prove to me you could advance to the rank of master. Given the circumstances, I fear I cannot."
Phoenix's face twisted in an expression of sorrow, shock, and anger. "But...but...master."
"You cannot call me that anymore, either, unfortunately. And I fear you can no longer call The Citadel your home anymore."
"No! No!" Phoenix's lips trembled and she felt tears glimmer in her eyes. "After all I've done for this place! After all I've done for you, you're just letting me go?"
"You're right," said the Archmage. "Know that this was not an easy choice to make, Phoenix. Not after all we've been through, you and I. You've been in this school since you were just a girl. A small little thing running about the fields trailing mud and covered with leaves having pretend adventures of being a master magician raiding dungeons and ancient ruins for hidden treasure. But, alas, there must always be a change in the paths we take. Phoenix, as I said, given the circumstances, I will not be able to grant you the rank of Master here in the school."
"I will pack my things then, sir," Phoenix said, wiping away tears.
"As you should, because you've been blessed with something far greater."
"I don't understand."
"You will instead be blessed with the title of Court Magician of the High King of Termnnia."
"ME!" Phoenix cried.
"Yes, love. For your prodigious talents, You have been selected by Master Yu-Gi-Oh to be a representative in the alliance he is forming when Prince Daveed comes back and takes the throne. You'd best prepare."
Crystal
A sudden rasp on the white gilded door awoke her from her slumber. Crystal opened her sleepy eyes. The incoming sunlight was almost blinding her, causing her to squint. She picked herself up with her elbows and looked around her beautiful bedchamber. Her bed, king-sized with maroon sheets and drapes hung on the carved mahogany bed posts. The walls were trimmed with gold lit up with wall light strips. The chandelier above made of polished bronze and crystal. Her room resembled that of a king's chambers. Ornate and beautifully decorated.
"Up!" her mother, Helen, shouted from the door. "Up now!"
"I am awake, mother!" Crystal shouted.
"Hurry up then," Helen called. "You have much to do today."
The doors suddenly creaked open. Crystal's maids arrived with fresh clothes. Some helped her out of bed, then straightened her bedsheets while a few more opened the curtains of her bedroom, letting the sunlight into the room and revealing the view from the fourteenth floor of the tower.
"Good morning, dear," one of the maids said to Crystal. She held up two dresses for her to choose. "Another busy day today it seems."
"Yeah, I guess so," Crystal said picking a white gown to wear for her morning drive with Brett.
"Good morning, Crystal," Brett said walking into the room. He was finely dressed in a crisp black suit and tie. He stopped and examined her nightwear. A thin, white, babydoll nightie. "Another lovely weekend for us to enjoy."
"What are you doing here?" Crystal said stepping behind a dressing screen at once to change and escape Brett's wolf-like gaze. She heard Brett sniggering at her shame. She ground her teeth and balled her fists. Her ears started to grow hot and the knot in her chest had returned to make her day ill. She could always count on Brett to ruin her day. Thankfully, it was just a morning with him alone.
"Have you forgotten?" Brett said, casually strolling towards one of the windows looking out to sea.
"What?" Crystal asked, tossing her nightie over the screen.
"Today we have breakfast with Leon Caldwell. The host of the Millennium Tournament." He turned his head to look at Crystal's silhouette on the screen, lit up from the rays of the sun from the window on the other side. His mouth twisted into his wolfish grin, watching her change.
"Mr. Caldwell?" Crystal said after a long pause. She stopped and looked out the window. The long white curtains flapped in the strong oceanic breeze from the south. She heard the palm trees rustling outside in the garden. The serenity of the morning almost soothed her frustration. She let out a deep sigh to finally relieve it all from her body. "Really? He's back from Majorca?"
"Yes," Brett answered. "He's going to discuss the rules and overall layout of the tournament. It's going to be the biggest Duel Monsters event in history, what with the holograms getting better and better. Mr. Montgomery spared no expense in making the monsters as real as possible. Maybe he made them too real. Yuri almost wet his pants when he dueled against Lawson last time. That just goes to show that Duel Monsters is becoming a game that's not for the faint-of-heart."
"Oh, please," Crystal said coming out from behind the screen in her silky white dress. She strolled to her mirror and started primping herself. "I think you're taking this a little too seriously. Duel Monsters is a game. It's supposed to be fun."
Brett let out a hardy laugh. He walked towards her and watched as she brushed her hair. She froze. A sense of power overcame Brett. He loved that Crystal was so scared of him. So obedient. "It was a game, Crystal. Now it's something more. Duel Monsters is unique. It gives players power. Those who can harness it become champions, like us. Playing for fun strips the game of its pride. The losers can play for 'fun' if they want to, but I guess they can have those cheap card shops to play in."
"Power, huh?" Crystal said, peering at Brett from the corner of her eye while putting on the choker Yuri gave her. "You're still young. Maybe one day you'll grow up and realize how ridiculous you sound."
Brett didn't appreciate those words. He grabbed her by the forearm and lifted her up so her ear was close to his lips. "Maybe when you mature a little more you'll come to see Duel Monsters as I do!" Brett said with a scowl on his face. His breath smelled of scotch, making Crystal cringe.
"You're hurting me," she said.
Brett went silent, and then scoffed as he let her go. "Take that off," he said, ripping the chocker off Crystal's neck. "I expect you to wear the diamond necklace I bought you last night."
"What's wrong with this?" Crystal whined, examining the jewel desperately to make sure it wasn't damaged. She sighed with relief to see that it was fine.
Brett snatched it from her hands and tossed it to the side. It slammed into her perfume bottles placed neatly on a silver platter. They clanked loudly as they fell. The platter shook for a moment then came to a stop. Brett grabbed her chin, and held her head up. Crystal gasped, feeling his rough hands press tightly against her skin. "You look like a common dog wearing that thing!" he said, sliding his hand down her neck and to her chest.
"It was a present," Crystal replied in a frightful whisper. "Yuri gave it to me."
"All the reason for you to take it off."
"Fine, if it bothers you so much, I won't wear it."
"Well, I'm glad you finally see some logic," Brett said with a confident smile. He let her go and kissed her shoulder. "Mother always told me you were a little dunce. I was beginning to think she was right. You're so naïve, confused, idiotic at times. But, my God, you are so damn beautiful."
He held out his arm. Crystal took it, and they walked out of her bedchambers and down the mirrored halls with bronzed statues and chandeliers of diamond and glass. They, at last, left the estate and went down the white steps towards Brett's limousine which took them to a restaurant in the middle of town.
Crystal stared sadly out the window, watching the other kids her age walking about the streets, eager for Halloween which was fast approaching. They were laughing and joking. Some chased each other into the fountains to cool down from the hot tropical sun. How Crystal wished she could join them. She continued watching the kids until they were out of view. Crystal gave a long sigh and stared at her lap.
"Master Martinetti must be pleased today," said the driver.
"And why is that, Bernard?" Brett asked, checking the sales of his online business on his phone.
Bernard let out a friendly laugh as he looked back at them from the rear-view mirror. "Have you forgotten, sir? Today is your twenty-first birthday. You are finally a man."
"Ah, yes," Brett said with a chuckle as he set down his phone. "How time flies, huh? I've been so busy, I almost forgot."
"Yes," Bernard laughed again. "I remember driving around a little toddler. Now, look at you. And your lady friend. You look very young, I must say. What age will you be turning, sweetie?"
"Oh, I just turned eighteen in August," Crystal replied.
"And what of those little friends of yours, miss? The boy with the red hair and the one with the green eye, Montgomery's boy if I'm not mistaken."
Yes. My best friend, Yuri, is seventeen going on eighteen next month on the twentieth."
"You will not speak of him here, dear," said Brett. "Ren, I don't mind, for I respect him a duelist. I get ill feelings only when I think of that Yuri."
"You're just mad he beat, Lawson,"
"Any fool could have beaten Lawson," Brett scoffed.
"That's not what you said during the duel," said Crystal. "You were on Lawson's side the whole time."
"He was up against the kid I loathe with all my being," said Brett. "What else was I supposed to do? Besides, I didn't think he'd have that card in his possession."
"The Black Tyranno, I know," Crystal said with a smile. "What power."
"And it belongs to Yuri of all people," Brett said, balling his fists. "That's what's been pissing me off. A card of such ferocity should belong to only the greatest duelist, not that amateur."
"Well, Andrew Montgomery has that Gilded-Eyes Phantom Dragon," said Crystal. "Perhaps Mr. Montgomery wanted to give Yuri a signature card too, and a dinosaur no less. Yuri has loved dinosaurs since he was a baby."
"Andrew Montgomery has won three tournaments," said Brett. "Yuri hasn't even beaten a monkey."
"Yes, he has," Crystal said arrogantly. "His name was Randall Lawson."
They arrived at the restaurant. Bernard got out and opened the door for Brett and Crystal. They stepped out of the cool car and into humid air of Edge.
"Enjoy your breakfast, kids," Bernard said returning to the limo and driving off.
"This is the vice president of Phobos Corp," Brett whispered into Crystal's ear. "Now be on your best behavior."
"You don't have to worry about me," Crystal said, stepping forward.
The two walked inside, graced by a cool blast from the air-conditioning. Brett told the waiter they had a reservation. The waiter bowed and led them to a table by a pool with cerulean blue water and gray stones from which water fell into the pool below. There was a young man, twenty-two-years-old, sitting at the table sipping coffee. He wore a pin-striped suit with a dark red tie.
"Caldwell," Brett said.
"Martinetti," said Leon. "Have a seat. Ah, this must be the lovely, Crystal Anderson. Our local champion. You're even more beautiful in person."
He took her hand and kissed it. Crystal thanked him for his compliment, then sat down next to Brett.
"I understand your student was beaten in a duel a few days ago," said Leon. "Word has reached my ears that it was…Daveed. Or is it Yuri now, as they called him online."
"You know him?" Crystal asked, setting down her purse on the table.
Leon looked at her and sniggered. "Yes. We have crossed paths before. It was not pleasant. I will leave it at that; I hope you understand."
"Oh, very well, sir," Crystal said with a polite nod.
"Glad I'm not the only one who sees him as a nuisance," Brett said, crossing his arms. "The kid's a nightmare. He had the gall to put his hands on me."
"And he had every reason for attacking you," Leon said sipping his coffee. Brett's expression suddenly morphed from arrogance to shock. "Yes, I said it," Leon assured him. "You did hurt this young lady very badly. That was not very gentlemanlike of you, Brett, putting your hands on a girl the way you did. Had I been there, I would have kicked your ass, too."
"Well, I learned the error of my ways," Brett said taking Crystal's hand. "Crystal, I was just…agitated. You mean so much to me. You know I would never hurt you."
Crystal smiled, but deep down she knew he didn't mean that from the bottom of his heart.
"Well, what's done is done," said Leon. "Let's leave that matter behind us. We have a tournament on the way, do we not?"
"Of course," Brett chirped. "Why don't we start by…" His phone vibrated. "What!" he growled, for it was Randall Lawson calling for a second chance. He looked at Crystal and Leon, putting his hand over the microphone. "Would you two give me a moment?" Brett said walking off.
"Sit next to me, my dear," Leon said holding out his hand towards the empty seat beside him.
Crystal did as she was told and sat down, cautiously beside Mr. Caldwell. It amazed her how young he was. She had heard much about him and has seen him on the Phobos Corp magazine from time to time, but this was her first time seeing him in person. His skin was sunkissed, meaning he vacationed a lot in the tropics, but she didn't need to see the color of his skin to know that. She was a follower of his on social media.
She would see him on yachts on the waters of Italy, partying with girls in Greece, and sunbathing in Dubai. He had a slicked pullback hairstyle with a stripe on the side, a clean beard, and green eyes. Brilliant green eyes that pulled Crystal in like a moth to a bug zapper. Crystal hunched her shoulders and bit her lip mischievously as she smelled his exotic cologne. She had also seen enough of his beach pictures to know he was well built underneath that clean, black suit. She had seen him naked before in many pictures with models. She didn't want to say it, but Leon was a boy she admired and fantasized about when she was alone.
She wanted to let him know how she felt, but how would she say it? She didn't want to seem easy, especially now that everyone knew of her affair with Brett and Yuri. But just looking into his eyes, Crystal could tell he knew how she felt about him.
"You okay?" Leon asked.
Crystal snapped out of her hypnosis and coughed timidly. "Yes. Yes. I'm fine. I'm just...uh...I'm a big fan." Damn it!
The waiter arrived and asked them for their order.
"Bring us stacks of hotcakes, Devon," said Leon. "And don't stop bringing them out. We'll eat as many as our stomachs can handle. For drinks, I'll have a refill on my coffee, my friend, Brett, who stepped out a while ago will also take a coffee, and my lady friend here will have a glass of milk. Would that be all right with you?"
"Yes, that's fine," Crystal said with a nod. The waiter bowed and left. "Mr. Caldwell," she said once the waiter left.
Leon held out his hand to stop her. He grinned. "Call me, Leon, please. You're making me feel rather old."
Crystal nodded her head, and placed both hands on her lap. "Oh, of course, Leon. How do you know Yuri so well? What did he do to make you feel this way?"
"You love him very much don't you?" Leon asked, tapping the table.
"Yes, he's my friend," Crystal replied, doing all she could to keep from blushing. She twiddled her thumbs nervously on the crisp hem of her dress. She felt her toes curling in her shoes, and sweat starting to spew from every pore. She hated it when people asked her that question. In love? With Yuri? She may have looked at him as her brother, but to be in love was rather difficult, especially with the way he had been acting in the past two years.
Leon nodded his head and fixed the cuffs of his shirt. "Yes, I know you two are good friends, but you love him, don't you?"
"I call him my brother sometimes," Crystal said, almost as if stamping those words down to keep Leon from asking any more questions.
Leon sighed and looked up at the painting hanging on the walls of the restaurant. He figured Crystal was dodging the question and continued on with the conversation. "A brother? How sweet. How long have you known him?"
"We first met when we were still babies," Crystal replied. "We've been through so much together. He's like family to me. So, to answer your question, Leon. Yes. I love Yuri very much. We've been there for each other for years. Nothing can separate us."
The waiter arrived with the hotcakes and the drinks. He placed Crystal's milk beside her plate with a thud then handed Leon his coffee.
"Ah, drat," he said with a chuckle. "I don't know how many times I have to tell them to bring more butter when I order these damn things. Devon, bring me a plate of butter please."
"Yes sir, sorry sir," the waiter said as he left.
"Why so much butter?" Crystal asked.
"Because the butter here is homemade. In this place, the butter goes with everything; it's to die for. It mixes so well with the maple syrup making it so much sweeter. And I love the way the spongy interior of the hot cake just soaks up the flavor. I never eat my hotcakes without my butter and my syrup. You can eat them if you want, but I recommend waiting for them to bring out the butter."
"I can wait. I'll take your word for it," Crystal said, placing a handkerchief on her lap.
"Smart girl. Pass me the sugar, please, sweetie," Leon said pointing at the bowl next to Crystal.
She nodded and picked up the bowl by its handle, carefully giving it to Leon. He took it from her and placed it near his plate of hotcakes with a loud thud that shook the silverware. He dumped spoonful after spoonful of sugar into his coffee.
"I'm afraid I can't tell you what I know about Yuri. What I say may be a little too devastating for you."
Crystal frowned. "I can handle it, Leon. Don't treat me like a child. Everyone around her does."
Leon stared at her with a smile. The girl was very persistent, and he loved her for it. Devon arrived with his plate of butter.
"Thank you, Devon," Leon said, sending him away with a wave of his hand. Leon took a spoon and scooped up as much of the creamy butter as he could from the plate. He shook it off over his hotcakes, then gave Crystal some as well. Leon picked up his fork and knife, ready to dig into his long-awaited hotcakes. He turned his head. Crystal was still staring at him, waiting for him to tell her about Yuri. He cut into the fluffy meal until it was a neat triangle and stuffed it into his mouth. He chewed the morsel and savored the flavor. He looked again at Crystal, still awaiting her answer. He smiled and swallowed. "Aren't you going to eat?"
"Oh!" Crystal gasped. She cut into her hotcake and ate some of it. "Wow. It is very sweet," Crystal said after swallowing her slice. "It does mix well with the syrup. Now, you were going to tell me about Yuri."
"Daveed, or Yuri as you call him. He's my little brother."
"What?" Crystal said, grimacing. "You're a Montgomery?"
"I WAS a Montgomery," Leon said calmly cutting his hotcakes. "The blood of Duel Monster's founder flows through my veins, not Yuri's."
"But he…"
"He is not legitimate family," Leon said, his calm voice was gone. Crystal saw his face glowing red and his eyes twinkling with spite.
Crystal was paralyzed from the waist down in shock. It looked like Leon would assault her any moment. Could what Brett said in the restaurant the other day have been true?
Leon ate another slice of his hotcake. "I was still just a toddler, but, I remember when they first brought Yuri into our house. I saw them running outside. Then, when they came back in, they were carrying him."
"But you were still a baby boy," said Crystal said, trying to control her emotions. "Maybe you just…"
"No," Leon said, sternly. "I was young, but I wasn't stupid. I never saw my mother pregnant. I heard his cries outside our house that night, Crystal. I heard voices. Someone left him out there. And whoever they were, they were not normal. That eye of his…is not normal."
He ate another pancake, furiously.
"The kid grew up to be a failure. He just slept his days away in that basement wasting my father's money, but they loved him dearly anyway. I worked my ass to get to where I am. But it wasn't good enough for my parents. All they cared about was Yuri. And once I turned eighteen and finished high school, I moved away and cut all ties with them."
"But that's…so cruel," said Crystal.
"Maybe, but not as cruel as having him in my life. Every accomplishment I made meant nothing to my parents. It was always little Yuri first. I want nothing more to do with him. And father can't get rid of me from the company. Who was it who built him the technology to create the Duel Monsters holograms? I don't know who left that bastard at my doorstep, but rest assured; I'll find out. And Crystal. If you ever mention Yuri around me again. I will make you regret it."
His phone rang. "I have to take this call. Excuse me."
He took Crystal's hand and kissed it before getting up to leave. When he was gone, Crystal heaved and tears fell from her eyes.
What if Brett was right? She thought.
"Who are you, Yuri? Where did you come from?"
Leon came back, turning off his phone and stuffing it into his pocket. He smiled at Crystal and said: "Care to go to the park for a few Duels?"
"Duel?" Crystal asked. "Sure I guess. There are a lot of things on my mind right now."
Leon bobbed his head and smirked. "There is no better way to cure stress than a little game of Duel Monsters. Come, let us Duel."
The waiter came by with the check. There was a pause. Both Leon and Crystal looked at it awkwardly. Leon took a step forward, dominating Crystal in his shadow.
"Don't get cheap now, Crystal."
Crystal nodded. "Of course, of course," she said, not wanting to anger him. She dug into her purse and tossed a few crisp bills on the check as well as a hefty tip for the waiter.
They left the restaurant and saw Brett out on the sidewalk still arguing with Randall. Brett saw them coming out and then scored Randall for making him miss breakfast before he hung up the phone.
"Where are we off to now?" said Brett.
"We're going to have a few games at the Duel Dome," said Leon. "Care to join us, Brett?"
Never missing the opportunity to play a round of Duel Monsters, Brett was happy to oblige in joining them.
Pegasus
High Chancellor. The Right Hand of the High King. It was not a title he expected to bear in his lifetime. He almost lost that position recently when he used his powerful artifact of potent magic called the Millennium Eye. He had made many enemies with the chaos he started back in the Duelist Kingdom Tournament, a ruse to claim the Millennium Puzzle from the World Champion Yugi Muto and his alter-ego, Yami. He lost to Yugi and his plan to steal his soul failed. He lived a life of exile on his island for many years but was named High Chancellor of Termnnia for his work in the Dragonheart Rebellion.
Though Pegasus was declared insane by the High Council, the newly crowned High King Antar Wallcroft named Pegasus the King's Right Hand. They were old friends, and Antar understood the reason behind Pegasus's madness. Pegasus was not the same after his beloved wife, Cecelia, passed away less than a decade ago. He said he would pardon Pegasus for his crimes against the Eyar and his friends should he use the power of his Eye for good, rooting out traitors since the Millennium Item could see into one's mind.
Pegasus saved Antar from many assassinations with the Millennium Eye but he could not save him from the raging colon cancer that was slowly killing him. He wrinkled his nose while atop his chestnut-colored mare surrounded by his knights, bannermen, and oathblades. A forest of banners flew all around him bearing the golden eye of his House in a field of pale blue with gold and white streamers.
The cold chill of winter was overtaking the last embrace of summer this October morning. The breath of the men and horses mingled creating a mist that danced around them blissfully. Behind him rode his children, Gekko and Yako, his two adopted sons, and his daughter Jocelia, the only offspring he had that was his flesh and blood.
She would take charge of the House one day, while Gekko and Yako were in competition with one another to see who would be Pegasus's heir to his company in the East known as Industrial Illusions, the company that creates cards for Termnnia's sport of magic and monsters.
Jocelia rode beside her father atop of a white pony armored in silver mail and white enameled steel trimmed with gold. She was an Eldori like him. Her hair was a golden as her late mother's and tied into two buns on the top of her head. She was wearing a white dress and was warmed by a white-furred shoulder cape clasped together with a brooch of gold in the shape of the eye of her house. She was only a child of eight years, soon she would blossom into adulthood and suitors were already bothering Pegasus for her hand to join the House of Duel Monster's creator.
She had both eyes of her mother and father, the left eye was hazel like Pegasus' and the right was pale blue like her mother's.
She had a sad look on her face, turning cherry red from the kiss of the winter. Her eyes were big and full of innocence. She shivered but she did not know if it was from the cold or the fact she was riding forth to witness her first execution. Pegasus heard her cooing with fright when her eyes found the hill and the Weeping Rock, the site of many executions.
She had seen her father ride off to many of them, but she was still a babe. Pegasus now felt she was old enough to see the work of the King's Justice who was her knight-champion Ser Tiberius Aldred, a Human in his late fifties with streaks of gray in his black hair and a scruffy white beard. A scar from his battle against Orcs went diagonally down his face.
He rode right next to her and, to no surprise, he began to scorn her. "Keep your head high, Lady," Tiberius said to little Jocelia. He had a scratchy voice. "Your father deemed you worthy to come today. He can already sense the fear in you. Keep your eyes up and sit up straight!"
Jocelia jumped at his sudden outburst. Most girls of nobility would have temple nuns or a Lady-in-waiting to teach them the proper etiquette of a lady of a noble court, but she had Tiberius who was as tough as a grinding stone. He was her teacher in Duel Monsters and at times with swordplay with her rapier Little Finger, but she would have her ear pulled every time she made a mistake. She looked to Pegasus with hopes that he would chastise Tiberius for yelling at her. Her, the royal princess of Duelist Kingdom.
But to her dismay, Pegasus only grinned like he always did and brushed it away like always, infuriating her.
Tiberius spotted the silhouette of the condemned standing atop the hill guarded by two Black Luster Soldiers from Rasaay the capital of Termnnia. They were different from regular Black Luster Soldiers, wearing bulkier armor and draped from the cold in black capes trimmed with gold and banners hung from their pauldrons.
"You will thank him one day, little one," Pegasus said with a chuckle. His breath rolling in cool white mists above his lips. The reins jingling with each step his horse made.
Joceilia pouted. "He's always so mean to me."
"It's because of his teachings that you were able to break that bully's nose," her older brother Yako commented as he sat atop his warhorse, a massive black beast with a long mane that was taller than even Jocelia's pony.
Jocelia knew he was right. Though she looked like a delicate little thing, Jocelia was a fighter thanks to Tiberius. Perhaps that was why her father never scorned the old knight. Now they finally approached the hill and Jocelia saw the infamous weeping stone and from here she saw the sight of her home, Castle Pegasus with its white towers gleaming in the distance.
Seagulls still flocked through the air despite the blistering cold winds of the coming winter ravaging the island that was a little too close to the north where the Kingdom of Riftgaard was just a three-hour sail away. Jocelia didn't mind living so close to the north. Every night she would look out her window and gaze at the Northern Aurora, bathing the world in beautiful shades of orange or green.
Jocelia's heterochromia eyes spotted a sickly man with long pale blonde hair, greasy and unkempt over a face riddled with acne scars. He stood before the Weeping Stone, white as snow save for the curve carved in the middle. It was darkened in burgundy from the blood of those killed in the past. Tiberius picked Jocelina off her pony and set her on the ground in front of her brothers. The man with the greasy hair was grabbed by the Black Luster Soldiers and was forced down on his knees and his chin rested upon the stone.
"Why are they going to kill him?" Jocelia asked looking at Gekko. She tugged on the sleeve of his leather armor to get his attention.
"He killed a man in the square for a loaf of bread, dear sister," Gekko answered.
"Be silent!" Pegasus commanded, holding up a hand. "Ser Tiberius. You may begin."
Tiberius nodded and hung his head, looking down at the murderer. "In the name of Daveed Wallcroft, the future High King, Master of the Diamond Throne, Wielder of the Divine Beasts, Lord of Men, High King of Termnnia and all her Kingdoms. I sentence you to die. May the Goddesses show you mercy, for you shall receive none today."
Tiberius raised his sword and struck off the man's head with a quick and swift blow. Blood spilled down the Weeping Stone. The snow eagerly drank his blood like the finest wines in Pegasus's cellars. Jocelia gasped, seeing the blood pouring out of the esophagus. The man's body twitched, writing on the ground as though he were a man possessed. The little princess shivered at the sight. The head's mouth was still moving as though the man was trying to say something.
Yako laughed as he got off his horse. "You still mock us!" he shouted and kicked the head into the hills.
Jocelia gave another gasp and silently wept into her scarf. Pegasus was also disturbed by Yako's lack of compassion and he pointed at him. "Stop it!" he shouted.
"I already did," laughed Yako. "The head's gone."
"Have you no shame doing that in front of your baby sister? I will deal with you later. Guard, take the body and bury it. Take the head to the town square and place it on a pike as an example to anyone who even thinks about murdering here on my island."
"My Lord!" the Black Luster Soldiers said in agreement. They bowed and took the body away. As Pegasus led his family back to the castle, Yako and Gekko galloped away racing each other towards the castle.
"Boys will be boys," said Tiberius.
"Oh, indeed," said Pegasus. He looked down at his baby princess. She sat atop her pony quietly. Her lips trembled and her shoulders shook. She heaved a bit, for the gory sight caused her to be sick. She could still see the muscle and the blood coming out of the neck like a fountain of berry juice. Pegasus thought she was ready to witness her first execution, but she was clearly not. The sight of the man being beheaded proved too gruesome for her. Tiberius saw this and rode up behind her. She looked at him and whimpered, wanting nothing to do with him for what he had done.
"You know why I had to kill him?" Tiberius asked.
Joceilia sniffed and looked up at her champion. "He killed a man."
"Yes. A priest from the Temple of Aya the Goddess of Love and Beauty. He was good friends with your father and your mother. Goddesses rest her soul."
That just made Joceilia feel even worse having to be reminded of the death of her mother, Cecilia. She was still a baby back then, but still remembered her angelic face and the songs she sang to help her sleep at night. Around her neck was a premonition in the shape of a brass dragon wielding a sword. Cecilia said it kept the Orcs away. Pegasus always laughed at that.
Ironically, it was a poisoned sword of an Orc that killed her as they rode to Rassay to meet with Yami Yugi and discuss the new Alliance, which was sure to make Yuri's job ruling Termnnia much easier. On the road, they were attacked. It was uncommon to find Orc raiders patrolling the hills of Emboldor; for It was there that they were disbanded after the Divine Beasts annihilated them and the Giant of Beltroth in the Siege of Rassay.
Some managed to escape the attack of the three monsters and started raider gangs that ambushed caravans or anyone else unfortunate enough to come across them on the road. Jocelia and her family were on the Blue Road towards Rassay when they got attacked. If she had a choice to see another execution or an Orc again, she would have chosen another execution.
Orcs were terrifying creatures to behold up close, and being so young she was not ready to see their evil. She was two years old when it happened, but she remembered it all as though it were yesterday. Their fangs, their glowing yellow eyes, and their horrid grunts haunted her in her nightmares. She still wets the bed every night because of this.
Tiberius put her over his knee and slapped her on the bottom many times to get her to stop, but she couldn't help it. Having watched Orcs in all their fury and seeing her mother die a slow and agonizing death from the poisoned blade had scarred her for the rest of her days. Pegasus gave up trying to aid her with her nocturnal enuresis and said she would grow out of it one day. And she had to do it quick.
Weevil of the House Underwood, a horrid Eldori boy, and lordling of a small town, learned of her ordeal during the annual Festival of the Night Goddess and spread the word around town making her the end of every joke. She was laughed at by the children as she made her way to school escorted by Tiberius and her personal escort of Black Luster Soldiers. That was why Tiberius was always so stern with her and forced her to learn swordplay.
She proving more and more difficult to make fun of now that she had broken the noses of more than four children who dared cross her path. She was learning quickly and Pegasus even gave her his rarest card, Relinquished, to use as her signature creature.
"I do what I do to make you stronger, My Lady," said Tiberius. "And because I love you as though you were of my own." He gave Jocelia a red rose from her mother's garden. She smiled and gently took it. She squeaked blissfully and smelled the rose. It smelled like her mother. "You are the Lady of the House," he said ruffling her hair. "Your brothers will take control of the business, but you will inherit this land, this castle, and Duel Monsters."
"But they are older than me. Stronger too."
"But they do not have your blood. You bear the blood of the Pegasus. And my lady, there will come a time when you face the Orcs again. When your father is gone you will lead the armies and join the High King to fight them."
"Yes," said Pegasus, finally breaking his silence. "See to it that she learns well. Orcs are not the only foe she must contend with. I already have a number of Houses looking to take this land and the game from me. Jocelia must learn to defend the land and the family treasure as much as she does fighting with her High King. A lot of them are not too pleased I denied their sons my daughter."
"Everybody wants me!" Joceilia said, her voice as delicate as the wind. "Will Prince Yuri come to my aid if they come to get me?"
"You must join his alliance first," said Tiberius. "And you are not yet old enough to join. You are still just a baby."
"Ugh, I'm eight-years-old Tiberius! By law, I'm almost a grown woman."
"Eight is not an ideal age to be leading armies."
"Humph," Joceilia pouted.
They arrived at the castle. Yako and Gekko were waiting for him at the gate.
"Father," said Gekko. "If you please, Yako and I are waiting for news about the academy."
Pegasus nodded and got off his horse. "Yes, I suppose it is high time you learned your place."
"It couldn't have come sooner, father?" Yako asked impatiently. "The semester has already begun."
"So you will go next semester!" snapped Pegasus, not appreciative of Yako's tone. "I have made my decision. Gekko. You have earned your place at the academy. Yako. You have not."
"Thank you, father," Gekko said bowing.
"But..." Yako began to plead.
"That does not mean I won't have my uses for you, my son. Your brother may have the superior dueling skills to enter the academy, but your combat prowess is astonishing."
"I can vouch for that," Tiberius said, picking Jocelia off her pony. "He has trained his sister when I'm not around to sharpen her skills before she and I have our lessons. Now I know why she was able to give me this scar." He pointed to his face.
Pegasus nodded. "And for that, you will be coming with me to Rassay and train with the Emboldorian Secret Service."
"Well done, brother," said Gekko.
"Do not feel saddened, Yako," said Tiberius. "The Secret Service of the High King is a noble title."
"Well, why not?" said Yako with a confident shrug. "I heard women are highly attracted to agents of the Secret Service."
"Oh, Yako!" pouted Jocelia.
Tiberius laughed at her lack of humor. "Come, My Lady," he said letting her wrap her hand around his finger. "Let's see if Masha is done with those cookies."
"Cookies sound good to me," said Gekko.
"Father," said Yako. "Just what will you have me do in the Emboldorian Secret Service?"
"Right now, I need you to gather information for a very special lady. Her name is Avellana Lofnmagni Ethelfleda. Though, she likes to be called Avi for short."
Yako shook his head. "And just what makes this girl so special that the Emboldorian Secret Service needs to be involved, father?"
"You and the agents have been requested, by me, personally, to scout the lands for ancient temples of Safaani, the Dragon Goddess. Avi's destiny is entwined with these temples. Find them, and report your finding to Ser Yusei and the Knights of the Crimson Dragon. Master Yu-Gi-Oh banded them together again just recently."
"Why?" asked Jocelia. "There is a lot of hubbub for this girl, father. Who is she?"
"She is a Summoner," said Pegasus. "One who can call upon dragons. True Dragons."
"Impossible," said Yako. "Dragon Summoners have all but faded into history. There are none in the world who can summon them."
Pegasus looked at his son and grinned. "There is now."