A/N: Thanks for the reviews! I've been an awfully slow updater but eh, it happens. This chapter mainly consists of the first training session with Taylie and Shashi. It's long but there's plenty of action and a new Duel Monster. Just trust me that this'll be important as the story unfolds...

Ultramarine Fire

Chapter Four: The Monsters Within

The quartet of heroines entered the infamous Shadow Realm warily. Strange noises such as howls of beasts, the cold clanging of steal, chants, and inhuman moans surrounded them. The darkness was perhaps the worst part of all. Never knowing just what was lurking in the shadows, waiting for the opportune time to strike out at them. Taylie and Shashi instantly found themselves wishing they had declined Urvasi's kind offer.

"W-what's going to happen?" Shashi gulped to force down the quiver in her voice while drawing her bow.

Rebecca was silent, ears perked and listening to the movements all around them. "Nothing...yet, the creatures are biding their time. They've been instructed not to go easy on us."

"Is that so?" Taylie gave a bitter grin, "So if those sorceresses are our trainers then why'd they send us into this death trap?"

"To prepare us for the real threats prowling around in our realm." Dina answered.

"Yeah but how are we supposed to fight enemies we can't even see?!" Opel demanded. She couldn't grasp exactly why the heck Dina and the Game Queen were so calm about all this. Urvasi had spoken of the Shadow Realm in a way which most assuredly suggested that any one of the court members could die.

"Try not to let yourself get distracted by your fear," Rebecca cautioned, "the dark powers of the Shadow Realm feed off of fear. These creatures don't need any more strength."

A sudden thundering roar caused the four women to spin around and see their first deadly challenge of the night. A brown steer-like monster with fierce red eyes held his weapon high above the small group.

"It's the Battle Ox!" Dina exclaimed.

"Take evasive maneuvers!" Rebecca shouted.

"What?!" Taylie squeaked.

Leaping out of the way the redhead clarified, "RUN!"

The giant Minotaur beast managed to separate the warriors from one another, causing them all to scatter and rush off in different directions. But in the Shadow Realm, the laws of physics and direction were always being manipulated.

Shashi glanced over her shoulder panting as she ran---right smack into Taylie.

"OW!!"

"Shashi?" Taylie opened an eye while Shashi helped her to her feet. "How'd you run full circle like that so fast?"

"I was running straight the whole time," Shashi replied just as baffled as her 'sister', "this place is toying with us."

Laughing despite the pounding in her head Taylie scanned her surroundings for the beast, "Does this mean you're ready to leave?"

"Definitely."

"Good, let's get the heck outta here." Taylie nodded, "Urvasi can threaten us all she wants, staying here is suicide!"

Meanwhile Dina found herself dropping off an unseen slope and falling slowly until she was snatched in the claws of the fearsome Serpent Night Dragon. "I hate dragons." the redhead murmured whipping out her broadsword. "Taste steel!"

The dragon let out a shrill scream of pain as its claw was sliced by the Guardian's blade. Once again Dina was plummeting downwards awaiting the solidity of firm ground beneath her feet.

The Battle Ox had chosen to follow Rebecca when the group had fled their separate ways, now the enormous beast-warrior had the Queen of Games trapped in a one-on-one battle where magic would have to face brute strength.

"Battle Ox, you're gonna wish you'd never tangled with this genius!" the blonde teen smirked.

The creature roared his battle cry and charged. Rebecca sprang into the air and flipped between the horns atop the Duel Monster's helmeted head. Extending her cat-like claws to their full length she raked them down the beast's back and slowly turned upon landing at his heels.

Battle Ox spun around groaning in agony as his body gradually fell apart into jaggedly shredded slices.

"You've got to get up pretty early to pull one over on Rebecca Hawkins!" the emerald-eyed girl boasted.

"No!" Felaine slapped a paw to her forehead as she and Urvasi watched the scene unfold from an inconspicuous corner of the realm. "Those fools! Dividing and conquering is the oldest war tactic known to man!"

"I suppose they'll learn that soon enough." Urvasi chuckled as she continued to file her claw-like nails.

"And what if that lesson costs them their LIVES?!" Felaine demanded of her sister.

"Then you'll finally get your wish and be free of your mortal charges." Urvasi replied in an uncharacteristically bitter voice.

Letting out a roaring shriek of frustrated rage the elder of the two siblings turned back to the scene. Urvasi you're hopeless. If we allow these humans to die before they're meant to then the entire mortal realm will be consumed by the darkness. And certain higher powers will see to it that we suffer tenfold what mankind endures.

Unbeknownst to her sister Urvasi gazed up with hidden glee as Felaine focused on the battle at hand. Felaine you're getting soft. And to think I was worried that you'd be too hard on your little mortal charges. If anything, they don't know the real ferocity behind the distrustful rage of your betrayal by the previous mortals you watched over. It's high time you were given an assignment to restore your long forgotten humility.

Rude Kaiser had appeared just minutes ago slicing at the two newest recruits with his blades. "What kind of sick game is this?!" Taylie shouted.

"OMPH!" Shashi fell to the ground with Dina sprawled across her back.

"Not exactly the perfect way to break someone's fall but I guess that'll do." Dina sat up rubbing her neck.

"Where'd you come from?" Taylie questioned.

Dina looked up to reply but instead wound up tackling the flame keeper before Rude Kaiser was able to skewer her. "Watch out why don't you?!" Dina hissed.

"Hey you and those two feline dictators dragged us into this place!" Taylie snapped, "And Shashi and I would be more than happy to leave now!"

Shashi would've nodded had she not been preoccupied dodging another attack from the armored duel monster in front of her.

"It doesn't work that way." Dina stated before drawing her sword and shoving Taylie aside.

Taylie wasn't accepting that answer. "What do you mean it doesn't work that way? Dina, we want out...NOW!"

"THEN FIGHT!" Dina exclaimed rushing towards the Rude Kaiser she slashed him across the chest with her blade.

"You can't penetrate his armor with a mere sword," Shashi gasped.

The armor hit the ground, split into two perfect pieces. The beast's upper body slide off his bottom half and dissipated as it fell.

Once again Shashi and Taylie were wide-eyed and speechless.

I'll never figure this place out. Taylie concluded. Not that I'd want to.

A faint murmur caught her attention, "What?" she asked the redhead.

"I didn't say anything." Dina informed her.

Turning to Shashi the flame keeper cast her a skeptical gaze.

"Wasn't me." the Indian woman replied.

Better watch out...he's coming your way...the same mysterious voice mused.

"There it is again!" Taylie spun around expecting to come face to face with the unknown speaker.

"We don't have time for this Opel." Dina gritted her teeth. "Training's far from over and I smell an ambush coming."

Shashi took out one of the golden arrows she'd been presented with as weapon of defense and drew her bow. "Are you sure we can make it out of this alive?"

"In the Shadow Realm you never know what to expect." Dina answered, "I can't make any predictions as to the outcome of this battle. I just plan to fight, it's all you really can do."

Taylie was oblivious to their conversation. She continued to stare off into the darkest region of the realm. That voice, it's coming from inside that thick fog.

"Taylie ignite your flame, something big is heading our way!" Dina warned.

"What's over there?" Taylie pointed to the fog.

"Unexplored territory," Dina answered after giving the area a quick glance, "stay away from it. There's no telling what's in ther---AAAHH!!!"

"DINA!" Shashi fired her arrow at the purple warrior who'd sprung out of the swirling mists jamming his sword through the guardian's right shoulder. The arrow pierced the creature in the chest causing it to stagger backwards. "What the hell is that thing?!" Shashi asked while grabbing another arrow and taking aim.

"The Swordstalker," Dina winced, clutching her shoulder she brought up her other hand (the one holding her sword) and charged at the monster.

Swordstalker had regained his balance and yanked the arrow from his chest. Snapping it between his fingers he charged forward towards the Guardian.

Another arrow went soaring into the curve of the shadow warrior's neck. Letting out a painful screech he paused to remove the weapon. Seeing her chance Dina shoved her broadsword through his abdomen.

Blood and guts gushed forth while Dina withdrew her blade. Shashi cringed and turned away only to discover that Taylie was nowhere in sight.

"Mystic!" the Game Queen landed in front of her bodyguard with a look of concern, "Where's the Flame Keeper?"

"Glad you could make it." Dina spat, raking the dead monsters insides from her face with the back of her blood covered hand.

Rebecca's eyes narrowed, "You know it's not like I had it any easier in battle. Try battling an army of White Fangs and Feral Imps."

"Child's play," the Guardian got to her feet and faced the dark fog, "Taylie probably wondered off in there."

The Queen's emerald eyes widened in shock, "Why the heck would she do something stupid like that?!"

"Heh," Dina smirked, "she's off searching for the voices in her head."

"Not funny," Shashi scolded.

"C'mon," Rebecca stepped between them, "something lured her in there and we obviously don't get to leave until we find her."

I'm getting so sick of these last minute heroic rescues. Dina thought with disgust as she reluctantly followed the Queen of Game and Huntress into the depths of the darkness.

Inside the little game shop nestled in the heart of Domino a certain king of games was finding it hard to sleep. Tossing and turning he finally let out an aggravated sigh. "No rest for the weary," Yugi stated as he sat up letting his feet touch the cold floor at the side of his bed.

"Something the matter Yugi?" Yami was sitting in Yugi's desk chair. He'd clearly been up for a while, most likely waiting for Rebecca to return from her training.

"Yeah," the younger man nodded, "I hate it when Rebecca stays out all hours of the night training like this. And in the Shadow Realm too."

"Mm," the ancient pharaoh nodded and stared off into space for a moment. This was Yugi's sign to continue.

"I just don't see the point in it all." he sighed, "I mean I never had to train in the Shadow Realm, fighting real Duel Monsters. Unless you count certain rule bending in tournaments."

Yami turned to his 'lighter' half with a smile, "True, but you have been privileged to a great deal more experience with Shadow Magic and mystical enemies than Rebecca has."

"So you're saying that Felaine is just trying to prepare Rebecca for when a stronger foe attacks?" Yugi guessed.

The spirit nodded, "I know this is hard for you Yugi, it's not easy for me either, but we have to have faith in our queen. Rebecca won't be so easily defeated; she's quite good at accomplishing anything she sets her mind to."

"You got that right," Yugi chuckled, "I mean, she even had me dueling her for a card that Grandpa never really stole from Professor Hawkins in the first place."

"From what I saw she was quite the formidable opponent too." Yami grinned.

"And she was only eight then!"

Yami and Yugi both shared a good laugh at the memory of the spunky little blonde with a teddy bear for a cheerleader and the brain of a super-genius. Not to mention an arsenal of insults and comebacks that rivaled those of both Joey and Tristan combined!

"You're right Yami," Yugi managed after the laughter had died down a bit, "Rebecca will be fine. I shouldn't worry so much."

"It's natural to be overly concerned for those we care about," Yami said, "Still...I do feel a bit more distress for the duel monsters she's facing right now."

With that comment made the two resumed their fit of laughter and anyone who knew the spirited blonde wouldn't be able to resist joining in.

"Hello?" Taylie called out into the darkness surrounding her. "Man, just when you thought this place couldn't get any dimmer."

Carefully making her way through the fog she gasped when she saw a vague silhouette dart across the space in front of her. "Is anyone there?!"

Maybe this wasn't such a good idea, Taylie gulped before colliding with a sticky almost transparent substance. With each additional step she seemed to become more entangled in the stringy trap. "YUCK! A spider web!"

"My my," a female's voice rang out, "and just who have I caught in my web this time?"

For a brief moment Taylie ceased her struggles, "That voice...it's you isn't it! You lured me in here! Who are you?!"

"Now now, I must insist that all my prey mind their manners," the speaker stepped forward from the fog and her form slowly came into view. "Well that's odd," the predator leaned in for a closer look at Taylie, "you still have your body. And here I thought you were just another banished soul to drain."

Taylie took a moment to study her captor. She was a pale woman scantily clad in a black flared mini skirt with a sleeveless black vest and black spider webbed hose. She stood on her tiptoes in what appeared to be black ballet slippers. She wore a thin black headband with crimson ribbons on each side in her chin length ebony hair. Her expression gave away a hint of insanity while she twitched her fingers that held on to several webbing threads extending from beneath her black and crimson nails.

"A-are you a duel monster?" Taylie inquired, she looked nothing like any card she'd ever heard tell of.

A frown appeared on the strange woman's face, "I used to be. But that was many centuries ago. Now I must stay here in this dreary fog. It's most depressing."

"Why?" Taylie asked. In her mind she was really concentrating on building up enough energy to burn herself free of the web.

"Because when that mortal fool Pegasus created Duel Monsters he neglected to make a card for me!" the sudden surge of anger caught the flame keeper offguard.

"So without a card you have no doorway out of this place." Taylie guessed.

"That's right, and I can never belong to any deck. I'll never get to battle again. I'm stuck in this dreadful fog for eternity!" webbing shot out from every direction as the woman's words became more heated with bitterness and fury, "My only means of maintaining my strength is by draining the energy of any malevolent spirits that get banished to this despicable realm!"

"I take it that's what you plan to do to me?" Taylie grunted as the webs started cocooning her.

"Hmph, I'm not called the Web Weaver for nothing." the human-like monster spread out her arms, shooting webs every which way until a sphere of webbing encased the pair. "Perhaps it's just as well that Pegasus never made me a card," she mused, "my powers are like nothing you humans have ever seen. I'll give you a taste of them before I drain your life-force away."

"How kind of you." Taylie sneered before the world around her went black.

"I can't see a damn thing." the irritated voice of the Guardian resounded through the darkness of the eerie fog.

"You think I don't know that?!" Rebecca growled through clenched teeth.

"Why'd you bother shifting back to your human form?" Shashi asked. "Aren't you stronger as a Duel Monster?"

Calming down a bit the blonde teen replied, "Both forms have certain strengths to them. It's just that being a human, I don't know, I guess I prefer this form. It's my truer one."

"That and she'd hate to go back to sweet little Yugi sporting facial fur." Dina snickered from somewhere behind them.

Spinning around Rebecca lashed out, just narrowly missing the redhead's jaw. "You're one to talk! At least I didn't sleep with the Tomb Robber!!!"

Shashi edged away, she had a feeling that this was normal behavior for the queen and her protector.

"I didn't sleep with Yami Bakura, I did it with Ryou!" Dina corrected her, "And it was only once!"

"Yeah, on the first night you met!" Rebecca countered.

"What's the matter Queen," Dina teased leaning forward so she was eye to eye with her charge, "jealous cause I'm more appealing to Bakura than you are to Yugi?"

There was a loud WHAP! followed by several curses and punches as Rebecca and Dina got into an all out fist fight.

With a loud groan Shashi walked over to the brawl, shaking her head with her arms folded over her chest, "You two really should've been born siblings. You certainly quarrel like sisters."

"Don't insult me," Dina huffed as she stood and brushed herself off, "I only guard this royal pain because Felaine would never give me a moment's peace if I didn't."

"Well working with you isn't exactly a walk in the park either Finesse!" Rebecca retorted.

Shashi considered whacking them both across the head with her bow but with so many dangerous enemies lurking around every corner she thought it best not to risk breaking her only weapon.

Just then Rebecca's eyes dulled and she jerked her head in the direction of the fog's center. The Eye of Ra glowed brightly on her brow, sending her bangs flying erratically above her head.

"What is it?" Shashi questioned.

Dina's features eased back into their solemn expression as she regarded the Queen's abrupt change in behavior. "Taylie's near."

W-where am I? the Flame Keeper questioned herself as the haze of blackness lifted, What happened?

"A bad dream my dear child," a man with black hair and a beard emerged out of the purple mist that surrounded her. The odd atmosphere slowly morphed into the familiar scenery of the theatre that had been Taylie's home when she first arrived in India to live with the cast.

Taylie was visibly shaken now. Try as she might she couldn't pry her eyes away from the figure before her. That warm smile, his outstretched hand, she knew him... "Ardor?"

His smile grew wider, "Taylie, my darling niece. I was worried for you."

"W-why?" there was something off about this whole situation. Besides the fact that she was talking to a dead guy.

"Because you've been unconscious for nearly ten years." her uncle answered.

"T-TEN YEARS?!" Taylie repeated in disbelief.

"Yes dear, the day of the terrible fire in the Egyptian house." Ardor continued explaining, "you went into shock and then your mind slipped into a coma. We don't know all the details, just that we never gave up hope of your returning to us."

Taylie put a hand to her forehead and tried to think clearly, "B-but that doesn't make sense. I went to Egypt with my family, found out from Azura and Marcos that you died, and then...the fire killed my parents."

The man in front of her stood silently for a moment, seemingly sympathizing with the tormented girl. But as soon as the look of concern and sadness had passed his features, it was gone. Instead he returned to his cheery mood and dismissed her words, "Your parents are fine Taylie, they are here with the cast. We're all safe, there's nothing to be alarmed about."

"But I was never in any coma!" Taylie declared resolutely, "This-this whole thing is just some big illusion! You're not fooling me Web Weaver!"

Outside the cocoon the astounded Duel Monster regarded her captive with extreme uncertainty. For centuries it has been only the most devious of souls that have dared to wonder into the darkness of my lair. Why then can this mortal untangle my webs of deceit with such ease? Her evil spirit must be strong...I'll have to strengthen my spells.

"AAAHHH!!!" a screech of anguish echoed inside the cocoon as the magic webbing around her started absorbing her energy.

With a malicious grin the Web Weaver started weaving another spell of fabrication. "You've got quite a bit more strength than the other souls I've drained. But you'll find my webs are quite a formidable force. Once the cocoon has drawn out all your energy your life force will be mine!"

The pain suddenly dulled and Taylie's screams died out. Another spell was being woven around her mind. She wouldn't feel the draining of her body and soul as long as her mind was preoccupied with the Duel Monster's illusions.

"My web of deceit should keep you quiet and still while my cocoon does its work." Web Weaver smirked, "I've never seen a dark soul as powerful as this one. You're positively burning with raw power. This could take a while."

"What was that?!" Shashi cried out running slightly behind Rebecca and Dina.

"Mystic, care to take a guess?" the blonde inquired.

With a heavy sigh Dina continued to rush towards the direction the scream had emanated from, "If I had to guess, I'd say that was Taylie...being tortured."

Shashi gasped, unable to adequately supply her lungs with air. "TAYLIE!!" the Huntress ran ahead of the other two women and was the first to enter the clearing at the fog's center. "Oh my-"

"Great, here's where things get sticky." Dina grumbled.

"That sphere, is it made from...spider webs?" Rebecca questioned.

Slicing at the gooey substance only to find it several layers thick (too thick to be penetrated by a sword) the Guardian was forced to concur, "Yep, a lot of spider webs."

"Taylie's in there," Shashi stated stubbornly, "one way or another we're going to get her out."

A golden arrow flew straight at the core of the sphere only to get stuck in the layers of webbing.

"That's disheartening," Rebecca groaned changing into her Duel Monster's form again, "let's try this...REGAL BLAZE!!!"

The magical swipe of golden beams succeeded in slashing apart several layers of the sphere, but even the Queen's fierce attack wasn't enough to break all the way through.

"Let's try this again," Dina said raising her weapon as Shashi grabbed another arrow and took aim.

"Right," Rebecca nodded catching on, "only this time, we'll do it together."

Inside the sphere the Web Weaver was growing nervously impatient. "Never have so many souls found their way into my lair at once. There must be great turmoil in the mortal world for so many evil humans to become ensnared in the Shadow Realm."

But still, the mystical creature puzzled, how are these souls still in possession of their vessels? What sort of evil magic is this that makes them so powerful?! And why can't I sense the darkness in their hearts?

Resolving to gain the energy that her victim's soul would provide before confronting the others lurking outside her sphere of webs the Web Weaver turned her attention back to Taylie. "My cocoon is inescapable mortal; you won't be able to see through all the illusions of my spells. You may as well surrender, your wicked spirit is mine!"

"But I know you're not real." Taylie was arguing with the 'fake Shashi' in her mind.

"Sister, I don't understand why you doubt me," the older female was in tears, "I only want to help you. Won't you allow me to-?"

The illusion's irises turned red and her form shifted into that of the Web Weaver, "You're a stubborn fool human! Only the most malicious of lost souls cross into my foreboding territory! I'll ensnare you're whole being in my web of lies!"

"No!" Taylie began thrashing, the creature grabbed her throat raising her other hand with sharp nails extended to deliver a fatal blow. "No! You don't understand! I'm not evil! I'm not even dead!!"

With her arms and legs entangled in webbing Taylie was helpless, even in her own mind, to defend herself from the Duel Monster's attack. The Web Weaver's eyes continued to drill into her own with their piercing crimson stare. "I'm the executioner of all damned souls. You MUST be an evil spirit. It was your own dark heart that led you to me!"

Taylie struggled against the monster's death grip on her throat. It was nearly impossible for her to choke out any words at all but her very life depended on convincing this mad woman that she wasn't a wicked soul banished to the shadows. "I-I only followed your voice to find out where it was coming from. I didn't have any malicious intent. I," she started coughing but forced out the words, "I wasn't banished here, I was sent here to train. Urav-"

Web Weaver sneered, "You can't deceive a deceiver."

But what if this is no deception? the Web Weaver wasn't so sure of her previous convictions anymore. Try as she might she couldn't find any great evil in this woman's heart. But that didn't explain why this mortal heard her call. Only the wicked had been lured towards her voice in all the centuries passed.

Before another illusion could ensue the sphere of webbing was torn apart allowing the three intruders entrance.

Shashi was the first to attack aiming an arrow straight for the creature's chest. But the Web Weaver was fast and sprang into the air before the arrow could hit its mark.

"What sorcery is this?" the angered monster demanded, "How were you able to penetrate my webs?!"

"Which Duel Monster is that?" Dina asked.

"I've never heard of it." Rebecca answered clearly baffled.

"We can worry about its name later," Shashi snapped, "right now we must find Taylie!"

Inside the cocoon Taylie had managed to fight off the effects of her captor's web of lies. While the cocoon itself was still slowly draining away her strength she was still determined to burn her way out.

With a great deal of effort she managed to flex her ringed fingers. Clenching her eyes shut she tried to channel her flame through her right hand. Urvasi had better be right about this, she thought as her hand became engulfed in blue fire.

"I won't let you escape!" Web Weaver declared shooting another blast of webs at Shashi and Dina while Rebecca leapt to the side.

Growling in immense irritation Dina threw back her aqua colored cape and snatched a whip from her side. "I've had all I'm gonna take from this overgrown spider!"

Nodding Shashi distracting the creature by firing another arrow her way while Dina struck out with her whip from behind. The enraged Duel Monster was pulled from her webs and came crashing down on the ground.

Rebecca grabbed the struggling nuisance by the collar of her vest and held her threateningly at eye level. "Where is the Flame Keeper?!"

"TRAITOR!" Web Weaver shouted, "Who do you think you are to side with these souls of darkness?!"

"The Queen of Games," the blonde hissed in reply.

Web Weaver's eyes widened in shock, "Th-the Queen?"

At that instant a sudden wave of heat and intense brightness swept over the monster's usually cold and dark lair. All figures turned to see a cocoon hidden amongst the webs disintegrate in a massive blue blaze.

When the fire died down Taylie was left standing in the midst of what was once her stringy prison regarding her right hand with awe. "Wow," she chuckled more to herself than anyone else, "now that's what I call raw power!"

"Taylie!" Shashi cried out happily running to embrace her 'sister'. "We thought that web creature had harmed you."

"Hmph," Taylie spun around to face the Web Weaver who was still coiled up in Dina's whip with Rebecca's firm grip on her collar, "well she did almost kill me."

"Forgive me Flame Keeper," Web Weaver hung her head in shame at her misjudgment of the mortal, "I thought you were another wicked soul. Only the darkest of hearts can hear my call from this grim abyss."

With a sound of disgust Dina jerked her whip tighter, "Let's just kill her and get the Hell out of here already."

"And what makes you so sure that we're supposed to kill her?" Rebecca questioned, "She sounds like a punisher of dark souls."

"She'll say anything to save herself," Dina retorted, "For crying out loud your highness she's a weaver of lies!"

Taylie was silently watching the Duel Monster throughout the discussion. She couldn't help but feel a small amount of pity for the mystical woman. With no card of her own Web Weaver had been forced to endure countless centuries of being isolated and worthless to all duelists. And Taylie couldn't help but think it somewhat noble that she chose only to drain the souls of the wicked to keep herself in existence.

"I say we kill this menace and go home!" Dina yelled growing sick of wasting time.

"Show a little mercy Mystic," Rebecca seethed, "not every Duel Monster we come across is our enemy!"

"But she tried to KILL Taylie!" Shashi reminded her pointing an accusing finger at the web demoness.

"She made a mistake," Taylie finally spoke drawing everyone's attention back to her, "that's all it was. I don't think she wants to harm any innocent souls."

Web Weaver threw Taylie a skeptic glance, "W-why would you defend me?"

"Because I don't think you're guilty. Everyone screws up from time to time," Taylie gave her previous captor a weak smile, "It's nothing you should lose your life over."

"See," Rebecca said to Dina, "now let her go."

Reluctantly Dina did as instructed and permitted enough slack in the whip for the Duel Monster to wriggle free. Once standing again she darted straight up to Taylie and peered at her with a most perplexed expression.

"You...you are the strangest mortal I have ever encountered." the ebony haired being remarked, "Even in the days when Duel Monsters first came into being there were no duelists such as you."

With a nervous laugh Taylie drew back a few steps, "Well I'm-uh-not really much of a duelist. I just didn't wanna see you get killed over a little misunderstanding."

"Still," Web Weaver sighed still ashamed of her brash actions, "I wish there was a way to make amends for my misdeed."

Dina was about to storm off in some random direction to avoid the sappy moment when a portal opened and began pulling all the occupants of the lair inside.

"Not again!" Shashi held her arms across her fast to shield her eyes from the bright glow.

"Oh NOW they let us out!" Dina managed just before she was pulled out of the realm with the others close behind her.

The sounds of the ocean's waves crashing nearby and the cries of seagulls flying overhead brought the four court members back to consciousness. Sounds of moaning and grumbling disturbed the typical beach atmosphere as the two feline sorceresses appeared before their dazed charges.

"Alright," the guardian groaned pushing herself up onto her elbows, "who's the wise guy that opened the stupid portal ten feet off the ground?!"

"That would be me, Mystic," Urvasi grinned down at the groggy redhead. "I thought you'd all enjoy the quick nap before sunrise."

"Sunrise?" Rebecca stared out over the ocean where the sun was just beginning to ascend into the fresh morning sky. "We've been out training all night?!"

"Azura's gonna kill us!" Shashi panicked forcing her aching muscles to lift her body into a standing position. "Taylie?"

"Over here," Opel moaned, "Is it over yet?"

"For today," Urvasi smirked. "I hope you two enjoyed your first session of training."

"You certainly didn't come back empty handed," Felaine added pointing to a card stuck to Taylie's forehead.

"Huh?" Taylie reached up and peeled the card off her brow. She took a moment to study the image on the card warily then gasped as her eyes fell on the Duel Monster's name, "The Web Weaver?!"

"Yes she'd been stuck in that dreary abyss for so long waiting for just the right duelist to come along and hear her cry." Urvasi explained.

"But she claimed that only evil human souls could hear her voice." Rebecca objected.

"Every card can call out to his or her rightful owner my Queen," Felaine explained, "even those who have yet to realize who that particular duelist is."

"It is a strong unbreakable bond," Urvasi continued, "With a rare card like Web Weaver in your deck Taylie you'll be a difficult opponent to defeat."

"But I'm an actress," Taylie insisted as Shashi helped her to her feet, "I'm not some top flight duelist like Seto Kaiba or Yugi Mutou. When am I gonna need a card like this?"

Urvasi flashed her sister a mischievous smile, "One never knows..."

Dina had already begun to leave the docks when Felaine (in human guise) appeared before her at the end of the alley she'd turned down.

"What do you want?" she growled, "I'd like to get home and change now if you don't mind."

"I need you to keep an eye out for the fifth and final member of the Queen's Court, Dina." Felaine stated abruptly.

"Why don't you make the Queen find her own final member?" the redhead replied stubbornly.

"Because the fifth member is virtually undetectable," Felaine answered, "She still has her mortal guardians therefore she has not been assigned a mystical one like myself or Urvasi. But I know you have a sharp eye for the unusual. If anyone can spot her, it's you."

"Don't expect me to be flattered," Dina narrowed her eyes and shoved past the sorceress, "And if I do find her first, don't be so sure that I won't warn her to run the other way."

Fading back into the shadows Felaine shook her head at the Guardian's ever present defiant attitude. Scoff now Dina, but I believe your next task will prove most humbling for you.

I've decided to cut this chapter short due to the fact that it's already around 16 pages long. I'll pick up next chapter with the auditions and how Taylie discovers Namu's true identity. Don't forget to review. Let me know what you think of my character creation The Web Weaver.