Ch.24: Family News
(Author's Note: Ok this chapter is a little different, it's going to be like a "Meanwhile" chapter, focusing on Draco's parents during the last few chapters.)
During the events of the news of the Shadow Riders and Sacred Beasts, this day begins in a bedroom, two dragons laid in their bed, before the blue scaled dragoness slowly sat herself up and stretched. She looked over at her mate still sleeping as she slowly got out of their bed and headed downstairs, heading to the kitchen and began to cook up their breakfast. After a few minutes, Krono groan out as he stretched coming down the stairs, smelling the food that Saffira cooked up, seeing that she was done cooking and finished with the coffee maker and the kettle for her tea, he wrapped his arms around her waist and placed his head on her shoulder.
"That smells wonderful, Saffira." Krono said, looking at the meal she made, "Furikake Rice? Wait, why do I smell chicken in the meal?"
"Well, it was something I saw from a show." She replied, "I simmered the chicken wings then chilled the broth, sliced it up into nice evenly cubes, and let the heat from the rice to melt the broth. The show called it 'Transforming Furikake Rice'."
Krono looked at the breakfast meal and realized one thing, "You seem to have made quite a lot." He stated, "Thinking of some leftovers?"
Saffira looked at the large pot with the steaming rice with the scrambled eggs sitting on top, while the gelatin of the broth melting and coating the rice and eggs, "I just had a big craving for eggs and chicken." She replied, "I didn't realize I made that much."
"You wouldn't mind if I took some to work for the gang to have some?" Krono asked, "I'm sure Joey and Tristan would love a home cooked meal rather than take out."
"Even though those two would eat anything?" Saffira jokingly asked, "Just be sure that Solomon gets a fair amount. I know his back is still recovering, but he can be a little stubborn."
"Ain't that the truth." Krono replied, as he let his wife go to get a mug from the cabinet and poured a cup of coffee for himself as Saffira began to fill a container with a nice amount of the Furikake Rice, for him to share with everyone at the Game Shop and then wrapped it in a lunch rag for him to carry it easily. Krono finished his mug quickly and shifted to his Illusion and took the wrapped container from Saffira as they kissed each other.
"Have a good day at work, my King." She said with a smile.
"And I hope your day will be relaxing for you, my Queen." He replied. Krono left to the garage and left his home, riding his motorcycle down the road, hitting the first red light, as he waits for the light to change as another biker rolls up next to him, before the new rider looked over to Krono.
"Krono? That you?" Krono looked over to the other rider, who wore a black jacket over a plain white t-shirt, "Tristan?" Krono asked.
"Holy shit, dude. What are you doing here?" Tristan asked, "You're normally at the Shop by this time."
"I'll tell you at the Shop." Krono replied, as the light turned green and both of them slowly build up speed heading to the Game Shop, they both pulled into the parking lot and placing their helmets on their bikes.
"Ok, to explain why we met on the road." Krono suddenly spoke, "My wife and I just have no sense of time when we snuggle. I was just running a little late than normal."
"I can see that." Tristan replied, "By the way, what's with the large lunch box?"
Krono took the wrapped container off his bike and just smiled, "Sophi, made a lot of Furikake Rice. She got an idea from a show and made it. I was able to bring enough for everyone."
"Nice." Tristan replied, "Home cooked meals are the best."
"Especially, if they are made by someone who has years of practice under their belt." Krono added. They both walked into the Shop and looked around, noticing a lack of people.
"Hello?" Krono called out.
"Mr. Muto?" Tristan called out, "Anyone here?"
"In here guys!" a female voice called back in the living room, both of them walked into the room, seeing Solomon Muto laying on the couch as Téa massaged his lower back, causing Solomon to slightly groan in pain but moan in relaxation.
"What happened?" Tristan asked, "Oh it's nothing Tristan." Solomon replied, chuckling.
"Yeah right." Téa remarked, "The doctor told you not to climb the ladder or reach for high items for three weeks. And what did you do on your first day out of the hospital?"
"Oh, I heard the doctor, and I did nothing of the sort!" he remarked.
"Grampa, you reached for your tea mug that was just out of reach." Yugi spoke up, as he came down the stairs, "By the way, here is the hot towel, Téa."
"Thanks, Yugi." Téa replied, "Go ahead and placed the bowl on the coffee table, so I can get it when I'm ready." She finished rubbing Solomon's back before slightly lifting his shirt up a little, before pulling the steaming hot towel from the bowl of water it rested in.
"Téa I'm sure I don't need—" Solomon began to slightly protest until he let out a surprised moan as she laid the towel on his lower back.
"I'm not having it Mr. Muto." She stated, "The doctor told us if you had back pains, to apply a hot towel twice a day."
Krono sighed out, shaking his head lightly, "Damn Mr. Muto, we all love you man, but you need to take it easy. You're not as young as you use to be."
"You know, if it wasn't for this back pain, I would whoop you, youngster." Solomon replied.
"You are not doing any whooping." Téa told him, "Not until you had your second towel. Now, stay here until the heat dies off the towel."
The door of the Shop loudly slammed shut, getting everyone to jump and looked at the counter of the store, seeing Joey panting out.
"Sorry I'm late!" he said, "There was a bad accident down the road, so I had to take a different route." He walked into the living room and notices everyone there, looking at Solomon laying on the couch, "What the hell happened to you, Gramps?"
"Apparently, before Tristan and I walked in, he tried reaching for a cup that was out of reach." Krono replied.
"What?!" Joey slightly yelled, "Didn't you just get out of the hospital?!"
"If I don't do anything, what kind of example am I setting for you?!" Solomon asked.
Everyone looked at each other, before Yugi just smiled, "Grampa, no one would think less of you." He said, "You just need to take it easy is all."
"Besides, if you do have to take it easy from now on," Krono added, "you could teach the next generation of young duelist."
"And what makes you think—" Solomon began to ask, "You are the one that taught the King of Games how to duel, I think anyone would love to be taught by the man you trained the King of Games." Krono stated.
"He is right about that." Tristan added, "I mean you were able to teach Joey, who had no knowledge on dueling."
Joey quickly got into Tristan's face, point a finger, and mouth open about to say something, only to sigh out and hang his head in defeat, "Yeah, I can't be mad when that's true." He stated.
"And you did have me duel you for the job." Krono added, "To be fair, going up against you, I was nervous."
"You were nervous?" Solomon asked, "You won the duel though."
"I did." Krono replied, "It was just hard to fight that Ancient Dragon of yours when I couldn't get my best card out, until I did thanks to Red-Eyes Fusion, I was on the Defense for good portion of the Duel."
Everyone nods their heads that the Duel was in Solomon's favor until Red-Eyes Slash Dragon was summoned, Yugi finally looked at the large container that Krono was holding, "Hey, what do you have there, Krono?"
He lifts up the still wrapped container for the others to see, "The wife made a lot of Furikake Rice, and I was able to bring some for everyone." He replied, "Do you have a steaming pot we can use to keep this warm until the lunch hour?"
"Yeah, it's in here." Yugi replied, walking to kitchen as everyone started to follow into the kitchen, "You stay!" Téa suddenly spoke up and they heard Yugi's grandpa grumbled, Krono softly chuckled at his boss' stubbornness. After looking around for a bit they manage to finally find the two pots to make a Steamer. As the water in the first pot began to boil, Téa placed the second on top of it to vent the steam into it and smile.
"Alright it's all set up." She said.
"Aw man, I can't wait to try dis when it comes lunch hour." Joey said, almost drooling.
"Hate to break it to you Joey," Tristan told him, "but I'm getting the first dibs."
"What?! Like hell you are Tristan!" Joey snapped, "I told you I had to take a detour to get here!"
"You agreed dude!" Tristan yelled back, "Who shows up last pays for the meals!"
"Dat's only for Take Outs!"
"Hey guys?" Krono slightly growled getting their attention, "In case you two forgotten, this is my lunch, that I'm willing to share. I get first dibs, and if you two guys are going to fight over it, you can just go down the block for your usual Take Outs."
Both of them gave a shocked look, "Whoa, whoa, dude seriously?!" Tristan asked.
"You're seriously going to make us miss a home cooked meal?!" Joey asked.
"Well, you two are trying to fight over HIS lunch." Téa stated, "Not to mention you guys are fighting over the first serving."
"Maybe, I shouldn't give any to you guys." Krono added, "Then there will be more for Yugi, Téa, Mr. Muto, and myself."
Both Tristan and Joey began to frantically beg and apologize as Krono just stared at them, holding in his laughter, "Ok the Steamer is all set and ready." Yugi called out over the begging.
"Thanks, Yugi." Krono replied, walking past the two men on their knees, "It's funny how when there is food involved, it turns you two into begging dogs." He said in a fit of laughter.
Tristan and Joey both looked at Krono before immediately jumping to their feet and lean close to him, "WHAT?! YOU WERE PLANNING TO ANYWAYS?!" Joey yelled out.
"WHY THE HELL DID YOU MAKE US EMBARRASS OURSELVES LIKE THAT?!" Tristan asked.
"You are the two boneheads that embarrassed yourselves." Téa calmly replied, "He was just seeing how long you guys would catch on."
Krono placed the container down and unwrapped the cloth and looked a little surprised before chuckling softly, "By the Gods, I love that woman." He said.
Téa and Yugi lean over from the stove to see the container being metal, "She put the Furikake in a metal container?" Yugi asked.
"That's a smart move," Téa stated, "the food in there will stay hot or cold, depending on what was needed for the food."
"So, do we still need the Steamer?" Yugi asked, "It wouldn't hurt." Krono replied, "Let's just put a small amount of water in with the Furikake, to keep the rice nice and soft."
"Actually, I think we can keep it in the container." Joey stated, before he sees the large oval shaped container and the round steamer pot, "Never mind."
Krono slowly opened the container, letting the steam and the scent of the dish into the room, "Oh man, do I smell chicken in that Furikake?" Joey asked.
"Yeah, Sophi called it Transforming Furikake Rice." Krono replied, "She chilled chicken broth and then placed the fine cut cubes of the gelatin on top of everything, and the heat melted it, giving a new scent."
Krono carefully scooped and poured the Furikake into the steamer pot, as Téa put some hot water into it to keep the rice soft and put the lid on it. Krono, Joey, Tristan and Yugi went about to open the Shop and to check inventory, Krono taking the cashier desk first, while the others went to the basement and the back as the first customer enters the Shop.
"Welcome to the Shop." Krono told them with a smile, "What are you looking for?"
"Well, my little brother is looking for his first deck." The older boy replied.
Krono looked at the young boy-no older than eight-and smiled, "Well, I can see you are into the Beast-Warriors." He said, "You may need some standard Warriors and Beasts to help them though."
Krono helped the young boy with packs that mostly had the monsters he was looking for as well as spells and traps to support them. After they paid and left, an elderly grandmother entered and he helped her getting a deck for her granddaughter, Krono asked Tristan to hold the counter as he helped the elderly lady with the deck, customers came and went as the day went on.
"Man, it's great to help these future duelists out, but it's tiring." Krono said as he leans on the countertop.
"Well, with new cards coming out, everyone wants to get a head start before they come out." Tristan stated with a chuckle, "And you don't need to push yourself to help everyone. Your shift is about to be over for now."
"I have ten more minutes, Tristan." He replied, just as the bell chimed for a customer entering the Shop, Krono ahead with a smile to greet the customer, before let a soft grunt out and his smile vanished as he glared at two teen boys that walked into the Shop, "Tristan, take over for me."
"Huh?" Tristan asked as Krono walked off to the back room. Krono round the corner causing Joey and Yugi to look at him.
"Hey, you ok pal?" Joey asked, "You're shift doesn't end for another eight minutes."
"I can't deal with the two that just came in." Kron softly growled, "Are they customers that give you a hard time?" Yugi asked.
"They gave my son a hard time before he was homeschooled." Krono replied, "And it was just the elementary school. They have been trying to torment him in the Junior Leagues and then during the written exam for the Academy."
"Hold on, dat means those two have been bullying your kid for years?!" Joey asked, "How the hell did they get away from all of dat?!"
"They didn't." Krono replied, "They got expelled from the school, disqualified from the Junior Leagues, and were banned from ever trying to enter any Dueling Academies."
"How did it come to all of that?" Yugi asked, "Quite easy." Krono replied, "For the school I watched them corner Draco into a wall and began to tear up the Duel Monster cards that my wife and I gave him. Draco went into a frenzy and started to pummel one of them. I did run over to get Draco off, but the second boy knocked Draco with a metal lunch box to not only harm my son but to knock him out cold."
"Did he?" Joey asked.
"He did hit Draco, but instead of knocking him out," Krono continued, "Draco just fell off the first bully and turned his attention to the one that hit him. Draco was acting like a feral animal; I was barely holding him back."
"Damn." Joey exclaimed, "You boy must have been a wild child."
"Actually, Draco was the opposite, he never broke out into a fight." Krono stated.
"But seeing the cards his parents gave him being torn up like that," Yugi stated, "would make anyone go off the hench."
"So, what about the Junior League?" Joey asked, "If memory serves, you had to pass a training class to know the basics of the game."
"Draco was trained by myself and Sophi." Krono replied, "To prove it, the official asked Draco questions to which he answered them correctly."
"And in case you forgot Joey," Yugi spoke up, "The schools did do tournaments themselves and that could be used as proof."
"Oh yeah." He replied, "So, how did those brats get in?"
"They won the tournaments in their school they were transferred into." Krono replied, "Of course they cheated with stack decks and hidden cards they had on them."
"So, how did your boy win?" Joey asked, "You said they ripped the cards you gave him."
"When the Junior League rolled around, Draco had his current deck." Krono replied, "The same deck he has on him right now, the Dragon Guards."
"Man, I would be lying if I said I don't want to duel against him."
"That may be a bit high up since you did make it to the finals of the Battle City." Yugi stated, "However I remember when I picked a few things up for Grandpa, I heard some people talking about a Duelist that used Dragon Monsters, and they were saying he could be my equal."
"Believe it or not," Krono said, "That's what people have told Draco. Saying he could be on equal skills with you."
"Well, that would be interesting." Yugi simply said, "A young Duelist who could have skills at our level."
"It would be interesting to duel him."
"For the last time punks, those cards are NOT FOR SELL!"
"Oh boy." Joey responded to the shouting, "Tristan seems to be having trouble."
"We'll go see what's going on." Yugi stated, "Krono you can stay back here if you still don't won't to deal with them."
"No, they need to leave, if I think I know what they are doing." Krono said. Following the other two to the counter, Tristan already looking pissed as the two boys just stood in front of the counter looking smug.
"This is a Shop that sells Duel Monsters cards." The first boy said, "If it's a Duel Monster card it can be sold at any price."
Tristan facepalm himself in frustration and groans out, "First off; if they could be sold you wouldn't be able to pay for them. Secondly, THEY ARE NOT FOR SELL!"
"Everything is for sell." The second boy stated, just as smug, "Now quit wasting our time, and say their price."
"What's going on Tristan?" Yugi asked, stopping further argument, "What card or cards do they want to buy?"
"I know what they want." Krono spoke up, with all eyes on him, "They tried this when I was the only one in the Shop."
Krono walked behind the counter and then pointed up to three cards in protective cases, "They are trying to buy the Three God Cards."
Now Joey and Yugi glared at the two boys, "And just what made you think dat those cards are for sell?!" Joey asked.
"Or the fact that I would sell them?!" Yugi added, "Do you even know how powerful those cards are?!"
"Don't give us that bullshit about those cards have 'chosen duelist' all that is fucking made up, so people like you can just keep them!" the first boy snapped, before slamming a credit card on the counter, "Now, ring them up."
"I don't think so young man!"
Everyone turns to the living area before a loud pop was heard, followed by joyful chuckles, "I think Gramps popped his back, back to normal." Joey whispered to Yugi. Solomon stormed into the Shop and slammed the Employee Chain of Command (Not sure if that is real or not but think of it like a tree showing the Owner, Manager, and down the line.) pointing to the "Owner" picture, "Who is this?" he asked.
"Does it look like we give a fuck old man?" the first boy mocked, "I'm a customer."
"Not anymore you're not." Solomon replied, and then looked at Krono and Tristan, "Would you two mind, getting these two off the premises?"
Tristan and Krono gave a smirk as they crack their knuckles, "With pleasure." They both said.
"You can't just throw us out!" the second boy shouted.
"Actually, we can." Tristan said as he begins to softly shove the second boy out.
"Since you disrespected the owner of the Shop and said- and I quote- 'Does it look like we give a fuck?' So, we have the rights to kick you out." Krono added, throwing the first boy out as he fought back to stay in the Shop, "Oh, and don't worry about that card you try to use, we'll hold on to it until your parents come to get it."
Krono then slammed the door shut on the two boys and smiled to the others, "You don't know how long I wanted to do that."
"From you told us," Joey stated, "we don't blame you wanting to do that."
"One of the bullies of your kid?" Téa asked, "Both of them were." Krono replied, "And it's a good thing I got security camaras installed."
"Why's that?" Tristan asked, "You think they'll get the cops or something?"
"That and worse." Krono replied, "They might lie about what happened and the cops will let them in the Shop to 'take back' what we 'stole'."
"Oh, I see." Téa exclaimed, "So if the cops and parents believe the kids, we'll have the proof on what really happened."
"And it's a good thing you did." Yugi replied and pointed to the door. Everyone turned around and saw the boys they just kicked out, giving them a smug smile as the first boy turned a cellphone off, ending a call, and they both began to chuckle.
"I hope Sophi's day is better than this." Krono muttered.
Meanwhile at the Kaitos household, Saffira sighed out pleasantly while lying on the couch, "Ahh, the Furikake really hit the spot." She said, "I have to get Draco to try it when he gets home for the summer. But for now, better put the leftovers into the fridge."
She slowly got herself up and wince in pain looking at her right shoulder and rolled it along with her wing joint, before finally getting up and head to the kitchen to put the Furikake up but met an empty pot she used.
"What the?" she asked herself, "I ate all that was left? When did I do that?" She groans softly, rubbing her eyes before looking at the clock, reading 3 o' clock.
"Hmm, Draco might be back in his dorm with the classes over, I'll see how he is doing."
She walks over to the video phone, tapped the "recent calls" and tapped "Duel Academy" and took the receiver up and walked away from the screen as she began to wash the dishes she used, hearing the phone ring in her ear. It clicked to someone answering and got a greetings from the Academy's sectary.
"Hello this is Duel Academy out-call line." The woman spoke, "What is your reason for calling?"
"Oh, that's new!" Saffira gasped lightly.
"I'm sorry?"
"Oh, my apologies. I only receive calls from my son, I thought by calling back I would just call his dorm room."
"Oh, I see the misunderstanding." The sectary replied, "When students make calls to the mainland, we don't interfere. It's out-calls that get redirected to us."
"That makes sense." Saffira replied, "I guess I need to tell you my son's name?"
"Yes Ma'am." The sectary replied, "I also need your name for the records, it's for security reasons."
"I understand." Saffira replied, "My name is Sophi Kaitos, I'm just trying to call my son, Draco Kaitos to see how he is doing is all."
Saffira heard the sound of keys on a keyboard clicking, "Ok here we are, Draco Kaitos; first-year Slifer, Dorm number 3B. I can patch you to the computer's phone."
"Thank you very much." Saffira said with a smile as she finished the dishes and return to the video phone, placing the receiver back so the screen turned on to a ringing phone icon shaking for a bit before the screen turned to Syrus staring at the screen.
"M-Mrs. Kaitos?!"
"SYRUS!?" Saffira gasped out, before starting to freak out, "Oh Gods! Umm-uh th-this isn't wh-what it looks like! I-I must h-have f-filter on! Y-yeah that's it!"
"Mrs. Kaitos, pl-please calm down." Syrus stuttered just as shocked, "I just heard the computer ringing and answered it, even though I knew it was Draco."
"Then why didn't Draco answer it?" Saffira asked before her eyes snapped, "Wait, why are you not surprised?"
Syrus got more nervous and scared, before gulping loudly and tried to calm down, "Well, we found out about the secret."
"Did you say 'We'?!" Saffira slightly demanded, scaring him again, "Who else did Draco tell?!"
"Umm-well he really didn't have a choice." Syrus replied.
"WHO THREATEN HIM?!" Saffira snarled out, causing Syrus to duck under the desk, Saffira sighed out rubbing her eyes, "I'm sorry, Syrus. I'll let you explain everything, and I won't outburst again until you are done."
Syrus peeked up and nodded before sitting back down, calmly explaining everything; Professor Banner's bonus question, who all got the question correctly, the ruins they went to, all of them transporting to the Spirit World, the Gravekeepers, the Chieftain demanding to know what rights Draco had to challenge him, Draco telling everyone who and what he was, the duel between the two, and his grandparents popping up.
"And it all ended with us being back outside of that chamber." Syrus finished up, "Last thing Draco said was a few of us were going to be watch for a bit to see if we could keep what happen secrets."
Saffira sighed out, "Do you remember the name of his grandparents?' she asked.
"No, but I remember what Monster they are." Syrus replied.
"Was one an elder Blue-Eyes Shining Dragon and the other an Azure-Eyes Silver Dragon?"
"Yeah, they were." Syrus replied, "My mother and father." Saffira sighed out, leaning in the chair, "By the Gods, why haven't they said anything yet?"
"I think it's something about their age?" Syrus asked, not sure.
"Seems about right." She replied, "So everyone in the friend circle, knows the truth?"
"Yeah, we all know." Syrus replied.
"Before I forget." Saffira said, "Why didn't Draco answer the call?"
"He over did it in gym class today." Syrus said, visibly lying through his teeth, "And our nurse won't let him out of the nurse's office until she gives him the all clear to leave."
Saffira raised a brow, not buying it at all, "Alright." She said, "Would you pass the message to Draco that I called to check up on him?"
"Sure thing." Syrus said, "And Mrs. Kaitos?"
"Yes?"
"When Draco said your real name, I looked up the Duel Monster card, and I have to say, you are very pretty as a dragon."
Saffira looked at Syrus for a bit before smiling and chuckling softly, "I can't be mad a sweet boy like you." She said through her chuckles, "You take care, Syrus."
The screen went off as Saffira lean back again and sighed, "I don't know if I should have a talk with Draco, about his friends knowing about everything, or just let him talk to us about it."
Saffira groans again as she feels her shoulder and wing joint, "Damn it! Why is this acting up? Did I sleep on it wrong? Maybe a soothing hot bath will help me out, I hope Krono is having a good day."
Back at the Game Shop, Krono facepalmed himself as the others look in disbelief as four parents yelled over each other, with two police officers standing between everyone and the two boys giving shit-eating grins. The parents demanding that they all get arrested for harming their "Champion boys" as well as demanding not just the credit card but the cards they "Stole" from the boys.
"Are you four dumbasses done?!" Krono growled,
"How dare you call us that!" one of the mothers spat out, "You should be behind bars after assaulting my child!"
"Listen just return the cards you stole from them." The first officer spoke, "Then they'll drop the charges."
"For the last time, Officer." Joey said, "We didn't steal any cards!"
"We have video proof that they wanted to buy cards that were not for sale," Tristan added, "and after countless times of telling them that, they refuse to listen."
"And just what cards did you refuse to sell to them?" one of the fathers asked, to which Krono just pointed to the shelf behind the counter.
The police looked at the shelf and looked around, "Where are they?" the first asked.
"There." Krono replied, "Behind those three on the shelf?" the second officer asked.
"Those are the cards they said we stole." Yugi said, "They wanted the Three Egyptian God Cards."
The two officers and the fathers of the boys turned and glared at them, "Do you boys know it's a crime to waste police time and making false claims?" the second officer asked them.
"You tried to get us to steal those cards?!" the first father spoke up.
"Don't yell at our son that—" the mother snapped, before her husband held a hand up, "Our son is grounded for the rest of the school year."
"What?!" the first boy snapped, "Also you'll be paying the fine from the tickets the police will be giving you."
"The same goes for you." The second father said to his son.
"What the fuck?! That's bullshit!" he snapped back.
"Make that until the next school year starts!" his father told him, "Shall I add more? Think carefully on what you say next."
No one said anything else, besides the officers and the fathers of the boys apologizing for wasting everyone's time. After the families and police, Téa walked to the door and switched the sign around to have everyone see the Shop being closed for now as well as hanging the sign that read "Staff out to lunch" before turning to all the men in the Shop, "I think we need to wind down and eat something." She said.
"I agree." Tristan added.
"Ditto." Krono stated, "I'll go give the Furikake a quick stir."
"I'll get the bowls for everyone." Yugi happily added.
"I'll get the chopsticks." Joey stated, "Hey Yugi? Where do you keep them?"
"In the top drawer, left side of the sink."
"Thanks, pal."
As the others got the dishware they needed, Krono popped the lead off the steamer pot and the kitchen filled with the scent of the Furikake, causing Tristan and Joey to drool with anticipation.
"Oh, I have to agree with how those two are acting." Solomon stated, "You said your wife made it, I recall?"
"That she did." Krono said happily, "If she wrote the recipe down, I'll be sure to bring it next time."
"That would be cool." Téa replied, "I would love to try my hand in making this one day."
She gets the first bowl and hands it to Krono, "It is his lunch after all." She chimed.
"And I'm not going to be cruel and eat it without you guys getting a bowl." He responds with a chuckled. Once Téa got everyone a bowl of the Furikake Rice and sat down, each one of them took a bite of the meal.
"By the gods." Krono muttered, "This is amazing. I'm going have to do something special for Sophi when I get home."
"You better." Téa stated, "This amazing."
"I agree." Solomon added, "You can taste the care she took into making this Furikake."
"And that chicken broth she used; it just adds more flavor without adding anything else." Yugi pointed out, "You don't think it went to waste, do you?"
"I doubt it." Krono replied, "Knowing her, she might have preserved it for dinner one night." He then looks over to Tristan and Joey, to ask them about the food, only to be met by two bowls in their faces as they scarf it down, "I guess I don't need to ask you how you think about the food."
They both pulled their bowls from their faces, showing they both had tears running down.
"There's no need." Tristan said with a mouthful of food, "It's so good!"
"I'm swallowing my pride as I swallow this rice." Joey stated, "I do cook for Mai, and she has said my cooking is amazing, but this is far better."
"That's right." Téa suddenly spoke, "When we were on Duelist Kingdom Island, Joey did cook with what Mai let us use."
"Even she said Joey could land a wife with his cooking skills." Yugi added, "And no one saw that it was Mai herself."
"I may have to tell Mai about this." Joey said, "You said your wife boiled chicken to get the broth?"
"That's right." Krono replied, "She said she then chilled them to be a gelatin and letting it melt on the hot rice."
"Ok, I have to try this now." Joey said.
They continue to talk and praise the food, before continuing the workday, not having any trouble from earlier that day. Krono helped one young boy looking for cards to help his favorite card, being Obnoxious Celtic Guard, finding useful spells and traps to help the kid as well as a few monsters.
"Krono!" Solomon called out form the back, "Your shift is over!"
"Alright, Mr. Muto!" He called back, then looked at the boy, "Well, you are the last young duelist I help today." He finished helping him, wished him fun duels, went to the back to get his helmet and left the Shop.
"Alright see you guys tomorrow!" Krono called out.
"Alright, take care Krono." Yugi called back.
"Tell your wife not to worry about the container!" Téa yelled, "I can drop it off later if you want."
"I'll take it home tomorrow." Krono said. Walking outside he hops on his motorcycle and placed his helmet on and began his ride home. As the final costumer finished and left leaving the rest of the work group to relax.
"Man, today was doing great until those brats showed up." Tristan said, "I can't believe they thought they could get away with stealing the God Cards."
"But you have to admit, Krono's lunch did make it up." Joey stated, "I really need to tell Mai about it."
The phone of the shop suddenly began to ring, with Joey being the closest person to answer it, "Thanks for calling the Game Shop." He proudly said, "This is Joey Wheeler speaking, how can I help you?"
"Do you always sound so professional when you are no longer on the clock, Hun?"
"Mai!" Joey happily yelled out, "We were just talking about you. Krono brought a Furikake Rice his wife made it was out of this world."
"It'll have to wait, Hun." Mai said, "Knowing you are at the Shop, is everyone there?"
"Everyone except for Krono." Joey replied.
"Put me on speaker then." Joey looked at the phone and pressed the button and placed the receiver down, "Ok you're on speaker." Joey said.
"Alright, now when you said everyone, does that mean everyone?" Mai asked.
"There's myself, Tristan, Yugi, Téa and Gramps." Joey replied.
"And what about the other Yugi?" Mai asked, "Or should I be saying, the Pharaoh?"
Yugi looked over to an empty area of the room, seeing a transparent slightly taller, older version of himself, giving him a nod, "Yeah he's listening." Yugi replied.
"Good." Mai sighed out, "Listen, whatever I say, don't tell Krono or his wife."
Everyone looked at each other, growing concerned, "Mai?" Joey asked, "What the hell is going on at that island?"
Meanwhile, Krono rode down the busy street, smiling as he enjoyed the ride, stopping at the light, and glanced to his mirrors and noticed a black car behind two cars to his left, looking over to the other mirror and seeing another black car two cars behind him on his right.
"Ok, that is too weird." He thought. The light turned green, Krono began to ride again, looking at the mirror, and noticed that both of the cars move into the center line, right behind him. To confirm his suspicions, he carefully turned the blinker on to change lanes. Getting into the right lane, Krono looked into the left mirror and noticed the two cars did the same.
"Confirmed, they are following me." Krono thought, "I bet they are working for one of those bitches, from earlier today." Krono came to another red light, placing his foot down to keep his balance, before getting an idea, and focused on his foot before a faint black flame was left behind as the light turned. Krono drove off, keeping an eye on the mirror, the car right behind him went over the faint flame; nothing happened. But the second the first black car went over the flame, a sudden explosion flipped it to the side as it slight skid and flipped again to its hood, the second card slammed on its breaks but still slammed into the flipped car. Krono still drove off and sighed as he couldn't see the cars.
"Hah, Saffira will kill me if she found out what I did." He said to himself, as he continues his ride to his house. Krono pulled into the garage and turned his motorcycle off as he sighs out, taking his helmet off. After closing the garage door and entering the house, he placed his helmet on the shelf above the washer and dryer.
"Saffira! I'm home!" he called out, being met with silence. He began to walk around the house, "Saffira?" he called again, still getting no response, "Huh? Guess she must be out. Well, after what I had to deal with a I think a nice hot bath will be amazing."
Krono stretched out his arms as he heads up the stairs and into the bath chamber, once the door open, he saw the large tub occupied, "Ah, this is where you are." He chuckled, causing the silver haired, light blue scale dragoness to gasp out softly and turned to look at the person that walked it.
"Oh, Krono." Saffira sighed out, "How long have you been home?"
"I just got home." Krono replied, as he slowly got into the hot water next to his wife and queen, "How long have you been in here?"
"I must have lost track." She replied, "The joint of my wing and shoulder has been acting up today."
"Which one?" Krono asked.
"Mostly my right side." Saffira replied, "I think I may have slept on it wrong."
"Well, I can give that herbal tea that relaxes muscles." Krono said, "Vahraniik showed me how to make it."
"Oh, that sounds so good right now." Saffira stated, "I pretty much been here the whole afternoon."
"You wouldn't mind if I have soak first?" Krono asked, "I had to deal with very obnoxious brats today."
"Don't you deal with those every now and then?"
"Not like the bullies of our son."
Saffira laid her back and groaned out, "By the Gods." She muttered, "What the hell did they want?"
"Exactly that." Krono replied, "The God Cards."
"Are you serious?!" Saffira gasped, "Those cards can only be control by a few Duelists."
"By what I saw," Krono stated, "It seems Yugi can, I mean he does look like the Pharaoh Atem, he could be direct descendent of the Pharaoh."
"Which could explain why he can control them." Saffira theorized, "But what about that asshole, Kaiba?"
"No idea." Krono simply replied, "Maybe he wants power and the Gods allowed it, I mean that leader of the Rare Hunter had the final one."
"Now with him, I recall his family served the Pharaoh." Saffira pointed out, "Maybe the family loyalty allowed the Gods to let them use them."
"That or the Millennium Item." Krono added, "I mean didn't every member of the ancient council own an Item?"
"They did." She replied, "You think they either had some connection to the original owners or are reincarnations?"
Krono groaned out and laid his head back, "My head hurts." He replies, "But back to the topic, those brats pretty much said that 'Chosen Ones' is bs. Then they slammed a credit card down demanding we sell them the God Cards."
"Let me guess." Saffira interrupted, "You refused, didn't care about anyone, so you threw them out?"
"Yup, and then lied to their parents and cops." Krono added, "Of course their fathers, once they learn their boys were trying to steal the God Cards, punished them."
"Good." Saffira slightly snarled, "Those two have cause nothing but trouble for Draco for years."
Krono sighed after a bit and stood up, popping his back and shoulders, "Alright, I'll get your tea ready."
"I really do appreciate that, Dear." She told him. Krono left the large tub, before being consumed by his Black Flame, and shifted into his true form, and rolled his shoulders before walking off, while Saffira eyes him, "Well, there's that sexy dragon I paired with~."
"Until you get over that pain in your joint, my Queen, I'm afraid you won't be getting my tail any time soon." He jokingly said.
He continued heading to the kitchen, as he rubbed his eyes from the day's work, once in the kitchen, he opened a drawer to get the small notebook and began to flip through the pages, of handwritten recipes.
"Ah, there it is." Krono said, finding the medicinal herb recipe for the muscle relaxing tea. He filled the kettle up before looking at the recipe and looking through the spice and herb cabinets for the ones he would need, then began to grind them down. It took about fifteen minutes for Krono to finish, having the ground powered herb leaves in a filter and poured the hot water over it, creating the tea and filling the cup.
"Saffira! Your tea is ready!" he called out.
"Thanks, Hun!" She called back. She stretched lightly, only to groan out as her right shoulder and wing joint, shot a jolt of pain through her. She sighed out, she gets out of the tub and headed to the kitchen, seeing Krono pour a cup for her, "Well, the hot bath did work until I stretched." She said.
"I am sorry to hear that, Saffira." Krono replied, handing the cup to her, "I do hope this will help a lot better."
"So do I." she replied. Taking the cup and sighing out, before taking a sip of the tea. She suddenly distorts her face in disgust, to which Krono noticed, "Is something wrong?" he asked.
"You did use the right herbs, correct?" she asked, after swallowing what she sipped, "I did." He replied, showing the handwritten recipe to her, "I know your handwriting anywhere, I followed the recipe exactly."
"Well, it's just more bitter than usual." She replied, "Or there is something off with it."
"Well, I will admit this was my first time making it." Krono stated, "Since you always make your tea."
"But you are always precise when it comes to ingredients." Saffira pointed out, "So how is it, that it doesn't taste right?"
"I honestly do not know." He replied, "But regardless, I do hope it helps with your pain."
Saffira softly groan, as she drank the very bitter tea. As they each talk about what they all went through that day, the News reported about a strange explosion that happened on the main road, as the reporter talked about the strange phenomena, the traffic cam showed the accident, "As you can see, when the white minivan went over where the explosion took place, nothing seems to happen. However, as you see here this black car, suddenly explodes and flips over as the car behind it slams into it. Thankful no one was injured, but Police are suspecting foul play and insurance scandal of the accident." Saffira narrow her eyes before slowly turning to look at her mate, glaring at him.
"Krono?" she snarled, "Why the hell was that explosion a Black Flame?!"
"In my defense," he replied, "they were following me."
"How so?!"
"Well, they were on each side of me about a car back," Krono began, "then they both merged to the center lane, where I was."
"That doesn't mean they were following you?!" Saffira roared, "You could have exposed what you are!"
"HOWEVER!" he slightly roared back, "When I changed to the right line, they ended up doing the same! I figured it was one of those bitches that called her goons to find out where I lived so she could make my private life a living hell for getting her 'Champion boy' in trouble for no reason."
"And is that one of the boys you delt with today?!"
"Most likely." Krono replied, "I mean how often do you see two or more similar cars in the same area that is not a car lot at the same time?"
Saffira groaned out and braided him about using his Flame in public view, before the News continued, "The men that were involved in the accident, thankfully not injured, were identified as bodyguards to the Yakushima Family." (I don't know if the name I used is someone important or not, I just did a name on the spot.)
Saffira and Krono looked back at the television seeing four built men in dark business suits, doing their best to avoid answering questions from the police, with the head officer telling the News reporter they are suspecting insurance fraud. The rest of the day went off as normal, minus the occasion rant of Saffira on her husband for using his Flames in view of a camera. However, that was only the start. Over the next few days Krono has noticed that Saffira's pain hasn't stop, but got worst, as for the strange food combinations, going from amazingly delicious, to "What demon was is she trying to appease?!" disgusting concoction, to which she finds delicious. On one day, Krono groaned tiredly at the counter, barely able to help anyone as Yugi, Téa, and Solomon noticed while Joey and Tristan were busy helping the customers.
"Are you doing alright there, Krono?" Yugi asked.
Krono groans out, slowly and tiredly looking at them, "Ugh. The wife has gotten worse." He groans out, "We tried some herbal tea that relaxes muscles, but she says it's off."
"Did you make it correctly?" Solomon asked, "It's her recipe that I follow to the point!" Krono replied.
"What about this should pain of hers?" Téa asked, "You tried everything?"
"Hot baths, the herbal tea, heated towels, everything!" Krono said, looking at her before his eyes lit up, "Wait, there is one thing we haven't tried."
"What is it?" Yugi asked.
Krono reached out, holding Téa, "It's you!" he said with a hopeful smile.
"Uhh, what?" she asked, "Your massages." He clarified, "You helped Solomon with his back, please help us with her shoulder."
"A back is different from the shoulder." Téa replied, "The only difference is a different location on the back." Krono slightly snapped, "You said a few days ago you were taking a few pointers from a masseuse."
"You did a great job on Grandpa's back." Yugi added, "And that was when you had no pointers."
"You can tell how it is, like when I came into work today, I have been getting little to no sleep." Krono begged.
"Whoa, slow down there, youngster." Solomon spoke up, "Téa isn't sure if she wants to yet."
"Well," Téa stated, "it seems to be bad if he tried everything, and the lack of sleep is affecting his work and how he acts to the customers, maybe I should check on Sophi."
Krono suddenly hugged Téa, "You are the best Téa. I'll just write down the address and then—"
"Oh no!" Solomon spoke up slightly pushing Krono out from the counter to the Living room, "You go rest for a bit, I have your address written down in the files incase Yugi had to call you if I was out, which has happened."
"If you say so." Kron muttered, "Oh wait, Téa!"
"Yes?"
"Before I forget, Sophi likes to go all natural." Krono said, "So, there is a good chance you might see something, you normally wouldn't see."
"After what we have been through, I don't think anything can surprise me." Téa replied. After Krono laid down, Téa got the address from Solomon, she wished them all luck as she left into the parking lot, before looking at the address.
"A fifteen-minute drive?" she asked herself, "Didn't know he lived that close to the Shop." Walking through the lot, passing a newly red sports car to a small blue motorized scooter- yes Téa and Yugi have a car, from Dueling Tournaments, Yugi was able to get a car for them to get groceries or travels across town, however their motorized scooter was for last minute pick-ups from the store a few blocks away or short drives that were thirty minutes away. Hopping on the scooter, Téa rode the scooter on the sidewalk, only going on the rode if it got to crowded. After the fifteen-minute drive, Téa stopped in front of a house and looked at the slip of paper with the address, looking at the mailbox, matching it. She then looked at her cellphone getting a text from Yugi ten minutes ago, "Krono said the garage door leading into the house should be unlocked, Téa." She then rolled the scooter into the garage, put the kick stand down and went to the door, and sure enough it was unlocked. Walking into the house, Téa placed her keys and purse on the counter as she looked around the house.
"Hello?" she called out, "Sophi Kaitos?" she heard a loud groan followed by a growl upstairs, Téa slowly heads up the stairs, following the sounds of the groans and growls, until she stood in front of a door, hearing the groans and growls much clearer, "Ok, it doesn't sound like there is something else in there. Is she in that much pain?" Téa slowly opened the door, slightly gasped as she saw a scaled tail violently swung into her view. She then slowly pushed the door, seeing a light blue scaled dragon on a bed leaving large deep claw marks the headboard. Téa watched as the dragon tried to shift its right wing, only to groan out in pain.
"Dur daar faaz!" (Curse this pain!) the dragon snarled out, in a familiar voice, which Téa recognized.
"Uhh…. Sophi?" Téa asked, "Is that really you?"
The dragon slowly looked over its left shoulder, seeing Téa looking at her, "Téa?!" she gasped, looking at the young lady staring back, before growling out, "I'm going to break every bone in your body when you get home tonight, Krono Kaitos!"
"Yeah, that's you alright." Téa replied, "I guess this is what Krono meant by you going 'all natural'."
"Look Téa," Saffira spoke up trying to turn around to speak, but groaned loudly from the pain in her shoulder, "Gah! Son of a fucking—I don't know what Krono is trying to pull, but Téa I'm in no mood to tolerate his shit right now!"
Téa looked at Saffira, sheepishly rubbing the back of her head, "Yeah, about that." She said, "He actually asked me to help you with that pain you are having."
"And just how can you help?"
"Well, I did give Grandpa Muto a massage when he threw his back out." Téa replied, "And I did that without pointers from a professional, Sophi—"
"It's Saffira."
"I'm sorry?"
"Téa let's be real, I'm not a human. Sophi was the name I picked when you see me outside of the house or when I know you are coming over." She explained, "You should know who and what I truly am; I am the Queen of Dragons, Saffira."
Téa continue to look at her, as Saffira looked back waiting for a reaction, "How come you don't look shocked about the fact I'm a Duel Monster?"
"Well, Soph—I mean Saffira, you know what my friends and myself have been through, this isn't really something to be shocked about." She replied, "I mean, I have seen multiple Shadow Games, been mind-controlled, watched real monsters roam the world with a creature trying to end all life, and traveled through time."
Saffira looked at Téa was a concern expression and raised brow, "What kind of shit does your friend circle attract?" she asked.
"Well, it seems to attract Duel Monsters." Téa replied, sheepishly.
"Oh ha-ha." Saffira replied, "But going back to the name." Téa said, "Is 'Krono' his real name?"
"Yes, that is his real name." Saffira replied, "However, you don't know his true name."
"But you just said—"
"His true name is Krono, Lord of the Red-Eyed Dragon."
"He's a Duel Monster too?" Téa asked.
"Do you know how rare it is for a Duel Monster and a human to have a child?" Saffira asked, "But back to the subject at hand; you said you were asked to help with my pain?"
"Well, I was asked by Krono to try and see if a massage will help." Téa replied, "But, I don't know how well I will do, since it seems to be more like the wing."
"It's the joint." Saffira replied, "It's where my wing and shoulder connects, and seeing how you never did this before, I'll give you ten minutes."
Saffira carefully laid on her stomach, slightly growling as her wing shifted, causing Téa to slight gulp as she places her bag down and got some rubbing lotion, "Can you promise—"
"I can't promise I won't lash out." Saffira interrupted her, "I am a dragon after all, it's instincts to lash out if we feel pain from something we are not accustomed to. But I do apologize in advance if I do."
Téa carefully poured some of the lotion on to Saffira's shoulder and wing before putting some on her hands, before taking a deep breath to calm herself. After some time has passed, Saffira let out a mixture of growls, moans, and similar to purrs as she gave a very relaxing smile, while Téa continue to rub right on the joint.
"You know, I was supposed to stop fifteen minutes ago." Téa stated, as she pressed lightly at the joint getting another mix of pleasured sounds from Saffira.
"I know, but it feels so damn good." She moaned out, "By the Gods, I needed this so much!"
"When you say, 'Gods' what do you mean?"
"I think you know who I mean." Saffira replied, "I am referring to the three Gods."
"Wait, as in—"
"Obelisk, Slifer, and Ra." Saffira let out another moan as Téa pressed right at the joint, "That's the spot, that needed to get touched."
"Well, I was able to help you out." She replied, "Krono mentioned you guys tried everything these past few days."
"Yes, we did." Saffira replied, "And nothing worked, not even the Herbal tea, it was just off."
"You know, strange craving, and the taste of food and drink being different, is a sign of pregnancy." Téa explained.
"Téa," Saffira sighed out, "Not a human, remember? It's different for us."
"How so?"
"Well, we feel more feral, wanting to hunt our prey."
"And if you don't?"
"Well, we lash out, eat whatever we can find in our surrounding, however if we don't hunt, we just lash out more, and because we are not hunting, our body gets stress out to the point we get serious pains mostly in our joints."
Téa instantly stopped rubbing Saffira as her eyes widen, "Is everything alright back there?" Saffira asked, "You just suddenly stopped."
"Umm, what did you just say about a dragon's pregnancy?" Téa asked.
"Which one?" Saffira asked, "The last part." She replied.
"Serious pains in the joints." Saffira repeated herself.
"And what have been massaging for the past half-hour?" Téa asked, hoping she would catch on.
"What question is that?' Saffira asked, "You've been massaging my shoulder-wing joint." Saffira laid there waiting for Téa to continue, before it finally clicked with her what Téa was implying, "Whoa, hold on. By joints I mean in our arms and legs, it never happens in the wings."
"And yet," Téa stated, "you have all you said, you lashed out, made a lot of weird food combination and you have severe pain in joints."
"I told you the joint pains are the arms and legs!" Saffira snarled out, getting Téa to jump back as Saffira growled at her, until realizing what she did and her expression changed to a shock expression, "Oh shit." She muttered.
"Do you want me to get my cell and call the Shop?" Téa asked, Saffira nods her head, as Téa wiped her hands of the lotion and began to rummage through her bag, getting a little faster each few seconds.
"Are you kidding me?!" Téa shouted, "I left my phone at the Shop?!"
Saffira sighed out and slowly got up from the bed, "Come on, I'll get the video phone going for you."
"Is that a good idea?" Téa asked, "Not only, about you showing yourself, but with your shoulder and all?"
"I like to think of this as poetic karma." Saffira replied, "Krono seemed to have no problems of you seeing my true form, so why shouldn't the rest know with him knowing at the last minute be any different?"
Téa had a slight shiver as she looks at Saffira, "You are scary when it comes to revenge."
"Oh sweetie, this is nothing compared to insulting my family." Saffira said, before turning to look at Téa with a glow in her eyes, "Ask Kaiba." They both headed downstairs, Saffira hit the touch screen to turn it on as Téa looked at the screen, noticing "Duel Academy" and "Game Shop" being the only two on there.
"The most frequent calls in and out appear as quick-dial." Saffira said, "Just touch 'Game Shop' and it'll call it."
"Should I pick the receiver up?" Téa asked, "Or does it work either way?"
"Just hit the 'Game Shop' on the screen." Saffira replied to which Téa did and the phone icon begin to show it was ringing. Over on the other side, the sound of a phone ringing caused the men to look around for the source since the main store phone wasn't the cause.
"Where is the ringing coming from?!" Joey yelled, as his head shot up from behind the counter.
"Keep asking, Joey!" Tristan called from upstairs, "Maybe it'll finally answer for you!"
"Come on guys!" Yugi called out from the kitchen, "we need to find it, before the answering machine picks it up!"
"Will you youngsters try to yell quieter!" Solomon slightly yelled, "We do have a fellow employee trying to sleep!"
"Sorry, Grandpa."
"Sorry, Mr. Muto."
"Yeah sorry, Gramps."
"It's alright." Krono said with a groan as he stretched, "The ringing is in here, it's the Video phone."
The other four men came into the living room seeing the screen with a digital phone ringing displaying an address, "So, how is calling us?" Joey asked looking at the screen. Krono glanced over as his eyes widen and stood up.
"That's my address." He said, "It could be Téa calling back."
"But, why your phone?" Yugi asked.
"Uh, perhaps that's why?' Tristan said pointing to the table in front of the couch, as Téa's cell phone sat there. Joey looked at the screen and decided to answer the call.
"Hello, thank you—" Joey froze the greeting phrase, staring at the screen.
"Dude, Joey?" Tristan asked, "What the heck man? You can't be rude—" he froze his phrase, staring at the screen as well. Yugi and his Grandfather looked at each other in confusion before leaning closer to view the screen, while Krono looked like he was trying to find the right words to say, as all five men stared into the screen, seeing Téa sheepishly smiling and a Duel Monster glaring at them.
"How has your day been going," the Duel Monster snarled, "my dear husband, Krono?!"
"WHAT?!" four of them yelled out and looked at Krono.
"Dude, what the hell?!" Tristan yelled, "Your wife is actually a Duel Monster?!"
"You know it is rude to talk about someone when the yare right in front of you!" She snarled getting them to look at her, "So Krono, when were you going to give me a call and tell me that Téa was swinging by?"
Krono finally found his words and slightly glared back, "I was going to give you heads up! However, I was told to get—"
"Do not try to put this on others, Krono!" She snarled back, "All Téa told me was you said I'll be 'all natural' and didn't bother to try and warn me?!"
"Lowering the tension here!" Téa spoke up, "I did call out to tell I was here, but I guess she was in such pain she didn't hear me."
"Téa, how's the fact that someone we know is Duel Monster, not freaking you out?!" Joey asked, getting a deadpan stare from her as well as Yugi and Solomon, "What?!"
"Joey, after everything we have been through, this is what shocks you?" Yugi asked.
"Well yeah, but I mean—"
"Oh, I'm not the only Duel Monster you know of."
Joey turned back to the screen as the Monster looked at Krono, "Really?" he asked, "You are really going there, Saffira?"
"SAFFIRA?!" the guys asked in a unison yell.
"As in, da Duel Monster card; Queen of Dragons, Saffira?!" Joey asked.
"Oh, trying to put the pressure on someone else?" Saffira asked, "My Lord of the Red-Eyed Dragon?"
"Hold on," Tristan spoke up, "did you say, 'Lord of the Red-Eyed Dragon'?"
"I did."
"Hey Joey, does that sound very similar to your Lord of the Red card?"
"It should, since that is the shorter title of that Monster." Saffira replied, "but getting to the topic on why we called in the first place."
"Yes, why did you call?" Krono asked, "I hope it's about Téa helping with your pain."
"Well, that did work." Téa replied, "But there's more."
The guys calm down and sat down to look at the screen, "Ok, to sum it all up; my food creations, lashing out, and the joint pains are all the signs of me not going out and hunt." Saffira said.
"Why would you need to hunt?" Joey asked, "I mean, you have food yourself, right?"
Saffira began to menacingly growl at him, "Joey, she's not a human." Téa told him.
"Right sorry."
"The point, they are all signs of one thing." Saffira said, looking at Krono, "Our son, is going to be a big brother."
Krono's mouth dropped open, "W-wait, Saffira? A-are you saying that y-you're pregnant?!"
Joey slightly sat up and looked at Tristan and Yugi, "Hey guys, I need to talk to you two for a second."
Yugi and Tristan looked at each other before following Joey to the kitchen at the other side of the building, "Ok Joey, what's up?" Tristan asked.
"Listen, I know we promised Mai, not to tell them," Joey started, "but it's their kid. They have to know what's going on."
"Joey." Tristan groaned, "I get with what you are saying- I do, man- But we did promise Mai we wouldn't say a thing to them."
"She was asking as a teacher." Yugi stated, "But as a friend, we should tell them."
"Ok dat's two of us, voting to tell them." Joey stated, "But what about him?"
Yugi and Tristan looked confused, "Oh come on, Yugi." Joey said, "You think after everything we've been through, all of those Shadow Duels, we wouldn't know that the other you- the Pharaoh- would be listening?"
Yugi looked shocked at his friend, as a transparent older, taller version of himself lean against the wall with a smug smile.
"How long have you been able to sense my presents, Joey?" he asked.
"I had a gut feeling during the Battle City Tournament." Joey replied, "But it was when those Orichalcos freaks that we learned about you."
"That doesn't explain, how you are capable of knowing I'm here."
"The time we actually traveled through time." Joey said deadpan, "Come on man, that's when we learn your name. Now we don't have to call you 'Other Yugi' or 'Pharaoh' we can call you by your name, Buddy."
"Hey Joey?" Krono called out, "Would your four take your private conversation to another room, or talk quieter?"
"No." Saffira slightly snapped, "I heard them mention Draco. All four of you, back here, now!"
They looked at each other before Tristan chuckled sheepishly, "Uh, you must be mistaken ma'am." He said, "There is—"
"Tristan, who and what the hell, do you think you are talking to?!" she asked, "I may not be as old as that 5000-year-old pharaoh spirit, but we can see and hear him!"
They gulped loudly as they returned to the living room, as Solomon sighed out and told them he was going to close the shop early to rest, leaving the others to continue the conversation.
"Now, what is it Mai told you to promise not to tell us about our son?" Saffira asked them.
"Saffira," Krono spoke up, "Let's get something straight first. Know that Mai was thinking like a teacher, not wanting to have us worry."
Saffira sighed out rubbing her eyes, "Give me the nutshell version." She growled, "I really need to get out of the house and hunt."
"From what Mai told us," Joey started, "In a nutshell, some duelists are appearing on the island and causing Shadow Games and your boy dueled in one."
"We were told he won the duel, but for some reason he became exhausted." Yugi added, "he's been in their Nurse's office for two days now."
Krono thought this over as Saffira growled softly before standing up, as they all watched as she opened a Spirit Gate, making Téa jump back as Krono sighed out, "Let her be Téa." He said, "She's just going to the Spirit World to her family's hunting grounds."
"So, what was that?" Téa asked, "A Spirit gate.' Krono replied, "It's how we long distance, but we rarely use it."
"If you can use it for long travel—" Tristan started.
"Try to put it in their view." The Pharaoh spoke up, "They wish to live a peaceful life in this world, a Spirit gate would bring trouble."
"Thank you, Atem." Krono said, getting the others to look at him, "You guys think Duel Monster Spirits wouldn't know about the Great Pharaoh Atem? The most powerful Pharaoh in all of Egypt, who stopped the Shadow Games 5000 years ago and returned to prevent them from raising again?"
"Then perhaps we can skip formalities." Atem replied, "Since I figured you do not wish to go by 'Lord' or 'Your Highness'?"
"Not by friends." Krono replied, "And I think I know why my son is exhausted."
"What's your theory?' Tristan asked, "I think whoever dueled my son, did a Shadow Game, and my son used his Spirit Powers to banish the Shadow Duelist to the Shadow Realm."
"That wouldn't explain why he would be tired." Yugi stated.
"And how exhausted were you when you first banished someone or their dark mind to the Shadow Realm on your first try?" Krono asked him.
"Yugi has never done such a thing." Atem replied, "I have done that, but Yugi has been in a few Shadow games himself, not just the victim, but an actual duelist of it."
"Well, my son may have use d all of his powers for his first Shadow Duel." Krono theorized, "So he could be in a state of slumber to regain what he used."
"That does make sense." Téa spoke up, "I mean, if it was his first time, he would use everything to stop the Shadow Duelist from winning and returning."
"What was the Duelist name?' Krono asked, "That was one thing, Mai never told us." Téa replied.
"Alright, I'll tell Saffira when she returns." Krono stated, "I do thank you guys for tell me and helping the wife out."
"Should I lock up your house and leave?" Téa asked, "I mean, I don't know when she'll be back."
"Please do and be careful on your way back." Krono said with a smile. Elsewhere in a thick forest, two young women hid among the bushes, one holding a short sword, the other a small bow as they kept an eye on a large white goat monster, having small wings and multiple tails as it grazed at the grass. The young lady with the bow taking aim, before the goat shot it's head up in fear, before it could take off in a run, a light blue scale dragoness suddenly dove on top of the goat, and ripped it's throat out before roaring out loudly. The two young ladies looked on, scoffing at what they seen.
"What the hell?" the lady with short red light rad hair, wearing a yellow tribal garb, said in a hushed tone, "That dragon just took our kill!"
The other young lady pulling her bow, having short light blue hair and a matching-colored tribal garb, taking aim at the dragon with her bow, "Then it'll be the trophy for us to be huntresses of our clan!" she said in a hush tone as well, before a hand took hold of her bow and made it point to the ground, they both look at a much older woman, brown short hair, matching the color of her tribal garb, wearing a small fur coat and wielding a larger bow.
"Have you two Trainees lost your minds?!" she hissed at them, harshly and in a hushed tone, "That is no ordinary dragoness!"
The two young ladies looked at each other before looking at the older one, "That's the Dragon Queen." She said, causing the two girls to gasp lightly as the looked back seeing the Queen rip some flesh off before chomping hungrily.
"That's the Dragon Queen?" the red hair asked.
"What do you two know about the Anthro breed of dragons?" the older one asked.
"Umm, well, they once had a human parent?" the blue hair replied, getting the older brown hair to roll her eyes, "How about; during their carrying cycle, they act like their ancestors."
The two girls looked at each other, before it hit them, "By 'carrying cycle', you mean the Dragon Queen is with child?" the blue hair asked, getting a nod from the older brown hair woman.
"Not to mention," she added, "Since that's the Queen—" she was interrupted as a large white dragon land nearby with two heads scanning the area, "She has a bodyguard." She finished.
The Dragon Queen ripped another chunk of flesh, chomping and swallowing loudly, before sniffing the air, before baring her blood drenched fangs and snarling out, staring towards the bushes, getting the two young girls to gasp out, "Oh Ancestors! She caught our scents!" the red hair said.
"She has our scent, but the bodyguard spotted us." The older one said, as the two heads snarl at them, "Listen to me carefully, put your weapons away and slowly stand up, with your hands in view for them." They as they were told, slowly standing up with their hands away from their weapons, as the two-headed dragon growled more threating.
"Why is it getting more threatening?!" the blue hair asked.
"Keep your eyes on the Queen." The brown hair told them, they change their stare to the Dragon Queen, "Slowly back away." The three of them slowly walk backwards as the Dragon Queen snarled at them, "Do not break eye contact with her," she continued, "as long as we keep our eyes locked with hers, she won't order the other dragon to attack."
They continue to slowly back away, once they were out of the bushes, the Dragon Queen stopped snarling and return to devour her kill, the two-headed dragon continue to glare and snarl at them, until one head jerked towards them in a huff, as if telling them to move along. The older brown hair woman motions her hand telling the younger girls they could turn around. The three of them turned around and quickly ran into the forest. After a bit, the two young girls panted out, before slightly chuckling.
"Well, th-that would make an awesome tail for the village!" the red hair girl said, before the older woman smacked her head.
"You think nearly killing the Dragon Queen would make an 'awesome' story?!" she asked, "You nearly brought death to our village!"
"How were we supposed to know that was the Dragon Queen?!" the blue hair asked.
"I was told about the Dragon Queen at your age, and they give us a description of her!" she yelled back, "I should tell our Queen to keep you off the secret mission."
"What?!" they both asked, "It's clear, that you two need more training before you go back to an actual hunt." The older one snapped, "Now pick up your paces, I need to find out who all is going on this mission."
(Author's Note: Oi, this one took a while, and I feel it was slightly rushed, but then again what filler episode- or in this case chapter- doesn't feel rushed. I wonder if anyone could guess who those three hunters were that witness a feral Saffira.)
