1st Saturday in June 6:30 p.m.
Tonight was the night. Date night. Date night number two with Seto Kaiba. I called them date nights. I'm not sure what he considered them to be back then. At least at that point in time. The restaurant he chose was a beautiful Indian one and when I checked reviews for it online they were stellar. My mouth watered from the photos of chicken tikki masala, chicken makhani, somosa chaat, and other delicious Indian dishes. Luckily for him I loved Indian food. And, I won't lie, a small part of me wondered if Seto had had my interests investigated. At least I hoped he took that much of an interest in me to be curious about my interests. I did after all open both worlds and pushed his Duel Disk into the next few generations. I'd say I deserved a little curiosity.
My female mages were a flutter with excitement. I had allowed them, after much pressing from my Magician girls, to doll me up for my date. The men did not understand. I have to say that I liked my female mages, they gave me friends to talk to about girl problems with. Reiya (Kiwi), Ruby (Apple), Freya (Lemon), and Sara (Chocolate), the elder sisters to Qinta (Berry) helped me with my hair and make-up. Reiya styled my hair into loose curls that were slicked to the left side and arranged to flow over my shoulder. Ruby carefully applied my make-up, accentuating my eyes with sexy upsweeps of liner. I did not wear concealer or foundation, but dots of liquid cover up and light powder. My blush was very light as I do not wear that either. For my lips Ruby colored them with a reddish-brown tinted balm. They fussed over me like I was a princess.
Freya and Sara were the ones who dressed me. I insisted that I could do it on my own but they were so into it that I acquiesced. Why steal their fun? They were like bridesmaids readying me for the night. Freya picked out a soft blush summer dress that dipped moderately low in the front and was sleeveless with spaghetti straps. The skirt hugged my hips and waist, flaring slightly below my knees in a handkerchief cut. On my feet I wore strappy heels. I embellished with gold jewelry and my hoop earrings.
"You look like a vision Mistress. He won't be able to take his eyes off of you." Reiya said to my reflection in my mirror.
"Well, if I'm to get the Blue Eyes White Dragons on my side then let's hope so." I lied. I had to keep up the appearance that my going out with Seto was a ploy to get his dragons on my side should the Spellcasters and Warriors go to war.
"I guess I better get going." I said and gathered my purse from my bed.
I went down my steps and walked through the den like I had done before on my first date. Only this time I did not ask my male Spellcasters how I looked. I knew I looked damn good. That's what having a group of girlfriends can do to one's self-esteem.
My heels clicked on the hardwood floor causing a few of my male mages to glance up from what they were doing. The ones who had not seen me ready for my first outing, my Performapal, Pendulum, and other ronin Spellcasters, were surprised. I was a far cry from the usual training gear wearing, sweaty, hair mussed, no make-up, padding around the house in work out shorts and a tank top, bruised and battered Master they were accustomed to seeing. My Performapal mages especially were staring at me. Lux, Brom, Helion, Jarle, Axel, Gian, with the exception of Pien Fang who was in the Duel Monster Spirit World, shifted around nervously. Lux's face was beet red, my teenaged Dragonpulse Magician.
"Mmmm, mmm, mmm. Mistress you have done it again," Neo's trusted remarks floated towards me.
He swaggered into the den, his emerald eyes glittering with mischief. "From your head to your heels, Mistress, you are a perfect vision indeed!"
He came up to me and made to twirl me in a light dance. I laughed and went with him, gliding along the floor, my dress spinning around my legs. He always did this with me, made me feel like a queen.
"Neo I don't know what I'd do without your compliments." I said smiling widely.
"Come you greenhorns, do you not think our Mistress is a beauty?" Neo shouted to the other Duel Spirits.
They kept awkward silence but I could tell by their Energies that they too felt the same as Neo. My dress rising up around my thighs as Neo spun me caused them to be highly aware that I was a woman, not just their Master. They were men what can I say? Nevertheless they felt that I was a jewel they swore to protect. Not that I was weak but that they were proud to fulfill that sacred duty. To this day, my Spellcasters are my most ardent protectors and I would never trade that for anything.
"Honestly Mistress, when will you take me out on the town with you?" Neo purred.
"I don't know. But I will Neo I promise," I purred right back. I leaned up and gave him a quick kiss on the cheek. That caused him to start and I watched flattered and excited as pink stained his cheeks.
"You little vixen!" He said while hiding the blush threatening his beautiful face.
"No way!" I pulled back and pointed at him. "No way! I did that?"
No one else knew what I was teasing Neo about. They must have thought I had my crazy moments. My house was full of laughter and happiness back then. When we were all getting to know one another and loving each other as family. I am not saying that because things are the opposite nowadays, but during and after Battle City things changed. Life became harder, relationships strained other relationships, lines were crossed and sacrifices had to be made.
I tend to consider this part of my life with my Duel Spirits as my Peacetime. I was still making light fun of Neo when Razel sternly entered from outside. His cerulean skin gleamed with fresh sweat and I knew that he had been training. The mages that were sitting rose and bowed to him. Neo gave a small nod of acknowledgement. Razel's long black hair was pulled high on his head, his clothing of his usual training garb was stripped to his waist. Razel's lean and muscular form caught me off guard and I felt my chest tighten. It was infrequent that I saw him like this, unless training was very rigorous so I was, dare I say, bashful upon seeing his naked torso.
Plus it was uncommon for him to walk around like that. He only did this when he was too distracted to care. I remembered his meeting with the Dark Sage Torunka a few days ago and I frowned. The Dark Sage had reported that there were in fact strange doings in the Warrior territory. Torunka also stated that the Curse of Dragon saw the advancement of the Warrior Elite towards their meeting place; A large castle-like fortress situated in a large open field surrounded by military compounds and training grounds. The Curse of Dragon surmised that their leader, Demiuk, the Flower Cardian Lightflare, had called them together. While no official declarations of war had been issued, the races of the Duel Monster Spirit World were on high alert. As always, the Dragons were neutral helping whomever they chose without being forced. Our allies the Fairies and Fiends sent word to Torunka telling him that they were ready to come to our aide.
While this news was not bad, it was also not entirely good. Razel told Torunka to keep him informed. Since then, my blue mage's mind was elsewhere. When not training me or the others he was always stewing. I understood though, as an Elite himself he had to figure out the best way to deal with this situation. Razel did not want to go to war but if pushed he would.
"I'm going with you." He said gruffly and in a flash, he transformed himself into his ritual card form.
I did not argue with him. I knew that he wanted to come and overhear the conversations during dinner. I was ok with it. He floated over to me and I put out my hand. Placing himself in my palm I neatly tucked his card into my purse. When I heard a knock on my front door I knew it was Roland come to get me.
"Ok, Von and Neo are in charge tonight. We'll be back by eleven. Try not to destroy my house please." I said as I headed out.
"Von is in charge as well Mistress? Truly?" Neo was nonplussed about that.
"Yes. Now behave yourselves. No wild sex parties or brawls. I don't know what you guys do when I'm not here but I can imagine the fun. I'm leaving money in the kitchen in case you all want to order food, Neo you answer the door if it comes for obvious reasons. You or Lux or Helion. Well you Rai can get the door as long as you disguise your skin color. You all remember how to use the phone right?" Teaching my mages to operate my house phone was a bit of a learning curve. They've never used one before.
"We will be fine Mistress. Fret now. Now if I can locate where that elf went then he and I can establish some order around here." Neo sighed.
"And we appreciate your generosity Mistress but I am sure that if we hunger my fellow mages and I can conjure up something to eat," Helion politely said with a small grin at his own little joke.
"Well the money and the offer are in the kitchen. Razel and I will be back later. I gotta date."
Maharaji 7:00 p.m
When I arrived at Maharaji, the smells of Indian spices and the soft hypnotic sitar music engulfed me. Like last time, it was a very upscale restaurant. Yet unlike usual Indian restaurants, the décor was more modernized and contemporary. Also like last time, Seto had reserved a private room for us. Roland led me to the back of the main dining room where waiters stood near a round table. Seated there, holding a menu and looking like a celestial prince was Seto Kaiba. My breath hitched. His chestnut hair, those smoldering blue eyes, that sexy smirk of superiority…not to mention the fine figure he cut in his Armani suit. My heart pounded in my chest. I never got this flustered with Razel, and it was different with Neo who was on a whole other level. Perhaps it was because with Seto, a human, I felt I had a morsel of a chance. Whatever the reason, I felt like I was floating over to him. His Energy he let loose and our powers as Psychic Duelists once again touched releasing sparks of electricity.
I saw in his eyes that he felt it too and I gave him a small wry smile. He watched me as I approached, those eyes following my legs up to my hips and to my chest. His eyes on me made me almost swoon but I would not dare show this. He already lived in a world where women would kill to be with him and I was determined to not be one of those girls. I wanted to maintain my own dignity. But I'll tell you right now it's fucking hard.
His cologne, Gucci by Gucci for men, made me shudder and if you have never smelled it, you do not know what you are missing. (That's the truth. It's my favorite scent for a man. I recommend finding it and trying it)
His Energy pulsed around him. Whether or not he was aware of this I was not totally sure but it betrayed his innermost feelings at that moment. His skills as a Psychic Duelist were still in infancy so I doubted he realized what he was doing. But I, as the more advanced practitioner and stronger Psychic Duelist was able to read his Energy like an open book. Much like I did in his office, gleaning bits about his traumatic past, I glimpsed the beginnings of his emotions to our "dates." With a child's excitement hidden deeply behind a man's demeanor, Seto had restrained his thrill of seeing me again. He, like I was, hid his true feelings behind a business-like façade. He had his reputation as the CEO of Kaiba Corp. to uphold after all. It nevertheless gave me satisfaction that the great Seto Kaiba, rich, intelligent and handsome, was as happy as I about our meeting. Need I remind you that he is not a heartless monster, but very reserved to the point of frustration.
"Did you have trouble finding the place?" He asked rising to move around to my chair. He pulled it out like gentleman!
"I would have but I had Roland. He really is great." I said sitting down. "Thank you." I noticed off to the right a table was set up with a large case on top. I wonder if it has a Duel Disk in it. That was Seto, all business.
"You're welcome." Seto returned to his seat and a waiter handed me a menu.
"So—what's good here?" I scanned the entrees. Everything sounded delicious.
Under the table I crossed my legs, the tip of my right foot accidentally crazing his pant leg. His slight change in Energy told me that he felt my foot but I continued to look down, pretending it never happened.
"I eat here. So everything is good. It better be if they want me as a customer," Seto's dry sense of humor came out. Many people don't get it but you have to understand him in order to do so.
I chuckled. "You and all of those other people out there. And now they will have to impress me too so let's hope they do." I glanced up at him.
After a few minutes we gave our orders to the waiter who took our menus and headed to the kitchen. Seto then snapped his fingers and from our left another waiter brought over a bottle of red merlot.
"Do you drink wine?" He asked.
"Not usually but I do enjoy it now and then." I said.
The waiter opened the bottle and poured us a glass.
Seto took his by the stem and held it to me. "To success."
"To success." I clinked my glass to his.
I took a sip , savoring the fragrant bouquet, but then I gave him my assessment face. I knew what he was going for. "What are we really drinking to Seto? Did your Duel Disk have a breakthrough?"
"It did. It is patented and in production for circulation. Plans for my tournament are underway and Duel Disks are being made as we speak."
"That's great. Congratulations" I leaned back in my chair.
"Yes, it is great. It will bring Dueling into a whole new dimension. The game won't be the same."
I nodded. "I'm excited for you. I wish I knew more about the card game and could try one of them out."
Seto sipped his wine then spoke. "You know, none of this would be possible had I not met you."
I smiled knowingly. "Yes I do. Am I detecting a sense of gratitude? Is the great Seto Kaiba going to thank someone else for their contributions?" I teased him.
Seto smirked and looked down at his wine. "My brother thinks I should include you in Battle City planning since you did open the portal. He calls me foolish to not doing so. He has not stopped playing with it since last week. He is completely fascinated by what you did. He has instructed me to tell you that he wants to meet you since you helped his big brother so much."
I laughed at that. "Really? How cute. He sounds like a little task master to you. Do you want me in on your Battle City plans?" I was immensely flattered that Seto's own brother, the person he listened to, his only existing family member, told him to bring me into the fold of Kaiba Corp. dealings. Mokuba is demanding like that.
Then it dawned on me and my throat tensed. "Wait, you told him about me and my power?" I asked realizing the implications.
Seto faintly paused as if he was momentarily nervous by my reaction. "Of course. He is my brother."
I sensed Razel's Energy and that he was rousing himself to blast me about my stupidity and lack of judgment.
"Who else knows Seto?" I asked quietly, my eyes narrowing ever so slightly. You must understand that I was an anomaly—I had to protect myself after all. I knew that there were crazy people out there like the white-haired man who wanted me dead. It was like I was a mutant and if my power got out I'd be in trouble. I liked Seto Kaiba but my safety came first.
Sensing my Energy change, Seto inhaled as most businessmen do when their offers don't go as expected. "No one. Not even my teams of specialists who watch my duels with the Disks know the truth. They think what I'm fighting are realistic holograms."
"How can I be sure you are telling me the truth? I can extract it from you Seto, don't forget that." I gave his Energy a tug letting him know that I could, if I wanted, invade his memory through the Energy and see for myself. Razel taught me that trick as a defense. If used to its full purpose, it has the ability to erase the memories of my enemies or alter their memory completely.
"Trust me. I would not jeopardize what we have. You are too important in this to loose. Only my brother Mokuba knows what you are. And he does not gossip."
Then I did something to warn Seto that if he were to lie to me, I would know. Using my Psychic power I honed in on what I came to discover was his prized possession, a locket in the shape of a Duel Monster card. My power gently unbuttoned his Oxford to his collar and his shirt moved as the locket came forward. It was on a simple cord around his neck but I chose to delicately lift it over his head and have it land in my open palm. Seto watched me with a cold, startled gaze. He was like a nervous animal tense and braced for my next move. I did not blame him, it's not every day you run into a person who shows telekinetic ability. I held the locket and as I did, a warm, sensitive Energy pulsed from it. Emotions charged into me like a dam had broken. Feelings of fear, loneliness, insecurity, distress, sadness, depression, anger, hatred, helplessness, desperation, happiness, hope, and love. Love! LOVE! Love was the most powerful vibration swarming around my heart and brain. I had to gasp aloud for I never felt such love encased into one item. It was the pure love of family. It was of a family torn apart by loss and brought together through sheer determination to survive. I winced and put a hand to my chest. The strength of Seto's love for whatever was inside gripped me and refused to subside.
Razel felt it as well and said, Mistress! Unhand that thing!
I opened the locket. Inside was a ripped picture of Mokuba as a young kid playing chess. His opponent was missing in the absent half. It looked like a classroom he was in.
"What's this? Is this Mokuba?" I questioned staring at it slightly confused.
Seto sat there stone stiff. He was trying to grasp that I used my abilities to take his cherished photo and bring it to myself without moving. At that time I did not fully know the importance of that picture. His Energy thrummed with fear, intense need to protect, and slight anger. His emotions surrounding the photo made my chest hurt and I felt ashamed for what I did. I opened myself to receive the Energy surrounding the picture and images flooded into me. The orphanage, the chess games, Seto and his brother growing up in that place, the longing to be adopted and the fear of being separated.
"It's you he was playing against wasn't it? This is when you were in the orphanage." I stated rather than asked this.
"How could you possibly know that?" Seto harshly whispered.
I still held the picture. "I'm sorry it's part of my gift as a Psychic Duelist. I can read your memories through Energy patterns. I just sensed that."
Closing the locket, I rose. I felt like I had invaded a space that went beyond Psychic Dueling. I admit it was my bad. So I carefully held the locket and went to him. He watched me like a hawk as I moved, hating himself that he was powerless if I wanted to do anything.
"I should not have taken this Seto. It was inappropriate. But now you know that I can do things you cannot. I'll know if you lie to me. And I can handle it without even being present. But I do not want this night to be ruined so here." I handed him the locket.
Inside I prayed that my stupid action had not crushed any chance of getting the Blue Eyes White Dragons on my side! Razel would literally kill me. I let out a tendril of Energy to gently touch his, letting him feel my regret for taking what was so precious. I was not like that. I was not the type who went after the softest, vulnerable spots. I was smarter than that. Seto stared up at me. His feelings of fear and animosity gradually fading away. He took the locket from me and ran his thumb over the card surface.
"This picture was taken right before we were adopted. Right before I had to stop being a kid." He put the locket back around his neck, tucking it into his Oxford.
I sat back down. "I didn't mean to pry. I can't help it sometimes. But it was a happy moment in your life, that day."
Seto drank more wine. I had rattled his nerves.
"It was. But it was a long time ago and has no relevance now."
I let it drop. Why bring up a past that brought with it pain? After what seemed like a torturous pause Seto spoke again. "I'm not angry at you. I would have done the same thing."
"You're not?" I said a little surprised. I'd be flipping pissed myself. A wave of relief knocked me over.
"I am mad at myself for being weak. I know what you are capable of. I envy that."
"But you have the same ability," I said leaning forward. "You just have to practice it."
"I don't have the time for that. My time and energy go into Duel Monsters. I have enough control over my own Energy and Duel Spirits that I can manage." Seto stated bluntly.
Then it clicked. "That's where I come in."
"Right. You fill that gap of bring the creatures to life in the game that I cannot. I can only bring them into reality as far as technology permits at this point in time. But in conjunction with your powers the future of Duel Monsters is limitless."
And that's how, in the beginning, our relationship was. I provided him with something and he sought me out. I had what he desperately wanted; power to make dreams real. There would be no chance in hell he wanted to ruin this. I was his meal ticket. I understood this, much to my initial heart fall, but I maintained composure. Our relationship did not stay this professional for long as I was about to find out over the coming months.
"Are you saying we should…what? Partner up?" I asked raising a brow.
The skin of Seto's jaw flinched. "Perhaps."
"What's in it for me? And do not threaten me with not revealing my secrets to the world."
Seto sat back. His blue eyes fixed on me. "What do you want?"
"Teach me the game."
He blinked. "That's it?"
"That's it."
"No money?"
"I have my own money. But in order for us to work together I'll need to know how to Duel with cards. Plus it will be fun. And who better to learn from than you?" I smiled.
Seto smirked at that. He loves having his ego stroked. "Deal."
"Deal. Now, what is that over there?" I pointed casually to the case.
"That is why I've asked you hear tonight."
A suited man opened the case and pulled out a Duel Disk. Seto and I stood and went over to the table. My god he smelled heavenly. He was easily six foot one. We approached the table.
"Holy crap," I said looking down.
It was the Duel Disk. The finished product. I have to say that it was beautiful.
"This is the newest state of the art Duel Disk system. I designed it to be lightweight but durable. It is waterproof and scratch resistant. Soon they will be everywhere."
He watched me as I picked it up. It was pretty light, about as heavy as book. I analyzed it, this thing I helped to create. It was pretty cool.
"Can I try it on?" I asked turning it over to see the arm brace.
"Certainly." Seto then took my left arm, gently pulling it away from the device and extended it. My face heated as he touched me. "It goes on like this."
He slipped it onto my forearm, the arm brace tightening. Once secure, I turned my arm around. He pushed a button on the side and the two halves came together in its familiar blade-like shape.
"This is so cool!" I exclaimed. "I can't wait to try it out."
"It's yours."
My heart pounded. I looked up at him. Seto's face was serious.
"What?"
"I said it's yours. This is a first edition Duel Disk. Only three were made. Mine, Mokuba's, and yours." His voice was low, his eyes were softening.
My mouth went dry. I stared into his eyes for the longest time. "You made this for me?"
"I figured since you did open the portals, and assisted me with the design, that you deserved it. Here look," He tilted the Disk. Underneath were a serial number and a signature. Seto's signature.
"Only first editions I sign. It is my thanks."
I did not glance away from his name written on my Duel Disk. The momentousness of this was boggling. Seto created these Disks for his tournament but he specifically created one for me, his brother, and himself. What I did not know what that this reflected his cherished Blue Eyes. As the only three in the world, these first edition Disks were an homage to them. What Seto had cleverly done was show me exactly what he thought of me and my powers. I realized that after our seventh date. I know… I'm slow on the uptake. I still have the Disk by the way.
I let the smile rise. "Thank you Seto, I love it."
He flashed me a faint smile. His Energy humming about him. "I'm glad."
Afterword, our date consisted of new business ideas for the Disks and casual conversation. He knew that we were on equal grounds with power in our respected fields and this served to break down barriers that might have otherwise been in place. Over the course of dinner I saw a side of him that he rarely shows. Though he was still very reserved, Seto allowed himself leeway. I got to hear more of his dry sense of humor, see his little hand gestures and the facial expressions that make him tick. Sometimes I thought that from such a young age he has had to play the role of big brother, father, businessman, CEO—had to be an adult and abandoned being a child. There was a part of him that was missing. An essential part that through Duel Monsters he was clawing to get back. Everyone wants to be a kid again in some small way. And Seto is no different.
The food was delicious, the night went by too fast. We discussed the issue of Locater Cards, and the blimp that was to be the vessel to host the finals. I stated that the Locater Cards be map fragments. He countered by adding that they should create an image of the location of the blimp upon being stacked or inserted into the Duel Disk. We agreed on the number of Locater Cards being six as it was easier to carry.
"There should be a stipulation for this tournament though Seto. One that makes yours stand out from other tournaments."
"Something drastic you mean?" He offered.
"Something…" I said.
We thought about it over coffee and dessert. I was pleased to see that Seto had a sweet tooth. It was so cute. But he did not take sugar in his coffee, then again neither did I.
"Players should wager their rarest card in the Duel. The winner gets to keep that card and strengthen their decks." It came out like it was the simplest thing in the world.
"Bet their rarest cards?" I said. "Wouldn't that really cripple duelists?"
"It's perfect. It instills fear and determination to win."
I thought of how my own Duel Spirits could be taken from me in a Psychic Duel if I lost and I frowned. I did not care for that idea.
"What is it?" He asked.
"It's just…in Psychic Dueling we have something similar. With the exception of losing the rarest monster, Psychic Duelists can lose any Spirit if they fail in the Duel. This is a horrible event Seto. The connections between Master and Duel Spirit are deep and intimate. To rip that away is awful. I opened the portal between the worlds and encouraged Duel Spirits to connect fully with their Masters and humans alike. In your tournament these real connections will manifest. But if this is what you wish to do in your tournament I will not change your mind but I cannot fully agree with it." I said shrugging. Seto and I don't always agree, but we make a good team nonetheless.
"That's why you will not be participating."
"What's that supposed to mean?" I was taken aback. Was he irritated with me?
"Your abilities would be wasted in the tournament. You will work with me and Mokuba monitoring the games."
"I guess that makes sense. My skills aren't good enough to participate."
"Not just that. I got a phone call the other day. One that brought me to a card with supposedly immense power. This card can eliminate any opponent and I am told there are others out there just like it. Two more. I spoke with the woman who I think is crazy but she gave me this card in the hopes of rescuing her demented brother who apparently makes it his life's work stealing rare cards to build the ultimate deck. The woman told me that the card she gave me is an Egyptian God card. I want you to help bring that Spirit here."
From inside, Razel's Energy shook in cold realization. The Egyptian Gods…I thought they vanished from this world. What could they possibly be doing here? I heard him say in our mind link.
Razel? What the hell is an Egyptian God card?
It is an extremely rare and powerful creature in my world. Long have they been considered myth—I have only heard of them in books and tales. What manner of events is causing their presence to emerge? If the Warriors should find out that the Egyptian Gods are being harbored, then our plans to get this Seto Kaiba on our side must come to fruition! I will consult with the Blue Eyes and her sisters on the matter. You continue to stay close to the boy, we must have his dragons and if what he claims is true, we must have his god card.
Razel wait! Do you think we cannot win against the Warriors? Razel? Razel?!
It is not that. If we have the Blue Eyes Dragons and the Egyptian god, I can seek him out and finally destroy him! Destroy him for what he has done to me. Oh Mistress—revenge will indeed be sweet.
Razel's link vanished. Fuck! What does this mean to me now!?
"Who was this woman? She sounds a little superstitious," I tried to make light of the news Seto had just told me despite the shit storm that was brewing around me.
"Her name is Ishizu/Isis (pick whichever you prefer. I prefer Isis but that's just me.)"
"What does Ishizu/Isis do?" I asked. Whatever this woman did to him, I could sense from his Energy that she performed some sort of ancient spell much like what that white-haired man did with me. An ancient magic that bordered on evil.
"She works at Domino Museum in the Ancient Egyptian department."
"And…she just randomly calls you up, tells you to go to the museum and she just hands you this ultra rare (I know it's redundant) card? Like here you go no questions asked? That sounds like there's an ulterior motive Seto."
Seto bounced his eyebrows in agreement. "I know. That's why I figured I'd ask you to check if this card has a Spirit or if it's just hocus pocus bullshit."
"I'll do it. When?"
Seto raised a brow at my intensity. "Are you sure?"
"Yes. I'm curious myself now. And as a Psychic Duelist, I have my reasons."
"I have business meetings and conferences into next Thursday. You can meet me at my Testing Center where you first visited. Roland will bring you."
"I'll be there." I stated firmly. Razel was counting on me. I wasn't going to let him down.
We finished the evening on a nice but business-like note. It was clear to me that Seto and I had a good rapport and that he was opening up to me the more we spoke. I was not as close to him as I later became, but it was a decent start. I told him to leave the Ishizu/Isis woman to me. I was hard pressed to finding out what she did that gave off such a similar magical essence as the white-haired man. Was it another of those strange golden items? I had to know. She works for the Doino Museum huh? Thanks for the info.
Seto walked me out to the waiting car out back. He did not want to be seen wih me and incur press attention. I got that. I held my Duel Disk close in its case and, as Seto held open the door for me, I got into the passenger seat. Roland got in next to me.
"See you next week Seto." I said up to him through the lowered window.
I pulled the door closed, leaving my hand on the rim of the door on top of the window slot. "I'll let you know what I find."
"Use this," Seto handed me a device from his jacket pocket. It was a small earpiece. When I pressed on the tiny button on its side, a monocle popped out and wrapped around.
"What is it?"
"It's a device that shows me everything you look at. It sends an imaging signal KaibaCorp. Where I can access the files. Unless you didn't notice already, I don't like to wait."
"Yeah, I noticed. Alright. I'll put it on as I check things out. Unless I find something I don't want you to know. Gotta have some secrets," I winked at him.
Thankfully he was out of sight of his bodyguards because he rested his long fingered hand over mine. The touch was feather light but it was hard enough that the heat of his skin burned me.
"Don't lose it."
"I won't."
And just like that, his hand was gone and I was once again watching him in the side view mirror watch me drive away.
It took three more months for me to know that that was an early way for Seto to tell me to be careful.
Over the Course of the Following Week:
It went by in a flurry of action. My training underwent drastic augmentation and I learned at an alarming rate. I must have been incredibly serious about enhancing my abilities in order to protect my mages, the Secret City of the Spellcasters, and any potential threat from Warriors. Also I had to beef up my Psychic Dueling skills if I was to face an Egyptian god. Razel had left our mind link that night to return to his world. He met with the Blue Eyes and Torunka. Torunka told him that more Warriors were assembling and that war was imminent. The Blue Eyes told him that her Master was indeed growing closer to me and that his concern regarding the validation of the Egyptian god card was real. It bothered her and her sisters too. There was an alien aura around that card. One that she had never encountered before. Razel sensed it too. My other mages had also gone back to their world to recruit Spellcasters who might want to be brought under my control.
Neo had success with Maha Vailo, Silas the Dark Red Enchanter, Eurio the D.D.M. Different Dimension Master (also Neo's cousin), Kalus the Doomstar Magician, and Lyla the Lightsworn Sorceress. Rae and Brie brought back Arisa the Element Magician, Tsukyo the Tsukuyomi, and Nyxx the Reaper of Prophesy.
Nyxx was a very inexplicable Spellcaster. All of the Prophecy Spellcasters are. Basing their magic and appearances from the Tarot card Major Arcana, each mage stood for one of the twenty-two numbers. However, Nyxx being the Reaper of Prophecy, represented the Death card, card number thirteen. As such, he was a personification of death and possessed magic that that both guarded the realm of the dead and controlled the dead. He also had the abilities of prophecy and could manipulate dreams and sometimes destiny. As a card, he is far less powerful than he truly is. Perhaps this was a strategic move, I'm not sure. But make no mistake, Nyxx was and is one of my mages that I respect and am very cautious around. He would never fathom to harm me as his Master, that doesn't erase the fact that he is the embodiment of the Death trump card. Back then, I eyed him carefully. Hooded and cloaked in black, dark purple and dark grey tattered robes, he wielded an imposing death scythe straight out of a nightmare. A thick purple cloth wound itself around his neck so I was unable to tell if he was lacking flesh like most Grim Reapers. A large, fanged skull emblem adorns his front. What is chilling about Nyxx is that, besides of what he is, half of his deathly pale face is quite beautiful with a sharp dark eye and thin mouth. The other half, though, was hidden by, or actually was, a skull. The hollow eyesocket stared at you eerily with a vacant knowing of death. Black gloves hid his hands whose nails were inhumanly long.
Nyxx did not speak, nor eat, nor sleep. He just was…there. Lingering in the back or in a corner, watching and waiting. It was his silence that unnerved me the most I think. He did not vocalize anything. His mouth never opened, at least not that I saw. Silent as the grave, I used to say. Instead, he communicated telepathically. Telepathy is different that a Mind Link. A Mind Link can only happen with Spirits that I acquire. Telepathy can happen any time. So Nyxx was talking to me before we performed the Energy Exchange. He told me that he saw my destiny—that I was going to be substantial. A shaker of worlds, as he put it. He filled my mind with names for me, things he foresaw me doing and what he called me. Master of Magicians, One who calls forth great power, The Great Protectress, The Guardian Mistress, She Who Walks Between Two Worlds, King's Ally, The Supreme Sorceress, The Magic Fount, Mother of Psychic Duels, Mother of Eyes of Blue, and The Dragon's Wife were among my prophesized titles.
Rai encouraged Kaeru the Magical Undertaker, Kiki the Card Ejector, Ectola the Ghostrick Witch, Dharc the Dark Charmer, Hiita the Fire Charmer, Aussa the Earth Charmer, Eria the Water Charmer, Wynn the Wind Charmer, and Lyna the Light Charmer. With these I had the four elementals and the light and dark mages. Von managed to get Rita the Fire Sorcerer, Kai the Gagaga Magician, Botan the Gagaga Girl, Pacho the Gagaga Child, Serius the Gagaga Head, and Wyvern the Gagaga Mancer. My Magician Girls brought to me Adeena the Mystical Elf (remember the Mythic Dragon episode where princess Adeena transformed into the Mystical Elf?), Rick the Gambler of Legend and his brother Beni the Sand Gambler, Kuzi the Timbreaker Magician, and Jax the Gemini Summoner.
Last but not least, I was approached by a young mage who had sought me out with a specific purpose. She wanted desperately to find and be reunited with her master. The man who taught her magic from years ago in what felt like another life. She was very pretty, with blond hair, peachy skin, and green eyes. Her costume was revealing, her breasts and shoulders risqué and half-bare. Her skirt was short. Her outfit was of pinks and blues and she carried a short wand with an orange snail shell swirl on top.
Her name was Mana, the Dark Magician Girl. I promised her I would help her find her tutor. She agreed to lend her support and see me as her Master. They all did. So in a short week I had taken in over twenty more Spellcasters. My powers then were drained as I now supported them. My Energy was spent. My body ached twice as much from my reduced Energy. There were times over the weekend where I almost passed out on my feet. In order to increase my strength, Razel ordered for all lower upper-level mages to infuse their Energies with me as a sort of reversed Energy Exchange. It basically circulated the Energy through us, cleansing and refreshing us. Much like a dialysis machine. I tried my best to stay awake and prepared. I had to after all. The other downside to this was that my house was louder.
Mana chose to stick by me, which I was fine with. I think she attached herself to me as a sister figure. Or she probably saw me as a fill in tutor. I was stronger in power than she was as her Master, so this might have been the case. Mana was sweet and had a great sense of humor. She was very tenacious and precocious. I liked Mana a lot. She taught me cute tricks and was big on encouragement. From her instruction, I developed a trick that I named the Dark Magic Energy spell. Razel was very proud of the fact that I had created my first magic spell, a sign of my power increasing. The Dark Magic Energy spell allowed me to call forth the Energies of Spellcasters for support if I took damage in a Psychic Duel. Instead of using my remaining Energy, I could substitute it with my mages' and utilize their siphoned power into attacks. (This was a trick Mana implemented when I let her be used by Tea in her duel against Krump in Noah's virtual world. But more on that later.)
I did pity Mana though. She was so worried about her master that I felt sorry for her. She clearly loved him and missed him. I wondered what happened.
After my new mages were inducted into my group Razel informed them of what was expected of them. All listened to Razel. When he saw Mana among them, however, he gave pause.
"You." He said coldly.
"I have come to search for my master. I know that our Mistress will help me." She was nervous but strong.
"Our Mistress has more important things to concern herself with other than the affairs of your flagrant master."
"It's fine Razel. I told Mana I would help her and I will. I can do more than one thing at a time."
"You have more important matters to attend to! You do not have the time to delegate your attention to search for her traitorous mentor." Razel was ticked.
"He's not traitorous. He just wanted to be closer to his true Master." Mana said her voice quivering.
"If anything his true Master is right next to you. If he has any dignity as a Spellcaster he will come to see this." Razel's voice was venomous. Whoever this other master was to Mana must be a familiar to Razel.
"Razel, woah. Who is this?" I asked.
"He is of little importance. An Elite who chose to reduce his status to protect his 'Master.' He is a simple-minded fool who thinks he was once mortal in your human Egypt."
"Well was he? Is it possible for a Duel Spirit to have been human once?"
"It is Mistress! My master and I were human, just like you are. But I haven't seen him in centuries and I miss him. All I want is to find him."
"Silence you insipid girl. Enough of your whining. You are under the watch of your Mistress, the chosen Master of Magicians. Act accordingly." Razel spat in obvious disgust.
No one uttered a word. Nyxx merely glanced around as if bored. Then I spoke up.
"Razel—Mana came to me for help. I plan to give it. If she wants to find her mentor that badly, who am I to refuse her that? Mana has her reasons. I don't know what happened between the three of you but I'll be more than happy to hear it when we can calmly talk alone. I can't help if I don't know all sides. In the meantime, I need to learn more techniques and attacks if we do go to war. Teach me everything you can. I also have to investigate the Egyptian god card Seto told me about. I think the woman who gave it to him shares a power like the white-haired man does. I also have to get closer to Seto to secure his Blue Eyes and I have to pick a Master's program to apply to this fall. So I have a lot of important things to think of, Razel. So, no offense, but where I choose to put my focus is my business. But obviously I will put it on the task at hand."
Razel stared at me with those menacing red eyes. He hated it when I stood up to him in front of the other lower mages. Yet he knew the validation of what I said and agreed. "Then let's begin."
Razel was relentless. I was black and blue. My brain was fried and my muscles burned daily. I was taught how to warp dimensions and travel through them by Neo. I was told how to magically deconstruct my body and filter myself into another location and reassemble myself in less than a second. Molecular teleportation I called it. That was fucking weird let me tell you. I learned how to summon objects, how to channel my power into various attacks.
From my Performapals I learned illusions, hypnotism, magic tricks, and slight of hand. From Nyxx my Reaper of Prophesy I learned more advanced and feared spells. Since he was a reaper, as I said, Nyxx had a hand in monitoring spirits, the dead and entering the Afterlife to interact with spirits. From him I learned, under Razel's precise supervision, how to open the dimension between this world and the Afterlife. This took great concentration and skill. Nyxx was there with me, aiding me as we went along. I was terrified at first. Opening the door to the Afterlife was something that only gods did. Hades, Anubis and Osiris, Hel, Hekate, and many others. I did not venture far into that world but the fact that I was able to grasp the concept of creating a portal was remarked upon by Nyxx to Razel. I could also, to a lesser degree, command the Spirits of Spellcasters I had. I tapped into their souls and had the power to bring them to me, control them physically and mentally, console them and many other things. As he was the Reaper of Prophesy, Nyxx, as I said, controlled Psychic passages into the Afterlife and harvested dreams of insight. The first was a power I would later use and could only bestow onto someone I loved.
Interesting, I thought. I wonder why I have to love this person in order to give them that power. The second ability came to me quickly. Prophetic dreaming. I could reach that portion of my subconscious and foresaw events in the immediate future. These dreams Razel wanted to know of and in time I became quite prolific in foresight.
The power to open a dimension into the Afterlife, though, I rarely used. In order to safeguard myself from accidentally using this, what I deem a forbidden spell, I have labeled it The Spell of Necropolis. Should an individual invoke this spell without my consent, they will be transported to the land of the dead. However, there is a catch. Only the dead can survive in the land of death. The living who enter will begin to decay and disintegrate, their bodies unable to fend off the fetid and degenerative energies that dwell there. Because of this I try not to meddle with the affairs of the dead. I do though, on occasion, usually around the time of the Ancient Egyptian Min Festival, the Beautiful Festival of the Valley, and the Opet Festival, permit myself to venture to the Afterlife and celebrate with a dear friend of mine.
How can I do that after what I just said you may ask? I have modified this ability and with it I have entwined a Spell of Preservation. Should I or an individual venture into the Afterlife willingly and in psychical form with my consent, the Spell of Preservation will protect us from decomposing while there. The living and the dead cannot co-exist in the same realm. But, I have further controlled this spell. Only my Energy can safely bring someone to and from the Afterlife. Only my Energy can initiate the dimensions to open. Thus, only the person I have bestowed my Energy onto, this person, whom I love, may successfully perform the Spell of Necropolis and live. This will be relevant in the future of my story.
Training:
I trained like a mad woman. Endless hours. But I had to pause and do my investigative work on the woman from the museum for Seto. Plus I wanted to know about her Energy. So on Monday I told Razel of my plans and he insisted on going with me. I decided to take along a few more Spirits that day just in case I needed reinforcements. I brought Nyxx, Mana who apparently gained more Energy around Razel for some reason, Neo, and Von. I left Rae and Brie in charge. The way to Domino Museum from my house was approximately twenty minutes by taxi so I was there quickly. I had Seto's imaging device in my short's pocket.
The museum was large and had a nice collection of artifacts from around the world. I passed the groups of families and students to go to the Ancient Egypt exhibit. Once I entered I had to curtail my history giddiness. I was surrounded by fragments of temple walls, columns and sphinxes, huge granite busts of Ramses II and Hatshepsut, canopic jars, scrolls, displays of daily life, jewelry and beaded clothing. Make-up chests, mirrors, and kohl pots filled cases. Wigs and diadems filled more. Playing was low sistrum and Middle Eastern flute music, plus sounds of bazaars and camels. I loved ancient history and seeing these wonderful artifacts made me jittery. I was especially well versed in Egyptian history, a fact that I like to keep private. People think my obsession with it is odd. I figured I should start recording what I was doing and so pulling out Seto's gadget, I put on the device, adjusting to the monocle that popped around to my right eye.
Woah! This is so cool! I thought. Through the screen, I saw the analytical data associated with each artifact. Its age, material, location of discovery. It even said which Period the items came from, Early, Middle, Late Intermediate, etc. I rounded another corner, seeing a rope blocking off a set of steps. I got a weird feeling in my chest. Think I should investigate, I quickly glanced from side to side and then ducked under the barricade. I went down the flight of stairs into what felt like a basement but was part of the exhibit. At least I thought it was. No one else was in the large room. Nothing out of the ordinary here, just a few large steles depicting…
"Holy shit. No way is this real," I stared at the stone slabs. On the one was carved two figures, one the pharaoh and the other what seemed like a high-priest. They were…dueling? Above the king was a magician!
"What the fuck…" I mused out loud. I went closer.
It was a Spellcaster alright one I did not recognize. The other creature above the high-priest was clearly the Blue Eyes White Dragon.
"What…in the world is this?" I whispered in disbelief. "Is that…Seto? And a Blue Eyes White Dragon?" I wanted to touch it. I wanted to get closer. "Who is he with?" I brought my hand close to the cold surface, almost placing it on the face of the king.
In my purse Mana's Energy thrummed and, startled, I drew back.
Mana, what is it? I asked.
I can feel my master, I sense that he is here somewhere. But it is not him. It's more like a memory of him. What do you see Mistress?
I'm looking at a stele of two men fighting with a magician and a Blue Eyes. Why mince words?
May I see Mistress?
Sure. Hold on. I went to take out her card form when Razel stopped me.
Use your powers Mistress. Use the Spell of Projection.
Oh right. Sorry. I had to use my power in any chance given. The Spell of Projection allows me to project what I see into the minds of my Duel Spirits. So focusing on the stele, I pictured its image in my mind and sent it to Mana and Razel.
My Energy rising mus disrupted the electro-waves of Seto's device because the screen on the monocle flickered.
"Come in (y/n). Are you there?" It was Seto! His electronic voice made me skirt to the left in surprise.
"Jeeze! Ah! Yes. What's up?" I tried to keep calm though his voice was like honey in my ear.
"What happened? The screen just bounced. What did you do?"
"Nothing. Just a spell. My Energy must've thrown it off."
"Incredible. Your powers can interrupt transmissions and electro waves."
"I can't talk now Seto. I'll get in touch later."
"Are you cutting me off?" His tone was flat and incredulous.
"Yup. I have work to do."
"…no one has ever cut me off." He sounded mildly amused and slightly perturbed.
"I feel honored then that I'm the first. Gotta go."
I lowered the volume on the earpiece so I could concentrate.
That's him! That's my master! Mana shouted into my mind link.
Great, but it's a carving. What do I do now?
I know this stele, Razel said after a while. I have seen it before, many eons ago.
You too? Then what is it?
Mistress, look there. Above the duel. Neo said.
Huh? Three cards? I tried to make out the worn images but it wasn't easy. Two were dragon creatures and the third was…a human goblin?
The entire stone had me entrenched in it that I did not sense the force approaching from behind me. It was Razel who picked up on it.
Mistress, ready yourself. A power comes hither!
I braced myself. No longer was I a novice Psychic Duelist and I was ready to take on whatever it was.
"It is you. I have been expecting you. I see you are interested in this artifact. Are you familiar with Egyptian history perchance?"
A woman? I turned round to face a rather pretty Egyptian woman. She had long black hair that was decorated with golden beads, wore an off-white linin dress that showed her shoulders, a golden diadem, and had dark blue eyes. Around her eyes was kohl.
But it was the Eye of Wadjet/Ra/Horus (they're basically the same, the difference is how they are displayed on crowns and in carvings.) around her neck that trapped my attention. It was the same symbol as was on that gold ring! And it has a similar ancient Energy. Fear set in from my memory of that terrifying Psychic Duel and my powers threatened to take over.
"Who are you?" I asked. I stared coldly at her, I was tense. I sent out waves of light Psychic power, acting as a low tide that stopped her from coming closer. From her expression, I knew she was not expecting me to do that.
"I am Ishizu/Isis Ishtar. And I know that you have a mysterious power of your own. I know that you are one of them, a Psychic Duelist. You are the first I have met who naturally displays actual psychic ability. Please ease yourself. I mean you no harm. I have had visions of your arrival and I have waited for this moment for us to meet. No doubt what you feel now is the power of my Millennium Item."
"Well it seems you're far from an ordinary curator. You have a Millennium Item too?"
"My Millennium Necklace is what you sense. You have come across another? What was it?" She became eager then, as if hoping I'd give her the answer to a question she had been waiting to hear.
"A ring with spikes."
He face noticeably dropped. "Oh no, I feared as much."
I raised a brow, my defensive stance relaxing a bit. "Why?"
"It is evil and the wearer of that Item is under the control of an ancient evil spirit that lives inside the Ring. How did you come by him?" Ishizu/Isis asked genuinely.
"He found me and challenged me." I said.
"Challenged you? And you survived?"
"You know how," I left it open.
She had a look of pleased understanding. "Not an easy feat against the Millennium Ring. You are strong."
"I had help." I said resting my left hand on my purse. "If you had visions of me then you know why I am here."
Ishizu/Isis nodded. She was very regal and possessed a ladylike composure that I found enviable.
"Please, may we talk over here, where it is more private?"
"Sure."
I followed her out of the stele room and into a secluded area that was off limits to exhibitors. Once alone, Ishizu/Isis spoke. She seemed nice but distant, distracted almost.
"You are here because I gave Seto Kaiba an Egyptian god card, correct?"
"Did you read my mind?" I asked with a cool grin.
"No. I saw your coming in a vision. You are close to Seto Kaiba are you not?"
"I wouldn't go that far. We have business dealings that all." I said flatly.
"But that is not the future I have seen. Your presence here concretes that fact."
"What are you…"
"You will assist Kaiba. And you will work alongside him. You will bring forth Obelisk the Tormentor but at great cost to you (she gets stuck in spirit world for nearly a year after the Leviathan incident). However, that cost shall be repaid in full and you will emerge from the summoning not the same as you are now."
"Are you saying it's dangerous?" I said folding my arms. "I can handle it. It's just a Duel Spirit."
"That is where you are mistaken. You will call forth Obelisk, a task that only chosen duelists with ties to the ancient past may do."
"And?" I held out my right hand expectantly. "What? Will I die?"
Ishizu/Isis's brows furrowed softly. "No. But you will shape the future of this and the world of Duel Monsters forever. With great power comes great responsibility, and even greater risk. The forces that seek you know, those that you are preparing for, will not stop. But he will protect you."
I blinked. A chill going through me. She was perceptive and her necklace was right, but what did she mean?
"You mentioned a cost I'd have to pay for this change of mine. What is it?"
"A tremendous evil will come to threaten both of our worlds. Your power will be used in the fight against it."
I flipped my hand up. "That's it?"
"That is all I can see. After that, your future is dark as if a barrier is preventing me from going further."
I let out the breath I had been holding. "Mysterious. But that does not answer why I came here. Why give Seto that rare card? Only duelists with ancient connections can use it you say. What's his deal? And why do you say that I can summon Obelisk? Am I connected to the past too?"
Ishizu/Isis smiled in a sage-like way. She seemed much older than she was and she was only a few younger than I.
"You use his first name…My prediction was indeed correct about you two. Your destinies are much closer than you first thought (y/n), and the two of you will accomplish wonderful things. I gave him that card because I know he will have the ability to find and help my brother. My brother has been corrupted by evil and seeks to build the ultimate deck. In doing this he wishes to keep the Pharaoh from finding his own destiny and moving on to the Afterlife. That is why I have asked Kaiba to host this tournament; it will draw out my brother Marik/Malik and his team of Rare Hunters. Your relationship to the ancient past is twofold. First is your connection to Seto Kaiba. Second is your own connection to the Afterlife."
I widened my eyes. "How do you know about that?"
She knew about Nyxx? I was beginning to be unsure of what I should accept as proper and what I should find offensive.
"I know that you have a means to visit the past and Afterlife. It is a dangerous power, one that needs precaution. It is because of this gift that you are capable of calling forth one of the three Egyptian gods."
"All of this you got from that necklace?"
She nodded again. "Yes. That is the power of the Millennium necklace. It gives me the ability to see the past and future."
"What else can they do? These Items?" I wanted to know.
"They have different specialties. But your future depends on you finding the one who holds the Millennium Puzzle. Yugi Moto."
"Who the fuck is he? I've heard his name from you, the white haired one with the Ring, Seto, and other sources. Just who is this guy?" I asked slapping my legs.
Ishizu/Isis grinned lightly at my choice of words. She finds me amusing at least, I thought.
"He is a young Duelist. He possesses the Millennium Puzzle that houses the spirit of the Pharaoh. In order to secure your destiny and that of Seto Kaiba's, you must find him."
"Where?" I asked straightening.
"That you must discover on your own. I must take my leave of you now. It was a pleasure to finally meet you, (y/n), a true Psychic Duelist. We will meet again."
With that, Ishizu/Isis turned and exited the room. As quietly as she came, she was gone. Leaving me alone with my racing thoughts.
As if my life couldn't get any more messed up. Uhhhhhgggg crap! First Duel Spirits, Psychic Duels, Millennium Items, Seto Kaiba, Warriors, and now Yugi Moto? Why stop there? Just keep throwing shit at me!
Needless to say that when I got home I was in no mood to rehash what I had experienced. Instead I went right back into training burning both calories and tension. First things first, I had a war to ready for. I also had a god card to summon.
Thursday at Kaiba Corp. Private Lab:
I was taken into the Duel Disk testing arena, where I met up with Seto, who had yet to arrive, and his team of researchers. With Razel in tow, I waited in the arena for Seto. There were medics standing by in case something faulted. I also met Mokuba.
He was a cute boy of twelve, with long black hair and large grey eyes. His skin was darker than his brother's and he was much more gregarious.
"It's nice to meet you!" He said shaking my hand. "I'm glad my brother brought you here. I hope you'll have fun testing out the latest Disks." He showed me his Duel Disk. It was a first edition, signed by Seto himself.
"It's nice to meet you too. I've heard a lot about you Mokuba." I smiled.
"Bro tells me you're a real Psychic Duelist," Mokuba hushed his voice. "Are you?"
I smiled broadly. He was so cute! I bent down and, looking into his eyes, I said to him telepathically, I like to think I am.
His face dropped. "No way! Brother you were right! This is going to incredible."
"It better be. We have important business to handle."
I turned around as Seto entered into the arena and blushed. He was wearing his trademark white leather coat, with black pants and a tight black turtle-neck shirt. The muscles of his chest and stomach were deliciously outlined and aura commanded attention. My heart skipped.
"I received your report from the museum. My computers have uploaded the images of the tablets into our systems main frame for further analysis. Good work."
"You're welcome."
"Mokuba you head up to the booth to watch and monitor the Duel. You all make sure no detail goes unnoticed or recorded! And you," he said to me, "Come with me."
"Here's a novel idea…how about please?" I said lazily.
Seto eyed me coldly. "If you don't then you can leave."
"Fine." Using my power, I extended my hand out towards him and, with a quick draw back, pulled him to where I stood. His feet skidded on the tiled floor. I then proceeded to walk briskly in front of him, leaving him momentarily speechless. Luckily no one saw that move.
"Are you coming or what?" I called back.
I thought I heard an aggravated grumble but chose to ignore it. We took our positions. Seto stood on the opposing side shuffling his dummy deck as the dueling robot he designed rose from a hidden door in the floor. The robot, I was told, would play using Seto's deck complete with his three dragons. I was behind him in a one-way mirrored room. I could see out but no one saw me.
"For your safety. I can't promise nothing dangerous might happen. And I don't want anyone to see your ability." He said to me.
"Alright." I was fine with it. I was touched that he remembered.
Mokuba initiated the dueling robot to ON and Seto began his mock duel. He was above us in a spectator's booth that overlooked the arena. The red light in the center of the robat lit and reminded me of 2001: Space Odyssey's Hal. The robot played against Seto, defeating several Monsters he played. For a macheine it was pretty good.
I watched with bated breath as the Duel continued. I had never seen a real Duel before so I was very entertained. The robot played a Spellcaster called Lord of D. which, summoned to the field Seto's Blue Eyes Dragons. I inhaled as all three of Seto's majestic Dragon Spirits roared down at their Master. Their Energy was alert and confused as to why they challenged him. I understood their plight. From my purse next to me, Razel's Energy stirred.
Mistress, be careful. The White Dragon sisters are formidable. These are the ones you must win to our side. Are they not beautiful?
They are. But I thought there was only one, I said.
No, there are three. A forth sister there was but that petulant cretin of a child murdered her out of spite. It was a catastrophe in our world. The death of such a beast was felt by us all. Now only the three remain, the sole remnants of their kind. This child commands all three. His potential for Psychic Dueling is apparent yet he chooses to play this game.
Easy Razel. You mean, Seto killed the forth Dragon? How? Why? I was bothered by this news.
After a pause, Razel solemnly spoke. He ripped her Spirit in half in order for his rival to never have her.
But Why? That's awful. I responded with a lump in my gut. What would cause him to go that far?
Greed. This child had a particularly dark spirit. But it was cleansed after the death of the forth Dragon by his rival.
Who is his rival, Razel? Who has that power to purify Seto's spirit? I winced as Seto's monsters were destroyed by the Blue Eyes.
His rival is a boy named Yugi Moto.
I jumped up from my seated position. Yugi Moto!? Did he use his Puzzle?
Yes. The boy Yugi uses his Millennium Item in his duels.
I must find him. He's surrounding me at every turn.
"Ah! Seto!" I exclaimed as the robot fused the three Dragons into the terrible Blue Eyes Ultimate Dragon.
I nearly froze. I was scared of this beast. With its three heads and alarming Attack Point count, I felt a sense of fear. I felt fear and, also, excitement. I had to get Seto's Dragons on my team against the Warriors. Seeing this beast whet my appetite to do so.
All of Seto's monsters switched to Defense Mode. For a while Seto just stood there appraising his Ultimate Dragon. I sensed that he too felt the same fear I did. Fear and, in his case, Seto experienced awe. He loved that beast like a father does a child and I instinctively knew that this next move was hard for him to perform.
He collected his thoughts—meditated beforehand. The silence and hesitation was palpable. My hands tingled. My Energy crackled, ready for my part in this. I anticipated his next move, building up my Energy in order to summon Obelisk.
Are you ready Seto? I asked him through a telepathic link I made with him earlier.
Yes. Now is the time.
"Alright, I have stood in the shadow of my mighty Blue Eyes Ultimate Dragon for too long. Now I'll see what an Egyptian god card can do! Obelisk, I summon you by sacrificing three of my monsters!" In a flurry of his white coat, Seto drew his next card.
In triumph, he held the card aloft and I focused with all of my strength to reach that ancient Duel Spirit. I recalled what Ishizu/Isis told me, about e being able to do this because of Nyxx, and I sought to succeed. Focusing my Energy, I forced it out of my being, willing it into the depths of the Duel Monster Spirit World, willing it into the card Seto held. My power rushed forth like a missile, blasting through the portal I created and to the far reaches of that world. It went into the card and when my Energy collided with a force so great that my heart variable stopped, I realized that I had done it. The ancient Spirit's superior Energy outstripped my Spellcasters'. It resisted at first, defending against this unknown foreign Energy. But in no time it began to literally suck my Energy from me like a vacuum. This ancient creature was siphoning my Energy and using it as fuel to emerge. Using me as a medium Obelisk's Energy engulfed me. Rumbling deafened me. Overwhelming pressure built up inside. My vision went blindingly white and my scream tripled in octave. I felt my body being manipulated like I was a doll, levitating me off of the ground. The room around me shone from within, and the glass shielding me from Seto and the others cracked and fissured. The arena vibrated as the Egyptian god crept up from the depths of his secret and ancient sanctuary in the Spirit World.
Seto played the card on his Duel Disk. Then everything stopped. In a nanosecond I remember being hoisted into the air again and my body stretching backwards. A shining, brilliant ball of yellow light burst from the card. Like lightening, bolts dispersed from the ball of light, eradicating his Defense position monsters. I could not withstand this immeasurable source of Energy, one so awesome that I feared it might burst my very blood cells. In a last ditch effort to expel Obelisk's parasitic force, I grit my teeth and clenched my fists. My nails dug into my palms, and blood slicked my fingers. My hair whipped around me and I felt the veins on my neck bulge. I had to get him away from me or else he would drain my Energy dry. I was not nor would I be this creature's host. I concentrated with everything I had left to bring Obelisk into my chest, from which I released like a cannonball. Rising from his card on Seto's Disk, Obelisk's colossal Spirit shot into the air sending out shockwaves as his ghastly form materialized from the blinding light. The shock of him coming forth propelled me to the floor and I lost consciousness.