Peter Dragonheart - Rassay, Captial of Emboldor
October 8 - Year 18 4AOS
'Nirvana', he thought to himself, staring out into the darkened waters of the Bay of Kings, lit up by the silver light of Luvia.
He saw the orange twinkle coming from the windows of the boats that sailed the water below, and the city glowing in the night.
He smirked and then he waddled from the heat of his oversized hearth to the bed where a youthful tan-skinned half-elf girl from the brothel awaited him, face down on her pillow and her ass up. She had two white hair clips on the left part of her shoulder-length silver-blonde hair.
Rosa Roundbottom was her name, one rightfully deserved for her 'perfect ass' as many of her clients called it. And Lord Peter was her best customer. His favorite 'companion' in all of Termnnia. Peter walked up a wooden step to his bed and approached the girl from behind. He sprinkled a glowing blue powder down the crack of her rump and took a long sniff of the sweet-smelling poison.
The girl moaned and twitched when she felt his round nose touch her forbidden parts. Peter went woozy and saw the world lit up with bright colors and sprinkles of light. He felt taller. A man twice his size. And he felt warmer, too. He wanted more pleasure and pressed his face down the girl's backside again until he snorted every last bit of the powder.
He gave the girl a smack. She cooed in delight and wiggled her posterior as she asked him to do it again, to which he happily obliged. He crawled up her back and started nibbling her neck.
"They don't lie about you girls from the Summerlands," he said, growling like an animal and snapping his teeth near her pointed ear.
Rosa laughed. "A drink!" she said. "Please. I thirst."
Trying to keep himself up, Peter Dragonheart crawled to the nightstand to pick up a goblet of Star Queen's Blood, a very rare vintage of Termnnian wine said to contain drops of blood from Evangelia Pendragon. He had to sell half the gold in his nieces' Duelist Academy funds to acquire it; unknown to anyone at the moment.
"Care for some of this stuff?" he asked.
"Yes, please," the girl said, turning over to her side. She rested her cheek on her knuckles and sighed. "Is it true what they say about that vintage, Lord Peter? Does it really contain blood from Evangelia Galaxy-Eyes?"
"Yes indeed," Peter answered. "When she ruled Termnnia under the wing of her Galaxy-Eyes Dragons, people thought of her as a divine. What she had in beauty she also had in incredible power. She could talk to dragons as though she spoke common Termnnian. She could breathe fire, cast lightning storms, and even save the ones she loved from death."
"Interesting," said the girl.
Peter licked his teeth and poured the wine from its beautifully handcrafted golden bottle into the cup. The bottle's surface was carved in leafy ornamentation and statuettes of dragons with jeweled eyes.
"Yes indeed," the little man replied. "Some say the blood of those Galaxy-Eyes Dragons flowed through her veins; for once Evangelia won the Dance of the Dragon Queens, her eyes began to glow like the stars. Just like her dragons. The prospect of her 'divine dragon blood' drew alchemists mad with curiosity. Many offered her entire wagons of gold for a drop of her blood. But she would not have it. She turned them all away. And you won't believe what happened next."
"What? Tell me! I love learning about our history. Especially the history of Termnnia's strongest women."
"Well," said Peter. "Being a girl who loved to fight in the front lines, soldiers of all banners would storm towards her just to stab her for a drop of blood. Even her own bannermen gave into the bounty and turned on her for a chance of some gold. But she was a magnificent swordswoman. No one could touch her."
He laughed.
"Well, anyone lucky enough to get near her that is. Her Galaxy-Eyes Dragons were oh so protective of her. But, eventually, someone did get her blood. One night, as she sleeps, a vintner from the city manages to sneak into her bedroom. He must have been a master of stealth to sneak past both the guards and the Galaxy-Eyes Photon Dragon said to sleep with her in her chambers. The master burglar is able to draw quite a bit of blood out of her with a magical dagger that prevented the Queen from feeling pain. He collected just enough of the Queen's blood to make an elixir which he then turned into six bottles of wine. The fool made a mistake. He sold them to well-known collectors for high prices. Ha! He even added gold flakes to the drink. How is that for pomposity?"
He cleared his throat.
"But I digress," he continued. "The price of the wine was high enough to garner the attention of the Citadel Guard. They eventually found out what was in the drink. The vintner was captured and then beheaded by Evangelia's Galaxy-Eyes Cipher Blade Dragon, a monster she dubbed the royal executioner."
He laughed. So did the girl. "How cruel," she giggled.
Peter handed her the goblet. Just like in the story, the drink was flaked in gold dust. The beverage was almost pink in color. If what Peter said was true, then this wine was five thousand years old. "So they killed him for taking her blood," the girl said, giving the goblet a little shake. "Queen's blood?"
Peter sniggered and poured himself some of the ancient wine into his goblet with the stem crafted to look like a nude woman in a sensuous pose.
"I can't imagine a more horrifying death. To have your head sliced off by a gigantic dragon, three times your size. The poor fool did not live to relish in the fortune he made. Then again, those who bought the beverage feared for their lives. They sold the wine to anyone they could find. Warlords. Mercenaries. Knights. Vagabonds. The list goes on. They were scattered into the world never to be seen again. And now here I stand with a bottle of wine with an ounce of a queen's blood inside."
"I can't wait," said Rosa. "What should we toast to, my handsome lord?"
Peter grinned. "To the return of Prince Yuri," he said.
"Oh," Rosa jeered. "I will toast to that."
They tapped their goblets together and drank. For a beverage that was thousands of years old, it was as cold as the Arctic Kingdoms and divine in flavor. No doubt the magic of the alchemist vintner - or perhaps the divine properties of Evangelia's blood - kept it so rich for so long. Peter felt his innards freeze over. The bright colors he saw from the powder he snorted vanished. Much to his shock, he was sober again. Elegant in taste, and with medicinal purposes as well. This was indeed a fine brew.
"It's amazing!" Rosa Roundbottom said, drinking every last drop from her cup. She asked for another.
"Now, now," said Peter. "This was expensive. I would rather not drink it all at once."
"Indeed," said the girl.
Peter crawled out of bed and then tottered to his desk, littered with scrolls, piles of gold coins and sacks of Star Chips, a golden scale, and an abacus with disks of gold and silver.
He sat down on his red armchair and got back to work, writing a few letters and signing a few documents to Maximillion Pegasus. He dipped his red-feathered quill into the ink bottle and started scribbling on a thick ledger containing all the receipts and expenditures of his House's finances. He raised an eyebrow, realizing that his brother, The King of Dragonrock, was spending a little too much on his friends in the Senate.
Peter was not concerned about losing money; the vaults below the castle honeycombed for miles and miles with riches that could last them a thousand years. Nevertheless, the amount of money Antilles was giving out was quite a substantial amount.
But Peter knew Antilles would trust in him to make back the sum - with interest - in no time. He was very good at that; that was why he was the treasurer. Even though he stood 4 feet 10 inches tall, the second Prince of House Dragonheart was a man who was not to be looked down upon.
That was quite possibly the last mistake of many people he encountered who doubted him. They paid the price in terms of money, pride, wife, and even life. A man of astute intellect, he had contacts in every nook and cranny all over Termnnia. Every town, city, bank, brothel, and Dueling Arena; be it west or east, had one of his spies prowling about, hoping to get a good bit of information in exchange for fat sacks of gold coins and Star Chips or ultra-rare cards.
"My brother really doesn't want Yuri back on the throne," he muttered, a little too loudly for his own good, for the girl heard this.
"What do you mean?" she asked.
"What I mean is, that my brother wishes to keep Yuri in the other world until he is good and ready. Master Yugi, on the other hand, wishes to see him home sooner rather than later. I say it's a good choice to keep him locked away from the Diamond Throne. A High King must defend his kingdom from his enemies anywhere, be it the battlefield or the Dueling Arena. Unfortunately, my sources in the House of Intelligence tell me Yuri's Dueling skills are something to be desired. It would be unwise to give him the crown with his skills at their infant stages. If Yuri is High King, and someone brash challenges him to a Duel for the crown via the Dueling Pact, he could lose horribly. His opponent will be named High King and all that money we've invested into keeping Yuri safe on Earth would have been all for naught."
"You paid to keep him safe?" Rosa asked. She played with a flake of gold in her mouth.
"And how," said Peter. "The boy destroyed Anubis as an infant. That's more than enough to garner both my respect and my gold. His birth caused the Orcs to flee Termnnia in droves back to the Black Continent. Now that his eighteenth year approaches, girls are going after him. Lucky lad, that Yuri."
"Oh, I cannot blame them," swooned the girl. "He has the blood of an Eyar and the beauty of a Celtra. A face that was crafted by the goddesses and a body as hard as a mountain." She giggled and shook her shoulders. "Not to mention all that power he has, both in magic and in noble title. The Diamond Throne. The God Cards. Every King in Termnnia bowing to his every whim, and the gold! Oh, my! Yuri is a fine prize for any princess."
Peter scoffed. "A fine prize? That mindset has caused more harm than it has good. Civil wars have broken out in each country on the continent. Haughty young girls hiring mercenaries, hedge knights; anyone who can fight, to join their cause. War. War. War. Everywhere I go."
He shook his head. "The Red Flowers War in which the daughters of House Thorn have drawn arms against one another to hold claim over Yuri's heart. The Summer Maiden War in the Stormcoasts. The War of the Five Princesses in Skyhold. The Lockwood-Oakenward Conflict up in Katina. Blood is being spilled and the fighting these girls are causing is creating a decline in strength against the Fat King up north. In fact, this silly squabble over Yuri is costing a great deal in gold as well. But, that makes it all the better for me, I suppose. People come flocking to our coffers demanding loans to fund their little wars. Many in my profession call wars...harvest time."
He smiled greedily and signed another document without even reading it. The door to his chambers creaked open. Peter heard the flapping of expensive silk, the jingle of jewelry, and the obnoxious clop, clop, of the high-heeled boots he gave her for her birthday last year.
"Ah, my darling niece," Peter said before Alexandra Dragonheart showed herself in the light of the fire from the hearth.
"Your Highness," Peter's companion said. "My, my. This is truly an honor. Aren't you supposed to be finding something to wear for your uncle's party tomorrow night?"
Alexandra wrinkled her nose, looking at the girl in disgust. "I have plenty of things to wear, Uncle," she said, stopping in front of the bed and examining the girl. "Uncle Peter is there ever a night one doesn't find you sleeping with a concubine from the brothel?"
Peter let out a hearty laugh. "My dear niece, that is a trick question, isn't it?"
"Whatever," Alexandra said haughtily. She walked towards him and sat down on his desk. "Uncle, I've come to ask you for a bit of...compensation."
Peter rolled his eyes. "And what, dear niece, caught your eye in the market tonight?"
"Nothing to concern yourself with, Uncle. Per command of the King, you're only duty is to make me happy. Now, what can you spare me?"
Peter tapped his desk with his finger. "First off, I want to know why you need money to storm out this late at night."
Alexandra exposed her snowy-white teeth. "I say again, Uncle, it is of no concern for you. Remember what Uncle Antilles said. 'Make her happy', and you most certainly aren't. You wouldn't want your brother, The King, to be upset with you, would you? Not when we're so close to the wedding in Orange Hill."
"You were supposed to return to Orange Hill a week ago," said Peter, spinning a card under his finger on the desk.
A Starving Venom Fusion Dragon.
"Your cousin needs you. And I believe you have some duties to oversee, yes?"
Alexandra whined, throwing her hair back and kicking her feet up and down. "But it's not often I get to come with you on business to the capital of the continent, Uncle. This is my first time in Rassay in...I don't know, many, many years. There's so much to do. So much to see. And I've only got until Uncle Antilles arrives to enjoy it. Please, let me have a bit of fun before I get sent to Orange Hill."
Peter spun the Starving Venom Fusion Dragon card again. "Oh, all right," he groaned. He opened one of the drawers of his desk and tossed a small velvet purse next to her bottom.
Alexandra looked at it distastefully as she picked it up. "What is this?" she asked.
"Your 'compensation'" Peter answered, leaning back in his seat. He placed both his stubby hands on the back of his head as he shot Alexandra a smug grin. "'Go crazy."
Alexandra held up the coin purse as though she were holding up a dead rat. "Are you serious, Uncle? I can't even get a decent pair of panties with this chump change."
"Oh, you want more, do you?" he said.
"Uncle Antilles said you have to make me happy!" Alexandra pouted and crossed her arms. "Of course, maybe you could lend me that Starving Venom Fusion Dragon of yours. I've never wielded a Dimensional Dragon before. It could be fun. And it looks so beautiful."
Peter remained quiet. He put the card back on the top of the deck. "Not on your life, child." He tossed her a heavy burlap sack from underneath his desk. "I expect you to pay me back in full for that amount. I know what's in it."
"You can count on me, Uncle," Alexandra said, taking the sack. She weighed the money with her hand. "Oh, yes. This will do nicely." She got up and walked out of his chambers and out of the castle to enjoy the night.
Alexandra - East Waterfront District, Rasaay
The East Waterfront District stood out from all the others in Rasaay. Being the capital of the continent and home to the King of Kings, it was no surprise to anyone that the city would be visited by citizens of Eredas the Glowing Kingdom. Walled off from the other districts, the East Waterfront was powered by incredible technology and held accommodations to suit the very picky guests from the East.
Princess Alexandra could contain her curiosity no more. Since she was a little girl, she read maps in the library detailing the most technologically advanced kingdom in all Termnnia. She studied portraits and photographs and even stood atop cliffs watching as flying ships soared off into the ocean after concluding their trade with her father's kingdom.
Now that she was finally in Rassay, she just had to see the 'taste' of what Eredas had to offer. Even if the district was small, it still contained wonders that she was denied to see due to her traditional life.
Rasaay was powered by electricity as well, despite being of traditional construction, but the rest of the city paled in comparison to what Alexandra saw when she walked past the gates into the paradise of advanced technology and modern luxury.
She felt like a child walking into a store that sold golden cards and delicious candies. There were buildings of glass, limestone, and steel towering over the walls that separated the citizens of the district from the other folk still living in medieval traditions such as horses and carts, torches, and roughspun clothing.
Here, the people were dressed very gallantly in suits and ties. Soldiers wore Velcro, wore helmets with odd devices to let them see in the night, and they fielded carbines instead of the classical guard wearing a suit of chainmail, surcoat, and armor plating.
The buildings were lit with neon signs and trimming. Exotic eastern foods perfumed the air. She came upon a cliff face overlooking the lower parts of the district many feet below. Alexandra grasped the railings to admire the view.
Their portion of the bay was walled off to block fleets of luxury yachts sailing across the waters of the Bay of Kings. Over the wall, Alexandra saw wooden ships with their towering white sails heading off into the ocean to complete their trade with the other kingdoms.
Alexandra also noticed that the town below was purely for entertainment and populated by youths her age, no doubt the sons and daughters of the richest and most powerful nobles in Eredas. The young ones took refuge down below, while their parents were in the Spire of the Kings overseeing their business with High Chancellor Pegasus.
"I've died and gone to paradise," Alexandra said gleefully. "Ana be praised for such wonders."
She wasted no more time and hurried down the stairs to find shops for more appropriate attire. She entered a boutique where she purchased a raunchy black dress and boots. Just to show off her title as Princess of Dragon's Nest, she put on her tiara and then went to the pier to join a sort of festival by the water where music unlike anything she ever heard in her life pumped deafening beats into the night.
Colorful lights flashed over the pier and lasers streamed across the air. Strobes flashed, fueling the youngsters with adrenaline. Alexandra felt herself growing hypnotized by the music. She joined the others on the pier and started mimicking the way they were dancing until she started to blend in with the crowd. Her moves, though amateurish, were dazzling and fluid-like. She caught the attention of many boys who formed a circle around her and watch her as she danced.
She noticed the attention she was gathering. Hungry stares surrounded her. She smiled and wagged her finger before walking off to the nearest bar for a drink. She chose an odd glowing liquid encased in a bottle crafted in the form of a Blue-Eyes White Dragon. The bartender shook the bottle, then squeezed lime soda pop from a hose into a glass as she poured Alexandra's drink.
"You're a beautiful little thing, aren't you?" the bartender complimented her. "You're not from around here, are you, hun?"
"How did you guess?" Alexandra asked, taking her glass by the stem. She sipped the drink and felt her taste buds both sing from the sweet flavor and scream from the burn of the alcohol. "Oh, it's delicious!"
"Patented by Seto Kaiba himself," said the bartender. "Anyways, like I was saying, you've got that fish-out-of-water look to you. Not to mention your tiara. You're a princess. What you're doing in a place like this without security is beyond me, and none of my business. But I can tell from the jewels crusted to look like House sigils that you're not eastern royalty. Hmm, that White Knight on the left is the House of Von Clause. And the black dragon on the right has a blazing heart. Which means that you're also from House Dragonheart. Right?"
"Correct, but on my mother's side," Alexandra replied, taking another drink. "I've never experienced a culture as strange as this. It makes me think of all those wasted years."
"I can't imagine what it must be like being a princess from the west," the bartender chuckled, fixing another customer a drink. "All that protocol and lady-like etiquette must be such a bore."
Alexandra rolled her eyes. "My friend, you have no idea. All my life I've been told how to walk, how to sit, how to eat. How to shit and fuck, even. Well, I say no more. My uncle is King Antilles of Dragonrock." The bartender's eyes widened. Alexandra smiled. "Yes. He promised me things will change in the coming months."
"I see, that must sound pretty exciting. You don't see much of him, do you? I've seen him march around the city a few times, but he doesn't say anything about you. Then again, I'm not one to talk. He seems as traditional as you can get. You sure he wouldn't mind you hanging out in a place like this, honey?"
"He's too busy dealing with the Senate to worry about where I go to have fun." Alexandra sipped her drink again. "Not that I care what he thinks if he ever did find me here. I'm grown up. I can take care of myself."
Not long after saying that, two young men set on either side of her. They ordered drinks. The bartender walked off to find the ingredients and looked at Alexandra. The young lad on the left was swinging his neck from left to right along with the beat of the music. Alexandra grinned and sipped her glowing concoction again. "Hello," she said to them both.
"Well, hello, hello, princess," said the one on the right, an Eldori with blazing hair spiked to look like flames. He was chewing on a toothpick. "So, what's a little dove like yourself doing out here all by her lonesome?"
"Perhaps I came looking for the right man," Alexandra replied.
Both the young men exchanged satisfied looks with one another. "Can I get you a drink," the Eldori asked.
Alexandra looked at him, smiling. "You big silly, I still have to finish this one. I wouldn't mind another if I don't have to pay."
The Eldori laughed. "You're a western girl, aren't you? Babe, that's the whole point of a guy offering you a drink. He pays for it in exchange for a dance. Or..." he licked his lips. "A little trip back to his place for some fun."
"Oh, you don't say," said Alexandra. "My, my, my. A free drink and a night of sex? I could get used to this."
The man on the left leaned back in his chair to look at the curve of her butt. He whistled. "She's got such an ass on that!" he replied crudely. "I call dibs."
"Hey, I talked to her first, Gordo!" said the Eldori. "She's mine. Go find yourself another one."
"No way, Conner. You always get the nice ones and leave the beasts for the rest of us."
Conner scoffed. "I can't help it if women find me more fascinating than you, Gordo."
Alexandra laughed. "Now, boys, no fighting. I can handle you both."
Gordo and Conner squealed with delight. "Oy, she's dangerous!" Gordo commented, his eyes studying every curve Alexandra had.
"See, Princess, that's the thing. I'm Conner of the House Dwayne. My father is the Lord of Kornshire in Eredas. He's also good friends with the Prince of Domino himself."
"And what does that have to do with us?" Alexandra asked.
Conner grabbed her by the arm. He inched his way towards her until his mouth was just a touch away from her cheek. "It means that I don't share the things that I want. And right now, Princess, I want you." He licked her cheek.
"You animal!" she giggled. She looked at Gordo. "But it would be such a shame to leave your little friend all alone and out of the fun. I'm not that heartless."
"Forget about those two losers, Princess!" said another fool, coming to claim her for the night. "This guy right here is nothing but a squire to his mother's paladin. And this so-called nobleman is the son of a House noted for its corn farms. My father found his wealth with the silver and gold we excavate from the Great White Mountains." He showed her the golden rings on his fingers. He took one off and gave it to her. It fit the length of her finger and was capped with an egg-shaped diamond.
"Oh, my!" Alexandra exclaimed. "It's beautiful. Thank you!" She grinned deviously. Like flies, all these men were caught in her web of seduction and beauty.
The young man who presented her with the ring sneered. "You see, Conner. Women prefer silver, gold, and diamonds. Something I don't expect a family of corn farmers to have access to. Believe me, Princess, you need to have a sharper eye when it comes to men. A lot of beautiful young things get suckered into marriages with peasants from lesser Houses pretending to be Termnnian royalty."
Conner and Gordo jumped out of their stools, fists at the ready if that was the arrogant young noble's desire.
"Oh yeah!" shouted Conner. "Well, there's no need to introduce yourself. You're Prince Kyle of that Principality of islands down south." He heard Alexandra coo delightfully beside him. A prince from the tropic kingdoms was always a highly desired prospect for many highborn girls. "I have to work to get my treasures!" Conner boasted. "Daddy just gives you whatever you want."
"So long as I get diamonds and pearls quicker, what does it matter how he got his gifts?" Alexandra mocked the boy, waving her hand in the air to show off her ring. "This is an expensive diamond. It must have cost you a fortune."
Prince Kyle was pleased by that remark. "Indeed it did," he replied with a bow, thanking her for her remark. "I guarantee you it cost more than all the gold in the coffers of this Lesser House. We Salvatores are royalty of the highest pedigree. Believe me, Princess, you don't want to go mudding up your prestigious bloodline with the likes of these ilks."
"Ah, there she is, the star of the dance floor!" called another youth walking towards Alexandra wearing an all-black suit and tie. A golden brooch with a galaxy-cut ruby inlaid on the middle was clipped to the tie. His hair was crusted and slicked with gel and black-rim glasses hung from the bridge of his nose. "You must be that western princess everyone is talking about. I couldn't help but notice your beautiful moves from my penthouse over there." He pointed at the tower overlooking the harbor.
"You live up there?" Alexandra asked.
"Up there and all the floors below," replied the young man. "I own it. My father built it for me as a sixteenth birthday present. Speaking of which, I'm having a party upstairs celebrating this joyous day."
"What makes it so joyous?" Prince Kyle asked.
"Why, today is the day Termnnia was blessed with my birth. As I said, we are having a party and I'd be most honored if you would be my lady for the night. You will be very well rewarded, I assure you."
"I'm flattered," said Alexandra. "And just who might you be?"
"I am Lord Cullen of the House Lockwood. I own a bit of land in the Kingdom of Riverhold. My father conquered it, turned it into a resort paradise, and gave it to me as a present for my birthday last year. Ah, and my best friend formed a mercenary group called the Silver Knights of the Hundred Rivers. They serve me, so you can say they're my own army. As you can see, my dear girl, I have money, power, and my own little kingdom, if you wish to be so bold as to call it that. I pretty much have everything these yonder losers don't have."
"Very impressive," said Alexandra. "I must admit, birthday boy, whatever you want, you get."
"You are correct, dear girl. And tonight, I want you as my birthday present."
"That does it!" Gordo grumbled, drawing a jeweled pistol from his belt. Cullen backed away and Kyle gripped his golden sword. "We saw her first!" Gordo shouted. "I'll give you ten seconds to get your highborn butts out of here before I shower you with lead."
"Now, now, now," said Alexandra, gently lowering the boy's weapon down. "There is no need for such civility. Personally, I feel like there's enough in me for the lot of you. But you're fighting over me like little boys squabbling over some candy. You don't seem keen on sharing me, it seems. Very well, during impasses such as this, I think, some Duels are in order. Don't you think so?"
"I like your style, Princess," said Prince Kyle.
"She does have great style," said Cullen. "Very well. We shall have ourselves a gauntlet match for the Princess tonight."
Alexandra purred. She delighted in having people fight for her and treat her like a prize to be won at a tournament. She sipped the last of her drink and leaned back on her stool. "Who shall start first?" she asked.
"We are of highborn blood are we not, Prince Kyle?" said Cullen. "Why don't you and I start the first match of these games."
"So be it," said Prince Kyle. "If I should lose this match, princess, which I won't, you can keep the ring."
"You are so sweet, my handsome prince," Alexandra said with a sultry tone. She kissed the diamond for good luck. "See to it that you don't lose, then."
"I will not," said Prince Kyle. He held out his right hand. The ring on his left ring finger glowed and morphed into a shield-shaped Duel Disk of brilliant white, decorated in gold filigree, and inlaid with colorful gemstones. The Duel Disk glittered like stars in the light.
Cullen activated his Duel Disk of solid gold and platinum trim. Poor Conner felt a little overwhelmed at the sight of their Duel Disks. He heard Gordo grumbling beside him, crossing his arms and slumping in his chair. "Humph," Gordo grumbled. "Nothing but the best for their little boys, eh?"
"I'll start first," Cullen announced. He performed difficult combos and Special Summoned monsters from the Crystron series; an archetype of aquatic machine monsters who were quite dazzling for Alexandra to behold. She rather enjoyed the monsters of the east, for the brief second that they appeared, for Cullen was offering them as fodder for the combo needed to summon his ultimate monster.
"Behold!" Cullen shouted, holding up the card. He placed it on his Duel Disk. "I Synchro Summon, Cryston Quariongandrax!"
Crystron Quariongandrax
ATK/3000 DEF/3000
LV 9
Cullen laughed proudly as his golden mechanical beast hovered behind him, giving off a metallic howl that was heavenly to the ears. "Well, princess, what do you think? I see you jeering for joy over there."
"It's beautiful!" Alexandra swooned, she stood up from her stool and gazed up at the strongest of the Crystron monsters. "You highborn boys sure do know how to pick your monsters."
"You see, Prince Kyle?" said Cullen. "It's only the first turn, and my monster is already on the field making my princess wet. What do you have that can match against my Cryston Quariongandrax's power, hmm?"
"I will show you!" Prince Kyle said, drawing. "Princess, you said you were quite fond of diamonds and pearls, did you not?"
"I am," Alexandra replied. "Do you mayhaps have a monster in that deck that will tickle my fancy?"
"Tickle your fancy, eh?" sneered Conner, while Prince Kyle began his turn. "I'll be tickling more than your fancy when I win this gauntlet for your sweet ass, princess."
"Oh, you think you have a claim to my bottom so soon?" Alexandra replied with a devious look on her face. Kyle activated card effect after card effect to bring forth the monsters he needed to Special Summon the card he knew Alexandra would love. He had monsters of the Gem-Knight archetype. And in no time at all, he summoned his Gem-Knight Master Diamond to the field.
Gem-Knight Master Diamond
ATK/2900 DEF/2500
LV 9
Alexandra clasped her hands together and arched her back in excitement, bending her knees from the thrill of seeing two incredible monsters on the field. "Oh, it's absolutely brilliant, Prince Kyle! It's a knight covered with jewels!"
Cullen smiled, for he was very fascinated with the monster he summoned. "Impressive monster, Your Highness. But he's still weaker than my Quariangandrix."
Kyle laughed. "We'll just see about that. We shall do battle at once and let our face-down cards do the talking. Your move. Attack me if you dare!"
"Very well, Prince Kyle. If you insist. I do feel rather terrible humiliating you in front of the princess like this. But if it's a battle you want, then it's a battle you will get! ATTACK!"
The two monsters clashed with one another. Both Duelists activated their Trap Cards and effects to keep their monsters from being destroyed in battle. Gem-Knight Master Diamond jumped out of the way of a multi-directional laser attack from its wings. Gem-Knight Zirconia knelt and crossed his arms over his face and formed a barrier that shielded him from the assault. He survived the attack, but thanks to on his next turn, Kyle was able to let loose a series of effects -known as a Chain- that allowed him to summon Gem-Knight Lady Brilliant Diamond.
Gem-Knight Lady Brilliant Diamond
ATK/3400 DEF/2000
LV 10
"Such incredible monsters!" Alexandra cried out in excitement. "I do love this game."
"It's no big deal," said Conner. "Monsters like those are all flash."
"Jealous?" Alexandra asked.
Conner, though a little envious of the rare monsters in front of him, acted like he was not impressed. "A bunch of shiny monsters don't mean nothing unless you've got the skill to use 'em. These snobs just used a bunch of cheap combos to bring them out into the mix too quickly. Now, look at them. Their hands are empty, their boards are almost clean. If I was up there, I'd be saving my best cards for later, and using my traps and monster effects to weaken their Aces before they get a chance to dominate the field."
"A bold gesture," Alexandra said. Cullen summoned Crystron Phoenix to the field. She clapped for the shiny red mechanical monster.
Crystron Phoenix
ATK/2800 DEF/2000
LV 9
Cullen boosted the power of his monsters, confident that the one trap on Kyle's side of the field was just a bluff. They battled. Crystron Phoenix flew into the air to have a dazzling battle with Gem-Knight Lady Brilliant Diamond. Chasing her down was like trying to slash your sword at a beam of light. She was a quick creature and jabbed her diamond blade against the metal body of her foe. A Quick-Play spell from Cullen; and Crystron grew even stronger against Gem-Knight Lady. But, Kyle had one last Quick-Play Spell in his hand that aided his Gem-Knight Lady.
The two monsters fought viciously in the air, and with one final blow, they struck each other down. It was a draw. Cullen then ordered his Crystron Quariongandrax to do battle with Gem-Knight Master Diamond. He dodged the attack once but was cut down by the lasers. He exploded and blasted Kyle with considerable damage to his Life Points.
Kyle, miraculously, drew Card of Sanctity, allowing them to draw until they had six cards in their hands.
"This is the end for you, Lord Cullen," Prince Kyle said, brushing one of his long bangs off his face.
"You bluff," Cullen sneered. "Very well. Entertain me at best, and I just might consider letting you join my party. I'll even think about letting you have a go with the princess if you desire."
"Like I said, I can handle you all," Alexandra giggled.
"Such a licentious little beauty," Cullen hissed lustfully. "I can't wait to win you tonight."
"Don't entertain such thoughts, Lord Cullen. After what I've drawn, you will get no such pleasure. First, I activate Brilliant Fusion! I send two 'Gem' monsters from my deck to the Graveyard as fusion materials so I can summon this! Gem-Knight Seraphinite! Then I summon Gem Armadillo, which activates its effect, allowing me to draw a Gem-Knight monster from my deck to my hand! Now, I send Gem-Knight Seraphinite and Gem Armadillo to the Graveyard to Link Summon, Gem-Knight Phantom Quartz!"
Gem-Knight Phantom Quartz
ATK/1450
LINK-2
"Link what?!" Alexandra asked. "What kind of monster is that? Where's its level? Where are its defense points? You easterners really complicated the game."
Conner was shaking in his boots. "I didn't expect Prince Kyle to know how to Link Summon. I thought cards like that were reserved for the elite players of Duelist Academy!"
"You're looking at one of them," Kyle boasted, pointing at himself. "I don't mean to boast, but I'm one of Dr. Vellion Crowler's top students. He provided me with the monster you see here. And it's a good thing that he did."
"What does it matter what kind of monster it is?" Cullen commented while laughing arrogantly. "Link Monster or not, its attack points are far weaker than my Crystron Quariongandrix!"
Kyle couldn't help but scoff at his remark. "Fool, who says attack points are the only thing you need to gain victory. I will take you down by not declaring a single attack on you or your Crystron. I'll show you. First, my Gem-Knight Phantom Quartz's effect activates. I can add a Gem-Knight card from my deck to my hand. Next, I will activate the effect of my Crystal Rose. I can banish a fusion monster to the Graveyard and Special Summon my Crystal Rose in defense mode."
The rose of red and green crystal morphed onto the field, glittering with beauty. Prince Kyle picked it up. "For you, princess."
"Thank you," Alexandra said.
Kyle smiled at her and bowed. "I activate Brilliant Fusion, to combine my Crystal Rose and a Gem-Knight monster in my Graveyard to Fusion Summon, Gem-Knight Lady Lapis Lazuli! Now, I activate my Gem-Knight Obsidion's effect to Special Summon, Gem-Knight Lapis in defense mode! Then, I'll summon, Rescue Rabbit, banish it and Special Summon two monsters to my field. Here come two more Gem-Knight Lapiz."
"Hmm," Gordo said, picking up the beer he ordered. "What could he be planning? He sure as hell can't use any of those to take on his Crystron Quariongandrix. He's too tough."
"Ha!" Alexandra chortled. "I think Prince Kyle knows what he's doing."
Prince Kyle went on with his turn. "Now to activate my Gem-Knight Lady Lapis Lazuli's effect. I send a Gem-Knight Monster from my deck to the Graveyard and inflict five hundred points of damage to your Life Points for each Special Summoned monster on the field."
"WAIT!" Cullen cried.
Gem-Knight Lady Lapis Lazuli shined a bright blue beam at Cullen, striking him in the chest and knocking him back where he skidded to a stop. His Life Points plummeted down to 5500.
"My Gem-Knight Luzuli's effect activates, allowing me to add Gem-Knight Garnet to my hand from the Graveyard. Then I banish Gem-Knight Obsidian to add Gem-Knight Fusion to my hand. I shall activate it, fusing together Lapis and Gem-Knight Lady Lapis Lazuli to summon the one and only, Gem-Knight Master Diamond. Then I banish Gem-Knight Lady Lapis Lazuli. In turn, he gains her abilities dealing five hundred points of damage for every Special Summoned monster on the field."
Gem-Knight Master Diamond raised his gem-encrusted sword and charged toward Cullen. He stuck his blade into the ground. The gems on his sword started glowing, and they bathed him in magical light, reducing him to 3500 Life Points.
"I banish another Gem-Knight to add another Gem-Knight Fusion to my hand. And I'll activate it, fusing Gem-Knight Master Diamond and the two Gem-Knight Lapis to summon another Gem-Knight Master Diamond!"
The leader of the Gem-Knights returned, but Prince Kyle had no intention of using it for an attack. The Card of Sanctity truly was a miracle draw. Now he had everything he needed to end this Duel.
"Next, I will pay 1000 of my Life Points to Summon my last Gem-Knight Master Diamond! I will use its effect to banish Gem-Knight Lady Lapis Lazuli from the Graveyard. Doing so allows my Gem-Knight Master Diamond to gain her abilities, inflicting five hundred points of damage for every Special Summon!"
Kyle continued until he completely wiped out Cullen's Life Points using only the effects of his monsters. Alexandra, Gordo, and Conner yelled with excitement as the final blast ended the game. Cullen's Crystron Quariongandrix evaporated into tiny pieces. Gordo and Conner were next.
Gordo's Zoodiacs against Conner's X-Sabers. Conner won without effort and then he Dueled against Prince Kyle but lost.
"Prince Kyle wins me for the night," Alexandra cheered.
"As if there were any doubt," he sniggered, walking toward her hungrily.
Alexandra held out her palm to halt his advancement. She smiled and went to the dance floor to show off her exotic dancing. In the end, she didn't want just one man to please her. She said she could handle all of them, and she desired all of them on her at once.
Slowly, they slithered their way towards her. Alexandra felt a dozen hands press against her body. And she did nothing to keep them off. In fact, she beckoned them to do whatever they pleased. She felt their palms slide up and down her frame. Across her thighs, down her arms, and even resting on her breasts and buttocks. She felt the hem of her dress get tugged. Still, she did nothing to keep them off. She had been consumed by her love of this place. This music. This life. Eastern living was something she desired more than anything.
"Woah, whoa, whoa!" someone shouted. "Slow down, everyone!"
Damnation! Alexandra muttered when she recognized the voice of her Uncle Peter. "What in the Hells of the Shadow Realm are you doing here, uncle!" Alexandra shouted, fixing her tiara.
"I suppose you thought yourself very clever, didn't you? Sneaking out of the tower to come here and ruin your purity in this den of depravity. And it's no wonder the Westerners hate this culture so much. Come, we are going home, Alexandra."
"Hey, back off, short stuff!" said Conner. "The lady wants to party. So why don't you just buzz off and leave her alone, eh?"
"The lady you see here is my niece, the Princess of Dragon's Nest. I am Lord Peter Dragonheart of the Blackwing Keep. So unless you want the ferocity of my brother, the king, down upon you, I suggest you let the girl go. It's past her bedtime."
"Stop treating me like a child, Peter!" Alexandra demanded.
"Then stop acting like a child," Antilles said, approaching the group. He stood over Peter and crossed his arms furiously.
"Uncle!" Alexandra cried. "I..wha...what are you doing here?"
"That does not matter," said Antilles. "You are coming home at once." He studied her from head to toe disapproving of the dress and the boots she wore. "Look at you. Dressed like some common tavern wench. Have we taught you nothing? You are a princess. You are meant to wed great kings and princes of the world. And yet we find you here, rubbing yourself against these lowborn peasants!"
"Hey, watch what you say, old man!" shouted Cullen. "My father will have your head for this!"
Antilles glared at the young man with his fiery blue eyes. They seemed to burn the poor boy's ego. He backed away cautiously making Antilles laugh. "Your father is nothing but a ruby miner who thinks himself a king. And just so you know, boy, your father is in debt to me. Now I see that he is no longer worth financing if he is wasting my gold buying his spoiled brat towers and gemmed Duel Disks."
"How about a Duel?" said Gordo. "All of us against the two of you!"
Antilles wrinkled his nose. Alexandra looked at him as she bit her bottom lip. She was excited about the prospect of seeing her uncle Duel and using that dragon she heard so much about. But there was a look in his eye that told her she would not be getting such pleasure.
"She can't leave anyway!" shouted Kyle. "I won the privilege of spending the evening with her. She's mine, by right!"
"You spiteful little wench!" Antilles spat. "And you offer yourself as a tribute in Duel Monsters as though you were some booty to be won as a prize."
Gordo sniggered. "Booty," he cackled.
Antilles looked at the boy and shut him up. "Very well," he said. "But you will not be Dueling me. You will Duel my brother. If you win, Alexandra stays with you. Forever."
"Uncle!" Alexandra shouted.
But he was not done. "And she will denounce her title as Princess of Dragon's Nest and sever all ties with the House Dragonheart. I will not have some harlot in my family, Alexandra. I simply will not! Do you want to run out into the night so badly? If you want to drink, dance, make love with imbeciles, and be rebellious against our wishes, then so be it. But it will not be with you bearing that mighty dragon that was my father's sigil and his father's before him. If you wish to live the way you want; a life of lust, envy, lies, and deception, then you must suffer the consequences. I have told you this many times. And if your Uncle Peter loses this match, then to hell with you, Alexandra."
Alexandra's eyes sparkled with tears. She stepped backward until she stood behind her friends, who formed a wall in front of her.
"So be it," Antilles said, seething. "Peter. Your dragon is 'starving' is it not? Quench its hunger."
"With pleasure, dear brother," said Peter, activating the official Duel Disk of House Dragonheart. "You boys go first."
They stood in a line and one by one summoned their best monsters onto the field. Peter laughed like a man possessed, staring down at their best monsters.
Gem-Knight Master Diamond ATK 2900 + 300 = 3200
Crystron Quariangandrix ATK 3000
XX-Saber Gottoms ATK 3100
Dinoster Power, the Mighty Dracoslayer ATK 2000
Peter started his turn and summoned the hideous monsters of his Predaplant deck. He started the game by infecting his opponent's monsters with Predator Counters. Once all was set, he activated Polymerization to begin the summoning of his most vile and wretched monster.
"I use Polymerization to fuse Predaplant Moray Nepenthes and Predaplant Flytrap into the creature that lurks in the hell beneath their petals. Fusion Summon! O' venomous dragon of the abyss with starving fangs! Level Eight! Starving Venom Fusion Dragon!"
The four opposing Duelists cried out in horror at the sight of the dragon. Alexandra gasped, clasping her hands over her mouth to conceal her shock. "There it is," she whispered. "My Uncle's legendary dragon. Oh, Goddesses. It's...it's so horrifying!"
"Stand tight boys!" Cullen. "Our monsters are still stronger than he is. We can make it out of this if we work together."
"Oh, is that what you think?" said Peter. "That attack points are all that matter?" He rubbed his chin. "Hmm, well, actually they do. Once per turn, my Starving Venom Fusion Dragon gains the attack points of a Special Summoned monster my opponent controls. And you all seem to have one, don't you?"
"All of their attack points combined?" whimpered Gordo.
Starving Venom Fusion Dragon roared, spreading its misshapen wings and sucking the energy from their monsters to increase its power.
Starving Venom Fusion Dragon
ATK/11300
"It can't be!" cried Prince Kyle. "It can't be!"
"Oh, it is," said Peter. "There is a lesson to be learned here. But first, I will send Predaplant Squid Drosera to the Graveyard activating its effect. I can target a monster I control and grant it the ability to attack all monsters on the field with Predator Counters!"
Alexandra ran away from the boys, knowing full well of what her Uncle's beast could do to other monsters. She scampered to her Antilles and embraced him. "I'm sorry," she sobbed. "I'm so sorry."
"Watch," said Antilles. "This is what happens to fools who embrace the rebellious nightlife you enjoy so much."
"No," Alexandra sobbed.
"Do as I command. Watch. A lesson is going to be taught. For your little friends, and for you."
"Oh, indeed," said Peter, nodding at the boys one by one. "I bet you all think you're so invincible don't you? You hide behind those monsters like you do your own egos. Behind them, you act all tough and powerful. I bet deep down you feel that nothing can harm you. No influence in the whole world can hurt you. But behind all that talk, I see nothing but scared little children who think they own the night. No. No, my friends. Stupid fools who believe the life of wine and song makes them significant own nothing. No, my children. Monsters own the night. And you will learn this rule very well. It applies to all. This rule applies to those who think behaving like a fool every night makes you stand above all others! Starving Venom Fusion Dragon, attack Gem-Knight Master Diamond!"
Starving Venom Fusion Dragon's wings grew and grew until they revealed their true forms. They weren't only just wings. They were extra mouths. When their jowls split open, it revealed rows of sharp teeth and trails of oozing saliva. Starving Venom Fusion Dragon's right wing slithered out of its back via a long tentacle that could stretch for eternity. With one gulp, Gem-Knight Diamond was gone, swallowed by the dragon. Starving Venom Fusion Dragon then spun around and whipped Prince Kyle across the chest with his tail, ripping open his jacket and the shirt underneath, and shattering his ribs. His Life Points dropped to 0 with one attack.
The other boys panicked, knowing they were next.
Peter continued his attack mercilessly. "This rule applies to fools who think they can treat girls as pincushions for their cocks! You are not men. You are dogs! Weak-willed imbeciles who will chase after a woman's flesh like a moth to a flame, and then you cast her aside when she has served her purpose. Like a spoiled child, you search for the next toy to play with. But hear me well, you young fools. Slowly, but surely, karma always finds a way to spread open her jaws and devour you and teach you the truth of your perverse lifestyle. Starving Venom Fusion Dragon, attack XX-Saber Gottoms!"
The dragon obeyed. Another one of its mouths stretched out of its back and devoured the monster. Again, Starving Venom Fusion Dragon whipped around and smacked Conner in the arm, breaking the bone to pieces. His Life Points fell to 0.
"The truth is, you will never find true love! So you scour about these places to seek whores and stupid little girls willing to surrender their bodies to every idiot that comes their way!"
Alexandra felt a wave of hurt surging through her body.
"And it applies to fools who think that purposely getting themselves lost in a drunken stupor makes them strong. Look at you drinking all that piss! Do you think it makes you men? Chugging down every bit of poison they offer you in these places? You want a real man's drink? Try some Emboldorian wine. It's good for you. Starving Venom Fusion Dragon! Attack Dinoster Power, the Mighty Dracoslayer!"
And it did, devouring the knight with one gulp, and then it whipped poor Gordo across the chest, punishing him for his sins.
"And it applies to fools who think their daddies can buy them safety. You walk about, flaunting your riches. But low and behold, the world of sin, sex, wine, women, and song finds ways of taking all that you love away from you. This rule applies to stupid little girls who think they own the night. Who think they can lie to those that love them. Who think they can parade around in their skimpy dresses and claim to conquer the night."
He looked at Alexandra, who cowered in her uncle's arms. "I said it once, and I'll say it again. Monsters own the night. They stalk through the darkness looking for the next idiot to devour. And when their jowls close around you, your world will crumble all around you. You will slowly lose the love of all who adored you. You will slowly lose all that you hold dear. When the monsters take...they keep. And once you are in their bellies, there is no escape. Starving Venom Fusion Dragon! Attack Crystron Quariangandrix!"
The mouth stretched to a monstrous length and swallowed the monster. Starving Venom whipped around and struck Cullen in the gut. He soiled himself from the impact. His Life Points fell to 0. Starving Venom Fusion Dragon hissed and howled, waving its tentacles in all directions. Despite eating four giant monsters, it's hunger was not quenched. It was still hungry. Alexandra felt as though the dragon could have eaten everything in the world, and still, it could not be satisfied.
"Nothing good comes from a life like this," Antilles whispered into Alexandra's ear. His minty breath was cold and froze her nostrils. "Make one mistake, and it'll consume you. And when it does, there is no turning back."
"Yes, Uncle," Alexandra sobbed, watching the carnage in front of her. "I'm so sorry, Your Grace."
Antilles patted her head and briefly smirked. "I have better plans for you, my dear. Follow my instructions and I will make you the most powerful woman in Termnnia. But that time is not now. Tonight, to make sure something like this never happens again, you will be punished for disobeying me."
Alexandra looked up at him and bit her lip as she smiled. "I understand. I've been a naughty girl, Uncle."
Antilles turned to look at Peter and a squadron of knights from his House. "Take her to the Spire of the Kings," he said. "And make sure she stays there. Peter."
"Yes, brother?" Peter said.
As Alexandra was led away, Starving Venom Fusion Dragon roared triumphantly into the night.
Lore
House Dragonheart
Narrated By Alexandra Von Klaus, Princess of Dragon's Nest
(A World of Ice and Fire)
Narrated By Alexandra Von Klaus, Princess of Dragon's Nest
House Dragonheart
Country:
The Kingdom of Dragonrock
The Kingdom of Pilannor
The Lordship of Summerford
The Lordship of Springton
The Principality of Northfield
The Holy Aelsage Empire
Founded: 224 2A
Founder: Titus Dragonheart
Current Ruler: Antilles Dragonheart
Titles:
High King of Termnnia (Formerly)
King of Dragonrock
King of Plannor
Emperor of Aelsage
Prince of Northfield
Duke of Meadowcrystal
Duke of Havensummer
Duke of Applegrass
Lord of Summerford
Lord of Springton
Count of Fieldcliff
Count of Griffonrose
Count of Orwall
Countess of Graywinter
Countess of Lochfog
Shield of the Ashlands
Master of Dragons
Cadet Branch:
House of Deepclaw
House of Dragontooth
House of Blackwing
House Clearwing
Artifact:
Art Station
Dragonheart (A Claymore of gold and White Shore Steel inlaid with rubies)
Overlord:
House Plantegrast (Formerly)
House Pegasus (As the High Chancellor of Termnnia until Daveed 'Yuri' Plantegrast returns to the throne)
Hell upon the world. That is what many have come to call the country surrounded by a ring of volcanos. The air reeks of sulfur and brimstone. It's hotter than a sunny day in the Summerlands. The sun is barely seen by the thick clouds of volcanic smoke that blanket the country. Hell upon the world, indeed. But, those are the words from the mouths of arrogant fools, thank you very much.
Those volcanoes form a line of defense around our motherland. No army can pass it, for the volcanoes seem to grow active during times of war, keeping all invading armies out of our lands. a blessing from the divines? No. Not quite. That blessing comes from a True Dragon known as the Fire Guardian. You won't see him in Duel Monsters with the Master Rules, but play a little version called Rush Duel, and you'll find the beast who guards our country.
Beyond the volcanoes lies fertile lands, green meadows as far as the eye can see, crystal clear lakes, and flowers as red as fire. Because of the volcanoes, the soil is the most fertile in all of Termnnia. Our fruits taste divine and our wine is so expensive it will bankrupt a lord if he ordered a glass.
At the center standing proudly upon dormant volcano sits Castle Dragonheart, the ancestral seat of my family: House Dragonheart.
Below it lies Dragonfyre; a great city of beauty beside a lake of molten lava. We sure do love naming things dragon here don't we? (giggles). The city is a home of trade, artistry, Duel Monsters, and my personal favorite. Pleasurable company.
The people of Dragonrock, called the Dragonborn, are quite possibly the fairest, dare I say the sexiest race in all of Termnnia behind the Normans, of whom they descend from. They are known for their petal-soft skin, which has a small gold glimmer. The hair is like dragon fire beaten into the finest silk, and they are gifted in the arts of pyromancy.
Underneath the city lie great riches that were able to make our fair country the envy of all Termnnia. Riches that literally made our House rise like a phoenix from the ashes.
Long ago at the beginning of the Second Age of the Sun, after his rebellion was won, Tiberius the Uniter punished the remnants of the Norman Invaders after he took the throne from them, feeding their king, Tel-Karatar, to Obelisk the Tormentor as punishment for all the suffering he caused upon the world.
The poor Normans were forced to march to the foulest pit in all the continent. A land of ash where mountains that spit fire day and night keep the fiery wastelands separate from the beautiful green countries of Gardenrealm, Emboldor, and Feldia as though the Goddesses themselves built that land as a prison to punish the Normans for the horrible crimes they committed. For two hundred years, my ancestors toiled under the red glare of the countless volcanos, scratching a living off rocks and volcanic ash.
One day, a dragon with a body encrusted with priceless gems soars over the villages and devours the people. Men. Women. Children. All were made into juicy morsels for this unrelenting beast.
When all hope was lost, a young farmer named Titus followed the dragon back to its lair in a dormant volcano at the center of the country and challenged it. The sword he wielded, Dragonheart, was a magical weapon handed to him by Andranda, the Goddess of the Smiths; for she felt pity towards the Normans. She promised the boy that if he could slay this gemmed dragon, he would acquire riches the likes no one, not even the High King would ever hope to grasp.
The boy charged into the dragon's lair, and with his magical sword, he slew the beast and laid claim to all the gems encrusted in its body. Those gemstones alone made him richer than the High King. But his good fortune had only just begun.
It is said that the black, ashy clouds parted in the heavens, and a divine light shined through, causing the grass to grow and flowers to bloom. The light also revealed the opening of the cave, revealing an unending network of tunnels rich with gold, silver, and precious gems of all sorts.
At once, Titus gathered all the villagers and settled over the mine. Together they formed the richest kingdom in all Termnnia.
A great castle was built over the ancient volcano, Theldontolast, containing the mines of precious gems. Young Titus named his newly formed House after the blade that blessed him with all that glory. And thus, House Dragonheart was born.
The gold and silver mines honeycombed deep into the earth and stretched as wide as the entire country, making the Ashlands the wealthiest region on the continent, and House Dragonheart the richest of all the Noble Houses.
Well...second behind the Kaiba Family.
House Dragonheart has financed every tournament, war, and many endeavors of the other Noble Houses. (Chuckles) Even the High King of Termnnia has braved the fiery mountains of The Ash Towers to 'borrow' a bit of gold from our coffers every now and then.
Our House became so influential, that many believe Safaani herself blessed us with the great miracle.
The chroniclers of our House claim that she aided the young Princess Belladonna Dragonheart in finding a hidden chamber underneath a Celtran temple, which housed thousands and thousands of eggs containing the beast known as Des Volstgalph. A beast who later on formed the legendary Dragon Brigade of House Dragonheart.
Unfortunately, the treasure hoarded underneath the castle caused my great-uncle, Julius Dragonheart, to go mad with power. Using his almost infinite amount of wealth, he amassed an army quietly and marched upon Rasaay, challenging High King Dalkon Plantegrast to a Duel under the terms of the Dueling Pact.
But before the first card could be drawn, Julius gave the signal to an archer hiding within the rafters. The archer shot Dalkon in the heart, and then Julius ordered his force of 5000 knights to slaughter the members of Dalkon's court.
Julius even sent my handsome uncle, Antilles, to find High King Dalkon's children. Two little princesses, Mirelinda and Roxanne; and the little prince Darvan. Uncle Antilles did the unthinkable and ordered his mount, Mortis the Black Storm, to eat their Queen mother before their very eyes before he removed their heads and stuck them onto pikes for the world to see.
But my great uncle's reign would only last a year before the bastard Antar Wollcroft and his friend Gabriel the Wizard of Ebony formed a rebellion that ultimately took him out of power.
Once again, the Dragonhearts were removed from the Diamond Throne and sent back to Dragonrock, broken and beaten like their ancestors were thousands of years ago. But unlike last time, House Dragonheart has vaults full of gold...and a little prince named Yuri.
My uncle will restore our House to the way it was. I know he will. He's my uncle. And my uncle...hee hee...my uncle always knows what to do to make me happy.