Yu-Gi-Oh! Fan Fiction ❯ Dragon Rising ❯ Chapter Fifteen ( Chapter 15 )

In whichold acquaintances are met again

 

“A two and a half hour ride,” Joey groaned, rubbing his sore lower back, “I hurt in places I didn't know could hurt. Why couldn't we have just used a portal or something.”

 

“Because magical transport makes you soft,” Drizzt replied. “And there will come a day when magical transport will not be an option.” He fixed a stern gaze on his student, “You are a Psion Templar. Use your discipline and do away with your hurt.”

 

“What? Oh, come on, Drizzt, can't we have a day off…?”

 

“You would rather a different pain to distract from the one in your ass?”

 

The blonde abruptly shut up, understanding the threat of heavy conditioning.

 

“That look does nothing for your complexion, puppy dog,” Kaiba said with a snide little smirk.

 

“What?! Oh, any time you wanna throw down, Kaiba…”

 

“Lay off, Kaiba,” Yugi said with a small growl. The rival wizard's gaze snapped to him and his eyes narrowed. There was a sudden thickening in the air between them.

 

“Dueling is to be kept outside the court chamber,” Jade hissed. “Save it for the official arena or for when we return home!”

 

Yugi and Kaiba continued to glare at each other for a moment longer before the drow woman ushered them both away from the stables and to the courtyard, where other members and guests of the court were filing into the grand chamber of the sea side palace.

 

The home of Raoul Wavewalker was a magnificent testament to his and his tribe's wealth and prestige. It was built of both deep sea stone that was a milky crème color and the rock of the gently sloping cliff where it perched. It glittered brilliantly in the sun, over looking the docks and the other dwellings of the folk who lived under the lord's reign. Ships ranging from humble, two person fishing crafts to swift schooners and several majestic galleons sat at the docks, moored and waiting to be taken out to the open seas. There was a smaller, second dock, where several ships of visiting dignitaries where moored and being restocked and minor repairs where being done. A cavern up the beach from the docks had a mouth large enough for the largest of the ships to pass through and had places where cargo could be unloaded, hulls could be pulled up and scraped for barnacles and spaces for the fleet during storms.

 

Several miles up from the cavern and the palace, a forest began, the tree line a long line of green and black that stretched on into the distance. Back the way the company had come was the home of the wolf folk, a mildly diagonal journey from horse back or a simply walk following the coast line.

 

Seagulls flew over head along with many pelicans and other sea birds and waves kissed the beach, rushing up the sand and receding in a matter of moments. The smell of tangy brine flavored the wind that whipped the hair of ladies and the cloaks of gentlemen.

 

The elves were positively electrified, their eyes bright and shining. Yugi admitted that some part of him felt alive with the scent of the sea wind in his face, his fingertips buzzing faintly.

 

Kaiba frowned and rubbed his palms with his fingers before speeding up to come alongside Jade. “Is there magic here?” he asked.

 

The drow woman grinned, “There is magic everywhere, dear Seto, if you look, but yes, the sea is a birthplace of magic, a place where wells of it simmer, leaching into the water, into the air, into everything around it. Step into salt water, if you are ever tired and have little power left, and you will suddenly feel your strength revitalized and your aura surging.”

 

“Why?” Mokuba asked.

 

“Salt water is an amplifier for magic. And since the sea is a place of naturally occurring magic, a wizard who steps into its waters can channel it.”

 

“Getting really, really cold works too, if you're ever in lack of salt water,” Drizzt said with a grin, “Although cold will not let you borrow her magic.”

 

“Her?” Bakura inquired curiously.

 

The drow warrior saluted to the north point of the compass by touching his forehead then kissing his fingertips and holding his hand out. “Yes, her. The lady of winter and ice is rather jealous of her domain and her magic. Very few are granted boons by her and fewer still master control of the magic that springs from that domain,” he replied.

 

Kaiba looked suddenly intrigued and looked at Jade once more. “Could you teach me this?” he asked quietly. She gave him a startled look and shook her head, “Only what another wizard could. I can show you the basics of that domain and teach you the spells, such as cone of cold, which she gave to the first magic users. After that, you would have to find a way to learn on your own, if she so deemed you worth the while.”

 

Her student's eyes became hard and determined, glittering like blue beach glass. Jade laughed and patted his arm as they walked under the sweeping archway of the court chamber, “I have little doubt about your ambition, Seto.”

 

Yugi had to bite his tongue to keep back the scathing quip that sprang to mind.

 

All conversation stopped suddenly though as the young folk abruptly realized their surroundings.

 

They were in a large chamber with high, vaulted ceilings, pillars lining the four walls and supporting large, ornate windows that were open to let in the ocean's breath and the scent of flowers from the gardens on the right side. The chamber was made of marble that was shot through with silver and black. Tapestries and banners hung from the ceiling and many of the pillars. Long tables sat at either side of the room filled with delicacies and find drink. A long, plush, deep blue carpet ran from the doors up to the dais at the far end of the room where two ornate thrones sat, occupied no doubt by the Lord and Lady.

 

Beings ranging from elves and humans to fey goblins and centaurs chatted, nibbling at pastries and sipping from silver and crystal goblets. Bakura was sure he noted several incubi or similar beings walking around. A satyr wandered by, a nymph clinging to either of his arms. Tea saved all the young men on that one, stepping harshly on several toes and whacking the rest upside the head. Yugi and Kaiba didn't take nearly as much force to snap out of the distracted trance, although they both still glared and rubbed their heads.

 

Nikki, smiling in recognition, hurried over to a group of elves, hugging several before throwing her arms around the neck of a male with long, chestnut brown-blonde hair, who rocked back on his heels due to the sudden expression of affection before regaining his balance and spinning her around several times, ending by setting her on her feet and kissing her.

 

Alianna rolled her eyes, hands propped on hips. “I'd best go over before his Highness gets after me for not saying hello,” she said before starting after Nikki. Drizzt grinned and explained to the confused teens, “That would be Renan, Ali's twin brother.”

 

“Twin?” Tristan said, “I didn't know she had a twin.”

 

“Unfortunately,” Jade said dryly, “Elf born twins are a rare thing. They have an empathic connection that acts up on its own accord and were brought up in drastically different ways. It's actually rather amazing how well they get along.”

 

“They were raised separately?”

 

“Mostly. Their father and mother were of two different worlds. Their father was one who detested courts and politics, preferring to travel and live as he wanted. Their mother was a daughter of politics, down to the talent for sifting truth from gossip and able to spin an intrigue, should the need arise, that would make a drow matron weep with happiness. So, when those two were born, the wolf-folk had Alianna to raise and Renan spent most of the time with his mother, learning the art of politics.”

 

“You don't do him justice,” Drizzt said lightly, smiling, “Renan is more like Alianna than he cares to admit, he just has the gift of subtlety.”

 

“Indeed. Oh, don't let us form your opinion of him,” she told the young people, waving a hand, “You will have to get to know him yourself, for he's one of a kind, really. Go on, don't cling to me. Mingle and learn.”

 

Joey and Tristan, upon hearing this, started towards the food table but were stopped short by a slender half-elf woman who wore a dark suit of some strange material that ended in a high collar at her neck and went down to her feet, where it formed into boot-like soles. The sleeves were long and cut off at the fingers, leaving the slender appendages exposed. She smiled upon seeing them, brushing auburn, chin length hair from her face and hooked an arm through theirs, “So you're the two new Psion's I picked up the other day. Come, talk with me. And ask any questions you wish.”

 

The two boys, flushing faintly, for she was a pretty example of femininity, followed without much prodding, passing by a group of tall woman who wore leathers and a collection of armor that was motley but no doubt effective. Several had designs painted on their faces and bodies. Their leader, a big, sturdy brunette, smiled at Tea and bowed slightly, “Welcome, little sister. We've been waiting.” She held out a hand towards her group, inviting the younger Amazon to join them, which Tea promptly did.

 

Jade and Drizzt, seeing that their students were well on their way to being occupied, excused themselves and made their way after Nikki and Alianna.

 

“Come on, Mokuba,” Kaiba said, and headed towards the left side of the chamber, where several windows opened onto a balcony over looking the beach. Mokuba started to follow before a gout of flame caught his attention. “Hey, Seto, I'm going to be over there,” he said, and pointed to an elven female with pale green skin and pink hair that had a dark blue tinges at the tips. She was entertaining a group of children and young, roguish looking folk by sipping from a cup of liquor then holding her finger tips to her mouth, where little flames danced, and spitting the liquor out in a spray of flame and crackles that dissolved into butterflies, bubbles, or other things.

 

Kaiba frowned before he slowly nodded and turned and continued walking. Mokuba was gone in a flash, edging his way into the circle around the woman.

 

Yugi and Bakura were left, looking about and feeling a bit out of place.

 

“I thought this Raoul was supposed to be somewhat of a snob,” Bakura said thoughtfully, taking in the eclectic collection of guests. Yugi shrugged, “So did I, but who knows? Maybe he is, but politics would dictate he put up with people he didn't find…acceptable.”

 

“True.”

 

“Yugi?” said a voice that was low and soft and yet carried easily over the crowd's chatter. “Yugi Dragonson?”

 

Yugi blinked and turned to see an elven male with cinnamon hair and clear, blue eyes flecked with green. The male was striding towards them, grinning broadly in greeting. “Well, by the deep, it is you,” he said, now grasping Yugi's hand and giving him a brotherly embrace, slapping him on the back. “It's been a long time!” He stood back, hands on Yugi's shoulders, “And you've gotten hells of a lot taller.”

 

Yugi stared at him blankly before recognition kicked in, “Caspian, right?”

 

Another grin, “You'd be correct. Oh, I'm sorry, I'm being rude.” He offered a hand to Bakura, “I'm Caspian, Raoul's oldest, but don't you dare get formal on me.”

 

He certainly didn't look like a nobleman or the son of one. His clothing was simple and practical—a white linen shirt with the sleeves rolled above his elbows and the ties undone so the neck line fell open to his collar. Dark brown breeches tucked into the top of sturdy and worn black leather boots. A belt encircled his waist, holding a pouch and a sheathed dagger. A thin strip of leather was around his neck, holding a large shark's tooth securely. Leather gauntlets encircled his wrists, his hands where calloused and rough with work.

 

His mannerisms weren't a typical noble's either, from what they'd seen either. His smile was easy and good-natured, like his face, and his voice was a bit rough from days spent outside, shouting over the wind.

 

Bakura smiled and shook the offered hand, “Bakura. Jade's student.”

 

“The white mage, right?”

 

“Yes.”

 

“Good to meet you.”

 

“You as well.”

 

Caspian grinned and stepped back, “So, what do you think of the palace? A bit over the top, isn't it?”

 

“I think it's lovely,” Bakura said, looking at Yugi questioningly. The other young man shrugged, “I suppose so. The environment is nice but it's not exactly cozy.”

 

Caspian snorted, “Never mind that. With my father, the bigger and grander, the better.” A dark look shaded his eyes for a moment, “He's been getting worse the older her gets. Obsessed with alliances, status.” He shook his head in disgust and looked back at them, “Our people are well off enough, but it's only because of my mother, who applies herself and looks after our people. Never mind though, I won't bore you with an old argument. Bakura, I think there's a monk here who'd you get along with fetchingly.”

 

He looked behind him then put his thumb and forefinger to the corners of his mouth and let out a piercing whistle, earning several shocked and affronted looks from dignitaries nearby, which he ignored. “Hai! Leo!” he called, waving a hand.

 

A moment later, the two teens jumped as a tattooed male suddenly slid up behind them. “You called, your lordship?” he said, bowing mockingly to Caspian, who rolled his eyes.

 

“Can it, you bird-brain,” the elf replied with a good-natured grin, “Leo, this is Bakura, the white mage that you were told about. Bakura, this is Leo.”

 

Leo took Bakura's hand in a firm clasp, “Nice to meet you.”

 

“Likewise,” the human replied, eyeing the strange looking being.

 

Tattoos ran along his face, arms, and bare chest—snaking lines and random symbols, it seemed. His skin was a golden tan, his eyes a burning amber, and his hair was a reddish gold and in a sort of Mohawk down the middle of his head, the sides shaved cleanly, and running to the base of his neck. An elegant, well kept goatee framed his chin and mouth. What was a bit more odd about him were the feathers that sprouted at his hairline and ran along it. More feathers ran along his shoulders and down his arms, gradually fading as they reached his elbows and his forearms were wrapped around the palms and wrists and about midway up the forearm with then strips of leather. His legs were clad in loose, light trousers that were tied off at the end by the straps of the sandals on his feet.

 

“I know, the feathers, right?” he said with a grin in reply to the curious looks. “I'm a phoelarch—phoenix people. You get used to me after awhile, I promise.”

 

Caspian rolled his eyes, “Why don't you take Bakura and give him the full lesson? Drizzt marked him for monk training anyway, so you might as well get a head start.” Bakura's eyes lit up with interest and Leo saluted ironically. “Oui, mon capitain,” he replied, making Yugi wonder where he'd heard French. By then, the monk had slung an arm around Bakura's shoulders and was leading him away, answering rapid fire questions from the white mage and asking just as many in return.

 

The elf by him grinned and clapped him on the shoulder, “Come on. My little sister has been eager about seeing you again. Best not keep her waiting.”

 

Yugi's stomach became nervous butterflies suddenly as the picture of the pretty elf popped into his mind. “Alright,” he agreed, following Caspian as he began to weave through the crowd.

 

“Excuse me, pardon me, kindly step aside,” Caspian said in a mantra as he ducked several tall arms and darted around several spiny backs. “Madam, watch your wings.”

 

Yugi, following in his wake, tried to ignore the smattering of whispers and stares he attracted.

 

After several harrowing minutes for Caspian, they arrived near the dais, where Caspian's parents sat. Yugi then understood what his teachers had meant when they said Caspian favored neither of his parents much. His mother was a honey skinned beauty with regal cheek bones and thick, glossy black hair. The only resemblance Caspian had of her was that he shared her clear blue and green eyes. Her husband, however, made Yugi puzzle as to why such an attractive female would marry him. He wasn't ugly, per say, but he looked…severe. The angles of his face were sharp and straight, from his cheek bones to his long, thin nose. His hair was black and a bit thin, with none of the lustrous gloss of his wife's, and his skin was a shade paler than any of his people Yugi had seen so far, like he spent most of his time inside, away from the sun.

 

“Have to introduce you to my folks, first. Father will have an absolute whale if I go against that protocol,” Caspian grinned and winked, “Of course, I go against most, anyway. Just bow politely and—”

 

“I know what to do,” Yugi interrupted with a grin, “It was drilled into our skulls.”

 

“Oh, good. He can't accuse me of bringing in another ruffian, then.”

 

Caspian's humor suddenly disappeared as he approached the dais and bowed, his face becoming a stoic, neutral mask. “Father, Mother, may I present Yugi Dragonson, student of Alianna and Drizzt,” he said formally, stepping aside to make room for Yugi.

 

Raoul looked down his nose at the young man as he bowed. “Yugi Dragonson?” he echoed questioningly. “I know the name.”

 

Yugi inclined his head, “I have been absent for some time and have only just returned to Terran, Your Lordship.”

 

“Ah, the same boy then who was friends with my daughter and son.”

 

“Yes, Your Lordship.”

 

“And still is,” Caspian put in with just the barest edge in his voice. His father's eyes darted to him and narrowed slightly, “Caspian, my son, I believe it is proper protocol—”

 

“Welcome back to Terran, Yugi,” Caspian's mother said, her gentle voice cutting over her husband's. “And welcome to our home.” He extended her hand to him.

 

Elaina, Yugi suddenly thought, remembering her name from some distant memory. He took her hand and brushed his lips politely over the back, “Thank you, Lady Elaina.”

 

Caspian smirked as his father looked at Yugi in surprise. Elaina smiled at the young man again before leaning over to the steward at her left hand, “Would you please fetch my daughter? Tell her that there is somewhere here that she has been most eager to see again.”

 

Yugi did not miss the disdainful, un-approving sniff from Raoul as the servant hurried away. Did I wrong him in another lifetime? Yugi wondered.

 

A few moments later, the servant replied, hurrying after Caspian's sister.

 

Caspian grinned at his younger sibling as their mother took over the formalities. “Yugi,” Elaina said, placing a hand on her daughter's shoulder, “May I present my daughter, Marina.”

 

Yugi stared, his heart beating double time as the young woman smiled at him. He found it a bit hard to breath.

 

Marina did take after her mother, inheriting the thick, wavy black hair and the gently tanned skin. She was also about her mother's height, standing an inch or so shorter than Yugi and her brother, and had a slender frame that was already showing much promise of a curvaceous figure once she reached full maturity. Her eyes were a brilliant cerulean, framed by thick, long lashes and set under even, graceful brows.

 

Yugi managed to snap himself out of it and take the young woman's hand in his own. “Marina,” he murmured, placing a light kiss on her knuckles, eyes never leaving hers, “Your picture does you absolutely no justice.”

 

She smiled, flushing a light pink at the compliment. “Thank you,” she replied quietly.

 

Caspian cocked an eyebrow and looked at his mother, who grinned slightly and winked. Her son grinned in reply. Raoul just scowled faintly at the exchange between the two young people.

 

“If you'll excuse us, Mother, Father,” Caspian said, deftly his sister and friend and directing them away from the dais, “But I am going to steal them from your company. I have many things I'd ask Yugi.”

 

His mother nodded. “As you will,” Raoul replied, waving a hand in dismissal. His gaze bored into Caspian's, however, warning him about the consequences of any funny business. This was flippantly ignored.

 

“He certainly has grown to be quite handsome,” Elaina said to her husband as the three moved away, looking at him from the corner of her eye. Raoul snorted and waved a dismissing hand, “Perhaps, but he has nothing to offer aside from his lineage. And half blood is not something to offer too seriously.”

 

Elaina frowned but did not reply. She had been good friends with the young man's mother and was not one to use ancestry and blood lines to determine worth. Nor was she one that was so quick to judge, unlike her husband, whom she could see had already made up his mind about Yugi and deemed him unworthy and unfit for any sort of consideration. Especially when it came to Marina, although Elaina could already see that there would probably be trouble about that one day, especially if Caspian had anything to say about it.

 

She sighed and accepted the glass of wine a servant offered her with a nod of thanks. Deirdre, I hope you know how much your son is like you, even if he doesn't realize it, she thought.

 

Her gaze shifted to a group of young men that she knew to be admirers and suitors of Marina's and she sighed. And I hope he soon realizes what a fight it will be for him to be accepted in this world of Raoul's and his peers.