Life after the duel

“Life after the Duel”



It was in the early hours, just ahead of first light. The blazing copper orb of skyfire was still fighting its way over the far-off horizon. A small number of stray radiant lights from the star that bestowed hope to the beautiful as well as diverse world weaved their way throughout the sparkling sleeping metropolis below. A number of those stray rays from the sun seemed to be focusing their light on a certain residence. It appeared to be like any normal 3 story home with an extremely vibrant well-kept lawn.

As more of the sun’s rays hit the house, the soothing green and golden trim shone like a brilliant gem. The address, along with the street signs was now perceptible. On a weird and wonderful golden pyramid puzzle shape knocker the address was, 754 Kazuki Ave, Takahashi St.

One of those sweet rays of sunlight managed to seep its way into the master bedroom of the house, where two people still lay dreaming. The soft, yet warm glow from the single light of the sun aroused one of the sleepers and broke the enchantment of sleep. He didn’t mind being awakened from the dreams of sleep with his dream still slumbering like a babe in front of him.

Leaning over he gently kissed his husband’s forehead underneath, his golden bangs and squeezed his hand. Their wedding rings glistening in the stray beam of light. He continued to fondle the petite angel till at last, he gazed his huge pools of amethyst into his own.

“Morning, aibou, how did you sleep?” Atem inquired quietly at the same time as Yugi, snuggled closer to the Pharaoh, underneath the emerald green silk covers. Smiling amorously, he stroked his aibou’s face, followed by kissing his angelic lips.

“Dreams are nicer as well as more magnificent as soon as you’re living them, instead of only dreaming them,” Yugi replied as they continue to make-out in their king-sized comfortable bed.

It’d seemed that the Puzzle along with Atem’s Key that earthly gods wore around their necks, agreed with that statement. For a split second each magical trinket seemed to be smiling in agreement with them at the same time as they glowed vibrantly. To them it was obvious that their dreams had only just begun. This would go on and on forever, till something from outside their room shattered any hope of that. Unfortunately it came from the other side of the golden door.

“JAY! JAY MOTO! C’MON YOU’VE BEEN HOGGING THE BATHROOM FOR 20 MINUTES! GOD, YOU’D THINK YOU’RE THE GIRL INSTEAD OF ME, WITH HOW MUCH TIME YOU’RE IN FRONT OF THE MIRROR!” screamed a young girl voice from outside the bedroom.

“Shouldn't we intervene, Atem?” inquired Yugi to his husband who astonishingly shook his head. “Nah let Aziza to deal with the twins’ squabble. After all, before Ra’s up, they’re her kids. Now let’s get back to business,” as he began to work his way down Yugi’s neck with a lot of passionate moaning coming from Yugi.

“This is most defiantly at times better then Dueling was. Not always, but every now and then there’re moments like this one, that makes what we’d to endure worth it, Aibou. A little to the left, lower yeah that the spot,” Yugi moaned in engaging gratification.

Between the screaming and moaning it was easy to miss the door opening, or the sound of an extremely aggravated young woman in the cerise robe, glaring daggers at them. So it was no surprise that Aziza was able to slip in undetected and flip the mattress sending the Pharaoh and Prince to the floor.  “I’m so elated that you’re awake. If truth be told, you don’t need a lot of beauty sleep, taking into consideration you’re the sexiest men on the planet,” the blind beauty told them, giggling whilst blushing the color of her bathrobe. “Please be kind enough to deal with your children, so I can get breakfast prepared Ra is up, so they’re yours now. See you downstairs in twenty,” as she became her cheetah self and dashed to the kitchen.

“That’s was painful, Atem. I mean it literally.  I landed on the Puzzle,” Yugi moaned as Atem helped him up. “Sorry about that Yugi, but I stepped on my Key, so we’re even. C’mon let’s make Aziza happy. We might as well make peace between the twins, before it erupts into another magic fight. I don’t believe Grandpa wants to come in again and fix the damage left in the wake, simply because our children haven’t learned to control their magic.”

The house layout made it so that all the bedrooms plus bathrooms, where up on the second floor. Atem and Yugi had a small bathroom they shared in their room, as did Aziza. On the other hand the twins had to share a bathroom between their rooms, so the argument was a recurring one that everyone was used to.  However, it gave them all royal-sized headache breaking it up every other morning. Tucked out of sight in the back left corner of the landing, behind a number of unusual ferns, was a linen closet.  On the other hand it wasn’t used for stowing towels. The right end of the landing lead to the third floor with a spare bedroom, along with a game room and attic were located. The first floor consisted of the kitchen/ dinning room, living room and offices space.

As Atem and Yugi went around the staircase, their daughter Z.Z. was still screaming at the top of her voice for her twin brother, to get the hell out of the bathroom. “C’mon Jay! I really need to use the bathroom, please let me have it!” she yelled over the sound of the song “Me and my gang, Rascal Flatts” “That’s it, Millennium Mag…”

“Z.Z.! Don’t you even think of trying to blast the door down again!” Atem scolded his daughter penetratingly before continuing. “Grandpa won’t be pleased if he had to put it back on for fourth time in the same week now would he?”

Startled by one of her dads voice the little girl whipped around fast as lightning to see them. Standing in a turquoise nightgown was their 10-year-old daughter Z.Z. Or as her full name was Princess Aziza Ashita Samira Moto. Z.Z. and her brother Jay or his full name Prince Jaden Aknamkanon Solomon Moto, was usually referred to by their nicknames.

The twin’s tale of conception was one that’d knock you for loop. It dealt with two weird yet wonderful medical oddities known as Superfertalization and Chimeras. Superfertalization was when a woman’s ovaries worked overtime, producing more eggs than normal. Thus she’d become impregnated twice if she was sleeping with two different guys. Furthermore this could result in the babies being fathered by different guys. The twin’s mother Aziza, who, in Egyptian meant “precious”, had had sex with both Atem and Yugi, only after they’d asked her permission of course. She’d insisted that they get tested for STDs, Genetic Screening as well as get a few amino beforehand.

It was during the genetic screening that Atem as well as Yugi learned a startling revelation about themselves. They’d be converted into chimeras, or a person who literally had two DIFFERENT DNA patterns within one body. Each DNA pattern resides in a different spot like one in the blood or in the hair. A normal chimera is the end result when fraternal twins don’t come to term, leading one to absorb the other. For Yugi and Atem, it was an unintentional side-affect from sharing a body for so long.  The end result: Atem technically fathered Jay and Yugi, Z.Z. Yet for the reason that both carried a small amount of the other DNA inside them, their twins each had them as a biological father. Z.Z. and Jay the world first and most likely only identical and fraternal twins at the same time!

Z.Z. herself looked extremely flustered at the moment. She had her tri-colored locks styled precisely as her Dad’s (Atem) mom Samira had had hers. Her face was like Atem’s but with Yugi’s smile. Z.Z. and Jay’s left eyes were crimson while their right was amethyst. They also had their father’s sexy as well as charming looks in addition to their mom’s magical powers as well as attitude.

“But Dad!” the young princess whined to her fathers, “Jay’s been in the bathroom forever!  You as well as Daddy both know I need to wash my hair twice a day or it looks like a rat’s nest. Besides I’ve better things I need to do then take my morning shower.”


“You can go use our bathroom, ok, Z.Z.? We’ll have a further discussion on the subject of this at breakfast ok?” Yugi told her kindheartedly with a warm smile.

“Thanks Daddy!” Z.Z replied gleefully as she dashed into their room and slammed the door.

“Typical,” Atem muttered quietly under his breath.

“Pharaoh?”

“Our lives, aibou, they’ve become typical. We’ve gone from saving the world, winning Duels, going on heart-stopping adventures to just being a typical, everyday family,” he replied with a heavy sigh.

“I don’t regard as our family or any of our friend’s family typical, Atem.” Aziza called from the foot of the stairs. “So hurry up and finish getting ready will you?  The jook will be done by time, plus I’m sure you’ll be getting a call from Joey by the time it’s 8:15.”

Almost immediately the whole Moto family was gathered around the antique wooden table, with Aziza using a ladle to pour hot jook, or rice porridge, into everyone bowls. It went so nicely with the breakfast smoothies, she’d prepared from fresh fruits plus veggies in the family’s Magic Bullet. Jay had to pull his long tri-colored hair out his face so he’d be able to cool his jook, before he’d devoured it. Z.Z. was happily swinging her feet in tune with the radio which was playing ‘One more day by Diamond Rio.”  The men of the house were both reading the morning paper.

“So, should I bother to ask, Atem?” Aziza spoke up as she sipped her fruit drink pleasurably. She was enjoying hearing her family heartbeats, as it was her favorite sound to hear each sunrise. Everyone has a morning routine they followed. Some had coffee and a paper, she listen to her family heartbeats with her highly acute hearing.

‘Well let’s see if you’re referring to the newspaper I’m reading, then the answer is this. There’s a little good as well as bad news. Good news is that “The Heart of the Cards,” foundation along with the “Timeless Serenity Foundation,” by working together it'd seem that world peace is only about a decade away,” Atem read aloud the front page headline to his beautiful blind best friend.

“So what’s the bad news, then?”

‘Getting back to school supplies isn’t gonna be as cheap as last year, even with these sales. Some things aren’t going to be easy to get today. That being said, you two need some new clothes,” Yugi informed everyone at the same time as he looked up from reading his part of the paper.

“Does that mean, Daddy I won’t be able to get new skates? I’ve outgrown my old blades and I’m in need of new ones. This year, Jessie and I are going to be triumphant and win the ice-skating championship for sure,” Z.Z. inquired in an apprehensive tone. Her brother also was concerned, “Yeah, Daddy. I’d do with some new track shoes; if I’m gonna help the track team at all.”

“Don’t be concerned, you two. We’ve more than an adequate amount of of that necessary evil of money.” Aziza informed her children swiftly. “After all, your dad just said that because of the work we’ve done with the “The Heart of the Cards” that world peace is very plausible. So we’ve a good amount of money. The miracles we’ve bestowed to this wondrous world haven’t left us penniless, so don’t fret ok? Now are we ever gonna have a morning when you two don’t fight over the bathroom?” as she changed the subject just as swiftly.

“Jay does hog the bathroom. Why do you feel the need, to grow your hair so long it touches your butt, anyway?” Z.Z asked as she flicked a crimson braid over her shoulder. Her lovely hair just missed getting tangle with her puzzle-shaped earring.

“I want to be different, is that so bad? Do you find it offences?” Jay replied to his sister as he toyed with his own puzzle-shape earring.

“No. I just wish you didn’t hog the bathroom is all. I adore it that you’ve the guts to be different, brother.”

“How about this, you two? If you can go a month without quarrelling, about the bathroom, then we’ll get you that pet you’ve wanted, deal?” Atem proposed to them as they shouted with delight. Immediately afterwards the phone rang loudly drowning them out.  

Yugi quickly skidded across the linoleum floor to answer it and a big smile lit up his face as he found out who was calling. “Hey Joey, how you doing pal? Did you and your family just get in last night? How did you enjoy Greece?” Yugi chattered away with a smile on his face, to his best friend. He seemed to be having a grand time chatting with his best friend. They ecstatically chew the fat for a long time, before they at last hung up.

“Well, Aibou?” Atem asked as he put the serving dishes in the dishwasher.

“Joey had a great time. Mai loved all of the clothing stores along with beauty salon they went to. She got a really good make-over that for certain. Joei enjoyed herself to, but Joey told me, that Jasmine had to run off to get Joei on one occasion. She’d slipped away to go clubbing late one night. God she’s seventeen! What does he think, she gonna do? Not break the rules, she a teenager! It’s her job!” Yugi chuckled at the hilarity of his blonde best friend daughter being a rebel just like her father whom she was name after.

“Is that all he wanted? To let us know he got home safe and sound?”

“No, he wanted to know if we’re still meeting up at the Domino Mall to go shopping for back to school gear. I told him we’ve done this every year, so why should this year be any different? We’ll convene with him along with the others at the mall at 10: 00, like always.”

“Yes, the final week of summer, is until the end of time by far, the most chaotic and traumatic, yet amusing one. Monday plus Tuesday is spent getting the materials our children needed for school. Wednesday we take care of the medical plus personal grooming. Thursday is picture day for the yearbook. Furthermore if by some miracle, we manage to keep ourselves, afloat along with sane, then we’ll spend the weekend inspected your school,” Aziza commented knowingly as she shut the fridge door hard.

“It’s not really ‘our’ school, Aziza. We didn’t ask for it to be named after us, you know,” Atem spoke, embarrassed enough to go red in the face.

“Nonetheless, my friend, it is. The Pharaoh Yugi Institute for Gifted Souls is named after you. It’s a living testimony to both of you, for it’s based upon your morals, beliefs and way of life. You two have made a tremendous difference in the world; so much world peace is no longer a dream but a nearing reality. I wouldn’t be shocked if you got the Noble Peace Prize. C’mon let’s get going to the mall.”

        In no time, the Motos were in their vehicle and on their way to the shopping precinct. On their way to the mall, they’d to go past their own work place and Joey’s. They also passed third building of great important a large deep blue glass building with a sign outside that read, “Eco-Inc. We alone have the power to save the world from ourselves.” This company, though still its infancy, was already a huge success world over.

Eco-Inc was founded in the year 2008 by a young couple named Colin and Lacy Planet. In its first six months, it literally revolutionized and transformed the world. As a replacement for wasting time, money, and resources trying to improve “pointless” items like mp3 players and cell phones, they worked hard to improve the world and its people. Their technologically advanced leaps in “green” technology had rendered such things as fossil fuels and other environmental wastes obsolete. Pollution had been reduced by eighty-five percent and the human race was now living better with both concrete and flora and fauna nature.

As an example of their work take the Moto’s car. By the year 2028, the car Atem was now driving was an improved one. It ran on solar power rather than gasoline. It had a chameleon-like skin that changed to match each driver’s preference when driving and a built-in auto drive option with GPS and climate control. The car was with an advanced AI so it also knew if it was stolen or it would take control if someone was drunk and get them safely home. The car was always the color of the faithful Dark Magician with the license plate reading “Aibou” with the Millennium Puzzle as the plate.


It was only one of the countless miracles by this company. Not to say Atem and Yugi hadn’t done a great deal of their own miracles with their humanitarian foundation called The Heart of the Cards Foundation. Joey co-founded, along with Tristan, the Timeless Serenity Foundation, located in the same area as The Heart of the Cards Foundation and Eco-Inc. done the human race a great act of kindness.

At the mall, the family of five began scanning the overcrowded shopping center for their friends. It was still early in the morning, but with back-to-school deals and end of the summer sales, it wasn’t much of a surprise to see how packed it was. Yugi lead the way to the fountain in the center of the shopping precinct. This was the traditional spot for everyone to meet together for the annual shopping spree. The fountain was an exquisite and magnificent site called the Soul of Humanity. On top of a pillar was a maiden. One half was angelic; the other demonic. Each half was made up of different things to represent throughout time the good and bad sides of being human. Cradled delicately in her hands was a heart with the earth inside. It also had colored water and the song “Devil on the Left” by Jamie O’Neal was playing.

Yugi checked his wristwatch he began to get a little panicky. It was 10:15, and no one had shown up. After all the danger and extreme events he’d gone through as a teenager, it was still amazing how something as trivial as someone being a little late could get him riled up.
All of a sudden, Jay, who’d been playing a game of Duel Monsters with his sister, shot up and exclaimed, “They’re here! They’re here!” inadvertently were sending his sister into the fountain in the process.


“Jay!”

“Sorry, Z.Z., but they’re coming!” Jay displayed his right hand and Z.Z. gazed at her own hand. Shining in brilliant gold on their hands was a mark of friendship, just as Tea had done long ago to make sure that the gang never forgot their bond of friendship. Their children had done the same.

Yet the kids used a unique kind of ink. It was the same magical ink used to imprint the Secret Keeper Oath tattooed on Aziza’s back. This ink, while able to be seen to the eye from time to time, was truly enchanting; it went all the way to a person’s soul. Depending on the vow made, it established the personal property of its magic. Each of the kids had sworn in the Millennium Language known only to the Duel Monsters, a vow of eternal friendship. Until the end of time, they would know if a friend was close at hand or if their hearts needed someone.


True to the symbols, the Pharaoh and his companions looked up and saw the greatest treasure walking towards them—their friends and their families were coming. It was enough to make one smile. In front of the group was a young woman with boyishly short blond hair in leather jeans and pale purple crop top, along with a younger girl in a pale blue dress with long braided russet locks. Standing nearby them were two adolescent boys with medium length chestnut tresses, dressed in black and who could pass for twins. Strolling leisurely behind them, humming an unfamiliar melody, was a young teenage girl with lengthy locks the color of spring grass.


“Prince and Princess! Long time no see, your highnesses. How’s summer been treating you?” asked the blond girl getting to them first. She was highly attractive, like her mother, who was busy at the moment teasing her dad.

“Our summer vacation was a blast, Joei! We won the Nile Challenge just like our mom’s dad did seven times in his youth. We also spent a lot of time in Egypt doing other things,” Jay jubilantly exclaimed to Joei.


“What else could you have been doing? My cousin was in Greece and I was enjoying the Great Barrier Reef with my folks. It was so beautiful with all the wonders concealed within it. So what else were you two up to?” inquired the younger braided hair girl wistfully.

“Well, Ruth, we enjoyed other things. We’ve worked hard to learn to control our magic, same I expect with all of you,’ Z.Z. replied as she shook her hair to try and get the water out of it.


“Here let us be of assistance, Princess,” Ruth spoke sympathetically to the young girl. Taking a deep breath, her right hand began to glow a radiant aqua color and she was able to take away the water from the soaked princess. “Excellent job, cuz. Now it’s our turn, ain’t it, Blaze?” Joei said to the boy with the startling azure eyes. Nodding, they began to whistle, yet it wasn’t a tune that escaped their lips. Rather fire from Joei and air from Blaze did a quick blow dry

“Exceptional to see you’ve been practicing to cultivate your powers too. But I say we save this chitchat for later, like lunch time,” spoke the green haired girl bashfully to her friends.


“Why that, Ryo?” asked crossly the jade-eyed young man as he juggled a couple of dice. He seemed to be a tad irked by her proposal. He looked like he was ready to have a row with her just for hell of it, yet his blue-eyed cousin gave him a warning glace. Blaze understood how his cousin felt. Flying from New York City to Domino City was more or less a 20 hour journey, and both of them were on edge.


“I don’t require my power to read minds, Ace.” Ryo informed the jade-eye young man, “to know that our parents don’t want us to use our magical gifts in public. They’ve more then a cow. Plus two of our dear friends haven’t yet arrived and it be rather uncouth don’t you think to talk about our vacations without them? No one likes having to repeat themselves, Ace.”


“Is everything alright kids? You’re all looking tad aggravated. Is everything ok?” Tea inquired of the children, who were startled by her abrupt manifestation in the group.

She’d been preoccupied with catching up with her own friends while the children had been gabbing away on the other side of the water foundation.  So she wasn’t aware her son had used his power to help Z.Z.  She came over when she thought a fight was about to start. Regardless of how many times her husband Adrian said she shouldn’t get involved in every single fight, and to mind her own business every now and then. However Tea never could do that and always butt into others businesses.

“No Mom. We’re just peachy really. Although we’re guessing what time the Kaibas are gonna turn up so we can get started.”

“Knowing that jackass, he’ll make us wait till closing time. Last year, he deliberately made us wait two hours before he showed up. Why do we even bother with that asshole is beyond me,” Joey spat bitterly with much venom. Years of being verbal abused by the icy man didn’t exactly evaporate overnight.

Not a soul had any qualms with the other Kaibas, Kisara, her daughter Uta. Even Mokuba with his wife Rebecca and son Seymour were well liked. But well there was no avoiding the truth that Seto Kaibutt was indeed without a shadow of a doubt the world most heartless jackass. Something he never even attempt to change even.



“Brother, that isn’t very nice to say,” Serenity spoke to her older brother tersely. She’d been catching up with her sister-in-law along with admiring the trendy outfit Mai was strutting.


“Nevertheless, Aunt Serenity, it’s spot on! I mean, if you wanted to look up the definitions for ‘ass’, ‘jackass’, ‘uncaring’, and ‘heartless’ in the dictionary, you’ll find his picture without a doubt. In any language his picture would be next to those words, guaranteed. I outta know; I’ve read just about every single dictionary in the world!


“It still doesn’t make it right to pronounce those things aloud Josephine, no matter if it’s true or not. Don’t you start either, Tristan or you either, Ruth. I’ve told you before; I won’t stand for ill-manners within my family. Have I made myself clear?” Serenity stated firmly. Like her name she believed in forgiveness and trying to be the better person. This isn’t always easy to do.

“Yes, Ma’am. But all the same, Serenity, I don’t want to hang around forever for Kaiba or his brother to show up,” Tristan informed his wife in a matter-of-fact tone.


“Yeah, Mokuba’s good about being on time, and you can count on Rebecca to call ahead if they’ll be late. As for Kaiba? He thinks the world revolves around him,” Duke commented with Bakura adding.

“Yes that’s an extremely accurate statement, no doubt about it. Well, according to my watch it’s now 10:30. I think we’d give them at least until 10:45 to get here. If they’re not here by then, I say we start shopping.”


“You don’t have to wait much longer, dad, here they come now,” Ryo spoke up as pointed near the entrance to the mall. Her earthy brown eyes, so like her father’s, had seen what everyone else had missed as they’d bickered.


Mokuba, along with his wife, Rebecca, with their son, Seymour, were further along the Kaiba’s family. It was weird seeing the brothers for while they were as close as ever, it was plain to see how different they were, and not just in looks, either. While Kaiba’s family clothed in fashionable expensive outfits, Mokuba’s family was dressed in untailored clothes, nothing that couldn’t be found at a Super Wal-Mart. What's more, Mokuba was compassionate, well-mannered and respectful, and gave off a pleasurable forthcoming human aura whilst Kaiba was clearly the opposite on all accounts

Kaiba had his customary icy scowling etched permanently on his face, in spite of his wife Kisara’s best efforts to get him to loosen up. Skipping with a faraway smile with her sky-like braided pigtails bouncing ecstatically was their daughter Uta. She was the spitting image of her mother, and right now seemed to be lost in one of her usual passionate daydreams. Her cousin looked like a dirty blond-haired version of her uncle with glasses and was in a world of his own as well. His nose was stuck in a joke book trying not to laugh hysterically from the contents. The Kaiba cousins almost immediately looked up from what they’d been doing when they felt the magical insignia on their hands come alive.

“Hey!” the two cried out joyfully to their friends and begun to race with towards their friends with their mothers shouting their disapproval and warnings. Uta beat her cousin to the fountain, he was wheezing from the unexpected race. “You ok, Seymour? Need some water? You did give me a good run for my money there.” “I’ll be ok, Uta. Thanks,” Seymour told his cousin as he finally got his second wind back.  However, not much more than “hello” was spoken before their parents came over.


“I’m sorry to bust up the party kids. But we’ve got a lot of shopping to do, and we’re already forty-five minutes behind as it is.” Aziza politely interrupted the kids conversation then snapped loudly to get everyone attention. Taking charge of the massive mob-like group, she began to disrupt some type of pamphlets. “In view of the fact, that it was our family’s turn to come up, with the budget and schedule arrangement for the ‘End of the Summer Week.’ I’ve drawn in up and here each of you go. Now let’s get going shall? Before this indoor market place becomes worse then Nile overflowing with crocodiles.”

Z.Z. was with Uta at the sports and games emporium with her brother and Uta’s cousin. The boys were at one end of the store, trying on shoes, while the girls were in the dressing room. Z.Z. was trying on a few outfits for her figure skating team while Uta tried on some motocross outfits.

“Why does Hawkeye think it’s hilarious to put chocolate pudding in my skates, Uta? Really, it’s just vulgar and immature. I don’t get that boy sometimes. He’s got his mother’s brains and his father’s charisma, yet why does he do those brainless shenanigans? How did the human race survive this far with such clueless boys?”

“I don’t get it either. Mom has to force Dad to come here every year and he’s grown. Yet I think boys lack of maturity in general or have an odd sense of humor. He more annoying in his humor like Mikey from Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles but at times he lives up to that nickname you’ve dubbed him with.” Uta called over the wall in strained effort as she’s struggled with a zipper in her changing room.

“Well, Hawkeye Pierce didn’t just have a great sense of humor. He’d kiss by the book but was also pure of heart.” as she zipped up the back piece to her outfit. “ Your cousin has a good heart but he’s lousy with romance, I’m afraid.  Unlike my brother; you were blushing big time when he complemented your perfume. Don’t think I didn’t notice that. Ok, I’m ready for a second opinion about this, how about you?”

“Oh, stop it, Z.Z. It’s bad enough some people call me ‘Juliet Glue’ just because I’m romantic. Please be kind and don’t start as well,” she begged as she came out to show her outfit off for a second opinion herself.

Uta was in a stunningly complementing lavender and periwinkle blue motocross outfit and the boots she was wearing made her really look killer in it. Z.Z. looked positively radiant in sparkling turquoise top with matching semi-transparent skirt with a golden chocker. Both were like goddess indeed. Give wolf whistle please!

“Uta you’re one wild and wicked woman! I love it; it’s totally you without a doubt. It’s stylish and chic and you’re gonna make all those immature boys road kill in it for sure. How do I look?” spinning around for effect.

“I think you look like you’re an ice princess instead of a princess of a sea of golden sand. But you look good if you’re in oil soaked rags. You’ve a beautiful soul and it shines so well you’re beautiful within and out.

“So are you, Uta. I mean it and I know mean because of what your Ka is either. You’ve your own special beauty and I’m not just talking about the dragon your mother gave you either. On the subject of love, though I think our friend, Joei is the one with a serious problem.”

The girls silently thought about their friend Josephine, or Joei, as she preferred to be called. Joei had only three loves in her life. She seemed to have two out of three of them. She’d always been a passionate and gifted speller, and by the time she was twelve, she’d won the world spelling bee. She was also profoundly in love with ornithology—or study of birds—and planned to pursue it as a career choice subsequent to college. However it was her choice in love that seemed to be impossible for her to achieve.

The one boy she’d ever had feelings for was about 25 now and she was only 17. Her only love was a sky-haired lad named Syrus Truesdale. They had met at Atem and Yugi wedding after a very awkward incident. Years of emails, webcam chats and eventually spending some time with him when he wasn’t at school, her feelings had only grown stronger for him. Still, he was seven years older than her. He was currently twenty-five and she was almost eighteen, so it was something to ponder if she ever got what she wanted for so long. Although, to be fair, her mother was eight years older than her father, so although it was a slim possibility, things might still eventually work out between.




“Z.Z? Uta? Why are you two standing around like a couple of statues?”

“Huh?” The girls snapped out of their reverie and looked up. Holding three hangers with gorgeous elegant skating outfits, staring at the two, was an attractive young girl about their age in khaki shorts, a pale pink jacket and orange shirt. She had long flowing brown hair with big brown eyes that made her look as playful as a sea otter with a huge loving smile.

“Jessie! Hey, how are you? C’mon and give your sister a hug!” Z.Z. exclaimed as she and Jessie hugged tightly. They’re best friends; it was almost like they were sisters. They’d known each other for a long time and Z.Z. made sure Jessie knew she was loved. Jessie, as well as her foster sister Kare, had both had it hard before being taken in by their foster parents. They knew they were very lucky to have such wonderful adopted parents to care for them and not still be trapped in their abusive old homes.


“It’s nice to see you too. I’ve missed you so much over the summer.”

“It’s a pleasure to be in your company, Jessie. You’re not alone, though, are you?” Uta asked.
Jessie shook her head. “My foster parents are at the school finishing up with the cleaning for Z.Z.’s parents’ inspection this Friday, but Kare and I thought we could come to the mall as well. You know: get some pizza, see a movie and maybe run into the rest of the family. Kare is over at Waldenbooks getting some books to help her draw better, even if she is already amazing at it. I came into get an outfit and a pair skates to put on layaway.”


“Actually, I’ve taken care of that, little sis. I did put in an application for a part-time job while I was there, too. A little extra money never hurt.” The group turned at the sound of the voice and saw an eye-catching Hispanic adolescent girl with lengthy striking sunburned tresses and green almond-shaped eyes with dark ravishing lashes.

“Hello, Princess, you’ve grown even more beautiful since the last time we spoke. Where’s your brother or the rest of your family, for that matter?” spoke up Kara as she came in with bags bulging with books.

Z.Z. and Uta spent some time chatting with their friends, as well as the boys when they eventually joined the group which Jay reminded them to pay for their outfits. Seymour thought it be funny if they walked out accused of shoplifting. After awhile Atem came to get them, saying they needed to keep on schedule. The girls couldn’t help but go red in the face being in Atem’s presence and asked if they could join the others for lunch, which he consented to. The rest of the day and week was one to remember as everyone was trying their hardest to get ready for September.


At long last it was Friday evening. It’d seemed the light of the end of the tunnel was going to be able to be seen for the Motos.  It was Friday, which meant they’d do one final inspection of their school to make sure all was in order. Afterwards, they could soak away their troubles in the hot tub in the backyard. The mall trip hadn’t been the best after lunch Kaibutt and Joey had a brawl with security throwing them both out into a thick mud puddle. Doctor office are always never-wreaking and Aziza with her acute hearing thought she go crazy listening to all the insanity as her children calmly got the physicals. Picture weren’t easy either but hopeful inspection of the school would be.



Aziza was tidying up the living room, while the twins were helping out. Atem had left to go grocery shopping for the week while Yugi was in the office with the door locked. The others knew it meant he was on the phone and didn’t want to be bothered. As soon as Atem returned and the groceries were put away, they’d planned to head off to the school for the inspection.  

“I’m so proud of you two,” Aziza kindheartedly told them at the same time as she wiped the coffee table.

“Why’s that? We haven’t done anything different. We’re pretty well behaved... well, most of the time. So what are you smiling about?” inquired Jay, who was vacuuming the magnificent teal carpet.


“Yeah, did we do anything special? Because I can’t think of anything we did that was different from any other day,” Z.Z. said in her befuddled tone of voice as she finished using the disinfectant and glass cleaner to cleanse the living room. Aziza stopped what she was doing and motion for them to join her on the couch.


“You’ve gone a whole week without fighting over your bathroom, especially after yesterday’s predicament when the water heater gave out and your fathers were unable to repair it. You did moan a bit but didn’t engage in an all-out war. That itself is a great accomplishment. It’s a bit amusing that while your fathers almost effortlessly saved mankind, won Duels and ruled Egypt, that fixing a water heating make them wish they’re fight Zork or Marik once more,” as the trio started to giggle as they recalled the previous night’s events that took place before they’d gone to get their class pictures. It had been quite amusing to say the least.


“In any case, I’m proud of both you for not fighting last night. I also hope we don’t always have to resort to bribery to straighten out inconsequential augments. Now let’s hurry up and finish with living room. Daddy’s almost through chatting with his family and Dad ought to be home any minute now with the groceries. We still have to give the school the once-over as well, so hop to it.”

“You’re sure Daddy’s talking with Grandpa and Gramps and Grandma Ashita?” questioned Jay to his mother, who only smiled. If heartbeats to her were like fingerprints it wouldn’t be so hard to image she could easily hear who Yugi was talking to behind closed doors. The question, however, went unanswered, because Atem came home at that moment and the kids were needed to help put away the groceries. Shortly after they’d finish with that task and found the blasted car keys they’re on the way to the school.

The school wasn’t what you called normal; it was very far from what was seen as ‘normal.’ The campus took up three city blocks; also the student body also attended this school from kindergarten to twelfth grade. Furthermore it wasn’t just the outside of the vast buildings and designs that made this place a one-of-a-kind learning environment. The school was designed to have surroundings that encouraged growth within mind, body and spirit. It was meant to emphasize the importance of diversity, unity, creativity, and individuality.  Its ultimate objective was to help make people not just schoolbook smart, but better people as well by opening their minds and hearts in new ways as well.




The school board, along with the Motos, hoped with its unique surroundings—both of the building and the way things are taught—they’d be able to help make the world a much better place and improve the people of the world at the same time. Life was a domino effect. It starts with just one person willing to make a change and then the lives they touch along the way. Like in the movie “Pay it forward.” That is what the school hoped to achieve themselves. The same desired effect as did Haley Jose Osment character in the movie did.


As the family pulled into the parking lot of the school, they could make out two people waiting for them by the statue of Atem and Yugi out front. The two always found themselves blushing at the sight of the statue, but Aziza was certain the school did the right thing by making a statue of the two founders. Yugi and Atem weren’t flaunting their ego like Kaiba seemed to do; the school had been more like a gift than anything else, to them and the world they’d saved so many times together.


“Hello, Mr. and Mr. Moto. Ms. Keeper. Jay and Z.Z. I’m very pleased to see all on this lovely evening. How are you’ll tonight?” greeted the warm voice of, a young woman in her early 20s with soft pale green eyes and long strawberry blond hair pulled in a high French braid. She wore simple sleeveless lavender top and jeans. Alongside her was a another young woman who looked to be about the same age with long dark brown hair and eyes with glasses in a similar outfit, but with a blue top instead.


“We’re fine. Thanks for asking, your concern is very well respected. How’ve you been, Linda? Are you and Danica doing well?” Aziza inquired inquisitively to the two younger ladies who smiled affectionately at her before replying.


“We’re doing just fine, Aziza. But thank you for being concerned about us, it’s appreciated. However as you all know already we’re very well off and our very happy with our jobs here. Being the principal and vice principal of one of the most revolutionary institutions ever built.”



“That’s a very good thing, considering we’re going to need to make some more room at our home,” Danica piped up. Everyone stared at her for a moment and she continued cheerfully, “My goddaughter, Yani Kinta, is coming to live with us for awhile. She’s from Hong Kong and her mother said she feels Yani could do with having some breathing space for a while. She’s got two older twin sisters and she really doesn’t have any privacy, so she’ll be staying with us this school year.”

“I can’t wait to meet her! I’m sure we’ll be great friends. We make friends quite easy don’t we, brother?”

“Yes, we’re very good at that, among countless other things, sis.”



“Well I can’t wait to meet her myself, but we still have an examination to do. So let’s not procrastinate any longer. Lead the way would you, ladies?” Yugi requested to the two young women who simply nodded and led the way inside.



After about three hours of inspecting the school, everyone was dead on their feet. They need a break, so they retreated to the student lounge, to have some strawberry-chocolate cheesecake and jasmine tea and rest for a while. Already waiting for them inside was the head of the school cleaning and maintenance, Jessie and Kare’s foster parents, Evan Bridgman and his long-time girlfriend, Kelsey Shevlin. Evan was feeding Kelsey spoonfuls of the mouth-watering cheesecake. The long blonde-haired young woman seemed to be lost in a happy daydream as the song “Till the Sand Runs Out” by Rascal Flatts played from a crimson CD player. Yet neither was displeased or embarrassed with the unexpected arrival of more guests.

“Atem, Yugi! It’s wonderful to see you guys and your family once again.  Our daughters were right;” as she hugged the twins “you two are growing like weeds. Care for some cheesecake?”

“Thanks, you’re most kind and thoughtful,” Atem said to her as helped her cut up the cake.

“It’s important to be kind. I wish more people realized that. I believe if more people were like you two, this world would be better off. You two have great strength of character. The thing the both of us admire most about you two is that, you realize when it comes to loving someone all that matter is finding someone who makes you happy. Nothing else does. But at least this wonderful school of yours gives that wish a chance at reality.”


“Speaking of this school, Kelsey. How did cleaning it after getting back from Niagara Falls feel? Is there anything we outta know?” asked Atem shooting a warning glance at the twins to mind their manners. They’d been using their magic to amuse themselves with their food; it was hilarious, but not appropriate at the moment.


“Our trip was beyond kick-ass, it was breathtaking. We’ll send you’ll pictures later. As for the school, itself? Everything within these walls is first-rate, and it’s in the best shape it’s ever been.” Evan informed the former pharaoh as he nibbled on his slice, “I’ve even tweaked the solar generator to increase its perforce level. Kelsey here finished up with the all of the cleaning, including doing the bathrooms and not complaining too much. Ow!”


“You were asking for that one. You act like a dummy, expect to get whacked. It seems like males are doomed to be idiots for the rest of time. With the rare expectations every now and then that do come with brains. Don’t you agree Kelsey?” Aziza inquired to the young woman across from her.

“Yeah, people really ought to be a lot more respectful and bit more sympathetic. You’d be disgusted and aggravated with what I’ve seen and done. The voluntaries for the summer were a tremendous help and I’ve already drawn up which grades will be performing what jobs in the morning and after-school. I won’t tolerate anyone giving me lip about busting a nail. If someone tries to worm their way out of cleaning, I’ll make them clean the men’s rooms after I bust their nails. That will change their tune.”


“Well, let’s try not to wind up with lawsuits, ok, Kelsey? But I believe everyone here agrees with you. As principal of the school, I don’t want to be slapped with tons of stupid lawsuits because the world doesn’t realize it’s gotta keep changing and everyone’s opinion matters. You’ve got a very good point; all the same, don’t let your temper get out of control even if it means denying a part of being human. Shall we finish up with the inspection now?” Linda proposed to the group.



‘Yes, we ought to finish, Ms. Linda. However, we still need to clean up this mess. C’mon, Jay—I’ll wash, you dry, and well be done in half an hour,” Z.Z. said as she and her brother began to clean up the lounge.


“You’ve done a very good job with them. I hope I do a decent job with my goddaughter,” Danica whispered quietly to their mother as the royal twins started to clean.


“The only piece of advice I can endow you with is this: just listen to them and let them know someone cares about them. But don’t forget to set limits and remember: even love can be painful at times,” Aziza whispered back.


The rest of the inspection didn’t take too long after that, as they already covered the bulk of it, before they’re break.  All seemed to be in order and the school was definitely ready for another year to its magic. “I think you two along with the whole staff deserve a job well done. Everything seems to be perfect as it can be. I’m extremely pleased.” Atem informed the women proudly.


“Thanks for your words of kindness, Pharaoh Atem. It’s very nice to hear them and know we’re doing a great job. However, we do have a surprise for all of you. If you’d follow us to the ‘Life’ classroom, this way now,” Danica directed them with a mysterious smile upon her face.


“Is there something wrong with the classroom or is Kameko in poor health?” inquired Yugi with reference to the youthful teacher whom taught the only mandatory class in the whole school


“No on both accounts, Yugi. The classroom is in superior standings, and as for Ms. Kameko Long? She’s humbly left the school as of end of the last semester. She was so thoroughly inspired throughout her teaching here for the past 5 years; she wanted to help more people. She’s left to educate in some of the most treacherous places that don’t have formal places for education.” Danica informed the stunned family. They’re taken aback by this unexpected news. They did keep close tabs on their school; however it wasn’t unheard of not to receive a memo or something getting lost in the mail. This stuff just happened in life.


“Well, it’s nice to know we’ve inspired and helped more than just the students. That must mean you’ve obtained a new teacher already to fill the vacancy? I take it that’s the surprise,” Aziza guessed when a strangely similar voice spoke from the dark depths of the classroom they were approaching. “Not just anyone to teach such an honorable and important class, sister.”


The Motos were rendered once again speechless as a young woman with a jet-black seeing-eye dog emerged from the classroom. She looked exactly like Aziza, but looked like she was about twelve or thirteen years younger then her. “Hello, sis, long time no see.”


“What you talking about, Arianna? Neither you nor I can see! Come here little sister.” Almost immediately the whole Moto family was having a group hugs with Aziza’s little “sister”, or rather her reincarnated form, Arianna Brooks.  When Atem had received the gift 22 years ago at a second chance at life he’d shared with his best friend Aziza via kissing her. This created for both of them something called ‘a pre-ordained paradox” or in lame-mans terms “The Chicken and the Egg” you didn’t know which came first so that how both Aziza and Arianna existed at the same time.

“What you doing here? When did you submit an application for the job? How are Mom and Dad treating you? How are you and Jaden getting along?” Aziza began interrogating her sister.
“Hey, sis, would you chill out for a sec please?”


“I’m sorry, Arianna. It’s been a very hectic week.”

“It’s ok. To answer your questions, I’m here because I’m the newest teacher of this wonderful school, which I gotta admit is a thousand times better then the last one I taught at. Duel Academy, ugh. Man, I wish I could’ve bombed it,” Arianna said with clear loathing about the school fate had more or less forced her to attend in her youth. Shaking her head she smiled and went on in a cheerful voice.

“Anyway, I was in my apartment I share with Jaden in Senet a few weeks ago. He’d been out with the guys being, well, guys, and I was reading the paper when my hands came across in the employment section for needing a teacher at this school. I thought it had to be better then what I did when I was teenager at my godfather’s school. “Kaibutt” may have built it, but at least he ran it better then those ugly idiots did. I never saw them, but they’d have to be uglier than they sounded, if that’s possible. So, I scheduled an interview and took the hour long train ride to Domino and landed the job. Yet that not the best part about all this. I’ve got a secret. But can I trust you all with it?” she asked coyly to which her niece and nephew exclaimed.


“You know you can trust us, Aunt Arianna. You have our honor and respect, and mom taught us a thing or two about keeping a secret. She was able to conceal from Dad and the world for 5000 years his name and memories’ so if she can do that we can keep your secret,” Jay told his aunt with grin.


“Glad you feel that way, Jay, because it’s about your namesake,” removing one of her magenta gloves to reveal a diamond engagement ring.

Z.Z squealed loudly. “You’re engaged?!”

“Yeah, but keep a lid on it, Z.Z. Jaden hasn’t even told any of his friends yet. Nor have I told my parents Sam and Ellie. They’ve been at a seminar for paranormal investigators for the past two in Tokyo. So I haven’t had time to tell them yet either. Jaden is so adorable at times. He hid the ring inside a brownie he made to celebrate me landing this job,” as she covered up the ring quickly. With a few more quick words with the Linda and Danica about a few linger matters they said good bye. Then each group began to stroll leisurely to the nearest exist. Arianna continued to have a discussion about her engagement along with duties with her sister as they walked to the parking lot.

“I can see clearly why fate chose him to inherit Atem and Yugi legacy of protecting both mankind and Duel Monster. With that all said I do have a favor to ask. Is it all right if we come by for dinner next Saturday? We like to share the news with friends and family and I want to know how my sister’s kids are doing. I also think that their godfather like to tell them himself he will be their uncle soon. So is it ok with you guys?”


“You’re family, Arianna; you don’t need an invitation to come see your family. We’ll be much honored to have you and Jaden over for dinner next week. You have our blessings that your first week as a teacher here goes well,” Atem said as he hugged her as they reached the parking lot.

“Speaking of dinner, we’d better get home so we can eat. For some reason that snack we’d isn’t lasting as long as I hoped it would. Call us later, ok? I’d like to make sure you get home okay,” Aziza instructed her sister like any normal older sister would do.

“Don’t worry so much. I’ve done a good job so far of taking care of myself. But I’ll call you before eleven, I promise. I’ll be taking the tram back to Senet as soon as I catch a cab, yet I won’t forget to call you as soon as I’m home ok? Don’t worry, sis. You know I can handle just about anything and if not well Atemu here can help me can’t you?” as she stroked her jackal-like seeing-eye dog affectionately.

With a fleeting hug and kiss the family got into their car and started the half hour drive home. They rode in silence as they tried to take in all that had occurred to them in the past week alone and what was coming up come Monday.

“This has certainly been an exciting week; don’t you think so, Atem? I hardly call it typical. Life for us is far from mundane,” Aziza softly remarked to Atem as they all got out the car. While everyone else seemed enthusiastic to get inside, Atem for some unknown reason lingered by the car.  


Atem was still somewhat distracted and a bit depressed. Something was eating at him, that much was obvious. It was a few minutes before he even replied to Aziza comment. ‘Yeah, it’s had its good times, but sometimes, I just don’t know.”

“You wish it to be more life-threatening without knowing if things are going to be ok or not? You love to get dramatic, my friend. It’s ok, everyone needs some excitement or life wouldn’t be worth living. Is something wrong, Yugi? Your heartbeat sounds a little anxious.”

“Did we turn the lights off and lock up before we left?” he questioned out loud.

“Yes, we made sure all the lights were off and doors locked. We didn’t forget,” Jay informed him.

“Hmm,” Yugi held “Atem’s Key” in his hands; it looked normal and felt cool to the touch. “You two get behind your mother, Atem, you go in first. As the family entered their home, the overpowering fear evaporated instantly to a calm feeling instead. Delicious aromas and the sound of heartfelt laughing filled the home. As soon as they entered the kitchen, any remaining fear within them was gone completely.


The kitchen was filled with people, but they had no need to fear, since it was more of their family. Efra and Samira were working together to make some type of soup while their husbands were outside, setting up the backyard for dinner under the awning. Apparently, they didn’t hear their children and grandchildren come home because they didn’t look up

“Tell me Efra, what spices do you recommend for this? I think it needs something to really bring out the flavor of the fish without overpowering it,” Samira asked her best friend, who sampled the soup.

“Hmm, I think a dash of cilantro might do the trick. Let’s hurry and get dinner done before our children get back. I like to surprise them.”

“Too Little Too late, Mom. We just got home and you’re in for an attack of hugs and kisses,” Aziza spoke to her mother Efra, who looked up, startled, and dropped the spoon.


“Oh, Basest, you’re home! It’s great to see you.” Aziza quickly ran to her mothers waiting arms and soon the two of them were embraced fondly. Tears fell from her milky eyes as did her mothers sunset eyes as they held on each tightly.


“Grandma Samira! Grandma Efra!” The twins knocked the former queen of Egypt and High Priestess to their butts. They didn’t mind, though, they just hugged their grandchildren tightly.
“Enough, you two, get down, please. I think you’d better go outside and burn off some of your extra energy. We’ll finish helping getting dinner prepared,” Yugi suggested to them as they ran out the sliding glass backdoor.

“Sorry about that, Samira. They’re extremely open with their feelings and sometimes forget to not be so flamboyant when it comes to showing them. Need any help with anything?”  Yugi asked to his mother-in-law, who smiled at him sweetly.

“It’s alright, Yugi. Let’s see we’ve got pigs in a blanket in the oven, along with this potage. If you and Atem could think of something that has fruit in it that’s flavorsome, that’d be great.”


“I think we could make some cinnamon applesauce. C’mon, Yugi, there are several apples in the pantry. I think we need to have a serious discussion with that Key of mine in private. I’d like a little more word of warning prior to discovering my friends and family dropping in my house unannounced,” he informed his aibou as they two of them disappeared into the pantry.

They didn’t come back with them within fifteen minutes, by which time their stylish clothes had become sloppy with them sweating a bit. No one said a word about though, and soon Yugi’s own family arrived and joined in the festivities. It was a sweet and tender sight, but one that didn’t happen very often anymore.


Ashita Moto Yugi’s kindhearted mother got along extraordinarily well with Atem and Aziza’s mothers. The three of them enjoyed beating their husbands Sho, Aknamkanon and Samir in a few games of rummy while Grandpa Solomon, Yugi’s Grandpa played catch with his great-grandchildren. All too soon, it grew late, and it was time for all to go to where they’d belonged. Atem led the way for his and Aziza’s parents to the linen closet. Pushing aside the ferns Yugi, who now wore Atem’s Key and not the Puzzle, opened the doorway of Time and Space and was able to send them back to their proper place in the past.

Yugi’s parents left shortly afterwards along with Grandpa, but not till Aziza had given him a new bottle of a longevity potion to him. It was guaranteed to keep him in the best health of his life and keep Anubis away a bit longer, so he may have a chance to see his great-grandchildren grow. Aziza figured it was the best way to pay the kind soul back for giving her and Atem a place to call home after they’d received this second chance at life.

“This was a great week; don’t you think so, Jay?” Z.Z. asked as they brushed their teeth to the song “Best of Both Worlds” by Hannah Montana. They always listen to music in the bathroom. Brushing, flossing, shower, whatever it didn’t matter and it was fun.

“Yeah, I’m looking forward to school and all of our friends seem just as eager as we are to see what adventures await this year for us. It was nice to see our family today isn’t? I think we’re incredibly lucky don’t you?”

“Yes, how many people can say they’ve got two great dads, an incredible mom and six wonderful grandparents and great-grandpa? I say we’re luckier then most. Can you pass the mouthwash? Thanks,” as both filled a tiny amount in of the vile blue liquid into a cup.

“Ready? 1, 2, 3, go!” as they endured the blistering blue liquid for the longest thirty seconds ever and spit it out

“You two ready for bed? School is the day after tomorrow and we’ve got to go back to work on Monday, so I enjoy sleeping in while I can. C’mon, let’s get you two tucked into bed,” Aziza said from the doorway.

Jay’s bedroom was on the left side of the bathroom and Z.Z.’s was on the right. Both were identical both in layout and colors. Gold, hieroglyphically trimmed turquoise and teal walls covered with Duel Monsters posters and famous track stars for Jay and Ice Skaters for Z.Z. They also had a tiny closet, computer, and bookcase, but the most important thing in the rooms, next the gold luxurious-styled beds, was a nightlight. Jay’s looked like the Dark Magician, whom his mother and dad’s dear friend Mahad became, and Z.Z.’s looked like the Dark Magician Girl, her parents’ other friend Mana’s ka.

However, these weren’t ordinary nightlights. As the trio of parents made sure their children would be alright for the night, Aziza chanted a prayer in the Millennium Language, achieving the true magic of the Nightguards.

When Jay and Z.Z. started to have nightmares as toddlers, they would have brushed it off as a normal thing, but common nightmares don’t leave people with blood-spattered discoloration of the skin, or cuts so terrible, it would almost make them stop breathing.

The Prince and Princess were being driven insane in the course of their mother’s gift of magic into enduring “Shadow Dreams”, a despicable gift that was from all the evil their fathers ever thwarted as a twisted bit of vengeance. This went on a year from the time they were three or four, until they managed resolve it with the help of Halakti, Mahad and Mana.


Using Halakti’s almost-omnipotent powers, they’d foraged the Night Guards and transferred a fragment of both Magicians’ essences into them. When activated with the correct spell, the Magicians would protect the children with a power boost from Halakti.


Now it was time for the three of them to sleep, and they, as did all their friends, wonder what was going to happen next in life, yet they knew life was anything but ordinary for them or their families.