Chapter Forty: Heroic Revival
I always thrived on an adrenaline rush, but this is too much! Mr. Floyd thought to himself ironically as the Mammite monster charged after him. With the lives of Teá and Yugi on the line, he couldn't back down.
Not that I want to because if I do, I'll end up on the receiving end of an ass kicking! He added to himself. The crowds had been smart enough to leave the arena during the panic but that left Mr. Floyd to contend with a monster who could stomp him flat even with the added strength of the Golden Gauntlets. He knew that Mammites could crush solid titanium bars without trying and that their bodies were entirely muscle.
And that muscle could crush me in a heartbeat if I let him. I have got to think of something quick! Mr. Floyd thought as he made a wide turn.
"Give it up Floyd! There's no way you can stop us! We got the Spiritual Stones, we got your kids' closest friends and now we have your eldest son!" Butch taunted over the roar of the Mammite's footsteps.
Ryan? The Spiritual Stones? That does it! Mr. Floyd thought, suddenly enraged at the duo's cowardice. He suddenly added a burst of speed that made him outstrip the beast by two car lengths. He then sharply turned around and crouched down.
"We got him now!" Butch yelled to Cassidy as they neared the hero. But instead of stomping him, Mr. Floyd leapt backwards and using the strength of the Golden Gauntlets, did a handspring that had him standing on the Mammite's flat head. Butch and Cassidy gasped as he lunged forward and punched Butch out, snagging a leather bag off of his belt in the process.
"You'll pay for that!" Cassidy warned and she stood up to attack. Mr. Floyd ducked under her first punch and easily blocked the second. When she went to kick him, Mr. Floyd ducked, grabbed her leg and threw her into a caravan guards that were approaching. After peeking back to see Cassidy struggling to free herself, Mr. Floyd grabbed the reins and pulled back.
"Whoa there boy! Take it easy!" Mr. Floyd ordered. It took a full minute, but the Mammite slowed down until it could stop. Mr. Floyd then hopped down and untied the unconscious Yugi and Teá. He lay them on the ground just as Saria rushed up and hugged him. The others caught up and knelt near their friends.
"Dad! You had me worried sick!" Saria sobbed. Mr. Floyd patted her on the back.
"You don't need to worry over me. I'm quite capable of taking care of... Ryan! I almost forgot! Butch and Cassidy still have him!" Mr. Floyd realized. He turned to see the captured Cassidy struggling with four Hylian guards.
"Where's Ryan?" He demanded.
"With Kaiba, like your daughter and I will soon be!" Cassidy replied evilly. It was then that Saria vanished in a thick cloud of purple smoke.
"Saria!" Ashley cried out. It was then Cassidy vanished in the same way.
"What the?" Joey wondered aloud when a loud roaring noise filled the group's ears.
"What's that sound Lance?" Sabrina asked.
"It sounds like a battle cruiser charging up its engines!" Lance replied.
"Lets go see," Laura declared. Everyone charged out into the darkened night.
"Look up there!" Serenity shouted, pointing at a large airship the size of the Courage IX trying to take off. Glistening on its side was the KaibaCorp insignia. In the portholes were Saria and Ryan's faces and they were unconscious.
"Hey you losers! You want them? Come to Bird's Peak Rock!" Came Cassidy's voice over an intercom. Mr. Floyd turned to Laura.
"Teleport me to the Temple of Time Laura. Now," Mr. Floyd said, "I'll meet you all back at the Courage X." Laura charged her hands with green magical energy that sent Mr. Floyd streaking through the night sky towards a church-like building with the others turning away to get back to the ship.
MEANWHILE, AT THE TEMPLE OF TIME...
"Whew! What a ride!" Mr. Floyd gasped as he landed at the ancient temple's gates. The temple was composed of ancient brown brick and had multi-colored stained glass windows at the sides. On opposite sides of the entrance steps were tiny waterfalls that let water into ponds whose lily pads were full of lily blooms. Mr. Floyd however wasn't interested in the architecture today. He charged through the ancient double doors and took in the room's décor. The tile floor was black and white and ancient pews sat on both sides of the room. The torches, which had sat in the temple for countless years, were still alight with bright orange flames, which filled the room with a soft orange glow. Straight ahead of the hero was a large podium across the room that faced the opposite wall and a wall that had the image of sun shining on the land below. Mr. Floyd ran to the podium and pulled out the leather bag, pulling out three mystical stones forged from ancient emerald, ruby, sapphire and gold. He placed them in three hollows and then pulled out an instrument. The instrument he held was a blue ocarina with a silver band around the mouthpiece. The band had the golden mark of the Triforce engraved on it.
How long has it been since I last stepped foot in this room? Fourteen years ago? Mr. Floyd reflected. It's been too long, but there's nothing better than being reunited with a family friend. Mr. Floyd put the ocarina to his lips and played the ancient notes of the Song of Time, a tune that told the story of his family heritage and would continue telling it until the end of time. Mr. Floyd looked up to see the Triforce mark above the sunlight door glow brightly. He smiled as the sunlit picture split in half and slid to the sides, permitting the father into a new chamber. Mr. Floyd walked through a short tunnel to see a room with a sword on a high up pedestal surrounded by six different seals. The only light in the room came from a high up window facing the east, shining eternal light on the sword. Mr. Floyd couldn't help staring at the beauty of the weapon. It was a double-bladed silver sword with a purple hilt. The blade had the Triforce mark etched into it and a golden gem engraved into the hilt. Mr. Floyd grasped the sword with one hand and with a war cry, lifted the sword free of its stone pedestal, golden energy gathering around him. He let the energy rush over him and then with one powerful swing, dispersed all the energy and stared at the back of his right hand. On the back of his hand, the Triforce of Courage glowed softly.
Not the same brightness, but it feels good to have you home again. Mr. Floyd thought to the relic. With newborn magic, he then teleported back to the Courage X.
LATER, AT THE KAIBACORP AIRSHIP...
"How much longer until we reach the Great Sea Islands, Mr. Kaiba?" Cassidy asked.
"Not much further," Kaiba replied to his lackey.
So far, my plan has gone without a hitch. Kaiba thought to himself when his airship rocked hard.
So much for a perfect plan. Kaiba thought wryly as he looked at a screen. The screen showed the Courage X approaching quickly. Kaiba pulled out a telescope and looked at the Courage X to see Mr. Floyd's scowling face staring down back at him. Kaiba turned to his henchman.
"Shift the ship into turbo now! They'll catch us!" Kaiba commanded, "And tell our units to be ready to shoot down their ship."
I will not let my plan be shot to hell by a washed up hero turned businessman! I will get those cards and I will exact my revenge on him and I'll start by using two of the three things he treasures most: His children! Kaiba's inner demon thought, turning to stare at his unconscious prey. Kaiba then braced himself as the turbo engine in his ship kicked in and sent the ship rocketing away.
BACK IN THE COURAGE X...
"Sir, Kaiba's craft has a Starling Turbo Engine," a crewman announced.
"Your point?" Mr. Floyd asked.
"The Courage X won't be able to catch him and thanks to the unique frame of Kaiba's craft, we can't shoot it down without endangering your kids," The crewman replied.
"OK, just keep on his tail as best as we can," Mr. Floyd ordered, defeat in his voice. The crewman saluted as Mr. Floyd stared past him and out towards the fleeing ship. Mr. Floyd turned away and marched down from the main bridge and into the recreation room and smiled at the sight. The teenagers were taking turns telling Teá and the Dragmires about the adventures they had with their new friends. Mr. Floyd stood in the doorway taking in the group.
Sure wish I had friends like that when I was their age. All I had were comrades who either ended up dead, imprisoned, betrayed and maimed for the rest of their lives. Mr. Floyd thought then he shook his head.
No! Things weren't like that at all! I've seen so many battles that I confuse what I've seen with the things that have happened here. My childhood wasn't perfect. I mean I spent the first fourteen years of my life on the run from criminals who would later turn out to be my enemies. But when I came of age, I faced down my demons and that's what I have to do again. It doesn't matter that Kaiba has three of the most precious things in my life! He can't destroy them but I will destroy him if he so much moves one hair out of place on their heads! I swear it! Mr. Floyd thought determinedly. He then went back out of the recreation room and headed to a side office. The room was neatly decorated with blue carpeting, a mahogany desk, chairs, computer, and several hard drives. As he sat down in the chair, he couldn't help noticing the picture on his desk. Mr. Floyd picked it up and stared at it. The picture showed him and his mother, Becky and her family, Becky and him each holding one of their kids. Becky's hair was tousled and she was lying in a hospital bed but was grinning broadly.
I never showed this picture to her. Mr. Floyd thought, his face becoming somber again. Becky, you were right. I bottled up my past to protect her but now that it has come out... (sigh) She didn't seem hurt by it. In fact, she never asked me about my past since I saw her at the circus. Does that mean she's learned all she wanted to know? Well after this whole mess is settled, I'll tell her and Ryan everything, all the good and all of the bad. I'll make a clean slate, start anew. And then maybe my soul can find respite.
"Mr. Floyd? Are you in there?" A female's voice called through the metal door, snapping Patrick out of his thoughts. He put the picture back on the desk.
"Yes, come in," Mr. Floyd called, leaning back in his chair. The door opened and Mr. Floyd saw that it was Teá.
"Are you OK?" Teá asked, stepping into the room nervously.
"As best as can be expected. It's not everyday one of my enemies kidnaps the three things in life I treasure most," Mr. Floyd replied, sarcasm in his voice, "Oh come now! Drop that nervous look! I wager that by the look on your face that your friends made me out to be a bloodthirsty demon that slaughtered many evil people throughout his life for the betterment of mankind. I'm human too you know so don't look so nervous!" Teá grinned sheepishly.
"Sorry," Teá said.
"No need to apologize. Please sit down," Mr. Floyd offered, waving a hand towards one of the chairs, "What's on your mind?"
"First off, let me apologize for any inconvenience my friends may have been," Teá began.
"Teá, trust me! Your friends are no inconvenience. They helped out my kids and anyone who is a friend of the Floyds is a friend for life. Trust me on that! Now what is it you really want to tell me?" Teá shifted uncomfortably in her chair.
"My friends told me all about what's happened since this whole tournament began," Teá said, "I'm just worried that you might lead them into danger and so I..."
"You want me to turn this ship around don't you? You want to go back to the circus and you want your friends safely back home." Teá sat there in shock.
"I know. I've seen people like your friends before. I had similar friends. I know what it's like to go into danger and have to worry about your friends getting hurt." Mr. Floyd then stood up and began to pace.
"Mr. Floyd, I know what that's like too. You see, in Battle City..."
"I heard about the incidents that occurred in Battle City. I heard about the Rare Hunters, their leader's plan to capture Yugi's Millennium Puzzle, and of the power of the three Egyptian God Cards. I myself participated in the Battle City tournament."
"I never saw you there." Mr. Floyd smiled.
"Well, for your information, I had a friend whose kid was turning four and so I skipped out to see them with my family. By the time I made it back, the tournament was over. But that was when I got word of Yugi's victory over Marik in the finals."
"Oh. So if it was a choice between fame, glory and self-preservation and your friends and family, you would pick friends and family?"
"Don't even have to think about. It's instinctual. I always consider the safety of my friends and family over my own well being and I still do." Mr. Floyd's face was hard, emphasizing his answer.
"So if you had the chance, you would take me and my friends back home to safety?" Mr. Floyd nodded.
"Of course, and that brings me back to my original question: Do you want me to turn this ship around and drop you and your friends back at the circus?" Mr. Floyd turned and faced the teenager.
"Just so you know, there's no turning back if you change your mind. If you have any second thoughts about staying or going, I can't do anything." Mr. Floyd reminded her, "Have you talked with your friends about this?" Teá looked down in sadness.
"I see. Do they want to turn around? Do they want me to abandon the chase so I can bring them out of danger?" Mr. Floyd pressed. Teá turned away.
"Look at me! Give me a straight answer: Do they want out?" Teá shook her head.
"No, they want to stay and help. And believe me, I want to help too since your son helped me out earlier, but I'm just worried that you may forget my friends and they might..."
"Teá, didn't I just tell you that any friends of the Floyds are friends for life? That means I will stand with them and I will stand with you. I will do my best to help them and believe me, I could use their help on this. They've proven themselves to be very resourceful in tight spots..."
"That's the problem! What if the next tight spot they get into, they can't get out of? What will they do? I'm so worried about everyone..." Teá ranted, tears in her eyes.
"I know. But right now, you should probably be more worried about yourself right now. Now I don't know you very well, but it sounds like you've got a lot of internal conflicts going on." Teá gasped. "Why not get your priorities straight first then let me know your decision." Mr. Floyd walked over to the door and opened it.
"I'll be in the bridge if you need me," Mr. Floyd said. He then went through the door, leaving Teá alone.
What happened? How did he know what was going on with me? It was almost as if he could read me like an open book. But he's right. There's more going on with me than I'm willing to admit. But until I got captured and then saved by Yugi, I was fine. Teá reflected.
IN THE BRIDGE OF THE COURAGE X...That Teá girl reminds me a lot of Becky. So caring yet she doesn't take the time to care about herself enough to settle her own problems. But I know what will happen. I know what she's goin' through. I'm worried about my family like she's worried about her friends. I wonder if I should tell her what I read from her mind? Mr. Floyd thought as he stared into the cloud ridden night sky.
"Sir? We're approaching Bird's Peak Rock now. Shall I alert the others?" a crewman asked. Mr. Floyd snapped out of his trance and stood up.
"Yes and prepare for a quick getaway if necessary." Mr. Floyd then began to walk to the lower decks.
OK, it's time to see what Kaiba wants, not that he'll get it. The only thing he's going to get is a sword through his head if he hurt Becky, Ryan or Saria. Mr. Floyd thought grimly as he reached the lower bridge.