Yuri
His last class had finally ended, but Yuri's day had only just begun. His backpack was weighed down awfully with packets of homework and gifts he had received from multiple girls in class; all of them trying to woo him to go to tonight's ball. The gifts ranging from booster boxes, structure decks, jewelry, and candy.
"No one told me I had to go to a ball tonight!" Yuri said sitting down on a wooden bench with two iron lampposts on either side of it. A lush garden bloomed behind him and the five-story windows revealed the pink sky of twilight. He let out a heavy gasp of relief as his joints began to wind down after a long day of walking about the long and tremendous halls of Dallian Academy.
"We have to go," said Marcel. He leaned against one of the lamp posts. "You gonna eat those?" he asked pointing to a box of chocolates that the princess of Glowerway gave him during geometry.
"Help yourself," Yuri said, giving tossing the box to Marcel.
Marcel licked his lips hungrily as he undid the red bow and opened the lid of the box to help himself to the delicious morsels inside. Yugi set down his backpack and sat down next to Yuri. "It's mandatory for all students grades nine and above," he said with an exhausted sigh.
"I don't see why it is," said Jaden, he slumped next to Yugi. "What does dancing have to do with Dueling?"
"Nothing," said Yugi. "But, it's a chance for us to meet with fellow nobles and royals to come together in unity."
Ricky poked his head out of Yuri's pack. "I don't care for that political jargon. I can't wait to meet those lovely Princesses, baronesses, countesses, and noble girls from all the kingdoms of Termnnia. Oh, and my little Waifu, Phoenix. I wonder what kind of dress she's gonna wear to the ball. I hope it shows off a lot of skin."
Marcel clicked his tongue and finished chewing a piece of chocolate slowly while gazing at Ricky as though he were a hungry vulture about to scavenge a putrid, juicy, carcass. "Well, so long as you don't cause any trouble, Ricky, I guess you can come to the ball."
Yuri turned his head to look at Ricky, still poked out of his backpack. "Try to restrain yourself, Ricky. I don't want any trouble tonight. Especially not with the Princesses of Termnnia."
Ricky's beady little eyes glimmered. "I promise nothing!"
Yugi's face went red. "Yeah, that's the main reason I'm not so content with going. All those royal and noble girls. They're so...vile to those who don't meet their standards."
"Standards?" Yuri scoffed. "Ha! You haven't been to my world."
They heard little footsteps running towards them.
It was a little Eldori boy with messy black hair and large innocent brown eyes. He pointed at Yuri.
"Who are you?" Yuri groaned.
"My name's Mickey (Yu-Gi-Oh: Duel Links) and I challenge you to a Duel, Prince Yuri."
Yuri shrugged while Yugi rubbed his shoulder. "Go for it," said Yugi. "It will relieve you of stress."
Jaden's face lit up. "If you're not up to get your game on, Yuri, I'll take your place."
"No!" shouted the boy. "I want Yuri!"
"Why me?" said Yuri.
Mickey was determined. He growled and pointed at him again. "I'm not leaving until I get a match with you, Yuri. It will do my family a great honor to know I've tested my skills against the Eradicator of Anubis."
"So be it," said Yuri. His ring glistened and in half of a second turned into his gold Duel Disk.
Mickey jumped up high with excitement and ran to get a good distance to give them enough space to play.
"Come on, let's Duel!" said Mickey. "My turn. I summon a monster in attack position!"
He summoned an aquatic maiden known as Aquarian Alessa (ATK/1500 DEF/500)
"I end my turn!" said Mickey.
"My turn," said Yuri. "I draw!"
He looked at the cards in his hand, examining his options which would no doubt win him the first round. "I play, Jurassic Word!" said Yuri. "With this Field Spell in play, all dinosaur-type monsters get a 300 boost in ATK and DEF. I now summon Kabazauls!"
Yuri summoned a dinosaur that was shaped like a large hippopotamus. (ATK/1700 DEF/1500) + Jurassic World = (ATK/2000 DEF/1800)
"Uh oh!" cried Mickey.
"Kabazauls, attack!" Yuri commanded.
Kabazauls let out a huge sneeze with hurricane-force winds. Alessa screeched and shattered into pieces.
"I end my turn," said Yuri.
"My turn!" said Mickey. "Draw! I set a monster in defense mode. I end my turn."
"I draw!" said Yuri. "I tribute Kabazauls to summon Sword Arm of Dragon!"
Kabazauls glittered and turned into a thousand orbs of light before the Sword Arm of Dragon too his place. (ATK/1750 DEF/2030 + Jurassic World = 2050/2330)
"Go, Sword Arm of Dragon!" said Yuri. "Sword-Tail Slash!"
Sword Arm of Dragon reared on his hind legs and waved his frontal limbs. He slammed back on the ground causing the atrium to quake. He charged at the face-down monster and used his spear-shaped tail to slash the defensive monster. It was a Shadow Delver. It groaned with pain before being shattered and sent to the Graveyard. Groups of students stopped what they were doing and began to watch the match.
"I end my turn," said Yuri.
"Let's begin!" said Mickey. "Draw! I Special Summon Woodland Archer and set a monster in defense mode. I end my turn."
"Boring!" said Marcel.
"Shut up!" said Mickey.
"I draw," said Yuri. "I set a card face-down and summon a Tomozaurus in attack mode!"
A brown carnivorous dinosaur appeared on the field. Though with a meager ATK of 500 (800 thanks to Jurassic World), Tomozaurus was a fierce-looking beast. Yuri attacked Woodland Archer and ended his turn.
"My turn!" said Mickey, confident that he could inflict some damage on Yuri this turn. "I flip over my face-down monster! Shadow Delver! (ATK/1500). Destroy his Tomozarus!"
"Going to attack?" said Yuri. "Okay. I Activate my Trap Card, Wall of Disruption! This will lower your monster's ATK by 800, thereby rendering him weaker than my Tomozaurus!"
Tomozaurus dodged the Shadow Delver's attack and smashed him hard into the ground with his foot.
"I end my turn," said Mickey.
"Draw," Yuri said rather droll. He wanted to end the match, for his legs were sore from walking all day. "I tribute Tomozaurus to summon Megazolwer!"
Yuri attacked him directly and won the game.
"Aw, I lost," said Mickey. He bowed respectfully. "Nevertheless, thank you for the opportunity to let me play against you, Prince Yuri."
"It was my pleasure, kiddo," said Yuri.
Marcel approached. "Okay, O' great conquering hero. Playtime's over. We gotta get cleaned up for the ball tonight."
"Traif," said Yuri.
Evelyn
"It's tonight!" Evelyn cried out when she saw the memo flashing on her PDA. "Oh, Goddesses no!"
"What's going on?" Phoenix said, jabbing her fork into her salad. She picked it up and stuffed it into her mouth with a soft, wet crunch. A harsh ocean breeze flew into the balcony and caused the umbrellas at the center of the tables to sway.
"Fuck!" Alexis said, slamming her fist on the page of her Xyz Summoning textbook to keep it from flipping away in the strong breeze.
"You forgot already?" Ezra said with a grin while chewing her burger. "The Dallian Academy Ball was something you've been looking for all year."
"Oh..." said Phoenix, her chewing slowly came to a stop. She swallowed nervously. "That's tonight? Really? What are we still doing here then? We have a lot to prepare for."
"That we do," said Evelyn. "I hope mother packed me something nice to wear."
Alexis smirked and put a spoonful of strawberry yogurt into her mouth. "Why did you rely on her?" she asked, smacking the yogurt in her mouth.
Evelyn croaked at the question and nervously ate a fry. "It wasn't my doing. She packed me clothes that would make me 'suitable' in the eyes of Prince Yuri."
"Oh, I see," said Ezra, she brought her teacup to her mouth and slurped it before setting to down to speak. "So, it's this whole suitor business again, isn't it?"
"I'm afraid so," Evelyn said, slumping in her chair. "She really wants me to go through with this. Sometimes I wonder if I should."
Phoenix ate another clump of salad and chewed as she copied another complex arcane formula from her spell book onto her engraved leather diary. "And you didn't ask Dancer about this? I thought the two of you were together."
Mavelus was perched on the head of her chair and squawked for another piece of meat. Evelyn ripped a piece off her chicken strips and tossed it at the flaming bird. Mavelus caught it with ease and ate it happily.
"No more now, Mavelus," Phoenix said, stroking his chest feathers. You've had your fill."
The firebird Duel Monster's amethyst eyes twinkled with a fiery rage. He did not want to be denied his food. He flapped his wings - spanning 7 feet - aggressively and cawed. Alexis scooted back a bit, worried that the fire-attributed bird was going to unleash a fiery attack in its tantrum. Phoenix looked like she had things under control, but the bird's wings seemed to dwarf the girls in a large shadow. He looked like he was the dominant one of the pair.
"Goddesses above!" yelled Alexis. "He looks pissed! Just let him eat Phoenix."
"No, no!" snapped Phoenix, clapping her hands sternly to calm down her firebird. "Don't you give me attitude. And, I'm sorry, Princess, but he can't eat that much junk, Alexis. He's going to grow plump, and his feathers just aren't going to look nice. No! No! Calm down!"
"And just why do you have Mavelus out, Phoenix?" Evelyn asked, holding her book bag over her face as a shield.
Phoenix stroked Mavelus's chest gently with her finger. The bird's flapping slowed and became calm. "Because he keeps Ricky away, that's why. I caught the stupid rabbit hiding in the vent while I was taking a shower. Mavelus has done a good job keeping him away. I swear, I'm going to make my bird gouge both his and Yuri's eyes out for this outrage."
Ezra continued with Phoenix's question, seeing as how she was busy with Mavelus. "Well, Evelyn, aren't you and Dancer going out?"
"Oh, right," said Phoenix. "Well? How does he feel about this suitor business? You are together, yes?"
"We are," said Evelyn. "But it's not meant to be. Mother and Father don't want me to marry just anyone. They want me to marry Yuri. Maybe I should just do it."
"That's going to be hard to do darling," said Ezra. "From what I heard in the House, Princess Alexandra is the one Master Yu-Gi-Oh has chosen to be Yuri's bride."
"Say what!" cried Evelyn.
"I heard something similar while I was changing in gym class," said Alexis. "It makes total sense though. I mean, I have seen a lot of fights breaking out in the halls between girls trying to get Yuri. And let's not forget the multiple wars that were started during the early weeks of summer. Damn, fifteen princesses from many Houses bought mercenary armies and did battle to see who could have the right to be with Yuri. And don't blame them though. To marry the most powerful man in Termnnia is one hell of a prize."
Phoenix shook her head at the term 'prize'. "Yuri doesn't want to be seen that way. Poor thing. But naturally, the girls are not listening."
"But, he's turned you down, Evelyn," said Alexis. "Why would you continue with this venture?"
"I don't want to," Evelyn assured her. "I wrote Mother a letter already. She was not happy with my giving up so soon. She ordered me to keep trying, otherwise, I will face dire consequences when I get home."
"Funny," said Phoenix, poking her bottom lip with her fork. "That's what Alexandra said about herself. She says that if she does not marry Yuri, then her father would send her to work in the mines."
"Ouch," said Alexis. "What a tragic waste sending a girl like her to the mines. Don't get me wrong, I find Alexandra creepily amorous, but she's a good looking thing. Hell, I find her to be amazingly sexy at times."
"Princess, I'm flattered," Alexandra said, coming into the cafe.
"Oh! Your Highness!" Alexis said, going bright red. "I didn't..."
"No need to fear, love," Alexandra said gesturing a kiss.
She stopped next to Phoenix, turned around, and flipped up the back of her skirt as she sat down on top of Phoenix's spellbook, burying it under her plump derriere. She crossed her legs; the leather on her boots screeched, trying to keep up with her movements. One of the heels almost hitting Phoenix's face - still locked in a state of shock by Alexandra's choice of a seat. She was so shocked she couldn't even speak and make a complaint. Mavelus made a shudder of uneasiness, for he didn't like Alexandra. She gave off a really bad vibe that only Duel Monsters could sense. Nevertheless, Phoenix saw it, too. She could sense Mavelus' hate for her.
"Don't you think you should get a longer skirt, Alexandra?" Evelyn suggested. "I know we can customize our uniforms, but you can see everything."
"Like really," said Alexis. "Have you no shame?"
Alexandra took a look at herself, then looked back at the others. She smiled and bit her lip, squinting her eyes to give a timid expression. Clearly, she didn't. Alexis had to admit, this girl had no problem showing off her femininity. If Alexis could describe the princess from Dragon's Nest in a few words they would be, pronounced, unchained, lustful. She was a sweet cocktail of hardcore seduction; a poison almost, and the men of Dallian Academy were drinking it.
"Anyone of you excited for the ball tonight?" she asked, dodging the question.
"I wish I could say I am," said Evelyn. "I'm not sure what I'm going to be wearing. But, tell me, Alexandra, is it true that you've been chosen by Master Yu-Gi-Oh to be Prince Yuri's bride?"
"Oh," Alexandra said casting a beautiful grin. Her cheeks turning peachy pink with excitement. The sunset cast a warm golden halo on her. "Word travels fast around here doesn't it?" She snatched one of Evelyn's fries and ate it. "Well, yes, Princess. I have been chosen as the top candidate to marry Yuri. I can't blame Master Yu-Gi-Oh for choosing me though. I mean, let's face it. My name may belong to Von Klause but I have Dragonheart blood flowing through my body."
"Ahem," Ezra said, stretching the collar of her blouse. "Uh...woo, is it getting hot in here?"
"Why would Yugi choose a girl from House Dragonheart?" asked Phoenix. "Your family is the third most powerful and wealthies House in Termnnia, but your history is full of corruption."
Alexandra laughed, kicking her legs back and forth. "My great-great-uncle was a bastard for all the things he did before the Rebellion. We all agree on that. Oh, and I'm sorry Yuri denied you though, Evelyn. I fear it just wasn't meant to be."
"Oh yeah!" said Evelyn.
Alexandra shrugged and took another fry from Evelyn's basket. "I don't mean to be saucy, Evelyn. But it's the truth. I mean, do you really think marrying Yuri is going to save your kingdom? Let alone make your family happy? Mommy and daddy won't accept you even if you married Norman the Conqueror."
"I could care less what my mother and father think, Alexandra," Evelyn said, bringing her basket farther from Alexandra's grip.
"Oh really?" Alexandra asked.
"It's the truth," Evelyn said reassuringly.
Alexandra let out humor through her nose with a soft puff of air, and she looked out to sea. "House Alteria is not the most respected monarchy in Termnnia, love. Your family always arrives late for every war, spends its coffers lavishly, and they don't care for the people, except for you of course. It was my uncle and myself who had to travel to King's Rock with wagons of crops and beef to feed your people."
"Right," said Evelyn. "If you ask me, that made us look really bad. They started loving you more and hating us tenfold. Alexandra, you and your uncle could start rebellion like that."
"I only mean to extend an olive branch between our Houses," said Alexandra. "House Alteria and House Dragonheart never saw eye-to-eye, but you and me, we can be wiser than our fathers. I can still offer to help your kingdom even if I marry Yuri."
"How, pray tell, do you intend to do that?" Ezra asked.
"I'll find ways, little mage," said Alexandra.
"Not if I get Yuri first!" An Eldori girl with long blonde hair that went down to her ankles and tan skin stomped in front of their table. Her uniform was customized with a pleated skirt and a hooded blazer.
"Well, well," said Alexandra. "If it isn't Lady Tanya Reagan. How are things in the wood trade going?"
"Spare me the pleasantries," said Tanya. "I'm here to let you both know that Yuri is mine. So you can forget about going to the ball with him tonight."
"Yours?" chuckled Alexis. "Oh my, that's rich."
"You don't believe me?" said Tanya. "If anyone in this school is getting Yuri's hand in marriage, it's going to be me!"
Alexandra reared her head and laughed. "You think Yuri is going to want to marry the daughter of a lowly wood trader?" asked Alexandra.
"And why not?" said Tanya. "We don't trade just any wood. We sell Kingswood. The wood that is used to craft the finest shields and furniture in the land. Our best customer is The Spire of the Kings! The High King uses our wood to craft the shield for his army."
"So what?" said Alexis. "It doesn't matter what you say, kiddo. You have to prove yourself to Master Yugi and the High Chancellor to even be considered a candidate."
"Which is why I'm challenging her to a Duel using the Dueling pact!" said Tanya. "Winner gets the spot to marry Yuri."
"Tenacious, aren't you?" giggled Alexandra. She leaned to the left, showing off her thick thigh. "Sorry, but, I don't have my deck on me. Why don't we have ourselves a little bit of a gauntlet match?"
"I'm listening," said Tanya.
"Evelyn here is also in line for Yuri's heart."
"I am?" Evelyn asked.
"You're a lovely girl, Evelyn," said Alexandra. "And you're more than worthy to be a wife for Yuri. However, we all can't be Yuri's wives. Or can we?" She placed a finger on her bottom lip and looked up at the sky. "Oh my, we could be. That would be delicious."
"Uh..no thanks," Tanya said, turning her earring into a Duel Disk with a thought. "Yuri's mine and I'm not sharing."
Alexandra giggled. "As you wish. You're no fun at all. Well, as I was saying. You two battle it out right here, right now. The winner faces me to see who gets Yuri."
The boys in the cafe began to groan with jealousy, wishing they could be Prince Yuri.
"So be it," said Tanya. "Winner faces you to see who gets Yuri. Sounds legit. It's time to Duel, Evelyn."
"So be it," said Evelyn. "But, Alexandra, if I do win this Duel and face you, I won't hold anything back during our match. One way or another, I'm going to get Yuri from you."
"Good luck," Alexandra said, blowing her a kiss.
"DUEL!" Evelyn and Tanya shouted.
Tanya held up her Duel Disk. "As the challenger, I'll start first. Draw. I summon Menju of the Thousand Hands. This allows me to bring a Black Luster Soldier-Super Soldier to my hand. Next, I use the spell, Pre-Preparation of Rites to bring forth a Super Soldier Ritual and another Super Soldier."
"A Black Luster Soldier Deck," said Alexis.
"Ooo," hotted Alexandra. "Black Luster Soldier versus Buster Blader. Who will win this contest I wonder. Oh, I love this school. This is so exciting."
"Don't get excited all over my book, please," said Phoenix.
"I end my turn," said Tanya.
"My turn!" Evelyn announced. "Draw! I use Destruction Swordsman Fusion!"
"Wow, already!" Ezra said with amazement. "I guess we won't see Buster Blader versus Black Luster Soldier after all."
Buster Blader the Dragon Destroyer Swordsman leaped to the field from a portal of light. He stood above Evelyn proudly. She ordered him to attack.
"Hmmph!" Buster Blader growled and unsheathed his sword. He charged for Menju and sliced him seventeen times, but it was so fast it looked like he hit him once.
"I take 1400," said Tanya, rather calm even after the attack.
Evelyn-8000
Tanya-6600
"I place three cards face down and end my turn. You're up, Tanya."
"Lucky shot," said Tanya. "I draw! Awesome. I play the Field Spell, Gateway to Chaos!"
A bright sphere morphed behind Tanya, lighting up the darkest corners of the cafe. "With this card, I will search for a Black Luster Soldier ritual monster or a Gaia the Fierce Knight. From my deck, I search for Arisen Gaia the Fierce Knight. And now I will use the Ritual Spell, Super Soldier Ritual! I will offer my Black Luster Soldier-Envoy of the Evening Twilight to Ritual Summon my Black Luster Soldier-Super Soldier!"
The spectators got out of their seats and crowded around the battlefield; every one of them excited to see a great battle between the ultimate forms of Buster Blader and Black Luster Soldier.
Black Luster Soldier-Super Soldier and Buster Blader the Dragon Destroyer Swordsman eyed each other with laser-point fury and drew their blades. The fantastic steel of their weapons glistened in the sunlight. More spectators above crowded to the balcony eager to see the long-awaited match between the two legendary warriors.
"Looks like you've drawn quite the crowd, ladies," said Alexandra. "Ooo, all I need now is a bag of popcorn and a hot dog."
"Now you're making me hungry," said Alexis. "That salad I had wasn't a full meal. Wish we had some right about now."
Alexandra giggled. "Watching their Dueling strategies is plenty for me to snack on. I could learn a thing or two."
At once the two soldiers went to battle. Steel met against steel, causing colorful sparks of divine light. Trap cards were activated, spells were cast. Evelyn and Tanya did all they could to keep their warriors on the field.
"Shadow Spell!" Tanya said activating a trap that summoned chains of darkness. They coiled around Buster Blader the Dragon Destroyer Swordsman and reduced his ATK by 700.
Black Luster Soldier-Super Soldier charged.
"Activate trap!" cried Evelyn. "Seven Tools of the Bandit! By paying 1000 Life Points, this card will negate and destroy your Chain Destruction trap, freeing my Buster Blader and raising his ATK back to normal."
"NO!" shouted Tanya. "From my hand..."
The battle kept going until their Spell/Trap Zones were empty and their hands had no cards. Black Luster Soldier-Super Soldier bowed at Buster Blader the Dragon Destroyer Swordsman for being a worthy foe.
Tanya huffed and puffed, trying to calm herself from the anxiety. Evelyn was soaked in sweat. She, too, was gasping for air.
A clap could be heard from the crowd. Evelyn spotted Dancer on one of the balconies with Kevin, Ethan, and Antoine. "That's my girl down there boys," he said proudly. "What a woman! What a Duelist! That's why I love her so much!"
"You're good, Princess," said Tanya. She used the back of her hand to wipe sweat from her brow. "I hate to admit it, but you're amazing. My Black Luster Soldier-Super Soldier usually spelled doom for my opponents. You have my respect. It seems either one of us will make decent wives for Yuri."
"I agree," said Evelyn. "The loser of this match should have nothing to be upset about. We both fought our hardest. It all comes down to this. Here you and I stand. No cards in our hands. No face-down cards, and our best warriors on the field. The outcome of this Duel will depend on what we draw. I will start mine. Draw!"
Black Luster Soldier and Buster Blader's had a ferocious battle all over the field. Their swords sparked when they came into contact, and every time one of their masters had a chance to get rid of them at last, a spell or a trap would be activated that saved them from being sent to the Graveyard. If they did get sent there, a combo would ensue to make sure the monsters would be brought back.
The two warriors circled around each other as the next battle phase continued. This was it. Evelyn played one final spell card called United We Stand, which boosted Buster Blader the Dragon Destroyer Swordsman's ATK by 800 for each monster she controlled. Buster Blader was the only monster she had, he only got 800 ATK, but it was more than enough to boost his power to be far stronger than Black Luster Soldier-Super Soldier. Tanya had no more options and stood still, accepting the outcome of the Duel.
"Well fought, Evelyn," said Tanya. "I guess you were the superior Duelist today. Go on. Finish the game."
"Let's have a rematch sometime," said Evelyn. Buster Blader the Dragon Destroyer Swordsman proudly stood by her, mounting his blade over his shoulder.
"We shall one day," said Tanya. "But I promise you, I'll be coming out the victor next time."
Buster Blader gave a mighty leap into the air. He raised his sword over his head in mid-flight. Black Luster Soldier-Super Soldier placed his hands on the pommel of his sword and nodded his head in defeat, waiting for the final blow. The Dragon Destroyer Swordsman's blade stopped. Buster Blader could not find it in him to strike down a noble foe. Instead, the two warriors locked hands. They nodded to each other, congratulating themselves for a well-fought battle. The sound of applause rang out before the two soldiers disappeared.
"Good game, Princess," Tanya said, putting her deck into the case strapped to her belt. "See you around."
"I'll be waiting," said Evelyn, watching her opponent leave.
"Well, that was very exciting," said Alexandra. "Great game, Evelyn. Seeing you two control those powerful warriors was most exhilarating. I loved it."
"I guess that leaves it down to us," said Evelyn.
"Indeed it does," said Alexandra. "But I did not bring my deck, as I no doubt have told you. Perhaps we can schedule our match for another time. Well, I must get back to the dorm and take a bath. The ball is in a few hours."
"She's right," said Alexis. "Come on. We have to get ready."
"I hope mother packed me a nice dress," said Evelyn.
"Could you...at least put something on as you search for your attire, Princess?" Ezra asked, sitting on a loveseat while wrapped in a towel, still damp from her bath.
She kept her eyes glued to the pages of her book so as not to see Evelyn walking about their dorm room with no clothes on at all. She tore open the drawers of her dressing cabinets, wondering what to put on for the ball that night. "You'd think with all the luggage I brought, I would have packed a decent gown."
"Didn't your mother pack your clothes for you?" Ezra asked, licking her finger before flipping to the next page of her book.
"Clothes," scoffed Evelyn. "All mother packed for me was short skirts and naughty lingerie to impress Yuri. Don't you have any dresses I can borrow, Ezra?"
"None that will fit you," Ezra said, looking up from her book. "I don't mean to be crude Evelyn but, you've gone up another size over the summer."
Evelyn looked at her. "You serious?"
"I don't lie," said Ezra. "Perhaps Phoenix has a spare dress." She picked up her PDA on the coffee table. "She was always such a clothes hoarder back in the Citadel. I'm sure she's brought a healthy share of gowns."
Alexis came out of the bathroom, dripping wet from her shower. "Woo!" she said when she saw Evelyn. "I didn't think the moon came out so early."
Ezra snickered at her humor.
"Hilarious," Evelyn said sarcastically. "Alexis, you wouldn't happen to have any spare gowns would you?"
"Not for Humans I don't," said Alexis. "Sorry, hun."
"Argh!" Evelyn said slamming the door to her vanity dresser.
Someone else entered the room. It was Alexandra. She was already dressed in a lavish ballgown of white and baby blue. She giggled and blushed when she saw Evelyn standing naked in front of her. "Oh, Princess. Still haven't found anything to wear yet?"
"Oh really? You think?" Evelyn snapped.
"Don't get saucy with me, Princess," said Alexandra. "I had a spare ballgown for you to use, but if you're going to be that way..."
"NO!" cried Evelyn. "No! I'm sorry, Princess. I didn't mean..."
"I know, I know," said Alexandra. "I was merely joshing you, darling. Sit tight, and I'll be right back with your gown."
Alexis stopped powdering her face in front of the mirror and looked at Alexandra. "Since when did you care for helping others?"
"Since I met Yuri," Alexandra sighed passionately, waving her white embroidered fan over her face. "He's a kind and gentle young man. His sweetness has sort of rubbed off on me. I can't help but feel like helping a fellow Princess in need."
"I hope his kindness is the only thing that's rubbed off on you," Ezra said with concern.
Yuri
"Well," Yugi said looking at his PDA. "Looks like the girls are all ready."
Yuri and his friends rode down the elevator from their dorm tower, all of them dressed in their best. The glass walls revealed the rest of the academy and the city below glistening like a thousand diamonds in a dark mine. Searchlights crisscrossed in the night sky alight with fireworks making beautiful and arcane patterns before the light of the moon.
"Let me see," said Jon.
Yugi showed him his PDA. He was viewing Alexis's profile. She, Evelyn, Ezra, Phoenix, Jasmine, Mindy, and Alexandra were posing together in the mirrored hallway of the girl's dorm dressed in ball gowns and racy party dresses. The crystal chandeliers above giving off enough light to make them look like a group of beautiful angels along with the filter Alexis added for the photo.
Me and my girls all dressed up for tonight!
#Drinking #Dancing #Girlsnightout #DallianAcademyBall
"Ten thousand likes within an hour?" Yugi said in disbelief.
"What are likes?" asked Ryon. "And how can I use this...social media everyone is going on about? It looks like fun."
"Why are they using a number sign before they state their words?" Jon asked. "Is that something you Easterners do?"
"It's called a Hashtag," said Yuri. "It's an annoyance that I thought would stay on Earth."
Michael chuckled. "Well, since Eredas has the most functional Gate thanks to the Black Market Trade, it's only natural that Earthly customs snake their way into Termnnia."
Yuri growled ferociously. "When I'm High King, I'm going to ban those fucking Hashtags. Under pain of death."
The elevator finally took them down to the lower levels of the main castle of the academy. When it opened, Bastion, Zane, and Ser Dancer were standing outside. Just like Yuri and the others, they were dressed in their best.
"Well, they've finally arrived," said Bastion. "Yuri, I take it this will be your first ball?"
"No kidding," said Yuri. "I may be royalty and all now, but I've got no experience with these things."
Zane gave a soft chuckle. "I thought so. Have no worries, Prince. Michael and I will show you how to mingle here."
"I wish to help out as well," said Dancer with a bow. "My Princes, Master Yugi; you all look rather dapper tonight."
"Thanks," said Yugi. "Where's Princess Evelyn, Dancer? I was sure she'd be by your side tonight."
Dancer laughed. "Oh no, my little master. Pairs never meet the hour before the ball."
"Oh, how dreadful," said Bastion. "The hallways are clogged with thousands of students taking photos of themselves and their groups. You can guess which gender is dominating that prospect."
"The ladies, of course," said Dancer. "The Dallian Academy Ball is an annual event the likes no one else but the students can see. Many of the students here are experiencing it for the first time. Naturally, none love the ball more than the ladies do."
"It's a chance for them to find their Prince Charming," Zane said with a snigger. "Dancing, music, and all the champagne and wine you can drink. You can guess what that means."
"I can imagine," said Yuri.
"Traif," said Bastion, rubbing his temples. "I kid you not, Dr. Crowler has ordered a double shipment of condoms just for tonight. Let's just say a lot of little princes and princesses came into the world during the early years of the ball."
Yuri and the others let out loud laughs.
"Come, gentlemen," said Dancer. "Mayhaps we can have ourselves a glass of champagne in the halls outside the ballroom. As a toast to celebrate this new Alliance of the greatest and most powerful princes in Termnnia."
"Here! Here!" said Bastion.
They followed Dancer down the halls of the academy. The lights were dimmed down around a large radius of the ballroom which was large enough to house hundreds of thousands. Fireworks could be seen being launched from ships out at sea in the distance and over the school. The flashes of cameras were blinding as Yuri and his friends got in line to the ballroom. A group of boys behind them pointed up a waterfall wall and started howling and whistling. Yuri looked up and saw Alexis and the girls waving at them from a rail above the waterfall. Evelyn was blowing Dancer kisses while Alexandra waved at Yuri challenging him with her curvaceous physique.
"Hubba! Hubba!" Ricky shouted, jumping on Yuri's shoulder.
"What?" said Yugi. "Oh no, you let him come, Yuri?"
Ricky put both paws on his hips. "If you weren't da King of Games, I'd pulverize ya! Come on, tough guy! You and me, let's go! I'll tear ya limb from limb, one bang at a time, you're so tough!"
"Uh..." Yugi said staring at the creature.
"Yeah, it's what I thought," said Ricky.
"Calm down you guys," said Zane.
"He started it!" Yugi and Ricky said together while pointing at one another. "I started it!?" they said together again.
"Enough!" said Yuri. "Come on, you guys! Don't fight. I'm already stressed enough as it is."
"Wait!" Syrus called running down the hall. "Wait for me!"
"Wait for us!" Jaden laughed taking the lead while Chumley was dragging behind in the rear of the group. "Sorry guys," Jaden said finally catching up with his friends. "Chumley decided to have a last-minute snack."
"I can't dance on an empty stomach, dude," said Chumley. "I had to prepare myself a grilled cheese sandwich before coming down here."
"A grilled cheese sandwich?" Syrus said in frustration. "You made five of them!"
The doors to the glass pyramid were finally pulled open by two Dallian Academy Knights adorned in their armor. The students walked in. The pyramid was dark with only LED string lights, colorful spotlights hanging on the ceiling rungs and the blasts of the fireworks outside. A band was performing graceful ballroom music by Termnnian composers which Yuri found to be the most beautiful music he had ever heard. Already couples took to the floors to dance to the songs being played. Yuri stood his ground with a glass of champagne in his hand while waited for his date to arrive.
"Well, well, well," Chazz Princeton said walking up to Yuri with his two bodyguards. "I never thought I'd see you all dressed up."
"Look at 'im boss," said Chazz's blue-haired companion. "He thinks he knows where he belongs."
"I am the Crown Prince of Termnnia," said Yuri. "I have more reason to be here than you. You're nothing more than Chazz's bitch."
"You care to say that again?" said the boy.
"Just calm down," said Chazz, grabbing his friend by the collar of his jacket. "You're going to get us thrown out. And if you get me thrown out before I have a dance with my darling Alexis, I'm gonna kick your ass!"
"Yes, boss."
"Yuri," said Chazz. "Are you still going to accept my challenge, or are you going to play chicken and run?"
Yuri heard the clip-clip of slippers behind him. He felt an arm slither around his waist and his nose caught the familiar scent of freshly bloomed roses. He heard a giggle and felt the beautiful lips of Alexandra Von Klause press against his cheek.
"Is there a problem, Princeton?" she asked.
"Whoa, Your Highness," said Chazz. "I guess what they say about you is true. You really are getting hitched to this wimp."
"You really are full of yourself aren't you, Chazz?" said Alexandra. "This boy killed ten powerful monsters inside the Pillar of Termnnia and climbed all the way to the top with his bare hands to gain control of the God Cards. On top of that, he trained with Aurelian Legion, so he's got the hands of a well-trained killer. Let us not forget what he did to King Forrest and that pervert, Caesar, during the battle of Karad Antha. He can summon Gods and fight in wars, and yet you have the audacity to call him a wimp? You're just jealous."
Chazz and his friends laughed. "Jealous of him? You're outta your mind, Princess."
"You're out of your mind, Chazz," Alexis Rhodes said coming to join them.
"WHOA!" Chazz and his friends cried out when they saw Alexis approaching them.
The Princess no doubt caught their attention with her incredible attire. A white ballroom gown with sashes of silver silk. The dress had millions of tiny diamonds sewn into it, making her sparkle with each step. Chazz's friends stared at her chest with wide eyes and drool dripping down from the corner of their mouths.
"Hey, Alexis," said Chazz. "Care for a dance? Or are you here to see me take down this slacker?"
"Now is not the time for a Duel, Chazz," said Alexis, crossing her arms over her chest to keep her chest out of the view of Chazz's friends. "The evening is too young. Besides, Zane's my dance partner for tonight. After all, it was he who saved me from the Aeons, while you were up north hunting monsters for fame and fortune." She turned to look at Yuri. "Your Grace," she said with a bow. She looked at Alexandra. "Princess," she said, bowing again before excusing herself.
Cora
"I look so stupid in this dress!" Cora grumbled while hiding in the shadows of the hallway outside the room where the ball was being held.
Ms. Goldwine clicked her tongue. "Oh, Miss Cora, you're making such a fuss." She knelt in front of Cora and straightened her bluish-white ball gown which was styled after the Deep-Eyes White Dragon, one of the most powerful monsters in her Deck. The fabric was of brilliant white and was glowing with neon blue patterns. The back had ornamentation that resembled the dragon's wings. The jewelry on her ears, neck, and fingers was of platinum and designed to look like her Blue-Eyes White Dragons.
"You look beautiful," Ms. Goldwine said, grinning feverishly. "Like a lady of House Kaiba."
Cora bit her bottom lip and chewed on it nervously, tasting her glossy lipstick. "You really think so?"
"Of course I do," said Ms. Goldwine. She lightly tapped her cheek. "Now, go out there and mingle. Do your thing."
"I'm nervous," said Cora. "There's royalty out there for Saafani's sake."
"It doesn't matter," said Ms. Goldwine. "You're richer than all of them combined. You're the daughter of Termnnia's only trillionaire. Money is just as good as any crown, Miss Cora, believe me. I wouldn't be surprised if I saw a few suitors approach you."
Cora shrugged her shoulders, exposed by the gown. "I'm not interested in love, Ms. Goldwine. Not after what happened to Krissa. But I will say this. After this little party, I want to take down any opponent who gets in my way and earn the Kaiba name."
"That suits me just fine," said Ms. Goldwine. "But I implore you not to become your father. There is more to life than Duel Monsters, Miss Cora. You're still young. Enjoy your youth; for in the blink of an eye, it will be gone."
"You don't have to worry about me so much," said Cora. "I'll be fine. That's not to say I don't appreciate your concern."
Ms. Goldwine bowed. "Well, I'll be off now. You go enjoy yourself, my sweet. If you wish to come home, message me. I'll be waiting for you at the academy's main fountain to pick you up."
"Thanks, Ms. Goldwine." Cora took a deep breath and walked through down the dark hallway, lit only with golden wall sconces that hung on the pillars. She finally entered the glass pyramid and was gazed upon by a thousand eyes, each afire with admiration, lust, and even envy. She heard whispers amongst the music as she casually strolled into the party.
"That's her!"
"Yeah, she's the one."
"That's Seto Kaiba's daughter!"
"They say she, too, has the Blue-Eyes White Dragons."
"Hmph. I can take her on. My Zefra can beat her puny dragons."
"Only the best for Seto Kaiba's little princess I suppose."
Despite the whispers flowing around her like an angry gale, Cora kept her composure and went to the buffet table to serve herself some appetizers. She filled her plate with tiny sausages wrapped in sweet buns, carrot sticks, and cubes of Mondovian cheese. No doubt in her mind, Cora was standing out above the others in the ball. Her gown was ahead of its time, and the glowing neon did very little to hide this. The wings on her back were fused with holographic technology that projected glimmering lights every time Cora moved.
"Ahem," someone said.
"Oh," said Cora. "Yumi. Well, well, don't you clean up nice."
"Thank you," Yumi said, examining her dress. "Mai gave it to me. She said she used it for her first Academy Ball."
Cora sniggered. "I guess that explains the plunging neckline. So, how was your first day? Did you have fun?"
Yumi picked up a plate. "Sort of," she said, picking up chicken wings with a silver tong. "It's kind of hard walking these halls when you're Yugi Muto's daughter. I've been challenged by like seven or more assholes who think they have what it takes to Duel me. I sure proved them wrong."
"That's my girl," Cora said moving to the bar for a soda. "Who many victories?"
"I won all my games," Yumi answered. "None were able to beat me."
"Ah," Cora crooned. "Well, be careful not to challenge me. That winning streak of yours will be in jeopardy."
"We'll have our Duel, Cora, don't you worry. But I still have a lot I want to learn before that. The Duels our fathers had were legendary and I want our games to be told in tales and songs as well."
Cora patted Yumi's backside. "We will," she said. "Gotta hit the books, though."
Yumi sighed. "There you go again with that. I do hope that doesn't grow into a habit here at school as it was in Domino, Cora."
Cora let out an obnoxious laugh, followed by a snort. "Not a chance. Your butt is awesome."
Yumi sighed again. "I'll go see what Princess Kasumi is up to. Cora, won't you join us?"
"I'll catch up with you in a little bit. I'm going to check out the arena over there. Maybe I'll join in on a game."
"Very well," Yumi said before walking away.
"That's a very interesting dress you're wearing," Zane Truesdale said, holding a glass of champagne in his hand.
Cora finished chewing one of her sausages before speaking. "I hate it," she answered.
Zane was amused by her attitude and chuckled. "Seto Kaiba's love for the Blue-Eyes White Dragon is more feverish than I thought. Especially if he has his tailors modeling dresses after it. Not to say I don't like it. It looks beautiful; that is no jest."
"Oh, thank you," said Cora. "You know, I never really got your name at the welcome dinner. What was your name again?"
"Zane of the House Truesdale. And the school's rank one Duelist. My family has served the Royal House of Dalton as stewards since the forming of Domino City."
"I see," said Cora. "So, you know Prince Michael?"
"We grew up together, yes. We've been coming to this school since we were in the first grade. However, the war with King Forrest erupted after high school, and it kept him busy for the past three years. Now that the war is over, and King Forrest is dead, he can come back to school and finish his college-level courses. He and my brother, Syrus, are both freshmen this year."
"So your brother has big shoes to fill," said Cora.
"I don't have much faith in him," said Zane. He took a drink from his champagne to douse the rage within him. "He's not that much of a Duelist. But my friend, Prince Michael, is quite the player. He's deadly with his Archfiend monsters. Perhaps the both of you will go one-on-one this year."
Cora went red. "This is my first time at the school, period. I was a homeless girl before Seto Kaiba found me."
"Why did he take you in the first place?"
"He said something about his Blue-Eyes White Dragons 'sparking' or something. He went all crazy and forced me to do all these tasks and what not to get them. I prevailed though. "
"I see," said Zane. "So he gave his Blue-Eyes to you? I heard he was looking for an heir."
"Well, the ones he gave me are not his dragons. The Blue-Eyes I hold are brand-new copies he created for his heir. And I guess I'm that heir."
"May I see them?" Zane asked.
Cora nodded and reached for a deck case that was strapped to a belt around her dress. She opened it with a flick of her middle finger and slid the deck out to show Zane. They were Blue-Eyes White Dragons alright, but they had a different artwork to them (Dark Side of Dimensions artwork).
"They're very beautiful," said Zane. "My compliments. I hope you use them to the best of your abilities."
"There's no other option," said Cora. "If I bring in so much as a C on my marks, Kaiba will take my dragons and kick my pretty ass out the door."
This did not surprise Zane. Kaiba was a man who did not settle for mediocrity. All the while, he pitied Cora. There was a lot of pressure on her, no doubt in that. Zane could only offer his support if she would have it.
"Look, I know this place can be a little overwhelming but if you need assistance, just let me know. I'll send you my ID number so you can contact me on your PDA."
Cora looked at him, her face was twisted in a cute expression of confusion. The glitter on her heart-shaped face twinkled in neverending flashes as though her skin was a mine rich with diamonds. After an awkward moment, her glossy lips formed into a smile.
"Sure, why not?" she said at last. "You look harmless. I'll be looking forward to toppling you off your pedestal."
Zane's face, usually locked in a permanent scowl formed into a very content gaze. He liked the challenge. "Were my Cyber Dragons so easy to beat," said he.
"May I step in, Truesdale?" said a brash Eldori with long black hair and tan skin. "I'd like to know who your pretty friend is."
Zane and Cora both shot the intruder an angry glare. "Cora," said Zane, "this is Prince Leonor of the House Abascal from the land of Sapania."
"I am honored to meet your friend, Zane. So, this lovely flower is the daughter of Seto Kaiba. Word has spread about your Duel earlier today. They say you used the Blue-Eyes White Dragon earlier against Duke Lucas of the House Silvergraft. But that can't be. Only three Blue-Eyes White Dragons were ever made in this word since High Queen Evangelia defeated your House in the Dance of the Dragon Queens. I seriously doubt Seto Kaiba would give up his precious Blue-Eyes even to his own daughter. Which leaves me to wonder. How does he have one in the first place? There was never news of Seto Kaiba having a wife."
"He adopted me," said Cora.
Leonor laughed. "So you mean to tell me there is not an ounce of Kaiba blood inside of that beautiful body? Oh, how I'd love to just rip that dress of right now and conduct a proper...examination of you."
"Yeah, I'll bet you would, you pervert!" said Cora.
The prince rubbed his chin. "Hmm, then how about a Duel so I can see your dragons instead? There is a vacant arena on the balcony we can use. What say you, my dear? You win I leave you at peace for the rest of the night. Lose, and I take you to my room to spend the evening with me."
"You're out of line, Your Highness," said Zane. "Just because you're a prince doesn't mean you can force her to join you against her will."
"She doesn't have to play," said Leonor, twisting a lock of his fine black hair around his finger. "Oh, you white knights are no fun."
"But I do want to play," said Cora. "I'm not going to let some pompous prince push me around."
"You know what the stipulations are for this game right?" said Zane. "You lose, you're all his for the night."
"Just for the night," said Leonor. "Unless of course, she begs for more."
"Outside, now!" said Cora. "I won't take this shit."
In no time at all the three of them were in the arena, the oversized ones used during the Duelist Kingdom tournament many years ago. Still, it had to do seeing as how Duel Disks were barred from the party.
"Prepared to be amazed by my incredible skills, Miss Kaiba. I shall begin first, seeing as how I'm royalty. Ah, yes. I activate the spell, Second Coin Toss. Since I run a deck based on the mighty Barrel Dragon, this will come in handy indeed. Now, I will place a card face-down and summon BM-4 Bomb Spider h in attack mode. Attack me if you dare, little girl!"
"Little girl," Cora grunted as she drew. "You're going to be a little bitch after I'm done with you. I draw!" She started laughing. "Man, I was hoping to have lots of fun with you, but my dragons won't allow me to go out with losers. First, I play Pot of Greed, allowing me to draw two cards. Next, I summon Keeper of Dragonic Magic in attack mode. And I'll use his special ability. I discard a card to add Polymerization or Fusion card to my hand."
Zane chuckled. "Uh oh. This doesn't look good for you, Your Highness."
"Huh?" the prince squeaked. "What...what do you mean?"
Cora held out her "I activate Polymerization! With it, I fuse two Blue-Eyes White Dragons with Blue-Eyes Alternative White Dragon to create the mighty Blue-Eyes Alternative Ultimate Dragon!"
Zane's eyes widened. "Alternative Ultimate Dragon?"
Cora's monster reared all three of its head out of the ground as lightning flashed behind it. Blue orbs on its body started to glow brightly in the night. The three heads shrieked and hissed as they came to life. It seemed very alien in design. Its four purple wings were ragged and didn't look aerodynamic. But, with an attack strength of 4500, I don't think the dragon really cared.
"You've got him now, Cora!" Zane cheered, raising his glass.
"Yes, go on and attack me," said Prince Leonor. "It will be a big mistake."
"I'll take the bluff," said Cora. "Blue-Eyes Alternative Ultimate Dragon! Attack his BM-4 Blast Spider!"
The middle heard reared its head and blasted the creature, atomizing it and taking out a huge chunk of the prince's Life Points.
"Aha!" he shouted. "Because my Blast Spider was a Dark machine monster, I can special summon my ace to the field. Desperado Barrel Dragon!" From behind the prince, a green portal opened. The mechanical dragon stomped out of the portal. The cylinders on its barrels spun in anticipation, for the dragon was ready to shoot something. "Now," said the prince. "Because it's the Battle Phase, I can activate my dragon's effect. I can flip three coins and for each Head I get, you lose a monster."
Three gold coins projected in front of the prince. They flipped. He got only one head. "No matter," he said. He saw Cora smiling smugly from the corner of her mouth. "Thanks to my Second Coin Toss card, I can change the results. Let's try this again, shall we." The coins flipped again. "Ah, wonderful. Three perfect heads. Desperado Barrel Dragon, attack and destroy her Keeper of Dragonic Magic!"
The cylinders whirred. The right barrel fired a photon blast attack, smacking the Keeper of Dragonic Magic in the chest, blowing a hole through it. "And now all that's left is your Alternative Ultimate Dragon. So much for your all-powerful beast, Cora."
The left barrel fired and struck Cora's dragon. There was a puff of smoke that clouded the arena. Prince Leonor jumped and pumped his fist. "YES! Your ass is mine!" He saw blue lights illuminating through the smoke. "What? It can't be! Your dragon still lives!"
Cora started giggling. "Yeah, ain't that a bitch? You still have one more shot left. Maybe the second time's the charm, eh?"
Prince Leonor tried again. "Desperado Barrel Dragon! Attack!" he shouted. The blast hit, again the field was clouded by a veil of smoke. "Yes! This is it! It has to be it."
Blue-Eyes Alternative Ultimate Dragon hissed triumphantly, unscathed by the attack.
"What's going on here!" Prince Leonor shouted. "You, you can't do this! You must be cheating!"
"I'm not," said Cora. "Blue-Eyes Alternative Ultimate Dragon cannot be targeted or destroyed by card effects. Your Desperado Barrel Dragon has no effect on my dragon."
"Damn," said the prince. "I...I draw. Argh! I set my monster in defense mode and end my turn."
"My turn," said Cora. "I activate Advanced Ritual Art, sending Dragon Core Hexer from my deck to the Graveyard and Ritual Summon, Blue-Eyes Chaos MAX Dragon."
A white, heavenly, arcane circle formed over Cora's field. Light beamed down and from the light, her Ace appeared. Blue-Eyes Chaos MAX Dragon. He spread his massive wings, whipped his long tail and roared. Cora ordered her dragon to attack.
"Hold on!" shouted Leonor. "I use Barrel Dragon's effect!"
Cora placed her hand on her hip and cocked it to the side. "By all means, go ahead."
Leonor went ahead with his dragon's special ability. It was a success, for he got two heads, enough to take down both her dragons. It didn't work on the Alternative Ultimate Dragon since he already knew effects couldn't destroy it. But still, he could take down the legendary Blue-Eyes Chaos MAX Dragon. Just slaying him could give him the right to boast. He went for the attack. Desperado Barrel Dragon fired. Did it work? It had to work! It must work!
When the dust cleared, the cocky prince fell to his knees. The dragon was still standing. "Don't tell me!" he shouted.
"Yup," Cora answered pretentiously as she wagged her finger. "Blue-Eyes Chaos MAX Dragon cannot be taken down or targeted by your effects either."
"Just finish me off already!"
"Oh, I shall. It's wonderful that you've got your dragon in defense mode. When Blue-Eyes Chaos MAX Dragon attacks a monster in defense position, he can inflict DOUBLE piercing damage. And then that leaves the rest of your Life Points to my Alternative Ultimate Dragon. Nice playing with you, scrub. Get on my level next time you want to play against me."
Yuri
A big blue blast filled the ballroom and shook it. Yuri checked around, wondering what in the world just happened. "Wasn't me," said Ricky. He was sitting on the buffet table helping himself to some wings and carrots.
Alexandra giggled. "Well, well, well. That must be the legendary Blue-Eyes Chaos MAX Dragon I heard so much about. I must say, I can't wait until I take Cora on with my beasts."
"What kind of monsters do you have?" asked Yuri.
Alexandra sipped her wine. "I ran an archetype made just for me. They are known as Underworld Dragons. My uncle, Antilles the King of Dragonrock, consorted with Maximillion Pegasus to have them made. Of course, their artwork needed to be top-notch. None of that cartoony stuff we see nowadays. We got the best painters in the land to work on them. I got them as a present for my tenth birthday after I defeated all those people in war. I'll give you a demonstration tomorrow if you want."
"Sure," said Yuri. "I'd love to see them. I can't wait."
"Good. I have a Duel tomorrow anyway. Meet be in the courtyard. I have a Duel scheduled for tomorrow. I think you'll find this experience rather educational. And do keep an eye out, Yuri. Perhaps, one day, you'll face them, too."