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.

18. Chapter 18

( A note on Seto Kaiba's wealth: I have wondered for years now just how much Kaiba is worth. When I looked it up, Comic Vine's website listed him as being worth $1 billion, the same amount as Chazz Princeton from GX. Other sites list him as having much more. Well, being the Seto Kaiba fan that I am and the fact that in the shows it is evidenced that Seto has much more money than $ 1 billion; amusement parks worldwide, schools and universities, multiple citywide tournaments, coffee brands, Duel Disks, Duel Runners, laboratories, stocks, jets, planes, helicopters, blimps, and that elaborate space ship/facility in DSOD, not to mention all of the technology behind the scenes, eye recognition sensors and global tracking systems, Seto suddenly seems to worth a lot more. So, taking artistic liscense and using common sense, I'm making a change…at least for the purposes of my story. If Bill Gates's net worth is $87 billion, and John D. Rockefeller was worth a whopping $350 billion [before the creation of income taxes], with fictional characters coming in with Flinthart Glomgold at $51 billion and Smaug at $67 billion, let's make our beloved Seto Kaiba have a net worth of a nice, realistic, and conservative $ 150 billion. Cause who doesn't want to see Kaiba filthy freaking rich? )

So, that being said: Seto Kaiba. Age: 18. Net worth: $150 billion.

Saturday Night into Sunday Morning:

So…my night was interesting. After getting home from my outing with Yugi and his friends, to which we made further plans to meet, Razel plied me with questions about my Psychic Duel with Evil Bakura. I told him what happened and he insisted I go into more detail.

"Why did you not summon me? Did anyone see you? How else did you call forward? That ignoramus Neo merely told me that 'you were ok.' That pathetic novice Pien Fang came to your rescue? Why in the nine hells would you summon Helion and Jalak? Those bumbling circus mages are as good to you as a blunt sword! You used Mana to safeguard a mortal!?"

Questions of that nature. It was the saving grace of Torunka's advice to let me settle that tamed Razel's intrusiveness.

"Instead of badgering her," he said, "Why not tend to her injuries?"

Razel gave me a look.

"Well, that's the thing. First off, they were minor. But then they went away on their own." I told him.

" 'Went away?'" Razel mimicked.

"Like magic." I pulled up my shirt and showed him my torso. Torunka leaned forward from his seat in my living room and smiled and chuckled approvingly.

"It seems the great Lord Obelisk has left you with a gift."

I lowered my hem. "A gift? This happened before too. I was injured and it disappeared." I sat opposite him in another chair, curling my legs under me.

Like Merlin to Arthur, Torunka took me under his wing and explained what the mighty Obelisk granted me in return for waking him.

"You see Young Miss, you managed to summon Obelisk. One of the Three Divine Beasts. This has not been done for three thousand years. So you can imagine how long Obelisk has lain dormant. When you honed your Energy into the desolate corridors of our world, you woke his greatness. You nearly sacrificed yourself to make this happen and as such, Obelisk rewarded you with several gifts. Your swift healing is one of them. You may recall your new titles as relayed to you by young Nyxx, She Who Walks Between Two Worlds and Who Wields Great Power? That is a reference to the Afterlife and Obelisk itself. You see, the Living World and the Afterlife or World of the Dead are side by side, equal dimensions. Those that lived centuries ago now dwell in that world. Unfortunately only certain individuals are permitted to venture into the Land of the Dead. Namely those who do not wish to use those forces for their own gain. The powers of the Afterlife are formidable in the wrong hands. As Obelisk is Divine he is already in tune with celestial planes. The Lightsworn Plane and the Afterlife. He walks among them freely an unopposed by the inhabitants of either.

However, when a Divine Beast is first summoned, it draws on a host. Obelisk first drew on his host along with his two siblings three millennia ago. This resulted in the two sharing a soul. Much like your Spirit connection to Young Razel, this individual linked his soul with the three Egyptian Gods. They became part of him, and vice versa. This Spirit connection never leaves. When you die, Razel will forever be your True Duel Spirit, yet others may call upon him to aide them in duels or battles. They can never control him as you do. However, with Divine Beasts the rules are bent. They chose who shall harbor them, not the Universal forces. Now, while this individual has long since passed that connection that was once with the living world is still in place only in the Afterlife. As you are now the new "host" for Obelisk, you may, with the use of his Divine power, visit the Afterlife unscathed and remain for periods of time and thus voilà—She Who Walks Between Two Worlds and She Who Wields Great Power."

Quite pleased with his description, Torunka sat back. I assimilated it as succinctly as I could. I did not want to overlook anything. So, if I understood correctly, then because of Obelisk I have permanent ties to the Afterlife. Which means I can visit the dead? I guess so. This tracks back to Nyxx and his lessons on dealing with the dead and spirits. This was cool.

"It sounds awesome Torunka. But jeeze, when I die? You have to go that far/ I don't want to picture that yet." I made a funny expression.

Torunka tilted his head down to his chest and moved his mouth under his bushy mustache. There was a knowing twinkle in his bright blue eyes that left me the impression he knew more about Obelisk's endowments. "Do not worry about that Young Miss. For you that is a long way off."

He was right. I'm here telling this story am I not?

Torunka continued. "Neo informed me that you faced that white haired man again."

"Yes. His name is Bakura and he possesses the Millennium Ring. I believe that is where this evil person lives. Like a spirit haunting. It called me a mortal and a human, so it is no longer human itself if it ever was."

As Torunka and I talked, Razel excused himself and I watched as he left to do practice rounds in the yard.

Torunka hence made me and himself cups of herbal tea, which was nice, and he resumed his seat. Holding the cup in his left hand Torunka made a wispy gesture with his right. His hand glowed a soft green and a bottle formed that looked suspiciously like a liquor bottle. I smirked at him.

"What do you have there?"

Torunka returned my wry grin and swished his mustache again. "A little nip off of the old bottle sooths the nerves and the soul."

"You're a sage though. You aren't soothed enough with mantras and transcendental meditation?" I joked.

"Not nearly enough," He offered me the bottle but I politely declined.

Just as it came the bottle vanished in a green wisp of magic. He talked with me, telling me that Lady Helena and her daughters the Princesses of Camellias, Cherry Blossoms, Autumn Leaves, and Sunflowers, were busy training their own people for the coming war. I was surprised that Helena had daughters, but as the Elite of her people I supposed it was par the course. Even the more reclusive lords and ladies such as the Green Phantom King and his wife the Queen of Autumn Leaves were eager to join. I wagered that my show of power intimidated Helena that I was not one to be messed with. She did ask after Razel though, even throwing in that her daughters needed a strong male figure in their lives to set examples.

The other Races loyal to us were likewise preparing. Overall the evening was going well. Neo had returned to his world no doubt visiting local pubs and flirting, Helion and Jalak were being treated by Adeena for their wounds. Pien Fang, like Neo, went home. I wondered if Mei Ya was happy to see him. I have inklings about those two. Brom stayed for a bit but retired too citing that he had archival work to do in the Spellbook Tower. That left Razel, Von, Torunka, Rae and Brie. Rae and Brie were in the kitchen making a stew that smelled heavenly, and I'm not partial to stews. Von was reading in my den, and Razel was training outside.

"Torunka, Bakura made mention of this Shadow Game. I think he said that before too. What is it exactly?" I sipped my tea.

Like a wizened grandfather thinking of a past memory to explain to his family, Torunka sat back in his chair.

"A Shadow Game is a type of Psychic Duel that infuses the evil forces of the Shadow Realm or Hell in your world. It is a perversion of a Psychic Duel, bringing forth sinister versions of Duel Spirits to do bodily and spiritual harm to its opponents. Only the most corrupt souls entertain a Shadow Game."

"So it's a twisted version of what I do?" I asked curling my legs under me.

"Yes. You must take precautions not to unwittingly call for a Shadow Game. Once you do, it signals the dark entities of the universe that you have gone from the light to the dark. Your powers will be distorted and you will hunger for power and greed. It is dangerous business. However, there was one who created light out of shadow and for a time eliminated Shadow Games from your world."

I nodded, knowing that I would never perform a Shadow Game.

"Really? Was he a sorcerer or something?"

Torunka slowly shook his head. "He was a young king, a pharaoh of Egypt. He battled a tremendous malevolent entity that desired total submission of humanity and Duel Spirits. I've only ever seen such demands from one other creature, but that was centuries before. Princess Olympia fought against this evil and died as the result. With her death she took the power that supported her empire with her, causing this creature and its minions to be forced into obscurity. This young pharaoh suffered a similar fate. It is a shame—he held such promise as a ruler. His life was cut too short. Yet he managed to seal away the powers of the Shadow Games as well as his enemy away within the labyrinths of a Millennium Item. Unfortunately, he had to seal away his own soul along with it. The effects of doing so have drastic effects and his memory of who he was, his home, his family, were completely eradicated."

I was mesmerized by Torunka's story. "And what exactly are the Millennium Items?"

To this Torunka tugged on his long white beard. "Three thousand years ago, in Egypt, a pharaoh forged seven items out of gold. Yet these items were not mere metal and ore, but were the result of a heinous slaughter. You see, Egypt was a land in constant defense from her adversaries. She was strong, but she knew to take measurements. So the reigning pharaoh at the time decided to create powerful objects that would protect his lands. With a new son and heir to the throne born to him, the pharaoh hurried to carry out his plans. He made a deal with the mystical forces of the Universe and our world but he also fell prey to the forces of the darkness. In return for its power, the darkness desired human life. The pharaoh obliged and found a remote village of humble stone masons and artisans called Kul Elna. His soldiers pillaged the poor hamlet, raping women and murdering all. In the dark of night, in a temple hidden from sight, the bodies and blood of those villagers were brought and melted in with the gold. The forces of light and dark were combined. The mixture was then poured into molds and left to harden. When they solidified, what came out of them were the Millennium Items. There are seven in total and are housed in the Millennium Stone. Each has its own specialty, the ring conjures evil hallucinations and Shadow Games when wielded by a crooked individual. Yet it can also be used as a detector of evil or locating others when used by good. The necklace you saw is used to foresee the future, and past. The Eye steals souls, the Scales judge the hearts of mortals, the Ankh opens memories and allows the user to enter the mind, the Rod/Scepter amplifies the spiritual Energy of its user, can summon Duel Spirits, and control the minds and will of others. Lastly is the Puzzle, the item that Yugi holds. It is the strongest of the Items that can heal or destroy, protect or attack, seal or release.

Some Items, like you witnessed, house ancient spirits of those long dead but have not yet gone to the Afterlife. That spirit of the Ring is an old spirit, a trickster and thief. I remember him and his reprehensible deeds. Another Item that contains a very pure soul is…"

It was around seven when Razel opened the sliding glass door and with a stony expression said, "Someone is here."

His face was hard and very serious, almost dark. I set down my mug and stood. I wanted to hear the rest of Torunka's explanation but duty calls.

"I sense it too. It does not feel like a Spellcaster."

Torunka chuckled like a jolly old man. "The fact that you picked up on his Energy is wonderful! It is a pity you are not a Spellcaster, you would have made an admirable mage."

Razel came up to me. "What do you feel?"

"It is male obviously. Lower to mid-level. Wait! I sense another, this one stronger. Clearly a low-mid level. They are together."

Razel inhaled as if he did not want to say the truth himself. "What Energy do they put off?"

I tried to figure it out. It was thick, tough, like one of those rubber dog toys. The Energy had an earthy feel to it and was organic in nature, not like my mages' ethereal Energy at all. It felt brawny and with little to no taste or artistry.

"Warriors."

I turned round to face my front door to find my Von, Neo who had sensed my pang of stress and stopped whatever he was doing to come to me…talk about loyal, and Rae and Brie at attention. Their swords and wands raised, they also sensed the intruders. How did Warriors find my house!?

When you opened the portal, you allowed for all Races to cross over. It was only a matter of time.

Thanks for the bode of confidence Razel.

What will you do? Barge after them guns blazing as you humans say? Came a sarcastic tone so becoming of Razel.

I ignored him and went past my other mages to grip the cold handle of my front door. The Energy was right outside. What did they want? Were they here to attack me in my own house? I harnessed my Energy and sent it out in threatening waves. If need be, I would tap into the reserves left over from Obelisk to end this quickly.

With a twist I opened and stepped beyond my threshold. I met two sets of bright orange eyes with pupils like slits. There were two of them, tall and broad shouldered. Muscles toned from sword practice and hand to hand combat bulged under tight shirts of dark brown cloth for the one, the other wore a dark teal breast plate down to the waist, with facets for ease of movement. The breast-plated one seemed older than his friend, his shoulder plates pointed up and trimmed in silver metal. Under this he wore a tight long sleeved shirt of light blue fabric. Gauntlets of the same dark teal reached his elbows. At his waist he wore a heavy belt with groin and hip guards. His trousers were loose, the same light blue, and tucked neatly into metal played boots. A long dark purple cloak, two swords, and a spiked helmet completed his ensemble.

The younger one wore similar armor and clothing but his was more earth toned, brown tight shirt, green shoulder plates with attached breast plate, and groin guard, tan trousers tucked into brown boots, a metal belt with navy fabric sweeping to cover his hips, a horned/spiked helmet, and a dark navy cloak.

Their faces were so alike they could have been brothers, and for all I knew they were. They were elves with long pointed ears, very different from my Ancient Elf's finer ones. They both sported shoulder length blond hair and both elves had reversed blue triangular tattoos on their cheeks. They looked like Celtic Druids.

They both widened their slit orange eyes as upon seeing me for the first time and they shamelessly gave me a thorough once over. They gave particular scrutiny to my hips, waist and breasts. They knew already that I was female…right?

The older elf spoke, his voice deep and masculine. "Are you the Mistress of the Chaos Mage of the Spellcaster Race?"

His voice was so blunt compared to the elegance of my mages' voices. It grated on me.

"Who is inquiring?" I steely asked.

"Answering a question with a question? Typical of a Spellcaster." He sneered to his friend.

My powers grew in my chest, my eyes narrowed and I countered, "insolence will not be met with lightly elf."

The younger one smirked. "So she can get feisty. She may have a touch of Warrior Energy in her. She is easy on the eyes too. I would not mind the slightest bit if you were, say, the Master of the Warrior Race. No indeed. Tell me, being around so many wand wielding dandies all day you must want the attention of real men no? What say you brother?"

The older one answered, "She does possess a fine figure."

"Rest assured I do not want the attention of Warriors." My hackles were raised.

"Regardless, we have been sent to introduce ourselves," said the older one.

"Oh—so you're the currier pigeons then?" I said pointing at them.

That made them frown.

"How dare you come to my home. If you two have come to challenge me then I warn you, you will suffer greatly." I stepped forward. I was terrified inside but had to maintain my cold exterior.

They towered over me.

"I am the Celtic Guardian of Noble Arms. My true name is Fealan (pronounced fway-lan). This is my brother, the Celtic Guardian. He is Caedmon ( pronounced kayed-man)." *These are ancient Celtic names. Fealan means little wolf, and Caedmon means brave warrior*

"And? What are you doing here?"

Caedmon answered. "We have been sent by our commanding officer to give you this."

He reached into a pouch on his hip and handed me a scroll of parchment.

"What is it?" I said opening the missive.

It was written in Gaelic…yay…

"It is a formal letter of congratulations on your victory during your meeting with your allied Elites. Our Lord Demiuk is pleased you are accepting the terms of war and wishes you the best of luck."

My fingers squeezed the parchment, creasing the message. Was he mocking me?

"You came here to wish me luck in war? That hardly seems the way for a seasoned Warrior much less the highest Elite and ruler of your Race. You're like petulant bullies on a schoolyard. What are you? Nothing but little men and pitiful excuses for Warriors. Get off my property. And take you so called letter of good wishes with you. I want nothing to do with it! If Demiuk wishes to speak with me, then he can do so himself in the Duel Monster Spirit World. Until then, I will not accept from peons." I threw the scroll at Caedmon. He fumbled for it before it fell to the ground.

Now I was pissed. Demiuk was insulting me? I guess I hated myself for the foolish belief that he might have some diplomacy being who he is. I stormed up to Faelan and jabbed my finger right into his firm chest. "If I ever see you or your brother here on my front step you will not leave whole. Do you understand me?"

My voice was deadly calm, leaving him nothing to do but figure out if I would gut him then and there. This elf Warrior stared defiantly down at me. He was confident in his size and ability with a weapon to not back down, but his Energy reflected a slight tremble. He had no idea, in all honesty, what I could do. I summoned Obelisk and opened the same portal they came through…what else could I do?

"I don't like you Faelan. I don't think I will. And you, Caedmon I sense that you have another reason for coming here. That you serve from time to time a mortal very much like myself, a Psychic Duelist. His Spirit Trace Residue on your Energy is familiar." I eyed the Celtic Guardian.

Caedmon's face blanched. "Witch! You're reading my Energy?"

"Nevertheless you are Warriors. You may relay back to your Leader that I say thank you for the wishes. And you may also tell him that I wish him luck. He is going to need it."

Faelan broke his stare with me to glance up. He saw my mages glaring at him from the interior of my house, daring him to do anything.

"I think you and your brother should leave, young Faelan," Torunka said behind me. "Before your poorly hidden curiosity gets you killed."

Faelan sneered again and gave a curt bow. "Lord Torunka it has been a while."

"Lord Torunka?" I poised to them. "I'm surprised you use such an honorific when addressing your sworn enemy."

"Lord Demiuk insists we respect our elders regardless of Race." Faelan stated flatly.

I rolled my eyes. "So your lord is not completely without morals. Mighty white of him."

Caedmon glared at me. It would not be as intimidating if it were not for his creepy eyes. I glared hotly back at him.

"The fuck you looking at elf?"

He did not respond.

"Faelan, yes…you were still at your mother's breast when I first saw you. A plump little elf still in his nappy." My Dark Sage humorously quipped.

I resisted the urge to laugh. Then Torunka said, "This scroll of yours, let me see it."

Using magic, Torunka levitated the scroll from Caedmon's hands and brought it to him. With contemplative musings, the Dark Sage exhaled deeply. "I suspected as much. This is no message from Lord Demiuk. You two snuck here like little thieves to cause trouble didn't you?"

I eyeballed both elf Warriors like they were crazy. "You lied to me? You sons of bitches." Pien Fang held me back.

"How dare you two show your faces here!" I winced inside at Razel's pitch. He had a voice on him when he wanted it.

The emergence of the Chaos Mage changed the two lower and lower-mid-level Warriors from overzealous jocks to corrected schoolchildren.

"Like rambunctious teenagers you are! What are you seeking? A fight? Well come then show me what you can do." Razel stood taller than both of them. "Your actions are a breach of protocol. I would be in my rights to kill both of you and you both know full well how much I would enjoy that." Razel hissed that last sentence out like an tempting serpent.

The underlying venom in his voice gave me goosebumps. No doubt it threatened Caedmon and Faelan to their cores. I noticed a light sweat break on their foreheads. The fact that they WERE here at my house irritated me to no end. How brazen of them! The overconfident mindset they must have to actually use the portal I created to stalk me in my own world! And show up at my house! My House! The longer I rolled it around in my head, the more pissed I became. Warriors were not only bloodthirsty brutes, they thought nothing of intruding. Like warriors of old who besieged towns and villages, raping and stealing what they could get their hands on acting as if they owned the land, these two just moseyed on over to my private sanctuary!

My Energy rose dramatically but it was different. This Energy was not my Energy—not singularly. I felt the ancient pulse of Obelisk, that piece of him forever engraved into my spirit, linking the two of us together. My veins seemed to expand as blood raced through me. My body tingled and my head buzzed. My hearing and sight became sharper, my thoughts came faster. Around us, a breeze picked up. The leaves on my trees rustled.

The backlight from my house darkened my front, allowing for my appearance to take the shape of something menacing. As I glared at the Warriors my vision obtained a slight reddish hue around the peripherals. I did not know it but my eyes had started to glow red just as Obelisk's. What causes this lovely alteration is the fact that I contained his mounting power so tightly in me, that it showed in other areas. Usually when my eyes turn red I'm nearing the end of my rope. The haunting power I was putting out caused both Warriors to tear their eyes away from Razel and fix on me.

"Brother, do you feel that?" Caedmon asked in a shaky whisper.

"I do. This is beyond us, at least without backup. We should leave." Faelan replied with equal fear.

"Brilliant idea, children," Razel susurrated at them.

They took two steps back when we all heard this. "Caedmon! I knew I recognized the stench of rotting shit!"

I turned and gave a classic what- the- fuck expression. I'd never heard him curse like that.

Neo stormed past all of us to stand chest to chest with the Celtic Guardian. "You raging, flaming jackoff! To show your face here at my Mistress's home is nothing short of the actions of a ball-less cretin! You honestly think you have the skills to challenge her? I could fuck your mother thrice over before you could muster up the speed to take a swing at my Mistress!"

I was taken aback. Neo! The mouth on you! You're like a trucker.

Caedmon's face flushed at Neo's crude remarks. "You still use that wooden sword of yours Caedmon? Or have you finally graduated to steel now? I'd be shocked—you could barely get your prick up last I saw you."

"And I'm shocked you're not face first in a witch's cunny you blond fucking dandy!" Caedmon shot back.

"Woahhhh…" I breathed with a smirk.

"You fucking grommet! And she would love it too! But you wouldn't know about that! The way you lumber along like a half formed fiend, no woman wants your stringy prick!"

Neo shoved Caedmon back off of my steps. He stumbled onto the lawn. Neo stomped after him, his swag ever present.

"You son of a pig slut!" Caedmon snapped and reached for his belt. Oddly he unbuckled the piece of metal chucked it to the ground, his sword thumping heavily on the grass. He threw of his helmet too.

"You want to do this bare handed huh? Fine!" Neo likewise threw his sword aside.

Caedmon lunged for Neo, jabbing his fists at Neo's face. Neo dodged Caedmon's punches, ducking and bobbing under the Warriors muscled arms. Neo came up and rammed his palm into Caedmon's nose. Blood gushed from his nostrils and Caedmon yelped in pain.

"Ah! Damn you, you cunt licking maggot!" the Warrior elf spat.

He landed a hit on Neo's right cheek. "Oh! You vomit eating sheep fucker!"

They collided with each other. Fists and expletives flew with wild abandon. Neo used his dimensional drifting abilities to pop in and out of portals around the Warrior. Being a non-magic Race, Warriors are land bound fighters and are at a severe disadvantage. Caedmon was growing tired, his swings slowed. Despite his muscular bearing, the Celtic Guardian lacked the fine agility of his opponent. Neo taunted and insulted the entire time, beating the living daylights out of him. At one point, Neo grabbed Caedmon by his cloak, rolled the elf over his shoulder, and threw him onto the ground like a sack of potatoes. Once supine on the grass, Caedmon covered his bloodied face with his forearms as Neo unleashed a barrage of kicks. I stood there watching in awe—Neo was a fucking savage.

He beat upon Caedmon like the Warrior murdered his family and for all I knew, with the exception of his estranged brother, it was possible. It was unrestrained hatred and anger on Neo's part. It was Spellcaster against Warrior and it was no holds barred. His emerald eyes were wide with frenzy as his foot soundly connected with the form below. I looked over at Faelan to see if he would intervene on his brother's behalf. To my astonishment, he just stood there like a statue. He did not so much as flinch. Was he watching and remembering for the future? Was he going to report this? Was he biding his time to exact revenge later?

"Why do you do nothing to defend your brother, Faelan?" I asked coldly.

"We broke official protocols of war. We should never have come tonight. As much as I despise every last one of you godforsaken Spellcasters, I cannot ignore the laws of our world. Caedmon is learning the harsh result of his brash actions."

"His actions? What about you? Aren't you just as guilty?" I raised my brow. "Ah you know what, don't answer that. I've looked at you both long enough. I'm tired and I want eat and to go to bed. You're lucky I did not kill you. I detest you Warriors."

I walked away from him and towards Neo and Caedmon who was curled up, protecting his belly from Neo's swift kicks.

I came up to Neo's side and only then did he give pause. His breathing was heavy and ragged, his mouth open. Spit moistened his lips and behind his now unkempt hair, his eyes reeled in malice.

"My Lady?" His question came in haggard breaths. Bruises were forming on his cheeks. As much as I hated seeing his beautiful face marred, I have to admit that the purple results added to his appearance making him ruggedly handsome. Was there nothing that could diminish Neo's unimaginable beauty? It was truly unfair.

"That's enough Neo."

I glared down at this impudent Warrior, seeing him cower and covered in blood. I knelt down next to him and grabbed his shirt.

Above me I heard "You keep your dick beating hands off of her."

Caedmon lowered his arms and stared into my eyes. I saw my reflection—I did not recognize myself. My eyes held a deadly terror, my face was firm and unyielding. I was not a young woman anymore…I was a Master. "Why did you come here tonight?"

Caedmon took his right hand and gripped my corresponding wrist. The words he spoke next chilled me.

"To seek the truth. In Sogen, there are words of a legend being spoken. A legend that is already unfolding and becoming awakened. This night, I believe my brother and I have found that the rumors are true."

I had no comeback for that unquestionable prophesy. I just shoved him back to the ground with a sound of revulsion and hastily rose. My thoughts raced to Nyxx and of what he foresaw for me. I had to see him, to talk to him again. I heard Caedmon going to stand and knowing that this Warrior was trying to get up forced my resolve to snap. I spun around and extended my hand. Power swooped outwards and ensnared the Celtic Guardian, lifting him up with ease. He was immobile.

Faelan gasped and rushed over to him but was forced to watch helplessly as his brother hung several feet in their air.

"Tell your Elites that if I see another Warrior near my house, or near the Spellcasters, mine or otherwise, without the formal declaration of war, that the Spellcasters and I will attack with the full might of our ferocity. I will not tolerate fear mongering and harassment. Am I clear?"

Both Warriors nodded hatefully at me. I dropped Caedmon and watched until they both vanished through the portal back to their homeland. I stood there for a while after they left contemplating my threat and the snowballing effects in my life. As I went back inside in relative silence I stopped in my kitchen. My mages waited on bated breath for me to say something, Razel had been quiet the whole time.

"Mistress?" said Von.

"Neo," I responded coolly.

"Yes Mistress?" My blond mage answered.

I threw my arms into the air and brought clenched fists down hard onto my chest. I spun on my heel with a huge grin and laughed. "You were fucking insane! That was incredible what you did! You kicked the crap out of him hahahaha!" I laughed uncontrollably.

My head was cast backwards as I let out peals of hysterics. All of the tension melted away and I was very amused. So amused I was that I sank to my floor still gasping for air. I slapped the floor. I kicked my cabinets. I loved it.

"Oh my God Neo I love you!"

Soon Neo too laughed and came over to me. He sat next to me and put his arm around my shoulder. We just sat there laughing like idiots on my kitchen floor.

"Oh! I needed that so badly. Uhhhhhhhhhh, ah it feels good to release so much steam." I heaved. My throat was raw then, my cheeks wet from tears.

My other mages found it equally as funny and chimed in. Only Razel and Torunka were steadfast. As Elites, I figured as much.

"Ugggg. I gotta get up. Get off! Get off!" I tossed Neo away and pulled myself up. I went to my one cabinet above my vitamin drawer and took down a bottle of spiced rum. It was still full, that's how frequently I drink. Every now and again I allow myself a small drink, like Christmas and a few times in the summer. Tonight I unscrewed the cap and took a nice swig from the bottle. The golden liquid rolled down my throat like spicy syrup, burning its way down. Instantly my belly warmed and my cheeks tingled, enhancing the earlier strain from laughing.

"Mmmmm, that's good. Razel! Did you see Neo whaling on him like that? That boy is a savage. Neo teach me how to do that. The rest of you, stay, go home, drink, eat, I don't care. I'm going to hop in a nice steaming shower, eat some of that stew Rae and Brie made, and then go to bed. Razel, Torunka can you watch the house?" I drank again from the bottle and left it on the counter.

"Yes. We can manage, Mistress. Go relax and Razel and I will watch these young bloods." Torunka smiled, ushering the younger mages away.

"Razel! Come with me!" I shouted and grabbed his hand. I was a little tipsy at that point.

My Chaos Mage had sealed his mouth shut I supposed because he did not utter a word as I led him up to my room. I was chattering the whole time. He remained by my door as I began to undress. I finagled off my shirt and chucked it on my bed. I blabbed about how overconfident the Warriors must be to have come here, how insulting they were. I kicked off my pants. Now I was in my underwear in front of Razel.

"Are they all like that? No wonder you hate them. Pompous assholes, they think they can just stroll over here to my house like it's nothing? The little spies. This just irritated me and now they will pay for that." I grabbed up my towel from my linen closet and marched into the bathroom. Razel was in tow.

The whole time he did not make eye-contact with me. There I was ranting in my bra and underwear before the Magician of Black Chaos. We entered the bathroom and I put my towel on the sink. Going over to the shower, I turned on the water to HOT. As I waited for the water to reach the right temperature, I kept it up.

"Is this an early threat Razel? Is war coming soon? What does this mean? Has this ever happened before, that Warriors would break the rules of war? They know where I live now…that could present a problem. I'll have to put up a barrier around my property and the training field. I sense that Neo has left this world and gone home. I'm sure he is spreading the word about what happened, which is good. Hopefully more Spellcasters will come to our aide. That does leave the issue with the other Elites. I need to be invited you said before? To go to that fortress? I can't go any other way? You can't get me in there? I have you and Torunka, but I will need more. I'll need you to facilitate a meeting. Perhaps I should visit Lord Endymion too. I do have the visit with Seto tomorrow, maybe I can find a way to use that to my advantage." I was talking a mile a minute, very unusual for me.

I was stressed, tired, freaked, excited, tipsy, and running on adrenaline. The room began to fill with steam as the water heated.

"Razel? Razel look at me." I said walking up to him and giving a strand of black hair a tug.

Those piercing red eyes finally met mine. With an agonizing slowness, those ruby pools of my Chaos Mage lost interest in what had captured their attention to land squarely on mine. I saw him glance down at my nearly naked body and I felt my own flush rise. I do not know why I did feel that way, but perhaps it was the long fluid motion of those piercing pupils tracing their way from my face to my neck, down to my chest and lower to my belly and hips. They continued further, taking their times as if on a Sunday stroll. His gaze on my skin left goose-bumps in their wake, and I resisted the urge to shudder as a sensation of thrill raced up my spine. Razel went from one hip to the next, impressing upon me the notion that he was caressing my pelvis in adoring strokes. Now they fell on my thighs, trying to not linger on the obvious. Down they went again, to my knees, my calves, and then my bare feet.

Was this how he used to look at women in his world? If so I can understand why so many wanted him. He possessed this dark, seductive aura that outshined the most skilled of Casanovas. At that moment I did not need him to hold or touch me, his eyes had taken care of that. Bringing his focus back up, I was uncertain if I could face him. You must remember how tall and statuesque Razel is. He is literally what any woman wants in a man. And Razel is first and foremost a MAN. He may be a Duel Spirit but he is still male and in full ownership of all male tendencies. Under his house robes I saw his firm and muscled chest and belly, those strong shoulders, that tapered waist that when in training offers sight of a perfect V of his hips. Those long and lithe legs with their sculpted calves and beautiful feet all dressed in the loveliest of cerulean skin were concealed under fine trousers and shoes. Razel is beautiful no doubt about it and Neo is otherworldly, but there is something utterly soul stealing about Razel that places him far above my blond swordsman.

Was it those sinister eyes? Those striking facial tattoos? That long curtain of obsidian hair? His unusual skin color? Or was it his power and standing as an Elite and one of the strongest magicians in his world? There were too many factors to decide. When he acknowledged me again, my Chaos Mage's blue cheeks were tinged with a hint pink, a blush.

"I'm listening Mistress." The tone of his deep voice made me release the breath I had been holding tightly in my throat. His expression was one of unnerving calm and control. He had the most outstanding self-discipline of all of my mages, even over my eventual other Elites. Even Torunka was given to moments of laxity.

I sighed and slapped my thighs. My left bra strap fell from my shoulder. "What's going to happen Razel? Will we be ok?" I was falling from my high as cold, hard reality set in. This was real and getting closer.

His glance flitted to the strap hanging precariously low on my arm. I felt the gentle rush of air as he lifted his hand to nudge the strap back up to its proper place. His fingers grazed my shoulder and collar bone. His hand lingered on my shoulder, his thumb rubbing on my skin. Those eyes were so heavily lidded that it seemed he was battling untoward emotions. Truth be told, I wanted him to hold me. I was feeling the stinging fears of my life and its entrenched mess with this other world. These mystical beings were living with me, were in my house, eating with me, laughing with me, being my therapists. They had feelings, thoughts, dreams, wishes, hatred, anger, tears to shed. They were alive and real just as we are. My Energy threatened to strike out and wrap itself around his. I wanted a link as close as when we first delved into our prolonged Exchange. I wanted to feel him that way again. I wanted Razel close to me. Instead I did this:

"Razel—when I was getting ready for the meeting in your world, I was told that no one was allowed to enter into my chamber there unless they were my husband or you. Why?"

That worked to break his little trance. "Because it is the way of conduct. Only your husband, who knows you physically, or I who knows you Spiritually may be with you."

"So only you can see me naked? No one else is supposed to?" I asked bluntly.

"In a word yes."

"Good to know," I winked at him. I admit it was improper but I wanted to. Hey, he may be my True Duel Spirit and I have great respect and from time to time hatred for him, but he was the Magician of Black Chaos. Razel is the sex symbol of sex symbols among the Spellcasters so there I was in my bra and undies. Why not wink.

He blinked an owl's blink at me.

"I can sense you want something of me Mistress. What is it?"

Damn! My Energy did leak out I knew it!

"I don't…know." I honestly did not fully know. I wanted him to hold me yes, but was that it? Razel and I were going through a lot together and it was an insurmountable amount of stress on me. What did I want? In actuality? I rubbed my arms, subconsciously trying to cover myself.

"I think I understand. You mortals are so transparent when it comes to your emotions. It borders on the pathetic," Razel chided gently.

"Huh?"

Razel approached me and reached out his arms. There he was, open and receptive to my secret wanting. I dropped my shoulders and sighed forlornly. Tears came to my eyes and I hugged him. My arms secured around his neck, I hid my face in his hair as I let off some of the tension and fear suffered by my encounter. Need I remind you that I am not weak, nor do I need a man to protect me. But back then, when I was younger and inexperienced, seeing Caedmon and Faelan at my doorstep was like seeing an ax murderer up close. This Race was after me and they had breached by personal bubble of protection and security. I felt violated and exposed. I was angry and I wanted to kill them all but what came out of me then in that bathroom was tears.

"I hate them Razel," I mumbled.

He held me tightly to him, shielding me. "I know. So do I."

His hands on my bare back were soothing. "Did Olympia every cry?" I asked.

"Yes. In times of great peril she would excuse herself from sight and relay to me her burdens. She steeled herself in the face of danger, but was a human like you."

"Did you think she was weak?"

"I did not. Nor do I think so of you. She was of mighty will and so are you. You are just lacking in age. But you will grow and cope with what lies ahead."

"Sometimes I don't think I can Razel." I inhaled his scent.

"I have faith that you will surpass this and become the legend that elf spoke of. You will be Master of us all. I will call for Nyxx to reassure you." He rubbed my back. "Besides, with me you can do nothing else but succeed. I will not tolerate less."

We stood there in silence as I calmed down. He pacified me, his caring hold supporting my woes. It was not until I realized that my feet were off of the floor that I began to giggle.

"What is it?"

"Oh, nothing. You're just…like a redwood that's all."

"A what?"

"It's a very tall species of tree in California."

"Oh."

I gave him a tight squeeze and released. He set me back down, his hands lingering on my naked sides. His fingers seemed to not wish to let me go, so I stared awkwardly at his chest. Razel bent at the waist, his hair cascading over his shoulder. His presence drew nearer to me and I picked my head up. I immediately wished I hadn't. I guess he was about to kiss my head, but with my little move we ended up frozen in place. Mere centimeters separated my mouth from his. Our noses brushed together sweetly, but I was not distracted by that. The warmth of his breath frolicked across my lips like a clandestine lover, and I wondered if his lips were soft or firm as they parted gently against the backdrop of his fine white teeth. All it would take would be a little tilt of the head. We were both adults right? So why was I deliberating in my mind like a teenager? Because he is my True Duel Spirit!

But…What was his kiss like? Did he ever kiss Olympia? Why am I thinking about this!?

"Razel…" I said but stopped. What if the motion of my mouth inadvertently brushed against his? Yeah, he was that close.

I put my hands on his chest, going to move him back. The electric currents in my mage's brain must have surged because he stiffly rose to stand ramrod straight. The blush tinted his high cheeks.

"I have outstayed my welcome here." Like a true magician, his presentation was distant and desperately attempting to erect the boundaries associated between Master and Duel Spirit.

I took his lead and mentally slapped myself too. "And unfortunately I'm not ready for you to see everything so I'm going to hop in the shower."

Retreating I reached up behind my back to unhook the clasp of my bra. "Are you gonna leave?"

Bowing slightly at the waist Razel said "I will wait outside" and closed the door behind him.

That Night in Bed:

I stared at my ceiling. I could not sleep. I was too preoccupied. I thought of Yugi and the others. I thought of Evil Bakura. I thought of the two Warriors tonight. I thought of Neo kicking the living bejesus out of Caedmon. I thought of Caedmon calling me a legend in the making. I thought of laughing with my mages in my kitchen. I thought of what Torunka told me. I thought of Razel…Razel. The feel of Razel, the smell of him, the strength of him. The unquestionable latent desire deep in his eyes—was it directed towards me? Or was he remembering Olympia, the woman he loved? I thought of my feelings towards him…

"What the hell is happening?"

Around One A.M.:

A loud bang outside my house nearly caused me to throw up my stomach. The sound shook me from me sleep and left me very rattled. With heart racing and senses alert, I shot out of bed and threw open my bedroom door.

"Razel!? Razel wake up!" I shouted into the quiet darkness of my home.

"I am here Mistress," He was standing there waiting for me, already awake and ready.

"What the fuck was that noise?" I said racing down the steps.

"Mistress!" Von said as I came down to the foyer.

"What is going on? What was that?" I searched the house, turning on lights as I went.

My mages had long since gone to their homes but Von, Razel of course, and Rae and Brie remained. Torunka left shortly after dinner. Mana was my sole female mages who wanted to sleep over, which I was fine with. After meeting Yugi, she wanted to stay close to me as possible. She insisted he could help her find her long lost Master but I was skeptical. What made her think Yugi could help? Plus since the two Celtic elves, she wanted to make sure I was safe.

"It sounded close Mistress," she said holding her wand.

"I know. Really close."

Razel entered the dining room and went to the slider. We watched him star outside into the dark for a few moments before he groaned in irritation.

"I should have known it was you. You better have a good excuse for disrupting my Mistress's sleep you impertinent slight of a wizard." He slid open the door and yanked another body inside.

I darted over and slapped on the lights. As the light illuminated the room in its harsh glow, I had to wonder why Razel was berating Neo so harshly. Namely, what was Neo doing here at this hour?

"You pathetic idd! To think that you would show your face tonight! What goes on in that poorly forged vessel you call a head foregoes my comprehension!"

"Jeeze Razel. It's not Neo's fault. It was probably an accident. A dimensional spell gone wrong." I tried to stop the scene, though I was mildly cross myself at having to wake up so early. I hate waking up early.

"My sentiments exactly! My baby brother was no match for me in the art of dimensional drifting. I'm not surprised that he has mishaps now and again."

You could hear a pin drop. "Your baby brother?"

Then it hit me. The man whom Razel had been chewing up now glanced over at me. Oh my God! If Neo was otherworldly in his beauty then this was a deity come to earth. This man was gifted of the same long golden blond hair, angular features enviable of any man earthbound or not, the perfect body in every aspect, slender yet fit, with eyes of the most brilliant and limpid forest green. He was like an angel. My breath hitched in my throat and I blushed like mad. He was a few inches taller than Neo and slightly larger all around. I knew who this was…this was Neo's fabled older brother.

"Sweet fancy Moses," I whispered.

"I get that a lot," He said haughtily.

Mana, who was next to me said, "Oh my."

"I also get that a lot."

Neo's brother smiled smugly at Razel and came over to us. He wore armor of silver and dark breeches. A silver wimple-like adornment guarded his face. His cape was blue and gold and his sword hung at his hip. He even walked with grace! These boys knew they were dangerous and knew exactly when to turn on the charm.

"So you must me the Mistress my brother spoke of." His voice was like syrup on a hot summer day, dripping and sweet.

"I thought you had not seen Neo," I said.

"I haven't. I've been busy in Neo Space. Taking in the sights, sampling the cuisine and its women. But one gets bored with that sort of thing and seeks to return home. Funny thing about dimensional drifting, you can pop in whenever you want. I have kept an eye on my baby brother and have followed his mentioning of you for some time. It just took the threats of two Warriors to arouse my interest to check in on him and you."

He stopped before me, bent at the waist and brought his face level to mine. His scent was stunning. I was unable to form words he was so handsome.

"N…Neo has told me briefly about you. What is your name?" I managed to eek out.

"First, I wish to perform the Energy Exchange with you. Make me yours and I will regale you with stories of me and my brother. Otherwise I will not divulge family secrets to a stranger. Since you are aiming to be Master of Magicians, and I happen to be a magician, it makes sense that you and I should join. What do you say?"

I nodded dumbly.

"Good." He smiled! Ahhhhhh!

Razel watched hawk-like from behind. My Energy swirled out and merged with Neo's brother. Our Energies merged, and soon I had another mage to support. He was an upper level mage and required more Energy than most. I felt the tug but it was fine.

"There now. That wasn't so hard was it?" He said.

"I've had worse," I joked.

Then the next moment I froze. The room went silent as death and expressions of outrage, disbelief, and shock were directed at me. I myself was too gob smacked to do much more than stand there tense and unprepared. Razel's dark Energy bubbled and twisted from him in thrashing waves as his mounting anger burned in his throat like acid. His eyes and face darkened and his standard banner of decorum almost fell like a child's sandcastle upon a beach. Behind me I sensed a chillingly dangerous Energy, one that bordered on murderous intent. Von's Energy grew in force like a hurricane and I died inside. I was fully aware of his affections for me and being his Master, I was told, by him too mind you, to never engage in intimacies with my Duel Spirits for fear of severe repercussions. Yet here was this newbie performing upon me the second greatest disregard for my position and title incurred by one of mine. The first I will explain later when the time permits.

I could not blink. I could not move from my spot. I was awash with emotions and Energy as all I could do was blankly stare at the closed lids whose lashes danced over fine cheekbones. The hand on the small of my back pushed me closer to the heavenly body in front of me. The feeling of warm lips on mine stilled my heart. We held this pose for several seconds before he pulled away.

"Allow me to introduce myself Mistress. I am Trance."

Sunday:

That's how my night went! How was yours? My latest Duel Spirit was Neo's older brother Trance and he was the first Duel Spirit to kiss me! Yup, you heard it right. He kissed me. Right smack dab on the mouth. Oh it took me a little while to recover and Razel no time to initiate him into our group. Trance emerged from the field littered with black bruises and cuts, I think he was limping slightly too. Later Razel called a meeting to explain the enormity of maintaining dignity in front of me. Word travels fast in the Duel Monster Spirit World and soon the cities of Spellcasters were abuzz with Trance kissing me.

Neo was pissed when he found out. From a distance I overheard Neo berading Trance about how hard he is working to move up in their world and get away from the shadow of Trance, of how his brother returns from God knows where and after God knows how long, and second he kisses his Master. But in hindsight I saw how happy Neo was to see Trance and so let them catch up. They really did look alike. The whole kiss thing did not bother me as much as it should have I suppose and once my female mages discovered that now there were two blond beauties training at my house, they swarmed the training field. I was there too…just sayin. None of them bore jealousy towards me for Trance's kiss—they assumed I was the Mistress so I was in a league of my own and unable to compete with.

Neo and Trance; hot, shirtless, sweaty and sword and magic training…with the exception of chocolate nothing else was needed. Watching those two bodies dance in their ballet of swords and spells with my fellow ladies, it's a wonder there were no hearts floating above our heads. At the same time I could not help but wonder at the coincidence of having two sets of brothers arrive at my house; Trance and Neo, and Faelan and Caedmon. I wonder if Trance hates Faelan as much as Neo does Caedmon…

My slew of male mages were nonplussed by the whole thing. Lux was very vocal about his displeasure. My younger mages were equally displeased though they were merely mimicking the masculine outcries of their idols and superiors. The older males were self-assured in their sexual prowess to not feel quite as threatened, but they glared at the brothers in resentment anyway. Nonetheless as I was training with my Performapal Trapeze Magician Soleil, Rai, ever my informant, ran into the Big Top to tell me that a black car was parked out front of my home. I swung and flipped to the other trapeze, gripping the bar and said, "I'll be right there!"

Letting go I flipped twice before lowering myself to the platform. Levitating down from that I grabbed a towel from a nearby stand and dried off.

"Who is it?"

He came over to me with my phone and my shoulders dropped. "Oh crap, it's Seto. I thought he wouldn't be here until later. Stay here."

I flew to my house, literally, and up to my room. I grabbed a T-shirt from my dresser threw that on and sped down my steps. My mages were all outside in the field so unless Seto wanted a tour of my property, I was in no hurry to scare him away.

I collected myself and went to my front door. I was greeted by the dazzling scent of his Gucci by Gucci cologne. He was impeccably dressed as always; a beautiful shirt of ice blue buttoned up to below his collar tucked into a pair of tailored dark pants the broke wonderfully over black leather loafers. His sleeves were rolled up to the elbows, exposing those flawless arms and the sinewy muscle underneath. A large Chanel watch on his left wrist glinted in the sun. In his right hand he held a silver, metal briefcase.

"You're here early," I said trying to be nonchalant.

Seto said, "Early? I tried calling you but you never answered. No one ignores Seto Kaiba."

"You did?" I clicked on my phone and noticed with slight chagrin that I had three missed calls and one missed text message. He was right…

"Well…I was indisposed. And I'm not attached to my phone like most people are. Once I'm home it stays on my kitchen counter." I answered.

Seto checked out my outfit, my training shorts and wrinkled T-shirt, and twitched his upper lip. "I am a little surprised you answered the door in that."

I shrugged and crossed my arms. "Yeah well you know—I thought it best to preserve what little modesty I have and answer the door wearing a shirt. I was much more comfortable before I put it on honestly. Luckily it's only you so it's fine. I don't have to worry." I smirked.

"So you ignored my calls on purpose. That's never happened to me before." He looked away, mulling over the concept of not being center stage.

"I did not ignore your calls. I told you what happened." I said.

"To not even hear it ring is strange."

I knew what he was doing. Trying to trap me into saying I was with my Duel Spirits are you? I thought.

"I had it on low."

"What if it was an emergency?" He asked.

"That's what my house phone is for."

"What could be more important that answering a call from Seto Kaiba?" He pressed.

"My life—for one."

"Nothing else? What is so important in your life?"

"I fail to see how that is any of your business. In fact, I don't like your prying questions. I do have in mind to slam the door in your face," I said, albeit with a tease.

He then used those calculating sapphire pools of his to assess my state; hair slightly wispy and pulled back, face and chest damp from sweat, slight puffing in the fingers from increased blood flow, T-shirt half-hazard, workout shorts and bare feet. Clearly my exertion was warranted by more than a few choice yoga moves. I looked more akin to a trainee for a triathlon than one who came up from downward dog. My disheveled appearance betrayed my activities and Seto was no fool. He surmised it right away.

"They're here aren't they?"

I retracted the tension in my neck and popped my lips emphasizing the P. "Yup."

"That's why you didn't answer. You were doing something with your Duel Spirits."

"I was."

"I want to see."

Just as he said this, in came my Performapal Skullcrobat Joker Nyala. ( I am honestly not sure if it is a female or male so I'm going with female.)

"Mistress, Lord Razel is demanding to know where you have gone…oh" Her voice dwindled as a toy succumbs to a dying battery when she saw Seto standing in the doorway.

I blinked twice as I resigned myself to the fact that now I was going to have to show Seto my secret life. So, sighing I waved for him to enter my house. Nyala was paralyzed with fear—had she unwittingly upset her Master? Had she just made with her carelessness a grave error? What would Razel do?

"Seto, please let me introduce Nyala the Performapal Skullcrobat Joker. Nyala—this is Seto Kaiba." I admit I felt like a cardboard cutout stiffly turning from one to the other.

Nyala nervously brought her hands to her abdomen, rubbing her knuckles in a self-soothing gesture. "A…pleasure." Her voice was a whisper.

"Likewise. This is outstanding. Duel Monsters without holograms here right in front of my eyes. You never cease to amaze." He said to me of my mage like she was a prize winning science fair project.

"I'm surprised you're still caught off guard by the whole thing. You and I dueled, and you met several mages in the infirmary, plus Obelisk." I counted off. I also alluded to the fact that I suspected he visited my room often as he mentioned the vigilance of my two mages. They never left my side huh? How would he know that unless he traversed that hall once or twice as I lay there?

"Coming from an industry where the only method of visualizing Duel Monsters is when projected by a hologram, then yes I will be alarmed when speaking to their flesh and blood forms."

I fidgeted. "Ah, Nyala could you please fetch Razel for me?"

"Right away Mistress!" Nyala bowed slightly and bounded off, grateful to get out of there.

Seto licked his lips and said to me, "How long with this take?"

"Oh—Razel should be here soon. Three, two, one…"

When Seto took his eyes off of me to bring his gaze up, Razel was right there. Like…right…there. I noticed a microscopic bounce in Seto's shoulders. He was controlled alright but the sudden arrival of the Magician of Black Chaos startled the great CEO of Kaiba Corp.

"We meet again child." Razel's smooth voice said with the sharpness of a knife.

Seto's Energy flared. "Child? I suggest you rethink what you say."

"I speak without flaw human. To me you shall always be a child. I assume you are here to instruct my Mistress in the ways of your frivolous game?"

I groaned.

"Duel Monsters is far from frivolous, mage." Seto bit back.

"You mortals play with pieces of paper decorated with our likenesses painted on them. You assign us Attack strength and Defensive strength grossly inaccurate to the truth. You distort our existence for the gratification of your ignorance to the realities of the world. You create false representations of us in battle, programing us to react the way you believe us to. Such fallacies I consider very inconsequential."

The only thing missing from this Mexican stand-off were guns, I swear. I rolled my eyes as if in pain and groaned, "Could you two please try to get along?"

"Apologies Mistress. Sometimes children need to be put in their place," Razel kept his eyes fixed on Seto as if he were a foxhound and Seto the quarry.

Wordlessly the two men stepped away from their dangerous proximity and regarded me with mild impatience.

"I guess we should nail this coffin shut. Come on Seto." I waved both hands in irritation. This was not how I wanted today to go.

"To where?" He asked.

"Outside. You want to see my mages don't you?" I said already heading towards my back slider door.

The three of us exited into my backyard, the mangled tree trunk garnering a cursory remark. I pretended not to hear it. He did not need to hear the account of Razel's first display of being a dick-head. Seto followed me out of the confines of my large backyard and through a cleared path that lead deep into the forest behind my house. We walked for a few lengths before we came round a bend and a clearing in the trees alerted us that we were close. I told him that it was just up ahead and to not create a scene. I got a gruff comment but otherwise he understood.

Our first steps into the wide open field rewarded me with a gasp of awe from my cohort. Glancing over my shoulder, Seto's face was one of a little kid in an amusement park. All around us my Performapal mages had set up their training grounds and tents. My Pendulum mages paraded around in elaborate structures resembling yurts; large tent-like homes with sweeping fabrics of a rainbow of color, gold embellishments and incense sparkled and burned. Voices and a flutter of robes here, a glitter of a spell there, a spin of a staff or a bark of a command ping-ponged back and forth. Light music of instruments my mages brought from home celebrated in the air as the fresh smells of delicious exotic foods wafted like beckoning fingers, entrancing hungry trainees to the vender's stalls.

I saw Jalak and Helion, both recovered from Evil Bakura practicing with Rai and Rae and Brie. Brom, Jarl and Axel read books of enchantments under the shade of richly dyed clothes suspended by ornate posts. My Magician Girls trained in wand twirling, like cheerleaders tossing up their staffs and working in choreographed moves before catching the falling items. Maha Vailo was with Von wrestling alongside Lux and Lazar. Mana was off on her own reciting spells from an old book that she called the Book of Secret Arts. She claimed that this was the book that she and her master studied from and it worked as a kind of therapy for her.

My younger mages and teen mages scurried around testing out needling tricks and little blasts of their own. Seto moved up front from his former spot behind me to take it all in. His Energy was fighting to release and join in with the rest as they went about their business. The handle on his briefcase was clicking softly; Seto was shaking.

"Are you ok?" I asked.

"They're real." He was still calm but I heard the tremor in his voice.

"Yes. Would you like to say hello?" I smiled as if Seto was seeing potential playmates on a playground for the first time.

"Everything I have ever thought of until now is a lie. I used to think it was all nonsense—that it was bullshit made up by Yugi and his toady friends."

"But?"

"This is different. This is life changing. These beings do exist! Another world exists! How many other worlds are out there then? This is one of mankind's dreams and I am standing on the precipice." He, in the interim, opened his arms out wide.

"And to think, what could possibly be more important than a phone call from Seto Kaiba?" I teased him.

I led Seto further into the training grounds with Razel in tow. Seeing me and Razel, my Spellcasters smiled and bowed but when they saw Seto they stopped. You know those scenes in movies, where that really awkward moment happens and the sound of a record skipping in the background cuts the mood?

Mages raised their brows; they poked their heads from tents, they chewed in curiosity. Seto's Energy immediately retracted and his within himself. It was his automatic defense, try to leave no openings for hurt. A testament to their loyalty to me, my adult mages grabbed their wands and staffs to position themselves around us. They watched protectively like guards at a palace door for any tell-tale gesture from Seto that he could be a threat to me.

I quickly tried to assuage the situation. So with a big smile I cheerily said, "Everyone! I'd like to introduce you to someone! This is Seto Kaiba, CEO and President of Kaiba Corp here in Domino. He's very excited to meet all of you!"

From the front of the mounting crowd, my little ones carefully tapped my legs. "Yes?"

I said squatting down.

"Is he excited to meet us too?" They asked bashfully looking from me to him.

"What do you mean?"

My Card Ejector Kiki meekly asked, "Us. The kids, is your friend happy to meet us too? He looks scary like Lord Razel."

"Oh! Kiki, you guys! Seto can't wait to meet all of you big and small. And he especially likes kids." I ruffled Kiki's hair.

Her face brightened into a little sun, "Really?"

"Mhhmm."

She looked up at him like he was Santa. "Hi! I'm Kiki!"

Bounding up to stand next to her came my Miracle Flipper, Yahiko. The two of them were thick as thieves so of course he'd be right there asking the next question.

"And I'm Yahiko. So are you really the Master of the Blue Eyes White Dragons? I've only heard stories about them. The older mages have seen them but only Lord Razel and Lord Torunka have held an audience with them. I want to be an Elite so I can talk to them too. What are they like? Are they as huge as people say?"

"A…and are they really as white as snow? Are their eyes sapphires like my friends say? I heard that their roars can topple buildings and their wings stretch thiiiis far!" Kiki chimed in, spreading her arms as wide as they can go.

Oh the grin I had on my face! I had to cover my mouth and shut one eye it was so large. Seto, who at first was brutally nervous, went through a change of heart and knelt down. In fact, he adopted a softer expression towards the children and I wondered if it was because they were young. Did he see himself and Mokuba in them? I'm sure the profound interest in his dragons warmed him up.

"Hello Kiki. Hello Yahiko. My name is Seto, may I shake your hands?"

Kiki, who was very young by mage standards, got the reddest blush! Sheepishly she gave him her tiny hand, which he gave a kind shake. After her, he gave Yahiko's hand a more manly grip.

"In response to your questions, they are as big, powerful, and brilliant as you think. The stories you've heard are true. My dragons have never let me down and they have won me many duels. They are my prized possessions after my brother."

"You have a brother?" Kiki asked.

"I do. He's twelve."

"Like Yahiko!" She smiled and clasped Yahiko's shirt hem.

"Oh! Mistress he's very nice. And he's handsome too," she giggled and ran to hide behind Jalak's legs.

My heart flipped. Kiki called him handsome right in front of him! How do I follow that?

"What? What do you know about handsome men Kiki? You're still young," I gently chided.

"But Mister Neo and Mister Trance are handsome and all of the girls say so," she chirped out. A collective loom overcame my males.

I snorted at that. "Girl please—handsome doesn't even come close to those two. They make Universes orgasm." I said matter-of-factly.

Then Kai, Botan, Serius, Wyvern and Pacho, my GaGaGa Magicians along with Celeste the GaGaGa Sister made their faces known. They were followed by the rest of my troupe. Seto handled it well despite his struggling anxiety with the whole thing. They all were fairly welcoming yet kept their distance. They all knew that he was the Master of the Blue Eyes White Dragons, so I think that earned him most of his respect points. Brom, my Oafdragon Magician, came up to him and bent to look at Seto directly in the eyes.

"So you're the one who has the Dragon Sisters."

"If you are referring to my Blue Eyes then yes." Seto's curt reply made Brom grunt.

"And you're the one who caused our Mistress to summon the great Obelisk and risk her life are you not?"

I saw Seto's throat swallow. "She did that on her own. And it was thanks to my facilities that she is alive. You should be glad of it instead of interrogating me." Seto's icy exterior hardened.

"You are very arrogant aren't you? It was not you who saved our Mistress—it was by the grace of Obelisk," Brom continued.

I saw what Brom was doing. He was testing Seto like a horse tests its owner before it is broken. Seto, unfortunately, was taking the bait and threw up his shields. That's when I stepped in.

"Alright Brom, pull back a bit. Razel does enough of that to Seto already. He does not need it on all sides. Today he is our guest and will be treated as one. I'm taking him to the Big Top." I said.

And I would like it if you guys tried to be cordial to him. Please? I sent out a Mind Link.

My mages slowly went back to their previous antics and life was normal.

"Sorry about that Seto—they're not used to seeing an outsider here." I said gesturing for us to move on.

"It's fine. If they were open to me I'd be less impressed."

I laughed. "Yes that is true. The little ones hit it off with you though."

"Kids are different."

I left it at that. Seto's connection to kids stems from his days in the orphanage. I was happy that my young Spellcasters liked him and I could sense from the Energy of my other mages that they found something to like about Seto as well.

We entered the Big Top. High above us my Performapals were training diligently in their routines. Pien Fang and Mei Ya were the first to greet me. Both were shocked by the sight of Seto but after explaining to them why he was here and that he was safe, they eased.

"Shall we leave you My Lady?" Pien Fang offered.

"No that's not necessary. Please continue. I'll be off with him for a bit but I will resume my training later." I waved my hand.

"Your training?" Seto piped up. "What sort of training?"

"Various kinds. See all of this up here?" I pointed to the circus platforms and trapeze bars. "Some days I work on those, others I focus on aerobics and martial arts."

Seto made a face of consideration. "Interesting. So you train your body and your Energy."

You have to have the stamina to withstand Psychic Duels. It's all important. But we have plans so I will see you guys later!" I waved goodbye as I took Seto out of the Big Top and back to my house. Razel was never far behind, moving quietly and with stealth.

"So you've come here to fulfill your end of the bargain and teach me Duel Monsters. I have to say that I am excited," I really was. I wanted to use the skills Yugi had taught me to see if they worked.

We came to my back yard and I bade him to set his briefcase on my outdoor table. "Can I get you anything? Water? Something to eat?" I asked going to enter my home.

Seto stretched his chest out, pushing back his shoulders and released a long deserved sigh. "Water."

"Sure," I left and went for my fridge. The whole time I had to stop my racing heart from bursting. Now away from him I allowed my blush to rage on like a wildfire. I don't know what it is about Seto Kaiba that makes me feel this way! I got indications from his Energy, but he could easily show those vibrations towards any girl. The man was a multi-billionaire for crying out loud, he could have any one he wanted.

I hoped that when he gave me that lingering glance, or that hidden smile that he saw something in me that was absent in other women. But was I just kidding myself? He gave me his phone number so that has to amount to something right?

These were a few of the thoughts going through my mind in those early days. It would not be for a few months until I discovered that Seto only gave his number to one woman—me.

But I was young and with the man who was to be someone of great importance in my later life. My hand trembled on the water bottle and I clenched my fist to make it stop. The bottle bent under my grip, threatening to spurt water like an open hydrant. I came back out and handed him the cold water.

"Thanks," he twisted off the cap and drank. "Do you mind if I ask you something personal?"

"Not at all." I said in honesty.

"I noticed that there are no signs of any others here with you, besides your Duel Spirits."

It dawned on me. "You're wondering where my parents are?"

"I was curious. Do you live alone?"

I nodded. "I do. My parents are alive but they live away from here. I moved here to go to school and my parents bought this home for me to live in. My father is a corporate lawyer and my mom owns a small candy company so they're both busy."

Seto drank again. "Any siblings?"

"Nope. Just me. I do have cousins that are like my siblings though. We're all close in age, like four years apart."

"Ah I see. Do you have that Duel Disk I gave you?"

I paused. "Duel Disk? Oh! Yeah it's in my room. I'll go get it."

I ran up my stairs to grab the first gift Seto gave me; a first edition autographed Duel Disk. I felt pride in the fact that I was holding one of only three made. I was going to use it today? This was so cool!

I returned with the Disk in my arms and I set it on the table next to his briefcase.

"So what's inside?" I tapped the lid.

"You'll see." Seto put down his water and placed both thumbs on the locks. Flicking them open with a snap, he opened his case revealing the bottom filled with Duel Monster cards. Secured to the underside of the top was his Duel Disk.

"Wow…that's a lot of cards," I said.

"You will build your deck from these."

"Oh—ok um…let me see," I mused over them as I fished around. Some were familiar, most were not and I felt a twinge of panic. I tried to recall the things Yugi told me about having a good amount of Monster, Magic, and Trap cards.

After deliberating I made my deck and hoped it was good enough to not make me look like an ass.

"Ok, these should do it," I shuffled them and squared them off in my hands. "Now what?"

"Put on the Disk. You remember how?" Seto put his on his left forearm and put the deck in its designated slot.

"Of course I do." I slid it on my left arm and put my deck in its place. We held our arms aloft and two hologram projectors shot out of the sides to land on the ground about twenty feet on either side and initiated.

The halved blade platform rounded to connect into one, and slid into place, framing the length of our left arms. The card placements lit up and our Life Points appeared on the tiny screen at 4000.

"We each draw five cards," Seto instructed.

I got my five and checked them over. Hmmmm, I pulled Neo's card, Adeena's, and a few Traps.

"I'll go first. I set one card face down and I place this card as well."

True to my credit, two images of card magically appeared before us. They were so lifelike that they cast shadows on the ground that they hovered over. Ok, the defense card has to be a monster. He's trying to trap me and no doubt the other card is a trap as well.

"I'll place this card face down. I summon Ade…The Mystical Elf in Defense Mode!" The moment I placed Adeena's card on my platform, I felt her Energy transpose itself into my Duel Disk. She materialized before me kneeling as if in prayer. I caught the scent of her perfume, a soft rose and watched as the sun shone off of the long blond hair. I saw her shoulders rise as she breathed.

"Holy shit it works!" I shouted. This was the first time I had seen the accomplishment Seto and I made.

I could not bear it and so I went up to her. With her back to me, she did not see me as I reached out to touch her. Even though she was an amalgamation of Energy and hologram, her form resisted my hand before it passed into her. It was her Energy! I had succeeded in utilizing a bit of her Energy to mix with the hologram projections. And just as I was so gleeful to find out, my touch caused this Adeena to gasp in surprise and turn her head around to me.

"This is amazing," I whispered.

"It is Mistress," she agreed. Hearing her speak startled me and I jumped back. "And she talks! This is fabulous!"

Seto waited patiently as I squealed and laughed in triumph. "It is the same with my monsters. For the first time I can touch my dragons."

"Ok, Ok! Now where were we? Oh, I end my turn." I said with a huge smile tearing at my face.

Seto and I dueled in my back yard that summer day. He was as easy on me as he could be but in the end he won with 1000 Life Points. He did not summon his Blue Eyes.

I was exhilarated and breathless by the whole thing. "Wow you're going to make a fortune on these when you sell them. Which, by the way…Seto… the other day I heard some very thought-provoking news. It seems that on these duelist forums there is a rumor spreading about a new gaming system that is purportedly so advanced that it creates actual lifelike images of the cards," I clicked my tongue, cocked my hip and lifted my chin. Raising my brow I said, "Any ideas?"

Seto stopped his putting away of cards and his Disk. "Who told you this?"

"Does it matter? What matters is how did this leak to the public? I thought this was supposed to be under wraps for another few months. Your tournament isn't until next year. Who ratted?" I said leaning closer to him and lowering my voice.

"Ratted?" He was being annoyingly calm about this.

"Yes. I have a stake in this too Seto. We agreed that this was our project, yours and mine. If someone put this out there your competitors could hijack it and label it as theirs. Not to mention that they'll hunt down the source of your sudden advanced technologies, a la me."

"May we go inside?" He interjected closing his case.

"Yeah sure. But seriously Seto, we need to figure this out. Apparently people are pretty psyched for it."

I closed the slider door and went on with my rant. "Oh my God! I've been holding this in! This is ridiculous! I feel like kicking the ass of whoever blabbed! I thought your security systems were impenetrable Seto! This is my work here being raped by some purloiner who can't come up with their own ideas! I feel like I've been plagiarized."

Seto inhaled deeply and put down his case on my floor. I figured he was just as upset as I was, but better at hiding it. He remained quiet and thoughtful as I vented, however it was when he refused to answer me or make any comment that I poised a question to him directly.

"What do you think? Seto speak."

When he gave me a look of pure conspiracy like a kid who withheld delicious secret club information, and that his mouth turned up in pleasured success, my face faltered. "Oh my God—it was you?"

"It seems that it worked."

"Oh fuck off. You leaked the rumor about the Duel Disk?" I shook my head and brought my hands up, "what the fuck Seto?"

"I was going to tell you earlier but things came up that I had to work out. Yes, I leaked the story about the Disks to the forums. I was curious about how the public would take to our little invention and, just as I predicted they are lapping it up. Since you left my infirmary I have done little else in my spare time but use the Duel Disks. What you have done is praiseworthy and I felt that it needed to be sampled."

I felt dejected. This was my project too and it was as if it was ripped out from under me like a rug. Seto did not tell me he was planning this? Why?

"Why not tell me?" I asked.

"I was unsure of it myself. When it came time to do it, it was too late and already done. I had made the arrangements with my marketing team and my lawyers. I did not keep it a secret from you for anything other than that."

"What about Battle City?"

He examined his manicured nails. "I pushed that up too. City officials are already preparing the necessary ordinances for tournament borders and alternate routes to places of employment. They are contracted to not breathe a word to the public, nor reveal any measures being taken. Duelists are already talking about a rumored tournament being hosted by a mysterious wealthy benefactor. Most will assume Pegasus."

"I feel like I've been left in the dark," I said more to myself.

I gripped the back of one of my dining chairs. "I feel like an idiot being left out on purpose."

Seto came over to me and rested on the back of the chair next to me. "There is something else."

I sighed, "What?"

"I am throwing a company party celebrating the unveiling of the Duel Disk and Battle City. As the person without whom this would be possible, I am extending an invitation for you to attend. It will be at my home in two weeks."

"A party?" I said zoning out ahead.

"Yes."

"And you want me to go."

"I do. Normally I'd give the person no option but you're different. I can't force you to do what you do not want."

"You can't force anyone to do what they don't want," I pointed out.

"I'm Seto Kaiba. People rarely say no to me."

I grunted. "Poor them."

"So will you?" He pressed.

"How many are expected to come?"

"About three hundred."

"And how would I fit into all of this? Just an anonymous guest?"

"You are not anonymous." He said rather quickly.

"In your circle I am. I'll stand out like a sore thumb. Everyone who knows you will not know me and then how do I tell them who I am? Oh, hi! I'm the Psychic Duelist that made this happen so enjoy the free bar?" I cynically jibed.

"I'm surprised you put this much consideration into the opinions of strangers. Most of those old codgers either want to merge with my company or marry their daughters or granddaughters to me. They are only there out of business polities."

I was silent for a minute. I wanted to go to this grand gala event that Seto was hosting. When was the last time I was asked to go to this sort of shindig? Never. I was pissed that he bumped up the Disk release date and the date of the tournament without me but in actuality it was his company and his product. By the same token I was not being forthcoming with him either; he did not know about my meeting with the Duel Spirit Elites.

"I'm not walking into a trap am I?"

"What do you mean?"

I sighed and looked at him. "Seto—I'm like a mutant. If people in the upper echelons of power happened to catch wind of what I am, what I can do, I'd be screwed. If I do this, agree to go to your party, then I need your word that no one will have any idea about me or what I did in that lab."

Seto rose from leaning on my dining chair and faced me. Those eyes which normally were decisive and fearless, showed signs of true concern for my well-being. Granted he was not a swain or anything, trying to win me over with sugary notions of protection, but he did assure me that no one would know.

"You have my word that you will be safe. On my honor as a Kaiba."

"Well—that's good. Thank you," I was too preoccupied with my racing heart to notice the dryness of my throat.

"Another thing. I will not continue to teach you Duel Monsters."

My face blanched. "What? Why?"

Instead of giving me some acerbic or resound answer, Seto closed his eyes. "I see know that it is futile. It will serve you no purpose. After what I witnessed today, your Duel Spirits and how entrenched you are with them, I think learning to play the card game is irrelevant for you to know."

"Don't you think that should be my choice?" I put my hands on my hips.

"You disagree?"

"No. I do think my learning to play is not important. But if I'm to help you with the Disks I should at least know the fundamentals of the game."

"You will. I will teach you that. But I think it would be a waste of your time to master the game. From the looks of it you are already at a level none of us can achieve."

I tried to take his compliment with grace and dignity but it was hard to do over the nagging undertones I chose to assign to it.

"I will need your help with other Battle City matters."

"Such as?"

"For one, you will be my Head of Imaging and Duel Disk Operations."

"That's a lofty title. What does that do?"

"With your abilities I want you to oversee the functions of the Duel Disks. Any glitch, hiccup, or issue with the holograms will be presided over by you. It is a safe way for you to monitor the monsters, and you'll be free to use your powers as necessary. Should anything happen with the systems, you will be the head consultant. You'll also have to infuse your powers into the Disks so they can create the same images that I saw today."

I gave a crooked smile. "That's already taken care of. The Portal I opened was designed first and foremost with that in mind."

"You mean to tell me that any Disk I manufacture has the same capabilities?" He leaned back.

"They should."

He pondered this a moment. "So do you agree to be my Head of Imaging and Duel Disk Operations?"

I chewed on my lip. He was right, by accepting the position I would be able to operate in secret during the tournament; I'd be watching from the shadows of the bowels of Kaiba Corp making sure that no one got injured from the very real representations of their favorite cards. If things got too out of control, I'd be the one to fix it. Plus, I'd be able to keep an eye on those Rare Hunters that Isis/Ishizu woman mentioned. No I did not forget about that. So far, that woman's predictions were coming true. Maybe I should ask her if I'll win the lottery.

"Ok. I'll do it. Just add Head of Imaging and Duel Disk Operations to my list of titles," I grinned.

"You have titles?" Seto inquired.

"I do. But that's another story."

He motioned for us to move away from our relaxed positions and he held out his hand to me. "Welcome to the Kaiba Corp Battle City team, Head of Imaging and Duel Disk Operations."

I took his hand and inhaled as our Energies swirled around our arms like incense smoke. My body tingled hot and cold from his strong Energy and I met it head on with mine. There was definitely a connection between the two of us—Seto knew it too. I was blatantly overlooking the fact that by having me observe the tournament from the "safety" of Kaiba Corp headquarters, I was also remaining close to Seto himself. In trying to subtly protect me from being found out, he had skillfully herded me into his pen. He did this to keep me safe and to have a watchful eye on me should anything like with Obelisk happen again. He did this to be near to me.

"You'll need a dress." He said suddenly. His face had taken on a slight strawberry hue and I smiled inside as my Energy and natural charms had caused this break out of color.

"A dress?"

"Yes. My party is black tie. You'll need a cocktail dress at least."

"Ok thanks for pointing that out."

"I'll have one sent to you."

"You'll have one sent to me? What is this Pretty Woman?" I joked.

"You're what size?" He appraised my figure now like a tailor sizing up his next client.

"I'm not telling you my size."

"Fine. I'm a pretty good judge of character."

"You're going to need a pretty good judge if you keep staring at my tits like that," I half-jested. I was immensely flattered that Seto was checking out my body, but it bordered on creepy.

At the word tits, Seto flushed painfully. Obviously, he was not used to women being crass and open. Contrary to popular belief, Seto did not sleep around. Yes he was not a virgin, but then what healthy eighteen year old man is? Most are not. The women he was accustomed to, he did not know, nor did he care to know. He did not want their incessant empty flattery that was spouted from the mouths of the daughters and granddaughters of his associates like water from a whale's blowhole.

"Well, now that I've gotten what I wanted I'll be leaving." He abruptly reached for his briefcase and nervously fingered the handle. He must feel so out of place here with me, I thought.

When talking business, Seto reverted back to being the one in charge but as soon as dealings were made and finished, he fell right back into being the one on the outs. As much as he hated to be there and feel that way, I sensed, he was equally enthralled and the repressed child in him desperately wanted to run back outside and jump on my Performapal's trampoline.

"I'll have a dress sent in a few days."

"You're leaving already? Why not stay for lunch? I'm sure they would love to have you and I'd like for you to see how we operate."

"I'm busy."

I admit I read his thoughts a tad—a new trick I learned from Torunka. I don't like to use my telepathy, as I feel that a person's thoughts are private and should remain so, but it was my new toy and I wanted to test it out.

"No you're not. You cancelled your afternoon appointments to come here so I know you're free for the rest of the day." I grinned as he glared at me.

"You're doing that again."

"What?"

"That thing you did to me during our first dinner meeting…with the photo of Mokuba."

"No this is different. I read the Energy residue left on your pendant and images came to me. It's like a film reel of emotions that take shape in the mind. This was pure telepathy."

Seto scowled me like I gyped him on a deal. "You read my mind? Without my permission?"

"Yes and I'm sorry. But look, stay and eat with us. You've had me to your testing centers and infirmary. So I want to return the favor."

"Too bad you don't have several millions worth of medical equipment I can wreck."

"Touché. But stay. I won't take no for an answer."

It took a bit of persuasion to finally get Seto to stay for lunch at my house. When he agreed, I have to admit I was happier than I first thought. I sent out a Mind Link, which I explained to him, to my mages telling them that he was going to eat with us. I offered to teach Seto how to use Mind Links, they were pretty simple once you knew, and he readily agreed. He was a Psychic Duelist but he is the type I have come to call a Forgoer. A Forgoer is a Psychic Duelist who has the ability, but chooses to play the card game instead of honing their powers. As a result, their power is latent and weaker than it could be. I have met several Forgoers in my life, Seto was one of them.

I did manage to teach him a few useful tricks that he frequently implemented when with me. Mind Links were one of his favorites.

"Ok, open your mind." I said bringing my hands to hover near the sides of his head like I was Professor X.

"It is open."

I rolled my eyes. "No it's not. You think it's open because you are thinking about it. Meditation does not work if you are thinking hard about reaching that trace-like state. Instead you're thinking too much about it; how to get there, what it will feel like, if it's all bullshit. Here. Say this mantra if it's not coming right away. Say, Mmmmmmmm. And relax your throat so it vibrates deep down till it almost purrs."

He tried it. "Good. Inhale, hold, and exhale. Inhale, hold, and exhale," I softly coached.

It did not take long before Seto was in his own trance. His breathing was steady and his Energy flowed easily like a lazy river.

"Good. Can you hear me?" I said testing the waters to see if he was still aware of his surroundings.

Seto nodded one very slow nod.

"Now Seto—Open your mind and let me in."

I felt his mental barriers break down and the door that was welded shut creaked open. Like walking through a real door, I stepped over the threshold and entered into his first Mind Link.

Seto? Can you hear me?

I can. Where are you?

I'm standing right in front of you. But my Mind Link is joining our Energies together to form a channel of communication. Unfortunately, I can't read your thoughts through a Mind Link. This is just a way to talk in private so to speak.

How far can it reach?

Right now, I have a range of about sixty miles. The further away a person is, the harder it is to connect with their Energy. Why?

Just wondering how far I can take this.

Oh jeeze Seto. Worry about getting it right without the use of a mantra and then we'll talk. I'm leaving.

I retracted my Link and lowered my hands. His grasp on the Mind Link without my guidance was tenuous but he tried to hang on for as long as he could. When he faded, and let it drop, he opened his eyes and sighed deeply as if he had been holding a breath.

"Hungry now?"

"Mhhmm."

Lunch:

I had my mages set up tables outside in the field. It was hot, but my ice and water Spellcasters took care of that. Kiki and Yahiko insisted on sitting near Seto and I was happy when he said yes. We all sat down at long wooden tables enchanted to seat as many as necessary. Above us floated colorful cloths that shielded us from the noonday sun. On the tables magically appeared a sumptuous buffet of meats, cheeses, fruits, breads, vegetables, and sweets all prepared in various ways. From meats and veggies sautéed in herbed and seasoned sauces and oils, to brazed glazes and rubs, to freshly baked breads releasing their warm aromas of rosemary, olive, and garlic, to cheeses arrayed on platters decorated with olives and bruschetta, to fruits grilled, baked, sugared or plain, to sweetcakes and candies, my mages outdid themselves again. There were also foods obviously tailored to my Spellcaster's more "ethnic" backgrounds; Pien Fang and Mei Ya and others similar in type to them had Asian inspired cuisine, Neo and Trance along with more European typed mages had several plates of smoked meats and heartier fare.

Seto sat at the table beside Rae and Jalak like a third class passenger during a first class dinner staring at the lines of utensils, wondering where to start but too nervous to ask. Razel and Von assumed their positions to my right and left as my True Duel Spirit and my Second. As they made their plates up, they ate precisely and with decorum, taking great care to monitor the progression of the other human.

"Just take a plate and dig in," Jalak said handing him a large white dish.

"Thanks. I know how to serve myself," Seto quipped.

Jalak, it's just his way when he's anxious. He'll warm up. I told him.

It is fine Mistress. I take no offense. It must be curious to sit and dine with those whom you thought to be fantasy.

Yes. It must. Thank you for being nice to him. I know he's a hard ass but we all have baggage. He is not so at heart.

I know. I can sense it well. He will be fine.

From my right Razel said, You should not concern yourself with this human's trivial plights. If he feels insecure among you and your Duel Spirits then he has no place here.

I don't blame him for being uncomfortable Razel. I remember when I first met all of you how apprehensive I was. But now I know you and Seto has to get to know you too.

The White Dragon sisters are wasted on him.

I whined to myself. You would know that better than I. Maybe they are, but I'm still going to be nice to him.

Utensils clinked on flatware as we all ate together. Seto carefully tried the dry rubbed beef, as if it might be poisoned or unfit for regular human consumption. Kiki and Yahiko quickly made sure that Seto ate or at least tried everything. They put foods onto his plate, smiling brightly when he nodded his head in approval. I was not surprised how much better he got on with the kids versus the adults. Some of my more teenaged mages, like Lux, struck up conversations with Seto. I mostly spoke with Razel and Von.

"So," Roiban, my Performapal Odd-Eyes Dissolver, began. "Why are you here, Master Seto?"

Roiban was fairly new to my group and he was true to his namesake; he was a bit odd. Unlike my other Performapals, Roiban was dressed in tight black, clothes somewhere between leather and spandex. Light armor he wore as well, with a strange headdress that framed his sharply featured face. Unlike many of my mages, he had heterochromatic eyes, one red and one green. Floating around him normally, he wore his lounge robes like the others, was a purple sash with embroidered designs. His skin was pale. His usual expression was one of minimal amusement. He did share a trait with Nyxx, though, and that was his rather long nails that tapered into points. His hands were very vamperic, the fingers long and thin. What my favorite attribute about him was that he sported long wavy hair that was a marvelous shade of electric blue and seemed to glow with its own inner light.

Seto glanced up from his forkful of herbed potatoes with a cautious chew. "Excuse me?"

"Are you deaf mortal? I asked why are you here?" Roiban leaned on his elbows over his own plate, extending his neck.

"Roiban," Razel warned the newbie. "Watch yourself."

The clinks of forks and knives slowed as my other luncheon guests sensed the bubbling tension at the head of the table. Roiban was a tiny bit of a trouble maker and a pot sturrer. Sometime he would pick on the younger mages by hiding their staffs and wands, or sabotaging their spells. Pien Fang and Mei Ya were not huge fans of him, and my Pendulum mages were on the fence. Of course, the Pendulum Spellcasters had their own clique and likewise the Performapals. Roiban hung around with Penn and Jalak, sometimes Helion. He was very perceptive and I think that was why he sometimes rubbed people the wrong way.

"I'm here to teach your Mistress how to play Duel Monsters."

"Are you being facetious?"

"What?"

Roiban's upper lip arched over his teeth exposing his canines in a sneaky grin. "To teach my Mistress your human game? Is that truly all there is?"

Seto's Energy pulsed. The muscle in his left eye twitched. "What else is there?"

Jalak had stopped eating and was flashing Roiban warning eyes.

"You are the owner of a successful human conglomerate; you are mightily wealthy and hold much power over your subordinates. You are the Master of the Blue Eyes sisters and you are a master of your little card game. Yet somehow, you managed to find the time out of your pressing schedule to find yourself here, with us. I find that strange."

I dropped my fork on my plate in exasperation. I said nothing but fixed a vexed glare towards my insufferable mage.

"And this nearly slipped my mind. You now have the use of the great Obelisk thanks to our Mistress and her abilities. You have no need to see her anymore so pray tell—why are you here?"

Seto's shoulders pulled up as found himself in a corner. I could tell by the Energies of my mages there that they were curious too and were tuning in to hear the answer.

"You're right. I do have another reason in coming here. Your Mistress and I are business partners and I came to ask her thoughts on important developments."

That answer did not satisfy Roiban but he retreated from his interrogation as he saw Razel go to stand. In a flurry of clothes and shifting of chairs, my mages stood in respect as their superior began to scold their fellow Duel Spirit. I along with Seto remained seated. As Razel's superior I did not need to rise.

"Roiban, I will not tolerate rudeness in the presence of our Mistress or her guests, whoever they may be," Razel inhaled deeply as if Seto's joining for lunch greatly perturbed him. Which it did. "Continue with your prying and you will be punished. Understand?"

Roiban stared straight ahead, his back erect and his arms at his sides. He gave a small nod. "Yes Lord Razel. I will watch my tongue." He turned and bowed to Razel. Then he bowed to me. "My apologies Mistress. I meant no disrespect."

"It is fine Roiban. Just try to bridal that tenacity of yours ok?" I said kindly.

He then turned and gave a shallow bow to Seto. "Apologies."

I was nervous that Seto would seize this chance to be a dick and wield his newfound leverage over my contrite mage. But instead he responded with grace.

"I understand your reasons. You are loyal to your Mistress and your fellow Spellcasters. If you were not suspicious of a stranger at your Mistress's table, then you would be a failure as a Duel Spirit."

Roiban said nothing. Razel sat down and the others did as well.

Thankfully, the rest of lunch went smoothly. I helped my mages clear the tables after which they went on with their training. Seto wanted to stay and watch me train with them, but Razel firmly refused. I abided by Razel's thinking and, like a responsible host, walked Seto to the door. Before leaving, Seto reopened his briefcase, stuck his hand inside, and handed me an envelope. It was small with handwritten black lettering on a dimpled and white background. The only thing inscribed onto the face of the envelope was my name. The paper of the envelope was a nice thick weight, the sign of pricy stationary.

"You'll find my address inside. The party starts at six. Roland will pick you up at five thirty and bring you to the front entrance."

I opened the envelope and read the invitation. It said: You are cordially invited to attend the unveiling of Seto Kaiba's Duel Disk System and the announcement of the Battle City Tournament. Events are to be hosted at the Kaiba Manor house on Saturday, the fifteenth of June. Please RSVP by the twelfth of June.

"You gotten any RSVP's yet?"

"Haven't sent them out yet."

"I'm the first?"

"Yes."

I felt the annoyingly familiar blush poke at my face. I was getting tired of that.

"Ok. I'll be there."

"Excellent."

With that Seto left and got in the waiting car.