Chosen by You

by WhiteMacabre001

A young woman on her way to finishing college hears stories of Duel Spirits and of how Fate chooses them to protect their human charges. Abruptly she encounters and faces the reality of her own Duel Spirit, the Magician of Black Chaos. As the only one in the world under his gaze, she tries to adjust to her new life and prepares to become the Master of Magicians.

16. Chapter 16

I lay in a dream. A dream that left me feeling like I floated between this world and the ethereal one. Like floating in calm waters, my hair slowly dances around my head and shoulders. I felt naked but was dressed in a thin white shift that revealed both of my legs. The diaphanous cloth crossed over my chest. I was peaceful. In my hazed thoughts it reminded me of a sacrificial gown, or for a purification ritual. It was a very pure and simple dress.

I opened my eyes and was greeted by a bright void with glittering lights like stars. I was alone. I turned my head from left to right. Then a deep, rumbling voice broke the mystic silence.

Woman, you are she who hath called me forward from my slumber. No mortal since the ages of the pyramids has done what you have accomplished. Only one other, many thousands of years past, has summoned my strength. He was a great king—a powerful ruler of vast lands. You, however, are not as he. Yet now you are. Through me you have the final piece of the puzzle you have been lacking. You may now call yourself One Who Calls Forth Great Power and She Who Walks Between Two Worlds for in my summoning, you may converse with those of the ancient past. As I am a part of that world, once serving and being a part of he who has now passed, I have opened the Gateway for you. At long last I have been reborn! I can smite my enemies and lay waste to those inferior to me. For that I am grateful. You have given me strength, as a reward for your service I bestow upon you great power. As you gave me life, I shall give you life anew. Awaken and behold! She Who Walks Between Two Worlds, awaken and become in the flesh One Who Calls Forth Great Power! In the coming days, you will need it.

The disembodied voice came from Obelisk itself. Its hulking form loomed before me, dwarfing me entirely. Then my body glowed. My Energy returned and with it, new power. It thrummed in me. Obelisk had given me a portion of his might. I would not be the same. But then I heard another voice. It was distant, far away and yet close. It was familiar.

Come back! It cried.

Who is that?

Wake up!

Who are you?

Wake up! Do not leave me! Do not go where I cannot follow! Come back!

The agony with which the voice held was painful. It was desperate and frightened. As if it had experienced severe trauma before and was reliving the horror.

Come back to me!

It was frantic, this voice. I found myself inexplicably drawn to it. It pulled me like a rope was tied around my waist. I sped towards it, away from Obelisk, away from this dream.

When I came too, I blinked up at a pure white ceiling. I was lying down in what looked like a hospital room. I was on a bed and in a hospital gown. My right arm had an IV taped onto it. Heart monitors beeped regularly. As I quickly became more aware, my heart rate increased.

"What? Where am I?" I turned my head side to side. To my astonishment I saw Razel and Von in full physical form sitting in chairs on my left. Razel looked pensively at the floor. His arms were tightly crossed over his chest and his posture was erect, as if sitting straight was a discipline he was determined to master. His wore his house robes, his jet black hair tied back. He seemed different—distant or drained. His mind was elsewhere. His Energy was held close to him. I noticed that he did not blink. Von was reading. He was distracted however, I could tell from watching the way his eyes rapidly ran over the same page over and over as if he completely forgot what he just read. He was in his house garb too. On the table between them was a large bouquet of orange roses…my favorite. The room, outside of the beeping monitors, was deathly quiet. It unnerved me.

"Razel? Von? What are you doing here?" I asked with a nervous tone though I was relieved to see them. Actually I was thrilled that they were with me. "Did anyone see you?"

Upon hearing my voice, my Ancient Elf hurriedly set down his book and came right to my side, his chair skidding back from the force of his motion. His kind brown eyes were full of relief and concern. "Mistress, you're awake. Thank the heavens."

He sat on the edge of my bed, his arms coming to hold me but stopped as if fearing that a slight touch might cause me to shatter. From the expression on his face, Von only saw me in that room. I was the only thing that mattered.

"I…we were so worried when your link suddenly became so weak that it felt non-existent."

"It's ok. I'm fine I think. I don't remember much," I reached out to take his hand. I completely ignored the fact that I was dressed in nothing but that skimpy hospital gown…no bra…

"The younger ones feared you were dead. The others punished them for the thought." Von said calmly.

"C'mon Von, you really thought a Duel Spirit could kill me? Man—that's plain crazy." I smiled and gently flicked his pointed ear. "I kicked that Spirit's ass."

Razel, meanwhile, had risen and stood close by. His quiet, stern nature drew my attention to him. I noticed a slight pallor to his cheeks. They sunk in a bit and his eyes held traces of fatigue. In fact his whole body bore this energy that was threateningly brittle, like what happened to me nearly killed him. He obviously suffered extreme amounts of stress. I did not like seeing my powerful and haughty mage this way.

"What happened? The last thing I remember was trying to summon Obelisk." I went to sit up.

Razel moved in front of Von, putting his hand on my back and another on my left arm to help me. "You lost consciousness. Obelisk was too powerful for you to fully control so you had to expel him. Unfortunately this severely taxed you and you slipped away. But, Mistress…you did it. You called forth Obelisk, the Egyptian god."

"Word of your achievement is spreading like wildfire in our world, Mistress. Since you left us, Spellcasters from all over have come seeking to join you. I have been approached and accosted by numerous mages myself. Word of you has even spread to the Magical Citadel where Lord Endymion dwells. Apparently, when you summoned Obelisk, the Spellbook Tower shone like the sun! My Lady this is unheard of!" Von exclaimed.

"It is true. Torunka confirmed it. The students and lay mages in and around the Tower saw it happen and now your name and legacy are being shouted in the streets. Nearby communities of other races, the Fairies and Psychics, are flocking to our region in congratulations. And with your reputation, mine increases. I'm now praised and revered more so than before," Razel added with a small smirk.

I caught the scent of Razel's black hair. It was familiar and comforting. "Really? All of that happened? How long was I out for?"

"You were out cold for two days."

All three of us quickly looked towards my room's door. Leaning casually against the doorframe, was Seto. He was dressed in a dark button-up shirt open at the collar and dark pants. Damn he was fine. But my face went hard—Von and Razel were in plain sight. Oh shit.

"After I won the duel, and my controls were destroyed, Mokuba raced to check and congratulate you on the victory. But he found you on the ground. I don't think I've seen him that worried. My team brought you to the Kaiba Corp. medical facility for treatment. I told them to not ask questions about your condition. These two haven't left your side. After you were admitted, they just appeared. A few others showed up but they did not stay long."

Seto walked into the room. Razel straightened, the male posturing coming out. Von too stood and faced him.

"Were they seen?" I asked.

"No. I've kept out the doctors when possible. They took care of themselves though. Never thought I'd see the famed Chaos Mage again. One of the strongest magicians in the game and he's your Duel Spirit. You must have something about you for such an Elite monster to select you as its Master. The other is just a lower level mage so why is he here?"

"Watch what you say human," Von said. His tone was cold. "Come to my world and see how much of a low level wizard I am."

I resisted the grin. "Von, easy. Come here stand next to me."

Von moved in to the side of my bed. "I apologize Mistress."

"Wow such obedience. Like a dog I'd say." Seto's cutting remark made me tense.

Razel scoffed. "I agree that he is a low level mage, and a frivolous elf at that, but he is our Mistress's Duel Spirit nonetheless. That demands respect."

Seto's blue eyes fixed onto Razel. "Is that so?"

"Indeed."

The air was tangible. Tension radiated between them. Seto stood his ground, that proud CEO.

"Guys, come on. Stop." I said. I had just woken from a two day nap essentially, I did not want to watch a fight, much as I'd like to really. I was not in the mood.

"Razel, Von, can you give us a minute?" I asked.

They both gave me odd looks but agreed, although I could see Razel trying hard to compute why I would tell them to leave.

"Come Lord Razel. Our Mistress can handle herself. If anything changes we will return. We can inform the others that she is awake and well. I'm sure Neo is at his wits end keeping those children mages under control." Von said.

"I will not leave. I am her True Duel Spirit. You are just the second. You go and inform the morons back there. I will remain here where she is under my constant guard. Currier work is better suited for you after all."

Von stood still and quiet. He stared at his superior with an intensity that contained embarrassment, duty, and reluctance.

"What are you waiting for elf? Go."

He could not disobey a direct order from an Elite, not without severe repercussions. So, bowing slightly, Von turned to me and took my hand.

"I won't be long. I will be right back."

"You better. I'll need someone sane in this room. And can you please bring me some clothes and underwear?" I laughed.

"Certainly."

With that Von vanished in a bright yellow light. Razel watched through narrowed eyes as Von left. Seto was very amused by the whole thing.

"So you have arguments like humans—interesting." Seto muttered behind a light smirk.

"Indeed we do. Our world is much like this one. Only better and more advanced." Leave it to Razel to make the first jab.

"Oh really? Better in terms of relations maybe, but more advanced? I doubt that." Seto chuckled.

"I hate to break up this little reunion of sorts but I need to talk to your Master alone."

Razel merely stared down at him. My Chaos Mage blinked slowly and methodically as if a child just scolded its parent. Razel barely took orders from me on the rare occurrence when I give them. So hearing this dismissive brush off from Seto Kaiba, a relative stranger, Razel's mind raced.

"You dare to discharge me? From my standpoint I seem to recall you suffering a rather humiliating defeat by my hands not so long ago. That being said, who should be in the position to order whom?" His voice was laced with ice.

From my bed, I sighed and rolled my eyes. "Oh my God. Razel, you and I can talk more later. But for now, would you mind reverting to your card form for a few minutes?"

Razel twisted round to glance at me, his face like stone. Yet when he saw me, slumped over and too tired for an argument, his Energy softened and the line of his mouth slacked. He nodded.

"As you wish. I will return once you are finished."

In a bright burst of blue light, Razel transformed into his card. He floated over to the table where he earlier sat and rested upon the top. Now, Seto and I were by ourselves in my hospital room. There I was, if you will picture oh so fondly, in my flimsy gown sitting before him. A quick glance down at the light blue gown and I saw small KC symbols printed onto the fabric. This is so fucking embarrassing, I thought.

Seto showed no smart ass pleasure towards my current state. In fact he acted as if I were dressed in a business suit in a board meeting. It seemed like he could not care less. He came closer to my bedside. His leather shoes clipping on the tiles, I figured they were expensive. When he stood next to me, I tilted my head up. Oh, mercy his cologne mixed with his natural scent was mystifying.

"I was out cold huh?"

"Like you were dead. You also had severe burns on your chest, like something scalded you from the inside out. Mokuba called for the medics to get you but by the time they arrived, your wounds were gone. I watched them heal before my eyes. I've seen crazy things in my life but not that. The medics brought you here, ran tests. They had no idea what might have caused you to lose consciousness like that."

"They ran tests?" I said sighing again. Thank God for insurance. "What kinds?"

Seto shrugged. "MRI's, CAT scans, EEG's, they ran blood work and heart exams. You're healthy besides this little stunt."

"Gee yay for that." I said. "You said my wounds healed?"

"Like magic."

Maybe my Mystical Elf performed some distant spell and healed me, I thought. I was still unaware of the gifts Obelisk gave me at that point. Now I know what you must be thinking. Oh Christ come on she's immortal now? Like some cheap vampire story? No. I'm not immortal. Far from it actually. My aging has slowed but I still see the effects of time. It just takes a little longer to appear on me. Plus, I'm very hard to kill. I can be killed and have skirted attempts just barely, but unless I don't see you coming, it's difficult.

"After witnessing what you did, in conjunction with my superior technologies, I have come to the decision to not pursue the path of a Psychic Duelist. At least, not in the same manner that you are."

I was surprised by this. "Why? With your dragon you have so much potential! You could master the ways of Psychic Dueling easily Seto. If you can do this much with your machines, just think of what you can accomplish if you harness your powers as a Psychic Duelist. The results could be staggering." I tried to sway him back.

He shook his head slightly. "I have more important matters to worry about. If I'm to remain the top producer of holographic imaging, I need to devote my energy into that. I'll leave the Psychic aspects up to you."

I paused for a second. I could deal with him leaving me to do the more supernatural caveats of our work relationship. But then I thought, he got what he wanted…he got to call forth and use Obelisk. I can't see him really needing me anymore. As much as that pained me to think, I had to ask to find out. I did not want my time with Seto to be over so soon but if it had to be, then that was that.

"So—now what? Now that you've gotten Obelisk to emerge, what next? Are we done?"

"Do you want us to be done?" Came his reply. His voice was calm but I detected that deep inside there was a small bit of him that did not want me to say yes. Truth be told, I felt the same way about him.

"This project is over." I said.

"There will be others," he answered.

"What will those be?"

"Highly secretive. Confidential."

"Is that so?"

"Yes."

"When?" I asked lightly.

"Soon."

"How soon?"

"Very." He said.

"How do you know?" I asked.

"I will make some."

"For you to work on?" I said while fixing on a spot over his shoulder.

"For us to develop." His voice was lower now.

"For you to perfect?" I looked at him.

"For us to perfect together."

There was silence between us. Palpable silence. Our eyes stayed anchored to each other. Our Energy danced outwards, mingling as it came in contact. Warmth hit my chest and I felt my heart rate increase. It was awkward having him stand so close to me while I was in a vulnerable position. My thoughts raced trying to figure out what exactly he was doing here. He was the CEO of one of the world's most powerful companies. He barely had time for his little brother, so why was he here with me?

"Well, that's new. Hey," I smacked the bed covers, I needed to change the subject, "thanks for taking time out of your busy schedule to come see me. Not sure how you swung that but it means a lot." I said casually.

Seto's egotistical smirk emerged. "When it comes to my company I make time for anything. No one orders Seto Kaiba to do anything. I do what I please. Especially when I have invested a lot into something."

"I get that. So—how was it? Did it work?" I asked.

"Obelisk? Yes. Better than expected. The sheer power of that monster still has me rattled. It was unprecedented. But it was brought down because of what happened to you. Mokuba was freaked out. You trashed the room too. If you were one of my employees I'd have you fired."

"Well, sorry to drag you down. Glad I could help." I sat back against the pillows.

Seto inhaled and exhaled slowly. "Your monsters are loyal."

"Huh?" I tilted my head.

"After you were admitted, your room was filled with Spellcasters. They all crowded around you. Your Chaos Mage is militant with them, as is expected of such a high level mage. He cleared the room before any of my nurses could see them. Only he and that elf of yours stayed behind. They never left your side."

"I love my Duel Spirits. We're a family." I said. Then as I considered what Seto just told me, I caught my breath. How could Seto have known my mages were by my side always? Unless…

"I'll introduce you some time. They're very nice." I replied.

"In time perhaps. I have to get back to work. You'll be discharged tomorrow. Just have to keep you one more night for observation." As he began to walk out of the room he stopped short of the door. "You did it. As much as I hate to admit praise on my own project to someone else, this would not have been possible without your help. When you feel up to it, come to my office. I have something I want you to see."

With that he left. Now alone, all I could do was try to think. What exactly happened? I remember pushing Obelisk out of me but that's it. The rest is black. It's very frustrating when you can't remember. I had healed quickly he said? I looked down at my arms. Were they once covered in burns? I wish someone had documented it. But then again, did I want to see that image of myself? Not really. Closing my eyes I rested back on my pillows. The soft beeping of the heart monitor was like a metronome in my ears. I let my thoughts drift to my mages. Did my Energy source dropping so low hurt them? I hoped not.

I then thought of Razel. The look of fatigue and concern had sunken his face. I bet my affliction affected him most of all. His normally envious glossy hair was duller and hung heavily about his back and waist. I saw his face perfectly in my mind's eye. The hollowed cheeks, the tired eyes, the downturned mouth. Oh, Razel. Sorry for the stress.

Mistress? Is that you?

I started out of my little state. "What? Razel?"

Are you alright?

Yes. Where are you?

You know perfectly well where I am. You sent me away like a dog. In front of that mendacious little twit.

Can you come back now? I want to talk to you.

From his card on the table Razel appeared.

"You look like shit." I said.

"As do you," was his reply.

I laughed. "Yeah, I suppose I do. How are you holding up?"

"As well as can be expected."

"Was it hard on you?" I asked.

Razel rolled his red eyes towards the ceiling. "Nothing I cannot handle. I've suffered worse."

He wasn't looking at me, a classic sign of a lie. Why would he not just tell me that he had been worried about me?

"Razel…you can tell me if I worried you. I know I did. I can't believe that my colossal shut down did not affect you in any way. It probably hit you the hardest." I tried to reason.

"It is not the loss of consciousness that taxes me."

I did not believe him. "Then what is it?"

With a sigh, Razel sat down in the chair I had seen him in before next to my bed. "My world is in upheaval. Spirits across our expanses are gossiping like school children. In the past two days I have received numerous missives and ordnances regarding you and your achievement. Many of the race leaders want an audience with you. A formal audience. Which means that not only must you carry out your duties as Master, but you must act as one on behalf of the Spellcaster race. As such you are to appear in three days hence in our world. You will take your place in the Hall of Neutrality (my creation) at the border of our realm and the realms of the Fiends, Fairies, Psychics, and our other allies. It is not certain but it is possible that an emissary from the Warriors may show as well."

I stared at him. "What? I'm supposed to do what?"

"You are to attend a meeting of the races. You will conduct yourself in accordance with the laws of the Spellcaster race and speak as our future Master. It is an official summons, it is your duty and responsibility to go."

"And what will this prove?" I asked slumping under the weight of my position. At this point in my life, I had to take news like this in stride. I could not crumble at every new development. I was beginning to feel like a seasoned monarch and less like a woman in my early twenties.

"That you are a powerful force to be reckoned with. A Master whose voice is strong and heard throughout the lands. This will solidify your place as a Master and one worthy of presiding over an entire race. We may assist you humans in your game of cards but we are still living, breathing beings with our own systems of government. In our world you are the visitor. Many do not take kindly to humans. Your presence will earn their respect, a strength that far outweighs pure physical might. I will accompany you."

"I feel like I'm going to throw up." I said burying my face in my hands.

"Nonsense. Regurgitation is unbecoming and a most unseemly mortal attribute." Razel made a face of disgust.

"You don't throw up?"

"Our physiologies are different. We do not expel substance the same way you do."

"But you eat," I left it open.

Razel nodded. "We do. But when we eat our bodies absorb everything. We only repel that which is truly foul. At least Spellcasters do."

"So other Spirits shit like we do?" I was crass.

Razel's eye twitched. "Do not be filthy. And do not change the subject. You will join the assembly. And you must dress the part of a Master of the Spellcasters. I will arrange Mana and Adeena to reach out to the finest seamstresses in our realm."

"Ok. I'll go. I want you to fill me in on whose who though. And tell me their outlooks and stances on this threat of war. I also want to know how they conducted themselves in past wars against the Warriors. If we are to go to battle, I want strong allies, ones I can count on to be at the ready. I have neither the time nor the patience for those who are spineless and whose words mean nothing. If I am to become the Master of Magicians and live up to the titles Nyxx foretold, then I must think of the realm of the Spellcasters as part of my own home. Therefore any threat imposed onto my territory I will meet head on and without pity or restraint." It was true. I had to defend these many lives and my own. They were a part of me through the Energy Exchange and I to them. More and more I was becoming part of that world. To be a good Master I had to protect it, and I would.

Razel sat in his chair with a growing smirk of satisfaction and supremacy. He laced his long fingers together and held them loosely in front of his chest. "You sound more like a queen rather than a young girl. With that attitude, even Demiuk himself might hesitate."

Demiuk, the leader of the entire Warrior race, the Flower Cardian Lightflare. It was he who I must face should this war occur. I hoped that that day would not come. But inside, I could not ignore the feeling that this strife was impending.

"And he will feel the wrath of my revenge," Razel's voice lowered into a dangerously contemplative purr.

"He?"

"Indeed."

Razel had mentioned this he before. Who was this unknown man? And was he connected to this woman from Razel's past?

"Do you mean Demiuk?" I asked. I wanted to know.

"No. Not Demiuk. His name is like boiling tar on my tongue. His image in my memory conjures the bile to rise in my throat. My fingers yearn to wrap around his neck and rip out his throat that I may shove my fists into the empty cavern of his neck and wrench out his innards. How I wanted since that fateful day to destroy him. Now fate smiles down on me and I have another chance."

"Razel, I've never heard you speak like this. Who the hell is this person that you hate so blindingly? Does it have something to do with that woman you told me of?"

His red eyes met mine. Ah ha!

I pulled off my blanket and swung my legs over the edge of my bed. I rose and took slightly wobbled steps over to him. "Razel, we've been through a lot together. I've known you for a while now and I think it's time you tell me what happened. For you to have such venom, I want to know who caused it. Who hurt you so much? And why?"

I steadied myself just before I felt a muscle in my left leg give out. My legs shook from the fatigue and I guess getting up too fast just spent them. I began to fall. Instantly, Razel snatched me and held me to him. His blue hands came behind my knees and he lifted me up. He brought me back to the bed, setting me down carefully. He then walked around the length of the bed and stood on the other side.

"May I?" He gestured to the empty spot next to me.

"Sure," I patted the mattress, giving him a funny version of a seductive grin.

Razel's tall form lay next to me. His rare casual moments thrilled me. I loved it when he was natural and relaxed around me. He was my main Duel Spirit, I wanted him to be candid with me. He was on his back, gazing at the ceiling. He crossed his long legs at the ankles.

"It is a long story. One I have never told another. Only those who were present know the truth. Are you sure you want to hear it?"

"Razel, I just summoned an Egyptian God Spirit. I can handle an old story. What happened?"

He was quiet for a couple of minutes. The machines beeped and hummed. The wing was silent with the exception of a few nurses making their rounds. Razel easily shifted his form from visible to invisible as each one passed. His breaths were even, his eyes were searching back into the past. His chiseled profile was flawless. After a while, Razel inhaled deeply. And so, Razel told me:

"This takes place many years before you were born. Thousands of years. It is strange, I can still hear, see, and feel those days. Life was much simpler then, for us at least. For humans it was more difficult. Rome had yet to be born, and the kingdoms of Greece were far from producing your great philosophers. Egypt had not even been settled yet. Jericho was prospering as much as an ancient human city could in those days. Much of human civilization was under the command of the great empire of Atlantis. Do not snicker. Atlantis was a real city, a great metropolis and the only one of its kind. You humans have trivialized its existence, made it the stuff of fantasy. Atlantians were the most beautiful, intelligent and advanced people I had ever come across. We Spirits have lived as long as time immemorial, and found the struggles of humans to be base. However, Atlantis rose like a shining star, brilliant and unparalleled. Never before or since has there been an empire more wealthy or wield an army as the Atlantians.

The people thrived and were happy. Forgotten cultures poured through its markets. At the center sat the Imperial capital. A city made of alabaster and Orichalcos that glowed like bio-luminescence in the night. Glittering fountains brought travelers and citizens to the city squares and the scents of spices and fruits filled the air. Textiles and animals were traded for gold and Orichalcos coins. Technology and understanding were at levels you humans are trying to achieve. Art flourished and life was bountiful.

I was young then and impetuous and my stellar reputation among my fellow Duel Spirits was already pronounced. As with most youths, I grew bored in my world, and frequently explored yours. I disguised my skin and eyes and wandered among the crowds. I took the role of a wealthy nobleman from a distant land and used my magic to procure human goods. I was fascinated with the trinkets of your world. One morning my wanderings brought me to the grounds of the Imperial palace and it was there on a warm summer day that I saw her.

Oh, my memory of her is far too sharp I fear. Her face is as clear to me as yours is. I came upon her seated in the royal gardens, her slaves fanning her as she read over a scroll. The perfume of lotus, rose, plumeria, jasmine, and hyacinth scented the balmy air. Carefully I hid behind the Cypress trees. She was young, around your age with a regal bearing that made her seem much older. Her body was like that of Venus, thin and shapely. Her arms were long and delicate and adorned with golden bands. Her hands were smooth and decorated with rings. Her skin was the color of honey, rich and golden, and her face was beautifully proportioned. She had a fine nose, lovely mouth, and eyes of shining gold. As befitting of Atlantian female royalty, her dark hair was long and trailed to the ground. She wore light ornaments on her head, the slender diadem of a princess. Her dress was a light turquoise with a darker sheath dress underneath. From street gossip and other nobles I knew I beheld the heir to the Atlantian Imperial throne."

Razel stopped. His voice hitched in his throat. I did not want him to quit with his retelling of the past, I was engrossed. But he blinked and covered his eyes with his hand. He did not outwardly show it but I felt his sadness.

"This is the first time in over ten millennia that I have spoken of her," he said with a long pause afterword. "Sometimes it feels as if the events are still too near.

Once she dismissed her servants, I made myself known. I emerged from the grotto and like a cat she sensed me. Quickly she looked up from her scroll and her piercing yellow eyes pinioned me. She knew right away what I was. She realized I was not human. She was extremely intelligent and sharp of wit, fluent in languages of the time and a strong fighter. From her childhood she had been groomed to reign as Empress of Atlantis so her education ranged from writing in script to wielding a sword. I went to her. I remember how she observed me, waiting for me to reveal my true form.

'You are one of them are you not? From the Other World of which I have heard so much.'

'How come by you this knowledge?' I asked shocked. No mortal had discovered how to tap into our world yet.

She smiled. 'My father practices day and night with our sages in finding ways to reach into a plane beyond our own. He listens diligently to the theories of our Grand Sage Ironheart. He and his son, Dartz, follow a power known as the Great Leviathan. A being they believe can open the portals between our worlds and bring everlasting peace. My father the emperor has enlisted them both to seek out this possibility. He has granted them the highest titles any official sages can obtain. I have often been told that these Other World beings wander invisible among us, watching us and offering their protection. But the moment I saw you, I cannot say how I know, but I sense that you are one of them. I can see that you are not human, by your bearing and your unnatural beauty. You must be from this Other World.'

The shine in her golden eyes was so innocent and vibrant that it struck a chord in me. One I had never felt. This feeling was overwhelming and I wanted to show that she was correct. I could not hold back any longer. I let go of my glamour and slowly the blue of my skin came through. My eyes reverted to their red hue. 'I am of this Other World. There are many of us from various races. I am of the Spellcaster race.'

She stared at me as if she feared I might disappear. 'How wonderful! That you have demographics means you have a system of order and law. A paradigm of life and civilization. Pray tell me, what may I call you?'

The sun shone down upon her fare face and I complied. She was fairer than any woman I had laid my gaze on. I reached out my hand and took hers, a gesture forbidden by any human given her esteemed title. Her eyes showed no insult or shock by my familiar action. Instead she closed her fingers around mine, and she smiled welcomingly and warmly at me.

"My name is Razel."

She tilted her head, her long flowing hair moved like silk. "Razel…Razel…how very majestic and yet how every austere. I think it suits you. That settles it. Razel I should like it very much if you were to agree to become my personal mage. What say you? Come! We shall bring this empire of Atlantis into the future."

My name in her voice, her glittering eyes, her endearing smile…I wanted to be near to her. I wanted to be her magician. For the first time in my life I wanted to join with a mortal. I wanted to be by her side.

"It would be my honor your Imperial Highness." I bowed at the waist.

"Olympia. My name is Olympia."

Her name fluttered in my chest. Olympia, how fitting.

"That is fantastic. Come with me Razel of the Other World. I have my father and Sage Ironheart to introduce you to. They shall be positively elated," She directed me towards the palace. Her arm twined itself around mine, bringing us to walk together like a flowering couple. She lifted her face to the blue sky, relishing in the feeling of the breeze. Birds sung overhead. It was glorious.

"I have a good feeling about us Razel," she said. "We shall be together always."

Razel paused again in his storytelling. The moisture in his red eyes threatened to fall. He blinked it away. I did not know what to do, or how to react. My mage, my Chaos Mage was on the brink of tears. It crushed me inside. I thought he was incapable of showing raw emotion like this. He is usually so collected and cold and stern, he was my pillar of strength in my new life of magic and monsters. To see him like this was discomforting. Being so close to him in bond my heart ached and I reached out to touch him.

"You were in love with her," I said softly. I knew it was true, I had my suspicions from the past weeks that he may have lost a loved one and that's why he was so hard on me.

His fists clenched. "Yes."

My eyes burned for him and I wriggled closer to his side. I rested my head on his shoulder and I did not care if it bothered him.

"What happened to her?"

"She died."

The fact that he whispered those words nearly broke me. My Energy that mixed with his, binding us as one, throbbed with past sorrow and pain. He really cared for her.

"How?" My own voice cracked.

"Shortly afterward, I met her father the emperor and his top sage Ironheart. I instructed them in the ways of my world and how to request the aide of my fellow Spirits. The old man's son, a young man in his prime with a devious expression always slinked in the shadows. He had a wife named Iona and a daughter named Chris. I got the impression that deep in his heart there was a perversion, a corruption that festered. Dartz he was called and his questions surrounded military advancement and discovering the unlimited power of the Orichalcos. With that he could summon his Great Leviathan. His was misguided. An evil force got a hold of him and twisted his mind. What he did not know was that every member of the Imperial family has the essence of the Orichalcos in them. However, one member was destined by the high priestess of their temples to harbor the largest source of the power, effectively embodying the Orichalcos. When Dartz unearthed this fact, he grew jealous and flew into rages. He sought to destroy the fount and steal the power for himself that he might feed it to the Great Leviathan."

"You mean he wanted to kill Olympia to set free this Leviathan?" I asked.

"Exactly. She was the one chosen to be the Orichalcos. Dartz in the meantime had learned the ways to summon Spirits and called forth members of the Warrior race. Three of those Warriors were the three Generals Criteas, Timaeus, and Hermos. When they were informed of Dartz's scheme, to murder the princess Olympia, enslave the emperor and proclaim himself ruler of Atlantis and bring forth the Great Leviathan, they rescinded their assistance. They came to his Imperial Majesty, telling him of the plot. The emperor was furious and deemed Dartz a traitor of the empire. He decreed Dartz be executed and the three generals to safeguard Olympia. He asked for my help and that of the Spellcasters and their allies. We agreed.

Things seemed to have smoothed over for a time. Olympia and I drew closer with each day, learning about each other and experiencing the world. I learned that she was skilled in music, literature, the arts, and dancing. She loved to hunt and race horses. She grasped the understandings of magic quickly and inscribed my dictations about our world. Those were happy months. But then the event we all feared came to pass. From Dartz's mighty greed and malice, the power of the Orichalcos became dark. He believed that the world was evil and in summoning the Great Leviathan and razing civilization to the ground, that he could rebuild the world in his image. He quickly amassed an army of corrupted Orichalcos soldiers and members of the Zombie and Warrior races. He enlisted the help of Demiuk, the Warrior's head. He managed to succeed, through a coup, in deposing Olympia and her father from the throne, using the crooked power of the Orchalcos to rouse the citizens against the royal family. Olympia and her father fled into hiding, the three generals and I protecting her. Dartz thus reigned as emperor of Atlantis for a short time. Olympia felt the breakdown of her people and the Orichalcos most of all and she called many Duel Spirits forth. She planned a counterattack, and raised an army of her own. Ironheart, grieved by his son's wickedness, and his granddaughter Chris joined Olympia's ranks. She was fierce and bloodthirsty. A warrior princess.

In those final days, many lost their lives to Dartz. Their souls going to feed the serpent beast he worshipped. Olympia and her army of men and Duel Spirits met Dartz in the Battle for Atlantis. I stood beside her, ready to destroy her enemies. The horns were sounded, the battle had begun. Thunderously we raced towards our opponents. Swords, spells, spears, and magic littered the battlefield. I felled many Spirits and men, my staff's blade cutting them down like wheat. Olympia swung her sword and used the power of the Orichalcos with aplomb. I battled many Warriors that day, each hungry to see me dead at the insistence of their master. I was in fine form. I had just impaled a Warrior of lesser degree when I was shoved back by a large blue shield. I looked over at my assailant.

"Gladiobellator!" I shouted the name of the Black Luster Soldier so monstrously that my throat was raw.

The lead general of the Warrior race with Freed close behind, was my arch enemy in power. He faced me and smirked.

"Razel. You fight to protect your dear humans, while I fight to change this world and bring us Spirits to new heights. Now, come my blue friend, we shall see who is stronger!"

We collided like meteors. Power erupted from us in waves. His broad sword ringed through their air as he swiped at me. My magic deflected his attacks easily.

"If I knew that you were in this Gladio I would have killed you sooner!" I spat.

"No, how could you? You were too preoccupied with feeling the soft skin of your mortal tramp!"

"How dare you!"

I sent out a spell. It struck him and drew blood.

"Tell me Razel, is she as supple as my men and I think?"

Around me there was death. Death and the stench of blood and metal. The ground turned into mud dyed with red. Limbs were strewn every which way. But I only saw Gladiobellator and his fiery red hair. We fought savagely. I heard that Olympia's forces were falling to the force of Dartz and the Warriors and my thoughts raced. Where was she? Was she safe?

"Razel!" I heard her cry my name.

I glanced away from the Black Luster Soldier for a second.

She came towards us, her sword drawn, her face a mask of anger and fearlessness. Blood spattered her armor, mud caked her boots. Her long hair was braided and secured to her head in an ornate bun.

"Looks like I'll have to excuse myself," Gladio smirked at me and wrenched himself away from our fight. He turned and charged Olympia.

They met harshly, their swords clanging. She fended him off, using her hatred and revenge as support. Gladio was amused and enjoyed that she was holding him at bay. I raced at his back, seeking to end him.

But I was too late. Time froze as I watched helplessly as Gladio pushed her away with his left arm, knocking her off balance. I watched as my outstretched hand was miles away from her as he lowered his sword and ran her through. Her eyes widened into horror and despair. Her mouth gasped for breath, blood rising from her gut to trickle out from her lips. She dropped her sword and her arms fell to her sides. Around us the battle stopped as both sides turned to watch the horrific events. Gladio slowly rested her onto the ground at his feet, in a sickening display of sympathy. Demiuk stood nearby, a scowl of displeasure and burning regret that his top soldier cut down the Imperial princess. Demiuk spoke not but his face projected his profound remorse.

My last thoughts of Olympia alive are of her weakly turning her head to find me. Her hand trembling as it reached out to me. Those bright, lively golden eyes so full of hope and laughter now fought to remain awake as the furies quickly approached. I fell to my knees in the filth next to her and tried to keep her with me. She was going where I cannot. She was leaving me. But no magic can stall death. I held her hand in mine, resting her head on my lap. Her breaths were shallow and few. The red of her blood seeped out around us, creeping. The field and soldiers around us faded as I watched the last glimmer of life blow out of her like a candle flame. Her body went limp and her hand slipped out of my palm. No one uttered a word.

My heart shattered. I let out a howl that shook the underworld I was later told by Torunka. What happened next was reported to me by observers. My magic unfurled from me and created fissures in the earth. I cradled her body as I cried over her. She was gone, murdered, taken from me. By my enemy. By a Warrior. A darkness filled my soul then. A blackness impenetrable to anything. My Energy unleashed from me on levels I thought impossible. My eyes glowed white with unbridled rage and I took my revenge. I slaughtered countless lives. I did not care whose they were. I cared not for the lives I took, their families they would leave behind. I sent out magic streams and blasts so mighty that my contemporaries thought me a god. I was in wrath. I left bodies and blood in my wake. Gladio knew he could not face me and survive, so like the coward that he and his race is he retreated back to our world. I destroyed all in my path. I piled their corpses and set them aflame. I cursed the Warrior race and decreed that they were my enemy. I vowed an oath to kill any Warrior and any mage who lent their hand in friendship to them be seen as a traitor deserving of death. My fellow mages took up my oath. From that day forth Spellcasters retold the story of the Battle of Atlantis. They stated that I had created chaos from my black magic. I was a demon on the field, the fiercest mage in our world. That is how I got my name. After the Battle of Atlantis my reputation was known across my world. They now called me the Magician of Black Chaos."

So that's why the Spellcasters and Warriors were sworn enemies. It all stemmed from this battle, from Gladio's murdering of Princess Olympia. Razel had loved her and she was killed in front of him. I don't blame Razel for his hatred. This was how he became the battle hardened mage I know today. I let my tears fall down my cheeks for him. I held him tightly and at last he returned my gesture. We held each other on my hospital bed, mourning the losses of the ancient past. I understood him now, his reasoning, his motives for this war. Now I too had a reason to fight, one much stronger. I had to bring retribution to Olympia. I had to get revenge for the suffering of my Chaos Mage. I hated this Gladiobellator, the Black Luster Soldier. How dare he wound Razel so!

"What happened to Atlantis and the three generals, Hermos, Timaeus, and Criteas?"

"Without its host, the power of the Orichalcos, having been so blackened by Dartz, vanished and Atlantis crumbled into the vast oceans. The three generals were transformed into dragons by Dartz in an effort to keep them locked away and imprisoned them in ice."

"I won't let this go unpunished Razel. I will fix this." I said comforting him.

He grunted. "It is over. Do not carry my burdens. I do not wish that for you."

"Nonsense. You don't tell me a story like that and expect me to not take it personally. I am your Master and I will make this right for you and Olympia. It's awful what happened. Now I know why you're such an ass in training. You want me to be ready for anything. Fine. I'll go to that meeting. I will do what is necessary. And you can't stop me," I said poking him.

Razel let out a sigh followed by a light chuckle. His arm that had been around me gave a squeeze. "In many ways you two are similar. As much as I hate to admit, I don't think I could if I wanted to."

I was like Olympia? How cool. I blushed at the compliment.

Then he added, "Don't think because of your little stumble that I will go easy on you in the future. In fact I shall push harder on your training. I cannot be associated with a Master who falters like a lame horse."

I laughed glad that the mood had lifted. "That's fine. I can handle it."

"If you tell anyone especially that simpering elf what I have thus told you, or mention my unbecoming position of reclining in your bed, I will wreak havoc upon you. I pride myself on my name and I will not be seen as sympathetic."

I rolled my eyes. "Whatever you say."

Later that day Von returned with some clothes and reports of extremely happy mages camping out in and around my house. Luckily for both me and Von, Razel had long since risen from lying next to me.

By morning I had been cleared and checked out of Kaiba Corp's medical facility. I had taken a quick shower and was feeling much better. I dressed and made ready to leave. Roland was set and waiting to take me home as per Seto's instructions. I gave him my things and handed him the vase of orange roses left in my room by I don't know who. Before I left Kaiba Corp grounds, though, I located the elevators that would take me up to the corporate offices. Seto had wanted me to go to his main office to see something. I was already there so I figured what's another hour. I pressed the button for the top floor, which I had to get a special card key to access from the front desk. The all glass lift, which gave a full view of Domino, was not the place for someone who is afraid of heights let me tell you. I was pressed against those doors and not coming away from them. I had to look up in order to not get sick. I was so happy when it finally stopped and I whipped out into a hall. The floors were Carrera marble and the walls were painted a soothing sage green with the occasional piece of abstract art that is customary in such offices. At the end was a receptionist's desk. A woman sat behind it. Beyond her were two large doors.

"Hi, I'm here to see Mr. Kaiba." I said.

"Sure, hold on. Mr. Kaiba, there is a woman here to see you." She spoke into her phone.

"Send her in."

"Yes sir. You may go in now." She went back to her typing.

"Thanks," I said and walked past her.

I opened the doors and saw Seto seated at his large desk. I remembered being in his office the day of our Psychic Duel so I need not go into much detail. It was what you might expect from a businessman of his caliber; large floor to ceiling windows, dark hardwood floors, leather sofas, a large flat screen, a few potted plants, some art, a bar and small kitchenette, and a private bathroom. The office space was huge how about that.

Seto busily typed away on his keyboard, his eyes flitting from the computer screen to the documents before him. I almost forgot how young he was, he was still in high-school. He seemed like a seasoned businessman having spent decades in the trade. He sat pole straight in his chair, not slouching over his work. His hair was perfectly styled and his blue eyes were crisp. He wore a dark navy suit with a white shirt and dark tie. From where I stood several yards away, I caught the faint aroma of his Gucci cologne again. Ugggg, this man was delicious.

"So—what did you want to show me?" I asked breaking the silence.

"How are you feeling?" He replied without looking up.

I blinked. "Better thanks. Can't wait to get home."

"Hmmm. That's good." He typed more.

"Seto, what is it?"

"See the T.V. there? See the remote on the coffee table? Pick it up, turn it on and push play."

I flashed him a look. "You want me to watch a video?"

"Just do it." He grunted.

I scoffed and went over to the couches. I picked up the remote and pushed play. It was a surveillance video from the day of Obelisk's summoning. A split screen, one on me and the other on Seto's mock duel. I watched as the little images of me and Seto played our parts in his big plan. What was interesting was tat all through until he summoned Obilesk in the duel, his camera's footage was clear. Whereas mine jumped and bounced as I gathered my Energy, variable turning into static once I was in full swing. I watched myself under the influence of Obelisk and saw how that affected Seto in the next room. The video of me in that state was bothersome and I found it hard to watch at times. But when I saw the devastation Obelisk caused to Seto's robot and computer systems, I felt success and pride.

"It's amazing is it not?" Seto's voice held marvel as he stood next to me now.

His presence nearly made me jump. "It is. It's astounding really. Look, you see me summoning Obelisk and at the same time the card is glowing in your hand. When I finally pushed it out, he explodes from your Duel Disk and rises like Chernabog." I said pointing to the screen.

"That, and how your power disrupts the camera's operation. When I first surveyed this, I thought there was a technical issue with it. But on further analysis, I realized that it must be similar to what happened to the communication device in the museum."

I made a noise and kept my eyes glued to the flat screen. After the duel, people ran into the test site with fire extinguishers and data reports for Seto to look over. On my end, I merely lay there lifeless on the floor. The glass one-way window was cracked and so was the floor. Smoke rose from my body and I saw the horrendous burns Seto had mentioned yesterday. My skin was lobster red with blackened edges on my arms and chest. My legs were just as ghastly. If it were not for the folds of my shirt lifting and falling with each light breath, it really did look like I was dead. Just then Mokuba jovially burst into the room but turned into a frantic child when he saw my condition. From the other camera Seto's head snapped up from his scientists and reports and he dashed away as if his stocks were being bought out from under him. Quickly Seto entered the second frame. He saw me and said something quick to his brother. Mokuba fled the room visible yelling for something or someone. Seto moved in closer, tentatively knelt down next to me and placed his hand above my mouth. I guess when he felt my exhalations, he shot back up and then hollered for a medic team.

"Holy shit—look at me. I'm a mess," I giggled nervously.

"But that's not all. Here is where things start to get weirder. Look closely."

I did. Stepping closer to the screen I noticed that, slowly but surely, the angry red that covered my body was disappearing. The smoke stopped emanating from my form and my skin healed itself. It was like watching reverse slow motion. By the time the medics arrived, I was back to normal. The whole time this was going on Seto stood eerily by. He was mesmerized by what was happening. Only when the medics burst through the door did Seto jar back into reality and barked out orders. They rolled me away on a gurney with Seto not far behind.

"We ran some tests on you while you were out. These statistics I kept for myself. Your vitals were normal, your blood work was normal. Respiration and heart rate all normal. Then we get to CAT and MRI's."

"What about them?" I turned to glance at him.

"Well…you fried my machines."

My face blanched. What? An MRI machine was easily three million dollars (true). A CAT scan was probably just as expensive.

"I did what?" My voice was small.

"When you were placed in the MRI machine, your electro-magnetic energy field was too strong. Normally, humans have a slight electro-magnetic pattern, every living thing does. But yours was off the charts. You destroyed my machine by overpowering it. You caused a power surge." (An MRI is like a giant magnet. That's why if you have ever gotten one the nurses tell you to remove all metals that are magnetic. Pure gold is not magnetic or else people would use metal detectors to find it and not sifting pans. As such, metal placed in an MRI will be ripped out of the body and severely burn or kill the person.)

"Same with the CAT scan machine. Needless to say that I've lost several millions because of you."

My throat went dry. "Ahhh…I don't know what to say to that except…sorry?"

Seto shot me a look. "Don't be so candid. The only reason I'm not suing you is due to your abilities."

I laughed, not sure if he was serious or joking. Probably serious.

"So what exactly does this video prove?"

Seto shrugged. "I figured you might want to see what happened. See your potential for future ventures."

My thoughts went back to our conversation yesterday. He was going to make projects for us to work on. I refused to blush.

"Future ventures? When are you going to teach me how to play the game?" I kidded.

"I can fit you in on Sunday if you like."

That was fast, I thought. He's wasting no time. "Yeah? Not too busy?" I asked.

"I place my attention on things that take precedence over others."

My eyes widened. "I'll have to check with Razel but I think I might be able to steal away for a few minutes."

Seto's blue eyes sparkled though his expression was serious. He was having fun with this. "Good. Settled then. Roland will pick you up."

"Ok. Sounds good." I said. "I gotta go. See you on Sunday."

I turned to leave. I felt his hand come around my forearm, gently taking it. I stopped.

"Forget something?" I could not look at him! My face was on fire and my heart beat faster.

"Take this. Use it wisely," He set a folded piece of paper into my hand. His long fingers softly coasted over my skin as I pulled away. Oh! The shivers that resulted from his touch!

"What is it?" I opened the paper. "A number?" A phone number to be specific.

Then I spun around. "Are you…Seto Kaiba are you giving me your phone number?" My face was very sly. How many women would kill to be in my position? Would murder to be so close to him on several occasions? He was Domino royalty and I was a very lucky girl. Knowing his reticent ass like I do now, and because he knew I could easily detect if he was lying, Seto only willingly gave his number to three people; Mokuba, Roland, and me. A first edition Duel Disk signed by him and now his personal number? What's next a marriage proposal?

He smirked, putting his hands into his pants' pockets. "Don't lose it. I won't give it out again. Use it when you use your powers next time. I'd like to see it."

Oh, he tried to make this interaction all business but I sensed his Energy. I knew he wanted to play a bit more. He had an amount of trust in me, that and he enjoyed my company. For him to do this meant worlds of advancement in our relationship.

"Only when I use my power? That's it?" I played right back.

"Is there anything else?"

I thought for a second. "I don't know yet. I'm sure I'll have use for this for something."

"That remains to be seen."

Curiously, I let out tendrils of Energy. Not surprisingly he did the same and our Energies touched. Sparks ignited within us and we knew our concealed emotions were one in the same. We were just too proud to admit it then. We parted amicably, wearing satisfied smirks, both anticipating hearing from the other in the very near future.

On The Way Home:

The ride with Roland was a quiet yet peaceful one. I mostly watched out the window, rubbing my thumb over the piece of paper with Seto's number on it. That man…that man…he was sexy as hell. Have mercy on me! What would it be like to give him a toss huh? I'd love to break a few beds with him that was for sure. Oh my thoughts got nasty. Wouldn't yours? Those long limbs, that body, his scent…mmmmm, mercy. I still did not know who left the flowers though, I nearly forgot about them.

Mistress, please stop with those unbecoming thoughts. A Master of mine is not to share the same inklings as a lowly dockside whore. Razel kindly chided.

Jeeze Razel! Why are you listening to my private thoughts? I demanded quite embarrassed.

Do not blame me. Your Mind Link has gotten much stronger after your little stunt with the mighty Obelisk. It is a likely result of his power. You must be more careful.

Duly noted.

We were passing the high school when I immediately sensed the Energy of another Psychic Duelist. Like the man with white hair and Seto it hit me like a fist in the chest.

This Energy! I have felt it once before! I have lent this source my strength in the past against a difficult foe. Stop here! Follow it Mistress! Razel ordered.

Perking up, I caught sight of a short young man with very unusual hair walking with a small group of friends, two boys and one girl. Chatting animatedly, they were headed to a gaming shop on the corner. Kame games? What a strange name…why a turtle? (kame is turtle in Japanese.)

"Roland, can we stop over there please?" I asked tapping the window.

"Sure. Is everything alright?"

He pulled over in front of the shop. I unfastened my seatbelt.

"Yes I'm fine. I just want to go into this shop real quick. Do you mind waiting? I won't be long." Opening the door I got out. My goodness, this Energy was strong. I was drawn to it.

"I can wait, but Mr. Kaiba requests my presence later on." Roland sounded slightly worried.

"I won't get you in trouble Roland. I promise. Give me ten minutes." I walked over to the shop's door.

Peering inside I saw the group standing by the front desk. An old man was laughing and joking with them. I got the impression that he and the boy with odd hair were related. They were all younger than I was, with the exception of the man of course. They acted like high-schoolers. The one boy, a tall dirty-blond with a distinct Brooklyn accent was gesticulating to his friend, another tall boy with dark close cropped hair about his refusal to cover the blonde's expenses. The girl, a brunette with shoulder length hair rolled her eyes at the two. The short boy, whose hair was pointed and consisted of three colors, black, magenta, and yellow bangs, tried to keep the peace. All of them seemed…nice. Around the short boy's neck was an upside down pyramid with the eye of Ra in the center, like the golden ring and Ishizu/Isis' necklace. Another Millennium Item!

I opened the door, wincing inside at the jingle of the bell, and started to poke around.

"Ah! Welcome to Kame games miss!" The old man said with a large smile.

"Thank you. I've never been in here before," I said checking out the well-stocked shelves of games.

"I'm surprised a girl like her would come into a gamin' store eh Tristan?" The blond whispered to the tall boy.

"Yeah how 'bout it."

"What do you two idiots mean?" said the girl. "What about her makes it seem like she wouldn't come here?"

"Well…just look at her Tea. She looks like she shops at 'dem fancy stores where 'dey give you water and hot towels." Said the blond.

"Joey, I don't think they give you hot towels," the short boy said. His voice was very sweet and calm.

"How would you know Yugi? Ever been in one?" Joey asked.

Yugi!? My stomach flipped. This was Yugi? The one I've heard so much about? This boy was Yugi? I tripped into display of board games.

Honestly Mistress, it is called decorum and tact! This is Yugi. He is another Psychic Duelist, yet he also makes use of his Millennium Item. That is the Millennium Puzzle.

"Well, no. But it sounds weird." Yugi stated with a light smile. "Are you ok?"

"Y..yes! I'm fine. Sorry, wasn't paying attention, hahaha!" I laughed hiding my embarrassment.

Razel what am I supposed to do?

His alliance would greatly help in our cause. He possesses formidable Duel Spirits. With one exception but he is superfluous. It is best to try and be amiable. It is a gaming store is it not? Then do what most humans do and purchase goods.

I was amused that they were talking about me, but I was so surprised that this short high-school student was the Yugi I was searching for. His height left a little to be desired. I was expecting some older guy with a tough or dominate attitude. This kid would probably give me his jacket if I said I was cold. Yet by the same token, there was an air of sincerity about him that was undeniable. His crazy hair only added to his boy-next-door presence. His face was cherub-like with peachy skin and a smooth complexion. His nose was small but fit his face. What struck me were his beautifully violet eyes that possessed an unassuming sensuality. Yes he was young now still retaining remnants of baby-fat, but come to adulthood and Yugi held promise of being a little cutie.

"Miss, are you looking for anything in particular?" The old man asked.

I had to think of a reason for spying on Yugi and his friends. I couldn't say, no I am here to stalk Yugi and his friends cause I've heard so much about him from friends and enemies. Now that I've found you let's have a Psychic Duel! Yeah, I'd love to see that play out. I'd be out on my ass so fast my head would spin. So, instead I said:

"Yeah, I uh, I'm actually in here to buy some dueling cards. Duel Monster cards. Do you sell those?"

At that Yugi and Joey brightened. "My grandpa has a ton. What are you looking for? Have you thought of a deck composition yet?"

"Wait, so this man is your grandfather? That's so cute! It's a family business." I said. It was cute.

"Actually, I'm very new to the game. I've never even played it before. But I have a…colleague who wants to teach me so I need my own deck. I haven't really considered how it should be structured."

"Well that's easy. What Type of monster do you like?" Yugi asked.

"Type?" I blinked.

"Yeah, Zombie, Fairy, Warrior, Spellcaster, Pyro," Joey chimed in.

Mistress, in your world our Races are called Types. It is the same thing.

"Spellcaster." I answered with finality. Had to stay true to my cause.

"Cool! I know of some great cards for that. Here let me show you. I'm Yugi by the way. And that's Joey, Tristan, and Tea." Yugi moved behind the check-out counter and placed a box filled with cards on top.

I said hello and that it was nice to meet them. "I'm (y/n)."

"Nice ta meet ya! So you go to Domino high? Never seen you around," Joey's thick accent made it sound like he should be a foot soldier for the New York mob

"I'm in college." I answered casually.

"Ohhh, a college student. I'm not smart enough to get into college," Joey laughed.

"Don't say that Joey. You should try." I smiled.

"See Joey? What do I tell you?" Tea stated.

"Ah, stop. I dunno. Maybe I'll try. Mai thinks I can do it."

"She's right. You can do anything you set your mid to." Tea nodded.

"Not that it's any of my business but your friends are right. Just try it. Nothing is impossible." I tried to help.

"Meh, stuff is impossible, though," he continued.

I read his Energy, thus letting me peak into his memories. I saw his younger sister Serenity, I saw her operation, Joey getting the Duelist Kingdom prize money. Joey had achieved the impossible based upon his lot in life. He was, technically, a millionaire. Wisely, his mom, who he was gradually building a relationship with again, hired a financial advisor who placed Joey's money in a savings account for him. Honorably, she did not put her name on any documents that would permit her to touch his money. He had a rough past with an alcoholic father who was abusive. Joey rose above that. For him, it seemed, nothing was impossible.

"Not in the abstract it's not." I said.

"De abstract? Now dat's too deep for me. I'll take yer word for it."

Yugi, who had been silent, now spoke up bringing the conversation back to card games. "Have you thought of a Deck Master? Or your top card to revolve your deck around?"

Instantly I dug into my purse and showed him Razel's card form.

"I have this one."

Mistress what in the nine hells are you doing!?Razel yelled loudly into my head.

Shut up and let me work Razel!

My revelation received collected approval and excited remarks from Yugi. "Wow, the Magician of Black Chaos! I used him in a duel against Pegasus. But how do you have it? I thought there was only one in circulation?" He expressed his confusion to his grandfather.

"It is strange that she has the Magician of Black Chaos. I gave it to you to use in Duelist Kingdom after it showed up in the shop one day. It is a mystery how she acquired it but, remember Yugi, the heart of the cards knows what is best for them. I have heard tales of cards suddenly appearing to those whom they themselves chose to be their master and likewise to those whom they feel need their immediate support. Perhaps the card permitted you to wield it for that particular duel, but it is she who is the true controller of it. From your experiences with Pegasus and his Eye, an event like this is nothing unusual."

Damn…grandpa was astute. A normal person might scoff and call the old man a lunatic but Yugi and his friends merely took it in stride.

"I suppose you're right. With the craziness of the Millenium Items, anything is possible. I know first hand the mysteries of the heart of the cards. You're lucky he's your Deck Master. He saved me and my friends lives."

Oh really? You did, did you? I posed to Razel.

It was a step closer to finding you. It was business.

"I see. Well, I can say that I'm no stranger to weird and magical happenings. So, what do I need to build a good deck?"

I leaned closer to the cards in the box.

Yugi and Joey eagerly jumped in.

"You'll need dis one! Monster Reborn! And dis one too, Yami," Joey handed them to me.

"And you can't have a Spellcaster deck without Book of Secret Arts and One Shot Wand. Mystical Elf and Neo the Magic Swordsman too. Here, take these and these."

I laughed and questioned each card they gave me. They both were very generous in their explanations and Yugi was so sweet! The more I understood, the happier he became. I guessed that he loved this game and, like any good teacher, he grew excited as his "pupil" grasped more and more. Tea and Tristan were both nice as well, but stayed out of the technical fineries.

"That should do it. Now you have a deck to start with. The better you get, the different cards you can add to beef it up," Yugi stated handing me a deck of thirty cards.

I fanned them out in my hands. There were Spellcasters I had at home but whose image was printed and lifeless. Once I used my ability in tandem with the card, I brought the Duel Spirit to life. So, in this way, the cards were like photographs.

"Thank you so much. You guys were such a big help. Now all I have to do is learn how to play and I'll be set." I smiled and placed the cards on the counter for check-out.

"You've never played?" Yugi asked with a cute frown.

"Nope. I'm a total beginner. Are you any good?"

"Are ya kiddin? Dis guy's da Duelist Kingdom champion!" Joey puffed his chest clearly proud of his friend.

"I take it that's an accomplishment," I said with a light smile. "Gotta love a man who wins."

Yugi blushed under my gaze and rubbed the back of his head. Tea grew visibly uneasy.

"Yeah, ah, haha, it is a big deal. But I'm not one of those guys who let's victory go to their heads! If you want, I could give you some quick pointers?"

I don't believe this! Is Yugi actually offering to help me? Razel can you fucking say, Success! I am so slick I amaze myself!

"You would? You don't mind?" I tried to be polite.

Yugi grinned and pulled out his own deck from his pocket. "Not at all. Once you know the basics, you can have more fun dueling your friend. Why don't I show you after you get paid up. We have a gaming room in the back."

"Ok!"

I have to admit, I was excited. I liked Yugi right away. He had a genuine Energy, a pure Energy that held those he loved in high regard. It was so different from Seto's, whose was calculating, cold, and leery. Seto did have warmth in him, lonely warmth that slowly was seeping out but Yugi's Energy made me feel happy. Oddly enough, I did not detect any malicious Energy coming from his Millennium Item. Maybe it was a good one. Although, at the time I was unaware of this, I did pick up on a weird sensation floating around that game store. It was faint, like memory. But it remained and gave me the feeling that I was being watched. It felt like a ghost, I guess you could say…you know, if you believe in that kind of thing.

After I paid, I followed the group into the back room. A table and chairs were set up in the middle.

"You sit here and I'll sit here," Yugi pulled out my seat for me, what a gentleman! He sat next to me and told Joey to be my opponent.

My thoughts went to Roland waiting in the car and I felt sorry that I was doing this to him. I had to. This was vital.

"So we'll start. Ok so Joey played the Armored Lizard in Attack Mode. That means that his monster will attack your Life Points and reduce that amount by the amount of attack points it has unless you play a stronger monster or put a card in Defense Mode. So, draw a card. Hmmm, alright. Play Maha Vailo in Attack Mode. Now Equip it with the Dark Pendant, which raises its points. Now attack Joey's monster."

I did. As the game continued, I got the hang of the rules. Yugi was a patient and clear teacher who told me how to be decisive and strategic in my moves. Joey beat me the first two times but after the third I beat him.

"I did it! I won!" I clapped. "It feels good to win! I can see why people get addicted to it." I said laughing.

Tristan teased and wrestled with Joey, asking him how he could lose to a total amateur. Tea giggled and chimed in saying that if Joey had not been so distracted by me that he could have won ergo proving that women are more steadfast and better than men. Their banter and closeness charmed me and I gently prodded Joey as well.

"This was a lot of fun. Thank you guys. I'm not a champion yet, but I feel more confident about the game now." I took my deck and put it into my purse.

"It was fun. It's nice to have a simple duel with no strings attached. Do you live around here?" Yugi asked resting his chin in his hand.

"I do. Why?" Why did he want to know where I lived?

"Because if you want, you could meet us again to duel for fun."

"Yeah, we could hang out. I need another girl to talk too. Boys get annoying," Tea said.

Uh oh. Razel would blow a gasket if I skipped out on training. Plus I had to prepare for the meeting in the Duel Monster Spirit World with my potential allies in a war against the Warriors that was impending as we speak. That and I had training and Seto on Sunday. I felt like I was leading a double life.

"Sure. When?" I had to play nice. I had to win over Yugi's friendship in order to secure his Millennium powers. According to Ishizu/Isis I was going to need them. It was a political move in the beginning. As I got to know him, I saw him in the light of a friend rather than a prop.

"How about this weekend? Saturday?"

Ahhh—damn. Bad timing Yugi.

It seems you are in a bit of a conundrum, Mistress. What do you plan to do? Razel asked.

I'm not sure. I suppose I could double up on my training on Friday to make room on Saturday. Before you quip back, Razel in my defense you told me to get closer to this Yugi and his Millennium Puzzle.

That is true. What do you intend to do?

I think I should go. As you said, we will need allies. Yugi could tip the scales.

Yugi is also not committed to one race. He has many races at his disposal. In the past he has employed Warriors and their allies to fight for him. It is rare, though, that he has a Spellcaster and Warrior on the field together. Most of the time he tributes one for the other. As if that dubious mage is worth sacrificing for.

Yugi has a Spellcaster too? Which one?

He is nothing, Mistress. A flea on the grand surface of Earth. You need not concern yourself.

But what do I do if I, ya know…meet him?

"Are you ok?" Yugi asked.

I blushed realizing that I had been conversing with Razel through our Mind Link, all the while Yugi had been waiting for me to respond to his question.

"Yes! Um, sure Saturday sounds fine. Where should I meet you?"

"Let's exchange contact info. That way we can all set it up," Tristan offered.

"Good idea Tristan," Tea said digging out her phone.

Their unabashed welcoming of me was unfamiliar and put me in a prickly situation. I was not used to people simply bringing me into their group. My mages were one thing, but members of my peers or younger? It made me anxious.

"What's your number (y/n)?" Yugi was poised to enter me into his contact list.

I read my number. They all added me.

"Great. I'll add you on Facebook," Tea said, her thumbs working overtime.

"Nah. I don't have any social media. I don't like it. It's a life and time stealer." I said putting my phone back.

"You don't? What do you do for entertainment?" She asked.

I was beginning to suspect that she was one of those millions of girls who live and breathe on the internet. Posting every single minutia detail about their lives for the brief pleasure of getting "liked." It was a form of addiction I thought, one that was hurting today's youth. I have my issues with it. I think that the media and social media outlets provided means for increases in intolerance, on both sides of the political spectrum, violence, increased anger and meanness, ignorance to history and anything truly important, and, my biggest pet peeve, improper grammar. Since when was it acceptable to misuse I and me? Or her and she, his and him, and other examples. When was it cool to speak improperly? It makes a person sound uneducated. And then they misuse I to try and sound educated when their misuse only points out the fact that they are using it incorrectly. Often you hear "him/her and me/I..." This is wrong. It is "He/She and I…"A simple trick to solve this is to use yourself and another in a sentence. If the action is something you would do alone "I went to the movies," you say "Tea and I went to the movies." Likewise you say, "Tea went to the movies with me." Do not say "Tea and me went to the movies," or "her and I went…" It's not "me went to the movies, or her went," it is "She and I went, or she went to the movies with me." Just a humble thought.

Plus, I was in college. I did not have time for social media.

"Well, I read. I exercise, I go shopping and out for walks." I listed.

"And now you duel," Yugi piped in.

I laughed. "And now I duel. So Saturday where?"

"How about the Domino Park to start? Then we'll play it by ear." Yugi said.

"Sounds good. I'm excited. I gotta go though. Nice to meet you guys! Bye! Thank you for your help!"

I left the game shop and met a borderline irritated Roland. "I'm sorry that took so long Roland."

"Never mind. Your business is your own. I called Mr. Kaiba to let him know I was running late and when I told him why, he said something I've never heard him say. At least unless it concerns Mr. Mokuba."

"Oh? And what was that?" I turned to look over at him.

He sniffed. "He told me to let you take all the time you need, and that if I should rush you when it involves you or duel monsters that he would see to it that I am demoted to HR."

I laughed out loud. "No shit? He said that?"

"He most certainly did. I know that he would never do that but the mere fact he would threaten my position means that you are far more important to him than an employee. I don't know what it is you and Mr. Kaiba are working on for the sake of his tournament but it must be groundbreaking. I commend you for your hard work and being there for Mr. Kaiba. He doesn't have many people he can confide in outside of Mr. Mokuba and me." His mood had softened and he was the nice Roland again.

"Thanks Roland. It means a lot." I smiled and fiddled with my bag of duel monsters cards.

When Roland dropped me off, I waved goodbye and entered my house. Razel materialized from his place in my purse and was formally greeted with bows. My younger mages tackled me. My teenaged mages hugged me. My adult mages cheered and were happy I was well. Von and Neo ushered them away like frustrated bodyguards.

"Behold our Mistress has summoned an Egyptian God Spirit! Obelisk! No other Duel Spirit can state as much!" Maha Vailo claimed.

"Our Mistress is a celebrity now! Many Spellcasters have approached us wanting to meet you," Silas said.

Rae and Brie congratulated me and told me that they had a few new Spellcasters waiting to join me. "Some are a little fiendish looking."

"That's fine," I said.

"I hope you are hungry Mistress because we have prepared a special treat for you," Pien Fang said with an excited grin.

"You did? What is it? Hell yeah I'm hungry," I said trying to walk with several young Spellcasters around me.

They showed me my backyard. It was beautifully decorated with magic lights and lanterns that floated in the air. Rows of ethereal lights illuminated the grounds in a dim spectacle of fantasy. There were exquisitely laid out tables piled high with sumptuous foods and desserts. My mages even scented the air with jasmine and lotus.

"Wow," I was thoroughly impressed.

"Do you like it Mistress?" Asked my young mages.

"Yeah. Very much. Thank you guys so much," it was beautiful. "Whose idea was this?"

"All of ours," Lux smiled. "When we heard about your ailment we were distraught. But Von informed us that you had awoken and we decided to celebrate your homecoming."

I laughed and exclaimed how great it was and how I was not worthy, in a joking way. Razel kept quiet, reverting back to his authoritative self.

"Mistress, I bet I can beat you to the desserts," Kisa said smirking.

"The hell you can. Move!" I raced over to the tables and snatched a plate, jumping over my sneaky young mages as we competed for food.

Mei Ya offered me Chinese inspired snacks. Gian and Lux had me try spicy noodles and breads filled with savory ingredients. Neo and his cousin Eurio (the D.D.M) bade me to taste their family recipe of European styled meats in herbed sauces. Razel joined us, eating sparingly as he so often does. He mostly hung with Helion, or I should say Helion hung out with him. And so the evening went. We all ate and laughed and partied into the night. It was a nice reprieve from the events of the past few days and preparation for events to come.