Flower Petals: Well, what do ya know? I got ten reviews after all! I really wasn't waiting for ten reviews. Honestly, I wasn't! It's just that my computer broke down, and as you know, I couldn't update without that, so I ended up getting ten reviews after all. Betcha didn't count on that, did ya? Did ya?
Anyway, this chapter is long, but shorter then the last one, so I have time to chat!
For Sakurelle: Thank you so much for reviewing my story. It means sooooo much to me. And it's really nice to see your name first to review. Thank you!!!
For Mina and Nari: You're reading my story!!! I'm so happy!!! I know you're behind a few chapters, but when you get here, I just want you to know that I'm extremely thankful for your reviews. And, that I can't wait until Domino Baseball is updated!
For Taleah: Thank you sister! I hope I'm doing a just and fair job on your character. Only had to tweak your personality a bit. . .No, just kidding. . .Thank you. . .
For Chensu: Sooo, seeing your name at the beginning of a story freaks you out, huh? Sorry, Chensu, Chensu, Chensu. Chensu, Chensu, Chensu, Chensu, Chensu! Bwahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahah!
Taleah: The dark side in her is strong!
Really though, thanks. . .Chensu. . .And your welcome for answering your questions. If you have any more, feel free to ask! And I'll try my best to answer. . .
For Samantha: Thank you for reviewing! Where'd ya go, though?
And thank you, my close friends: Yami, Kurama, Kaiba. Though, not so much Kaiba. . .(Don't worry, I know this reviewer personally, so I can be mean to him if I want to!)
And thank you Kikoken and Kalena, (ug! Is that how to spell your nickname? Sorry, bad memory)
And thank you to anybody who I forgot. Hopefully, I didn't forget anybody. . .If I did, sorry!
Disclaimer: I do not own Yu-Gi-Oh or anything pertaining to it. But I do own my bubblegum. . .
Flower Petals
The Uncertain
As soon as the boat docked, the pier was inundated with passengers stampeding by, on their way to Pegasus's castle where Pegasus was supposed to make a speech. Everyone slowed down though, when they saw there was going to be steady climb all the way there.
Taleah and company all managed to sneak off the ferry successfully although, Tristen had provided them with a close call. They walked slower then the rest of the contenders, relishing in the beauty of the island. All followed a cobble stone path that twisted and turned all the way up the small mountain. On the top, was the greatest of Pegasus's castles.
It hovered above all else and gave the impression of might and authority. It was extremely old, but still stood proudly. All the competitors, gathered underneath.
Nothing happened for awhile, and the air grew tense with anticipation. Where was Pegasus? Many of the crowd wondered. What was going to happen? Some began to shout in protest. When at last, Pegasus emerged from one of the many balconies, lots of people were too angry to applaud. But Pegasus's charm easily won them over.
"Greetings duelists, I am Maximilian Pegasus."
The crowd cheered.
"It is my great honor and pleasure to welcome you to the Duelist Kingdom. You stand before me, the world's greatest. But come tournaments end, only one will be crowned King of Games.
"I employ you all to assemble your dueling decks with care, with creativity, with. . .cunning. For this competition will test your skills like never before.
"To track you progress in the tournament, you've each been given a dueling glove. You've also been given two precious starchips. You must wager these starchips on each duel you compete in.
"To advance to the final level of competition for a chance at the three million dollar prize, win ten starchips. Ten starchips will admit you into my castle where you'll face me in one final duel.
"This will be a tournament unlike any you've ever experienced. Sate-of-the-ark dueling arenas cover this entire island.
"Remember, play boldly, think strategically, duel mercilessly. When the sky lights up with fireworks, the duels will begin."
The duelists applauded rambunctiously. It took many minutes before everybody quieted down. When the last person was done cheering, fireworks bursted forth into the sky. They shone brightly, vivid in color.
"Let the games begin!" someone shouted.
Before long, there was a mess of people running off in every direction. Mobs swarmed around the castle like tourists. Some were even challenging each other to duels on the spot, andthen searching for the dueling arenas. Maps were quickly forgotten, and over half of the duelists there quickly got lost.
Since it was a beautiful day, Taleah and her friends went to the meadow regions, assuming that it would be way too hot in a desert, dense forest, wood, valley, and hiking on trails, and too grimey for the marshlands. A meadow seemed like the perfect place to hang out. And maybe even get challenged.
"Here we are guys," announced Yugi. "Now what?"
Taleah touched her Bracelet. "I bet my dueling glove that my parents are in that castle. But with all those guards around, we could never just sneak in. We must quickly win ten starchips and enter that castle and rescue my parents and your grandfather!"
Tristen put his hands on her shoulders. "Slow down, girl!"
"She's right though," Yugi agreed. "The quicker we win those starchips, the sooner we get to confront Pegasus."
A very strange kid with a happy, eager personality ran up to Joey and took his hands. "Duel me? Ya, ya?"
Joey almost fainted. "A duel? Man, I just got here."
"Here's your chance to double your starchips," Tae stated. "Go for it."
The kid was so excited that his breath came out in ragged gasps. "Dueling arena. . .over. . .here. . .Ya. . .come. . .ya!"
They all were about to find out just what "state-of-the-ark dueling arenas" meant. For on that island, duels weren't played on small gameboards or tables. But on gigantic dueling stadiums that came out of the ground itself.
The earth rumbled and shook, taking everyone by surprise. It parted, revealing a humongous stadium underneath. The stadium ascended out of the ground until it sat many feet above them all. It was as large as a tennis court. In the far corner was the number, 147.
Two different colored mechanisms rose from opposite ends of the playing field and clicked into place. They were obviously where the duelists were to stand. A platform on both sides descended from the top of them, and lowered themselves to the ground. They were to act as miniature elevators, raising each duelist to their playing positions.
A metal, triangular simulator attached to a metal pole, emerged, and sat high above the arena. As soon as it began working, the playing field lit up with multiple colors and numbers appeared on each of the duelists' playing stations.
"Step onto the platform," the kid instructed. "It will raise you to your station. There, you can play all your cards and unleash your wrath. Unlike usual games, we'll start with two thousand life points. Whoever reaches zero life points, will be the loser."
Joey gulped. "Two thousan' life points? Oh man, oh man. I'm used da playin' wit' eight thousan' life points!"
"It's okay!" Tae shouted from far below. "So what if there's a six thousand life points difference! You're still going to whip his-"
Taleah put a hand over her friend's mouth. "You should start acting like a lady."
"I was just going to say-"
"Uh-huh."
Joey looked like he was sweating. Big time. His hands shook as he drew his first five cards and he nearly fainted again when he saw what they were.
The kid spoke again. "We'll each wager two starchips. I am in the red dueling station because I am the Challenger. You're in the blue, because you're the Challenged. Challengers always go first. So I will take the first turn. And I choose to play Pale Beast in attack mode!"
Lights penetrated the field so blinding, that they were hard to look upon for very long. Slowly, they transformed into a strange creature with skin tinged bluish-white. It was a fearsome sight to behold, for it was extremely life like. The holographic image was impeccable. The details of the enormous beast was perfect. It was an exact replica of the image on the Duel Monster card.
"It looks so real!" Tae said in awe.
Tristen hid behind Taleah. "So scary!"
Taleah pinched her nose. "I can almost smell it!"
Joey was highly intimidated. Numbers lit up in the right hand corner of his dueling station telling him that his opponent's life points were still at two thousand and that his monster had an attack strength of fifteen hundred and a defense of twelve hundred.
"Alright," Joey said, "I play Claw Reacher din attack mode. Attack!"
Once again, lights shone brightly and quickly changed into the form of Joey's monster. It was a formidable opponent with metallic, stretching arms, and razor sharp claws. It charged at the Pale Beast.
"Pale Beast, counterattack!"
Kid: 2000
Joey: 2000
"Joey, call off your attack!" Yugi warned, urgently. "Your monster has an attack strength of one thousand! It will be eliminated and you will lose a chunk of your life points!"
It was too late-the Claw Reacher collided into Pale Beast's jaws. At first nothing happened. But then Claw Reacher started to glow, and quickly dissipated. Joey could only watch helplessly as his life points were lowered down to fifteen hundred.
"Oh, no!" he cried. "I have da start bein' more careful." He drew another card from his deck. "Alright. I'll play dis card face down din defense mode. At least with da defense monster out in da field, I have somethin' guardin' my life points."
"That's right, Joey," Yugi said, encouragingly. "You can do this. Just play wisely."
"Attack!" screamed the kid.
The Pale Beast charged forward and swiped at Joey's face down card. It was destroyed, and therefore eliminated from play. But Joey's life points remained unharmed.
It went on for awhile; Joey strengthening his defenses, and his opponent doing his best to destroy it. So far, the Pale Beast was the only attacking monster in play. Neither one of the duelists had laid down any trap or magic cards. That was, until Joey drew his next card.
"Shield an' sword?" he thought out loud. "Wha' does dis do? Hmmm. . .Oh, yeah! Now I remember. Dis card swaps my opponent's monster's attack points with its defense points." He smiled evilly. "Oh, man. I just got da killer idea. I'll play Flame Swordsman din attack mode an' I'll also play dis magic card."
A mighty warrior in a blue and red tunic appeared. He whirled his long sword above his head and growled at his foe.
"The Flame Swordsman has an attack strength of eighteen hundred," Yugi explained to his friends. "Whereas the Pale Beast is only fifteen hundred. But that's not all. Joey's magic card swaps its attack, (fifteen) with its defense (twelve hundred). So therefore, Joey's monster is six hundred attack points stronger."
"It also means that the Flame Swordsman's attack and defense is exchanged as well," Taleah added. "That would make it only four hundred points stronger."
"No!" shouted the kid. "My Pale Beast-it's gone!"
Kid: 1600
Joey: 1500
The balance of power had shifted-now it was Joey ripping through his opponent's forces. The kid kept playing his cards in defense mode, so although they were sacrificed, his life points remained safe.
Joey placed down a trap card. "I'll lay dis card face down, endin' my turn."
The kid smiled. "It seems like I've finally drawn a card that might change the outcome of this game. . .In my favor. I play Rude Kaiser in attack mode with the power of eighteen hundred! It's strong enough to go head to head with you Swordsman. Rude Kaiser, Forearm Slash!"
"Not so fast!" Joey cried, flipping over the trap card that he had just played a turn ago. "I'll active my trap, Kueneye and' Chain! It lowers an attackin' monsters strength by seven hundred."
A chain whipped out from nowhere and fastened itself around the Rude Kaiser, stopping it in its tracks.
Flame Swordsman: 1800
Rude Kaiser: 1100
"I'll also play his card," Joey continued. "Salamandra! Dis magic card equipped with a fire monster, raises its attack by seven hundred."
Flame Swordsman: 2500
Rude Kaiser: 1100
Flames erupted from the Swordsman's sword and pierced right through the Rude Kaiser's tough, reptilian skin. With an angry roar of protest, it broke away into multiple pieces and disappeared.
Kid: 200
Joey: 1500
"Great move!" Tristen cheered. He came out of hiding and started waving his fists triumphantly in the air. "You get him, bro!"
"I give," the kid said. "I just don't have any more strong cards. You win."
Joey couldn't believe his ears. "Won? I won?" When the realization hit him, he joyfully sprang into the air, (almost falling over the back of the platform). "I did it guys!"
"Yup," Yugi beamed. "Not only that, but you also got two more starchips. You have four now."
The kid didn't seem at all troubled with his loss. On the contrary, he looked happy. He skipped right over to Joey, congratulated him, and enthusiastically handed over his starchips.
"I lost! Ya. . .I'm going home, but I did my best." He pranced away merrily.
"Dude, I don't understand him," Tristen said.
"I want da buy everybody lunch," Joey declared.
"That would be great," Taleah stated, "if there was a restaurant anywhere around here."
"I'm sure there is," Yugi said optimistically.
They must have walked quite a few miles before they ran into a little cafe. It was a small, humble place that smelled strongly of popcorn and hotdogs. Inside were a few old fashioned booths and tables. While his friends found a place to sit, Joey ordered the food.
He set the tray with all their meals down on the table. "Got ya all a hot dog."
Tae counted with her fingers. Her brow wrinkled in thought. When she finally got whatever answer she had wanted, she frowned at Joey. "You got yourself two hotdogs while we each got only one!"
Joey shrugged. "Well, I did win, didn't I?"
His friends laughed and slapped him on the back. They were all very proud of him.
"How's your hotdog, Tae?" Yugi asked.
Tae wiped her face with a napkin. "Pretty good I should say."
Joey raised his hotdog in the air. "Da taste of victory! Cheers everybody! Da victory!"
They rose their hotdogs and bumped them all together in cheer. It was very messy-ketchup and relish flew everywhere and Taleah even dropped hers. Joey's and Tristen's stuck together and wouldn't break free.
"I don't think that was a smart idea," Tae stated. "We should stick with glasses."
Yugi held his glass of water close. "No way am I spilling my drink."
Tristen stared at him. "Why? Joey would just have to buy you another one. Hey! That's a good idea! Everybody spill your drinks so Joey has to buy more."
"Guys!" Joey shot up. "Don't ya dare!"
"Ah, he was just kidding Joey," Yugi said. "You can sit back down. None of us are going to spill our drinks on purpose."
"How about by accident?" Everybody looked at Taleah. "When Joey jumped up, he bumped the table and well. . .there went my drink. It's on the floor now. So Joey, if you reallywant to, you can get me another one."
Joey looked horrified.
Right then, the door to the cafÉ opened and a girl with long, golden hair entered. She wore a skimpy outfit, and gave the impression that she was very selfish and stuck on herself. Taleah recognized her right away and tried to hide.
Tae watched as her friend gradually sank beneath the table. "What's wrong? Do you know her?"
"Shhhh! I don't want her to see me-" It was too late-Mai had already spotted her and began walking over to the table.
She stood in front of it and flipped her hair. "So these are your friends, huh?"
"Yes." Reluctantly, Taleah sat up. "This is Yugi Muto, Tristen Taylor, Tae Gardner, and Joey Wheeler."
"Nice to meet ya," Yugi said politely.
Joey lifted his arm to show her his dueling glove. "I have four starchips already. Not bad, huh?"
Mai was unimpressed. "Glad to see you can count. Four?" She laughed. "You see kid, I already have six." She spun her wrist around so all could see.
Joey pouted. Suddenly, his small victory didn't seem all that important.
To change the subject, Yugi asked Mai a few questions about herself. She was very much obliged to answer all of them, for she was very full of herself. They engaged in a conversation about different schools and styles of teaching.
Yugi was really the only friendly one sitting at the table-Taleah was still trying to hide, Joey was pouting and not saying anything, Tristen was scared of Mai, and Tae had become hostile because she was envious Yugi was talking to a beautiful girl."
"Come and sit with us," Yugi offered.
Mai refused. "I like you, Yugi. Really, I do. But your friends. . .well lets just say that I don't want to be seen with such losers." She turned to Taleah. "Have you changed your mind about that Bracelet? I could pay a handsome price."
"No, Mai," Taleah answered. "The Bracelet stays with me."
"Very well. Farewell losers." She strutted out of the cafe.
Taleah threw her arms up in defeat. "I don't understand! What are Millennium Items? What is their significance? I wish I knew the tale."
"I could tell you if you like."
It was the manager of the cafÉ. He was a middle aged man with an outgoing demeanor. He had obviously been sweeping, for there was a broom still in his hands.
Tae scooted over so that he could sit down. "You know the story? Please, tell us."
"It's a long tale," the manager said, taking a seat. "I am afraid it will take awhile."
"That's okay," everybody said at the same time. They smiled at one another.
"Alright. Mmm. . .where to start? Oh, yes. In the beginning of course. Five thousand years ago there was a game called Duel Monsters, played with real monsters. Each duelist had their own beasts. Duels were mostly fought to decide territorial disputes or to prove if one was fit to be called a man. They usually ended with one duelist, (most likely the loser) dead, and the other, seriously injured. It was a dangerous game, and it easily got out of hand. Many people started disappearing, and even dying. The monsters that had belonged to the dead duelists were free to roam the earth! Complete chaos ensued.
"Then a man came out of nowhere, it is said, and declared that he would help; that he would banish all the creatures and bring back all the vanished; that he would help the people rebuild and begin a better life. But not without a cost. In return, he wanted their very souls, for it was believed back then, that the more souls one owned, the more powerful he became.
"Well, seeing that they lived not a life at all-constantly fearing the unknown, they gave themselves to him, their very essence. But on one condition-that their children could live on and bear with them the seeds of those who sacrificed themselves. It was agreed.
"By using dangerous magic, the man took their souls and bore each one in a different item, stashed away for all eternity.
"The man did what he had promised. All the monsters had disappeared, and the children of those who were gone, lived on, as did many more generations.
"The man had all he had ever wanted-unlimited power. People worshiped him as one would a God. For to him, he was their leader, their mentor.
"After awhile, his powers began to fade, for so much power could not be contained in the body of one man, and nothing lasted forever. His body grew old and decrepit, while he still felt young and alive. In the end, he disappeared, seemingly from the face of the earth and was never heard of again.
"People grew curious. They began searching for answers. Where had their beloved leader gone? Then, at last, they found Them-the Items that bore their ancestors' souls. They seethed with power and magic. They were the only thing left of the brave people who had given up themselves so that their children could live a better life. So the Items were held dear.
"But as it was, these people were at war with neighboring lands, and without a leader, they were helpless. Their lands were stolen, and so were the Items. The conquerors, not knowing Their value, sold and traded the Items like any other belonging. That is how They got separated. Scientists aren't sure of Their locations to this day.
"They are called Millennium Items because They were created many millennia ago. They are said to posses powerful and deadly magic.
"That is how my mother told me the story," the manager concluded. "Just a fairy tale, passed down through the generations. Well, I'll be letting you go now."
"Thank you so much for your time and help," Yugi said. He stood up and rubbed his head. "I really had no idea. I'm in shock."
Taleah too, was mesmerized by the tale. "You think there are really souls trapped inside our Millennium Items?"
"I don't know," Yugi admitted. "If it's true, it would sure explain alot. Woosh. . .I'm just in awe. . ."
The five of them walked around for a bit, occasionally stopping to watch certain people duel. Everybody there were awesome players who each had years of experience at the game. Which was what frightened Taleah the most.
She was afraid to duel. She only had two starchips. If she lost them, she'd be kicked off the island! One sloppy move and then she'd be done for. She'd have to go home with the knowledge that Pegasus had won. He'd get her Bracelet and keep her parents. She must win starchips, she had to. The problem was-she'd have to duel people to get them. She had been challenged twice now, but she had refused both times.
"Well all have faith in you," Yugi told her. "You just have to believe in yourself. If you keep telling yourself that you're going to lose, then you've already lost. Trust in your abilities."
"Yeah," Joey agreed, "whatever Yugi jus' said. I dwas afraid dat first too. But I faced my fears an' now I have four starchips! I rock!"
Tae rolled her eyes. "Oh please, spare me."
"Don't get cocky," Tristen warned. "You do only have four starchips."
Joey was upset. "Only? I'll show ya. I'm goin' da double dem right here, right now."
Tae looked around. "I don't see anybody. Just what exactly are you going to duel with? Yourself?"
"Dat guy!" Joey pointed to a tall man about twenty who was wearing a blue jacket that said, "National Duel Monsters Tournament." He had his back turned to them.
National Duel Monsters Tournament? Taleah thought to herself. Only finalists in the competition get to have the member's jacket. That must mean this guy is a pro. "Joey, I don't think you should duel him. He's obviously a professional."
"I can take him. Hey ya! Ya, I'm talkin' da ya big fella. Wanna duel me? I'll wager four starchips."
The man turned around. He had round features and a criticizing gaze. He obviously didn't consider Joey much of an opponent. He looked him up and down. "Rondayas. I finished fourth in the National Tournament in New York. Four starchips it is."
"I'm Joey. Never been din any kind of competition before."
Rondayas laughed. "Alright Joey, lets see how you handle me as an opponent."
"Joey," Yugi whispered to his friend as all six of them headed over to a dueling arena, "it's not too late-call off his duel. This guy is an expert."
"What are ya sayin' Yug? Dat I can't take him?"
Yugi sighed. "No. I just mean, be careful. I've heard of Rondayas. He's good. Don't take him lightly."
The dueling arena that Joey and Rondayas were to battle on was located in the valley region of the island. It was a field replete with many different kinds of wild flowers and the greenest grass. The dark sky cloaked the lower regions in shadow, making them seem very mysterious.
The night had gotten dark pretty fast. Now, it was only the bright stars and glowing moon that illuminated their path. That, and the bright, shining fixture of the dueling stadium.
Joey stepped onto a platform that immediately elevated itself to his dueling station. There, he drew his first five cards and played out his turn. Joey was good, but Rondayas had a high degree of knowledge and skill at the game. He played cunningly and masterfully. And he led an oblivious Joey right into a carefully planned trap. Joey stood no chance against such an expert. So inevitably, he lost.
"Wit' dat magic card out on da field, my monsters are toast," Joey admitted. "I can't play anythin' else. My cards are useless da me now."
"Then I will unleash my final assault," Rondayas declared. "Man Eater Plant, attack!"
The field lit up with color and action as Joey's last monster was destroyed and thus, eliminated from the field. He gripped the sides of his dueling station as the shock waves from his opponent's attack hurtled by. Then he watched as his life points diminished to zero.
"That was a good duel," said Rondayas. "I'm glad I agreed to it. Now, about my four new starchips. . ."
Joey bit his lip. "My only four starchips! I'm goin' da be thrown off da island!"
~
Flower Petals: A cliffhanger! Bwahahahahahahahahahaha! Ah, the joys of evil. . .
On a serious note, for those who read all the way through, thanks! And please review! For those who didn't, you probably won't get this message, so it's just a waste of space but I thought I'd type something anyway. I don't really care how many reviews I get this time-
Taleah: Yeah you do. You start to cry if you get any less then five.
Flower Petals: #starts to tear up# You're not supposed to tell anybody that!
Taleah: Okay readers, five reviews or else she'll cry!
Flower Petals: Er! #chases sister around room, crying#