Flower Petals: I am truly sorry it has taken me so long to update. So much has been going on, I've had barely any time to even sleep! 0.o Here is the chapter at last, but first, I'd like to say a few words....
First off, I wanted to thank you all for your thoughts and prayers for my grandmother. She died a few weeks ago peacefully in her favorite chair so thankfully, she did not suffer. You were all very supportive and kind, and I feel SOOOOO blessed to have such wonderful reviewers and friends. -
Secondly, I just started college. (EEEEEEEEeeeeeek!) So I'll update as frequently as I can in-between 3-6 page essays, Monday psychology tests that have anywhere between 50-100 questions, German quizzes on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, study group meetings, and other various assignments. pant, pant Ug, just thinking about all the stuff makes my head hurt!!!! 00 But please, PLEASE, if you'd like me to update sooner or if you think that I've forgotten that I even have a story posted on fan (which has happened a few times in the recent past, -') send me an email or something to remind me!
But anygohoobles......Reviewer replies:
S. Chensu and Luff: I'm sorry I don't have much on Bakura and his spirit. I really should, because they're like, the coolest characters!!! But when I wrote this, I knew absolutely SQUAT so I didn't know how to incorporate them into the story. Sorry. And hey, I've performed Adagio for Strings by Barber! It's a nice piece. Thank you for reviewing!
Sakurelle: Thank you for being patient for "once". grin Patience really is a horrible word. I'm one of those people who HATES waiting. I mean, if you can do something now, why postpone it for later? And I drive people crazy whenever I start tapping my foot or something when I get frustrated for waiting for something to happen or somebody to show up. But I just can't help it. shrug Okay....what was I talking about??? Sorry! Um, I think I was trying to say, don't worry about being patient, and uh, thanks for taking the time to review my story.
Peace Writer: Thanks! I pay a lot of attention to detail, so I'm glad you noticed and liked it. And thanks for your constant support and helpful (and sometimes amusing .) comments.
Mina: I'm sorry your great aunt is sick. It really sucks when someone love is ill. If you ever need someone to talk to, please don't look past me! I'd be really happy to offer you the same wonderful support you have shown me. Thanks for everything.
Mamono: Ya know, I'm really not that much into Seto, but just picturing him taking off his shirt gives me the shivers. thinks, shivers Okay, so he IS a sexy guy. But that still doesn't take away from the fact that he's a jerk. thinks, shivers Ug, I've got to stop! Thank you for reviewing my story!
Tamara Raymond: Well, I took your advice on the climaxes of the story, so I hope I don't disappoint you! I probably shouldn't have drawn out the plot so long, but hopefully the climax will justify it. Once again, I want you to know that I deeply appreciate all your comments from the bottom of my heart. Your criticisms and advice are extremely helpful and I hope by utilizing them, I will become a better writer. I always look forward to reading your reviews and whatever you have to say. ) So thank you, thank you, for everything.
LordoftheBloodyHand: It just blows my mind that you print out every chapter. I mean, THEY'RE LONG CHAPTERS!!!!! But it's really flattering. - And I know, I know, more Taleah and Kaiba....I'm workin' on it.....
TAB: The funny thing is, you keep accusing me of forgetting to include you in my reviewer responses, but you keep forgetting to review, sis!!! So there! p But I'm including you in this reviewer response list for all the times in the past you reviewed and I forgot. -' So thank you for nearly always remembering to review.
Alright, onto the chapter!!!
Disclaimer: I do not own Yu-Gi-Oh. Because if I did, than I wouldn't have named it something so gosh darn hard to spell and with so many weird dashes.
Flower Petals
Last Song Sung Part 2
Taleah was unaware of any motion or dark thoughts coursing through her friends' minds. She was completely absorbed in her determination to complete the task at all costs. Her mind was clear and concentrated on one thing alone-the destruction of the ancient Items. With all her willpower she wished Them gone and out of her and all their lives forever. Despite her love for It, she subdued her emotions and wished her bracelet destroyed. It was for the good of many, after all. She had to think beyond her own feelings no matter how puissant they were, and focus on what was best for not just her, but for the world. And the world would be a better place without Them.
A voice erupted behind her ear, startling her. At first, she believed it to be Yugi or Bakura who were standing closest to her. But one quick glance around the circle, and she realized that she was mistaken. All four of them were looking at each other, puzzled. It was apparent they could all hear the voices, though none could make out what any were saying.
The voices became more persistent, as if insisting that they be understood. There were many, ranging from all volumes and accents and both sexes. They inundated the room, repeating what they were saying continuously, each time becoming a bit more clear and understandable.
They were telling those in the circle about themselves, Taleah realized. The spirits trapped within the Millennium Items were telling her and her friends their lost lives, of which were all sadly cut short. They'd tell about their families and occupations and so many different things. The spirits sounded excited and wondrously happy, for at long last, they had their voices returned. They could speak.
Images began to appear. They took over Taleah's range of vision so all she saw was what they wanted her to see. She witnessed vast deserts, lush grassy plains, wagons, pyramids, art, paintings, etc. Everything that had ever mattered to the spirits, they showed. Their lives whipped by, one after another. And Taleah saw it all. She felt, touched, tasted, saw, and smelled all that the souls of those were gone had, long ago. Every last spirit within her Millennium Bracelet wanted to be heard-understood. They wanted to make their lives known. But above all, they wanted to be free.
Scenes rushed by Taleah's eyes. This time, instead of showing surroundings, the pictures portrayed faces of many disparate people. With each new face, came a new history, a new tale.
One was a man, an elderly man in those days, who had six daughters. He loved them dearly, but without a son, there would be no heir to inherit his farm. He had gone on a quest for one who would be worthy enough to carry on after he passed away, leaving his farm and all his belongings in the hands of his wife and beloved daughters. When the quest had brought him nothing but toil, he returned to his farm and to his utter amazement, found it running perfectly. There was an abundance of crops, and all of his livestock were in perfect health. His daughters had done well, he realized. He had been a fool to think otherwise. From that day forward, he never doubted anyone's capabilities. But soon after, monsters of terrible power wrecked havoc upon the farm and destroyed all but the farmer and his family. Fearing for his wife and daughters, he gave his soul so they would have a better chance at life. His voice disappeared amongst the cacophony of noise. He was free from his long bondage. He could now join his family once again, wherever they might be.
Another soul trapped within her bracelet was a young girl about Mo's age, who had yet to discover any of the virtues of life that came with age. She had been sacrificed by her mother, her short life, ending abruptly. However, Taleah could sense no anger, no resentment towards the cowardly parent. For over innumerable centuries, the child had come to forgive her mother. But that didn't stop her from missing the life she never had. Taleah's heart ached in despair. All the things the little girl would never experience! It was too depressing for her to dwell on. The child spirit shook her head. Or at least, Taleah felt her shake her head.
"All is forgiven," said the young girl. They were the last words she would ever speak. For she went now, to a destination unknown to those who could not see past the here and now.
Another spirit had been an itinerant teacher. Another, a brave warrior. Their lives and history filled Taleah's mind and mesmerized her senses. There were so many voices, speaking simultaneously and so many images and scenes. Taleah had to focus with great difficulty not to lose her self in the myriad of emotions. She felt their fear, their losses and gains, and their hope. She saw all times, whether good or bad, and witnessed their most cherished memories. When at last the voices began to subside, they left one particular spirit for last.
Taleah could not take her eyes from the figure. She was a woman in her twenties perhaps, and contained a beauty only heard about in fairy tales and myths. Long, volumptuous hair the color of a raven's wing cascaded down her back and around her thin shoulders. She had the appearance of being frail, but ever so strong. She had a commanding presence about her, that would make anyone want to sit down immediately and listen to whatever she had to say. Dressed in flowing, radiant robes, she descended from high above to speak with Taleah. Her soft and lustful dark eyes met Taleah's brown.
"You know who I am, don't you?"
"Of course," Taleah replied, her voice sounding strange to her own ears, as if she was hearing a stranger speak. "You are the voice of reason that has always helped me."
"Very good," the voice complimented, her tone light and musical. To listen to her speak, was like listening to a piano concerto or a duet amongst two violins in perfect harmony. "Would you like to hear my story?"
"If you would be so kind."
"Alright. My story begins long ago in ancient Egypt. My mother and I lived a shadowy existence in a rural area that we called home. Days were spent tidying up our home and looking after our few animals. My mother, however, spent all her days mourning her husband's-and my father's-death. He had died before I was born, and my mother was miserable because of it.
"Every so many moons, Mother would send me to a nearby town to buy fresh fruit and vegetables to life off of. Any kind of food was scarce, however, so many a trip to the market ended in vain. In my mother's eyes, anyway. To me, any excuse to get out of my depressing, dismal home was a gift of great magnitude. One such venture to the market, my last one, erupted into chaos.
"I had been watching a farmer weigh his produce on a scale, when monsters of incredible and immense power stampeded into the town. They destroyed all in their way, leaving nothing but a trail of destruction in their wake. It was clear to me that they had once been the property of a duelist. But obviously, the duelist was now dead and his creatures were free to roam the earth and do as they wished. And what they wished then of all times, was to ruin the whole town and bring it crumpling down.
"The townspeople, fearing for their insignificant lives, fled every which way, colliding into each other and accidently injuring fellow citizens of the doomed town. The market place was a mess; fruit baskets were overturned, their contents spilling out into the streets, the bodies of those who fainted lying in the crudest of places, frightened horses bucking free from their halters and obliviously trampling the very food that was so difficult to grow and harvest and even some people.
"Rather than be apart of the complete chaos, I decided to use what little knowledge I had of Duel Monsters to stop the creatures from ruining further. I had never played such a game, but many a time before, I had witnessed such take place. So with all the courage I could muster, I confronted the beasts and commanded them to go no further. Much to my confusion, they obeyed and stood perfectly still as if awaiting their next orders. I used my control over them to command them to do as I pleased. According to the rules of the game Duel Monsters, they were now mine. But I didn't want such amazing and destructive creatures at my disposal. So I sold them for a good price to aspiring duelists and went back home. It was a fair enough bargain; I got plenty of money for necessities, and they got their puissant monsters for their crude game.
"News quickly spread of my 'bravery'. I became a legend and many duelists came to learn of my alleged wisdom. They were all dismayed to learn that I had none. It had all been a fluke as far as I was concerned. But still, they came, asking advice from me. My mother hated it. She would lock me away in a room for days forbidding any visitors no matter how widely known and famous most were. Rumors reached the high priest and the pharaoh himself. They were both avid to meet such a unique being, for the abandoned Duel Monsters were destroying much of the world. I was their hope and salvation. But another, did my job first.
"It was never quite clear where exactly he came from. He came from the heavens, many claimed, a messenger from the Gods. A soldier of the light." The beauty's voice took a sour tone. "He did what no other could do: he promised to rid the world of the beasts, And so he did. No one, ever quite knew how. But his dutiful task was not without a price. And an expensive one, it was. You know of what I shall not speak of.
"I was the first sacrificed. Against my own will. The mysterious man considered me a threat. He told me so to my face, after cleverly disguising himself as just another duelist asking me for a favor or for a few words of wisdom. But he took much more than my words, he took my soul. You see, the world was not big enough for two to exist as saviors. And the ruthless man was not willing to share power, so he eliminated me so I would pose no threat to his fame or fortune.
"No one ever discovered what happened to me. When my own mother discovered me missing, she just assumed I had run off with a handsome duelist to live a life on the road. I wasn't loved, so nobody mourned me. I was but a legend, who had no face. A legend, soon forgotten. After all, in the hearts of his followers, there could only be one hero. It was as if I never existed.
"So that is my tale, Taleah Dundigan. Raised in solitude, only to become a victim of some political scheme. But I guess it was for the best. The man had done what he vowed to do. The earth is clear and devoid of the monsters. So I guess my life was worth something after all. That is my story. Do not ask me of a name, for I was never given one."
"A sad story," Taleah admitted. "Of a sad life. I'm sorry that was what became of you. As for your lack of a name, how about Destiny?"
"Destiny?"
"It fits. You always speak about fate and what's mean to happen. It was your destiny to be trapped within my Item. Probably so you could help me out and prevent me from making some terrible mistakes. Just like it is your destiny to be set free."
"That does seem to fit," the spirit laughed. "I like it. Thank you very much for giving me a name. Now perhaps, I can be somebody. Not just anybody, but me-Destiny."
"I'll miss you, my friend." Taleah brushed away her tears and smiled. "I'm happy that you're happy now. Go on, and live the life you were deprived of. All of you. You're free."
"All thanks to you. I will never forget you and all that you have done for me, Taleah. Maybe, if it is apart of your destiny, we'll meet again."
"I'm sure we will."
Destiny smiled warmly, as if remembering a pleasant memory. "I have enjoyed watching you grow up, very much. You are a young lady now. It's a concept I'm having trouble believing. It seemed just yesterday when you were three and picked up the bracelet off your mother's dresser. You have grown a lot since that day."
Taleah laughed, teats forming a steady stream from her brown eyes.
"I regret that I will not see you live into adulthood. I won't be at your wedding, and I'll never see your charming children. I will only remember you as I see you now-a young lady that is as just and courageous as she is beautiful. Don't ever lose faith in yourself. And always remember."
"I will."
"Take care, and beware of Pegasus, he is more than he seems." Destiny began to fade, her voice becoming increasingly softer until it seemed that a single breath could blow away her words. "Never forget, true believer. Farewell to you and your friends. We shall meet again, I suppose, but not here. In a better place. I will wait for you."
Taleah's vision was blurred with tears. But then a sudden thought occurred to her and she called out, desperate to get her answer before Destiny disappeared forever. "Wait! What was the question? You said that I hold the answer to a long awaited question. What was it?"
Taleah heard Destiny's musical laugh for the last time. "You silly girl. The question was: What is it like to be free? I think we all know now. Thank you for your answer. Good bye."
"Bye."
All color and darkness was masked by a pure and radiant light. With it, came one strong emotion-the sensation of being at liberty. After many centuries of confinement, they were finally free. No words would describe their triumphant joy and pleasure. They were no longer under any obligation. They were not held back. Every single one, was set free. They shouted their thanks to Taleah as they spiraled upwards in a dazzling column of light in its purest form. Then they all disappeared and Taleah was jolted back into her reality.
The darkness crept back. Slowly at first, as if unsure. But as soon as it saw that all light was gone, it blanketed the room once more in its wrath. The basement returned to being dark and dreary. No trace of the light remained, save for the single dimly shining lightbulb. But that too, was taken from them.
The lightbulb went out.
Flower Petals: That's all she wrote! (Literally!!!) Please keep in mind, I will try and update as frequently as I can. But PLEASE don't forget to review!
Take care!