A/N: This is a short drabble written for the seventh prompt at YGO Drabble, a LiveJournal Community Contest. The prompt was 'dark.'

Disclaimer: I do not own Yu-Gi-Oh! DM, nor its card game.

Warnings: Hints of Apprenticeshipping. Typos.

The Call to Arms
By: Nuit Songeur

"Um, Master Mahad? It's pretty dark in here. I can't see a- oof!" She bumped into something and fell over. Instantly, she threw her arms out in front of her to break the fall.

"You might want to be more careful," said a masculine voice from above her. She blinked and felt around, patting the ground until her fingertips came across what she thought was his foot. She instantly recoiled and scooted away.

"Oh, sorry, sorry," she apologized hastily before bumping into someone else. She emitted a squeal of embarrassment but her unfortunate victim didn't say a word. "Sorry, sorry," she said again, more nervously since she believed that this person was the Magician of Black Chaos. He was always silent and he always frightened her.

Suddenly, a hand grasped her arm tightly and brought her onto her feet. She wavered unsteady for a moment and then suddenly began to lurch forward as her temperamental balance faltered once more. However, despite her flailing, she did not fall. Instead, the hand that was gripping her arm made sure she did not fall. It stayed there until she was able to stand without complication for a few minutes.

"Think you can stand on your own for now?" asked the same voice from before, amused. Master Mahad.

"Oh yes, thank you," Mana said, brushing herself off. The hand released her. "I just wish it wasn't so dark in here." A light suddenly appeared and Mana found herself to be staring straight at the green glow of Mahad's scepter.

"It's always dark when we await our turn for battle," he said, his face appearing just beyond the green glow. Even in the sickly, greenish light, Mana could make out his features, including the purple hair he had attained in this new life. Mana easily forgot how her hair changed colors too, golden like the Egyptian sun she remembered.

"It's our attribute," Mahad continued. "So we wait in our own territory." He smiled at her and she smiled back.

"Easy for you to say," she retorted. "You're always chosen to go fight. You're the favorite. I always have to wait for you to come back." She sighed. "And sometimes you go to the graveyard before you come back," she added in a low voice. He patted her face reassuringly, hearing her words.

"It's all right, Mana. I can take care of myself. I only go so that you have some extra protection whenever you're called into battle." Mana turned away from his hand, pouting.

"I still don't like it," she protested. "What if you don't come back? Then I'm left alone with all of the others here and they never talk to me. Not like you do." Mana shivered. She could just feel the intent gaze of the Magician of Black Chaos boring into her silently.

"I'll always come back to you," he promised.

Suddenly, there was a shower of lights raining on Mahad. And, wait, it was on her too! Mana looked up at it, excited.

"Look, Master Mahad!"

"I know. We're both being summoned to battle." Mana looked down to see him holding a hand out to her. "Together, we will be unstoppable."

The Dark Magician Girl took his hand.

I hope you enjoyed! Please review.

-NuitSongeur