Flower Petals: Wow my gosh, I'm sorry for the ? late update!!!! It's just that with finals coming up in college and everything, I have had barely enough time to even breathe!!!
takes a long deep breath
Because it has been AGES (maybe even eras -') since I first began this story and the point I'm at right now, here's a little summary of everything that has happened thus far:
Taleah and Tea become friends with Yugi, Tristen, and Joey through school, Bakura is introduced as the "mysterious" new student who spends a lot of time around Taleah (later you learn, he liked her all along!), Taleah meets Kaiba's younger brother at a grocery store and they become tight friends leading to certain erm, interesting experiences at the Kaiba Manor, they all participate in dueling each other, going to a talent show, and a school dance, bluh, bluh, bluh.
Okay, on a field trip Taleah meets Pegasus who demands that she hand over her special Millennium Bracelet (of which she knows nothing about). Upon refusing, Pegasus kidnaps her parents and forces her to enter a tournament at Duelist Kingdom. Not too much later, the same thing happens to Yugi and he is left with no other alternative but to fight for those he loves. Joey decides to enter the tournament for the prize money to pay for his nearly blind sister's operation and the rest of the gang decide to go as well.
Meanwhile, in a nefarious plan to take over KaibaCorp., Pegasus has Mokuba taken and Kaiba almost killed. Kaiba goes to Duelist Kingdom to get back his brother, and runs into Taleah and gang who are discovering much more than they bargained for at Duelist Kingdom.
Through close duels, giant creepy men (Panic), long distance phone calls to the other side of the world, a mysterious story, an ancient cryptic rhyme, an intense duel between Kaiba and Yugi, rescuing Mokuba, figuring out who owns all the Millennium Items and Pegasus's plan (for the most part!), and a helicopter ride back to the mainland, Taleah and her friends decide to destroy their Millennium Items for the sake of the world.
The magic within the Items' was released and the spirits They contained, set free. But all is not fine and dandy yet, for Taleah was given the mysterious warning that Pegasus is more than he seems, and just as the ceremony is completed, the only light in the basement is snuffed. With anxious hearts, Taleah and her friends await their next challenge which just might be their last.
Bwahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha! Erm, yeah. -'
Sorry, I suck at summaries!!! . But I hope it gave you all at least some idea of what has happened thus far.
I am deeply sorry, but I can't do any individual thank you's for this chapter, so instead, just know that I love you all and I am SOOOOO thankful to all of you for your wonderful support:
Peace Writer Lord of the Bloody Hand Mamono Shiro Sakurelle Mina
TAB Tamara Raymond
In this chapter, EVERYTHING is explained and the story is pretty much wrapped up. It may seem abrupt, but right now, I just don't have the time to put any more thought into it, so I hope you don't mind. There WILL be a few more chapters, but the climax ends here, so hopefully enjoy!
Flower Petals
Last Song Sung
Part
"I didn't do nothin'!" Joey said, putting up his hands to support his claim, though none could see in the absolute darkness.
"Damn lightbulb," Simmick cursed. "Knew I should have replaced it. Here, I got a flashlight somewhere. Oh, there! Right." He flicked it on. "Works like a charm."
The single beam of light was barely enough to be used to identify anyone, much less provide sufficient light to see one's surroundings. But right then, it was all they had.
Taleah felt around on the floor for her bracelet. When she found It, she hurriedly picked It up and pressed It lovingly against her chest. But It was not the same; It was cold and empty. Devoid of the life It had once held. It looked so ordinary and common, Taleah could almost laugh with bitterness. Here was an item that she would have died to protect, less Its powers be wrought upon the earth, and now it was a meaningless, trivial entity. Her special, unique bracelet existed no more.
"Is everybody okay?" Tea's voice rang out and echoed in the dark basement. "Is everybody here?"
"We're all okay,"said Yugi. His tone was heavy with sorrow. "And I think we're all here."
"I-I saw him,"came the curious whisper of a faceless entity.
The flashlight revealed Bakura sitting with his knees pressed underneath his chin, shaking. "I s-s-saw the s-spirit."
"Da one dat almost trapped Tristen's soul?" Joey helped. "Wha' did he say? He's gone, right?"
"Y-yes, he's gone. But before he went, he sh-showed me all that he had ever done. It was h-horrible. I couldn't close my eyes. I had to watch as h-h-h-he. . . .I saw. . ."
"He'll never be back," Taleah assured. "None of them are coming back. They're gone forever. Forget what you saw."
"Then we have done what we set out to do," Kaiba concluded, stepping forth from the shadows. "The task is completed. Now what?"
The flashlight, their only source of light, ceased to work. The shadows crept back and the room became once again engulfed in a blackness far darker then the outside's starless night.
Before anyone could speak or act to combat their new peril, a single beam of light stronger than that produced by any flashlight, shone on a familiar figure. He came forward confidently, bearing the smile of one who at long last, came across what he had been searching so hard for. It was a smile of victory.
"Stay back," Kaiba warned. "Do not take another step."
"Is that anyway to welcome me, Kaibaboy?" Pegasus inquired. "Well now it seems I have all of you." He smiled gleefully. "At first, I believed it to be foolish to let you go. But now, I realize that it was quite beneficial. My dear Taleah, Yugi and Bakura. You have served me well, indeed. You have done what I could not; solve the riddle and in addition, you have located Simmickboy for me. Now, I obtain what was once mine, and what shall forever be in my grasp. Don't be fools. Hand Them over."
"But They're emp-" Tea started, but Taleah quickly quieted her.
"No," Taleah spoke firmly. "You can't have Them."
"What are you doing?" Simmick shouted at her.
"We won't hand Them over," Taleah repeated, her tone resilient. "We know you'll just kill us anyway."
"You simpletons!" Pegasus scolded. "Do you not understand that with the power I can acquire from owning all Seven, I can rule the world? No one can stand in my way. Not even you miserable mortals."
"Whoa, go back da second der!" Joey exclaimed. "Did ya jus' call us 'mortals'? Wouldn' dat be implyin' dat ya're otherwise?"
He is more than he seems, the voice's warning repeated. Taleah, despite her fear for the man or whatever he was, stood strong. For he was evil, and evil fed only on fear and uncertainty. And she was certain in what she was doing. She needed no voice to support that.
"Since this is your end anyway, I shall tell you. You have read and heard about all the rhymes and legends, correct? You have heard of the man in those myths who banished the beasts and saved the world, have you not? Well here's a little something that you did not know, nor could you have ever guessed-I am the man all those stories, in all those tales."
"Wouldn't that make you over five thousand years old?" Tea asked, dubiously.
Pegasus laughed. It was an annoying that made Taleah ill. "Energy never dies, silly girl. It doesn't go away, it just changes shape. It can never truly disappear. We are all made up of energy. The bodies we inhabit are merely vessels. Vessels grow old and die, but not energy. Never energy. After all, I am here am I not?
"But I see, you are not satisfied with the answer I have given. Fine then. I shall tell you more. In the mood for a story? Think you have time for one? Oh, dear, I have truly asked an irrelevant question. Of course you have the time-all the time in the world."
"Jus' speak an' get on wit' dit," Joey spat.
"Moody, my. Don't be in such a rush boy. Do you have another place you'd rather go to? Be my guest and leave, but those who bear an Item must stay."
"No way am I leavin' my friends!" Joey cried.
"Then you should learn to keep your mouth shut," Pegasus commanded. All the gentleman-like manners and charm he had once held, were gone. Now all that was left was a monster. "Anyone else care to speak?"
Bakura began to rock violently back and forth chanting to himself. His rocking became so violent that Taleah was worried he would hurt himself. "I saw you." He jerked his head around and gave Pegasus an acid glare. "You are a deceiver."
Pegasus appeared startled. Something in Bakura's babble had made some sense to him for he looked uneasy, as if a precious and dangerous secret had been discovered. "I know not of what that loon speaks. Has he gone mad?" He uttered a nervous chuckle. "I will assume that all this pressure was a bit much for the fool."
Taleah disagreed. Whatever Kury had seen, had upset him. Not made him crazy. His words only supported Pegasus's claim of having lived that long ago. At that time, anything seemed possible. So Pegasus's statement seemed plausible enough. As well as Kury's. But Bakura's, was far more intriguing. For it seemed that he had unknowingly unlocked the door to a well hidden secret. And the truth.
"You have deceived many," Bakura said, rising to his feet. "You are a liar. Liar, liar, liar, LIAR, LIAR!"
"Bakura, are you okay?" Tristen questioned. "What's up with you?"
"You manipulated people and destroyed their lives by making them believe only what you wanted them to see, taste, hear, touch, and think." Bakura pointed a slim finger at Pegasus. "You are no man, Maximillian Pegasus. You are a monster."
Even Tea did not disagree with the words her crazed friend had spoken. Taleah had said once that she didn't believe in monsters; that good existed inside all. But she had been wrong. No good could be found in that man. No matter how deep any search probed. He was evil all the way through. And there was no other word to describe him, other than a monster.
"You know not of what you speak," Pegasus declared.
"You lie now!" Bakura shook his head, his silky silver bangs falling over his eyes. "Do not attempt to mask it. You are a liar, first and always. You could not handle what fate had handed you so you changed it. Warped it. You manipulated reality. You drove to accomplish anything that would make your life easier."
"What are you talking about?" Tea asked her friend, brow wrinkled with worry.
Yugi's face twisted in thought. "Manipulated reality?"
Pegasus threw his arms up in mock defeat. "Fine. You got me. I did everything you have accused me of. So what? Can we move on?"
"You are not proud of what you have done?"
"It was ingenious," Pegasus bragged. "Purely brilliant. Everyone believed without a doubt that the creatures were. . .were. . .real."
The tension in the room increased tenfold.
"The monsters were all fake. Every single one. You see, they never existed. Save for in the hearts and minds of people, but more commonly, duelists. They were but a ploy to aid me in my thirst for power. Monsters and beasts and all that stuff fairy tales and myths are made of are strictly found in tales and myths. Oh, and I should include, people's minds.
"It was fairly easy convincing all those people that such creatures existed. Their feeble minds would believe anything that I had to say. Humans are so weak minded and so easily affected and influenced by outside forces and every day occurrences, they believe only what their eyes tell them. Which worked in my favor, perfectly. So willing to believe they were, that they gave up their very souls to avoid being destroyed by imaginary creatures! It's actually quite funny, if you care to think about it."
That cruel evil man. Taleah's jaws tightened with anger and with a hatred so intense, every fiber of her being seethed in it. It was all a big hoax. Those brave people gave up their lives for no reason. They could have lived with their families, instead of falling victim to this insanity. They were sacrificed for no other explanation other than to allow a monster to gain power. That beast of a man is rotten to the core. It was murder.
"Oh, yes," Pegasus went on. "It gave me great pleasure watching those helpless fools as they ran away terrified from nonexistent creatures! It was outright brilliant. And so easy to accomplish. You see, the human mind is a powerful thing. I can make anyone believe anything I say so strong is the power of illusion."
"You are a hideous man," Tea stated with abhorrence.
"Well that's your opinion," Pegasus shrugged. "I got thousands of people to think otherwise. They worshiped me. I could do it again."
"Yes," Kaiba agreed. "But why now? Has it taken you five thousand years to find all seven Items?"
"No, it has not. The power I accumulated from holding all Seven could not exist on the earth for more than a pathetically short amount of time. My power was too great, my force too strong. And all know that such magic cannot be contained forever. Besides, my body was failing me. It had grown old in all its numerous years. But with my magic dwindling, I could no longer repair it. In the end, my power disappeared and I was left a broken man. So I went away for a time, abandoning my decrepit vessel and now worthless items. But I vowed to return and claim back what was and is rightfully mine. It took me a great number of years before I had gathered back my strength and began my quest. I made a new body, far better than the old one, and searched for the Items that I prayed still held power beyond reasoning embedded in Their depths. The Millennium Eye was the first I found. And as you can all see, the Other's came long after."
"You have a Millennium Eye?" Simmick inquired.
In reply, Pegasus pulled back the strands of crystal white hair that always strangely seemed to cover the left side of his face, to reveal a golden eye deeply embedded into his skull. It was solid gold. The intricate pattern of an eye in the center had an intense gaze that seemed to pierce through clothing and flesh and look into one's soul. The Eye was a mysterious object that was both terrifying and hideously ugly.
Mai gasped in disgust.
Joey shielded here with an arm. "Dat thing sure is disgustin'."
Simmick had to look away. The rest stared in wonder and revulsion. The very sight of the Item caused them to feel repugnance and disgust. It made them feel naked, bare, as if It could see far beneath their outer appearances.
"The Millennium Eye is the most mighty of all Items," Pegasus told. "It enables me to read one's mind, to know what they are thinking. I can see it all: your hopes, your dreams, your deepest desire, and fears. You can hide nothing from my Eye. With It, I can probe into anyone's mind no matter how much resistance or how much they choose to fight it.
"You fools. Haven't you ever wondered why each and every Item bears an eye? It's because the eye is capable of revealing what one is thinking. Feeling. It is a window into one's soul. The eye sees all, the eye knows all. It shows pain, sorrow, anger, pleasure, regret, and. . .desire. It reveals what anything else cannot. But don't any of you worry, I shall not use my gift against you. For your eyes tell everything to me. Do your hearts grow cold through the knowledge that your demise is just moments away?"
Taleah took a step back only to bump up against someone who was standing behind her. The someone put a firm hand on her shoulder. She didn't have to turn to know who was offering her the only comfort he could give in the end of all things; she knew it was Kaiba. She was grateful to be surrounded by people who meant so much to her. They had all truly made her life a memorable and enjoyable adventure. Even if she had the power to, she wouldn't change a thing. Everything was how it was meant to be. Time would go on, unphazed by the happenings of that day. And tomorrow would always come.
"If you supposedly have all this power, then why try to take over my company?" Kaiba challenged, tightening his grip on Taleah's shoulder.
Pegasus shook his head impatiently. "Power comes in all forms, my dear boy. I simply believe that your knowledge of technology and all your latest innovations would come in handy. And I dare say, they will."
A look of suspicion came over Mai's face. "He's right; if you really do have all this power, why do we have to hand over the Items? Why can't you do some powerful magic and take Them from us?"
"Rules, my dear," Pegasus sighed. "Alas, if I had that kind of power, I would do all that you have said. But even I have to obey these requirements. According to the rules of Their ancient magic, one has to win a Millennium Item in a duel or be offered It willingly."
Taleah gasped. It all made sense to her now. "That's why you set the tournament! Because if those who had an Item were defeated by someone who represented you, you'd get their Item, right? Because they lost It to you in a duel?"
"Gracious Taleah, you are quick," Pegasus said with a false note of pride. "It's exactly so. Since neither you nor Yugiboy would hand over your Items no matter what I did, I decided to give you a chance to let you fight for Them. Not that I had a choice, anyhow."
"That was very sly, Pegasus," Yugi said, hate growing in his voice. "You fooled us all. But may I ask then, why you didn't accept my challenge at the Game Shop when you first took my grandfather prisoner?"
"Duel Monsters is a game of luck. Of chance. I couldn't dare risk all that I've worked so hard for on a single match. Besides, there was much more opportunity for you to lose at Duelist Kingdom. Ah, Duelist Kingdom. . ." Pegasus chuckled darkly. "That was fun while it lasted. I created Duel Monsters all those thousands of years ago, you know. And now, I have re-created it. It would be so easy-so easy-to get people to think once again that the monsters on their cards are really alive.
"But lets not stray off track. Now that I have regained my original power, the world is as good as mine. Don't be idiots, give me your Items. If you do so, I will spare the prisoners of my castle. Not a tough decision, is it? It doesn't require much thought."
"As long as Grandpa is spared, I will give you my Puzzle," Yugi announced. "Will you keep true to your word?"
"Yes," Pegasus said, his one real eye sparkling with anticipation.
Yugi picked up his beloved puzzle and handed It carefully to Pegasus as if It still contained some priceless entity. The man greedily accepted It, delight evident in his transparent and lustful gaze.
"You can have mine," Bakura offered. "I absolutely despise the thing. It has brought me nothing but pain and madness. I offer It to you willingly."
Pegasus was so absorbed in passion and enthusiasm, he held no suspicions against their willingness to cooperate. He snatched the Item away from Bakura and held It lovingly, seemingly unaware It was empty and devoid of the power he had sought for, for so long. "You!" He pointed the Millennium Ring at Taleah. "Give me yours."
Taleah reluctantly handed her bracelet over. She would have never given up her most prized possession, if not for this situation. Yugi and Bakura were working on something, and they needed her help. She knew what they were devising, for it had also been in her mind. It was risky, but if they were to perish anyway, then they'd all die at least attempting to bring down the insatiable monster.
"Mine!" Pegasus cried as he seized the Bracelet and stroked Its smooth surface. Bowing his head, he whispered something then kissed It. "My beloved. Mine again. After so long, so long! I feel your power. Yes, so much power and unlimited source of magic and strength. All mine. . .mine to harness; mine to control!"
"Has he gone mad?" Tristen asked.
"Power can make anyone mad," Mai answered.
He does not know that the Items are empty, Taleah realized. He only feels the power he was expecting. But there really is none. With all his heart he believes himself almighty, when really he has the strength of only three Millennium Items. How sad. That man deceives even himself.
"Why is he ranting like that?" Tea questioned. "Doesn't he know that They're empty? What power can he feel?"
The words had come out before Taleah or anyone could stop them. They had gotten Pegasus's attention. He tilted his head at Tea, drool slipping from the corners of his mouth. He looked like a child that had just been told his favorite toy didn't exist. It was a statement he was not willing to embrace.
"Liar! You are a miserable girl! I shall punish you for your impudence! But later. Now, I will once again enjoy my recovered magic and power."
"But be warned," Yugi cautioned. "Remember, the power that you feel cannot remain on the earth for too long. It will go away. And so will you."
"Now that you have even more power, you will disappear sooner," Mai added, exchanging looks with Yugi. "You will be gone forever."
"No!" Pegasus shouted, his rationality and self control diminished. He had truly gone insane. "I don't want to go. My power must last. It has to!"
"It ain't," Joey said. "It'll go an' ya'll never see it again."
"You're feeling weak now," Simmick aided. "You feel like you're disappearing, slipping away. Your power is indeed great, but it is fleeing from you and soon, will be gone again."
It was right about then, when Tea finally realized what her friends' intentions were. "You are no more Pegasus. You will go now."
"You will finally get what you deserve," Bakura said, vehemently. "I hope you bloody well rot in the darkest corner of your insanity. Good riddance, deceiver of many including thyself."
"This can't be happening!" exclaimed Pegasus. "This wasn't supposed to occur!"
"You were wrong," Tristen announced. "This is your demise; your end."
"No!"
"Go back to the shadows," Kaiba ordered. "You were never meant to be in the light. Return from whence you came."
"I-I'm fading!" Pegasus suddenly screamed. "No, not again! I have waited too long, far too long. My goals were within my reach. They can't be beyond it now! My power, my strength!" Sweat poured from his brow as he twisted around and around, helplessly searching for something that might help him. Anything that would. "So weak. . .deprived. . .Not yet, not again! I don't deserve this, I don't!" He screamed as he looked at his fading hands. "No," he whispered in ultimate horror. "No."
Taleah stepped forth and looked down upon the broken man. Her words bore no sympathy. No mercy. For such a monster did not deserve to be redeemed in any way. "You should have died long ago."
A dark veil engulfed Pegasus and swallowed him whole. From the blanket of darkness crept a coldness such as Taleah and the others had never felt before. It numbed their senses, and froze their limbs. It was the chill of death. After hundreds of years of avoiding its inevitable force, it had come for him at last.
"We did it?" Tristen asked after the coldness had swept away. "We did it!" He sprang into the air with great joy, almost landing on an equally enthusiastic Joey.
Simmick and Kaiba clasped hands, while Tea and Yugi held each other's and danced around in a big circle. Tristen and Bakura exchanged smiles and words of relief. Taleah watched her friends happily, though she did not participate in their celebration. There was too much to be done first. When her parents were back safe at home, she would celebrate.
A thought occurred to Tristen and he turned to gaze upon the spot were Pegasus had met his final demise. "Do you think he'll come back? What if he's right about being made up of energy? Wouldn't that almost guarantee his return?"
"At least if he does come back," Taleah said, "There won't be any more Millennium Items."
Flower Petals: And that's all she wrote. (Literally!) Well, for right now, anyhoos..... There will be more chapters, so stay tuned! And please review. -
Ja ne!