Flower Petals: Here's the deal....you guys are not going to believe this story...
I'm sooooo sorry!!!!! I actually intended to upload this chapter many, MANY weeks ago. And in fact, had it typed up, but my computer acquired a nasty virus that got its stinkin' self embedded in my hard drive, so the computer fixer upper dudes had to delete EVERYTHING even my email and my computer's ability to connect to the internet!!!
When I finally got everything back in order, I discovered of course, this file was deleted, so I typed it up again. But then the computer did something funky and deleted it. The third time I typed it up, the computer shut down and it turned out, it saved this chapter to a backup file, but half of it was deleted, so I typed it up for a 4th time. Then my tartarsauce computer decided out of the blue to delete this file again! So this is the 5TH time I've typed it up.
I'm really sorry for any mistakes that might be in this chapter, and I'm also sorry but after all the times I typed this stupid chapter up, I forgot all the improvements and slight nuances I had originally added. But ah, well....
*sighs*
Anygohoobles, what matters is the chapter is finally up! And I have these wonderful people to thank. I thought I'd answer Misura's question first, because she brought up an interesting point, and I hope I didn't confuse anyone else on it!
Misura: Well, the thing is, in this story, even though I have followed the original plot closely, I began it entirely differently. Kaiba and Yugi never dueled in the beginning as had occurred in the cartoon. And because of that, I've had to change certain things about the plot, especially a lot of the dialogue. Oh my tartarsauce......*sweats* I had to be SOOOOOOOOO meticulous when it came to the dialogue centering around this duel, so the subject of Kaiba and Yugi's first duel never came up. So yes, *smiles* even though Honda is a poor, stupid little man....he was actually right in this case. If you have any more questions, I'd be glad to answer them! Thanks for reviewing!
Nari: I'm sorta following the plot with my own unique twists. Does Yugi defeat Kaiba, you wonder???? Not tellin'!!!!! But I will give you a hint.......I HATE THE FACT THAT YUGI WINS EVERYTHING!!!! HE LIKE, HAS TO LOSE SOME TIME, RIGHT???!!!! Oh, and don't worry about the long review. I appreciate the fact that you took the time to type it. ^^
Mina: Skimming is fine, as long as you get the general feel of the story! I'm just glad you read it at all, really. Thanks for reading and for the review!
Peace Writer: Wow........Nothing to complain about? Is this really the Peace Writer I know and expect tons of criticism from? WHAT HAVE YOU DONE WITH PEACE WRITER?!
Mamono: Oh, I know!!!!!! Going on the internet 2 times a week has just about killed me....But sometimes I sneak on....*mischievous face* So it ain't all that bad, I guess. Thanx!!!
Lady Silvertongue: Oh come on, obsession can be good! As long as it's directed towards something fruitful. Stalking is bad....way bad.....But obsession in itself is good! Except, if you're like my sister and TOTALLY, COMPLETELY, obsessed with Kurama.......But anyhoo, thanks for the review! And don't worry about it being late or anything, I'm really just glad you read my story. Though it's kinda embarrassing...._ A master reading my humble little attempt at writing something decent.....But thank you for supporting me, and I hope you enjoy this chapter!
TAB: Kurama doll??? Oh sis, I thought you believed it was an action figure. He, he, he...See? Your big sis always gets you in the end!! Bwahahahahahahahahahahahaha!
Sakurelle: You know, it always surprises me how many fans Seto Kaiba has. I mean, he's a total jerk, and nerdy as all get out-*gets attacked by millions of Kaiba fan girls*- but it's the truth!!!! But Crimson, listen, you're one of the...okay, this is going to be hard for me to say....lucky girls who actually gets to end up with him, right? So don't worry about the gazilions out there still vying for his love! But enough talk about Kaiba, geesh! Thanks for the review!
Tamara Raymond: Wow, thank you for all the lovely compliments! I work really hard to try and set the mood, I'm glad you think I did well! Insanity from fan fic depravation? Never heard of that ailment...But I hope this chapter helps!
Well, that's all folks, read and hope you enjoy!
Disclaimer: I do not own Yu-Gi-Oh. You would know if I did: it would have tons more Rishid and super hot Shadi in it!!!!!!
Flower Petals
Power of Three Part 2
Taleah could not believe the sudden change that had come over Kaiba. He was so cold and ruthless. Callous. He treated Yugi like. . .like.. .It wasn't Kaiba. Not the Kaiba she had come to know and understand. It was as if his soul had all but been replaced.
What had happened inside the castle? she pondered. It must have been very upsetting and displeasing to have made Kaiba the way he was now. Had Pegasus done something to Mo? She sure hoped not. Something had happened. It was as if Kaiba had been pushed too the edge; too far. He just didn't care what he said or did any more. Nothing mattered to him, except winning the duel. And it seemed he would do anything in order to do so.
"Well played," Yu-Gi-Oh admitted. "But it will take more than a virus to win this duel. Much more."
"Ha! Yes, I expect that it will. Actually," Kaiba's eyes narrowed, "I'm looking forward to subjecting you to a wider range of debilitating cards."
"Keep talkin' da big mouth talk, Kaiba!" Joey warned, shaking his fists.
Tristen timidly stepped forward so he could be heard. "Yugi is a good duelist. He easily beat all his other opponents, and now he's an ever better duelist."
"Yes, but last time he didn't have a Crush Card forcing him to play only magic cards and weak monsters," Bakura said.
Tristen hid behind his friend. "You're kidding! He's only allowed to play magic cards and his wimpiest creatures?"
Tea held Taleah's hand. "He'll still win."
"I hope you're right." Mai turned her attention back to the duelists. "I really do." Then, amazing everyone, she shouted, "You defeat that wretched man, Yugi!"
"Your turn, Muto," Kaiba reminded, ignoring Mai. "Lets see how your disease ridden deck serves you now."
Taleah couldn't look at the Challenger anymore. She quickly averted her eyes; it was just too painful to look upon that familiar face now etched with such indifference and maliciousness that it frightened her very soul. He wasn't the same person anymore. It seemed like no trace of whom he had originally been had persevered through whatever Pegasus had subjected him to. The question that most plagued her was, would he ever return to her?
"You may have infected the body of my deck, but it is the Heart of the Cards that will see me through this contamination," Yu-Gi-Oh declared.
I hope so, Taleah thought to herself. You better win, Yugi. Defeat Kaiba. For as much as I hate to say it, you deserve to win. Your whole life, you've been a just and honorable person. You deserve so much. So although I think this duel should have never taken place, I believe that if someone has to win, it should be you.
Don't be so swift to deal out judgement, a voice from within her bracelet, said in her mind. It wasn't masculine nor feminine, but neutral, save for the particular motherly like quality it possessed. Kaiba deserves to win just as much as Yugi. Just because he is acting differently doesn't mean he's a different person. He's dueling for his brother, you know that.
Yes, I do. And believe me, some part of me deep down wants him to win as well. But-
But he's treating Yugi poorly and you feel that it is unnecessary so therefore you have taken sides, the voice completed.
You don't have to be so blunt, Taleah said crossly. But it's true. I can understand him having no other choice but to duel Yugi. The thing I can't understand is why he has to be so mean and. . .evil.
There are no words I can say to justify his actions thus far. Not that I would want to, the presence added. It's just his way. You can tell as well as I can that he's hurting inside. He was forced to make an unfair decision and whether or not he regrets making it, I do not know. Maybe this is his way of making himself feel better.
You're justifying his actions.
I am not! the voice retorted.
Taleah rolled her eyes. It doesn't matter. I just want. . .um. . .uh. . .er! You screwed me up! I don't know whom I want to have win this duel now.
And?
And I wish it would have never happened.
Good.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Summoned Skull. Yu-Gi-Oh glanced at his card in dismay. Good card, but I can't use him because his attack points are above fifteen hundred. Kaiba's Crush Card would infect him the second I put him on the field.
"Muto, to continue playing in this duel, you'll have to serve up your weakest creatures," Kaiba stated.
He's right. For now, that's all I can do. "Silver Fang in defense mode! His attack points are low enough to make him immune to your virus."
Kaiba smirked. "It's ironic that a wolf will be the first of your sacrificial lambs, but so be it. Battle Ox awaken, and let loose the dogs of war!"
A humongous bull standing on two legs appeared bearing a dangerous axe. A gold ring hung from its nostrils and red plates were poised on its broad shoulders. It snorted at Silver Fang who growled in protest.
"Axe Slam Attack!"
Yu-Gi-Oh flinched as Silver Fang howled in agony and was defeated.
"Your puppy has been put down."
"It's cool," Tristen told Yu-Gi-Oh. "Just a minor setback. No big deal."
"Come on Yugi," Tea urged. "You can do this. No one has ever defeated you in a duel, and no one ever will."
"On the contrary," Kemo contradicted, "I think Kaiba has this match in the bag."
"Well, no one asked you," Mai growled.
Kaiba spoke, his voice like ice. "Your pitiful defenses can't even withstand the crude assaults of my Battle Ox. How do you expect to protect your life points when your defenses are demolished and you have nothing to shield yourself against my even more powerful monsters? I guess we'll find out soon enough."
He's right again, Yu-Gi-Oh conceded to himself. But how can I defeat any monster when his Crush Card forces me to play my weakest creatures?
"You should accept your fate for now." Kaiba laughed his obnoxious laugh. "After all, you'll have the rest of your life to brood over this defeat."
No, I mustn't give in to his taunting. I've come here to rescue my grandpa. I can't let Kaiba defeat me. "Griffor go! I summon you! Lets see how you deal with this attack, Kaiba."
A dark pink creature that resembled that of a dog, came into being. It had long claws that hooked at the end, and its lower jaw slightly protruded further than the upper one, revealing a set of sharp and pointy teeth used for tearing. The creature stood on its hind legs and possessed two large plates imbedded on its back. The plates were useful and necessary for protection, but they were so heavy the poor beast had to lean forward in a crouch just to bear their burden.
"A Griffor," Kaiba mused. "I think you've made a great miscalculation, Muto-it's pathetic defenses are no match for my Battle Ox."
"Whoever said I was going to play him in defense mode?" Yu-Gi-Oh laughed.
"What do you mean?"
"I'm attacking with my Griffor with the help of the Horn of the Unicorn," Yu-Gi-Oh replied. "Magic Lightening Combo Attack!"
A beautiful horn erupted from the Griffor's head and white flashes of lightening billowed forth encompassing the Battle Ox in its brilliance.
"Your Battle Ox has been destroyed."
Kaiba: 600
Yu-Gi-Oh: 1500
"Alrigh'!" Joey sprang into the air with joy and excitement, startling his friends. "I'm feelin' da comeback in da works!"
"Stellar move!" Taleah and Tea shouted.
"Good move," Bakura praised. "It was a brilliant play at a critical junction."
"Go Yug!" Tristen cried.
"He actually pulled it off," Mai said, quite impressed. "I was not expecting that."
Kemo snorted and folded his arms.
Kaiba shook his head at Yu-Gi-Oh's friends as if disapproving their support to the duelist, and then turned back to face his opponent. "Impressive Muto, using a combo attack to combat the perils of my virus. But I'm afraid there are some hazards in my deck that are simply. . .inevitable. It's my turn now." He drew his next card and made no secret of his contentment. "Prepare yourself for ultimate annihilation, Muto. But first, I'm invoking the Mystical Elf."
A delicate elf the color of a clear spring sky rose up behind Kaiba, strands of her silken light brown hair flowing around them both. She brought with her the quality of peace and serenity, and she put all those who looked upon her at ease. Their minds were temporarily unclouded and they felt calm, as if their troubles were miles away. One might feel as if they could drown in her beauty and perfection. But then Kaiba spoke and the delightful sensation came to a close.
"You see Muto, if there's one thing I've learned from observing your matches, it's that you have an uncanny ability to snatch victory from the very jaws of defeat. But I do not intend to give you such an opportunity today. Which is why I've summoned the Mystical Elf to reinforce my life points by three hundred."
Kaiba: 900
Yu-Gi-Oh: 1500
I've never seen Kaiba duel so methodically before. Every move he makes is so precise. He's leaving nothing to chance. It's like to him, this were a battle of life and death.
"Behold!" Kaiba cried, flinging out the dueling contraption. "The mighty Blue Eyes White Dragon! Now Muto, your fate belongs to me. Take flight Blue Eyes White Dragon, rise! White Lightening Attack!"
A puissant beast exploded from the small dueling disc in a spectacular display of vivid lights and extremely bright radiance. Its crystal scales glittered with their own shine, and it clawed at the air with its lethal claws. On its master's command, it flapped its magnificent wings and rose into the air. Wind from its wings blew dust particles everywhere and for a moment, nothing could be seen until a deadly gust of intense light shattered the uncertain pause and melted the Griffor with its extreme heat.
Taleah, Mai, Tristen, Joey, Tea, Bakura, and Kemo all gasped at the very sight of such a beast.
Kaiba: 900
Yu-Gi-Oh: 400
The Challenged covered his face as the resulting shock waves tore at his clothing and threatened to force him off the ledge of the dueling arena. When the last had gone by, he stared at the blue eyed beast, with disbelief and awe. He had not been suspecting such an attack. Now, he was defenseless and easily susceptible to its powerful and deadly assaults.
"Already my Blue Eyes has you cowering," Kaiba claimed. "But this is only the beginning. Soon, you'll know what fear is."
"I don't fear your dragon," Yu-Gi-Oh spat. "With my Giant Soldier of Stone guarding me, I'll manage to defeat him."
"I'm afraid your mistaken." Kaiba drew another card and called back his dueling disc. "Muto, you have only seen my monsters as three separate dragons. Formidable, yes. But not invincible. But now, I've found a way to merge their power, to combine their attack points to create a monster with power levels unimaginable. Now, I create a Duel Monster without fear, with an attack force so great, that no monster can stand against it. Now, I create the Blue Eyes Ultimate Dragon!"
A light erupted from the dueling disc so intense, that none could look upon it. It pierced through clothing, flesh, and into their very souls. From the center of the brilliance, a darkness crept. It began as a silhouette of a shadow, then grew into something more. A shape emerged so intimidating, so terrifying, it was something that would not even be seen in the worst of nightmares. It installed a painful emotion of fear and repulsion unto the onlooker's hearts, that excited both dread and abhorrence. A creature of unthinkable power that could not be surpassed, was born. It stood higher than any hologram yet, and bore resemblance to the original Blue Eyes White Dragon. Only instead of one, it had three massive heads sharing the same spectacularly beautiful body.
Ultimate Blue Eyes White Dragon: 4500
Giant Soldier of Stone: 2000
None spoke. None could speak. They gazed in awe at its frightening magnificence. Kemo, for the first time it seemed, took off his sunglasses, as if not truly believing what he saw before him.
Yu-Gi-Oh gazed unblinkingly at the horrific beast, with a fear he had never known he had possessed. So that's why he didn't play his Blue Eyes at first! He was waiting to merge them all together. Never before have I seen such a beast.
Kaiba laughed darkly. "Yugi Muto! Nothing can save you now."
Mai shook her head at the dragon. "That monster's attack points are off the charts!"
"Yeah," Joey agreed. "How ca' any monster din Yugi's deck defeat dat thin'?"
"That Kaiba!" Tristen pointed an accusing finger at the Challenger from over Bakura's shoulder. "He's been setting Yugi up for that monster the whole time!"
Kaiba's really played a brilliant strategy, Yu-Gi-Oh admitted to himself. Setting me up with that Crush Card, holding out for all three of his Blue Eyes, and at the same time, decreasing my life points to a sparse four hundred. Now he's got me cornered and staring down the toughest monster I've ever faced.
"Muto, how I savor this moment." Kaiba tossed a lock of his reddish-brown hair from his piercing gaze. "Prepare yourself to see the power of my creation unleashed. Blue Eyes Ultimate White Dragon, Neutron Blast Attack!"
The shock waves from the single Blue Eyes was nothing compared to the combined might of three. In one earth shattering blast that rocked the little protrusion the match was being held on, the Giant Soldier of Stone crumpled, not even bearing the slightest resistance.
Yu-Gi-Oh shielded himself, but he was no match for the forceful waves, and he felt himself being driven back toward the edge of the cliff. It seemed like eternity had passed before everything quieted down. He removed his arm from around his face and stepped forth from the very ledge of the dueling arena.
His Stone Soldier was gone. He had known it would be. Still, there was some part of him that had been hoping for a miracle. Nothing could save him now.
Giant Soldier of Stone was the last of his defenses.
"My Blue Eyes atomized your creature to dust, Muto," Kaiba said, his cape still flowing out behind him. "You know you have nothing to stand against it, you should concede."
Yeah, right. That's what you want me to do, Yu-Gi-Oh thought angrily. I still have a chance. He reached for his next card, began to slide it out, then stopped. What chance did he think he had? No monster in his deck could stand against Kaiba's creation. Not even his strongest, of which he wasn't even allowed to play! Not that they'd help. It was a hopeless situation. Maybe, he should concede. He waited for the voice to scold him for thinking up such a silly notion, but it did not. Did the voice agree with him? Whomever it was, it usually spoke its mind. Perhaps succumbing to defeat was logical. He didn't have much of a chance. It was the end for him. He almost had difficulty believing it to be so. After so much hard work and toil, he would fail his mission. It had all been for nothing. Even the voice seemed to think so, for it remained silent, as if agreeing but unable to say that it did.
"No Yug!" Joey shouted at his friend. "Ya ca' win dis!"
No, it's hopeless. . .
Tea spoke next. "Joey's right. We all believe in you!"
You shouldn't; I have lost. . .
"Remember what ya're fightin' for," Joey called out. "Heart of da Cards, jus' like yar grandfather taught ya! Ya've never let any one down before, an' I know ya're not goin' da let Gramps down now."
You are wrong, my friend. I have failed. Failed you all. . .
Mai uttered a little growl. "Don't give up you moron! You made it this far, it would be so stupid to quit now. Battle on."
I cannot. There is very little left that I can do.
"Show that bastard what you're made of!" Kemo yelled. "Beat him!"
I don't have the heart. I have already been defeated.
Taleah let her voice be heard for the first time in a long while. "Don't give up. Not now, not yet. You have yet to fail anyone. By giving up, you fail. Not your grandfather, not us, but yourself. Things are only as bad as you make them out to be. But if you believe, you can turn the tables on any situation. If you chose to continue on with this duel, you wouldn't be failing anybody. And like Joey just said, remember what you're fighting for: your grandfather."
Grandpa. Yu-Gi-Oh's eyes filled with tears that flowed down his face unabated. There is light at the end of the tunnel, Yugi, he remembered the voice telling him. Reach it. Remember your grandfather's words. Remember what you're fighting for. My grandpa. Now he realized just how silly giving up was. He'd fight to the very end. And if he lost, so be it. But he wouldn't lose without first giving Kaiba a tough time. He smiled at that notion.
Grandpa, I won't let you down. I will keep fighting for you.
He brushed his tears away and faced his opponent with a new found strength. "No Kaiba, I will never surrender to the likes of you."
"That's it!" Kaiba clenched his fists. "That's the kind of determination I expect from you. Fight on. Gather every last bit of your strength. I'd prefer to take you down while you're fighting your hardest."
Yu-Gi-Oh focused his attention back on his half drawn card. It was funny to him, that so much depended on such an insignificant thing. Everything rides on this last card. This duel, this tournament. . .Grandpa. . .But as hopeless as it seems, I still have to believe.
Tea inhaled sharply. "Come on Yugi."
Tristen gritted his teeth in anticipation. "You can do it pal."
Bakura swallowed. "Believe."
Joey sprang upwards and punched at the air. "Kick butt, Yug!"
Mai ran a shaking hand through her hair. "Defeat that loser, Yugi!"
Kemo straightened his back. "Do it. You know you can."
Taleah said nothing.
Kaiba payed little attention to any of them. For to him, they were all very annoying. "It comes to this. So draw your last card, and face your fate."
Yu-Gi-Oh closed his eyes, unbelievably calm despite the circumstances. Heart of the Cards, guide me. He felt warmth emanating from the cards; circling him, engulfing him in their absolute power. Then, without further hesitation, he drew the card and opened his eyes.
"Lets finish this Kaiba!"
~
Flower Petals: Well, likey or no??? Hope you all did! And please review!!! It makes me sooooo happy!
REVIEW!
Oh! And also...sorry, I'm so retarded I completely forgot...I'm going to be gone from April 23rd to May 3rd, so just a head's up! I'm sorry I won't be able to update.
But you can always, REVIEW!!!!