Tale of Shadows

by Flower Petals

When an age old evil threatens to destroy all that they love and live for, seven close friends head out on a quest to save and protect all that they hold dear. It's a tale of friendship and betrayal, of sacrifice and redemption. Of dark secrets, deep love

2. Acquaintances Part 1

Before I start screeching, yelling, complaining, and crying, I just want to thank Sakurelle and Ry-the Dark Mystical Elf for reviewing! It's nice to know that somebody read all of the first chapter, and lived. Thanks again! I really appreciate it.

Gak! Arrrrrrrrg! I'm sooooo stuuuupiddddd! And pathetic. . .I can't do anything right! The name of this fan fiction is supposed to be Tale Of Shadows, not Tale Of Shadow! And my story summery is supposed to end: Of dark secrets, deep love, and dangerous magic.. Which of course, isn't what I put. Arrrrg!

Anyway, this chapter is another long one, sorry! They'll get shorter. This chapter is so long in fact, that I had to cut it in half to avoid torturing my readers too much. A another example of being pathetic. . .

Flower Petals: #Crying all alone in a dark room# Boohoo, waaaaaa!

Taleah: #turns on light and asks cheerfully# What's up sis?

Flower Petals: I'm crying alone in the dark! Can't I cry alone in the dark in peace?

Taleah: #cheerfully# Okay! #turns off light and skips off#

Flower Petals: Alone again. . .sniff. . .Wait, is that pizza? Taleah!

Disclaimer: I do not own Yu-Gi-Oh or One Stop Shopping.

Flower Petals

Acquaintances Part 1

It was a Saturday . Which meant that while other kids got the day off from school and could go and do whatever they wanted, Taleah had to go grocery shopping. She did it every Saturday. It was her own fault, she knew. I wanted so much to prove to my mother that I could be responsible, thought Taleah as she started making a grocery list. I fell right into her trap.

"I really am responsible, Mom, really," Taleah had said one day long ago.

"If you want to show me how responsible you are, why don't you do our shopping for us Saturday? And every Saturday after that?"

Taleah had answered very quickly without even thinking of the consequences. "Yes! I'll do that! Of, course!." Now she knew just how stupid she had been that day.

"Is the list done, sweety?"

"Yes, Mom. I'm going out now."

"I want to talk to you about something first.

Taleah turned to find her mother blocking the only exit. Her mother was very tall, and looked very intimidating. But she was very friendly, and her outgoing personality put people at ease. Like Taleah, she had long brown hair and dark brown eyes that always had a twinkle of laughter in them. But today, no such twinkle could be seen. She even had her hands on her hips. That usually meant that Taleah had done something wrong.

"Honey, I couldn't help but see you walking home last night with that rather large group of kids. You're not in a. . .gang are you?"

Taleah burst out laughing. "A gang? No way! You know me better then that."

Mrs. Dundigan didn't look relieved. "Your father and I are worried about your safety. Do you trust all these kids?"

"Mom! They're my friends. They wouldn't hurt me. Never! You don't have anything to worry about. I promise."

Mrs. Dundigan seemed satisfied. "Then go shop my responsible little girl."

Taleah winced.

Once outside, she folded her list and tucked it in her back jean's pocket. It was another beautiful day. Just the right temperature. Birds were singing their lullabies and bees were dancing joyfully amongst the flowers.

Taleah sighed. Her friends were seeing a movie today. Without her. Yugi was the only one nice enough to offer to help her shop. But she knew that he had just been acting kind and considerate. They're at the theater right now, watching Dumbledwarfs. I'm sure they'll tell me all about it when they get back. Taleah smiled to herself. She thought it had been nice just having one friend. But now she had a whole bunch. Not that numbers mattered. She just felt glad to be apart of something-a group. A group of friends.

She kept that smile all the way to One Stop Shopping and even inside the front doors, but after that, no trace of it could be seen. It was business now.

At the top of the list were all the fruits and vegetables she needed to buy. Then were the canned foods, then the dairy products, and so on. Taleah grabbed a cart and started loading it full. I do have one thing to look forward to, Taleah thought as she loaded a bunch of onions into a plastic bag, samples. Every Saturday and Sunday, One Stop Shopping had lots of samples. Lots. Every aisle had a little stand in front with some friendly woman in a hairnet. That was, they were friendly until you took one sample too many from them. Then they turned evil.

Taleah had just taken a bread sampled that tasted particularly sour, when she noticed a defiant little kid around the age of nine, trying desperately to get a cookie sample but being turned down because he needed an adult or guardian nearby. Seeing that he was all alone, Taleah walked over to the stand.

"I want a cookie!"

"You might get burned," said the sample lady, "and I don't want to get blamed just because you don't have a parent with you."

"I want a cookie!"

"I'll vouch for him," said Taleah.

The sample lady and the boy both turned to look at her. The boy smiled. The sample lady, however, still did not look pleased.

"If he gets burned, his parents can sue me. That okay?"

The boy got a cookie sample.

"Thanks!" he said, his mouth covered with chocolate.

Taleah laughed. "No problem. But first we should find you some napkins. Otherwise you'll get that stuff all over your shirt!"

"Wouldn't want to do that," agreed the boy. "My brother gave me this shirt."

Taleah went over to the next stand and grabbed a handful of napkins. "Here you go."

"Thanks," said the boy again. Then he added, "You don't have to worry about my parents suing you. I don't have any parents!"

Taleah cocked her head in disbelief. "You don't have any parents? Why?"

"I don't like to talk about it. But I forgive you for asking. I'm Mokuba by the way."

The boy held out a hand.

Taleah froze. Mokuba? Mokuba was the name of Seto Kaiba's little brother. What is Kaiba's brother doing in a grocery store eating samples? Don't they have enough money to pay a person from around the world to come and give them samples?

"What's your name?"

"Um. . .uh. . .oh! Taleah. I'm Taleah."

"Oh, I know who you are now. Seto mentions you sometimes."

What is that supposed to mean?

"Hey," Mokuba said somewhat awkwardly. "There are actually some other samples that I'd like to get. But. . .I need an older person with me."

"I'll go with you then," Taleah volunteered. "My shopping is done and I was just going to go get some more of those juicy chicken breast samples, anyway. Do you like chicken?"

"Do like I chicken? Are you kidding? I love chicken!"

Taleah soon found that Mokuba was nothing like his older brother at all. He was funny, and sometimes charming. But it wasn't just that, it was also outside appearances. Mokuba had long, wavy, black hair. Kaiba had short brown hair with a hint of red and piercing blue eyes. He also had a firm chin, and sharp features. Nothing at all like Mokuba who had a cute, cuddly, round face. But they both had the same, deep, scratchy voice.

"Hey, Mojhoopa," Taleah started, but Mokuba shook his head.

"That's not how to pronounce my name! It's Mokuba."

"Makooba."

"No!"

"Mokaiba."

"Wrong!"

"Mokinba?"

"Hardly!"

Taleah let out an exasperated sigh. "Would it be okay if I just called you Mo?"

"Sure I'd like that."

"Um. . .Mo? Are you Kaiba's brother?"

Mo nodded. "I'm a Kaiba."

Taleah gulped. Was Mo supposed to be there? Would his brother get mad if he caught him hanging out at a grocery store?

"I'm up for a few more samples. What about you, Taleah?"

Taleah tried her best not to look worried. "Samples? More? Sure."

"Sometimes sample ladies can be mean."

Taleah relaxed a bit. "Yeah, I agree. Once, I thought I heard one growl at me. Never snuck another sample from her."

Mo nearly choked over his miniature ice cream bar. "Really? I caught one glaring at me. Pretty scary."

They hit a few more samples and were about to circle back and get more of the ones they really enjoyed,when Mo claimed that he heard his name over the intercom of the store.

"What?" Taleah was really worried now.

"They were playing a rock 'n roll tune and then there was a pause and I heard my big brother's voice. He said, 'Mokuba Kaiba could you please come to the front of the store.' That's all I heard."

Taleah panicked. I just know that Kaiba will be mad at me. She didn't know why she felt that way, she just did. What if Kaiba sues my parents? We don't have any money. We're not rich! What if. . .what if. . .

"Taleah are you coming? Are you alright? You don't look so well."

"I'm f-f-fine."

Together they made their way to the front of the store. The aisles seemed to last forever. There were hundreds of people there, flocking all around. People behind them, in front of then, beside them. They were all loud too. One man had a booming voice and kept complaining that he couldn't find pants his size. Another lady just babbled on and on about nothing in particular. Taleah wished they'd all go away. Especially one-Seto Kaiba. She had, by now, convinced herself that Kaiba was a hit man that was out to get her.

"Seto!"

Here it comes. . .

Seto Kaiba was standing in front of the Help Desk, one hand in his pants pocket in a casual manner, and the other on his large, silver briefcase that he always carried around with him. He looked impatient and kept peering out the exit door. When he heard his name called, he threw back his jacket, (which acted more like a cape), and strutted over to where Mokuba and Taleah stood. (Taleah refusing to go any further).

"Ah, Mokuba. Seems like you've kept yourself busy."

"Yup!"

Kaiba turned to Taleah who flinched as if she was expecting a blow. "I hope my little brother didn't inconvenience you in any way."

Taleah shook her head. She somehow managed to find her voice and said, "It was my pleasure accompanying Mo."

"You must be wondering why he is here."

"That may have crossed my mind."

"Every Saturday I do business next door," explained Kaiba. "Mokuba often gets bored in my offices, and most of the time ends up in this store picking through the. . .samples. . ."

"It's very boring waiting for my brother," admitted Mokuba. "But I enjoyed sneaking samples with you today. Maybe we can do it every week!"

"That's enough, Kiddo," Kaiba said, putting a hand on his brother's shoulder. "You caused enough trouble for her today. Let's go."

"Meet me back here next week?" Mokuba shouted over his shoulder hopefully, as Kaiba led him away quickly.

Taleah couldn't answer. She was too bewildered.

"So anyway, get dis," ranted Joey, "Da guy wa' really only pretendin' to be short. He really jus' walked on his knees! Cool, huh?"

"Sounds like it was a good movie," said Taleah, tucking a wayward strand of her hair behind an ear. "But I still prefer Love Ties."

Joey blinked. "Love wha?"

"Love Ties," Tae explained, "Is a love story that Taleah watches every morning before she goes to school."

"So kind of a daily ritual then," said Tristen.

"Ya're strange," Joey told Taleah.

It was late afternoon near dinner time, and Joey, Tristen, Tae, Bakura, Yugi, and Taleah sat on top of one of the towers of the school. It was a beautiful view from where they sat-the gorgeous blue sky stretching out for infinity. It was peaceful up there, the sounds of traffic and people buzzing by, far below.

It was peaceful, however, until Tae brought up what they had all been dreading. "The annual school talent show is coming up. That's kind of scary."

"Annual talent show?" asked Bakura. "Never attended one."

Joey felt the need to explain. "Ya see, Bakura, da talent show is where normal, innocent, kids jus' like ya an' me get tricked into puttin' on humiliatin' performances on stage. And jus' so we can provide the entertainment of da year for all da parents an' teachers. An' so dey can tease us later."

Bakura looked confused.

"So, Joey," said Yugi, "what 'humiliating' performance did you put on last year?"

"I was sick. Didn' go."

"The year before?"

"Sick."

"The year before that?"

"Ill."

"A year even earlier?"

"Flu."

"Even further back?"

"Bad cold."

"Joey! You mean to tell us that you've never been to a school talent show contest?"

"Contest?" asked Bakura, who was still quite confused. No one heard.

"I get sick every time. In fact, dis time I'm goin' da feel pretty bad too. Yeah. Pneumonia maybe. No. Maybe laryngitis. . ."

"Joey!" everybody shouted.

"I don't have a talent," Taleah murmured.

"Sure ya do," Joey said, "Losin' at Duel Monsters. Ya have da knack for dat."

Tristen elbowed Joey hard in the stomach. "Don't mind him. Just name all the things you're good at."

Taleah couldn't name any.

"You play the violin," Bakura brought up. "Quite well, in fact. You could do that."

"I don't know. . ."

"Then of course," Tae went on," there's the school dance."

Everybody groaned.

"They always put those two close together. Talent show and dance. Just to torture us."

"Who are we all going with?" asked Yugi.

Joey shrugged. Tristen scratched his head. Tae nimbled on her fingernails. Bakura kicked a few pebbles out of the way.

"We'll all go together," Taleah announced. "As a group."

"Good idea."

"Yeah."

"Together."

Kaiba was working at his desk, angrily scribbling a series of numbers on a piece of paper. Why did that idiot have to screw of the work schedule for the week! Now I have to rewrite the whole thing. All of my associates and employees have been acting odd, lately. Just being kind of careless. But never the matter. I'll whip them back into shape.

Mokuba entered Kaiba's office and started prancing around the large desk chanting, "You promised, you promised, you promised!"

Kaiba ignored his brother. It was rather peculiar. They've all been acting in such a cursory manner. Almost as if they think they don't have to act out my commands. Like something's going to change. Well I'll sure wipe those idiotic thought right out of their feeble minds. . .

"You promised! You promised!"

Kaiba raised his eyebrows.

Mokuba finally had his attention. He stopped prancing around the table and explained, "You promised that you would consider the idea that I could invite Taleah over sometime."

Kaiba considered his answer carefully. "If Taleah agrees, then I don't see why you can't spend Saturday under her care."

"You're the best! Thank you Big Brother!"

Mokuba came around the desk and hugged Kaiba, who was so shocked at the sudden display of affection, that he almost toppled out of his chair. When he had finally regained his senses, Mokuba was already prancing out the door and down the hall.

Kaiba liked the idea of Mokuba being watched over. Normally, he'd just hang out in one of Seto's main offices, bored out of his mind. He'd play with one of his action figures, doodle with one of his brother's hundred dollar pens, or even just read one of the dozen books from the bookshelves that surrounded every room. But it was all very tortureful for him. Mokuba wasn't the type who could stay still. He was all over the place, constantly moving. Always active. Not the type who'd sit at his own desk and rewrite work schedules, or sit quietly at a business meeting. Kaiba tried to find time to spend with his brother on those days, but whenever he found a break in his unrelenting schedule, something else would come up and he'd be sent away.

Not that he and his brother didn't spend a lot of time together. During the summer, they went on grand vacations to Cape Cod, Disney Land, China, and every other place Mokuba wished to go. Once, after watching the movie, Indiana Jones, he had desperately wanted to visit a jungle and go on a safari. Kaiba couldn't turn his brother down, so they had gone. It had turned out to be a complete disaster-Mokuba kept getting bitten by mosquitos, and even obtained poison ivy. He was miserable throughout the whole trip. Kaiba, however, enjoyed his stay at the jungle. So it ended up being an odd turn of events.

Kaiba sighed. Wonder what Kiddo is going to cook up for us this year. But then he dismissed his thoughts, and concentrated once again on work.

As the weeks progressed, Joey, Tristen, Tae, Bakura, Yugi, and Taleah did a lot together. They attended movies, went out for lunch and sometimes dinner, sat next to one another in school whether in class or during their lunch break, and spent time at the park; rollarblading, biking, skateboarding, etc.

Taleah enjoyed the times she had with her friends. They were fun to be around, and they made her feel special. Her week was full with exciting new adventures, versus before when she had had trouble finding anything to do at all. She had even convinced her parents that she wasn't in some sort of, "gang," and won their approval of her friends.

Weekdays were mostly spent at school, then afterwards, Taleah and her friends would go to her house and work on homework. When they were finished, they'd go over to Yugi's grandpa's shop or over to Joey's house which they usually had all to themselves. (Joey's father was rarely home).

Weekends were Taleah's favorite, however. She had learned to love shopping, especially because Mo was there with her. The both of them would rush through the store as fast as they could, (Mo often riding in the cart), throwing groceries to and fro. When all the shopping was done, they'd settle down and hit all the samples. Taleah had never expected it, but she and Mo had become good friends. He often confided in her, and told her some of his dearest secrets. In return, Taleah expressed her hopes, and deepest beliefs. They also told each other about dreams they had had, each taking turns trying to analyze one another's dream.

Kaiba usually got finished with his, "business," at four o' clock. He would be waiting by the Help Desk for Taleah and Mo, always precisely at four. Never a minute late. He was still somewhat distant, rarely even saying, "hello," and, "goodbye," to Taleah. He'd just ruffle Mo's hair and say, "Come on, Kiddo." Then they'd leave. Mo though, would hug Taleah before he left. That always put a smile on her face.

Back at school again, the friends were trying to convince Tristen into asking Miho, (who he not so secretly liked), to go to the dance with him. But Tristen was a coward and despite everything his friends said, refused to go and ask her.

"The worst thing she could say is no, Tris," Yugi said. "You have a fifty-fifty chance."

"I know she'll say no. I just know it! I know she'll say no!"

"Alright then," Bakura said, "do you want one of us to ask her for you?"

"Ask me what?"

Miho stood behind everybody, a bright smile on her face. She was very pretty with long, blue hair tucked neatly into a ponytail and deep green eyes. She also had a very shrill, high pitched voice that hurt people's ears whenever she laughed.

"Here you go Tristen," Tae said, shoving him in front of Miho.

"Um. . .uh. . .a . . .dance. . .you. . .go. . ."

"Tristen, I have no idea what you are saying. But I have a question for you. Would you like to go to the dance with me? It's okay if you don't. I'd really appreciate it if you did."

Tristen went bright red. "S-s-sure."

"Great! Hey, what is everybody doing for the talent show contest tomorrow?"

"I'm tellin' jokes," Joey said proudly. "Made dem up myself I did."

"That's talent?" Tristen scoffed. "I've memorized one hundred numbers after the decimal point of pie, (3.14). That's talent!"

Tae shook her head. "Boys. Such silly creatures. I'm going to sing."

Joey stifled a laugh. "Wha'? Da Barney Song?" He cleared his throat. "I love ya, ya love me! We're da happy family. Wit' a great big-"

Tristen elbowed Joey in the stomach.

"Hey dude! Dat's gettin' to be da habit."

"Well keep up those remarks," Bakura advised, "And I'll elbow you in the stomach."

Joey didn't look threatened. He was about to retort something when Miho asked, "What are you doing Kury?"

Joey and Tristen pinched their faces to stop from laughing. But it all came out anyway.

"Rrrrrahhhhhhh!" laughed Joey. "Dat's so funny. Kury! Haaaaaa."

"Not much better then, 'Wheeler'," answered Tae. "Besides, I like Kury. I think it's cute."

"Cute! Ooooahhhhh!"

"It's a bit embarrassing," Bakura replied, "but you see, I've always loved to dance. Tap dance. I made up my own routine. That's what I'll be performing."

Joey stopped laughing. "Dancin', huh? Dat's pretty cool."

Tristen found it funny, and kept on laughing until Joey elbowed him in the stomach.

"I think everybody has their own unique talent," Yugi said.

"What's yours Yugi?"

"I've always been good at math, so I figured I'd solve a few complex equations for the talent show tomorrow."

Miho turned to Taleah. "What are you doing?"

"I'm playing the violin," Taleah said quickly. Then she stood up and left.

Taleah had expected to walk home alone-but she had been wrong. Bakura had convinced her into letting him walk her home. They strolled along causally. Silently. Taleah spent most of the walk staring at the ground, wishing that Bakura would go away. She wanted to be all by herself. She didn't want anybody to know how scared she really was. This would be her second talent show ever. Last year, she had gotten so frightened that she had ran off the stage almost as soon as she had gotten on.

Bakura took her hand in his own. "You'll do just fine. Trust me."

"I wish I had as much faith as you do."

They were at her home now. Bakura made Taleah face him. "Don't worry about it. If you need anything just give me a call. I'll be here as soon as you hang up."

Taleah managed a small smile. "Alright, Mate. See you tomorrow." She watched her friend walk back the way they had come, feeling both a bit relieved and sad that he was gone. She was alone.

"Holding hands now?"

Taleah's mother stood on the porch, her arms crossed. "He didn't kiss you did he? I knew he liked you."

"No, Mom, we didn't kiss. We're just friends. Very close friends. I'd kiss Joey before I would Kury."

"You kissed Joey? I knew he liked you."

"No, Mother."

Taleah entered her house, threw her backpack aside, and made her way up the stairs and into her room. It was quiet up there. She was all by herself. That was all she wanted. . .

The phone rang.

Taleah felt a sudden feeling of hope. Maybe it's the school calling to cancel the talent show tomorrow and all the ones in the future. Ever. There would never be another talent show! She liked that thought.

"Honey, it's for you," her mother called.

Could it be one of my friends calling to tell me that there is to be no school talent show tomorrow?

"Who is it?"

"I don't know."

Taleah rolled her eyes as she headed for the stairs. "Tristen has the high voice, Joey has the New York accent, Bakura has the soft accent, Tae is the only girl that has my phone number, and Yugi has the friendly voice. Now who is it?"

"None of the above."

Taleah found that hard to believe. Her friends were the only ones who had her phone number. And were probably the only ones who would want to call her. Her mother was just confused. Tristen had called the other day and her mother had mistaken him for her husband. That had been embarrassing. She must have said, "I love you," several times before Tristen was able to tell her who he really was. Yeah, Taleah thought, Mom is confused again. I just hope she didn't say anything she might regret later to whoever it is.

Taleah took the phone from her mother, went back into her room, closed the door, and said, "Hello?"

"I presume this is Taleah?"

Taleah froze. It was none of her friends. The voice sounded familiar-it was a sulky, harsh, penetrating voice. But no matter how hard she tried, she couldn't place it.

"Um, yes-yes it is."

"This is Seto Kaiba."

So that's who it is!

"I'm just calling to inform you that Mokuba won't be available tomorrow or next week. I am sorry if this interferes with any of your plans."

"No," Taleah said glumly. "Those were my only plans."

"Very well then, that is all. Goodbye."

There was a click as Kaiba hung up. Then all Taleah heard was the dial tone.

Saturday arrived sooner then Taleah would have liked. It was a day full of surprises. A day that Taleah knew, she'd remember for the rest of her life.

It started off normal enough. Taleah got up, took a shower and ate her Captain Crunch cereal. Then she made a list, pecked her parents on the cheek, (her father had taken the day off), and set out to go shopping. She found it quite lonely without Mo there. She missed his cheery face and mischievous smile. It was even lonelier going through each and every sample stand by herself. When she was finished, she went through the check stand and paid for her items, then walked home.

She was so forlorn and downcast, that she had completely forgotten about the talent show. That was, until her father brought it up close to dinner.

"So, all ready for tonight?" he said cheerfully.

Taleah's heart stopped beating. She felt like she couldn't breathe. Her breath came out in ragged gasps.

"Guess you forgot."

"I'm. . .I"m not hun-hungry," Taleah choked out. She ran up the stairs and locked herself in her room.

I'm going to do bad. I just know it. I'll screw up and never be able to live it down. Oh, why am I even going through with this? It's insane.

"Ta, dear," her mother called, "We're going in a half hour. Do you want to practice before we leave?"

"Good idea."

Taleah went to get her violin. She loved playing her instrument. It meant the world to her. When she was practicing, it was almost like all her troubles seemed to ease away, and finally, cease to exist. It was just her violin, herself, and the notes. Now, she longed for that sense of unity.

"Um, Mom? Where is my violin?"

"Isn't it where you always keep it?"

"No!"

"Don't tell me that you lost it."

"Yes!"

Calm down, Taleah told herself. You'll find it. As a habit, she touched her Bracelet. It felt warm and reassuring. It helped to combat her anxiety, free her from her fear of failing, restore her confidence, and make her feel a whole let better. Now about finding that violin. . .

"Are you dressed in that black dress I told you to wear?"

"Yes."

"As soon as your father grabs the video camera, we're out of here."

"But I still don't have my violin!"

"Well you can't perform without that."

"Duh!"

Taleah heard her father's voice now. "I have the cam, let's go."

"Brent, Taleah doesn't have her violin."

Mr. Dundigan ran a comb over his sleek, bald head as if in denial. "Why, I put that thing in the trunk of my car hours ago."

"Let's just get out of here," Taleah begged.

The Dundigans got to Domino High School early. (The talent show being held at the auditorium where all the school plays were performed). Both Mr. And Mrs. Dundigan took their daughter's hands as they walked her in.

Taleah held her breath. She knew that she should be taking deep breaths and trying to calm herself down and relax, but she was afraid that if she opened her mouth, she would either scream, or throw up. Although, she did let out a squeak as she entered the auditorium. The stage was already set for the first performer and quite a few parents were already in their seats.

Mrs. Dundigan took a program that had a list of all the contenders. "Looks like you're the twentieth one."

Twentieth one! She'd have to wait that long!

Taleah left her parents without an explanation, (still fearing that something might come out if she was to talk or even open her mouth at all for that matter), and headed into the room where everybody performing were required to stay. Her friends were there. They were practicing, laughing, joking around. They look so happy without me, Taleah thought to herself. They don't need me bringing them down with my insecurities. So she went back to sit with her parents and wait her turn.

The first person up was an artist, and a pretty good one at that. He painted extravagant and exquisite pictures of a mother goose calling for her young, of ships in a harbor. And he did them all in five minutes. When he was finished, the crowd roared with applause and some even demanded more.

Others weren't so good. One person tried juggling, but kept dropping two of the three apples until one of them finally split open and the audience was sprayed with apple juice. Quite a few people sang. But their skills were nothing compared to Tae's. She sang so beautifully that when her song ended, some people were crying. Taleah couldn't be more proud of her friends. All of them did well. Joey took to the stage like an expert and had the audience bellowing with laughter at his jokes. Bakura put them all in awe with his great tap dance ability. One couldn't watch for very long before they lost track of his feet. Everyone was surprised at how many numbers Tristen had memorized. He just kept spitting them out. Yugi wasn't up until a ways after Taleah.

Taleah was just listening to yet another person sing, when out of the corner of her eye, she saw one of her teachers motioning her to come over. My turn is next. . .

Yugi straightened his tie as he gazed at himself in the mirror. When it was just right, he adjusted the collar of his tuxedo and strolled over to where his grandpa waited.

"Come one, Grandpa. It's almost time to go."

"Ah, not yet my friend. Come over here a second, I'd like to talk to you."

"Sure Grandpa."

Grandpa put his hands on Yugi's shoulders. "Look at you. You're all grown up. Hopefully not all done growing yet, but you know what I mean. You are my grandson and I am very proud of you. You have turned out to be quite the young man. I love you very much. Your parents would have been very proud."

Yugi dropped his head so that he wasn't looking into his grandfather's eyes. "I hardly remember them."

"They were great folk, my dear Yugi. Very well liked. Listen, I'm sorry I don't spend all that much time with you. I'm not the greatest grandfather. But it's just that I have a shop to run and-"

"No Grandpa! You are the best! I couldn't be happier living with you. Sure you're busy, but isn't every parent? I love you too. I couldn't have asked for a better grandfather."

Tears formed in his grandpa's eyes. "You make me very proud," he said again. "I bet other grandparents are jealous that I have such a wonderful grandson. You make me very proud. Very proud."

Yugi hugged his grandfather. For a long time they just stood there, in each other's arms. They were all each other had. When Yugi's parents had died long ago in a freak accident, he had been sent to live with his aunt and uncle. His grandfather, (his mother's father), had gone into a deep depression and for the longest time refused to come out of his room. Yugi hadn't known his grandfather very well, but he had felt sorry for him so every day, he'd visit him. It was because of Yugi that Grandpa had come out of his depression. When all else had given up on him, Yugi had been there. He had shown him the light. Slowly and gradually, Grandpa had recovered until finally, he was back to his old self again. Yugi's aunt and uncle, (being the good people they were), decided to let his grandfather have full custody of him, since he spent so much time over with him anyway. That was how Yugi came to live with Grandpa. How Grandpa was even there at all.

Finally Yugi backed off, somewhat embarrassed. "We really should get going."

"You know what? I think that's a good idea."

His friends were waiting for him when he arrived. Their smiling faces greeted him as soon as he got out of the car.

"Yug!"

"Hi, there buddy!"

"Hello Yugi."

"Good afternoon."

"Hi guys. You're all here early."

"Come on," Joey said, "We'll show ya aroun'. Da snacks are already out, maybe I can sneak ya a cookie. Da ones in da green container are yummy. Look out for da ones in da yeller box, dey have raisons or some other icky stuff. . ."

"Joey!"

Yugi chuckled. "Sounds great guys."

"You go with your friends, Yugi," Grandpa said. "I'll find myself the best seat. Oh, and Joey?"

Joey flinched. "Yeah. . .Gramps?"

"I look forward to continuing your lesson on Duel Monsters starting Monday."

"See ya then." Joey bolted off.

The auditorium was alive with many people and lights as Yugi soon found out. It was wondrously set up. A single light was to shine on the performers while all the others were dimmed.

Yugi was glad that he had a chance to practice. And that he was around his friends. They made him feel much more comfortable about the whole thing. And in turn, he tried his best so assure them that they'd do fine whenever one of them went on the stage. When they came off, he told them how wonderful they had done. Time seemed to whiz by until at last, he was up.

"Good luck, Yugi," whispered Tae.

"Kick some math problem's butt," Joey said giving him the thumbs up signal.

Yugi stepped onto the stage. It was much brighter then he had originally anticipated, and there seemed to be many more people. When the lights were dimmed though, he didn't have to squint any more. He took a deep breath and announced, "I will be performing a highly complex math problem all without paper. My math teacher, Mr. Belroise, will be providing the problem. I have never seen or heard it before."

Mr. Belroise came onto the stage and the audience applauded politely. He bowed once then faced Yugi.

Yugi's act started with Mr. Belroise asking him to find the value of x in an equation that took a few minutes just to say. Mmm, Yugi thought, toughy. His mind quickly broke it down into simpler terms, then singled out x. Within seconds, Yugi had an answer.

"X equals: forty-three time y, minus that of p over z tripled, times the square root of thrirty-nine y squared."

Mr. Belroise took out a calculator from his jacket. The audience laughed. But then they held their breaths as he calculated. "The answer is correct!" The crowd cheered and whistled.

Yugi beemed. He had done just fine. He shook his teacher's hand and strode off the stage. Once again, his friends were waiting for him. But it was Tae that he walked up to.

"Well?"

"I thought you were fantastic." With that, she leaned forward and kissed him on the cheek.

Taleah was up on the stage. In one hand she held her violin, with the other, she clenched her bow. Any second now she would be expected to play. The audience was waiting patiently as she gathered her courage. She could see her parents smiling and waving at her. Her friends were doing the same. She also spotted Mo in the audience, sitting next to Kaiba who was glowering and had his arms crossed. Must have payed the principal so he didn't have to perform, Taleah thought to herself. Rich people. . .

In one extremely time consuming moment, Taleah placed her violin on her shoulder and put the bow on the strings. G, D, A, E, she recited to herself. Now just play. . .

The audience was so surprised that she had finally began playing, that none heard how much her opening note was out of tune. Or the next few. Taleah was so nervous, that she didn't care what note she played or on what string. But then the music began to sink in. The song she was playing was Sakura; her favorite. She had played it so many times, that all the different rhythms and finger patterns were embedded in her head. Her fingers started moving automatically and her pitches started to improve. Soon, her bow was flying over the strings and the tune of the song could finally be heard. It was a sad, wistful kind of music, and Taleah played it well. She ended the song with one grand chord. The audience was alive with noise as they cheered for her. But Taleah heard none of it.

She was convinced that she had played awful. How can they just stand there and look so happy? They should be grasping their ears and complaining about how awful I sounded. At that thought, tears formed in her eyes and she ran off the stage.

Joey, Tristen, Tae, Bakura and Yugi were ready to congratulate her. They hadn't expected that she'd run off right past them and out of the school. Or that she'd sit on the steps outside, feeling sorry for herself.

"Taleah, wait!" Yugi started, but Bakura shook his head.

"Let her go. She needs to be alone."

I knew that I would screw up. I just didn't know that I would do that bad. I've never been good at the violin. Why did I agree to play it tonight, anyway?

Taleah sat outside on the stairs that lead up to the entrance of the auditorium, staring at the ground which lay quite a few stairs down, with a miserable expression. The night was a cold one. It was a clear sky, therefore having no clouds to trap in the heat. The stars shone brightly ahead and the moon cast down its solemn gaze.

She could hear the person who was performing now. He was singing, and although he wasn't as good as Tae, he was still pleasant to listen to. It was a rock 'n roll song that had a good beat. Taleah soon found her feet beating in rhythm with the music. She started to snap her fingers. She couldn't help it-it was catchy.

"Taleah, what's wrong? Are you okay?"

Taleah jumped about ten feet into the air and landed on her rear near the bottom of the stairs.

It was Kaiba.

"Yeah. Well, no. Well. . .yes. . .no. . .not, I mean. . .What are you doing here?"

"I saw you run off. I thought that there might be something wrong. Am I mistaken?"

Taleah brushed the tears off her cheek. "No. I'm miserable because I played miserably and I should be left alone to my misery."

Kaiba came down a few stairs. The moon reflected off his silky brown hair. "You were not bad. I mean, sure, there were a few technical difficulties-a squeak here and there. A few minor discrepancies. But that is not much."

"You don't understand," Taleah said as she stood up. "I always goof everything up. I couldn't do anything right to save my live! Tonight, I don't know. . .maybe I thought I could achieve the unthinkable and put on a perfect performance. I was wrong. I'm always wrong. Nothing I do is ever good. I can't even cook! I can't whistle, sew, clean, (my room is always messy), dance, sing, play the violin, play anything for that matter! I just. . . I just. . ."

"I believe you to be wrong. I think that you could do any of those things if you tried."

His harsh voice is almost soothing. I can almost believe every word he has said. But I won't. They're all lies.

"I don't know why I expect anything of myself," Taleah continued. "I'll just fail everything."

"If you have that kind of attitude, then yes."

"It's inevitable! I can't keep from failing."

Kaiba grew frustrated and angry. "Fine if you want to sulk in your own self pity." He straightened. "I am through offering you my condolences."

As Taleah watched him leave, she realized it was suddenly very cold and lonely on the stairs by herself.

Listening closely, she could hear the school principal making some sort of announcement inside. The talent show was over. For this year anyway. I better go back inside-they'll be handing out awards. Not that I deserve any. . .

"The award for the most daring," said the principal who was a short, sturdy man with a mustache and crooked grin, "Is Groody Baer who almost swallowed fire, but choked."

The crowd laughed.

Groody was a big, tough kid who was missing half of his permanent teeth. "Thanks!"

"The award for the silliest," he continued, "is Edward Payfree who lost his apples."

And so it continued. (Everybody got an award because the principal was a nice man and didn't want anybody to feel left out). There were awards for the tallest, smallest, wisest (which Yugi got), and much more. Joey got an award for being the most funny. Tristen got an award for shushing the audience because they had been in such awe. Bakura got an award for having the fastest feet ever. Tae was the only one who actually got an award for being the most talented. Taleah, who was last because she had come in late, patiently awaited her award.

They were gold trophies, each about five inches tall. They showed a picture of a man with his arms stretched up high as if trying to reach the sky. Taleah couldn't see them very clearly, but her turn was almost next. Then she'd get to see them up close. But as the principal approached her, his brow grew wrinkly as he frowned.

"That's strange. It appears that we did not count correctly. We seem to be missing one. Did we miscount?"

One of the teachers from the audience stood up. "No, there are thirty-six performers. And according to my calculations. . ."

"Oh wait!" said another teacher. "I forgot to count the new transfer student. The arrangements were made far before he arrived. So there are really thirty-seven people."

"But that means we don't have a prize for Taleah Dundigan," the principal said sadly. "Sorry young one. But here, you can have this. . ."

The principal took off one of his pendants from his coat and put it in Taleah's hand. "Take this, dear girl. Your effort deserves something."

The audience applauded.

"Now, if you'd so kindly join us, we have snacks in the lobby. This is your chance to meet and congratulate our performers. Thank you all and have a safe drive home tonight."

Taleah didn't feel like celebrating. She had long since thrown the stupid pendant that had said, "Number 1 Principal," away in the nearest garbage can and was trying her best to hide in the darkest corner. It was easy to make herself look small-there were so many tall people that Taleah, (who was of average height), could barely be seen. But her parents found her nonetheless.

"You did great!"

"Oh honey, I'm so proud of you!"

"Thanks, Mom. Dad. Say, I think everybody is flocking around your yogurt treats, Mom. Can you go and get some for me before they're all gone?"

Her mother and father hurried off. Taleah sighed with relief. She was alone now. She just wished that she was alone and invisible. . .

~

Flower Petals: Wow! It's finally over. Expect the second half soon. For those who managed to suffer through it, anyway. For those who gave up, don't blame ya! I did several times when I was typing it. Anyway, please review. I don't care what you think of it, how much you've read of it, or what you write, I want a review! Please?