Back in reality Shayla had collapsed, sobbing.
"The penguin guy was right. Insanity is contagious," she thought as the memories of Luther's death opened fresh wounds.
"They're back!" exclaimed Tea as she rushed to embrace Yu-Gi. Joe and Tristan gave Bakura pats on the back. There was a lot of cheering.
"Are you OK, kid?" asked Mai as she approached Shayla. Shayla shook her head.
"Hey! Where did Pegasus go?" asked Joe. Everyone looked around, Pegasus was gone.
"That coward!" cried Joe, "After Yu-Gi beat him and everything."
"Where could he have gone?" wondered Tea.
"He couldn't have gotten far," Tristan pointed out.
"You don't want to go and look for him? Do you?" asked Mai as she helped Shayla to her feet. Martin, who had recently woke up, was instantly by his friend's side. Shayla's walking stick dangled from her right hand, broken in two.
"We have to," said Joe, "to get gramps and the Kaibas back."
"Let's start looking," suggested Yu-Gi.
"Shouldn't someone stay here to watch Mokuba?" asked Tristan.
"I'll stay," volunteered Bakura. He was thinking, "Pegasus is weak now. It is the perfect time to strike. His Millennial Eye will be mine!"
"Let's go," said Joe.
"Where? This place is like a maze. I already got lost in it," said Tea.
"It doesn't do us any good to stand around and talk," said Yu-Gi. The group of friends; Tristan, Joe, Tea, and Yu-Gi began to leave.
"Hey! We are coming too!" exclaimed Mai as she pulled Shayla behind her. Martin followed in their shadow. Bakura smiled evilly as they left, then turned and walked out of another door. He used his Millennial Ring to guide him, leaving Mokuba behind.
The group had walked through many hallways, finding no clue of the missing Pegasus.
"Well, where can he be?" asked Joe in frustration. They turned a corner and almost ran right into Croquet, Kemo, Lara, and Drake.
"Mr. Drake," Croquet was saying, "You must listen to your father and start obeying the rules and....."
"Oh, hi!" greeted Lara as she saw the group. The guards had waylaid them, and they were unable to get to Pegasus's study.
"Um, have you seen your dad anywhere, Drake?" asked Tristan, "He seems to have disappeared."
"No, what happened?" asked Drake, not really concerned.
"Mr. Pegasus is missing?" asked Kemo.
"Come on, we have to find him," said Croquet. The two guards walked off.
"Thanks for getting me out of that situation," said Drake, gratefully. "I am glad to see that you all made it back OK."
"No thanks to your dad," muttered Joe, "He is completely insane."
"Shayla really deserves the thanks," Yu-Gi pointed out, "It was her Millennial Scales that got us out of there."
"It was nothing. I had no idea what I did," Shayla admitted.
"The Millennial Scales!" exclaimed Drake and Lara together. Shayla didn't answer, but pulled her treasure out of her backpack. They glittered beautifully.
"Where did you get them from?" asked Lara. Shayla looked down, remembering Luther.
"AAAAAGGGGGHHHHHHH!!!!!" a loud scream resounded throughout the whole castle.
"What was that?!" asked Yu-Gi.
"It sounded like Pegasus," answered Joe.
"He's in the study," said Drake, knowing the layout if the castle better than anyone else.
"Come on!" encouraged Tristan as he raced towards the terrace. Everyone else followed.
"Why are we hurrying to help Pegasus?" asked Mai, but no one answered. She fell behind the others to help lead Shayla. Martin was with them. Shayla stopped in her tracks. A cold shiver raced through her, causing her to shudder.
"Come on," urged Mai as the other part of the group raced ahead.
They reached the entrance to Pegasus's private study in time to see Croquet and Kemo carrying a near unconscious Pegasus away.
"What happened?" demanded Drake.
"Mr. Pegasus had fallen ill," said Croquet. "All duels are postponed." He walked away curtly.
"What happened?" asked Lara as she stepped closer to Drake.
"I don't know. But I don't like it," muttered Drake.
"I seem to remember something about this place," said Tea, thoughtfully.
"Wasn't Bakura here with us?" asked Tristan.
"What are the two of you talking about?" asked Joe.
"We were here before," answered Tea, "but I can't seem to remember much else."
"What are we waiting for?" asked an impatient Joe as he raced up the staircase. The door had been accidentally left open by the guards.
"Hey! Wait!" protested Yu-Gi. Tea, Drake, Lara, Tristan, and Yu-Gi followed him. That was when Mai, Martin, and Shayla made it to the terrace.
"Did you see Pegasus?" asked Mai.
"No, I didn't," snapped Shayla.
"Sorry," apologized Mai. "It looks like someone beat the stuffing out of him. I wonder what happened?" She lead Shayla into the tower.
The first group had just entered Pegasus's study and were looking around. His deck was on a desk, with three cards; Happy Lover, Mask of Dark Destruction, and Doma the Angel of Silence, face up in a line. A diary was also open on the desk, as well as four blank cards. A picture of a lovely woman hung on the wall.
"So, what are we looking for?" asked Tea.
"Anything where my dad wrote down things about this tournament," answered Drake. Lara, Tristan, and Yu-Gi were admiring the painting.
"It is beautiful," commented Lara, "And it looks hand painted."
"I wonder who she is," added Yu-Gi.
"In memory of Celia Pegasus," read Tristan.
"She was my mother," said Drake, choking up a little bit. Lara walked over and held his hand. Joe and Tea were continuing to go through Pegasus's desk.
"I found something!" exclaimed Tea.
"What?" asked Yu-Gi walking over to the desk. He saw the four blank card. "Four blank soul cards! Pegasus actually kept his promise."
"What does it say?" asked Tristan to Tea.
"Here," she said and began to read. The remaining three entered the study at this point in time.
*Flashback Reading Session*
(AN/ excuse my ad-libs. I don't have a print out of the dialogue, so I am doing my best, bear with me. ~*~*~*~ means a date change.)
Celia, my love, I will never forget the day I first met you. It was at the country club's annual spring banquet. I saw you there and was captivated by your beauty. I approached you like one would approach an angel. You grace did not reject me. We spent hours talking, and I was ensnared by your charm. I had to be one of the luckiest people alive at that moment.
You continued to make my life pure joy. You became my girl friend, and my muse. You inspired me to paint. I could see the beauty of the fields, skies, and waters when I was with you. But none of it could compare to your beauty. You were my favorite subject. I could spend hours painting every detail of your perfect face. I loved to listen to your voice, and your laughter.
Was it legal for a man to be so happy? Was it right that you gave me such joy? What did I do to deserve you? What did I do to gain your happiness? I did not deserve the bliss that you gave me. But then, you made me happier still, by taking my hand in marriage. Our love was meant to be. Angels had to gasp when they saw your smile. Celia, my love, my darling.
But then tragedy happened. You were taken from me. It happened so fast. You got sick and left me. Our perfect love was shattered. I could no longer paint. The world had grown dark and cold. I would not let this happen. I could not lose you.
~*~*~*~
I tried to fulfill our dream of having a family together. I adopted a small boy, Drake, to raise as my own son. You should see him. His hopeful attitude reminds me so much of you. But it is too hard to have a family when you are not there, my love. Celia, I will find a way to find you.
I went in search of any means to bring you back, any way to see your smile again. I combed the world, looking for anyway to connect myself to you.
~*~*~*~
At long last my search took me to Egypt, where the ancients believed in a second life, and a way to communicate with those gone before. I found myself in an old bazaar. I found a man named Shadi there. We talked and he mention powerful magic for talking with the dead. I demanded more information but he brushed me off and left.
I had to know. I had to find a way to bring you back to me. I followed him, he seemed oblivious to my presence. I followed him into a forgotten brick building. I entered and saw him open a secret panel, revealing a long, dark flight of stairs down. Shadi took it without hesitation. I followed, being careful not to make a sound.
The stairs led to a room lit by torches. The walls were lined with hieroglyphics. What looked like a sarcophagus was in the middle of the room. Four golden objects glittered on the ancient coffin. There were groves for three more objects.
I had thought my presence was unnoticed, but I was wrong. Two guards, dressed in dark robes grabbed me from behind and drug me forward.
"So, you chose to follow, despite my warning," the mysterious Shadi simply said.
"What is the meaning of this?!" I demanded.
"No one my leave this chamber without facing a trial of the Millennial Items," explained Shadi. He walked near the sarcophagus's head and removed one of the objects. "This Millennial Eye shall test you. If you are not its true bearer then your mind shall be shattered."
He walked over to me, placing the magical object over my left eye. A bright light was emitted and I cried in pain as the Millennial Eye made itself part of me. My mind was flooded with images, images I still have to sort out; ancient magic and memories of times passed. Magic filled my body, giving me strength and power I never dreamed existed. It changed me.
But then I had a vision. A vision of what I had so desperately searched for. You, Celia, appeared in my arms. But the vision was just to torment me. It fade into nothingness.
"NO!" I cried as I lost you again.
"I see you are not reeling in agony," said Shadi, "You must be this Millennial Item's chosen bearer."
"What happened?!" I demanded, "Where is she?"
"The power of that Millennial Item can pierce the vision between realms," said Shadi, ignoring my distress. "But it alone is not strong enough for the job you would have it do."
I stood up to charge him and get my answers. But two guards grabbed me and began to push me out. I felt a sensation in my Millennial Eye as I left. It was drawn to an Ankh shaped necklace on the mysterious man's neck. The guards left me outside, still in a desperate search for answers.
~*~*~*~
I returned home and began to formulate a plan. I learned to control the power of my Millennial Eye. While it may not be strong enough to bring you back, it is the key in attempting. I am attempting to make two Millennial Items, giving them power from technology and the Millennial Eye. The first is a gauntlet. If my theories are correct, it should teleport any person to another location. With its power and the Millennial Eye, I can open the vale between this world and the underworld. I will find you and teleport you back into this world, and into my arms, my love.
I placed this pseudo-Millennial Item in Drake's care. Young Drake has grown up so much. He actually has a love now, a beautiful girl named Lara. Their love reminds me of our love, Celia. It is too painful to watch them, so I have buried myself into the creation of the second pseudo- Millennial Item. I am making a locket. The Millennial Locket has the power to bring life to things that are not alive. Once I have freed you from the realm of death, I will give you life with this item.
~*~*~*~
Drake did something unthinkable today. He entered my study and took the Millennial Locket and gave it to Lara as a token of his love. Celia, it hurts so much today. I can no longer bear the sight of them together. I am sending to girl away, so that I will not remember the pain of losing you. Celia, my love, I will do whatever it takes to get you back.
~*~*~*~
I have come up with a new plan. Using the power of all of the Millennial Items, and the new holographic technology of the Kaiba Corporation I will bring you back. Carrying out this plan will be hard. I need to find a way to locate all of the bearers of the Millennial Items, and to make Kaiba Corporation mine. I am willing to work, just to see you smile.
*End Flashback Reading Session*
"It goes on to describe how hard Pegasus worked to set up this tournament," said Tea as she scanned the diary. "He slowly gets more insane as he goes."
"Why am I not surprised?" muttered Joe.
"That is so sad," said Mai, border lining tears.
"It makes sense now," commented Yu-Gi.
"Who knew Pegasus had a soft spot," said Tristan.
"I never knew I was adopted," muttered Drake, blown away.
"It is OK," comforted Lara, "I am an orphan too."
"So are we," said Shayla, "For that matter, I think the Kaibas are too. Seto is Mokuba's legal guardian."
"What is this about pseudo-Millennial Items?" asked Joe.
"Pseudo means false," said Shayla.
"Is it true?" asked Yu-Gi. All eyes turned and noticed the gauntlet on Drake's arm and Lara's locket.
"Yes," admitted Drake.
"So, now what?" asked Joe.
"Well, since Pegasus has freed his prisoners, I guess we can head home," suggested Yu-Gi.
"What about the rest of the tournament?" asked Mai.
"Pegasus is in no condition to duel now," Lara pointed out.
"I wonder what happened?" asked Drake.
"I don't like it," muttered Shayla. "Something feels very wrong."
The group began to head down the staircase. Drake and Lara led the way. Joe, Tristan, and Tea were behind them, followed by Yu-Gi. Shayla and Martin brought up the rear. They started sown the stairs, but Shayla stumbled, putting them father behind the rest of the group. That was when she felt her Millennial Scales begin to vibrate.
"What is going on, Martin?" she asked. He looked at her confused.
Half way down the stairs Yu-Gi was being confronted by a man in a white robe and a turban who had appeared out of nowhere. He and Yu-Gi began to talk. Then the stranger held up his necklace, which was shaped like and Ankh. He put it on Yu-Gi's forehead and it went through his skull. The two figures were surrounded by a glowing light for a moment.
Shayla and Martin turned the corner at this point. Martin saw this and gasped, nearly fainting again. Shayla sensed a surge of strange powers and braced herself. The stranger was talking.
"I see that you are not responsible for the theft of the Millennial Eye. You are too pure, you may even be the chosen one. I, Shadi, will continue to search for those responsible. As the bearer of the Millennial Key and the Guardian of the Millennial Items, I will find the thief and restore the balance of magic," the stranger said. He stepped backwards and disappeared. Martin trembled, and dropped to the ground. For a moment Shayla feared he had fainted.
"What was that?" she asked Yu-Gi.
"I don't know," he replied, "He was looking for whoever stole the Millennial Eye. I don't know much more, except these Millennial Items are becoming important."
"Pegasus's Millennial Eye was stolen?" asked Shayla, "No wonder he is sick. Can you help me with Martin?" Yu-Gi lent a hand and the three made their way down the stairs, meeting with the rest of the group in the arena.
"How is Mokuba?" asked Tristan to Bakura.
"He is beginning to wake up," said Bakura. Everyone looked down as Mokuba opened his eyes.
"Huh? What happened?" he muttered.
"Yay! He's awake!" exclaimed Tea.
"You know what this means," said Joe to Yu-Gi.
"Yeah, grandpa," Yu-Gi smiled.
"Where is Seto?" asked Mokuba as he stood up.
"Attention duelists," announced Croquet as he approached the group. "Due to Mr. Pegasus's illness the tournament is canceled."
"What?" wondered Mai.
"Yu-Gi, who actually won, has already received his prize of four freed souls," Croquet continued. "He is also going to be awarded with the prize money and the title 'king of games,' unless there are any objections." Surprisingly, no one said anything. "Also, Yu-Gi, you are award this rare card, The Ties of Friendship. It is the only one of its kind, had painted by Mr. Pegasus himself." Croquet handed Yu-Gi the card in a protective case and a check for three million dollars.
"As I promised, Joe," said Yu-Gi as he handed the check to his friend.
"Yes! Now Serenity can have her operation!" exclaimed Joe.
"Thank you for participating, now, please leave," said Croquet as he roughly escorted them out.
"How rude!" protested Joe as the doors of the castle closed behind them.
"Don't think too much about it. That is how Croquet is," said Drake.
"Hey, Drake," said Lara, "Since your dad is out of commission, doesn't that mean that you are in-charge of everything?"
"I guess it does, but he isn't my dad," said Drake. "I am not sure yet if that is a good thing or a bad thing."
"I am ready to head home," said Tristan.
"I agree," added Tea.
"I can't leave, not without Seto," protested Mokuba. Just hen the doors of the castle opened again and two more figures were pushed out.
"Seto!" exclaimed Mokuba as he raced to his brother.
"Mokuba?" wondered Seto Kaiba as he say the spiky haired boy race towards him.
"I knew you would come. We are together now," said Mokuba as the Kaiba brothers were locked in a tearful embrace.
"Where is he?!" demanded the other figure, Bandit Keith. "When I get my hands on that pompous....." He began to grumble, drawing attention to himself. Mai began to giggle, then Tea. A wave of chortling started down the group, which erupted into full-blown laughter.
"What is so funny?!" demanded Bandit Keith, even Kaiba was having a problem keeping a straight face.
"Quit it!!!" demanded Keith.
"What are you wearing?" asked Mai between laughing and gasping for air. Bandit Keith had on a frilly apron, which was damp from drying dishes. He still had some soap suds on his hands.
"Agh!" gasped Bandit Keith as he ripped it off. Joe, Tristan, and Drake were rolling on the ground from laughing. Mai and Lara were holding each other up. Shayla didn't get what was going on.
"When I get my hands on that b------!" exclaimed Bandit Keith as he took off, around the castle because the main entrance was locked.
"I wouldn't do that if I were you," warned Drake.
"What do you know!" snapped Bandit Keith as he left in a huff.
"He is asking for trouble," muttered Drake. Slowly the group calmed down. "I'll escort you to the ship. My dad at least made certain that you had a way home. Come on." Drake lead the way to the dock.
"The penguin guy was right. Insanity is contagious," she thought as the memories of Luther's death opened fresh wounds.
"They're back!" exclaimed Tea as she rushed to embrace Yu-Gi. Joe and Tristan gave Bakura pats on the back. There was a lot of cheering.
"Are you OK, kid?" asked Mai as she approached Shayla. Shayla shook her head.
"Hey! Where did Pegasus go?" asked Joe. Everyone looked around, Pegasus was gone.
"That coward!" cried Joe, "After Yu-Gi beat him and everything."
"Where could he have gone?" wondered Tea.
"He couldn't have gotten far," Tristan pointed out.
"You don't want to go and look for him? Do you?" asked Mai as she helped Shayla to her feet. Martin, who had recently woke up, was instantly by his friend's side. Shayla's walking stick dangled from her right hand, broken in two.
"We have to," said Joe, "to get gramps and the Kaibas back."
"Let's start looking," suggested Yu-Gi.
"Shouldn't someone stay here to watch Mokuba?" asked Tristan.
"I'll stay," volunteered Bakura. He was thinking, "Pegasus is weak now. It is the perfect time to strike. His Millennial Eye will be mine!"
"Let's go," said Joe.
"Where? This place is like a maze. I already got lost in it," said Tea.
"It doesn't do us any good to stand around and talk," said Yu-Gi. The group of friends; Tristan, Joe, Tea, and Yu-Gi began to leave.
"Hey! We are coming too!" exclaimed Mai as she pulled Shayla behind her. Martin followed in their shadow. Bakura smiled evilly as they left, then turned and walked out of another door. He used his Millennial Ring to guide him, leaving Mokuba behind.
The group had walked through many hallways, finding no clue of the missing Pegasus.
"Well, where can he be?" asked Joe in frustration. They turned a corner and almost ran right into Croquet, Kemo, Lara, and Drake.
"Mr. Drake," Croquet was saying, "You must listen to your father and start obeying the rules and....."
"Oh, hi!" greeted Lara as she saw the group. The guards had waylaid them, and they were unable to get to Pegasus's study.
"Um, have you seen your dad anywhere, Drake?" asked Tristan, "He seems to have disappeared."
"No, what happened?" asked Drake, not really concerned.
"Mr. Pegasus is missing?" asked Kemo.
"Come on, we have to find him," said Croquet. The two guards walked off.
"Thanks for getting me out of that situation," said Drake, gratefully. "I am glad to see that you all made it back OK."
"No thanks to your dad," muttered Joe, "He is completely insane."
"Shayla really deserves the thanks," Yu-Gi pointed out, "It was her Millennial Scales that got us out of there."
"It was nothing. I had no idea what I did," Shayla admitted.
"The Millennial Scales!" exclaimed Drake and Lara together. Shayla didn't answer, but pulled her treasure out of her backpack. They glittered beautifully.
"Where did you get them from?" asked Lara. Shayla looked down, remembering Luther.
"AAAAAGGGGGHHHHHHH!!!!!" a loud scream resounded throughout the whole castle.
"What was that?!" asked Yu-Gi.
"It sounded like Pegasus," answered Joe.
"He's in the study," said Drake, knowing the layout if the castle better than anyone else.
"Come on!" encouraged Tristan as he raced towards the terrace. Everyone else followed.
"Why are we hurrying to help Pegasus?" asked Mai, but no one answered. She fell behind the others to help lead Shayla. Martin was with them. Shayla stopped in her tracks. A cold shiver raced through her, causing her to shudder.
"Come on," urged Mai as the other part of the group raced ahead.
They reached the entrance to Pegasus's private study in time to see Croquet and Kemo carrying a near unconscious Pegasus away.
"What happened?" demanded Drake.
"Mr. Pegasus had fallen ill," said Croquet. "All duels are postponed." He walked away curtly.
"What happened?" asked Lara as she stepped closer to Drake.
"I don't know. But I don't like it," muttered Drake.
"I seem to remember something about this place," said Tea, thoughtfully.
"Wasn't Bakura here with us?" asked Tristan.
"What are the two of you talking about?" asked Joe.
"We were here before," answered Tea, "but I can't seem to remember much else."
"What are we waiting for?" asked an impatient Joe as he raced up the staircase. The door had been accidentally left open by the guards.
"Hey! Wait!" protested Yu-Gi. Tea, Drake, Lara, Tristan, and Yu-Gi followed him. That was when Mai, Martin, and Shayla made it to the terrace.
"Did you see Pegasus?" asked Mai.
"No, I didn't," snapped Shayla.
"Sorry," apologized Mai. "It looks like someone beat the stuffing out of him. I wonder what happened?" She lead Shayla into the tower.
The first group had just entered Pegasus's study and were looking around. His deck was on a desk, with three cards; Happy Lover, Mask of Dark Destruction, and Doma the Angel of Silence, face up in a line. A diary was also open on the desk, as well as four blank cards. A picture of a lovely woman hung on the wall.
"So, what are we looking for?" asked Tea.
"Anything where my dad wrote down things about this tournament," answered Drake. Lara, Tristan, and Yu-Gi were admiring the painting.
"It is beautiful," commented Lara, "And it looks hand painted."
"I wonder who she is," added Yu-Gi.
"In memory of Celia Pegasus," read Tristan.
"She was my mother," said Drake, choking up a little bit. Lara walked over and held his hand. Joe and Tea were continuing to go through Pegasus's desk.
"I found something!" exclaimed Tea.
"What?" asked Yu-Gi walking over to the desk. He saw the four blank card. "Four blank soul cards! Pegasus actually kept his promise."
"What does it say?" asked Tristan to Tea.
"Here," she said and began to read. The remaining three entered the study at this point in time.
*Flashback Reading Session*
(AN/ excuse my ad-libs. I don't have a print out of the dialogue, so I am doing my best, bear with me. ~*~*~*~ means a date change.)
Celia, my love, I will never forget the day I first met you. It was at the country club's annual spring banquet. I saw you there and was captivated by your beauty. I approached you like one would approach an angel. You grace did not reject me. We spent hours talking, and I was ensnared by your charm. I had to be one of the luckiest people alive at that moment.
You continued to make my life pure joy. You became my girl friend, and my muse. You inspired me to paint. I could see the beauty of the fields, skies, and waters when I was with you. But none of it could compare to your beauty. You were my favorite subject. I could spend hours painting every detail of your perfect face. I loved to listen to your voice, and your laughter.
Was it legal for a man to be so happy? Was it right that you gave me such joy? What did I do to deserve you? What did I do to gain your happiness? I did not deserve the bliss that you gave me. But then, you made me happier still, by taking my hand in marriage. Our love was meant to be. Angels had to gasp when they saw your smile. Celia, my love, my darling.
But then tragedy happened. You were taken from me. It happened so fast. You got sick and left me. Our perfect love was shattered. I could no longer paint. The world had grown dark and cold. I would not let this happen. I could not lose you.
~*~*~*~
I tried to fulfill our dream of having a family together. I adopted a small boy, Drake, to raise as my own son. You should see him. His hopeful attitude reminds me so much of you. But it is too hard to have a family when you are not there, my love. Celia, I will find a way to find you.
I went in search of any means to bring you back, any way to see your smile again. I combed the world, looking for anyway to connect myself to you.
~*~*~*~
At long last my search took me to Egypt, where the ancients believed in a second life, and a way to communicate with those gone before. I found myself in an old bazaar. I found a man named Shadi there. We talked and he mention powerful magic for talking with the dead. I demanded more information but he brushed me off and left.
I had to know. I had to find a way to bring you back to me. I followed him, he seemed oblivious to my presence. I followed him into a forgotten brick building. I entered and saw him open a secret panel, revealing a long, dark flight of stairs down. Shadi took it without hesitation. I followed, being careful not to make a sound.
The stairs led to a room lit by torches. The walls were lined with hieroglyphics. What looked like a sarcophagus was in the middle of the room. Four golden objects glittered on the ancient coffin. There were groves for three more objects.
I had thought my presence was unnoticed, but I was wrong. Two guards, dressed in dark robes grabbed me from behind and drug me forward.
"So, you chose to follow, despite my warning," the mysterious Shadi simply said.
"What is the meaning of this?!" I demanded.
"No one my leave this chamber without facing a trial of the Millennial Items," explained Shadi. He walked near the sarcophagus's head and removed one of the objects. "This Millennial Eye shall test you. If you are not its true bearer then your mind shall be shattered."
He walked over to me, placing the magical object over my left eye. A bright light was emitted and I cried in pain as the Millennial Eye made itself part of me. My mind was flooded with images, images I still have to sort out; ancient magic and memories of times passed. Magic filled my body, giving me strength and power I never dreamed existed. It changed me.
But then I had a vision. A vision of what I had so desperately searched for. You, Celia, appeared in my arms. But the vision was just to torment me. It fade into nothingness.
"NO!" I cried as I lost you again.
"I see you are not reeling in agony," said Shadi, "You must be this Millennial Item's chosen bearer."
"What happened?!" I demanded, "Where is she?"
"The power of that Millennial Item can pierce the vision between realms," said Shadi, ignoring my distress. "But it alone is not strong enough for the job you would have it do."
I stood up to charge him and get my answers. But two guards grabbed me and began to push me out. I felt a sensation in my Millennial Eye as I left. It was drawn to an Ankh shaped necklace on the mysterious man's neck. The guards left me outside, still in a desperate search for answers.
~*~*~*~
I returned home and began to formulate a plan. I learned to control the power of my Millennial Eye. While it may not be strong enough to bring you back, it is the key in attempting. I am attempting to make two Millennial Items, giving them power from technology and the Millennial Eye. The first is a gauntlet. If my theories are correct, it should teleport any person to another location. With its power and the Millennial Eye, I can open the vale between this world and the underworld. I will find you and teleport you back into this world, and into my arms, my love.
I placed this pseudo-Millennial Item in Drake's care. Young Drake has grown up so much. He actually has a love now, a beautiful girl named Lara. Their love reminds me of our love, Celia. It is too painful to watch them, so I have buried myself into the creation of the second pseudo- Millennial Item. I am making a locket. The Millennial Locket has the power to bring life to things that are not alive. Once I have freed you from the realm of death, I will give you life with this item.
~*~*~*~
Drake did something unthinkable today. He entered my study and took the Millennial Locket and gave it to Lara as a token of his love. Celia, it hurts so much today. I can no longer bear the sight of them together. I am sending to girl away, so that I will not remember the pain of losing you. Celia, my love, I will do whatever it takes to get you back.
~*~*~*~
I have come up with a new plan. Using the power of all of the Millennial Items, and the new holographic technology of the Kaiba Corporation I will bring you back. Carrying out this plan will be hard. I need to find a way to locate all of the bearers of the Millennial Items, and to make Kaiba Corporation mine. I am willing to work, just to see you smile.
*End Flashback Reading Session*
"It goes on to describe how hard Pegasus worked to set up this tournament," said Tea as she scanned the diary. "He slowly gets more insane as he goes."
"Why am I not surprised?" muttered Joe.
"That is so sad," said Mai, border lining tears.
"It makes sense now," commented Yu-Gi.
"Who knew Pegasus had a soft spot," said Tristan.
"I never knew I was adopted," muttered Drake, blown away.
"It is OK," comforted Lara, "I am an orphan too."
"So are we," said Shayla, "For that matter, I think the Kaibas are too. Seto is Mokuba's legal guardian."
"What is this about pseudo-Millennial Items?" asked Joe.
"Pseudo means false," said Shayla.
"Is it true?" asked Yu-Gi. All eyes turned and noticed the gauntlet on Drake's arm and Lara's locket.
"Yes," admitted Drake.
"So, now what?" asked Joe.
"Well, since Pegasus has freed his prisoners, I guess we can head home," suggested Yu-Gi.
"What about the rest of the tournament?" asked Mai.
"Pegasus is in no condition to duel now," Lara pointed out.
"I wonder what happened?" asked Drake.
"I don't like it," muttered Shayla. "Something feels very wrong."
The group began to head down the staircase. Drake and Lara led the way. Joe, Tristan, and Tea were behind them, followed by Yu-Gi. Shayla and Martin brought up the rear. They started sown the stairs, but Shayla stumbled, putting them father behind the rest of the group. That was when she felt her Millennial Scales begin to vibrate.
"What is going on, Martin?" she asked. He looked at her confused.
Half way down the stairs Yu-Gi was being confronted by a man in a white robe and a turban who had appeared out of nowhere. He and Yu-Gi began to talk. Then the stranger held up his necklace, which was shaped like and Ankh. He put it on Yu-Gi's forehead and it went through his skull. The two figures were surrounded by a glowing light for a moment.
Shayla and Martin turned the corner at this point. Martin saw this and gasped, nearly fainting again. Shayla sensed a surge of strange powers and braced herself. The stranger was talking.
"I see that you are not responsible for the theft of the Millennial Eye. You are too pure, you may even be the chosen one. I, Shadi, will continue to search for those responsible. As the bearer of the Millennial Key and the Guardian of the Millennial Items, I will find the thief and restore the balance of magic," the stranger said. He stepped backwards and disappeared. Martin trembled, and dropped to the ground. For a moment Shayla feared he had fainted.
"What was that?" she asked Yu-Gi.
"I don't know," he replied, "He was looking for whoever stole the Millennial Eye. I don't know much more, except these Millennial Items are becoming important."
"Pegasus's Millennial Eye was stolen?" asked Shayla, "No wonder he is sick. Can you help me with Martin?" Yu-Gi lent a hand and the three made their way down the stairs, meeting with the rest of the group in the arena.
"How is Mokuba?" asked Tristan to Bakura.
"He is beginning to wake up," said Bakura. Everyone looked down as Mokuba opened his eyes.
"Huh? What happened?" he muttered.
"Yay! He's awake!" exclaimed Tea.
"You know what this means," said Joe to Yu-Gi.
"Yeah, grandpa," Yu-Gi smiled.
"Where is Seto?" asked Mokuba as he stood up.
"Attention duelists," announced Croquet as he approached the group. "Due to Mr. Pegasus's illness the tournament is canceled."
"What?" wondered Mai.
"Yu-Gi, who actually won, has already received his prize of four freed souls," Croquet continued. "He is also going to be awarded with the prize money and the title 'king of games,' unless there are any objections." Surprisingly, no one said anything. "Also, Yu-Gi, you are award this rare card, The Ties of Friendship. It is the only one of its kind, had painted by Mr. Pegasus himself." Croquet handed Yu-Gi the card in a protective case and a check for three million dollars.
"As I promised, Joe," said Yu-Gi as he handed the check to his friend.
"Yes! Now Serenity can have her operation!" exclaimed Joe.
"Thank you for participating, now, please leave," said Croquet as he roughly escorted them out.
"How rude!" protested Joe as the doors of the castle closed behind them.
"Don't think too much about it. That is how Croquet is," said Drake.
"Hey, Drake," said Lara, "Since your dad is out of commission, doesn't that mean that you are in-charge of everything?"
"I guess it does, but he isn't my dad," said Drake. "I am not sure yet if that is a good thing or a bad thing."
"I am ready to head home," said Tristan.
"I agree," added Tea.
"I can't leave, not without Seto," protested Mokuba. Just hen the doors of the castle opened again and two more figures were pushed out.
"Seto!" exclaimed Mokuba as he raced to his brother.
"Mokuba?" wondered Seto Kaiba as he say the spiky haired boy race towards him.
"I knew you would come. We are together now," said Mokuba as the Kaiba brothers were locked in a tearful embrace.
"Where is he?!" demanded the other figure, Bandit Keith. "When I get my hands on that pompous....." He began to grumble, drawing attention to himself. Mai began to giggle, then Tea. A wave of chortling started down the group, which erupted into full-blown laughter.
"What is so funny?!" demanded Bandit Keith, even Kaiba was having a problem keeping a straight face.
"Quit it!!!" demanded Keith.
"What are you wearing?" asked Mai between laughing and gasping for air. Bandit Keith had on a frilly apron, which was damp from drying dishes. He still had some soap suds on his hands.
"Agh!" gasped Bandit Keith as he ripped it off. Joe, Tristan, and Drake were rolling on the ground from laughing. Mai and Lara were holding each other up. Shayla didn't get what was going on.
"When I get my hands on that b------!" exclaimed Bandit Keith as he took off, around the castle because the main entrance was locked.
"I wouldn't do that if I were you," warned Drake.
"What do you know!" snapped Bandit Keith as he left in a huff.
"He is asking for trouble," muttered Drake. Slowly the group calmed down. "I'll escort you to the ship. My dad at least made certain that you had a way home. Come on." Drake lead the way to the dock.