Yuri
"They have his music!" Yuri thought happily. "They have his music!"
He skipped over the cracks of the sidewalk as he strolled down the dark streets of Domino City back to the hotel from Mai's apartment. It was the perfect environment to listen to such a song. The lamp posts along the sidewalks lit his path as did the neon signs of the buildings with their windows lit by the residents inside. The sky was starting to get a tinge of blue from the coming dawn. Yuri blushed, for he couldn't believe he had been dancing through the city all night. But he couldn't help it. He didn't feel like sleeping. He was still feeling frightened from his first Shadow Duel but relieved knowing that the demon who once called 'Angel' was gone. He thought there was some good in the spirit when he first encountered him after all these years. He had cheered him up when he was sad, fought off bullies, and even saved him from getting raped by a kidnapper when he was a small child.
But despite all the good he had done for him, the spirit of the Millennium Ring was a vile specter which took control of Bakura's body and aided Anubis with murdering his parents. He needed to be vanquished.
The thrill of the victory over him rushed through Yuri's veins like hot lead, and to top it all off; he was filled to the brim with excitement, thinking about what other adventures awaited him at the Glass Palace.
Thankfully, music was allowed to enter Termnnia through registered Gates allowed by the government to stay open for legal trading. And he thanked the Divines that songs by Simply Red made it into this world.
He had never been so happy and yet, so sad. For this song was all he had of his home. Sure, they always tell him Termnnia is his true home, but he grew up on Earth his whole life, so he felt that realm was his true home. He remembered singing the song to Crystal whenever she was sad.
I'll keep holding on
I'll keep holding on
"I'll keep holding on Crystal," said Yuri, remembering the beloved friend he had left behind on Earth. It broke his heart to have left her the way he did. So quick; so sudden; but he promised he would be back. He gave her the musical necklace he wore as a child and promised he would be back for it. He prayed she would be all right without him. Crystal once told him that he was her greatest treasure. She loved Ren too, but she just had a feeling in her heart that loved Yuri a little more. Yuri paused for a moment and stared at the stars as they began to fade away. He began to think of his friends, Nick, Tyson, Carter, Patty and recently Jeannie, Nick's little sister. He never got the chance to know her better. He saw her for just one night, and that was the night that Joey came and told him of his origins. Of his destiny as High King of Termnnia, a position he never wanted. But he had no choice. Obelisk, Slifer, and Ra were very clear with their choice, as was the ruler of the goddesses, Horakhty. She implored Yuri to be her instrument of light against the oncoming darkness that was the armies of the Black Continent with their Orcs. Beasts he thought existed in his fantasy books.
His eyes began to grow heavy. Dawn was fast approaching, and the journey ahead was going to be long.
Yuri's ears began to grow sore, and he removed his headphones. He lost his hearing for a but moment as they got used to hearing sounds other than the song he had been listening to for hours. He picked up a commotion coming from an alley.
"What the hell?" Yuri said peering through the buildings up ahead. He saw a pink beady-eyed Anime rabbit-looking creature wearing a red cargo vest with a gold star on the back. It had long ears and a fluffy, white cotton tail and was being attacked by a cat.
"HEY! BEAT IT! KNOCK IT OFF!" Yuri ran and kicked the cat in the stomach sending it flying away. He could hear it whimpering into the streets. The bunny was dizzy and walked around in circles.
"You're okay now, little guy, he's gone."
"It's about time," said the rabbit. He had a cool and sneaky kind voice. "He chased me fer a week."
Yuri's mouth fell wide open. He screamed as though he had witnessed a murder. "EVIL BUNNY!" He fell backward and fell on his butt.
"Evil bunny?" the rabbit-like creature said offended.
"Stay back, stay back." Yuri pleaded.
"Wait. Dat green eye! By golly, it's you! I've been lookin' fer you, Yuri Wallcroft."
"How do you know my name?"
"Dat's a stupid question everythin' and everybody in Termnnia knows your name."
"Well, evil bunny, you're safe now. I'd stay and talk, but I've got to get going."
Yuri got up, brushed pebbles from the back of pants and walked away. The bunny shook his head and waddled in rapid motion after him. Yuri turned, looked down, and stared at him.
"Why are you following me?"
"Well, I like you. I could be a great help in that there school, as a study buddy."
"No, evil bunny, you just want to tag along, so you end up as somebody's dinner."
"I am not a bunny!" the creature said stomping its long flat foot onto the ground. "I am a Fingolin."
"A what?" said Yuri.
"A Fingolin. We are wise spirits created by Lady Lucia, Goddess of Nature. We kept her company while she created the earth."
"Why?" Yuri asked.
"She had a thing for fluffy creatures," the Fingolin said.
"I haven't seen the likes of you before," said Yuri.
"Well, there aren't that many of us left. Orcs hunted us fer sport, and those Yeyunists almost finished the job in the Inquisition, wiping us out to near extinction."
"I'm sorry to hear that," said Yuri. "But I can't take you with me."
"Oh, come on. Do you know how many people would kill just to have a Fingolin as a companion? We provide good luck to our masters. See, we can make sure that in Duels you get the cards you need when you need it. And speaking of which, I know everything there is to know about Duel Monsters."
"I don't care."
"Please!" the Fingolin said, getting on his knees. "I had t'cross da Sea of Glass t'git here. I was almost eaten by sea serpents! The wind knocked me off course! My brothers and my sisters are all gone. I have no one left!" Tears rolled down the little creature's face. "I was hoping to be your friend, and now you're saying you don't need me? WAAAAAAAA!"
The Fingolin cried. Raindrop-sized tears poured out of his eyes like a fountain. He sobbed again, blowing his nose with his ears.
Yuri suddenly felt sympathy for the creature. He sighed in defeat and said: "Okay, okay. Come on."
"ALL RIGHT!" the Fingolin cried, hopping up and down.
Boing, Boing, Boing went his feet when they sprang from the ground.
He climbed onto Yuri's shoulder. "MUSH!" he shouted pointing at the hotel ahead. Yuri gave him a deadly glare.
"Or not. I'm Ricky by the way. Thanks for your help Yuri."
Yuri shook his head then strolled back to the hotel with his new familiar.
Yuri slept but for a few short hours before he was woken up by his alarm clock. He washed his face to loosen his heavy eyelids, still weighed down by sleep. He collected his things and allowed Ricky to hop onto his shoulder before heading downstairs to the hotel lobby, jammed with Duelist Academy students.
"What the hell is that?" Stas asked when he laid eyes upon Ricky.
"Some rodent I rescued in the alleyway last night," Yuri responded with a shrug.
"Who you callin' rodent, buck-a-roo!" Ricky snapped.
"Some people have dragons as pets. Xifeng has her Skull Bird, but I, the future High King of Termnnia, have a fucking, talking rabbit!"
It was a long stroll to the harbor where the ship to Duelist Academy was docked. A long line of tactical-looking knights guarded the perimeter around the students from a mob of angry protesters holding up signs and shouting obscenities at the students.
"What in the hell is their problem?" Yuri asked.
"They're Yeyunists," Michael responded, checking texts on his phone. "They hate us."
"What are they doing this far South?" Yuri asked again. "Don't tell me your parents allow them to pray here?"
"They do, provided the Yeyunists pay the appropriate taxes and keep their beliefs to themselves. If they wish to convert people to their phony faith, they can, but in a peaceful manner. Otherwise, my father boots them out of the city. These people protesting the likes of us will not be here for long I can assure you."
"Well that's a relief," said Phoenix. "The sooner we get rid of these nutcases the better. Why is your creature looking at me like that?"
Ricky ogled Phoenix from atop Yuri's shoulder.
"Eyes somewhere else!" Yuri ordered while forcefully raising his shoulder. "Or she'll turn us both to ash."
"I can see why," Ricky said, licking his paw and sliding his ears back. "She is hot!"
"Attention Duelists!" Kemo called out from the top of the ship. "If you could line up in an orderly fashion please!"
"Check out his hair," laughed Ricky. "You can sink the Titanic with that thing!"
"That's history from Earth. How do you know about that?"
"I read books!" Ricky slapped Yuri on the back of the head. "How stupid do you think I am?"
"You don't want to know. And hit me again and I'll throw you back to the cats!"
Yuri didn't know it, but he was being watched by Kaiba and Cora from their luxury suite inside the ship.
Cora
"So that's him?" Cora said, peering out the glass to get a better look at the prince down below at the head of the mass of students.
"I trust you saw the tapes of his match against Crowler," Kaiba said, leaning against the wall with his arms crossed over his chest. "What do you think?"
"He's got potential," Cora sneered. "Nothing I can't handle though."
"That's what I like to hear." Kaiba grinned pridefully. "You take him down quickly and efficiently. Don't give him a chance to play those God Cards."
"Should he and I Duel, he won't even get the chance to draw his first card. He played a good game against Crowler, but the Duel Robot still proves a tougher challenge than Yuri."
"Let's see if you can back up that statement," Kaiba said arrogantly walking out of the room.
"Mr. Kaiba has taught you well it seems," Ms. Goldwine said standing beside Cora in a white blouse and black skirt. "You don't show fear of Yuri's God Cards. Most Duelists in the hotel said they were too scared to face Yuri because of them."
"I don't fear anything or anyone," Cora said coldly. "I will show Seto I am worthy enough to be in his family. And to hold the mighty Blue-Eyes White Dragon."
"After that long night of Dueling, you still want to keep going?" Ms. Goldwine asked, adjusting her glasses. "Ms. Cora, you need a break."
"I'll rest when I become the world's greatest Duelist. Or, when I'm dead."
"Mr. Cora, there's more to life than Duel Monsters."
Cora turned and glared at her. "Not for a Kaiba."
When they boarded the ship, the students settled for a quick voyage to the academy. Poor Yugi got seasick and had to remain in his room for the remainder of the trip. Yuri stayed with him in a lounge while his royal companions went outside to gaze at the ocean. Ricky hopped off of Yuri's shoulder and hopped to the door.
"So long, loser," he said gallantly bowing. "I will be off to check out the academy chicks if you don't mind." A group of girls passed by the lounge. Ricky raised his eyebrows and made a click of his tongue, following them.
"Where did you find that thing?" Yugi asked.
A few hours later they heard a commotion coming from down the hall.
"Come on," shouted an elementary student. "There's a Duel taking place over there."
"Wait for me, Sam!" his friend cried, chasing after him.
"A Duel, huh?" said Yuri. "Must be someone pretty famous to cause quite a commotion."
"Come on, let's go see," Yugi said, feeling relieved of his seasickness. In Termnnia, Duel Monsters was the cure to all sicknesses.
Yuri and Yugi dashed down the halls and saw hordes of students going into an arena where Duels were taking place. Yuri followed them and entered just in time to see a Duel commence in an arena down below with an acid green field surrounded by a yellow wall with a red stripe. There didn't appear to be any room to sit down so he leaned against the doorway and folded his arms watching two Anime-raced youngsters eying each other fiercely as their yellow-orange Dueling platforms were lowered by maroon colored beams.
On the east was a boy with domed green hair and golden beetle-shaped glasses. On the west was another boy, the same age as the green-haired one. He wore a crimson beanie and had long messy dark-red hair. His eyes were thin giving him an almost reptilian look. Yuri overheard a group of girls sitting in front of him.
"That guy with the green-hair is Weevil Underwood." one of them said.
"No way, the Intercontinental Champion is going to school with us?" said the girl beside her.
"Looks like it, and his opponent is a knight and the winner of the Industrial Illusions tournament last year. Ser Rex Raptor the Knight of Teeth. He uses Dinosaur-Type monsters. While Weevil over there specializes in Insect monsters."
"Oh man, Dinosaurs versus puny little insects, Ser Rex has this one no sweat. Remember what Yuri's Black Tyranno did to that giant golem monster. This is going to get messy. I hope Rex wins, he's kinda cute, and that Weevil guy is freaking me out with that toothy grin of his."
"I don't know, girlfriend, I wouldn't go underestimating Weevil now."
The Duelist's Life Point displays appeared over the arena showing that the two players had a score 2000.
"Let's do this!" shouted Rex Raptor placing his deck on the cybernetic game board. He drew his five cards for his hand then drew the sixth one, for he was starting the Duel.
"I summon Two-Headed King Rex!" Rex said calling forth a towering two-headed dinosaur with purple flesh, ivory horns, and fifty-foot wings. It stood upright snarling and slashing its claws in the air.
Two-Headed King Rex
ATK/1600 DEF/1200
"I summon Basic Insect, oh what am I going to do?" Weevil said trying to sound helpless as he summoned to the field a green bug monster that resembled a praying mantis.
Basic Insect
ATK/500 DEF/700
"And I play a face-down card."
"Nyah-ha-ha!" laughed Rex. "Is that the best ya got? Two-Headed King Rex, ATTACK!"
"HE, HE, HE, HE, HE! FOOL! YOU ACTIVATED MY FACE DOWN CARD!"
"OH-NO A TRAP!" shouted Rex in disbelief.
"My card, Compulsory Evacuation Device!"
The two-headed dinosaur stepped onto a platform and was tossed into the air, back into his hand..
It was Weevil's turn. "And now I equip my Basic Insect with Laser Cannon armor!"
"So what?" said one of the girls in front of Yuri. "All that does in increase the puny little insect's attack by 300. Rex is still in this."
"But now I tribute my Basic Insect to summon Insect with Laser Cannon!"
Weevil then summoned a larger-sized version of his Basic Insect and it had a massive laser cannon on its back and an attack strength of 2400. Weevil attacked Rex directly ending the Duel in less than a minute leaving the crowd stunned.
He raised his deck triumphantly in the air and shouted: "I HEAR THERE'S ANOTHER BONE-HEAD DINOSAUR DUELIST IN THE ACADEMY!" Weevil shouted into the stadium. He was fueled with confidence from his win. "I WILL ONLY SAY THIS! YOU'RE NEXT!"
"Wait is he talking about Yuri?" the girl asked her friend.
"Oh your majesty." said the girl's friend.
Yuri nodded. "Ladies," he said making his leave from the arena.
"Yuri! You have to come see this!" Michael shouted from down the hall.
Yuri followed him up into the deck. He looked around and saw the students hypnotized by something. Yuri turned to see what they were looking at and saw an extraordinary sight.
He walked slowly to the bow to where his friends stood to get a better view of the amazing place.
A castle, a city almost, sparkling like a massive star in the middle of the ocean with towers so high some were touching the clouds up in the dark night sky. There were bright citadels lit up with white neon and seemed to glow gold from the windows. Oddly shaped structures lit up the night with their majesty alongside domes and turrets hundreds of feet high. The silver light of the full silver moon illuminated the world around Yuri in silver. The ocean was like a mirror reflecting the glistening stars of the Termnnian sky as if the ship was sailing through space.
Students held their breath looking up at the academy. Yuri's heart was beating like a drum as he watched the castle get closer and closer and making him feel smaller and smaller.
The ships had docked and the crews below in the harbor grabbed ropes to tie the ships. The students went up a spiral staircase made of marble that was by an indoor waterfall and finally, the journey ended in a massive bright white marble chamber guarded by Infernal Blast Hounds.
The monster was a giant blue Bulldog with a gold spiked collar and two cannons spawning from its shoulders. Though they were fierce-looking monsters, they were playful with the students and wagged their short stubby tails as they passed by. Yuri looked around anxiously at the students and the massive hall. It was a mile long with rows of gargantuan columns going down from the beginning to the end of the hall.
Two monsters began performing a magic show. Little elves, together known as Supporter in the Shadows (ATK/ 1000 DEF/1000). They put a clay pot in the middle of the crowd and danced around it throwing flowers and sugar into it. They added a rose and BANG! The pot blasted into a cloud of purple sweet-smelling smoke and revealed a Duel Monster called Dark Magician Girl.
The Dark Magician Girl danced around flicking stars and glitter into the air. She picked up a little boy's old and common Petit Moth card which had 300 attack and 200 defense and turned into a brand new Perfectly Ultimate Great Moth which had 3500 attack and 3000 defense.
The two elves juggled, turned stones into candy and pulled a handkerchief from under the Dark Magician Girl's blue, curvy, armored hat. The two little elves began waving the handkerchief in the air and turned it into a long white sheet. They asked the Dark Magician Girl to get on all fours and then tossed the sheet over her.
The Supporter in the Shadows asked students to count to ten and then they pulled the sheet off of the Dark Magician Girl who was now an All-Seeing White Tiger (Atk/ 1300). The students were shocked and clapped their hands as the two elves rode away on the tiger waving their hats as they passed the students. When the monsters left the hall two tall doors opened by themselves.
The students walked into a glass pyramid. Hanging on the roof were seven banners with dragons on a coat of arms. A gigantic chandelier hung from the point illuminating the pyramid. The upperclassmen clapped as the new students paraded into the school and stopped before a stadium where the teachers sat. One of them was Crowler who surveyed the students with the eyes of a vulture. Yuri tried to hide behind Phoenix and Marcel but was spotted by his new nemesis, who gave Yuri a nasty grin.
The headmaster, a cheerful bald man named Chancellor Sheppard was sitting on a throne surveying his new students as they were being sorted into their appropriate dorms.
There were seven of them, based on the grade one got in the Examination duel.
After the students were sorted they were off to settle down in their home away from home. There was an optional Welcome Dinner. Yuri was starving and he and his friends went into an exquisite room lit with chandeliers of gold and crystal to eat.
Alexis and Zane had hardly touched their food, for they spent most of the time staring at Yuri.
"So that's him," said Zane.
Alexis grinned. "Wow. Prince Yuri Wallcroft in school with us, it's just so cool."
"I don't know what you two are so excited about," said Chazz. "He may be mid-ranked, but around here that means nothing."
"Oooh," said Princess Evelyn, approaching with a plate of food. "Why so touchy Lord Princeton?"
She was joined by Ethan, Antone, and Ezra.
"I wouldn't start criticizing him already, Chazz," said Alexis. "I don't know what planet you were on yesterday, but he defeated Dr. Crowler."
"That was just luck. Watch me. I'll beat him first thing tomorrow after class lets out you'll see. That chump won't stand a chance against me."
"Good luck," said Zane. "If he's facing anyone, it's going to be me."
"Oh yeah, we'll just see who gets to him first."
"You can go first," Zane said with a chuckle. "But unlike you, I won't lose to him."
"WHAT!" Chazz shouted, bolting up out of his seat.
"Sit down," said Alexis pulling Chazz down. "And shut up," she said to Zane.
At ten o'clock, Yuri and his friends got up from the table and proceeded to check out their dorms. They took an elevator to the seventieth floor of the castle and walked down a glass tunnel that connected the castle and the Kiryu Dorm tower together. The path was a stone walkway with street lamps and benches in front of fern gardens. After leaving the tunnel they stepped into a massive atrium.
There were pools so the students could swim during their free time. In fact, there were some in there right now. There were indoor rivers, sixteen indoor waterfalls, and lush organic environments. The scarlet banners bearing the dragon, Kiryu, hung from the ceiling. They went up an elevator about fifteen floors up and finally found it after trekking a long scarlet hallway, lit up with cone-shaped lamps on the walls.
Yuri unlocked the door and they stepped inside. Down on the first floor was a scarlet carpeted atrium surrounding a pool a hundred yards long with a gold statue of Kiryu spitting water out of its mouth. There were two more floors above with rooms of their own. There were other rooms up there too, meaning they were sharing this dorm with other guys. Yuri could already hear them talking upstairs.
"Whoa," said Yuri.
"Wow this is awesome," said Michael, as he sprinted into the tower to look around.
It was three storeys tall and had a lounge with a flat screen television, a small fountain in the middle, and an aquarium with exotic fishes that only existed in Termnnia.
The hi-tech kitchen would have made Mrs. Montgomery burn with jealousy. They had their own grand staircase made of polished mahogany and two lampposts at the top and bottom of the stairs. Two small waterfalls thundered on both sides of the stairs into an indoor river that stretched through their room with a bridge that went over it that connected to the lounge where there was a billiard table colored scarlet with the image of Kiryu on the mat, as well as a bar and a television with a video game setup which included an Xbox One and PS4 hookup. Yuri couldn't believe it. This tower was all for them.
There was a view of the ocean and two of the other Kiryu dorm's skyscrapers. Yuri's bed was right beside a window. He looked outside to get a view of the castle. Words could not describe what he saw. The other towers loomed in the night shining brightly from the thousands of lit windows and bright silvery neon. Down below he could see boulevards that looked like downtown Aquarius back on Earth, and tiny specks which were the millions of students, all of them enjoying their first night at the academy.
"I wish you could see this Crystal," Yuri whispered to himself.
It would be another day before class began and tonight and tomorrow would give the students a chance to adjust to their new life at the academy. Yuri was still trying to fathom how big the academy was. The castle, for lack of a better word, was as big as Manhattan back on earth with towering skyscrapers and buildings. That was just the main castle. Each dorm was like a small city with its own avenues, towers, parks, everything.
Yuri couldn't wait to explore it after he got settled tonight.
The beds in their sleeping quarters had scarlet sheets and curtains and their luggage was laid neatly on top with their uniforms which were black blazers, black sacks, and black buttoned shirts, and a red tie and scarf.
Yuri went into a room he thought was vacant, but it was occupied with a group of Eldori boys. They were Jaden and Syrus, the boys from the Duel Dome, who were stunned when Yuri stepped into their bedroom.
Yuri was suddenly knocked forward on his bed when a large boy with a round pink nose and beady black eyes bent down to pick up his clothes.
"Oh sorry about that," he said helping Yuri up.
"It's all right," said Yuri. "It was an accident."
"I'm Chumley Huffington."
Yuri shook Chumley's hand.
"Nice to meet you," Yuri answered.
"Wow, Prince Yuri!." cried Syrus. "And Yugi Muto the King of Games!
"Can this be true?" Jaden asked himself. "Am I really roommates with Yuri and Yugi?"
"Looks like it," said Yugi, offering his hand in greetings. "Nice to meet you."
"Nice to meet you, too," Jaden said shaking Yugi's hand. "I'm Jaden Yuki."
"And I'm Syrus Truesdale."
"It's a pleasure to meet you Syrus," said Yuri, shaking the timid kid's hand. Syrus had light-blue triple-layered hair, gray eyes, and small round glasses.
"Man, what's in the fridge?" asked Chumley. "I'm hungry."
"Hungry!" Jaden said surprised. "You had six pies."
"Meh, I'm in the mood for some grilled cheese sandwiches," Chumley said and skulked downstairs to the kitchen.
"I have a feeling this is going to be a great semester," said Yugi. "Yuri, if you'll excuse me. I'm going to explore the castle for a bit. See you later, my friend."
"Yeah, nice meeting you, guys," said Yuri.
Exploring the castle sounded like a good idea. Once they got settled in, Yuri, Michael, Jaeyoung, Ryon, Stas, and Marcel left the dorm room and exited the Kiryu tower to explore the massive castle.
Some destinations were so far they had to be reached by hailing a train. Yuri's favorite place was the mile-long courtyard with a gigantic glowing white willow tree.
A student played his violin by the pond as couples kissed.
Girls from Domino took photos with each other with their cell phones and PDAs. Yuri looked up at the tree which Michael said was called an Elderglow Tree, one of the few in existence. Jaeyoung went to explain that during the founding of Termnnia herself, the Celtra used these trees to see and work in the night. There were millions of them but they were nearly wiped out during the Great War during the Dawn Era. Only three of these wonderful trees survived the past millions of years and Duelist Academy had one right in its core. They went off to play in arcades, have a bite to eat at a restaurant and then end the night with drinks.
Cora
"This is where you'll be staying," said Ms. Goldwine, letting Cora step into her suite in the Kaiba Towers, Seto's private castle. "Mr. Kaiba wants to keep a close eye on you, darling, so you won't be staying at the Blue-Eyes White Dragon Island with the rest of your House."
"I don't care," Cora said, sliding her backpack off her shoulder, and tossing at the foot of her four-poster bed with white curtains. "I prefer to be alone."
"I do hope you change that attitude, darling," said Ms. Goldwine, still standing next to an aquarium with small sharks and colorful fish. She leaned against the glass, watching Cora explore all three floors of her room. "Please make some friends while you're here."
"I don't need friends," Cora said, raiding the fridge. She opened a can of soda.
"Miss Cora!" Ms. Goldwine called at once after she heard the click of the can. "I hope you don't intend to drink that."
"And why not?" Cora asked.
"It's full of caffeine. It will keep you up, and you have class first thing tomorrow. Have some water."
"Whatever," Cora said, putting the can away and taking a bottle of water out instead.
Ms. Goldwine nodded victoriously. "Good girl. Now, into your jammies. We have a long day tomorrow."
Cora looked at Ms. Goldwine walking into the bathroom. She shook her head finding it hard to fathom she just used the word 'jammies' as though she were a child of ten years.
Nevertheless, it was getting late, and her father wanted her on the train to her first class first thing in the morning. She was a defiant young lady, but even she knew better than to displease Kaiba on the first day. Cora went to the first floor where the bed was. She stripped out of her academy uniform and put on a large gray shirt with the Kaiba Corp logo over her underwear.
"Did you ever have a dream come true?" Cora asked, sitting at the foot of her bed while Ms. Goldwine sat behind her and brushed her chestnut-brown hair. Cora flipped through her deck full of cards that supported dragons and specialized in summoning her Blue-Eyes White Dragons much quicker. She stopped when she saw Blue-Eyes Chaos MAX Dragon. She smiled and slid her finger up and down the raised image of the ultimate-rare card.
"I did once," Ms. Goldwine answered, holding a handful of Cora's hair and gliding the brush in smooth strokes to make it shine. "Before all this, I was the daughter of a duke from the country of Dragonrock. I was to marry a princess. Lady Roxanne of the House Kroft, the lords of Aldapple, home of the great horsemen of Fora."
"I see..." Cora chewed her bottom lip. She was beginning to understand why Ms. Goldwine was so gentle with her. "What happened?"
"We lived in a territory controlled by Yeyunists. As you know, they are not fond of...people like me. So we fled to an island paradise when we were seventeen. We both had the same birthday, you see."
"What made you fall in love with her?" Cora asked, still rubbing her finger on the MAX Dragon card.
"We had so much in common with one another," Ms. Goldwine said, gazing up at the glass ceiling and marveling at the stars. "And she was so beautiful, Miss Cora. Roxanne always ignored the princes, dukes, barons, and lordlings at the balls just so she could dance with me. We were married on the castle built on the island she made just for us. For an entire year, I lived like I would never be sad again. Like I had died and entered the Gardens of the Goddesses. But then it all went to ruin. Witch-Hunters attacked our castle."
"Witch-Hunters?" Cora said, looking up then turning her head to look at Ms. Goldwine.
"Mercenaries working for The Church," said Ms. Goldwine. "Roxanne was a gifted summoner who could summon Gaia the Fierce Knight. And she was a powerful earth mage. But even her power was not enough to stop them. She sacrificed herself for me. Once she was slain, Gaia the Fierce Knight went on a feverish rampage and slew the Witch-Hunters. I watched from a boat as our paradise was burned to the ground along with the Witch-Hunters."
"Ms. Goldwine...I'm sorry."
"There is no need to be, dearest. I went through many trials over the years. Eventually, it led me to Seto Kaiba. And now, I have you for a friend."
Cora laughed through her nose. "I understand, but...can we keep it that way, Ms. Goldwine?"
"I am here to serve you, Ms. Cora. Anything you ask, I will do."
"Thank you," said Cora. "And...I'm glad I have you for a friend, too."
Ms. Goldwine blinked, fighting back her tears. "You're welcome, Miss Cora. Now, off to bed."
Yuri
"Yuri, Yuri," Michael said shaking Yuri up from his sleep. Yuri got used to the light and looked at the alarm clock on his dresser. The green digital numbers read five-thirty in the morning. Yuri rubbed his eyes and went to the bathroom to wash and dress up. Everyone looked like zombies on their way down the stone steps to the cafeteria for breakfast.
There was a glass wall that revealed the early morning. The sun did not come up yet but Yuri could see the glimmering lights of the yachts carrying the Blue-Eyes White Dragon Students to school. The Blue-Eyes White Dragon students lived on their own island about a mile away from the academy island.
"Morning." Phoenix yawned, catching up to them in the hallway.
The chandeliers above, made of crystal, shaded the hall in a soft light. The red carpeted floor seemed darkened from the light of the chandeliers and it made Yuri's eyes drowsy, for it was so dull in color and the furniture itself had a dreary tone as if the whole world was tired from the morning. How he wished he got classes in the afternoons or the evenings but Michael assured him that it was better taking classes in the wee hours of the morning that way they had the whole day to themselves.
He met up with Jaeyoung and Xifeng in the hallway.
"Morning," Xifeng said bowing. "Is you sleep good?"
"Did you sleep good?" Marcel said correcting her.
By the time Yuri and his friends made it to the cafeteria down below, the sky was turning dark blue. He had to admit the cafeteria brought him a bit of energy for it was quite beautiful. The ceiling was dotted with round ceiling lamps, the windows were massive showing the dark world outside and they had crimson curtains on both sides tied with golden ropes. Lively jazz music played on the intercom, drowned out by the tired chatter of the students who had their classes in the morning, and the clinking of the plates and silverware.
Yuri's nostrils were greeted by the smell of coffee, eggs, bacon and pancakes. At the back of the cafeteria was an aquatic garden with a waterfall that had a light behind it that made the waterfall glow in seven different colors. The table they ate was right beside it. A series of indoor rivers separated the tables from one-another. Yuri sat in front of the waterfall for the noise kept him awake. He looked at the list of classes he would have.
"So how does the system work?" Yuri asked.
"It's easy," said Phoenix with a mouth full of pancakes. She set her fork down and wiped her mouth with a handkerchief. "Wow, your taking twenty credits?"
"No one said being High King was going to be easy," grumbled Yuri.
"Well let's see, today you have The Master Rules of Dueling. Xyz Summoning. Synchro Summoning. Basic Algebra...oh goodie you have those two classes with me. And, let's see what else, Dragonology, Physical Education; and Fusion. Tomorrow you have The Study of the Termnnian Bestiary, Political Science, The History of Termnnia, and lastly Pendulum Summoning. My goodness, you're a busy boy. Your semester is going to be filled with ten classes."
"I thought it was good to be the king," Yuri said sadly.
As he unrolled the newspaper by his plate he felt someone put their hand on his shoulder.
Yuri gasped while giving a small jump. The hand belonged to a young man in the Red-Eyes Black Dragon dorm.
"Who are you?"
"I apologize for the scare, my friend, I'm Bastion Misawa, you must be Yuri."
"I am."
"I've been looking all over for you."
"What for? To give me a heart attack?"
Bastion laughed. "To befriend you of course. I have saw your duel against Crowler back in Domino and you color me impressed. I do hope we can study together."
Yuri chuckled. "Well in that case it's nice to meet you Bastion." Yuri shook his hand. "But next time you want my attention just tap me on the shoulder."
Bastion gave a friendly chuckle. "I'll be sure to remember that. What classes do you have? Can I see your list?"
Yuri opened up his academy portfolio and handed Bastion his schedule.
"Pity, I only have two classes with you History and Master Dueling."
"Well, what time do your classes finish?" Yuri asked. "Perhaps we can have a drink or something."
"Sounds excellent," said Bastion. "I look forward to it. Well, I must make for class, so I'll see you around sometime."
"But class doesn't start for another hour," said Phoenix.
"Yes, but it's good to beat the rush. Cheerio."
"All right nice meeting you Bastion." Yuri called as Bastion left.
"Likewise," Bastion called as he waved away.
"Getting rather popular are we." said Phoenix scooping up scrambled eggs with her fork.
"I've made more friends in one day than I did my entire life back on Earth," said Yuri.
"Geeze, sounds like you were a loser," said Jaden who arrived with a tray with more than three helpings of breakfast.
"Thanks, Jaden, I was." said Yuri.
After breakfast, Yuri left for his first class. They went by elevator, escalator, even train to get to their destinations.
Everyone but Yuri seemed to be wide awake. While everyone else ran to get to class Yuri stalked around like a zombie. He was going to the Master Rules of Dueling with Marcel, Jaeyoung, and Phoenix.
When Marcel turned, and saw how far Yuri was, and how slow he was walking, he stomped the ground.
"Can you get Yuri to hurry the hell up!" he shouted from across the hall. "Crowler is not a patient person. And I'm sure he's mighty pissed that Yuri beat him."
"Yuri please," begged Phoenix. "You don't want to start the year off like this."
"I'm going as fast as I can." Yuri said as Marcel and Phoenix dragged him to Crowler's large lecture hall. The amphitheater fit one hundred students and the tall towering curtains were colored royal purple.
It smelled like the perfume department in there.
"Oh, it's you." Crowler scoffed from his desk.
The dim light from his lamp cast black shadows on his face, making him look like he was made of stone.
"Set him on the top and make sure he stays awake, I will not tolerate sleeping in my class."
"Did you hear that Yuri?" Jaeyoung asked.
"Yeah I heard him," Yuri said walking all the way up to the top seats of the lecture hall.
"He does not want to be here." said Zane, watching Yuri from the bottom seats.
"Yuri Delgado huh?" said a blue-haired Anime girl with pink ribbons named Kami (Yu-Gi-Oh Tag Force).
"Ew, his eye does glow!" said another Anime girl with pink hair named Wisteria (Tag Force).
Crowler stared at Yuri as he threw to strong mints into his mouth to keep himself awake.
Phoenix offered him her coffee, but he politely refused.
"Welcome hopefuls. I am Doctor Vellion Crowler, your teacher on the master rules of Termnnia's most beloved game: Duel Monsters. A game with monsters and magic, and in my opinion a game that should only be played by the truly gifted."
The snobby students laughed with delight. One of them was Chazz Princeton feeling thrilled to finally be sitting in class with Yuri. He couldn't wait to duel him after their classes were over.
Yuri rolled his eyes. Crowler saw it and frowned then he turned it into an evil grin. "Prince Yuri! Perhaps you would like the honors of answering the first question of the term."
"No."
"Good, thank you for volunteering. Question one: You activate a spell and I counter it, then you activate another spell or trap. When this occurs, it's called a what."
Yuri bit his bottom lip. He never thought of things like that before. He just played the game.
"Chain," whispered Phoenix.
Yuri shook his head.
"Ha! You don't know eh? Okay then, I'll make this a little easier for you. Question two: What is it called when a monster is summoned via an effect?"
"Special Summon?" said Yuri.
"Perhaps a little too easy!" snapped Crowler. "Maybe you can explain to me what it means when you activate a trap to stop a card effect."
"I don't know. I don't pay attention to those kinds of things I just played the game."
His classmates laughed at him.
"Then, clearly, you are no duelist," the vile teacher sneered. "Your victory against me, was sheer dumb luck."
Yuri shook his head and sighed. Crowler began to pace back and forth through the class. He was nice towards the good students like Alexis, Zane, Phoenix, and Chazz. He started to explain the rules.
"In today's class, we will review what you have learned in your following years here if you had the good fortune to be here most of your life. If this is either your first time at the academy or your first time playing the game; then lend me your ears and pay attention. Today we will talk about the Duel Monster field: There are five zones for monsters and five zones for spells and traps. You can have only five monsters on the field and only five spell and trap cards on the field. If there are no zones left to put the card you desire, too bad; there is nothing you can do until the zone is unoccupied. Next, there is the discard pile, but we call it the Graveyard. There is a field spell zone, but only one can be played at a time. If you have a field spell out and your opponent activates one of his or her own your field gets destroyed."
Phoenix raised her hand.
"Yes, my dear."
"Professor, there has been a change in the rules. Players can now control their own field spells at the same time."
"Ah, of course, thank you for the reminder. I see great talent in you."
"Thank you, professor."
"Now then," Crowler continued. "There is the Fusion Deck Zone. This zone is where you keep Fusion monsters, finally there is the deck zone where you keep your deck. You can have as many cards in your deck as you want but it's recommended that you have forty cards. You can have fifty or more, but the chances of you getting the card you want is almost slim to none."
Crowler went on for an hour of his past dealings with careless students with thick decks of cards.
"Next, we'll talk about monster cards. Normal monsters are just sheer brute force; their color is yellow. Effect monsters: These are monsters with magical abilities; their color is orange. Ritual monsters are creatures summoned through sacrifice and a specific ritual card; their color is blue. Fusion monsters are monsters created by two or more monsters; their color is purple."
Crowler searched the class.
"Miss Lockheart, perhaps you can explain to us what type of monsters there are."
Phoenix nodded. "Yes, professor, there are many different types sir."
"And can you tell us what they are?"
"Yes sir, the types are: Dragon, Spellcaster, Zombie, Warrior, Beast-Warrior, Beast, Winged Beast, Fiend, Fairy, Insect, Dinosaur, Reptile, Fish, Sea Serpent, Machine, Thunder, Aqua, Pyro, Rock, Plant, Psychic, Wyvern, Cyberse, and Divine-Beast."
"Bravo Miss Lockheart," Crowler said clapping his hands. "I see there is some talent in Kiryu after all, you're on your way to Blue-Eyes White Dragon my dear."
"Kiss ass!" Jon said while pretending to cough. Crowler didn't notice because he asked Zane about the monster attributes.
"There are six attributes," Zane said. "Light, Dark, Earth, Water, Wind, and Fire."
" Excellent Zane," said Crowler. "Alexis, my princess, can you explain to the laymen what spells and traps are."
Alexis nodded. "First traps are divided into normal trap cards, continuous trap cards, and counter trap cards. Spells are divided into normal spell cards, ritual spell cards, and continuous spell cards, equip spell cards, field spell cards, and quick-play spell cards."
From all the way up in his seat Yuri could tell Crowler was as proud as a soccer mom who had watched her child win a championship game. He clapped constantly for Alexis, Yuri could see the morning sun make the tears in Crowler's eyes sparkle like a black diamond.
Yuri couldn't wait for his time with Crowler to end. When it finally did he quickly sprinted into his next class quiet and angry.
Alexandra
The heads of many boys turned as Alexandra von Klause of House Dragonheart strutted down the hall towards her class on the art of Xyz Summoning. Her golden hair glowed like a halo in the early morning light and lit up her angelic heart-shaped face causing her sapphire-blue eyes to sparkle. She knew she was beautiful, some saying she rivaled Mai Valentine for the title of Termnnia's Delight. She had the body of the goddesses above, and she gave them thanks for her perfect figure. She grinned when she saw the lovers of the boys slapping them hard on the cheeks upon seeing their boyfriends ogle her.
She had them all under her spell, but they were not the boy she was seeking. Prince Yuri was around here somewhere, and she made it her duty to seek him out and befriend him with hopes of eventually getting him to love her as her uncle Captain Antilles Dragonheart instructed her to do for his master plan of getting her to be queen of Termnnia. She thanked him deeply for the chance of being in the School of Kings and escaping a horrible betrothal to the boy-king of the coast and Yuri's cousin, Hector Delgado, who was leagues away scheming to find his so-called Ancient Beasts. Alexandra and Antilles knew Yuri would be getting to the Diamond Throne first as well as finding his Divine Beasts first. From what she heard in the West, all Hector found was a stone with no one being able to interpret it the writing on it.
Alexandra smirked again when she realized how funny it sounded that for every clue Hector found it just led him towards a wall that had to be scaled like the face of a mountain. And even at the top, all that he would discover was another clue.
Millennium Items and ancient maps were getting him nowhere. How foolish it was for her father, King Janis, to believe she would reach the Diamond Throne with the twelve-year-old brat as a husband.
"Oh, little Hector," she giggled to herself. "I told you that you were meant to fail. When history does well to hide her treasures, it is because they were not meant to be found."
She was glad for this. After her meeting with Hector, her interest in the Ancient Beasts was piqued and she spent hours in the library of her castle reading all she could about them. But the Ancient Beasts were so well hidden that there was only mere passages and songs about them, but no real facts detailing their power, save that their fight with Obelisk, Slifer and Ra caused Termnnia to split into five continents. If such power truly rested out there in the deepest caverns or darkest dungeons, then they were no meant for a spoiled, womanizing brat-of a-prince like Hector. Who knew what destruction they could cause if controlled by his little hands.
She found her classroom at last and set foot inside. It was a round room with baby-blue walls and round wall lamps. There were rows of pew-like desks in a circular fashion around a stage with a wooden desk and a nine-foot chalkboard.
She spotted Jaeyoung, son of the Emperor of Uzume speaking with his lieutenant, Xifeng. He kissed her on her forehead and left her feeling sad. Her baby Skull Red Bird wasn't even allowed in class, so she used it earlier to send a message to her father who she missed dearly. Alexandra smiled, for it was rare to see Uzumanese girls in Termnnia, and Xifeng was a pretty one. Milky white skin, and hair like shadow tied into a ponytail with a hairpin that had a pink lotus flower. Her eyelashes were curved and fluttery and she had the sweetest onyx-colored eyes, glistening with sorrow.
Back home she was a capable warrior, undefeated in the training grounds and was a deadly weapon for Jeayoung, some calling her his sword. But she was so out of her element here in Duelist Academy. And she looked ripe for the taking as many of the boys in class watched her and called out to her.
Alexandra licked her lips and approached the girl and sat next to her.
"Hello," she said to Xifeng. "How are you?"
Xifeng shook her head sadly. "I no…speak… the Term-nee-ah."
"That's okay," Alexandra said, setting her books onto the table. "Perhaps there is a way I can teach you to speak."
"Teach me? Yes."
Xifeng liked the idea.
"Aw, look at you when you smile," Alexandra said, patting her cheek, blushing bright red. "That's good you want to learn. I will teach you after class."
As the minutes went by, Alexandra taught Xifeng a few phrases, while the class got bigger. The last few students ran into the room, causing Xifeng to wave to get their attention but to no avail.
"You know them?" Alexandra asked.
"Yes. Yuri. Is friend. My friend."
"We're almost late!" cried Yugi. "I told you we shouldn't have waited for Ryon to use the bathroom."
"I thought we were in this together!' Ryon clamored, following Yuri, Yugi and Jaden to the last remaining empty seats. "I thought we had an alliance, Master Yugi."
"So, there he is," Alexandra whispered, upon seeing Yuri and his famous glowing green eye. "And handsome little lad."
Ten more minutes went by. Suddenly the slamming of doors thundered across the classroom silencing the chatter of the students.
Students looked around in confusion. They heard footsteps, but could not make out the teacher making them. The students sitting right by the aisle began to murmur when they spotted the teacher but others, like Yuri, couldn't see him.
The class heard more footsteps behind the desk. Suddenly the stool was being moved toward the right with a loud screech.
His professor was revealed at last. A very small man climbed up the stool with a small ladder and sat down scanning his class happily. He was shorter than even Yugi. He had messy reddish-blonde hair and green eyes mixed with dark brown. He had stubby legs and a round nose. He wore a black leather jerkin embroidered with the symbol of a dragon flying around a heart on fire. His trousers were dark gray with a chain dangling from his belt.
The professor smiled at his students. "Good morning class," he said with astute etiquette. "Welcome to the art of Xyz Summoning. My name is Professor Peter Dragonheart, I am the Lord of Fire Keep in Dragonrock, and I will be your dashing professor this semester."
He flashed a brilliant white smile that caused the girls to giggle. He had high charisma for such a little man.
"Is he a gnome?" Yuri asked, Yugi.
"No!" Yugi screeched silently. He didn't want to be caught be a member of House Dragonheart interrupting his class.
"Is he a dwarf from Greenton?"
"No!" Yugi whispered. "He is not a gnome; he is not a dwarf; he is not anything! Just a very little man. And he's looking right at you."
Yuri grimaced. He didn't dare look at the front of the class. The silence was enough to tell him he was in trouble. Alexandra smiled and gave a silenced laugh upon seeing Professor Dragonheart staring down Yuri like an axman ready to behead the next prisoner.
"Well, well, well," Professor Dragonheart said with his snowy-white grin. "If it isn't Prince Daveed. Or Yuri as they have grown to call you. Which do you prefer? Daveed? Yuri? Your Highness?"
The students laughed.
"Well, Yuri, since you feel so bold as to interrupt my class and have the spotlight shine down on you, why not come here and be my first volunteer?"
Yuri didn't move.
"That wasn't a request, Yuri." Professor Dragonheart said with not an ounce of humor left in his tone. Yuri still didn't move. "Oh, how silly of me. You must think that because you are the High King of Termnnia that you don't have to listen to me, right? Well, let me tell you something, Yuri. Out there in the mainland, far across the seas, they call you 'prince'; or 'Your Highness'; or 'My Lord'. But here on this island, in this very school, the teachers are the kings and queens and you are the peasants put here to obey our every whim. On this island, Yuri, your title is null and void. And that goes for every one of you who decides to bring up their title or bloodline as an excuse for their defiance. I don't care if you summon Obelisk the Tormentor and command him to ram his big blue cock through the walls to bar you from coming to me. I will force you to climb over it. When is say move," he slammed his desk, "you move! Understood?"
"Yes, professor," Yuri said timidly. He got up and walked to the desk. The professor smelled of rich cologne.
Alexandra bit into her pencil watching Yuri.
"Delightful. Now, Yuri, are you accustomed to the new form of summoning called Xyz."
"I'm afraid I do not, professor. We played rather primitively back on Earth."
"I understand," said Professor Dragonheart. "Well, Yuri, this is an Xyz Monster, and one I picked out just for you."
The class began to chatter in disbelief.
"This is Number Sixty-One Volcasaurus. It is one of the rare Number Cards that have been scattered all over Termnnia. It is said that when the Numbers are brought together they unlock a great power. Don't ask me how I got it because it was rather complicated. Ah, and look at that. A Dinosaur monster. Isn't that your forte, my prince?"
"Professor!" Ser Rex Raptor shouted, standing up from his chair. "I will pay you anything for that card!"
"Oh, I'm sure you would, Knight of Teeth, but it will be an offer you are going to regret. Tell me, are you willing to risk bankrupting the cadet branch of House Delgado for this miserable old thing, as rare as it is? If you say yes, then, boy, you need serious help."
The crowd laughed. Rex grunted and sat back down. His cheeks flushing red.
"Besides, this card is for Yuri, if he can earn it." He handed Yuri the card and told him to activate his Duel Disk. Yuri activated his ring and it became the magical machine used to summon Duel Monsters.
"Now, try to summon it, Yuri."
"I don't know how sir?"
"Humor me, Yuri, humor me."
Yuri placed one monster on the disk and thought to use him as a sacrifice since Volcasaurus was a Level 5 monster. Then he attempted to sacrifice, a dark cloud formed over Yuri. His Duel Disk began to snap and smoke.
"No, that's not it," Professor Dragonheart croaked.
Since it was a different color card, Yuri thought to place the monster in his extra deck. Professor Dragonheart nodded. The requirement for the summoning of Volcasaurus was two Level 5 monsters so he brought out both of his Big-Tusked Mammoth cards.
"Polymerization!" Yuri shouted.
The Duel Disk went haywire again. Streaks of purple lightning struck the platform.
"No, no, and no, no, no! You do not tribute and you do not fusion Xyz monsters. Their power can only be obtained by stacking monster atop one another which is called and Overlay. Now go on, try it."
"Okay, I summon, Gilasaurs, and stack him atop my two mammoths and…"
Another horrible burst of failed magic struck them. Yuri's Duel Disk exploded from all the negative energy he created with the failed summons and was tossed backward causing his class to laugh at him."
Professor Dragonheart slapped his hand on the top of his desk again.
"Oh by the Goddesses and their tits to ripe! My Lord, I have read of foolish kings. I've heard of halfwit kings. I've even heard of stupid kings, but O, never in my life did I expect the Chief of the Eldari to bless us with a stupid foolish halfwit for a king! Oh, can you count dear boy…no don't say anything! I know you can count, that's why I expect you to use your brain however small it is! You had it just fine until you summoned a monster that wasn't needed. Two level five monsters doesn't mean you have to add the total number of stars, you blundering idiot! The monsters must both be level five because Volcasaurs is a level five monster! Count you bloody fool, count! Does five plus five plus three equal a level five monster. NO! of course, it doesn't. Remove the Gilasaurus and try again!"
Yuri removed the Gilasaurus and stacked the two Big-Tusked Mammoths on top of each other. The summoning was complete.
"Oh at last!" Professor Dragonheart applauding Yuri. He gave him the card and shooed him away. "There you go, son, now get out of here you bother me. So class, that is Xyz Summoning, we will learn more about them and their discovery now if you would turn your textbooks to page seventy of chapter one."
Two long and monotonous hours passed before the class had ended. "You are dismissed," Professor Dragonheart called out. "I have posted your homework online, see it completed. If not, don't bother coming into my class next time. Not you Yuri, I desire to speak with you."
Alexandra told Xifeng she would see her later. She playfully patted her derriere before sending her off then just sat there and watched, waiting to see Yuri speak with her uncle.
"You guys go ahead," said Yuri. "I'll catch up with you later."
"Class over yet?" Ricky asked, popping his head out of Yuri's backpack.
"No."
"Is it time for lunch?"
"I have another class to go before I have lunch."
"Sheesh!" Ricky pouted going back in to watch porn on his little tablet phone. Yuri approached the professor's desk again.
Professor Dragonheart climbed down the stool and hobbled to a nearby stand where he kept a glass pitcher of wine and he poured Yuri a cup to which he politely refused.
"You don't drink?" the little man asked.
"I've never had a fondness for wine and the such. I get sick."
"Oh, child, we have to fix that. When the day comes of your coronation, the wine will flow like the elven rivers of Askar."
"I'll have the cup," Alexandra said walking towards them.
"Ah, Yuri, have you had the honor of meeting my niece, Alexandra von Klause. Princess of Serania."
"I have not," said Yuri nervously.
"Do not fret my boy," laughed Professor Dragonheart, looking up at the both of them. "She may bear the title Slayer of Lords and Princes, but she is rather sweet once you get to know her."
"I mean you no harm, little prince," Alexandra swiped the filled cup from her little uncle's hands and reared her head back to chug it down voraciously.
Yuri gulped. Professor Dragonheart sniggered at the sight. "Always making the showman of yourself as usual, dear niece."
"Pardon me if I thirst," Alexandra gasped for air and slammed the cup back down on the stand. Her lipstick stained its rim. "Will you throw me a hankie, dear uncle? I've spilled wine all over my breasts."
"Knock yourself out," the professor said with a roll of his eyes, pulling a red handkerchief from his pocket and tossing it at her in frustration. Please do.
"You wanted to talk to me, professor?" Yuri asked.
"Yes. In private." He glared at his niece with a fiery impatience in his eyes.
"Anything you can say to Yuri, you can say to me. After all, I'd like to be friends with you, Your Grace."
"Hot damn!" Ricky cheered coming out of his backpack. "Don't turn her down bro!"
"A Fingolin," said Professor Dragonheart, pouring wine into another cup. "I thought the Church wiped them all out during the Inquisition."
"There's but a handful of us left," Ricky answered.
"What say you, little prince?" Alexandra asked with infatuation in her eyes. "You're not going to reject my offer of friendship, are you?"
She pouted her lips and gave him puppy eyes, the same ones Crystal used on him back on Earth.
"The more the merrier," Yuri said apprehensively. "It's good to meet you, princess."
"Just Alexandra, little prince. There is no need for such formalities. Have you heard the news?"
"What news?"
"Master Yu-Gi-Oh didn't tell you? I've been selected as a candidate to be your bride."
"Huh?!"
"It's the law, my prince. When a royal like yourself becomes High King, he must find a bride to rule with as his queen."
"And they chose you?" Yuri asked in fright.
"Yes!" Alexandra exclaimed happily.
Peter was confused. "And when you mean, candidate, does that mean there are other girls in line to be Prince Yuri's betrothed?"
"No, uncle, none as of yet," said Alexandra. "But with all the princesses in the school after Yuri, there's going to be a lot of quarrels. So, to prevent any wars or political strife from happening, Master Yu-Gi-Oh, says if I prove myself worthy he will consider me for your queen."
"Oh dear," said Yuri.
"You do not approve, my prince?"
"Well…I…uh…I mean…. uh…it's just so sudden."
"I understand. You need some time to think. I can respect that, my prince."
"If you please," said Professor Dragonheart, waddling towards Yuri, while pressing his hand on Alexandra's shin to push her back. "Next time you come to class, wear something more apposite to be in my presence. I can see everything from down here."
"I'm wearing panties, uncle."
"I do not care. Next time you walk into my class looking like that I will escort you out. Do I make myself clear?"
"Clear as crystal, uncle," Alexandra replied swinging her hips.
Professor Dragonheart smacked her shin in disapproval and approached Yuri.
"Now, Yuri, if you'll excuse my libidinous niece, I just wanted to say that I hope you harbor no hard feelings towards me for being so rough on you in class. I do it because I want you to be the best. And nobody became the best by being taught by teachers who give you a pat on the back for trying. Would you have taken me seriously if I was all flowers and honey?"
"I guess not."
"No. if there was one thing I've learned in all my years as a teacher in this institute, it's to walk all over your students. Never ever let them walk over you. And Divines save you if you feel like walking over me."
"I won't sir."
"Good. It is my job to make you the best. And I intend to see it so. You are my High King. My pilot. If you fall you take us all with you. I admire you, my prince. It is no easy feat what you are about to become. And the tales I heard of your adventure in the Pillar of Termnnia was nothing short of extraordinary. Of course, I think your divine influence had something to do with that."
"I don't know," said Yuri. "I'm just glad I made it out of there in one piece."
"Well, I have kept you long enough, dear prince. Off you go then."
"Thanks for the card, professor."
"Use it well!" Professor Dragonheart shouted as Yuri dashed out of his classroom.
"Oh, Yuri," called Alexandra.
Yuri turned.
"You know, Duelist Academy's Welcome Ball is tonight. Would you consider joining me?"
Yuri felt his insides melting inside of him. Out of lust, perhaps, but mostly from being overwhelmed. Many months ago, a girl as beautiful as her would not even consider going out with him.
"I uh..."
"Oh, please say yes!" begged Alexandra, clasping her hands, arching her back, and bending her knees.
Yuri smiled. He felt Ricky in his backpack quivering with excitement. "Very well, Alexandra. Maybe we can quell the fighting between the princesses of the school. I wouldn't want to be the cause of any wars now."
"Oh, don't tell me you're only accepting my offer just for that."
"It's a little too soon to be professing my love," said Yuri. "I need some time."
"Of course my prince," said Alexandra. "Take all the time you need. I won't keep you any longer. Farewell."
She blew him a kiss. Yuri bowed and then turned to leave. Ricky was waving from his backpack.
When Yuri was gone Peter turned with rage. "You!" he said glaring at Alexandra, preening herself in the mirror over the wine stand.
"What?"
"Look at me when I'm talking to you!"
Alexandra scoffed and looked at her uncle. "Have I been bad?" she asked, clutching the hems of her skirt. "Do you require me to go over your knee, uncle?"
"You little bitch!" Peter bellowed. "I have never been so embarrassed in my entire life. I have royalty studying in this room and you have the audacity to come in here parading your ass and bouncing your tits hoping to get a rise out of them. Just what is it you intend to do?"
"Isn't it obvious?" Alexandra leered rebelliously. "He's the ticket we need to return our family to the Diamond Throne."
"The Diamond Throne? Is that what this was all about? You frightened the poor child."
"I was merely reeling him in," Alexandra gloated, sitting down on his desk and squashing his deck with her round butt. His cards spilling all around her. "Oops," she said playfully, putting a finger over her bottom lip.
"Where did I get such a niece? You think you can just sink Yuri into your trap by wagging your apple ass under his nose? Like you got my brother to pull all those favors for you?"
"It got me this far didn't it?" Alexandra said kicking her legs back and forth. "Do you really think a fool like Janis was going to get me into this school?"
"Fool? He is your father!"
"He is no father of mine. I have Dragonheart blood in my veins, uncle. The throne of Termnnia was ours until we were ousted by Yugi during the Rebellion. And now with Yuri wrapped around my finger, I will get our family back to the top."
"I knew you wouldn't let me down," Captain Antilles said entering the classroom.
"Uncle!" Alexandra squealed running for Antilles.
"How are you my sweet?" he asked before kissing her.
They were glued to the lips for a long time, moaning and gasping. Alexandra cooing as she felt her uncle's hands dig under her skirt and squeezing her buttocks.
"Oh, Exodia's Cock!" groaned Professor Dragonheart. "Get a room if you please."
"It's good to see you too, brother," Antilles grinned. Alexandra looked back at her little uncle smiling with pleasure as she arched her back.
"What are you doing here, Antilles?"
"There is a town just beneath the school. I am free to live there. Of course, I have rented out the White Palace for myself. And for you, if you desire, my precious."
"I would, but I love the Blue-Eyes White Dragon dorm. Such luxury."
"Good. At least we will not have to worry about hearing the both of you fucking in the night."
"And speaking of tonight," said Alexandra. "I've asked Yuri to join me at the ball tonight."
Antilles playfully smacked her in the derriere. "Excellent. And what has Prince Yuri said about the marriage?" Antilles asked.
"He was dumbfounded. But I will reel him in yet. Nobody says no to Alexandra Dragonheart."