//------------------------------//
// Duel 4: The Menace of the Monarchs! 
// Story: Yu-Gi-Oh! Friendship is Dueling 4: Cyber Duel Saga 
// by Bahamut0 
//------------------------------//

	Ace and Ice had made their way out of the forest, and found a village in the distance. "Maybe there we can find some answers. Let's go!" Ice nodded as he, Ace, Gorz, and Dark Magician Girl made a beeline for the village. Once they arrived, they sought out the village wiseman. Once they entered, the wiseman turned to face them.

"Ah. From the looks of things, you two seem to be adventurers. Am I correct?", the wiseman asked. Ace and Ice nodded.

"Two girls we were with got kidnapped by an Armed Ninja. Do you have any ideas where they might've been taken?", Ace asked. The wiseman's gaze steeled.

"They must have been taken as tributes to the Monarchs."

"The Monarchs?", Ice asked. "Who the heck are they?"

"A group of monsters who command the elements. Long ago, they set about a reign of terror upon our land. That is until Kuraz, the Monarch of Light, rebelled against them. Using his power, he sealed them away. However, the seal would not last forever. And now the Monarchs awaken to begin their reign again. And to solidify their reign, they seek to revive the legendary Five-Headed Dragon. That beast's power surpasses that of Kuraz! And to bring it to life, they must tribute five beings with ties to the elements of fire, water, earth, wind, and darkness. The girls traveling with you must have had two of the elemental bonds they're looking for."

"Then we've got no time to lose!" Ice was about to leave, but the wiseman stopped him.

"Wait! I must applaud your courage, but to face the Monarchs without any preparations is foolish! Please, stop by the town shop before you set off."

"It would help having some supplies.", Ace added. Ice sighed.

"Well then, let's get equipped. Good thing we got a lot of loot from that boss battle earlier." As they made their way to the shop, Ice came to a realization. "Hey Ace?"

"Yeah?"

"Maybe...this is our chance to be heroes. Burst and the others dueled their hearts out at the tournaments, and we're fighting to save our girls." 

"Huh. In that case, let's make sure our story has a happy ending!" Ace and Ice entered the shop, and looked at the items on hand. "I think we're ready to make our purchase." The two of them walked out carrying recovery potions a map, and some equipment for their monsters. "Let's hit the road!"