I yawned and fluttered my eyelashes open, recognising the expensive layout of the private jet. I crossed my long legs over each other and lounged outwards as yet again, another servant scuttled up to me and offered me refreshments. I smiled politely and dismissed them, feeling a little out of place for all this fuss. Being out of my father's little world for a while had made me more independent, I did everything myself and did not rely on anyone so I felt silly when other people were at my call.
"Miss Pegasus, we will be landing shortly. Please buckle up while we make our arrival into Duelist Kingdom." The captain says commandingly over the intercom and I sit upright and secure myself in, feeling the jet turn swiftly and start to descent. I lean over and press my face against the glass as the clouds begin to part and the very large island comes into view.
I can't help but begin to smile. Being away from home had been hard and even I had to admit, I missed the beautiful island. There were so many fond memories here, of when my father taught me to horse- back ride or when I learned to swim in the small lagoon at the east side of the island and especially, the day I was introduced to the world of Duel Monsters.
It was hardly surprising that I fell head over heels for the game, was completely absorbed in the colourful characters. My favourite part was the fact that sometimes the weakest characters could turn out to be the most powerful of all. This would be why I was drawn to assembling an angel deck. While they may look innocent and beautiful, they were vicious and their hidden attacks were especially lethal. I had been enchanted by them and for a long while, they were my only friends. Growing up, I will admit I was lonely. With no mother, a father that was constantly away on business and no school to go to, I was in my own little bubble, with only my precious cards to make me happy.
The plane swung low and the wheels came out, harshly touching the ground. It tossed me about slightly and I gripped the comfy leather handles, digging my nails in as I hated this part of flying. Soon, it stopped and the plane slowly ground to a halt, resulting in a breath of relief from myself.
I climb off the plane and half except to be surrounded by servants but shockingly, it is eerily quietly. It puts me at edge as I gaze across the flat landing zone towards the large castle on the hill top. Usually by now, there's a full horde of servants bustling out, eager to carry my bags or assist me in any known way possible.
"What's wrong?" I ask curiously at Billiard who also has a look on his face, wondering what is going on. He nods and starts walking, taking me by the arm and leading me on the way.
We walk through the large stone castle walls and into the hall, which is decorated in violet carpet and beautiful gold wallpaper. He strolls ahead, leaving me alone in the hall. My footsteps echo loudly, bouncing off the tall walls. I'm instantly drawn to a large portrait in the centre of the room and I gulp when my eyes start to well up as I start walking nearer.
"She was so beautiful" I whisper, tears rolling down my cheeks which I swiftly wipe away with the back of my hand. I gaze back, my eyes focusing on the woman with the enchanting smile and flowing long blonde locks standing at my father's side. How happy they both looked, so in love. I sometimes feel incredibly guilty, that perhaps if I never got in the way she would still be here and my father would be happier.
"WHAT DO YOU MEAN? WHAT HAPPENED?"
I gasp and spin round when I hear a very commotion coming from down the hall. I break into a run and fly through the corridors, following the screaming voices in the distance. I eventually see a gathering of people around a small opening and wonder what could possibly be happening.
" What's going on?" I say meekly and instantly eventually turn and look at me, their faces white with horror. They are all shaking and their eyes shift away awkwardly like they don't know what to tell me.
"What is going on?" I say louder, now very concerned. They all jump and stare at the floor, until finally Billiard returns. Even his cheerful face is stricken with something I can't put my foot on.
"Billiard! Will you please tell what's going around here? And where is my father? I need to…"
"Charlotte, something's…happened."
"What, what's happened? Tell me!"
"Your father…he's not quite..."
"What's happened to my father?" I say, stepping close to Billiard, my heart race increasing. I narrow my eyes and become demanding as I grab his collar and pull him close, gritting my teeth.
"Tell me now or else you're fired!"
"YOUR FATHER IS IN A COMA."
I let go, my eyes flickering and my hand suddenly going shaky. My mind is reeling and I can't even begin to comprehend what he is telling me.
"What?" I say, my voice going quiet. I look deep into Billiards eyes which are sad and serious, the life drained completely. I shake my head and feel my body go weak. My legs buckle underneath me and I fall to the carpet, where several arms catch me and pull me back to my feet safely.
"This can't be true." I whisper, closing my eyes tightly as I feel a cold tear roll down my cheek.
"Don't worry Charlotte, he's going to get the best treatment and hopefully he'll be fine." Billiard whispers, putting a firm reassuring hand on my shoulder. I shrug it off and push past him, barging through the crowd in the doorway. My mouth falls open and I croak back tears as my eyes fall on the figure being carried down the stairs towards me. His grey hair drapes lifelessly over his face and his skin is dark, like he is dead already. The usual character which brightens the room is now dead to the world.
I fly over to him and instantly throw myself around his body, tightening my hug as my body shuts down around me. I grip tight even though I'm being told to let him go. The tears are spilling from my eyes and I bit my lip roughly, leaving a small bruise.
"He has to go." Billiard says, trying to pull me back. I give a small whimper and lean down, planting a loving kiss on my father's cheek and reluctantly loosen my grip slightly, giving the guards a chance to pull his body away from me. He disappears into the darkened hallway and I let out a wail, comforted by Billiard who looks at me with a sympathetic glance. I feel…so alone.
