Flower Petals: Yay! Another chapter up! Hellos people!!!! This isn't too late of an update, so I'm not gonna do my usual flood of apologies, but I'm sorry! Oops.....xx
Okay, here are a few thank you's for all those who have so diligently supported me......
Tamara Raymond: I'm really happy you enjoyed reading all the "philosophical" stuff in the last chapter. I wanna be a psychologist when I grow up (which might never happen....sighs) so I try and do all the practicing I can! My sister is a fun test subject....He, he, he...- And once again, thank you for all the wonderful compliments! And thank you for pointing out the fact that I've sorta been neglecting Taleah. You're right-the whole point of illustrating this duel (I wasn't going to do so before) was to delve more deeply into Kaiba's character and psyche. But I forgot about the importance of Taleah's role in the whole thing. I'll try and add more of her in a more subtle way (don't want to steal the spotlight from Kaiba!). Thank you SO much for pointing out these things; I can't tell you how much I appreciate it. And thanks for nominating me!!!!!!! Yay!!! Erm, sorry for the long paragraph.....;
Peace Writer: I know what you're saying about the whole Kaiba not attacking Yugi whenever he reborns his Blue Eyes White Dragon. It was stupid, and I tried to make it correct in this fic, but I'm stupid and couldn't figure out how to fix it, so I just left it as it was. So ah, well....sighs Hey, you must be feeling better though! You criticized everything about the duel and picked apart all three entire episodes!!! Yay, Peace Writer's back! Thanks for reviewing.
Mamono: Seto needs a hug? He needs a good slap in the face, that's what he needs!!!! Nah, I'm just kidding....Well, maybe not. grins evilly as she imagines slapping Kaiba, then shakes her head Alright! Thank you for reviewing my fic!!!
Sakurelle: Which card did Yugi draw??? Bwahahahahahahahaha! Read and find out! Thank you for reading and reviewing.
TAB: You're proud to be my sister? That makes me sooooo happy, sis!!! I really enjoyed writing this story with you as the heroine. And I'd do it again if I was smart and could think of another decent plot!!!
ShadowSpinnerx: Yup. I think so too! Kaiba and Taleah are cute "together". And I believe you're right about Kaiba never being nice. At one point, I actually believed he could turn around and be normal. But then the "Battle City Saga" of Yu-Gi-Oh started and he turned out to be just as evil as ever. Is there hope??? Nah.......Thank you for reviewing!!!
Lady Silvertongue: takes a bow Thank you very much for the compliments. And I'm sorry your sister threw something at you because of me. Just do what I do whenever my sister starts bothering me: chase her around the house threatening to put her hair up in buns!!!! You wouldn't believe how well it works....shakes head in disbelief Well, thanks for reviewing!
Thanks everyone for reviewing and I hope you enjoy this latest installment!
Disclaimer: I do not own Yu-Gi-Oh. Not the Yu, Gi, or Oh! Nothing! AHHHHhhhh!!!
Flower Petals
Power of Three Part 4
Normally, Taleah would have thought her friend insane. But whenever he got that look in eyes that bore sheer confidence and courage, that transcended comprehension, she knew him to be nothing of the sort. He obviously had some reason to smile about.
"I play the Blue Eyes White Dragon!" Yu-Gi-Oh announced.
Alright, Taleah thought. He really is insane. I don't know much about the Crush Card, but I have enough common sense to acknowledge that the Blue Eyes White Dragon has a high enough attack power to make it vulnerable to the devastating virus. The moment Yugi pays it, the dragon will experience a dramatic decrease in its attack strength. So why play it?
"He's nuts!" Kemo conceded, "I've never played the damn game before, but I can tell as well as any of you that it is a foolish move."
A crystal dragon appeared on the field; a mirror image of the one on the opposite side of the arena. The two identical beasts stood eye to eye, neither one making any movement.
The virus seemed to have no effect on the creature. Its life point count hadn't lowered, and its outer appearance did not rot like its counterpart. As for Taleah and the rest of Yugi's friends were concerned, it was a miracle of great magnitude. And there the great dragon sat, a symbol for everything courage and destiny and faith stood for.
Taleah swallowed before turning her head to look at Kaiba. The expression on his face was very frightening indeed. It radiated intense anger and surprise. He looked both betrayed and hurt. But angry. Dangerously angry.
"What's going on here?" Kaiba questioned, barely moving his lips to speak.
Yu-Gi-Oh was not intimidated. "I took my grandfather's card with me on my trip, as you can see. Don't get me wrong, he broke no oath. He would have kept this card in that little shoe box of his until he died. It was I who took it. And since I made no such promise to keep it hidden away, I felt myself free to release it of its imprisonment."
Kaiba growled obscenities under his breath.
"As for the part about your virus," Yu-Gi-Oh continued, "It's like I told you before: You may have infected the body of my deck, but the Heart of the Cards remains immune to any such diseases. It is because of the Heart of the Cards that the dragon you see before you does not wither away. Nor will it, for my Blue Eyes White Dragon is here to remain."
"So all the stuff Yugi preaches about the Heart of the Cards is really true?" Tristen asked. "I never figured that."
"No matter what the circumstances or how bad the scenario is, the Heart of the Cards will always come through for a true believer," Taleah said. "Yugi's faith rewarded him."
"I don't know what you're talking about," Mai admitted, "But I know whatever the Heart of the Cards is, it must be pretty powerful to overrule that virus."
"To end my turn, I'll switch my Celtic Guardian to defense mode so my life points are temporarily safe," Yu-Gi-Oh added.
"Boy, those two are in a pickle," Bakura remarked. "Yugi can't attack Kaiba because of the chance his opponent might get hurt, and Kaiba can't attack Yugi because their monsters are both equal. I'd say this match has ended in a stalemate. There is nothing left for either one to do."
"This duel must come to an end, Muto," Kaiba told his adversary. "One of us must emerge victorious. It can't stop like this."
"You don't understand Kaiba," Yu-Gi-Oh countered. "I realize now that neither one of us should win. For there's much more at stake here than those we love and are trying to save. Much more."
Taleah gulped. Kaiba wouldn't take that very well. He just wouldn't understand. He stood appearing puzzled and affronted, for Mo was everything to him. It pained her to see him that way. But Yugi was right. The duel should not have an end, for it should have never begun. The only way to get through to Kaiba was to explain exactly what was at stake. Then perhaps, he might just comprehend what Yugi meant.
She stepped away from her friends and began to walk over to the Challenger. She took a deep breath as she approached. It would be difficult to persuade him to trust her and what she had to say. He'd get all defensive and bitter, but she had to keep her ground. Yugi had done all he could, now it was up to her.
The Challenger didn't even notice her approaching. His whole attention was focused on Yugi. As she got closer, she noticed just how disheveled and disorderly his appearance was. He was perspiring, beads of sweat poured from his brow, and his brownish hair was untidy; neglected. Not to mention, he looked unbelievably tired. All in all, he looked like someone who was in a great deal of stress and could not find respite. When he saw her coming, his pupils narrowed to slits.
"Go away," he muttered savagely.
Taleah was taken back at his manner of speaking to her, but she did not back down. "No. Just listen to me. I know you don't want to, but you must."
Kaiba gestured towards her friends. "Go back. Now."
"I refuse. Hear me out." She took another breath. "I won't explain to you about the importance of the Millennium Items. I'll make this very simple. People are dying and we might be able to get the answers we need to eventually stop it. I-"
"People die every day," Kaiba put in. "Don't see you trying to meddle with that."
Taleah tried to bite back her anger, but it was too much to suppress. She stepped in close to the duelist and slapped him across the face. Hard. Kaiba was knocked off balance from the sudden action, and had to take a step sideways to keep himself from falling over. He brought a hand up to the place where she had slapped him, and gazed at her with astonishment.
Good. Now I have your attention. Taleah pointed a finger at him. "Now you listen to me. As I said before, people are dying. Not from natural causes or accidents or anything of the sort. They're dying because of Pegasus and his desire to collect the Millennium Items. I understand that this doesn't make any sense to you. But know this, I love Mo too. And I would do anything to see that cute round face of his. But thousands of lives are at stake here." She became silent. There was nothing more she could say.
Kaiba had listened. Or so it seemed. "It appears that I no longer have any business left with you or your friends. Pegasus won't accept that. So. . .you better all run for it."
"Ya mean ya're lettin' us go?" Joey asked him.
Mai elbowed Joey in the arm. "He just said so, Joeseph. Now come on, we'd better start going before Pegasus locks us up in that spooky castle of his!" She took the same arm she had just elbowed, and dragged Joey with her.
"I thought we wanted to enter the castle," Bakura said, confused. "Has it not been our goal this whole time?"
A shorter, friendlier looking Yugi accosted Kury and put his hand on his friend's shoulder. "Change of plans, my friend. We are in deeper trouble than any of us have expected. We must retreat."
"Are you guys coming?" Tristen, who was already half way around the castle and busy contemplating the fastest but safest speed in which to flee down the many steps, shouted over his shoulder.
Bakura and Yugi began sprinting after Tristen, Joey, and Mai. Tea remained behind with Kemo who looked as if he had just received new orders, and Taleah of whom was still standing in front of Kaiba.
"What about Taleah?" Tea murmured. "We can't leave her behind."
"Come Tea," Yugi urged. "Taleah will follow, trust me."
Tea stood stubbornly. "Not without her."
Kemo spoke. "You better go young lady. Before it's too late."
Tea raised an eyebrow.
"Catch up with your friends. You have about five seconds before I'm supposed to grab you, sling you over my shoulder, and haul you into the castle. Leave."
Tea fled. She glanced back over her shoulder every few seconds at Taleah, until Yugi wrapped an arm around her waist and forced her to come with him and the rest.
"Go," Kaiba told Taleah.
Taleah started to wonder what she had done. She knew it was right, but it didn't feel right. She began to regret slapping him. Not that he hadn't deserved it. But had her choice been wrong? Had she just caused two of the people she loved the most to lose practically the only family they had left? True, there was more at risk than two people, but they were more than mere people to those who cared about them. They were friends, family, confidants, and so much more. Had she really caused Yugi to lose his grandfather and Kaiba his beloved brother?
"You keep those you love safe," Yugi had told her once. She glanced at her bracelet. It radiated a golden warmth that warmed her soul and lessened the burden of her conscience.
Kaiba took a step forward and was about to say something, but Kemo's voice sounded first. It was a harsh tone-he meant business.
"Taleah Dundigan, I think you better come inside the castle."
"Go!" Kaiba persisted. "Now! I'll hold him back, just go!"
Tears swelled up in Taleah's eyes. How brave he is. He is no longer that stranger. That cold hearted, cruel stranger. The old him is back. A bit too late. But perhaps it's my fault. Now, whether or not I made the right decision, I have to run away from all that I've worked so hard for. And I must leave Kaiba behind. For I know he won't come with me.
Kemo was only a few feet away and closing. His face was grim, and his stride, purposeful. Within the next moment, he would have reached Taleah.
"You'll be safe," she promised. "You and Mo. Thank you. . ."
Kaiba's gaze softened until he didn't look like himself. He looked fulfilled, happy even. And in that brief moment of time, he didn't look like he was troubled at all. Despite his unruly appearance, he looked like an ordinary person who enjoyed life to its fullest. He did not resemble one of whom had suffered the tragedies he had gone through, the betrayal, the abuse, the pain and hardship. It was as if he had been reborn. He was a new Seto Kaiba, Taleah corrected herself. Just like the dragon who had been in a moribund state, was born anew. From the decay, had come a new life. A new chance.
The security guard had just about reached Taleah and was stretching out a hand to grab her. But his reach never encountered her.
She wiped the tears away and began sprinting along a narrow path that wound around the castle and eventually led to the staircase. She felt as if she were in some kind of dream. Her body was going through the motions, but her mind was far away. The world seemed so distant, even though she was running in it. It was an odd sensation to be in a place but to not really be there, and it made her dizzy. Her mind was clouded. Only one thing came to her head when she tried to gain control of her thoughts, and that was danger. She felt it all around her, in the way the wind tore at her clothes, and the night sky continued to darken. She was so confused, she didn't know who she felt was in danger. Possibly herself. Or maybe even Kaiba. He was probably fighting Kemo now. She better go back and help. Yes, he needed help.
The young duelist had reached the steps. She quietly descended them, wondering to herself why there were so many. Surely there hadn't been that many before. By the ninth one, she had come to the conclusion that they had multiplied. Just like the Kuriboh. But then she chided herself for thinking such a stupid notion. Stairs couldn't multiply! Just Kuriboh. Only Kuriboh...
A handsome blonde was ascending the steps, yelling something at her in-between curses as he ran and tripped over every other stair.
She couldn't make out what he was saying. Although she had some idea. How was she supposed to know what he was screeching about? She wasn't fully there, so she couldn't fully listen or understand. His voice was so far away. Perhaps in another world. Yes, he was in another world.
Suddenly, she felt pressure in her right hand. She didn't like it, so she tried to wrench her hand away from whatever the source of the pressure was. But the violent twist only caused herself pain, although it was strangely dulled as if blocked out, and the pressure remained.
"Cut dat out!" scolded a voice.
It sounded familiar, but she couldn't place it-didn't want to. To find out who or what was speaking, might mean having to return. And she didn't want to do that. She liked it where she was, far away from the complications of reality.
But then the source of the pressure started to haul her down the steps at a fast pace. It caused her to skip stairs and trip and from away, she could feel her body wanting to fall. She was descending too rapidly. But she did not fall. For whoever or whatever the pressure was coming from, prevented her from obtaining any injury at all costs.
The others were waiting at the bottom of the steps. She knew who they were, but their names wouldn't come to her mind. Their faces were hazy, and difficult to make out. It was like trying to identify someone hiding behind a white sheet.
Their pace didn't even slow when they reached the bottom. As soon as she was practically carried over the bottom step, she was dragged deep into a forest. She could barely find her footing, so she let herself be pulled. Besides, she was tired. The sleepy kind of tired. Wasn't the pressure tired too? Why wouldn't it leave her alone so she could go to sleep?
At last, her hauler slowed and even stopped. It was then when she realized that the force of their momentum had been the only thing keeping her up. From a long distance away, she could feel herself start to fall, only to be caught again. She was steadied, and someone asked her something. A question perhaps concerning whether or not she was okay. To answer would be simple, but it meant returning and having to use thought. And she didn't want to think. Thinking was complicated.
Someone spoke. Mentioned a name. The voice was strangely mumbled, almost muted. A different someone answered and repeated the name. The name meant something to Taleah. Something at the back of her memory threatened to come forward. She didn't want it to, but it did anyway.
Kaiba! Kaiba was the name. But no picture came to her. She couldn't recall his face. And even if she could, it would most likely be hazy like all the rest. Kaiba was just a name. Just a name.
Danger. The six letter word popped into her head. Danger! Oh yes, Kaiba was in danger. But he was so far away, and she was far away, and now that she had been dragged all the way to wherever she was, he was even further away. But he was still in danger. Had to tell them. Had to make them understand...
"Kaiba," she uttered. Her own voice sounded odd to hear. It was as if she was hearing someone else speak, even though they were her own words. "Have. . .to go back. Have. . .to help. . .Kaiba. Must. . .go back."
A voice erupted near her ear. It was soothing, although she did not know what it was saying. But she had a feeling it contradicted with what she wanted-no had to do. It made her frustrated. Didn't they understand? She had to make them understand.
Now many voices were speaking. They were all attempting to be comforting, but at the same time, telling her no. She didn't want them to say no. Didn't they understand? Why didn't they understand? Why couldn't they leave her alone? Why could they let her sleep? She thrashed about, trying to put distance between herself and the voices. There was the pressure again. A whole lot of pressure on her shoulders. She felt herself behind shoved back and forth, over and over. What were they doing? Why couldn't they leave her alone?
"Taleah!"
Taleah felt herself come crashing down from wherever she was. She blinked a few times. Everything could be seen clearly, and her thoughts were no longer jumbled.
Joey had taken her hand and carried her down the steps. He was standing off to her right looking concerned. Bakura had just now, shook her. His hands were still on her shoulders. Tea, Tristen, and Yugi were in front of her, faces etched in concern. Mai was somewhere behind them, sitting on a rock in the middle of the clearing.
Taleah felt the tears begin to come back. It was her fault Kaiba wasn't with them now. Now, not only had she gotten her parents kidnaped, but a good friend too. And she was all to blame.
Tea practically shoved Kury out of the way and hugged her friend. Any other ordinary time, Taleah would have felt comforted. But this was no ordinary time. Yugi's grandfather, Kaiba and his brother, and her parents were gone. Because of her. And for what reason? What if she couldn't get the answers that were needed to save thousands of lives? What if she lost them, as well as Grandpa, Kaiba, Mo, and her parents?
"They're all gone," she sobbed, feeling a horrible weight in her stomach. "And now Kaiba is too."
"Hush," Tea cooed. "There's nothing you or any of us could do to stop it. Remember Love Ties? Everything happens for a reason. We can't do anything to help Kaiba or the rest. Because maybe we weren't meant to."
"Sure we can!" Tristen objected. "I think I've come up with an idea."
Everyone stared at him in surprise. Tristen never shared or openly discussed his thoughts. He always just went along with whatever everyone else said. But this time, they listened to him.
"If the legends are true, then a wielder of three Millennium Items would be stronger than one who wields two or less. They are weak apart, but strong together."
"Wha' are ya sayin', Tris?" Joey asked.
"What I meant," Tristen said slowly, "Is that maybe, if Yugi, Taleah, and Bakura all put their Items together, they'd be more powerful than Pegasus. Because the main thing we fear about him is the possibility that he has two Millennium Items. But since we have three. . ."His voice trailed off. But everyone got the point.
Except Joey. "So all dof us shoul' head right back an' kick Pegasus's ass? Why didn't we do dat in da first place?"
"No Joey," Bakura replied. "The power of three can only exist if all three are put together. Right now, they are separate, so they each count as one. Tristen meant that we should send someone back who bears all three. That could be the only way to save those who are trapped."
"I'll go," Yugi volunteered. "Alone. I can't risk any of you getting hurt."
"No!" Tea gasped. "Send me. I'll go."
"But you've never worn a Millennium Item before," Bakura protested.
"Yeah, send Tea," Tristen agreed.
"Let me go." Taleah wiped away her tears. "Please, send me."
"I have a thought on this!" Mai declared. "Since you all seem to want to commit suicide, and one of you has to go anyway why don't you draw straws?"
"We don' have any!"
"Don't be stupid Joeseph, we can use substitutes."
"Like what?"
"Like grass blades or whatever else we have." Mai eyed a lock of her own golden hair. "Or this might do just fine."
"Mai, you don't have-" Yugi started, but the duelist had already pulled out quite a few strands of her long hair.
"It's a good thing my hair is layered," she joked. "Not one of these is the same size." She clutched the golden strands in her left hand, only revealing the bottom half so that no accurate measurements could be drawn. "Pick a straw."
Taleah waited until after Yugi and Bakura picked theirs, to take her own. Mai had done well-she couldn't tell which was the shortest or the longest. Since sight wasn't needed, she closed her eyes and drew a hair, the whole time wishing to be sent on the "suicide" mission.
"Longest gets to go," Mai announced, casting the remainder of the not-picked into a nearby bush.
Bakura, Yugi, and Taleah all looked at each other.
"Lets do this guys."
"Right."
"Good luck to all of you."
Taleah pinched her strand of the tip with her thumb and index finger, and let the rest show. She anxiously awaited the rest to do the same. Yugi turned his loose. It fell and fell, then stopped not quite reaching the length of her own. Bakura's was close, but Taleah's was by far, the longest. She couldn't suppress her joy.
"Are you sure you want to do this?" Yugi inquired.
"Yes."
"It could be dangerous. You could get-"
"I know. Please, let me do this. Trust me. I'll be okay. Besides," she added with a forced smile, "With three Millennium Items I'm unbeatable right?"
Yugi nodded solemnly, and slowly took off his puzzle, delicately handing it to her as if it was an item as treasured as it was fragile. She accepted it and slipped the golden chain around her neck. It felt heavy-surprisingly heavy as if it was filled to the brink.
Bakura treated his a little less carefully, and almost shoved it into her hands, as if eager to be rid of its evil. The item was cold; it numbed her very fingers. Her hands felt like ice, and she began to lose all feeling in them. But no sooner had she placed the Item around her neck, its freezing presence ceased. Now with all the Items so close, she could feel immense power struggling to break free of its bonds. It scared her to be at the mercy of such strength. She could feel all Three radiate enormous surges of energy. What if she couldn't control it? Oh well. It was too late for her to go back now.
"Good luck Taleah."
"Beat him to da pulp!"
"Joey!"
"Sorry."
"We all have the upmost faith in you."
"Be careful."
"Come back with good news. Possibly even a few ex-prisoners."
"You can do it girl." Mai winked at her.
"If you can, wait here for me until I get back. Which I promise you I will be doing. I also give you my word that I'll bring somebody back with me. See you in a bit." Taleah began walking away, fear growing with every step she took. She had backed herself into a corner this time, with no way to go except forward. Forward, to Pegasus's castle. Alone. But armed.
Croquet led the young man through the dark passage ways. All the underneath of the castle were labyrinths leading to catacombs, prison cells, and some even had no ending. It was easy to get lost, Croquet knew. But he had long since memorized all the paths and where they led and where the secret chambers were located. He knew them like he knew how twisted that old man Pegasus was. And he knew exactly, where he was leading the young CEO. Even though it would get him into serious trouble.
He liked the little boy. So full of life, so happy. It reminded him of his youth and memories long forgotten. The days of old, when everything was blissful and bright. And he and his were happily married with three happy children. But that past was a place that could not be returned to. The present was all he had now, and an uncertain future.
If it hadn't been for Pegasus, he wouldn't have had a future at all. Pegasus gave him a life-worth living at least. It was a second chance, but Croquet couldn't help but wonder if he had made a wrong decision working for Pegasus. That man was a marvel. It was a wonder to Croquet how a man who had saved so many lives and helped out so many people, could be so hatefully evil, and demented. Where had he done wrong? He had all the right ideas, but somehow he twisted them so that they were wrong. He took the rejects, the nobodies, and turned them into somebodies. But he also turned them into what Croquet considered monsters and mindless drones.
"We passed my cell," the CEO stated. "I thought my number was-"
"I know that you fool!" Croquet snapped. "Now quickly, follow me.'
"Where are we going?"
"Listen child, do you want to see your brother or not?"
The young man shut up. Croquet considered that quite an improvement. He had been asking questions since they first set foot in the maze. Questions about the place, and its uses. Seemingly harmless, innocuous questions. But Croquet new the boy was just trying to glean as much information as he could. Which was wise of course, but irritating.
"Your brother's cell," Croquet said as he opened the barred door. "He's been asking about you. I didn't think there would be any harm in reuniting you both." His harsh features blended into a smile. "Cute kid that one."
"I know. And. . .thank you. You don't know how much this means to me."
The smile disappeared. He shoved the man through the door and locked it shut behind him. "No sincere crap for me, Master Kaiba."
"My apologies, sir."
After checking to make sure it was locked, Croquet turned away and began heading back to the main exit. It was only then, when he let the smile return.
Mokuba looked up. Had he just heard the door to his cell being opened? It was too dark to see anything. What was up? He had already eaten his foul smelling, fly befalling, cockroach worthy, sorry excuse for a meal. What did Croquet want now? He had beaten the man at chess over twenty times already!
The young Kaiba beamed at the memory. Each time it had taken him less and less time to win. The last time, Croquet had given up half way through. Which was fine with Mokuba; he would have won in the next few turns or so. His brother had taught him how to play chess. Seto was the best chess player. He could beat anybody! Someday Mo wished he could be as good at chess as his brother was. But for now, he had to put up with defeating novices. Like Croquet.
There was a scraping sound as rusted metal skidded over ancient stones.
So the door was being opened! It had to be Croquet. Croquet was the only one who visited him. He said it was because Mo reminded him of his own son of whom he hadn't seen for many years. The child grinned mischievously. Croquet was ready to lose some more.
But to his surprise, the door opened and closed. The air caused from such a motion blew over him. He shivered. Not from the cold gust of air, but because he had the gut feeling that somebody was in the dark cell with him. He felt a presence on the opposite side. He definitely, wasn't alone.
Being a very courageous boy, and seeing that he had nothing to lose, he spoke up. "Hello? Who's there? Show yourself."
"Kiddo?"
Mokuba's heart almost stopped. Could it really be who he thought it was? It sounded like him, but it could be one of Pegasus's tricks. He was a meanie, that one. But the only way to find out, was to ask. "Seto?"
"Mokuba!"
The younger Kaiba was over two hundred percent positive that it truly was his brother. He cried out in joy. "Big Brother!" Only the rats, and the stinky smelly cockroaches had known how long he had waited to hear that voice. He felt as if nothing could dim his spirits now. He practically ran on air over to where his brother stood, and threw himself in the young man's arms. Yup, Seto. Smelled like Seto, was about Seto high, about Seto wide, and bore the same Seto clothes. Most definitely, his brother Seto Kaiba.
"I waited and waited for you to come Big Brother! I knew you would! But then the door opened and I thought it was Croquet wanting to take a beating at another game of chess. I'm really good now! But now that you're here, I won't be playing against him anymore. I bet you have some high-tech plan to get us out of this place."
"Well, actually." His older brother gently pushed him aside. "I guess I'm one of Pegasus's prisoners too. I was captured as well."
Mokuba was crestfallen. "You mean I'm stuck here?"
"With me."
The young boy managed a small smile. "But that makes it all the more better!"
"How's that?"
"An expert to defeat at chess!"
Seto laughed. Mo stared at his older brother, wide eyed. Seto never laughed, unless it was one of those evil ones of victory. But this one was full of merriment and joy. It was a true laugh. "We shall see about that, my brother."
The little chess master eyed him suspiciously. There was definitely something different about him. He seemed too happy. And for the first time, possibly ever, he wasn't frowning or glaring that evil glare. He looked. . .well, happy. And that was very unlike Seto. "Are you my brother Seto Kaiba?"
"Of course. Who else would I be?"
"An impersonmater!"
Seto laughed again. "First of all Kiddo, I don't think anyone could be an 'impersonmater'. But true, you could hold suspicions that I'm an impersonator."
Mokuba almost leapt with joy. "You just sounded very logical. You have to be my brother! Come, sit with me. I'll show you my favorite non-dirty-smelly-icky sitting place. It's right over here."
The small boy led his brother to a little spot in the far right hand corner of his cell. They sat there on the cold surface, leaning up against the filthy walls, staring out into the blackness.
It was little Mokuba who broke the silence, and cuddled close to his brother. He buried his face in Seto's silky shirt. "I've missed you Big Brother."
"So have I, Kiddo." There was a hidden meaning in his words, but it all meant nothing to the child.
"I love you Seto."
"I-I. . ." There was a pause. And then Seto murmured the words he had never in his life said before. "I love you too, Kiddo."
Mokuba snuggled closer. "Seto?"
"Yes?"
"I'm glad you're here with me."
"Me too Little Brother. Me too."
The two brothers lapsed into a silence. They held onto one another in the darkness of the cell in the dimmest of dungeons, knowing that everything would be alright given the right amount of time. For they had each other. And together there was nothing they couldn't face.
Flower Petals: wipes tears from her eyes Well if that wasn't sappy, I don't know what was! Sorry, it probably sucked (I'm not used to writing sappy scenes...) But I hope you enjoyed it anyway.
Before I forget, (and get in trouble with someone in particular...) my friend Peace Writer is having this huge fan fiction contest through his story, Fan Fic Awards and he cordially invites you all! Be sure to check it out, and don't forget to nominate your favorite stories before it's too late! We hope to see YOU on the red carpet.
Little note for Peace Writer: Hope I did that well enough.....;
Oh, and also, the next chapter will have more about the Millennium Items and maybe (I haven't decided yet) disclose the secret to this entire fic! But before that, here's a little challenge for my dear reviewers......
By putting together the story the café manager told the gang in chapter 7# and the riddle Mai recited from Chapter 11# can you put everything together and figure out who has the final Millennium Item and/or the dark secret behind this story? Well, can ya? If you have a guess, put it in a review!
So don't forget to nominate your favs at Peace Writer's Awards Fic, and please don't forget to review this chapter!!!!
Luv ya all!
Flower Petals