Flower Petals: Hya everyone! Happy 2004! Hope you had a nice New Years Eve celebration!!!

I felt really guilty for not replying to you all last chapter, but since this chapter isn't unbearably long, I have the space, so here it goes:

For Sakurelle: I'm glad you think my story is interesting. I was afraid with all the long paragraphs people would lose interest. . .And sorry you fainted after reading the last chapter! I know it was long, but please keep reading! ^_^

For Misura: You liked my rhyme, yippee! I had a lot of fun writing it up. The part about the computers was also fun, because I actually had a similar discussion! (I'm a bit computer illiterate, you see. . .) Thanks for reviewing!!!

For TAB: Can't really remember what you wrote sis, but thanks for the review and your support!

For Psychotic Kitten: Wow, you sounded really scary in that review! (Reminder: you said you'd send me death threats if I didn't update soon). But that's okay! Luv ya anyway, and thanx a million!

For Mamono: Yeah, I know the "Millennium Bowl" was kinda lame. But I wrote this sooooo long ago that I didn't know about any other Millennium Items except for the Puzzle, Eye, and Ring, so I had to make them up! And I'm glad you like the whole legend/prophecy deal. It makes me soooooo happy!!! Thanks sooo much!

For Nari: Sorry you weren't in a talkative mood. . ._ I was very sad when you didn't write much. . .But just know, that the best cure for un-talkativeness is sugar! So I hope you're in a chatty mood soon! And thanks for the reviews and for reading this story!

For Mina: By the time you get this, you'll be all caught up! Wow, thanks more then words for reading all those chapters, I'm happy you're caught up! ^_^

For Peace Writer: Hey dude, you finally made it, yahoo! The rest of the chapters will be shorter for the most part, rest assured! Thanks for not giving up!

For Lady Silvertongue: Thank you for reviewin', even though you've never watched Yu-Gi-Oh! I really admire that not being familiar with the show didn't intimidate you when you read this. Of course, I really admire that my story alone didn't intimidate you or anyone! But thank you! And your story rox!

For Kobre Lair: I don't know if you'll ever get this, since I don't know if you've stopped reading or not, but I just wanted to say even though you don't review, thanx for your support! And I hope you'll continue to read!


Alrighty peoples, this is part 2 of the 3 part chapter, please read and hope ya enjoy!


Disclaimer: I do not own Yu-Gi-Oh or anything pertaining to it. But I do own Taleah, my gum, and my fingers for typing this story!


Flower Petals

Rhymes and Reasons Part 2


After returning the cell phone to a once again, very shy Daneeka, Tristen, Joey, Tea, Bakura, Yugi, and Taleah decided to set up camp. They chose a beautiful spot in a clearing bordered by woods on one side, and a rocky cliff leading to the sandy beach on the other. It was a peaceful sight, and it reminded them all of a paradise that one could often only dream of. The whole island was a paradise; a place of magnificent beauty and perfection. Their campsite, just empathized the point.

It didn't take them long to put up the one tent and start a blazing fire. When they were finished making small adjustments here and there, they sat around the camp fire telling scary stories. Most of the stories weren't scary, however, and ended up having them on the ground laughing so hard that tears poured from their eyes. They all took turns telling their tales, each one growing weirder and wackier then the first, until they got so out of hand, that the friends stopped telling them.

Taleah eased herself back against a log. "Listen guys, I really appreciate you all being here. I would have never made it this far if you hadn't come and been there to support and root me on. So thank you."

"No problem," Tristen said. "We said that we'd help you in anyway we can, and to that, we hold true. We'll do whatever we can to help you get your parents and Yugi's grandfather back."

Joey cleared his throat.

"Oh, and to help Joey win the prize money for his sister."

"In addition to that," Kury added, "we'll help with the other dilemmas such as figuring out the riddle and locating the other two Millennium Items. They're out there somewhere, and one is supposed to be pretty close."

"Just thinkin' about dat rhyme makes my head hurt," Joey complained.

"Probably because it's not used to being used," Taleah quipped.

Joey glared at her. "Ya're din big trouble."

"Make me."

None of them could suppress their laughter. Soon, they were all rolling around on the ground, trying to gain back control. When they were finished many minutes later, they sat back in their seats, stomachs and backs sore from laughing so hard.

The night was a dark one with only the moon brightening their camp. It was cold too-a chilly breeze occasionally came by in flagrant gusts making the campers shiver in an attempt to ward off the cold. After one particular icy gust, they decided to call it a night. But before they could take action on their decision, someone walked into their camp.

He was a tall someone who looked fatigued as if he had been traveling a long ways. He wore a casual outfit with a high-necked, dark purple jacket that nearly reached down to the ground. The jacket acted more like a cape however, for it billowed out around him. Even though he was weary, he stood tall and proud. His posture, perfect. He was Seto Kaiba.

Kaiba looked startled to see them. "Yugi? I apologize. I did not realize that you were camped at this location. Please forgive my sudden intrusion." He straightened. "Now, if you excuse me, I shall be on my way."

"Where do ya think ya're goin'?" Joey stood. "Ya barge into out camp, excuse yourself, an' den just walk away? I don't thin' so, big guy."

"I am headed to Pegasus's castle," Kaiba replied, "not that it's any of your business."

"I would only take us another day or so to collect a few more starchips, then we could all go face Pegasus together," Yugi suggested. "Of course, heh, you'll need a few starchips."

Kaiba snorted. "Hmph! Don't be so naive, Yugi. This isn't just a game for me. I'm going after Pegasus to rescue my brother. Not so I can win some silly prize. Have fun with your tournament." He turned and began to walk away.

Joey stomped his foot. "Dat snotty little. . .Hey!" He ran over to Kaiba and took hold of his shirt and jacket collar. "Listen tough guy, I can understan' ya wantin' da get yar little brother back an' all, but don't go thinkin' ya're da only one here with da noble cause. Caprice? We all have somethin' worth fightin' for, so if ya want da piece of Pegasus, get in line or deal wit' me."

A mischievous grin came over Kaiba's face. "Nice grip. Let me show you mine." He put his right hand over Joey's left, twisted it in one agonizing turn, and thrust Joey away easily.

Joey fell to the ground face first and laid there for some time, regaining his strength and letting the pain in his left wrist ease to a persistent throb.

"That was uncalled for!" Bakura announced.

Yugi ran over to his pal. "Are you okay, Joey?"

"Did you really think that I'd let you and this little tournament you're in, delay me from Pegasus?"

Joey slowly got to his feet and rubbed his head. "The hell with Pegasus! Now ya have me da deal wit', so bust out your cards an' lets get it on."

"I can't tell if Joey is bring brave or. . .nuts," Tea remarked.

"Forget it," Kaiba spat. "Why don't you look for an opponent you could beat, like an infant or a monkey."

"Wha' ya say?"

Kaiba turned his back to Joey. "I don't have time for your nonsense. Loser."

Joey wasn't done yet. "Off goes Kaiba, actin' like he's above everybody else; like no one else dis important. Ya should get off yar high horse pal, because one of these days, it's goin' da buck ya off and trample ya!"

"Joe," Tristen warned, "Kaiba is not the kind of guy you should pick a fight with. Let him go."

"No Tristen. Wha' if dis guy has nothin' da prove? What if he's just another stuck up rich guy dat likes da strut his stuff but doesn't have anythin' except for looks, money an' an attitude problem? Well wha' do ya say, Moneybags? Care da prove me wrong?"

To everyone's utter astonishment, Kaiba turned to face Joey. "On one condition. We play using my newest innovation in holographic duel technologies."

"What does that mean?" Taleah asked, stepping beside Joey.

Kaiba looked at her and his gaze softened, imperceptibly. "It means that if Joey is really that eager to duel me, he's going to have to do it using my latest holographic system." He brought out his briefcase. "It's a new high-tech device that allows players the realism of arena matches in any setting."

"Looks like da regular old briefcase da me," Joey commented.

"It's in the briefcase, you moron," Kaiba scoffed. He flung what looked like a silver disc at Joey, who caught it with his right hand. "Its technology is unprecedented."

"Looks like da flyin' saucer."

"Don't be an idiot." Kaiba slid the disc on his wrist and strapped it into place. "It's the most state-of-the-ark display modulator ever built. So if you think you have what it takes, just strap it one."

Joey put his on. "Okay. Wha' next?"

"First, insert your dueling deck into the display drive recognizer. A life point count will light up and keep score for you the entire match. Then, chose a card to play and set it on the digital card reader. The rest will explain itself."

"Don't do this," Taleah begged. "Kaiba, don't let Joey provoke you like this. And for goodness sakes! Don't duel him! Joey, take that thing off. What are you trying to prove challenging Kaiba?"

"She's right," Tea agreed. "You two can't go along with this."

Kaiba ignored them. "All set? Then lets duel."

He spun the disc out in Joey's direction. It was connected to a cord, causing the device to halt when it reached the maximum capacity the cord allowed. Millions of tiny, twinkling lights exploded from the disc and filled the air many feet above it. Then, they began to form into a pattern. Colors and detail were added faster then the eye could see. Quite quickly, a Beast-Warrior appeared. One with tremendous power, and a hazardous axe. It was a dark brown with reddish tattoos, and red, cold yes. It stood yards above their heads, and looked way too real for a holographic image.

Yugi stepped back. "No way! That's a hologram?"

"A hologram of unprecedented realism," Kaiba replied. "It breaths, it snarls. My new dueling disc system even simulates its odor."

Joey blinked. "Ya're tellin' me? Dat thin' really stinks. Good thin' he won't be aroun' for much longer. Alright, here goes nothin'. Go Armored Lizard!" He whipped out his dueling disc.

Kaiba pointed a finger at his monster. "Go Battle Ox! Axe Slam Attack!"

The mighty ox raised its axe and with a grunt, brought it down upon its foe. At first, Armored Lizard struggled to get away, but as the sharp blade cut through its reptilian flesh, it soon conceded to defeat.

"Dat ugly, overgrown ox!" Joey cried. "It cut my lizard in half!"

Joey: 1800

Kaiba: 2000

Kaiba smirked. "This new technology isn't for the feint of heart, Joey. It's intended to force duelists to think on their feet. If it's too much for you, maybe you should give up now."

Joey jerked on the cord and the dueling disc returned to his hand. "Fat chance! Don't ya worry Kaiba, I'm da fast learner. Watch. Draw da card, spin da disc, an' bingo! The Flame Swordsman, ready da slaughter dat sirloin of yars! Attack wit' Flaming Sword of Battle!"

"But Joey," Yugi cautioned, "The Battle Ox is resistant to all fire type creatures!"

"Now he tells me," Joey grumbled as the Battle Ox destroyed another one of his monsters.

Joey: 1600

Kaiba: 2000

Kaiba called back his monster. "Why am I not surprised that you would make such an amateur mistake? Maybe from now on, you ought to let Yugi pick all your moves for you. Or better yet, why don't I teach you some of the advanced moves in the game the hard way? Mystic Horseman and Battle Ox, merge into Rapid Horseman!"

A new monster appeared that was neither one card nor the other. It was a mix of both, which made it even more powerful. It had the lower body, legs and tail of a horse. But its upper body still resembled that of the Battle Ox. The Rapid Horseman struck an intimidating pose.

"He must have used a Polymerization card to blend the two beasts together," Taleah thought out loud. "It's such a difficult card to understand, that I don't even have it in my dueling deck."

Joey grew more stubborn then ever. "Ya thin' I'm afraid of dat deformed pony? I'll show ya somethin' dat ya should be afraid of. Swamp Battle Guard, attack!"

Once again, his monster fell victim to the destructive power of the Rapid Horseman's axe.

Joey: 1400

Kaiba: 2000

"Go Battle Steer, avenge my Battle Guard! Uh! Okay, lets see. . .um. . .Smashing Rod of-eh! Er, Rude Kaiser! That one too?" Joey fell to his knees in defeat.

Joey: 500

Kaiba: 2000

"Joey you're not thinking," Kury scolded. "For heaven's sake, at least put your monsters in defense mode! At least that way you wouldn't lose any more life points."

Kaiba let out a nefarious laugh. "That's right Joey, fall upon the dirt like a whimpering dog."

"Get up buddy," Tristen ordered. "Show him what you're made of. Don't let him get away with calling you a canine."

"Ya're right Tristen, no one calls me da whimpering dog." Joey drew his next card. "An' once he sees what I have din store for him, he's goin' da be da one in da dirt. Check dis out. Red Eyes Black Dragon! Inferno Fire Blast!"

A black dragon with glowing red eyes was transformed from the lights. It was a frighteningly scary looking beast with a long, graceful neck and a large jaw occupied by rows of exquisitely sharp teeth.

"I didn't even know he had that card!" Taleah exclaimed.

"It was one of the cards he got from trading on the ferry," Yugi explained. "It is a very rare card with powers said to rival that of the mythical Blue Eyes White Dragon."

"Alright then," Tristen said brightly, "Joey's best card. Kaiba doesn't stand a chance now."

The Red Eyes Black Dragon spat out a large streak of fire at its enemy. The heat of the blaze was so intense, that Joey and his friends had to take a step back and shield their faces. The Rapid Horseman was easily demolished to a petty mound of ashes.

Joey: 500

Kaiba: 1600

"It's just like a novice to rejoice when there's no reason to celebrate," Kaiba mused. "True, the round may be yours, but the duel is about to become mine." The color of his eyes deepened. "Your Red Eyes is a powerful dragon, but it fails in comparison to my beast."

Taleah gasped.

"The legendary Blue Eyes White Dragon! White Lightening Attack, now!"

A virtually indestructible engine of mass destruction and ruin, became visible in the night. Its body was a flawless, crystal white and its claws were unbelievably long in length. It was astoundingly beautiful, but extremely deadly. To unleash its attack, the dragon let out a mighty roar and spat out a brilliantly white gust of what appeared to be crystal flames. The attack put an end to Joey's Red Eyes.

Once again, he sank to the ground. "No, I lost. . ."

"Kaiba has a Blue Eyes White Dragon?" Kury asked. "I thought Yugi's grandfather had one."

Kaiba unstrapped the dueling disc off from his wrist. "You fool. Did you really think that Yugi's grandfather was the only one to possess such a creature? I looked all over the world for those sacred cards. I payed prices that not in three life spans could you ever gather such money. But they were worth the expense. All of them. That senile old fool who runs that Game Shop could have been a wealthy man if he had sold me his. But I guess until I can persuade him into bargaining for it, I'll just have to rely on his promise. After all, as long as he keeps it, it will never be used against me."

Yugi didn't say anything.

"Are you okay, Joey?"

"It's alright buddy."

"Hang in there, pal."

"Get up. You shouldn't stay down like that."

But Joey didn't move.

All the events that had just taken place put Kaiba in a real bad mood. He had run out of patience, and seeing the campers baby their pathetic friend, made him angry. "That's right, Joey, stay down. Stay down like the sniveling, defeated dog I've turned you into. I'd say my duel disc system has proven quite effective. Not only did its stunning realism charge Joey into complete and utter submission, but just look at him. He's moping like a frightened dog with his tail between his legs. Which is exactly how I intend to leave Pegasus."

"But this is Joey," Yugi said. "Beating him doesn't give you the right to humiliate him."

Joey glanced up. "Don't give dat creep da satisfaction."

"Ha! Kid, did you honestly believe that Pegasus would have been any more merciful with you then I was? I understand that the Heart of the Cards is a powerful philosophy and that it all works well for you. But I need to duel my own way. I can't risk trying something new, and maybe Joey shouldn't either. Unless, he likes life as a dog; scrounging on the scraps of past victories and begging for mercy from true duelists."

"Please Kaiba," Yugi interrupted. "That's just not true. And you know it."

"Oh, yeah?" Kaiba tilted his head back to look at the castle. "Well that's the attitude you have to take if you want to stand a chance against Maximilian Pegasus. You don't understand Yugi, this is the man who created Duel Monsters. He has every card that has ever been made at his disposal. He has mastered every strategy that has ever been played. Pegasus always makes sure he has every possible advantage working in his favor. So if you want to stand a chance against him at all, I suggest you start dueling ruthlessly. Because that's the only way to win."

Yugi listened intently. "Some of what you say may be true, but that's no reason to take it out on us."

"This is war for me Yugi. Your friend was a casualty. Get used to it."

"That's not fair," Tea spoke up. "All we have ever tried to do is be your friend. We don't deserve to be lashed out at like this."

"Joey challenged me and I accepted. It was the dweeb's fault for thinking that he could stand a chance against me."

"How dare you call him that!" Tea snapped. She trembled with emotion. "Although he may be reckless sometimes, Joey has a heart. Unlike you, Seto Kaiba! You've spent so much time with your machines, you've forgotten what being human is about!"

Kaiba shook with anger.

"And Joey has us," Tea continued, "friends that will sand by him to the end. No matter what. Now, what do you have? What do you have at the end of the day? Tell me. Tell me!"

"I have all that I need," Kaiba spat vehemently threw clenched teeth. He pivoted sharply on his left heel, his jacket soaring out behind him as he strode away.

"Runnin' away again?" Joey stood now. "Dat's just it, isn't it? Ya turn yar back on all of yar problems. Ya run away."

Kaiba halted. "You're right, Joey. You are a problem. I think it's about time you're taken care of."

"Wanna settle this with fists?"

"Joey!" Taleah cried. "Stop it! There's got to be some way of settling this without resorting to violence."

"What are you going to do, Joey?" Kaiba taunted. "Wave your fists at me?"

"Ya're in big trouble now, Kaiba," Joey threatened.

Tristen and Bakura each took one of his arms and held him back. But Joey was persistent and struggled to break free.

"Let the barking chihuahua go. Let him do his worst."

"Don't call him that!"

"You know what? I've just about had enough of you."

"Leave her alone," Yugi said sharply.

Kaiba was amused. "Or else what?"

"He'll kick your sorry, little, rich ass off this island, literally!" Tristen filled in for Yugi.

"Well, not exactly," Yugi started.

"Come on Yugi, you can take him."

"Beat him to da pulp!"

"I don't want to!"

"Stop fighting," Taleah pleaded. "Please. This is insane!"

"Did you just call me 'insane'?"

"I said this is insane!"

"Tris is insane?"

"This!"

"Tris?"

"Don't call him that!"

"I wasn't!"

"You people are such losers."

"Would talk Kaiba!"

"Is that a threat?"

"Come on Moneybags, you an' me."

"Don't call him that!"

"Is that a threat?"

"Stop this guys!"

Everyone was yelling at everyone now. They kept raising their voices higher and higher in order to make their points clearer. But as they were arguing, something was coming. Something that devastated everything in its path on the way to its destination. Trees were being cleared at a rapid pace, as the something came closer. When at last the approacher was near enough, it tossed aside the remaining trees and stampeded into the campsite.

It took all the arguers by surprise. They stopped their disputes and all became very quiet, for they had never seen such a thing before. They couldn't help but fix their gaze on that something, terror running through their veins.

It was a man, or so it seemed. But it was unlike any man they had ever seen. He was huge-at the minimum, just over eight feet tall. His hands were the size of their torsos and his limbs were longer then all their body lengths. He was enormous, and deadly. The man had small beady eyes and wild, messy black hair that was barely contained within a tight cap. All in all, he looked like someone one might see in a circus. A sideshow freak.

"What are you?" Tea asked bluntly.

Everyone, including Kaiba, stared at her in disbelief, not being able to believe that one could be brave enough to address such a thing.

It laughed; a throaty noise that sounded like it was choking. "What am I? Even I am not quite sure. You could call me a man, I guess. Why? Do I not look human?"

"You're just so. . .big," Tea said, brusquely.

Taleah clasped a hand over her friend's mouth in horror.

"I believe the correct question to ask would be, who are you," Kaiba corrected. "Which I think I'll ask. Who do you work for? Of whom am I speaking to?"

"I am Panic. One of the four Eliminators on this island."

"What is an Eliminator?' Kury wondered out loud.

"A very dangerous kind of folk," Panic replied in a grunting, choked sort of voice that was not at all pleasing to listen to. "We are the rejects of society. The left out, the ones who never quite fit in. That was, until Pegasus found us. He gave us a purpose, a reason to live out our lives. He showed us how to make ourselves useful; how to install fear into the hearts of people. He turned us into Eliminators. Our new found purpose is to wipe the filth from this island.

"We come out at night only, for that is the only time we dare be seen. On our nightly prowls, we hunt for prey such as yourself. Then in the darkness, we. . .eliminate you."

"Eliminate, meaning that you challenge unsuspecting duelists to matches and use intimidation tactics to defeat them, therefore removing all their starchips from their possession, and thus, disqualifying them from the competition?" Kaiba asked, sardonically. "Yes?"

Panic's jaws flexed. "You mock me."

"I state the truth," Kaiba said.

"Then you must realize by now that I intend to challenge one of you to a duel?"

No one spoke.

~

Flower Petals: Whew, thanks for reading! And please review. I'm soooo close to 100, I'm really excited! So everyone who reads, please review, I'm beggin' you, 'cause I'd really LOVE to have 100 reviews. . .

Luv ya all!

Buh bye!