Joey - Mellow Fields Tournament Quarter-Finals
October 9th -Year 18 4AOS
"You have fought a valiant Duel, Ser Joey! But I'm afraid my mighty Gem-Knight Zirconia is the strongest monster on the field!" called the valiant, Ser Mergreen of the Pineworth Family.
"Yeah, you've got me beat it looks like," Joey said rather smug. "You put up a good fight, Ser. But it ain't good enough. I draw. I sacrifice Litte Winguard, Rocket Warrior, and Swordsman of Landstar to summon Gilford the Lightning."
Joey's swordsman appeared on the field from a column of lighting. He wore massive pauldrons and a small chestplate made of platinum-steel. Except for matching grieves and a scarlet red cloth around his waist, he was naked. He raised his massive sword and automatically destroyed Ser Megreen's monster, defeating them instantly. After that, Joey attacked his opponent's Life Points directly. Gilford the Lightning launched himself toward Ser Mergreen and slashed him across the chest.
"Yeah!" Joey shouted. "I. Am. Da. Winner!"
On the next round, he faced another brash opponent. "At last, I will take down the mighty Ser Joey!" he shouted, posturing in over-the-top poses to make the sun catch his emerald armor chased with gold. "And with your Red-Eyes Black Dragon on the field, destroying him to defeat you will only sweeten my victory. I will Tune my Tri-Horned Dragon and Dragunity Corseca to create the mighty Giganticastle!"
The two monsters turned into two bright orbs. They spun and then shot themselves into the ground. The earth shook. A great fissure opened behind him and from it emerged a rock giant that doubled as an impregnable fortress. He was over 400 feet tall and covered in moss. Seagulls flapped around his massive head, which was a cave with flashing red-eyes.
"The brash green knight bowed. "At twenty-nine-hundred attack points, Giganticastle is a formidable foe. But with his special effect, he'll gain an extra two-hundred attack and defense points."
ATK/3300
"Attack his Red-Eyed and end this Duel, my beast!"
Giganticastle let out a loud bellow like a trumpet. It raised its fist, ready to crush Joey's ace monster. The green knight laughed, thinking victory was only a punch away.
"I don't think so!" shouted Joey. "I activate my face-down card! Skull Dice. Now yer monster will lose attack points equal to the roll of the die."
A mischievous black fairy with a red hat sniggered as he was rendered on the field. He rolled the red dice he was holding. The crowd held their breath as they watched the dice rattle around on the ground. Finally, it came to a stop.
"YEAH!" Joey shouted. "A two! Now that means yer monster's attack gets cut in half! But wait, I ain't done yet. I reveal my second face-down card, Graceful Dice. This card will increase my Red-Eyes Black Dragon's attack based on the roll of the die like last time. Here we go."
Now, a more benign fairy appeared and dropped a blue dice. Again, the crowd watched with anticipation as the dice rolled across the ground before finally coming to a stop.
"LADY LUCK'S WITH ME TONIGHT!" shouted Joey. "A perfect six. Now my Red-Eyes Black Dragon's attack increases to three-thousand. Knock him outta the tourney, old buddy! Inferno Fire Blast!'
Red-Eyes Black Dragon took flight, missing the castle's punch by a mere foot. The fist smashed on the ground, rocking the fairgrounds and creating a fierce dust cloud. Red-Eyes Black Dragon, fully powered by Graceful Dice, fired his signature attack, blasting Giganticastle's head off, along with the rest of the knight's Life Points. He stood where he was, flabbergasted, as pieces of his monster rained down all around him.
He smacked both hands on the sides of his head. "OH NOOO!" he shouted. "NOOOO!"
Joey held up his fist and soaked up the admiration of the crowd. He heard a commotion coming from the field next to him. It was Rex Raptor going against a knight in black armor with flame decals using a Laval deck.
"LAVAL STENNON APPEAR!" shouted the knight, Synchro Summoning his mighty monster. A giant with rock-hard, blue-colored, flesh in bronze armor. His left hand was a massive magma cannon.
ATK/2700
"ATTACK!" shouted the knight. "Destroy his Dark Tyranno with your Laval Cannon!"
"I think not!" laughed Rex. "I activate the trap known as Survival of the Fittest! This card will boost the attack power of my Dark Tyranno by one-thousand!"
Rex's super predator, and common version of the Black Tyranno, roared, feeling the power of the trap surge through his body. Unlike Black Tyranno, Dark Tyranno appeared natural beast, with dark brown scales banded with peanut-butter-colored stripes.
ATK/3600
Dark Tyranno ducked out of the way of the magma and then charged at Laval Stennon. He smashed his head against his chest, knocking the giant on his back. He then walked towards Stennon and ripped his head off his shoulders with his teeth. The crowd cheered and Rex laughed, holding up his fist victoriously.
"That knocks your Life Points down to zero and you out of the tournament."
"Competition is getting stiff," said Joey. "But I'll pull through."
Antilles - The Dragonheart Senatorial Estate/Emboldor
After finishing his long walk in the forest, Antilles entered through a back entrance so he could sneak up the stairs and change into his party outfit for the annual Dragonheart Ball. The guests were already helping themselves to hors-d'oeuvres fresh from the oven and sweet wine served by elvish girls in colorful garments of thin silk and plumed with jeweled feathers.
The trumpets rang at the foot of the main staircase and the herald announced the coming of the party's host. "Presenting, his most royal majesty. Antilles Cronos Dragonheart. King of Dragonrock, Lord of the Ashlands and the Flaming Mountains."
The guests clapped and cheered as he came down the stairs dressed in very expensive robes and a cape with gold ornamentation. The Black Wing Crown's rubies shimmered in the light of the chandeliers and the candles burning on their sconces made of dragon teeth. Tapestries woven to tell the story of Antilles' past battles hung on the walls so all could bask and revel in his greatness.
The walls and floors were of brilliant white marble and veined with gold and silver quarried from the Cerulean Mountains and sent across the Kingsland at great expense. Even the buttresses and ribbed vaulted ceilings were veined with gold The castle was new as far as they go, having been raised nearly fifty or so years ago by Titus Dragonheart, the grandsire of Antilles' father.
"The King!" hailed Lord Frey of Wine River. He held up his goblet and the others followed.
"Hail!" they all cried out.
"Thank you, thank you," Antilles responded with grace and grandeur. The waning sun cast enough light to make the window of painted glass behind Antilles to shine down on him and make him glisten in all the colors of the spectrum.
He looked like a conquering hero, standing up there at the top of the stairs. The mere sight of him basking in the multi-colored light just excited the guests tenfold. Their applause grew louder and more affectionate. Women were blowing kisses, the servants stopped what they were doing to bow, and the knights saluted him.
"Thank you, friends. Thank you," Antilles said trying to cease their clapping and admiration. "I thank you for coming all this way to our annual senatorial party. And, as many of you know, we will be celebrating something more. The union of my House with House Brocktree. My handsome young nephew, Ser Darrien Dragonheart the Knight of the Clear Wing, will marry the beautiful daughter of King Merthaw Brocktree of Orange Hill. With this union, the hostilities that have long plagued the Hellgari Estates will hopefully cease and the beautiful estates can once again return to peace. Please, make yourselves at home."
The towering doors, also of painted glass and red steel, creaked open to let in one final guest. Antilles' eyes widened when he saw Termnnia's Delight step into his grand halls escorted by two Buster Bladers in colossal black armor and black cloaks outlined in silver thread. The escutcheon of the High King was stitched in silver on the back of the capes.
Lady Mai of House Valentine. As radiant as ever in her gown of brilliant purple, bejeweled in amethyst and rubellite. The garment revealed her shoulders and her slender neck, adorned in a black choker with the turtledoves of House Gardner carved in sterling silver. Her hair was curled and held up. Long, curled bangs spiraled down her face, past her chin.
Antilles felt his heart leap with joy at the sight of her, as did many of the men in the entrance hall. Along with the cheerful melody of the lutes, the occasional whack on the dome of the skull could be heard as wives did their damnedest to snap their husbands out of their lustful stares for Lady Mai.
"My Lady," Antilles said. He stopped in front of her and bowed. "Forgive me, but I must ask that your guards remain outside."
Mai wrinkled her nose. She shrugged and turned to look at her monsters. "All right boys, you heard the man."
The Buster Bladers slammed their feet together and made a powerful about-face before marching out of the castle. Antilles waited for the door to close behind them before speaking to Mai. "My Lady, I did not expect you to arrive."
Mai let out a hearty laugh and waved her peacock-feathered fan in front of her face. "What? You did invite me after all, didn't you?"
Antilles stammered for a moment but was quick to regain his composure. He turned to look at the guests and said, in a rather stern tone: "You may enter the ballroom now."
The guests felt a tad insulted when the realization of Lady Mai being the focus of the party tonight set in. Wasting no time, and not bothering to argue, they grumbled and muttered as they slowly went past the towering iron doors into the ballroom where they were most likely going to spend the evening without their host.
"Forgive me," Antilles said when the last guest stepped into the ballroom. He bowed again, took Mai's hand, and kissed it. "I heard it was quite rare for Termnnia's Delight to make an appearance. And I heard you were in Maplewood cheering on Ser Joey in the Mellowfields Tournament." He stepped back and admired her, especially her dress, which revealed her neck, shoulders, and upper half of her breasts. "Goddesses, you look so beautiful. I am not worthy."
Mai rolled her eyes, and gently released her fingers from his grasp. "Well, you can thank the Wayshrines for my coming here so quickly, your highness. How have you been? I haven't talked to you like this since the War of the Summer Flowers."
Antilles sniffed to let out his humor and formed a weak smile. The War of the Summer Flowers. A horrid fiasco, in which one hundred suitors from Houses great and small fought for nine long months for the pleasure of having Mai's hand in marriage (Despite her having no say in the matter) in a long and costly war. Antilles was one of them. He came closer than any suitor to having Mai as a wife.
But just as he was about to claim victory in the conflict, High King Antar made it a law not to bother Mai Valentine, under pain of death. Until death take her, Mai Valentine was free to marry whomever she deemed worthy.
As a slap to the face of the veterans of the war for her heart, she neglected them all. More than a hundred hearts were broken after that war. Many princes, lordlings, and barons, even kings, took their lives when she rejected their love.
"You haven't aged a day since then," Antilles commented. "Still as radiant as ever."
Mai giggled. "Well, I am an Eldori. We don't tend to age at all. Nevertheless, thank you for inviting me down here for whatever it is that's going on."
"It's nothing of importance, my dear," said Antilles. "This is just an extravagance I set up every weekend to hear the latest gossip in the land. Word has reached my ears that Master Yugi is already at work gathering the selected princes for Prince Daveed's alliance. I have heard the boy now goes by another name."
Mai flapped the fan again in nervousness. Those were secret affairs with information from the House of Intelligence's Special Activities Division. No doubt the gossip of Daveed's nickname was High Chancellor Pegasus' doing. She swallowed and cleared her throat to speak a little more clearly. "Well, from what I heard, it's Yuri. It means Lily Flower. Isn't that cute?"
Antilles did all he could to keep his face from scrunching up in disgust. Yuri? What kind of a name was that for a High King of Termnnia? Antilles thought of himself as awkward standing there trying to smile and make it seem that he enjoyed the name as well. A mock-of-a-laugh escaped his throat, but thankfully Mai could not see the sarcasm in it.
Before he could say another word...
"Waaaaazz uuuuuuuup!" a loud and obnoxious Eldori youth said bursting through the doors.
Antilles' teeth clamped shut and started to grind against one another. "Ser Tristan Taylor," he said through his teeth. His face molded into an expression of burning agitation. "A delight...as always."
Mai looked at Tristan and hit him on the head with her fan. "Ow!" he cried, massaging the spot.
"Will you behave?" Mai said with impatience. "You're supposed to be a knight. Act like one. And just so you know, this isn't that kind of party."
"My apologies then," Tristan said, now speaking with high-class etiquette. He started jumping around awkwardly. His face contorted in an awkward expression. A bright white cascade appeared on his brow. "Uh...Antilles, I know I just got here and all...but - "
"The privy is on the second floor," Antilles grumbled. "Down the hall and to he left past the gilded suit of armor."
"Thanks, man!" Tristan cried. He dashed past Antilles and scurried up the steps before going out of sight.
Antilles shook his head once he was gone. He turned to look back at Mai and scoffed. "Of all the knights in Rassay to escort you to my estate, you go with him?"
Mai shrugged. "Everyone else is doing something at the moment. Even with your convincing High Chancellor Pegasus and the Council to withhold Yuri's entry into our world, the Spire of the Kings is in constant activity. Serenity just sent a letter to the Caesar of Aurelia, instructing his troops to prepare for the arrival of Prince Yuri and the others come summer."
Antilles held his hand toward the ballroom. Mai nodded her head and followed his lead. She allowed him to take her arm and lead her in a slow and elegant walk.
"You have faith that Prince Daveed will learn to be a good Duelist before the summer season begins?"
"Of course I do," said Mai. "Seto Kaiba has 'connections' in that world. They're all planning events that are sure to help Yuri accel in Duel Monsters."
"Tournaments?" Antilles asked.
"Big ones," Mai answered as they entered the ballroom. "Kaiba's spared no expense to make sure only the best of the best can enter his games. If Yuri isn't one of them, he's vowed to resign from his company."
Antilles looked at Mai in surprise. "That's quite a bold statement. Kaiba must have high confidence in himself if he thinks he can forge Yuri into a Duelist in these coming months."
Mai tugged Antilles lightly towards one of the tables where strawberries were being served on a silver platter. Mai picked one up and ate it in one bite. "Since when does Kaiba not have high confidence in himself?" she asked with her mouth full.
"A song Lady Valentine!" Lord Frey said holding up his goblet.
"Hear, hear!" said Lord Tulnerrio of the Orange Islands.
Mai flung her hair over her shoulder. "My public awaits," she said, releasing her arm from Antilles. "This will only take a moment."
Antilles smiled. "I am not one to complain," he said. "Please. Go up on stage. I would love to hear you sing, My Lady."
Mai hurried to the stage where she was given a golden harp by one of the musicians. He and the others then vacated the stage, surrendering it to her. Mai sat down on and strummed the harp. She bit her lip as she pondered what song to play and smiled.
"This is a tale we all know and love. Of the greatest hero our world has ever seen."
Our world is still. No light is seen
And happiness a trait unseen
There's nothing good. There's nothing bright,
Then Norman woke and walked that night.
A mighty hero of power untold,
A crown was made to claim his Hold.
But Elven-kings all mocked and laughed
For in their eyes, he was riffraff.
Away they sent our hero poor
And behind him slammed the door.
Our world is dark. The Light it fades,
The filth of Zorc Necrophades.
No warrior stands against the beast
But then a light shined from the East.
The Celtra sang and dragons roared
As The Conqueror on Slifer soared,
To challenge the demon of the Shadow Realm
The light of the Goddesses shines on his helm
The Winged Dragon bathed dark in flames
The Orcs all cried when Slifer came!
Obelisk smashed all foes to hell;
Evil ran from Ancient Beast as well!
Creatures of power now at his whim
No force on earth could stop him!
A king he was of Holy Light
His armor fair had Goddess might!
His sword of sun, no man can wield
And runes of power upon his shield!
His cape contained the light of moon
And hordes of diamond on plate were strewn
No mortal had dared to claim his right,
For they all fell under his might!
Our world now shines. The light is strong
As Norman King rules Nelerond
The people dance, and Celta sing
For praise of their Supreme King
A castle fair was built for him
To house his warriors and his kin
The dancers danced. The Nymphs they sang
And at his gates the trumpets rang!
Our world is sad. The Light is dim.
The world now weeps and mourns for him
The Gods no longer hear his calls
The darkness dwells now in his halls
No light shines upon his tomb.
Forever now in Darkness' womb.
The Nymphs don't dance. And bells don't ring
Forever of his might, they'll sing!
There lies our King far in the deep.
Forever in eternal sleep.
Antilles was the first to clap when the song ended. Mai set the harp down and bowed. A few roses were tossed at her feet. She blew kisses and took another bow before coming down the steps with a bouquet of roses and other flowers.
"Good to see your voice still rings like the bells of Amon Heth," said Antilles.
"Antilles, you are quite the charmer," Mai said, allowing him to peck her on the cheek.
Tristan came running into the ballroom, zipping up his leather trousers. "So, what'd I miss?" he asked.
"You haven't missed much," said Antilles. "The party has only started. I am to understand you will be aiding Ser Joey in teaching Prince Yuri in swordcraft?"
"Not much to be honest," Tristan said, helping himself to the treats on the table. "The bulk of Yuri's training will be held mostly in Aurelia where the Imperial Legion will teach him the art of warfare."
"Is that a fact?" Antilles asked, his curiosity piqued. "I would like to talk with you alone for a moment, Ser Tristan. Lady Mai, I am sorry, but I must leave you for but a moment."
"Go do what you have to do," Mai said, stuffing a pastry into her mouth. "I'll be right here."
"My Lady," Antilles said humbly. He bowed and led Tristan into the West Wing which was odd, considering how often Antilles bellyached about it being 'forbidden'.
Once she was left alone, she was approached by three women in dresses of emerald, ruby, and dark blue. No doubt by all the gold ornamentation and lavish jewelry, these women were from the senate. There was no doubt in Mai's mind that they were here to gloat over their victory in keeping Yuri banished until his Dueling capabilities proved favorable.
"Lady Mai," said the woman in the ruby dress. She was Lady Jane of the House Stormwind; a senator representing the Storm Coasts. The Fiend Kraken of her House was emblazoned in fine metalwork on her gown. Tentacles formed a cape of sorts over her exposed shoulders. "So good of you to join the festivities tonight. I have no doubt you are quite sour over the senate's decision to keep the Prince locked in the other world. Nevertheless, I am glad that one of you in Master Yu-Gi-Oh's band have the decency to be good sports despite the outcomes."
Mai shrugged. "It's whatever I suppose. I can't mope around for one petty decision. The best thing to do now is to have hope in Seto Kaiba."
"Ah yes, Seto Kaiba," said the woman in the emerald dress. Senator Mirabelle Oakbar of the petty kingdom of Aigorith, and owner of the East Termnnia Trading Company. She sipped her Dwarven Red Sprinter before taking Mai's hand and kissing it. "I have heard he is to have a hand in Yuri's Duel Monsters training. I pray to the Goddesses that he is discreet in our affairs on the other side of the Gate."
"You've grown accustomed to calling him that as well, Mirabelle?" asked Lady Jane.
"I find his nickname rather charming," said Senator Mirabelle. "My daughter hopes that he is as charming as his name."
"Seto Kaiba is quite careful," said Mai, returning to the subject. "If there's anyone who can help Prince Yuri become a powerful Duelist and earn his way back into our world, it's Seto Kaiba."
"A toast to him, and to his success," said Senator Etoile Gumy of Kalith; the woman in blue. "Let us hope Yuri's return is safe and swift. I don't know about the rest of you ladies, but I grow weary of this constant squabble with the princesses of the kingdoms of Termnnia."
Mai and the other women laughed. "I find it rather adorable," said Mai. "All those girls. Princesses, young queens, baronesses, duchesses, and other girls of nobility taking to the fields to battle for the right to marry Prince Yuri."
"It's adorable and rather costly," groaned Senator Etoile. "In both lives and in gold. My daughter and her friend have banded together against the daughter of House of Perroy; our rival house. Mercenaries are calling this conflict the Gold Rush. Since the fathers of these girls do not wish to waste their own armies in this war, for want the use of a better word, they hire sellswords of all banners. Ten girls are now dead because of this conflict. Mirabelle, you say that your child is involved in this conflict? I did not think you would be one to chase the Diamond Throne."
"You have me wrong, Etoile. My only affairs in this messed-up continent of ours are purely commercial. We at the East Termnnian Trading Company try not to get involved with politics."
"And yet you're in in the Senate," said Mai.
Mirabelle nodded; for that statement was true. "Yes, I do have my seat in the Senate; for that is how great our influence is on this continent. However, as the head of the company, my job is to make sure we maintain good relationships with everyone. I'm always on the lookout for promising partnerships and worthy investors to help keep my monopoly on every route of trade, be it land, sea, or air. Believe me, with the ongoing conflicts going on; be they love-crazed princesses or rebel kings, ala King Forrest up north, it affects my business horribly. I see to it that they keep to their squabbles but maintain good business with us."
"And do explain your daughter in the war, senator," said Mai. "Do you have a mind to have your girl marry the future High King of Termnnia?"
"That is her affair entirely," Mirabelle responded sharply. "I told my daughter that if she wants to raise an army to fight the other girls who want Prince Yuri, she has to do so with her own purse. And I don't mean to brag, but my daughter is quite influential. She knows how to get the things that she wants. And while I have stated that my company wishes to stay out of political affairs, the prospect of having my daughter as Queen is an ample inducement."
Mai wrinkled her nose again. "So all three of you voted against bringing Yuri back. Do the Dragonhearts have any influence on your affairs, ladies?"
"A delicate question to be sure," said Mirabelle. "My father, the King of Aigorith, was an ally of Lord Antar Plantegrast in the Rebellion of 980. He has no love for the Dragonhearts, I assure you. On the other hand, the Dragonhearts have considerable funds and have proven themselves worthy partners in many of our endeavors across the continent. I haven't made any contracts with them, yet, but I'm sure he would want his slice of the pie if I ever did. The Dragonhearts' wealth rival that of the High King. Huh! I suppose Tiberius Pendragon did them a favor when he banished them to the Ashlands, wouldn't you agree?"
"Quite," said Etoile. "I only go to these affairs to maintain my relationships with everyone inside and outside of the Senate. As for my relationship with House Dragonheart, Lady Mai, it is one of mutual alignment. I myself care little about the politics and contentions between the kings and this newfound squabble with the Church of Yeyu. Having said that, power is a trait that I respect to the best of my ability. The Dragonhearts have power. They leave my affairs alone and I do them the same favor. "
"I say the same," said Senator Jane. "Antilles and his House may be good allies but he does not influence me at all. I do not cast my vote on bribery, Lady Mai. I am a devoted follower of the Temple of Dwenya. My husband was one of the few to be gifted with one of her shields for his devotion to justice and truth. The gems encrusted on this divine aegis turn dull at the sign of corruption, and I assure you they never have around me. Antilles has my confidence, but not my votes. Ah, look there."
She pointed towards one of the windows at a girl wearing a white leotard with a cape fashioned to look like a white Slifer the Sky Dragon. The dragon itself coiled over her shoulders in white enameled metal. The cloth that made the cape fell from one of the dragon's coils. It was made of a white see-through fabric that sparkled with each movement. Long golden hair, speckled with tiny white flowers and decorated with baby blue ribbons, flowed down to her back in rivers of elegant curls. A hairclip designed to look like a fierce dragon was clasped to the right side of her head.
A gentleman approached her and asked her for a dance, but she held out her hand and refused. When the man insisted, her 'guard' brandished his blade. Her protection was a Duel Monster of the Warrior-Type known as Blade Knight.
"Oh, that's a girl who won't be looking for a suitor anytime soon," said Senator Jane. "If I'm not mistaken, that's Princess Alexandra von Klaus. The beloved niece of our esteemed host."
"The Princess of Dragon's Nest? Here?" Mai said. "Color me intrigued. She's a beautiful young thing, isn't she?"
"Beautiful and dangerous," Senator Etoile replied with urgency and caution. "She is known throughout the south of Emboldor as the Slayer of Lords and Princes. When she was but a little girl, Alexandra and her dragon Bruton, killed three of Emboldor's greatest Houses in the Battle of Bell Fields. Long have the bards of Termnnia sang of that massacre. Be wary of that girl, Lady Mai. She looks like a beautiful rose, but she is full of thorns, and they're poisonous to the touch. I pray she stays as far away from our Prince as possible. The Loveless Princess is what many have come to call her."
Mai could not keep her eyes off Alexandra. Too great was her beauty and splendor. "You said she has a dragon that aided her in battle."
"She's one of the few to control what remains of the True Dragons," said Senator Jane. "The Des Volstgalph. Long have these fell beasts served the Royal House of Dragonheart. Horrible dragons are what they are, with the power to make you explode if they so much as look at you. Thankfully, they've gone all but extinct since the Rebellion. Obelisk the Tormentor saw to that. Unfortunately, still, Alexandra holds the last of her House. Her dragon is still young, but it is a powerful monster nonetheless."
The gentleman Alexandra rejected approached the four women. "Well, would any of you fine women care for a dance?"
"Rejected again, Lord Brax?" chuckled Senator Etoile.
"Well, there are plenty of fish in the sea," said Lord Brax of Gaven Port. He chugged down the last gulps of wine. His face turned red. The bushy orange mustache underneath his long, pointed nose shivered from his drunkenness. "And what of you sweetheart," he said looking at Mai. "Care to join me?"
"I think I'll pass," said Mai, taking a few steps away from Lord Brax and towards Senator Jane. "I have heard a great deal about you. Your lips are planted firmly onto the backside of the Dragonhearts."
"I wish I had mine planted on hers," Lord Brax commented crudely at Princess Alexandra. A hiccup followed. "You have no love for the Dragonhearts it seems. And yet you come to a party hosted by one."
"I didn't have much of a choice in the matter," Mai responded, trying to remain calm. "Yugi wishes to keep our relationship with them as secure as possible to prevent any more hostilities in the Senate. Yuri has to come home now."
"He's no Duelist from what I heard," said Lord Brax. He hiccupped again and swayed to the right. His feet moved back and forth, and left and right in a wobbly dance to maintain balance in his drunkenness. "He can't be a High King if he's no Duelist."
Senator Etoile had no choice but to agree with him. "I'm sorry, child, but he is right. What is a High King if he cannot Duel to save his kingdom? If someone were to challenge him to the Dueling Pact with the poor skillset he has now, I fear all the work to keep him on the throne would have been for not."
"That's no excuse to close the Gate," Mai protested. "He has his head so far up House Dragonheart's…"
Lord Brax held up a hand to stop her foul-tongued remark from escaping her beautiful lips. "I've known House Dragonheart long enough to appreciate their tastes in food, women, and Duel Monsters. And I have known the family long enough to respect the importance they play in the little playground we call Termnnia. He and his have also played a vivid role in stopping the worship of Norman the Conqueror, which is now forbidden thanks to the Church."
"You sure have their backsides pressed to your lips, too, don't you?" Mai remarked in fury.
"Ha! Of course, I do. Unlike you, I know how to make friends around her, Lady Mai. Those Norman worshippers get rounded up and sent to the Grey Hills to get just what they deserve. He is no God to be worshipped."
"It is a person's right to follow whoever they so choose. Freedom of worship is just one of the many blessings the Concordant of Free Speech has given us. But those radicals and brainwashed fools like yourself have done nothing but tarnish it to fuel the agenda of the Church, which has no business here in Termnnia."
"Say what you will, Lady Mai. I'm sure we can come to an agreement in saying that worshipers of Norman the Conqueror cause nothing but trouble for me and the other lords and kings."
"They wouldn't have any reason to attack your chapels and monasteries and raid your roads of pilgrimage if you just left them alone."
"Of course, I'd get that response," Brax hiccupped. "You'd best be mindful, Lady Mai. I heard you sing about that supposed hero on stage earlier. I have powerful friends in the Church who might come a' knocking at your door one day."
"Your words are poison. Besides, there are plenty of rulers who resent the Church and its ideals,"
"Ah, yes. I know what you're saying, my dear. Of course, they do. These supposed rulers have trouble adjusting to change. Why else would they force the Easterners to keep their technology from spreading westward, hmm? The ideology of the Church is no different. We believe in the abolition of magic in all shape and form. You understand that it is a fell force that has caused our kingdoms to crumble time and time again. The Church is the way to achieve everlasting peace in this world. Yes, their methods for spreading the faith and getting everyone to understand is brutal, albeit questionable, but sometimes, you need to have an iron fist to get your point across. As to whether I agree with their view of magic, I do not care. Nor do I care what House Dragonheart does to influence the politics of this world. In the end, the Church and House Dragonheart reward their friends richly; very richly. Anyone who does not take advantage of such generosity is a complete fool. Like your friend Yugi Muto."
"That is quite enough of you, Brax," said Jane. "Away with you, if you please."
"Bah, To the Flames with all of you," Brax said wobbling away.
Mai turned to look at the three women. "If you'll excuse me," she said. "I'm going to serve myself another drink. Ladies, it's been a pleasure ("So to speak", she mumbled)."
"Lady Mai," said Jane. "Enjoy the rest of your evening."
Mai bowed and gingerly dashed for the buffet tables. Still angered by the sudden appearance of Lord Brax, she breathed heavily. She picked up a plate and filled it with all the delicacies she could want.
A man in silver armor approached from the window facing the river. He stopped and stood beside her. He gave a flick of his cape to waft the air with his enticing cologne. Mai knew what he was trying to do but sadly felt her hormones succumb to the many scents coming from the indigo cape trimmed in gold. She felt a tingle between her legs and her curiosity was piqued.
She looked from the corner of her eye at the man. His hair was platinum and his face was clean-shaven and alluring with fine features. His eyes were pale blue like a lake in a pale spring still clinging to the cold embrace of winter. Across his chestplate, an engrailed cross was engraved with a sword and shield on the first and third quarters, a fiddle and cards in the second and fourth.
"Can I help you?" Mai asked.
"You most certainly can," said the knight. "You can help from being lonely on the floor this eve. I have traveled all the way north from White Vine in Gardenrealm with hopes to have a dance with the Delight of Termnnia."
"Have you?" Mai said, looking at the knight. "And just who might you be?"
"I am Ser Dylan Cole the Paladin of the Order of the Golden Rose. An order of holy knights who serve the Temple of Nephelia, the Goddess of Friendship and Kindness."
"I know," Mai said with a roll of her eyes. She hated it when people assumed she didn't know the Pantheon of her own kingdom.
The knight continued despite her sudden rudeness. "My Lady, our sworn duty is to quell the lands of Gardenrealm and beyond of the fires of Yeyu."
"Ha!" Mai burst. "Well, if you're keeping those radical nutcases on the ropes, then I guess you've earned the right to talk to me."
"You humble me, My Lady," the knight said. He looked at the tables and observed the delicacies being served. "His Majesty has spared no expense for tonight's party. Exotic foods from across the seas. Coconuts. Grapes. Dragon Mangos. Bananas from the Koukourian Islands. Ah, and dates from the Sultan of Sobek. He certainly has friends in high places if he can make trade with them."
"Antilles was once the Prince of Termnnia," said Mai. She sipped the last of her wine. "Of course he has connections. Even though the Dragonhearts no longer have a claim to the Diamond Throne, there are still those who support them. You said your surname was Cole. Your father wouldn't by chance by Chancellor Drystan Cole, would he?"
"Why, yes, My Lady. My father has a seat in the Senate. How good of you to know."
Mai scoffed. "Don't get too full of yourself Ser Dylan. I spit on his name as you Westerners say. Your father had a hand in helping Antilles keep Prince Yuri stuck in the other world."
Ser Dylan chuckled and basked in her fury as though it were admiration. He smiled wider and wider as she saw her cheeks turning a pale shade of pink. Though her countenance read anger, the color she turned just made her look even more beautiful.
He attempted to take Mai's hand and kiss it, but she was too quick, swiping her hand away before he could grab a hold of her fingers. A talk with her, yes, he sure earned that. But a kiss, even if it was on her hand, not yet. Not yet.
"Hold on there, Ser," Mai said, scooting a little to the left to pour herself a cup of wine. "Seems like I've more than humbled you if you're making hasty moves like that."
"A clever woman you are," said Ser Dylan. "You see through me like a window. Yes, my appetite seeks to be quenched this night."
"You soil the name of Knight," said Mai. "Nowadays, arrogant fools like you use it as a key to try and unlock chastity belts. Look, hun, that may have worked on whores back at the brothels, but not on me. You're lucky my Buster Bladers were forced to stay outside. You should know it's against the law to bother me."
"No, but the law states I can approach you if you deem me worthy. Well, Lady Mai, do you not find me worthy?"
Mai rolled her eyes again. "You really want me to answer that?"
"Then perhaps, I can win your heart in a Duel."
Mai's face lit up, but she remembered something that made her smile quickly fade. "Oh, you're out of luck, hun. I didn't bring my deck. If you want to have yourself a Duel for my heart, you're going to have to challenge Ser Tristan, my knight-escort."
"Ser Tristan of the House Taylor?" Ser Dylan asked. He burst out laughing. "That fool is nothing but a cheerleader constantly yelling: 'Go, Yugi! Go, Joey!' He is no knight."
Mai felt like someone twisted the pit of her stomach. "He has more reason to be a knight than you. He defended Prince Yuri in the Battle of Rassay. Led the charge in the Siege of Karad-Antha where Anubis and his Orcs attacked the wizard, Gabriel the Black, and his wife, Luthia, the last Celtra. And he's captain of the guard. What qualities did you possess to be qualified as a knight?"
"I saved my village against an army of Wild Men."
"A brave feat," Mai said, tilting her head to the left. "But your deeds still fall short of Ser Tristan's."
"Somebody call me?" Tristan said entering the hall.
A wave of relief cooled Mai, and she smiled seeing him return. "Tristan. I believe you've got yourself a challenger. This is Ser Dylan Cole. He wishes to face you."
"And what are the stakes?" Tristan asked.
"My virginity," Mai answered crudely.
Tristan scoffed. "I didn't even know you had it still."
That released the fury of House Valentine. Mai's beautiful face became bloated and over-exaggerated. A cross twitched on her forehead; a sign all Eldoris had when they were angered.
"YOU BIG JERK!" she roared. "HOW DARE YOU...blah! Blah! Blah! Blah!"
As Mai ranted to no end, Tristan approached Ser Dylan and spoke over her voice which seemed to fade into the background once she was ignored. "So, think you can best me in a Duel?" he said to Ser Dylan.
"I don't think I can. I know I can. What say you 'Ser' Tristan." Ser Dylan held out his gauntlet and it morphed into a Duel Disk.
Tristan shrugged and activated his. Seeing that they were ready to fight, Mai calmed down, fixed her hair, and stood back. Antilles joined her. "This should be interesting," he said. "I have never seen Ser Tristan Duel before. Who do you have your money on, My Lady?"
"I'm betting it all on Tristan," said Mai. "Not that I have much of a choice."
"DUEL!" the two knights shouted.
"I shall start since I'm the most revered knight," Ser Dylan said arrogantly. "I summon Battle Ox in Attack mode!"
Battle Ox
ATK/1700 DEF/1000
"Not impressed," said Tristan. "Draw! I summon Gigobyte!" He summoned a little reptilian creature, a few inches taller than a dwarf.
Ser Dylan scoffed. "You really think that pathetic little creature is going to destroy my Battle Ox, Ser Tristan? Clearly, arithmetic was never your forte."
"And you make it a habit of underestimating your foes," said Tristan. "I activate the Spell Card, Triangle Power! It only works with Level One monsters, like my Gigobyte. The Spell will increase his Attack Points by two-thousand for the duration of the turn!"
The guests gasped at the shock of Tristan's combo. Many thought of him as nothing but a simpleton, and he was, so to speak. But over the years, Tristan was garnering respect. First as a knight, then being promoted to Captain of the Diamond Guard for his bravery in the Siege of Rassay two decades ago. Now it appeared that his Dueling skills have developed well.
They watched as the little reptilian creature he summoned bulked up his little muscles. His eyes started burning red. Gigobyte leaped into the air with a mighty bound that took him up and up towards Battle Ox's face. He charged his fist until it started glowing bright blue with power. He smashed his enchanted fist onto the Battle Ox's skull. Battle Ox grunted in defeat and shattered like glass.
The guests hollered at the display of Tristan's clever move and clapped.
"He has developed some skill over time," Lady Jane commented, joining Mai and Antilles. "He has earned the right to train Yuri in swordcraft."
"I must agree," said Antilles. "Ser Tristan has surprised me quite a bit. Prince Yuri will get good training from him I suppose."
Lady Jane watched as Ser Dylan Fusion Summoned Dragoness the Wicked Knight.
The knight attacked Tristan, but he was quick, activating his Draining Shield card. The trap increased his Life Points by Dragoness' ATK. The Trap Card also negated the attack, preventing Tristan from taking any damage and giving him a slight lead in the score.
"Speaking of Yuri," said Lady Jane. "I must ask what is to be of his surname?"
"What do you mean?" Mai asked.
Tristan summoned his Gagagigo. An evolved form of the Gigobyte he summoned earlier.
With an ATK of 1850, he proved more than a match for Dragoness the Wicked Knight. Tristan ordered the attack and his reptilian warrior sprinted towards Dragoness. He jumped and started spinning. His tail flung so fiercely it snapped against the Wicked Knight's armor like a powerful whip, cracking it. Dragoness screamed as she was launched backward and shattered. Ser Dylan was growing rather furious and gritted his teeth to control the humiliation and rage building inside of him.
"What I mean, Lady Mai, is Yuri is the son of Gabriel the Black. He was a Prince of House Delgado and heir to the Fossil Throne of Feldia, remember? That would make Yuri an heir of House Delgado."
"But House Delgado did not want him," said Antilles. "They prohibited the boy from having a claim to the Fossil Throne because they dubbed him a bastard born from incest. Prince Gabriel was supposed to marry Princess Hannah of House Knox, to secure an alliance with the Arctic Kingdoms. But he fell in love with the Celtra girl while studying at Duelist Academy. This forbidden love produced our young prince."
"I know this," said Senator Jane. She took a long drink of her wine. "But, then, Anubis killed Gabriel and the Celtran woman, ultimately meeting his own end at the hands of their baby, Yuri. This is what bothers me, though. High King Antar, being a brother of sorts to Gabriel, took the child for his own and named him Prince of Termnnia since he had no heirs and was on his deathbed. It was a bold move, but rather brash. But I digress. My question is, would Yuri be known as a Delgado or a Wollcroft. Since the Wollcrofts are a Cadet Branch of House Plantegrast, some claim Yuri should be given that name instead. It better suits his position as High King."
"The Plantegrasts have led a long and healthy rule," Antilles said, watching as Ser Dylan attempted to strike down Tristan's Gagagigo with his Gemini Elf, a spellcaster with 1900 ATK.
It would have surely slain Gigagigo, but Tristan activated Reinforcements to increase his monster's ATK by 500 points.
When the battle phase was complete, Antilles continued to speak: "But their time is over. Yuri is more Delgado than he is Plantegrast or Wollcroft."
Tristan used his Gagagigo as tribute to summon his new form. Giga Gagagigo.
The guests clapped and Tristan attacked Ser Dylan directly, dealing incredible damage to his Life Points.
"So he is to be Prince Yuri of House Delgado then?" Mai asked.
"Perhaps, King Salazar will be coming down here in a month to discuss his claim to the boy."
Mai scoffed. "Yeah, now that he's High King, he's no longer a bastard. He was disgusted about having Yuri as a grandson and barred him from any claim to the throne of Feldia. And now that he will have the God Cards under his command and the Diamond Throne as the seat of power, he suddenly wants him as a part of his family again? Ingrate. He'll never get Yuri back."
"That is not your place to say, My Lady," said Antilles. "The law clearly states that the decision to accept King Salazar's invitation back into the lineage of House Delgado, is Yuri himself. There is nothing you, nor I can do about it."
"I sure hope Yuri makes the right choice," said Mai.
"My turn!" Tristan said drawing his card. "I activate the Spell Card, Cost Down. Now I tribute Giga Gagagigo to summon Gogiga Gagagigo!"
"And that's the end of the game," chuckled Mai. "There is nothing Ser Dylan can do to save himself from that monstrosity."
Antilles chuckled. "I've said it once, and I'll say it again, my dear. Overconfidence is your greatest enemy. Unfortunately for Ser Dylan, he learned that a little too late."
Peter Dragonheart - Senatorial Estate, Rasaay - Emboldor
Rosa Roundbottom crawled across the bed and gazed dreamily out the window into the Bay of Kings. Even though it was dark, she could hear the cry of gulls in the darkness and the waves crashing against the rocks below were like a romantic song to her. Peter's estate was so high up that she could see everything for miles and miles. The three moons up above washed the night in cloaks of silver and red. She could make out the mountains silhouetted in the distance by the starry night sky.
"Are you comfortable, my dear?" Peter said, typing away at his laptop from the city of Eredas. He certainly enjoyed the view she was giving him. Rosa was clad in a gray tank top and tight athletic shorts that did poorly concealing her famous rump. She looked at him from over her shoulder and smiled before sighing and resting her chin on her interlaced fingers. "My house is your house, you know," he said. "You don't have to work in the House of Flowers anymore. You are mine."
"You certainly have the gold to make me yours permanently," Rosa said. "Dearest. Why didn't we go to your brother's party? I would have loved to mingle with the lords and ladies of Emboldor."
Peter stopped typing and looked at her from over the screen of his laptop. "Can you say the same about them? I certainly can't. People of their upbringing look down on girls with your...occupation." He started typing again.
Rosa looked back at him sadly, her eyes flashing with hurt. "You mean whores?"
Peter grunted in discomfort and stopped typing. "Rose. You know I don't like that word."
"But it's what I am."
"No, you're not!" Peter retorted with a raised voice. "You're much more than that. To me anyway."
"What am I to you, my lord?" Rosa turned around to face him, sitting upright with her hands on her lap as though she were a puppy begging for a treat.
"You are much, much more," was all he could say, displeased with the way she was sitting.
Mannerisms that were pounded into her head by the Masters in the House of Flowers no doubt. Peter learned she was captured by privateers working for a Baron that owned an iron mine hidden in the Dragon's Ridge Mountains and was later sold for a wagon of gold for her immense beauty to the House of Flowers where they taught her to be a prostitute throughout her years. They branded her right thigh so they could mark her as property of the House of Flowers. And if she escaped, she could be easily identified. And in case they wanted to hide the mark or even cut it off, they were forced to wear a leather collar with a gold tag that was enchanted with a terrible magic spell that only the mages of the House of Flowers knew how to break. Anyone who found a poor soul trying to flee from the House of Flowers often found their kindness turned off by the great rewards the Masters paid for the return of their property. Almost a million in Star Chips, depending on how valuable the girl was. And Rosa was immensely valuable to the House of Flowers. It cost him 5000 Star Chips a week just keeping her now. And he was running out of money, what with him financing the war in the Hellgari Estates and the big wedding.
Peter didn't want to lose Rosa. And it wasn't because she was good in bed or because of her beauty. She surprised him one night when she took his unused paints and painted a realistic portrait of the mountains in the distance. He loved it so much that he had it framed and hung over his bed. Not only that, Rosa wrote beautiful poetry in a diary she kept in her room and read her work to Peter to put him to sleep at night. Above all, he enjoyed her kind and caring personality. She was so sweet and smart. One morning he found her reading his giant tome with the history of Termnnian Kings and they had a long discussion about their politics and the impact they had in the great drama that is Termnnia history. He remembered that day fondly. They just laid in bed and talked about everything. About the history of the continent's kings and queens. Their favorite poets and philosophers. Their favorite Duelists. Just talking until the sun came up.
He couldn't recall the last time someone could speak with him like that. Normally, he would have to travel to universities or libraries to find like-minded people. But even if he could, the topic would always shift to the war with Forrest, the betrayal of the Dragon Summoner, and, of course, the progress of Prince Yuri.
"I would have really liked to go to the party," said Rosa.
"It's best you didn't go, Rosa," Peter said.
"Will this mean I can't go to the wedding?"
"No," Peter said to which Rosa sighed sadly and looked back out the window. She understood the real reason why he didn't want her to go. The light of the moons made a big tear sparkle as it rolled down her cheek. That sure broke Peter's heart. He slumped back in his decorated office chair and rubbed his brow, trying to come up with a way to make her happy. Rosa knew what she was, nobody needed to remind her about that. But she wanted to be treated like any other person. Had she known her current occupation would be so terribly looked down upon by the lords and ladies of the continent, she would have eaten the poison cake her sorrowed friend consumed years ago to put herself out of her misery.
"Rosa," he said. She didn't answer. "Rosa," he said sharply, making her turn around. "Why don't you and I have a special party of our own."
Rosa whimpered making Peter chortle. "No!" he laughed, shaking his head. "No, no, dearest, that's not what I meant. I know of some other places in town where we could make merry."
"And what places are they?"
"Well, there's always the Royal Mall in the center of town. Why don't we get you some new clothes? We could have lunch. And perhaps we can go to the annual horse race together next week. We can meet with people who would enjoy your company."
"People who wouldn't mind that I'm a...ahem, people who wouldn't mind a person like me? Will there be lords and ladies?"
"Why do you want to meet with lords and ladies so much, Rosa?"
"Because I want to be accepted into a higher level of society. I'm tired of being looked at as though I'm so rat that belongs in a sewer. Most of all, my lord, I'm sick and tired of being treated like a dirty little secret. Most of all...I...I want to meet Prince Yuri. That's why I taught myself so much about history and poetry and all that. See, when I was in the House of Flowers, my clients loved their time with me so much that they'd ask to give me presents. All I asked for was books."
Peter nodded slowly. "Ah, I see. I see. So you taught yourself to not only get smarter but to hopefully show someone you were to good for the House of Flowers and impress them enough to want to get you out of it."
"Yes. And I pray that one day I could talk to Yuri and maybe get him to find a way to...I don't know. Destroy the House of Flowers."
"The House of Flowers is a very powerful organization, Rosa. I doubt even Yuri will be able to bring it down should he come to power. But I'm sure you didn't go through all the trouble of getting out of the House of Flowers for the sake of meeting with the future High King. I know what you want most of all. Freedom."
"Yes, sir. That is what I want. I want to finally be free of this mark. And this...this thing around my neck. People can't be treated like this. It doesn't matter where they hang on the social ladder. We should never be branded like cattle and tagged like common dogs and be sold to the highest paying client to appease their pleasures. This is morally wrong. I know you know this, too."
"It is too carnal, I will admit. I've owned some brothels in my time, so I know what I'm talking about. Hmph. The House of Flowers has done things that make my skin crawl and they support the inhuman slave trade with Rejelia and the Empire of the Red Sea, something many Termnnians hope will get banned, myself included. Ahem, I digress. Rosa, while I can't promise you he can't destroy the House of Flowers, I can say this. I will talk to him for you. Should the day come that Yuri comes back and is crowned as the High King of Termnnia, I will speak to him. And I will ask if he can release you from that terrible place. Only then can I get you what you seek."
"Peter...you...you'd do that? For me?"
"I would. Like I said before. You are mine. And mine alone. And I will not rest until we make it official."
Rosa placed her hand on his cheek and kissed him passionately in the light of the moons, never letting him go throughout their embrace. At last, she thought, at last, her hard work was finally paying off.