Chapter Twelve: The Lost Labrador
With their new Fusion Medals safely stowed away, the team sat down in the Courage IX's recreation room, the booster packs laid on the table, waiting to be opened.
"Lets see what we all got," Joey urged and everyone opened their packs. Everyone seemed pleased with their new acquisitions except for Saria.
"So what'd you all get?" Tristan asked and everyone laid their new cards out on the table. Most of the cards were good ones but two cards belonging to Joey stuck out more than the others. Tristan and Serenity separated them from the rest. Both were trap cards that merely showed the image of a heart of crystal. One card's heart was blue and the other was pink.
"What's with these cards?" Serenity wondered as she studied the pink card. Mr. Floyd looked over her shoulder and looked at the two cards.
"Oh! Those are the Crystal Heart trap cards. They are very powerful when played together," Mr. Floyd commented.
"Hey Joey. I was wondering if I could have this card?" Serenity asked. Joey nodded.
"Sure sis, but I don't know how you'll use it. You don't even have a deck yet," Joey consented.
"You don't have a deck do you? Well, we'll soon fix that. Come over here," Mr. Floyd said and he let the group over to a strange vending machine-like device. But instead of candy or bags of food, there were Duel Monsters cards.
"This is my personal duel vendor machine. Inside, you'll every card I've ever earned. Pick any cards you want Serenity," Mr. Floyd said as he opened up a laptop that was connected to the machine. He typed in a few commands and then faced the gang.
"I don't know..." Serenity said uncertainly.
"We want you to have some. This way you won't be left out of the fun," Mrs. Floyd urged. Serenity reluctantly nodded and began searching. Every now and then, the machine whirred as it processed Serenity's requests. Soon, she had a forty-card deck, thanks to the addition of her new card from Joey.
"With these cards, you shouldn't have a problem winning any duels," Mrs. Floyd admitted as Serenity loaded the deck into her duel disk watch.
"Thank you. I won't misuse these I promise," Serenity thanked.
"I'm just..." Patrick began when Commander Matson ran in, short of breath.
"James? What's going on?" Mrs. Floyd asked.
"We've got some problems. You're needed in the bridge ASAP," Matson replied. The group quickly followed him into the spacious interior of the bridge.
"We've got two problems on our hands. One, there's a hurricane in the south near Forest Haven," Matson began. Everyone gasped.
"How serious?"
"Very. If you sent Saria and her friends now, they could easily get hurt."
"So what's our second problem?"
"We're running low on fuel and we don't have enough to go back to Dragon Roost." Everyone gasped.
"Relax. We need to land somewhere and soon."
"I know, and that's why I suggest we land at Crystal Island to wait for the hurricane to pass and for a chance to refuel our ship."
"See to it then," Mr. Floyd commanded, "Change our course. Our new destination is Crystal Island." Everyone wavered uneasily as the ship changed direction.
"Will we be OK?" Serenity asked. Mrs. Floyd nodded.
"Don't worry sweetheart. It isn't far from here and we can relax while we wait for the ship to be refueled," Mrs. Floyd replied as she gave the shaken girl a hug. Mrs. Floyd could only hope she was right.
"There it is you guys!" Mr. Floyd declared and everyone ran to the front window. Below them lay a large island surrounded by crystal waters and reefs. The island had a large building on it surrounded by trees and grass. Next to it on a connecting island of metal was a landing area.
"That's Crystal Island? It's humongous!" Yugi replied.
"Yes I know. It's a resort island with the world's biggest hotel with an even larger beach," Matson added.
"Hey Dad, isn't this the island you and mom went to for your honeymoon?" Saria asked. The two parents nodded.
"It was perfect for us. People from all over the world come here for their honeymoons, and even if you're not here for that, there's usually something for everyone from dueling arenas to pools to even rock climbing," Mrs. Floyd explained.
"Then I can't wait to land and find me some girls to woo," Teran said excitedly. Everyone laughed as the ship landed. The group got out and was met by a man with jet-black hair, brown eyes and a toned body. Next to him were three similar looking girls dressed in bikinis.
"I like this already," Teran whispered to Saria. Saria merely rolled her eyes as her father approached the man.
"It's good to see you again Austin," Mr. Floyd greeted as he shook hands.
"Likewise. I haven't seen you here since your honeymoon. What brings you around to my corner of the Great Sea?" Austin asked.
"We were going to head down towards Forest Haven when we were running out of fuel. That's when we changed our course and headed here to wait for the hurricane down south to pass. " Austin looked over and saw all the teenagers.
"Well then, we'll fix your problems. But for now, let me welcome you to Crystal Island Resort. My girls will take care of the refueling so come on down!" Austin said and the group followed him to the main island itself. Everyone gazed in awe at the beautiful landscaping and the people running around. The smell of sweet sea flowers filled the group's noses as they entered the main resort building. Everything inside was neat and clean. The bellhops were finely dressed in red that matched the carpet beneath the group's feet.
"Come on, let's get you checked in," Austin said. Mr. Floyd turned to the group.
"Why don't you guys go to the lobby and sit down? I'll take care of this," Mr. Floyd offered. Mrs. Floyd led them down the short hall and everyone gasped at what lay before them. They saw people using rock- climbing equipment to scale the large pillars. There was a pool filled with fine exotic fish and young people fishing to the right. But what was the most shocking sight was the cave of rock that was in the center of it all.
"What is that?" Tristan asked.
"So it's still here. That is the entrance to Crystal Cave. It's said that two people can check their affection with one another inside," Mrs. Floyd replied.
"How?" Serenity asked.
"I'll let Austin explain that when he comes back." The team took chairs in a comfortable spot near the door while they watched Mr. Floyd and Austin engage in conversation at the desk. It wasn't long before the two came over.
"Since the hurricane isn't due to pass until morning, I decided to get you some rooms," Mr. Floyd announced. "These are your keys to your rooms. I put the teenagers in one room and the parents in another. I hope those arrangements will work out," Austin explained as he handed the group some keycards with the number of their rooms on them, "If you'll excuse me now, I have to see to some other guests but please call my servants if you need any help."
"We will Austin and thank you," Mr. Floyd replied and the manager took off.
"Why don't we see our rooms?" Mr. Floyd suggested and he led the group to a large glass elevator. Pressing the button for their floor, the group took one last look at the sights below them.
"I can't wait to take a shower," Joey said as they reached the floor.
"I just want to lay in bed," Teran replied.
"I just want to get to the room," Saria added as they reached their respective rooms. It turned out that their room was a two floor suite with a kitchenette, living room, a coffee table that doubled as a Duel Monsters mini arena, a large bathroom with a hot tub, shower and sink, a small room for dressing privately and several bed rooms, one that had a queen-size bed and a set of bunk beds in the other. And what was shocking was that their baggage was already waiting for them, piled up in the center of it all very neatly.
"Whoa!" The teens gasped as they took in their room.
"What do you think? I got you guys a Duel Suite since I know you guys would like to practice for the tournament. We're right downstairs one floor in room 320. Oh and guys, Austin is giving a lecture on the history of the cave in the center of the hotel later tonight after dinner so don't forget," Mr. Floyd said and the group bid the two parents farewell.
"This is sweet man! I can't believe how nice this is," Teran said as he sat on the big white couch facing the holo-TV.
"I'm going to unpack then hit the hot tub!" Serenity declared.
"I'm with ya on that!" Saria added and the two girls rushed upstairs, backpacks shouldered.
"What are you going to do, Yugi?" Joey asked. Yugi shrugged.
"Get a bite to eat first," Yugi replied as he opened the refrigerator. Inside were several bottles of soda, some chocolate bars, and fruit among the usual milk, orange juice, and eggs.
"Give me one of those apples," Joey said as he reached inside for a big red one. Yugi grabbed a banana and closed the frig. The two sat at the counter on the bar stools and faced one another.
"Hey Yugi, about what happened at the gym," Joey began as Yugi unpeeled and took a bite out of the banana
"I'm really sorry for breaking our promise," Yugi replied solemnly.
"I was just going to say it was no big deal. Saria and Teran still don't know about Yami and that is fine with me. You just have to be careful about how you use Yami in the duels ahead. We don't know how Teran and Saria would react if they found out." Joey then took a big bite out of his apple.
"I think Saria can handle it knowing Yami. She uses magic too, just a different kind. As for Teran, well if he knows Saria has the Triforce of Courage, then maybe he can handle it too," Yugi reasoned as he took another bite.
"Maybe, but I'm not so sure yet," Joey said doubtfully as he took another large bite. The next few moments, the two best friends just sat there, eating their fruit until the sound of friendly banter filled the room. Yugi and Joey turned to see Serenity and Saria in bikinis running towards the bathroom with Teran in swim trunks right behind them.
"Hurry Saria!" Serenity urged as Saria jumped over the coffee table and rolled into the bathroom. Serenity slammed the bathroom door shut as Teran rammed headfirst into it. Teran immediately banged his fists against the door.
"Hey guys! Come on! I want to shower first! You'll use all of the hot water!" Teran shouted angrily as the girls laughed.
"Sorry Teran, but we girls need our daily hot tub!" Saria replied tauntingly. The girls laughed again as Teran beat on the door again.
"Easy Teran! We'll disturb the neigh..." Yugi began when there was furious pounding on the wall nearest him.
"Hey! Shut up in there!" An enraged female voice shouted. Teran immediately stopped.
"Sorry," Teran said sheepishly as he went back upstairs to change back into his clothes. After that, the only sounds heard were that of water running and the girls' occasional laughter. It wasn't long however before the two came out again, soaking wet and towels wrapped around their bodies and hair.
"Have a good time?" Joey asked. The two girls nodded.
"When we're done changing, we're going to check out the shops," Saria announced as the two went upstairs.
"Those two sure have hit it off," Tristan commented as soon as the girls left. The two friends nodded when they heard Teran coming down, slightly mad.
"Gonna take a shower," Teran grumbled as he entered the bathroom and locked it. Tristan then laughed.
"I think he's mad," Tristan said sarcastically. The three friends laughed.
"Be nice guys," Yami said out of nowhere, but he couldn't help snickering with them.
"Yeah, we should treat him better than that," Saria said as she and Serenity came down dressed in T-shirts, shorts, and sandals. Both had their hair in ponytails and each shouldered a purse.
"We're going to check out the shops. Anyone want to come along?" Serenity asked.
"I'm in," Yugi said as he threw the banana peel away.
"Yugi? You're going shopping?" Tristan and Joey asked. Yugi nodded.
"I want to buy some souvenirs for Teá, Duke and Grandpa," Yugi replied as he and the girls went for the door.
"In that case, I'll go too," Tristan said as he got up from the couch.
"You coming Joey?" Saria asked. Joey shook his head.
"Nah, I want to take a nap. That duel with Mia drained me," Joey yawned.
"Sleep well then," Serenity said as the foursome headed out the door. They took the glass elevator down to the main floor. They looked around and the first thing Saria saw was four teenagers her age teasing a small golden Labrador puppy.
"Hey!" Saria shouted as she stood between them and the dog.
"What do you want blondie?" the first one asked.
"Why don't you quit picking on this poor dog?" Saria replied coldly.
"Hah! Why do you care?"
"Because I have heart enough to leave poor defenseless animals alone!" This enraged the leader. Saria eyed the four carefully as three pulled knives and the leader pulled out a scimitar.
"You made a grave mistake sister. Your 'kindness' just got you in a heap of shit!" The leader declared as he pointed his sword at Saria.
"Funny! Last I checked it was four on one. How about I even the odds?" Tristan said as he swung his own metal staff at two of the goons. The two had no time to react as the staff knocked their knives into the nearby fountain. The leader's eyes flashed fire as he glared at Tristan.
"You want some too?" the leader taunted. Saria's focus was on the leader when a flash of movement caught her attention. Saria turned to see the remaining thug scooping up the frightened puppy and taking off.
"The puppy!" Saria exclaimed as she gave chase.
"Wait for me!" Serenity called as she quickly followed.
"Looks like I win," the leader declared.
"Not yet," said a voice. The two fighters turned to see Yami with his duel disk activated.
"The King of Games... What are you going to do? Play your Dark Magician?" The leader laughed. But Yami merely grinned.
"Very perceptive," Yami said as his Millennium Puzzle glowed and he placed his Dark Magician card on the duel disk.
"Go Dark Magician! Destroy the thief's sword with your dark magic attack!" Yami commanded as a void of darkness appeared behind him and his purple-garbed magician jumped out, green wand poised for battle. The thief stared as a blast of magic was fired at his sword. He gasped as his sword was obliterated.
"My sword! You'll pay for that!" The thief swore when Tristan beat him over the head with the staff.
"That's that," Tristan declared as he retracted the staff and put it in his ankle sheath.
"Not quite," Yami replied, pointing one floor up. They looked up to see the thug with the puppy being chased by Saria and Serenity.
"Stop!" Saria commanded as they turned a corner. The thief ignored her as he jumped over the railing and landed feet first on a slide in the playground area below. He slid down the slide, still clutching the puppy.
"He's heading for the exit!" Serenity shouted as the thug raced for a nearby fire exit.
"Not if I can help it! Go Dark Magician! Use the magic of the Spellbinding Circle!" Yami's voice boomed as he placed his trap. Saria and Serenity skidded to a stop as she saw Yami, Tristan and the Dark Magician racing towards them. The girls watched a circle of yellow energy fired from the Dark Magician's rod towards the thief. The circle caught the thief in the waist and he was frozen cold in his tracks. The puppy leapt out of his prone arms and landed softly on the carpet. It frantically ran behind a nearby pillar and whined in fear. Saria jumped over the railing and landed softly on the floor near the thief. Serenity opted to take the stairs. It was then the Floyds, Austin, three security guards in blue, the three thugs in handcuffs and a red-haired woman with hazel eyes in a red blazer joined the group. She was holding an ice pack to the back of her head.
"Good job you guys. Can you tell me what's going on?" Austin asked. Saria pointed at the four thieves.
"These four were terrorizing this poor puppy," Saria said. Yami, Tristan and Serenity nodded.
"That's not all they did! They broke into my room, beat me over the head and robbed me!" The lady exclaimed, "Then I realized, they stole one of my three Labrador puppies! My dear Duchess is frantic!" It was then a large Labrador ran over to the pup and licked it. The group awed at the reunion. They were quickly joined by another large lab and two more pups.
"That's that," Yami declared as Yugi retook control of his body and the Dark Magician vanished.
"I want to thank all of you. How can I ever repay you?" The lady asked as she acknowledged the rescuers.
"No thanks are necessary. Just glad to help," Yugi replied. It was then the rescued pup ran over to Saria and whined. Saria promptly picked it up and petted it.
"Huh? It appears that one likes you a lot," The lady noticed.
"I know. I've always wanted a pet, but..." Saria began.
"Then by all means, take him. It dearly wants to be with you and I always give my friends what they want," The lady urged. Saria began to protest.
"I won't hear any of it I want you to take him. Look! Its family wants you to take him too," The lady continued, pointing at the four other labs. Saria knelt near them and put the pup on the ground.
"I'll only take him if you want me to," Saria told the mother. The mother nodded and pushed the pup towards Saria.
"It's settled then! Lets go up to my room and I'll get his things!" The lady declared. Fifteen minutes later, Saria was putting a new crystal blue collar and silver tag on the pup in the lady's room.
"Well, now Saria. You've got his bowl, food, toys and his potty. The only thing left is a name. Have you chosen a name for your new pet?" The lady asked. Saria nodded.
"After that whole mess, only one name could possibly suit it. I'm naming my dog Rush," Saria declared as Austin finished engraving the tag.
"That's a fine name! It suits it perfectly!" The lady agreed. Saria hefted her new puppy as the group headed for the door.
"Thanks again, Mrs.... I never did catch your name," Saria admitted.
"I'm Mrs. Schlarbaum. Please do call on me anytime. I wish I could have a more friendly chat, but I'm due to meet my husband and daughter down at the beach. But please do stop by before you leave!" Mrs. Schlarbaum asked.
""We will and thank you!" Saria agreed and they left.
"That was really nice of Mrs. Schlarbaum to give you a pet. You will have to take care of it though, you hear me Saria?" Mr. Floyd reminded. Saria nodded.
"I will Dad, believe me. How could I ignore such a thing?" Saria said as Rush licked her.
"I agree. Rush is as cute as a button! I can't wait to play with him," Serenity declared. Saria nodded.
"Yeah, me too," Yugi chimed.
"And me!" Tristan added as the teenagers and parents split up to their rooms.
With their new Fusion Medals safely stowed away, the team sat down in the Courage IX's recreation room, the booster packs laid on the table, waiting to be opened.
"Lets see what we all got," Joey urged and everyone opened their packs. Everyone seemed pleased with their new acquisitions except for Saria.
"So what'd you all get?" Tristan asked and everyone laid their new cards out on the table. Most of the cards were good ones but two cards belonging to Joey stuck out more than the others. Tristan and Serenity separated them from the rest. Both were trap cards that merely showed the image of a heart of crystal. One card's heart was blue and the other was pink.
"What's with these cards?" Serenity wondered as she studied the pink card. Mr. Floyd looked over her shoulder and looked at the two cards.
"Oh! Those are the Crystal Heart trap cards. They are very powerful when played together," Mr. Floyd commented.
"Hey Joey. I was wondering if I could have this card?" Serenity asked. Joey nodded.
"Sure sis, but I don't know how you'll use it. You don't even have a deck yet," Joey consented.
"You don't have a deck do you? Well, we'll soon fix that. Come over here," Mr. Floyd said and he let the group over to a strange vending machine-like device. But instead of candy or bags of food, there were Duel Monsters cards.
"This is my personal duel vendor machine. Inside, you'll every card I've ever earned. Pick any cards you want Serenity," Mr. Floyd said as he opened up a laptop that was connected to the machine. He typed in a few commands and then faced the gang.
"I don't know..." Serenity said uncertainly.
"We want you to have some. This way you won't be left out of the fun," Mrs. Floyd urged. Serenity reluctantly nodded and began searching. Every now and then, the machine whirred as it processed Serenity's requests. Soon, she had a forty-card deck, thanks to the addition of her new card from Joey.
"With these cards, you shouldn't have a problem winning any duels," Mrs. Floyd admitted as Serenity loaded the deck into her duel disk watch.
"Thank you. I won't misuse these I promise," Serenity thanked.
"I'm just..." Patrick began when Commander Matson ran in, short of breath.
"James? What's going on?" Mrs. Floyd asked.
"We've got some problems. You're needed in the bridge ASAP," Matson replied. The group quickly followed him into the spacious interior of the bridge.
"We've got two problems on our hands. One, there's a hurricane in the south near Forest Haven," Matson began. Everyone gasped.
"How serious?"
"Very. If you sent Saria and her friends now, they could easily get hurt."
"So what's our second problem?"
"We're running low on fuel and we don't have enough to go back to Dragon Roost." Everyone gasped.
"Relax. We need to land somewhere and soon."
"I know, and that's why I suggest we land at Crystal Island to wait for the hurricane to pass and for a chance to refuel our ship."
"See to it then," Mr. Floyd commanded, "Change our course. Our new destination is Crystal Island." Everyone wavered uneasily as the ship changed direction.
"Will we be OK?" Serenity asked. Mrs. Floyd nodded.
"Don't worry sweetheart. It isn't far from here and we can relax while we wait for the ship to be refueled," Mrs. Floyd replied as she gave the shaken girl a hug. Mrs. Floyd could only hope she was right.
"There it is you guys!" Mr. Floyd declared and everyone ran to the front window. Below them lay a large island surrounded by crystal waters and reefs. The island had a large building on it surrounded by trees and grass. Next to it on a connecting island of metal was a landing area.
"That's Crystal Island? It's humongous!" Yugi replied.
"Yes I know. It's a resort island with the world's biggest hotel with an even larger beach," Matson added.
"Hey Dad, isn't this the island you and mom went to for your honeymoon?" Saria asked. The two parents nodded.
"It was perfect for us. People from all over the world come here for their honeymoons, and even if you're not here for that, there's usually something for everyone from dueling arenas to pools to even rock climbing," Mrs. Floyd explained.
"Then I can't wait to land and find me some girls to woo," Teran said excitedly. Everyone laughed as the ship landed. The group got out and was met by a man with jet-black hair, brown eyes and a toned body. Next to him were three similar looking girls dressed in bikinis.
"I like this already," Teran whispered to Saria. Saria merely rolled her eyes as her father approached the man.
"It's good to see you again Austin," Mr. Floyd greeted as he shook hands.
"Likewise. I haven't seen you here since your honeymoon. What brings you around to my corner of the Great Sea?" Austin asked.
"We were going to head down towards Forest Haven when we were running out of fuel. That's when we changed our course and headed here to wait for the hurricane down south to pass. " Austin looked over and saw all the teenagers.
"Well then, we'll fix your problems. But for now, let me welcome you to Crystal Island Resort. My girls will take care of the refueling so come on down!" Austin said and the group followed him to the main island itself. Everyone gazed in awe at the beautiful landscaping and the people running around. The smell of sweet sea flowers filled the group's noses as they entered the main resort building. Everything inside was neat and clean. The bellhops were finely dressed in red that matched the carpet beneath the group's feet.
"Come on, let's get you checked in," Austin said. Mr. Floyd turned to the group.
"Why don't you guys go to the lobby and sit down? I'll take care of this," Mr. Floyd offered. Mrs. Floyd led them down the short hall and everyone gasped at what lay before them. They saw people using rock- climbing equipment to scale the large pillars. There was a pool filled with fine exotic fish and young people fishing to the right. But what was the most shocking sight was the cave of rock that was in the center of it all.
"What is that?" Tristan asked.
"So it's still here. That is the entrance to Crystal Cave. It's said that two people can check their affection with one another inside," Mrs. Floyd replied.
"How?" Serenity asked.
"I'll let Austin explain that when he comes back." The team took chairs in a comfortable spot near the door while they watched Mr. Floyd and Austin engage in conversation at the desk. It wasn't long before the two came over.
"Since the hurricane isn't due to pass until morning, I decided to get you some rooms," Mr. Floyd announced. "These are your keys to your rooms. I put the teenagers in one room and the parents in another. I hope those arrangements will work out," Austin explained as he handed the group some keycards with the number of their rooms on them, "If you'll excuse me now, I have to see to some other guests but please call my servants if you need any help."
"We will Austin and thank you," Mr. Floyd replied and the manager took off.
"Why don't we see our rooms?" Mr. Floyd suggested and he led the group to a large glass elevator. Pressing the button for their floor, the group took one last look at the sights below them.
"I can't wait to take a shower," Joey said as they reached the floor.
"I just want to lay in bed," Teran replied.
"I just want to get to the room," Saria added as they reached their respective rooms. It turned out that their room was a two floor suite with a kitchenette, living room, a coffee table that doubled as a Duel Monsters mini arena, a large bathroom with a hot tub, shower and sink, a small room for dressing privately and several bed rooms, one that had a queen-size bed and a set of bunk beds in the other. And what was shocking was that their baggage was already waiting for them, piled up in the center of it all very neatly.
"Whoa!" The teens gasped as they took in their room.
"What do you think? I got you guys a Duel Suite since I know you guys would like to practice for the tournament. We're right downstairs one floor in room 320. Oh and guys, Austin is giving a lecture on the history of the cave in the center of the hotel later tonight after dinner so don't forget," Mr. Floyd said and the group bid the two parents farewell.
"This is sweet man! I can't believe how nice this is," Teran said as he sat on the big white couch facing the holo-TV.
"I'm going to unpack then hit the hot tub!" Serenity declared.
"I'm with ya on that!" Saria added and the two girls rushed upstairs, backpacks shouldered.
"What are you going to do, Yugi?" Joey asked. Yugi shrugged.
"Get a bite to eat first," Yugi replied as he opened the refrigerator. Inside were several bottles of soda, some chocolate bars, and fruit among the usual milk, orange juice, and eggs.
"Give me one of those apples," Joey said as he reached inside for a big red one. Yugi grabbed a banana and closed the frig. The two sat at the counter on the bar stools and faced one another.
"Hey Yugi, about what happened at the gym," Joey began as Yugi unpeeled and took a bite out of the banana
"I'm really sorry for breaking our promise," Yugi replied solemnly.
"I was just going to say it was no big deal. Saria and Teran still don't know about Yami and that is fine with me. You just have to be careful about how you use Yami in the duels ahead. We don't know how Teran and Saria would react if they found out." Joey then took a big bite out of his apple.
"I think Saria can handle it knowing Yami. She uses magic too, just a different kind. As for Teran, well if he knows Saria has the Triforce of Courage, then maybe he can handle it too," Yugi reasoned as he took another bite.
"Maybe, but I'm not so sure yet," Joey said doubtfully as he took another large bite. The next few moments, the two best friends just sat there, eating their fruit until the sound of friendly banter filled the room. Yugi and Joey turned to see Serenity and Saria in bikinis running towards the bathroom with Teran in swim trunks right behind them.
"Hurry Saria!" Serenity urged as Saria jumped over the coffee table and rolled into the bathroom. Serenity slammed the bathroom door shut as Teran rammed headfirst into it. Teran immediately banged his fists against the door.
"Hey guys! Come on! I want to shower first! You'll use all of the hot water!" Teran shouted angrily as the girls laughed.
"Sorry Teran, but we girls need our daily hot tub!" Saria replied tauntingly. The girls laughed again as Teran beat on the door again.
"Easy Teran! We'll disturb the neigh..." Yugi began when there was furious pounding on the wall nearest him.
"Hey! Shut up in there!" An enraged female voice shouted. Teran immediately stopped.
"Sorry," Teran said sheepishly as he went back upstairs to change back into his clothes. After that, the only sounds heard were that of water running and the girls' occasional laughter. It wasn't long however before the two came out again, soaking wet and towels wrapped around their bodies and hair.
"Have a good time?" Joey asked. The two girls nodded.
"When we're done changing, we're going to check out the shops," Saria announced as the two went upstairs.
"Those two sure have hit it off," Tristan commented as soon as the girls left. The two friends nodded when they heard Teran coming down, slightly mad.
"Gonna take a shower," Teran grumbled as he entered the bathroom and locked it. Tristan then laughed.
"I think he's mad," Tristan said sarcastically. The three friends laughed.
"Be nice guys," Yami said out of nowhere, but he couldn't help snickering with them.
"Yeah, we should treat him better than that," Saria said as she and Serenity came down dressed in T-shirts, shorts, and sandals. Both had their hair in ponytails and each shouldered a purse.
"We're going to check out the shops. Anyone want to come along?" Serenity asked.
"I'm in," Yugi said as he threw the banana peel away.
"Yugi? You're going shopping?" Tristan and Joey asked. Yugi nodded.
"I want to buy some souvenirs for Teá, Duke and Grandpa," Yugi replied as he and the girls went for the door.
"In that case, I'll go too," Tristan said as he got up from the couch.
"You coming Joey?" Saria asked. Joey shook his head.
"Nah, I want to take a nap. That duel with Mia drained me," Joey yawned.
"Sleep well then," Serenity said as the foursome headed out the door. They took the glass elevator down to the main floor. They looked around and the first thing Saria saw was four teenagers her age teasing a small golden Labrador puppy.
"Hey!" Saria shouted as she stood between them and the dog.
"What do you want blondie?" the first one asked.
"Why don't you quit picking on this poor dog?" Saria replied coldly.
"Hah! Why do you care?"
"Because I have heart enough to leave poor defenseless animals alone!" This enraged the leader. Saria eyed the four carefully as three pulled knives and the leader pulled out a scimitar.
"You made a grave mistake sister. Your 'kindness' just got you in a heap of shit!" The leader declared as he pointed his sword at Saria.
"Funny! Last I checked it was four on one. How about I even the odds?" Tristan said as he swung his own metal staff at two of the goons. The two had no time to react as the staff knocked their knives into the nearby fountain. The leader's eyes flashed fire as he glared at Tristan.
"You want some too?" the leader taunted. Saria's focus was on the leader when a flash of movement caught her attention. Saria turned to see the remaining thug scooping up the frightened puppy and taking off.
"The puppy!" Saria exclaimed as she gave chase.
"Wait for me!" Serenity called as she quickly followed.
"Looks like I win," the leader declared.
"Not yet," said a voice. The two fighters turned to see Yami with his duel disk activated.
"The King of Games... What are you going to do? Play your Dark Magician?" The leader laughed. But Yami merely grinned.
"Very perceptive," Yami said as his Millennium Puzzle glowed and he placed his Dark Magician card on the duel disk.
"Go Dark Magician! Destroy the thief's sword with your dark magic attack!" Yami commanded as a void of darkness appeared behind him and his purple-garbed magician jumped out, green wand poised for battle. The thief stared as a blast of magic was fired at his sword. He gasped as his sword was obliterated.
"My sword! You'll pay for that!" The thief swore when Tristan beat him over the head with the staff.
"That's that," Tristan declared as he retracted the staff and put it in his ankle sheath.
"Not quite," Yami replied, pointing one floor up. They looked up to see the thug with the puppy being chased by Saria and Serenity.
"Stop!" Saria commanded as they turned a corner. The thief ignored her as he jumped over the railing and landed feet first on a slide in the playground area below. He slid down the slide, still clutching the puppy.
"He's heading for the exit!" Serenity shouted as the thug raced for a nearby fire exit.
"Not if I can help it! Go Dark Magician! Use the magic of the Spellbinding Circle!" Yami's voice boomed as he placed his trap. Saria and Serenity skidded to a stop as she saw Yami, Tristan and the Dark Magician racing towards them. The girls watched a circle of yellow energy fired from the Dark Magician's rod towards the thief. The circle caught the thief in the waist and he was frozen cold in his tracks. The puppy leapt out of his prone arms and landed softly on the carpet. It frantically ran behind a nearby pillar and whined in fear. Saria jumped over the railing and landed softly on the floor near the thief. Serenity opted to take the stairs. It was then the Floyds, Austin, three security guards in blue, the three thugs in handcuffs and a red-haired woman with hazel eyes in a red blazer joined the group. She was holding an ice pack to the back of her head.
"Good job you guys. Can you tell me what's going on?" Austin asked. Saria pointed at the four thieves.
"These four were terrorizing this poor puppy," Saria said. Yami, Tristan and Serenity nodded.
"That's not all they did! They broke into my room, beat me over the head and robbed me!" The lady exclaimed, "Then I realized, they stole one of my three Labrador puppies! My dear Duchess is frantic!" It was then a large Labrador ran over to the pup and licked it. The group awed at the reunion. They were quickly joined by another large lab and two more pups.
"That's that," Yami declared as Yugi retook control of his body and the Dark Magician vanished.
"I want to thank all of you. How can I ever repay you?" The lady asked as she acknowledged the rescuers.
"No thanks are necessary. Just glad to help," Yugi replied. It was then the rescued pup ran over to Saria and whined. Saria promptly picked it up and petted it.
"Huh? It appears that one likes you a lot," The lady noticed.
"I know. I've always wanted a pet, but..." Saria began.
"Then by all means, take him. It dearly wants to be with you and I always give my friends what they want," The lady urged. Saria began to protest.
"I won't hear any of it I want you to take him. Look! Its family wants you to take him too," The lady continued, pointing at the four other labs. Saria knelt near them and put the pup on the ground.
"I'll only take him if you want me to," Saria told the mother. The mother nodded and pushed the pup towards Saria.
"It's settled then! Lets go up to my room and I'll get his things!" The lady declared. Fifteen minutes later, Saria was putting a new crystal blue collar and silver tag on the pup in the lady's room.
"Well, now Saria. You've got his bowl, food, toys and his potty. The only thing left is a name. Have you chosen a name for your new pet?" The lady asked. Saria nodded.
"After that whole mess, only one name could possibly suit it. I'm naming my dog Rush," Saria declared as Austin finished engraving the tag.
"That's a fine name! It suits it perfectly!" The lady agreed. Saria hefted her new puppy as the group headed for the door.
"Thanks again, Mrs.... I never did catch your name," Saria admitted.
"I'm Mrs. Schlarbaum. Please do call on me anytime. I wish I could have a more friendly chat, but I'm due to meet my husband and daughter down at the beach. But please do stop by before you leave!" Mrs. Schlarbaum asked.
""We will and thank you!" Saria agreed and they left.
"That was really nice of Mrs. Schlarbaum to give you a pet. You will have to take care of it though, you hear me Saria?" Mr. Floyd reminded. Saria nodded.
"I will Dad, believe me. How could I ignore such a thing?" Saria said as Rush licked her.
"I agree. Rush is as cute as a button! I can't wait to play with him," Serenity declared. Saria nodded.
"Yeah, me too," Yugi chimed.
"And me!" Tristan added as the teenagers and parents split up to their rooms.