A Song from the Divines

by TheSingingSword

[Rewrite] The story of a boy named Yuri, who is taken from all that he knows and loves into a world where he must rule as High King and wield the God Cards to bring peace to the continent of Termnnia. But his task will not be an easy one, for he is surrounded by foes looking to take away his crown by any means necessary. [AU-Fantasy]

13. Roaring Black Tyranno

Yuri - Montgomery Palace

Tel. VII- Year 18 4AOS

---

After another long day at work, Yuri wearily made his way downstairs to the basement and into his room so he could shower and dress into his pajamas. When his sore muscles touched his soft mattress and the warmth and crispness of his white sheets; his body surrendered to sleep. But like many nights before, he found no rest in his slumber. Once more, Yugi found him in his dreams.

Instead of a chapel where they usually met, Yuri met with Yugi on a beach with a city glowing against the night not too far in the distance across the sea.

"Will you ever let me get a good night's sleep?" Yuri asked. "I have to work tomorrow."

"Not a chance," Yugi chuckled. "You know, meeting you like this is starting to make me bond with you, Yuri. I feel like I'm starting to really get to know you."

Yuri smiled. "Yeah, you, too, Yugi. You know, you're not as bad as your other half. He's...kinda pushy."

"Forgive him. We're all on edge about where we really come from. And I heard you've been quitting your Duels recently. That's not good Yuri. That's not good at all. It means there's still work to be done. And what better way to restore the confidence that's been hidden from you with a Duel?"

Yuri smirked and held up his right arm. "You sure you want to do this?"

An arcane circle of beautiful design and blue in color appeared over his forearm.

"Yeah. Sorry, Yuri, I know you don't like him. But this has to be done." His Millennium Puzzle started glowing and wobbling back and forth around his neck. Yugi held his head up high and shouted: "YU-GI-OOOOOOOOOOOOOOHHHHH!"

After a flash of light, Yugi's appearance changed. He was taller, his hair was a lot wider and his bangs longer. His eyes, once round and large, full of innocence, became angular and brimming with power.

"It's Time to Duel!" shouted Yami.

"You first...Master," sneered Yuri.

Yugi began his turn activating a spell called Foolish Burial of Belonging. Then another called Magician's Encore. And then another card called Dark Magic Inheritance. Finally, another spell called Dark Magic Circle, adding more cards to his hand. He slapped another spell onto his arcane circle called Magician's Right Hand before setting three cards face down.

Yuri began his turn.

"All that for a few spells. Let me show you what I can do! I summon, Trinity!"

He then summoned a Dinosaur-Type monster. A raptor with sleek metallic gray scales and a white underbelly. She had bright green eyes and a crown of black horns. Prince Daveed removed her from play to Special Summon two Level 4 or lower Dinosaur-Type monsters from his deck. He called forth two Megalomasher X, a ferocious sea-dinosaur that smashed out of the tiled flooring of the chapel. They hovered over Prince Daveed, flapping their massive flippers.

Then he performed an Xyz Summon, overlaying his two Megalomasher-X monsters into Evolzar Dolkka, a prehistoric dragon.

Yuri went for a direct attack, but Yugi activated his trap card, Magician Navigation. From his hand, he summoned his faithful servant. The Dark Magician. The trap also allowed Yami to summon Magician's Rod. Yami then activated the effect of his Dark Magic Circle and removed Dolkka from play. Next, he used a Quick-Play Spell called Illusion Magic allowing him to tribute Magician's Rod and allowing him to add two copies of the Dark Magician to his hand.

Back and forth the two of them went.

"Two-Headed Kaiser Rex!" Yuri shouted, summoning the more powerful version of the Two-Headed King Rex. The two-headed monster burst out of the floor and roared. His massive body covered in natural armor trimmed with purple neon. The two heads were crowned in sleek horns of pure ivory surrounding purple gems. Long silvery hair flowed from the back of their heads and the end of their tail was shaped like an ax.

"Not him again!" shouted Yami.

With the ability to inflict double piercing damage and attack twice, Yuri dominated the first few turns of the Duel before being destroyed by Yugi's Mirror Force which was blessed to him by his faith in his deck.

Yugi slapped his next monster onto the arcane circle. "Celtic Guard of Noble Arms! Lend me your strength!"

Yugi's Celtic Guard of Noble Arms emerged onto the field alongside the Obnoxious Celtic Guard. They slaughtered many of Yuri's monsters, but the prince was able to get rid of them on his following turn, summoning Ultimate Tyranno, an ancient beast with 3000 ATK (Attack).

Yuri summoned horrible beasts such as Ultimate Conductor Tyranno, Super-Ancient Dino-Beast, and Giant Rex; all of them had a lifespan of one or two turns; for Yami was far too skilled and too clever to allow such monstrosities to keep him down for long. It was Yami's turn to inflict pain in the game. He summoned every all-star from his deck from Dark Eradicator Warlock to Dark Magician Girl and a beautiful spellcaster called Magi Magi Magician Gal who trounced Yuri's monsters and devastate his Life Points for many turns.

Though Yuri was a fine player himself, he could mostly stall and keep his monsters alive for one more turn before losing them to Magi Magi Magician Gal and Dark Eradicator Warlock. He ended his turn by playing a spell that increased his Life Points by 1000, giving him enough time to stall Yami for one more turn. One last card was all he needed to change the match, but even he knew there was not much he could do against the King of Games.

What do you want me for?

Why do you continue to haunt me?

Magi Magi Magician Gal struck his Life Points directly after Yugi removed from play his Neo Uraby. Yuri went spinning rapidly through the air after the attack and he did a flip and landed on his feet, but he slid a few feet back, for the force of the spellcaster's attack was brutal.

I don't want to go with you! I love my friends and family.

He summoned Super Conductor Tyranno on his next turn with a clever combo of spells from his dwindling hand. The electrical dinosaur destroyed Magi Magi Magician Gal.

I belong here, you understand? This is my home, and you will not take me from it.

They Dueled ferociously. The game was back and forth, none of them were showing signs of letting up, but Yugi knew it was time to end the duel.

"Prepare to feel a force like no other!" Yami shouted. "I sacrifice my Magicians in order to summon a Divine Beast. The very monsters who have selected you to rule Termnnia and save us from darkness!"

"No," said Yuri.

"I CALL UPON THE WINGED DRAGON OF RA!" Yugi shouted.

Prince Daveed looked up at the ceiling and saw a golden falcon-headed dragon lighting up the sky with fire from its wings. When it roared it sounded like a thousand dragons calling out at once in great triumph.

"The time is nigh," said Yami. The Winged Dragon of Ra charged its massive attack. "With this attack, I pray your eyes to be opened! Until we meet again, Prince Daveed."

Ra fired its blaze cannon at Yuri, turning him to ashes in a matter of seconds.

"AAHHHHHH!" Yuri screamed, sitting up in bed. He panted and sobbed, once again getting adjusted to being back in his world. He buried his face in his hands and cried for an hour.

When he finally pulled himself together, he got out of bed, took off his wet clothes, and went to the bathroom to shower under hot water for a long, long time. By the time he came out of the bathroom, the feint glow of dawn appeared on the horizon. Yuri put on some boxers to cover himself and slumped back to bed, tears rolling down his eyes. Finally, he went to sleep.

Little did he know he was being watched by a figure lurking in the shadows.

The figure removed her hood to reveal Serenity Wheeler. She never told anyone, but from time to time she would enter the D.D Gates and check on Yuri; watching him grow and making sure he was safe. Now and then she would slip him all sorts of gifts from candy to little toys and even cards. She could not believe he was now a young man.

"Little Daveed," she said in a whisper as soft as the wind. A wide grin on her face, as this was the closest she had ever been to the boy in all these years. "Or is it Yuri now?" She said approaching his bed. Her boots were enchanted by a stealth spell, completely muffling her footsteps. She sat at the foot of his bed and stared at Yuri as he slept.

"It's almost time for you to come home," she said rubbing his shoulders.

To touch him sent a chill down her spine. It had been forever since she felt Yuri. She found it almost hard to believe this boy was the baby she held in her arms so many years ago.

"But something tells me your road back to our world will have many difficult challenges," she continued. "So I've brought you a companion to accompany you on your journey."

She took a card out of one of the pockets on her coat.

"I know how much you love these monsters. Yugi tells me this is the perfect card for you. He said he felt it in his heart that this creature belongs to you."

Serenity got up from the bed and walked to his night table where his deck stood. She carefully slipped the card inside. "I'll see you again soon," she said leaning forward towards him. "Your mother and father would be so proud of you."

She kissed his forehead and then got up placing her hood over her head. She turned to get one last glance at him before vanishing back into the darkness.

---

"Hopefully, they won't bother me here," Yuri thought as he lay on a marble bench listening to music on his expensive headphones. The bench was perched on a small hill overlooking the aquatic garden paradise in the front yard which was his mother's prized possession, having nearly worked two years to make it the masterpiece that it was. She said she had hoped to make it resemble the Garden of Eden from the Book of Genesis in the bible. She did not fail in that aspect, for the garden turned out to be one of Yuri's favorite places to go when he wanted to relax and forget about his troubles with school.

Yuri opened his right eye — the left closed shut to block out the sun's rays. He looked around and thought his mother did a wonderful job with the garden. Rocky waterfalls, forests of palm trees, colorful flowers, and a pond with a fountain and underwater lights.

As he gazed at the koi in the pond, Yuri began having memories of walking home at night alongside a man with spiky pink hair who was looking down at him with a bright smile on his face. He wore a black coat and wore a katana or something on his back. He remembered the man placing a comforting hand on his back.

Was it a dream? Yuri wished he could make that assessment, but the image in his head felt more like a memory than a dream even though the spiky-haired man was a cartoon character.

Soon both his thoughts and the silence of the afternoon were suddenly broken by the beeping of the main gate, followed by the crunching of gravel from the driveway. A jet-black Lamborghini Murcielago arrived, parking right behind Mr. Montgomery's car.

Where have you been? Yuri thought to himself as the engine stopped.

The door raised open. Out of the expensive vehicle emerged a young, blonde-haired, beauty. She gracefully stepped out into the tropical sunlight like a Greek goddess.

She blessed Yuri with a beautiful smile and removed her sunglasses. Her skin was almost tan in color as if kissed by the sun's fiery lips. This was no doubt the cause of her always spending her free time bathing on the beaches of Aquarius. Her skin had not a bump and shone brightly in the light like a mirror from the suntan lotion she had applied earlier.

Her face was delicate and heart-shaped; her lips, naturally red, were covered with glossy lipstick. What Yuri loved about the girl approaching him were her eyes. She was born with a condition called Heterochromia Iridium meaning her eyes had different colors. One eye was baby blue, and the other was bright emerald green. A pendant Yuri gave her was around her thin neck, and there was a jeweled hairpin in the shape of a butterfly on the left part of her hair. She wore a very short white summer dress with a ruffled hem, flapping over her thighs with each movement she made.

Crystal Anderson. She was the girl Yuri's friends observed in the music video. And little did they know, she was a dear friend of his since kindergarten.

She walked towards him, her lace high-heeled sandals clopped on the pavement. She stopped and stood over him, smiling until her lips parted like a curtain and her snowy-white teeth could be seen. Her hair, the crisp color of champagne, went down in sensuous curls down her back and blew gently in the salty ocean breeze creating a sort of halo behind her. A sweet, citrusy smell wafted from it, and the breeze carried the smell to Yuri's nose further exciting him.

The old friends just looked at each other and kept silent, both of them waiting for someone to say something and break the silence. Yuri didn't know what to say. He hadn't seen Crystal all summer. Then again, not much during the spring either, for she had gone on a music tour that season. He hadn't seen her since. She seemed to have grown much more beautiful. She was taller than he remembered, and it wasn't because of the high-heeled sandals she wore. She looked like a completely new girl. He dared say that she was more of a young woman now. And she was slimmer and curvier now. Her dress was pressed tightly against her bosom and butt. The girl fluttered her eyelashes and giggled.

Crystal tilted her head to the left and giggled again. Yuri felt his insides grow ice-cold just looking at her. He didn't know what to say to her.

"Say something, silly," Crystal finally said. "A hello would be greatly appreciated right now. God, it's been so long."

Yuri sat up and removed his headphones. "You're back from Monaco so soon?" he croaked. "I was not expecting you home until after my birthday."

Crystal stepped forward. She leaned down and kissed his forehead just to make him go red, something she found awfully cute. "I wouldn't miss your eighteenth birthday, Yuri. We've got to celebrate! I have so many ideas about what we can do."

Yuri gulped. "You do?"

"Of course, I want to throw a party for you. It's not every day someone turns eighteen."

Yuri smirked and let out a soft chuckle. "So you came back to throw me a party, eh?"

"Oh, well, yeah," Crystal said sitting down on his legs. Yuri bit his lip. He hated to think so piggishly, but her butt was so soft. He balled his fists, doing all he could to keep himself from...

"Ahem," he said. "Any other reason why you're here?"

"Well, it's a beautiful day today. I was wondering if you'd like to head to town with me and, you know, hang out."

"I have time," said Yuri.

Just then a red and black McLaren P1 sped into the driveway. When the car stopped, the door immediately opened revealing Yuri's best friend and neighbor: Ren Kakihara. At nineteen years old, Ren was looked upon as the older brother of the trio.

"Going into town without me again?" Ren asked as he removed his ruby-lensed sunglasses. He leaned against his car and folded his arms over his chest. The leather of his jacket screeched trying to keep up with his every move.

"Well, you're almost never around," said Crystal said folding her arms as well. She had a cheeky grin on her face. "I called you twice, but you never answered."

"Had a morning date," said Ren.

"Another one?" Yuri asked.

Ren smirked arrogantly. "Ooooh, I don't like that tone of yours, Montgomery. Jealous much?"

"I forgot how to laugh," Yuri responded with a frown.

"So, where are you two headed?" Ren asked.

"Well, why don't we stop by Sergei's card shop?" Crystal suggested looking down at Yuri. "We haven't been there in forever. Now that my album's finished we'll have lots of time to play Duel Monsters."

"I like that idea," said Ren. "You in Yuri?"

"Of course," Yuri replied.

"Sweet," Crystal said tossing her hair back. "I have a mind to buy a few packs. Let's go. Who are you going to ride with, Yuri?"

Ren smiled and let out a chortle. "Come on, Crystal." He gazed at her sitting on his legs. "The way things look now, we all know Yuri always wants to ride with you."

"Hey, what are you insinuating!" Yuri said sitting up.

Ren laughed and got into his car. Yuri followed Crystal into hers. He put on his seatbelt and held his stomach as Crystal sped out the driveway and down the road, crossing the long bridge into town. From the window, he admired the wavy design of the bridge. At night, it glowed in blue neon and white lights. He could see the tall buildings of Aquarius's central island, the home of the island's 1%.

He had been there a couple of times. His father made do with their beachside estate because he hated living in the big city, and that was fine with Yuri since he too was not fond of living there either. Aside from the knots in his stomach from Crystal's erratic driving, he was feeling rather glad to be with his two best friends.

He hadn't seen Crystal and Ren in a while. Due to his family business, Ren would disappear and reappear making it hard to spend time with him. And Crystal, juggling both school and her music career, was always working and studying while constantly on the run. The fact they also went to different schools didn't help any. Ren and Crystal were attending an elite private school near the ocean on the central island, while Yuri went to the local one downtown.

"So, how's life been?" Crystal asked, eyeing a RAPTOR convoy speeding past them in the other direction. "I haven't seen you in a while."

"Boring," said Yuri.

"I expected as much," Ren said, through the phone on Crystal's smartwatch. "You always say things are so monotonous."

Crystal sighed. "Oh come on, kiddo. You've had to have been doing something fun."

"I guess not," said Yuri. "You'd think that living with a billionaire would have its benefits but..."

"I know what you mean," said Crystal stopping at a red light. She took the time to fix her hair and apply her makeup in the mirror.

Just then another exotic sports car drove up beside them. A cocky group of twenty-somethings started howling at Crystal. The driver was egging her on for a race to the beach, while the others made crude comments about her body. Crystal smiled and revved up her engines to show she accepted their challenge.

"Crystal don't!" Yuri cried out, squeezing his stomach. When the light turned green, the boys sped away at maximum speed down the road, while Crystal was still at the light. She broke out laughing and continued to drive.

When they finally made it to downtown Aquarius, Crystal drove into a parking garage. Ren followed behind them. "So what would you like to do?" Crystal asked getting out of the car. Her voice echoed in the concrete walls of the dark and cool parking garage. The only light source came from the wall lamps casting a boring white glow to light the darkness. The screeching of rubber on the pavement was irritating as was the beeping of the car alarms amplified in the vastness of the building.

"What do we do first?" Crystal asked as Ren locked his car with a compact key and then joined them behind her vehicle.

"I am a tad hungry," answered Yuri. "Why don't we get a bite to eat first?"

Ren concurred with a pat on his stomach. "Yes, I think that's a great idea. Duel Monsters can be hard to play on an empty stomach."

Crystal shrugged. She wasn't starving, but she admitted she could use a bite right about now. "Great. We'll eat at my mother's restaurant."

"I didn't know she was a chef," Yuri said looking at Crystal.

"Oh, she's not; she just owns the place."

The three friends then traveled through the bustling beach town. Crystal ignored the paparazzi that followed her every step of the way. She and Ren held hands to make it look like they were a couple. It took a while, but at last, they made it to their destination, a five-floored building of white limestone and glass. Once they got inside, the staff ran from their posts to greet Crystal, one of whom was the manager.

She was a chubby middle-aged woman dressed in all white from her blazer to her pants. She squealed with delight and clapped her hands seeing Crystal come in to have lunch at her place.

"Crystal darling, it has been too long."

"Hey, how've you been Maggie?" Crystal said bracing herself for Maggie's tight bear hugs.

The woman wrapped her arms around Crystal's little frame, completely enveloping her. Yuri heard Crystal's spine crack, followed by two loud smooches on each of Crystal's cheeks.

Maggie let go of her and admired her two friends. "And who are these handsome young fellas?"

"My two best friends in the whole world. Ren and of course you'll know Yuri."

"Yuri!" Maggie said aloud, placing both hands on her chubby cheeks. The sunlight coming through the windows made her periwinkle nail polish flash. "My, my, my, so finally you come out to see the light of day. You keeping out of trouble? Staying away from the fight clubs, I hope?"

"Maggie!" Crystal whispered to hide her shock. Why would anyone wish to bring up those horrible days again was beyond her.

"I've turned a new leaf," said Yuri, sliding his finger across his chest. "Cross my heart. Those thug days of mine are over. I did it for her."

Crystal bit her lip and blushed.

"Aww, well aint that sweet," said Maggie. "Welcome to you both."

"Uh, thank you?" Yuri said bashfully.

Ren smiled and bowed. "Thank you, ma'am."

"Do you know a place where I can freshen up, Maggie?" Crystal asked.

"Oh?"

"I'm such a mess," Crystal laughed.

Yuri turned his head so as not to see Crystal's top which stuck to her skin from the sweat on her chest. Maggie giggled uncontrollably when she saw this. "Indeed. You can dress in my office. In the meantime, we'll find your friends here a seat."

"Thanks, Maggie, you're the best."

As Crystal left to clean herself a waiter led Yuri and Ren to a table overlooking the ocean and was nestled by an indoor river with exotic fish. Yuri could see that infinite blue line of the ocean and the long white beach overrun with small colorful specks that were the people below.

"What a fancy place," Ren said, moving his head left and right, eyeing the elegant design of the restaurant.

"I agree," said Yuri. "The architecture here is amazing. The gilded arches. The gleaming white walls and the waterfalls make for a swell set up."

Moments later Crystal came out of the bathroom smiling. Ren and Yuri couldn't help but stare at her as she walked out of the elevator. The hem of her dress seemed to flap with every movement.

"Doesn't she shine like a new penny?" Maggie asked Yuri who did not respond.

Yuri got up and pulled up a chair. Crystal thanked him and sat down as the waiter came and introduced himself. He took out his notepad ready to take their orders. Crystal ordered herself salmon with a baked potato and Yuri ordered prime ribs while Ren had himself a bone-in rib-eye, which cost more than what Yuri made in a month at the card shop.

Crystal laughed, loving their admiration for her. She told her two friends that lunch was on her today. The waiter bowed and ran to the kitchen coming back just moments later to serve them their drinks.

"Oh, Pierre," said Crystal.

The waiter turned.

"Yes, Miss Anderson?"

"Can you make sure that nobody with a camera is allowed up here? I would like to eat with my friends in peace."

"At once, Miss Anderson. I'll send Jonathan down to make sure paparazzi don't come and interrupt your meal." He went back to the kitchen.

"You look amazing," said Ren, admiring the small diamonds sewn onto Crystal's dress. She sparkled with each movement she made.

"Oh, thank you," said Crystal. She picked up her glass of water delicately and drank it. "So how's the business been for your father, Yuri?"

"It's booming all of a sudden," Yuri answered. "There have been pre-orders for some new machine my dad built. I don't know what it is, but he said it would revolutionize the game of Duel Monsters."

"Ooh, sounds exciting," Crystal.

"Mind if I join you?" asked a young man arrogantly walking towards them.

He was twenty years of age by the looks of him, and he also appeared obnoxious in attitude for his state of dress. A blazer, buttoned shirt, and slacks; all colored black. His brown hair was slicked back and caked with gel. On each of his fingers, he wore expensive rings, one of them the signet ring of his family showing off the emblem of a crowned phoenix spreading its fiery wings in front of a shield with crossed rifles behind it. The skin on his face was smooth and gave a soft glow when the sun shone down on him.

Brett Martinetti, nephew of Lucio Martinetti, the head of the mafia who ran Aquarius's underground in the slums. RAPTOR did little to phase their operations, which included minuscule things like the shipping of rare cards to terrible acts such as human smuggling. It was thanks to Brett's family that Nick and Sam were smuggled into the city and adopted by Consuelo.

One would think RAPTOR would have done them in by now, but the Martinetti family had enough money to make those mercenaries look the other way, and young Brett used his ties with the Mafia to get whatever he wanted. Money, luxury condos, cars, rare Duel Monster cards, and especially girls. He had the grin of a cunning wolf on his face as he took Crystal's hand and kissed it.

"Oh, great," Yuri muttered.

"Keep calm, little brother," said Ren. "We don't want to start another incident."

As Brett kissed her hand, Yuri noticed that Crystal's smile was weak and she was trembling. She seemed to force her lips into that smile.

"What are you doing here?" Yuri asked.

Brett slid the chair back and sat down. "Oh, I was just testing out the new Ferrari my father bought for me. That's when I saw you, Ren, and dear Crystal walk into this fine establishment. I just had to join you."

Yuri watched as Brett admired Crystal's dress. Ren folded his arms. He still kept a smirk on his face however it was weak. No doubt he was using it as a diversion to hide his irritation; for he too had little tolerance for Brett's presence.

"So how do you like the new car I gave you?" Brett asked. A curious eye rolled toward Yuri's direction to see his reaction to the news. Ren noticed this too. He could see right through Brett like a window. He knew how close Yuri and Crystal were, and he liked to pull at Yuri's emotions by showering Crystal with expensive gifts and trips to secluded islands in the Keys and in Greece.

Crystal blushed and cleared her throat to answer Brett's question about the car. She, again, forced her pink lips into a smile and said: "Oh, it's dear. I love it."

"You bought Crystal the car?" Yuri asked with a gulp.

Ren nudged him softly in the ribs. He pursed his lips and looked down at him while giving off a stern 'ahem.' It was his way of telling Yuri not to fall to Brett's taunts.

"Indeed I did," Brett said superciliously answering Yuri's question. "For her birthday. And, uh, what did you get her Montgomery?" He looked at the choker around Crystal's neck. The girl saw this and blushed even more, giving her cheeks the likeness of a ripe peach. She looked down at her lap to avoid Brett's cold green eyes.

"A rose-shaped diamond on a strap of leather?" Brett scoffed. "It looks like a collar. What, Yuri, you believe Crystal is a dog?"

Crystal's mouth fell wide open.

"Hey it was custom made!" said Yuri. His voice was rising. "I made it the way she wanted it."

"Now, now boys," said Crystal. "I loved both of your gifts very much. Please play nice, would you?"

"Right," Brett said, rudely snatching the menu from the waiter who came to attend him. He insolently read his order to the young nervous waiter "Steak; medium-rare, and add extra gravy to the mashed potatoes? And a bottle of your finest champagne. Can you do that?"

"At once sir!" the friendly waiter stammered.

Yuri just sat there the rest of the time listening to Brett boast about his accomplishments over the past few months. He cut into his steak and ate it, chewing politely before looking at Yuri. He wiped his mouth with a white cloth napkin and said, "How's the card game business been for you, buddy?"

"I wouldn't know," said Yuri, looking down at the beach. "I'm not part of it. I just live off of it."

"Ah, yes scraping off your father's fortune. Although, I doubt you can call him father."

"Huh?" said Yuri.

"What are you saying, Brett?" Crystal asked.

"Well, mother, tells me Yuri was found dumped in the yard. It makes me wonder who your parents really were. They probably were piss poor if they discarded you into the doorstep of a hard-working family the Montgomerys. Of course, some say that you were first found in the orphanage that was burned down not too long before they found you."

"What! Well, it's not true!" Yuri said, his voice was getting louder.

He could feel anger roll up in his chest. Seeing Brett's grin grow even wider made him want to leap from his seat and tackle him. He could. Though he left his fighting days behind him, he still had the strength to smash Brett's face into a bloody pulp. Brett knew this as well, however, he was not the least bit worried. Yuri was under restraint from the authorities.

One wrong move and it was back to the Black Tower with him. If that happened, the school would no doubt expel him; he was already in enough trouble with all the hell he caused in his freshman and sophomore years.

"Why are you really here, Brett?" Ren asked. "To make a nuisance of yourself like last time?"

"No, relax man, I was just curious. I overheard my mom and Yuri's mom talking one afternoon. Mrs. Montgomery seemed rather secretive about it."

"Maybe you misheard!" said Crystal.

"Whether or not you were dumped in the bushes is not my place to say," said Brett. "If the topic distresses you so much, then I will drop it."

"Good!" said Yuri.

"But, if the event were real..."

"Brett!" snapped Crystal. Slamming her fist on the table, shaking the plates and silverware.

"I'll say it again, guys, I'm just curious. I was rather shocked when I heard them speaking. If the fact that Yuri was left on the doorsteps is true, it leaves a great mystery of who his real parents were."

"Well there is no mystery," said Ren. "So just drop it!"

"Perhaps it can explain why his eye is always glowing?" said Brett.

"My eye?" said Yuri.

"Of course," said Brett. "Nobody in the Montgomery family has a weird glowing eye. I took the liberty of studying the Montgomery family tree just last night. There was no one in the lineage with a condition like yours, Yuri. And get this, my mother said she never saw your mother pregnant."

"Huh?"

"Our moms have known each other for quite some time, Yuri. She said Paula never had a plump stomach. Yet, you came out of the blue. How do you explain that?"

"That's enough!" snapped Ren.

"Well, Yuri?"

Yuri just stared at Brett, narrowing his eyes like a predator ready to strike at its prey. In this case, Yuri was a lion, and Brett was a large rhino, who was even deadlier.

Suddenly, Brett's phone buzzed. "Pity," said Brett. "Urgent family business. Well then, I believe I must go."

He dropped three one hundred dollar bills onto the table. "I got this one, guys. See, Montgomery, I'm not so bad." Brett turned and left. "Smell ya later, guys."

"What's his problem?" Yuri asked when he was finally gone.

"I'm sorry guys," Crystal said, sadly.

"You going to be okay?" Ren asked, handing her a napkin.

Crystal sniffed and cleaned her tears. "I'm sorry. Poor Yuri deserved more than that."

"Well, what are you gonna do?" Yuri said. "People like him are everywhere."

"I know," said Crystal.

"Want to head for the card shops?" Ren asked. "I'd like to start Dueling."

"Oh, I would," said Crystal. "But...I'm afraid I have some family business to take care of. I just got a text from Mother. I'm sorry guys, but we're going to have to cut this day short."

"Well, I hope all goes well," said Yuri. "And if you're free this week, Crystal, want to go to the beach?"

"I'd love too," Crystal said. "I'll put that as a maybe on my schedule. God, it's been so long since the three of us were at the beach. Just the three of us, together. And hey, I was wondering if you'd like to come with me to a party next weekend, Yuri."

"A party?" Yuri asked

Crystal reached into her purse. She dug around for a moment.

"I don't know, Crystal," Ren said, folding his arms. "Do you think he's ready for the big time?"

"I know he is," said Crystal. She then handed Yuri the invitation. "It's being hosted by Henry Frost. He's throwing another 'I'm the richest Duelist in the universe' party in a couple of months."

"And it's also to celebrate the launch of the new piece of technology from Phobos Corp," Ren added.

"Dad's company?" Yuri asked. "Must be that pre-order thing everyone's talking about."

Crystal nodded. "Well, Yuri, wanna go?"

"I don't know," said Yuri.

"Pleeeease," Crystal said making puppy eyes.

"No, no, no, no, no!" Yuri snapped. "Don't think those are going to work on me!"

Crystal made the cutest whimper as her lips trembled. Yuri surrendered and said: "All right, I'll go."

"Those eyes," Ren said taking Crystal's hand and planting a soft kiss on it. "No one can ever resist them."

Crystal smiled and playfully rolled her pretty eyes. "You certainly have a way with girls, Kakihara."

"Yeah, a regular Casanova." Yuri pouted.

After they had their dessert, Crystal and her friends had to go their separate ways for the day. She waved goodbye and got into her car and drove off. The echo of her car's engine thundered in the garage, and her wheels screeched as she took off. When she was gone from sight Yuri got in the McLaren with Ren.

"So what makes me so interesting?" Yuri asked as Ren sped out of the garage.

"You're our little brother Yuri. At least that's how Crystal feels about you."

"And how do you view me?"

"The same," Ren said with a grin. "And I also see you as a Duelist with some potential. Don't you think that words on that musical pendant of yours mean something?"

"Passionate Duelist," Yuri murmured.

---

Ren drove through town until he found the red sign of the game shop. He chuckled softly when he saw the entrance shaped like a ferocious red dragon guarding a horde of cards. He found a place to park in the shop's newly constructed parking garage, though the fee to use it left Ren really frustrated.

"Five bucks," he said, sliding his card across the machine. "Damn, Sergei, you're killing me. Don't I pay that old geezer enough scrounging pack after pack for the card I want?"

They walked down a set of glass stairs into the third floor of the game shop. Ren whistled. "This place is so huge. It's like a fucking mall in here."

"Being a game shop, there's going to be kids, so please watch your mouth, Ren," said Yuri.

The automatic doors slid open, letting Yuri and Ren step inside. They were blasted by a gust of cold air from the store's air conditioning. Their noses picked up food from the shop's burger stand, and the shop thundered from the surround sound intensifying the sounds of the Duel Monsters as they combated one another. Small children were playing by the Duel Tables so they could see their monsters fight on the screens.

"Ah, Yuri!" called Sergei. "And I see you've brought a friend. Ren, old boy, long time no see. It's almost like we don't see your ass anymore, good to see you son."

"Sergei," Ren said, shaking his hand. "I had a bit of business overseas. Which reminds me." He dug into the pocket of his jacket and handed him something wrapped in tin foil. "It's from you-know-who, and it must be put deck you-know-which when the time comes. But take care of them. He wants them back as soon as possible."

"Very well," said Sergei. He took the package.

"What is that?" Yuri asked.

"Nothing to concern yourself with, my boy," said Sergei. He opened the safe underneath the Playboy bunny floormat behind the counter. "They will be safe in here, Ren, trust me."

He stood up and then handed Ren a thick stack of hundreds. Ren flipped through the bills with his thumb. He cut the wad in half.

"Half for you," he said.

"You are very generous. How is the old boy doing, Ren?"

"I wouldn't worry about him. And don't ever mention him again."

Sergei looked at Yuri and nodded. "Right. You two have fun. I believe Patty and the others are waiting for you, Yuri."

Ren bowed respectfully. He put an arm over Yuri's shoulder and led him away. Yuri wanted to know what in the world just happened. A million questions were just lining up at his tongue, ready to bash Ren until Yuri got answers.

But something in his gut told him that it was probably best to stay out of Ren's affairs. He heard rumors that Ren was probably running as an errand boy for the Martinettis. If that was the case, then he really didn't want to know what went down between him and Sergei.

"Yuri!" Patty called from a table upstairs. "Over here!" she was waving her arms to get his attention.

"Friend of yours?" asked Ren, following Yuri upstairs. His eyes on Patty, who was sporting a black tank top and a ruffled pink and black skirt.

"Yup," Yuri answered.

"Pretty."

"Don't start," Yuri said, going up the steps.

"Whoa," said Nick, looking up from his Duel with Patty as Ren and Yuri came up the stairs. "Is that Ren Kakihara, the former champ of Aquarius?"

Andre came by holding a burger from the cafe. "Ren? So he's that good, huh? Is he going to play with us?"

"Seems so," Patty said. She leaned on her chair, watching the former champion walk up the stairs to their Duel Table. As he passed by, a lot of girls stopped and gawked at him. Some whispered at each other and giggled. Others took out their phones to record him walking around in the card shop, while a whole mob ran to him, stuffing magazines, pictures, and napkins for him to sign. Ren stopped and told the girls he had time to sign all of their things. Yuri squeezed by and met up with his friends.

"You didn't tell me you were friends with Ren."

"Is he that big of a deal?" Andre asked. "Yuri, don't tell me you've been keeping him a secret from your pals this whole time."

"Were I that inconsiderate," Yuri answered sharply. "No, Ren is a very busy guy. He and his family have this huge business involving telecommunications. He's a real wiz-kid; knows all about that stuff like the back of his hand. So his dad has him tag along sometimes on important trips to help him out and even train the new employees. And as Patty said, he was the former champ until Crystal knocked him off the pedestal."

"I could think of no better opponent," Ren chimed, handing back a magazine to a girl. "It was the Duel of the Year as I recall."

"I can't believe you knew Ren all this time, Yuri?" Tyson went up to Ren and shook his hand. "Pleased to meet you."

"The pleasure is all mine," said Ren. "I know you. Your father owns that restaurant in the Phobos Towers cafe, right? Have you and your father begun to branch out."

"Next year," Tyson replied. "We've already begun plans to open ten restaurants in California, Washington DC, and Florida."

"Best of luck to you and your father, Tyson. What do you do around here. Yuri tells me you're an employee here in the shop as well."

"Part-time. I help out around the kitchen from time to time. I like it here and I'm surrounded by my friends. Plus, Sergei pays really well and gives us dental and stuff."

"I couldn't expect anything less from him. He's a good man." Ren moved across the large table and looked at Carter. "And you must be Carter Kim, correct?"

"I am. I wish Yuri told me you were coming, baby, I would have picked out something nicer to wear."

"Nonsense. You look beautiful, my friend. How is your make-up line going? My mother follows you all over social media. She says you've made a deal with Gardenvine."

"We're working on something," Carter said, trying to keep his cool. Ren was so damned handsome and his exotic and strong cologne was driving him insane. "But if anything comes up, I'll be sure to let you know, honey. I'll send your mom one of my first products, too."

"Much appreciated. Who's this fellow."

"We just met him a few days ago," Yuri replied. "His name is Andre Martin. He's new here in Aquarius."

"I see. So you trust him?"

Yuri looked at Andre and smiled, then gave a nod. "Andre? Yeah, he's cool."

Ren and Andre shook hands. Andre almost cringed from Ren's strong grip. "Yeah, nice to see you, Ren. I've heard some interesting things about you. But I didn't you know you were well acquainted with Yuri."

"Yeah, what gives, Yuri?" Patty asked. "A former champ is your friend and you didn't tell us?"

"You must excuse him," Ren chuckled, softly. "Yuri has a knack for keeping his female acquaintances from me. Especially the cute ones, Miss…"

"McKnight. Pamela McKnight, but my friends call me Patty."

"Pleasure to meet you, Patty," Ren said, taking Patty's hand and kissing it.

"Oooh…" Patty swooned.

"McKnight, huh?" Ren said. "You wouldn't by chance be the daughter of RAPTOR's commander, would you?"

"Guilty as charged," Patty replied.

"Impressive. Yuri sure does keep high-profile friends around, doesn't he?"

"Can you focus on the match please?" scoffed Nick.

"You'd best concentrate on those face-down cards she has," Ren said, gently letting go of Patty's hand. "I wouldn't attack if I were you."

"Dude," said Nick. "You think because you're a champ you can tell me how to Duel?"

Ren frowned at him. "Calm down, I'm just trying to help."

Nick brushed him off with a wave of his hand. "Whatever. I summon Destroyer Golem. Pretty, sweet move, huh?"

"No, not even for a beginner," scoffed Ren.

"I wasn't asking you, hotshot!" said Nick.

"If you want to survive her next turn, you should play that card in defense mode."

"It's your move, Patty," Nick said, ignoring Ren's advice.

"I summon my Dark King of the Abyss," Patty said, slapping her card onto the table. The tables they were playing with were brand new, updated with an animated playing field, giving the players a bird's eye view of their monsters with a white grid that was there mostly for aesthetics. The Duel Screens even got a new look to make them appear more futuristic. They were surrounded by LED lights that changed from blue to green. The screen displayed Patty's monster morphing onto the field from a cloud of darkness.

"Please," Nick laughed. "Your skeleton man can't stand up to my golem. Why don't you quit while you have the chance?"

"Because I'm playing these cards," Patty answered, flipping up her two face-down equip-spell cards. She put them on her monster. "Sword of Dark Destruction and Dark Energy!" she boasted.

"What are those?" asked Nick, scratching his head.

"The Sword of Dark Destruction is a vile blade forged for Dark monsters," Tyson explained. He took a sip of his soda, trying his hardest not to laugh and make Nick feel bad. "It gives them a juicy boost in power. And Dark Energy increases the power of Fiends too. With those powerful artifacts equipped to her monster, Patty can wipe out your golem, and then some."

"Uh…no!" babbled Nick.

He looked at the Duel Screen next to their table. Patty's skeletal sorcerer raised up his new sword and shattered his golem to pieces.

"That brings your Life Points down to zero, Nick, once again I win."

"Man, you suck at this game, Nick," laughed Carter. "And you expect to get into the pro leagues."

"Not if he keeps making mistakes like that," Ren jeered again.

"I would have won had it not been for you, Ren," Nick said raising his fist. "You broke my concentration. How's about you and I have a match?"

"You don't want to do that, Nick," said Yuri. "He was crowned as the Champion of Aquarius for a reason."

"Back out of this, Yuri!" snapped Nick. "He's not so tough. Crystal Anderson saw to that when she kicked his ass three years ago. He hasn't been able to win his title back since. So, what do you say, Ren?"

"Very well," Ren said.

"Hold on, hold on," said Patty. "I owe Andre here a Duel. Sorry, Nick but your little grudge match is just going to have to wait."

"Aw, whatever," Nick said, getting off the table. He leaned against the railing and made way for Andre. He set his backpack down beside his seat, a flashy LED ergonomic chair that Sergei just bought for the new Duel Tables. They shuffled their decks and the match began.

"I must say I'm rather pleased with this," Ren said. "Nothing makes me happier than seeing a young lady Duel. Have fun, you two."

LP 2000

T1

"Oh, this is going to be fun all right," Patty said. "All right, Andre Martin. Let's see if you can't fare better this time around. I set a monster face-down and activate the field spell, Wasteland. Your move."

T2

"Starting off on the defensive already? That's fine. I summon Alpha the Magnet Warrior." He slipped the card out of his hand and gently placed it on the mat. He looked down at the animated playing field and saw his magnet-themed warrior monster from above. On the screen, Alpha swung his sword around. He made a low metallic hum then his stats displayed next to him.

"Alpha the Magnet Warrior?" Patty said. "I had no idea the new sets came out."

"They haven't. But my dad is a top-ranking employee that works for Yuri's father. Staff members can get beta access to new cards, you know. And it looks like you're going to be one of the first to get trounced by him. Since you've activated the Wasteland spell, Alpha's attack go up by 200, so that makes sixteen hundred. Next, I give him this card. Invigoration, which will increase his attack by another 300 points. So that's 1900 attack points. Go, Alpha! Attack her face-down monster!"

Alpha swung his sword dramatically, then darted across the field toward Patty's creature. A powerful force knocked him back, preventing him from completing his attack. Andre then watched as the ground in front of Alpha shook. Out of the sands of the wasteland, a giant castle rose up and floated higher and higher into the sky.

"The Castle of Dark Illusion?" Ren said. "Not bad. This is getting interesting."

"What the...I wasn't expecting that."

"Of course, not," Carter said. "Patty likes to switch things around. She's already beaten Nick with her dark deck, now you have to contend with her zombie deck."

"Zombies, huh? So that's why you played Wasteland."

"Yup, yup, yup," Patty said, making her lips pop. "You lose thirty Life Points. But don't get comfy. I'm going to take some more down with this guy. My turn."

T3

Patty drew her card. She popped her lips a few more times, thinking about what to play next. "Hmm," she said. She fiddled around with her white bow. The pink streaks on her blonde hair seemed to flash in the LED lights that surrounded her and Andre. "Well, this is a nice card to play. Bam! Dragon Zombie. Rise up from the grave, you little cutie!"

"Cutie?" Andre murmured. He looked at the beast rising out of the earth. He was a four-legged dragon with small wings. His body was purple with decay. He could see the dragon's bones and his wings were like sticks. He clawed his way out of the earth and stood directly under the shadow of the Castle of Dark Illusions.

"Yeah, yeah, yeah. I know what you're going to say," Patty said vexingly. "Oh, but Patty, your monster is too weak. Save it. The Wasteland field will increase his attack by 200. And now his attack points will go up by just a little more with this card. Violet Crystal!" Dragon Zombie's body started glowing purple and his eyes flashed white. "Oooo, he likes it. Good boy. Yeah, Violet Crystal will increase his attack points by another 300. So now his attack points go up to 2100. Your little magnet thing is no match for him, Andre. Attack him, Dragon Zombie!"

The undead dragon opened its mouth, releasing a terrible cloud of acid that ate away at the magnet warrior's body, causing him to rust in seconds and evaporate.

Andre - 1770 LP

Patty - 2000 LP

"Combo attacks can be quite devastating," Ren commented. "You play very well, Patty."

"Well, shmell," said Nick. "What happened to just winning with the stronger monster? All these spells are nothing but cheese. So lame."

"Yeah, that's why you suck, Nick," said Tyson.

Andre raised his thumb to his lips and started chewing on it. "Man, you've got me outplayed this turn," he said. "Your Dragon Zombie is going to be hard to contend with. I summon Kagemusha of the Blue Flame in defense mode."

T4

"Better get your wallet ready, Andre," Patty bullied. "I'm gonna order something big. I summon the Thirteenth Grave!" A wolf howled from the distance. A skeleton garbed in a tattered teal cloak burst out of the ground, carrying a rusty iron claymore. Its bones were dark brown and it let out a terrible laugh. The field suddenly got dark and Dragon Zombie's attack increased to 2300.

"Wondering why that happened?" she asked. "Every standby phase for the next four turns, the Castle of Dark Illusions will increase my Zombies strength by 200. Now, from my hand, I equip my dragon with Fairy Meteor Crush. This card allows the monster equipped with it to inflict damage to your Life Points even if your monster is in defense mode. Dragon Zombie, burn out the blue flame with Breath of Decay!"

Dragon Zombie lunged forward. He opened his mouth, releasing the acid cloud again. Kagemusha of the Blue Flame was obliterated, as were the rest of Andre's Life Points.

"But...holy crap! Patty, you're good. I didn't even get to play any of my best cards yet."

"She does that," said Tyson. "No offense, dawg, but Pats is waaaay out of your league. She's won the locals here in the shop three times. She's the best player in the group, so I suggest Dueling Nick a few times before challenging her again."

"No, I want to try again."

"Find another table to lose to her, then," said Nick. He picked up Andre's cards and stuffed them back in Andre's backpack. "I've got a Duel to win."

"All right, all right," Andre said getting up from the table. "Hey, Ren. Beat this dipshit, will you?"

"Now, now, let's not get nasty," Ren said, sitting down after Patty got up. He sniffed the air. "That's a lovely scent you're wearing. I believe it's the latest from Crystal Anderson's newest perfume line. Very classy."

"Oh…thank you," Patty said blushing.

"I'll let you start first," Ren said, turning his attention to Nick.

"Fine," said Nick. "I summon Armaill in attack mode!"

ATK/800 DEF/1300

"And he screwed up already," Patty said shaking her head and adjusting her bow.

"Can you beat that?" Nick asked.

"And how," said Ren. "I summon the mighty, Gray Wing." Ren played a dragon with brownish-black scales and a white underbelly. Its wings were a dull gray color.

ATK/1300 DEF/700

"That's a good card," Carter said looking at the screen to see the dragon rendered in 3D. "But don't you usually use a Warrior deck?"

"I usually do," Ren answered politely. "But not against amateurs like this guy."

"Amateur!" snapped Nick.

"This is a random deck I play with for fun," said Ren. "It's an assortment of my favorite monsters in the game. If I used my real deck, this Duel would be too easy. Now, Gray Wing, attack his Armaill!" Ren commanded.

The dragon soared over the arena and showered Armaill with a blast of its fire breath.

Ren snorted. "I set a card and end my turn."

"Okay, that was a good opening move," Nick said sending his monster to the Graveyard. His Life Points were now at 1400. "But you're going to have to do better than that if…"

"Please," Ren interrupted. "That attack doesn't even count as my best. So do us all a favor and cease with the 'you can't beat me' crap. As far as everyone's concerned this match is already over. I place a card face down and end my turn."

"Already over, huh?" Nick said drawing his card. "I think not because I'm summoning my Wolf Axewielder to the field."

ATK/ 1650 DEF/ 1000

"His attack strength is sixteen-fifty. That's more than enough to slay your Gray Wing. Attack now!"

"You are such a dunce," Ren said, flipping up his face-down card. "Activating my spell card: Rush Recklessly. This card will boost my dragon's attack by seven hundred points. Making him more than a match for your Wolf Axewielder."

"No!" Nick said. He looked at the screen and saw the dragon burn his wolf warrior to a crisp. He lost 350 Life Points dropping his score to a mere 1050 Life Points. "Well, my wolf won't be gone for long. I activate the spell card: Monster Reborn. Now my wolf comes back to the field. And you got nothing to protect your dragon."

"Again, you are just plain pathetic," said Ren. "You just made your wolf nothing but a big target for my dragon."

"As if," sneered Nick. "My wolf's got sixteen-hundred-fifty attack points, while your Gray Wing has only measly thirteen hundred attack points now that the effect of Rush Recklessly is over. Do the math, ya dope. My wolf's gonna win."

"So you, say," Ren said drawing his card. "You think this game is all about who has the strongest monster. You just rush in head-on, thinking because your monster is a few points stronger that you're going to win the fight. I'll show you the error of your ways, kid. I play the spell card: Dragon's Gun Fire. When I have a dragon on the field, I can activate this card and choose one of its two effects. And I'll choose the first, which will deal eight-hundred points of damage to your Life Points."

"Oh no!" cried Nick.

His points dropped to 250.

"Now for another spell card. Block Attack. This card will force your monster from attack to defense mode."

"So what?" said Nick. "If you attack my monster I won't lose Life Points."

"Until I activate this," Ren said equipping his dragon with a card called Fairy-Meteor Crush. "Now with this card, my dragon can inflict damage to your Life Points even if your Wolf is in defense mode."

And with that attack, Nick's Life Points went to 0.

"Holy crap," said Tyson.

"Well spank my ass and call me Charlie," said Patty, placing her hands on her hips. "He creamed you with one monster, Nick."

"You ought to be ashamed," Ren said, shuffling his cards and stuffing them back in a leather deck case. " Gray Wing is one of the weakest cards in my deck. If you can't stand up to him, you have no business in the pro leagues."

"Argh, but how?"

Yuri sighed and said: "I told you, Nick, you need to utilize spells and traps. Traps to keep your monsters safe and spell cards to boost their power. Combing is an important aspect of this game."

"This isn't over, hotshot," sneered Nick. "I'll beat you yet."

"Humph, challenge me when you win an official Duel. I don't waste my time with arrogant fools too stuck up to know they lack the skill to play."

"What?!"

"I was only trying to help and give you some hints. But you thought so highly of yourself and blew me off. I can tell when I'm not wanted. Yuri, I will take my leave."

"Are you sure, Ren?" Yuri asked.

"I'm sure. Do you have a ride home?"

"I'll take him home," said Patty. "We can drop him off, after closing time."

"Well, it was a pleasure meeting you guys, some of you anyway. Yuri, maybe next time we can go on our card buying spree."

"I'm sorry, Ren. He'll be better behaved next time."

"Let us hope," Ren said, walking downstairs.

"Nice job, ya creep!" said Tyson. "All he wanted to do was give you some pointers for the match."

"Do you always have to be such a jerk, Nick?" Patty said, sternly folding her arms. "Show some respect. He's the former champion."

"I know all those rich-boy players," Nick, shuffling his cards. "I could have taken him if my good cards weren't at the bottom."

Patty scoffed and rolled her eyes. "You need to have good cards in order to have good cards at the bottom. Want another rematch, Andre?"

"No, thanks. I'm not in the mood anymore. I'll catch you guys later.

After he left, the rest of them continued to play until sunset. By then, all the customers were going home, and Sergei was ready to close the game shop. Patty went outside to find her vehicle.

Yuri then got a text on his phone. "Hey, guys, I have a ride home after all."

"You sure, Yuri?" Patty asked, putting on her jacket.

"Yeah, someone I know is coming to get me."

"Well, okay, hon. I guess I'll see you at school."

"Yeah, see you in school, Yuri!" called Nick, as he followed his friends out the door.

Yuri gave a long sigh, picked up his cards, and said goodbye to Sergei and the others before stepping outside.

"Be here on Tuesday after school!" called Sergei.

Yuri waved his arm as he exited the shop. A gesture to show he heard and understood. Once he got outside, he saw that it was raining heavily. "Curse this tropical weather," he pouted.

He heard a soft 'ahem' mixing with the torrential downpour.

Yuri turned around to find Crystal leaning against the wall of the shop still clad in her white dress, but she had a denim jacket over it to shield her from the chill of the stormy wind blowing about. Her flower-shaped diamond was looking like a star around her neck as it reflected the light.

Crystal looked up at Yuri. Then she smiled. Her cheeks blushed red, and her eyes flickered in the dull white light of the fluorescent lamp underneath the arched awning of the store.

Uh-oh, thought Yuri. He knew that look, and it meant trouble.

"So. Want to know how to really play Duel Monsters?"

Yuri followed her to her car. Night had fallen by the time they arrived at their destination. Crystal took Yuri by the arm to a domed arena with floodlights moving back and forth in the rainy night sky.

"What is this place?" Yuri asked.

"Wait till you see," said Crystal as they walked past a fountain of silver and glass.

"You're gonna yank my arm off woman!" he cried out as she dragged him down the path to the building.

"Hey look," Nick said spotting Yuri and Crystal going into the dome. He, Tyson, and Carter stood in line ordering hot dogs from a stand nearby. Patty was in her car, waiting for them to get their food.

"Wasn't that Yuri?" Tyson asked. "What business does he have in that new Duel Dome?"

"And who was that girl?" said Patty. "She looks awfully familiar."

"I don't know," said Nick. "But we're going to find out. I don't know about the rest of you guys, but I think Yuri's been keeping secrets from us. Come on you guys."

"Wait up!" Tyson called out, chasing Nick down the street. Carter was gasping for air, running to try and catch up. Patty got out of her car and pulled her jacket over her head before chasing down her companions.

"Hey, what about your hot dogs, kids?" called out the vendor. "Kids? Hey!"

Meanwhile, inside the dome, Yuri began to feel his heart beating. The Duelists in the building looked out of his league, many of them had arrogant looks on their faces.

Crystal said they were the best players in the world, many of them traveling from afar to try out the new technology that was being shown off in this strange Colosseum-like building. The dome rumbled as if shaken by an explosive. For a brief moment, Yuri heard a powerful roar booming from down the halls as if a horrible monster was being kept inside the walls.

"What is this place?" Yuri asked, nervously.

"Come on," said Crystal taking him to one of the desks in the central atrium. "What arenas are free tonight?"

"We have arena one-thirty-three available, Miss Anderson," The pretty receptionist answered.

"Thank you. We'll take it."

"Okay, just sign your names here."

Yuri and Crystal signed their names on the list then sat on cushions by the giant colorful fountain at the center of the atrium. "Crystal what the hell is going on?" Yuri asked.

"How do you not know about this place?" she asked.

"I do. It's just my dad told me to steer clear of it."

She laughed and then leaned her head on his shoulder. "Well, you've got a big mouth after all. You can't keep secrets even if your life depended on it. Well, I've got to say, I missed you, little guy. I'm so glad to be back home."

"How long before you leave again?" Yuri asked, knowing well enough to know that Crystal's visits were always brief. If there wasn't a big tournament for her to play in, it was another one of her concerts that dragged her away.

Crystal did not reply, and instead pulled out a bar of chocolate from her jacket. She unwrapped it, breaking off a small brick which she offered for Yuri. He took it and ate it in. He looked at her, still awaiting a response when: "Eek!" she yelped.

She looked at Yuri and started laughing. "Oh, damn! A piece of chocolate fell in between my boobs!"

Yuri rolled his eyes. "And what, pray tell, do you want me to do about it?" he asked.

Crystal punched his shoulder playfully before digging through her purse for a napkin. "You could help or something, dude! Oh man, I can feel it melting! My bra is going to be ruined! Do you have any idea how much it cost?"

"Want someone to lick it off?" someone asked obnoxiously. "Well, well, well, Crystal Anderson. We meet again."

"Oh no," said Crystal, turning to see a young man with gelled blond hair dressed in a clean pin-striped suit.

"I thought I'd find you around here, Crystal," the kid sneered.

"Yuri, this is Randall Lawson," Crystal said with disgust. "He's the leader of the Hurt Factory and is the winner of last year's regionals."

"Oh," said Yuri. "Pleased to meet you." He extended his hand.

The boy cackled and stood up straight. "Ha, you're not worthy to shake my hand!"

"Is that so?" said Yuri. "Then excuse me."

"Well that was rather rude," said Crystal. "What do you want, Lawson?"

"I want a match. You sure made my representative look bad the other day. Heh, I kicked his ass to the curb after that embarrassing loss. Now, I'm here to show the Hurt Factory is not weak like he is. Come on! Lemme show you what' I've got."

"Oh, give it up," said Crystal.

"So what do you say?" said Lawson. "You game?"

"No, but my friend here is."

"Wait, what?" Yuri said in shock.

Lawson laughed. "Please. This guy probably couldn't even Duel his way out of a paper bag. I'd have a rougher time playing a game of solitaire. I want a challenge, Crystal. I want the champion. I want the Queen of Dragons. I want you." He licked his lips. "Yeah, damn right I want you."

"Then face my friend," said Crystal. "Come on, Lawson, you're always bragging about your power. Why not show it off tonight?"

"All right, fine. I'll Duel him. But if I beat him, you and I will play, no questions asked."

"It's a deal then."

"Good, then let's get started."

Yuri and Crystal followed Lawson to an arena down one of the halls. When Yuri walked through the sliding metallic doors, he felt his breath getting sucked right out of his body. Lawson led him into a stadium big enough to hold more than a hundred people and the arena had two platforms. One was red, and the other was blue.

Lawson chose the red one and hopped on. Little did they know, Andre was watching them from one of the entrances to the arena. The darkness of the hall concealed him. "What is that girl getting him into?"

"Hold on," said Crystal. "I know he's no dinosaur, but, I want you to have this." She reached into her purse and took out a shimmering card from the Premium Gold Series.

"Wow, thanks," said Yuri.

Crystal planted a kiss on Yuri's lips. "Good luck, now go kick ass, honey."

Yuri eagerly jumped onto the platform. It rose high up. The height caused Yuri to grow uneasy. He heard the machinations hiss and whir as the platform took him higher above the arena. He set his deck down on some hi-tech interface. A scoreboard above the field read 2000 in white numbers.

"This is not good," said Andre. "I hope she knows what she's doing. It's going to take more than one card to get Yuri through his match. I hope he's as good as everyone says he is."

Crystal looked up at the VIP box and saw Brett staring down at the arena with a scowl on his face. She sighed heavily. It didn't surprise her that Brett would be here tonight. "You can do it Yuri!" she cheered him briefly. "I'll be right back."

"Wait, you can't just let me do this alone!" Yuri called out.

Crystal turned and blew him a kiss and climbed the stone steps to where Brett was going to watch the match. He was not happy. Crystal remained oblivious to Yuri's pleas for her to stay. She reached the top of the stone steps to the VIP box where Brett was waiting. He grumbled impatiently pouring himself a glass of champagne. Suddenly, the lights in the arena turned off leaving everything in darkness. It was dark. Too dark. Yuri almost felt like going into a panic, for he couldn't see a thing. And then the playing field began to light up, illuminating the stadium in an eerie green glow.

"You're putting him up against the regional champion?" Brett asked.

"I have a feeling he can win," said Crystal. "I know he can..."

"What's wrong with you?" Brett asked. "You think you can just scheme your way into making Yuri a good Duelist?"

"Scheming? Whatever do you mean?"

"Don't play dumb, Crystal," Brett said walking so close to her they went face to face. "I saw you putting a card into his deck. If you think that monster will be enough for Yuri to defeat Lawson, you are sadly mistaken, kid."

"Well, if he's so skilled, what reason do you have to get so angry?" Crystal said with a cocky smile. "And what if Yuri wins and proves you wrong?"

"You better hope he doesn't," snarled Brett. "Lawson is my protégé. I spent a lot of time and money getting him where he is. And if he loses to Yuri because of your interference, there will be consequences."

Brett tapped on his engraved platinum and gold belt buckle. Crystal gulped then frowned and stomped her right foot forward causing Brett to back off. "I don't care what you say!" she said with spite.

Brett backed off, surprised at the girl's sudden outburst of courage.

"If Yuri wins tonight it's because he's gotten better at the game. Sure I may have given him a card, but you're right; it won't be enough to ensure a victory. That just proves that if Yuri wins, it's because he's got the skills to beat your protégé and to participate in the tournament this summer."

"Never!" said Brett. "I will never allow it. Leon will allow it.

"That's not up to you to decide," said Crystal. She looked down at Yuri on his platform as he drew his cards. "Come on, little guy. Kick his ass."

"Let's do this!" cried out Lawson. "I summon Master and Expert!"

There was a glow on Lawson's side of the field. Suddenly a man in red armor and a bright green scarf appeared alongside a four-legged beast with a hungry look on its face, with a bright gold mane.

ATK/1200 DEF/1000

When Yuri saw the beast he yelped and almost fell backward. Whatever was going on, the monster had come to life. It was snarling, breathing, grinning, and laughing. The arena even seemed to produce the creature's odor.

"It's real!" Yuri shouted. "The monster's real!"

He wanted to jump off and run away, but he saw how high he was. He wasn't going anywhere. The beast was so realistic it was frightening.

"It's not real you idiot!" sneered Lawson. "It's holographic technology. The scanner on the interface reads the cards we play and renders them in holographic form."

"Your father just started using it in last year's tournament," Crystal called out from the VIP box. "That's why business was booming Yuri."

"Why am I the last to know?" said Yuri.

"That's what you get for not paying attention to the game, Yuri," said Brett. "How the hell are you Jacob Montgomery's son?"

"Wait a minute did she just say your father was the one behind all this?" said Lawson. "If that's so, then you're a Montgomery." He snapped his fingers. "Of course, that explains that weird glow in your eye. Jesus, Yuri, you really are a freak." He shivered with excitement. "Wow, this is going to put my name on the map when I beat both a Montgomery and the Queen of Dragons in one night."

"You're not beating anyone yet," said Yuri. "I summon Armored Lizard!" Yuri's field started glowing too. Then out came a two-legged lizard in armored blue flesh armed with razor-sharp claws. It screeched upon being rendered on the field.

ATK/1500 DEF/1200

Nick, Tyson, Carter, and Patty ran into the arena. What they saw caused them to stop in their tracks.

"LOOK!" shouted Tyson.

Patty gasped and covered her mouth with her hands.

"No way!" said Nick. "Real monsters!"

"It can't be," said Carter.

Andre leaned against the entryway and folded his arms. "So, the whole gang is here, huh? Hopefully, they can help Yuri out with some motivation." He grinned. "So, the son of the game's creator, pfft, sure. And the regional champion. I wish I had a hot dog and a bag of popcorn for this match. Oh, well. Their strategies are plenty for me to snack on. Let's see how Yuri can stand up to this Randall loser."

"Great," scoffed Brett from the VIP box. "Yuri's little lackeys are here polluting this beautiful arena with their filth."

"What is your problem?!" shouted Crystal.

"Don't you raise your voice at me, little lady!" Brett said furiously, slapping the back of his hand.

Crystal grimaced and looked back at the field in time to see Yuri command his monster to attack.

"Armored Lizard attack!" commanded Yuri. But he said it with such enthusiasm. It felt like he was commanding the monster to attack and do his bidding. The holograms did bring a new feel to the game. It wasn't like casual games at the card shops. Yuri's heart was racing. Sweat was coming out of every pore in his body. His hands shook, and his legs were quivering. This match felt like a real battle.

His monster gave a shriek and ran to its opponent. It used its sharp claws to cut Master and Expert into ribbons.

"Yes!" cheered Crystal.

"Hmm," said Brett. He took a sip of his champagne. "Not bad."

Lawson's Life Points dropped to 1700.

"Okay, so you have a little fight in you. Time to step things up a bit. I summon the Mystic Clown!" Lawson summoned a strange, mad fiend wearing a purple leotard decorated with eyes and a weird colorful mask.

"Mystic Clown?" said Yuri. "But his attack points are the same as my Armored Lizard's. They'll destroy one another."

"That may be so," said Lawson. "But I'd have to be a fool to send my Mystic Clown on a head-on attack with your Armored Lizard. That's why I'm performing a combo. I use the equip spell card, Dark Energy. This spell card boosts the attack and defense of Fiend monsters by three hundred points."

The clown had a dark aura glowing around him. He gave a hideous cackle and began to dance, taunting Yuri as his attack increased to 1800. The creature shot out a ball of black energy at the Armored Lizard. Yuri's monster shattered like glass upon being struck by the energy blast. His Life Points dropped to 1700 as well.

"Now we're tied!" said Yuri.

"Don't make me laugh!" said Lawson. "I use the spell card, Goblin's Secret Remedy. It will increase my Life Points by six hundred points."

Lawson's Life Points went up to 2300.

"Oh no!" gasped Crystal.

"I told you, little lady," said Brett. "Yuri's got no chance against my student."

"Oh come on Yuri!" shouted Nick. "You didn't have any traps or anything!"

"Come on, Yuri!" coached Crystal. "The game is still young. You can do it!"

"Pipe down!" Brett grabbed her by the collar of her jacket, pulling her back from the window.

"That girl again," Patty mumbled to herself. "Just who is she?"

So far Yuri had a bad draw.

"What are you doing!" Andre muttered angrily. "Duel, you damn fool. Pfft. And he's supposed to be king one day!"

"Drooling Lizard!" Yuri cried out, summoning a yellow-skinned lizard with a hard green shell and a long black tongue. "Defense Mode!"

"You think that pathetic reptile will be enough to hold out against my clown?" laughed Lawson. "Go, Mystic Clown! Attack his lizard!"

"Oh-no," Crystal said again. She watched in horror as his army of Reptile monsters was slaughtered.

Three turns went by.

Yuri lost his Ancient Lizard Warrior, and then his Lizard Soldier followed by his Mechaleon.

"Stop wasting my time!" shouted Lawson, after the Mystic Clown destroyed his Krokodilus. "If you have nothing that can stand against my clown, then forfeit the match!"

"You leave him alone!" shouted Patty. "God, this jerk is all talk!"

"Okay, here we go," said Yuri. He drew. "Giga Gagagigo, Attack!" Yuri shouted summoning his new monster. It was a tall human-like lizard with a green-skinned body toned with large muscles. It had a thick tail swinging behind him. The beast was protected by thick, polished metal armor.

With 2450 attack points he made short work of the clown. The damage to Lawson was 950 dropping his Life Points to 1350.

Yuri gave a leap. "YES! Now I'm on the offensive, Lawson! I will play a card face-down and end my turn."

"Now it's my turn," said Lawson.

"So far you've been getting your butt kicked Mr. Regional Champion!" teased Nick.

"I don't recall letting you dweebs into the arena!" shouted Lawson. "I would kick you out, but defeating this poor excuse of a Duelist in front of his peers just sweetens my victory which is now upon me."

"Oh yeah?" said Patty. "There's probably nothing in your deck that can stand up to his Giga Ga-Ga whatever-the-fuck-it's-called."

Brett, meanwhile, drummed his fingers on the bar top. "Ultra-Rare; twenty-four-fifty attack points; I suppose that Giga Gagagigo was your doing, Crystal?"

Crystal twiddled her thumbs and looked away to avoid his stern gaze. "Well...I had to, Brett. Yuri needs an edge."

Brett nodded. "It's a good card, but I'm afraid it won't do him any good. If that cybernetic lizard is the only powerful card Yuri has in his deck, then this Duel is over."

"How do you figure that?"

"Watch."

Lawson held up a card. "I now activate the ritual spell card: Garma Sword Oath!"

"Augh!" gasped Crystal. "A ritual monster!"

A tablet rose from the ground, shaking the arena. Nick, Tyson, Carter, and Patty hung onto the rails for dear life. After the tablet towered over the field, two golden torches with a wdjat eye appeared on either side of it spewing purple flames.

"Now I'll tribute from my hand my Ancient Brain and Masked Sorcerer in order to ritual summon the mighty Garma Sword!"

The two monsters appeared on the field. The flames then engulfed the monsters, sucking out their life forces which turned the flames blue. The torches spewed out their icy-blue flames onto the field. From the flames, Yuri saw a silhouette. The flames dispersed revealing the creature.

A monkey-faced warrior, wearing a midnight blue head ornament and a skirt. It had pearly-white armor over its torso and had six arms holding onto sharp curved white-gold swords.

ATK/ 2550 DEF/2150

"That's an impressive monster!" Patty said, after a loud gulp.

"Damn right he is, my dear," boasted Lawson. "Garma Sword is the rarest and most powerful card in my deck! He has won me countless victories, spelling doom on my opponents when he arrives on the field. And how's about I boost his power with Malevolent Nuzzler!"

A green-skinned fiendish maiden appeared behind Garma Sword and put her arms around his neck. She whispered in his ear a spell that sent him into a rage that boosted his attack by 700 increasing his attack to 3250.

"His monster's attack just boosted to the top of the charts!" Crystal yammered.

Brett gibbered making his wolfish grin. "Lawson's just showing off now. He's never had to boost his monster's attack like that before. It looks like he wants to make an example of your friend. So unless you sneaked a Perfectly Ultimate Great Moth or a Gate Guardian in there; Yuri's got no chance."

"Oh...I'm so sorry," Crystal said sympathetically.

"ATTACK!" roared Lawson.

His Garma Sword ran to Yuri's field. The six-armed warrior slashed off Giga Gagagigo's limbs and tail. Yuri lost 850 Life Points dropping him to 850.

"And now I'll burn you good with a little Ookazi. This will deal 800 points of damage to you, Yuri. Feel the heat!"

The flames surrounded Yuri. They were dangerously real. They fooled his brain and his senses to make it feel like he was being burned. Yuri screamed in agony then fell to his knees.

"Brett we have to stop the match!" cried Crystal. "The holographic systems are too much for him."

"You brought him into this, Crystal," Brett said with a sinister smile. "And why should I stop the match? He's down to his last fifty Life Points."

"Don't give up Yuri!" cheered Nick.

"Come on, you're still in this man!" cried Patty.

Yuri drew his card.

"Swords of Revealing Light!" shouted Yuri.

"YES!" cheered Crystal. She jumped and clapped her hands.

Swords of pure light fell from the sky and encased Garma Sword. The swords prevented Lawson from attacking for three turns.

"Oh man, the excitement." Crystal jeered.

"This isn't your ordinary children's card game, kiddies," Brett agreed, looking down at the frozen monster.

"What good will a three-turn delay do you?" sneered Lawson. "You're only prolonging the inevitable. Well, while you cower behind your swords, I'll boost my Life Points back up with the power of Dian Keto the Cure Master."

Lawson's Life Points increased to 2350.

"I then summon my beautiful, Succubus Knight!"

Lawson summoned a six-armed woman wearing a red leotard the revealed her shoulders and the upper half of her breasts. There were two bat-like ornaments over her chest and crotch. She smiled at Yuri, and provocatively licked her lips.

"That will end my turn," sneered Lawson.

"I draw," said Yuri. "I summon Black Dragon Jungle King, with an attack strength of twenty-one hundred."

Yuri's dragon impressed his friends when it came out fully rendered in holographic form. It was one of the strongest cards in his deck. It was a wingless, chubby beast with black scales and a royal purple underbelly. It's claws, spikes and horns were made of ivory.

B. Dragon Jungle King

ATK/2100 DEF/1800

"Attack his Succubus Knight!" Yuri commanded his dragon.

His monster belched purple flames that fried the female monster to a crisp. She cried out in agony. Her colorful leotard ripped away in the flames along with her flesh. Lawson lost 500 Life Points bringing him to 1850.

"Ha!" laughed Lawson. "That's fine with me. But I'll take some more Life Points with a little Red Medicine for good measure."

The spell increased his Life Points by 500 now raising him back to 2350.

"Hey, that's not fair!" exclaimed Patty. "No matter how much damage Yuri does to him; Lawson just increases it on his next turn."

"Now he's just toying with him," said Tyson. "There was no need to boost his points by that much. He's already got Yuri on the ropes."

"This guy is nothing but a bully," Carter growled. He felt like beating the stuffing out of the arrogant rich kid.

"And now I'll get rid of your dragon with the spell card: RAIGEKI!" Lawson cried out, dramatically holding up his card in the air.

Dark clouds swirled over the battlefield. Then bolts of lightning fell from the clouds striking the field until Black Dragon Jungle King was hit The monster roared as the powerful bolts of electricity cooked his body. The dragon shattered like glass. Yuri and his friends stared hopelessly at the smoldering crater on the ground where the dragon once stood.

"So much for your dragon, Yuri!" Lawson said, followed by a laugh.

"I play a monster in defense mode!" said Yuri.

"My turn!" said Lawson. "Ha! That defense monster won't do you any good. Look at this! I drew the spell card, Stop Defense. Now, on my next turn, when I'm free of your swords, I will activate this card and force your pathetic monster in attack mode so my Garma Sword can finish you off once and for all. I end my turn!"

The swords vanished. Now Garma Sword growled and stretched his arms and swung his blades through the air to warm up his muscles.

"Ugh, I can't watch," Patty said burying her face in her arms.

"Don't cover your eyes, babe," sneered Lawson. "You're going to miss one hell of a show." He followed his taunt with a cartoony laugh.

"I wish there were something we can do to help," said Nick.

"All we can do is put our faith in his next draw," said Carter.

"Come on," said Crystal.

Andre saw a gold flash on Yuri's fingertips when he placed them on the top of the deck. "What was that just now?" he wondered.

"I draw," said Yuri. "Huh...what's this?"

"Just end your turn already!" shouted Lawson. "It doesn't matter what card you drew, kid, this match is over!"

"I think not," said Yuri.

"You've got nothing that can stand up against my Garma Sword. Just forfeit!"

"I won't," said Yuri. "I drew just the card I needed. The Black Tyranno."

"What the hell is that!" shouted Lawson.

"I've never heard of that card before!" Brett whispered.

"I didn't put that in his deck!" Crystal whispered. "What the hell is that?"

Everyone stared in awe as the ancient monster appeared on the field. The creature stood over twenty feet high. It had black armored flesh; spiked bands on its arms; a long tail; thick, powerful legs; teeth as long as swords, and heterochromia eyes. One eye was like amber against flames and the other was glowing green...like Yuris. It reared its head up and roared.

Suddenly, Crystal noticed a crest, very regal in appearance forming behind Yuri, and his green eye started to illuminate even brighter.

"Yuri...," she said in an astounded whisper. "What's happening to you? What is that monster? I've never heard of it before."

The same crest shining brightly behind Yuri formed in Black Tyranno's glowing green eye. Again, the great beast reared his head up and roared so powerfully that Lawson felt a trickle of urine go down his pants. The speakers sparked, for the monster's cry was so loud and so dominating. The lights in the arena flickered on and off. Everyone cried out as their ears burned with the agony of the deafening roar and covered them with their palms. Brett cried out as though someone lashed out at him, and he squatted down, slapping his hands over his ears to protect them from the awful noise Black Tyranno was making.

Black Tyranno

ATK 2600 DEF/1800

When the jet-black dinosaur stopped roaring, he stomped his massive feet against the ground. He stared at Lawson and smashed his tail against the ground to display his dominance. The Black Tyranno was telling Lawson that this was his battlefield. He owned it. No one else.

"I don't know what he is or how you got it," said Lawson. "But color me impressed. Heh, despite all that showmanship, he's still not tough enough to take on my Garma Sword."

"Who says my Black Tyranno will attack your Garma Sword?" Yuri said with a confident snicker.

"I have no other monsters for you to attack!" shouted Lawson. "You have no choice but to attack my Garma Sword!"

"Not until I activate this!" said Yuri. "I've got a spell card called Block Attack. This card is the exact opposite of that Stop Defense spell you have in your hand. The spell forces your monster from attack position to defense position."

"What's the point in that?" sneered Brett from the VIP box. "Yuri may destroy Lawson's Garma Sword, but no Life Points will be lost."

"And for my final trick," said Yuri. "I use De-spell and destroy your Malevolent Nuzzler."

"I still won't lose points, Yuri!" Lawson arrogantly repeated himself.

"And now for my Black Tyranno's special ability!" Yuri announced loud and proud. "When you have nothing but defense position monsters on the field my Black Tyranno can attack you directly."

"WHAT!" shouted Lawson.

"No way!" Brett said, with a change in tone. "Incredible power! Where did he get a card like that?"

"Yuri?" Crystal whispered. "You're actually going to beat him."

The Black Tyranno gave another roar and then dashed for Lawson. He stomped Garma Sword and then gave a mighty whip of its tail dealing 2600 damage to his Life Points. No one could believe it when Lawson's scoreboard dropped to 0.

"I lost...but...but how? I... I'm the regional champion. There's no way this nobody could have defeated me."

"All right, Yuri!" shouted Nick. "You did it!"

The platform lowered. Yuri collapsed to the floor.

"Whoa, whoa, give him some air guys," said Tyson, seeing Yuri sitting on the edge of the platform, exhausted and panting as though he had run a great distance. Sweat fell from his forehead in large drops. His body was quivering as though he was out in the cold.

"AWWWWW! YEAH!" Nick roared. "That was sick man!" he happily fist-bumping Yuri.

"Yuri!" cried Patty. Her legs were quaking. One of her cheeks was bleeding from when she was squeezing her face with her nails in anticipation. "You were amazing. I can't believe you pulled it off. You won! You really won!"

"Are you kidding!" said Carter. "This was not just a win! You beat the regional champion! You're a force to be reckoned with, after all, Yuri! I knew it! I just knew it!"

"Let's hear it for Yuri, guys!" Nick shouted as he and Tyson picked up their friend and paraded him out of the arena.

The two of them began to sing:

For he's a jolly good fellow! For he's a jolly good fellow!

For he's a jolly good fellow who kicked the champion's ass!

Andre gave a nod and smiled. "Not bad, Yuri. I knew coming here was a great idea." He walked away and disappeared into the shadows.

"He did it!" Crystal laughing with both excitement and disbelief. "You really did it!"

She was about to go down to congratulate Yuri but she felt a vice-like grip on her wrist.

"Come on. I'm going to take you home," Brett snarled.

"But I just want..." said Crystal.

"NOW!" shouted Brett. And with another powerful yank, he dragged Crystal down the halls and out of the arena. Crystal had no choice but to follow him. She looked back down the hall towards the entrance to the arena and smiled.

You were great tonight, Yuri. But I have a feeling you'll only be getting better.

---

Yuri

---

It was a good thing he lived in the basement. Otherwise, someone would have heard him screaming.

Yuri, sitting up in his bed, was breathing slowly, drenched in a cold sweat. His heart racing in his chest; biting, gnawing and thumping as if escaping from his body. He was surrounded by darkness causing him to whimper in despair, thinking the creatures in his nightmare were probably lurking in the shadows ready to murder him. He fumbled through the dark, looking for the damned lamp.

He felt the table beside his bed, knocked over his deck, spilling the cards all over the floor. He found the bottom of the table lamp and caressed the stem all the way up until he found the chain and tugged it illuminating his room with its soft light.

There was nothing but his room.

He buried his face in his sweaty palms and softly cried. The numbers on his clock read 3 AM. He dressed into a pair of jeans and slipped his denim jacket over his bare torso and ran out of the house. He needed to get away from his room. He needed to see his world. A stroll past the shore would calm his thoughts hopefully. The crickets chirped alongside the hissing cicadas in the trees. He heard the soft hum of cars in the distance. He put his hands in his pocket and slowly strolled down the sidewalk towards the bridge into town. The lights of Aquarius's central island lit up the ocean. The pearly-white metallic street lamps lit his way, washing him in their dull orange glow.

"Yuri!"

"Ren," Yuri said, turning around to see his friend walking behind him.

"Damn man, it's almost four in the morning. What are you doing out so late?"

"I just wanted to go for a stroll," Yuri answered, sheepishly.

"You look distraught," Ren said, lighting a cigarette. "Everything all right?"

"Yeah...sort of."

"Come on, let me join you."

The two men made their way down the bridge. A few cars rode by disrupting the silence for a brief moment. Yuri then stopped and leaned on the black railing, resting his chin over his crossed arms to look at the dark sea. The moon, slowly fading into the horizon, caused the water to glimmer. A bouey was ringing somewhere in the darkness. He heard waves crashing against the shore not too far ahead.

"What's with that getup?" asked Ren. "You're not exactly in the kind of shape to be walking about shirtless.

Yuri looked down at his bulging belly. His knack for eating fast food after school was finally nipping him in the bud.

"How's Crystal?" he asked. "I didn't get a chance to say goodbye to her after my victory against the regional champ."

"She's fine," Ren responded, exhaling smoke. Yuri coughed, causing Ren to chuckle. "If it bothers you so much, you could just tell me to put it out."

"I can handle it," coughed Yuri, fanning the smoke away from his face. "Was she able to get home safe?"

"Yeah, Brett took her home."

"I hate that prick," Yuri grumbled. "I can't believe he has the audacity to do what he did and just hang around us like nothing happened. The way he treats her. You'd think he owns her or something."

"To some extent," Ren said, flicking his cigarette into the sea. "His family does manage her music career,"

"You should make a move," said Yuri. "Before it's too late."

"I should say the same about you," Ren said leaning back on the rail beside Yuri.

"What are you talking about?" Yuri asked.

"Oh, you know what I'm talking about. Remember when we were kids? You and I would go through hell competing against one another for her affection. Who could run faster, who could Duel better, who could buy her better gifts."

"And you would always beat me," said Yuri. "As of right now, I concede. I knew it was hopeless since the day we met her. She's always liked you most. I see the way she looks at you."

"Me?" Ren said with a grin.

"Mm-hmm," said Yuri. "What chance do I have to get a girl like Crystal? I'm just a delicate little flower, remember?"

"Yuri don't..."

"I don't care, Ren. Do something before Brett beats us both to her. Damn...sometimes...sometimes, I just want to kill him."

"That's a pretty strong statement, kid; you really feel that way?"

"I can't help it," Yuri replied sadly. "Not after all he's done. I think it's because of these feelings that I've been getting these dreams."

"Patty told me about that online last night," said Ren. "She said you've been talking about them all month."

"They're horrible," said Yuri. "It also explains what I'm doing out here."

"You had another one?"

"Mm-hmm."

"Do you want to talk about it?"

"I guess," said Yuri.

"What happened?"

"I saw..., Well, I don't know what I saw,"

"That's pretty vague," said Ren. "And here I was, on my toes, expecting a real horror story."

"It wasn't a clear picture," Yuri retorted. "Not at first, but over the past couple of weeks, they started getting a little more transparent. I could see...a city on fire. It looked like it was being attacked."

"A city?"

"Yeah, but it looked medieval,"

"Medieval?" Ren asked again.

"Yeah, ramparts, castles. It was dark. The rain was falling from the sky. Then these...horrible monsters just burst through and started attacking. They began killing people...butchering them. Men, women, children...babies."

"That's horrible," said Ren.

"I could even smell the fires...I could hear the people screaming. Those monsters...grunting...killing...eating. The weird thing is, these feel more like memories than dreams. Like I've been there before."

"Deja vu?" Ren asked.

"In a manner of speaking," Yuri replied. "But that's impossible, right? Castles, monsters, magic. There is no way I could have led a former life in some dungeons and dragons bullshit."

"No," Ren chuckled. "No, not really, no. What else did you see?"

"I saw cartoon characters looking down at me."

Ren burst out laughing.

"Yeah, pretty dumb, huh?"

"Man, and I thought I had problems," Ren said, breathing slowly to catch his breath.

"Don't tell, Crystal," said Yuri. "She's worried about me enough as it is,"

"I won't say a word," said Ren, laughing again. "Do you feel better?"

"A little," said Yuri.

"Come on then," said Ren. "Let's go home."

They started walking back. Ren stopped.

"You know, Yuri, despite all your flaws, I love having you for a friend."

"Likewise," said Yuri, following Ren back to the estate.

---

Crystal - Martinetti Estate, Gondolin Island

---

The drive back Brett's seaside mansion was a long and silent one. Brett remained in his seat, face glowing red in anger and no doubt humiliation for seeing his prodigy get beat by Yuri, who was often called out for having no skill whatsoever in the game. He breathed heavily like an elephant after a powerful spring. Deep down, Crystal started getting scared. Normally Brett would be kissing her and fondling her as they were driven back home. If he was in no mood for that, then she really was in trouble.

The stretched limousine stopped in front of the lavish golden gates of Brett's mansion. Two guards wielding AR-15's waved, welcoming their young employer back home while the gatekeeper pressed a red button forcing the gates to fold open.

A chill of fear ran down Crystal's body when the limo jerked forward and moved again. She felt her heart whacking against her chest, demanding to be let out and escape the punishment that was about to take place.

The limo made a slight curve to go around the pond with the glowing fountain in the center of the courtyard. Four of Brett's security guards went down the steps in unison and split off to go on each side of the limo to let out Brett and Crystal from their own doors.

"Welcome back, sir," said Santiago, his twenty-two-year-old right-hand man.

"Ma'am," said the guard escorting Crystal. Something wasn't right. They were meaner than usual tonight. They walked on either side of her as they followed Brett to the backyard to his private golf course overlooking the moonlit ocean behind the palm trees. Crystal was forced to stand on top of a hill watching Brett shoot balls into the night with his club.

"I'm very disappointed in you, Crystal," Brett said, putting another ball on the tee. He readied himself for the shot. "Very, very disappointed. You know how much time and money I put into making Randall the Duelist he is now?"

Crystal remained silent, eyes glued to the moonlight. Brett scoffed at her muteness and whacked the ball.

"No, I didn't think you would." He set up the tee and put another ball on it. "Do you know how much money Randall's family paid me to make him the powerhouse he is? Or sorry, I mean was." He whacked it away, and again he set another. Crystal guessed he was doing this to control his anger, and she prayed it was being cooled by his game.

"Crystal, Randall's father is the son of the Secretary of Defense! I got paid a bundle to make sure his kid was good at something because before I came along, Randall was shit. Randall was nothing but an embarrassment to his family. I whipped him into shape with Duel Monsters. When he won the regionals, his father was so proud and offered a four-year contract to my uncle's PMC. We're talking three hundred million dollars, babe."

He laughed and whacked another ball away. He leaned against the club as he let out his laughter. "You can imagine my disdain when he called and yelled at me for the loss." He laughed so hard he snorted. "The internet can be a cruel, cruel bitch; I'm sure you can relate."

Crystal narrowed her eyes.

"Word got out of how Yuri beat Randall with that Black Tyranno. Quite an impressive monster that Black Tyranno. Pity he's in the hands of a weak Duelist like Yuri."

"If he's so weak, then why did he beat Randall?"

"So you're gloating at me now, huh?" chuckled Brett. "Naw, naw, go ahead. Have your moment. Have your moment. You earned it. You made Yuri make me look like a complete fool. So...how did you get Mr. Montgomery to make Yuri that card?"

Crystal gasped, gingerly placing a hand on her chest. "Excuse me! You think I gave him that card?"

Brett looked at her and grinned. "I don't think," he tapped his temple with a ringed finger. "I know. I know you gave it to him. Of course, after Mr. Montgomery printed it. You two never liked me. No doubt you'd send that punk Yuri to go do your dirty work."

"You really are insane," said Crystal. "I had nothing to do with the Black Tyranno and neither did Jacob."

Brett leaned back, waving his golf club in circles. "So the card just came out of nowhere, right?"

"Get a grip on yourself! So Randall lost. It's just a game."

Brett narrowed his eyes. His smile faded. He looked at both the guards standing beside Crystal and nodded at them one by one. Before she could even ask what he was doing, they grabbed her by the arms and slammed her to the ground.

Brett tossed Santiago a golf ball. The young mercenary caught it and laughed maliciously, ordering Crystal to pucker up her lips so she could hold the ball up with her mouth. She whimpered and shivered in fear, wondering what they wanted to do with her. She felt something hard and cold tap against her skull.

She looked up. Brett was looking down at her, his cruel smile back on his face. The golf club waved back and forth over her nose. He was going to hit her with it. She whined, shaking her head. "D-d-don't do it. I'm sorry," she said. The ball rolled off her mouth. Santiago slapped her and put the ball back on her lips. She sobbed.

"Randall's father was not too pleased with his son losing, Crystal," Brett said, still waving the club over her face. "He cut off the deal, costing us millions. I promised him Randall would be undefeated. And he was...Until now. Losing to a nobody just shows how weak he truly is. Your interference with that match cost me my reputation. My family's good name. This game is so much more than a moronic children's card game, Crystal. I don't know how I can make you understand that. Look at all I have. Look at all Yuri has. Look at what you have. This game brings power to those who know how to play it. The more you win, the more power you gain. Everyone wants to sponsor you. Everyone wants to be you. The commoners worship champions like you and me as though we were gods!"

He held out his arms dramatically and sniffed the air as though he were breathing in his own power like a drug.

"And there's one thing you have to understand, tootsie. Yuri's father may have invented the Duel Monsters, but that doesn't mean he owns it. No, no, no. It's my game, Crystal. My game." He raised the club over his shoulder with a loud woosh. "You understand?"

WHACK! The ball was launched off her mouth and zoomed into the night. Crystal yelled and rolled to her side in agony, for the club hit her right on the lips. Blood trickled from the side of her mouth.

"This thing isn't over, Crystal," Brett sneered, admiring his work. "Thanks to you, Yuri has a big target painted on his back. That Black Tyranno sure is something. One way or the other, it's going to be mine." He tapped the club against her temple. "And if you ever interfere again, I'm going to nail your blonde ass to my office door! But before that happens, you're going to see Yuri well acquainted with the fishes; forgive me for being cliche."

He rubbed his chin.

"Ah, I've always wanted to say that though," he said fixing his tie. "Makes me feel like a real gangster. All right, fellas. Pick up the bitch and send her to her room. Oh, and you better clean that up, baby. You've got to shoot a video tomorrow for your new album. Sweet dreams."

Santiago and the other guard picked Crystal up. "Get up!" he growled, yanking her by the arms, and dragging her away.