Patty - Ruby Dragon Gaming Diner

October 17 Year 18 4AOS

Friday's were usually quite busy at the Ruby Dragon's diner, but ever since word got out that Yuri beat both Randall Lawson and a legendary Dragon Sister, and was good friends with Crystal Anderson, players flocked from far and wide, even from the mainland to come to the shop where Yuri both worked and played. Thus the shop from the second floor down was full of eager Duelists looking to test their luck against Yuri and his Black Tyranno, a beast who had become quite legendary.

Patty ran up and down the shop passing by tables full of rowdy characters and hotshot Duelists showing off their skills and their best monsters on the Duel Screens located around the shop. Others were waiting for their turn to use the new arena that Sergei had built into the basement. Flatscreen televisions hung here and there on the walls displayed the matches taking place down there. Patty occasionally glanced at the screens to get a glimpse of a few matches, but she had to focus on work, otherwise, she would get an earful from Peggie, the assistant manager of the Ruby Dragon, who mostly involved herself with operations in the diner. She was a tall and stout woman with puffy cheeks, pink with makeup and a blonde hair fashioned in a beehive style from the 50's.

In fact, there she was, leaning against the jukebox while chewing her gum. Her bright green eyes were like that of a hawk's scanning the diner for anyone who needed help so she could flag down one of the girls to assist them. Also, she was on the lookout for troublemakers. Peggie called the waitresses her 'babies' treating them more like daughters than employees. Though the Ruby Dragon was a game shop, there was beer being served for older customers who the shop was mostly catered for. She had a knack for tackling drunken reprobates who got too rowdy with her girls. Rowdiness was behavior that was not uncommon given the tight gray shirts and black shorts the waitresses wore.

Sergei often said Peggie once wrestled a grizzly bear, and given her show of strength and nasty attitude, everyone believed it. She once grabbed two young men who were harassing Candy, one of the waitresses, by the scruff of their necks with the greatest of ease before throwing them out of the store.

As Patty scurried down the stairs to the kitchen her eyes darted from left to right, looking for customers who needed assistance. But most of all, she was looking for Yuri. If he was in the house, the crowd would flock around him and gather around to watch him use his Black Tyranno. Therefore, the diner wouldn't be as busy, for they would have Yuri's skills to snack on instead.

"Wow, busy night!" Candy said, holding up a black tray with nachos, mini-burger sliders, beer, and hot dogs. "You gotta thank Yuri for this."

"Yeah, terrific," Patty said sarcastically, leaning against the wall to catch her breath. Though content with her earnings, she was not too happy with the long hours and the rowdy customers of the diner. "You doing good?" she asked.

"So far I've accumulated fifty bucks worth of tips," Candy said with a wink.

"Keep using words like 'accumulated' and you'll see those tips go down," Patty said sternly. "Some of these guys get scared at the thought of a girl with a brain in her head."

"She aint lying'," said Ruby, a red-haired latina girl. She was picking up messy plates from a recently vacated table and set them on her tray. "Babe, I know you go to that fancy-pants Phobos University, but it's best to leave that image out there. Once you're in here, with these guys, you're nothing but a pair of breasts that talk."

"It pays for my books," Candy said with a shrug.

"Uh-oh, you better get moving," said Patty. "Mama Peggie is watching us."

Candy's head darted to the left so fast, her long braids whipped over her shoulders. She saw Peggy furiously tapping her wristwatch. "Oops!" Candy said, darting for her table.

"She's so cute," said Ruby, fixing her black cap, which was part of her uniform.

Patty nodded. She wore her cap backward. "Yeah, if it wasn't for Peggie and Sergei, she'd be eaten alive every night."

"So, Sombra, how do you like the job?" Ruby asked.

"It pays better than The Blue Crab, that's for sure," Patty said. "Nice to know my little nickname is getting out."

"You've got to play sometime," said Ruby. "I'd love to see you use that Zera the Mant card. Some of the players here say they get a very spooky vibe when you play it."

"You know these Duel Monsters nerds," said Patty. "They watch the cartoon and like to live like they're in it. Now with these holograms being used, their fantasy has come to life."

"I've been meaning to ask," said Ruby. "You and Yuri hang out a lot, so I heard. Is there something going on between the two of you?"

"No," Patty said instantly. "Of course not."

"Come on, don't lie to me, Pats." Ruby set her tray on her hand and balanced it with ease despite the heavy pile of plates. "He's the son of Phobos Corp's President and founder of this city. The heir of over seven trillion dollars and the game Duel Monsters. I mean, that eye of his is a little off, but he's not too bad on the eyes."

"He's cute, but I'm not into boys."

"Oh!" said Ruby. There was an awkward pause before she winked. "Call me." She walked away.

"Hey!" shouted an angry customer from his table near the window. "We've been waiting for like twenty minutes, what's the deal?"

"Sorry!" Patty cried out, reaching into her apron to pull out her notepad. "Welcome to the Ruby Dragon Diner. My name is Patty and I'll be..."

"Yeah, yeah, yeah," said an obnoxious muscle-head, waving a hand to shut her up. "We're next in line for the arena and thanks to you, we've got twenty minutes before game time, meaning we can't have a decent meal. So make us a batch of curly fries and ten sliders. Make it snappy will you?"

"Sure, I can do that," said Patty. "Sorry for the inconvenience."

"And you can forget about your tip, sweetheart," said a third member of the party. "You girls are cute, but this service sucks."

Patty wrinkled her nose and quickly turned around making way for the kitchen while ignoring a few stealthy comments about her posterior. She saw Tyson from the kitchen window. He was sweating profusely and was covered in a veil of smoke from the grill.

"Curly fries and ten bacon club sliders," Patty said, sticking the order on the hook over the window. "And if you can toss them all over the floor, spit on them, and sneeze on them, I'd greatly appreciate it."

"No problem," Tyson said, flipping six patties with lightning speed. He looked at Patty and smiled. He loved the way her uniform fit on her. "Woo, Patty. I've got to hand it to you. You can look really cute when you clean up. Give me a spin, girl."

Patty rolled her eyes and gave a turn to show him how the uniform looked on her.

"I like it, I like it," said Tyson, slapping the spatula on his palm. "So, those rich white boys giving you trouble?"

"You have no idea," said Patty.

Ruby approached holding a new order for Tyson. "You'll get used to it, Pats. These guys are here for a few things. Duels, cards, and a little bit of ass. Thanks to Peggie, they'll never get the latter."

"Thank, God," said Patty, lightly slamming the back of her head against the wall.

"Tyson!" Candy sang out, skipping for the window. "Three hot dogs; extra chili, a plate of fries, and a double-decker bacon burger."

"Coming right up," said Tyson. "Once I'm done with Patty's order."

"So what are we talking about?" Candy asked, blowing a bubble with her gum. "What's the occasion?"

"Patty's having trouble with the boys over at table twenty," said Ruby. She began filling glasses full of beer. "Oh, Candy, hold still. One of your pigtails is coming undone."

She set the glasses of beer on a black tray and called on another waitress to take the drinks. When the order was picked up and taken to the table, Ruby began to fix the pigtail. "Working hard?" she asked.

"Are you kidding?" Candy said, trying to ignore the pain when Ruby pulled her hair. "We're so busy thanks to Yuri. He's like a celebrity around here. I heard some hotshot Duelists from the States are here just to face him, and that Black Tyranno."

"So far there's been nothing but disappointment," said Ruby. "Yuri's a no show tonight. Weird. I thought he was supposed to come to work today."

Patty shook her head. "He had some Phobos Corp business to take care of."

Ruby shrugged. "Oh well, but it's best not to let any of these guys know. If they hear that Yuri aint coming tonight, we're gonna lose a lot of business." She finished with Candy's pigtail. "There you go, sweetie. Now get back to work before Mama Peggie finds us standing around."

WHACK!

A wooden spoon smacked a fatty palm that belonged to Peggie. "Well, and what are you dears doing standing around?"

"Sorry, mama," said Ruby. "Patty's having some guy troubles with those muscle heads over there."

Peggie turned to see the boys Ruby was talking about. They were pointing at their heads and shrugging, gesturing a look of confusion; for they wondered what was taking so long. "Don't worry about him, baby," Peggy said, squeezing Patty's cheeks. "One day, one day. You'll find yourself a prince charming to get you out of this hole."

Candy shrieked and pointed toward the ceiling. "Speaking of Prince Charming, take a look at the screens."

Patty's eyes widened when she saw Yuri was going to have a Duel with Nick. She smiled and shook her head. "That Nick. It's no surprise he'd want to have a go at Yuri's Black Tyranno."

Black Tyranno roared and stomped on Nick's Garoozis to the ground with his massive foot, wiping out his Life Points. Nick scratched his head in fury while Yuri held up his fist in triumph. This caused the patrons to get out of their seats and cheer. Some had their arms crossed with stern looks on their faces to show they were unimpressed with his skills.

"Prince Charming, eh?" said Patty. "Maybe you'll find one someday."

Prince Talion Alteria - Emerald Marchers, Elleria

With a powerful thrust, he cut down an orange flag with an escutcheon of a grizzly bear with crossed swords behind it. It pathetically fell from the face of an ancient watchtower and crumpled to the ground where warriors wearing black began to stomp on it and burn it. Prince Talion Alteria then jammed a flag of black and red in its place. The flag was proudly displaying the emblem of his family, a black knight, riding on an armored horse in a field of crimson. His warriors below raised their arms and started cheering. They waved their swords, slammed their shields, and the occasional rat, tat, tat of a battle rifle went off.

"Talion!" the warriors shouted. "Talion! Talion! Talion!"

"Crystannia!" Talion shouted. "This fair city was once the crown jewel of our beloved country." Behind him, the city was burning, blanketed by fire and cloaked in smoke. Nevertheless, it was theirs once again after a year under the banner of King Forrest. "This city was once a place of music, art, Dueling, great beauty, and love. And now with the banner of Lord Eolingas flying high in the great watchtower of Green Rock, it shall be once again!"

His soldier cheered holding up their fists clenching swords, shields, bows, and shields.

"Let the armies of the Fat King know this. So long as I am alive, the lands of Elleria will never again fall into his fat and greasy hands!"

"Huzzuh!" the warriors chanted.

"The Naralian fools thought, yet again, that they could best us!" he shouted. "But, yet again, we show them and their fire-worshiping cult that these lands are ours, now and forever!"

"Huzzah!" his soldiers chanted.

"This war is not over yet, brothers!" Prince Talion continued. "I assure you our enemy will be back. And they will return again, and again, and again! To ensure, they enslave us with their religion. But we will be ready to trounce their asses back to where they came from again, and again, and again!"

"Huzzah!"

"If their soldiers wish to be in the fiery embrace of their phony Yeyu, then I say we will send them to him!"

"Huzzah!"

"You all fought bravely, brothers. But none challenged the forces of the Fat King with the ferocity of Ser Kevin Garat, the Black Knight, and the champion of my beloved sister, Evelyn!"

"Huzzah!" the soldiers cheered for the young knight. He raised his black sword up high, still dripping with Naralian blood. The soldiers were fired up from the sight and roared. The warriors of the royal phalanx battered their shields.

"And, let us not forget, the valiance of that bastard-of-a-bard himself, Ser Dancer Firewing. The Knight of Wine and Songs."

The eldest and most fetching son of the cadet branch of Prince Talion's House waved arrogantly at the soldiers below.

"Huzzah!" they shouted. He bowed elegantly for them inciting another cheer.

"Now, let us celebrate!" called Ser Dancer. "The day is yours, my brothers! And as your drink let us remember our fallen brethren who gave their lives for this day. They who have lost their lives to stop the ideology of hate and murder from the north. May the Stars of Horakhty guide their path to paradise. Hail!"

"HAIL!"

"Alright, boys!" Dancer called out. "The day and all its pleasures are on me. Bring out the ale and send out the women! And those with cards set up the tables and ready your Star Chips. It's time to Duel!"

With one final cheer, the soldiers of the Ellerian army stormed into their tents and brought out keg after keg of Emboldorian ale. Each flask was filled to the brim and chugged down in massive gulps. A band from one of the inns on the road to the Emerald Marches, the site of the day's battle, came forth in a covered wagon.

A troupe of circus dwarves rolled over the hills with a giant wooden pig for their comedic play about the tragedy of Lord Ester the King of the Cascade Falls. It was being pulled by two Griffor monsters.

"Well done, my friends!" Prince Talion said clinking his jeweled cup with the cups of his three best friends. "I could not have held back the Naralians this long without you."

"We may have had a slight hand in the wins against King Forrest," Dancer said swirling his mug. "But three men alone did not fight back the Naralian forces."

"Bah! It was not mere footsoldiers who destroyed the ballistae and catapults of the enemy forces. To say nothing of that squad of Cannon Soldier they brought out."

"That raises some concern," said Ser Kevin. "What in the world are Naralians doing sending Duel Monsters into battle? And a Machine-type monster at that."

"What does it matter?" laughed Ser Dancer. "We can beat them. There is no need to ponder what the Naralians are doing with their military. They were still no match for us."

Talion's sister arrived pushing aside the flaps of the party tent to come inside. Talion smiled while his two companions' eyes widened as they admired the raven-haired beauty that was the Princess of Elleria.

"Why is it then whenever the three of you are together anything is possible?" she asked, embracing Talion in a hug.

"Lady Evelyn!" cried Ser Kevin. He went down on one knee to show his respect for her.

"All hail the Princess!" shouted Ser Dancer. He and the other soldiers in the tent bowed.

"Sister!" Talion called out with joy. He hugged her so hard her spine cracked and she winced from the insignificant pain.

"Little brother!" Evelyn croaked after being released from his embrace.

"What are you doing here, Evelyn?" Dancer asked. He took her hand and kissed it. "Not to say your presence isn't appreciated. This battlefield needed a touch of beauty."

"Always the charmer, Dancer," Evelyn said rolling her eyes. She tossed back her shadowy black hair.

"Did you see the action today, dear sister?" Talion asked, putting an arm around her shoulder.

"Of course," Evelyn replied, accepting a goblet from Dancer. "I heard so many songs detailing Dancer's combat ferocity when on the field. I wanted to see if that was true."

"You shouldn't believe every verse in those songs, my lady," laughed Ser Kevin. "Those songs were written and sung by the arrogant bastard himself. He is the Knight of Wine and Song."

"I would have been the Knight of Wine, Women, and Song," said Dancer. "But Evelyn's father thought the name too long."

"We know that's not true," said Talion. "We all know it's because the women of the land cannot stand you."

"Ah, because the mere sight of me makes them wet. That's why they cannot bear to see me."

"Gracious!" Evelyn gasped, covering her mouth.

"Must you be so crude before the princess?" asked a young Eldori with spiky black hair. He went to the table to serve himself another cup of cold water. His skin was as pale as snow, and he wore dark blue robes trimmed with silver thread and adorned with plates of steel over his chest shins, and arms.

"Lord Princeton!" said Evelyn.

"Just Chazz," the Eldori boy said.

"Another brave warrior!" boasted Talion. "He was one of the finest on the field. I wished to praise him in my victory speech earlier but, he refused."

"There was no need," Chazz said furiously. "I was just doing what I could to stay alive."

"And you did so quite well," said Evelyn. "Your dragon was a force to be reckoned with. And you're an exceptional swordsman, Chazz."

"I'm not a swordsman. I'm a Duelist. If my family didn't have close ties to yours, I'd be sharpening my skills at Broxiton University once the war is over. Not to mention my brothers are too lazy to fight, which explains them losing those eggs they promised to guard for Pegasus, so naturally, father sent me to fight against the Fat King."

"Forgive us, Lord Princeton," said Evelyn, feeling rather offended. "Clearly you are in no mood to talk. We'll leave you be."

"Where are the Duels taking place, your Grace?" Chazz asked. "I'm in need of a match. The battlefield is so boring."

"They're taking place in the hills over the camp," said Talion. "I wish to play some games as well and try out my Gilford the Legend. It's been months since I've played him."

"Really?" said Chazz. "That's an excellent card. Why not try it out against me?"

"I think I shall," said Talion. "Come on, let us Duel."

"I shall come along," said Ser Kevin. "I have heard stories of Lord Princeton's Armed Dragons. I want to see them for myself."

Chazz smiled brashly at those words. "So, word has spread of my dragons eh? I assure you, Ser Knight; they will not disappoint."

Evelyn stopped them from moving with a raised hand. "Before we begin with the games, what exactly are these four golden eggs I keep hearing about?"

"They were supposedly some weapon to be used by High King Julius," said Chazz. "My dad says they were dragon eggs and that Julius planned to hatch them."

"Oh dear, the Dragonhearts already had Des Vosltgalph in their arsenal? I imagine more dragons would have been terrible."

"Yeah, but who the hell cares?" said Chazz. "Julius is dead and the rebellion is over. I believe we have a game to play, Prince Talion."

"Then we have a match," said Talion.

"Not yet you won't!" snapped King Helmsley stepping through the tarp of the party tent. He stared viciously at Evelyn. His daughter gave a timid gasp and shielded her blushing face by looking down at the grass at her feet. Any moment she would feel the humiliation of being yelled at before her friends. She just wanted to disappear.

"Your Grace," Evelyn squeaked. "We-we d-did not know you were c-c-coming."

"You!" he said spotting his rebellious daughter. "I should have known I would find you here."

"Father, please," pleaded Talion. "Her being here was my idea. She has more right than anyone here to be here and celebrate the reclaiming of Cyrstannia. She is the Princess of Elleria."

"A title she's lucky she still has," King Helmsley spoke coldly towards his daughter. "And if I'm not mistaken, this city would never have been conquered by the Fat King if it hadn't been for her. Defending Crystannia was your chance to prove yourself to me. Unsurprisingly, you failed. Evelyn. If I didn't need her so badly I would have tossed her into the streets to be eaten by the dogs a long time ago."

Evelyn let out another gasp, this time it was sorrowful. She walked out of the tent, sniffing and blinking her eyes to keep the tears from falling. They could hear her sobbing from outside.

"What is wrong with you?" Talion snarled going face to face with his father. "She needed more numbers to defend the city against the Naralians. You failed to give her reinforcements. Because of your hate for her, Crystannia fell and we lost 20,000 good men."

"Entrusting the city's protection to her was your idea, Talion. I should have followed my instincts and refused to let her take charge. I expected more from you, Talion," King Helmsley said, stroking his oiled black beard. "We could have lost our only chance at ending this war because of your foolishness."

"I'd best leave," said Chazz.

"Lord Princeton," said King Helmsley. "Well done. Your combat prowess stays true to your reputation. I believe much praise is in order for your service."

"Praise your daughter," Chazz said tucking his blue-plumed sterling silver helmet under his arm. "She hired those Shamrock mercenaries who charged down from the hills and turned the tide in our favor. This battle would have been lost if it hadn't been for her."

Chazz marched out of the tent pulling open the flaps to make his exit.

"See, father?"

"I care not," said Helmsley. "Fighting ill-trained legionnaires and hiring sellswords is nothing to boast about. If she really wants my affection she will do as she is told."

Talion stepped closer to his father and tilted his head in anger. "By marrying her off to some stranger? Huh? Is that how she must gain your favor?"

"That stranger will be the Lord of Termnnia,"

"What reason for her to marry Daveed?" Talion asked. "With the alliance that Master Yu-Gi-Oh has created, there will be no need for her to marry him. We'll have so many allies backing us that King Forrest will be a fool to continue attacking our country."

"An alliance? Pah! Alliances were made all throughout history. If you were smart you'd realize that history is always doomed to repeat itself. Alliances are made but are always broken. I am warning you now, son. Don't join this petty alliance of princes. To the shadows with the whole world. All that matters is the Alteria legacy."

"Sometimes I am ashamed to be your son!" Talion snapped. He was ready to make his leave.

"Before you go storming off there is something I must ask you. And for your sake, and your sister's, you'd best not refuse."

After hearing what his father had to say, Talion dashed out of the party tent. He spotted Evelyn sitting alone on a bench lit up by a lamp post.

"Sister," he said soothingly. "You should not let what father said in there get to you."

"He doesn't like me," Evelyn said quietly, her eyes red with weep. "All my life he has ridiculed me and swept me under the shadow of your glory. This marriage he is planning is just his way of getting what he wants. And what he wants is to be family connected to the High King and...and me out of his life."

"We will not need to marry you off," Talion said, placing his hands on his sister's shoulders. "I will see to it. Master Yu-Gi-Oh, who loves you like you were his own daughter, will see that this ridiculous plan does not come to fruition.

"Hey!" Chazz called out. "Are we going to Duel or what!"

"Come, sister," Talion said, taking Evelyn's hand. "Let us cheer you up with a Duel.

He followed Chazz to the hills outside the city walls (What was left of them).

They got into their positions and activated their Duel Disks, morphing them from jewels. Talion's signet ring was what he used to morph his Duel Disk and Chazz used his family ring as well.

"Duel!" They both shouted. And they were off.

"I'll start first!" shouted Chazz, furiously and dramatically drawing his card. "I place a card face down and summon Chthonian Soldier!"

"Then I shall begin my turn!" Talion said, drawing his first card, totaling his hand to six cards. "I will play the spell: Polymerization! To fuse M-Warrior number one and two in order to create Karbonala Warrior!"

A tall purple knight emerged from a portal above Talion and jumped down to the field. He grunted, swinging his sword for intimidation, and then stopped to show his stats. 1500 ATK and 1200 DEF.

"He's stronger than Chazz's monster!" exclaimed Evelyn.

"Don't get so excited, Princess!" declared Chazz. "I activate the trap card: Chthonian Polymer."

The trap allowed Chazz to take control of a summoned fusion monster for the price of one of his own. His Chthonian Soldiers were engulfed in flames which then turned into hands, grabbing Talion's Karbonala Warrior.

"We're just getting started!" sneered Chazz. "I've got you on the ropes and I don't even have my armed dragons on the field!"

The match went back and forth for the first few rounds of the match. But later, the bigger monsters started coming out. Chazz had his Armed Dragon LV 5 out in the field. Talion summoned a Warrior Dai Grepher to complete his wall of warriors on his field.

"I will overlay my three monsters to Xyz Summon: Number Ten: Illuminknight!"

"What did he just do?" Evelyn cried out in shock.

She watched as Warrior Dai Grepher, Warrior of the Labyrinth, and Marauding Captain turned into orbs of light which began to orbit a silhouette of a large knight in reflective silver armor. His massive blue steed was also adorned with plates of mirror-like steel plates.

"Looks like your brother has learned the art of Xyz Summoning," said Dancer. "That Illuminknight must be one of the rare Number Cards I heard so much about."

"Magnificent!" breathed Evelyn. "What a marvelous creature."

"Impressed Chazz?" boasted Talion.

"So, I see that you learned how to Xyz Summon. I haven't seen that until now, so color me impressed."

"You'll be more impressed when you see what I've got in store for you," boasted Talion.

For a good while, Talion had fun tormenting Chazz with his new monster. He even managed to destroy his Armed Dragon LV 5, but Chazz being the expert in Duel Monsters that he was, could bring it back to the field again with a confusing combo of spells and monster abilities. Then he leveled up the beast to Armed Dragon LV 7 which made short work of Talion's Illuminknight. But Talion, working hard and keeping his cool was able to summon his mightiest warrior a few turns later. He summoned his own rendition of Gilford the Legend. His monster was wearing plates of gold armor. His hair was white as snow and his cape flowing and glittering like a river in the sunset.

Both Duelists had their best monsters out in the field and they were locked in intense combat. Each player countered each other's moves, destroying their monsters and then bringing them back. But unfortunately for Talion, he was not at the same level as Chazz.

He wiped sweat from his brow, clearly perspiring from excitement. "You played a good game, Your Grace, but now I'm going to finish you off. Armed Dragon Level Seven! Destroy his Gilford the Legend with Photon Disks!"

The dragon roared in compliance and took off into the air, his massive wings creating violent gusts. Evelyn gasped trying to hold down her skirt.

"Oh dear!" she cried. "What an unfriendly wind that beast is making!"

Ser Dancer and even Ser Kevin couldn't help but scan the corner of their eyes to catch a peek at Evelyn's exposed knickers.

Armed Dragon Level Seven then fired glowing blue disks from its chest at Talion's Gilford, destroying it and reducing Talion's Life Points to 0.

"That's Game!" announced Chazz.

"Your Armed Dragons did not fail to disappoint," said Talion. "Well-played game my friend."

"It was an honor, Your Grace," Chazz bowed. "I'll see you in a few months at the university then."

"I hope you'll consider a rematch," Talion said.

Chazz smirked. "With the way you Dueled today, I look forward to it." And with that, he went down the hill back to camp.

"You played a good game, little brother," said Evelyn.

"Thank you, sister," Talion said morphing his Duel Disk back into a ring. "Say, why don't you come to me to the pass? I have something I must tell you."

They traveled down a dirt path to a lonely, but beautiful valley.

Prince Talion took a white flower from a knapsack he carried in his hands. He was facing a burned-down stable once belonging to a farmer who lived in these lands many years ago.

"The Stable of Anen Harda," said Talion, spinning the flower from its stem in between his thumb and index finger.

"This is what you wanted to see?" Ser Dancer asked unimpressed. "A dirty old stable?"

"The wine, weed, and women have clouded your mind, Dancer," chuckled Talion. "If you studied actual history instead of your bloated stories, you'd realize that this is the place where Lady Luthia gave birth to our savior, The Eradicator of Anubis."

Ser Kevin gasped and knelt in respect.

"Prince Daveed was born here?" Evelyn asked.

"Yes," Talion said in almost a whisper. "This is where Luthia came to flee from the witch-hunters sent by the Fat King."

"The coward!" spat Evelyn. "Only King Forrest would be so callous as to send those religious mercenaries after a Celtra."

"The poor woman," Ser Kevin said sympathetically. "Pregnant and in pain and cold. These mountains reach freezing temperatures in the autumn."

"And it was raining," Talion added. "But she cared for her unborn baby so much she would suffer anything to see him safe. But despite escaping the clutches of the King of the North, the poor woman could not escape death, for it soon came in the form of the dark lord."

"But she was avenged by the child she swore to protect," said Evelyn. "Because of her love for her son, she not only saved him but all of us. Oh, my Lady Luthia. Bless you."

"Thank you, Lady Luthia. Rest in Paradise." Talion kissed the flower before tossing it into the stable where it fluttered gently into a pile of other white flowers.

"Silver Mountain Bells," said Talion. "Those were Luthia's favorite flowers. Those who honor her migrate here to pray for her soul and offer her these flowers as a thank for the gift she gave us."

"I see," said Dancer. "Excuse me for my outburst. I meant no disrespect."

"You didn't know," Evelyn said, gently placing a hand on his shoulder.

"That's the irony," said Dancer. "I should have known. He's a bard for the sake of the Goddesses."

"You said there was something you needed to tell us?" Evelyn said.

"Yes. As you can see, this is more than just a piece of land my father holds, and that I must protect," said Talion. "This is where the answer to our troubles emerged. This is a special place. If I must keep fighting Forrest forever just to protect it, then so be it. But it seems I must do just that."

"Whatever do you mean?" asked Evelyn.

"I received word from father that I must travel farther and attack Forrest's territory."

"You cannot obey that order!" stammered Ser Kevin. "You're already putting up a valiant effort defending the Emerald Marches from Naralia. So what use will the lands further north be?"

"He wants us to teach Forrest a lesson. One he so rightfully deserves. He takes our lands so now we must take his. I must obey, Kevin. These are not only orders from the king, but of my father, and I must obey him."

"But, Talion!"

"Oh, sister," Talion said placing his hands on her shoulders. He leaned forward to kiss her forehead. "I was hoping you wouldn't have to hear this news from me."

"And when do you begin your conquest of the north?" asked Dancer.

"On the morrow."

"So soon!" gasped Evelyn.

"Yes. But worry not, dear sister. For in the midst of this grim news I bear a good one. Master Yu-Gi-Oh has chosen me to be part of an alliance of princes to join High King Daveed in the royal Termnnian Table."

"That's wonderful!" said Evelyn.

"Yes, and think, dear sister. If I join Prince Daveed in the alliance, then…"

"There will be no need for mother and father to go through with their ridiculous plan," Evelyn answered with glee.

"What plan?" asked Ser Kevin.

"Have you not heard?" laughed Dancer. "With Daveed, or Yuri as I heard they call him, coming back so soon; princesses and other daughters of nobility are primping themselves in hopes to be his bride. Thousands of the most beautiful girls in Termnnia will be after him when he returns. I envy him."

"Whatever for?" Ser Kevin asked.

"The girl who marries the future High King will bring her family to power," said Talion.

"Oh, bollocks on all of them!" said Ser Kevin. "It's the War of the Infant all over again."

"Now it's the Princess Wars," laughed Dancer. "I've heard that girls from four or five Houses in each kingdom are at war, charging into battle with mercenary armies, each trying to wipe the other out so they get to Prince Yuri first."

"And it seems mother and father have asked my dear sister to undergo this quest," said Talion. "But with Master Yugi naming me a Knight of the Royal Termnnian Table, there will be no need."

"What of the battle into the north?" asked Evelyn. "What if you don't come back?"

"I will, my dear sister. Have no fear, okay. And I swear to you that I will do everything I can to come back for your twenty-first."

"You had better," said Dancer. "Princess Evelyn's former betrothed is going to be there in the games honoring her birthday. I look forward to teaching that Dino-dummy a lesson or two."

Night fell over the camp. Frogs croaked in the Azure Fork and the cicadas hissed in the trees, singing their evening song.

"You shouldn't have to go," Ser Kevin moaned as he lay naked on top of Prince Talion in his tent. A lone candle on the night table provided their only light.

Talion waited for Ser Kevin to stop kissing him before he spoke.

"I must do this," said Talion. "For Goddesses and Country. It is my sworn duty."

"Then I go with you," Ser Kevin said, grinding his manhood on Talion's.

"No. You must stay with her." Talion ran his hand down Ser Kevin's ribs. "Guard her against anything that will do her harm," he commanded. "My father included. Do this...for me."

"My love, You are a fool marching to Naralian territory like this. If you think you can impress me with a glorious battle then you are mistaken."

"I do this for her," Talion said. "I love her, you know. My sister. I love her so much. Even more, than I love you."

"And she loves you no matter what," said Ser Kevin. "She knows about you and I and has accepted it."

"She is my darling sister," Prince Talion beamed. "I raised her that way, despite she is the oldest. Odd isn't it? That the older sibling sees the younger one as their role model."

"Will you stop running your mouth and just make love to me!" Ser Kevin growled through his teeth, eyes burning with unsatisfied lust. He squeezed Talion's sides to show he was serious.

"All right," Talion whispered and he raised his head up to kiss his lover. "When I come back," he said. "I promise I will marry you."

"I can't think of anyone else I'd rather spend my life with, Your Grace," said Ser Kevin. "May the Goddess of Victory bless your campaign."

Yuri - Phobos Island, Aquarius

Headphones blasting jazz into his ears, Yuri lay on a park bench while watching the stars twinkling in the inky blackness above. He was alone in the central park of the main island's city. Manmade hills, forests, and even a pond for a mile. His eyes suddenly drifted toward Phobos Tower. Try as he might, Yuri could not avert his gaze from the marvel of architecture. He found it hard to fathom that he would soon inherit the building and countless billions from his father as President of the company. A responsibility he did not want, much like that Prince Daveed character from his dreams who refused that cartoon character with the strange hairdo. He would rather a crown right about now, but he perished the thought. Be it a crown or that tall building, the whole world would be watching him, waiting for him to screw up his new and underserved post.

He could not refuse his father's business, for there was nothing Mr. Montgomery wanted more than to see his children take over the family business.

"Why me?" Yuri wondered to himself, and he removed his headphones, resting them around his neck. His ears rang after being freed from listening to Kenny G's horn. They were soothed by a gentle ocean breeze and crickets chirping in the grass.

"Hey you," said a familiar voice from the darkness. Yuri lifted his head, looking around for the voice's owner. He knew who it was the moment he heard her. Crystal came out from a dark path and stepped into the light of an arched street lamp. She smiled and waved at her best friend. She was clad in a white summer dress and a leather jacket to keep her warm from the chilly ocean air. "What are you doing out here all by yourself?"

"I could ask you the same question," Yuri said, sitting up. "Anyways, I always come out here to think. It's a good way to rest my brain after I'm done with homework. Math especially."

"Oh yeah?" Crystal asked, walking towards him. "What kind?"

"Trig," Yuri answered.

"Oh, ow," said Crystal. "My brain hurts just hearing the name."

She sat down next to Yuri. Her sweet perfume filled the air. She brushed some hair over her ear with her fingertips. The diamonds on her dragon-shaped ring twinkled in the light of the full moon. "I kind of wish I was that smart."

"You can do it if you try," said Yuri.

"No," Crystal said shaking her head. "Brett paid the academy to get me into easier classes. I'm stuck in basic algebra, yet I thirst for something higher."

"Why would Brett do something like that?"

"Two things," said Crystal. "A) He wants me to pass with high marks, so he gets me in ridiculously easy classes. B) He has no problem taking high-grade math classes, so he's not stupid. He's just doing his best to make sure that I am the one who's stupid."

"What the fuck, Crystal?" groaned Yuri. "He's making you look inferior to make himself seem smart."

Crystal nodded her head sadly. "That's the way of it. But at the same time, he needs me to pass at the top so as to make me seem like I have a pulse."

"So he needs you to look smart, but not too smart?" said Yuri. "Oh yeah, sure, because that makes total sense. He can take all the math classes he wants, but with plots as dumb as that, he looks stupid either way."

Crystal laughed. "Yeah, I never thought of it that way. It really is a stupid plan, isn't it? Thanks, Yuri. That's why I love being with you."

"Huh?"

"It's not just because you're my best friend. It's because you treat me like a person, and not some party favor. And that's what I've felt like these past few months as I've gone to Brett's parties. I feel dead when I'm with them. Like I don't matter. Like I don't exist. They kiss me and compliment my beauty. But when they're all done, they toss me away like garbage. I feel so lonely."

"Bullshit," said Yuri. "You go to special events, you're a pop singer surrounded by millions and millions of fans, and you go to some of the most exclusive clubs in the world. You can't tell me you feel lonely. You meet so many people."

"Those people aren't my friends," said Crystal. "Sure I talk to them, and I have a great time, but once I leave I never see them again. I go back home into my prison at Brett's mansion. All I have to comfort me..." She reached into her pocket and took out her deck. "Is them." She looked at her Tyrant Dragon at the bottom of the deck.

"Is that why you treat your dragons as friends?" Yuri asked.

"Yeah," Crystal said, rubbing her finger over the rising image of the dragon's ultimate rare foil. "Whenever I summon them, I feel free. I feel like I'm surrounded by family than monsters. After everything, we've been through together fighting in those big tournaments. Insanity? Maybe. But live a day in my shoes and you can't tell me you won't feel the same way. It's such a damn shame I only get to see you every once in a while. Every time I go out for a walk, I always pray for a chance to see you or Ren. And just my luck, here you are."

"Well, glad I could be of some help," said Yuri. He looked back at Phobos Corp tower. He sighed heavily.

"It must be so overwhelming isn't it?"Crystal said, also looking at the tower. She giggled. "How cute. Yuri the Flower the big and powerful President of Phobos Corp."

"Flower?" said Yuri. He stood up furiously. "Goddamnit, Crystal! I told you to stop calling me that!"

"Huh? But everyone calls you that," Crystal said in shock from his outburst. "I thought you..."

"Yeah, well, I don't!" Yuri shouted. He adjusted the strap of his backpack and stepped forward, abandoning her on the bench.

"Where are you going?"Crystal asked.

Yuri stopped. The both of them went silent. The cricket's chirping eased the tension.

"It's a cute name," Crystal said at once.

"It symbolizes my weakness," said Yuri. "Yeah, I'm nice to look at, and I can be sweet and kind. But handle me wrong and I break apart. It's not just some cute nickname. It's a curse. Nevertheless, it speaks the truth. I am weak. You know this. I failed to protect you when you needed me."

"I-I'm sorry, Yuri. I had no idea you felt so strongly about it. I'm sorry."

Yuri stood silently. The hum of cars in the distance could be heard. "Yeah, me too. I didn't mean to snap at you."

"Please don't," said Crystal. "I get that from Brett. The last thing I need is that attitude coming from you."

"Yeah, I'm sorry," said Yuri.

"You sure have a knack of hanging out with bad boys, Crystal!" sneered Randall Lawson, coming out of the darkness.

"What do you want?" Yuri asked.

"I want a rematch, Yuri!" Randall shouted. "Do you have any idea what that loss did to me, Yuri?"

"Does it look like I care?" said Yuri. "And you're out of luck. I didn't bring my deck."

Crystal smiled and stood up. "But I did," she said. "You could always face me."

Randall sneered. "As much as I want to face the Queen of Dragons, I'm afraid it wasn't you who beat me, Crystal."

Crystal shrugged. "No, but it was my idea for you to face Yuri in the first place. This whole thing started because you challenged me first. Besides, for all we know, Yuri beat you through sheer dumb luck. He could still be an amateur. We have yet to see if he has skills, no offense Yuri."

"None taken," said Yuri. "I admit I still have to let my skills bloom."

"My little flower," Crystal said, beaming at him.

"Stop that," Yuri said grinding his teeth.

Crystal puckered her lips, gesturing a kiss, and turned back at Lawson. "So, anyways. Beating Yuri will prove nothing. However, you'll gain more respect if you beat me."

Randall rubbed his hands together. "You know what, you're right. But I want more than a reputation boost from this Duel, Crystal."

Crystal rolled her eyes. "Let me guess, I give you my panties if you win, right?"

"What!?" Yuri shouted in disgust.

"He does that all the time," said Crystal, shaking her head.

Yuri looked at Randall. "You're a fucking sicko, dude!"

Randall laughed. "Well, no, Crystal. I don't desire your unmentionables tonight. I'm after a much bigger prize. Your Dueling Deck."

"So you want my dragons?" Crystal asked, folding her arms over her chest.

"Yes," said Randall. "Everyone knows you have the rarest most powerful dragons in the game inside that deck. And once I beat you, they're going to be mine. Unless, you want to serve yourself as a replacement, as my girlfriend."

"My deck will suffice, not that you'll win it, anyway. You're on, Randall."

The three of them walked to the Duel Dome which was not too far away from the park. Yuri slid off his backpack and sat on the front row seat of the stadium overlooking the arena.

"You ready for this, Crystal? Say goodbye to your dragons. After tonight, it will be the last you'll ever see of them."

"Just go," said Crystal.

Randall bowed. "Ladies first, I insist."

"If you say so," said Crystal. "I'll start things off easy for you." She drew her first card.

Flick! The card went as it slid off the deck in her fingertips. "Infernal Dragon in attack mode!" (ATK/2000 DEF/0 LV 4). "That ends my turn."

Yuri looked towards Randall, wondering what he was planning in his hand. The Infernal Dragon snarled and whipped its trident-shaped tail back and forth, eager to do battle. Randall didn't look nervous at all.

"My turn!" said Randall. "I play the Ritual known as Synthesis Spell, and discard this card from my hand to summon Lycanthrope in attack mode!" (ATK/2400 DEF/1800 LV 6).

Crystal grimaced and leaned back as she cringed, feeling stupid for leaving her dragon out in the open with no protection. She underestimated Lawson. Her opponent commanded his new monster to charge and slash Infernal Dragon to shreds. Infernal Dragon bellowed in defeat and shattered.

Crystal-1600

Randall-2000

"What?" said Randall. "You thought your dragons could intimidate me? You're even more stupid than you look, babe. Care to prove me wrong. I end my turn by playing this card face-down. Make your move!"

"Not bad," said Crystal. "Not bad. I guess it's time I stopped playing around. I summon Krystal Dragon!" (ATK/2500 DEF/1000 LV 6). "Attack and destroy his Lycanthrope!"

"I don't think so, Crystal! Randall flipped over his face-down card.

"A Trap Card!" gasped Crystal.

"That's right," said Randall. "Reinforcements, which will boost my Lycanthrope's attack by 500 points, making him stronger than your dragon. Lycanthrope! Counterattack!"

Slash! Slash! Slash! Lycanthrope cut Krystal Dragon to pieces with his claws of adamantium steel.

Crystal-1500

Randall-2000

"Look at that," Randall laughed. "Down for the count already. These new monsters are making it a cinch to beat your dragons, Crystal."

"You won't be so lucky next time, Lawson, I can promise you that!"

"Don't get cocky on me, Crystal," said Randall. "You're already dumb enough as it is."

"Shut the hell up, Randall!" shouted Yuri.

"But she is," said Randall. "Crystal is nothing short of worthless. If it wasn't for Brett, you'd be nothing Crystal. You know that."

Crystal narrowed her eyes. Her heart beat with fury. The cards in her hands quaked in her grip.

"Yeah, that's right. The only reason you have those dragons in your deck is because of Brett. Your singing career wouldn't be what it is if it wasn't for Brett. Brett had to do everything for you because of your stupidity! You can't do anything right! You're useless, Crystal! You always were. You had to climb the back of people greater than yourself to get where you are. All you had to do was wave your golden hair and wag your apple ass like a little dog begging for a scrap of food from the feast on the table, and you'd always get what you want. Ha! A little dog. That's what you are, Crystal. A bitch!"

Yuri was ready for a fight. "Why you..."

"Sit down, Yuri!" said Crystal. "Don't listen to him. I can take him on. Don't worry."

"No you won't!" said Randall. "I draw. Yes! Garma Sword Oath! Now I sacrifice these two worthless monsters to bring forth my Garma Sword! And next, I will equip my Lycanthrope with Ritual Weapon, boosting his attack to 3900! Now there's nothing in your deck that can stand up to me! Your dragons are as good as mine!"

"Humph," said Crystal. "I drew Graceful Charity. Which lets me draw three cards and discard two. My Lightpulsar Dragon and Darkflare Dragon."

Yuri gasped. "A light and dark monster. She's going to use it. She's really going to use it!"

Crystal held out her card. She brought it to her lips. "Fly!" She whispered and kissed it twice before she slapped it on the field. "I summon Chaos Emperor Dragon-Envoy of the End!"

"What!?" cried Lawson.

Flames erupted on the field, and from them emerged a colossal-sized dragon that towered over both players. Its turquoise-colored scales sparkled in the flames, and it wore armor of platinum. A long jet of fiery-orange hair protruded from the back of its head.

"That can't be!" cried Randall. "Only three of those cards have ever been printed! You-you can't have one of them! You just can't!"

"I do," said Crystal. "The only one in the western hemisphere, and it's all mine. Of course, I have someone very special to thank for it." She looked at Yuri who nodded.

"Yuri!" shouted Randall. "Yuri gave you that card!? No! No! That's impossible!"

"Overdramatic much?" laughed Crystal. "He's Yuri Montogomery! The son of Phobos Corp's CEO. He can get any card he wants. And it just so happens that this card was stored in the vaults. Thanks to Yuri, he convinced Mr. Montgomery to give it to me as a sweet sixteen present."

"NO!" cried Randall. "But...but...what good will it do you? My Lycanthrope is far stronger than he is."

"So what?" sneered Crystal. "Once I activate my dragon's effect, your points will be meaningless. By paying 1000 of my Life Points, Chaos Emperor Dragon destroys all cards in our hands and on the field. What's more, you take 300 points of damage for every card sent to the Graveyard."

"Oh no!" shouted Lawson. "There must be something I can do!"

But there was nothing he could do. Randall could only watch in horror as Chaos Emperor Dragon bathed the field in flames. It destroyed itself in the process, for its effect destroyed even the dragon itself. The flames sped for him and burned all his Life Points away in a single blow.

After that night, Randall swore he would never speak badly about Crystal ever again, for the dragon would haunt his nightmares forever.