An indeterminate time on the Isles…
Luz was up early this morning. She didn't know why. She'd simply found herself awake, unable to sleep again. She didn't feel awake though. Something in her heart was… aching. The morning in its entirety felt… somber.
She walked downstairs, hoping to take her mind off that feeling. She was met with Hellboy, looking out the window. He shuffled through a deck of cards aimlessly.
"Couldn't sleep either." He stated, already knowing why she was down here. "Just woke up and felt… sad."
"Me too." Luz walked up next him. She glanced at the cards in his hand.
"I've always liked cards." He explained, aware of her curiosity. "All games, really. Professor always wanted me to think a few steps ahead, so he taught me a lot. Where they came from, how they evolved… a lot of them came from Egypt, you know. He used to play me back when I was a kid… I used to love shouting that I was the "King of Games" every time I beat him. Looking back, I think he just let me win."
Luz nodded. "I've always like the designs of fantasy card games. Extravagant and unique monsters across so many cards… it must take a lot of talent. Since I didn't have any friends, I only played my mom. If we're being honest, I spent more time explaining the rules, or why a fairy was carrying a giant syringe, or constantly repeating what "vase of avarice" did. But it was always the best. Especially after a hard day at school. I don't think I'd be good against regular players though."
"Eh, don't worry about that. Enjoying a game isn't about having the skill for it. It's about having the passion." He lifted the cards up to her, giving her a smile. "Up for a game?"
She smiled back and nodded. And the two spent the morning playing. Sometimes the games were goofy, other times they were tense. But every single one was fun.
And though that air of sadness still lingered, it was greeted by a sense of joy as the two laid their heart out on the cards.
Mike Mignola and Takahashi once traded art pieces involving Hellboy and Yugi with one another. This seemed only right.
Rest in Peace, King of Games
Kazuki Takahashi
1961-2022