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.

17. Chapter 17

Wednesday

The morning after the little homecoming party I was woken by a strange dream. In this dream, I was walking down the streets of downtown Domino with Yugi, Joey, Tea and Tristan. Suddenly we stopped and saw a bright light in the sky. It resembled the Northern Lights, which was strange as they only formed in arctic skies where the magnetosphere around Earth is disturbed by solar winds. Curiously, Duel Spirits emerged from the aurora and began attacking the citizens. From the looks of it they were Fiend and Insect Races. A few Dragons here and there. It was Bedlam in the city. Spirits targeted the people as if they were brainwashed. Or they attacked them out of fear. Then Yugi and his friends disappeared and I was in the Duel Monster Spirit World. I was in the Realm of the Spellcasters, surrounded by my Duel Spirits. They came to me in desperation, seeking my protection with frantic eyes and shrill voices. I looked beyond the city's center and noticed the Grand Spellbook Tower was wrapped in enchantments. Then I saw more Duel Monster Spirits converge into the city, all from different Races. They were seeking safety. From what?

A roar thundered across the land. The Spellcaster Elites and mid and upper-level mages readied themselves for battle. Together with the other Races, they combined forces to fight this common enemy. They shouted incoherently across their ranks. Battalions of warriors of every Race stood firm and raised their weapons of many types along with a battle cry. They charged towards an enormous yellow eye peering down from a nest of black clouds. A lightshow of power dotted above as Duel Spirits waged war against this intruding entity. Then the Eye landed on me and I woke up with a start. A cold sweat covered me.

"What the hell was that?" I breathed. The dream felt so real that I was not sure if it really was a dream.

I sat up. My alarm beeped. It was seven in the morning. Uggggg, I had strength training and etiquette training with Razel today too…

That Morning:

"Again!"

"Oh God Razel, really? How many times am I going to have to do this?" I moaned in blatant aggravation.

"Until you get it right!" He yelled at me.

"But I've been practicing this for hours! How hard is it to just sit down?" I slapped my hands down hard on my lap.

"It is one of the most important first impressions you can give! To be able to sit with the poise and grace of a queen is a task you must master! You cannot waltz into the meeting between the leaders of our allied Races and sit like a mule!" Razel barked, walking over to grab my shoulders from behind.

Forcefully he pulled me back to sit straight. He turned my head forward.

"Sit with your back erect and your head facing forwards. When you go to take your seat, your back must remain straight and your shoulders cannot collapse over. Keeping your face front will give the allusion of power and control."

For the past three hours, Razel had been instructing me to sit like a lady of court. Taking a dining chair with arms, he put me through the endless loop of properly entering the room, coming around to the front of my seat and the correct way of sitting down without glancing away. When you sit normally, you let your shoulders collapse, or slump down with the rest of your trunk. Your body curves as it goes to sit. You might even look down at the floor, your lap, next to you, or any other direction. When you sit as I will do and have done since, in an official setting, you must keep your torso perfectly straight bending at the waist. Your chest has to stay lifted and your shoulders kept back. Your head has to be front so that you maintain eye contact with those around you. Yet it's not the act of sitting down that is the hardest part, it's holding that posture for an extended duration of time. If you're not used to sitting this way, without the aid of a corset, your back will start to sting.

"I do not understand why this is not getting through to you," He was exasperated.

"Me either."

"You must perfect it until you can sit flawlessly. Lord Odin, Lord Sephylon, the twins Lords Hikari and Yoru of the Fairy Race, not to mention Lord Dystopia, Lord Nana, and Lord Deadroot of the Fiend Race and Lord Crest of the Psychic Race will expect nothing less."

Who Razel was referring to were the leaders of the Fairy, Fiend, and Psychic Races. Odin, Father of the Aesir, Sephylon, the Ultimate Time Lord, Hikari and Yoru the Arcana EX Force the Light Ruler and the Arcana EX Force the Dark Ruler, Dystopia the Despondant, Nana, Number 77 the 7 Sins, and Deadroot The Wicked Deadroot. Crest was Number C69: Heraldry Crest of Horror.

"Who else will be there?" I asked fixing my posture.

"Torunka, and our allies."

"Who exactly are our allies?"

"There are twenty four Races in our world. Minus the Spellcaster and Warrior Races, the Divine Beast and the legendary Creator God Races, that leaves twenty. Dragons are neutral, only lending their services if it suits them. That leaves nineteen. Of those nineteen, eight are loyal to us with two more divided between us and the Warriors. Those are the Fairy, Fiend, Psychic, Pyro, Aqua, Beast, Fish, and Wyrm Races. The Warriors have amassed the Beast-Warrior, Dinosaur, Insect, Machine, Reptile, Rock, Sea Serpent, Thunder, and Winged-Beasts. The two straggler Races that are equal for us and them are the Plant and Zombie Races."

"Is that so?" I mused thinking long and hard about our odds with those Races.

"Unfortunately, the Machine Race is one of the most daunting and formidable. The Warriors have a unique advantage there. However, we have the growing support of the Blue Eyes White Dragon sisters, an envious win by any standard, as well as the divine assistance of Obelisk."

"But Razel, I'm not the Blue Eye's Master, nor is Obelisk my Duel Spirit. So what makes you think that they will help me? Or us?" I pointed out.

"The Blue Eyes White Dragons are fiercely loyal to their Master. As such, they are just as devoted to those close to their Master. I see no issue there. Obelisk is another matter. Seto Kaiba may wield his card form, but without you that boy would never have been able to summon him. Therefore, every Warrior and their allies know that you have the power to call forth that Divine Beast at will."

I tried not to fidget in my seat, but my back was starting to hurt.

"Resist," Razel shot me a look.

He was right. I had to. I had two days left before the meeting. Friday…great. Then Saturday I was to spend with Yugi and then Sunday I was going to be Seto.

"I'm not sure 'at will' is the right choice of words. Not unless I want to be out of it again. So why this war in the first place?"

"What do you mean?" Razel walked behind me and poked his index finger between my shoulder blades, I was slouching.

"If I'm so threatening, then why chance being defeated? Why continue with war? Or is it that I happened to enter the game during this long boiling hostility that is now spewing over?"

"The Warriors are a proud Race. Once they see a threat that they may not be able to sway to their side, it must be destroyed. With me as your Duel Spirit and your growth as a Master, their chances of having you join them grows slimmer by the hour. Yet they know you are still inexperienced in the grand scheme so they are using that as an advantage. If they erase you, then there is no longer any possibility of their defeat or enslavement by other Races. They have many enemies who would enjoy seeing their downfall. That in addition to this conflict being a long time coming."

"I can see that."

"Alright. We will do this once more and then break for Spell work." Razel stated waving me to get up and go into the dining room.

"Now, His Grace, Deadroot of the Fiends! He will enter and take his place at the table. Her Ladyship, The Master of the Chaos Mage! Now you enter, back straight, head held high, one foot in front of the other, eyes ahead. Good, good. Come around to the front of your seat. Pause, grasp both arm rests gently, bend at the waist keeping your chest up, like that good. Sit easily, do not plop down, excellent, sit with two inches between you and the back of the seat, never recline. Nod your head in acknowledgement to the right, left, good."

Then it was over.

"Very good Mistress. I think you have gotten it." Razel said.

I looked up at him with a relieved smile. "Really? I did it right?"

He gave me one of his ghost grins. "You did it correctly."

I clapped my hands, "yayyyy!"

Razel shook his head at my antics.

From the other room, Ectola my Ghostrick Witch floated in on her broomstick, holding my cellphone.

"Good morning Lord Razel. Sorry to interrupt Mistress, but your device made a chiming sound just now. I thought you might wish to look at it."

"Oh! It's a text. Thanks Ectola." I said taking my phone from her. "Where are the others?"

"They are outside training. It is hot today Mistress."

She was right. It was the end of June and in the mid-80s. This summer was a warm one.

"Tell Eria to spread a little rain on everybody. Cool them off," I said about my Water Charmer.

"I will!" With that she flew off to relay my message. In a few seconds I heard the pleased sighs and banter of my sweaty mages.

"I wonder who texted me," I tapped the voice bubble icon.

It was Yugi and Tea!

Yugi's read: "Hey (y/n)! It's Yugi from Kame Games. Just wanted to say hi and let you know, if you weren't aware, that it was going to rain on Saturday. It does not bother us but if you did not want to meet at the park, we could meet somewhere else."

Awww, how nice. I responded. "Hi Yugi. I love the rain so meeting outside is fine with me. When are we getting together?"

"How does nine sound?" He responded rather quickly.

"Nine sounds good."

"Great! I'll let the others know. TTYL."

"Bye."

With that transaction done, I moved onto Tea's.

"Hey there! I was wondering if on Saturday you might want to go to that bath and body store that just opened? It's called Lush (one of my favorite stores!). The guys are going to check out the arcade for a bit and I need some girl time/ shopping. Want to go?"

Hell yeah! I thought. I love scented stuff. "Sure! I've been meaning to checkout that store."

"Cool! This is going to be fun!"

"It is!" I answered.

Heh…looks like I've made a few friends. Wonder how they'll feel when they find out what I am.

Friday, Duel Monster Spirit World: Meeting of the Leaders at the Hall of Neutrality

The next two days flew by. I was brought to the Spirit World by Razel and taken to a special temple-like post on the outskirts of the Realm of Spellcasters which, much to my surprise, was huge. Not only did it have the Secret City of the Spellcasters to the north, but it also had the Citadel of Endymion to the south. Within the Citadel presided the grand Spellbook Tower, an imposing facility that was both library and school of magic. Protective incantations circled the tower barring entrance from intruders. Surrounding it was another large cityscape where lay-magicians and students lived. There were several other such cities dotting the area too. In addition, tracts and tracts of land belonged to them, cities and towns stretching far with ample fields, rolling meadows and forests in between.

Crowds of Spellcasters lined the main streets, cheering for me and Razel and Von, my main and second Spirits. The rest of my mages were separated into a sort of guest of honor section and cheered as we passed by. It was hard to ignore the cries of adoration for Neo from the throats of many girls. A part of me wondered if half of this pomp and circumstance was to celebrate Razel but that was mere conjecture. The whole show was a little embarrassing but I smiled and waved. Confetti, flower petals, and magic sparks flew and fluttered in the air. Children danced and ran after us. Women fawned and waved at Razel and Von. My Ancient Elf, who was so unaccustomed to such attention from his fellow Spellcasters, remained quiet and professional. When in doubt, emulate your superior. Razel walked with confidence and assurance. Even when we went by my Duel Spirits, Razel greeted them just the same as all others. In his long years he was used to these events and his experience showed.

I knelt down and took bouquets from young mages. I shook hands with the populace. In the distance, the floating fortress where the Elites dwelled glowed. They knew I was here, and they were watching me. Despite my being the future Mistress of them all, I had to get a formal invitation to visit the floating fortress where Razel's contemporaries lived. Our little troupe weaved our way down the roads, going by what you might expect to find in a normal human city with some additives; taverns and pubs, stores selling various goods, many book shops, a few magical item shops, liquor stores, sweet shops, butchers, bakeries, robe and wand/staff shops, florists, and others. Apartment houses and dormitories stood high along the streets. I saw Neo's house, and the houses where Pien Fang, Mei Ya, Rae and Brie, Rai, and my mages lived. My Performapals and Pendulum Spellcasters chose to live in the more suburban area of the city. The entire city itself was akin to a European city with mixed ages resulting in the eclectic architecture. I saw Medieval, Renaissance, Enlightenment and Victorian, German, Italian, English, and French influences.

Eventually, we met a large horse drawn carriage driven by Orion the Charioteer of Prophesy, a handsome blond young mage whom I took into my group shortly after my meeting. It was gilded and slightly sinister in design. Not evil sinister, but what you would expect of Spellcasters; ornate filigree, spikes here and there, some nature influences. I got inside and was taken away to the designated meeting place. My mages I left behind, only Razel and Von were permitted to accompany me. As the City shrunk in the distance, I rode with them towards a towering structure reminiscent of Greek and Medieval architecture. This was the Temple of Imminence. This would be where I was to be bathed and dressed in accordance with my station for this official interaction. Razel explained everything to me, and I tried to listen though my nerves threatened to strangle me. Von too was anxious, going from a reclusive mage to one of the most widely known must be an adjustment. Razel told him what his role in this was but I don't think he heard him either.

We halted before the large front gates. Orion dismounted his steed and opened my carriage door. He lent me his arm so I could disembark. Lined up at the gates were a few of my female Spellcasters. Mana was there. Adeena, my Magician Girls, and a few others I had never met before too. They took me away from Razel, who went down his own corridor presumably to get ready himself, and brought me to an inner chamber where I heard the sounds of rushing water. Von was in tow but was halted outside.

"You are not permitted inside Lord Von. You must continue further to your own quarters." Adeena said in her soft voice.

Von's chocolate eyes flickered. "Am I not her second Duel Spirit?"

"You are. However, this is a place for women…not men. Our Mistress will bathe and ready herself. Unless you are her husband or Lord Razel, the law states that no one may see her until she is decent."

Von processed Adeena's words trying not to blush at the thought of me being indecent (undressed.) How stately! Only my spouse or my true Duel Spirit can see me dressing? They would be the closest to me so I guess it made sense. Mana signaled for an escort to lead Von to his own rooms. Ever my protector, Von tensed at the thought of leaving me alone in a strange place. He was my Second so I knew him best of all in this group. Knowing how nervous I was on the trip here, I'm sure my Elf was nonplussed at being told to vacate the premises. A sentry approached and stood behind him. He took my hand and with a reassuring squeeze, Von left us.

I did not want him to go! I wanted the reassurance of my Ancient Elf. I wanted Von there to give me confidence. He was always my friend and dearest confidant, so having to go on this by myself rattled me inside. Nevertheless I and the others entered into the largest bathroom I've ever seen. High ceilings were fogged by steam, concealing the mosaics and paintings of famous mages. Golden trays held vials and vials of fragrant oils and soaps. My female mages prepared a hot bath for me in a pool sized bath made of dark granite, with fountains spewing the steaming liquid in little waterfalls. Adeena added some oils to the water and the room soon filled with the scents of orange and sage.

"Mistress, please disrobe so that we may wash you," Mana said.

"Ah…isn't this a bit extravagant?" I asked taking off my clothes. I was slightly embarrassed by this but not really.

"It may seem so initially, but this is customary. We do not mind," Adeena added taking my clothes and putting them in another room.

Quickly, my Apple Magician Girl Ruby came to me with a cotton robe.

"When you take a few steps in the water, remove the robe and hand it back to me. This is to cover yourself until you can submerge yourself in a fluid motion."

What she meant was fairly common in ancient bathing rituals. The woman would enter the water usually up to her thighs or hips before taking off her robe. Before she completely took it off, she lowered herself into the water and handed the robe to her servants. It protected her modesty. I did as she told me. I stepped into the hot water and my foot tingled in that deliciously soothing way. I went further in and removed my robe. I sank to my shoulders and sighed in pleasure. My muscles relaxed and I did not want to get out of the water.

They bathed me and anointed me with perfume. I talked ceaselessly to break up the awkwardness I felt. Once finished, they dried me off and brought me to another chamber that was like a giant dressing room. They dressed me in positive finery. I felt very uncomfortable about the pampering but I knew I had to get used to it. Now I take it in stride. When I have official business, I follow the same routine without thought. It's second nature.

Back then it was weird though. When they brought out my formal garb, my trepidation shrunk.

The dress they presented me with was made of pearlescent lavender silk and satin. It fitted tightly around my bust and hips, conforming to my body. It's shoulder-less top wrapped under my arms, like a tube-top/corset. The dress reached to the floor so that I had to wear heels. Behind me, the skirt trailed and tapered into a short train. Dark grape and gold embroidery snaked its way up my sides and hips, decorating the bodice of the dress. I wore an eggplant coat with a high collar that conformed closely to my body and flared nicely at the bottom. The sleeves were double sleeves; a tight sleeve that reached to the top of my hand was sewn inside of a longer bell sleeve. Likewise embroidery and contrasting cording laced over the topside and edges of the coat. My make-up was a touch more dramatic around my eyes than normal, with darker lipstick. Mana and my female mages smoked my eye shadow, and contoured my cheeks with powder. For my hair, Adeena and my Magician Girls pulled my hair tightly back and piled it up high in multiple buns each decorated with tiny diamonds. Every time I turned my head, I sparkled. Fastening it with a heavy golden band the strands of pearls that attached to it were weaved into my hair. I wore golden hoop earrings, and a gold choker. They sprayed me with a perfume made of lotus and jasmine. When they showed me my reflection, I was excited.

"Holy crap—this is incredible," I said.

"Now, you are ready Mistress." Mana told me.

I exited the dressing chamber with Mana and the others in tow. Bewitched marble Sentries lined the grand halls, commanded to attack intruders. I kept my posture straight, thanks in part to the tightness of my dress's bodice, and my chin lifted. How would Olympia have done this? I knew full well that I was not Princess Olympia of Atlantis, but I wanted to present myself in such a way that I could make Razel proud. I wanted my bearing to be like hers. Just to have my bases covered, I silently asked her for help. When we reached the doors leading to the main chamber of the temple, I stopped.

"You will be announced and the doors will open. Lord Razel and your escorts will be on the other side." Ruby explained.

An enchanted voice spoke loudly outside the doors.

"Her Ladyship, The Master of the Chaos Mage!"

Goosebumps riddled my skin at that. Having my title announced was a pretty cool thing. The towering doors opened and I stepped out. In the main chamber stood Razel and I admit I blushed when I saw him. He was very dashing and I understood why women fawned over him. He waited there dressed in an elegant black robe that came down to his calves. It was covered in dark purple and black embroidery, and was secured with silver buttons. The sleeves were slightly belled, the collar high under his chin. At his throat was a deep blue stone. His trousers were black as well and so were his fine leather boots, accentuating his long legs. His black hair was left down and straight. On his head he did wear a circlet of the Elite.

"For a moment I did not recognize you. You look befitting of a noble," he said.

Together we faced the main gates. "Now, the doors will open. There will be a long pathway to the meeting center. You will hear the names of leaders being read aloud as they enter. You will fall in line and wait your turn."

"Where will you be?" I asked.

"Right here. I will walk beside you until we are called. Then you shall go first and I second."

I breathed, "Ok."

My hands had tiny tremors. I was nervous.

"Calm yourself. You will be fine."

"Ok. Where's Von?" I gave a quick check around.

"He will be waiting for us to return. This is no place for a Second."

The main doors opened and just as he said, we followed a stone path towards another large structure. Flags waved in the air with the emblems of each representative Race. This building before us was circular with pillars all around it, reminding me of St. Peter's Square in Rome.

"I will introduce you. Remember in our world you are a visitor. They will see you as a Master but not theirs, so they will be cordial but not subservient. They may not be as kind to you as the Spellcasters."

"That's fine," I said. "I was not expecting them to treat me like that anyway."

"Now, some dialogue might be spoken in their native languages. Do not fret, I will translate and if necessary converse on your behalf." Razel quietly said.

"They don't all speak English?"

"It is their second language. English is not our first language either."

I guess that should not really surprise me. "What is your native language then?"

"It is an ancient form of dialect that closely resembles Latin and Atlantian. It also shares roots with your Gaelic and ancient languages. It is called La'Atlionochkaa'et'ahck."

I don't know why, but hearing Razel speak in a foreign ancient tongue with such natural ease sent shivers through me. "Out of curiosity, just how many languages can you speak?" I thought on this. If he could speak Atlantian, a language from ten thousand years ago, and English, and possibly ancient Egyptian, just how many could he actually speak?

Without missing a beat Razel answered with, "twenty two."

I snapped my head in his direction. "Twenty two!?"

"Indeed."

"Jesus Christmas. What are they?" I was immensely jealous.

"La'Atlionochkaa'et'achk, Atlantian, Latin, Etruscan, Persian, the Hittite language, ancient Greek, Sumerian, ancient Egyptian, Welsh, Gaelic, Phoenician, Acadian, the language of Ur, the language of Gaul and the Britons, Old Norse, French, Russian, Japanese, Italian, German and English."

I was quiet. So many of those languages were dead they were so old. He could still speak them? Like, could he break out and yell at me in Sumerian? No one knows what it sounds like (as far as I know, this is true and is a highly sought after skill in the history, archeology, and lingual worlds of study). Or Latin for that matter?

"That does not include those languages I can read." He added.

"Can all Duel Spirits speak that many?" I asked secretly hating him. If he could speak twenty-two how many could he read?

"Do not be envious Mistress. Blame your modern world for your lack of language skill. These days, the common tongue is English. This allows for populations to forgo learning other languages necessary to do trade and political policy. In ancient times, one needed to learn the inter-workings of many languages as there was no official master language. Plus, being learned in languages was a hallmark of the highly educated and societal elite. Plus we did not have the technological distractions you mortals now are enslaved to."

We approached the meeting hall. He was right, there was a small line of dignitaries lined up and waiting to be announced. My stomach tightened into knots. Standing here among the Duel Monster Spirit World Rulers, Razel included, I felt small. Each one was more impressive than the next. From beautiful to downright terrifying, these were the ones I had to impress upon to join my cause. Their official robes and armor ranged from bright and shining to ratty and dark. A heavy curtain separated us from the inner sanctum and we each waited to be formally announced. Thankfully, none of the Elites made obvious glances my way. They all knew I was there but I did not get any uncomfortable stares or sneers. Up ahead I saw a tall sage speaking with a frightful looking thing that appeared to have some number tattooed onto him. I wanted to ask who that was as he seemed like a Spellcaster but I was too nervous to open my mouth. Razel, on the other hand, said greetings to his fellow Elites.

"Greetings Lord Sephylon."

One of the Elites of the Fairy Race turned his head. He was a rather imposing machine like creature with metal ornaments. "Ah, Lord Razel. Such a pleasure to see you. It has been quite a long time."

"Indeed it has. It is a pity to meet on such ill-fated circumstances." Razel replied.

Sepylon nodded. "Quite right. I do apologize, Lord Odin and the twins Hikaru and Yoru were unable to join us. In times of impending strife, we Fairy Elites never go anywhere together. Three must stay behind. I offered to be the one to appear today."

For being such an unusual looking figure, he was well spoken and considerate. Of course, I could not tell if this was his real nature or if it was pure diplomacy. I shifted lightly.

"My apologies. May I present Her Ladyship, the Master of the Chaos Mage. Mistress, this is Lord Sephylon of the Fairy Race."

I nodded my head as a show of respect. "Lord Sephylon, a pleasure."

"The pleasure is mine. So you're the human I've heard so much about. Your feat of summoning the great Obelisk the Tormentor is being spoken in my lands night and day. I can scarcely visit the lakesides without hearing someone mention your name."

I smiled in spite of myself. "I appreciate the compliments. However, I could not have done it without the help of my Chaos Mage. It is due to his guidance that I was able to withstand such an ordeal." I said as diplomatic as I could.

"I can imagine! Lord Razel has been known to be quite the taskmaster in his day." Sephylon laughed.

"You are no slouch either," Razel commented.

"Ha! That is true! Young Mistress of the Chaos Mage, I could tell you a thing or two about your Lord Razel here that would curl your pretty hair. This man here is a variable savage in battle. But that is a tale for another day."

"Her Grace, Lady Helena of the Plant Race!" A voice declared.

I saw up ahead a woman with long strawberry blond hair and dressed in black and floral robes. She entered and left us.

"Ahh~ I nearly forgot. Seems like your admirer is here today old friend. I hope you can put aside those irresistible charms of yours and not cause Helena to propose to you." Sephylon laughed.

"What's this?" I asked raising my brows. "What Razel?"

"It is nothing important. Just the futile simpering of a young queen."

"Ha! You are too modest! Miss, do not be fooled. The head of the Plant Race, the Queen of the Night or Helena as we call her, has had her eyes set on this blue mage for years. She always asks him to be her husband. What does this make now Razel? Five hundred and thirty something?"

"You never told me this!" I tapped Razel on the arm. "How could you keep this from me?"

"It does not matter. She fancies me in a way that I do not reciprocate. She is not only the Elite of the Plant Spirits, but the head of the half that is loyal to Spellcasters."

"Gee, and you couldn't have slept with her to get the rest of them to our side?" I said in a flat tone.

Sephylon burst out in laughter. "Now that is an idea!"

Razel's blue face hardened. "I beg your pardon!?"

From beyond us I heard, "His Lordship, Sephylon of the Fairy Race!"

"Oh, that is my queue. I will see you one the inside eh?"

With that, he turned and made his way into the inner chamber. My thoughts quickly raced back from how pleasant he was, to we're next! I was too afraid that if I said anything I would throw up. My heart was like a jackhammer that made the tight cloth of my dress move it was beating so hard. Through my Mind Link, I got supportive messages from my mages back in the city.

You will do fine. They said.

Relax and pretend that it is us who are with you.

Breath Mistress, don't forget to breath. I'll be waiting for you when you return.

Thank you Von. Thank you everyone! I replied.

The litany of support flooded in and I did feel better hearing from them. But then I thought, easy for them to say. They're not the ones here!

Voices could be detected from the other side of the curtain and I tried to locate Sephylon's.

"Ah! Razel, there you are. We're next you know. So, this is the young woman you've spoken of. A pleasure to meet you miss. I am the Dark Sage but please call me Torunka. I will be accompanying you today."

Torunka was an impressive figure; he was very old, his long white beard reaching his thighs. His robes were purples and dark greens, and he wore an Elite's circlet around his head. His white hair was braided down his back. He had wise and kind blue eyes that looked down on me with genuine pleasure at our meeting. His weathered face, which was once handsome I am sure, smiled. He held a long staff with green jewels, but I did not know if he used it or if it was a glorified walking stick. I didn't ask that.

Regardless of his age, the Dark Sage was another Elite of the Spellcaster Race and Razel's contemporary. I showed my respect.

"I have heard much about you Lord Torunka. It is great to meet you as well. Razel really hold you in high regard as do my other mages." I said. I nodded my head instead of bowing.

"Oh, everything you hear is good I hope!" the old sage chuckled. "I have been known to cause a bit of trouble in my time."

I laughed at that.

"Yes those were the days—ah to be young again."

"I'm surprised you remember those youthful moments old friend," Razel said.

"Bite your tongue young one! My mind is as sharp as our youngest mages scurrying about to get to their magic classes and lessons."

Young one? If Torunka considered Razel young, he was like a teenager during the times of Atlantis remember, then how old was the Dark Sage? My mind reeled.

"Will those next please approach the threshold!" Came a booming announcement.

"Oh! That is us. Now Miss, you will enter first. Razel and I will follow as your escorts. Fret not for anything you do not understand we will assist you."

Torunka winked at me. I had to admit, for being such a revered Spellcaster, he was very down to earth and friendly. I liked him already and I sensed his Energy was in our best interest. I took my place in front of Razel and Torunka. My heart raced and my body flushed hot and cold. My bodice felt stifling.

"Her Ladyship, the Master of the Chaos Mage, escorted by their Graces, Lord Razel and Lord Torunka of the Spellcaster Race!"

My heart went straight into my mouth. The heavy curtain drew back and revealed a large open meeting chamber. The floor was white alabaster, rugs of rich designs decorating the area. Sheer draperies hung from each column, swooping across like relaxed smiles. Tall vases of flowers dotted the four "corners." Ornate carvings trailed up the colonnades, every so often holding an incense burner. In the center was a large round marble table encircled by carved wood chairs. There were thirteen chairs, ten of them were filled and their occupants all stared at me. The creatures at this table were highly impressive. They were massive in size, save for a few, and I was astounded how this structure managed to fit them all.

Remember what Razel told you. Back straight, held high. Keeping a stony, diplomatic expression I entered. My dress swished on the floor before being muffled by the rugs. I looked ahead, trying to ignore the many eyes watching my every move. My seat was positioned between Lord Sephylon and, three chairs down, the horrid thing with the number tattoo I saw speaking with Torunka. My seat magically drew away from the table. I came round to the front. The chair slid forward. I bent at the waist with my torso erect, placed my hands atop the arm rests, held my chin up while maintaining my sights aloft, and sat as the chair neatly came to find its previous place.

Inside I was screaming with pride. I did it! Likewise Razel sat to my right and Torunka to his right. I nodded to the right and left, acknowledging my cohorts. They seemed pleased by my display and went right into discussion.

"As you all know, the reasons why we, the leaders of our Races, have assembled this day," Began an enormous koala. This was Titan, the Master of Oz and leader of the Beast Race.

"Indeed. We have gathered to discuss the matters between the Spellcasters and Warriors. It is obvious by our presence here that we all share a concern with the developments in the land of Sogen." Zeilgigas or Gishki Zeilgigas the Elite of the Aqua Race stated.

"What remains, is how to handle these developments." Sephylon added.

Torunka nodded his head in agreement as each spoke. His mouth was in a contemplative purse. "You all are aware that your participation is voluntary. You are the allies of the Spellcasters, but that does not mean you must enter in this fight from the start."

I blinked. What did Torunka mean? I did not fully understand the rules of politics in the Duel Monster Spirit World back then but what he meant was that our allies did not need to charge out first guns blazing. Rather it was a wait and see approach. If we, the Spellcaster army, could not fend off the advancing forces of our enemies, then the other allied Races would intervene as needed. Their support was always there should we ask for it. It basically kept outside parties out of battle as long as possible, which is what any side wants in war.

"Lord Torunka is right. Your support in this war is greatly appreciated and desired at the onset. However, you may exercise the right to withhold your involvement until a later date." Razel chimed in.

"A wise option you remind us of, Lord Razel. We of the Psychic Race tend to observe then take action," Said number C69 Heraldry Crest of Horror, or Lord Crest.

Finally the tattooed Spirit rose to speak. "Bloodrain on your idleness. We of the Zombie Race shall stand shoulder to shoulder with the Spellcasters." He was Hoenheim or number 22 Zombiestein.

"Hoenheim is right," spoke the pretty Plant leader Helena. She also bore a number tattoo, 87. "I and my followers are loyal to Lord Razel and his compatriots."

The leaders of the Pyro, Fish, and Wyrm Races, Lords Pell, Challhua, and Agni, all offered their two cents on the matter with Lord Pell and Agni ready to fight and Lord Challhua to fight when required.

"Now that we have spoken, I should like to hear what the young mistress of the Chaos Mage has to say," stated Lord Agni.

Now all eyes were once again on me. A flash of cold went through me. My turn…

I stood up, trying hard to stay poised. "I think," I began quietly.

I was scared to speak. I was scared to say the wrong thing. A lot was riding on me now. I was leaving behind my old self, being a student and taking in Spellcasters as they came along. I was a spokeswoman, a leader, a protector. I was assuming the role in which I have governed for many decades. I was becoming a ruler in my own right so to speak. I smile in humor and amusement as I recall that day. I was so young, my goodness! I remember how my bodice felt like lead around me. My head thrummed with blood as my heart practically flew in my chest.

"First of all, thank you for coming today. I understand that you all have territories and duties to protect and perform so it means very much that you took the time to address the enormity of this pressing situation. I know that…I am supposed to be poised, calm and collected. I have to admit that I am not. I am terrified honestly. I do not live in your world nor do I comprehend your world's rules and laws. This is new to me and I'll be the first to admit that I am a novice in diplomacy. To you I must seem childish and superfluous. I must come off as inexperienced and audacious to think that I can conduct business with you. I agree. However, in my short time with them I have come to love the Spellcasters and have welcomed them as my family. I care about them, their lives and stories. My life has changed so drastically that I cannot even remember what my old life looked like. I know that it was normal. But I can tell you one thing and that is that I cannot imagine my life going forward, without my mages. Becoming their Master I have taken on the responsibility of safeguarding them and their realm. I promised to work together with them, not to use them. Razel has been my saving grace through all of this and I would be a foundering mess without him I know it. That being said, I am proud and honored that the Spellcaster Race has chosen me to be their Master. I can't let them down.

So I will fight the Warriors and their allies. I will defeat them and put an end to their zealous ways. They have hurt each one of you at one point or another. It was they who started this discord in the first place with the brutal and unnecessary murder of a young princess. I will not let that action go unpunished any longer. I have mastery over the Magician of Black Chaos. I have summoned Obelisk the Tormentor. I will show Demiuk and his Warriors that I am no one to be undermined. So I ask you all, are you willing to fight with us? To give your strength without hesitation? Are you willing to battle when I send word and to not wait and see? I am not interested in breaking ranks. We will hit them at once. We will not give them time to recoup and strengthen. We will take immediate action!"

I slammed my hand on the table. I did not want to wait and see. I wanted fighters.

There was silence in the hall. The leaders stared hard at me, this human. They could not believe that I had spoken to them like that. They broke their stare and glanced curiously at one another, as if trying to discern what I said was worthy.

Then Helena blurted out, "How presumptuous!"

Here we go…

"How dare this young impetuous and overzealous human dictate to us when and how we should conduct our affairs? What have you been teaching her Lord Razel? I admire you greatly but it seems to me that you have been filling her little head with nothing short of fantasy!"

How dare she! To insult me was one thing, I could ignore it. But to insult Razel, my Main Duel Spirit, my mentor, my friend! No.

To this I challenged, "How dare you speak to him that way. What Lord Razel instructs me to learn is none of your business, Lady Helena. Moreover, that you would sit here amongst your peers and openly insult the ways in which Lord Razel chooses to guide his students is impudent and you are over stepping your bounds. I may be a novice in your eyes, but your lack of foresight shows how myopic you are. Nothing Razel teaches is superfluous or fantastical. As a matter of fact he is the most honest, brutal, and forth coming tutor I have ever had. He holds nothing back and is never one to give lessons lightly. I did not come here to dictate, as you so aptly put it, your battle strategies. From what I have learned in my history classes the army who waits until war reaches them, safely nestled in their homelands, usually suffers the worst. Not only do you imply that you are weak to your enemy, but you permit them entry into your lands!"

I sat back down, immensely satisfied by my statement.

Helena stood and bore an expression of dark resentment. "You had better watch our tongue you impudent girl! This is our world. These are our affairs. You may play the queen, but you are little more than a child in our eyes. Your plans show folly and I and my people will not take part. I see no issue with waiting until being called. Your hotheadedness will get you killed. "

I sensed her Energy staring to unfurl around her. She was threatened and was ready to strike at me. I knew I was about to break all of the rules by my actions but her response and her bullheadedness towards what I said greatly bothered me. Through the entire meeting she had cut me down, talked over me, and ignored any comment I made. I was not a Duel Spirit Elite, therefore I was not one of them and an outsider. She hated that I was Razel's Master and took her passive-aggressive anger out on me. But enough was enough. I had to stake my claim as a fellow member of this congregation. I had to demonstrate that I was no push over. So that's what I did.

I too rose from my seat, the heaviness of my long dark purple coat weighing on my shoulders. The look in my eyes must have been threatening because Helena tensed.

"Need I remind you Lady Helena of the Plant Race that it was I who opened this world to that of the human one? Or that you are scolding the one whom has called forth the great Obelisk? Watch what you say to me in the future. I am She Who Calls Forth Great Power and She Who Walks Between Two Worlds. I am the Master of the Chaos Mage and the future Master of Magicians."

A tremor rattled the foundation of the hall, shaking the golden lanterns and goblets. Torunka eyed the marble table with cautious interest as he lifted his hands inches above the trembling stone. The other leaders sat silent. Helena knew that the power was coming from me. She knew that I was causing the structure to shake. It was nothing major, just a light jostling. But it was enough to get my point across.

The entire time Razel sat with his eyes closed. I did not get the sense that he was upset or angry with me, rather it was like he was giving his approval. You must be thinking, now why would he be letting her act this way when he drilled into her the importance of behaving like a Master? Well, that's because you are thinking in a very human way. Most people would try to resist confrontation or aggression when in an official or State meeting, especially if it was their first time for fear of offending their seniors. In this world, it is perfectly permissible to establish your dominance at the start. In fact, it's vital. These beings are far older than we humans are, and their systems of government are just as ancient. They view official business differently. Around me, the leaders gave gentle nods of impressed approval. To them I had proven myself their equal and had earned their collective respect. Once you have won their respect, you're in.

"Your display of sincerity towards your cause is significant. I have no doubt that in times of war, you shall prove to be a fearless spearhead. The Aqua Race agrees to your terms and will fight at your side."

"Aye! So will the Fairy Race! You shall have no finer ally than in me and my people." Lord Sephylon stated. "Lord Razel has chosen well in you."

"Thank you both. Your cooperation will not go unrewarded. Well? What say the rest of you? Will you join me? Us?" I asked still standing erect and strong.

One by one, the other Elites rose and declared their loyalty to me. I was humbled and touched.

"Lady Helena?" I began when it came time for her to speak. "I do so hope that you agree and join us. I regret that I let my emotions get the better of me back there. I do not want that to tarnish our possible partnership. Your inclusion means a tremendous deal but I cannot force you."

Lady Helena glared at me. Then she looked to Razel. I recalled what Torunka had said about her infatuation with him and I wondered if she hated me because I was his Master, more so than for any other reason.

"If I join I will be doing so to assist Lord Razel and nothing more. Just because you are his Master does not mean you can keep him away from me. He does not belong to you."

Taken aback by her sudden, off topic remark, I nearly laughed. "What Razel chooses to do in his private life is his business. Well—in a sense he kind of belongs to me. He is my True Duel Spirit after all. But I do not have control over his life decisions or his heart. If he chooses you then that is his choice."

She looked baffled. "You do not know what your Duel Spirits do in their time here?"

"No. they could be dancing on the table tops in some pub right now for all I know."

The leaders laughed. Lady Helena was quiet for a few moments.

"If I give you my allegiance, then Razel is still free."

"Razel is always free," I assured her. Wow! She was really hung up on him.

"Then fine. I must trust in Razel's decision in you. The Plant Race is with you."

I clapped my hands together while maintaining a noble posture. "Fantastic."

"But allow me to add that I find it interesting that although you claim to be the Master of Magicians, I have received word on several occasions that the Blue Eyes White Dragon sisters of the Dragon Race, who are usually neutral in matters of the other Races, have been restless of late."

"I don't know what you mean," I said not sure where she was going with it.

"Don't you? It seems that though they are the Duel Spirits of another human, they are showing an inkling of allegiance towards another. Meaning that without the pressures of war or strife and whether or not they choose to side in order to keep the peace, they are choosing to because it benefits that individual and not the betterment of our world."

"I see," I said. Inside I was jumping. Seto's dragons wanted to join my cause against the Warriors? But they barely knew me. I figured their reason must be due to Seto's hidden Energy pattern. I think, even back then, deep down I knew that Seto liked me.

From my left, Toruka rose and said, "This calls for a celebration! Let us drink to commemorate such a momentous occasion."

The rest of the very successful meeting was filled with drink and banter, providing a much more relaxed atmosphere. The leaders congratulated me on my first official "victory" and commented on my oration skills. I felt immensely proud with myself. Granted I did let out a little burst of Energy to bring it home but it worked. They were willing to try it my way.

Off to the side Razel stood with Sephylon and Lord Pell of the Pyro Race. I overheard them talking about me.

"Your Mistress does not take no for an answer does she Lord Razel?" Pell chuckled.

"She does not."

"An admirable trait. I think she held herself up well for her first trial," Sephylon stated.

I did not acknowledge them, I did not want to give myself away. I felt Razel's eyes on my back.

"She truly was magnificent."

My heart flipped. Razel just called me magnificent? My pride and happiness soared!

As we departed Razel spoke to me. "You did well back there."

"Thank you," I said totally pleased.

"You reminded me of Olympia and how she handled officials. Assertive yet calm, firm yet kind."

I looked over at him and reached for his hand. "I asked for her help today."

"Did you?" He chuckled. "I think she may have heard you."

Back at the Temple:

By the time Razel and I arrived back at the temple, it was nearing sunset. We were greeted with cheers. I was happy and elated but tired. I wanted to get this tight dress off of me, to let my hair down and take a nice hot bath. The formality of the day had drained me and I wanted to unwind. I walked steadily past the two double doors to the long hall I had traversed earlier. Events were still rolling in my head when I saw Von emerge from around the corner. That's when all decorum dropped and I hoisted up my skirt. My cheeks burned with my smile and I raced towards him. My bodice forced me to breath up and out instead of forward and out as I ran, but I managed. Von came to meet me.

"Von we did it! They all agreed to help us!" I giddily shouted jumping at him when near enough. I wrapped my arms tightly around his neck and laughed.

Von jeered with me and held me as we laughed in jubilation. It felt so good to hug him. Von was my emotional rock in these situations. His voice was that soothing bell I needed to hear.

"That is wonderful news Misress. Tonight I shall visit your quarters and we will have a celebration."

I detached myself from him and walked the rest of the way holding onto his arm and telling him everything. We split when we reached my room and Mana and Adeena took me to undress and bathe. That night I did not stay in my assigned quarters but toured the area. This was the first time I was in their world overnight and I wanted to see it. So, dressed in simple pajamas I walked around the grounds. Razel was inside conversing with Torunka who had joined us for dinner.

Von had visited me earlier, sneaking in as he was neither my husband nor my True Duel Spirit, and used his magic to create a cute spread of food and drinks. We ate and just enjoyed each other's company. I was touched that he remembered my love of chocolate spice cake and had summoned a beautiful cake for me. It was small, enough for two, and we paired that with fresh coffee.

As I walked the gardens now, I saw in the distance the city of the Spellcasters. It glowed with lights and magic. Above that was the fortess of the Elites. I wondered if Razel missed being there, or if they missed him. The gardens were quiet save for the sounds of crickets. The flowers were lovely. Some softly glowed with bioluminescent energy that enhanced when touched. Their sweet scents filled the warm air and I let myself dream as I took it all in.

"They're called Luna flowers."

I turned to see Von.

"Lord Razel brought them here from his time in your world many centuries ago. He saw them bloom in Atlantis he said and cultivated them in our world."

Von came up to me and bent down to touch one of the blooms.

"You didn't know Razel back then?" I asked.

"No! I was not even born then."

I cocked my head. "You weren't? When were you born?"

Von stood and rolled his eyes to the sky. "Oh—let me think. I suppose when your Emperor Constantine ruled Rome."

"You're over seventeen hundred years old then?" I asked.

Von shrugged. "I suppose."

We walked amid the phosphorescent flowers. Hazy neon colors of aqua, green, blues, and reddish pinks lit our path. It was very romantic really, very otherworldly. Above us the stars twinkled and winked. Von and I spoke here and there, nothing detrimental. We came to the center of the garden were a few stone benches surrounded a large fountain. Some of the blossoms were larger here and Von went over to a beautiful red and aqua one. I sat on the cold stone seat and listened to the running water. He came back with that flower in his hand.

"It seems a shame to have plucked it," I commented.

"True, but," Von sat next to me and gently slid the flower into my hair. "There. Now its beauty has been redeemed. It suits you well."

His chocolate eyes were highlighted with the soft glow around us.

I smiled bashfully. "How does it look? I'm not one to put flowers in my hair."

"Like it was made for you."

"Oh stop." I chuckled.

Von tilted his head. "You do not take flattery very well do you Mistress?"

"Not really. To be honest, no guy has flattered me. Not like you or the others do. It's so antiquated your ways and mannerisms. I love it. I think it should still be in vogue, but society today is very lackadaisical. Men just don't do what they used to anymore. Sometimes I think it's me."

"What do you mean?"

I sighed. "I don't know. In high-school, I was never the one chosen. Like, all of my girlfriends had boyfriends and I was never asked out. The guy I had a crush on since freshman year did not ask me to go to prom with him and he knew I felt the way I did. His friends even said we looked good together, so what does that say?"

Von was quiet as I blurted out aspects of my past. "It was the same way in college. Like fate cock blocks me at every turn. I've never gotten a flower from a man before. Sometimes I feel like I'm invisible to them. You know? My hair is not right or my face is not dewy enough, or my boobs aren't big enough or I'm not thin enough so that my thighs don't touch."

Von smiled. "Well I can't say I know how the educational system of humans operates, nor can I comment on your human dances but I can say with confidence that those boys do not know what they are missing."

I almost welled up when he said that. "You're just saying that."

"No. they are fools if they cannot see how inspiring you are. They are young, underdeveloped. They are not yet men. Men see you and appreciate you, your intelligence, your beauty."

I sighed, biting my lip in thought. I zoned out staring at the ground, my back hunching over.

"I don't know why I told you that. I feel weak for saying it." I said.

"There is nothing wrong with feeling weak, My Lady. We all do at some point. There is no shame in that."

I heard him shift closer to me and felt his fingers come under my chin. I turned my head with his hand. "Never feel ashamed to tell me anything. You can be as weak as you want with me. You can be as mad as you want, angry, or happy. All of those emotions are who you are and I would not want to be blind to a single one. Your admissions tell me that you trust me. In the future you will have to bottle up your emotions, keep them behind a mask of regality. Relationships may be hard for you to cultivate. Friends may come and go. Your position as Master will be consuming and leave little else in the way of connections. But you have me and my support. I will be your outlet."

I smiled. "You mean you're going to be what links me to reality?"

"If that is what you want to call it then yes."

I moved, reducing the minimal space between us, and rested my head on his shoulder, careful not to crush the flower.

"Thanks Von. I can always count on you to keep my head on straight."

Von rested his cheek on my head. "We should make our way back. We return tomorrow."

"Yeah, I guess we should," I lazily agreed.

We stood and went to go back to the temple. Our walk was fairly quiet and contemplative until I spotted something on the ground in the low light. My eyes had to focus hard on it. It was not very small, maybe around the size of a tennis ball. It was black and was crawling evilly from one side of the pathway to the other. My heart pounded in my ears. A cold chain gripped me. It was a spider. Now, I may be a lot of things—student, Master of Razel, aspiring Master of Magicians, at the time, though I did not know it, the second most powerful Psychic Duelist and the most powerful True Psychic Duelist (true psychic duelists can use telepathy and telekinesis as well as manifest Duel Spirits) in the world. I can fly and flip in the air like a circus performer. I can do many things. But retain my composure when seeing a spider? It's pretty pathetic.

I jumped back so hard I hit Von, knocking him backwards. I screamed and believed honestly that it was coming after me. I tried to climb Von like a tree to get away from it. My Ancient Elf got his wits about him and saw what was making me so uncharacteristically upset.

"Devil spawn!" He cried and incinerated the thing with a strike of his magic.

I was not convinced that he got it and still squirmed to get away.

"You missed! I know you missed! It won't forget it and try to kill me later!" I yelled half serious half joking.

"Mistress! I got it! I…Mistress…!"

Suddenly, the ground was a lot closer than before. Von landed on his back with a firm thud. In my haste to get away, I caused him to lose his balance and we fell over. My face thumped on his chest and I laughed. I laughed and laughed at my antics.

"So much for being the model master!" I guffawed.

I think Von was a little dazed because he mumbled something.

Still laughing I knelt on all fours over him. "You ok Von? Sorry I freaked like that. Clowns and spiders…and puppets. I hate them."

"I never would have guessed," He said shaking a few strands of his dark hair out of his face.

Those soulful chocolate eyes softly stared up at me. In the dim light from the garden I was glad that he could not see the faint red hue on my cheeks. It is very difficult to be Master to so many Spellcasters and not be able to satisfy any inclination. Most of the Spellcaster race, man or woman, is very attractive. There are a few that are…odd or downright scary. But mostly they are beautiful specimens. I remembered the last time Von looked at me like he was. It was right after I got him, right after we defeated Rae and Brie. My loose hair fell over my shoulder, curtaining us from curious eyes. In this position I noticed how much larger he was then I. Not quite Razel's size, he was much lither. Of my Duel Spirits, with Razel's exception, Von was the one I was closest to. I felt his left arm shift. I felt the warmth of his hand on my back as he gently placed it below my shoulder blades. I felt his infusion of Energy mingle with mine.

"Come on Von. Let's get back. I have a long day tomorrow." I said rising.

Von rose and in silence we returned to the temple.

Saturday Early Morning:

When I woke up it was before the dawn. Mana and Adeena dressed me in my normal clothes and brought me to a large dining hall where Razel, Von, and Torunka sat conversing over breakfast. I entered and all three stood.

"Ah Mistress did you sleep well?" Von asked. He was dressed finely this morning.

"I did, which is odd. I don't sleep well in beds other than my own." I sat next to Torunka.

Razel resumed his seat and cut a piece of meat on his plate. "It seems we will be taking two more Spellcasters with us today."

"Who?" I asked mildly surprised.

"That young charioteer, Orion, and Lord Torunka." Razel ate.

"What? Really?" I looked at the old mage.

"I don't see why not. You proved yourself quite admirably yesterday and from what Razel has said about you and judging from this young one's esteem of you," he nodded towards Von, "it makes sense."

Of course it made sense! Lord Torunka was another Elite! And a gifted sage. I was very happy.

"Absolutely! We'll do the Energy Exchange after breakfast!" I was smiling from ear to ear.

After we ate, we assembled in the great hall. Torunka and Orion stood ready.

"So Orion, you are a Prophesy mage right?"

"I am Miss."

"Then you must know Nyxx."

"I do. He tends to keep to himself."

"He can be a little distant can't he?" I asked.

"As the Reaper of Prophesy, very much so." Orion stated.

"Right then. Young lady, let us begin." Torunka said.

The Energy Exchange was performed and was done in no time.

Back Home:

I raced to dress. I had to meet Yugi and his friends at Domino Park and, like they predicted, it was raining. Sheets of rain stormed down making visibility poor. I barely had time to say hello to my mages who wanted to know how it all went before I charged down my steps, ripping my umbrella from its place in my front closet, and darted out the door. Being in the Duel Monster Spirit World was great but nothing beats home. I missed the sounds of our world. I hauled ass towards the park, skirting men and women trying to get shelter. I rounded a corner and entered the park. I found Yugi and his friends standing under their own umbrellas near the central fountain. Yugi saw me first.

"Over here!" His smile beamed through the grey.

"Hi guys! Sorry I'm late. I over slept," I lied.

"Nah, it's fine." Joey said.

"So how are all of you?" I asked.

" We're all great. But we're trying to figure out a new dueling spot. Can't really play with cards in the pouring rain," Yugi chimed.

I can think of a few ways, I thought.

"We might not have to again Yug, remember what that forum said?" Joey said.

"That's right. I hope it's true. Being able to duel anywhere is awesome."

"What's this?" I raised my brow.

"Oh, right you're new to the game. See, there's this forum online where duelists get together and share the latest news about Duel Monsters. Apparently a rumor is circulating that a new duel system is coming out soon that will make dueling feasible anywhere anytime."

"No shit. What's it called?" A new system huh? What the hell did I miss in the day I was gone. Did Seto know?

"Not sure yet. But everybody's goin nuts over it," Joey replied.

"What is it about this new system that has people up in arms over it?" I wondered wanting more info.

"It's supposedly portable but that is not proven. And rumor has it that it has the first holographic imaging that's so real da monsters talk!" Joey exclaimed.

It was then that a cold boulder hit my chest. Seto's secret! Who leaked it? Sharpening my Energy I sent a Mind Link that shot through the air like an arrow straight towards Kaiba Corp. I ran through the Energy patterns of all of his employees searching for deceit. Another little power boost curtsey of Obelisk.

"I…is that so? How cool," I said while checking who possibly blabbed to the internet. To my disappointment no one seemed like a turn coat. Great, I thought. This is going to make my life a little difficult.

"People are really excited about it. I almost hope it is true just so they are right," Yugi said.

"Guys while I really don't care listening to you discuss Duel Monsters, I usually prefer it when I'm not standing in the rain. Can we find somewhere else to hang?" Tea held her umbrella tightly.

"I passed a bookstore/café on the way here. We could go there, get some coffee, maybe a little food and play there," I offered.

Tristan and Joey liked the idea of food and so hurried in the direction from whence I came. Leaving me with Yugi and Tea, I felt like the third wheel. I sensed that he liked her more than she liked him, but I also sensed that she was attracted to an aspect of Yugi that came off as…not real? Or, maybe more of a distant repressed part of him? I felt a trace of something eerie in the game shop, like I was being watched by a ghost. I got that same absent Energy vibe from him now. You see, when a human is alive they emit Life Energy and Spirit Energy. It combines and forms the solid Energy you sense when there is another person nearby or standing next to you. You know that it can't disappear and reappear so you often don't notice it because it is a constant thing rooted to this world and plane. But when the body dies it leaves behind an empty shell, that weird, strange feeling people get when at a funeral or seeing a dead organism. It rattles your natural senses, and makes you want to get away from it in order to survive. It is a nothing entity and it feels not normal. It cannot be predicted or "trusted" so you feel the hairs stand and you are put on alert. It is no longer grounded but aloof. An undetectable, unseen, potentially hidden threat.

This is the feeling I got when around Yugi. It centered around that golden puzzle he wore. It was so like and yet unlike the golden ring worn by the white haired man with the Dark Necrofear. Millennium Items…Isis/Ishizu wore another Item, that necklace. Just how many of these things were there? And how fucking awesome that these people were lucky enough to wear these ancient Egyptian creations and they had supernatural properties!?

The three of us trailed behind Tristan and Joey. Tea and Yugi included me in their conversations politely enough. I sensed they were people to be trusted. Tea, I snuck a peek to find out, wanted to do dance I assumed. Her Energy was constantly in motion, but in a graceful and light way. I felt her desire to dance and saw a big city in her future. She would eventually move abroad, I wished her luck. Yugi was in love with her, his Energy practically jumped. I smiled. It was cute…and I'm not a sucker for love stories. I'm not a chick-flick fan, nor do I like the kitchy romance gestures like sending notes or any of that sappy crap. If anything I'm a bit cold towards that sort of thing. I let their combined Energies flow through me as I studied them both. Tea had no idea but Yugi kept glancing back at me whenever I tested him with a tiny pull or push. He was aware. I don't think he knew it was me doing it, but he was curious.

I never thought about being in love. The term seemed, I don't know weak to me I guess. Love was never on my radar, except when it came to cats, horses, big game animals, and rarely but on occasion dogs. I preferred animals to people. I had been hurt in my past by several male figures and so I was steeled away from opening myself to a man. So love was foreign. I knew I was developing a crush on Seto, but that was based in lust and intrigue…not love. No I did not love Seto. At least that's what I believed.

We reached the café. The weather was pouring down harder now but we got a booth in a corner and ordered drinks and food.

"I'll have a tea and scone please," Tea said to the waiter.

"I'll have a decaf coffee with milk and a blueberry muffin please," Yugi said. "Heh, I can't drink caffeine but I love the taste of coffee."

Tristan and Joey ordered next.

"A ham and cheese on a Kaiser with a sweet tea," Tristan ordered.

"Make dat two! Extra ham on mine," Joey stated.

The waiter turned to me and readied his pen.

"Can I have a cappuccino, a glass of water, and grilled chicken and pesto sandwich on toasted rye with a slice of raspberry cheesecake please?"

"Very good. I'll be right back with your coffees and water."

"Damn. A girl who eats!" Joey grinned. "Tea usually orders a salad or sometin' like dat. She says it's watching her figure."

"Shut up Joey! I am. I have to if I want to be a dancer." Tea scolded with a light blush.

"I like to eat. I think it's funny that women deny themselves food on dates while the guy orders a burger. Men like women who eat I think. So, I order real food. I'm hungry, I want to eat!" I laughed returning the high-five Joey and Tristan offered.

"But don't you worry about it?" Tea whispered to me.

"Not at all. With the amount of exercise I get, I have to eat a lot. It just burns right off. If you dance you should be able to eat a burger or something and not feel it. You practice every day right?" I asked. I did not do organized dance per say but my training with Razel and the Performapals had me honed to the finer points of various dances. For fun my Performapals often had me practice forms of dance as a means to avoid attacks. So I suppose I did know a lot about it.

"Well, not every day. I have lessons three times a week and in-between that I have school so I don't get enough practice. I can't get to the dance studio."

I thought a moment. "Would you mind if I helped you?"

She brightened. "You dance?"

"Sort of. I can help you perfect your basic moves and posture," I read her Energy. "What I can do is film a video with my computer and send it to you to follow. Like an instructional video."

Tea almost strangled me she was so excited. "That's awesome! Oh my God thank you so much! You sure you don't mind?"

"Not at all. It'll be a nice distraction from my routines. Let me know where you are in your lessons and I'll go from there."

She readily agreed and beamed the rest of the day. We ate and had a nice time at that café. We dug out our cards and Yugi further explained to me the rules of the game. I dueled Joey, winning every so often. Then I played a game with Yugi and I lost, big surprise. But he praised my growing skill nonetheless. Then Joey, after studying his favorite cards, the Flame Swordsman and Red Eyes Black Dragon, said this:

"Wouldn't it be great if de were real?"

I nearly choked on my water.

To this Yugi chimed, "I know. I'd love it if my cards were real. They'd be so cool to hang out with."

I resisted coughing but my throat kept squeezing.

"Yeah talk about awesome. The Cyber Commander teaching me co-op moves," Tristan said dreamily.

"The Magician of Faith is my kind of monster, always supporting her friends." Tea smiled.

Oh shit, I can't hold it back.

I coughed loudly, covering my mouth so water and saliva didn't shoot from my gullet.

"What's wrong? Wrong pipe?" Joey asked giving my back hard pats.

"MMmmm…No…just what an…interesting idea."

"Well what about you? Haven't you ever wondered, since you got your cards, what it might be like if Duel Monsters existed?" Yugi.

I recovered and inhaled deeply. I had to give some sort of answer. I tried not to be axiomatic that I knew they really did exist so I said, "I never thought about it. But I guess each Type would be different."

"How so?" Yugi asked.

"Well, Fairies might be fun and aloof but serious fighters. Dragons might help everyone and be "neutral," Spellcasters would be fastidious and do everything by the book but they know how to have a good time. And Warriors are jocks, sneaky brutes who strut around measuring the sizes of their dicks." I sipped my coffee.

"Jeeze, that's specific. You say dat like you've seen em before." Joey laughed.

I said nothing but hoped they did not see my acknowledging nod.

"What do you think your Deck Master, the Magician of Black Chaos would be like?" Yugi asked with a curious smile.

"A hard blue skinned relentless taskmaster."

The rain still came down after we were finished at the café. Tea and I ventured off to the Lush store while the boys went their own way. Tea and I talked of boys, fragrances, and other girly things while out. I loved Lush. I love scented things so I wandered off and just smelled my way through the store. I ended up buying some creams, lotions, and soaps. Tea got a few items, floral scents mostly. We paid and ventured back out. We made our way through the dense crowds of people scurrying to avoid the wet, and rounded a corner. Now on the main street in Domino, Kaiba Corp loomed in the gloom like the final destination of that long road. All roads lead to Kaiba Corp I thought.

"So Tea, can I ask more about that rumored system the guys mentioned earlier?"

"Sure. But I'm not sure I'll be able to tell you much."

"They say that it's a Dueling system right? With realistic holographic imaging?"

"That's what Yugi says."

"And no one has the slightest inkling as to who is putting this state of the art device on the market?"

"Not that I'm aware. It just popped up on the forums two days ago. Yugi and Joey are super excited but they don't want to get their hopes up in case it's all false."

"I can understand that," I said staring at Seto's company.

The rain pattered on my umbrella, drowning out all other sounds as I thought about the information Tea shared. The sounds of the people, the sloshing of tires in puddles on the streets, the music from shops all fell away. Kaiba Corp's lights shone brightly in the gray light, no doubt Seto was at his desk typing away up there on the top floor. Out of the corner of my eye I noticed Tea motion to someone across the street. We came to a crosswalk and waited for the light to turn green.

"Over here!" She shouted and waved.

"What?" I said breaking my train of thought.

"Over here Bakura!"

"Who's Bakura?"

"Another friend. You'll like him. He's very nice and smart like you. He's from England so he's got a cute accent."

"Where is he?" I tried to see past the haze of rain.

"He's coming."

How nice, I thought. I get to meet another of Yugi's friends. Wonder if he's single…

The light shifted to green and the group of people across the way walked towards us. I smiled at Tea's excitement and waited to see this Bakura. Then I saw a shock of white hair and I froze. A boy around sixteen to seventeen with large brown eyes like Von's and a chipper smile jogged over to us. My heart sped. My skin flush with hot and cold flashes. I knew this boy. He was the white-haired man who fought me that day by the docks! Yugi is friends with him!? He's the only person who knew I was a Psychic Duelist outside of Seto. Oh shit!

My grip on my umbrella tightened. But this boy was different. Thought he looked exactly like the man with the Dark Necrofear, he seemed gentle and warm. My Energy slithered out to lightly touch his and I was right. His Energy was completely different. A split-personality? I thought.

"Hi Tea, I almost did not see you," came his soft British accent.

"That's ok Bakura. This is (y/n). A new friend and a new Duelist."

Bakura turned to me and then paused. "Do I …know you?"

My mouth dried up. "Um…I don't know. Do you?"

I was tense and ready to fight if I had to.

"You guys know each other already?" Tea asked.

"I'm not certain. She seems familiar." Bakura said softly.

"Maybe I just have one of those faces," I joked.

I could tell that my joke fell flat with him. No, he knew me. He was searching his archives for my memory.

"It's so strange. I feel like I have met you already."

"Perhaps you have," I said calmly.

Then Tea shivered. "Woooo, you guys feel that? Feels like the temperature dropped."

What she was referring to was the Energy shift I was creating out of response to Bakura's changing vibes. As he contemplated on how he knew me, I picked up on that same Energy force from before. It was old and evil. Whatever it was, it was coming fast. This thing did not like me and it was stampeding to tell me so.

"Perhaps we should talk elsewhere, like over there between those buildings. That way we're not standing in people's ways," Bakura offered.

Tea agreed, but I heard the dip in his voice, the sweetness in his eyes morph into cold disdain. My powers circled me. The white-haired man was back.

"I agree. Let's move." I said coldly. "After you."

"Ladies first," said this person.

"I insist."

I was right. Bakura's personality changed completely. His Energy was totally different. He walked ahead and led us down an ally. The rain was still teeming but there were no passersby.

Slowly he turned and it was then that Tea realized her friend was not who he was.

"Bakura? Are you ok?"

"What makes you think I am not, Tea?"

"Oh no! I know who you are! Where is Bakura!?"

"Yes…where is he?" I added coming to stand in front of Tea.

"He's here, inside." This man pointed to his chest.

"Who are you?" I asked standing my ground.

"We have to get out of here, that's the spirit of the Millennium Ring." Tea whispered to me. She tried to pull my arm but I resisted.

"The Millennium Ring. So you were the one from the docks," I said.

"I'm glad you remember me. Last time you nearly beat me but I am stronger now. Your Chaos Mage is not here to save you this time."

"What's he talking about!? You've Dueled him? He uses Shadow Games!" Tea freaked out behind me.

"Are you looking for a rematch?" I tilted my head.

"Of course. I can't let you live." He smiled darkly at me.

I frowned. "Tea should not be here. She is not one of us."

"Oh no. She must stay. With her you are handicapped."

"What's going on?" She tugged on me.

"Tea, it's a long story that I can't tell right now. All you have to do is stay behind me and do not run. Understand?"

She was quiet but then replied, "Ok. Take him down."

I took steps forward. "I should tell you that I too have gotten stronger since last time. And using Tea as a handicap only proves to me how weak you are. Come forth! Dark Magician Girl!"

I used my Energy to summon Mana and in an instant, she emerged in a great pink cloud of magical energy.

"Yes Mistress," she bowed her head.

"Protect Tea." I ordered.

"As you wish," she floated by me and took a defensive stance in front of Tea.

"Oh my God! You're real? Or am I dreaming?"

"She's real Tea. Kind of funny how we had this conversation earlier right? They are all real. Your Duel Monsters exist."

"This is amazing! How can you do this without cards?"

"We are called Psychic Duelists, my dear Tea," This Bakura sniped. "We don't need cards."

"Quite right." I said.

"Come forth, Earl of Demise!" He shouted. Like Mana, his ghoulish creature appeared. "Attack!"

It charged me, his rancid odor permeating the air.

"I summon the Oafdragon Magician!" I called for Brom. "Attack!"

Infusing him with my Energy, Brom easily defeated the Earl. The force of the attack knocked Bakura back.

"Give up Bakura!"

"Never!" He summoned the Goblin Zombie and Man Eater Bug. His grizzly creatures hissed and growled.

"Attack my beasts!" He shouted and, sending forth his Energy, they charged at me.

Quickly I called forth Helion and Jalak as well as Rae and Brie. In a whirl of Energy, my mages appeared ready to protect me.

Now supporting Mana, Jalak, Helion, Brom, Rae and Brie, I sent my Energy into my six mages. "Helion and Jalak! Attack Bakura's monsters! Rae and Brie follow them!"

"Yes Mistress!" They advanced, their wands glowing.

As Jalak and Helion sparred with the two opponents, Rae and Brie tag-teamed Bakura. They twice attacked him directly, causing him much pain. Bakura tumbled to the wet ground, blood dripping from his lips.

Behind me I heard Tea's excited chatter. She could not believe what was happening. That my monsters were real and breathing was amazing! That sort of thing.

Then Bakura managed to summon Dark Ruler Ha Des. This strong Fiend came forward and injured Helion and Jalak. I felt the pain and stumbled, yelling.

"You two go home!" I sent them back to recover. "Nice move. Ha Des, it seems that you have not yet been informed. You dare to attack me? The Mistress of the Chaos Mage and an ally to the Fiend Race?" I was pissed.

The Fiend hesitated. "My apologies My Lady. But I follow the rules of my Master on the battlefield. The laws of our Race's alliance in our world are another matter. For now, I must remain on the offensive."

"Fine! Pien Fang come to my aide!" In no time he arrived, his eyes glowing red. "Attack Ha Des now!"

Pien Fang took down the Fiend with relative ease. The Fiend put up a struggle, but in the end he fell to my mage. Bakura coughed and fell to the ground again.

"You bitch! You will not win. Headless Knight strike that girl!" His Headless Knight appeared and swiftly went towards Tea.

"Mana!" I yelled back to my mage.

Raising her and, Mana twirled it round and let loose an attack of bright orange magic. It his Headless Knight and sent him back to his world. Bakura fell backward. He fought to rise but he was unable to continue as the sword tip pressed to his throat warned him to surrender. Neo's blade was steady with a killer's precision. His emerald eyes glared dangerously down at my enemy. I summoned him for extra muscle.

"I'm not suggesting, I'm telling you to give it up." I said.

Bakura growled angrily at me. "Insolent human!"

"Neo," I indirectly ordered him.

Without a word, Neo flipped his sword in his hand so that he was holding the blade and the pommel faced down. He then swung the end of his sword, striking Bakura in the face with a sound crack and knocking him out.

Tea gasped. "Why did you do that?"

"Because he is evil. Your friend is not that. That thing comes out of your friend through that ring of his." I pointed out.

"I know who he is. We have dealt with him in the past. But…what are you? What is this?" She nervously eyed the many Spellcasters around her. They paid her no mind, cleaning their weapons and checking to see if anyone was hurt.

"It's hard to explain, I wanted to keep this a secret but Bakura forced my hand. You see Tea, I'm a Psychic Duelist."

"What is that?" She tensed as Neo came over.

"I use my abilities to summon the actual bodies of the Duel Monster Spirit World. Here you use cards with their pictures on them. I can use the real thing, ain't that right Neo?" I said elbowing him smugly.

"Indeed Mistress." He smiled at her to ease her, she in turn fell under the spell that is Neo and blushed.

"I know. He's hot. You're not the only one. So I'm unlike most duelists. Thanks to what I am I also have extra abilities. But let me introduce you. This is Mana, and Brom, Pien Fang, Neo, Rae and Brie."

They all said hello. Tea gave a confused wave. "Can you do this with all of the monsters?"

"Probably. But my forte lies with Spellcasters."

"And I thought I had seen everything. Can I touch them?"

I blinked. "Um…I guess…"

She went over to Rae and poked him in the shoulder. Her blue eyes widened as she felt his muscle twitch.

"Holy crap, he's real. This is amazing. Wait till the guys hear about this!" She gleefully exclaimed while inspecting my mages with rapt attention.

"No! Not yet. I need you to keep this secret for now. You promise?"

"Why a secret? You're amazing! This is incredible!"

"Yeah well I can't see the entire world thinking the same. I see governments trying to abduct me and experiments in my future. I'll need more time and protection. Ever see X-Men? It's the same way. No one knows. Do not tell."

Tea looked at me, saw my seriousness and sobered. "I won't. But you have too soon."

"I will."

"Then you can count on me! But the guys won't blab. They're not like that. They'll take your secret to their graves."

In the distance, we heard Yugi, Joey, and Tristan shouting for us. I turned to my mages. "You can go home now. Thank you for your help today. Neo, tell Razel that I'm ok and will be back later."

Neo nodded and in a flash of bright light, they all vanished. Under my shirt I felt the bruises forming from when Bakura attacked me. They swelled around my ribs and back and I had to fight wincing as I breathed.

"You ok?" Tea asked clearly more tuned into my every move.

"Yeah. Just part of the job," I took a few waddling steps before I was able to walk normally.

We met up with the others. Only Yugi sensed I was not one hundred percent.

"Everything ok? You seem distracted."

"Oh, I'm fine. Just a slight headache. I get them from time to time." I waved it off.

But I knew he was not fully convinced. I felt a pull on my Energy and I braced. It came from his Puzzle. There was something living in that thing, like that evil Bakura in the Ring. Whatever it was it knew I was not normal. It was figuring me out. I just hoped that it was nothing like Evil Bakura. I was to get my answer in the coming week, where all of my secrets would be revealed. But first, I had a little business with Seto tomorrow on Sunday and I wanted to get to the bottom of this rumor floating around the World Wide Web. Could no one in this fucking city keep their damn mouths shut?