Flower Petals: Well, hya peoples!!! YAY, I GOT 100 REVIEWS!!! THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH!!!!!!!!
Er hem, this is the last part of the 30 page chapter so I hope you enjoy! And my thanx go out to. . . . . . . . .
For Mina: Yay, a big party sounds fun!!! I'm glad my EXTREMELY long chapters don't scare you off! And wow, it's really impressive that you read that many in one day! And thank you for the reviews!
For Maiden of the Moonlight: I LUV Panic. Sure, he's weird and creepy, but likeable, don't you think? And don't worry, I don't mind that you didn't review my last chapters, as long as you're still reading!
For TAB: IF YOU DROP A SPIDER ON ME OR SO MUCH AS EVEN BRING ONE WITHIN TWO YARDS OF ME, I'LL BITE YOU!!!
For Misura: I'm glad you noticed the gradual change in Kaiba's attitude the last chapter. You're so observant and nice, and it makes me feel really wonderful that you're paying such close attention to my story. Thank you and thanks for the reviews!
For Nari: Um. . .well to answer your question, Kaiba DOES join up with the group eventually, but not for long. I think it will happen sometime during my next chapter, so you won't have to wait too long hopefully! And thanks for the review. ^^
For Peace Writer: Wow, what a compliment! I'm glad you like my version of the story better. Gee, I feel so special. . .And hey, how did that Connecticut thing go? Thanks for reviewin'!!!
For Sakurelle: Oh my tartersauce, I luv the line about Joey thinking the briefcase is the dueling disk as well! He was really funny in that episode. Thanks for reviewin'!
Mamono: Well, to be perfectly honest, yes. . .you are very weird. But I luv you anyway, and thanx for the reviews!!! ^_^
Disclaimer: I do not own Yu-Gi-Oh. Nor do I own this computer or this keyboard or these keys or the internet or. . .
Flower Petals
Rhymes and Reasons Part 3
"Lets see, who shall be my first victim?" Panic pointed a finger at each one of them. "Pegasus has promised a generous bounty to the Eliminator who wipes out you, Muto and you, Miss Dundigan. But I don't think I'll duel you, Yugi. I'll leave that up to a different Eliminator. I am no fool; I know of your talents." He turned to Joey. "Wheeler, defeating you in a match would hardly be satisfying at all.
"So far we have one too strong, and one too weak. Ah! Kaiba. You do not even belong here. I do not think I'll duel you. As for you strange people, I do not know your names; you are not even wearing dueling gloves. You would not be worthy opponents. As for you Miss Dundigan, I think you'll do just fine. Lets duel."
"And if I were to. . .refuse?" Taleah asked carefully.
"I'm afraid I must. . .insist."
"You're not going to force her into doing anything!" exclaimed Kaiba, protectively.
"She doesn't have a choice," Panic said simply. "If she doesn't, it will lead to a big dilemma. And no matter what, she'll be forced into giving up her starchips. You see, starchips are bargaining tools that can be taken away as easily as they are gotten."
"That's not fair!" Tea remarked. "Taleah earned those chips, you can't just take them away!"
"He's not taking them away," Yugi murmured. "He's giving Taleah a chance to fight for them. It looks like she has no other choice."
"Nonsense," Kury declared. "Taleah has the right to have a say in this."
"Nope," Panic disagreed. "She entered this competition willingly. All those invited were given the right to chose if they wanted to be apart of this tournament or not. In a contest, there are risks, dangers, and perils. Miss Dundigan knew that and yet she chose to participate. And now, she is going to pay the price of such a foolish decision."
"I'll duel ya instead," Joey volunteered. "I'll take her place."
"You get him Joey!" Tristen rooted from behind a pine tree.
"No. It is Miss Dundigan that I will have the pleasure of eliminating, not you."
Yugi stepped in front of Taleah and held out his arms. "If you are looking for a worthy opponent, duel me. Leave her alone."
"And what are you going to do, you little punk? You look like you're barely out of kindergarten!" He smiled devilishly, revealing crooked teeth. "But if you want, I can take you out. That is, without dueling you. Your brainless audacity is getting on my nerves. And you don't want to see me angry."
Yugi stood strong. "Your intimidation tactics are not working on me, Panic. You'll have to do much more then that to make me lose my cool."
"Do I?" Panic lowered his head, eyes narrowing. "How about this then?" With a hand nearly half the size of Yugi himself, Panic smacked the brave young man, hurtling him into a nearby tree. Yugi hit the tree hard and slowly sank to the ground, limp.
"Yugi!" Taleah screamed. She tried to rush over to him, but Panic blocked her way.
"Duel me. Until then, the rest of your friends will not be safe."
"We'll take care of Yugi, Taleah," Kury volunteered. "You do whatever you think is necessary. We are with you no matter what you decide to do."
Taleah nodded. "I chose to duel Panic. He hasn't given me much of a choice. I'll go through with it." She turned to her adversary. "Panic, you're on."
"Good. Five starchips say I wipe you out."
"Five it is," Yugi agreed.
"Then let us go to our dueling arena."
"Wait!" It was Joey who had cried out. "Since I can't battle for ya, I can dat least battle with ya. Yugi brought Gramp's duelin' deck because he felt dat every time he dueled, his grandfather would be der fightin' alongside him. So here, take dis. It's da Flame Swordsman. Put it in yar deck for now. Dat way, it might feel like I'm fightin' wit' ya."
"Thanks Joey." She meant it. "I'll take it."
"And this too," Bakura added hurriedly. "Its called Baron of the Fiend Sword. One of my favorites, personally. It's not all that strong, but it may do."
Tea also handed Taleah a card. "Wobaku. A powerful trap card."
Tristen threw a card at Taleah from behind the pine tree. "The Man-Eater Treasure Chest. My best card. It's more powerful then it looks."
"My turn." Yugi shakily got to his feet. "I will lend you Silver Fang; a snow wolf that is beautiful to the eyes, but absolutely vicious in battle. It is a creature that I think will serve you well."
Taleah felt her eyes begin to water with tears. "I cannot thank you all enough. You're all too kind." She tightened her grip on the gifts. "With these, there's no way I can lose."
"We'll see about that." Panic grabbed her arm, his long fingers easily curling all the way around. He half carried her to their dueling arena, of which was not far away.
"Let her go," Kaiba growled.
"I'll do what I please. Ah! Here we are."
The dueling stadium stood in a quaint little clearing, all by itself. The moonlight reflected off the blank field and dimly lit dueling quarters. It was all set and ready for the next duel.
Panic set Taleah down. As soon as her feet touched the ground she was off and walking towards the platform that would rise her to her dueling station. What have I gotten myself into? Oh, it doesn't matter. I have to win, that's all there is to it. For if I lose. . .she shuddered.
"Taleah," said a sharp tone. Kaiba walked up to her and stood close, so that no one else could hear. "Are you sure you want to do this? I could find some way-"
"No," Taleah interrupted firmly. "I must go through with this. If I don't, I have no doubt in my mind that Panic will do whatever he can to convince me otherwise. I can't risk you and the others getting hurt."
"Then. . .good luck."
"Thanks. I need all the luck I can get." She smiled weakly. "There's a song named after me, you know. One of the lyrics is, 'If it wasn't for bad luck, I'd have no luck at all.' Oops, I just jinxed myself. Better go knock on wood."
Kaiba bore no expression. "Just win this."
"I plan on doing just that." She turned her back to him and boarded the platform. When she arrived at the top, she set her dueling deck down and tapped it lightly with her fist. Paper product. Close enough to wood. I hope. . .
Panic looked ridiculous in his little dueling station. He towered high above it, and had to lean pretty far down in order to just draw a card. Taleah was surprised that the thing hadn't just crumpled under his weight. Then again, Pegasus had said that the dueling stations were state-of-the-ark. . .
"I'll bring into life, Magical Ghost! It is a zombie that casts a spell of terror and confusion just before attacking its enemies."
He's trying to frighten me, Taleah thought. But it won't work. Nothing will discourage me from winning this duel. Now about that zombie. It's thirteen hundred strong. Not bad, but nothing compared to Joey's Flaming Swordsman. That card has an attack strength of eighteen hundred. "I'll attack with the Flame Swordsman; Flaming Sword of Battle!"
The wondrous warrior appeared and drove its sword right through the heart of the Magical Ghost. The green stiff succumbed to defeat and vanished from the field in a luminous display of colors and lights.
Panic: 1500
Taleah: 2000
Panic let out a creepy sound. "I'll play my next monster in defense mode."
A rectangular form lit up on the field in place of the hidden defense monster.
"Attack, Swordsman, with Flaming Sword of Battle!" Taleah ordered.
Panic snorted when his face down creature was destroyed. He spat over the side of his dueling station and drew his next card. His features brightened. "Ah, a trap card. Reinforcements, if you must know. It adds five hundred attack points to any monster I choose. And I choose Neo the Magic Swordsman who already has the high attack strength of seventeen hundred."
The Spellcaster who appeared next was a strong creature who had a mysterious presence about it. It was dressed in a medieval attire with a long cape and deadly sword. Its golden hair was straight and pure, and its light blue eyes, bold and daring. It easily crushed the Flame Swordsman.
Panic: 1500
Taleah: 1600
Taleah winced as her monster disappeared from the field. She felt a tinge of regret when she remembered that it was Joey's. But it had served her well. She drew her next card. Sword of Dark Destruction? You can only use it in combination with a Dark-Type monster. I don't have any in my hand. This card is useless to me right now. All I can do at this point is lay down a defense monster to protect my life points.
"Attack, my Swordsman!" Panic commanded.
Neo leapt into the air with astounding grace and agility and drove its sword mercilessly into its opponent.
Taleah fingered her bracelet. Right then, It was the only thing aiding her to keep calm. The rest of her wanted to cry out in annoyance. She was trailing, and it was driving her insane. Yami? she thought to herself as she slid the top card off from her dueling deck. This card is to be used with Fiend and Spellcaster-Type monsters. I don't have any of those in my hand either. Heart of the Cards, why don't you reveal to me what you have planned? What kind of strategy are these cards to be used in? I wish I knew.
"I'll lay this in defense mode. Your turn."
"With my new Spellcaster, Sorcerer of the Doomed, I will wipe the floor with you," Panic claimed. "Attack, dark spirit!"
Sorcerer of the Doomed was almost too hideous too look at. It was no more then a faceless skeleton with a mop of white, greyish hair. But it was more then it seemed, for every once in awhile a disfigured head would emerge from the cloaked skeleton and plead for the life of which it was robbed. They begged and pleaded and cried out for justice and redemption. They were pitiable in their distress, in a sad, pathetic way. But the Sorcerer didn't care-it grinned whenever one would emerge. The Spellcaster annihilated Taleah's defense without mirth.
Wobaku. That was the card Tea had leant her. I can't quite remember what it does , but it could prove useful to have it out on the field. Then, I can attack him with this. "Man-Eater Treasure Chest, come alive! Attack Sorcerer of the Doomed!"
What looked like a clam with jagged teeth came into sight. It briefly opened its mouth and a long, red tongue spilled out. The Sorcerer of the Doomed, caught a glimpse of treasure within the clam, and its greed won it over. But just as it got close enough to claim its riches, a vicious tongue lashed out and struck at it, eliminating the Sorcerer from play.
Panic: 1350
Taleah: 1600
"Alright, go Taleah!" Tea cheered from far below.
"You can do it, Ta!" Tristen rooted.
"Kick ass!" Joey shouted.
"That loss didn't even phase me," Panic stated. "But I think this one will have an effect on you. Have you forgotten about my Neo? You've left your Treasure Chest wide open and susceptible to an attack. Magic Swordsman, attack with all your might!"
"Before you attack, I think I'll activate my friend's trap card." Taleah smiled. "Wobaku decreases any damage inflicted by an opponent's monster to zero. Therefore, your attack has no effect on my Fiend, and my life points are okay."
Panic sneered.
Taleah drew her next card and inhaled sharply. It was Tristen's Baron of the Fiend Sword. Oh, I get it now. This monster is both of the Dark and the Spellcaster-Type. That means it applies to Sword of Destruction and Yami. With the four hundred attack point boost from Sword of Dark Destruction, and the two hundred from the Yami card, Baron would be twenty-one hundred strong. Perfect. "I'll play a Field Magic card called Yami down, and I'll equip my new monster with this card. Attack!"
Neo the Magic Swordsman stood no chance against the Fiend. It didn't even put up much of a struggle.
Panic: 1100
Taleah: 1600
"I thought Panic would have lost more life points then that," Tristen thought out loud.
"Yami is a Field Magic card," Yugi explained, "therefore, it applies to all monsters on the field. It increases all Fiends and Spellcaster-Type creatures by two hundred points. Neo was a Spellcaster, so he got the extra two hundred points added to his attack."
"Field Magic cards stay on the field until they are destroyed," Kaiba added. "Which means that as long as Panic plays a Fiend or Spellcaster monster, he'll get the boost in attack points as well."
"So it was a risky move," Bakura said, softly.
"Yeah, but worth dit." Joey pointed a finger at Panic. "Just look dat him! His face is so red, it looks like da tomato!"
"Technically, tomatoes are not red," Kaiba remarked. "They are usually of a dull brown or crisp orange."
"I meant it hypocritically!" Joey snapped.
"You mean hypothetically?"
"Oh, ya're askin' for it."
"I don't recall ever inquiring anything."
"Ya're din big trouble now."
"Stop it," Kury begged. "Taleah is dueling against a man three times her size, struggling to save her parents and to not get kicked off this island, and all you two can do is stand there and fight?"
"He started it," Joey growled.
"You two make me so mad," Tea declared. She walked over and slapped both of their faces. They stared at her in disbelief. "Serves you right."
Panic looked irritated. "Alright, maybe if you can't see my monsters, you'll hesitate to attack. My next card will put a black veil over my side of the field. I can play anything, but you won't see a thing so you better think twice before you attack."
Taleah bristled. I can't see what I attack! How on earth am I supposed to know if I'm falling into some kind of trap? Oh, he put that card on the field for only one purpose-to freak me out. And it's working. Who knows what lies behind that dark mist?
"Baron of the Fiend Sword, attack!"
Nothing happened. The dull red letters on the right side of her dueling station told her that Panic's life points had remained the same. Baron's assault had had no effect. Defense monster, maybe?
Panic was enjoying his new found control. "I think I'll set this down too. But I won't tell you what it is, just to keep you guessing. Do you fear what lurks behind the darkness?"
"I am not afraid of the dark, Panic," Taleah said, confidently. "Once a person conjures up the courage to not fear the unknown, they destroy the only weapon the dark has. Now, back to the game. I'll attack with Baron of the Fiend Sword!"
Her creature bolted into the darkness, sword ready. Taleah soon last track of it in the dark mist. A few seconds passed and Panic's life points remained the same. What was happening in there? It seemed like it was taking too long. Shouldn't her monster have already returned victorious? A deafening scream brought those thoughts to a close. Baron of the Fiend Sword had been wiped out.
Panic: 1100
Taleah: 1350
Sorry Kury, Taleah thought. Well now at least I know how strong his monster is. But I can't even think of a monster with that exact amount of attack points. Must have strengthened it with a magic card of some sort. Which gives me an idea. "I'll set this card face down and call upon Silver Fang in attack mode, although I won't attack.
A magnificent beast came alive on the field. It resembled that of a wolf, and had a luminously white, fluffy coat that shone brilliantly in the moonlight. It was a beautiful creature that had a certain grace and charm about it.
"Attack mode!" Panic scoffed. "Your beast only has an attack strength of twelve hundred. What chance do you think it has?"
"If you're so sure about yourself, why don't you attack?" Taleah prompted.
"Why not? Attack, beast of the shadow!"
"Taleah, wha' are ya doin'!" Joey cried. "Ya're talkin' da big risk!"
"Don't underestimate Taleah," Kaiba warned. "She has something planned. Don't insult her intelligence."
Taleah lifted a card. "I believe now would be the perfect time to reveal my trap. You've obviously increased your monster's attack by equipping it with a magic card. Which means that my trap card, Reverse Trap, should come in handy. It eliminates all increases and decreases to any monster's attack. Whatever your creature is, it has been returned to its original status."
"No!" Panic gripped the sides of his dueling station.
"Silver Fang, attack!"
Panic: 700
Taleah: 1350
The duelist smiled to herself. She had gained back control of the match. She had long since switched Man-Eating Treasure Chest to defense mode, so she had one monster guarding her life points, and one attacking her opponent's life points. All she had to do was keep it up until Panic ran out of cards. Then the duel would be hers and she wouldn't ever have to deal with that strange man again. She just hoped that Panic would run out of cards soon. Real soon. But her opponent's next card, wasn't played in defense mode.
"Giant Soldier of Stone, unleash your wrath! Take our Silver Fang!"
Taleah tried desperately to see where her monster was, but the dense black fog was too think. She could vaguely discern a rough stone soldier, but that didn't help her much. Was the Giant Soldier of Stone much stronger then her beast? It would be taken out no matter what; she just wanted to know how many life points she'd lose.
Silver Fang let out one last great howl, and was vanquished.
Panic: 700
Taleah: 1250
She bit her lip. Alright Heart of the Cards, guide me. I so need your help. Without hesitation, Taleah quickly drew the top card off from her deck. Monster Reborn. With this card, I can bring back any monster lost in this game, under my control. And I think I know the perfect one. "Reborn the Monster! Neo the Magic Swordsman, be resurrected!"
"What?!" Panic exclaimed.
"Neo, attack Giant Soldier of Stone!"
Panic: 200
Taleah: 1250
"This duel is not over." Panic quivered with anger. "I said I'd eliminate you, and I meant it! Panic never loses. He always wins. And no girl is going to change that! Ancient Elf, emerge and attack! My Spellcaster is extra fortified by your Yami card that is still in play. You're not going to get yourself out of this one."
Boy, he really is overconfident. "On the contrary, Panic, I think you've just guaranteed your defeat. Have you forgotten that Yami applies to me as well? Neo is now nineteen hundred; too strong for your elf. Finish him off, Magic Swordsman!"
In one sweeping blow, Ancient Elf was subdued.
Panic: 0
Taleah: 1250
The blazing lights and colors disappeared and the monsters gradually vanished until once again, only a dimly lit dueling arena remained, in the middle of a clearing, all by itself. The duel had been won.
"Panic is not taking his defeat well," Kury commented.
"I'd say," Tristen agreed. "It looks like Panic is having a panic attack. Which could be dangerous for a person his size. Well, I'm out of here."
The platforms were lowered and Taleah came running towards her friends. Kury caught her in his arms and swung her about a few times. She was just the slightest bit dizzy after that. Tea hugged her friend tight and Yugi and Joey slapped her on the back and told her how well she had done. Tristen waved to her from a few yards away. Kaiba remained absolutely still, and gazed in the opposite direction.
Panic brought his fists down hard upon the side of the dueling stadium, making it shake. "I can't believe I lost. Panic never loses. Panic always wins. He doesn't understand." He looked at Taleah with disgust. "Your fault! You deserve the blame for all of this! You should be. . .punished."
"It's not her fault," Kaiba said, cooly. He fixed his cold gaze on the disturbed man. "It is yours."
"Not true!"
"Very true."
"I do not understand this." He grabbed at his head. "This all makes no sense to me. And it's all because of you, Miss Dundigan! Why?"
"I-I d-d-don't know," Taleah sputtered.
"You're coming with me then. Maybe a little trip will change your mind and then you'll decide to answer me." Before anybody else could take action, Panic picked up Taleah and carried her off. He took long, masterful strides and was soon out of sight.
"He just went crazy!" Tea claimed.
"Lets get her!" Joey shouted.
Taleah's friends started to head after her, but Kaiba stopped them.
"I'll go after her. . .alone. Let me handle this."
"Ah, Superman Kaiba off da do a good deed, "Joey sneered. "First one?"
Yugi held his friend back. "No. Let him go. He knows what he's doing. If anybody is going to bring back Taleah, it's him. Let Kaiba go."
"Ya sure Yugi?'
"Yes."
"Hope ya know what ya're doin'."
"I do."
"Bring her back, Kaiba."
"I will." He swung around and started jogging at a fast pace through the woods. Panic was quick with his long legs and was easily outdistancing Kaiba. But Kaiba wasn't just about to give up. He had learned long ago that quitting didn't help anyone or anything. He would find Taleah and bring her back safely. He just hoped he would reach her in time.
~
Flower Petals: Ug, sorry for the typos! Gee, I can't even remember if I went over to correct them. Did I? Or did I not? Hmm . . .When did I type this up anyway? Hmm. . .
Well anygohoobles, please everyone who read this chapter, review! I'd greatly appreciate it. And the sooner ya all review, the sooner I'll update so get movin'!!!
Luv ya all!
Thanx!