Flower Petals:Hya peoples! Another chapter up! And it's somebody else's turn to go insane! Bwahahahahahahahahaha! INSANITY RULZ!!!! Erm, yeah.....;

Well, since nobody guessed about the Millennium Items and their secrets except dear Misura, I'm going to keep it a secret awhile longer! But for now, thankies go out to.......

Kongouseki: Joey is definitely a bishi! - And don't worry, I don't think anyone could suck at reviews! You're a great reviewer. Thank you!!!

Sakurelle: You're on vacation, eh? Having fun? Yes, yes, I agree; poor Kaiba....But don't you think it's fun to torment him a little? evil grin Bwahahahahahahahaha!

ShadowSpinnerx: Yay! squeals happily You admire my talent! Yay! thinking face I really wasn't aware I had any, but thank you! throws a cookie to you And to answer your question, no, I don't think I'll make a sequel. The last chapter pretty much wraps everything up so I really don't see how I could make another story related to this one. And I'm too lazy to think up a plot as complicated as this one. He, he, he....Thanks for reviewing!

Misura: Good guess Misura! Actually, you were the only one who guessed, so thank you! Yeah, I made up a reason for Kaiba's coldness. shivers Normally, I don't make up excuses for him, but I thought I'd be nice this time. I mean, come on, he's sooooo creepy on the show! And I understand he had a rough life and so on, but isn't he just like, really evil and creepy anyway? (My sister and I always have this argument). So does he really have the right to be so mean? Does he deserve to have an excuse? thinks Hmm......Oops! Sorry..Thanks for reviewing!

Mamono: I'm really happy you loved the chapter. But I want to know the hundred reasons why! grins Nah, I'm just kidding.....And why, Kaiba getting slapped is one of my favorite scenes too! Wanna know why? IT WAS SOOOOO MUCH FUN WRITING IT YAY! Thank you for reviewing.

Peace Writer: Really? Yami turns on Yugi in the end? I HAD NO TARTARSAUCE IDEA! How does that come about? And no, I don't think I'll make "Yami" evil, but you've definitely planted an idea in my head.....thinks about evil things Hmm.......Thank you for reviewin'!

TAB: Just don't give anything away, sis! Or else I'll make you kiss Kaiba again! Or......looks mischievous I'll make you kiss Tristen! Bwahahahahahaha! Supreme evilness! gets assaulted by angry mobs of Tristen fan girls) Ouchie! Wow, who'd have thought Tristen had fan girls???

Lady Silvertongue: squeals Yay! I always look forward to reading your reviews. They make me feel special. Thank you for reviewing and being such a great friend!

DeMonic Lustre: Hey hunny! You changed your pen name again. This one is kewl too!!! Luvyalotz.

Disclaimer: I do not own Yu-Gi-Oh. Because if I did, I wouldn't be writing fan fictions and Rishid and Shadi would be the stars of the entire show and Tristen would have a personality!!! gets assaulted by angry mobs of Tristen fan girls again GOSH TARTARSAUCE! WHERE DO THESE GIRLS COME FROM? AND FOR GOODNESS SAKE'S, HOW MUCH IS TRISTEN PAYING THEM???!!!

Flower Petals

Power of Three

Part 5

Do not forget who you are, the voice had warned her.

What a stupid notion though! How could she forget who she was? She was Taleah Dundigan. That had been ingrained in her head since before she had learned her A, B, C's. She was shy, not very outgoing, and had zero confidence. None. Zip. Zilch. Well then again, zero confidence until now. Now, she felt powerful and strong and confident in her capabilities as well as herself. It was a good feeling to be proud of herself.

The Items made her feel complete, as if she had been a puzzle missing a few pieces, and They filled them up. She was whole. The qualities that had been missing were now at her disposal. She felt as if there was nothing she couldn't do or accomplish. Hell! With all the power she had, she could take over the world. Not that she'd want to; it was just a thought. She could be Queen Taleah. No, that was too corny. What about Empress Taleah? Yeah, that was better. She had acquired so much magic she could give every person in the entire world an equal share. Wow, that was a cool thought.

If this was what it felt like to have Three, what would owning Seven be like? she pondered. A rush of excitement flew over her. She couldn't even imagine what it would feel like to own that many. But it must be truly spectacular. She could do anything she wanted without being held back. No one could stand in her way. She could practically own the world.

Do not forget who you are. The voice's warning once again echoed in through her mind. But she knew who she was. Even though she had changed a little bit. She was no longer that shy girl without confidence. She had faith in herself now. She trusted her abilities. She felt good about herself. No, she wasn't forgetting who she was. She was improving who she was.

If she was already near perfection now, how would having Seven make her feel? Her stomach got jitters in her excitement. The only problem would be obtaining the Others. She didn't want to hurt anybody, but she would if she had to. She'd do anything she could to attain the Rest. Even if she had to go against all her ethics and everything she had been taught. She had to. . .she must. . .have Them. Her desire for Them was overcoming her conscience. They would be hers.

Don't lose sight of yourself! the voice cautioned. It tried to fill her with its presence, but she blocked it out. After all, it was just a stupid voice, what could it possibly know or understand?

She had finally found something that made her feel good about herself and the voice wanted to take it away! How selfish was that? She was finally happy. A feat she hadn't imagined possible. The voice just wanted the power-the gift- for itself! It wanted to steal it from her!

But then again, what could the voice do with such strength? Speak louder? She chuckled to herself. No, she was just getting overprotective. Which was plausible-she had everything she wanted and was everything she had always aspired to be. Who wouldn't be scared of losing that? She would take extreme measures. She would take great risks. No one would steal her happiness from her. Not even the voice.

Then a thought occurred to her. The presence must come from her Millennium Bracelet, so was there a way of excreting the voice? Could she summon it out? But that might take too long, and she wanted the nuisance gone now. The only other way was to dispose of her bracelet. She didn't really want to do that, but if it meant getting rid of the voice. . .

Decisions, decisions. Well right now, her main goal was to get rid of all who would oppose her. She wouldn't let her happiness be taken away. Not by the voice, not by anybody. So it was decided then: she would get rid of her bracelet in order to protect the Items she still kept. Although, with only two Items, she might feel less happy. And less able to beat Pegasus to a pulp as Joey so delicately put it. But she had to lose It. But It might be good to keep. But the voice. That was another matter. . .

I am your friend, the voice attempted to persuade her into believing. I'm just trying to help you. It took a motherly tone. Take a good look at yourself and what you've become. You're not Taleah anymore. Give it up, before it's too late. You don't need strength or power. Don't try to be someone you're not.

"No!" Taleah shouted. "You just want Them all for yourself! Well I won't let you have them, I won't, I won't!" In desperation, she savagely clawed at her bracelet, attempting to rip It from her wrist. When It wouldn't come loose, she became more persistent, tearing at her flesh, trying anything to get It off and be rid of Its evil. She couldn't stand it anymore. She had to protect the other Items. But she couldn't just get rid of One. But It had to go. It was poisoning her mind, working at destroying who she had become. But It wouldn't come off. And now, some part of her didn't want to have It gone. She felt torn and at a loss.

Perhaps sensing her doubt and debilitating assurance, the voice spoke again. Why are you doing this? I am no thief. I am simply here to help you. Is that too hard to understand? Now listen to me.

"No!" Taleah didn't want to listen. It would just try to manipulate her. To use her. If she listened, it would be the end. She covered her ears, but the voice could still be heard. It was inside her head, she knew, but how was she supposed to block out the sound when it was coming from inside of her? It was not as if she could just shut off her mind. She was forced to listen. And the voice made itself very clear.

It is as I have feared; you have forgotten who you truly are. In all your new found glory and power, you lost who you originally were. Remember what you once told Kaiba? About wealth and riches? They don't make life worth living, it's the people in your life that do. Remember that? Those were very true words. Just because you hold power beyond imagining, doesn't mean you have to become someone else. You are who you are. And no matter how hard you try to become a different person, you never will. Because you are you. People may hold influence on you and may help you to become a better person, but you do not change. You are still Taleah Dundigan.

I know all this power seems wonderful to you. You feel fulfilled and complete. And happy. But this all doesn't come without a cost. You know the price to be paid? Yourself. What makes you, you. Don't let these mere objects tempt you like this. That's right. They're mere objects. They may hold great powers, but They're still just things. And it is Their purpose to entice you, to lure you into believing all that false stuff in your head now. Power is wonderful, but it taints the mind and slowly eats at your soul. Just think of all the wrongs you would do-were thinking of doing-just to get more power. You see? It's not worth it.

"Wow," Taleah said out loud. "I think that's the most you've ever said to me."

Good to have you back child.

"I-I'm sorry," she stuttered, and tears began swelling in her eyes. "So sorry. If you hadn't stopped me, I-I. . .It's too awful to think. It's just. . .I was finally happy. I was finally glad to be, well me. I have never felt that way before. I've always hated my shyness and inability to stand up for myself and my friends. But when. . .Well, I-I thought I was cured. I felt complete. Do you know what I mean?"

You're justifying your actions.

Taleah smiled, but made no intention of defending herself. "Yeah, well I guess we're even then for that time you defended Kaiba." Her thoughts sprang into focus. "Speaking of Kaiba, we should be on our way!"

I completely agree. Oh, and Taleah?

"What?"

You don't need a Millennium to make yourself special. You're just fine the way you are.

"That's your opinion."

No, it's fact. You may be silent and reserved (most of the time), and uncertain of your capabilities, but you have rare qualities that distinguish you as your own kind of special. You're brave, for one thing. I know that doesn't go hand in hand with being shy, but it is true. You do stand up for your friends and you take great and daring risks in order to protect them. And, if I may add, you stand up for what you believe in and fight for it. You help people at your own expense.

Another quality is your loyalness. You stick by your friends whether times are good or bad and you're there for them.

You're also very stubborn and determined. If you want something, you'll push and push until you get whatever it is that you desire. You are a truly remarkable person. But not without your faults.

"You put that so delicately," Taleah laughed. "But thank you for all that you've said. If you keep up these lectures, I actually might start believing you someday."

That day may be sooner than you think. I'm not going to be here forever I'll have you know.

"What do you mean?"

I'm implying that you're going to have to make a difficult decision. Very soon. Whatever the decision is, I just want you to know that I'll always be here, just like I always have been.

"Where did you come from anyway?" Taleah inquired, meticulously picking her way through the dense woods. "It seems like you've always been with me. How did I come across owning the Bracelet?"

One question at a time! The first answer is: I believe you already know. As for the second. . .I've always been around. And you've had me since you can remember. Because it's true. I've been in your possession since before you were even aware of me. That's how it was with your mother-

"My mother! She once owned the Bracelet?"

Yes, indeed. And so did your grandmother and your great-grandmother and all the generations of the women in your family. Of course, you're the only one who has ever been aware of Its powers. And for good reason too; Its secret wasn't meant to be discovered until now. You hold the key to a long awaited answer. You, as well as Yugi and Bakura and Pegasus and the rest. What the question is, I cannot tell you. But perhaps you'll figure it out.

"Are you truly a soul trapped in my bracelet? And if so, what does it feel like? Are there more of you?"

More questions! Trust me, you will discover the meaning for all given time. And patience. Everything will make sense in the end.

"Right," said Taleah, though with incredulity. "I-I want you to know, I'll never fall victim to the will of the Millennium Items again. Or last least, I'll try not to. Now I know what it must feel like to be Pegasus and all the rest who desire such power. It's easy to succumb to. But I won't speak of that again. And I won't ask anymore questions although your so called answers have aroused my curiosity. Anyway, if you don't mind, I should probably focus on this trip. I've already tripped over several times now, and I've nearly collided into trees on three separate occasions, so good bye for now. Talk to you later?"

The voice had already returned to her bracelet. However, a certain presence remained, so that she didn't feel entirely alone. Although it did not speak or make any indication that it was there, it was pleasant company and it made Taleah feel comfortable for most of the trip. Until she reached the castle.

The climb up the stairs seemed shorter than usual. Perhaps it was because she had made the trip so many times. It was only near the top, that the steps seemed to last forever. She quickly ascended the last few, but paused before the great metal doors. For they were wide open, as if welcoming her.

Kaiba and Kemo were nowhere to be seen.

They were most likely in the castle, Taleah decided. Which was where she was headed next. That was, if she could summon up the courage.

Beyond the doors was black nothingness. It looked scary and forbidding, and Taleah couldn't bring herself to enter. But she knew she had to. Her parents were counting on her, and so were Kaiba and Mo. Maybe even Yugi's grandfather. She wasn't going to let them down. She'd rescue them all if she could. But first, she'd have to enter the castle.

"Here goes nothing," she muttered to herself as she took her first step into the dark place. Many more came after it in a fast pace. Not much later, she was running through the castle and its corridors. She had never been there before, yet she knew he way. She raced through the castle not necessarily knowing where she was headed, but having the gut feeling that she was approaching her destination.

The castle was beautiful, she supposed, but she had little time to enjoy any of its spectacular decorations and magnificence. To her, it felt empty, despite everything it was filled with. It felt forsaken, bare. And yet she ran through it now, trying her best to avoid confrontation with any furniture or paintings or anything else that attempted to fill the unfillible emptiness.

At the end of a long hall, she stopped. A few feet ahead of her the foyer ended and forked into three separate paths. Each one was dark and gloomy. It was like looking at the same one three times. But they weren't the same. And she needed to pick one. Whatever had been guiding her before, ceased; she was alone with the decision. But maybe she could acquire help. After all, did she not bear three Millennium Items?

It was the Millennium Ring that acted up first. One of its small golden pointers stood straight out, poised in the direction of the center path. It was so set on getting her down there, It pulled at her muscles in an attempt to get her to walk. When she took her first step, It grew more persistent and practically hauled her through the path rather than guiding her. And she still wasn't even sure if It was tugging her towards a Millennium Item; hence, Pegasus, or directing her to where she wanted to go! She got her answer soon enough.

The dungeon was a creepy place that was covered in decades of filth. It excreted a foul stench that saturated the air and made it almost unbearable to breathe. The only lighting came from torches set every so often amongst the walls. It was quite a maze-every tunnel led to a multiple of different passageways that were either dead ends or met up with other paths. Taleah would have been lost in the eternal labyrinth forever, if it was not for the Millennium Ring. With It by her side, the maze held no threat and she was safely conducted to the cells.

Each cell had a different number. As she walked deeper into the dungeon the numbers increased. It was odd to her though, for every once in awhile, the numbers would abandon their synchronized pattern and skip ahead to a much higher number. Taleah silently wondered if it was because there were secret cells and chambers. It was so dark, she could have easily passed by one without noticing. Further along, the torches became scarce until there was barely enough light to fill the narrow paths, much less provide the necessary amount for safety reasons.

At last, the Millennium Ring ceased to pull, and in fact, stopped her in her tracks. For off to her right was one of the last cells. And occupying it, were Mo and Kaiba. They were both leaning against the far wall, cuddling for warmth. Kaiba had his eyes closed, so Mo saw her first.

"Taleah!" He sprang to his feet, nearly trampling his brother in his excitement, and skipped over to the barred gate.

"Mo. I'm so glad to see you." Taleah felt a wave of relief and joy come over her. She had missed the little boy so much, and she was glad to see he wasn't hurt in anyway. On the contrary, he looked the happiest she had ever seen him. He was such a cheerful kid. Always bright and happy. It made Taleah angry to think that someone could do this to him.

Kaiba opened his eyes and wearily got to his feet. He looked tired and fatigued, but nonetheless pleased to see her. Once again, Taleah noticed how calm he looked, as if all the anger and hate that had built up over the years was now suddenly gone. "Taleah."

Wishing the doors open, they unlocked almost magically and Mo sprang into her arms. He hugged her tight around her waist and murmured how nice it was to see her again. When the hug was over, he ran circles around her and his brother shouting his joy. "I knew she'd come! Didn't I tell you?"

Kaiba's features lightened almost into a smile. But not quite. He leaned forward and kissed Taleah on her forehead, whispering something in her ear.

Mo crossed his arms, face curious. "So, a lot has happened since I was taken away, hmm?"

Taleah laughed. And much to her utter astonishment, Kaiba chuckled. She didn't question this phenomena. Instead, she just enjoyed the moment. Everything felt right again, despite the fact that they were all in the dungeon of an evil man, and two seconds away from thinking up an escape plan. But it still felt right. As if everything was going to at last, be okay. . .

"What a happy reunion."

It was Pegasus.

Taleah whipped around to face the wicked man. He stood a few feet away in his usual red suit with all the frills, looking very smug. His arms were out in welcome and his sly features twisted into a complacent smile.

"Stay away," Taleah warned, gripping all three Millennium Items. She wasn't giving up without a fight. Pegasus's appearance had caught her off guard, but she had been expecting him. And she was ready to face whatever he had in store for her. "Out of the way old man."

A strange look came over Pegasus's features. "Oh, I'm older than you think, my dear."

Taleah clenched her jaws. "I said out of the way."

"But Taleah dear, you've just begun to master your powers. What chance do you think you'll stand against me, who knows everything there is to learn about such things? You're in more danger than you could ever be aware of. As well as the others."

Taleah's heart fluttered with uncertainty and fear. "What do you mean 'others'?"

"The meaning of my words are simple my dear," Pegasus laughed. "I'm simply implying that you shouldn't have left your friends. . .unattended."

Flower Petals: That's all folks! Sorry, it was probably a lame chapter, but I had no other choice but to leave off on this point because otherwise the chapter would have been about twenty pages and my fingers would have probably fallen off...XX But thank you for reading and don't forget to.....

REVIEW! The sooner ya all review, the sooner I can get the next chapter up, so get to it peoples!

Luv ya all!

Ja ne!