Flower Petals: I'm sorry for the late update, but my family has just received some devastating news. A person who I have known and loved all my life-my grandmother-was just diagnosed with a very terrible form of cancer. In light of this, I am not sure how frequently I can update, and I apologize for any spelling or grammatical errors.

Also, I've never asked this of anyone, you all please find it in your hearts to pray for her? Not that she'll be okay, because it's already too late for that. But that she won't be in a lot of pain. It would mean so much to all of us.

Thank you........

Malikzfan2: Thank you for being my 200th review! I had no idea I was even anywhere NEAR 200 reviews. Shows how space-cadety I've been recently.....-; THANKS! .

Mamono: I like Seto's butler too. If I ever have a butler (dunno why I would, but it's a cool thought!) I'd like to have one like him. Thank you for reviewing, and please update your wonderful story soon!!!!

Peace Writer: Ug! You twisted what happened in the previous chapter!!! Joey NEVER "dreamt" of being Kaiba's chauffeur!!!!! He only wished to be in the front seat of a limo, and I'm sure in his fantasies Kaiba was NO WHERE near, much less IN the same vehicle. So there! sticks tongue out Oh, and thank you for reviewing.....-;

Mina: I feel bad for Kury too...... But I only put him through that pain because I love him sooooo much! (If that makes ANY sense.....) He's too cute! I LUV Kury! Yay! Thanks for taking the time to review and make me smile.

Sakurelle: Speed limits are for suckers! Don't let your parents tell you anything differently!!! shoots nervous looks over her shoulder Uh-oh, if my parents read this, they'll most likely take away my driver's permit........Thank you loads!

LordoftheBloodyHand: Okay, your pen name is sorta creepy. And for some horrific reason that defies understanding, it's cool too!!!! Hmm.....must take time to ponder this over......More Taleah and Kaiba you say? I'll see what I can do! Thank you!

Tamara Raymond: I'm glad you like Honda's personality in this fic! I felt like I had to change it because otherwise, well ya know, he and Joey would have pretty much had the same personalities and that would have gotten boring and confusing. And you're right about Mai and Kaiba's OCCness.....Yikes! I'll try and fix that. I'm glad you pointed it out! And thank you for all the "advice-like blurbs". grin They were very helpful, and I'm always so thankful that you share your thoughts and criticism with me. I try to take all of your advice! Thank you SO much! I luv you!!!!!!!!!!

Blink182baby: They're all cute! Though Seto's evil.....He didn't use to be in the first season of Yu-Gi-Oh, but now he's just plain super creepy....I mean, how many times can you be defeated by someone and still think you're the better duelist? Huh? HUH? Erm, sorry......But my sister is madly in love with Seto, and for the life of me I can't figure out why.....Hmm......Thank you for reviewing! Hope you like the chapter.

TAB: Thanks for being so supportive of this story, sis! I wish I could have made Taleah's character half as special as you are in real life!!!

Disclaimer: Nada, nada, nada.........Don't own Yu-Gi-Oh! Don't even own my socks....Oops!

Flower Petals

Last Song Sung

Part 2

"Are you sure?" Yugi held his Puzzle close to his chest, fingers tracing Its golden edges. "It seems rather risky."

"No less risky than keeping Them and always having to look over our shoulders to make sure no one's going to kills us for Them," Taleah countered. "It's really the only choice we've got."

"Seems like I'm the only person who doesn't question this particular course of action," Bakura mused. "If anything, I'd be glad to get rid of mine. Especially after all the trouble It's caused."

"I agree with Taleah," Tea said. "These Items are dangerous. I mean, so many lives are in danger just because of Them! Wouldn't They be better off gone? I may not know a lot about Them, but I can see without a doubt that They are hazardous to us, to this city, to this world! They should not be allowed to continue to exist. Not when They're as dangerous as They are."

"It's settled then," Yugi murmured somewhat distantly. "We'll destroy Them. So They can do no more harm."

"We've arrived at Mr. Simmick's," their driver announced. "I will be pulling into their driveway shortly."

Taleah observed as they approached a large two story home with dozens of windows. It sat on top of a low hill and looked very dark and creepy in the way it was situated with blood red clouds encircling it from behind. A few large pine trees were planted on both sides of a brick path that lead to a farm-style porch. All the shutters were closed except for one revealing a small room brightened only by a single shaded lamp.

"Well that's good," Tristen remarked. "At least we know someone's home. For a moment, I was afraid that Simmick might be at the party."

"It's a good thing he's not," Tea commented. "Now lets head in."

"I'll come with you," the butler volunteered. "After all, if Simmick's parents are out, you'll need adult supervision."

"You can stay in the car," Kaiba said as he began walking up the path. "With Mokuba."

"I'm coming with you whether you like it or not!" the young boy made clear. "I wanna help too."

Joey got to the door first. After ringing the doorbell several times, he resorted to banging his fists on the door and shouting threats.

Not too much later, a tall kid opened the door armed with a bat.

Simmick wasn't all that attractive with his overly large glasses, braces, and messy brown hair. In fact, many had considered him a nerd. For besides his "nerdy" appearance, he had nerd-like habits that included constantly fidgeting with his hair, picking his very large nose, and saying the stupidest things at the entirely wrong times. But now, nerd qualities forgotten, he was thought to be a hero by many. When he saw Joey, he lowered the bat and allowed a confused expression to settle over his pimply face.

"Nice da see ya too," Joey said, pushing past Simmick and into the house. The rest poured in behind him, leaving a rather stunned ex-nerd holding the doorknob in one hand and clutching the baseball bat in the other.

"Lets get to business," Mai proposed. "Okay boy, you still have that Millennium Item of yours, correct? We need it. Hand it over."

"Mai-" Taleah began with an angered sigh, but Simmick quieted her.

"How do you know about the Millennium Items? Why do you think I have one?"

"We don't have time for this," Kaiba declared. "Do you or do you not have one? We're not out to get you, so tell us now."

Simmick was still somewhat incredulous, but he answered nonetheless. "Yeah. I have the Millennium Earing. Why do you care to know?"

To Taleah, the guy looked very intimidating still holding the bat. He was poised and ready to strike. She couldn't afford one wrong move. She had to come right out and tell him what was going on. "So you must be aware of the dangers? Yes? Then you must also know that innocent people are dying because of the more careless of those you desire Them. I have One too and so do my friends, Yugi and Bakura. We have decided we're willing to destroy Them so that no more will suffer. Take away all the special and unique virtues of Some, and all that's left are perilous Items.

"Now, someone is after us and these Items and quite possibly close on our trail. If we don't find a way to dispose of these Items before he gets here, the results could be really terrible. So are you onboard?"

Seeing that he was in no present danger, Simmick set the bat down and took a seat on one of the many dimly colored couches that occupied the room. "This is a lot to take in. I really like my Earing. But if we're all in as much danger as you say, then. . " He let out a low whistle. "Wow."

"Wit' all do respect Sim, we don' have much time," Joey warned. "Make yar decision quick. 'Cause we ain't waitin' much longer."

"B-But," Simmick sputtered. He fingered his Earing. "You don't understand. This is the only thing in the world that makes me feel special. Without It, I'm a nobody. I like feeling special. I don't want to get rid of It."

Taleah's heart sank. This was going to be a lot more difficult than she would have imagined. "Of course we understand how you feel. But having an Item doesn't make you special. You don't become Superman whenever you put It on. You're still just Simmick. The guy who pulled that old lady from a burning car," she added quickly.

"The Item saved the woman not me. Without It, I would have never been able to save her or myself."

Mai winked at Taleah. "I bet you would have done it anyway. You are a hero. Not because of your Earing, but because you acted on impulse. You did not hesitate to do what you thought was right. After all, was it you or your Item that first decided to help that woman?"

"It was me," Simmick admitted. "I'm the one who went for it. That's me, always willing to lend a hand."

Tea rolled her eyes and walked away. "Oh, brother. Spare me."

Mai pretended to be impressed. "You're quite a person without that silly Millennium Earing. You don't need it. You're special without it. And here's your chance to prove it. You can save more lives by giving It up. Pretty cool, huh? Come on, give It up. Do it for a good cause. Do it for me?"

Simmick blushed and pushed his hands together nervously. "Okay, if you say so." He dropped his head, unable to look Mai in the eyes. "God, you're hot."

Taleah stifled a laugh. It wasn't common sense that persuaded Simmick into doing the right thing, it was hormones! But nonetheless, Mai had done well. Now there was but one task left.

"How are we going to destroy such things?" the butler inquired. This new riddle was proving provocative and interesting to him.

Yugi slipped his Puzzle from his neck and placed it on a nearby table. Bakura practically tore off his and tossed It alongside his friend's Item. Taleah kept hers on, wanting to spend as much time with the presence and the voice as possible before she'd never hear from either again.

Tea picked up the Puzzle and shook It hard from side to side. "Open up you blasted thing!"

Joey took It from her and began shouting at It, "Come out! We know ya're in der! Get out now!"

"Um, please?" Tristen added.

But nothing happened. The Items remained the same.

"Where do you keep your tools?" Kaiba asked Simmick, an idea occurring to him.

"Why?"

"Just show me."

"Fine. You all coming?"

"Sure."

"Okay."

"Why not?"

"We should all stick together."

"I'm comin'!"

"I'll go wherever my brother goes."

"Whatever."

"You need someone with wisdom. I shall be obliged to accompany you in this brief journey."

"You can count me in."

Simmick led the way through most of his house and finally into the basement. It was a cold place that continued to get colder with every step. A dull pink carpet wound throughout along with many shelves and desks containing clutter and miscellaneous items such as old school photos and trophies dated many years before. At the bottom of the rail and to the right were saws, hammers, screwdrivers, nails, and other heavy duty tools used for mixed purposes. That was where Simmick led them.

He switched on the only light-a single lightbulb alone to provide light for the entire dark basement-and showed Yugi and Bakura where they could place their Items. "Alright Seto Kaiba, now what?"

"Lets destroy these hazardous devices." Kaiba picked up a hammer and spun it around with his fingers. "Anyone is welcome to help."

When no one volunteered, he shrugged, took off his jacket and began unbuttoning his shirt revealing finely toned stomach muscles. He lifted the hammer over his shoulder, and swung it down hard on Yugi's Millennium Puzzle.

The younger duelist flinched as he heard the resounding twang. Taleah felt for Yugi; she knew it was hard for him to watch. It would be hard for her too, if hammers worked anyway. But seeing that Kaiba hadn't made any progress, it didn't look too hopeful.

Simmick took off his shirt as well and joined Kaiba. He tied his shirt around his head and eyed Mai one last time before he began the hard work. With two people at it now the odds were a little better, Taleah noted, but not much.

"Man, I'm glad my parents aren't here," Simmick remarked. "They'd have a fit over all this racket. They're at the party, if you must know. Would be there myself, except I got a bad vibe. Don't get 'em too often, but I've learned to trust my instincts and besides, the girl I asked -"

"Not another word," Kaiba threatened, pointing a hammer at the voluble worker. "No more out of you. Get back to work."

"It sure is a lot of noise," Yugi said suddenly. "I'm going back upstairs. Would anybody like something to drink? Stupid question. Bye."

Taleah watched her friend ascend the basement steps. Poor guy. It's painful for even me to watch. I can't imagine how hard it is for him. Kaiba doesn't need me here. Besides, I don't think I can watch for much longer. Making a quick decision, she left the work site and climbed back up the staircase to find Yugi. She didn't have to look very far-he was in the dining room curled up in one of the chairs, face in hands. She hurried over to where he sat and propped herself up on the table. "I'm sorry."

Yugi lifted his head, purple eyes meeting her own. "It's not your fault. Don't feel bad. I knew this was going to eventually take place; I just didn't think it would be this soon."

"I know how you feel, buddy. I'll miss mine just as much as you'll miss yours. I'll especially miss that voice. Without it, I don't know where I'll be."

"I'll miss being taller," Yugi confessed. "That was always a plus."

"I'll miss being told what to do, instead of having to make my own choices.'

"I will miss having a deeper voice. My regular one is waaaay to squeaky."

"No, you're mixing up yours with Tristen's."

Yugi laughed and rubbed his eyes with a sleeve. "Since we're telling all, I guess the thing I'll miss the most is being someone else. Someone more than I ever thought I could be."

"You can't be any more than you already are. In a good way," she added. "You're already an incredible person. Any more, and there wouldn't be a word to describe you. Once again, in a good way."

Yugi smiled warmly. "You're a wonderful friend, you know that? I'm glad you waved Joey and me over that day long ago."

"Me too. It's kind of strange to look back that far. If we hadn't all met up that day, do you think we would have eventually become friends? Would we all be in this predicament?"

"Probably," Yugi replied. "But not together. You and I would have entered the tournament and possibly never saw each other. Tristen, Joey, Bakura, and Tea would all be home right now asleep, or watching late night television. More likely the latter for Joe. But lets not think about that. All that matters is that we're all together."

"Right. It's funny how things work out. I wouldn't have made it so far in the competition without you and the rest." She gazed at her dueling glove and the ten once bright but now dull yellow ten starchips it bore. "It's funny to think that I worked so hard for these. And now, they mean nothing."

"They're good souvenirs."

"That's just like you Yugi," Taleah laughed. "Always looking on the bright side of things. Sometimes I wish I had your optimism. Mine has run out."

"Really? Have you ever been optimistic?"

"No, I guess not. But I do try. It's just that whenever I attempt to be optimistic, whatever I say comes out sarcastic and therefore sounds pessimistic.'

"Quite a problem."

"Sure is."

Taleah slid off the table and pulled Yugi to his feet. "Come on. You know Kaiba is waiting for that glass of water."

Yugi made a face. "Forgot about that."

"Yeah, well help me find the kitchen. We'll do this together."

It took the two of them only a few minutes to find the kitchen and assemble a few glasses. Pouring the water proved to be difficult, considering they were attempting to do so in the dark, having not been able to find any sort of light switch. The only light found in the dark room came from the blood moon shining its eerie radiance through the many windows.

Taleah filled the glasses with water from the sink faucet that was located near yet another window. When she was finished, she and Yugi both turned and began heading back to the basement when it happened.

Two powerful beams of light pierced through every window, instantly brightening up the dark place. There was no mistaking themthey were from the headlights of an approaching vehicle. The sound of tires rolling over gravel filled their ears. It continued to get louder as the automobile grew near. Whatever it was, was coming.

Taleah and Yugi froze. They both instantly knew it had to be Pegasus. Their time had run out. It was the end. And now, there was nothing they could do to stop it. It was too late.

"Yugi-" Taleah began, but no sooner had she spoken when the beams of intense light disappeared. She listened closely as the sounds of the approaching vehicle diminished. Whoever it was, was most likely not Pegasus. For they had parked a few houses down and came out of their car drunk from the party and singing merry tunes.

Yugi sighed with relief. He wiped the sweat from his forehead. "That was close. I thought-I thought-"

"So did I. I really believed it was Pegasus coming to claim all the Millennium Items as his. I'm glad it isn't. My heart almost stopped."

"Mine too."

"We should head back downstairs before we find more things to freak us out about," Taleah suggested, her heart's thunderous beats reverberating in her ears.

"Good idea."

After a few failed attempts at finding the door to the basement, Taleah finally gave up relying on touch, and used her ears to find the stairwell. The noises from the basement were loud and obnoxious and quite easy to follow. Kaiba and Simmick were still working hard when she and Yugi found them at last.

They were both covered with sweat. Every swing took its toll on them, and their strength was running out. To make matters worse, both Millennium Items were unscarred. There was not even the slightest dent in either. Kaiba's and Simmick's effort had been in vain.

"Oh, how savage and uncivilized!" the butler declared, watching the two put all their strength into each swing. He covered his mouth with a handkerchief.

"Someone get him out of here," Kaiba demanded, thankfully accepting the glass of cold water Taleah handed him.

"Ain't workin' guys," Joey stated. "Any other ideas?"

"Maybe burning Them," Simmick suggested. "I could get some fuel and a match or two. It would be fun. And-and helpful."

"Wha' are ya suggestin', we cook dem up in an oven?" Joey scoffed. "I don' thin' so, man. Der's got da be another way."

"No conventional tool or oven is going to do the trick," Kaiba said, wiping the sweat from his brow.

"Maybe only the Item Bearers can destroy Them," Tea offered. "Afer all, they know more about Them than we could ever hope to."

"Taleah could only access her Item's power by focusing her energy," Kury thought out loud. "Maybe if all four of us join together and do the same, we'll be able to make an imprint on such. It's just an idea. But it may work."

"Do everything and anything you can." Tristen curled up into a tight ball in the corner. "I don't want Pegasus getting another one of those things. He already has two at least."

Mai looked bewildered. "He already has two and these Items are supposed to hold incredibly, amazing, unsurpassed powers?"

"Where has she been?" Joey asked himself.

"Shut up Joeseph. If we destroy Them, then we'd also be destroying any defense we might have against such a man. We'd be defenseless against his powers! We'd have nothing left to shield ourselves from him!"

"Mai, please," Taleah begged. "We know the risks. Besides, we're not even sure we could shield ourselves from him even with our Millennium Items! This is the only way to make sure he doesn't get any more."

"Then what?"

"I don't know."

"Are we all going to die?"

"Mai-"

"Are we all going to die?"

Everyone was staring at Taleah now. They all wanted to know what would become of them-what their chances were. Even though deep inside, they knew already. Taleah's head spun. So many eyes. So many expectant faces. Who was she to know? Couldn't they all guess on their own? Why did they have to ask her? They all knew their chances at succeeding were slim. Even not having the Items, they were most likely to be held accountable for Them. There was no real answer to Mai's question. Except the truth. And that was the very last thing anybody really wanted to hear.

"Are we all going to die?" Mai asked her once more.

"I don't know," Taleah whispered, a single tear rolling down her cheek. "I don't know..."

Bakura stepped in front of Taleah, his eyes fierce; face reading of a challenge. "We all knew the risks would be high. But it's not too late to get out of it. Those who don't want to take that chance please leave now so that the rest of us can get on with our task."

No one moved.

"You are free to go," Kury continued. "Nothing and nobody is keeping you here. You can do as you please. So those of you who do not want to die or be stuck in a losing situation leave now."

"I'm staying," Mai declared. "I'm no coward. I'd rather die attempting to save the world then live and see the world destroyed."

Tristen uncurled and stood proudly. "I'm not going anywhere," said he, his voice unfaltering.

"I'm staying with my brother."

"Mokuba-"

"No. We're all in this together." Mokuba hugged his brother's leg, rubbing his face against the soft fabric. "I don't want to die, but I don't want to live without you. I'll protect you."

"Butler, take the kid and go," Kaiba ordered. He turned away, jerking himself from his younger brother's grasp, no longer able to see his face. "I've already made one fatal mistake. There will be no more."

"But Brother-"

"Go. Take him."

The butler picked up Mo, and began ascending the steps. Mo protested the whole way, screaming and shouting at his brother for doing this to him-for leaving him. He thrashed at the butler with all his child strength, struggling against the man. But to no avail. His screams could still be heard even after they had left the house.

Taleah suppressed the thought that she might never see the little boy again. At least he was safe. For now. She shook her head, banishing all negative thoughts. She had to concentrate now. The task had to be completed. What would happen after, was later for her to find out. There's always a tomorrow, she told herself. Just have to get by today. Focus. One thing at a time.

"Perhaps we should form a circle and link our hands," Yugi suggested. "That's the only way I can think up that leaves us all linked."

Bakura shrugged. "It's a worth a try, I suppose." He took a step forward and took Taleah's hands. She held Yugi's, and Yugi and Kury held Simmick's. They were all linked.

In the center of the tight circle, were all four Millennium Items, placed in front of each Item Bearer. The objects glowed with an inner light trapped within. As each of those who were linked bowed their heads, the Items became brighter until they were so radiant, every last corner of the gloomy basement was now filled with intense light.

"What if whatever they're doing backfires and ends up killing them?" Mai asked, worriedly. "What if-"

"They know what they're doing," Kaiba assured, somewhat annoyed. "Trust them. Trust me."

"You better come out of this alive, Yugi," Tea threatened. "Or else I'll never sit, touch, talk, whisper, yell, warn, threaten, shout or walk to with, by, or at you ever again."

"That was harsh," Tristen commented.

"Shut up."

"Make me."

Tea smiled. "They'll be fine, won't they? And when they're back from wherever, we can lecture them on how dangerous and risky it was."

"I get to go first."

Mai took one of Tea's hands and then Tristen's. "Why don't we all link hands also? Only instead of wishing to destroy something, we'll concentrate on living, and making sure our friends are safe."

"That's an excellent idea."

"Lets."

Joey squeezed in between Mai and Tristen and folded Mai's hand in his own. "Count me in."

Kaiba backed into a corner, letting the shadows envelope him whole. His eyes focused on Taleah.

He had known once, long ago, that he was destined to be by himself. To never love. To never be loved. To die alone. But now he knew that future was gone forever. And although what lay ahead was shadowed in uncertainty, veiled by a black blanket disclosing only a faint glimmer of promise, he silently wished and prayed he would never have to be alone again; that against all odds, she'd be okay.

Flower Petals: Well, that's it! I hope you enjoyed and please review. I will try and update as frequently as I can. And thank you ALL for being so nice and supportive and for being just the wonderful reviewers ya all are!

Ja ne!