That night, I had a dream; That same dream where I watched the citizens of the Duel Monster Spirit World waging a battle against a giant yellow eye. I was there, but I was a spectator floating high above the ground. All around was devastation—fields torn apart, crevices hewn deep into the earth. Forests that were green and lush stood as mangled sticks now burnt and twisted. The clear blue skies were a sad grey and the blood and wounded bodies of Duel Monsters took on a dark and putrefied look. I saw the Energies of Duel Monsters being sucked up into the black expanse of the Eye's miasma. The Eye fixed on me again. Fear. Cold fear. What does it mean!?
Due to the Warriors declaration of war, the Midsummer Festival was cut short. For my safety I was instructed to return home by Torunka and Razel. I firmly resisted these orders and argued vehemently that it was my place to stay and fight.
"You cannot make me go home!" I shouted. "I made a promise to protect your Race and I will do it!"
"You will return to your world until further notice," Torunka stated.
"How can I help if I'm home? If I leave that just concretes the fact that I am unfit to protect and lead!" I was heated. I had never before experienced battles, of course not how would I? But I was damned certain that I did not want to scurry off like a human.
We had since left the Grand Hall and reconvened at Neo's house. I had to get out of my Midsummer dress so I changed into a simpler dusty lavender off-the-shoulder top that extended to my upper thighs, the panels of fabric splitting in the front to my waist. It had long bell sleeves open at the elbow. The bodice was fitted and hugged my torso, a common fashion trend among the Spellcasters. I stomped around Neo's courtyard thankful to be in fitted pants instead of a skirt and leather boots. My growing as a Master rewarded me with an equally growing fantastical wardrobe. Nowadays, I find that I am more at ease in my Master's clothes than in my human world ones. My hair was still in its ponytail from before.
"Mistress, no one thinks that of you," Von pleaded. "It's for your safety."
"Oh yes they will. You think Darius and Silan won't jump on that? Fuck me, it makes my head spin how fast those two will use that against me! And it's that reason that I can't go."
"Lord Razel would never allow…"
"I can't rely on Razel all of the time Von. I have to assert myself as a Master and future…whatever you want to call it…Ruler…of your kind!" I hated using the word ruler but I did not know what else I would be. In essence, that's what Razel wanted and was grooming me to be. While I hated the thought of "owning" these mages, I had to come to grips with the fact that I was, in fact, claiming them as mine. So in hindsight, they were becoming my subjects. All the more reason to ensure their safety.
"Ugggg! I hate saying that! It makes me sound like a greedy human." I groaned.
"Seven hells woman!" Razel snapped. "You should be well aware that ruling a Race is what being a True Master is about. When you become the Master of Magicians you will rule us. You will be our Queen. Our world is an ancient one and we follow ancient customs. Until that day comes, we are your guardians, your weapons, and your protectors! The decision to send you home to your world is a wise one and it will be respected!" Razel stormed over to me and brought his face close to mine. Von had backed away.
"Damnit Razel! A future Master, Queen, whatever the hell I'm supposed to be does not run away! That shows cowardice!" I shouted at him.
"No! It shows intelligence! You are ill-equipped in combat and you have no idea how use offensive spells in the face of an oncoming army! As you are, you are a handicap! A detriment!" He stabbed me right back. He was right thought. I knew training offensive spells, but not serious spells needed at a moment's notice.
"I have the power of Obelisk," I quipped sounding like an obstinate child.
"Yes. What a tremendous help you will be lying prostrate and nearly dead on the field after one attack!" Razel yelled truthfully back. I winced. "If any harm were to befall you at the onset our forces would choke."
"Why? It's not like they can't fight without me. You guys have been doing this type of thing for centuries. I'm not going to make a difference on this war."
"You are a figure of hope for the Spellcasters. You are their primary reason for fighting." Razel stated.
"No. I'm their trump card. I'm the reason the Warriors brought this on in the first place! If word about me and my powers had not gotten out then you guys would go on silently hating each other until the world explodes! But since you found me this shit has been unraveling faster and faster. The Warriors want me either dead or captured and tortured until I break and agree to side with them against you and everyone else who is an enemy. I'm a threat to them. If they fear me that much I cannot run away!" I stomped my right foot.
"This is ludicrous! I have heard enough. You will return to your world. As your True Duel Spirit I make this judgment in protecting my Master. My words on the matter are final." Razel stood straight and took his right hand and snapped his fingers.
My eyes widened because my body was disappearing into a shimmer of golden light. I heard the low whirl of wind as a dimensional portal opened behind me and I was unceremoniously transported from Neo's courtyard back to my living room.
My House:
I was boiling when I took a shower. I was boiling when I went to bed. When I slept I was haunted by that freaky dream and started awake. When I spent the rest of the night in my living room staring at my television I was boiling. Making my coffee, sitting in my den I was boiling. It was not the fact that Razel sent me home like a spoiled kid that pissed me off, though it did not help, it was the fact that he thought I could not handle what was happening. My thoughts raged unyielding in my head and I hated being alone. With war going on, my mages had to be in their world which left my house and property empty. Before all of this I lived alone without care but since the changes in my life and the friends I made, I hated the quiet.
I wanted to get back there and help. I thought of returning myself using the portal I opened but it occurred to me that I never went to the Duel Monster Spirit World without Razel and I wondered if creating a portal and going through one by one's self were two different things. I suppose I could give it a try…I thought.
I went to put my coffee mug in the kitchen. When I heard a truck pull up to my house, I heard footsteps walk up to my front door. My doorbell rang. I went to the door and was greeted by a smiling uniformed delivery boy holding a large white box. I checked out his truck and noticed with some form of interest that it had a label from one of those upscale couture dress shops in the city. That's when a cold tightness froze my face in recollection and I remembered Seto's gala party on the fifteenth. I accidentally said out loud, "Oh, fuck me…That's right."
The boy hid a smirk, no doubt amused by my choice of words, and handed me the box.
"Delivery from Mr. Seto Kaiba. Please sign here," He said handing me next a clipboard and a receipt.
Balancing the box in the crook of my left arm I signed the paper.
"A package from Mr. Kaiba, now that's awesome. Well, you have a good day!"
I shut the door with my foot and dropped the box on my sofa. It was around three feet long by eight inches high and fourteen inches deep. The cardboard was pearlized and sealed with an elegant silver and black ribbon. A note was tucked under the bow. It read:
"I took the liberty of choosing something appropriate for you to wear to the unveiling on June 15th. You are a size 4 am I right? Your feet seem to be a 6 ½. RSVP by June 12th. Though, of course, I have no doubts you will attend.
Seto Kaiba."
I hated when the heat burned my face at the thought of his perfect hand with those long surgeon's fingers holding his Mont Blanc pen as he wrote his name in his enviably flawless script. I crumpled the note in and chucked it over my shoulder. I stared at the box with mixed exhaustion and apprehension. Duel Spirits and beings of magic I could handle, yuppy galas and parties not so much. I hated wearing dresses. Now I know you might buck that and say but you wear formal dresses all of the time. Yes, I do but that is for official and State business( my "dates" with Seto and my affairs in the Spirit World.) Dresses are a means to an end. To throw on a dress for the sake of wearing one to a fancy party or just to wear a dress out was something I skirted around. No pun intended. Dresses were too girly for me. So I flopped down on the couch next to the box and glared unimpressed. My arms folded in subconscious defense, I used my toes to tug off the pretty ribbon.
"I hate dresses." I muttered. Using the same foot, I flipped open the lid and narrowed my eyes at the swooshing sounds the tissue paper made as it fluttered upright like white flames.
"I really hate dresses."
I found my reaction to the gift sarcastically funny. "Gee, lucky me," I said. "Most girls would vomit their insides if they got a gift from Seto Kaiba. I, on the other hand, want to burn the thing. Hahahaha!"
Dropping my shoulders I sat more erect on the couch and sidled over to the box. I rested my chin in my hands and glanced at the snowy fields of tissue paper, hiding the highly feminine article underneath.
"Dammnit. I wish I hadn't said that I would go." I groaned. "Christ, let's get this over with."
I flicked away the folds of tissue with impatient slaps when I saw swath of blush.
"Hmmm. What's this?" I murmured a touch curious. I loved blush and uncovered the dress with more intent.
I took the shoulder straps and held the dress aloft as far as it could go without getting up from the couch. It was beautiful. The color was not blush but a gorgeous pearl pink with hints of peach. The dress was made of chiffon and was as diaphanous as one might expect a Roman goddess would wear. The straps were wide chiffon strips that, when worn, flowed wonderfully down my back and trailed on the ground. They held up a bodice with a low and sexy 'sweetheart' neckline. Chiffon fabric crossed and wrapped around the bodice giving a decidedly Grecian exotic feel. The skirt was floor-length, requiring heels, and trailed about a foot and a half. Its cut was classic and timeless, like 1940's glam. I could not help it, I loved it. It was the prettiest dress I had that was not official. I still have it.
Tucked neatly next to it was a pair of nude heels size 6 ½. A flutter brought my attention back to the side of the dress where the remains of the tag hung like a paper wind-chime. After I inhaled at the Oscar de la Renta brand I saw the item number, the price had been removed. I darted for my computer. I had to see how much this thing cost, just for fun. I looked up the shop, typed in the item number and up popped the dress. It was OUT OF STOCK. So no price listed. But judging from the listed prices I guessed it was expensive. So I quickly grabbed my phone, dialed the number provided and played the disappointed customer.
"Hi, I saw that you don't have this dress. That's a shame. How many do you usually have in stock?"
"We keep about five or eight on hand. Our dresses are exclusive. However, the dress you are inquiring about was a limited edition design and only two were made." Said the woman.
"Oh, is that so. Figures I would want it then. Only two huh?"
"Yes. Compared to our other dresses, these limited dresses are a bit higher in price." She added with that air of snobbery.
"May I ask how much? In case the designer gets the inclination to make more." I said in a sweet voice.
"Let me see here…Ah! Here it is in our records. That dress retailed for $13,000."
I paused, barricading the onslaught of my gasping breath. My heart pounding not fast, but steady. "And the shoes that go with it. I adore the nude with the blush pink look. I have the number of the shoes here." I read it calmly to her.
"Ok…those shoes are Jimmy Choo's and sell for $850."
I gripped the phone tightly till the plastic creaked. "T…thank you very much. I will keep that in mind." I hung up.
I gawked at the dress and shoes casually resting on my couch. I mean there was $13,850 worth of stuff on my couch! Seto Kaiba bought for me nearly $14,000 worth of clothes for his one party. I blinked and concentrated on the box's contents. Oscar de la Renta and Jimmy Choo? The guests at Seto's party will be wearing this caliber of dress? Oscar de la Renta and Jimmy fucking Choo!? I sat back in the chair opposite the couch. I knew today was June third. The party was on June 15th.
"What the fuck have I gotten myself in to?"
That night I was graced, mercifully, by Razel's presence. I was watching a documentary on Atlantis when I sensed him behind me like a ghost in a horror film. I looked up and smiled a cheeky smile.
"Hi Razel. Thanks for visiting. It's so nice to have company."
"Do not be sour." He said terse and short.
"Sour? Oh no Razel I'm far from sour. I'm pissed." I replied turning up the volume on my T.V.
"Why? What for?" He raised his voice.
"Why!?" I hopped up and jumped onto the couch facing him. "I'll tell you why. You sent me home!"
"Don't start that again!" He threw up his arms and turned around.
"Don't you walk away from me!"
We fought for a good two hours. Shouting and angry hands, mostly mine, colored our interaction making it a lively spectacle. We argued as we traveled around the house, as I poured tea, as I brushed my teeth and washed my face. He claimed I wasn't listening, I was a child, I was indignant and ignorant, I was being ridiculous, I don't understand, a soft minded human, reckless, inexperienced, blah blah blah. I called him a dick, an asshole, a blue prick, a Smurf, I said he didn't understand, I called him ridiculous, I told him the dye from his facial tattoos affected his brain (they're not 'tattoos' really but natural markings on his skin). I went high and low and to the realm of cringe worthy with my blows. When we finally ran out of insults to sling at each other, Razel and I sat in the dining room.
"Your training must increase. I have been teaching you minor attack spells and defensive tactics. It is time to graduate you to more advanced lessons. You have gone against your fellow Spellcasters, but that does not prepare you for fighting against another who want you dead. You need to learn assault attacks." He said.
"That Dark Necrofear wanted me dead," I pointed out.
"Remember how shaken you were afterword?" He stated.
"Of course. Hey, Razel if the Fiends are our allies, why does Dark Necrofear hate me?"
"She is the Duel Spirit of your enemy. Regardless of her affiliation, she will be against you. But do not worry. My colleagues and I have spoken with the Leaders of our allies and the Fiends are with us."
"Good." I said. "How are the others?"
"I suppose they are well. Torunka has been keeping me abreast on their advancements. Much to my dismay. I don't care much for the crude assembly of plebeians but they have increased their training as well."
I sighed. "Good. Yes. I need to start. By the way, I got my dress for Seto Kaiba's big party today," I added.
Razel's ruby eyes flickered. "The Master of the Blue Eyes White Dragon sisters."
"The very same," I grinned.
Razel thought for a moment, his lips drawing into a line. "This could be lucrative for us."
"To get him on or side?" I said.
"The Warriors have the aide of the Machine Race, a powerful Race of Duel Spirit. Fortunately we have the Fiends, but that gives us a minor edge. What we lack in number we make up for in magic but some of our allies are weak against the Machines. That boy's dragons would be a great addition to our ranks."
I rolled my eyes. "Gee Razel I doubt Seto is going to let me use his beloved dragons in war. How should that topic come up? 'Hey great party, thanks for the dress. Say The Spellcasters are at war with the Warrior Races of Duel Spirits, can I please use your Blue Eyes Dragons to help me win?' Fuck no. Hell would freeze over first."
That's when Razel gave me a most unusually sly glance. "But what if he does?"
"What are you talking about?"
He grinned, pleased with himself. "Go to this gala. Wear the dress. Flatter him, amuse him. Use your feminine wiles and earn us those dragons."
I frowned. "Yeah sure. I'll sell myself to him for the dragons. Meanwhile you go and sleep with Lady Helena of the Plant Race and get the rest of them to join our cause. Do that before you start pimping me out."
Razel glared over at me. Touché.
"Seriously though, the Spellcasters are assembling. Did our allies send word? How is the Plant Race doing after the attack?" I asked.
"They are fine. Where they attacked was the forest of the Green Phantom King. His Majesty's army fended the Warriors off, quite admirably."
I nodded in agreement. "What are our next steps then?"
"To head them off before they advance any farther. The Zombie Race is collaborating with the Fiend on a counterstrike."
"I mean us. What are the Spellcasters doing in the wake of this calamity?" I asked crossing my legs.
"Lord Endymion arrived yesterday from his citadel and brings his hoard of mages. Several are to be appointed to your personal guard." Razel finished his sentence with a touch of pleasure, as if Endymion's personal selections for me were something to be envied.
"I think I need to speak with the Fiends," I said rapping my fingers on my table top. "They are our strongest allies next to the Faeries. It would behoove me to visit. I should visit all of our allies actually. Like a political tour, it boosts morale and further shows that I am to be taken seriously. I may be human, Razel, but this is as much my fight now as it is yours."
Razel sat back in his chair opposite me and watched me with a curious admiration that one gets when the answer they've been searching for has been right in front of them all along.
"What?" I asked. "Bad idea?"
"No." He said with a gentle shake of his head. "It is just…a very ambassadorial ploy. Very wise to suggest. You're beginning to sound like an adult."
I blinked. Razel commented on my maturity, but I knew exactly to what he was referring. "I'm not an adult Razel—I'm a Master and I will protect the Spellcasters as well as I can."
The Following Week:
As promised, my training with Razel stepped up to a whole new level. I threw myself into my lessons on attacks, quick strikes, and barrages. Razel was an excellent tutor and given the stories of how he slaughtered the Warriors and enemy armies during the Battle of Atlantis, I thought of no better teacher in the art of assault spells. I learned so much. I did not want to rely on Obelisk's powers to help me, I wanted to improve my own Psychic abilities. I learned how to use astral projections to attack my enemies on all sides. I could control the minds of those I entered. Blocking attacks, reversing attacks and the trajectory of projectiles, and manipulating my Energy to suck away the Energy of others leaving them weakened came in due time.
I also had to train in physical combat and I turned to Neo and Trance, and my Perfomapals and Pendulum mages for that. Neo taught me how to wield a sword, that was interesting. He handed me his sword and I fumbled with the weight of it. The first swing knocked me onto my ass but I got used to the brutal clashes and parries. I was not going to be the type of "Ruler/Master" that sat back idly and let their subjects do all of the work. Hell no. I was going to be right there in the trenches with them getting my hands just as dirty.
I considered Obelisk's power to be used as a last resort, but after a long grandfatherly lecture from Torunka, I was "strong-armed" into working on that area of control. During long and tedious sessions I was carefully guided by Torunka who had read up on all things pertaining to the Egyptian God Spirits. Leaking Obelisk's Energy out to threaten others, which turned my eyes red and warped the earthly Energy around me, was easy. It was like the mist surrounding the base of a waterfall. Focusing on how to bring out slips of his raw power in place of or in conjunction with my own Psychic power took backbreaking work. It was like trying to hold back a surging river behind a dam and only letting a tiny trickle eek out. The pressure of Energy when contained I could do—keep it locked away. Tapping into it consciously, that's like asking Jean Grey to use a teeny bit of Dark Phoenix's powers. It didn't work. It's too awesome and mighty and needs too much control.
That is precisely what Torunka was aiming for. Each time I tried and each time I was knocked out for an hour to three hours. Better than two days in the hospital, but catastrophic in wartime. Nevertheless we chipped away at it. There were times after my intense training that Obelisk's healing abilities were hindered by my drained body and left me so battered that I barely moved—if you recall when I mentioned that while I am very hard to kill or injure, I am not immortal and this is representative of what I mean. If my body is exhausted, which takes a long time to do, beyond my normal limits, then my Energy is too weak to support Obelisk's healing effects and leaves me vulnerable. That hasn't happened in many years however. It happened once in the near future of the events of which I speak of presently, and it nearly happened ten years after Yugi and his friends graduated from high-school, when a dark evil threatened to erase the human world. The third and last time I almost fell victim again occurred when foolish scientists unleashed too much Dueling Energy, a substance of which its creation I am partially to blame, and nearly destroyed Domino City. I was able to save the city but as a result it was split in two.
In between my training, I revisited the Duel Monster Spirit World to solidify my role as future Master of Magicians and meet with the Race of the Fiends. I had never gone beyond the Realm of the Spellcasters so traveling to another realm was exciting. Razel would officiate my visit and Von came as my guard. The Spellcaster Elites were too entrenched in war strategies and amassing supplies for the army that they barely noticed my arrival. Abraxis had questioned Torunka about my plans to speak with the Fiend Elites and my sage must have gilded my mission so much that Abraxis gave me the go ahead. I had to constantly remind myself that even though I was Razel's Master and future Master of them all, I was Abraxis' guest and was encouraged to respect his guidelines. Luckily he held a strand of respect for me because he let me go. I suppose at that stage I had Razel's illustrious name to thank for that.
However, sparing Spellcasters to escort me to these realms was out of the question so the three of us had to make do. Razel and Von created a vehicle for us to travel in; spacious and bespoke to fit our, or rather Razel's, highbrow needs. It was a carriage with four large wheels and large windows. Its design was ornate on the exterior and tastefully decorated inside. As with most things in magic, nothing is as it seems so while the outside looked like a royal carriage, the interior was at least three times the size. With a little dimensional manipulation and some enchantment, voilà! You now have a perfectly suitable mode of transportation worthy of any magician Elite. I squealed when I first went inside. There were three levels that you stepped up into. The first level was a lounge area with beautiful European inspired couches and chairs. Huge rugs of wonderful colors padded our feet. Floor pillows dotted the ground where stacks of books lay waiting to be read. Long drapes hung at the windows allowing us to see out but no one to peer within. The second level was the kitchen and livery area complete with a live-edge dining table and six chairs. Behind that, copper pots and pans hung from the racks above the stone topped counters. The floor was cobbled with flat stones, herbs dried from the ceiling and wildflowers decorated the window sills. There was a sink with a simple faucet. The kitchen had a very English countryside vibe.
The third level was our bedding quarters where three doors stood watch like temple statues.
"Beds? Do we need those?" I pointed.
"They are nice to have," Razel said walking past me and claiming a seat on one of the couches.
I chuckled and shrugged. They are nice to have. Von was already in the kitchen with his head deep into the ice box. Hey, it might be magic but you still have to keep your meats cold.
"What are you doing Von?" I followed up the steps.
"I am thinking of making us lunch Mistress." He stood up after reaching into the cold and held a loin of meat. "Shall I cook for you?"
"Yeah! I didn't know you knew how to cook," I hovered like a fly wanting to watch.
"Mind you I live alone so cooking for oneself is a necessity. I am a simple elf, I only cook humble dishes. Nothing elegant." He took a knife and prepared the loin, filleting it.
"That's fine. I like humble food. Never was a fan of the large price tag for the postage stamp of food. I once ate at a restaurant where I ordered scallops and all I got were three diver's scallops. The dish was thirty-six dollars and salad was a la cart! You know what that means?" I slapped my hand on the counter.
"Yes Mistress. It means that you paid that establishment twelve of these 'dollars' for each scallop." Von moved on to rummaging for cheese and vegetables.
"Twelve dollars a scallop! Can you believe it? Thirty-six bucks for three scallops. I couldn't believe it. I still can't!" I laughed. "What are you doing now?" I leaned on the counter to better glimpse the filleted meat.
He ground spices with a mortar and pestle, then he rubbed the meat and veggies in the aromatic mixture. "Seasoning the meat. I will stuff it with seasoned vegetables, then bake it."
Nodding my head in understanding I thought I saw something move outside so I turned to take a look. Rather than seeing grass and woods, I saw nothing but sky and I panicked.
"Razel! What's going?" I hurried down to him. By now he was engrossed in an old spell book and showed great disapproval when he was interrupted.
"I was reading, you realize." He said flipping the page.
"Razel, hey!" I put my hand over the pages and pulled the book down from his face. With lips in a thin line and red eyes hard like stones, Razel let out a long low exhale.
"Yes Mistress?"
"Are we flying in this thing?" I smiled as I guessed correctly.
"You are just noticing this? This is most unbecoming of a Master and proves that you indulge that elf too much."
"Are you making it fly?" I rolled my lips inward and bit lightly down on them, like a kid.
"Yes."
"That's so cool!" I cheered and raced over to another window. "I'm in a flying carriage!" I laughed.
"I cannot see why that is so shocking to you. You can levitate and fly yourself. You humans move about in your aero-planes as well. To be so giddy over a flying carriage…your immaturity chokes my Energy like a spiked chain," he grumbled. I tweaked my nose at how he pronounced airplane.
From the kitchen Von came to my rescue. "With all due respect Lord Razel, but remember that our mistress is human and this is new to her. A mortal aero-plane is a machine that operates on fossil fuels and their technology. Magic is ever changing and always unexpected. Let her enjoy herself."
"You presume to tell me what my Mistress can enjoy elf? I dare say you grow too familiar. Such impudence." Razel uttered a few choice words but fell silent in his reading.
I was used to their bickering so I ignored it. Yet I did notice how Razel did not react harshly to Von's innocent suggestion. Perhaps magic isn't the only thing that changes unexpectedly, I thought with hope.
The Fiend Realm:
It took us about four hours to reach the outskirts of the Realm of the Fiend Race. In the tranquil quiescence of the carriage I had pestered Razel into telling me when we would arrive and all he said was 'you will know.' He was right. Entering the Fiend Realm was like entering a haunted forest. The sky got darker, slowly at first like the greying sky before a rain storm. Everything was more muted in color and shadows were absent in this eerie land. As we delved further, it got darker. Now shadows loomed and twisted together. The sky was painted blacks and purples, and lightening flashed occasionally. Trees were leafless. The air was thick. Strange sounds were heard from down below and I tried to tell myself that these denizens were our allies.
Grotesque forms and glowing eyes, fortresses and rotting buildings littered the ground as the depressing cities of Fiends passed under us. Seeing their horrific figures I backed away from the window in the carriage and shut my eyes to unsee. Razel kept up his reading on the couch, obviously nothing in the cities was worthy enough to warrant his attention. He saved that for the Castle of the Elites of the Fiend Race. Von, though, took to heart my fear and stood close by.
"I hate to say Mistress but their appearances do not improve as we go along."
"I have a feeling you're right. Von, I have a feeling I can't go through with this. Seeing these monsters, this is the kind of shit that puts people in insane asylums." I sighed and shook my head.
Von put his hand on my shoulder. "You are wrong. You can do this. Yes the Fiends are awful, but they are our allies and mean you no harm. They are a powerful Race and have sworn allegiance to the Spellcasters in perpetuity. There is nothing to fear. Would you like me to explain what is to come when we land?"
I told him I did and like the endless encyclopedia that was his mind, Von spouted copious facts and customs dealing with the Fiends.
"We will be greeted by members of the High Council. These Fiends will be mainly mid and lower-upper Fiends. Usually for official matters there are three escorts. We will be taken to the Castle of the Fiends over there on that Cliffside," he pointed to a macabre structure perched precariously on the edge of a steep precipice. The Castle was black and pointy, its spires and towers reaching into the dreadful sky like bony claws. A high wall of black stone surrounded the three open sides of the Castle and it seemed, from my distance, that the stones were coated in a dark, slick substance. I could only wonder what that must have been.
"When we arrive in the ante-chamber, The Fiends expect you to enter first with Lord Razel and I ten steps behind. If you were male, we would follow twenty steps behind you. Fiends view female heads of State differently than male ones. Do not be too alarmed if they are crass and off color. The Fiends hold women in an unusual spot: Outside of the female members of their own Race, Fiends tend to think that females generally are ill-equipped to govern. I know that some of our own Elites saw you as a mortal, but they are just angered that you are Lord Razel's Master. Spellcasters do not see gender when it comes to leadership."
"Ok, so be ready for sexist remarks, nothing I can't handle. What else?" I asked.
Von continued. "Unlike the Spellcasters, Fiends have many Elites. In order to house them all, their Leader divided the Elites into two groups: Elites, which in your world would contain Fiends with Attack Power 3000 to 3900. Then there are the High Elites with Attack Power of 4000 and higher. The pinnacle is reserved for their Leader."
"And who is this Leader?" I asked with my eyes trained onto the foreboding Castle.
"Hexitus, the Dystopia of Despondent. His power is equal to Demiuk based upon your Human allotment. Yet in our world power has no Attack strength, so Hexitus, Demiuk, and Lord Abraxis are all roughly equivalent to each other. He presides over the Nightmare Court."
"What's the Nightmare Court?" I glanced over my shoulder at him.
"The Nightmare Court is like our Grand Hall, it is where the High Elites and Hexitus proceed over matters of State in the Fiend Realm. I warn you that it is not as celestial as ours."
I shuddered to think. "You know Von, how do you know so much about this?"
"More importantly, are you able to detect what protects that Castle?" Razel said finally standing.
"Yes," I replied. "I have Seen the barrier for a while now." I referred to my ability to Psychically "See" what cannot be seen with the naked eye. Barriers, force-fields, auras, Energy, things of that supernatural nature. Like Razel's bubble barrier I Saw the first day I met him.
"Right. That barrier is what guards that Castle from wrongful entry. It was a spell taught to Hexitus by Lord Abraxis. Only those who mean the Fiends no harm may pass through. All others will be vanquished. There are times when a little death and destruction does wonders to take the edge off."
"You sound as though you admire this spell—to destroy outsiders." I murmured.
"It is one of my favorites," Razel said.
"Indeed Lord Razel, I fully agree," Von whispered.
I was to learn later that this protection barrier was more familiar to my two Duel Spirits then I had originally figured.
Landing in the Fiend Realm:
Just as Razel said our carriage passed through the barrier unharmed coming to land in a large cleared lot beyond the Castle gates. I was ordered to don my meeting outfit by Razel as we were going to be taken directly to the Nightmare Court. The dress was made of shot silk colored black with dark plum threads weft and warped into the fabric giving it that historically coveted iridescent spectrum every time I moved. Its sleeveless bodice tightly fitted me and resembled a corset, coming to a point at my waist and was embroidered with black thread. Around my neck I wore a high choker of black webbed material decorated with a single amethyst drop stone. On my arms were tight black opera gloves that secured around my middle fingers, leaving my hands uncovered otherwise. At the back of the bodice draped a long train of black tulle that splayed on the floor like a bat's wing with each point adorned with the same purple jewels. The skirt of the dress was split down the front but had a third panel that hung to my shins, pointing downward. Under the skirt I chose to wear black leggings and black heeled boots.
My hair was pulled back and looped over bent hair wire to resemble dark rings. My make-up was a bit heavier to compliment the outfit with smoky eyes and dark lips. Overall, the dress was much darker than anything I had previously worn before. It was by far the sexiest too. The bodice pushed by bust up, as corsets are wont to do, and synched my waist. I looked fierce.
When I came out of my bedroom Von replied that I seemed more like the Master of the Fiends than of the Spellcasters.
"I look like I can kick some serious ass in this dress. Which is totally true," I smirked quite liking Razel's choice for once. "Though I would love to hear one of Neo's appreciative whistles. Ya know, boost my confidence a tad." I winked at my mages.
"Do not gloat. It is most unbecoming," Razel sighed staring straight ahead. He dressed in usual black attire which suited him.
"I'm not gloating. I do look good. Nice pick Razel." I lightly shoved him. "I kind of look more like you in the tight black clothes!" I laughed.
Razel frowned, I was joking too much. Our escorts gathered outside and Razel was going into official mode. That was fine.
"Von, you ready?" I asked.
"Yes Mistress." His robes were also dark and I felt a little rush at how strangely sexy Von was here rather than in his house robes. It amazes me how much hotter guys can look when in black clothes. Then I pictured Neo and Trance in black and my thoughts just became dirty.
"Alright let's go." I went to the carriage door and opened it.
The three of us stepped down and were welcomed by four Fiends. My nerve sunk when I saw the largest of the four, a hulking skeletal creature with black bat wings and a horned head. What appeared to be muscle stretched skinless over its limbs and I tried to avoid making eye contact. The next of the four was a normal Duel Spirit with orange skin, long blond hair and wearing a dark purple suit with matching fedora. The Fiend's pointed ears drooped slightly at the tips, unlike Von's whose ears stood in delicate points. It's green on green eyes were sneaky and when it smiled I noticed prominent fangs.
"Greetings Lord Razel, you grace the Fiend Realm with your esteemed presence. Our best regards to Lord Abraxis," said the blond Fiend. "I trust your journey here was a smooth one?" His voice was nasal and smarmy.
"I find that there is no better means of travel then by carriage." Razel said staring down the lesser Duel Spirit.
"I am Majarei, the Witty Phantom. This beast of a nightmare is Girac, the Summoned Skull. The ball of fuzz there is Kuriboh and this young lady is Selene, the Tour Guide of the Underworld."
"This is Our Lady Mistress, who has come to this land to wish your Lord well and celebrate our allegiance." Razel stated. "And this is Lord Von, the Ancient Elf and our Mistress's Second Duel Spirit."
Von stood straight, his arms behind his back.
"Well now. Shall we proceed?" Majarei bowed and swept his arm towards the cobblestone path that led through the main gates of the castle.
Razel moved to walk in front with Von in tow. I was in the middle, safe. Our treck took us to the castle, passing morose and dark courtyards and fountains spewing inky waters. The wind moaned in this land, Fiends stopping their chattering to leer at us as we passed. These creatures were terrifying and I was proud that Razel and Von treated them as if they were rocks on the ground. I have gotten used to the Fiends over the years but I do not visit their land very often.
The air was thick and close. My hair stood on end. The little floating ball of fur, Kuriboh, had sidled up to me and stayed with me the whole trip. It was cute, in a creepy way.
"Hello," I said nicely.
It screeched at me. Kicking its clawed hands, if you will, and feet in joy.
"What is it? Are you happy that I said hi to you?" I asked.
It screeched again. It bounced up and down, it nuzzled me.
"Aren't you cute," I smiled. "What do you think, do I have anything to be concerned about?"
It shook its whole body from side to side.
"Yeah? You sure? Are you going to protect me if something bad happens?" I joked.
It nodded its body up and down, a serious expression in its eyes.
I laughed. "My fuzzy protector!"
Kuriboh beamed next to me and yipped in glee.
We came to the main gates. Tall black iron doors wrought with malevolent beings drawn together in either ecstasy or pain I could not decipher which. The Summoned Skull advanced first, barking out a guttural order to those inside. With a loud creak the doors opened. These are my allies, I have nothing to fear, I thought.
Our party entered the castle. Our footsteps echoed off of the cathedral ceilings and stone walls all gilded with black ironwork and obsidian. The floors were black quartz with fragments of mica and glistened like a black ocean. I saw myself in the reflection, a darkly fierce, mystical figure garbed in midnight. I barely recognized myself, so much had I changed.
Colonnades lined the long hallway, ornate carvings like veins around them. Razel, Von, and I remained silent in our procession. It was not until the Nightmare Court doors came into view that Razel turned to me.
"Mistress, you shall enter first. Von and I will follow as we said. Look straight ahead, do not let your eyes wander. That indicates insecurity and weakness. The Fiends will pounce if they detect any from you. Remember, though they are our allies, they are still Fiends."
Razel slowed and resumed his pace behind me. Two sentries stood guard outside the doors, demonic beings with great wings. Majarei removed his purple fedora and bowed.
"The visitors of the Spellcaster Race to see the Great Lord Hexitus."
With grunts, the guards pushed the dreadful doors open.
"The Mistress of the Chaos Mage! Lord Razel and Lord Von!" Came a thunderous announcement.
I straightened as I stepped forward. The Nightmare Court lived up to its name: amphitheater seating housed the many Fiend Elites. The stared quietly down at me from their high perches. Like cardinals in the Vatican, they scrutinized me like a new Papal Bull. Frightful creatures dressed in courtly robes seeking any sort of crack in my resolve.
Unlike the Spellcasters, the Fiends were great in size. Many towered over the court like monoliths capable of wiping out cities. Try as I might to avoid it I could not help but sneak a quick glance at a few of them. I heard a cackle to my left. They saw me.
"The girl is timid!" Shouted one Fiend.
"What? Never seen a Fiend before human?" Shouted another.
"See how she quakes!" A cackle there.
I fought the embarrassment of being found out and stared ahead. Their laughter and comments were harsh to the ear. Not because of what they said, but of their voices. Rattles and chatters, echoes and rumbles, voices that faded in and out, growls, guttural bellows, low moaning voices, scratchy tones and vibrating timbers. Every sensible instinct in me was telling me to bolt but the Master in me told me to stay.
I stopped in the Court. Before me, sitting high on his throne, was Hexitus. He was a fearsome monster, stories tall with black armored skin and a lipless face. Horns curved by his cheeks, long huge arms, and a black tail-like object attached to his back. The dais upon which his throne was soared up at least thirty steps. A blood red runner directed all to look up at the Fiend ruler. Razel and Von flanked me, bringing their right fists to their chests, bowing their heads. Von lowered his head and held it for two seconds whereas Razel gave a quick nod. I did not bow.
The Nightmare Court was now quiet as all waited for their Leader to speak.
"Lord Razel, it is a pleasure to see you here in my Court." Hexitus' voice boomed like a god's.
"The pleasure is mine, Lord Hexitus. May I present my Mistress," Razel gestured to me.
"Ah yes. You are the one whose deeds are being gossiped about. Pray tell, what is the nature of your visit?"
I spoke clearly and calmly. "Lord Hexitus, I am honored to meet you. As you are well aware, the Warriors have declared war on the Spellcasters and their allies. I have come here to offer well wishes and to show gratitude to our strongest ally. Together the Fiends and Spellcasters can take down the Warriors and put an end to this ridiculous feud."
"Interesting. Approach that I may look upon you."
Before Razel could tell me my instructions for such a prestigious honor, I gathered my courage and walked right up to the steps. Hoping to God that my long skirt did not trip me, for the slits cause the fabric to sway as I walked, I made the long climb to the Leader of the Fiend's throne. The closer I got to him, the larger he became. Soon I was in the presence of this towering creature that I had to recline my head back just to see his face.
Hexitus stared hauntingly down at me, like I was a worshipper in the temple of some ancient great god.
" You come to offer salutations?" He asked.
"Yes. And to reconfirm our long lasting alliance. The Spellcasters need the support of the Fiends now more than ever. I come as a gesture of goodwill between the two realms."
Snickers and clattering of nails filled the court.
Hexitus silence them with a raised hand. Then he said, "That you have come and stand here before me, without fear or hesitation but with perseverance and strength, shows the faith between our Races and the Fiends acknowledge the friendship of the Spellcasters."
For a second I inhaled quickly. That was…easy.
"Lord Hexitus, may I ask something?"
"You may."
"Well, with all due respect I came to your lands with the intention of perhaps, conducting diplomacy. However, you readily agreed to our alliance. Not that I'm complaining, it's just I never expected this kind of thing to be so…so…"
"Simple?" Hexitus finished.
"Yes," I agreed.
Hexitus grinned down at me, like a parent to a child withholding a secret. "Some things in life are simple. Learn to take them when the reveal themselves. If you continue to have little faith in your allies, your time as a Master will be short lived."
"That is where you are wrong Lord Hexitus. My time as a Master is just beginning."
At that Hexitus laughed. A loud roar of earsplitting cheers rang in the Nightmare Court. I did not wince.
Hexitus rose from his throne to grow to a titan's height. I was surprised that the dais did not crumble under his weight. My adrenalin pumped, ready to flee, just in case.
"Come! Enough talk of State! Our guests are most welcome. You may rest at your leisure. Tonight I will have a feats prepared in your honor and that of our joint efforts in the days to come."
Later that Day:
"My God that was stressful!" I exhaled once back in the carriage.
Razel grunted, tapping his hip with his fingers. Von shrugged. "I thought it went very well actually."
"You would you simple Elf," Razel said.
I could tell Razel was bothered, his brow was furrowed and his red eyes searched in the ether.
"What is it?" I asked coming over to him.
"In my many years, never has Lord Hexitus agreed to terms this easily. Is there something about this war that I missed? Did the Warriors find new allies?" He asked himself. "I must find out."
"What if he was right though…to take it when it comes to you?" I said.
Razel gave me a look. "It's too forthcoming."
"That's what I thought. And if you think that's because there is another side to this war then I'm doubly concerned. Razel I want you to see if you can learn anything additional. We'll need any lead we can get."
"Is that an order, Mistress?" Razel eyed me with hidden approval.
I looked up at him and nodded once.
Well, as it happens, Razel did learn a new twist to this war. It turned out that the Warriors had enlisted the help of the Dragons and had positive responses. Word was still out on the Blue Eyes White Dragons but that was too close. If the Warriors got their help, that would tip the scales heavily against us. Additionally, despite my powers of Obelisk, if I passed out after trying to use them as Razel feared then it would be catastrophic. Hexitus told Razel that Demiuk succeeded in getting Cave Dragon, Cthonian Emperor Dragon, and ironically, Victory Dragon. With each name my gut shrunk and the bile rose in my throat. I needed those Blue Eyes Dragons. When we left the Nightmare Court after the large feast Hexitus hosted for us, Razel was so far gone in thought that it was useless talking to him.
His lips were pursed and his fingers tapped on any available surface. I too was very disturbed by the news and barely ate anything. We went back to our carriage with a cloud of doom over us. Dragons were siding with the Warriors, so obviously they figured there was a chance the Warriors might win. The saving grace of the night and the long ride home was Von.
The carriage rose into the air and transported us back to the Realm of Spellcasters. Razel stewed over in his corner, his fingertips set in a roofline under his nose. His long legs were crossed, his right ankle resting on his left knee. The gears in his head were spinning a mile a minute and I decided to give him space.
The black dress from earlier was still on me and I gnawed at the chance to get out of it. We needed Dragon allies. But I did not know of any and Razel wasn't speaking so I felt useless. I do not like that feeling, as I'm sure no one does. At least when I was with my Spellcasters I felt purposeful. I missed my mages and I wanted to get back to their land. There was an exorbitant amount of pressure on me to be this legendary Master, of which Razel proselytized me into being. But all of that publicity meant nothing if I was unable to get a few Dragons on my side.
Von, who had been staring out the window, turned towards me and noticed my pain.
"Mistress, this news is nothing to fret about. The Dragons the Warriors have are not the Blue Eyes. And there are many Dragons for us to choose from," He said.
"And that's nice but, Von, we are three Dragons short while the Warriors already have the edge. I need Dragons and I need them yesterday." I said.
Von smiled. "You humans are funny creatures. You always want instantaneously."
"Yeah well when you don't live for thousands of years you kind of want things to speed up." I replied a bit harshly.
Von tilted his head. "With age comes wisdom."
I glared at him.
"Mistress, you will get Dragons. But you must be patient. Dragons choose their allies, not the other way around. If they see you as too eager they might refuse and see you as selfish. They have to see the potential in you as a Master and a victor in the war. Once they determine that their efforts will not be wasted on a reckless, foolhardy campaign, then they will step forward." Von explained. "The wiser you are, the more likely powerful Dragons will wager on you. The Dragon Race is a neutral one, unless they feel that one side is deserving of their strength. The way to show this strength is to be patient. The Warriors know this game and have begun to play. You have much more to do to convince them."
I whined. "I don't have the time though."
Von went silent. He watched me with his deep brown eyes in a way that reminded me that he was not human but an elf.
"What?" I asked.
"Time…" He murmured.
"What?"
Not enough time…" He said again. Von's eyes searched his vast knowledge bank for any clue that could help us. "Need more time. Time to convince."
"What are you talking about?" I raised my eyebrow.
"That's it." Von said. "That's it!" He exclaimed.
His tone was so firm that Razel turned his head.
"What is it? Von what did you think of?" I grew excited that he had cracked something good.
"Mistress I must go on alone. I will meet you back at your home in a day."
With that, Von vanished.
I stared at the vacant spot where Von had stood, then over to Razel. It took him all but a fraction of a second to realize what Von was up to. Once he did, Razel nodded his head.
"I see. The elf is learning how to think like an upper-level."
"What the hell is going on Razel?" I asked. "You know I hate being in the dark."
"The elf has gone to get you what you need."
"And what is that pray tell?" I was irritated that my mages were speaking to me in this cryptic fashion.
Razel's eyes glittered. "Time."
Back Home:
When Razel and I returned to the Realm of the Spellcasters, messengers from Lord Abraxis scurried over to tell Razel that he was required to attend a court meeting of Elites to discuss war developments. Apparently the Warriors had attacked the Plant Race again, the half that sided with us, and the Lady Helena launched a counterattack.
"Go on. I'll deal with things here."
We separated. Razel to the Fortress of the Elites, and I busied myself with helping on the ground. I found Neo and Trance and Pien Fang and Mei Ya. I stayed with them, assisting in war preparations, weapon procurement, and encouraging mages. Helion and Jalak took me away to help out with defenses. Rai I saw briefly.
When the time came for me to leave and go home, I was escorted by Lord Endymion's select guard, a magician by the name of The Tricky. This jester-like mage saw me home safely and then remained stationed outside my house, cloaking himself in a spell of invisibility. I waited and waited for Razel or any of my mages to pop in and tell me how things were going but no one came. It bothered me to be back home in my world but there were things I could not do simply because I had grown up in the twenty-first century. I was not born in ancient or medieval times where war was as common as death. I had no idea of what to do for it other than lend a hand with matters that I was familiar. Von said that he would take a day for his little plan, so I can take a day, I thought.
By the time I sensed Razel had returned, I was already asleep on my couch. I had been dreaming a dream wherein I was in some sort of labyrinth. Grey brown stones formed levels upon levels, staircases leading to nowhere and doors upon doors each either empty or housing a dreadful surprise.
"What…the fuck is this place?" I whispered to myself. "Hello! Is anyone there?"
Nothing. Just my echo mocking me. I began to panic. I ran up flights of stairs, threw open doors. My heart raced in fear and I tried to tell myself that this was just a dream. But it felt so real; the stone was dusty and cold, the loneliness palpable.
After opening the thirtieth door to find nothing behind it, I screamed in frustration. I pushed out my Energy to find a way out but came up short. I tried to levitate but could not, something was preventing me. Reaching Razel was useless.
"What kind of nightmare is this?" My voice shook.
I wandered the floors, hoping to see a light, a golden door, any indication of an exit. Nothing. I came out into the center of the many levels and felt lost.
"This is ridiculous. I need to calm down and focus. There has to be some way out of this. I just need to concentrate." I closed my eyes and sat cross-legged on the floor. It took great effort to stop my mind from spinning but I managed and honed my Energy. Flashes of rooms and stairs filtered before my mind's eye. Every door was the same until I came to a door that was not. It was larger, made of metal rather than wood, and had a large eye of Wadjet engraved on the front.
From inside, I sensed an ancient Energy. It was warm, golden, and bright. My eyes popped open and I hopped to my feet. Following the direction laid out from my projections, I found the door easily. I still sensed that Energy. I reached for the door handle but the door creaked and opened on its own. When the form of Yami appeared, seated in a chair in the center of the large room I sighed in relief. Although I was happy to see a familiar face, there was an eerie vibe in the air. That he sat there, alone in the dark with arms folded seemingly waiting for me to find him made him seem all the more ghostly.
"You found me. I was wondering when you might." He said going to stand.
"You were expecting me?" I imagined Yami lurking in the shadows like some specter in a horror movie. Watching…waiting…kind of like Nyxx does.
"I knew you were here before you did," he smirked. "I should. I called you here after all. It is nice to see you again."
I blinked. "Called me? How?"
Yami spoke. "With the power of my Millennium Puzzle. I caught wind that you were in trouble and so I offer you my help."
I let out a groan of happiness. "Really? That's great! I need help. Yes. What do you know so far?" I entered Yami's room, feeling a lot better about things.
"My Duel Spirits have been keeping me abreast on this war in their world. Mahad has been monitoring you for me as well, he is quite taken with your approaches."
I blushed. For some reason, hearing that I made Mahad proud gave me joy. "I am happy to know that some mages are pleased with me. And I'm glad Mahad has taken notice because I would like to discuss a matter with him that is very important to one of my mages." I thought of Mana and of how thrilled she was going to be.
Yami nodded. "I hear you need Dragons."
It was a statement, not a question.
"I do. The Warriors, the Spellcasters mortal enemies, have gathered three Dragons already. By now who knows, they may have more. I need to get some of my own but my Second Duel Spirit tells me that they do not favor impatience and that I must prove myself worthy of their power like I'm some valiant knight." I said a little cuttingly.
"Why do the Warriors want battle?" Yami asked.
"I don't know really. It's some ancient feud but I think I make it worse. As a Psychic Duelist, the Warriors either want to enslave me and use my powers against the Spellcasters and their allies, find me and kill me so that I'm no longer a threat, or both; capture me, use me to take down their foes, and then kill me when they're finished. It does not matter. Either way, I can't let them gain the upper hand."
Yami brought his hand to his face and his fingers clutched his chin. He thought long and hard about the implications of my words and I stood there hoping desperately that he might know some of the Dragon Race that would be willing to overlook traditions this one time and help me.
"There may be a way through this. I will have to discuss this with my Duel Spirits. Give me time and I will find you answers. In the meantime, Mahad will stay close. If I get word, I will send him to you."
I ran over and hugged him. "Fantastic. So…now what? Where am I?" I let go and looked around.
"You are in the Millennium Puzzle. Inside this maze lies the secret to my lost memories. I've searched for thousands of years but I can't seem to find anything. There are times I fear it is hopeless."
"You don't remember anything?" I asked.
He shook his head. "No. It's like a piece is missing. But I know that something goes in the empty spot."
I thought back to when I met Ishizu/Isis in the museum. I remembered the stele and how the one figure resembled Yugi. Maybe that figure was real and his ka was standing in front of me right now. If that was true and Yami and the man on the tablet were one in the same, then he was someone of great importance, maybe even pharaoh. In fact, Ishizu/Isis called him pharaoh…plus my vision of Yami that I got on the beach. I suppose these visions were linked to his golden Energy, scenes from his past that were invisible to him. It all made sense. These thoughts rushed me and my light bulb burst to life.
"That's not necessarily true. Actually, I think I may have discovered a bit about you. Tell me, does the term 'pharaoh' mean anything to you?"
For a split second, Yami's expression held recognition. Then, digging into my love of history, I located the ancient form of the word and used it. "It sounds familiar I know. How about 'Per-Aah'?"
Upon using the original pronunciation, Yami's face alighted with surprise. "Yes! Yes I do! What does this mean?" His excitement and curiosity and fear that this major lead in his past might crumble was reflected in his voice.
"I think you were a pharaoh, a king back then, in ancient Egypt. But we don't know what your name is."
I saw the light in his violet eyes dim and I felt sorry for him. I reached out and touched his arm. "Well, now that you have me we'll figure it out." I winked.
Yami gave me a lovely smile. "You have my thanks. But I fear it is time for you to go now. Our discoveries are for another day."
With that, I felt Yami release me from his Item's hold and I woke on my couch, drained from the strain on my subconscious but excited all the same.
The Next Day:
Von unceremoniously burst into my living room, a wide smile on his face. His posture was proud and triumphant and I immediately ran over to him.
"What? Where have you been?"
"Mistress, please sit I have news to tell."
From behind me Razel spoke, "You found them."
Von grinned at his superior. "I did."
"I don't understand. Found who? And I do not want to sit. Tell me."
"You recall your saying you needed more time for the Dragons right?"
I slowly nodded. "Yeah…"
"Mistress there is a way for you to get what you want. I have found it. Found them! When I summoned them and told them of your plight, they were most interested and agreed."
"Who is 'them'?" I asked holding my arms out wide.
"The Masters of Time and Space." Razel began.
"Yes. The Chronograph Sorcerer and the Astrograph Sorcerer. The Masters of Time and Space. Exactly the components that you require Mistress." Von beamed at me like a kid who aced a test. "The Chronograph Sorcerer controls the forces of Time itself, while the Astrograph Sorcerer controls the expanses of Space and the infinite. Together they can see through Space-Time into the dimensions of the future and in so doing, they can show the Dragon Race the Master you will become. Your patience will be seen in your future as our complete Master, your honorable deeds and achievements will be revealed. In what would take you decades, those two mages can show in seconds, thereby saving you the precious time in the present. This has never been performed before Mistress, you are the only one these two celestial mages bequeathed this privilege. I believe we will have Dragon allies before the week is done."
"Oh my God…" I breathed understanding Von's master plan. "Oh my God! Von!" I threw myself at him and hugged him tightly. "You did it! You're amazing!"
I laughed out loud. Von found a backdoor into this condition and showed it to me. Von returned my embrace and swung me around.
"Thank you Von!"
Razel stared at us, ever vigilant, ever stoic, but pleased. He would never admit to Von's idea being ingenious, but all the same he knew a brilliant eureka when he saw it.
It was not until the following day that Torunka messaged Razel with exciting news: Abraxis received word from members of the Dragon Race. Apparently, Von's plan worked because we got Dragons! They were impressed by Von's sincerity and by what the Astrograph and Chronograph Sorcerers (this part was not revealed to Abraxis) showed them. Abraxis was immensely pleased by this and informed Torunka to relay the message. I tried not to picture Darius and Silan fuming at my unabashed victory. We got Tiger Dragon, Divine Dragon Lord Felgrand, Kabuki Dragon, and much to my delight a gift from Yami; Curse of Dragon, and Winged Dragon Guardian of the Fortress #1. They were not the Blue Eyes White Dragons that I and the Warriors coveted but no matter…
Let the games begin.